In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- LCH Office Hours
- Stewardship Corner
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Food for Thought
- Godly Play Sunday School
- Adult Forum
- Virtual Coffee Talk with Pastor Jeff
- Confirmation Classes
- Compline
- First Mondays: An Enchanted Evening of Music for Flute and Harp
- No Leadership Roundtable This Month
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Restorative Yoga
- Easter Sunday Potluck Brunch
- Holy Week and Easter Schedule
- 2023 First Quarter Giving Statements
- Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Writers’ Workshop
- IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
- Spring Assembly for the Hukiilau Conference
- Seeking Volunteers and Donations for ONE POT, ONE HOPE
- Food for Thought
- Regular Offerings
- Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for February
- Attendance and Offerings for March
- Prayer Requests
- April Birthdays
- Calendar: April 2023
From Pastor Jeff
Christ is Risen!
One of my favorite moments of the liturgical year happens during the Great Vigil of Easter. Having sat outside in the (usually) hot, muggy courtyard with the new fire starting to burn down and the last of the great stories unfolding before us in twilight, the doors to the Nave are opened and God’s people stream in. The choir sings the Kyrie in half-light as we take our places in the cool of the Nave. Suddenly “Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed, alleluia!” rings out, and the lights are thrown on to full brightness! It is always a chicken skin moment for me when I hear all of you shout those words. The darkness is pushed back, the promise of God in the risen Jesus is proclaimed, and for that moment, at least, God’s hope is celebrated without reserve.
The beauty of that moment in the Easter Vigil service is made even more poignant because the light, joyous music, hope, and excitement happening inside the doors is balanced by the darkened sky, empty courtyard, and dying fire outside. Like life itself, there is no clear boundary between light and dark, joy and sorrow; they exist together in a kind of waning and waxing partnership, each finding its own time and place. Mary’s joy at the tomb is not complete without her weeping in sorrow for her crucified master. The joy of the disciples in the upper room is sharpened by Thomas’ demand for proof of the risen Jesus’ identity. The power of the disciples’ Pentecost epiphany is made more complete when we remember that just a few days before they were hiding in fear for their lives. We do our best ministry in the margins between light and dark, where hopes and dreams are held in tension with fear and anxiety. It is there we can sit with the blindman and embrace the leper. In those liminal spaces, our own hurt and joy can mingle with the hurt and joy of our neighbor, and the Spirit can work in us God’s unfailing love.
As Easter unfolds this year I will be asking, “Dear God, where are the edges between light and dark are you sending LCH to?”; “How can we better serve you in alleluias and laments, worship and work, prayer and engagement?”; and “How can we share the good news of you with all in need?”
At the end of the Easter Vigil service we leave the bright and glorious nave with all its music, Easter flowers, laughter, and joy and enter back into the dimly lit courtyard. It is our reentrys into the world where we live out the eternal message, “Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed, alleluia!”
Blessings,
Pr. Jeff
LCH Office Hours
- Monday—Closed
- Tuesday—9:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Wednesday—9:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Thursday—9:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Friday—9:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Saturday–Sunday—Closed
Given the persistence of covid in our community, the LCH office and church campus are generally closed to in-person meetings and gatherings as we continue to practice mutual care. We require masks for in-person interactions and recommend calling the office (808-941-2566) before dropping in to see Pastor Jeff or the administrator, as schedules may vary with appointments, other work commitments, and lunch breaks.
Please visit the LCH website at www.lchwelcome.org for more information about weekly events and ministries, and to access the public LCH Facebook page for online worship services.
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
| Committee/Group | Leader |
|---|---|
| Archive: | Jim Cartwright |
| Concert: | Barry Wenger |
| Communications: | Carol Langner |
| Community Life: | Larry Anderson |
| Council: | Dan Dennison |
| 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 Pastor Jeff Lilley |
| Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
| Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley Miles Sato |
| Stewardship: | Phyllis Hörmann Willow Chang |
| Sunday School: | Linda Miller |
| Website: | Bill Potter |
| Worship & Music: | Roy Helms Randy Castello |
| Writers’ Workshop: | Peter Flachsbart |
| Youth: | Pastor Jeff Lilley |
Healing a Broken World: Healing Creation
“When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope.”—Dr. Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize laureate
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”—Martin Luther
Dear Sowers of Seeds of Hope,
The Stewardship Team has chosen Healing a Broken World as the thread that unites our various topics this year. In April and May, our focus will be Healing Creation, and we hope that the lessons, sermons, Earth Day celebration, and other activities will make us more mindful of our connection to creation, more grateful for the bounty it provides, and more active in responsibly caring for it. After all, the Earth and all it holds—the water we drink, the air we breathe, the plants we eat, etc.—are a gift from God, and all living things owe their lives to that gift.
