HeartBeat—October 2018

From Pastor Jeff

A Year with Bonhoeffer

A few years ago, Pastor Angela Freeman gave me a copy of A Year with Bonhoeffer, edited by Carl Barnhill (HarperCollins, 2005). This devotional book has become a mainstay for my daily devotions and has sparked many an internal conversation about God, serving, and daily life. A recent morning’s devotion starts like this:

Just as there are certain times in a Christian’s day for speaking the Word, particularly the time of daily worship and prayer together, so the day also needs certain times of silence under the Word and silence that comes out of the Word…. The Word comes not to the noisemakers but to those who are silent. (p. 290, entry for September 24)

In a world filled with noise and activity, the spirituality of silence is often lost. Even in worship we sometimes forget to spend a few silent moments to let the Word of God sink in. Our impulse to fill every silence with music, reading, or conversation may be robbing us of an opportunity to simply dwell in the moment. We have become so used to constant stimulation that we have forgotten how stimulating quiet can be!

I learned years ago, from a wise worship mentor, to let the last notes of hymn, anthem, or psalm ring just a bit before moving on to the next order of worship. Even “The Lord be with you” can become intrusive when it rides too close on the heels of a beautiful anthem. In the holy silence that follows holy sound, we give a space for the breathing of the Holy Spirit to take hold of us, transform us, and even come to a deeper understanding of what God might be doing in worship and the world.

Perhaps the practice of silence is even more important outside the beauty of worship. After all, as Luther asserted, our daily life and living is nothing more and nothing less than worship! So, where are we making room for listening in our daily life and work? Is it important? Yes!

In my conversations with parishioners and friends, I hear how busy, even frenetic, daily life and work have become. This is nothing new. With the advent of technology in the form of smart phones, pagers, Facebook, texting, and so on, it is nearly impossible to get away. I dread the day when some company invents micro-drones to deliver messages directly to wherever we are! While connectedness is good, too much of a good thing can drive us nearly mad. Some folks have adopted the technology they carry to help them to remember to slow down. An hourly gong can be set to remind you to stop and pray—or just stop. Other apps will give inspirational messages or scripture readings to remind us that we are connected to something greater than ourselves.

Sometimes, we just need to stop, find silence, and be. Some will say, “That’s impossible!” but it most certainly is possible—and very likely absolutely necessary for your life and wellbeing. Constant noise and activity eats away at us in the same way a drip of water, given enough time, will cut through rock. We don’t even notice how we are being eaten away until we find ourselves sick, hurt, or even dead. God made a Sabbath for rest, re-creation, and life-giving respite. So, why not take a Sabbath rest, just for a minute or three, every couple of hours? Close your eyes, be silent, and listen to your heartbeat and the rhythm of your breathing. There is no need to say anything, no prayer to pray, no formula to recite. Just listen. What you are hearing is the very person God loves more than anything?

Blessings,
Pastor Jeff

From Vicar Andrew

Siblings in Christ,

We all have interests and hobbies that bring us joy and delight. One of mine is writing, especially poetry. Perhaps, like me, you also like writing. Or, possibly, you have always wanted to try your hand (pun intended) at writing. Now is your chance! This year we are collecting short poems, reflections, prayers, or pictures to create an Advent daily devotional, based on a pre-selected Bible verse. Options are limitless, but each reflection must be under 200 words. This devotional will be created by you (individuals, couples, and families) for the congregation, visitors, and the LCH community. I am already working on a couple of Advent day assignments, myself. If you are even the slightest bit interested in contributing to this, please email me at vicar.andy@lchwelcome.org. We’ll work on finding you a Bible verse(s). Submissions are due no later than November 11.

I also want to thank all of those who have filled out sermon reflection sheets. The sheets have helped me reflect on past sermons, as well as in the crafting of new ones. One member elected to talk with me after filling out their sheet. I really appreciated that one-on-one time and am open to anyone who would like to do that. I am in the process of creating a similar form that will address my liturgist role on the days that I am not preaching. Please look for that sheet, coming soon.

See you in church,
Vicar Andy

LCH Office Hours

• Monday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Tuesday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Wednesday—9:00 am to 12:00 noon
• 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.

Mahalo for Give Aloha Donations!

We are grateful to all who participated in the Give Aloha Program sponsored by Foodland/Western Union during the month of September at local Foodland and Sack ‘n’ Save locations.

Note: If you want your contribution listed on your giving statement, please put your receipt in the offering plate or leave it in the office, clearly noting your name. Although, for tax purposes, your contribution is listed as “Foodland” or “Sack ’n’ Save,” we are happy to include it on your giving statement and consider it as giving towards your annual pledge. We can direct it someplace other than the general fund if you make that designation.

Book of Faith Bible Study

Thursdays, 10:00–11:30 • 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!

Hukilau Conference Fall Gathering

Saturday, October 6, 10:00 am–2:00 pm • Christ Lutheran, Mililani
Treasures New & Old: Sharing Ministry Ideas and Opportunities

You are cordially invited to the Hukilau Conference Fall Gathering with Bishop Andy Taylor. This is an opportunity for congregational members and leaders from around the Hukilau Conference to share ideas, vision for the future, and fellowship with one another. Lunch is included. Please let the LCH office know as soon as possible if you would like to attend, so we can let our hosts know.

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, October 7

On the first Sunday of each month, an in-gathering of food and personal items is collected at LCH for Angel Network, a ministry based out of Calvary-by-the-Sea Lutheran Church. The items are taken to Angel Network during the following week. Over 2,500 individuals are served monthly through this program. We are grateful for your generosity and support.

LCH Nursery

We are in the process of finding new nursery attendants to assist LCH during Sunday worship, as our long-time caregivers are no longer available. Typically, the nursery is available for children ages 0–5 from 7:45 am to 12:00 noon, from September through May. We encourage children of all ages to attend worship, but if your young child needs a rest during the busy morning, please take advantage of this space. The nursery entrance is located across the courtyard from the church entrance. We welcome volunteers to assist until nursery staff are found. Mahalo to Lori Nishimura for frequently volunteering!

Feast of St. Francis—Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 7, during both services

Recognizing God’s love for all creatures and in celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, please join us for the Blessing of the Animals during worship at both services. We will have pet treats available for the social hour and water stations to keep our friends comfortable. There will be a pet-free zone for those who may be uncomfortable sitting next to a water buffalo or a duckbill platypus.

Feel free to bring your pets of various species to church with you. Please be mindful of temperament and companionability. Some pets simply do not get along with others and should remain comfortably at home. We will bless them from afar.

Without exception, all pets must be leashed or caged at all times while on campus. Free flights of large birds and unfettered Bengal tigers will, no doubt, lead to unpleasantness. So please, religiously observe the commandment to cage and leash at all times.

Godly Play

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 stories for October:

• October 7—Francis of Assisi object box
• October 14—The Exodus
• October 21—The Ten Best Ways
• October 28—Martin Luther object box

Adult Forum

Sundays through October 7, 9:20 am • LCH Boardroom

Adult Forum concludes study and discussion of the critical theological question, “Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?” Over the past 2,000 years, religious leaders and writers have presented several “atonement theories” that try to reconcile the Cross, God, and humans. Please bring your refreshments and plan to attend on Sundays, at 9:20 am, in the LCH Boardroom.

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, October 7, 11:45 am • LCH Boardroom

Committee chairs and team leaders, please plan to gather for a short (45 minute) meeting. This is an opportunity for us to sit down together and share information on what is happening with all the ministries at LCH. If you are a committee or team leader, please be prepared to share a little information on your activities with the group. Mahalo and see you there!

Compline

Sunday, October 7 and 21, 7:30 pm

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

LCH Office Closed

Discoverers’ Day—Monday, October 8

Holoholo Pick-Up

Tuesdays, October 9 and 23, 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.

Process Forum

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

Process Forum reconvenes this month, after our summer break. We look forward to welcoming Matt LoPresti, associate professor of philosophy and humanities at HPU. Matt’s areas of specialization include Process philosophy, as well as classical Indian and Buddhist philosophy and the philosophy of religion. As our discussions tend to be open ended, Matt will offer some guidance in our exploration of ways that Process philosophy can enrich our understanding of Christianity and our spiritual lives. Vicar Andrew, our intern pastor, also has a keen interest in Process thought and will share his own thoughtful observations. All are welcome to join this lively, inquisitive group. No preparation required; just come as you are!

ORGANISTS 1•2•3: Music for One, Two and Three Organs

Katherine Crosier, Jieun Kim Newland and Sachi P. Hirakouji, organists
Saturday, October 13, 7:30 am • Lutheran Church of Honolulu

Walk into any European cathedral and it’s likely that you’ll see not only one, but perhaps two or more pipe organs in a single building. Why not play them together?

For the first time in Hawaii, concertgoers will have the rare opportunity to experience music for one, two and three pipe organs by Italian and German composers from the 16th through 18th centuries. Join organists Katherine Crosier, Jieun Kim Newland and Sachi P. Hirakouji in a delightful evening of organ solos, duets and even trios.

Suggested donation $20. Proceeds will benefit the American Guild of Organists Scholarship Fund and the Lutheran Church of Honolulu Music Fund.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, October 15, 10:00 am

In September, we meet at the Murashige’s to review The Alice Network, by Kate Quinn. Discussion will be led by Audrey Keller. Newcomers are welcome. Please contact the church office if you have questions, 808-941-2566.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, October 15, 4:30 pm

Writers’ Workshop meets in the LCH Boardroom. Further meetings scheduled for November 12 and December 10. All are welcome. For more information contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

IHS Meals Prepared and Served

Friday, October 19, 1:00 pm prep/5:30 pm serve

LCH will shop, cook, and serve our monthly hot meal to Honolulu’s homeless. 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, cooks, and servers. Check the bulletin board by the kitchen for more information about IHS and our long involvement with this human service agency. You may also visit the Institute for Human Services website: www.ihshawaii.org.

Please direct any questions to Jimmy Castro or Carol Langner at church, or call the church office, 808-941-2566, for details. Mahalo to all who help with this ministry to Honolulu’s homeless.

LCH to March in Gay Pride Parade

Saturday, October 20, 9:00 am • meet at Magic Island

The LCH congregation has an annual entry in Honolulu’s Gay Pride Parade. All members and friends are encouraged to participate in the fun, as we witness to God’s inclusive love. We meet in the Magic Island parking area around 9:00 am. Units should be in place by 10:00 am, and the march to Kapi‘olani Park starts at 11:00 am. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat; wear comfortable shoes; and join in showing our welcome to all.

Also, if someone can volunteer their car, ideally a convertible, it would be greatly appreciated. See Jim Cartwright or Vicar Andy for more information.

Food for Thought

Saturday, October 20, 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. Further get-togethers are planned for November 17 and December 15. For more information, contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, October 20, 6:00 pm • Carolyn Koehler’s home in Waipi‘o

LGBTQI and friends, please join our potluck supper and game night at Carolyn Koehler’s home in Waipi‘o. Directions will be available at church

Supper begins at 6:00 pm with games to follow. Please bring a food item to share. After dinner, we will have some table talk, then enjoy games. New games are also welcome for after-dinner entertainment.

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.

Children’s Sabbath

Sunday, October 21, during both morning worship services

On the third Sunday of October you will see the children of the congregation helping in many ways during both services. They are an important and well-loved part of the congregation, and once a year we like to showcase their participation in our congregational life.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, October 27, 9:30 am

A consistent group of LCH volunteers helps feed 100 to 125 people each month in Wai‘anae. Help support this mission outreach project by participating or by bringing donations of designated items—Costco gallon-sized cans of chili, fresh fruit, granola bars, bottled water, recycled grocery bags, and large cardboard boxes—or checks, payable to “One Pot, One Hope.” Bring donated items to church on the third Sunday of the month. 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).

LutherFest!

Saturday, October 27, 5:30 pm • Hörmann Courtyard

Come celebrate our Lutheran heritage at our annual LutherFest, where we eat, drink, laugh, and have fun in the Hörmann Courtyard. Festivities will begin at 5:30 pm with light pupus and non-alcoholic punch provided. Beer and wine are available for a donation. A German themed potluck follows at 6:00 pm. Brats will be provided, but please bring a German dish, if possible. To help ensure a balanced table, we suggest the following guidelines:

• A thru H—dessert
• I thru Q—main dish
• R thru Z—salad or side dish

You can look online for suggested German dishes like sausages and sauerkraut, sauerbraten, roast chicken, potato salad, potato dumplings, spätzle, and many other options. As a special treat, Avelina will prepare apple strudel and apple kuchen to round out the desserts.

Following dinner, our own Bill Fay (who has a secret life outside LCH as a caller for contra dances) will be leading us in line dances and other folk dances in Isenberg Hall. Bill will teach us each step so all of us—adults and children of all ages—can all participate in the fun. This intergenerational event is sure to be a time or laughter and good exercise, so bring along your dancing shoes.

Donations for beer and wine will be by LutherBucks, so bring a check or cash to exchange for your LutherBucks. And don’t worry about purchasing too many LutherBucks since all donations will go to Waikīkī Health’s Youth Outreach program.

More details will be forthcoming in future Sunday announcements. Danke sehr and hope to see you there!

All Saints’ Sunday

Sunday, November 4

On All Saints’ Sunday, you have the opportunity in worship to come forward to remember a deceased loved one by lighting a candle during the prayers. Please fill out a Saints Remembrance form at church or email the church office (lch@Lchwelcome.org) with the names of those you would like printed in the special bulletin insert. Join us for this special remembrance.

Confirmation Preparation Classes

Beginning Sunday, November 4, 11:45 am • LCH Rainbow Room

Confirmation is voluntary for youth, grades 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. For more information, please contact Pastor Jeff.

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.

Save on Your Taxes!

For individuals taking req-uired distributions from a retirement account, under the new tax law, if you give cash or check donations from your personal funds, you will be taxed on them and you may not be able to take the deduc¬tion. There are two ways to avoid this.

1. Donate directly to LCH from your IRA. If you take money directly from your IRA to give it to LCH, this increases your income and may increase your tax bracket. You may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Give directly by telling your IRA provider to donate to the church—the account representative will do this easily.
2. Give appreciated stock directly to LCH. If you sell stock and then donate, it increases your tax bracket, and you may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Instruct your broker to donate directly to LCH.

The church’s legal name and address is:

Lutheran Church of Honolulu (Note: no The in the title)
1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96822

If you need the Federal Tax ID (EIN) or if you have questions, please contact Steve Miller. As always, please check with your tax advisors to determine what is appropriate for you.

Electronic Funds Transfers for August

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$5,867	Music Fund/Instruments	$210
Shallow Subsidy	$90

Attendance and Offerings for September

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
September 2	8:00 am Service	52	Offering	$2,870
	10:30 am Service	75	Shallow Subsidy	$100
	Compline	33	Social Ministries	$10
	Total	160	Pew Chair Fund	$40
			Altar Flowers	$50
September 9	8:00 am Service	57	Offering	$2,290
	10:30 am Service	79	Social Ministries/IHS	$30
	Total	136	Shallow Subsidy	$400
			Altar Flowers	$404
September 16	8:00 am Service	54	Offering	$11,866
	10:30 am Service	86	Shallow Subsidy	$50
	Compline	43	Social Ministries/IHS	$30
	Total	183	Music/Instruments	$10
September 23	8:00 am Service	65	Offering	$1,567
	10:30 am Service	84	Shallow Subsidy	$50
	Total	149	Social Ministries/IHS	$30
Attendance and Offerings for September 30 not available at the time of this publication.

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, October 16, 9:00 am

Alfred, Cindy P., Greg, Jennifer, Mel, Piperlynn and her parents, Jeff F., Kim K., Kirsten, Lori L., Shirley, Steve R., Swede, Tammy, Thomas T., Vincent, Vonia

September Birthdays

0/03	John Purtzer
10/03	Mary Jo Estes
10/05	Akiyo Takamune
10/07	Lois Watanabe
10/09	Dorothy (Dot) Hutchins
10/10	Paul Benco
10/12	Jacob (K.) W.
10/14	Stephen Miller
10/17	Karen Roberts-Ogawa
10/19	Sophia S.
10/19	Mahina Katherine Williams
10/24	Katherine Crosier
10/25	Lynn Juvinall
10/26	Rafael S.
10/28	Randy Castello
10/28	Jan Flachsbart

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	October 7	October 14	October 21	October 28
LECTOR	Cindy Scheinert	Jimmy Castro	Hunter Nishimura	Carolyn Koehler
ASSISTING MINISTER	Peggy Anderson	Amanda Lippert	Bobby Broyles	Laurie Leach
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Phyllis Hormann Bobby Broyles Chuck Huxel	Laurie Leach Wayne Gau Don Johnson	Amanda Lippert Peggy Anderson Chuck Huxel	Stephanie Luuloa Wayne Gau Don Johnson
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
ACOLYTE	Dylan D.	Hunter N.	Hunter N.	Dylan D.
USHERS	Billie Jean Ries Fred Benco		COUNCIL IN CHARGE	Pam Buckley
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	October 7	October 14	October 21	October 28
DEACON	Teresa McCreary	Marcus Fikse	Mary Fastenau	David Barber
SUB-DEACON	Frank Haas	Jeanne Castello	Teresa McCreary	Mary Fastenau
COMMUNION	Sue Haas Randy Christensen	Chuck Pearson Bob Tellander	Chuck Pearson< Bob Tellander/td>	Jim Cartwright Randy Christensen
ACOLYTES	Rebecca L. NEEDED	Lillie J. Coco J.	Iara N. NEEDED	Lillie J. Rebecca L.
LAYING ON HANDS		John Bickel
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Chuck Huxel Bill Fay		ALTAR GUILD	Linda Miller Lori Nishimura Marjan Lynch Marlise Tellander

Calendar: October 2018

Day	Date	Event and Time
Thursday	October 4	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Sunday	October 7	Angel Network In-Gathering Blessing of the Animals—both services 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	October 8	Discoverers’ Day—LCH Office Closed
Tuesday	October 9	2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up
Wednesday	October 10	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	October 11	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	October 13	9:30 am, Process Forum 7:30 pm, Concert for 3 Organs
Sunday	October 14	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	October 15	10:00 am, Women’s Book Club 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting
Tuesday	October 16	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline
Wednesday	October 17	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	October 18	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	October 19	1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served
Saturday	October 20	9:30 am, Honolulu Pride Parade 5:30 pm, Food for Thought 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society 7:30 pm, Oahu Choral Society Concert
Sunday	October 21	Children’s Sabbath Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Compline
Tuesday	October 23	2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up 6:30 pm, Council Meeting
Wednesday	October 24	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	October 25	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	October 27	9:30 am, One Pot One Hope 5:30 pm, LCH Annual LutherFest
Sunday	October 28	Reformation Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Wednesday	October 31	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal