LCH E-News—November 9, 2007

From the Pastor—Giving From the Heart

Last Sunday Sean D’Evelyn spoke eloquently about why he gives to charity and to his church. He sited an economic theory that people will give money to those things that produce the most personal benefit. According to this theory, the impulse to give is governed by rational thought and logic. Sean concluded that he must not be rational, because his giving comes from the heart, not the head.

Many years ago Jean, Seth, Meg, and I decided as a family that we would give up the practice of buying Christmas gifts for each other and our extended family. Spending huge amounts of money on gifts for each other seemed out of step with the spirit of Christmas. The relentless hunt for just the right gift, long lines at the post office, lost packages, searching from store to store, and all of the associated expenditures of time and money seemed a ridiculous way to celebrate the birth of the Messiah. At the end of each Christmas season I found myself exhausted and deep in debt financially and emotionally. Instead, we chose a course out of step with mainline American practice and ignored the commercial side of Christmas all together. Instead, we chose a charity to support with the money we would have spent on gifts.

That simple action made all the difference for us. While we have never lost the idea of Christmas, our activity during the season now matches our values. I suppose there were rational reasons for making the decision to opt out of commercial Christmas, but the decision to opt in to a life of giving is from the heart. We do not miss the gifts and trinkets we gave each other at Christmas, and the joy of celebrating Christ with a generous heart far outweighs the temporary pleasure of stuff. Even more importantly, the poor, the sad, and the needy receive that which they need in greater measure and in celebration of the Christ who gave his very life for us. It is a joy to give from the heart.

Pastor Jeff

Stewardship Pledges Due this Sunday!

Each Sunday for past few weeks, our members have been sharing why they support the ministry of LCH and the greater church through financial giving. Every story has been a wonderful witness to the beauty and value of the ministry at LCH. You are invited to share your gifts by making a financial pledge to this ministry for 2008. Please bring your pledge cards to church on Sunday, November 11th, when they will be thankfully gathered by members of the Stewardship Committee. Every gift, pledged or not, is equally valued and prized. Pledged giving helps us to make more informed decisions about our annual budget and helps the giver track their donations for the year. If you did not receive a pledge card or have misplaced it, please contact the church office as soon as possible. Never pledged before? Make this your first year!

Lutherfest

Lutherfest, our sometimes-annual celebration of stewardship, is this Saturday Evening at 5:30 pm. German themed food, beverages, and a visit by Martin and friends are all in the works. Reservations for the event are required. If you would like to attend, please contact the office (941-2566) to see if there is space available.

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Operation Backpack

Mahalo to everyone who contributed and helped with Operation Backpack. A special mahalo to Carol Langner who coordinated the project this Fall. The project was a huge success due to record giving and a record number of volunteers working to gather, count, and distribute donated items. Members of OYEA (Oahu Youth Education and Activities) were on hand to help out. LCH High School students under the direction of Peggy Anderson and Pastor Jeff were a big help.

Big Island Liturgical Conference

Members of the Hukilau Conference traveled to the Big Island for the Big Island Liturgical Conference. Attendees participated in several workshops led by well-known composers and liturgists like David Haas, Joe Comacho, Mary Pruess, and Marty Haugen. The key-note speaker was Mr. Tupua Tamasese Efi, King of Samoa. Pictured below are some of the Hukilau participant with Mr. Tamasese. His body guards are off camera with the Secret Service looking very nervous!

Boardroom Renovation

Do you like to paint? Would you like to help transform the Boardroom into an even more pleasant place to learn, meet, and share a meal? Help is especially needed on Sunday, November 11th, after church. We will be emptying the boardroom, sacristy, and counting room in preparation for painting. Come join us on Monday, November 12th, 9:00 am to late evening for an intensive work party. There will be work to do throughout the week. If you can help, please contact the office or Jean-Paul.

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