LCH E-News—April 21, 2010

From Pastor Jeff

Green with Envy

Back in the 60s, people who expressed concern about the environment and living in balance with nature were often dismissed as kooks and crazies. Oil was plentiful, the earth was indestructible, and conspicuous consumption was good for business and good for the world. These days we are a little more worried about the environment and a little wiser in the use of God’s precious resources. We realize that petroleum supplies are not inexhaustible and that there is a pollution price for its unfettered use. We have found that investments in efficient modes of transportation make sense and even that the efforts of individuals can make a difference in the world. Business are falling all over each other trying to “out green” the competition. They peer enviously at companies that have always been environmentally responsible and seek ways to jump onto the green bandwagon. The kooks and crazies of the 60s and 70s are now running Fortune 500 companies!

In Genesis, God charges the human ones to be “stewards” over the land, the sea, and all that is in the earth. As we celebrate Earth Day, we can recall God’s gift of stewardship and rejoice that God has given us the intelligence, the means, and the will to exercise that stewardship with wisdom. Here at LCH, we are taking many steps to preserve God’s creation. We are contracting (hopefully) to have photovoltaic panels installed on the roof to produce much needed electricity and lower our carbon footprint. Water use is being monitored weekly, a new air conditioning thermostat keeps us comfortable without wasting energy, new faucets have been installed in the bathrooms to eliminate water waste, and we have been recycling for years!. We are in the beginning stages of a campus plan to be even better stewards of God’s gifts of creation. We are researching cool technology for both the nave roof and the lower parking lot, and when lights on campus are replaced, they are replaced with highly efficient fixtures and compact fluorescent bulbs.

Lastly, we are committed to education about the environment. We understand that part of being faithful to God is being faithful stewards to God’s creation and living the gift of sharing that creation with wisdom and foresight.

I hope you will join us this Sunday as we celebrate Earth Day Sunday here at LCH. Education opportunities for adults and children will abound.

So, instead of envying those who have already “gone green,” let us celebrate that God is leading us to a more wholesome relationship with our ‘aina.

Aloha,
Pr. Jeff

Book of Faith Bible Study Thursday, Feb. 3, 10:00 am

Thursdays, 10:00–11:30 am, in the Boardroom

Please join us on Thursday morning for a spirited look at the book of Exodus. We have been comparing the written text to some of Hollywood’s finest renditions of the story of the Exodus. No experience required; everyone is welcome. No worries if you are coming for the first time. Just Come!!!

EARTH DAY SUNDAY

This Sunday is Earth Day Sunday! Come help us celebrate the many gifts God has given and learn more about how we can be good stewards of earth, sky, and water. Peter Flachbarth and Jim Sullivan have a great Sunday planned. Please join us!

We will also present the young people who participated in the Heifer Concert a congratulatory plaque for reaching their fund raising goal of $5000!

LCH Walks to Help Those Living with AIDS

The 19th annual Honolulu AIDS Walk was held on Sunday, April 18th, at the Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand. The event attracted an estimated 4,000 participants and 200 volunteers, and raised more than $165,000 to support Life Foundation. LCH fielded 20 walkers and raised nearly $1,800! Community service is alive and well!

Hukilau Spring Assembly May 1st

You are invited and encouraged to attend to 2010 Hukilau Conference Spring Assembly Saturday, May 1, 10:00 am–2:00 pm at Christ Lutheran Church in Mililani. The Hukilau Conference is the association of ELCA Lutheran Churches in Hawai‘i and is a subdivision of the Pacific Synod. The Pacific Synod includes ELCA churches in Hawai‘i and Southern California. Each year the congregations in Hawaii gather for prayer, fellowship, worship and learning.

We will spend time talking about the mission of the conference and explore the theme “Getting the Word Out!”

Please join us for this wonderful day of time with fellow Christians. Lunch is a suggested donation of $10. For more information, call Christ Lutheran Church at 808-623-9229.

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