However, we know that our tendency to take more than we need and our failure to think about the future repercussions of our actions have caused serious damage to our planet, damage that is very difficult to repair. And yet, there are signs that the steps we have taken to be more eco-friendly are paying off. Yes, the planet is getting warmer, but it’s doing so at a slower rate than had been predicted. Some areas of the ocean that had become barren underwater deserts are now teeming with life. The message of renewal and healing we hear in the Bible is evident in the systems of our own planet! And just as we can change harmful habits to restore our health, so, too, can we take positive steps to heal our planet.
Planting trees, an action that has been termed the cheapest and most effective way to combat climate change, is one positive step we can take, and so, with your help, the Stewardship Team hopes to raise $800 to buy 20+ indigenous trees that will be planted on our island. We will collect donations in the courtyard after church each Sunday, from April through May. Please be as generous as you are able. (If you write a check or give electronically, be sure the contribution is marked “Trees.”) We will buy one of the trees through the group Legacy Trees and plant it on the North Shore. It will have a marker designating it as a gift from the LCH ‘ohana as well as a GPS tag so that we can watch it grow. The GPS tag will also allow future generations to see that in 2023, LCH planted seeds for the future, seeds of hope and of healing.
On Earth Day Sunday, April 23, we will reprise the “sharing creation’s bounty” activity that we tried last year. Be thinking about what item you would like to bring for our sharing table. If you have a garden, you could share something you’ve grown; if you are crafty and make things out of natural materials, you could share that; or you could pick up a few fruits or vegetables from the market. Please don’t stress about this! It’s meant to be a fun reminder of the abundance of God’s creation and a way to share God’s gifts with others. Some of the sermons in the coming weeks will address trees and their importance to our planet’s health, and in May, we’ll have the opportunity to plant LCH’s GPS-tagged tree—along with other trees that need planting—at a community service day at Gunstock Ranch. Details will follow.
Our planet has been damaged, but we are a people called and led by God to hope and to act. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Please join us as we take some small but important steps to plant the seeds that will help to heal creation.
Cindy Scheinert for the Stewardship Team
Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Walter Cummings, Phyllis Hörmann, Barbara Poole-Street, Cindy Scheinert
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.
Food for Thought
Saturday, April 1, at 5:30 pm • Hörmann’s Home
Food for Thought meets at the home of David Hörmann, who will provide the main dish, while others are asked to bring side dishes or dessert to complete the potluck. If you would like to participate virtually, please contact Peter Flachsbart at pflachsbart@gmail.com to receive an invitation for the next Zoom meeting. If you wish to come in person, contact Marlise Tellander at marlisetellander@hotmail.com. Those who plan to come in person should be vaccinated.
Godly Play Sunday School
Since LCH services are now hybrid, we are presenting a hybrid in-person/online version of Godly Play. The in-person part will take place in the Godly Play Room and Isenberg Hall at 9:00 and will follow the same guidelines as LCH in-person worship. Each Saturday the link for the on-line meeting will be sent to all who want to join from their home. The on-line meeting will be shorter, just covering the story. Contact the LCH office if you wish to be added to the invitation list.
This class is geared to children in kindergarten through 5th grade. All are welcome! Stories for April:
- 4/2—The Faces of Easter VII
- 4/9—Change Paraments/Easter
- 4/16—Knowing Jesus in a New Way 1 & 2
- 4/23—The Synagogue and the Upper Room
- 4/30—The Good Shepherd and World Communion
Adult Forum
Sundays at 9:00 am • In-person in the Boardroom or Via Zoom Meeting
For most of the Sundays of April and continuing into May, Pastor Phyllis Hörmann will lead Adult Forum in exploring prayer using the book You Are Already Praying. Topics in April are prayer in work, prayer in action, and prayer in the body.
Adult Forum will not meet on Easter Sunday, April 9, because of the Easter Potluck, and on April 23, Peter Flachsbart will lead a special session for Earth Day Sunday.
All are welcome to join the Adult Forum on Sunday mornings, either via Zoom Meeting or in-person in the Boardroom. If you are coming for worship, just head to the Boardroom at 9:00 and join the others who are there. You do not need to bring your own computer. If you are participating via Zoom, download the free Zoom app, click on the Zoom link sent to you, and enable your microphone and video capabilities. If you are not already on the list for the Adult Forum, please contact Stan Baptista at stan.baptista@gmail.com to receive an invitation to join the next Zoom Adult Forum discussion.
Virtual Coffee Talk with Pastor Jeff
Sunday, April 2, 11:30 am • Via Zoom Meeting
Virtual Coffee Hour will be held at 11:30 am on the first Sunday of each month instead of weekly. Hope you can join us!
You are invited to join with your LCH ‘ohana on the first 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.
Confirmation Classes
Sundays, April 2 and 23, at 11:45 am • In-person
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.
Please contact Pastor Jeff at pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org for more information.
Compline
Sundays, April 2 and 16, at 7:30 pm • In-person and Via Livestream Broadcast
We warmly invite all people in all places of faith and life to Compline on the first and third Sundays 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 Worship Services page and the LCH Facebook page.
First Mondays: An Enchanted Evening of Music for Flute and Harp
Monday, April 3, at 7:00 pm • In-person Only
Julia Richter and Connie Uejio present a program of beautiful music for flute and harp, featuring works by Saint-Saëns, Beethoven, Bizet, and many more. Julia and Connie are both active performers in the Honolulu area; both playing with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, and Julia recently joined the Royal Hawaiian Band. This is an evening not to be missed.
All are invited to gather for pūpū in the Hörmann Courtyard and 6:15 pm. The Concert is free, with a suggested donation $20. As a courtesy to others, please wear a face mask inside the church.
Leadership Roundtable
Leadership Roundtable will not meet in April so our committee and team leaders can focus on preparations for Holy Week and Easter.
Book of Faith Bible Study
Thursdays, 10:00–11:45 am • Boardroom/Zoom Meeting
The Book of Faith Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings in-person or via the Zoom online meeting. 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, April 6, 13, 20, and 27, 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!
Easter Sunday Potluck Brunch
Sunday, April 9, at 9:00 am • Hörmann Courtyard
Please join in the fun of fellowship and food at the Easter Sunday Potluck Brunch before worship on Easter Sunday. We welcome your favorite breakfast dish or casserole, bread, pastries, fruit, or any other food item to share with everyone.
We also need help with table set up and clean up. Look for the sign-up sheet in the Hörmann Courtyard or see Mary Jo Estes for more details.
TRIDUUM & EASTER
APRIL 6 + 7:30 pm + MAUNDY THURSDAY
We remember Jesus’ command to “love one another” as we wash feet and share communion. Music includes a unique piano motet by Gjeilo, traditional antiphons, and a Gospel acclamation by Hurd.
APRIL 7 + 7:30 pm + GOOD FRIDAY
This powerful service recalls the bitter suffering and death of Jesus that will lead to new life. John Rutter‘s “Requiem” will bring the story to life.
APRIL 8 + 7:30 pm + EASTER VIGIL
Following the service of readings and the kindling of the New Fire, we move from darkness into the light of resurrection. The resurrection will be welcomed with Will Todd’s “Jazz Missa Brevis,” traditional Easter hymns, and the first Eucharist of Easter.
APRIL 9 + 10:00 am + EASTER SUNDAY
Christ is risen! Join us for our 10:00 am festival choral service featuring the Hallelujah Chorus from the “Mount of Olives” by Ludwig van Beethoven and music by Gabrielli, Sigfrid Karg-Elert, and others.
APRIL 16 + 7:30 pm + EASTER COMPLINE
Candlelight illuminates the sanctuary for this short service of meditation, chant, and a cappella choral music.
2023 First Quarter Giving Statements
Giving statements for the first quarter will be distributed via email during Easter week to anyone who has given $25 or more this calendar year. The statements are generated by the church’s accounting software and sent as PDF attachments to emails from statements@LCHwelcome.org. (If the church does not have your email address, the statement will be mailed to your address in the accounting software.) If you have given $25 or more and do not receive a statement by April 14, please check your spam/junk folder first, and if it is not there, please let me know at fin-sec@LCHwelcome.org, and I will make sure you get a statement.
The counters and I strive to record all donations correctly, but sometimes one of us makes a mistake. Please review your giving statement to make sure that the amount and allocation of each donation has been recorded properly and that the amount, frequency, and allocation of your pledge are listed correctly. If you find an error, please email fin-sec@LCHwelcome.org or leave a message with the church office (808-941-2566) so corrections can be made.
With thanks for your support of our ministry,
Bill Potter, financial secretary
Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
Saturday, April 15, at 6:00 pm • Hörmann Courtyard
Mary Magdalene Society will meet in-person for our potluck and game night in the Hörmann Courtyard. We invite LGBTQI members and friends of LCH to prepare their favorite potluck dish and join in the festivities. As part of our commitment to mutual care, participants should RSVP in advance, be fully-vaccinated, wear quality masks at all times except where individuals are actively eating and drinking, and maintain physical distancing.
An email will be sent around April 9 to those who are already on the Mary Magdalene mailing list, detailing the RSVP procedure. 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.
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, March 20, at 10:00 am • In-Person at the Murashige’s Home and Via Zoom
LCH Women’s Book Club will meet on Monday, March 20, at the Murashige’s home. We will also be on Zoom for those who prefer to maintain distance. Josie Bidgood will lead our discussion on the book Fascism by Madeleine Albrigh
If you are not already on the Book Club list, please contact Juditha Murashige at jcmurashige@earthlink.net to receive an invitation to join them. All are welcome.
Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday, April 18, at 4:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting
Writers’ Workshop will continue to meet via Zoom meeting. All are welcome! If you would like to participate, please contact Peter Flachsbart at pflachsbart@gmail.com for information on how to connect remotely.
IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
LCH continues our commitment to IHS to assist with feeding the homeless during these difficult times. Although covid restrictions in the community have relaxed, we continue to practice the requirements of social distancing, masks, sanitizing, etc. in this ministry. 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.
Spring Assembly for the Hukiilau Conference
Saturday, April 22, 11:00 am • St. John Lutheran Church
The Spring Assembly for the Hukiilau Conference has been set for Saturday, April 22, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. We are gathering at St. John Lutheran Church, 1004 Kailua Road, Kailua.
Anyone associated with LCH is welcome to attend this gathering, but it is especially helpful for those who will be the voting members from our congregation to the Synod Assembly. As we are gathering on Earth Day this year, we will not only be conducting Hukilau business and preparing for the Synod Assembly, we’ll spend time sharing ways in which we can be stewards of God’s creation. Please contact Brenda at the LCH office if you would like to attend so we can include you in the lunch count and pay for your lunch.
Seeking Volunteers and Donations for ONE POT, ONE HOPE
Saturday, February 25, at 9:00 am • Maluhia Lutheran Church in Wai‘anae
The One Pot, One Hope ministry, a Hukilau project, continues each month at Maluhia Lutheran Church in Wai‘anae. Please consider participating by joining the volunteers, at the next meet-up.
You can also contribute by donating 5-lb. cans of chili, cartons of granola bars, or large jars of peanut butter or jelly; or you can support this outreach with funds either by check or via the LCH Donate page. (Be sure to designate donation for One Pot, One Hope.) Food items may be dropped off during coffee hour on Sundays or left at the office during open hours. Contact pr.bree@LCHwelcome.org with any questions. Mahalo for assisting with this mission to provide meals to our neighbors.
Food for Thought
Saturday, April 29, at 5:30 pm • Hörmann’s Home
Food for Thought meets at the home of David Hörmann, who will provide the main dish, while others are asked to bring side dishes or dessert to complete the potluck. If you would like to participate virtually, please contact Peter Flachsbart at pflachsbart@gmail.com to receive an invitation for the next Zoom meeting. If you wish to come in person, contact Marlise Tellander at marlisetellander@hotmail.com. Those who plan to come in person should be vaccinated.
Regular Offerings
If you are not attending church 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!
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.
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, April 18, 9:00 am
Aubrey A., Chuck H. and Nan W., Colleen K., Diane B., Elaine, Harold W., Intae K., Jenny P., friends and family of John David S., Jamie W. and his family, Karen and Kerstin, Karen and Richard E., Keith W., Kim B., Lissa G., Lori W., Michael, Mike M., Miriam S., the family of Ruth S., Samantha C., Star W., Steve, the Swanson Family, Sweetie K., and William
Please help us to keep the Prayer Requests list relevant. If you have a friend or loved one who should remain on the list, we are glad to keep them in prayer. Please email the office to let us know when a name may be removed from the list.
