LCH E-News—August 27, 2009

From Pastor Jeff

News over the past several weeks have been filled with images and video of “town hall meetings” over the issue of health care reform. Of course, the media tends to focus on the dramatic moments of such meetings, but I was especially struck by the image of a large man going toe to toe with two fully armed police officers at a protest about health care reform. I have no idea which side he was on, but he was mad. He repeatedly challenged the officers until one officer pulled out a Tazer gun and pointed it directly at his chest. Only then, faced with a few thousand volts of electricity, did he back down.

Something about the health care debate nearly moved this man to the point of violence. If you had told me a few years ago that we would witness folks screaming, threatening, and going to battle over health insurance, I would have thought you were crazy. But, here we are. Certainly, the debate and action around health care and health care insurance is very important. The Christian community was historically one of the first communities to promote health care and built some of the first public hospitals. But I wonder at what point reasoned, informed debate was eclipsed by shouting, physical violence, and threats? Civil discourse has been shouted down in favor of banshee-like duels. Whoever shouts the loudest wins.

Wherever we stand on difficult matters, no matter our passion, position, or predilection, we remain responsible for each other and to society. The love of Christ to which we are called as Christians is not reserved for our friends on Sunday morning or for those with whom we are in agreement. The love, care, dignity, and peace promised in Christ is poured out on all, even those who we think are ill informed, lazy, or just plain wrong. It shouldn’t take a Tazer gun to convince us of this, only the cross.

Aloha,
Pastor Jeff

GIVE ALOHA BEGINS SEPTEMBER 1

Lutheran Church of Honolulu will once again participate in the Give Aloha program sponsored by Foodland/Western Union. How does it work? You may donate up to $249 to the Give Aloha program at any Foodland or Sack N Save. Give them the LCH organization code at the time of your donation. (The number for LCH is 78224.) Foodland and Western Union will match every gift received up to $325,000 for all combined participating organizations. LCH has consistently been in the top 100 organizations. So please go to Foodland or Sack N Save and make your donation today! Stickers for your Makai‘i card are available through the church office or from any usher.

Palau Presentation

Dr. Steve Miller will present pictures and videos from the Miller’s fascinating trip to Palau this Sunday, August 30th, at 9:15 (during the Education hour) in the Boardroom. Please join us!

LCH WORKDAY SEPT. 5TH

Please join us Saturday, September 5th, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM for a huge LCH Workday. We will be painting part of Isenberg Hall, repairing doors, and working on landscaping. Lots of help is needed. Please sign up with our foreperson, Jim Sullivan, or on the clipboard in the Hörmann Courtyard. You may also email the LCH office. Come one, come all!

Confirmation This Sunday

Joint Confirmation will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Mililani this Sunday, August 30th. Please arrive at Christ Lutheran by 4:15 or so. If you need a ride, contact Pastor Jeff. Bring your Bible and your Lutheran Handbook!

Top of Page

Would you like the full week’s schedule at LCH? Visit our online calendar.

Do you have news you would like included in the LCH E-News? Please send your text to pr.jeff@lchwelcome.org by Wednesday morning along with the dates and duration of publication. Mahalo!

Would you like to have LCH E-News delivered directly to your email box? Subscribe to the LCH E-News mailing list.

Copyright © 2009 Lutheran Church of Honolulu
1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96822 • 808-941-2566
Comments welcome at webmaster@lchwelcome.org