HeartBeat—February 2015

A Message from Pastor Jeff

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart … all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

One of the most elusive and yet most important aspects of what it means to be the body of Christ is Christ’s command to love one another. In the 10th chapter of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus encounters a lawyer who, seeking to test Jesus, asks, “What must I do inherit eternal life?” Jesus asks: “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He (the lawyer) answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live” (Luke 10:25–27). It all seems so clear and easy: Love God, love your neighbor.

The theory is easy and worthy of a place in the Hallmark Card Hall of Fame. But the application as a spiritual and practical discipline for daily life is far more challenging. Loving the folks near and dear is easy. Loving people who respect you and agree with you is a breeze. But how do we love those who are angry with us, or revile us, or just plain don’t like us? How do we love the “neighbor” who is a stranger to us or who is simply “unacceptable.” The lawyer wonders as well and, trying to justify himself, asks Jesus “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds by telling the story of the Good Samaritan.

One after another, good upright citizens ignore the man broken and bleeding by the road. Only one stops to bind up his wounds and care for him. After telling the story of the unexpected kindness and mercy of a culturally and socially unacceptable Samaritan, Jesus asks the lawyer, “Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He (the lawyer) said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise”(Luke 10:36–37).

Jesus gives a clue about love. Genuine love and mercy are related. Love of this sort gives without expectation of reciprocity. It can come out in the most unexpected times and places, from the least expected sources. Finally, love has something to do with not only our relationship with one another but also our relationship with God. Love bathed in mercy is more than theory or greeting card sentiment; it is at the core of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. In parable after parable (especially in the Gospel of Luke) Jesus calls his disciples not only to practice acts of love but also to be love. What do you think?

At a recent event with our Bishop Murray Finck, the Hukilau pastors wrestled with an ELCA document entitled “The Use of the Means of Grace.” We spent time discussing the finer congregational policies around administering sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism. In a way, we were asking the same question as the lawyer. I responded, ”We are only the stewards of the means of Grace; the gift of Grace itself belongs to God who gives it freely and abundantly.”

Maybe our challenge for the next year is less about perfecting the liturgy, developing programs, or fine-tuning Christian education. We might want to think about how we will love one another and our neighbors with love bathed in mercy. How will we support and forgive those who have disappointed us? How will we feed the stranger and the outcast? Perhaps we are being called to be love through the wonderful variety of gifts God brings us as individuals and as the community of Christ. Bathed in that mercy, soaked love, perhaps our faith journey will lead us to understand more fully what it means to be the people of God, the Body of Christ, and a beloved and holy gathering of disciples. What do you think?

Stewardship of Talents

Donations to support LCH come in many forms. Money is always needed and welcomed. We also show our individual creations at Faith in Arts Sunday, so we appreciate people’s broad sensitivities.

The ongoing life of the church is sustained by the personal, active contributions of our members and friends. We are blessed with an extraordinary diversity and depth of talent. You may not see how your talents and experience of daily life or job can apply to church, but consider how many people contribute:

• Council and committee members contribute their wisdom and energy from life experience for church direction and programs.
• We have a new kitchen, PV electricity, a sound system, a new parking lot with landscaping, diverse lectures, and Sunday school courses because of individuals with finance, construction, planning, electronics, management, theological, and academic expertise using their “life skills” in service to the LCH community.
• Personal hobby contributions include flute, steel drums, singing, stained glass, gardening, website management, teaching, cooking, and even wine making!

Please consider the many ways your experience, skills, and talents can contribute to nurturing our community at LCH. Your ongoing interactions—even a single incident of participation—enrich all our lives.

Council Report

Your Congregational Council for 2015 is:

• President—April Smith
• Vice President—Craig Clissold
• Secretary—Naomi Castro
• Treasurer —Gary Brauer (until March)
• Members—Fred Benco, Randy Castello, Sophie Cheng, Hope Jahren, Lori Nishimura, Dori Palcovich, Georgine Stark, Pastor Jeff Lilley, one vacant seat

We have one current vacancy and will have another in March, as Gary Brauer is preparing to leave for the mainland. We need two voting members of the congregation to volunteer to serve on the council. The person filling Gary’s seat will not be Treasurer.

