In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Stewardship Corner
- Holoholo Pick-Up
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Children’s Benefit Concert
- In Stitches
- Easter Lilies
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Godly Play—Sunday School News
- Poetry Group
- Evening Prayer
- Process Thought Forum
- Seder Meal
- Confirmation Classes
- Writers’ Workshop
- Mary Magdalene Society
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Holy Week Schedule
- One Pot, One Hope
- Easter Sunday Potluck Brunch
- Easter Egg Hunt
- Food for Thought
- Punahou Carnival Parking Report
- Have Fun, Count the Money!
- Call for Poetry and Prose
- Anticipating a Big Celebration
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for January
- Attendance and Offerings for February
- Prayer Requests
- March Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (8:00 am)
- LCH Worship Participants (10:30 am)
- LCH Worship Participants (Triduum)
- Calendar: March 2016
A Message from Pastor Jeff
Of Burglaries and Brightness
Many of you know that LCH was burglarized the weekend of our Punahou Carnival parking fundraiser. Someone gained access to the administrative and pastor’s offices, ransacking files and stealing three computers, looking for cash (which we never have in the office), and making a general mess. We are recovering as quickly as possible from the event, but it may be some time before we are completely reorganized and up to speed.
Many thanks to April Smith, who cleaned up the office, and to Craig Clissold (and April) who made repairs to a broken door. We ask your patience over the next few weeks as we effect permanent repairs. In the meantime, we continue our ministry and will not let this event deter or frighten us. We will pray for those who stole from the congregation and from our youth, but take steps to prevent future losses. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Post-burglary, I have been especially thankful for the disciplines and opportunities the season of Lent brings. It would be easy to let fear, resentment, disappointment—and even a little rage—seep into life after such an event. Instead, I find myself drawn to our theme from Isaiah 66: “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you…” In even the most uncertain times, God promises to be with us, guide us, love us, and call us back into relationship with one another.
As we gathered on Wednesday for worship, I was struck by how wonderfully blessed we are to be a community together in Christ. As the light was carried into Isenberg Hall and the cantors began to sing, we gathered around God’s presence, God’s word, and God’s promise to be renewed in faith. The room I had made in my heart for resentment to break-in seemed to shrink in the face of God’s mothering care.
Maybe that is why it is so valuable for us to be attentive to our corporate worship. When we come together to share a meal and God’s word, we find ourselves opened to new ideas, new perspectives, and new possibilities that seemed invisible before. When we gather together in worship and keep ourselves present in the worship moment, we open ourselves to the gifts of the neighbors with whom we pray, and offer ourselves to them as a balm for hurts, a companion for laughter, and a conspirator in the Spirit.
The quiet barrenness of Lent makes room for unexpected brightness in the twilight mood of this season. Such brightness, such light in the darkness is a beacon that leads us closer to the Easter promise that is sure to come.
May God bless us in this Lenten season, that we might see the light in the midst of darkness, and know God’s love for us, and our love for one another
Pastor Jeff
Ushers—People with a Passion for Welcome and a Smooth Worship Experience
Ushers serve as the hosts of worship services at LCH. They have several responsibilities before, during, and after each service. Some of these responsibilities are more apparent than others, but none of them are too difficult.
Ushers typically arrive before the service begins to set up the Welcome Table in the courtyard (before the early service on Sundays) and to assemble service booklets and inserts at both services. As you enter the Nave, ushers greet you with a warm smile, hand you a service booklet, and help you find a place to sit, if necessary. Ushers welcome newcomers with a lei greeting. An usher rings the bell in the courtyard once to let you know the service is about to begin and then three more times after pastor makes his announcements and the organ prelude ends.
Ushers have three important responsibilities during the service. They make a count of the attendance during the sermon, collect the offering after the passing of the peace, and direct people to and from the communion rail.
After the service, ushers secure and store the plate offering, gather stray service booklets from the pews and store them away, recycle inserts, take down the Welcome Table, and return courtyard tables to a closet in Isenberg Hall. When necessary, ushers will secure the church campus before leaving.
Ushers typically serve at just one of the two Sunday morning services. The frequency of service depends on how many usher teams we have for each service. Ushers also serve at special services held during the Christmas Season and Holy Week. To volunteer, please contact the office for Dr. Peter Flachsbart’s phone number or send him an email pflachsbart@hawaiiantel.net.
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
| Committee/Group | Leader |
|---|---|
| Archive: | Jim Cartwright |
| Concert: | Scott Fikse |
| Communications: | Carol Langner |
| Council: | Craig Clissold & Mary Fastenau |
| Exploring Boundaries: | Carol Langner |
| Fellowship: | Jeanne Castello & Mary-Jo Estes |
| Finance: | Steve Miller |
| Financial Review: | Ron Murashige |
| Food for Thought: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| In Stitches: | Linda Miller |
| Lay Ministers: | Carolyn Koehler |
| Learning Ministry: | Fred Benco |
| Mary Magdalene Society: | James Cartwright |
| Process Theology: | Fritz Fritschel |
| Property: | Jean-Paul Klingebiel & Greg Gebhardt |
| Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
| Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley |
| Stewardship: | Pam Buckley |
| Sunday School: | Laurie Leach |
| Worship & Music: | Linda Miller & Randy Castello |
| Writers’ Workshop: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| Youth: | Pr. Jeff Lilley |
Holoholo Pick-Up
Tuesdays, March 1, 15 & 29, 2:00–4:00 pm, in the LCH Boardroom
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. To join or find more information visit their website www.holoholostore.com.
Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers
Wednesdays, March 2, 9, & 16, 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. Suppers will be served at 6:00 pm, prior to 7:00 pm Lenten Services.
A sign up sheet is available for contributions to each week’s meal and for help with set-up and clean-up. See Mary-Jo Estes for more information.
Book of Faith Bible Study
Thursdays, 10:00–11:30 am
Our gatherings continue with the study of the Old Testament Minor Prophets. In the Catholic tradition, the minor prophets are read in the last weeks of November as the liturgical year comes to an end. The hope is that the group can study these prophets with an ear to how their sometimes radical messages may speak to us in our own troubled times. These books are generally short, but far from easy to read. There are excellent online articles you are encouraged to explore on your own in preparation for group discussion.
Children’s Benefit Concert
Saturday, March 5 • 4:00 pm • LCH Nave
It’s that time of year again! The Sunday School is preparing to offer our annual benefit concert on Saturday, March 5. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the children’s very own fundraising concerts.
The beneficiary will again be the ELCA Good Gifts program. The children ask the members of the congregation to make a pledge at the concert or any time during Lent, and those pledges will be added to the money children have contributed during Sunday School. After the concert, the Sunday School decides which particular gifts to fund. The Good Gifts program enables individuals or groups to sponsor gifts of farm animals, clean water, health care, and education to help communities around the world transcend poverty and hunger. This tradition offers our children a chance to practice stewardship by donating their time and talent toward a worthy cause and a chance for adults in the congregation to model stewardship for the children by making contributions in connection with the concert.
We hope you will attend the concert and consider giving $1 a day during Lent ($40) towards the fundraising effort. In the past, the children have performed with song and dance and on trumpet, violin, cello, drums, flute, organ, and piano. Please join us on March 5 for an invigorating concert and consider contributing to the ELCA’s worldwide ministries!
In Stitches
March 5, 9:00 am in the LCH Rainbow Room
In Stitches, the LCH craft group, meets on the first Saturday of the month. Come for fellowship, bring your current project, or help us make ribbon lei to give to visitors. All are welcome!
Easter Lilies
Help transform the nave from Lent into Easter by donating money for an Easter lily to decorate the altar. Plants may be given in memory or honor of a loved one. Donation forms have been included in bulletins or may be picked up in the church office. Thank you!
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, March 6
On the first Sunday of each month, an in-gathering of food and personal items is collected at LCH for Angel Network, a ministry based out of Calvary-by-the-Sea Lutheran Church. The items are taken to Angel Network during the following week. Over 2,500 individuals are served monthly through this program. We are grateful for your generosity and support.
We recently receive a letter of thanks from their board of directors {extend[ing] our mahalo for your generosity” which “enables Angel Network to continue our mission to feed the hungry and improve the lives of those who are struggling.” Read the entire letter (PDF).
Godly Play—Sunday School News
Sundays, 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 March:
- March 6— The Faces of Easter VII
- March 13—Seder Meal
- March 20—Easter Eggs
- March 27—Easter Egg Hunt
Poetry Group
Sunday, March 6, 6:45 pm
Poetry group will meet on the first Sunday of March prior to Evening Prayer, which begins at 7:30 pm.
Evening Prayer
Sundays, March 6 & 20, 7:30 pm
Join us for Evening Prayer. This peaceful a cappella experience of rejuvenation and prayer provides a respite of calm and thoughtful contemplation which is sure to enhance your Lenten experience.
Process Thought Forum
Saturday, March 12, 9:30 am
Join us as we discuss what we might borrow from another culture. The philosophy and resulting lifestyle of Confucianism has guided China for thousands of years. Maybe there’s something there for us to learn? Find the article “What Can Americans Learn from Confucianism?” by Jay McDaniel on the Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism website.
Seder Meal
Sunday, March 13, 9:20 am
Come join the Sunday school children at the Seder Meal in Isenberg Hall, between services. This is a traditional part of our Easter preparation at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. It is the Old Testament remembrance of God’s special relationship with his people and his freeing of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Join us to learn more.
Confirmation Classes
Sundays, March 13 & 20, 12:00 noon, in the LCH Rainbow Room
Confirmation is a time for pre-teens and teens to discover more about their faith in God and to deepen their learning about the church, The Bible, and Lutheran concepts. Please contact Pastor Jeff for more information.
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, March 14, 5:30–7:00 pm
Please note our new time! Writers’ Workshop will meet in the LCH Boardroom. Additional meetings are planned for April 18 and May 16. All are welcome! For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, March 19, 6:00 pm
Please join our potluck supper and games night in Isenberg Hall. Supper begins at 6:00 (set up at 5:30; help is greatly appreciated) with games to follow. Please bring a food item and your favorite game(s).
If there are any last minute changes to this, Jim Cartwright will email and announce in services.
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, March 21, 10:00–11:30 am
We’ll meet at Audrey Keller’s home to discuss The Quiet Girl by Peter Hoeg. In April, we meet at Murashige’s to discuss Pastrix or Accidental Saints by Nadia Bolz-Weber.
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, March 26, 10:00 am
A consistent group of LCH volunteers helps feed 100 to 125 people each month in Wai‘anae. Help support this mission outreach project by participating or by bringing donations of designated items—Costco gallon-sized cans of chili, fresh fruit, granola bars, bottled water, recycled grocery bags, and large cardboard boxes—or checks, payable to “One Pot, One Hope.” Bring donated items to church on the third Sunday of the month (March 20). See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.
Easter Sunday Potluck Brunch
Sunday, March 27, 9:15 am, between services
Join in the fun of fellowship and food! Bring your favorite breakfast casserole, breads, fruit, or another festive dish to share with everyone. Ham and beverages will be provided. We welcome any help setting up tables/chairs before the 8:00 am service, setting up the food before 9:15 am, and cleaning up afterwards. Please see the sign up sheet in the Hörmann Courtyard if you are able to volunteer.
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, March 27, 9:15 am, between services
The Sunday school will have an egg hunt between services for children Grade 4 and younger. (The older children get to hide the eggs!) We will have a puppet show in the Godly Play room at 9:20 am for the egg hunters while the eggs are being hidden. Join us for this fun event!
Food for Thought
Saturday, April 9, 2016
The next meeting of Food for Thought has been scheduled for Saturday, April 9, 5:30-8:00 pm, at the home of Irmgard and David Hörmann. Please note the early hour, much appreciated by Irmgard and David. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
Punahou Carnival Parking Report
Zoom! Cars came and went all day both Friday and Saturday (February 4 and 5) as we put the LCH parking lots into good use, providing families with convenient and secure parking while they enjoyed the festivities at the Punahou Carnival across the street. We charged $15 for parking with no in/out privileges—a more than fair deal, given the going rate around the neighborhood. While adult volunteers moved cars in and out, our kids ran the “water table” which supplied a free bottle of cold water to each family that parked. Over the course of the weekend, we received nearly $5,000 in donations to LCH Youth Programs, which translates into more than 300 cars parked! Big, heartfelt thank you to all the great volunteers that helped before with organizing, during the parking, and after with tidying up!
Have Fun, Count the Money!
You don’t need to donate more, just help count the Sunday offerings! For 30 or so minutes after service, volunteer teams of two count the offerings. We need two new counters to join the team starting in March.
Please contact Angie Niermann or Steve Miller for information. Mahalo!
Call for Poetry and Prose
There has been a call from Lewis Bosworth, an ELCA member in Madison, Wisconsin, for “poetry and short prose written by LGBT people” and friends of LGBT people who are Lutheran members of ELCA churches. He is interested in editing and publishing an anthology of these works. “My dream has reached the planning stages, and I ask your help. I seek women and men who belong to synods and parishes around the country who have written poetry or short prose and would like to share it. Their work can be LGBT (related) or faith-themed or both.”
If you are interested in contributing to this anthology, please call or email the church office for a copy of Mr. Bosworth’s letter, providing information and contact details.
Anticipating a Big Celebration: 500th Anniversary
The year 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the traditional beginning of the Lutheran movement that started in Wittenberg, Germany with the nailing of Luther’s 95 Theses to the door of that town’s church. The period, known as the Reformation, was inaugurated and its effects spread worldwide. Now we ask what our congregation can do to honor and celebrate that rich heritage? Ideas are already circulating, but there is certainly room for more. More definite plans will be elaborated after the first of the year. Meanwhile, let your own creative imagination suggest some activity or project that seems fitting for such a celebration.
| Offering Fund | Amount | Offering Fund | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offering | $5,311 | Mission Campaign | $50 |
| Music Fund/Instruments | $170 | Wounded Warriors | $141 |
| Capital Improvements | $107 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, March 15, 9:00 am
Cheri, Denise, Diane, Fran, Gene, Geri, Gianna, Irene, Irmgard, Jennie, Jessica, Karen, Kathy S., Kent, Michael, Quentin, Sandi, and Stephen
| 03/05 | Hunter Nishimura |
| 03/06 | Nathalie J. |
| 03/07 | Lillie J. |
| 03/07 | Brian Weis |
| 03/18 | Ken Bauchle |
| 03/18 | Donald Womack |
| 03/23 | Nicholas Castello |
| 03/28 | Olivia Castro |
| Day | Date | Event and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | March 1 | 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up |
| Wednesday | March 2 | 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup and Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Service |
| Thursday | March 3 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | March 5 | 9:00 am, In Stitches 4:00 pm, Children’s Benefit Concert |
| Sunday | March 6 | Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 6:45 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer |
| Monday | March 7 | 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble |
| Wednesday | March 9 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup and Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Service |
| Thursday | March 10 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | March 12 | 9:30 am, Process Thought Forum |
| Sunday | March 13 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class |
| Monday | March 14 | 5:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble |
| Tuesday | March 15 | Heartbeat Deadline! 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up 6:30 pm, Council Meeting |
| Wednesday | March 16 | 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup and Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Service |
| Thursday | March 17 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Friday | March 18 | 1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served 7:30 pm, HPU “Moonlight Serenade” concert |
| Saturday | March 19 | 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society |
| Sunday | March 20 | Palm Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class 6:00 pm, Exploring Boundaries 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer |
| Monday | March 21 | 10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Thursday | March 24 | Maundy Thursday 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:30 pm, Maundy Thursday Service |
| Friday | March 25 | Good Friday 7:30 pm, Good Friday Service |
| Saturday | March 26 | 10:00 am, One Pot One Hope 11:00 am, Decorate Nave for Easter 7:30 pm, Easter Vigil Service |
| Sunday | March 27 | Easter Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist |
| Monday | March 28 | 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble |