LCH E-News—May 28, 2009

Worship Schedule for May 31—Pentecost Sunday

From Pastor Jeff

A Mighty Rush of Wind

Many years ago I was confirmed on a bright, hot Sunday morning at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Like all the other kids, I had endured two long years of Wednesday torture....I mean confirmation class under the careful tutelage of my Pastor. It was the 70s so there was a lot of psychologizing of the Gospel, get-to-know-me games, meditation, and I’m OK Your OK (I wasn’t OK, I was 13!) inserted forcefully into the midst of our weekly meditations was the little brown and orange “Luther’s Small Catechism.” Carl Jung wafted around our rarified classroom and duked it out with Luther. EST battled with the Two Kingdom Theory, and we kept playing that stupid encounter game that asked, “If Jeff was a tree, what kind of tree would he be?” (Nobody ever answered that one correctly; I would be the tree that grew outside, not the potted palm in the youth room of our church.)

On that bright, hot Pentecost morning I kneeled sweating at the altar rail with my comrades. Pastor Richard had delivered another one of his trademark fiery sermons, but my mind had been elsewhere. We knelt and the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism began. One by one, words were spoken over us and hands laid on our heads in prayer. Candy, who was kneeling next to me, giggle a little as Pastor laid his hands on her head and began to speak, “Father in Heaven, stir up in Candy the gift of your Holy Spirit, confirm her faith, empower her in her serving, give her patience in suffering, and bring her to everlasting life.” A minute later, those heavy hands rested on my head, and I too heard the words. I was keenly aware, despite my best efforts to remain coolly aloof, that in that moment, God was up to something. It wasn’t a dramatic rush of wind or tongues of fire, but a subtle acceptance of the gift of faith—gentle, unseen, but perceivable and tangible.

I have never forgotten that Pentecost, and as we come again this Sunday to hear how God sent God’s people out, I pray we will together celebrate the God who comes in a mighty wind and a quiet whisper, a burning bush and a wooden cross, a pillar of smoke and a helpless child, a shout of Alleluia, and the laying on of hands and voice whispering, “Father in heaven, stir up in this your child your holy Spirit.”

Gay Pride Parade this Saturday, May 30th!

Join your brothers and sisters in letting all of Honolulu know that everyone is welcome at Lutheran Church of Honolulu by joining us for the Gay Pride Parade this Saturday. We will meet at 8:30 AM in the parking lot at Magic Island; the parade begins at 9:00 AM. We will walk from Magic Island to Kapiolani Park. We will have vehicle for folks to ride in if you are unable to walk! Please wear a blue or white shirt for the parade so we look like we belong together.

Pau Hana/Graduation party!

Please join Pastor Jeff and the Pau Hana team for our pau hana party Friday June 5th at the Ala Moana Beach Park picnic site 28A (our usual spot). We want to celebrate the graduations of all of our graduates for 2009. So far we know about Seth Lilley, Karyn Castro, and Marissa Castello. Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, and place settings will be provided. You are welcome to bring a dessert or side dish, but it is certainly not necessary. Come any time after 5:00 PM and stay for the fireworks at about 7:30. Children, adults, and everyone in between are welcome. You play on the beach, share time with friends, or just watch a beautiful sunset! You can get a map to the picnic site by clicking on this link.

Summer Camp Registrations Due June 1

Please take a moment to register your Child for OYEA Summer Camp June 28–July 3rd. This wonderful residential camp at camp Erdman on the North Shore is a fantastic experience at a bargain price! The cost for the camp is $350.00 per camper. LCH Folks are given a $250 scholarship. If you still can’t afford $100, contact Pastor. Money should not be a barrier. The camp is open to persons entering confirmation through high school.

Thanks for Reading!!!!

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