HeartBeat—May 2018

From Pastor Jeff

On Being the (New) Church, Part 1

Often, I am asked about our ministry here at Lutheran Church of Honolulu. I am always asked how long I have been Pastor at LCH (11 years), how many members we have (I don’t really know), how many come to worship (a lot and not enough), and finally, how old LCH is (118 years). Such questions are perfectly normal and understandable because folks often, consciously or unconsciously, judge the value of this ministry using those criteria. Traditional values like longevity, membership, and annual budget have been the standards by which congregational success has been measured for many years—even by the ELCA and predecessor bodies. But we are no longer that church, or in that time.

So, I wonder, what questions will people be asking the pastor at LCH in 30 years? What matters to the next generation of people who will fill our pews, chairs, whatever? Maybe this is a guiding question for us as we envision ministry for the next century, among LCH, the Hukilau Conference, and for the greater church. While it is impossible to answer that question definitively, it might be helpful to name what we think we know about our own time, based on research by the Pew Charitable Trust and other observations.

1. In the US, interest in spirituality is holding firm, but interest in mainline religion is waning rapidly.
2. Young adults distrust institutions, especially the institutional church.
3. The institutional church is viewed, by many young adults, as hostile to the gay, lesbian, transgender, and questioning community.
4. Young adults describe local congregations as “out of touch and irrelevant.”
5. Membership in churches and other organizations, including private clubs and social groups, is not a priority for the next generation.
6. There is a growing hunger for “connectedness” in an increasingly fragmented society.
7. Social conventions about marriage and childbearing are shifting away from traditionally accepted norms.
8. Deep and lasting friendships are increasingly rare, but none-the-less appreciated.
9. People are mobile.
10. There is a desire for meaningful work and meaningful leisure.

If we pay too much attention to research polls and public opinion we may end up like so many culturally reactive churches, surfing the latest trend and chasing popularity. Fortunately, we are a church body that takes seriously God’s call in our ministry. But how do we determine what God is calling us to, in ministry?

As Moses found in the wilderness—we listen. Certainly, the voices of young people, expressed in polls and research, should be a part of that listening. But at our core is a deeper listening to the voice of God that calls us to be God’s love in and for the world. That voice comes in the cry of the poor, the hungry, the suffering, and the lonely. We also hear God in the voice of those craving fellowship, assurance, forgiveness, friendship, and unconditional acceptance.

When we fail to hear the voice of God in the conversation, we shape a church and a ministry uniquely and unsurprisingly suitable for ourselves, and ourselves alone. In short, the church turns inward, not outward.

Signs of this inward turning might be a preoccupation with survival, worry about empty pews, loss of stature for the church organization, and even a longing for the glory days when all of God’s children went to church and had multiple children to fill the pews and coffers to overflowing.

As I read scripture, I seldom find God calling God’s people backward; but I do find God calling God’s people back—back to love, back to prayer, back to faithfulness, back to service, and back to freedom.

As we listen to God and to one another, what might the church look like? Does God’s ministry among Lutherans in Hawai‘i have to be separate congregations, each with their own pastor? Are there other models that might shape our ministry for a new century? Can we begin to think about individual congregations partnering together to share staff, resources, and mission? Can we discover the particular gifts of different worshipping communities and band together to lift up those gifts for the sake of our neighbors?

You see, this is so much more than figuring out what the next iteration of Lutheran Church of Honolulu might be or what programs we might want to work with. This is about a reshaping of ministry in general, to better do God’s work where we live, work, and play so that our ministry in the whole world might reflect what God is up to already and everywhere.

Next month: Part II—Getting There Together

Blessings,
Pastor Jeff

Mahalo, Mahalo, Mahalo!

Blessings and thanks to LCH and community members who participated in the 2018 Honolulu AIDS Walk on April 22. Our team raised $2,335.oo for the Life Foundation and CHOW Project, making us the tenth highest fundraising team for the walk! Mahalo to all who donated and offered prayers of support.

Summer Schedules

As June approaches, please keep in mind that we change our Sunday service time to the summer schedule for June, July, and August. There will be 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 LCH programs may break for the summer as well. Check the LCH calendar on-line, or the HeartBeat newsletter and the weekly LCHNews calendars for scheduling information.

LCH Office Hours in 2018

• Monday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Tuesday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Wednesday—12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
• Thursday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Friday—9:00 am to 3:00 pm

We recommend calling the office (808-941-2566) before making a visit to see Pastor Jeff or the administrator, as schedules may vary with appointments, other work commitments, and lunch breaks.

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!

Fritz Fritschel Memorial

Saturday, May 5, beginning at 11:00 am • at LCH

The family invites you to attend a memorial service, celebrating Fritz’s life. All are welcome and encouraged to attend for all or part of the day:

• 11:00 am—Service with Holy Communion
• 12:00 pm—Lunch
• 1:30 pm—Concert and Poetry Reading

Condolences may be sent to:

Carol Langner, 1415 Victoria St., #1101, Honolulu, HI 96822

Angel Network In-Gathering

Angel Network In-Gathering is on hold until repairs can be made to the building at Calvary-by-the-Sea Lutheran Church. The building was damaged in the storm and flood on Friday, April 13. If you are interested, please visit their website at www.calvarybythesea.org and click on “Donate to the building fund for flood recovery,” in the left panel under Our Church.

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 this month’s schedule of Godly Play stories:

May 6—Circle of the Service

May 13—Julian of Norwich object box

May 20—Pentecost

May 27—End of Sunday school play day

Adult Forum: Using Dialogue to Understand Others

Sundays through May, 9:20 am • LCH Boardroom

We discuss James W. Fowler’s book Stages of Faith. Fowler was head of the religion department at Emory University for many years. Grounded in the work of Piaget and Kohlberg, he described seven stages for the development of religious faith. His work has been criticized for having liberal Christian Protestant bias, but it has been a starting point for many theories of religion.

Join us to discuss faith development in children, and adolescents—as well as our own understanding. Discussion is led by Steve MillerN

• May 6—Authority, Identity; Years 12–most adults
• May 13—Belief conflicts; Years 25–40 in some adults
• May 20—Complex understanding; Years 35+ in a few adults
• May 27—Universal compassion; rare

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, May 6, 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!

Concordia University Irvine Student Concert

On Monday, May 7, at 7:00 pm we welcome two visiting choirs from Concordia University Irvine. The ensembles will present a concert filled with energetic, encouraging, and inspiring music. Come and be blessed by the joy of Christ through the student’s singing.

We would like to invite the congregation to show hospitality to the choirs by providing host homes for students on Sunday, May 6, prior to the concert, and Monday, May 7. If you would like more information or wish to host, please contact Scott Fikse through the LCH office, or by email at scott@LCHwelcome.org.

Compline

Sunday, May 6 and 20, 7:30 pm

Join us for Compline every first and third Sunday of the month, led a cappella by the Men’s Schola. This is a peaceful experience of rejuvenation and prayer.

Holoholo Pick-Up

Tuesdays, May 8 and 22, 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.

LCH Office Closed

Monday, May 11—While administrator is away and Pastor is attending Intern Supervisor Retreat

Process Forum

Saturday, May 12, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom

Process Forum will meet again in May. We’ll continue addressing aspects of process thought, learning from each other. Specific topic will be announced later. Hope you can join us.

Food for Thought

Saturday, May 12, 5:30–8:00 pm

Food for Thought will meet at the home of David Hörmann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. Our next meeting is planned for June 2. For more information, contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, May 12, 3:00 pm • Carolyn Koehler’s home in Waipi‘o

LGBTQI and friends, please join us at Carolyn’s new home for our May meeting. Bring your suit and come midafternoon for a swim, or join us later for our potluck supper and games.

Maps and directions will be available at church on May 6. There is ongoing construction on the H-1, so we may need to postpone the event if traffic continues to be bad.

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

LCH Scholarship Applications Available

Submit by Wednesday, May 16

Scholarship applications are available for the coming summer and 2017–18 school year. Scholarships may be used for tuition assistance, music study, and the like. If you wish to apply for an LCH scholarship, please call the church office (808-941-2566) or send an email request to lch@lchwelcome.org for an application. Scholarship applications should be submitted by Wednesday, May 16, for review and approval.

Pacifica Synod Assembly

Voting members from around the Pacifica Synod will gather in Irvine, California, May 18–19, for the Pacifica Synod Assembly. Pastor Jeff, Willow Chang, and Roy Helms are voting members from LCH attending the assembly this year. The assembly is a time for ELCA congregations to gather for prayer, worship, discernment, and business. Please keep the assembly, our bishop, and all voting members in your prayers. Our voting members will provide a brief report of their experience when they return.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, May 21, 10:00 am

Marlise leads the discussion of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, by Mohsin Hamid, at the home of the Murashiges. Our next meeting is June 18, at the Murashige’s, to review The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. Juditha will lead the discussion. Newcomers are welcome. Please contact the church office ay 808-941-2566 if you have questions.

IHS Meals Prepared and Served

Friday, May 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.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, May 21, 4:30 pm • LCH Boardroom

Writers’ Workshop will meet in the Boardroom at LCH. All are welcome. There is a possibility of meeting June 18 (TBA), before the summer hiatus. For more information, contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, May 26, 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. See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool. We are in need of chili donations, #10 sized cans (from Costco or Sam’s Club).

Extraordinary Ordinary

Saturday, May 26th • 4:00 pm
Featuring Mary Sims, soprano, and the LCH Choir and Men’s Schola
Scott Fikse, conductor • Mark Wong, organist

We invite you to join us for a special concert featuring the music of William Byrd and contemporary composers of the mass. Each section of Byrd’s Mass ordinary is paired with a later setting, creating a rich musical dialogue across the centuries.

The other settings are Gloria by George Malcolm (1917–1997), Credo: by Edward C. Bairstow (1874–1946), and Agnus Dei by David Rossow (b. 1975)

Mary Sims comes to LCH from Portland, Oregon, home of the William Byrd Festival for the past 20 years. Mary is a regular participant in the resident ensemble Cantores in Ecclesia and is a specialist in the music of Byrd.

Tickets are $25 (general) and $10 (students and military).

Play Day for Godly Play

Sunday, May 27, between services

To celebrate another great year of Godly Play, we have a Play Day planned involving games, crafts, and food. There are no Sunday school classes during the summer months, June through August. If you are interested in helping with the Godly Play program, beginning in September, please contact the LCH office for information.

LCH Office Closed

Monday, May 28, in observance of Memorial Day

We Need Bread Bakers!

No one has signed up to bake bread in May or for any of the summer months. Please consider helping with this important ministry. We can provide recipes and encouragement. Sign up in the courtyard between services or see Linda Miller for information. Mahalo!

Take Ribbon Home to Make Ribbon Lei

If you know how to make our visitor lei please take home some ribbon to make lei during your spare moments. The basket of ribbon will be outside the Godly Play room this Sunday. We especially need green lei for the summer. Thank you for your help!

LCH Intern Approved

After a year of discernment and application, the LCH Congregational Council is happy to announce that we have been approved as an internship site and will have an intern beginning this summer. The faculty of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary approved Andrew Flatt-Kuntze as an intern pastor to serve at Lutheran Church of Honolulu for the 2018–19 academic year.

Andrew, and his husband Justin, will arrive in Honolulu on July 12 and begin internship on July 15. Pastoral internship is a required year of full-time, supervised ministry in a ministry setting (usually a church) approved by the seminary. The goal is for the intern to have access to a wide range of experience in preaching, administration, pastoral care, and spiritual development. During his internship year, Andrew will develop an internship project of his choice (in consultation with the internship committee) to work on and report on to the seminary.

We are very excited to resume our tradition of hosting interns at LCH, and very excited to get to know and share ministry with Andrew and Justin. We will have a welcome potluck for Andrew and Justin shortly after their arrival this summer.

Vacation Bible School 2018

Tuesday–Saturday, June 12–16, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Grace Hall at St. John Lutheran Church, Kailua

All children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade this fall (2018) are welcome to participate in Vacation Bible School (VBS)/day camp organized by St. John Lutheran and Lutheran Church of Honolulu. Lutheran Retreat, Camps, and Conferences, a ministry of the ELCA, is sending counselors for VBS this summer. The camp program runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily, but extended care is available from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Early-bird registration is $50.00 for the week ($100.00 for extended care). After May 15, registration fees go up to $100.00 ($150.00 for extended care). Registration forms are available in the LCH office or in the courtyard between Sunday services. Please make checks payable to St. John Lutheran Church.

In order to help this program run smoothly we are seeking assistance with the following:

• Sign up!
• Adult volunteers willing to be onsite for full or half days.
• Snack donations for counselors and kids (to be served at 10:00 am daily).
• Daily lunches for the counselors (kids will bring sack lunches).
• A car for the counselors to use while they are on island (contact Pastor Kathryn or Pastor Jeff with information).

Sign up and we’ll see you there!

