HeartBeat—January 2018

From Pastor Jeff—500 Years of Grace

Luther Stands His Ground

Having served as pastor and resident theologian in Wittenberg for a few years, Luther gained valuable insight into the practical workings of the church he served. His time in the cloister had exposed him to the inner workings of the various orders of brothers, but as a pastor he lived fully immersed in the daily suffering of ordinary Christians. He saw first-hand the poverty, fear, and suffering of the peasant. With death so near from crop failure, disease, plague, and accidents, the simple hardworking people of Wittenberg clung fiercely to the promise that, in death, all hunger, want, and fear would vanish in the presence of God.

But even that promise, rooted in the Messiah who promised a light yoke and burden, would come at a price too high for Luther’s taste.

Pope Leo X was determined to have the monumental cathedral in Rome well-begun under his papacy. But Vatican funds were stretched thin by lavish spending, wars, and mismanagement. A member of the Medici family of bankers, Pope Pius, authorized the lending of money for interest for the first time. Taxes on the provinces were increased, and the selling of high-powered positions such as cardinal, bishop, and monsignor were used as a way to raise needed funds.

The provinces of Bohemia and surrounding areas were hit especially hard with taxes. In addition, the Pope authorized the selling of indulgences to strip even more money from prince and pauper alike. These papal-authorized writs promised to lessen, or even eliminate, the amount of time a person would spend in purgatory after death. Purgatory was a sort of nasty waiting room for those who, having been destined for heaven, needed further purification before entering final bliss. The living were called on to pray for those in Purgatory, that their venial sins, while forgiven by God, might be fully washed away. Indulgences were a simple and profitable extension of the practice of “prayer for the dead.” One could purchase an indulgence for oneself as a kind of insurance policy, or for a deceased loved one.

Pope Leo sent a particularly effective and odious seller of indulgences to Bohemia—a man by the name of Johann Tetzel. A powerful speaker, he employed every art of the sale to pedal indulgences. But his chief sales tactic was the most effective, namely, utter fear. With pantomimes and posters, fiery sermons and scalding biblical quotes, he painted a horrifying picture of the suffering of the deceased beloved relatives of those gathered around him in the town square. He reminded them, in no uncertain terms, that the same fate awaited each of them should they fail to pay the required price. Luther watched as parishioners, bereft of enough money for a decent meal, squandered their meager savings for “a worthless paper.”

It was the last of many straws for Luther. Being a teacher and a thinker, he devised 95 statements and invited debate among his scholarly colleagues and pastors. Some of his statements were rather tame and obscure, but many seemed to challenge the authority of the Pope, including #6:

The pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring and showing that it has been remitted by God; or, to be sure, by remitting guilt in cases reserved to his judgment. If his right to grant remission in these cases were disregarded, the guilt would certainly remain unforgiven.

Further he wrote in #36:

Any truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without indulgence letters.

The theses, although popularly characterized as ready reading material for the masses, were not widely read by most laity (since they could not read). But the debate that began among scholars would reach far and wide as Luther’s radical ideas began to filter down into everyday conversation. Luther took a stand against what he perceived as misinterpretation of the church’s holy teachings and abuse of her theology and grace for something as crass as money. Luther’s teachings, based in biblical grace, brought hope to despair and a glimmer of light to those whose experience of religion brought much fear and promise of a dark future.

While Luther’s 95 Theses are rightly credited with sparking the Reformation that would utterly change the church and Europe, it was Luther’s willingness to stand firm against terrible threats, hatred, condemnation; his own self-doubt; and the willingness of princes and colleagues who stood with him that truly brought the Reformation to full flower. Without Melanchthon, Katherine Von Bora, the princes, and others supporting him, he would undoubtedly have fallen victim to his own melancholy or simply given up.

Most readers of this series are fairly familiar with what will come next in Luther’s life. I hoped in this series to give some insight to the lesser-known aspects of Luther’s early life and study. His struggle with the Pope, the various diets at which he was tried, the Peasants War, his marriage, and death are hopefully familiar enough to most of you. For those of you who have hung on to the end, I hope you found this helpful.

Blessings,
Pastor Jeff

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 18–19, at Hope Lutheran Church in Palm Desert, California. Nominees will be confirmed through election at the second half of the Annual Meeting on January 28. Travel and accommodations are paid for by LCH.

Please talk to last year’s delegates, Linda Miller or Jim Cartwright, 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.

The Nuts and Bolts of Donating to LCH

Offering Envelopes, Simply Giving, Checks, and Even Cash

We are grateful for the faithful support of our members and friends that makes it possible for us to witness to God’s love and share the good news with each other, our neighbors, and the world.

Offering Envelopes—New envelopes are available at LCH for those who have been using them over the last year. If you would like to start using envelopes and want a box of envelopes for your contributions, please sign up on the list next to the box with envelopes or let the Church Office know, and a box will be made ready for you.

Simply Giving—Many of our members donate using Simply Giving, a system for electronic funds transfer, or EFT. If you are a current user and want to change the amount or schedule for your EFT contributions, or if you want to start out with Simply Giving, just fill out a new Simply Giving form available near the box of envelopes or in the ushers’ stand. See Bill Potter or contact the Church Office if you have any questions about Simply Giving.

Checks and Cash—Of course, you do not need a box of envelopes or EFT to contribute. You are welcome to just drop your check incheck or cash in a plain envelope from home or one of the envelopes provided in the pews. Because your name is on the check, we don’t need an envelope to credit your donation

for tax purposes, but if you want your cash donations credited, please use an envelope. Please do not drop donations in the mite box.

Much mahalo for your donations and for all the ways you support LCH in doing God’s work.

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.

LCH Office Closed

New Year’s Day—Monday, January 1, and
Martin Luther King Day—Monday, January 15

Holoholo Pick-Up

Tuesdays, January 2, 16, and 30, 2:30–4:00 pm • LCH Boardroom

Holoholo General Store is a Community Supported Agriculture organization, or csa, that works with LCH to bring you fresh produce from multiple, local farms. For more information visit their website at www.holoholostore.com for bag options and prices and to sign up.

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!

German Vespers for Epiphany

Saturday, January 6 • 7:30 pm

German Vespers is a tradition at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu which began in 2002. Paying homage to the church’s German heritage, the service is completely auf Deutsch. The LCH Choir, Bach Chamber Orchestra, and soloists will present choral works with orchestra including Bach’s Cantata 32 Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen, and Magnificat in G by Heinrich Schütz. Again this year, we welcome the Rev. Anke Flohr as presider for this festival worship. Martina Bingham makes her return to Honolulu as our soprano soloist after completing doctoral studies at Stony Brook University. Tim Carney will share his rich baritone as a featured soloist as well. All are welcome. Free will offering accepted.

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, January 7

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 7—Holy Baptism
• January 14—Parable of the Sower
• January 21—Parable of the Good Shepherd
• January 28—Parable of the Great Banquet

Adult Forum to Grapple with the Question: Did Jesus Exist?

Sundays throughout January, 9:20 am • LCH Boardroom

Beginning December 31, and continuing through January, Adult Forum will focus on the question: Did Jesus Exist? Many serious doubters have written volumes expressing their skepticism that Jesus ever existed as a human. What is the contrary evidence showing that Jesus actually existed as a human being? Pick up your refreshments and join us after the first service for this topic of interest.

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, January 7, 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!

Compline for Baptism of our Lord

Sunday, January 7 • 7:30 pm

The Men’s Schola will offer a special Compline service on this feast day commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Begun by Carl Crosier in 1976, Compline at LCH is a unique service celebrated in the darkness of night with a cappella choral music. Scott Fikse and the Men’s Schola are pleased to premier Benjamin Leonid’s beautiful new setting of the Nunc Dimittis, composed specifically for their ensemble.

Process Forum

Saturday, January 13, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom

We start the new year with a new website: our old friend Jesus Jazz and Buddhism has undergone an overhaul, and is now found at www.openhorizons.org.

The articles and other materials from the old site are slowly being migrated over to Open Horizons. We are still selecting an article for our meeting on January 13 and will get the word out as soon as we can. Until then, put this on your calendar, and have a wonderful New Year’s celebration.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, January 15, 10:00 am

We’re meeting at Murashige’s to discuss Land of the Burnt Thigh by Edith Ammons Kohl. Juditha will lead the discussion. Our next meeting will be February 19, at the Murashige’s, when we will consider A Paradox of Choice by Barry Swartz. Linda will lead at the next gathering. Newcomers are welcome. Please contact the church office if you have questions, 808-941-2566.

IHS Meals Prepared and Served

Friday, January 19, 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.

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, January 20 • 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 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.

Compline

Sunday, January 21, 7:30 pm

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

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, January 27, 9:30 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 (December 18). See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.

Annual Congregational Meeting, Part 2

Sunday, January 28, 9:10 am • LCH Courtyard

Part 2 of the 2017–18 Annual Meeting is scheduled for January 28. 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!

Please Consider Serving On the Church Council

We need nominees to be presented to fill Council vacancies. The work of the council is important, interesting, informative, good fellowship, and fun!

The work of the Council is not scary, intimidating, overly time consuming, or difficult to understand.

What to expect:

• One 2-hour meeting per month. Council members take turns hosting, providing a meal and short devotion, and also serve a month as “council in charge,” ensuring that the church is locked up and items put away after the last worship service on Sunday morning.
• You can also expect to communicate during the month via texting or email if necessary. If you don’t text or have email, we can make arrangements for you Don’t let that stop you from saying yes to serving on Council.
• Council members also serve as liaisons to church committees or teams to communicate back to the Council on planned activities or needs. Planned and unplanned absences are expected and taken into consideration, so don’t assume you can’t serve if you’ll be away for a month or two.

Please consider putting your name on the ballot to serve on the 2017 LCH Church Council. Still have questions? Just ask a current council member: Josie Bidgood, Mary Fastenau, Steve Miller, Juditha Murashige, Carol Langner, Mel Siebert, Phyllis Hörmann, Noe Nitz, Bruce Holmberg, Dylan DePretto, or Pastor Jeff.

Mahalo for your prayerful consideration of serving as part of the Council!

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, January 29, 4:30 pm • LCH Boardroom

Writers’ Workshop meets for the first time in 2018 on Monday, January 29, in the LCH Boardroom. We had a remarkably active year in 2017, with a total of 11 meetings, and look forward to a busy 2018 as well. Further meetings in the new year are scheduled for February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, and possibly June 18. For more information contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Volunteers needed—Youth & Music Ministry Fundraiser!

Punahou Carnival Parking • Friday & Saturday, February 2 & 3

Each year the LCH youth and music groups request your help with their Punahou Carnival Parking fundraiser. The carnival takes place annually on the first Friday and Saturday of February. This year the youth of Calvary by the Sea and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will participate with the LCH youth to raise money to fund their trip to Houston this summer for the National Youth Gathering.

We need adult and youth volunteers for three-hour shifts during the carnival on both days. Event coordinators provide snacks and drinks, flashlights and safety vests, and you provide the fellowship! Sign-up sheets are available in the Hörmann courtyard after morning worship services. Volunteer shifts on both Friday and Saturday are: 10:30 am–1:30 pm, 1:30–4:30 pm, 4:30–7:30 pm, and 7:30–10:30 pm. Thank you!

Food for Thought

Saturday, February 3, 5:30–8:00 pm

Food for Thought will meet for the first time in 2018 at the home of David Hörmann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. Our next meeting is planned for March 3. For more information, call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

A Seat in the Nave

Through years of use and movement, the pews in the nave have been subjeccted to an unusual amount of wear and tear. Several pews have had to be “retired,” while many of those remaining are in need of repair.

A nave seating taskforce was formed earlier this year to determine what seating option would best suit the needs of our congregation. The taskforce particularly considered aethetics, portability, comfort, and acoustics. After reviewing many options, they have recommended high-quality, white-oak pew chairs with a blue cloth- textured pattern. When “ganged” together in a straight line, the chairs function and look very much like pews. However, they can easily be arranged in different configurations, depending on need.

The taskforce recommends the purchase of 160+ congregation chairs, and 30+ choir chairs. The price per chair is approximately $300. Please take a look at the bulletin board for more information and pictures of the chair style.

LGBT Senior Hotline Available

The SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline is available for anyone ages 50 and over who wish to discuss issues related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

A program of SAGE (www.sageusa.org) and operated by the LGBT National Help Center (www.LGBThotline.org), this FREE and completely confidential telephone hotline can help people with feelings of isolation, coming-out, relationship concerns, HIV/AIDS questions, family, and much more. We also maintain the largest LGBT resource database of its kind in the world, with over 16,000 local resources throughout the United States and beyond.

Staffed entirely by highly-trained LGBT volunteers, the SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline can be reached toll-free at 1-888-234-SAGE from 4:00 pm to midnight, Monday thru Friday, and on Saturdays from noon to 5:00 pm, Eastern time. You can also access the hotline online at www.LGBThotline.org/SAGE.

Photos from Christmas Eve Worship

Electronic Funds Transfers for November

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$4,180	Capital Improvements	$110
Music Fund/Instruments	$260	Wounded Warriors	$120
Shallow Subsidy	$70

Attendance and Offerings for December

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
December 3	8:00 am Service	45	Offering	$3,304
	10:30 am Service	78	Shallow Subsidy	$220
	Advent Procession	113	Altar Flowers	$143
	Total	236	Service Music Fund	$80
December 10	8:00 am Service	39	Offering	$3,132
	10:30 am Service	70	Altar Flowers	$210
	Total	109	Shallow Subsidy	$50
			Social Ministries	$610
			Domestic Relief	$25
			Seminarian Fund	$5,000
			Music/Instruments	$392
			Pew Chair Fund	$5,200
December 17	8:00 am Service	41	Offering	$2,587
	10:30 am Service	73	Altar Flowers	$54
	Compline	31	Shallow Subsidy	$30
	Total	150	Wounded Warriors	$50
			Service Music Fund	$50
			Music/Instruments	$10
			Pew Chair Fund	$605
December 24 & 25	Advent IV Service	111	Offering	$10,195
	Christmas Eve 5:00 pm	113	Service Seasonal Offerings	$420
	Christmas Eve 10:30 pm	124	Altar Flowers	$57
	Christmas Day 10:30 am	69	Social Ministries/IHS	$212
	Total	417	Shallow Subsidy	$250
			Domestic Relief	$25
			wounded Warriors	$725
			Music/Instruments	$395
			Pew Chair Fund	$150
Attendance and Offering for December 31 not available at time of this publication.

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, January 16, 9:00 am

Clement and Claudette and family, Dainan and Romney,
Jennifer, Karen, Kawena, Keahi Y., Kim K., Kim V., Kirsten,
Lee M., Lori L., Marguerite, Micki S., Shirley, Swede,
Tammy, Vonia

January Birthdays

01/03	Jeanne Castello
01/05	Fred Benco
01/06	Angie Niermann
01/06	Matthew Sato
01/12	Allen Bauchle
01/12	Mary Kubota
01/12	Michael Okikawa
01/17	Palmyra Hethcote
01/20	Robert Raasch
01/22	Chuck Huxel
01/23	Jim Niermann
01/29	Marcus Fikse

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	January 7	January 14	January 21	January 28
LECTOR	Jim Sullivan	Carolyn Koehler	Cindy Scheinert	Peggy Anderson
ASSISTING MINISTER	Bobby Broyles	Peggy Anderson	Amanda Lippert	Laurie Leach
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Chuck Huxel Phyllis Hörmann Sophia S.	Amanda Lippert Kyra Takamiya Wayne Gau	Don Johnson Sophia S. Bobby Broyles	Kyra Takamiya Stephanie Luuloa Wayne Gau
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
ACOLYTE	Raphael Stark	Dylan DePretto	Raphael Stark	Hunter Nishimura
USHERS	Fred Benco Billie Jean Ries Dylan DePretto		COUNCIL n CHARGE	Juditha Murashige
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	January 7	January 14	January 21	January 28
LECTOR	Peter Flachsbart	Angie Niermann	Juditha Murashige	Karen Barber
DEACON	Mary Fastenau	Marcus Fikse	Josie Bidgood	David Barber
SUB-DEACON	Bob Tellander	Frank Haas	Chuck Pearson	Teresa McCreary
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Josie Bidgood Chuck Pearson	Bob Tellander	Frank Haas Randy Christensen	Jim Cartwright Randy Christensen
LAYING ON HANDS		Juditha Murashige
ACOLYTES	Lillie J. Coco J.	Scarlett Sueda	TBA	Scarlett Sueda
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Bill Fay Chuck Huxel Chuck Pearson		ALTAR GUILD	Linda Miller Lori Nishimura Marjan Lynch Marlise Tellander

Calendar: January 2018

Day	Date	Event and Time
Monday	January 1	LCH OFFICE Closed—New Year’s Day
Tuesday	January 2	2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up
Thursday	January 4	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	January 6	7:30 pm, German Vespers for Epiphany
Sunday	January 7	Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable 7:30 pm, Compline
Monday	January 8	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	January 9	6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting
Wednesday	January 10	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday	January 11	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	January 13	9:30 am, Process Forum
Sunday	January 14	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	January 15	LCH OFFICE Closed—MLK Day 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	January 16	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up 6:00 pm, Executive Council Meeting 6:30 pm, Council Meeting
Thursday	January 18	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	January 19	1:00 pm, IHS Meals Prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals Served
Saturday	January 20	6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society
Sunday	January 21	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Compline
Monday	January 22	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	January 25	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	January 27	9:30 am, One Pot One Hope 2:30 pm, Student Recital
Sunday	January 28	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Second Half of the LCH Annual Meeting 9:20 am, Sunday School 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	January 29	4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	January 30	2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up
Thursday	February 1	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	February 2	Punahou Carnival—LCH Youth Parking Fundraiser
Saturday	February 3	Punahou Carnival—LCH Youth Parking Fundraiser 5:30 pm, Food for Thought