LCH E-News—October 9, 2008

From Pastor Jeff

For the past couple of weeks, a small group of us have been studying the book of Ezekiel in the First Testament. Ezekiel’s prophetic writings are set more or less during the turbulent times when Jerusalem is under siege by an enemy state. For Ezekiel, the attack and resulting starvation, pain, even cannibalism are signs of God’s wrath. He warns the people that their faithlessness and disloyalty to God will lead to destruction. When the temple in Jerusalem is laid to waste, Ezekiel’s prophesies are taken as true. The brutality of Ezekiel’s prophesy is difficult to reconcile with the God whom we confess to dying on a cross that we might have eternal life. How do we square Ezekiel’s seemingly wrathful God with a baby born in a manger?

Immediately after hurricane Katrina some Christian leaders proclaimed that the destruction of New Orleans was God’s judgment for the dissolute living and moral turpitude of that city. Fire and brimstone joined wind and water in destroying the morale of a city already besieged with fear, grief, and shock. Other Christian leaders—including leaders of the ELCA—called their members to be sacrificial in giving, generous in prayer, and hopeful is spirit so that lives and homes could be rebuilt. Folks from our own Islands went to New Orleans to help rebuild homes and found the people of New Orleans incredible appreciative for their effort. They prayed together, worked together, sweated together, and made a difference together. Those who traveled to help found they had received much more than they had given. The message of our church and many others was not one God’s judgment, but of God’s presence.

I suspect that the same preachers who proclaimed damnation on New Orleans will paint the present world-wide financial crisis with same brush. To be sure, greed, ignorance, lack of humility, and misplaced trust are all part of the equation that led to our present situation. But to assume God’s judgment and wrath seems irresponsible. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has responded with a Pastoral Letter from our bishops that I think you may find helpful. (Read the pastoral letter on the ELCA website.) What I pray we will see is God’s community coming together to help those who are most deeply affected. I pray that we will engage in thoughtful discourse about our own lifestyles. And I know that the God who comes as child will abide with us through it all

Pastor Jeff

Habitat for Humanity 20th Anniversary

Pastor Jeff and Jean are hoping to put together a table from Lutheran Church of Honolulu in support of Honolulu Habitat for Humanity’s 20th anniversary celebration October 17th. A table of 10 persons is $1000. The Lilley’s have donated $500 and are looking for members to fill the other five seats at the table for $100 per seat. Two seats have been purchased, leaving only three more to fill the table. If you would like to enjoy and evening of food, music, a silent auction, and great company in support of Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, please contact Pastor Jeff. LCH will be mentioned as a sponsor in the program as well as other recognition.

Stewardship is Cool!

Haven’t signed up for one of the Honu Ohana? Not to worry; just show up this Sunday and share a wonderful time talking about the many ways God continues to bless us and our congregation. Gatherings are scheduled for after each service this Sunday.

BREAD FOR WORLD THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday is Bread for the World Sunday! We are thankful for the wonderful work of this organization to effect change in national and international policies around issues of food and hunger.

Children’s Sabbath This Sunday at the 10:30 Service

Join our children for a wonderful celebration of the gifts of Children this Sunday at the 10:30 Worship service. A children's choir and orchestra will perform for worship.

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