LCH E-News—October 8, 2010

From Pastor Jeff

Most of you have heard about the tragic suicide of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi, who took his own life after fellow students posted an intimate video of him and a partner on the Internet. His death, like the death of Matthew Shepherd, raised public awareness about homophobia and the pressure young GLBT people feel in today’s society. Tyler’s suicide also has highlighted the persistent myth that sexual discrimination is a “non-issue” on U.S. college campuses. Several recent surveys report that GLBT students often feel threatened, harassed, and even endangered by fellow students and faculty. So much for the modern agenda.

In Tyler’s case, a private moment made public as a “prank” led him to an unthinkable course of action. But surely his despair—hopelessness—did not begin the day that video was transmitted over the Internet. His roommate had apparently made issue of his sexuality weeks before and found a way to “get” Tyler. Why? Although many young people report a more accepting attitude toward GLBT persons, those who disagree with what they call “the lifestyle” seem to be more and more galvanized, vocal, and physical in their response. Many GLBT youth report a lifetime of jokes, snide comments, discrimination, and hostility from their peers, even though, statistically, there seems to be greater acceptance of gay folks.

Perhaps part of the equation is the loss of civility in American society in general, and among young people in particular. Many articles have been written about the loss of politeness in politics and conversation, so I won’t elaborate here. Suffice it to say that my grandmother would be appalled.

Secondly, the tools of communication in modern society give us the opportunity to communicate with the world and with each other without the constraint of being “face to face.” It is one thing to set up lap top and broadcast a private moment while comfortably ensconced in a friends apartment, but quite another to have to stand there with a camera. It is one thing to send an anonymous email vilifying an opponent or excoriating a public figure, but something altogether different to stand up in public and speak your mind face to face. Too often we get caught up in the moment and say everything that is on our minds or act on every impulse without thought for the personal or public good. There is an uncomfortable immediacy that can lead to tragic and unforeseen consequences.

Of greatest sadness is that there are millions of Tylers and Matthews in the world right now undergoing the same slow and unrelenting torture. Who will stand with them? When people ask me why LCH is so determined to be so publically welcoming to GLBT persons, I will answer as I always do, “Because God requires it.” But now, perhaps I will add, “Because we must be present for the Matthews and Tylers of this world.” Here in this place, you and I, Tyler and Mathew, and all who come should find a place where they can be embraced in the love of Christ, and be welcomed for who they are—children of God.

If Music be the Food of Love

A Personal Note: I truly hope each and every person connected with LCH will attend this concert celebrating significant birthdays for both Carl and Kathy Crosier. Their presence, talent, ministry, and guidance are an invaluable gift, which we are privileged to receive to the glory of God. Let’s pack the concert to the rooflines on Monday night! Thank you Carl and Kathy for your ministry, and for the opportunity to celebrate with you!—Pastor Jeff

A WONDERFUL concert opportunity

The Abendmusiken Concerts, begun in 1992, were designed to showcase the choirs, singers, and instrumental artists of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. We call our series Abendmusiken after the famous concerts held at the Marienkirche in Lübeck, Germany, which Johann Sebastian Bach walked over 200 miles to attend several hundred years ago. It is in this same spirit that we at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu present our own Abendmusiken.

“If Music Be the Food of Love,” the first of this season’s Abendmusiken Concerts, will mark milestone birthdays for Carl and Katherine Crosier, as they perform a wide range of compositions with musical colleagues. Featured solo performers will be Darel Stark, violinist; Georgine Stark, soprano; Anna Womack, viola; Allen Bauchle, trumpet; Claire Starz Butin, flute; Andrew Eckard, cello; and the Lutheran Church of Honolulu Choir. The Crosiers will also perform an organ duet on our two Beckerath pipe organs. The concert is a benefit for the Music Endowment Fund. Tickets are $25 and will be available at church and online.

The entire 2010–2011 Abendmusiken season will be a celebration of Carl Crosier’s 38 years as Cantor of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu before he retires in August 2011.

Tickets are available by mail or you may order tickets and make donations online.

Give Aloha A Success

Mahalo to everyone who supported LCH through the Give Aloha Program sponsored by Foodland and Western Union. We received notice that LCH is once again in the top 100 recipients of giving!

OYEA Chili Cookoff

OYEA will sponsor its second annual Chili and Pie Cookoff and Annual Meeting October 16th at St. John Lutheran Church. Enter your favorite recipe for fame and glory as our “expert” youth judges select the winning entry. Bring the whole family to taste some great chili and support OYEA by voting for your favorite chili with “Chilibucks”. Just purchase your Chilibucks at the door and reward your favorite chili by placing them in the appropriate calabash. All funds raised support OYEA.

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