LCH E-News—January 6, 2012

From Pastor Jeff

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou

May God bless and keep you as we begin 2012!

January 1 fell on Sunday this year, and it was wonderful to begin 2012 in worship. The first text for the day was from Genesis 1, recounting the first day of creation. Light, water, land, and love come together to make the world that God intends. The image is of beauty, harmony, and an intimate relationship between God and God’s creation.

Today we awake to a world very different from the idyllic images of Genesis with one exception: God still abides. God’s deep and abiding presence is the true foundation for our journey this year (and every year). It is easy to get caught up in New Year’s resolutions and strategic plans and lose sight of God’s promise to be with us and God’s imperative to bring love and hope into the world. In the midst of a difficult economy, employment woes, political turmoil, international uncertainty, and a rising sense of desperation, God’s promises of peace, reconciliation, and justice are lived out in God’s people. We hold out hope because God holds out hope.

Lutheran Church of Honolulu is just such a people of hope. You bring food for the hungry, joyful song to the sad, gifts of fellowship for the lonely, and comfort for the bereaved. You even choose to grow in your mission with a Mission Campaign that will help the congregation bring those gifts to the surrounding community and the world in new and exciting ways. We could not undertake such a bold ministry if not for God’s abiding presence, the stirring of the Holy Spirit, and the encouragement of God’s Word in our lives.

I look forward to sharing this New Year with each of you!

God’s Blessings,
Pr. Jeff

Mission Campaign Project Completed!

The First of three major projects of the Mission Campaign was completed last week. The parking lot adjacent to the church building was replaced with a concrete surface making for a beautiful, safe, and durable surface for parking and other activities. The old parking surface was removed by construction crews, revealing that the gravel underlayment was in excellent shape. Minimal grading was needed to prepare the lot for an extensive concrete pour over the course of two days. The construction crew then added a concrete curb with tree planting wells along Poki Street and a gravel bed for drainage and overflow parking at the makai end of the lot.

Gaylen, Jimmy, Gary, and Pastor installed a new fence to segregate the Preschool area, and palm trees were replanted along the fence line.

A major change for all of us is the parking will now be slanted parking with one way way traffic. Please enter off of Dominis Street and exit onto Poki street. This will make parking much easier for everyone. Please go to the LCH website and Facebook pages to see pictures of the construction.

In the next weeks members of the congregation will see to installing signage, parking blocks, landscaping and cleanup. Future improvements will include lighting and irrigation.

Jim Niermann, Jim Sullivan, Fred Benco, and Gaylen Afong worked a huge number of hours on this project and deserve our sincere thanks! We also offer our thanks to R.M. Towill Corporation for their engineering consulting and fine survey work. Phase One completed!

Memorial Service Set for Robert Ahlstrom

A Memorial Service for Robert Ahlstrom will be held at Lutheran Church of Honolulu on Saturday, January 21, 1:00 PM. Robert passed away in December following a moped accident near his home in Kaka’ako. Robert was 80 years old and full life and faith. He was always ready to help where needed and enjoyed teaching computer skills to “old folks.” Condolences may be sent in care of: Lutheran Church of Honolulu, 1730 Punahou St., Honolulu, HI 96822

In Memoriam
Robert Ahlstrom
January 21st, 1:00 PM
Lutheran Church of Honolulu

OYEA Chili Cook Off and Pie Bake Off!

January 14, 5:00–7:00 PM
Christ Lutheran Church, Mililani

Come show off your best Chili and help raise money for the Invisible Children project by participating in the 2012 OYEA Chili Cookoff and Pie Contest. Members from all congregations will participate by cooking chili and pies.

Don’t want to enter the contest? No problem! We need lots of folks to come and taste chili and pie and vote with their dollars!

All proceeds will benefit Invisible Children. Those attending will “vote” for their favorite dish by placing cash in the calabash on that table. A panel of “celebrity judges” will be on duty with a grand prize handed out at the conclusion of the business meeting.

There is a $5.00 entrance fee for pie and chili entrants. Participation is free (except for your donations).

Living the “Good” Life: Levels of Morality in Children and Adults

Sunday Adult Forum

Starting this Sunday, join this discussion led by Steve Miller from 9:20 to 10:20 AM in the Boardroom. Materials will be available before the sessions at the church website on a link from the Adult Education/Small Groups page.

Parking Lots Closed Saturday

Both church parking lots will be closed this Saturday, January 7, so that the lots can be striped for parking. If you come to the church building on Saturday, please plan to park on the street. The lots will be available for parking on Sunday morning. Mahalo.

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