In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Stewardship Corner
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- End of Year Donations
- Donate a Poinsettia for Christmas
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Confirmation Preparation Classes
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Restorative Yoga
- Godly Play at LCH
- Adut Forum
- Virtual Coffee Talk with Pastor Jeff
- Compline
- First Mondays: Morgan State University Singers
- Leadership Roundtable
- Not Your Average Lutheran Christmas
- Food for Thought
- Writers’ Workshop
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
- Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Gift Exchange
- Deck the Halls
- Christmas Worship Services
- LCH Office Closed for the Christmas Holiday
- LCH Office Closed for the New Year’s Holiday
- Regular Offerings
- Save on Your Taxes!
- An Easy Way to Donate
- Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for October
- Attendance and Offerings for November
- Prayer Requests
- December Birthdays
- Calendar: December 2021
From Pastor Jeff
LCH Returns to In-person Worship December 5
After nearly 19 months of online-only worship, Lutheran Church of Honolulu will offer in-person Sunday worship beginning Sunday, December 5, 10:00 am. We are delighted to welcome you for worship and hope that those who have not found online worship to be helpful will be able to attend. For those who are not ready to return in person, and for the many friends we have made worldwide with online worship, we will continue to stream services each week. For the moment, we have one service at 10:00 am as we work through logistics and gauge how many people are ready to return to worship.
In order to provide as safe a worship environment as possible, all attendees must provide proof of full covid-19 vaccination or a negative covid-19 test result as they enter the courtyard. Children under 5 are not required to be vaccinated. You will only have to provide your vaccination card on your first visit. Once registered, we will simply note your presence on future visits for as long as the city and county ask for covid tracing information. Visitors will fill out a covid tracing form. Everyone will be required to wear a mask at all times while on campus, and we ask that you make every effort to social distance. While all of these precautions may seem extreme given the recent suspension of many restrictions in retail settings, we want to do our best to provide a safe worship environment for the most vulnerable among us, and this seems a small sacrifice that allows them to worship comfortably.
Finally, I want to thank the staff and volunteers to who have worked tirelessly over the past 19 months to bring great worship to the airwaves. Scott Fikse, Mark Wong, Marcus Fikse, Rene Boeck, Dan Dennison, Bill Potter, Carol Langner, Reed Ishikawa, Phyllis Hörmann, our fabulous choir, and many others have done an amazing job. I also want to thank Jean Lilley, who helped at almost every worship service since covid-19 began. Without the support, energy, creativity, and flexibility of these folks, we would not have been able to bring you such a full worship experience each week. Thank you and bless you all!
Watching and Waiting
For all of my adult life I have made a big deal out of observing Advent. For this reason, Jean and I generally don’t put up the Christmas tree until a week before Christmas ( and only then because the worship schedule doesn’t permit us to do it later.) As a pastor, I have urged congregations to observe the full season of Advent and refrain from singing Christmas carols until Christmas (which has made at least one congregation glad to see the back of me). Advent deserves its own season and time. There is something holy about the active waiting of Advent that invites us to ponder the presence of Jesus and the promise of God’s unfolding future. The appointed readings for advent jarringly shift us immediately to Jesus’ trial before Pilate and then to a call to watch and wait. Watch and wait.
Perhaps my stubborn devotion to Advent is an anachronism, a throwback to a time and culture that doesn’t even exist. I admit, it gets harder to resist slipping from Christ the King Sunday right into black Friday. Frankly, I would say there is a downright conspiracy to move all us as quickly to Christmas as possible. Even my iPhone is in on the conspiracy.
Several years ago, I put together a Christmas playlist on my phone. All through the 12 days of Christmas I reveled in Handel, Bing Crosby, and Nat King Cole. It was 12 days of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!—simply glorious. After Epiphany, in a surge of religious fervor, I removed the playlist knowing that I would trot it out next December.
In July, I was driving to work when suddenly Bing Crosby broke into “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire”—right in the middle of a left turn. I almost hit the curb trying to mute poor old Bing. “Just a fluke”, I thought. A few days later Carol King sang “Do you hear what I hear?” while was I was BBQing hamburgers on a hot summer day. “No problem,” I thought; I’ll just reset my music app on my phone and resync it without the Christmas playlist. Two weeks later, and every few days since, Christmas has invaded my music space. Elton John sings “Funeral for a Friend” followed by Frank Sinatra crooning “Mistletoe and Holly”; Regina Spector’s “Wallet” would be followed by “Little Drummer Boy.” No matter what I did to my phone, Christmas remained stubbornly and resolutely in my daily playlist. Maybe it is a conspiracy to finally break me of my Advent habit, or maybe it is a message I need to hear.
Advent surely needs its season, but the message of love, joy, and deep presence of God With Us—Immanuel is as stubborn, persistent, and unremovable as the Christmas tunes on my phone. With all that has happened in our world, especially the last couple of years, maybe a little Christmas in March, or July, or September can remind us in a gentle way that Jesus is indeed come for us now and forever. “Little Drummer Boy” in May might help us march to a kinder tune, and bring us a little closer the impending joy of a child born to Mary.
May you be blessed in these Advent days as we ponder the mystery of God unfolding in our midst, and may your playlist have a little Christmas all year long.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeff
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
| Committee/Group | Leader |
|---|---|
| Archive: | Jim Cartwright |
| Aloha: | Bruce Holmberg |
| Concert: | Scott Fikse |
| Communications: | Carol Langner |
| Community Life: | Larry Anderson |
| Council: | Pam Buckley |
| 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 and Roy Helms |
| Process Theology: | Carol Langner |
| Property: | Richard Mundell and Pastor Jeff Lilley |
| Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
| Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley and Miles Sato |
| Stewardship: | Phyllis Hörmann and Willow Chang |
| Sunday School: | Laurie Leach |
| Website: | Bill Potter |
| Worship & Music: | Roy Helms and Randy Castello |
| Writers’ Workshop: | Peter Flachsbart |
| Youth: | Pastor Jeff Lilley |
Your Stewardship Team gives thanks for the commitments everyone has made and for your expressions of gratitude for God’s blessings. God has indeed blessed us as individuals and as a congregation over the past year. This past year, during which we have focused on the theme of being Stewards of God’s Love, culminated in the dedication of everyone’s commitments November 21.
As our team delved into the theme of being Stewards of God’s Love, we discovered many more riches to share with you than we were able to incorporate into our monthly articles and our Stewardship Moments during worship. So, we decided to continue with this theme for another year, focusing more particularly on looking out, and how we use our individual gifts and resources to love and care for our neighbors near and far. Your commitments help launch us into this next year of focus on the ways we might expand outreach to neighbors both near and far.
The graphic with this article provides an overview of the theme, Stewards of God’s Love. It highlights different aspects of the ways God engages with us and we respond. God comes down, in the person of Jesus Christ, to be in loving relationship with us. In response, we look in to discover all of the resources/gifts that God has entrusted to our care. Finally, we look out to see the many ways God calls us to use our resources/gifts to love our neighbors near and far. We will begin with a brief recap of the down and in parts and spend most of the year expanding our understanding of ways to look out and use our gifts.
During the Advent and Christmas seasons, we prepare and wait with anticipation to celebrate once again God coming down to be with us in the person of Jesus Christ. These are seasons when we tell stories that bring God and Jesus to life in our hearts. These are the “old, old stories” we “love to tell” because they make our faith real. One member of our congregation who loves to tell those stories is Linda Miller, the lead teacher for Godly Play. I asked her to share some thoughts about the power of stories:
It’s been my duty and joy for many years to introduce Christian stories to the children of LCH. In Godly Play, the Sunday school curriculum we use, we tell the stories in the old-fashioned way, as if we are talking around a camp fire. And what stories! Adventure and tragedy and comedy and always God’s love and forgiveness.
When I tell a story from the Bible, I ask each child three questions: “What did you like the most in the story?”; “What is most important in the story?”; and “Where are you in the story?” The children know these questions will follow the story, and it pulls them further into what is happening. When we had the story of David one sweet, gentle child’s place in the story was the pebble in David’s sling that slew Goliath. That’s a child enthusiastically embracing God’s work!
I’ve been working with these stories for many years, and every year I find more and more in them for my own soul. I only hope that these children who are starting their journey with God find as much for themselves in story.