Electronic Funds Transfers for March

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$4,719	Capital Improvements	$110
Music Fund/Instruments	$210	Wounded Warriors	$120
Shallow Subsidy	$90	Pew Chair Fund	$880

Attendance and Offerings for April

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
April 1	8:00 am Service	88	Offering	$10,261
	10:30 am Service	141	Shallow Subsidy	$240
	Compline	41	Social Ministries/IHS	$1,155
	Total	270	Pew Chair Fund	$695
			Music Funds	$350
			Domestic Relief	$25
			Easter Lilies	$79
April 8	8:00 am Service	53	Offering	$1,767
	10:30 am Service	71	Pew Chair Fund	$1,000
	Total	124	Shallow Subsidy	$80
			Social Ministries/IHS	$30
April 15	8:00 am Service	53	Offering	$1,684
	10:30 am Service	60	Shallow Subsidy	$130
	Compline	26	Altar Flowers	$45
	Total	139	Music/Instruments	$10
April 22	8:00 am Service	52	Offering	$2,881
	10:30 am Service	73	Social Ministries/IHS	$30
	Total	125	Shallow Subsidy	$30
			Memorials	$29
			Pew Chair Fund	$617
April 29	8:00 am Service	40	Offering	$2,765
	10:30 am Service	63	Social Ministries/IHS	$85
	Total	103	Shallow Subsidy	$90
			Capital Improvements	$100
			Pew Chair Fund	$1,913
			Memorials	$150
		Auction Purchases	$2,385

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, May 15, 9:00 am

Chuck H., Cindy P., Colleen, Jennifer, Karen, Katie and Tyler,
Kim K., Kim V., Kirsten, Lee M., Lori L., Marguerite, Micki S.,
Remy R., Shirley, Steve R., Swede, Tammy, Vonia

May Birthdays

05/05	Vreni Griffith
05/09	Bill Fay
05/11	Ivan Kaeo
05/14	Miles Sato
05/17	Karyn Castro
05/22	Miguel Felipe
05/23	Francisco Barajas
05/24	Stephanie Luuloa
05/28	Lilianna S.
05/30	Ernie Peterson

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	May 6	May 13	May 20 Pentecost	May 27
LECTOR	Cindy Scheinert	Jimmy Castro	Chuck Huxel	Cindy Scheinert
ASSISTING MINISTER	Laurie Leach	Peggy Anderson	Amanda Lippert	Peggy Anderson
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Phyllis Hörmann Amanda Lippert Wayne Gau	Sophia S. Don Johnson Wayne Gau	Chuck Huxel< NEEDED Stephanie Luuloa	Don Johnson Chuck Huxel Wayne Gau
ACOLYTE	Dylan D.	Raphael S.	Dylan D.	Hunter N.
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
USHERS	Fred Benco Dylan DePretto Billie Jean Ries Chuck Huxel		COUNCIL in CHARGE	Josie Bidgood
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	May 6	May 13	May 20 Pentecost	May 27
LECTOR	Roy Helms	Aaron Gould	Juditha Murashige	Iara Nitz
DEACON	Mary Fastenau	Frank Haas	Marcus Fikse	Josie Bidgood
SUB-DEACON	Frank Haas	Josie Bidgood	Teresa McCreary	Chuck Pearson
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Marcus Fikse Teresa McCreary	Chuck Pearson Randy Christensen	Mary Fastenau	Jim Cartwright Randy Christensen
ACOLYTES	Iara N. Rebecca L.	Lillie J. Coco J.	Rebecca L. NEEDED	Scarlett S. Iara N.
LAYING ON HANDS		John Bickel
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Bill Fay Chuck Pearson		ALTAR GUILD	Josie Bidgood Stephanie Luuloa Lois Watanabe Juditha Murashige Nicole Muffley

Calendar: May 2018

Day	Date	Event and Time
Thursday	May 3	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	May 5	11:00 am, Fritz Fritschel Memorial Service
Sunday	May 6	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	May 7	5:30 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal 7:00 pm, Concordia Irvine Choral Concert
Tuesday	May 8	2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up
Thursday	May 10	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Monday	May 11	LCH Office Closed
Saturday	May 12	9:30 am, Process Thought Forum 3:00 pm, Mary Magdalene @ Caroly Koehler’s 5:30 pm, Food for Thought
Sunday	May 13	Mother’s Day and Ascension Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	May 14	6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	May 15	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline
Wednesday	May 16	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday	May 17	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	May 18	Pacifica Synod Assembly, San Diego, CA 1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served 7:00 pm, Karol’s Karolers Concert
Saturday	May 19	Pacifica Synod Assembly, San Diego, CA 7:30 pm, Early Music Hawaii Concert
Sunday	May 20	Day of Pentecost 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Compline
Monday	May 21	10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	May 22	2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting
Thursday	May 24	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	May 26	10:00 am, One Pot One Hope 4:00 pm, Mass for Five Voices Concert
Sunday	May 27	The Holy Trinity 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Pew Chair Bake Sale 9:20 am, Sunday School Play Day 9:20 am, Adult Forum 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 6:00 pm, Chamber Music Concert
Monday	May 28	Memorial Day—LCH Office Closed 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	May 31	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal