HeartBeat—July 2018

From Pastor Jeff

Part III—Being There Together

In my last installment, I discussed the tendency in churches to assert a “silo” mentality. Many churches want their own pastor, their own ministry and identity, and that has led to increasing competition for a shrinking pool of parishioners and pastors. I posited the challenge that ministry sites explore how they might come together, not just for mutual survival, but for a stronger and more robust ministry for the sake of mission. I suggested that this journey would be more than a dreaming up of cooperative programs and strategies. It would be a re-forming of our missional identity in the face of the changing needs of the world. This last installment in this series focuses on an important question that springs from all the other questions in these articles: Who, then, is God calling us to be?

When Martin Luther first conceived the reformation of his beloved church, he envisioned a church rooted more deeply in the Word and will of God and the reshaping of ministry to better serve God’s purpose in the world. The resulting schism grieved Luther even as he himself contributed to the growing chasm. Over centuries, the splintering of the Christian family over theology, practice, power, and politics has intensified. At the local level, congregational competition for members, prestige, relevance, and even survival has left the Christian corpus a bit bruised. Kelly Fryer, in her ground-breaking book, Reclaiming the “C” Word, challenged us to ask the simple questions, “What is God up to?” and “Are we up to what God is up to?” For many congregations, these questions help reform their underlying assumptions for ministry, and help them focus more on God’s work, rather than on their own wants and desires.

Perhaps we need to take Kelly’s valuable work a step further. At the end of Reclaiming the “C” Word, Kelly imagines a young pastor working with her congregation to take out a loan to build a rural ministry center that would help the local church do a better job of doing ministry “out there” rather than just “in here”—in their building (p. 113). By stretching the congregational churches’ visions of mission, they could better serve the wider church, even if there was no obvious benefit to them. Kelly rightly notes that, “We are used to thinking that the church is something that happens in here, in this building. … The Church is something that is out there, where you and I live and work and go to school…” (p.113).

What I missed, in using Kelly’s book all these years, is the focus on the verb to be. Perhaps we have overlooked the fact that, while the church does lots of stuff, we are first and foremost to be with God and with one another. All the activities, programs, service to the community, advocacy, social change, community organizing, work with youth and homeless vets, spring from what it is to be Christ in the world.

In Exodus 6, God promises Moses, “I will be your God, and you will be my people.” Jesus promises the disciples, and us, “I will be with you always.” As we look forward to ministry in a rapidly changing world, we might want to spend less time worrying about what we are going to do, and more time in conversation about who and how we are and will be. By shifting from questions of action to deeper conversations about being we might come to see ourselves more clearly within the context of our communities. More importantly, we might come again to see the church’s very existence and purpose is linked, first and always, to YHWH, the ultimate expression of Being.

Sometimes we act as if we are the action committee for God. But Luther had it right. The good and wonderful things we do in our communities and the world spring from the gift of God’s presence and promise. Because of that presence and promise, we are free to be the community of love the world needs so much. In our frenzy to do, we find ourselves arguing about silly things like light bulbs (LED, florescent, solar powered, cheap, expensive, etc.). Instead we must be, as John says, “a light set on a hill.” Our desire to help those who suffer and stand up for justice and equity comes not from our desire to appear busy, but from our recognition that we must be love in the face of hatred, persecution, racism, and bigotry.

Perhaps it seems a bit overstated, but it is not the church’s programs, policies, political actions, social statements, and ministries that define us. God defines us, and God calls us God’s own. She is present, persistent, and patient, even when we are not. God’s being defines our being, and our being defines our doing, not the other way around.