Please speak to any council member about serving on the council. Council meetings are the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. We welcome you to join us.

25th Anniversary Challenge

This month we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ordination of Pastor Jeff Lilley. As part of his desire to serve the wider community, Pastor Jeff serves as the president of the Board of Directors for the Life Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to stopping the spread of HIV and to assisting people who are living with HIV and AIDS in Hawaii.

To honor Pastor Jeff’s ordination anniversary and his service to the local community, LCH members and friends are challenged to donate $2,500 in support of the Life Foundation during February.

You are welcome to donate by check (made out to Lutheran Church of Honolulu and LIFE FOUNDATION on the memo line) or by cash (in an envelope, marked with your name, the amount, and a designation to LIFE FOUNDATION on the outside). Either way, your LCH statement of giving will reflect your contribution to this cause. You may drop your donation in the offering plate on Sundays (please do not drop them in the mite box), or bring or mail it to the church office.

After February 28, we will total your gifts, and LCH will present a check to the Life Foundation in honor of Pastor Jeff. Mahalo for stepping up to the challenge!

Adult Forum and the “Slow Church”

This Sunday, February 1, at 9:20 am the Adult Forum will continue the “Slow Church” discussion. The highlighted on this Sunday will be an invitation for all members and friends to offer creative ideas on how LCH can positively impact the Honolulu community. Bring your refreshments to the Boardroom and engage!

Godly Play—Sunday School News

Sunday School 9:20–10:20 am

LCH offers Sunday school for children from kindergarten through senior high. The older children (grades 6–12) meet in the Rainbow Room. The younger children (grades K–5) meet in the Godly Play Room. All are welcome!

Below is the schedule of Godly Play stories for February:

• February 1—St. Bridget
• February 8—Parable of the Sower
• February 15—Parable of the Good Samaritan
• February 22—The Mystery of Easter Puzzle

Poetry Group

February 1, 7:00 pm in the Courtyard

Poetry Group meets on the first Sunday of the month just prior to Evening Prayer. This month we will entertain poems that people bring for discussion. Bring your own or your favorite poem to share. We always welcome more people who are interested. Contact Jim Cartwright for more information.

O‘ahu Youth Gathering for February…Super Bowl PARTY!

February 1, 1:30 pm • Christ’s Gathering Place, Aiea

Bring a snack and your team spirit for an afternoon of football. We will meet at Christ’s Gathering Place (St. Tim’s/St. Nicholar Episcopal Church), 98-939 Moanalua Rd., Aiea to watch the big game! Kickoff is 1:30 pm, and we will end at the finish of the game. Parents and families welcome! Food will be potluck, so bring your favorite game day food to share!

Evening Prayer

First & Third Sundays each month, 7:30 pm

Join us on the first and third Sundays for Evening Prayer. This is a peaceful experience of rejuvenation and prayer.

Holoholo Pick-Up

Thursday, February 5 & 19, 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. Want to join? Just check out their website and sign up; bi-weekly prices range from $23 on up and LCH is a drop-off point. Visit www.holoholostore.com.

Punahou Carnival Parking Volunteers Needed

Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7

The youth of LCH request your assistance with their annual fundraiser, taking place Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7, from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm each day.

Adult and youth volunteers are needed to work 3-hour shifts during the event. You will handle money, show customers where to park, make sure each lot has the necessary supplies, and keep watch over the vehicles.

The church provides for all of your refreshment and safety needs. Please say yes and sign-up at the courtyard table to volunteer. Contact Jerelyn Watanabe or Sophie Cheng for more information.

Eleventh Annual Faith and Arts Sunday

February 8

The eleventh annual Faith and Arts Sunday 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 put your poem or short work of prose up on the board.

As soon as possible we need your commitment to have an item in the show. Please sign up in the courtyard.

By February 1, we need the information on the item so we can make a label. If you wish to type a longer explanation to be displayed with your item, please do so and give it to us when you give us the item.

We need your item for submission by February 5. The item(s) will be kept in a safe place until displayed.

Thank you for letting us exhibit your creativity.

Process Thought Forum

February 14, 9:30–11:00 am

We are meeting a week later than usual in February because of the Punahou Carnival. Our focus will be on a page from the Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism website which relates to ecological concerns with an Eastern perspective; that is, from Daoism. Following is the web link: www.processphilosophy.org/daoism-and-ecology-eight-ideas-worth-considering.html. For those who may be new, please jump in and join us in the LCH Boardroom.

Exploring Boundaries and Beyond

February 15, 6:00–7:15 pm

Since the 15th lands on Valentine’s Day weekend, a theme related to such a day will be presented by Fritz. It is tentatively entitled “The Spirit and Forms of Love,” perhaps a more theological and philosophical presentation than some earlier offerings. Still, we think it will be an engaging topic. Evening Prayer follows.

Book Club

Monday, February 16, 10:00 am

The LCH women’s book club will meet at the Murashige’s. We will be discussing Nine Parts Desire by Geraldine Brooks. Come join us for a fun morning of fellowship.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, February 16, 7:00–8:30 pm

Writers’ Workshop meets in the LCH Boardroom. Spring meetings are also scheduled for March 16 (LCH Boardroom), April 13 (LCH Rainbow Room), and May 11 (LCH Rainbow Room). All are welcome! For information, please contact Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (808-941-2566).

Food for Thought

Saturday, February 28, 5:300–8:30 pm

A meeting of Food for Thought has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 5:30–8:30 pm, at the home of Irmgard and David Hörmann. Please check the eNews and the Sunday announcements for updated news. And once again, please note the early hour, much appreciated by Irmgard and David. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For information, please contact Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (808-941-2566).

Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers

February 25 and March 4, 11, 18, and 25 6:00 pm in Isenberg Hall

Please join in the fellowship of a simple soup and salad supper on Wednesday evenings during the season of Lent. These meals precede a short worship service of word, music, and reflection of the Lenten season. Suppers will be served at 6:00 pm before the 7:00 pm services on February 25 and March 4, 11, 18, and 25. A sign-up sheet will be available to contribute to each week’s meal and for help with set-up and cleanup. See Mary-Jo Estes for more information.

Change in Nursery Staff

The church council regretfully accepted a letter of resignation from our lead nursery care provider, Angela Rose. Her last Sunday with us was January 25. We will need volunteers for the short term to assist Kalanit. The nursery is open from approximately 7:45 am until 12:00 noon each Sunday. You do not need to commit to the entire time period. Any amount of time you can give to volunteer in the Nursery on Sunday mornings will be helpful and greatly appreciated. Please see Council President April Smith for more information.

Plaque Honors Carl Crosier

As a tribute to his wonderful musical leadership and gifts, Lutheran Church of Honolulu is honoring the memory of Carl Crosier with this plaque which will be installed on the Beckerath organ.

Trojan Dance Marathon

Aloha LCH family,

It’s my final year at USC, and I would like to share a cause that has come to mean a lot to me! For the past three years I have been dedicated to organizing Trojan Dance Marathon, a school-wide 12-hour dance-a-thon to benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Every year hundreds of students challenge themselves to dance the whole time to celebrate the strength and spirit of the kids. Children who have been treated at the hospital also attend as guests of honor.

This year, I am the executive director of Trojan Dance Marathon. Our team is working hard to grow the event and break our record of generating $60,000 for this cause. The dance marathon takes place on February 21, from 2:00 pm to 2:00 am. If anyone would like to support our efforts by making a contribution to CHLA, please go to my Trojan Dance Marathon fundraising page to make a donation online: events.dancemarathon.com/participant/crescentcheng. You can also get more info and watch our videos at www.trojandm.org! Please email me at crescenc@usc.edu if you have any questions. Thank you for considering this. I am looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Crescent Cheng

Archives Committee Seeks Volunteers

The archives committee needs volunteers to help organize years of historical artifacts. Please see or contact Jim Cartwright for more information: jamesfc@hawaii.rr.com.

EcoShade Update (for Hörmann Courtyard)

From Nik Beezum, EcoShade Director of Operations (January 8):

Once it becomes apparent that we will receive the permit to build, we will require the installation deposit (minus engineering retainer, already paid). If we are not granted a permit (never happens), we require the remaining balance for the engineering fee. For the time being, we wait—maybe 6 weeks, maybe 6 months. I’ve seen it all—a permit granted in a half hour, one that took almost a year, and everything in between. Most are granted between two and four months. I’ll be in touch with updates.

From April Smith, Council President:

Members and Friends of LCH, we have to discuss funding the rest of this project soon. We have sufficient funds for the installation deposit but have to come up with additional funds to finish the work. I’ll have numbers for you soon. Mahalo!

Mahalo from Pr. Tim Philips

Dear Friends at LCH,

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus.—I Corinthians 1:4

Thank you for the warm welcome and the love of Christ that you shared with me during my time with you. In your worship, in your fellowship, and in your meetings to discern God’s purpose for your ministry, I can see the Holy Spirit at work!

I know that God has many great adventures in store for the life and ministry of your congregation and I am delighted to be a partner with you for the journey.

God bless you all,
Tim (The Reverend Tim Philips)
Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop
Pacifica Synod, ELCA

Welcome Honolulu Chorale

We make an intentional effort to make our facilities available to community groups. We are pleased to have entered into a lease agreement with The Honolulu Chorale, under the direction of Jeremy M. Wong, to hold their weekly rehearsals in the Nave. The group will be paying a rental fee and also have use of the Poki Street parking lot for their members. Beginning February 3 until mid-May, The Honolulu Chorale will have use of the nave from 6:30 to 10:00 pm on Tuesday evenings. Please be aware of this arrangement if you are planning activities and meetings at LCH. Mahalo and welcome to The Honolulu Chorale!

Office Hours

New Year reminder: LCH office hours are from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The office is closed on weekends and state and federal holidays. Messages are not checked on weekends and holidays.

If you need to contact someone regarding church business over the weekend, please contact the appropriate ministry or committee leader. Voicemail is checked when the office opens Monday morning or on the first business day following a holiday. Thank you for your understanding.

Important LCH Parking Information

Please do not park in the Poki lot when visiting LCH during business hours Monday through Friday. All Poki lot spaces are registered and assigned to Punahou students, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Unregistered vehicles in student spaces are towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.

Please note that LCH contracts with Ace Towing to remove unauthorized vehicles from the LCH church lot nightly, following scheduled LCH events. Unregistered vehicles left in the church lot will be towed. If you need to park after hours, please contact the church office in advance during regular business hours (8:30 am to 4:00 pm, M–F).

Electronic Funds Transfers for December

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$7,855	Mission Campaign	$180
Music Fund/Instruments	$150	Wounded Warriors	725

Attendance and Offerings for January

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
January 4	8:00 am Service	58	Offering	$3,867
	10:30 amService	89	Music Fund	$550
	Evening Prayer	16	Memorials	$1,000
	Total	163
January 11	8:00 am Service	56	Offering	$2,143
	10:30 am Service	72	Sunday School	$3
	Total	128
January 18	8:00 am Service	51	Offering	$1,980
	10:30 am Service	74	Altar Flowers	$40
	Evening Prayer	15	Wounded Warriors	$100
			Music Fund	$10
January 25	8:00 am Service	61	Offering	$2,453
	10:30 am Service	77	Sunday School	$3
	Total	138	Hörmann Courtyard	$151
	Total	139	Youth Fundraiser	$20

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, February 17, 9:00 am

Akiyo	Gavin	Kent
Dan	Gene	Mickey
Denise	Irmgard	Quentin
Diane	Jean	Sandi
Fay	Karen	Sylvia
the Thomas family

February Birthdays

Date	Name
02/01	Christian David Arakawa
02/04	Robin Bush
02/07	Cheryl Crozier Garcia
02/12	Carolyn Koehler
02/12	Michael Okikawa
02/14	Raymond B. Herradura
02/16	Judie O. Boutá
02/16	Colin Buckley
02/17	Jaylene Hethcote
02/21	Jordan Noland
02/21	Don Johnson
02/24	Teresa McCreary
02/25	Noelani Nitz
02/27	Elijah Kaeo, Sr.
02/28	Roy Helms

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	February 1	February 8	February 15	February 18 Ash Wednesday	February 22
LECTOR	Jimmy Castro	Chuck Huxel	Adriene Clissold		Amanda Lippert
COMMUNION	Laurie Leach Bobby Broyles Wayne Gau Stephanie Luuloa	Amanda Lippert Chuck Huxel Sophia S. Peggy Anderson	Kyra Takamiya Laurie Leach Sheena Lim-Urban Wayne Gau		Carolyn Koehler Amanda Lippert Sophia S. Jim Sullivan
ACOLYTE	Hunter N.	Charles C.	Sophie C.		Raphael S.
LAYING ON OF HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
USHERS	Fred Benco Craig Clissold
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	February 1	February 8	February 15	February 18 • 7:30 pm Ash Wednesday	February 22
LECTOR	Walter Cummings	Fritz Fritschel	Juditha Murashige	Aaron Gould	Kathryn Klingebiel
DEACON	Bob Zimmer	Mary Fastenau	Josie Bidgood	Frank Haas	Bob Zimmer
SUB-DEACON	Jim Cartwright	Frank Haas	Chuck Pearson	Mary Fastenau	Bob Tellander
COMMUNION	Chuck Pearson Josie Bidgood	Randy Christensen Phyllis Hormann	Bob Tellander Randy Christensen	Bob Zimmer Bob Tellander	Mary Fastenau Frank Haas
ACOLYTES	Savannah M. Reid W.	Azure S. Scarlett Sueda	TJ Healey Nathalie J.	Carolyn Koehler Peggy Anderson	Iara N. Rebecca L.
LAYING ON OF HANDS		John Bickel
USHERS	William Fay Peter Flachsbart Chuck Pearson LaVerne Rickard		ALTAR GUILD	Josie Bidgood Lori Nishimura Sheena Lim-Urban Lois Watanabe
COUNCIL IN CHARGE	Gary Brauer

Calendar: February 2015

Day	Date	Event and Time
Sunday	February 1	Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Traditional Eucharist 11:45 am, Acolyte training 1:30 pm, OYG Super Bowl Party 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Thursday	February 5	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Sunday	February 8	8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Traditional Eucharist 11:45 am, Confirmation class
Monday	February 9	6:30 pm, Worship and Music meeting
Wednesday	February 11	12:30 pm, Finance Committee meeting
Thursday	February 12	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	February 14	9:30 am, Process Thought Forum
Sunday	February 15	8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Traditional Eucharist 11:45 am, Confirmation class 6:00 pm, Exploring Boundaries and Beyond 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Monday	February 16	Office closed—Presidents’ Day 10:00 am, Book Club 7:00 pm, Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday	February 17	February Heartbeat deadline! 6:30 pm, Council meeting
Wednesday	February 18	7:30 pm, Ash Wednesday Liturgy
Thursday	February 19	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	February 20	1:00 pm, IHS meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS meals served
Sunday	February 22	8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30am, Traditional Eucharist
Wednesday	February 25	6:30 pm, Lenten Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Service
Thursday	February 26	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	February 28	10:00 am, One Pot One Hope