HeartBeat—June 2025

Beckerath 50 & Beyond!—A Birthday Celebration

Organ Concert by Dr. Barry J. Wenger • Friday, June 6, 7:00 pm

Choral Pentecost Service with LCH Choir • Sunday, June 8, 5:00 pm

Beckerath organs are renowned for their craftsmanship and historical significance. The Beckerath company, founded by Rudolf von Beckerath in Hamburg, Germany, has been creating exquisite pipe organs for over 75 years, influencing both the soundscape of sacred and secular spaces and the evolution of organ building. Hans Erbslöh and the Beckerath Organ Company continue to innovate while respecting traditional organ-building techniques. This future-oriented perspective might include the integration of new technologies, expanding the musical repertoire of their instruments, and maintaining their commitment to quality and artistic excellence. Whether through restoring historic organs or designing new ones, the Beckerath Organ Company remains a beacon of musical craftsmanship, resonating well into the future.

Our Beckerath Organ is currently being cleaned and renovated. Through the generous donations of members and friends of LCH, we have reached our $65,000 fundraising goal! All of us at LCH are both grateful and overjoyed in your generosity to both this congregation and the organ. This is your instrument, and it leads beautifully in services week after week and year after year.

The new Salicional 8′ stop has been added to the Swell division of the organ. A new Trompete 8′ stop has replaced the TrichterSchalmei 4′ in the Pedal division. These two enhancements help the Beckerath Organ to be more complete in both voices; it did not have a string sound, nor a fundamental unison-pitched sound in the pedal. Even J.S. Bach requested a string stop be placed in his organ at Weimar. The trumpet stop in the pedal will help in Bach chorales, which require an assertive sound for the cantus firmus, and also to develop the plenum of sound in the full pedal with the Fagott 16′.

Please join us for a celebratory weekend on Friday, June 6, at 7:00 pm for Dr. Barry Wenger’s recital featuring the new sounds of the organ and then again on Sunday, June 8, at 5:00 pm for a choral Pentecost service featuring the LCH Choir and organ. Be ready to sing with the new sounds of the organ in a service of fire and joy. Don’t forget to wear red to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit in wind and fire!

From Pastor Lesley

“Pray without ceasing,” exhorts the Apostle Paul. Seems like really good advice. In the website BibleGateway, there are 490 scriptural references to the word prayer in Eugene Peterson’s, The Message, a contemporary translation of the Bible.So how do we pray without ceasing? A few Saturdays ago, I had the privilege to participate in a prayer walk with members from LCH and St. Clement’s. Pr. Phyllis had put together prayer routes, with places to stop to lift targeted prayers. She chose schools, public gathering spaces like parks, hospital, fire stations, and other spaces. Thank you, Pr. Phyllis and your team, for this amazing work.

I stopped at each place; I stopped and gave thanks to God for the space and the people gathered there. I asked God to bless them and the activities in which they participated.

What was really meaningful to me was to stop at each high rise and ask God to care for the people inside the building. I knew God knew what each of the residents needed, and I prayed that God would hear their prayers and provide.

There was a peace that came upon me as I did this for each building. I felt a part of the neighborhood. I felt, if even a small part, a part of the lives of the residence in the buildings. Maybe they would never come to LCH to worship with us, but we could bring them the peace of God through our prayers, spoken silently and unnoted.

After the prayer walk, the Stewardship Team met and debriefed the walk. We began to wonder what would happen if we asked everyone to pray while walking in their neighborhood. When you are out enjoying this beautiful world that God has created for us, how would lives be changed if we intentionally paid attention to what we are walking by and give thanks, for example, for the teachers in the school or the students that learn at the school we pass by? What would happen if we were intentional about praying for our neighbors and our neighborhood?

Many times, people say that they have no power to change things. I disagree. We have the power of prayers. We can lift our prayers to God and let God do God’s work of restoring God’s creation to wholeness and health. Will you join me in using the power of prayer to impact God’s world so that all may know God’s love, peace and mercy?

God’s blessings and my prayers,
Pastor Lesley

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

We recommend calling the office (808-941-2566) before dropping in to see the pastor 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.

Serving

Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus expressed the importance of the commandments, and the young man professed to follow them in their entirety. Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.—Mark 10:17–31 (New International Version)

I clearly remember this passage of this parable in Mark, and studied it several years ago while attending in-person Bible study with Pastor Jeff. Knowing that the rich young man walked away sad, possibly because he couldn’t fathom parting with his worldly goods, was thought-provoking.

I suggest that it is not just material or financial wealth that makes parting with goods challenging; the difficulty of letting go of things in the material world can easily stem from growing up poor or having a lot of uncertainty in one’s life. A person can also be deeply sentimental and feel the need to hang onto items that bring memories and purpose and perspective to their life.

I know too well the combination of being sentimental and growing up with modest means. But I’m grateful to be transitioning into a different phase in my life, where I can understand that letting go and releasing one’s self from the material world is liberating. It is even more so freeing when you understand that your items can be of help to others. Frequently, we are encouraged to treat so many relationships and actions as transactional. Given our societies’ need to commodify and monetize everything, letting go of goods can become transactional as well. How frequently we are told that we should offload items onto eBay, consignment centers, or even Facebook marketplace. But there is something to be said in the act of simply giving without expecting anything in return.

For the months of June and July, our Stewardship Team has a focus on “serving” in our Mission Statement, which we are interpreting as sharing and providing for others in the community—not just with our ‘ohana but also our neighbors. With multiple budget, job, and grant cuts happening in the US and unparalleled global conflicts facing humanity, we intend our message and actions of sharing as a proclamation of comfort and compassion fortified by faith.

For this reason, that LCH will be featuring another free store this July. The concept of the free store is simple. It provides an opportunity for people to give away items that they no longer need or want and allow for others to peruse the selection and take something home that will enhance their life. There is no haggling, pricing, or bargaining. People just come and go with what they like, and everyone feels satisfaction with the whole exchange. To be able to give without expecting anything is perhaps the greatest gift one can experience. And in many ways, such giving is the heart and soul of not only the message of Jesus but also of cultures across the globe.

When we have our free store, we are not only creating this non-money exchange bazaar, but we also open our campus to our neighbors at large. Perhaps someone has been curious about what we do or feels the need for some type of invitation to come check out our church. Sometimes people are nervous in religious spaces, but they often don’t mind this modified rummage sale. You never know if going to a free store will lead to attendance at a jazz concert or a First Mondays musical event. Coming to the free store could even blossom into attending church on Sunday or just finding out what we are about. It sounds so simple and so organic, and sometimes that’s exactly all it takes.

Through our thoughts and our intentions in our deeds, we have created a very safe sanctuary for people to join with one another and to have a relationship with God. And it is a real blessing to know that we can continue to extend the hand and the invitation to people nearby who might just be looking for a new old coffee mug or some books to read during the summer.

By giving freely, being welcoming, and sharing our abundance, we embrace the reality that, with trust and faith, God always will provide. We certainly hope you’ll join us this July in donating, setting up, saying hello, or just sharing our aloha!

Willow Chang for the Stewardship Team
Willow Chang, Phyllis Hörmann, Barbara Poole-Street, Bill Potter, and Cindy Scheinert

Pacifica Synod Report

The 2025 Pacifica Synod Assembly was held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Dana Point, California, on May 16 and 17. Pastor Lesley Radius, Carolyn Koehler, and Randy Castello represented LCH.

The theme for the assembly was, “In a New Boat,” and the graphics on the logo show a type of canoe used by Polynesian voyagers with the stars and the seabirds guiding them over uncharted waters. There was even a small sailboat brought into the sanctuary at Gloria Dei for the event (sound familiar?).

From the opening worship on Friday (introduced by a mariachi band with readings and prayers in Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin), to the closing mid-day Saturday, the schedule was tightly packed with stories of people representing the diverse population of the synod.

We heard about the migrants at the border and the Border Church, aging seniors in Huntington Beach, wildfire victims in Maui, LGBTQ+ Lutherans affirmed in our churches, ministry with college students in San Diego, Arabic Lutherans trying to navigate their lives as Palestinian Christians.

Somewhere, in the barrage of words over the two days, a thought was shared that linked the initials of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusiveness with Dei, the Latin word meaning “of God.” God’s church, God’s people, are diverse. They are equal in God’s eyes. Everyone is included. Everyone is loved.

Bishop Dave Nagler, drawing on the analogy of the boat in the assembly logo, said that, in order for the church to do God’s work, “we need to transition to smaller, more-nimble watercraft—new boats” that can navigate choppier, uncertain waters. For more details about the 2025 Pacifica Synod Assembly, please visit the synod website.

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.

Calling All Eucharistic Ministers!

Some time ago LCH had a team of lay eucharistic ministers who visited homebound members, bringing them aloha from their church ‘ohana (family) and sharing communion with them. We are reviving this important ministry of the “priesthood of all believers.” It is a ministry which nurtures our homebound community by keeping them connected to their ‘ohana and sharing Christ’s presence with them in the eucharistic meal.

This ministry will involve monthly visits and, depending on how many volunteers participate, we hope to send people to visit in pairs. Four new communion kits have been purchased. We will set aside one Sunday a month, likely the first, to lift up this ministry with a blessing liturgy for the ministers and communion kits.

If you are interested, please contact Pastor Lesley (pr.lesley@lchwelcom.org) or Pastor Phyllis (phllshrmnn7@gmail.com) by email. Training will be provided after worship June 1, and our lay eucharistic ministers will be commissioned in worship on Pentecost, June 8.

Adult Forum

Sundays at 9:00 am • In-person in the Boardroom

Adult Forum will be led by Wayne Gau on June 1 and 15, with the very relevant topic of popes and the papacy. That will be followed on June 22 and 29 with Pastor Lesley leading the presentation on spiritual gifts.

Join members of the Adult Forum for this stimulating discussion on Sunday mornings in person in the Boardroom. If you are coming for worship, just get your coffee and head to the Boardroom at 9:00 to join the others who are there.

Adult Forum will not meet on Sunday, June 8.

Leadership Roundtable

Tuesday, June 3, at 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 with login information. Please be prepared to share a little information on your activities with the group. Mahalo!

Game Day

Wednesday, June 4, at 1:00 pm in Isenberg Hall

Please join Paula Wheeler for Game Day on Wednesday, June 4, from 1:00 to 3:00 in Isenberg Hall. We will meet for lively conversation and some fun games. If you have any questions or suggestions call Paula at 808-542-2843.

Book of Faith Bible Study

Thursdays, 10:00 am • In-person and Via Zoom Meeting

The Book of Faith Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings in-person or via Zoom meeting. All are welcome to join this lively discussion of the Biblical texts, relevant current events, and historical foundations. Please contact Cathy Baptista at cathynt@gmail.com to receive an invitation to the next Zoom Bible study discussion.

Restorative Yoga

Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19, and 26, at 6:30 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 by sharing aspects of yoga, from pranayama (breathing exercises) and yogic philosophy (ahimsa), to poses, referred to as asanas.

Join for one, two, or all 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!

Potluck Pūpū Reception

Sunday, June 8, following evening Pentecost worship

To celebrate Pentecost as well as the 50th anniversary of the Beckerath organ, there will be a potluck pūpū reception after the 5:00 pm service.

You can bring your covered, ready-to-serve, finger food pūpū to the tables in the Hörmann Courtyard. Consider your food offering as there will be limited room in the kitchen refrigerator.

We look forward to celebrating the beginning of the Pentecost season that evening with great food and conversations.

IHS Sandwich Making

Thursday, June 19, 12:00–2:00 pm • Isenberg Hall

LCHers will again convene to prepare sandwiches and pack sack lunches for distribution at Institution for Human Services (IHS). This continues a tradition stretching back decades. We meet monthly and could use a few new, dependable volunteers to join our dedicated group. Please join us. Mahalo!

If you would like to participate in this action-packed, fun activity, please let Brenda know at lch@LCHwelcome.org. She will pass your contact info on to event organizers.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, June 16, at 4:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting

Writers’ Workshop will continue to meet via Zoom meeting. All are welcome! If you are new to our group and would like more information on how to participate, please contact Peter Flachsbart at pflachsbart@gmail.com. He will send you a Zoom link if you prefer to participate remotely. Mahalo!

34th Honolulu aids Walk for Life

Saturday, June 21, at 10:00 am

Join the LCH ‘ohana as we celebrate 34 years of the Honolulu aids Walk and over 40 years of HHHRC serving Hawai‘i’s LGBTQIA+ community. The Walk for Life will take place on June 21, at the beautiful
Kapi’olani Park. Festivities begin at 8:00 am and the walk will commence at 10:00 am. Click on the LCH team link to join or make a donation. Please contact Jim Cartwright at jasfcartw@gmail.com for more information.

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, June 21, 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 and be fully-vaccinated.

An email will be sent on June 15 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.

Seeking Volunteers & Donations for One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, June 28, 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 Billie Jean Reis or Linda Muller with any questions. Mahalo for assisting with this mission to provide meals to our neighbors.

Food for Thought

Saturday, June 28, at 5:30 pm • David 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, please RSVP, contact Marlise Tellander at marlisetellander@hotmail.com.

Summer Jazz Journey

Join us for two unforgettable evenings of live music at our upcoming jazz concerts! On July 20, enjoy Groovin’ with the Cats, an exciting performance featuring Allen Won on saxophones, Tommy James on piano, Dean Taba on bass, and Noel Okimoto on drums. This all-star ensemble will take you on a musical journey through time with an exciting blend of jazz standards and original compositions. Then, on August 17, don’t miss ‘Ukulele Around the World, a global musical adventure led by Cynthia Lin on ‘ukulele and vocals, Abe Lagrimas, Jr. on ‘ukulele, and Shawn Conley on bass. This unique concert will showcase songs in a variety of languages, highlighting the ‘ukulele’s versatility and charm across cultures. Both concerts begin at 7:00 pm, so mark your calendars for these extraordinary nights of jazz and cultural celebration!

Thanks from the Geurts Family

In the last four years, you have been an instrumental part in Saidee’s (Biscuit’s) life, making her feel loved and accepted while she has been far, far away from home! As a mom, I can’t tell you how much this has given me peace and comfort. She has grown in her faith with your guidance.

Mahalo,
The entire Geurts Family

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!

Electronic Funds Transfers for April

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$7,013	125th Anniversary Mission Fund	$30
Music Fund	$325	Organ Renovation Fund	$30
Social Ministries/IHS	$150	Capital Improvements	$25
Concert Fund	$110	Family Promise	$20
Memorials-Pr. Jeff-H3RC	$50	One Pot, One Hope	$20

Attendance and Offerings for May

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
May 4	Hybrid Worship	61 + 295 views	Offerings	$6,510
			Organ Renovation Fund	$1,150
			Seasonal Offerings	$730
			Social Ministries/IHS	$300
			Music Fund	$250
			125th Anniversary Mission Fund	$150
May 11	Hybrid Worship	65 + 242 views	One Pot, One Hope	$70
			Calabash for Bella Mateo	$53
			Family Promise	$50
			Altar Flowers	$30
May 18	Hybrid Worship	77 + 288 views	Offerings	$8,551
	Hybrid Compline	25 + 111 views	Organ Renovation Fund	$2,800
			125th Anniversary Mission Fund	$1,000
			125th Anniversary Book	$700
May 25	Hybrid Worship	65 + 277 views	Concert Fund	$562
			Seasonal Offerings	$100
			Family Promise	$50
			Angel Network	$20

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, June 17, 9:00 am

Alan G., Alex M., Adrian C., Amanda L., Betty H., Chuck P. and Josie B., the family of Cecilia F., Don J., Elaine, Flora and Jim S., Geneva J. and family, George T., Greg G., Harold W., Jane H., Jason M., Jean L. and her family, John B., John S., Johnny, Kathleen C., Kristin H., LaVerne R., Michael, Miriam S., Peggy A., Salina R., Star W., Steve J., Steve M., Tony P., Tracy W., Yvonne and Andy M.

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.

June Birthdays

06/03	Kiyoko Nitz
06/03	Vincent Reid Womack
06/04	LaVerne Rickard
06/04	Pr. Angela Freeman
06/05	Scott Fikse
06/06	Crescent Cheng
06/07	Austin Buckley
06/07	Tony Walker
06/09	John Bickel
06/09	Kathryn Klingebiel
06/10	Miriam Sato
06/11	Diane Perushek
06/13	Don Blanchard
06/14	Randy Christensen
06/16	Steven Hoover
06/16	Max Womack
06/18	Seth Lilley
06/24	Frank Haas
06/26	Jeff Lilley
06/29	Paula Wheeler

Calendar: June 2025

Day	Date	Event and Time
Sunday	June 1	9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service 11:45 am, Eucharistic Minister training
Tuesday	June 2	6:30 pm, Leadership Roundtable Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	June 4	1:00 pm, Game Day, Isenberg Hall
Thursday	June 5	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	June 6	7:30 pm, Beckerath Organ 50 and Beyond Recital
Sunday	June 8	Pentecost 9:00 am, Prayer Service, In-person 5:00 pm, In-person/Streaming 5oth Organ Festival Worship Service
Tuesday	June 10	6:30 pm, Worship and Music Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	June 11	Office Closed–King Kamehameha Day
Thursday	June 12	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Sunday	June 15	9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service
Monday	June 16	4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop Zoom Meeting
Tuesday	June 17	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 5:30 pm, Finance Committee Zoom Meeting
Thursday	June 19	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting noon, IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep (closed group) 6:30 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Saturday	June 21	6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society, Hörmann Courtyard
Sunday	June 22	9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service
Tuesday	June 24	6:00 pm, Executive Council Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Zoom Meeting
Thursday	June 26	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Saturday	June 28	9:00 am, One Pot, One Hope, Maluhia Lutheran Church 5:30 pm, Food for Thought, Hörmann Home
Sunday	June 29	9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service