Linda Miller is just one steward of God’s stories in our congregation. How many others do you know who treasure and share God’s stories in words, in music, in art, and in the living of their lives? And, how are you a steward of God’s stories?
May you be filled with hope as we journey through Advent and Christmas, begin a new year, and continue to explore the ways God comes down to us.
Bill Potter for Your Stewardship Team
Peggy Anderson, Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Phyllis Hormann, Barbara Poole-Street, Bill Potter.
End of Year Donations
Thank you for your generous giving throughout this year. Your faithful stewardship has enabled us to grow in ministry and faithfully support the larger church and community. Mahalo!
Your generous gifts are always needed and appreciated this time of year, and any gift you can give will be a blessing. Additional gifts to the general fund are always most helpful, but you may also make gifts to support capital projects, community assistance, or any other need.
The IRS requires that charitable donations must be received at LCH, or postmarked by December 31, in order to be counted as 2021 charitable deductions. Contributions brought to LCH or postmarked on or after January 1 will be counted as 2022 charitable deductions, no matter what the date is on the check.
Donate a Poinsettia for Christmas
You have an opportunity to dedicate a poinsettia plant to help decorate the nave for Christmas. If you wish to donate poinsettia, please email the LCH office at LCH@LCHwelcome.org. Provide the names of friends and loved ones you are dedicating, and whether the dedication is in their honor or memory. Indicate the number of plants you are purchasing, and mail a check to LCH for the total cost (plants are $8.50 each). Thank you for helping to make the environment festive for Christmas!
Angel Network In-Gathering
LCH is not collecting donations for Angel Network Charities until further notice. However, Angel Network is accepting donations at the Calvary-by-the-Sea Lutheran Church location in east O‘ahu: 5339 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Honolulu 96821.
For those who are able and interested in donating, they accept donations on Thursdays and Fridays, from 8:30 am to noon. They will only accept packaged, unopened dry goods (e.g. cereal, flour, sugar, pasta, etc.) and canned goods.
Angel Network requires that donating drivers identify themselves and remain in their vehicle. Volunteers will offload donation items from your vehicle with protective gloves. Over 2,500 individuals are served monthly through this program. Mahalo for your generosity and support.
Confirmation Preparation Classes
Wednesday, December 1, 6:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting
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 at pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org.
Book of Faith Bible Study
Thursdays, 10:00–11:45 am • Via Zoom Meeting
The Book of Faith Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings via the Zoom online meeting platform for the duration of the pandemic. All are welcome to join this lively discussion of the Biblical texts, relevant current events, and historical foundations. Please contact Pastor Jeff at pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org to receive an invitation to the next Zoom Bible study discussion.
Restorative Yoga
Thursdays, December 2, 9, and 16, at 6:00 pm • Via Zoom Meeting
Explore the restorative and ancient practice of yoga, led by LCH member Willow Chang. As a yoga practitioner for over 30 years, Willow shares the joy, wonder, and enthusiasm of a beginner. She emphasizes the origins, cultural context, and safe practice of yoga for all. In this 4-week session, she’ll share various aspects of yoga, from pranayama (breathing exercises) and yogic philosophy (ahimsa), to poses, referred to as asanas.
Join for one, two, or all four sessions from the safety of your own shelter-in-place. These unique classes also provide an opportunity to answer your questions about yoga practice and form. You don’t need yoga pants, previous experience, youth, flexibility, or any real-life experience in India to learn about yoga. Bring your amazing self to be in wonder of your abilities! Please contact Willow Chang (willowchang@hotmail.com) to be included in the weekly Zoom meeting invitation. Let’s learn and find a new center, together!
Godly Play
Sundays at 9:00 am • Via Zoom Meeting
Look for changes in Godly Play at LCH! Soon we will be transitioning to a hybrid virtual/in-person version of Godly Play. Until then we will still have Sunday school via a Zoom meeting each Sunday before service at 9:00. This class is geared for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. A story is followed by a craft which we can make together. Each Saturday the link for the meeting will be sent to all who want to join. Contact the LCH office if you wish to be added to the invitation list. All are welcome!
Below is the schedule of Godly Play stories for December:
- 12/5 Advent II (The Holy Family)
- 12/12 Advent III (Shepherds)
- 12/19 Advent IV (Wise Men)
- 12/26 Christmas
Adult Forum
Sundays at 9:00 am • Via Zoom Meeting
All are welcome to join the Adult Forum Zoom meetings, live Sunday mornings. Participation in Adult Forum via Zoom works best if you download the free Zoom app beforehand. You may need to enable your microphone and video capabilities. If you are not already on this list for the Adult Forum, please contact Dr. Stephen Miller at stevedmiller.sm@gmail.com to receive an invitation to join the next Zoom Adult Forum discussion.
Virtual Coffee Talk with Pastor Jeff
Online Coffee Talk, Sundays, 11:15 am • Via Zoom Meeting
You are invited to join with your LCH ‘ohana on Sundays for a virtual coffee talk following online worship. This discussion time will be via Zoom Meeting, and will run for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
In order to avoid “Zoom bombing” (surprise visits from unsavory folks), you will need to contact Pastor Jeff, via email at pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org, for a meeting number and password to log into the meeting. While these are not ideal gathering circumstances, we can at least enjoy a chance to commune together briefly.
Compline
Sundays, December 5 and 19, at 7:30 pm • Hybrid Livestreaming & In-person
We warmly invite all people in all places of faith and life to Compline. Offered on the third Sunday of each month, this beautiful candle-lit service is a meditative experience of a cappella singing and chanting to commemorate the day’s end. Led by members of the LCH Men’s Schola, musical selections include Gregorian chant, Taizé chant, Renaissance polyphony, and more. For those not attending in-person, Compline will be livestreamed on our streaming page and the LCH Facebook page and then archived on the LCH Facebook page.
First Mondays: Morgan State University Singers
Monday, December 6, at 7:00 pm • Hybrid Livestreaming & In-person • RSVP on Eventbrite
While classical, Gospel, and contemporary popular music comprise the Morgan Singers’ repertoire; the choir is noted for its emphasis on preserving the heritage of the spiritual, especially in the historic practices of performance. The Morgan State University Choir has performed for audiences throughout the United States and all over the world—including Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Canada, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Join us for a rare opportunity to hear this outstanding choir during their spring tour to the islands.
Limited in-person seating is available by reserving a seat through our Eventbrite page. Proof of vaccination or a negative covid-19 test taken within the past 48 hours is required for entry; masks are required throughout the performance.
Those not attending in-person can tune in on our streaming page or the LCH Facebook page. The performance will also be archived on the LCH Facebook page.
Free admission, suggested donation of $20 supports our concert ministry.
Leadership Roundtable
Tuesday, December 7, 6:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting
Committee chairs and team leaders, please plan to gather for a short (45 minute) meeting. This month’s meeting will be conducted via the Zoom online meeting platform. Please refer to your email for the Zoom Meeting details. 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, you will receive an email from Pastor Jeff, via Zoom Meeting, regarding login information. Please be prepared to share a little information on your activities with the group. Mahalo!
Not Your Average Lutheran Christmas
Friday, December 10, at 5:00 pm • Hybrid Livestreaming and In-person • RSVP at Eventbrite
’Tis the season for live Christmas music. In this festive iteration of our new Jazz series, join us for a night of Donny Hathaway, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Wham!, and other festive tunes you might not expect to hear at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. Joining our LCH Jazz Trio will be local trumpet legend DeShannon Higa, and a few surprise vocalists.
The concert is on Friday, December 10th at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm) with limited seating. Book your tickets now through our Eventbrite page. Proof of vaccination or a negative covid-19 test taken within the past 48 hours is required for entry; masks are required throughout the performance.
Those not attending in-person can tune in on our streaming page or the LCH Facebook page. The performance will also be archived on the LCH Facebook page.
Free admission, suggested donation of $10 supports our concert ministry.
Food for Thought
Saturday, December 11, at 5:00 pm • Hybrid In-person & Via Zoom Meeting
Food for Thought will have a hybrid gathering beginning at on Saturday, December 11. Those who wish to come in person should be vaccinated. We will gather at the home of David Hörmann who will provide the main dish and others potluck the rest. If you would like to participate, please contact Peter Flachsbart at pflaschbart@gmail.com to receive an invitation to join the next Zoom Food for Thought meeting.
Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday, December 14, 4:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting
Writers’ Workshop will meet via Zoom since restrictions on group meetings at LCH are still in effect. All are welcome! If you would like to participate, please contact Peter Flachsbart at pflachsbart@gmail.com for information on how to connect remotely.
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, December 13, 10:00 am • Via Zoom Meeting
LCH Women’s Book Club will meet via Zoom online meeting. The group will discuss We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker. Connecting to Zoom meeting works best if you download the free Zoom app beforehand. You may need to enable your microphone and video capabilities. If you are not already on the Book Club list, please contact Juditha Murashige at jcmurashige@earthlink.net to receive an invitation to join the next Zoom online Book Club meeting. All are welcome.
IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
LCH continues our commitment to IHS to assist with feeding the homeless during these difficult times. Although stay-at-home orders may have relaxed a bit, we anticipate that all the requirements of social distancing, masks, sanitizing, etc. will still be in force. Therefore, only a small group will be asked to make sandwiches, and those individuals will be contacted directly by phone or email. We will keep you updated about when we can be back to our regular group. Thank you for your patience as we navigate our way through the uncertainty.
Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Gift Exchange
Saturday, December 18, at 6:00 pm • Hörmann Courtyard
With the improved covid-19 situation in Honolulu, we invite LGBTQI members and friends of LCH to gather in the Courtyard for potluck and gift exchange. This event is open to fully-vaccinated individuals, and advanced reservations (with contact tracing information and proof of vaccination) are required.
Following supper, we will enjoy our annual gift exchange with plenty of good-natured but ruthless “stealing” of gifts from the grab bag. Please bring a $10 gift for the grab bag and your spirt of holiday fun.
Those who are already on the Mary Magdalene mailing list, an email with directions for making reservations and submitting proof of vaccination will be distributed about a week in advance. If you don’t receive your invitation, have questions, or want to be added to the mailing list, please contact Bill Potter, group facilitator, at bill.potter808@gmail.com.
Livestream and In-person
Christmas Services at LCH
Christmas Eve • Friday, December 24
5:00 pm Family Service
7:00 pm Choral Eucharist
Christmas Day • Saturday, December 25
10:00 am Festival Worship with
music provided by the women of the LCH Choir
First Sunday of Christmas • Sunday, December 26
10:00 am Lessons & Carols
featuring members of the LCH Choir
Epiphany • Thursday, January 6
7:00 pm German Vespers featuring
members of the LCH Choir
Deck the Halls!
On December 23rd at 9:00 any vaccinated and willing members of the congregation are invited to help decorate the Nave for Christmas. Come join us at this festive time! If you have any questions, please contact the church office.
LCH OFFICE CLOSED for the Christmas Holiday
Friday and Monday, December 24 and 27
LCH OFFICE CLOSED for New Year’s Holiday
Friday and Monday, December 31 and January 3
Regular Offerings
While we are not able to meet in person, you are encouraged to mail your offering check directly to the church: Lutheran Church of Honolulu, 1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu HI 96822. If you would like to set up regular electronic funds transfer from your checking or savings account, forms are available at www.lchwelcome.org/support or can be requested by email to LCH@LCHwelcome.org. If you prefer to make a one time contribution or ongoing pledge by credit card, there is a link in the bottom right corner of each page of the church website or you can go directly to www.lchwelcome.org/donate. Thank you!
Save on Your Taxes!
For individuals taking required 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 your distribution, and you may not be able to take the deduction. There are two ways to avoid this.
- Donate directly to LCH from your IRA If you take money directly from your IRA to give 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.
- 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: There is 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.
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 | $9,290 | Family Promise | $110 |
| Music Fund | $205 | Capital Improvements | $55 |
| Concert Fund | $151 | One Pot, One Hope | $20 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, December 21, 9:00 am
Anita B. and Malissa T., Bill, friends and family of Billy S., Bruce H., Colleen K., Greg, Jonathan M., Judy M., Kai K. and his family, Karen and Richard E., Kathy M., Kawai S., Keahi, Kendra K., Lori W., Michael, Miles S., Patricia, Pomai S., Resi, Samantha C., Tom P., Tom R., and William
