HeartBeat—April 2016

A Message from Pastor Jeff

It is Holy Week as I write this article. I had planned to write about the joy of the resurrection and hope for a new world and to share a litany of joy for God’s presence. But we were greeted early this week with a terrorist attack in Brussels. The newspapers and television have been full of images of fleeing victims, twisted trains, and blown out airport windows. Politicians have been quick to leap on the opportunity to criticize others for weak policies and procedures only to be leapt upon by other politicians with their own criticisms and accusations, while offering little or no wisdom or offering substantive suggestions for a better world. It is surprising that they do not suffocate under the weight of all that rhetoric. In all fairness, most of our leaders are genuinely concerned and are trying to find a meaningful and helpful way through the violence, but the morning news isn’t interested in what they have to say.

In the meantime, our bishops, imams, and other religious leaders call us to prayer and reconciliation. They are calling for us to live out our faith and values in a way that makes for peace. But the newspapers are not much interested in that either. It is a shame.

The Brussels terrorist attack made the headlines, as did Paris, San Bernardino, and Russia. But hidden beneath the headlines of attacks on non-Muslim targets are literally thousands of deaths of Muslims at the hands of those self-same terrorist organizations. While victims in Tunisia, Yemen, and Libya do not make U.S. headlines, they are as much a part of the story of fear as all the rest. Hate, it appears, can be visited on Christian, Muslim, Jewish, agnostic, and disinterested bystander alike. And the propagation of fear is equally effective on persons of every faith, or no faith at all.

As we ponder the meaning of the empty cross this Easter, I wonder what we see there. Some have said that Jesus was a victim of experts in fear. The Rome of Jesus’ time lined highways with crucified “enemies” as a warning against revolt and as an unmistakable sign of their power over life and death. Yet, Jesus stood before Pilate and found himself among the company of the crucified. But death did not overcome him, or God. Jesus’ accusers could not keep him on the cross or his followers from his word. Fear simply could not overcome love. Jesus called his disciples—and us—to pray for our enemies, even give our cloak to them. Why?

Although we cannot stop the hate in another person, we can begin to unharness the power of hate in ourselves. Perhaps that is how the world can begin to change from bloody and bruised body to resurrected Christ. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote in The Cost of Discipleship, “The followers of Christ have been called to peace… And they must not only have peace but also make it. And to that end they renounce all violence and tumult. In the cause of Christ nothing is to be gained by such methods… His disciples keep the peace by choosing to endure suffering themselves rather than inflict it on others. They maintain fellowship where others would break it off. They renounce hatred and wrong. In so doing they over-come evil with good, and establish the peace of God in the midst of a world of war and hate.” It is hard to keep hating someone for whom we pray!

As we move further into Easter, it is my prayer that we will keep all victims of violence—and those who bring violence—in our prayers. May we also look to God for strength as we work for meaningful and lasting justice and peace in the world, that our children and our children’s children might not have to live in a constant state of fear.

Social Ministries: A Passion for Serving Those in Need

LCH Social Ministries team has found ways to provide meals, funds, and other items to people in our community who are in need. Feeding the hungry is a primary service of this team. We have two groups that provide monthly meals to our homeless community. The third Friday of each month, a group of LCH members, lead by Jimmy Castro, prepares and serves a meal (meatloaf and sides) at the Institute of Human Services (IHS) in Honolulu. On the fourth Saturday of the month, another group prepares a chili and peanut butter sandwiches meal for the homeless on the Wai‘anae Coast through One Pot One Hope, at Maluhia Lutheran Church. Over 500 people are fed each month through these two programs.

An ingathering of food and personal items is collected during the first week of each month and taken to Angel Network at Calgary Lutheran Church in ‘Āina Haina. Angel Network serves over 2500 people each month who need food and clothing.

Our team also supports the ministry of Steve Jensen and Wounded Warriors on the Kāne‘ohe Marine Corps base. We provide meals and fellowship on the base every other month. Our members have also donated food, event tickets, fun outings, and other activities for the soldiers, giving them an opportunity to get off the base. Over this last year, we have also provided support for the families who have come as a result of two major disasters on the base. We were able to provide them with personal hygiene items as well as meals and gift cards.

