In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Angela
- Process Thought Forum
- Food for Thought
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- February O‘ahu Youth Group
- Holoholo Pick-Up
- Volunteers needed!
- You’re Invited, A Mark Russell Piano Recital
- Writers’ Workshop
- Coffee Shop Office Hours
- Confirmation Classes
- Exploring Boundaries…and Beyond
- Faith and Arts Sunday
- Beer & Hymns
- Western States Youth Gathering
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Communion Bread
- Office Closed–Monday, February 17
- Heart Beat Deadline
- Attendance and Offerings for January
- Prayer Requests
- February Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (8:00 am)
- LCH Worship Participants (10:30 am)
- Calendar: February 2014
A Message from Pastor Angela
Young Adults in Mission & ELCA Global Mission
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Where it came from, I have no idea. In fact, the bug isn’t in my family at all, but I was bitten by the time I was 16. The travel bug, that is. When I was a junior in high school, I decided that I was going to go to Africa and that was that. I had no idea how, when, or really where, but I was determined. As you may know, I grew up in rural Northern Michigan. To my knowledge, no one from my immediate or distant family had ever been overseas; nor did they have any aspirations to do so.
And, get to Africa I did. I was 19 when I journeyed with a mission team from the ELCA synod we belonged to. I spent a summer in Tanzania helping to rebuild a library. While stories about that trip are fun and some of them life changing, what was even more dramatic and life changing for me was the empowering feeling of being in a totally different culture and environment. Empowering, but yet humbling. The feeling of being totally out of one’s comfort-zone and away from everything familiar can be a very scary but also very thrilling thing.
I continued to find opportunities to travel during my education and was also given the opportunity to do my 12-month practical year of learning in a congregation while being overseas. Copenhagen, Denmark, seems like a funny place for an ELCA missionary, but it is also a very wonderful place to have a multicultural and ecumenically diverse congregation.
While I am very grateful to be a citizen of the USA, I am equally as grateful to have spent much time outside of our country. The time away—no matter where I’ve been—has always given me perspectives and insights I wouldn’t have otherwise had. I’ve come not to take certain things for granted but have also developed a keen sense of appreciation for other ways of living and other ways of thinking.
Even more, my sense of trust in God, my ability to take risks for the sake of the Gospel, and my willingness to go where sent—both spiritually and physically sent—have all developed. My years traveling and living in new places have been a very crucial part of my spiritual formation and development of my relationship with God.
One of the gifts offered to us as members of the ELCA is that we have the opportunity to have short or longer experiences of service overseas if we so choose. I was not aware of these opportunities for a long time, and I want you to know about them now! If you’re a teen moving into young adulthood, a college student trying to decide what to do after you graduate, or a recently unemployed or retired adult wondering how you might do something different, I encourage you to prayerfully consider spending some of you time serving through the ELCA Division for Global Mission.
The Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) is a year-long adventure for people 19–29. You volunteer your time and often only receive a small stipend, enough to live off and maintain a lifestyle that is appropriate for the country you are in. You also receive housing and sometimes meals or additional support. Even more than the material, young adults will receive a quality and transformative experience that will enhance their spiritual and emotional lives forever. For more information about this program, speak with me or go to www.elca.org/yagm.
For the rest of us no longer in the young adult age bracket, we have the opportunity to serve and live overseas as well. Certainly most of us are not in a position to give up a year or longer of our lives, but we might be able to give a month or even a few weeks. The ELCA has a variety of mission opportunities for many different skill levels and time frames. Just to make sure we are clear, you don’t have to be a pastor, professional “church worker,” or church staff person to serve overseas. For more information about serving as a missionary for short of long periods of time, go to www.elca.org/About/Churchwide/Global-Mission.
It is very true you don’t have to travel overseas to have cross-cultural, life-changing, and faith-deepening service opportunities. Being completely away from one’s own familiar life has a profound affect on one’s experience. If you’ve ever wondered what living somewhere else might be like—even for short bits of time—drop me a line. I’d be happy to walk with you through some discernment and even answer any questions you might have about my experiences. Where might God be calling you?
Pastor Angela
Process Thought Forum
Saturday, February 1, 9:30–11:00 am in the Boardroom at LCH
The discussion for February has a different twist to it that is fascinating. The article that ignites our discussion is entitled “Beauty Can Save Us: Mozart and Whitehead” and was written by Patricia Adams Farmer. The article is found in the “Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism” website that we have been using in the class. Just go to www.jesusjazzbuddhism.org/beauty-can-save-us-mozart-and-whitehead.html.
This presentation is a particularly friendly one, thus suitable for newcomers.
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
| Committee/Group | Leader |
|---|---|
| Audit: | Randy Castello |
| Concert: | Miguel Felipe |
| Communications: | Carol Langner |
| Council: | Michael Formby |
| Exploring Boundaries: | Carol Langner |
| Fellowship: | Jeanne Castello & Mary-Jo Estes |
| Finance: | Fred Benco |
| Food for Thought: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| In Stitches: | Linda Miller |
| Learning Ministry: | Fred Benco |
| Mary Magdalene Society: | Robert Zimmer & Francisco Barajas |
| Ministry Plan Task Force: | Olivia Castro |
| Mutual Ministry: | Mike Formby |
| Pau Hana: | Pastor Jeff Lilley |
| Process Theology: | The Rev. Fritz Fritschel |
| Property: | Jean-Paul Klingebiel & November Smith |
| Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
| Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley |
| Stewardship: | Pam Buckley |
| Sunday School: | Laurie Leach |
| Worship & Music: | Linda Miller |
| Writers’ Workshop: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| Youth: | Pr. Angela Freeman |
Food for Thought
Saturday, February 1, 6:30 pm at the home of Irmgard Hörmann.
This will be a potluck supper, video, and discussion. All are welcome. For information, please contact Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (808-941-2566).
February O‘ahu Youth Group
Sunday, February 2, 1:30 pm
Come to the Klitzke house for a Super Bowl party! Bring a snack to share and a can of soup for “Souper Bowl” Sunday to be donated to the local food pantry.
Get ready to stuff your face with nachos, wings, and junk food! Wear your favorite team colors, especially if you are a Packers fan since Fr. Paul and Sarah are from Wisconsin.
If you’d like to carpool with Pastor Angela, please contact her ASAP.
Holoholo Pick-Up
Thursday, February 6 & 20, 2:00–4:00 pm
The Holoholo General Store is a Community Supported Agriculture organization, or csa, that works with the Lutheran Church to bring you fresh produce from multiple, local farms. For more information visit www.holoholostore.com.
Volunteers needed!
Youth Fundraiser February 7th and 8th, 2014
Each year the youth group requests your help with their Punahou Carnival Parking fundraiser. This year the carnival takes place on Friday, February 7, and Saturday, February 8.
We will need adult volunteers for three-hour shifts during the carnival on Friday and Saturday. Event coordinators provide snacks and drinks, flashlights, and safety vests, and you provide the fellowship! Sign-up sheets are available in the Hörmann Courtyard.
Shifts on both Friday and Saturday are 10:30 am–1:30 pm, 1:30–4:30 pm, 4:30–7:30 pm, and 7:30–10:30 pm.
You’re Invited, A Mark Russell Piano Recital
Sunday, February 9, at 7:00 pm at LCH
I would like to invite you to a piano recital of music that I find especially meaningful. I will be featuring the works of Whitney Thrall and Philip Glass. This is an opportunity when you may discover some works by new composers and experience an evening of moving and meditative music.
Mark Russell
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, February 10, 7:00-8:30 pm at LCH
Further meetings are planned for March 10, April 7, and May 5. For information, please contact Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (808-941-2566).
Coffee Shop Office Hours • Fresh Café in Kaka‘ako
Wednesday, February 12 • 9:00 am–12:30 pm
Pastor Angela will be holding office hours out in the community at least once a month. She will communicate in the newsletters and Sunday announcements where and when they will be. You’re invited to stop by for some or all the time. Sometimes there will be a topic of conversation, and other times there will just be conversation about life and what God is up to for you all. Come and visit with Pastor Angela, have a cup of coffee (or not), and be the church out in the community.
Confirmation Classes
Confirmation is faith formation and instruction for early teens. If your child would like to be included in the classes, contact Pastor Angela. Classes in February are on the 16th and 23rd. We meet in the Rainbow Room (youth room) from 3:30 to 5:00 pm.
Exploring Boundaries and Beyond
Sunday, February 16, at 6:00 pm
LCH member Clint Conrad will give a presentation on “Earth’s History of Changing Sea Level: Billions of Years to Decades.” Dr. Conrad teaches in the Department of Geology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawai‘i. Although Clint is a “solid earth scientist” whose research deals with the earth’s mantle and the movement of tectonic plates, this presentation will focus on the geological processes that influence sea level change on time scales of billions of years and contemporary trends as a result of climate change.
As island residents, sea levels are a topic of interest and concern. Everyone is invited to attend this presentation from 6:00 to 7:15 pm.
Linger for the short service of Evening Prayer from 7:30 to 8:00 pm.
Tenth Annual Faith and Arts Sunday
On February 23 we will have the tenth annual Faith and Arts Sunday where we will highlight the creativity of our congregation by displaying our artwork, handwork, and writings during the services. Please allow us to show your art or craft item during that day, or to put your poem or short work of prose up on the board. Sign up in the courtyard, or contact Linda Miller through the Church Office (808-941-2566).
Beer & Hymns at Gordon Biersch at Aloha Tower
Monday, February 24, 7:00 pm
Come and share in a fun evening of singing and fellowship at Gordon Biersch. This will be our second event at this location. We’ll be seated on the outside lanai and serve as the evening’s background entertainment. Hosting a beer and hymns event isn’t just an idea to import a new and cool program; it is a way to be the church in a different way in different locations. Come and be the church!
Youth News! Western States Youth Gathering
June 27–July 1, 2014 • California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA
Teens entering grades 9–12 are invited and encouraged to consider attending this year’s Western States Youth Gathering (WSYG)! WSYG is a mass gathering of teens and the church. The gathering features amazing speakers and musicians, learning and small group times, worship that leads in a new direction, an immersion experience in Los Angeles, a southern California beach party, and much more!
Our WSYG planning meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, @ 5:15 pm in the Rainbow Room.
A Message from Pastor Jeff
Past, Present, and Future
On Saturday, January 25, at a Special Congregational Meeting, the community at Lutheran Church of Honolulu voted to call Pastor Angela Freeman to a tenured position as co-pastor. This amazing, courageous, faithful, and risky decision came after years of planning, praying, watching, hoping, and worrying by countless folks who care deeply for God and this ministry. Members wondered together about how God might be calling them to ministry in new and exciting ways while being faithful to the history and legacy of the congregation. You paid attention to the past and let it inform your path.
As the time came to act on the ministry plan, you found yourselves looking critically at the present. Could the congregation afford it? Is this the right time economically and spiritually to take such a big step? Were other ministries and projects more pressing? What would happen if you ran out of money? Strong, patient, concerned voices faithfully tempered the process and asked again and again that the congregation take a careful look at the present lest you run where you should walk. Some agreed to move forward, others did not. But you prayed, you listened, and you moved forward again.
Having paid attention to the past and the present, you began to dream about the future. The future is a funny critter—unknown, somewhat disquieting, and always unpredictable. But the congregation saw in the future a calling to move forward in faith and take a risk. New questions began to emerge. Can LCH be a stronger presence in the community? Can LCH live more fully into the faith lives of young people? How might God be calling the church into the next 100 years of ministry? How might additional staff help lay members to live out more fully their vocation in ministry? Asking those questions helped build excitement and vision in the congregation, and again the congregation moved forward.
You have honored your past, evaluated your present, and touched on the future. So what now? (This is the exciting part.) Now, as always, is the time for prayer, celebration, worship, work, justice making, living in the Word, and feeding the hungry. Sounds a lot like what you have been doing all these years! Calling Pastor Angela is not the culmination of a plan; it is the middle of ministry that began in the past, lives in the present, and is moving into the future!
The job of your pastors is not to engage you in their ministry but to help you—congregation and members—live fully in your ministry and God’s call. What help or resources do you need? What passions stir your heart for ministry? What gifts would you love to bring to the table? What needs do you have? What opportunities to serve are we missing? What ministries no longer meet the needs of the community? These are just some of the question we hope to hear and we hope to ask. God is pulling us into an amazing future and has given us the faith, the courage, and the people to once again move forward. Your pastors are here to serve God and you in your ministry. What fun! Thanks be to God!
Communion Bread
Please consider signing up in the courtyard to bake communion bread. Recipes and training are available.
Office Closed–Monday, February 17
The main office will be closed in recognition of Presidents’ Day.
HeartBeat Deadline
Next HeartBeat Deadline is Tuesday, February 18!
| Bob | Jeff | Stephen |
| Carl | Karen | Trinity |
| Gene | Marvin | Yoland |
| Paul |
| Day | Date | Event and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | February 1 | 9:30 am, Process Thought Forum 6:30 pm, Food for Thought |
| Sunday | February 2 | Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education 10:30 am, Holy Communion 5:00 pm, Oahu Youth Gathering 7:00 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer |
| Monday | February 3 | 6:30 pm, Mutual Ministry Meeting 7:00 pm, Director of Evangelical Mission Visit with Council and Leaders |
| Thursday | February 6 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:00 pm, Holoholo Pickup 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Sunday | February 9 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education 10:30 am, Holy Communion 7:00 pm, Piano Recital–Mark Russell |
| Monday | February 10 | 6:30 pm, Worship & Music Meeting |
| Tuesday | February 11 | 9:30 am, Hukilau Pastors’ Meeting |
| Wednesday | February 12 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting |
| Thursday | February 13 | 10:00am, Book of Faith Bible Study 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | February 15 | 7:30 pm, ABENDMUSIK: Organ Recital 1 with Andrew Shenton |
| Sunday | February 16 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education 10:30 am, Holy Communion 3:30 pm, Confirmation Classes 4:00 pm, ABENDMUSIK: Organ Recital 2 with Andrew Shenton 6:00 pm, Exploring Boundaries…and Beyond 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer |
| Monday | February 17 | 7:00 pm, Writers’ Workshop |
| Tuesday | February 18 | Heartbeat Deadline 6:00 pm, Executive Council Meeting 6:30 pm, Council Meeting |
| Thursday | February 20 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:00 pm, Holoholo Pickup 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Friday | February 21 | 1:00 pm, IHS Meals Prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals Served |
| Saturday | February 22 | 10:00 am, One Pot One Hope |
| Sunday | February 23 | Faith & Arts Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am Christian Education 10:30 am, Holy Communion 3:30 pm, Confirmation Class |
| Monday | February 24 | 7:00 pm, Beer & Hymns @ Gordon Biersch |
| Thursday | February 27 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |