LCH E-News—October 11, 2007

From the Pastor—Rain, Reign, Go Away!

One of the (few) downsides of driving a convertible is the inevitability of rain. As soon as I pull out of the driveway and get into traffic heavy enough to preclude stopping, rain will begin to fall out of the sky like thousands of cool “I told you so” drops. (Now for our friends on the Mainland who wonder why I would put the top down when rain is threatening, let me tell you a story. Here in Hawaii, clouds are optional for rain. It took me a while to figure out that a beautiful, sunny, balmy sky devoid of clouds is nature’s little tease. I have quit looking for the offending cloud, because it is apparently somewhere over Samoa, but is raining on me. Liquid sunshine is the norm in some parts of the island.) In any case, many a drive that started out in sun has quickly deteriorated into a mad scramble for the nearest driveway. At first I would curse my luck and grumble as I untangled seatbelts and tried to snap off the boot cover and get the top up before everything got soaked. By the time everything was buttoned up, I was soaked. But after only six short months, I am beginning to catch on. The trick to driving a convertible in the rain is don’t stop! It seems counter intuitive, but it works. When you stop to put up the roof, the rain runs down your back with gay abandon. But if you keep moving, you will often drive out of the shower in just a few seconds. A few minutes later the breeze has more or less dried you off and you can go on your way. The key is to know that cursing the rain when you are in it won’t help.

In the history of the Christian church, many regimes of dictators and tyrants have encountered Christians engaged in the work of Christ for the good of the world. Recent history in El Salvador and Nicaragua are prime examples where Christians and other religious leaders have put their lives, property, and futures on the line for the sake of those who could not fend for themselves. Like little drops of rain, priests, students, homemakers, farmers, and ordinary people of every walk of life join into a torrent of irresistible force for justice. In the past few weeks, monks in Myanmar began to call for democracy and justice in their very poor country. The government response has been harsh and inhuman. Beatings, arrests, and torture have answered peaceful marches and protests. It all seems hopeless as the government stands unyielding. But they are beginning to get wet.

This happens time and time again in the world. Sometimes we feel as though evil and violence have become the norm in a world meant for love. But our faith calls us to remember that God’s rain is unfolding in history even as we live, love, work, and play in the world. God’s reign of love and justice does not depend on our participation, but God’s invitation to join in is really quite irresistible. And no matter how loudly the tyrants call for it to stop, the reign will not go away. Thank you God!

Pastor Jeff

Children’s Sabbath this Sunday!

Don’t miss worship this Sunday! We once again join with communities of Faith around the world in celebrating Children’s Sabbath. Our younger members will lead us in worship and share their gifts as we worship God. Thelma Thomas, a gifted storyteller will bring us the message of the Gospel this week. Come and enjoy.

Worship at 8:00 and 10:30 AM.

Worship Assistant Training this Saturday

Worship assistants, Acolytes, those wishing to learn about laying on of hands in prayer, lectors, deacons, subdeacons, altar guild folks, etc. are asked to come for a training and thank you lunch on Saturday October 13th at 10:00 am. RSVP to the office ASAP! 941.2566 or <lch@lchwelcome.org>.

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Adult Study Opportunity

Join Fred Benco in the Board Room at 9:15 each Sunday morning for the Study “A Case for Christ.” This is a fascinating look at scripture that shouldn’t be missed. Don’t worry if you have missed the first few sessions. Just show up!

Concert Tickets

Concert Tickets for the Abenmusiken on October 26 and 27 are on sale now. You are strongly encouraged to reserve your tickets now as they are selling briskly. Preferred seating is $30, general admission is $25, Students are $15, and tickets may be reserved by calling the church office at 941-2566. At the center of the concert are Bach Concertos for one, two, three, and even four harpsichords and strings. This should be great concert and is a very rare opportunity to hear these pieces. The community will really be coming out for this concert; please come enjoy the music and help us welcome our guests. As if that was not enough, this is a benefit concert! Half of the proceeds of the concert will benefit Angel Network, our Lutheran partner at Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church which assists homeless folks in our community. The other half of the proceeds will go into the Lutheran Church of Honolulu Music Fund. This fund allows the congregation to give the gift of music to our community. I hope you will come.

Pastor

Check out Our Website

One underutilized feature are the forums available to anyone! Pastor is writing a regular devotional and invites you to respond or post your own devotions. Pastor Fritz is busy on his Process Theology Forum. There are other opportunities as well. Join us on the web! (Webmaster’s Note: Forums were deleted in January 2011 because of lack of interest.)

Giving Statements

Giving statements are available for you in the office.

Check out Our Website

One of the most valuable things we do together is worship the God who made and sustains us every day. In prayer, Sacrament, Word and fellowship, we are renewed and sent out into the world. If you have not been regular in worship, have fallen out of the habit, or are just plain tired, come and be refreshed in God on Sunday mornings for worship. We miss you, and we love you.

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