In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- From Vicar Andy
- Summer Schedule
- Check out the Kitchen Bulletin Board…
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Congratulations Sophie Cheng!
- LCH Office Hours
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- SUMMER SERVICE SCHEDULE
- Adult Forum
- Sunday School on Vacation for the Summer
- Leadership Roundtable
- St. John Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School
- Friends with Farms Produce Pick-Up
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- LCH Workday
- LCH Office Closed for Kamehameha Day
- Karol’s Karolers Summer Concert
- Food for Thought
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
- Mary Magdalene Society
- One Pot, One Hope
- Save the Date—Vicar Andy’s Going Away Party
- Writers’ Workshop
- An Easy Way to Donate
- Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for April
- Attendance and Offerings for May
- Prayer Requests
- June Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (9:15 am)
- Calendar: June 2019
A Message from Pastor Jeff
Sabbath Time
One of the greatest gifts God gives us is the command for sabbath. In the creation story in Genesis, the storyteller recounts that God worked for six days, and then God rested. The archetypal story sets a good model for the ancient peoples to rest, both themselves and their work animals. Constant work and activity wears out body and soul. It is a good story for modern people to attend to, as well.
In an article in the March 8, 2018, edition of Business Insider, author Mark Abadi notes that the work habits of Americans are quite different from their European counterparts. Americans work an average of 47 hours per week, compared to 35 hours a week in countries like Sweden. American workers average two weeks of paid vacation annually, but only take about 54 percent of their allotted vacation time. “Compare that to a country like Sweden, where workers get five weeks of paid vacation a year, and it’s no surprise that they reject the American system,” Abadi writes.
American workers’ “get it done” attitude may be enviable from a production point of view, but apparently there is a price. While research is not all in agreement, there is significant evidence that a life overbalanced by work can lead to significant health problems, including heart disease, behavioral health stresses, and difficulty in significant relationships. Ironically, more hours worked do not mean more or better work output. There comes a tipping point where additional hours are simply wasted and productivity falls off rapidly.
Rest and re-creation—this wonderful gift from God—is something each of us needs but often feels unable or unwilling to make time for, despite a large body of evidence that shows that observing regular sabbath increases productivity, happiness, and physical and mental health! Taking sabbath rest is a spiritual matter that is serious enough to be included in the Ten Commandments: “Thou shalt remember the Sabbath and keep it holy” (Ten Commandments, Holy Bible). While many interpret the commandment as a demand for worship attendance (I won’t fight that), the commandment is really about taking time away from work and daily responsibilities to give thanks to God for life, be renewed, be creative, share in a conversation, spend quality time with family, or simply to sleep.
The commandment doesn’t apply only to working adults; it includes children, as well. Many youngsters and young adults have been scheduled off their feet. In a desire to assure our kids have access to everything, they sometimes miss out on the opportunity for sabbath—unstructured play, flying a kite, baking brownies, or simply reading a book without a looming quiz to prepare for. God made sabbath for our kids. Can we encourage them to take it and help them build healthy work/play habits?
Many experts encourage us to make a plan for our sabbath time, suggesting we actually schedule time off for ourselves and for our family! It might seem counter intuitive to schedule time for relaxation, but we might do well to be as intentional about rest as we are about work. By scheduling time for sabbath, we remind ourselves how important we are to ourselves, our family, to God, and to the world.
For the ultra-busy gurus of personal health and spirituality, I suggest taking sabbath time each day. Several of our parishioners use smart-phone apps like Mind Space or Gratitude Journal to remind them to tend to the inner self in the midst of a busy day. Others set a meditation or prayer timer in their phone’s clock that calls them back to a mini sabbath. A simple prayer, a short time of psalm reading, or breathing quietly at your desk are all ways to bring sabbath time to even the craziest schedule.
My sabbath begins each morning as I read my devotion book, A Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. When stress gets high, I try to stop for just a few minutes to breath and pray and remember that God is present even in difficult times.
May God bless your daily sabbath, and may rest and re-creation be a blessing for you and your family.
Peace,
Pastor Jeff
From Vicar Andy
Aloha Siblings in Christ,
I first want to first give thanks to Carolyn Koehler and Lori McDonald for hosting the final two ‘Ohana Gatherings, in Waipi‘o and ‘Ewa Beach, respectfully. These gatherings were a lot of fun to organize and attend. All the hosts were incredibly welcoming and inviting, and the attendees created gathering environments each of which was slightly different than the others. Mahalo for making this project a success! I hope to do some variation of these gatherings in my first call, wherever and whenever that might be.
The second thing I want to share is that the PLTS faculty has recommended me for ordination in the ELCA. This recommendation—based on my academics and contextual education experiences (such as internship)—goes to my home candidacy in Wisconsin, where they also look at the same materials and interview me and where they will ultimately approve me for ordination. That approval for ordination interview happens on August 14, and I am very excited about it. More about “what’s next for the vicar” next month.
While it is hard to believe that we are in Hawai‘i for only a month and a half longer, we are making the most of our remaining time. If you have a suggestion about something we might not have done/considered/known about, please let Justin or me know.
See you in worship!
Vicar Andy
Summer Schedules
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.
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
| Committee/Group | Leader |
|---|---|
| Archive: | Jim Cartwright |
| Concert: | Scott Fikse |
| Communications: | Carol Langner |
| Community Life: | Larry Anderson & Wayne Gau |
| Council: | Josie Bidgood |
| Fellowship: | Jeanne Castello & Mary-Jo Estes |
| Finance: | Steve Miller |
| Financial Review: | Dori Palcovich |
| Food for Thought: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| Lay Ministers: | Carolyn Koehler |
| Learning Ministry: | Fred Benco |
| Mary Magdalene Society: | James Cartwright |
| Process Theology: | Carol Langner |
| Property: | Richard Mundell |
| Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
| Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley |
| Stewardship: | Phyllis Hörmann Willow Chang |
| Sunday School: | Laurie Leach |
| Worship & Music: | Randy Castello & Mary Fastenau |
| Writers’ Workshop: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| Youth: | Pr. Jeff Lilley & Vicar Andy Flatt-Kuntze |
Check out the Kitchen Bulletin Board…
…for information about our ministry partners. Look for newsletters, newspaper articles, and other sources of information about Family Promise (Shallow Subsidy); Institute for Human Services (IHS); Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels (HMOW); ELCA ministries such as Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran World Hunger, and Lutheran Disaster Relief; the YWCA of Hawai‘i and Fernhurst, Bread for the World, Windward Wounded Warriors, Hawai‘i Health and Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC—formerly Life Foundation, sponsors of the AIDS Walk), and many other organizations. Our associations with such organizations extend our reach, whether for decades or for a short project. Keeping up with their activities helps us understand our own ministry better locally, nationally, and globally.
Congratulations Sophie Cheng!
Sophie Cheng graduated summa cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College, on May 24, with a BS in mathematics. She will return to Honolulu to begin teaching at Sacred Hearts Academy. We look forward to welcoming Sophie back and extending our congratulations in person!
LCH Office Hours
- Monday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Tuesday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Wednesday—9:00 am to 12:30 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.
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, June 2
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.
SUMMER SERVICE SCHEDULE Begins Sunday, June 2
One worship service at 9:15 am (Communion Service) through Sunday, August 25
Adult Forum
Sundays at 8:15 am • LCH Boardroom
The typical summer schedule for Adult Forum is 8:15 am in the LCH boardroom. Please bring your refreshments and join us for scheduled discussions and speakers.
On Sunday, June 9, the schedule is adjusted to 10:45 am to accommodate Matthew Gonser, who will discuss the work of the city Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency. This Adult Forum session follows the summer service, and will run until about 12:00 noon. Mr. Gonser will describe what his office is doing to help residents of O‘ahu care for the earth and cope with natural disasters. He will also share ideas of what we can do, as individuals or as a congregation, to reduce our ecological footprint. All are welcome.
Sunday School on Vacation for the Summer
During the summer worship period, starting on June 2, there is no Sunday school, as LCH goes to one Sunday service. Starting again September 1, 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!
Sign up for next year’s Sunday school on Rally Sunday, August 25. In the meantime, have a great summer!
Leadership Roundtable
Sunday, June 2, 10:45 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!
Friends with Farms Produce Pick-Up
Tuesdays, June 4 & 18, 2:30–4:00 pm • LCH Boardroom
Friends with Farms is a Community Supported Agriculture organization, or csa, that works with LCH to bring you fresh, farm direct produce from multiple, local farms. For more information visit their website at www.FriendsWithFarms.com for bag options, pricing, and to sign up.
Book of Faith Bible Study
Thursdays, 10:00–11:45 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 engaging fellowship and discussion!
LCH Workday
Saturday, June 8, 8:00 am to Noon
We are hoping for volunteers to help us begin the work of kitchen floor replacement. Our plan is to move all of the fixtures out of the kitchen and remove the old flooring. We will start at 8:00 am and will work until about noon. We are hoping for a good group of volunteers, as there are plenty of things to do to keep people busy. Hope to see you there!
LCH OFFICE will be closed Tuesday, June 11
in observance of Kamehameha Day
Karol’s Karolers Summer Concert
Thursday, June 13, 6:30 pm
Karol’s Karolers presents their summer concert of songs from around the world at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. Songs in this concert deal different types of love, longing, loss, coming to terms with the hardships of life, and finding ways to be at peace with our struggles and suffering. The earliest is from 15th century Germany, and the most recent is by a UH graduate. Admission is free, and donations (unfortunately, not tax-deductible) are welcome. Several LCH members sing in this choral group, they hope to see you in the audience!
Karol’s Karolers, founded in 2012, is an organization devoted to producing professional level a cappella concerts. Originally known for spreading Christmas cheer with their caroling programs, the group has extended its repertoire and scope of musical projects beyond the holiday season and have self-produced nearly a hundred concerts and performances around the island of O‘ahu, on the Big Island, and in the summer of 2018, throughout Europe, performing in Italy, France, Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland. Over the years, the group has benefited from the collaboration of over three dozen diverse singers, each of whom contributed their voice and unique musical background to the ensemble.
Food for Thought
Saturday, June 15, 5:30–8:00 pm
Food for Thought meets at the home of David Hörmann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For more information, contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, June 17, 10:00 am
We will meet at the Murashige’s. Paula Wheeler leads discussion of 32 Yolks by Eric Ripert. Book selection for July is Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Lori McDonald leads the July discussion. All are welcome. Please contact the church office if you have questions, 808-941-2566.
IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
Thursday, June 20, 8:00 am • LCH Isenberg Hall
This month we prepare brown bag meals to transport to IHS for distribution. Enjoy fellowship time with other members while assembling 400 sandwiches and brown-bag meals. Pastries will be available, and there will be plenty of coffee to keep the assembly lively.
To participate in this month’s meal preparation or for additional information, you may speak to Carol Langner or contact the LCH office. A driver with a van or SUV is needed to help transport meals. Please join the group on June 20, if you are available to help. To learn more about the Institute for Human Services, visit their website at www.ihshawaii.org.
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, June 22 • 6:00 pm • Andy and Justin’s Home
LGBTQI and friends, please join our potluck supper and social. 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 and then enjoy games. The theme for after dinner conversation is reflections on Justin and Andy’s time at LCH and farewell wishes. New games are also welcome for after-dinner entertainment.
Please park in the church lot and walk to Andy and Justin’s home.
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.
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, June 29, 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. Chili donations are appreciated, #10 sized cans (from Costco or Sam’s Club).
Save the Date—Vicar Andy’s Going Away Party
Saturday, July 13, 6:00 pm • LCH Hörmann Courtyard
Please mark your calendars for Vicar Andy and Justin’s going away party, to be held at LCH. Festivities will likely begin at 6:00 pm with a catered meal. We will reach out for your RSVP at a future date so that meal ordering may be made accordingly. Refer to your LCHNews and eNews blasts for additional details, which will be made available as they are received.
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, August 19, 4:00 pm • LCH Boardroom
Writers’ Workshop meets next in the boardroom at LCH. This will be our first meeting after the summer hiatus. All are welcome. For more information please contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
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.
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.
| Offering Fund | Amount | Offering Fund | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offering | $6,714 | Music Fund/Instruments | $263 |
| Shallow Subsidy | $90 | Capital Improvements | $122 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, June 18, 9:00 am
Colleen K., George, Karen O., Kendra K., Patricia, Resi,
Vonia, Wayne G.
| Day | Date | Event and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | June 2 | Ascension Sunday Angel Network In-Gathering 8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Leadership Roundtable |
| Tuesday | June 4 | 2:30 pm, Friends with Farms Pick-up |
| Thursday | June 6 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Sunday | June 9 | Day of Pentecost 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:45 am, Adult Forum (different time for this Sunday) |
| Monday | June 10 | 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting |
| Tuesday | June 11 | LCH Office CLOSED—King Kamehameha Day |
| Thursday | June 13 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:30 pm, Karol’s Carolers Concert |
| Saturday | June 15 | 5:30 pm, Food for Thought |
| Sunday | June 16 | The Holy Trinity Father’s Day 8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion |
| Monday | June 17 | 10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club |
| Tuesday | June 18 | HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 2:30 pm, Friends with Farms Pick-up |
| Wednesday | June 19 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting |
| Thursday | June 20 | 8:00 am, IHS Sandwich Assembly 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Friday | June 21 | 6:00 pm, Violin/Piano Duet Concert at LCH |
| Sunday | June 23 | 8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion |
| Tuesday | June 25 | 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting |
| Thursday | June 27 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Saturday | June 29 | 9:30 am, One Pot One Hope |
| Sunday | June 30 | 8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion |