HeartBeat—December 2014

A Message from Pastor Jeff

A Changing Season

The arrival of Advent on November 30 signals the start of a new church year in the Christian tradition and the beginning of the season of preparation. The readings we will hear the next few Sunday mornings shift from images of an emerging church struggling to find its way in a post-resurrection world to an almost breathless announcement of the Jesus who will come as a babe born to a young woman and who promises to come again in glory in the kingdom!

The readings share the story of how a community in turmoil and fear found hope in the promise that God would be with them in a new and unexpected way. John will shout, “Prepare the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight!” John announces the changing season of God’s relationship with God’s people and calls the people into a new relationship with God grounded in Emmanuel, God with us.

The season is changing for us these days as well. Recent violence in Ferguson, Missouri, and around the country in response to the Michael Brown case highlights an underlying restlessness in American society around race, power, and economics. Around the country, the growing economic gaps separating the poor, middle class, and wealthy raise questions about the sustainability of a society where buying and selling money outpaces manufacturing of goods and services.

Even the realm of religion finds itself in flux these days. At a recent theological conference, Dr. Andrew Root noted that the generation whose main concern was family and religion has given way to a generation with little interest in either. What will the next season in the church look like for a generation defined by what it owns rather than who they are?

Here at LCH we are undergoing our own change of seasons. Our hopes and dreams for growing in ministry with two pastors proved to be financially unsustainable, leading to the resignation of Pastor Angela, effective January 4, 2015. Dr. Miguel Felipe resigned his post as director of music and liturgy to concentrate more fully on his work at the University of Hawai‘i. These transitions make us sad and nervous about the future. At the same time, there are signs of hope. Anne Sing joined the staff as parish administrator, April Smith does a wonderful job filling is as sexton, and we are close to forging agreements to hire interim music professionals for weekly worship. How will we as community cope with all this change? Can we thrive or will we wither in this changing season?

The early Christian community found hope in the words of Jesus, “I will be with you always.” Those words hold true for us as well! God’s love and grace accompany us. God’s Word encourages and challenges us. God’s people comfort and console one another, and we live out our call to be people of justice and mercy in this broken and beautiful world.

As Advent unfolds, what new unexpected joys will God bring our community and the world? How will we live out our call as God’s people in this place? As Advent unfolds, so too God’s people are called to unfold, to find and proclaim hope in a broken world. I pray that you will join in living out that hope in Christ by sharing in the ministry at LCH in new ways, and holding fast to God’s hope, Emmanuel.

A Message from Pastor Angela

Grace and Peace to you,

I am writing this letter to you with mixed emotions, with sadness, but also with a deep sense of peace and the Spirit’s leading. After much prayer and discernment, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my call to serve Lutheran Church of Honolulu. My final Sunday will be January 4, 2015.

It has been an incredible gift to serve with you for the last two and half years. Very few pastors have the opportunity to serve with such a faithful congregation willing to take a leap of faith and call a second pastor when it did not seem practical or worldly sensible to do so! With the Spirit’s leading, we have done great work together and I give thanks for the ways I have been blessed through you and how together we have blessed others.

I have been in deliberation with Pastor Jeff and elected leaders about how much longer LCH can financially sustain two full-time pastors. As the budget was being prepared for the coming year, it has become even clearer it would not be feasible. In our discernment, we want to be sure that LCH maintains faithful stewardship of all of our resources as we listen deeply to what God is calling us.

I know God is busily working in the life of LCH, just as God is very active in my own life. I have also been doing my own discernment and listening. I am feeling a growing sense of call to be nearer to my family and to be in a place where I can develop some roots and grounding. With that growing understanding of my personal life and the financial situation we are facing at LCH, now seems to be an appropriate time for me to make this decision.

I am not currently in conversation with any other congregation. Nor have I begun the call process. I am stepping out and taking a big leap of faith trusting that the Spirit will guide and direct me as I remain faithful in listening to God’s heart in this situation.

I covet your prayers and aloha as I go forward in faith. Please know that I will forever be grateful for our time together and will continue to hold LCH in my prayers. We have been through a tremendous amount of transition in our short time together. May the Spirit continue to guide and direct us all as we go forward in faith.

With much aloha,
Pastor Angela Freeman

Stewardship of Time

We may all be different but God has given everyone of us the same amount of time each day. Your social status or financial situation doesn’t matter, God gives us all twenty-four hours. If we fail to do everything we need to get done is it our fault not the fault of God for not giving us a longer day. These are strong words paraphrased from a sermon by the late Pastor J. Hampton Keathley. It is up to us to learn how to best use the time God has given us, but how do we do this? With our over-booked lives of family, work, and everything in between, how do we truly live?

I have been asked numerous times, as to how I do “it.” How do I juggle homeschooling, teaching, rehearsing, performing, acting, church-ing, and still have energy for liv-ing? The answer? Pray-ing and finding time for relax-ing! Being preoccupied with too much to do is not what God wants for us! In Mark 6, the disciples return from a busy time of ministry and tell Jesus all they have done and taught. There are so many people around them, coming and going, that Jesus and His disciples don’t have time to eat. Jesus tells them to go off by themselves to be alone and rest a while. Even Jesus teaches the value of rest and how this can enhance the time you have.

So, how do we manage our time in this modern age and get everything done? Here are a few tips that help me.

Tip #1: You cannot do it all! You are not super-human, and that is okay. You will not be able to do everything you want to get done, need to get done or do what everyone else wants you to do.

Tip #2: If you need to get something done, then make it important to you! When something is important to you, you’ll make time to get it done. When something is not important to you, you’ll make excuses.

Tip #3: Say no to distractions! Come on people, we all know this! Only check your Facebook, email, texts, latest YouTube videos, etc. a few times a day—not every few minutes. This eats up more time than you think. Someone once told me that the Internet is like a next-door neighbor who wants to play when you should be doing your homework. Don’t send a text during pastor’s sermon; actually take time to listen to the sermon. Instead of looking at your phone while you walk, try looking around and take in the beautiful world God has created. (This one is easy for me, I still have a “dumb” phone with no Internet and no texts, but I know the time will come.)

Tip #4: Ask for help and say yes to help! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Why do you think Jesus had disciples? To help him! If someone offers to help you, take him or her up on that offer. I know, you want things done a certain way, and you are the only one who can do it—oh, stop it. If this really bothers you, then have them help you in a different way.

Tip #5: Have time for you! Recharging yourself is vital. Jesus and his disciples took time to rest after a long day, so why shouldn’t we?

Well, that’s just a few of the things I do to make the most of my time. I would need to run a time management workshop if I wanted to share more. No, I am not going to hold a workshop. (see Tip #1)

Georgine Stark

2015 Commitment Cards

Thanks to everyone who turned in your commitment cards during worship on November 23. If you forgot, don’t worry, it’s not too late. Please send it in or drop it in the offering plate. If you need a new commitment card, there are some in the ushers’ stand at the back of the Nave, or you can download it from the website. Just go to www.lchwelcome.org/stewardship and follow the links for a PDF.

Thanks for your good stewardship of the resources God has given you.

Your stewardship committee
Pam Buckley, Gary Brauer, and Bill Potter

Council Highlights

• Treasurer Gary Brauer reported that Member and Plate Offerings had dropped to 80% of expected budget for October.
• The candidate brought to LCH for audition for the director of music and liturgy withdrew from consideration. We will enter into an interim arrangement and continue to discern our needs before we begin the search process again.
• Council accepted with deep regret the resignation letter from Pastor Angela Freeman. Her last Sunday with us will be January 4, 2015.
• The Community Life planning team presented an outline for continuing community service projects as well as in-reach within our congregation regarding hospitality, compassion and gratitude.
• EcoShade continues the engineering process for the installation of an adjustable louvered system for the Hörmann Courtyard covering.
• At the first half of the Annual Meeting, Naomi Castro agreed to serve a second term on the council and Hope Jahren was elected to fill one of two other vacancies. Dori Palcovich and Sophie Cheng were reaffirmed to continue their terms on the council. There remains one vacancy.
• A renewed lease agreement will be offered to Honolulu Church for the continued use of our facilities. The Honolulu Chorale will also be offered a lease agreement for weekly rehearsals in the Nave on Tuesday evenings beginning in January 2015 and continuing through May 2015.
• Four opportunities exist for 2015 budget and ministry questions to be facilitated be a member of the council. Please bring your questions and concerns forth prior to the second half of the Annual Meeting on January 24, 2015, at 5:00 pm.

World AIDS Day Memorial Service

Monday, December 1, 6:30 pm at LCH

All are welcome to attend a free public memorial service in recognition of World AIDS Day, organized by the World AIDS Day Committee. This annual event includes presentation of the 11th annual Suzanne Richmond-Crum Award by the Department of Health, performances by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu and the Kananiokeakua School of Hula, as well as a special speaker. Reception and heavy pupus will follow.

Process Thought

Saturday, December 6, 9:30–11:00 am in the LCH Boardroom

Poetry of William Blake will be highlighted. As a supplement, we have an article from the Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism website entitled, “I Bring You An Artist: William Blake’s Critique of the Industrial Economy.” Other Blake poetry will also be featured, or you may bring your own favorite Blake poem. Often described as a mystic, Blake’s insights have served many people well for many years.

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 December

• December 7—Advent II (The Holy Family)
• December 14—Advent III (The Shepherds)
• December 21—Advent IV (The Magi)
• December 28—Christmas

Budget/Ministry Discussions

We hope you will take an opportunity to bring your questions, thoughts, and concerns to one of these budget and ministry discussions. A church council member will be available at each gathering. He or she will collect your comments and questions and relay them to the church council. This is your opportunity to voice what is on your mind. Where do you see God at work in the life of LCH? Where do you see God calling us? These gatherings are intentionally scheduled prior to the second half of the Annual Meeting:

• Randy Castello—Tuesday, December 2, 7:00–8:30 pm, Boardroom
• April Smith—Saturday, December 6, 1:00–3:00 pm, Boardroom
• Craig Clissold—Sunday, December 7, 9:15–10:15 am, Boardroom
• Olivia Castro—Sunday, December 7, 11:30 am–12:30 pm, Courtyard Mtg Rm

O‘ahu Youth Group

Sunday, December 7, 5:00–7:00 pm
Epiphany Episcopal Church (1041 10th Avenue, Honolulu)

Epiphany is hosting December’s youth event! We are going an outreach event together as we live out our lives of faith in service to others! Come celebrate Christmas by being in service! As always, we’ll have food, fun, and loads of laughter! Door prizes and games will abound! Talk with Pastor Angela if you need a ride or have questions.

Exploring Boundaries and Beyond

Healing Jeju Island, Presentation by Eric Yamamoto
Sunday, December 7, 6:00–7:15 pm

Eric writes: “I’m in the midst of a compelling project on social healing (with theological dimensions) that involves efforts to engage the United States in reconciliation efforts around the Jeju Island (South Korea) Tragedy. This little known massacre in 1948 of tens of thousands of island residents falsely characterized as ‘communist insurgents’ began during the US ‘peacetime’ occupation and control over South Korea’s military and police after WWII and before the Korean War. My team of students and I will be in Washington, DC, next March 2015 for a big convening and possible interaction with government officials.”

Eric K. Yamamoto is an internationally-recognized law professor at the University of Hawai’i Richardson School of Law. Known for his legal work and scholarship on racial justice, with an emphasis on redress for historic injustice, Eric’s work led to the reparations for Japanese Americans interned during WWII. He also specializes in civil procedure and complex litigation. He is a founding member of the Equal Justice Society and speaks regularly on “social healing through justice.”

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, December 8, 7:00–8:30 pm

Writers’ Workshop will have its last get-together of the year on Monday, December 8, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at LCH. All are welcome. For information, please contact Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (808-391-3363).

Holoholo Pick-Up for December

Thursday, December 11, 2:00–4:00 pm

Thursday, December 11 will be the only Holoholo pick-up date this month.

LCH Bookclub

Monday, December 15, 9:30 am

LCH Bookclub will have a party/planning session on December 15 at the Murashige’s. Please join us and bring suggestions for our 2015 book list. Everyone is welcome.

Poetry Reading Group

Rescheduled to Sunday, December 21, 6:45-7:30 pm. With our poetry guide, Jim Cartwright, we’ll explore some poems with Christmas themes. Feel free to bring a poem with you to share with the group. Evening Prayer follows at 7:30 pm.

Middle School Christmas At Camp

Parents! Do you want to get your middle school kid a meaningful, memorable gift for Christmas? Send them to Camp! Specifically for grades 6-8, this middle-school-only retreat is sure to please and makes a great gift. Christmas at Camp 2014, hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i, will be held from December 26 to 28 at Camp Mokulē‘ia. We will be staying in the cabins and spending the weekend exploring the theme of “Spiritual Gifts,” worshiping together, and discussing issues relevant to middle schoolers. This will be a weekend of faith and friendships.

Cost for this event is $50 for the entire weekend. Registration deadline is Dec. 12. Contact Pastor Angela with questions. To register contact Sarah Klitzke the Diocesan Youth Director at 808-536-7776 ext. 309 or through the website: episcopalyouthofhawaii.weebly.com/diocesan-events–christmas-at-camp-2014.html

LCH recognizes Sophie Cheng as the December “Volunteer of the Month”

We’ve all seen this bright and beautiful young woman serving as an acolyte during Sunday service or dancing hula for the ELC Good Gifts concert. Although she’s only a senior in high school, Sophie aspires to become a teacher. She feels this is her way to give back. She also volunteers for a variety of summer camps, assisting younger children.

For the past year, Sophie served on the LCH Council as the youth representative. This young woman has quite a full plate. We are blessed and honored to be able to watch Sophie grow into the wonderful young woman we see today. Mahalo nui, Sophie, for everything you do.

Miguel’s Farewell

Six months ago today I sent a letter to the congregation announcing my departure from LCH effective at the end of November. With my last day fast approaching, the idea of leaving LCH seems impossible! The reasons for resignation—wanting to focus my work at the University and reclaim a little free time—remain but there’s much I’ll miss about being in a leadership role at LCH. I will miss, first and foremost, the individuals and families that define this congregation. The people of LCH have been friends and family to Aaron and me since the first day we arrived in Hawai‘i. Many of these same people are the musicians that have made my time here especially meaningful. There are few greater joys than working with excellent musicians to make beautiful music in the context of meaningful worship.

Thank you, each of you, for welcoming me and trusting me to shape and create within the sacred life of LCH. It has been an honor and gift. I look forward to joining you in the pews and carrying on the good work of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu.

Aloha.
Miguel

Committee Chairs—Reports Due

It’s time to begin compiling the Annual Report! Please submit your committee’s yearly report to the lch office by Monday, December 22. Direct questions to the office at 808-941-2566 or email lch@lchwelcome.org.

LutherFest Donations to YO House

The donations collected at this year’s LutherFest have been designated for the YO House. We collected $823 for this important service for the young people of our community. Thank you to everyone for your aloha and support!

The YO House is a service of Waikiki Health. YO has a drop in center that provides a safe place for homeless, run away, at risk youth ages 14–21. In addition to the basic need services like a hot meal, shower, and laundry, they offer GED classes, employment services, and a free teen medical clinic. The Drop In Center is open 4 days a week, and they also do late night street outreach 5 nights a week. If you would like to learn more about YO House and how you can volunteer or donate, go to: www.waikikihealth.org/homeless

First Communion Conversation

Everyone is welcome to share in the sacrament of Holy Communion at LCH. Still, there is often a desire on the part of children and their parents to have a conversation about the sacrament and its central place in our lives. A small group is being gathered for such conversations. If you would like your child to participate, please contact one of the pastors or the church office.

Wounded Warriors thank you

The Wounded Warriors at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i extend warm thanks to all who assisted last week’s “Third Thursday” meal at the barracks. Spouses had a break from cooking, families were able to spend time together, troops and staff had another chance to see LCH live what they preach. Ray Herradura and his crew of volunteer massage therapists were greatly appreciated for their “hands on” gift. It is not lost on them that the Lutherans are out in front with much that is done on their behalf in the islands!

Chaplain Steve Jensen

Electronic Funds Transfers for October

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$7,540	Mission Campaign	$355
Music Fund	$248	Wounded Warriors	$122

Attendance and Offerings for November

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
November 2	8:00 am Service	56	Offering	$2,857
	10:30 am Service	80	Sunday School	$2
	Evening Prayer	13	Wounded Warriors	$100
	Total	149	Mission Campaign	$50
November 9	8:00 am Service	62	Offering	$2,898
	10:30 am Service	77	Sunday School	$3
	Total	139	Music Fund	$500
			Social Ministries	$49
			Mission Campaign	$20
			Memorials	$120
November 16	8:00 am Service	52	Offering	$1,985
	10:30 am Service	73	Sunday School	$5
	Evening Prayer	22	Musical Instruments	$5
	Total	147
November 23	8:00 am Service	58	Offering	$4,976
	10:30 am Service	82	Sunday School	$3
	Total	140	Seasonal Offerings	$25
	Total	139	Music Fund	$339
			Wounded Warriors	$254
Attendance and Offering totals for Sunday, November 30, were not available at time of publication.

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, June 17, 9:00 am

Akiyo	Fay	Irmgard
Denise	Gavin	Karen
Diane	Gene	Kent
	Sylvia the Thomas family

December Birthdays

Date	Name
12/03	Betty Petersen
12/04	James Sullivan
12/04	Jerelyn Watanabe
12/06	Jean Lilley
12/09	Masako Schwabenitz
12/10	Tom Juvinall
12/12	Penny Lawhn
12/17	Carly Schweigert
12/18	Jacob Burkman
12/18	Adelheid Khuehnle Wallace
12/19	Andrew Yeh
12/20	Peggy Anderson
12/25	Nicole E.-N.
12/23	Michael Burnett
12/23	Linden Doescher
12/24	Sophie C.

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	December 7	December 14	December 21	December 28
LECTORS	April Smith	Jimmy Castro	Adriane Clissold	Cindy Scheinert Peggy Anderson Jim Sullivan Amanda Lippert
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Bobby Broyles Laurie Leach Stephanie Luuloa Sheena Lim-Urban	Amanda Lippert Kyra Takamiya Sophia Stark Peggy Anderson	Peggy Anderson Wayne Gau Sheena Lim-Urban Laurie Leach	Bobby Broyles Carolyn Koehler Amanda Lippert Kyra Takamiya
ACOLYTES	Dylan D.	Raphael S.	Hunter N.	Sophia S.
LAYING ON OF HANDS			Stephanie Luuloa
USHERS	Fred Benco Billie Jean Ries Craig Clissold
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	December 7	December 14	December 21	December 28
LECTORS	Peggy Brandt	Walter Cummings	Fritz Fritschel	Kathryn Klingebiel Peggy Brandt Randy Castello Olivia Castro
DEACON	Frank Haas	Mary Fastenau	Josie Bidgood	Mary Fastenau
SUB-DEACON	Bob Tellander	Frank Haas	Chuck Pearson	Jim Cartwright
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Randy Christensen Jim Cartwright	Randy Christensen Ray Herradura	Phyllis Hormann Bob Tellander	Ray Herradura Josie Bidgood
ACOLYTES	Max W. Reid W.	Lillie J. Azure S.	Savannah M. Iara N.	Nathalie J. Coco J.
LAYING ON OFHANDS		John Bickel
ALTAR GUILD	Olivia Castro Mary-Jo Estes Billie Jean Ries Noelani Nitz	USHERS	Luke Buchs Chuck Huxel Nan Wond Peter Flachsbart
COUNCIL IN CHARGE	Sophie C.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
DATE	Christmas Eve Family Service 5:00pm	Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist 11:00pm	Christmas Day Festival Eucharist 10:30am
LECTOR	Carolyn Koehler	Mark Russell	April Smith
DEACON		John Bickel	Randy Castello
SUB-DEACON		Jeanne Castello	Bob Tellander
COMMUNION	Peggy Anderson Laurie Leach Stephanie Luuloa Sophia S.	Raymond Herradura Jim Cartwright	Aaron Gould Carolyn Koehler
ACOLYTES	Sophie C.	Iara N. Jim Sullivan	Azure Sueda Aaron Gould

Calendar: June 2014

Day	Date	Event and Time
Monday	December 1	6:30 pm, World Aids Day at LCH
Tuesday	December 2	7:00 pm, Budget/Ministry discussion
Thursday	December 4	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	December 6	9:30 am, Process Thought Forum 1:00 pm, Budget/Ministry discussion
Sunday	December 7	Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 9:15 am, Budget/Ministry discussion 10:30 am, Traditional Eucharist 11:30 am, Budget/Ministry discussion 5:00 pm, O‘ahu Youth Gathering 6:00 pm, Exploring Boundaries and Beyond 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Monday	December 8	7:00 pm, Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday	December 9	9:30 am, Hukilau Pastors’ meeting
Wednesday	December 10	12:30 pm, Finance Committee meeting
Thursday	December 11	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Sunday	December 14	8:00 am, 8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Traditional Eucharist 3:30 pm, Confirmation Class
Monday	December 15	9:30 am, LCH Book Club
Tuesday	December 16	January Heartbeat deadline! 6:00 pm, Council meting and holiday potluck
Thursday	December 18	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	December 19	1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served
Sunday	December 21	8:00 am, 8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Traditional Eucharist 3:30 pm, Confirmation class 6:45 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Monday	December 22	Annual Committee Reports due
Wednesday	December 24	Office closed at Noon—Christmas Eve 5:00 pm, Family Christmas Eve Service 10:30 pm, Christmas service Pre-worship 11:00 pm, Christmas Eve Eucharist
Thursday	December 25	Office closed—Christmas 10:30 am, Christmas Day Liturgy
Saturday	December 27	10:00 am, One Pot One Hope
Sunday	December 28	8:00 am, 8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Traditional Eucharist