LCH E-News—February 12, 2009

Worship This Weekend

Sunday February 15th: The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

From Pastor Jeff (A Little Too Much Boat Metaphor)

Last week a navy guided missile ship ran aground just off the airport in Honolulu. Having completed a multi-month refit in the shipyards at Pearl Harbor, the captain and crew found themselves hard aground on sand and reef during the transfer of personnel and supplies as part of her shake-down cruise.

Many theories have pooped up the web and in the papers about how a ship of such magnitude, bristling with the latest in navigation aids, forward-looking sonar, a full complement of crew and officers, and a clear calm day could possibly run aground within view of every airplane and commuter on the island of Oahu. Some folks claim the captain “must have been drunk, just like the Exxon Valdez” (nonsense). Others blamed navigation gear malfunction (possible) or said that an engine quit (who knows?). But the best comment of all was this: “The Sea makes fools of us all.”

As it happens, the sand bars and shallows are constantly changing around our island. Charts and GPS maps can’t reflect the daily movement of every bit of sea. It takes vigilance, experience, and painstaking attention to stay ahead of the reef.

I am reminded of a sailor who found himself high and dry on a sand bar of Chesapeake Bay. He had carefully programmed his route on his GPS and assiduously followed the course offered by the hyper-accurate display. Having run aground he was flabbergasted and angry. According to his GPS map, there was no sandbar here. After a while he had to admit that indeed the sand bar was there, since his keel was firmly imbedded on its back. Apparently, he was following his GPS, but the sandbar wasn’t.

Sometimes we have to get our noses out of the map, and take a look around to see where we are going. No matter how many maps, navigation instruments, good advice, well conceived strategies, and plans we have, we still have to keep watch. When a rock appears on our bow, we have to shift course to avoid it, even if it does not appear on our map!

It is no wonder, then, that scripture reminds us to “keep watch” and “stay awake.” In these times of economic uncertainty, job loss, and anxiety, we may feel like we are surrounded by shoal waters and wonder if God really is still present among us. The economic sea has may have made fools of many of us, but as the psalmist says, “we are not crushed.” In fact, I am delighted to see the members, leaders, and staff of Lutheran Church of Honolulu flourishing in the midst of this economic crisis. Our ministries are growing, our Sunday School and adult education are doing very cool ministries and planning for future growth, and ministry is on track. Our worship services under the care-full and loving direction of Carl, Kathy, John, and their committees bring us hopeful and joyful worship to renew our souls. We are challenging one another to stretch, while giving thanks to God for the journey we have shared so far. In short, we see the rocks ahead, but we are not panicked by them. After all, there is lots more ocean than land out there! (One navigator once said, “If it was easy to find land, why do so many people get lost at sea?”) So, well done!

God gives us the gift of ministry. Isn’t it a joy to give that gift to each other, to our community, and to the world? Keep watch, love God, love each other, and may God’s Spirit fill our sails and guide us into our future.

Pau Hana at Ala Moana Beach Park

Join your friends from LCH at the Pau Hana party at Ala Moana Beach Park, picnic site 28A. The event starts at 5:00 p.m. Come straight from work or join us later in the evening if you prefer. The crew will have burgers, polish dogs, chips, and drinks ready for you beginning about 5:30. We eat, swim, play on the beach, hang out, talk, and truly enjoy a beautiful sunset. At around 7:30 (weather permitting), we watch the fireworks show courtesy of the Hilton Hotel. If you would like to bring a side or a dessert, feel free, but you mostly just need to bring YOU. Follow this link for a copy of the map and description of the day!

Joint Worship on the Feast of Martin Luther

Our brothers and sisters at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church (corner of Wilder and Makiki) have invited us to join them for a joint worship on the occasion of the Feast of Martin Luther, Wednesday, February 18th, 10:00 a.m. Following worship there will be refreshments and fellowship. Follow this link for more information about St. Clement’s.

Faith and Arts Sunday

Faith and Arts Sunday is this Sunday, February 15th. If you would like to have your artwork, writing, poetry, or craft displayed, please contact Linda Miller immediately. If you don’t have a directory, contact the office at 941-2566 or lch@lchwelcome.org. She will be putting together the display this Saturday.

Let’s go Surfing!

OYEA (Oahu Youth Education and Activities) is sponsoring a surf event at White Plains Beach at Barbers Point. This event is geared toward high school and junior high youth. The event will run from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. this Saturday, February 14th.

We have several surf board and boogie boards to share. Bring your own board if you have one. Paul Benco and Jim and Angie Nierman will join Pastor Jeff as the “adult” sponsors of this event. Surfers/families can come and go as they please throughout the 12–3 pm time slot. Surfing is optional—come and chill on the sand if you’re not yet a wave rider.

Paul Benco, professional body boarder, and Jim and Angie Nierman will be on hand to help us in the water. They will bring as many boards as they can, but please bring extra boards if you have them and encourage those that have boards to bring them! Also, I will be picking up drinks and some snacks—although, we will not be having a potluck this time.

Can’t wait to see you on Saturday.

Directions to White Plains beach from Waikiki

1. H1 West toward Waianae (approx. 35 minute drive).
2. Take Exit 2 toward Kapolei/Kalaeloa
3. Turn left at traffic light onto Makakilo Dr.
4. Makakilo Dr. turns into Fort Barrette Rd.
5. Turn left at 4 way stop sign onto F.D. Roosevelt Rd.
6. Take fourth right onto Coral Sea
7. Take left onto Tripoli
8. First right takes you to White Plains beach.

Directions to White Plains beach from Ko Olina/Makaha

1. H1 East toward Honolulu
2. Take Exit 1B toward Kapolei/Kalaeloa
3. Turn left at traffic light onto Farrington Hwy.
4. Turn right at third traffic light onto Fort Barrette Rd.
5. Turn left at 4 way stop sign onto F.D. Roosevelt Rd.
6. Take fourth right onto Coral Sea
7. Take left onto Tripoli
8. First right takes you to White Plains beach.

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