In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Stewardship Corner
- NEW LCH Office Hours
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Godly Play—Sunday School
- Adut Forum
- Leadership Roundtable
- Compline
- First Mondays: The Court of Weißenfels
- Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Confirmation Preparation Classes
- Faith and Art Workshop
- Food for Thought
- Mary Magdalene Society
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Writers’ Workshop
- IHS Meal Prep
- Hukilau Spring Assembly
- One Pot, One Hope
- Join the Children at the Seder Meal
- An Easy Way to Donate
- Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Give Aloha and Electronic Funds Transfers for January
- Attendance and Offerings for February
- Prayer Requests
- March Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (8:00 am)
- LCH Worship Participants (10:30 am)
- Calendar: March 2020
A Message from Pastor Jeff
A Case for Civil Discourse in a Time of Civil Dis-Course
Discourse: /ˈdisˌkôrs/ Written or spoken communication or debate. Etymology: late Middle English (denoting the process of reasoning): from Old French discours, from Latin discursus ‘running to and fro’ (in medieval Latin ‘argument’), from the verb discurrere, from dis- ‘away’ + currere ‘to run’; the verb influenced by French discourir. (from lexico.com)
One of the hallmarks of healthy religious or political debate is the adherence to the ideal of civil discourse that allows each party to the conversation to make their case, free from personal attack or threats, bullying, or being dismissed out of hand. Civil discourse assumes that each person in the conversation is accorded mutual respect and will be treated as a worthy human being. In civil discourse we can disagree, even vehemently, without denigrating one’s opponent, or calling into question their character or personality.
We are all aware of the bullying tactics used these days in the American political scene. Measured debate deteriorates into name-calling. Political interviews become opportunities for highly public “gotcha” moments and television advertising dollars are used for public shaming of an opponent, rather than public information about a candidate. The etymology of discourse comes from words “running back and forth”; to Dis-Course is just running way from each other.
To be sure, politics does not have a lock on dis-course. Dr. Martin Luther was well known for his use of dis-course while debating important religious doctrines. He famously insulted many of his opponents including the pope, who he often described as the “Antichrist.” In one letter, to a theological opponent, he wrote, “…for you are an excellent person, as skillful, clever, and versed in Holy Scripture as a cow in a walnut tree or a sow on a harp” (from “Against Hanswurst,” pg. 219, of Luther’s Works, Vol. 4). For all of his vitriol and colorful use of language, Luther was always ready and willing to debate. For him, the pursuit of faith through discourse was more important than winning the argument. Maybe that is what has changed.
Today, it seems more important to win the debate or the contest than to use it as a way to gain greater understanding of a question. Debates have become like a boxing ring, where each opponent retreats to their respective corners and lobs bags of insults at one another while proclaiming victory before the first word is spoken. Everyone claims victory, but no one is enlightened. We are so busy running to our corners that we can’t even imagine sitting down together to figure out what might be best for our nation or even for the church.
Maybe we should stop running away from each other verbally and philosophically and hold fast to true discourse that can help us find a way to address the ills of our world and our nation, together. True discourse begins with the gentle assumption that each person has something to say that is worth listening to. Discourse, at its best, requires us to listen closely, suspending judgment until the whole story is told. Good discourse does not allow the parties involved to plant themselves in their position but moves one toward the other, even if it’s just by fractions. Dialogue requires humility that recalls our Ash Wednesday reflection, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Dialogue allows mutual respect, even if the conversation results in disagreement.
Imagine what might happen if Democrats could discourse with Republicans or ECLA Lutherans with Missouri Synod Lutherans. The world could change!
Despite Martin Luther’s colorful name-calling, Lutherans and Roman Catholics have been in continuous dialogue on deep theological issues since 1964. The latest joint declaration was in 2015, called Declaration on the Way: Church, Ministry, and Eucharist, which marked how much Lutherans and Catholics have in common. Once we stopped calling each other names and realized how much good we could do in the world by working together, dis-course gave way to discourse. Thus, the world welcomed a church team that has literally fed and housed millions of people, responded with tens of millions of dollars in international aid, and assisted in brokering peace where no peace was thought possible. If we are to see progress politically, religiously, or even personally, discourse may give us our best chance. What is clear, however, is that if we continue to invest in dis-course, we will tear the world apart to such a degree that we will be harder to put together than Humpty Dumpty.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeff
As we move into the Lenten season, our focus changes and we weave strands of Faith and Justice into our tapestry of love that hangs in the Hörmann Courtyard.
We invite you to join us by weaving a potholder or two on Sunday mornings between services. We will have several looms for your use and Barbara Poole-Street will be available to guide you in the weaving process. Potholders may be purchased for a donation to Family Promise, a local agency that LCH has been partnering with for two years. Family Promise assists low-income families in finding housing, provides financial support, and helps them develop their financial skills.
Join us on March 22 for a One Pot One Hope style breakfast between services. The meal will feature chili and rice, granola bars, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and fruit—just like the meals prepared for the homeless in Wai‘anae, on the last Saturday of each month.
Become a steward for a cause close to your heart. Weave time into your schedule to lend a hand to feed the hungry, knit or crochet a blanket, work with wounded warriors, donate usable items to your favorite charity, or write a letter to your representative to share what issues impede your vision of justice.
Maybe you are passionate about justice in a way we haven’t mentioned here. If so, we encourage you to share your passion with the entire congregation. Weave symbols of your passion into our tapestry in the courtyard, tell us the story of your passion, and invite others to join in those efforts
LCH offers several ways to serve with Faith and Justice each month through Angel Network, IHS, One Pot One Hope, and Wounded Warriors. You can find more information on how to become involved in these programs elsewhere in this issue of the HeartBeat and in the LCHNews.
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
| Committee/Group | Leader |
|---|---|
| Archive: | Jim Cartwright |
| Aloha: | Bruce Holmberg |
| Concert: | Scott Fikse |
| Communications: | Carol Langner |
| Community Life: | Larry Anderson |
| Council: | Josie Bidgood |
| Fellowship: | Mary-Jo Estes |
| Finance: | Steve Miller |
| Financial Review: | Dori Palcovich |
| Food for Thought: | Marlise Tellander |
| Lay Ministers: | Carolyn Koehler |
| Learning Ministry: | Fred Benco |
| Mary Magdalene Society: | Bill Potter Roy Helms |
| Process Theology: | Carol Langner |
| Property: | Richard Mundell |
| Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
| Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley Miles Sato |
| Stewardship: | Phyllis Hörmann Willow Chang |
| Sunday School: | Laurie Leach |
| Website: | Bill Potter |
| Worship & Music: | Roy Helms Randy Castello |
| Writers’ Workshop: | Peter Flachsbart |
| Youth: | Pr. Jeff Lilley |
NEW LCH Office Hours!
- Monday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Tuesday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Wednesday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Thursday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Friday–Sunday—Closed
We recommend calling the office (808-941-2566) before making a visit to see Pastor Jeff or the administrator as schedules may vary due to appointments, other work commitments, and lunch breaks.
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, March 1
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
Sunday School 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 March:
- March 1—Change paraments/The Mystery of Easter Puzzle
- March 8—The Faces of Easter I, II, III
- March 15—St. Patrick object box
- March 22—The Faces of Easter IV, V, VI
- March 29—Seder Meal cancelled
Adult Forum
Sundays at 9:20 am • LCH Boardroom
On Sunday, March 1, Fred Benco will present “The Story of Lent” as portrayed in film and related arts.
Beginning March 8 and continuing through April, Dr. Stephen Miller will lead a 6-part series of discussions entitled What Is Your Love Language. How do you give and receive love? Connect better with your partner by knowing your love languages. Connect better with God by feeling his love languages and using yours for him
Almost 18 years ago, Gary Chapman wrote 5 Love Languages, followed by God Speaks Your Love Languages. They are available in paperback on Amazon. These have helped many people connect with others and with God. Discussion on the rewards and importance of knowing love languages will be led by Steve Miller.
Please bring your refreshments and meet us in the Boardroom, between services, for these scheduled topics and interesting discussions:
- March 8—Introduction: Loving Spouse and God
- March 15—Words of Affirmation
- March 22—Quality Time
- March 29—Seder Meal
- April 5—Receiving Gifts
- April 12—Easter
- April 19—Acts of Service
- April 26—Physical Touch
Leadership Roundtable
Sunday, March 1, 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
Sundays, March 1 & 15, 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.
First Mondays: The Court of Weißenfels
Monday, March 2, 7:00 pm. Refreshments at 6:30 pm.
What was musical life at German courts really like during the eighteenth century? This concert shows us a glimpse of Weißenfels—one of the most famous. George Frederic Handel began his musical training there, Johann Sebastian Bach received prestigious appointments there during his Liepzig years, and Johann Phillip Krieger served the court as Kapellmeister for nearly 45 years. Others passed through or lived in close proximity, including Schütz and Telemann.
This is a free concert, featuring Naomi Barrett, soprano; Melissa Walker, mezzo-soprano; Karol Nowicki, tenor; Scott Fikse, bass-baritone; and members of the Bach Chamber Orchestra. Free-will offerings are gratefully received.
Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers
Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1, at 6:00 pm • in the Hörmann Courtyard
Please join in this wonderful time of fellowship and prayer, beginning each Wednesday of Lent with a simple soup and salad supper. Suppers are served at 6:00 pm, prior to 7:00 pm Lenten services in the Nave. A sign-up sheet will be available in the courtyard for contributions to each week’s meal and for help with set-up and clean-up. See Mary Jo Estes or call the LCH office for more information.
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!
Confirmation Preparation Classes
Sunday, March 8 & 22, 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.
Faith and Art Workshop
Saturday, March 14, 9:45 am to noon • LCH Isenberg Hall
Join us for a contemplative experience merging faith and art. Julie Shelton Snyder will lead and teach us mokuhanga (traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking). This visual art becomes a form of prayer. We will also write haiku poetry in response to our woodblock. No art experience is necessary. All are welcome. There is a $15.00 materials fee to participate and free-will offering are gratefully accepted. Sign up in the LCH courtyard between services. For more information contact Juditha Murashige.
Food for Thought
Saturday, March 14, 5:30 to 8:00 pm cancelled
Food for Thought meets at the home of David Hörmann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For more information, please contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566 or email Marlise Tellander at marlisetellander@hotmail.com.
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, March 14, at 6:00 pm • LCH Isenberg Hall
LGBTQI and friends, please join our potluck supper and social. Because March 14 is π Day, participants are encouraged to consider bringing some kind of pie (cherry pie, chicken pot pie, shepherd’s pie, etc.) for the potluck. Table talk and games will follow dinner.
For more information, contact Bill at bill.potter808@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.
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, March 16, 10:00 am cancelled
The LCH Book Club will at the Murashige’s home. Our theme this year revolves around migration, ethnicity, and belonging. We discuss Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton. Audrey Keller leads the discussion. All are welcome. Please contact the church office if you have questions, 808-941-2566.
Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday, March 17, 4:00 pm (note new schedule)
Writers’ Workshop meets in the Boardroom at LCH. Please note the new meeting day. Subsequent meetings are scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month at the same time, until the group breaks for summer vacations, starting in June. All are welcome. For more information please contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
IHS Meal Prep
Friday, March 20, 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 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.
Hukilau Spring Assembly
Saturday, March 21, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm • St. John Lutheran Church, Kailua cancelled
Please consider joining this opportunity to gather as ELCA Lutherans in Hawai‘i to share our stories, discuss possible joint ministry efforts, and prepare for the annual Synod Assembly. Every congregation has an opportunity to share highlights of their current ministries. Please come prepared to talk about a new ministry in your congregation that you are excited about.
There is a per person cost of $10 to cover lunch expenses, but LCH will pay for your lunch! The hope is that at least two lay members from each congregation in the conference will be present. Please contact the LCH office no later than March 12 if you plan to attend.
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, March 28, 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 appreciated: #10 industrial-sized cans (from Costco or Sam’s Club).
Join the Children at the Seder Meal
Sunday, March 29, 9:20 am • Isenberg Hall cancelled
Between services, the children of the Sunday school will again host an abbreviated Seder meal in Isenberg Hall. This is a traditional part of our Easter preparation at Lutheran Church of Honolulu. The Seder commemorates God’s special relationship with the people of Israel and God’s freeing them from slavery in Egypt, as told in the Hebrew scriptures. Join us to learn more on March 29.
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 | $5,920 | Family Promise | $60 |
| Music Fund/Instruments | $240 | One Pot, One Hope | $20 |
| Concerts | $50 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, March 17, 9:00 am
Arnold, Billy S., Bobby, Carol M., Charlotte, Colleen K., Frank, George, Greg, Kathy S., Keahi, Kendra K., Patricia, Penny, Resi, Shirley S., Vonia
| 03/05 | Hunter N. |
| 03/06 | Nathalie J. |
| 03/07 | Lillie J. |
| 03/07 | Brian Weis |
| 03/18 | Ken Bauchle |
| 03/18 | Donald Womack |
| 03/23 | Nicholas Castello |
| 03/28 | Olivia Castro |
 |
|
| Day | Date | Event and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | March 1 | 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 | March 2 | 7:00 pm, First Mondays Concert |
| Wednesday | March 4 | 5:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble rehearsal 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup & Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lent Evening Prayer service |
| Thursday | March 5 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 7:00 pm, LCH Choir rehearsal |
| Sunday | March 8 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Confirmation Class |
| Monday | March 9 | 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting |
| Wednesday | March 11 | 5:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble rehearsal 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup & Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lent Evening Prayer service |
| Thursday | March 12 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 7:00 pm, LCH Choir rehearsal |
| Friday | March 13 | 7:30 pm, UH Choir Considering Matthew Shepard |
| Saturday | March 14 | 9:45 am, Faith & Art Workshop 5:30 pm, Food for Thought cancelled 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society |
| Sunday | March 15 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Compline |
| Monday | March 16 | 10:00 am, Women’s Book Club cancelled |
| Tuesday | March 17 | HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 4:00 pm, Writers’ Workshop |
| Wednesday | March 18 | 12:00 pm, Finance Committee Meeting 5:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble rehearsal 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup & Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lent Evening Prayer service |
| Thursday | March 19 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study cancelled 7:00 pm, LCH Choir rehearsal |
| Friday | March 20 | 1:00 pm, IHS Meal Prep 5:30 pm, IHS Meal Service |
| Saturday | March 21 | 11:00 am, Hukilau Conference Spring Assembly cancelled 7:30 pm, Persian Excursion 2: Nowruz Now! cancelled |
| Sunday | March 22 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Confirmation Class |
| Tuesday | March 24 | 6:00 pm, Executive Council Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting |
| Wednesday | March 25 | 5:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble rehearsal 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup & Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lent Evening Prayer service |
| Thursday | March 26 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study cancelled 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | March 28 | 9:30 am, One Pot One Hope 7:00 pm, HPU Annual Moonlight Serenade Concert |
| Sunday | March 29 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Seder Meal cancelled 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist |