Lutheran Church of Honolulu, 1730 Punahou St., Honolulu, HI 96822; ELCA; 808-941-2566

LCH E-News—An occasional electronic newsletter for the LCH congregation

LCH E-News—December 5, 2007

From Pastor Jeff

Pastor Jeff Lilley Blessings for Advent! Last Sunday marked the beginning of the Advent season for Christians around the world. Advent—a word which means literally “coming,” is a season that stretches four weeks before Christmas. Readings for the season begin with prophetic anticipation of the coming of the Messiah. At the same time, the Gospel lessons emphasize the imminent return of Christ in the parousia (sometimes called the “second coming”). Later is the season we hear of the impending birth of Jesus and the joy of the Nativity. Throughout the season we are held in tension between the coming birth of the Christ-child and his promised coming again. The key question for us as a Christian community is, “How will we live out the promise of both events in the present?” As God’s people of grace, we are called to live out God’s unfolding kingdom right now. Just as we cannot ignore the meaning of Christmas and leave it to the retail trade, we cannot ignore the work of the Holy Spirit in the world in hopes that God will clean up our world’s mess in the great parousia. Rather, we are called to live justice, give mercy, and love one another in the present. In this way, God’s vision for the Kingdom begins now, lives now, and unfolds now. We live in the tension between the birth of Jesus and the coming of Christ. What a wonderful gift of life God has given us, and what a wonderful ministry to which God has called us.

Peace,
Pastor Jeff

URGENT NOTE!!

OYEA and the Hukilau Confirmation class are busy this season. A major project will take place this Sunday, December 9th, at 4:30. The Confirmation classes are gathering items for care packages for US Forces in Iraq. We will pack them up at joint confirmation on Sunday afternoon and send them out on Monday, December 10th. The chaplain in charge tells us they will reach Iraq in time for the holidays. This pdf file explaining what to bring to church on Sunday to help with this project. In a nutshell, items like Beef Jerky, Crystal Light, Twizzlers, Trail mix (individual packs. Christmas ornaments would be greatly appreciated. Also, we will be sending Christmas cards, so, donations of cards would also be wonderful.

Thank you for supporting our youth and our troops!

Ready for a little Christmas Cheer?

Please join us Sunday, December 16th, for a three course dinner at Kincaid’s and a Christmas Trolley ride touring Christmas displays. The price is $20 for adults and $7.00 for children plus an 18% gratuity. Sign up this Sunday in the courtyard or call Coleen in the office (941-2566).

NOTE: LCH email was down for a couple days last week. If you emailed the office on the 28th or 29th, we may not have received it. Please feel free to forward a copy of anything important!