In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Stewardship Corner
- Two Synod Representatives Needed!
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Godly Play—Sunday School News
- Poetry Group
- Compline
- Office Closed for New Year’s Holiday
- Holoholo Pick-Up
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Confirmation Preparation Classes
- German Vespers for Epiphany
- Bring Your Project to In Stitches
- Hike to Ka‘ena Point
- Leadership Roundtable
- First Communion Class
- Mary Magdalene Society
- Martin Luther King, Jr., Concert
- Office Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- IHS Meals Prepared and Served
- Hukilau Conference Assembly at LCH
- Food for Thought
- Annual Congregational Meeting, Part 2
- Writers’ Workshop
- One Pot, One Hope
- Anticipating a Big Celebration
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for November
- Attendance and Offerings for December
- Prayer Requests
- January Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (8:00 am)
- LCH Worship Participants (10:30 am)
- Calendar: January 2017
A Message from Pastor Jeff
For you shall go out in joy
For you shall go out in joy,
and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall burst into song,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial,
for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Isaiah 55: 12-13
May God bless and keep you in this New Year! Isaiah’s words of hope are fitting reminders of God’s presence and hope as we journey into a new year. We cannot know what this year may bring, but we can be assured that God will accompany us along the way. Through joy, sorrow, new life, death, celebrations, mourning, excitement and apathy, God will dwell with us.
Ministry through LCH was truly robust in 2016. Members and volunteers worked to feed hundreds of people each month through Institute for Human Services (the largest provider of services to those in need on O‘ahu), Angel Network (housed at Calvary by the Sea Lutheran), and One Pot One Hope (a ministry of the Hukilau Conference ELCA). We supported the wider church by tithing our member and plate offerings each week, donating to World Hunger Appeal, supporting a seminarian, and donations by our youth to the ELCA Good Gifts program. You helped our community by supporting Life Foundation (HIV/AIDS), Bread for the World, community concerts, and involvement in political and social issues that really matter. What a year!
2017 will likely prove to be even more exciting as we look to establish Stephen Ministry (a cadre of lay caring volunteers) and begin the process of applying for an intern. We hope to grow our music program, reshape elements of Sunday worship, and together with the Hukilau Conference, host three major events to commemorate the 5ooth anniversary of the Reformation.
Internally, we are putting together excellent offerings for adult education, monthly Compline has resumed, and we hope to have youth participate in two major events on the mainland. We also hope to revive efforts for a formal greeting program on Sunday mornings that will better engage our visitors and members alike.
But none of this can happen—or ever has happened—without your dedicated support and volunteerism. As we move into this new year, I want to offer my sincere thanks to all who regularly volunteer for the many tasks needed for ministry. Many of you are spending literally hours each week in the work of the church Mahalo nui loa! Obviously, not everyone can dedicate that kind of time, but please consider donating some time to bring to fruit the ministry to which all have been called that
“the mountains and the hills before you
shall burst into song,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
Peace,
Pastor Jeff Lilley
Hiking and Recycling to Renew Creation
On Saturday, January 7, our stewardship emphasis on renewing creation enters new year with a glorious walk to the scenic area at Ka‘ena Point. We will “follow the sun” from the Wai‘anae side of the island, pausing along the way to enjoy the creation of which God has entrusted to us—the nesting albatross and other beauties of nature. This is not a vigorous hike, so mark your calendar and join us.
Carpooling will be available from church, or you can form a group from your area of O‘ahu. Hike will begin at 10:00 am, and the LCH group will plan to departure at 9:00. Bring your lunch, water, walking stick, and sunscreen and join in the adventure. Sign up in courtyard.
Reduce • Reuse • Recycle • Repurpose
It’s that time of year again when secular Christmas brings lots of stuff. Stuff, more stuff, and even more stuff.
The Stewardship Committee is again sponsoring a “clean and clear” opportunity in February. Begin now and throughout the next month to evaluate your stuff. How much have you used it have you lost /gained weight, re-styled your life?
On February 19, we will again have a “Swap Your Stuff Spectacular.” So begin now-filling the boxes/bags of your surplus stuff. Bring it to church and we will stash it until the magical day. We will identify a special area in the courtyard for drop-off.
As St. Nicolas said in his children’s sermon just before Christmas, give (recycle) freely with love.
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 |
Two Synod Representatives Needed!
One man and one woman who are voting members of our congregation are needed to attend the Pacifica Synod Assembly May 11–13 in San Diego, California. Nominees will be confirmed through election at the second half of the Annual Meeting, January 22. Travel and accommodations are paid for by LCH.
Please talk to last year’s delegates, Olivia Castro or Scott Fikse, for more details about this commitment. Speak with Pastor Jeff or a member of the council to nominate yourself or someone else to fulfill this short but important opportunity.
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, January 1
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 Mornings 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 January:
- January 1—Epiphany
- January 8—Holy Baptism
- January 15— Parable of the Good Shepherd
- January 22—Parable of the Sower
- January 29—St. Bridget Object Box
Poetry Group
Sunday, January 1, 6:45 pm
Poetry group will meet on the first Sunday of January prior to the Compline service, which begins at 7:30 pm.
Compline
Sunday, January 1, 7:30 pm
Join us for Compline, led a cappella by the LCH Schola. This is a peaceful experience of rejuvenation and prayer.
Office Closed for New Year’s Holiday
Monday, January 2
Holoholo Pick-Up
Tuesdays, January 3, 17, and 31, 2:30–4:00 pm • 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.
Book of Faith Bible Study
Thursdays, 10:00–11:30 am • LCH Boardroom
The Book of Faith Bible study meets on Thursday mornings in the boardroom. All are welcome to join this lively discussion of the Biblical texts, relevant current events, and historical foundations. Please come for lively engaging fellowship and discussion!
Confirmation Preparation Classes
Thursdays, 6:15 pm • Rainbow Room
Confirmation is a voluntary for youth, grades 6 and up, who would like to confirm their faith. At baptism we promise to “place in (your child’s) hands the Holy Scripture and provide for their education in the Christian Faith.” In confirmation class we study scripture, the Reformation, and Christian history, but we are more interested in helping young people develop as persons of faith.
This year we’re having confirmation class on Thursday evenings, including dinner. If you’re interested in participating in confirmation preparation, please contact Pastor Jeff.
German Vespers for Epiphany
Friday, January 6, 7:30 pm
Join the LCH Choir, guest soloists, and Bach Chamber Orchestra on the Feast of Epiphany for our annual German Vespers. A tradition at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu since 2002, this service honors the church’s German heritage with prayers, hymns, a cantata, and even the sermon auf Deutsch. Translation will be provided. This year’s music features Hans Leo Hassler’s Magnificat and J.S. Bach’s Cantata 123: Liebster Immanuel, Herzog der Frommen. The theme for this year comes from Ezekiel 36. “I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead.” Again we welcome Rev. Anke Flohr as presider for this festival worship.
Bring Your Project to In Stitches
Saturday, January 7, 9:00 am • Rainbow Room
In Stitches, the LCH craft group, is changing direction slightly. We have a lot of ribbon lei so we want to encourage people to bring projects of their own to work on together once a month. We will always have ribbon to make lei, but please bring your own knitting, cross stitch, quilting, or other work and gather with us for fellowship. We meet the first Saturday of each month in the Rainbow Room.
Hike to Ka‘ena Point
Saturday, January 7, 9:00 am • Gather at LCH
On Saturday, January 7, our stewardship emphasis on renewing creation enters new year with a glorious walk to the scenic area at Ka‘ena Point. We will “follow the sun” from the Wai‘anae side of the island, pausing along the way to enjoy the creation of which God has entrusted to us—the nesting albatross and other beauties of nature. This is not a vigorous hike, so mark your calendar and join us.
Carpooling will be available from church, or you can form a group from your area of O‘ahu. Hike will begin at 10:00 am, and the LCH group will plan to departure at 9:00. Bring your lunch, water, walking stick, and sunscreen and join in the adventure. Sign up in courtyard.
Leadership Roundtable
Sunday, January 8, 11:45 am • LCH Boardroom
Committee chairs and team leaders, please plan to gather for a short (45 minute) meeting. This is an opportunity for us to sit down together and share information on what is happening with all the ministries at LCH. If you are a committee or team leader, please be prepared to share a little information on your activities with the group. Mahalo and see you there!
First Communion Class
Saturday, January 14, 10:00 am • Pastor’s Office and LCH Kitchen
Anyone desiring to receive First Communion instruction is invited to attend. We will learn more about the Sacrament of Holy Communion and bake the communion bread for the following Sunday, when participants will take their First Communion.
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, January 14, 6:00 pm • Isenberg Hall
LGBTQI and friends, please join our potluck supper and games or video night in Isenberg Hall. Supper begins at 6:00 pm with games or video to follow. Set up begins at 5:30, and help is greatly appreciated. Please bring a food item to share.
For January, we’ll be sharing New Year’s resolutions. Games and or videos are also welcome for after-dinner entertainment. If you are bringing a video, please let Jim Cartwright, Roy Helms, or Bill Potter know in advance so that we can line up the equipment for viewing.
For more information, contact Jim at jasfcartw@gmail.com. Please share information of this gathering and an invitation to other LGBTQI and friends you know who may be interested in socializing with us.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Concert
Sunday, January 15, 5:00 pm
Georgine Stark, soprano, is joined by the Lutheran Church of Honolulu Choir as well as violinist Darel Stark and pianist Sachi P. Hirakouji in a program showcasing African-American spirituals. Attendees will be moved by songs that inspire hope, question hate, and shout for freedom.
Office Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
Monday, January 16
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, January 16 10:00–11:30 am
Our January book club will meet at the Murashige’s. We will each select any book on clutter and bring a list of 10 one-line nuggets of wisdom to share from that book. Our next meeting is on February 20. We will discuss Dust Is Falling from Dreams by Louis de Bernieris. All are welcome.
IHS Meals Prepared and Served
Friday, January 20, 1:30 pm prep and 5:30 pm serve
For over 25 years, LCH has shopped for, prepared, and served a special dinner on the third Friday of each month for over 300 of Honolulu’s homeless. The cost is underwritten by the LCH budget and by a grant from the German Benevolent Society of Hawai‘i. Shoppers, cooks, and servers are needed each month. To learn more about the Institute for Human Services, visit their website at www.ihshawaii.org. Contact the LCH office or speak to Jimmy Castro for more information.
Hukilau Conference Assembly at LCH
Saturday, January 21, 10:00 am • Isenberg Hall
The ELCA Congregations in Hawaii gather twice-yearly for worship, business, and mission. This year, Lutheran Church of Honolulu will host the event. All are welcome to attend. Cost is $10.00 per person to cover lunch. Please sign-up in the courtyard between services if you plan to attend.
Food for Thought
Saturday, January 21, 5:30–8:00 pm
The next gathering of Food for Thought has been scheduled to meet at the home of David Hörmann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For location details and other information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
Annual Congregational Meeting, Part 2
Sunday, January 22, 9:10 am • LCH Courtyard
Please plan to attend Part 2 of the 2016–17 Annual Meeting. In January the main business is to approve a final budget for the new year and elect the new council members. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend, but only members in good standing may vote. Please plan to attend!
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, January 23, 4:30–6:00 pm • LCH Boardroom
Writers’ Workshop will meet at LCH in the Boardroom for our first meeting of the new year. Further meetings are planned for February 13, March 13, April 17, May 15, and June 12. All are welcome! For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, January 28, 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 (January 22). See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.
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. This event inaugurated the period known as the Reformation, 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 | $5,385 | Mission Campaign | $50 |
| Music Fund/Instruments | $170 | Wounded Warriors | $117 |
| Capital Improvements | $107 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, January 17, 9:00 am
Alan, Denise, Irene, John, Karen, Kirsten, Leilani, and Swede
| Day | Date | Event and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | January 1 | New Year’s Day Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 6:45 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 pm, Compline |
| Monday | January 2 | New Year’s Holiday—LCH Office Closed |
| Tuesday | January 3 | 2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up |
| Thursday | January 5 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Friday | January 6 | 7:30 pm, German Vespers for Epiphany |
| Saturday | January 7 | 9:00 am, In-Stitches 9:00 am, Gather at LCH for Ka‘ena Point hike |
| Sunday | January 8 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 7:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable |
| Monday | January 9 | 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Wednesday | January 11 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting |
| Thursday | January 12 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 6:15 pm, Confirmation Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | January 14 | 10:oo am, First Communion Class |
| Sunday | January 15 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 7:30 am, Choral Eucharist 5:00 pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert at LCH |
| Monday | January 16 | Martin L. King, Jr. Holiday—LCH Office Closed 10:00 am, Women’s Book Club 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Tuesday | January 17 | HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting |
| Thursday | January 19 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 6:15 pm, Confirmation Class |
| Friday | January 20 | 1:00 pm, IHS Meals Prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals Served |
| Saturday | January 21 | 10:00 am, Hukilau Conference Assembly at LCH 5:30 pm, Food for Thought |
| Sunday | January 22 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:10 am, Second Half of Congregational Meeting 9:15 am, Sunday School 7:30 am, Choral Eucharist |
| Monday | January 23 | 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Thursday | January 26 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 6:15 pm, Confirmation Class |
| Saturday | January 28 | 10:00 am, One Pot One Hope 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society |
| Sunday | January 29 | Welcoming Sunday (RIC) 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 7:30 am, Choral Eucharist |
| Monday | January 30 | 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Tuesday | January 31 | 2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up |
| Friday/Saturday | February 3–4 | Punahou Carnival |