HeartBeat—August 2017

A Message from Pastor Jeff

500 Years of Grace (and Other Stuff)
Part One of a Six-Part Series on Luther and the Reformation

For half of a millennium the world has been fascinated with Martin Luther—both the man and his teaching. In 1983 Jon Todd, author of Luther: A Life wrote, “In most big libraries, books by and about Martin Luther occupy more shelf room than those concerned about any other human being except Jesus of Nazareth” (Crossroad, 1982, p. 13). Who knows if his statement is accurate, but it testifies to an enormous interest in Luther and to the impact he and his writings have had over the course of history. It is ironic that Luther is so well known, yet the faith formed by his followers remains largely unknown on the world stage. As we approach the 500th anniversary of the advent of the Protestant Reformation, let’s spend some time getting to know Luther, his teachings, and the history of the Reformation. This first of six installments will take a look at Luther’s early life.

Martin Luder (he later changed his name to Luther) was born November 10, 1483, to Hans and Margarete Luder in Eisleben, in Saxony. After the death of his father (Martin’s grandfather), Hans had to make a choice based on local inheritance laws, which dictated that his father’s farm be left to the youngest son. Hans either had to work in the field for his younger brother or find his fortune elsewhere. Seeing little opportunity working as a field hand, he moved his young family to Eisleben. Within a year after Martin’s birth, the family moved to Mansfield, where Hans found work in the copper mines. As one author notes, it wasn’t much fun.

Life in a copper mine in 15th Century Germany was far worse that working in a modern coal mine. Landslides, cave-ins, and suddenly rising water were constant life-threatening possibilities. In addition, miners were utterly dependent on animal power and in particular the power of the human muscle…of those who survived physically, many never became more than common laborers (Luther the Reformer, James Kittleson, Augsburg Publishing House, 1986).

Hans must have been exceptional, and exceptionally driven. Within seven years he started his own mining company. By the time Martin was 25, Hans and his partners controlled at least six mines and two copper smelters. His success and drive enabled him to do what few peasant-born men had been able to do in that time: he sent his son to school. In the 15th century, most young men followed their father’s into the family trade. But Hans wanted more for Martin and his siblings. At nine years old, Luther was trundled off to Latin School in Mansfield.

Luther described his own home life as very strict.

My parents kept me under very strict disciple, even to the point of making me timid. For the sake of a mere nut (which he had taken from the table) my mother beat me until blood flowed. By such strict discipline they finally forced me into the monastery: though they meant it heartily well, I was only made timid by it (Luther’s Works, American Ed., vol. 54, p.235, Fortress Press, 1967).

Such strictness was coupled with frugality and discipline. Times were exceedingly difficult in the late 1400s, and Martin’s family sought to better themselves against all odds. To that end, Luther’s education in Latin would continue in Magdeburg in 1497, and he finally matriculate to the School of St. George in Eisenach, where he would stay with relatives of a merchant family while he was in school. It was here that Luther met what he considered to be his first “real” teacher—John Trebonius. Luther described his early years in school as near torture, but in Trebonius he found someone who recognized and nurtured his love for learning and the classics. He also discovered a different kind of home life as a lodger with the Cotta family. Already a gifted musician, Luther joined with other choirboys in singing around town to earn cash. At one of their stops, it is thought he met Mrs. Cotta, the daughter of a wealthy town official, and Luther made his lodgings in one of their homes. It is likely he may have tutored the Cotta children as well.

Luther’s early years unfolded against what could only be described as a ghastly historical backdrop. The plague was decimating cities, and some villages were literally abandoned. The city of Strasbourg, population 25,000, saw 16,000 residents die in a single year. In Florence, infant mortality and first year death was nearly 61%. Syphilis raged through communities bringing even more misery to an already impoverished land. Violence was commonplace and brutish. One historian reminds us that the peasant farmers were not the quiet, reserved folk some might imagine. They fought for their land with club and fist when necessary, and life was short and hard for them. At the same time, Columbus would find the new world, great artists like Michelangelo and Raphael were painting and sculpting, and Copernicus would publish his greatest works of astronomy.

In many ways, Luther’s early years were set on a stage where death and life tugged at one another right before his eyes. His father, determined that Martin make the most of his life, did something quite unusual for someone who had grown up a peasant, he sent his son to university. In 1501, at the dawn of a new century, Martin Luther would enter the University of Erfurt, where his father hoped he become a lawyer and bring prosperity and respectability to his family. But even the best-laid plans have a way of taking strange turns.

Next time: The University Years

Summer Schedules

Sunday service time during the summer schedule—June, July, and August—means one worship service on Sundays, at 9:15 am. This is a communion service. There will be no Compline during the summer months. Compline resumes on the first Sunday of September.

Other programs, such as Confirmation classes, Food for Thought, Poetry Group, and Writers’ Workshop, may break for the summer as well. Check the LCH calendar on-line, or The HeartBeat and the weekly LCHNews calendars for scheduling information.

Good News: Shallow Subsidy Family

Christel Magallanes from Family Promise recently sent information about the young family that we will be helping with our shallow subsidy rental assistance contributions. A profile of the family introduces us to a single mom and four children, ages 15 to 10. All of children were born and have been raised in Hawai‘i. Mom Shemeeka moved to our State about 15 years ago from the mainland. She currently works full-time for the Department of Education as an educational assistant and also works part-time for the government. The oldest son, 15, recently joined his high school’s JV football team; Gakenia, 13, is the eldest daughter and loves to cook, especially baking. Next is Isaiah, 12, who enjoys food and is always curious to try anything; Martha, age 10, also enjoys good food! Christel selected this family due to the size of the family, and the resilience and determination of Shemeeka. As the sole provider, this rental subsidy will be a hand up for the family so that she can return to sustainable independence.

Family Promise is currently working hard to secure a rental unit and already has a lead. Christel is crossing her fingers that the family will qualify. By email, she wrote to LCH, “When this happens, I normally request the partnering church to send a check for the amount of $3,600, to Family Promise of Hawaii (FPH) at their earliest convenience. This is so that we are able to make the payment to the rental management company or landlord in a timely manner to avoid any setbacks in securing the unit. Some companies or landlords are very particular. The shallow rental subsidy donation will remain in FPH account until family has secured the unit. Once they have secured the unit, FPH will be issuing out a check monthly for a year.”

We are delighted to be able to assist this family, and hope they will visit LCH in late August or early September. We will provide additional information about their activities as the year unfolds. We also await news from Family Promise about our second Shallow Subsidy family. We are blessed to be a blessing—God’s work. Our hands!!

Farewell Karyn

It is with great sadness and joy that we say farewell to a daughter of our congregation, Karyn Castro. Karyn is one of those rare young people who has spent all of her life as a member of Lutheran Church of Honolulu. In the last few years, Karyn has been a key member of the LCH Choir, member and officer on the Church Council, and volunteer for many projects and events. We wish her a fond farewell as she begins her graduate studies in Washington, DC, and we look forward to seeing her again soon. Finally, we wish her our fondest aloha.

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!

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, August 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.

Godly Play—Sunday School News

During the summer, there is no Sunday school as LCH goes to a one worship service schedule. Sign up for next year’s Sunday school on Rally Sunday, August 27. Godly Play Sunday School will begin again on September 3. Have a great summer!

In Stitches Taking a Break

In Stitches, the LCH craft group, is taking a break for the rest of the summer. Look to the September HeartBeat for news about what form we will take in the fall. Have a great summer!

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, August 6, 10:30 am • LCH Boardroom

Committee chairs and team leaders, please plan to gather for a short (45 minute) meeting. (Note the summer schedule time.) 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!

Driveway Apron Repairs Scheduled

Beginning Sunday, August 6, after service

Driveway apron repair work has been scheduled for the week beginning Sunday, August 6, and will be completed by Saturday, August 12. Please plan to park in the Poki Street lot on August 6 and during the following week if you have meetings or business at LCH.

Process Forum

Saturday, August 12, • 9:30-11:00 a.m. • LCH Board Room

In the gospel reports, Jesus spent more time talking about considerations related money than almost any other topic. He recognized that, in order to have healthy communities, a society needs to be founded on the fair and just use of wealth.

We sometimes wonder what economics has to do with theology or the call to live a Christian life. We’ll start looking at this question, using the work of Kate Raworth, a British economist who has proposed a “doughnut model” of economics. Her model aims to “create a safe and just space for humanity with inclusive and sustainable economic development” through a balanced integration of the environmental ceiling and social foundation.

You can find more information and links to short videos about “doughnut economics” on the Jesus, Jazz, and Buddhism website.

Be Part of the LCH Children’s Sunday School Team

Sunday, August 13, 10:30 am

We will have a meeting of Sunday school teachers after service on August 13. All who want to help are welcome!

Punahou Academy Fall Semester Parking

The Punahou Academy fall semester begins Wednesday, August 16. Student parking begins in the LCH Poki Street and in the church lot on that date. All Poki Street lot spaces are reserved for Punahou student parking, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, on school days only, through May 31, 2018. There are nine spaces reserved for Punahou students in the church lot for the fall and spring semesters. All are along the Poki Street side of the church lot and one space in the gravel nearest the dumpster. They are reserved, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, on school days only, through May 31, 2018.

Please do not park in the Poki Street lot during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Even if spaces are empty, they are paid for and reserved for Punahou students. It is recommended that you observe posted “Reserved Parking” signs and park in the church lot, against the LCH office building, during office hours when visiting LCH during regular business days. The church lot parking diagram is included here (left column) for guidance.

Please be aware that cars parked in the church lot after 10:00 pm, without a permit, will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Office Closed

Statehood Day—Friday, August 18

IHS Meals Prepared and Served

Friday, August 18, 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, August 19, 5:30–8:30 pm

The next meeting of Food for Thought has been scheduled for Saturday, August 19, at the home of David Hörmann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Blood Drive at LCH

Sunday August 20, 8:00 am–noon • Poki Parking Lot

Hawaii Blood bank will bring their bloodmobile to the LCH Poki Street lot for LCH members, friends, and the community to donate life-saving blood. Summer is a critical time for the blood bank. Currently, Hawai‘i blood supplies are low because donations are scarce in summer, but demand is huge due to a spike in accidents and other needs. Please get the word out to friends and neighbors who may be willing to donate. Mahalo!

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, August 21, 10:00 am

We’re meeting at the Murashige’s to discuss The Swerve by Stephen Greenblatt. Our next meeting will be Monday, September 18, when we will cover The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis. Linda Miller will lead the discussion. All are welcome.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, August 21, 4:30 pm

The summer hiatus for Writers’ Workshop comes to an end in August. The group will have the first meeting of the new program year on August 21 in the LCH Boardroom. For more information contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, August 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. See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, August 26 • LCH 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.

Games and or videos are 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.

Rally Sunday

Sign up for fall Sunday school on Rally Sunday, August 27. Godly Play Sunday School will start again on September 3.

LCH FAMILY DAY at Wet ’n’ Wild!

Saturday, August 27, following worship

Join members of our LCH ‘ohana for a day of fun, sponsored by the LCH Youth, after worship on Sunday, August 27. We leave following the 9:15 service and enjoy the attractions at Wet ’n’ Wild between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.

LCH youth are free, and adults are $20.00. Youth must be accompanied by parent/guardian

Registration begins Sunday, July 30. in the courtyard following the service. Look for Georgine.

Give Aloha Returns September 1!

LCH Org Code: 78224

We are registered again this year to participate in the Give Aloha Program sponsored by Foodland/Western Union. During the month of September, donations to Give Aloha will be accepted, up to $249, at any Foodland or Sack ’n’ Save. Don’t forget your Maika‘i card and use the LCH Organization Code (78224) at the time of your donation. Foodland and Western Union will match every gift received up to $300,000 for all combined participating organizations.

Homestays for Visiting Musicians

As part of our observance for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, LCH, with the support of Paul Schwind and other donors, has contracted ¡Sacabuche! to perform with our choir in a pair of concerts. This wonderful ensemble will feature four early brass players and a renowned Baroque violinist. In preparation for their arrival we are looking for homestay hosts to house members of the group from Thursday, October 19, through Monday, October 23 (four nights). Please contact our director of music and liturgy, Scott Fikse, if you are able to house someone or if you have questions: scott@LCHwelcome.org.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photos from the Western States Youth Gathering in Thousand Oaks, California in July.

Aloha Bob Zimmer

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Robert “Bob” Zimmer. Bob was a long-time Honolulu resident and incredibly active member of Lutheran Church of Honolulu. Bob served on Church council, Pastoral Support Committee, Mary Magdalene Society, Hawaii Public Radio “Lutheran Hour,” and countless other activities. Bob always referred to LCH as his “family” and we will miss him dearly. Most of all, Bob will be remembered for his deep faith and thankfulness for life. For the past two years Bob has been enjoying life with his family in Minnesota. Our deepest aloha goes out to them in this time of loss.

Funeral arrangements will be communicated as soon as they are available.

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.

500th Anniversary Plans Underway

A 500th anniversary ecumenical service is in the works for this very special celebration year. The event will be held on Saturday, October 14, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. The joyful service will be concelebrated and acclaimed by combined choirs.

Other events, including a very special LutherFest, are being planned for this year. Stay tuned for updates and calendar scheduling.

Electronic Funds Transfers for June

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$5,335	Capital Improvements	$107
Music Fund/Instruments	$270	Wounded Warriors	$117
Shallow Subsidy	$60

Attendance and Offerings for July

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
July 2	9:15 am Service	80	Offering	$2,782
			Shallow Subsidy	$140
			Social Ministries	$10
			Memorials	$100
July 9	9:15 am Service	94	Offering	$2,320
			Shallow Subsidy	$190
			Social Ministries	$61
			Altar Flowers	$40
			Service Music Fund	$500
July 16	9:15 am Service	85	Offering	$2,919
			Shallow Subsidy	$30
			Social Ministries	$61
			Service Music Fund	$20
July 23	9:15 am Service	72	Offering	$1,634
			Shallow Subsidy	$125
			Wounded Warriors	$50
			Music/Instruments	$10
July 30	9:15 am Service	88	Offering	$2,584
			Shallow Subsidy	$100

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, August 15, 9:00 am

Amanda, the Connor family, Foua, Karen, Kat, Keahi Y., Kim K., Kirsten, Lee M., Mark S., Mary L., Micki S., Sara, Shirley, Swede, Teresa B.

August Birthdays

08/03	Elizabeth Pearson
08/05	Nedra Walker
08/06	Sissy Arakawa
08/13	Alexa S.
08/14	Benjamin Fay
08/17	Gordon W.
08/18	Jean-Paul Klingebiel
08/24	Dennis Hethcote
08/27	Peggy Khan

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (9:15 am)
DATE	August 6	August 13	August 20	August 27
LECTOR	Juditha Murashige	Peter Flachsbart	Amanda Lippert	Jimmy Castro
ASSISTING MINISTER	Bobby Broyles	Don Johnson	Teresa McCreary	Shy Healey
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Jim Cartwright Josie Bidgood Carolyn Koehler	Sophia S. Sheena Lim-Urban Frank Haas	Mary Fastenau Peggy Anderson Wayne Gau	Marcus Fikse Laurie Leach Kyra Takamiya
ACOLYTE	Iara N.	Raphael S.	Lillie L.	Rebecca L.
LAYING ON HANDS		TBA
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Craig Clissold Billie Jean Ries William Fay Chuck Huxel Chuck Pearson Fred Benco		ALTAR GUILD	Josie Bidgood Stephanie Luuloa Sheena Lim-Urban Lois Watanabe Juditha Murashige
COUNCIL in CHARGE	Juditha Murashige

Calendar: August 2017

Day	Date	Event and Time
Thursday	August 3	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study
Sunday	August 6	Angel Network In-Gathering 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Leadership Roundtable 11:00 am, Driveway Apron repair work begins
Wednesday	August 9	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday	August 10	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Saturday	August 12	9:30 am, Process Forum
Sunday	August 13	9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting
Monday	August 14	6:00 pm, Worship and Music Meeting
Tuesday	August 15	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline! 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting
Thursday	August 17	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Friday	August 18	LCH Office Closed—Statehood Day 1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served
Saturday	August 19	5:30 pm, Food for Thought
Sunday	August 20	8:00 am, Blood Drive (Poki Street parking lot) 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion
Monday	August 21	10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop
Thursday	August 24	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Saturday	August 26	10:00 am, One Pot One Hope 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society
Sunday	August 27	9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Rally Sunday 10:45 am, Wet ’n’ Wild Youth/Family Excursion
Thursday	August 31	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal