HeartBeat—September 2016

From Pastor Jeff

Not Your Grandma’s Church

My grandmother was a faithful Southern Baptist church member her whole life. Visiting her in Arkansas was like stepping back in time. Her small house was nestled in ancient pine trees inhabited by a metropolis of tree squirrels that were a constant source of companionship and entertainment for grandma and her dear friend who lived directly behind her. When it came to religion, morals, behavior, and right and wrong, her views were staunch, conservative, and immovably correct. The big Bible on the coffee table was well used and comfortable. She grew up in an era where everyone went to church, and if you didn’t go to church, there was something quite suspect about you. Churches were full, children behaved, and everyone who went to church was just above average.

I suspect my grandmother would be shocked at what church has become in the ensuing 50 years. First, I think she would be surprised to learn that church just is not as important to the average Joe as it used to be. Where members might attend regularly—at least out of obligation—many do not see worship as necessary or even desirable regular activity. In her day, church was where you found a spouse. Now, an increasing number of folks seek out a life mate online. In her day you put a dollar in the offering plate in 1950, and you continued that offering into 1990! She lived in a time when Wednesday was for Bible School, and Sunday was for church. But as the old song says, “Times, they are a changin’.”

Church today continues to evolve as members change and evolve. Manufacturing culture, where people worked for years for the same company, has given way to a mobile, flexible, and fast-paced information age. Grandma would be amazed at how busy families are these days but gratified to see they still love God and each other. Seniors, who once were the backbone of church volunteerism, find themselves working part-time jobs to make ends meet or spending time being active and engaged in activities Grandma would not recognize. She would be surprised to find that church groups now have to compete for meeting space on campus with community groups renting Sunday school rooms for their meetings.

We may be tempted to pine after the mythical good old days when church was simple, sure, and unchanging, but we are no longer Grandma’s church. God seems to be up to something different these days. Healthy vibrant churches are multi-cultural, agile, open, inviting places where God is at work in a multitude of ways. The church of today can’t do everything by herself but must partner with other churches, faiths, community groups, and agencies to lift up God’s mission in the world. Challenges like climate change, poverty, and homelessness are no longer something best left to governments and politicians but are deep theological and spiritual issues that need the voices and hands of people of faith. The church of today is less preoccupied with enforcing morality and more engaged in sharing and promoting lives of living, active grace

But for all that change, we still find in our foundation the gifts imparted by my grandmother and the generations before her. We still understand that we belong to God and are steeped in her love. We still feel the need to gather as God’s people for prayer, mutual consolation, and fellowship. And we know that, for all the changes happening in the world, the church needs to exist and grow so that those most in need have a place to find acceptance, love, and care. So, maybe we are still my Grandma’s church after all.

Pastor Jeff

Restoring Creation—Renewing Christ’s Community

It’s September, the new academic year has begun, we’ve returned to our regular worship schedule, and so it’s time to kick off another round of year-round stewardship.

For the last two years we have been looking at what it means for us to be stewards of the many gifts God has entrusted to us. The examples of the Steward of Gondor in Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings and the servants in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25 and Luke 19) tell us that good stewards don’t just hide the gifts they are given. They actively work to ensure that those gifts grow and prosper.

Our goal for this next year is to work together actively to nurture two great gifts that God has given to us. In Genesis God entrusts the Earth to our human ancestors, Adam and Eve, so as their descendants, we are each stewards of creation. On a more intimate level, Christ has given us to each other as the church, the community of Christ, and we at LCH recognize this in our mission statement.

Throughout the coming year, we call our congregation to dedicate ourselves to restoring creation and renewing Christ’s community. We are planning a variety of activities that will alternate between the two parts of our theme. We start with a blood drive this month to support our community; and next month, in addition to our look at financial stewardship (we couldn’t forget that!), we will turn to restoring creation with a nature hike. Other activities will follow throughout the year.

We invite every member of our church family to participate as we join our hands together and do God’s work of restoring creation and renewing Christ’s community.

Your Stewardship Committee
Peggy Anderson, Pam Buckley, and Bill Potter

Raising the Profile of LCH in the Community

Check in on Facebook

One of the themes that emerged in our “Called Forward Together in Christ” dialogs over the summer was the need to raise our profile in the larger community through social media, and the Communications Committee has identified a simple but powerful way members of the congregation can help achieve this goal.

The committee wants everyone who is on Facebook and has a smartphone to check in on Facebook each time you come to LCH for worship, choir practice, a small group, or any other activity. When you check in, all of your Facebook friends see that status update. If we all do it, just think of how many times LCH will appear on Facebook. And all that publicity is free!

So, don’t forget to check in on Facebook when you come to LCH!

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.

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. The group is currently studying the book of Proverbs. Please join us for lively engaging fellowship and discussion!

In Stitches Returns!

Saturday, September 3, 9:00–11:00 am • LCH Rainbow Room

In Stitches, the LCH craft group, will meet for the first fall meeting in the Rainbow room on Saturday, September 3, from 9:00 to 11:00. Everyone is welcome to bring whatever craft you are working on or learn to make the ribbon lei we give the visitors.

Food for Thought

Saturday, September 3, 5:30–8:00 pm

The next meeting of Food for Thought has been scheduled to meet at the home of Phyllis Hormann (please note the new meeting location). All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For location details and other information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Regular Worship Schedule Resumes Sunday, September 4!

8:00 am • Holy Communion
10:30 am • Choral Eucharist
7:30 pm • Evening Prayer (First and third Sundays)

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, September 4

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 September:

• September 4—The Circle of the Church Year
• September 11—Creation
• September 18—The Flood and the Ark
• September 25—The Story of Sarah

Adult Forum to Study St. Anselm

Sundays, September 4, 11, & 18, 9:20 am • LCH Boardroom

Wayne Gau launches a new season of Adult Forum with the topic of St. Anselm’s Theory of Satisfaction Atonement. This theory, which he first set forth in the 11th century, was perhaps the first time that Jesus’ crucifixion was seen as a substitute for human sin, satisfying God’s just wrath against man’s transgressions through Christ’s infinite merit. Prior to the 11th century, the church gave other reasons why Jesus was crucified. Please come and attend this very interesting discussion.

Poetry Group

Sunday, September 4, 6:45 pm

Poetry group will meet on the first Sunday of September prior to Evening Prayer, which begins at 7:30 pm.

Evening Prayer

Sundays, September 4 & 18, 7:30 pm

Join us on the first and third Sundays of each month for Evening Prayer. This is a peaceful experience of rejuvenation and prayer.

Music Ministry Internship Available

LCH is offering an internship for music majors enrolled in a qualifying degree program or individuals with a strong background in music. Our music ministry intern will have the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of music direction, performance, publicity, and event planning. Candidates are encouraged to audition for one of our musical ensembles, with the possibility of being selected as a paid section leader. If you know of a promising individual for this position, they may contact scott@LCHwelcome.org or visit www.lchwelcome.org/site/music-intern/. Applications deadline is September 5.

Office closed in observance of Labor Day

Monday, September 5

Process Thought Forum

Saturday, September 10, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom

The new LCH A Liturgy for Care of the Earth and the meeting in Honolulu of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Congress have focused our attention on the complex issues of global climate change. We will look at what Process Philosophy can contribute to understanding and responding to climate change. The article, by Jay McDaniel, “Process Philosophy and Global Climate Change,” includes many links to other websites for expanding you own exploration of resources and movements currently underway to find alternatives to our present life styles. Our article can be found at: www.jesusjazzbuddhism.org/process-philosophy-and-global-climate-change.html. We hope you will join us for a lively discussion. If you have questions you may contact Fritz through the LCH office 808-941-2566.

Altar Guild Luncheon and Training Invitation

Saturday, September 10, 11:30 am • LCH Boardroom

Are you curious about the Altar Guild? Do you think you might want to help on a team? Are you already serving on an Altar Guild Team? If so, this invitation is for you.

We will gather in the LCH Boardroom, where lunch will be provided followed by training on all aspects of Altar Guild functions in support of worship. Please speak with Olivia Castro or call the church office at 808-941-2566 and leave a message if you plan to attend.

Blood Drive at St. John Lutheran, Kailua

Sunday, September 11, 8:00 am–1:00 pm • 1004 Kailua Road

LCH members have been asked by St. John Lutheran Church, Kailua, to assist them in achieving the target number for their blood drive. LCH members living on the Windward side are encouraged to donate blood for St. John’s “God’s Work, Our Hands” project. Those able to donate can stop by on their way to or from LCH on Sunday, September 11. They are hoping to achieve a minimum of 40 donors. LCH will hold a blood drive the following Sunday, September 18.

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, September 11, 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!

Holoholo Pick-Up

Tuesdays, September 13 and 27, 2:30–4:00 pm

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.

Confirmation Preparation Classes

Thursdays, September 15, 22, & 29, 6:15 pm • Rainbow Room

Confirmation instruction begins September 15! Confirmation is a voluntary program for youth, grade 6 and up, who would like to confirm their faith. At baptism we promise to “place in (your child’s) hands the Holy Scripture and provide for their education in the Christian Faith.” In confirmation class we study scripture, the Reformation, and Christian history, but we are more interested in helping young people develop as persons of faith.

This year we are experimenting with having confirmation class on Thursday evenings, including dinner. If you are interested in having your youth participate in confirmation preparation, please contact Pastor Jeff.

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, September 17, 6:00 pm • Isenberg Hall

LGBTQI and friends, please join our potluck supper and games or video night in Isenberg Hall. Supper begins at 6:00 pm with games or video to follow. Set up begins at 5:30, and help is greatly appreciated. Please bring a food item to share.

The theme for September is “These are a few of my favorite things.” We encourage you to bring along a knickknack from home and tell everyone where you got it and why you’ve kept it for all these years. Games and or videos are also welcome for after-dinner entertainment. If you are bringing a video, please let Jim Cartwright, Roy Helms, or Bill Potter know in advance so that we can line up the equipment for viewing.

For more information, contact Jim at jasfcartw@gmail.com. Please share information of this gathering and an invitation to other LGBTQI and friends you know who may be interested in socializing with us.

Exploring Boundaries and Beyond

Saturday, September 18, 6:00–7:15 pm • Isenberg Hall

The ageing of Hawai‘i’s population will put strains on social services in our state. Institutions and agencies, non-profits, the state and city governments, as well as families and individuals will all be required to do more to support a growing population of kūpuna (elders) in coming years.

LCH member Dr. Larry Nitz is at the forefront of research and advocacy for the passage of legislation (Senate Bill 2478 SD 1 and House Bill 1885) that would create a basic level of benefits for long-term care services and support. In 2012 Larry was asked to do the feasibility and actuarial studies leading to this legislation. Eligible seniors would be those who are “vested” in the program (i.e. residents who have filed State of Hawai‘i tax returns for ten years and are in need of assistance). Larry will speak to us about this program and the movement of these bills through the Hawai‘i State Legislature.

Dr. Larry Nitz is Professor of Political Science at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He also works with UHM’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning and the Public Policy Center.

“God’s Work, Our Hands” Blood Drive at LCH

Sunday, September 18, 8:00 am–1:oo pm (waiting for confirmation) • Location?

As part of our “God’s Work, Our Hands” community outreach project, we have arranged a blood drive at LCH on Sunday, September 18. A sign-up sheet will be available in the courtyard between services for those eligible and willing to donate. We encourage your support at a time when the shortage of blood at the Hawai‘i Blood Bank is almost critical. Check the courtyard bulletin boards for postings giving criteria for eligibility to donate. Rules for donating have expanded eligibility opportunities. Please spread the word to friends and family—we need a minimum of 40 donors for this drive.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, September 19, 10:00 am

We will meet at the Murashige’s home to discuss Caleb’s Crossing, by Geraldine Brooks. This story about the first Native American to graduate from Harvard is set in 17th Century Martha’s Vineyard. In October, we meet again at the Murashige’s to discuss The Great Dissent, by Thomas Healy, a history of how Oliver Wendell Holmes established the modern understanding of the First Amendment.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, September 19, 5:30–7:00 pm • LCH Boardroom

Writers’ Workshop is holding the first meeting after our summer break. All are welcome! For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, September 24, 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 (September 18). See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.

Punahou Academy Fall Semester Parking

The Punahou Academy fall semester commenced Thursday, August 25. Student parking in the LCH Poki Street and church lots has resumed for the school year. 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 June 1, 2017. There are nine spaces reserved for Punahou students in the church lot for the fall and spring semesters. Eight are along the Poki Street side of the church lot, and one space is in the gravel area nearest the dumpster. They are reserved, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, on school days only, through June 1, 2017.

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 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.

Aloha Lindsey Bell

LCH member Lindsey Bell begins her journey toward ordination this month at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. The congregation wished her blessings and Godspeed on August 28. As a candidate for ordination in the ELCA, Lindsey will be a full-time Master of Divinity student. The course of study includes three years of classroom work and one year of full-time internship at a Lutheran church or institution. She will also have a teaching parish and complete a course of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at a hospital or similar institution under the supervision of a certified CPE instructor.

Lindsey hopes to serve as a military chaplain and will have additional education and duties as she pursues chaplain candidacy. LCH is helping to support Lindsey financially and you are asked to keep her in your prayers and thoughts!

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. The period, known as the Reformation, was inaugurated 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 July

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$4,651	Mission Campaign	$50
Music Fund/Instruments	$170	Wounded Warriors	$117
Capital Improvements	$107

Attendance and Offerings for August

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
August 7	9:15 am Service	59	Offering	$1,926
			Social Ministries/IHS	$10
			Music/Instruments	$80
August 14	9:15 am Service	86	Offering	$1,504
			Altar Flowers	$40
August 21	9:15 am Service	83	Offering	$1,936
			Wounded Warriors	$520
			Music/Instruments	$10
August 28	9:15 am Service	99	Offering	$2,790
			Service Music Fund	$1,180

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, September 20, 9:00 am

Denise, Geno, Irene, Irmgard, John, Keahi, Leilani, Steve D., Swede, the Gebhardt family in the loss of Greg’s mother

September Birthdays

09/03	Mary Reese
09/03	Jimmy Castro
09/05	Michael Gorman
09/09	Joseph Zuiker
09/11	Naomi Castro
09/11	Iniki S. K.
09/11	Emily Okikawa
09/11	Kyra Ann Takamiya
09/17	Carolyn Ishikawa
09/21	Jerome Vasconcellos
09/22	Justin Juvinall

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	September 4	September 11	September 18	September 25
LECTOR	Chuck Huxel	Jim Sullivan	Peggy Brandt	Cindy Scheinert
ASSISTING MINISTER	Peggy Anderson	Laurie Leach	Bobby Broyles	Amanda Lippert
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Phyllis Hormann Sophia S Chuck Huxel	Stephanie Luuloa Sheena Lim-Urban Wayne Gau	Peggy Anderson Sheena Lim-Urban Sophia S.	Kyra Takamiya Laurie Leach Wayne Gau
LAYING ON HANDS		Jim Sullivan
ACOLYTE	Raphael S.	Dylan D.	Raphael S.	Hunter N.
USHERS	Fred Benco (Captain) Craig Clissold Billie Jean Ries Chuck Huxel		COUNCIL IN CHARGE	Mary Fastenau
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	September 4	September 11	September 18	September 25
LECTOR	Iara N.	Angie Niermann	Peter Flachsbart	Roy Helms
DEACON	Jacqui Darroch	Frank Haas	Marcus Fikse	Josie Bidgood
SUB-DEACON	Jim Cartwright	Teresa McCreary	Shy Healey	Chuck Pearson
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Josie Bidgood Chuck Pearson	Mary Fastenau Bob Tellander	Jacqui Darroch Frank Haas	Teresa McCreary Randy Christensen
ACOLYTES	Rebecca L. Lillie J.	Iara N. Max W.	TJ H. Connor H.	Azure S. Scarlett S.
LAYING ON HANDS		John Bickel
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart (Captain) Bill Fay Chuck Pearson LaVerne Rickard Jean-Paul Klingebiel		ALTAR GUILD	Olivia Castro Mary-Jo Estes Billie Jean Ries Noelani Nitz

Calendar: September 2016

Day	Date	Event and Time
Thursday	September 1	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly staff meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	September 3	9:00 am, In Stitches 5:30 pm, Food for Thought
Sunday	September 4	Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:00 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Monday	September 5	Labor Day—LCH Office Closed 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	September 8	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly staff meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	September 10	9:30 am, Process Thought Forum 11:30 am, Altar Guild Training
Sunday	September 11	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable
Monday	September 12	6:30 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	September 13	2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up
Wednesday	September 14	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday	September 15	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal 6:15 pm, Confirmation Class
Friday	September 16	1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served
Saturday	September 17	10:00 am, LCH Choir Retreat 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society
Sunday	September 18	8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Blood Drive 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 6:00 pm, Exploring Boundaries 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Monday	September 19	10:00 am, Women’s Book Club 5:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	September 20	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 6:30 pm, Council Meeting
Thursday	September 22	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal 6:15 pm, Confirmation Class
Saturday	September 24	10:00 am, One Pot One Hope 7:30 pm, Early Music Hawai‘i Concert at LCH
Sunday	September 25	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	September 26	7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	September 27	2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up
Thursday	September 29	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal 6:15 pm, Confirmation Class