Life Foundation and the Annual Aids Walk are also well supported by LCH, through the Social Ministries group. We have raised thousands of dollars for the Life Foundation, which is the largest provider of services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Hawaii. Financial support and ongoing awareness of the programs at the Life Foundation is part of our ministry.

This year we are hoping to include an initiative for housing in our community. We will set up a volunteer day with Honolulu Habitat for Humanity to offer construction volunteers, as well as lunches. The home will be built for a low income Native Hawaiian family in Papakõlea. Watch for more information on how you can become involved with the Social Ministries team for this event.

We welcome new additions to any of the teams mentioned in this articl. We welcome your ideas for expanding the ministry of our team and hope that you will get involved. Please contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or need further information.

Mahalo for your ongoing support!
Jean Lilley (jelilley@gmail.com)

An Update on Pastor Angela Freeman

Pastor Angela Freeman-Riley, former co-pastor of Lutheran Church of Honolulu, has been called to serve as interim pastor with Trinity Lutheran Church of Lakewood, Ohio. Pastor Angela is serving a half-time call and is under contract for six months. After that time there is an option to extend the call for another six months.

Trinity Lutheran said goodbye to their longtime pastor of 25 years when she retired in November, 2015. Trinity Lutheran has long been a vibrant congregation with a passion for social justice and outreach. As a congregation, they were one of the first to become an RIC church in the Northeastern Ohio Synod, and they remain one of the few who are fully welcoming and open. In 2015, through their robust pantry and meal programs, Trinity fed nearly 5,000 hungry people.

On Sunday, March 13, Trinity voted and unanimously accepted an offer for the purchase and sale of their property. During Pastor Angela’s time with the congregation, it is highly likely the congregation will shut its doors, after nearly 100 years serving the community, and move to a new location. The building, like many older churches, has become an albatross and a deterrent for growing ministry. Trinity will be moving onto the property of a UCC church just down the street from their current location. The UCC property is in much better condition and is accessible for the disabled. But, even more there is a great opportunity for the Lutheran and UCC congregations to grow together and share ministries.

Peace and Holy Week blessings!
Pastor Angela

In Stitches

Saturday, April 2 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!

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, April 3

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.

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 April

• 4/3—St. Columba object box
• 4/10—The Good Shepherd and World Communion
• 4/17—The Synagogue and the Upper Room
• 4/24—Circle of Worship Service

New Member Inquiry Classes

Sundays, April 3, 10 & 17, 9:15 am, between services

The new member inquiry class is for anyone wanting to learn more about Lutheran Church of Honolulu and its ministry. Anyone who might be interested in becoming a congregational member should plan to attend all three classes! For more information or to sign up for the class, please email Pastor Jeff at pr.jeff@lchwelcome.org.

Confirmation Classes

Sundays, April 3, 10, 17 & 24, 12:00 pm 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.

On Sunday, April 3, Pastor Jeff will provide lunch and the confirmation candidates will craft and plant pinwheels on the church lawn to recognize Child Abuse Awareness Month. Materials will be provided, as well as resources from the Child Abuse Network.

Poetry Group

Sunday, April 3, 6:45 pm

Poetry group will meet on the first Sunday of April prior to Evening Prayer, which begins at 7:30 pm.

Evening Prayer

Sunday, April 3, 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, adding balance to our busy lives.

There will be no Evening Prayer on April 17 so the LCH Choir can sing Evensong at St. Andrew’s Cathedral that evening.

Book of Faith Bible Study

Thursdays, 10:00–11:30 am, in the LCH Boardroom

The Book of Faith Bible study meets each Thursday mornings in the Boardroom. All are welcome to join this lively discussion of the Biblical texts, relevant current events, and historical foundations. For March and April, the group will study Paul’s letter to the Romans. As much a theological treatise as letter, Paul’s missive has had undeniable influence on Christian thought and practice. As we engage the text, the group is finding a lot to talk about. Please join us!

Process Thought Forum

Saturday, April 9, 9:30 am in the LCH Board Room

We meet to explore one of the basic tenets of Process Thought: panentheism, the universe as God’s body. A concise article by Jay McDaniel explains some of these concepts. Find the article at the Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism website: www.jesusjazzbuddhism.org/panentheism-the-universe-as-gods-body.html and join us for a lively discussion. All are welcome, especially newcomers. This is a very good introduction to Process Thought. Contact Fritz Fritschel through the LCH office for more information 808-941-2566.

Food for Thought

Saturday, April 9, 5:30–8:00 pm

The next meeting of Food for Thought has been scheduled to meet 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.

LCH Night at Hawai‘i Public Radio

Saturday, April 9, 5:45–8:00 pm

It’s time for the Spring Pledge Drive for Hawai‘i Public Radio. We claimed “Prairie Home Companion” (that most-Lutheran of Public Radio programs) as our night to help with the pledge drive several years ago, and the tradition continues. Again this year, the station has reserved Saturday night, April 9, for LCH to staff the phones and take pledges. We get to meet like-minded folks on the phone, and if someone can fill in for Chuck Pearson (who will be out of town that weekend), we’ll be able to enjoy tuna hot dish and green jell-o too. This is a great way to expand LCH name recognition to those who may not know about us. We are acknowledged throughout the night by the on-air hosts, and we issue a challenge to other listeners.

Jim Cartwright will be coordinating the event, so let him know at church or contact him through the Church Office at 808-941-2566 if you can help with the phones. If you already plan to make a pledge this spring or just want to be part of the LCH Challenge, you can also let Jim know, and we’ll add your donation to the amount that others traditionally pledge, including that stalwart who always throws 35 cents into the pot.

Holoholo Pick-Up

Tuesdays, April 12 & 26, 2:30–4:00 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.

Hukilau Conference Spring Assembly

April 16, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, St. John Lutheran Church, Kailua

This is our semi-annual opportunity to gather together as ELCA Lutherans in Hawai‘i to share our stories, discuss possible joint ministry efforts, and prepare for the Annual Synod Assembly. Please contact the LCH office no later than April 10 if you plan to attend. LCH will even pay for your lunch!

St. John Lutheran Church is located at 1004 Kailua Road in Kailua.

No Exploring Boundaries in April

Exploring Boundaries is cancelled this month in deference to Evensong at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. We have a speaker, Dr. Stephen O’Harrow, scheduled for Sunday, May 15, just before Evening Prayer.

Joint Evensong Service

April 17 at 5:30 pm • St. Andrew’s Cathedral

Our LCH Choir joins with the choir at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, downtown Honolulu. All are welcome.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, April 18, 10:00–11:30 am

We’re meeting at Murashige’s to discuss Pastrix or Accidental Saints, by Nadia Bolz-Weber, and Zealot, by Reza Aslan. In May we meet again at Murashige’s to talk about Catherine of Siena, by Sigrid Undset.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, April 18, 5:30–7:00 pm

Please note our new time! Writers’ Workshop will meet in the LCH Boardroom. Our final meeting before the summer break is planned for May 16. All are welcome! For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Adult Forum

April 24, May 1, and May 8

Regular attendees of Adult Forum are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in the New Member Inquiry classes being conducted April 3, 10, and 17. On April 24, the session will be devoted to a summary of five or six of the leading thinkers on Free Will, including Luther and Augustine. This will be followed by two discussion/debate Sundays featuring Pastor Jeff and Wayne Gau. This will be a good follow up to the new member classes.

Michael Burnett, Celebration of Life

April 24, Kailua Beach

A celebration of life gathering has been scheduled in memory of Michael Burnett at the home of friends Elaine and Bob Reeves. They live at the top of the peninsula at the North End of Kailua beach. Please contact Seng Lee (Seng.h.lee@gmail.com) or Stevan Bailey (stevan@accu-rack.com) for details. Information will also be posted on the Gregory House Programs Facebook page.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, April 30, 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 (April 17). See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.

LCH Community Book and Media Exchange

May 7, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, in the Hörmann Courtyard

Join us for a free book and media exchange! Bring your used books, CDs, and DVDs—fiction, non-fiction, children’s, cookbooks, travel guides—all genres welcome. Feel free to browse and take home titles that catch your eye. Books remaining at the close of the event will be donated to the Friends of the Library. This event will be open to the local community as well. Contact Hope Jahren via the LCH office for more information.

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.

Electronic Funds Transfers for February

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$5,306	Mission Campaign	$50
Music Fund/Instruments	$170	Wounded Warriors	$146
Capital Improvements	$107

Attendance and Offerings for March

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
March 6	8:00 am Service	45	Offering	$1,896
	10:30 am Service	51	Children’s Benefit Concert	$1,965
	Evening Prayer	16	Altar Flowers	$190
	Total	112	Music/Instruments	$20
March 13	8:00 am Service	68	Offering	$2,584
	10:30 am Service	72	Children’s Benefit Concert	$320
	Total	140	Wounded Warriors	$250
			Mission Campaign	$50
			Music/Instruments	$10
March 20	8:00 am Service	63	Offering	$8,485
	10:30 am Service	73	Children’s Benefit Concert	$100
	Evening Prayer	18	Altar Flowers	$98
	Total	154	Social Ministries	$81
			Children’s Benefit Concert	$40
March 24–27	Maundy Thursday	60	Offerings	$4,521
	Good Friday	66	Altar Flowers	$39
	Easter Vigil	65	Children’s Benefit Concert	$80
	Easter 8:00 am	82	Music Fund	$80
	Easter 10:30 am	113
	Total	386

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, April 19, 9:00 am

Irmgard, the family and friends of Michael Burnett, Brendan, Jenny, and Swede

April Birthdays

04/02	Brent Buckley
04/04	Marisa Castello
04/07	Dr. Carl Watanabe
04/08	Azure S.
04/09	Thomas Motooka
04/12	Eric Ogawa
04/13	Larry Nitz
04/15	Peter Flachsbart
04/15	Darel Stark
04/17	Carol Langner
04/17	Joseph Pearson
04/19	April Smith
04/26	Anna Womack
04/29	Mitchell G.
04/29	Sarah Roseberg
04/30	Vicki Gorman

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	April 3	April 10	April 17	April 24
LECTOR	Chuck Huxel	Amanda Lippert	Cindy Scheinert	Peggy Anderson
ASSISTING MINISTER	Laurie Leach	Peggy Anderson	Tim Freson	Bobby Broyles
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Kyra Takamiya Wayne Gau Stephanie Luuloa	Sophia S. Amanda Lippert Bobby Broyles	Sheena Lim-Urban Amanda Lippert Wayne Gau	Sophia S. Peggy Anderson Kyra Takamiya
ACOLYTE	Hunter N.	Raphael S.	Dylan D.	Charles C.
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
USHERS	Fred Benco Craig Clissold Billie Jean Ries		COUNCIL IN CHARGE	Noe Nitz
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	April 3	April 10	April 17	April 24
LECTOR	Peter Flachsbart	Angie Niermann	Aaron Gould	Peter Flachsbart
DEACON	Mary Fastenau	Teresa McCreary	Shy Healey	Mary Fastenau
SUB-DEACON	Lindsey Bell	Marcus Fikse	Frank Haas	Jim Cartwright
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Nathalie J. Bob Tellander	Chuck Pearson Josie Bidgood	Sue Haas Randy Christensen	Phyllis Hormann Marcus Fikse
ACOLYTES	Rebecca L. Coco J.	Azure S. Scarlett S.	TJ H. Iara N.	Iara N. Max W.
LAYING ON HANDS		John Bickel
USHERS	William Fay Chuck Huxel LaVerne Rickard Jean Ries		ALTAR GUILD	Olivia Castro Mary-Jo Estes Billie Jean Ries Noelani Nitz

Calendar: April 2016

Day	Date	Event and Time
Saturday	April 2	9:00 am, In Stitches 7:30 pm, Bridging the Centuries 2, EMH Concert
Sunday	April 3	Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, New Member Inquiry Class 9:20 am, Sunday School 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 6:45 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Monday	April 4	7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	April 7	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	April 9	9:30 am, Process Thought Forum 5:30 pm, Food for Thought
Sunday	April 10	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, New Member Inquiry Class 9:20 am, Sunday School 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class
Monday	April 11	6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	April 12	2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up
Wednesday	April 13	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday	April 14	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	April 15	1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served
Sunday	April 17	Honolulu AIDS Walk 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, New Member Inquiry Class 9:20 am, Sunday School 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class 5:30 pm, Evensong at St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Monday	April 18	10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 5:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	April 19	Heartbeat Deadline! 6:30 pm, Council Meeting
Thursday	April 21	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Sunday	April 24	Earth Day 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class
Monday	April 25	7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	April 26	2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up
Thursday	April 28	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	April 30	10:00 am, One Pot One Hope