So, what does this mean for a church experiencing fewer and aging members, ridicule from many corners of society, and a quiet panic about the future? First, we might remember that we are nothing less and nothing more than the body of Christ present for the sake of the world. We have many parts, but one body. As we experience more and more people moving away from our community and our church, we might want to pray together about how we will be church in the coming years. Conversations about new programs and techniques will likely bear little fruit. But what if we invited the congregations around us to dream about how we might be the church in ways more consistent with the loving, communal body of Christ Jesus named us to be? Could we focus more deeply on how God is being God in the world, and shape our ministries to reflect what God is already doing? Could we ask one another, “What is God up to?” and really listen to what our fellow congregations have to say? Could we then invite our neighborhood to help us better understand what is happening with them? We might find that those around us may not see God in the same way (if at all), but we might see more clearly what God is up to by engaging deeply in the narrative they share. By focusing our being together, might finally begin to set aside our pride and our tradition, and Sabbath together.

So, might we start? What if we invited the entire church councils of each of the Lutheran congregations in Hawai‘i to gather for a full-day conversation around “What is God up to in (location)?” We could listen deeply to the stories unfolding around us. We could then ask, is the way we are doing church today reflective of the church we are called to be? Is the church addressing God’s ministry in the whole world? Are there simple or radical ways we can be re-shaped to better serve God’s mission? Can we imagine a parish model where resources, assets, gifts, strengths, needs, and weaknesses are shared by 11 churches? Could the role of lay persons be magnified and celebrated?

While It is clearly difficult to know exactly how it might all turn out, it is not hard to see that, sometime in the fairly near future, churches in Hawai‘i and elsewhere will need to envision a new way for ministry. If we do not work toward that reform on our own, change will be forced on us by circumstance. We have always been at our best when we move boldly forward into God’s unfolding future. What do you think?

Blessings,
Pastor Jeff

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.

Summer LCH Office Hours

• 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.

Day Camp/VBS

LCH and St. John Lutheran Church, in Kailua, sponsored Oahu Vacation Bible School (VBS) day camp at St. John from June 12 to 16. Trained staff from Lutheran Retreats, Camps, and Conferences, an ELCA outdoor ministry located in California, brought their skills and enthusiasm for a week of fun, Bible lessons, singing, and activities. The camp, attended by 10 youngsters, was very active and the children had a great time. The great group of counselors helped lead worship at St. John twice during their stay, and also at LCH on Sunday, June 17. Thank you, St, John Lutheran and Pastor Kathryn for your invitation to partner with LCH on this project!

National Youth Gathering Sendoff

LCH commissioned and sent Hunter Nishimura, Dylan DePretto and Pastor Jeff at a ceremony held during worship on June 24. The group is traveling, with three folks from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, to the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas. This year’s gathering will have over 30,000 youth and sponsors from around the world, descending on Houston for worship, service, learning, and fun. Held triennially, the ELCA Youth Gathering in one of the biggest regularly held Christian youth events in the country, and has been attended by as many as 38,000 youth at a time. The Lutheran Church has always had a strong tradition of gathering youth. In 1961, our predecessor body had Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as its keynote speaker!

This year, the event is being held at the NRG Center in Houston, Texas. The theme, “This Changes Everything,” comes from Ephesians 2. You can follow the event through several social media accounts. For more information, go to www.elca.org/youthgathering.

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, July 1

Angel Network is back in operation! 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.

Adult Forum

Sundays through July 15, 8:15 am • LCH Boardroom

Adult Forum will discuss the decline of Christianity in modern culture. We consider the current malaise of western Christianity and how it impacts the local church. Please wake a little earlier to join us in the LCH Boardroom, beginning at 8:15 am.

In Stitches Craft Table

In Stitches (LCH’s craft group) will have a table out in the courtyard after church during the summer for fellowship, learning to make ribbon lei, fellowship, help with knitting problems, and did I mention fellowship? Stop by and say, “Hi.”

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, July 1, 10:30 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, July 3, 17, and 31, 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

Wednesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day

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!

Process Forum

Process Forum takes a break until further notice. Enjoy the summer!

Welcome for Vicar Andrew

Andrew Flatt-Kuntze (left in photo) and his husband Justin arrive July 12, at about 11:30 am. We would love to have a strong contingent on hand to greet them at the airport, present lei, and generally make them feel welcome. If you would like to help out, please contact the LCH office and let us know so we can coordinate rides.

We will also have a grocery shower for Andrew and Justin on July 8. Please bring canned goods, snacks, and other things you think they might like so we can fill their pantry before they come. Anything they are allergic to or don’t care for will be donated to the Angel Network.

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, July 14, 6:00 pm • Isenberg Hall

LGBTQI and friends, please join our potluck supper and game 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 are also welcome for after-dinner entertainment. We will be welcoming Vicar Andrew and his husband Justin to this meeting.

A few months we all shared something no one knew about it, and it was a blast, so we’ll be doing that again in July. Please come prepared to tell us something new about yourself.

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 Sponsors Wounded Warriors Meal

Thursday, July 19, 3:30 pm

LCH is scheduled to assist St. John Lutheran Church with the Wounded Warriors meal this month. We need three to four helpers. First-timers are welcome. We meet at the entrance gate to Marine Corps Base, Kāne‘ohe (at the end of H-3) at 3:30 pm. We are usually finished and on our way by 6:00 pm. Please contact Fred Benco or the LCH office, lch@lchwelcome.org or 808-941-2566, if you are willing to volunteer for this worthwhile event.

IHS Meals Prepared and Served

Friday, July 20, 1:00 pm prep/5:30 pm serve

LCH will shop, cook, and serve our monthly hot meal to Honolulu’s homeless—women, children, men, singles, and families—at the Institute for Human Services, 350 Sumner Street in ‘Iwilei, on July 20. This is part of our 25-plus-year tradition of providing dinner on the third Friday of each month.

Volunteers are needed to serve as shoppers (2–3 hours on Thursday, July 19), cooks (1.5 hours beginning at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 20) and servers (1 hour beginning at 5:30). Check out the bulletin board over by the kitchen for more information about IHS and our long involvement with this human service agency. To learn more about the Institute for Human Services, visit their website at www.ihshawaii.org.

To be part of this important ministry, please sign up on the sign-up sheet on the table in the Courtyard. Questions? Talk to Jimmy Castro or Carol Langner at church or call the church office 808-941-2566 for details. Thanks to all who have served so faithfully in the past.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, July 23, 10:00 am

We meet at the Murashige’s to discuss The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier. Carol will lead the discussion. On August 20, we meet at the Murashige’s to talk about The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. Audrey will lead. Newcomers are welcome. Please contact the church office if you have questions, 808-941-2566.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, June 30, 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).

Music Ministry Auditions

Do you play an instrument? Do you like to sing? Have you enjoyed the experience of being in a choir or other musical ensemble in the past but don’t currently participate? Auditions for the LCH Choir and Early Worship Ensemble will be held during the last week of August by appointment. These sessions are meant to be relaxed and fun and are a way for the director to get to know you a bit more as a musician. If you have questions or would like to set up a time to meet please contact Scott Fikse, director of music & liturgy by email at scott@LCHwelcome.org.

Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund

The church has an ongoing need for maintenance of our current piano, which is on generous loan from Mark Wong. We also need to plan for eventual purchase of an excellent, permanent piano for LCH.

Therefore, we have established the Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund. Dr. Shipwright was the head of the piano division of the Music Department at UH Mānoa. Many people associated with LCH were students or friends of Ed. The fund will be a fitting memorial to his 50 years of teaching and playing.

Writers’ Workshop

Writers’ Workshop is taking a break in July. We will meet for our first meeting after the summer break on August 20, at 4:30 pm, in the Boardroom at LCH. All are welcome. For more information please contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Food for Thought

Food for Thought will meet next on August 25, at the home of David Hörmann (5:30–8:00 pm). All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For more information, please contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Rally Sunday

Sign up for fall Sunday school on Rally Sunday, August 26. Godly Play Sunday school will start again on September 2.

Have a great summer!

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.

Electronic Funds Transfers for May

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$5,967	Music Fund/Instruments	$210
Shallow Subsidy	$90

Attendance and Offerings for June

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
June 3	9:15 am Service	103	Offering	$2.956
	Compline	17	Shallow Subsidy	$250
	Total	120	Social Ministries/IHS	$30
			Pew Chair/Auction	$1,003
			Youth Gathering Books	$100
			Memorials	$25
June 10	9:15 am Service	89	Offering	$2,780
			Pew Chair Fund	$1,070
			Shallow Subsidy	$80
			Music/Instruments	$20
			Domestic Relief	$25
			Scholarships	$25
			Youth Gathering Books	$508
June 17	9:15 am Service	87	Offering	$1,525
			Shallow Subsidy	$60
			Pew Chair Fund	$1,260
			Music/Instruments	$10
			Social Ministries/IHS	$30
			Youth Gathering Books	$508
June 24	9:15 am Service	88	Offering	$2,266
			Youth Gathering Books	$496
			Wounded Warriors	$1-0
			shipwright Piano Fund	$50
			Pew Chair Fund	$100
			Social Ministries	$60
			Domestic Relief	$25
			Music Fund	$20

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, July 17, 9:00 am

Cindy P., Greg, Jennifer, Karen, Piperlynn and her parents, Kim K., Kim V., Kirsten, Lee M., Lori L., Shirley, Steve R., Swede, Tammy, Tiiu, Vincent, Vonia

July Birthdays

07/02	David Del Rocco
07/07	Ann C. DeVallee
07/08	Linda Miller
07/16	Whitney Walker
07/17	Bill Potter
07/19	Shane Shelton (Kaeo)
07/22	Christopher Khan
07/23	Karen Fay
07/24	Savannah McCreary
07/25	Georgine Stark
07/28	Tomi Haehnlen

LCH Worship Participants

Choral Eucharist or Holy Communion (9:15 am)
DATE	July 1	July 8	July 15	July 22	July 29
LECTOR	Jimmy Castro	Angie Niermann	Cindy Scheinert	Cathy Baptista	Roy Helms
ASSISTING MINISTER	Mary Fastenau	Mary Fastenau	Teresa McCreary	Peggy Anderson	Frank Haas
COMMUNION	Bob Tellander Carolyn Koehler Chuck Huxel	Laurie Leach Jim Cartwright Wayne Gau	Josie Bidgood Chuck Pearson Stephanie Luuloa	Nathalie J. Bob Tellander Bobby Broyles	Mary Fastenau Phyllis Hörmann Don Johnson
ACOLYTE	Hunter N.	Raphael S.	Rebecca L.	Max W.	Don Johnson
LAYING ON HANDS		John Bickel
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Fred Benco, Billie Jean Ries Dylan DePretto, Bill Fay Chuck Huxel Chuck Pearson		ALTAR GUILD	Linda Miller Lori Nishimura Marjan Lynch Marlise Tellander
COUNCIL in CHARGE	Hunter N.

Calendar: June 2018

Day	Date	Event and Time
Sunday	July 1	8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Leadership Roundtable
Monday	July 2	ELCA National Youth Gathering, Houston
Tuesday	July 3	2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up
Wednesday	July 4	OFFICE CLOSED—Independence Day
Thursday	July 5	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study
Sunday	July 8	8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion
Thursday	July 12	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study
Saturday	July 14	6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society
Sunday	July 15	8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion
Tuesday	July 17	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline! 2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up
Wednesday	July 18	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday	July 19	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 3:30 pm, Wounded Warriors Meal
Friday	July 20	1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served
Sunday	July 22	8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion
Monday	July 23	10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club
Tuesday	July 24	6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting
Thursday	July 26	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Staff meeting
Saturday	July 28	9:30 am, One Pot One Hope
Sunday	July 29	8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion
Tuesday	July 31	2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up