HeartBeat—February 2017

A Message from Pastor Jeff

Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther, a talented German monk serving as a professor in Wittenberg Germany, posted 95 theses on the church door of the university church. Neither he nor anyone else of his time could have predicted the wide-ranging, even world-changing result of the simple act of asking questions about faith and the practices of the church he loved so dearly. Who could have predicted that asking simple questions could make such a difference?

Two thousand years ago, disciples who followed Jesus began to write down the stories and experiences they had with Jesus and within their growing communities of faith. Paul, a recent convert to this new religion, wrote letters to fledgling congregations encouraging them in their newborn faith and sharing his own hopes and dreams for a new and better world. Could they have imagined that hundreds of years later people would view their writings as holy, sacred, and even perfect? The impact of these stories on our world and our lives is immeasurable. Who could have predicted that telling stories could change the world and society in such a dramatic fashion?

Bishop Eaton, in her sermon to the Pacifica Synod Assembly, reminded us that the Church Universal still has a story tell, and that the Lutheran Church has a particularly compelling story. Luther’s greatest gift to Christianity is his commitment to God’s Word shared in scripture, preaching, sacraments, and service. For him, and I hope for us, God’s word and God’s story are still unfolding daily in the lives and ministries of God’s people around the world.

Sadly, while storytelling is enjoying a renaissance in the secular world, modern Lutherans have grown reticent to share their stories of God’s grace in their daily lives. How about you? Are you passionate enough about that story to share it with one another, with friends, and with neighbors? “The heavens are telling the story of God,” the psalmist writes. Can we join in the storytelling as well?

Here is an opportunity: Throughout this year, I invite each of you to submit your story of faith for publication on the church bulletin board. What is God up to in your life; how is God’s word of grace and hope bearing fruit for you and your community? Every story will be posted, some will appear—with your permission—in the HeartBeat or e-News. Feeling particularly inspired? Once a month, beginning in February, we hope to have someone share their story during worship. Together, let us bring God’s story “through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” There is a story to share; will you tell it?

Peace,
Pastor Jeff

“Extreme Recycling” at the Swap Your Stuff Spectacular

This year’s theme of “Restoring Creation—Renewing Christ’s Community” has led us into new adventures, but it also gives us opportunities to reemphasize lessons we have already learned. Back in 2014/15 we focused on ways to bring various aspects of our lives into balance, including in January, our relationship to our stuff.

The mystery of the incarnation we celebrate at Christmas tells us that this physical world matters to God—and so does what do we do with our stuff. Acting from that realization, we urged each other to take the “No New Stuff Challenge,” thought about how to reuse the stuff we already have, explored ways to recycle the stuff that couldn’t be reused, and on the last Sunday we hosted our first “Swap Your Stuff Spectacular.”

On that Sunday, the tables in the Courtyard started out full of stuff we didn’t need, but at the end of the morning—as if by magic or maybe divine guidance—much of it had found new homes with LCH members and friends or with our friends in the Korean congregation that worships after us.

The first Swap Your Stuff Spectacular was such a success that we’re doing it again on February 19. Bring your formerly-prized possessions to give/share on the swap table in the courtyard. This is great for books you’ve read, DVDs you’ve finish watching, or other treasures. Of course, anything that’s leftover at the end of the day will be repurposed to local charities.

An Easy Way to Donate

Did you know you can donate to Lutheran Church of Honolulu while shopping without spending any extra money? Shop at smile.amazon.com and increase donations to Lutheran Church of Honolulu! Any Amazon purchase can be made through LCH’s unique charity-link, which will take you directly to smile.amazon.com in support of LCH. Just type this URL in your browser and start shopping: smile.amazon.com/ch/99-0079975.

I Love to Tell the Story

Storytelling as an art form is enjoying a renaissance around the world. Poets, rap artists, indigenous peoples, and performers have all rediscovered how stories can teach, motivate, calm and excite us. Do you have a story about your faith that you would like to share? We would like to collect your stories and post them on the bulletin board in the Hörmann Courtyard. We hope to publish (with your permission, of course) one story each month in The HeartBeat and to invite one person each month to tell their story during worship.

Please submit your stories to Pastor Jeff or the church office. You may drop them off or email them in .txt, Word, or Publisher format. Please try to keep to one page if possible, and submit a picture of yourself and/or a photo related to your story.

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!

Volunteers needed for Youth Fundraiser!

Punahou Carnival Parking, Friday & Saturday, February 3 & 4

Each year the youth group requests your help with their Punahou Carnival Parking fundraiser. This year the carnival takes place on Friday, February 3, and Saturday, February 4.

We need adult volunteers to cover three-hour shifts during the carnival on Friday and Saturday. Event coordinators provide volunteers with snacks and drinks, flashlights and safety vests, and you provide the fellowship! Sign-up sheets are available in the Hörmann courtyard. Shifts times on both days are: 10:30 am–1:30 pm, 1:30–4:30 pm, 4:30–7:30 pm, and 7:30–10:30 pm.

Please contact Jerelyn Watanabe, jerelyntw@gmail.com, with questions. Thank you!

No In Stitches in February

In Stitches, the LCH craft group, will not hold a regular session in February, due to Punahou Carnival conflicts.

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, February 5

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.

Adult Forum: Roots of Religions

Does the history of religions help us in anxious times?
Sundays, February 5, 12, & 19, 9:15 am • LCH Boardroom

Come join in the discussion, led by Steve Miller, on issues such as religions’ response to needs at each time in history and the evolution of belief and ritual toward compassion. Universal compassionate behavior may be the best way to achieve everyone’s needs. How do we get there?

Discussion topics by date:

• February 5—Early Religions and the Pre-Axial Age
• February 12—Axial Age Roots of Religions, 800–200 bc
• February 19—Will Teaching Compassion Help?

Reading Karen Armstrong’s book The Great Transformation will add to enjoyment of the discussion. It is available on Amazon and Kindle. The book is an enlightening and entertaining review of the development (not doctrines) of the major religions of the world.

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 February:

• February 5—Parable of the Good Samaritan
• February 12—Parable of the Great Pearl
• February 19—St. Columba Object Box
• February 26—Parable of the Great Banquet

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, February 5, 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!

Poetry Group

Sunday, February 5, 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, February 5, 7:30 pm

Join us for Compline, led a cappella by the LCH Schola. This is a peaceful experience of rejuvenation and prayer.

Confirmation Preparation Classes

Thursdays, February 9, 16, & 23, 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.

Confirmation classes are held on Thursday evenings and include dinner. If you’re interested in participating in confirmation preparation, please contact Pastor Jeff.

Process Thought Forum

Comparing Whitehead and Chinese Thought
Saturday, February 11, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom

Let’s try this again! The Process Forum will meet in February—God willin’ and the creek don’t rise. We will look at elements of Chinese thought and philosophy as these parallel some of the primary ideas of Process thinkers. Our discussion focuses on an article from the Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism website, “Ten Comparisons Between Chinese Thought and Process Thought.” Read the article beforehand if you wish, or just come and be part of the discussion. We look forward to being together in the new year. All are welcome to join us for lively discussion. Contact the church office at 808-941-2566 or speak to Fritz Fritschel or Carol Langner if you have questions.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, February 13, 4:30–6:00 pm • LCH Boardroom

Writers’ Workshop will meet in the LCH Boardroom for our first meeting of the new year. Further meetings are planned for March 13, April 17, May 15, and June 12. All are welcome! For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Holoholo Pick-Up

Tuesdays, February 14 and 28, 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.

IHS Meals Prepared and Served

Friday, February 17, 1:30 pm prep/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.

Food for Thought

Saturday, February 18, 5:30–8:00 pm

We regret having to cancel our January 21 get-together, due to bad weather. The next gathering of Food for Thought has been scheduled to meet at the home of David Hormann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For location details and other information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

LCH Office Closed for Presidents’ Day

Monday, February 20

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, February 20, 10:00 am

Our February book club will meet at the Murashige’s. We will discuss Dust Is Falling from Dreams, by Louis de Bernieris. Our next meeting is on March 20, when we will be reviewing The Soul of An Octopus, by Sy Montgomery. All are welcome.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, February 25, 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 (February 19). See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, February 25, 6:00 pm • Isenberg Hall—Cancelled

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 February we’re encouraging everyone to share their Valentine experiences with the group. Games and or videos are also welcome for after-dinner entertainment. If you are bringing a video, please let Jim Cartwright 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.

Thirteenth Annual Faith and Arts Sunday

Sunday, February 26, in the Hörmann Courtyard

Our annual Faith and Arts Sunday highlights 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. There is a sign-up sheet in the courtyard or you may speak to Linda Miller or contact her through the Church Office at 808-941-2566 with questions.

Baptized We Live: Sacramental Living and Lutheran Life

Please join Pastor Jeff and Fred Benco for an adult study entitled “Baptized We Live: Sacramental Living and Lutheran Life.” Using Dan Erlander’s classic text, we will explore Lutheran theology, sacraments, and teaching through new eyes. This simple text invites us to see our Lutheran faith as a “Way of Seeing, A Way of Hearing, A Way of Teaching, and a Way of Following.” The class particularly welcomes those wishing learn more about our faith and perhaps becoming members of the congregation. We hope you will join us for some lively conversation!

The class will run each Sundays February 26, March 5, 12, and 19. Anyone interested in exploring membership at LCH is especially invited to attend. Contact Pastor Jeff at pr.jeff@lchwelcome.org if you have any questions.

Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers

Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5, 6:00 pm • Isenberg Hall

Please join in this wonderful time of fellowship and prayer, beginning each week with a simple soup and salad supper, Wednesday evenings during the season of Lent. Suppers will be served at 6:00 pm, prior to 7:00 pm Lenten Services. Our them for services this year will be A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you, from Ezekiel 36:26.

A sign-up sheet will be available in the courtyard for contributions to each week’s meal and for help with set-up and clean-up. See Mary-Jo Estes or call the LCH office for more information.

German Language Classes for Adults

Are you interested in learning or brushing up on your German speaking skills? Some LCH members have voiced interest in German language classes for adults here at LCH. Ghissou Rosala, German language instructor who rents space at LCH, is willing to conduct adult classes if there is enough interest.

Class fees will be $150 for each participant (covering 10 classes) if a minimum of eight students participate. Classes will begin mid-February and finish end-April. Please contact the office via phone 808-941-2566 or email lch@lchwelcome.org if you are interested. Let us know what weekday evening time is most convenient for your schedule.

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.

Electronic Funds Transfers for December

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$5,505	Mission Campaign	$50
Music Fund/Instruments	$200	Wounded Warriors	$117
Capital Improvements	$107

Attendance and Offerings for January

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
January 1	8:00 am Service	42	Offering	$3,186
	10:30 am Service	60	One Pot One Hope	$50
	Compline	29
	Total	131
			Memorials	$70
January 6	German Vespers	90
January 8	8:00 am Service	51	Offering	$2,145
	10:30 am Service	76	Music/Instruments	$520
	Total	127
January 15	8:00 am Service	56	Offering	$2,068
	10:30 am Service	73	Emergency Loan Fund	$20
	Total	129	Wounded Warriors	$50
			Music/Instruments	$200
January 22	8:00 am Service	56	Offering	$1,620
	10:30 am Service	73	Wounded Warriors	$120
	Total	113	Music/Instruments	$30
January 29	8:00 am Service	38	Offering	$1,358
	10:30 am Service	73	Concert Reserve Fund	$324
	Total	111

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, February 21, 9:00 am

Irene, Jeff S., Jonathan, Karen, Kirsten, Leilani, Sara, and Swede

February Birthdays

02/01	Christian David Arakawa
02/07	Cheryl Crozier Garcia
02/12	Carolyn Koehler
02/14	Raymond B. Herradura
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 5	February 12	February 19	February 26
LECTORS	Jimmy Castro	Chuck Huxel	Cindy Scheinert	Peggy Anderson
ASSISTING MINISTER	Laurie Leach	Peggy Anderson	Phyllis Hormann	Amanda Lippert
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Sophia S. Wayne Gau Stephanie Luuloa	Sheena Lim-Urban Bobby Broyles Chuck Huxel	Laurie Leach Kyra Takamiya Wayne Gau	Peggy Anderson Tim Freson Sophia S.
ACOLYTE	Raphael S.	Dylan D,	Hunter N.	Raphael S.
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
USHERS	Fred Benco Craig Clissold Billie Jean Ries Chuck Huxel		COUNCIL in CHARGE	Carol Langner
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	February 5	February 12	February 19	February 26
LECTORS	Angie Niermann	Peggy Brandt	Aaron Gould	Juditha Murashige
DEACON	Mary Fastenau	Teresa McCreary	Marcus Fikse	Frank Haas
SUB-DEACON	Frank Haas	Shy Healey	Jim Cartwright	Marcus Fikse
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Teresa McCreary Marcus Fikse	Bob Tellander Randy Christensen	Mary Fastenau Nathalie J.	Sue Haas Jacqui Darroch
ACOLYTES	Iara N. Max W.	Connor H. TJ H.	Lillie J. Coco J.	Scarlett S. Rebecca L.
LAYING ON HANDS		John Bickel
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Bill Fay Chuck Pearson LaVerne Rickard Jean-Paul Klingebiel		ALTAR GUILD	Linda Miller Lori Nishimura Marjan Lynch Marlise Tellander

Calendar: February 2017

Day	Date	Event and Time
Thursday	February 2	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	February 3	Punahou Carnival Event Parking at LCH
Saturday	February 4	Punahou Carnival Event Parking at LCH All regularly scheduled activities at LCH cancelled
Sunday	February 5	Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable 6:45 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 am, Compline
Monday	February 6	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Wednesday	February 8	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday	February 9	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	February 11	9:30 am, Process Thought Forum 7:30 pm, Early Music Hawai‘i Concert
Sunday	February 12	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	February 13	4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	February 14	2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up
Thursday	February 16	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
Friday	February 17	1:00 pm, IHS Meals Prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals Served
Saturday	February 18	5:30 pm, Food for Thought
Sunday	February 19	Swap Your Stuff Stewardship Event 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 am, Evening Prayer
Monday	February 20	Presidents’ Day—LCH Office Closed 10:00 am, Women’s Book Club 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	February 21	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting
Thursday	February 23	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	February 25	10:00 am, One Pot One Hope 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society—Cancelled
Sunday	February 26	Faith and Arts Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Sunday School 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	February 27	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	February 28	2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up
Wednesday	March 1	Ash Wednesday 7:00 pm, Ash Wednesday Worship