HeartBeat—October 2025

First Mondays Concert Series: Vibin’ with Vivaldi

October 6 • 7:00 pm

Bringing Vivaldi’s Venice to life, Phil Gottling (recorder) and Julia Richter (flute) groove with the fire and flair of Vivaldi’s recorder concerti. Joined by Michelle Kim and Rachel Saul Schifino (violins), Youn Joo Lee (oboe), Tommy Morrison (bassoon), Sung Chan Chang (cello), and Ju-Hua Wei (harpsichord), they deliver the virtuosic and elegant music of the Red Priest.

All are invited to gather for pūpū in the Hörmann Courtyard and 6:15 pm. First Mondays Concerts are free and supported by the generous sponsorship of the Arthur and Mae Orvis Foundation and other donors in the LCH ‘ohana.

Donations this evening will support Hawai‘i Health & Harm Reduction Center, which serves Hawai‘i communities by reducing the harm and fighting the stigma of HIV, hepatitis, homelessness, substance use, mental illness, and poverty in our community.

Remembering Pastor Jeff Lilley

Sunday, October 12, during and after worship

On Sunday, October 12, we will give thanks to God for Pr. Jeff and his legacy as we remember the first anniversary of Pr. Jeff joining the church triumphant.

Our worship service will include some of his favorite hymns and music, and after worship, we will go outside to plant a tree to remind us of the hope and the new life we have in God.

As a community, we will add dirt and water to the hole in which the trees will be planted. Water and dirt are things that are needed for growth. In providing the tree with elements needed for growth, we give thanks and remember that Pr. Jeff’s life was dedicated to the growth of faith and the growth of the proclamation of the Gospel for all people.

After the tree planting, we will have a pet blessing for those attending worship. You are invited to bring your pet to worship that Sunday, and we will have an area that is pet-free for those that have allergies or other reasons to need those accommodations. You will be invited to bring your pet outside with you as we plant the trees in Pr. Jeff’s memory, and then we will bless your pets immediately after the tree planting.

After the tree planting and pet blessing, you are invited into the courtyard for human treats (donuts, one of Pr. Jeff’s foods) and pet treats.

We hope you will join us in thanksgiving for Pr. Jeff’s life and ministry.

Remembering our Baptism and Pastor Jeff

Service Project, Remember our Baptism, and Bratwurst!
Monday, October 13, 4:00 pm • Kapi‘olani Park

Monday, October 13, is the one-year anniversary of Pr. Jeff’s passing, and we will gather as a group to remember and to give back to the community in our work and in our shared time of joy. Please bring sunscreen, a hat, a trash bag, a chair, and pūpū sides to share. Please meet near the Natatorium beside Kaimana Beach. There is a circle drive with parking. It is also a state holiday, so please consider carpooling if possible.

• 4:00 pm—Service Project Cleaning up Queen Kapiʻolani Park. Bring a trash bag, wear a hat, and clean up the park.
• 5:30 pm—Affirm our Baptism.
• 6:00 pm—BBQ. Brats will be provided, share pūpū sides. Enjoy picnic fun!

From Pastor Lesley

Thank you, mahalo nui loa, and danke schön. It doesn’t matter in what language I say it, the sentiment is still the same. Thank you LCH for an incredible celebration and thanksgiving for the blessings God has granted you these past 125 years.

I saw a community where they were worked together for the common goal. Each person participated and contributed as they could to make the week spectacular. There are too many people to thank individually, so please hear this thank you to the entire faith community. Without you, this celebration would not have happened.

What were your highlights of the week? There are several for me. These are shared in no particular order. Not only are these great highlights, each of them has lesson(s) for us to remember as we continue to sing that endless song:

• The bishop’s wife caring for Prs. Jazzy and Bree’s children during worship was such a gift to observe. I had a perfect vantage point to see her face of love and care for these wonderful children. Celia caring for these children reminded me how important it is that we care for one another.
• The gift of the Royal Hawaiian Band was truly a gift for and to us. I found out later that the Royal Hawaiian Band traditionally doesn’t play on Mondays because it is their day off. However, for LCH and because of our connection to Bandmaster Henry Berger, they made an exception. In this gift, I was reminded of the aloha spirit of generosity and connection. We must always remember that spirit and share it generously.
• The bishop’s message was challenging and prophetic. He reminded us that Jesus eats with sinners. That, my friends, is you and me. He even spoke of a church, St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, that has on the front of their altar the message from Luke 15:2, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” He challenged us to wrestle with who is not at God’s table and how will seek them and invite them to the table. (As a side note, because of the generosity of many, our Mission Fund has exceeded our goal by over $20,000. That gives us resources to respond to the bishop’s challenge. I invite you into daily prayer and discernment about who is not at this faith community and how will we go seek and find and include them. God is helping us to do that. Just last Sunday (9/21) a guest came to me after service and said, “I have not taken communion in 30 years. I felt welcomed at God’s table in this place.” Saints and sinners, we have work to do, and with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can and will do that work.)
• The LCH community and friends all came out, brought their various gifts, and worked together to accomplish Pr. Jeff’s vision (and beyond I believe) of the 125th anniversary celebration. We could not have accomplished everything without everyone saying, “Here I am; send me.” That spirit, that attitude, that dedication is what will take LCH well into the future so that, indeed, the endless song will go on.

What were your highlights? What did you learn from the celebration? How can we use your Spirit-led insights to lead us into God’s preferred and promised future.

God’s blessings and my prayers and thanks,
Pastor Lesley

Transition Team Update

What a wonderful 125th Anniversary Celebration LCH had. It was filled with so many memories, so many reminders of the abundance of blessings God bestowed on us. It reminded us of how LCH shared those blessings with others. After all of this celebration, it is tempting to just want to rest and breathe for a season.

While I would love to encourage that practice, we cannot do that. Now, LCH has to actively engage in the work of transition and seeking your next congregationally-called pastor. This work includes:

• Completing the Ministry Site Profile (MSP). The October congregation discussions will help the transition team complete the MSP in a way that is a snapshot of LCH and will be the document that potential candidates use as an introduction to this faith community. Your attendance is vital. This MSP is only as good at the information and input we receive. Please make these meetings a priority in your October calendar.
• October 5—“Learning from the Past”—Immediately after worship in the courtyard
• October 19—“Dreaming of God’s Preferred and Promised Future”—Immediately after worship in the courtyard
• October 26—”Discernment of desired Spiritual Gifts and Talents of Pastoral Candidate”—Immediately after worship in the Nave
• Engaging in daily prayer. Pray for the Transition Team. Pray for the Transition Process. Here is an example. Please use it as you wish or just allow the Holy Spirit to guide your words. Dear God, we are leaning into your promise of a future where your mission and ministry in this place will continue to flourish and bless the community around us and beyond us. Come Holy Spirit and grant us your discerning wisdom. Help us always to tell our story in truth and love, and help us to find a spiritual leader that follows that same practice. Guide our transition team as they do the work to prepare for the call committee to receive pastoral candidates. May we and the pastoral partner who leads us into the future be about welcoming and proclaiming boldly your love, mercy, and grace. Amen.
• Asking questions. If you wonder where the process is, please make sure you reach out to the Transition Team or Pr. Lesley with your questions. You can also check the bulletin board in Isenberg. It will keep you up to date. You can check the HeartBeat for monthly updates. As is appropriate, we will also make announcements at Sunday worship about the process.

After the Transition Team has completed the MSP, their work will be completed, and they will disband. The next team will be the Call Committee. If you feel the Spirit nudging you to consider being part of the Call Committee, please reach out to Olivia Castro, council president, at ocastro808@gmail.com. She will be bringing a slate to the Council and then to the congregation for vote sometime during the upcoming congregational meetings. Please remember you must be a member of LCH to serve on the Call Committee. As a side note, you also will need to be a member of LCH to vote for the next congregationally-called pastor. Pr. Lesley will be having a Member Informational Meeting in early 2026 if you would like to join LCH so you can have a vote in the next settled pastoral leader.

Prayers and thanks,
The Transition Team

Notes from the Organ Bench

The month from September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. This helps us focus on the wealth of music from the many composers of Spanish descent and from Hispanic Americans that has enriched our culture. It begins on September 15, which celebrates the independence days of five Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) that achieved their independence from Spain in 1821. It also celebrates the Independence Days of Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18. It was expanded to a month-long celebration of these important people in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.

You will continue to hear music by composers of these cultures in worship throughout the celebration month and beyond. These include arrangements of organ and choral music and hymns of Latin American countries. Throughout this month, we will sing hymns such as “When We Are Living”; “You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore”; “Take My Life, That I May Be” sung to a Hispanic melody; and a familiar Hispanic melody with the text “You Are the Seed.”

The choir shares Nada me falta (Psalm 23), Adjuvo nos by Mexican composer Manuel de Samaya, Vivo ego dicit Dominus by Spanish composer Alonso Lobo, and Gratias tibi, Deus by an earlier Spanish composer, Roque Monserrat.

From the organ, I will share arrangements of Hispanic melodies by several composers. And also include settings of the hymn tune madrid.

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.

Mahalo for Give Aloha Donations

We are grateful to all who participated in the Give Aloha Program sponsored by Foodland/Western Union during the month of September at local Foodland locations.

Note: If you want your contribution listed on your giving statement, please put your receipt (clearly noting your name) in the offering plate or leave it in the office. Although, for tax purposes, your contribution is listed as “Foodland Give Aloha,” we are happy to include it on your giving statement and consider it as giving towards your annual pledge. We can direct it someplace other than the general fund if you make that designation.

The Stewardship Team used our current mission statement to map out stewardship plans for 2025. Just to refresh your memory here is the haiku version:

Welcoming to all
Worshipping, Growing, Serving
Christ’s community

It guided us through a year of unexpected twists and turns, a year which began with sorrow and has ended in celebration. With Pastors Margrethe and Lesley guiding us, our faith undergirded and bolstered us. We came together as a community to support and help one another move through the darkness towards the light. It has been quite a journey that culminated in LCH’s 125th anniversary. And what a celebration it was! Varied events made the week informative, entertaining, musically rich, worshipful; and there were so many opportunities to connect—or reconnect—with people. It was indeed celebratory! What a wonderful way to culminate this year by celebrating 125 years of ministry.

Here is an abbreviated account of what our Stewardship Team did throughout the year beginning in December 2024.

• December–January: “Welcoming to all” (Bill Potter and Cindy Scheinert, team leaders)—Building on a suggestion from Pastor Jeff, we revived the Aloha Ministry using the Aloha Cart he built. Nine volunteers were recruited to serve as greeters. One Sunday humorous skits were provided in worship demonstrating how—and how not—to invite and welcome people to LCH. We were encouraged to boldly yet gently invite others into this special community.
• February–March: “Worshipping” (Bill Potter and Phyllis Hormann, team leaders)—In the eNews, we provided information on why we worship, including details on the church year and different parts of worship. Two members gave temple talks on what worship means to each of them and how it helps them grow in faith.
• April–May: “Growing” (Cindy Scheinert and Phyllis Hormann, team leaders)—Eleven people participated in an Ala Wai clean up with ‘Iolani School and nine people in a joint prayer walk with St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in the neighborhoods around LCH. Both events emphasized nature as a place where some feel more connected to God and embodied the fact that one way to grow spiritually is through service to others using our God-given gifts.
• June–July: “Serving” (Barbara Poole-Street and Willow Chang, team leaders)—Our second Free Store for the community attracted many from our immediate neighborhood and beyond. Folks from LCH and others provided gently used items for the event, a wonderful band played familiar tunes while people “shopped” (some humming or singing along), and a bubble maker helped people play and create giant bubbles in the front yard. Many LCH members beyond the Stewardship Team and others helped make this event a success.
• August–September: “Christ’s community”—Our year culminated in the 125th Anniversary Celebration. The Stewardship team joined the rest of the LCH community to support and help with efforts to plan and carry out this amazing weeklong event.

Through it all, Pastors Margrethe and Lesley, Dr. Barry, Brenda, other staff, our council, and so many others provided guidance, care, prayer, meaningful worship, ways to process grief and other challenges, concerts, and much more. They walked with us through the unusual, at times very difficult, at other times joyous, and quite amazing journey we have traveled this year.

Enlivened by all this celebration, our hearts are filled with gratitude for everything that God has made possible. God has been with and loved us through it all. God has blessed us with so many gifted people to do God’s work—to be God’s hands and feet and heart in a world that so greatly needs it. Filled to overflowing with this gratitude, we bring all the gifts that God has given to support this congregation as we enter into our 126th year of ministry and move through the interim process to the future God is preparing for us.

Your Stewardship Team will distribute commitment packets on Reformation Sunday, October 26. What gifts and talents will you share to thank God for walking with us and blessing us so abundantly this past year? What commitment will you make to serve and grow Christ’s community? What new thing is God working in your heart?

We, the Stewardship Team, are grateful for the ways you have encouraged and worked with us through the year!

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

Fernhurst News

Thanks again to everyone who helped at our September 6 God’s Work, Our Hands workday for Fernhurst. Our October 4 workday will be on the Fernhurst campus, but since space is limited, and they like to keep the number of visitors low, we will not need as many helpers as last time. We do, however, welcome your contributions to fill the Book Nook and Clothes Closet once the work is completed.

We have prepared a spreadsheet listing what is needed. Click on the link to see what items are needed, and if you can provide the item (new or in very good condition), then type your name in the space provided. If you prefer to give money and have us do the shopping for you, please donate by check or cash or use the monetary donation options on the LCH website. Make sure you designate your gift for Fernhurst so that it is counted as such. If you prefer to sign up on paper, please see Cindy or Peggy in the courtyard after church.

The Fernhurst committee (Sue Haas, Peggy Brandt, Mary Fastenau, and Cindy Scheinert) thanks you for your support of this project.

Donors for First Mondays Concerts Needed

This year, we are endeavoring to fully fund our concerts so that our calabash funds each month can go to a local organization with a mission. The first concert by the Royal Hawaiian Band was a true gift to us. We were able to support the Angel Network. We provided them with numerous bags of dry and canned goods, as well as just over $2,000 in monetary gifts. What a blessing LCH was for the community and those in need!

We are trying to get donors for enough of our concerts, so that, along with the generosity of the Orvis Foundation we can fund all of our concert costs. The calabash on the evening of, will go completely toward our local mission partners. There are so many in need in our community, can you help us achieve this goal?

Date	Concert	Mission Partner
October 6	Vibin’ with Vivaldi	Hawai‘i Health & Harm Reduction Center (funded)
November 3	Bach to Hymns	Institute for Human Services
December 1	Holiday Brass/Caroling	One Pot, One Hope (funded)
January 5	Amahl and the Night Visitors	Hawai‘i Youth Opera Chorus
February 2	Organ Recital by Dr. Barry	AGO New Programs (funded)
March 2	Vocal Duo	Hawai‘i Music Teachers Association (funded)
April 13	Piano Quintets	LGBTQIA+ at UH-Mānoa
May 5	May Day is Lei Day	East-West Center

Please email Dr. Barry at barryjwenger@gmail.com with questions or to join us in funding our musicians fully! Thank you for being a blessing to our community in many ways.

Game Day

Wednesday, October 1, at 1:00 pm in Isenberg Hall

Please join Paula Wheeler for Game Day on Wednesday, October 1, 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.

Beginning in October join us as we journey through the Book of Jeremiah—a powerful message of God’s call to faithfulness in times of trial. Known as the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah speaks words of warning, hope, and God’s enduring promises. Together, we’ll explore how his message connects with our lives today.

Restorative Yoga

Thursdays, August 7, 14, 21, and 28, 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!

Adult Forum

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

Marsha Schweitzer will continue her presentation and videos of renowned Jesuit Priest and spiritualist Anthony de Mello and his writings, prayers and theology for the first several Sundays in October. Father de Mello was way beyond your average priest. After you get your coffee and cookies, please join us at 9:00 am each Sunday in the Boardroom for this intriguing discussion.

Leadership Roundtable

Tuesday, October 7, 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!

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, October 11, 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 October 5 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.

Office Closed for Discoverers/Indigenous Peoples Day

Monday, October 13

IHS Sandwich Making

Thursday, October 16, 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.

Pride Parade and Festival

Saturday, October 18, afternoon and evening

As part of our anniversary celebrations, LCH will participate in this year’s Honolulu Pride events in a big way by marching in the Parade on Saturday afternoon, October 18, and with a booth that evening at the Pride Festival in the Waikīkī Shell.

We are hoping that many from the congregational members will join us in the parade, which forms up at Magic Island (in Ala Moana Park) and marches to Kapi‘olani Park via Kalākaua Avenue (under 3 miles). We will have a festively-decorated truck in addition to our marchers. Please wear your God’s Work Our Hands T-shirt or other LCH T-shirt if you have one (or check out the Pride items on Old Lutheran). All participants should wear hats, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and socks. If you have dietary restrictions, please bring your own snack food you can safely eat. We will have bottles of water and energy bars.

In the evening, we will have a booth at the Pride Festival with members to greet festival participants, information about the church, and rainbow ducks to pass out. Pr. Lesley will also be there to pray with anyone who wants prayer and offer holy communion.

Thanks to the many people who are already involved in preparations. Sign up to march in the parade at church on October 5 and 12. If you have any questions, contact Bill Potter until October 8 or Mark Russell beginning October 9.

Compline

Sunday, October 19, at 7:30 pm • In-person and Via Livestream Broadcast

We warmly invite all people in all places of faith and life to Compline. Offered on the 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 the LCH Facebook page.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, October 20, 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!

Seeking Volunteers & Donations for One Pot, One Hope

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

UH International Student Club Carwash

Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

The Stewardship Team will be assisting the International Student Club at UH-Mānoa with a carwash on Saturday October 25, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on the LCH campus. It is a fundraiser for the club and an opportunity for us to serve our community. The car wash will take place in the parking lot behind the church. There will be 2 shifts, 10:00–noon and noon–2:00. We welcome anyone who wishes to join us in this venture. A sign-up sheet will be available the in the courtyard On October 5, 12, and 19. And if anyone would like to bring refreshments you may sign up for that alternative as well.

The International Club has 100 members give or take a little. I’m sure they won’t all be on our grounds but please welcome them and thank them for reaching out to us.

Thank you ahead of time for your commitment,
Phyllis Hörmann, Stewardship Team facilitator

Fall Festival—Trunk or Treat

Sunday, October 26, 4:00–6:00 pm • Poki Parking Lot

We had such a good time getting to know our neighbors at the Free Store that we are inviting them to join us on Sunday, October 26, for some fall festivities. Our Fall Festival wil have treats and blessings for animals, giant bubbles, food trucks, and a “Trunk or Treat” for the keiki.

“Trunk or Treats” are a new form of trick or treating. Instead of traipsing around a neighborhood, costumed children go to parking lots where kind souls dole out Halloween treats from the trunk of their cars. This can be as simple or as fancy as the car owner (aka the ”trunker”) wants. The car may be decorated and the trunker costumed, and there may be a simple game the children play before being given their treats, but the only requirement is that the children be greeted warmly and given a treat. All else is optional.

We encourage you to join in on the fun and especially to participate in the Trunk or Treat. We are ready to help with whatever you need. If you don’t have a car, we can provide a tent to serve as your “trunk.” If you want to dress up but lack a costume, we have a trove of costumes available for you to choose from. If you want to decorate your car but lack the energy, we will provide menehune to help out. Finally, if you want the keiki to participate in an activity or carnival type game to earn their treat, we have many of those available for your use. So the experience should be available to all!

Please let us know if you will be a trucker on the sign-up sheet available Sunday mornings or by emailing Barb Poole-Street at bpoolestreet@gmail.com, noting any need for help you may have.

We are looking forward to this chance to show our neighbors LCH not only does good works, we also have fun!

Third Quarter Giving Statements

Giving statements for the third quarter will be distributed this Friday, October 3, via email 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 the end of the day on Friday, 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 have 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 (not the address on the email) 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

Coming in November—Godly Play is back at LCH!

On November 2 at 9 o’clock all children from kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to join Sunday school for a Bible story and a fun activity. We will continue with the stories and the fun every Sunday morning till the end of June.

All Saints Day, November 2

On All Saints Sunday you will again have the opportunity to come forward to remember a deceased loved one by speaking their name and lighting a candle in the worship during the prayers of the community. Please contact the church office with names you would like printed in the special bulletin insert that day and join us for this special remembrance.

Wanted: Forest Bathers and Tree Planters for All Saints Day, November 1

I just learned a new expression in Japanese, shinrin-yoku. It means forest bathing, but instead of bathing in water, the forest bather is immersed in the forest’s atmosphere. The Japanese first began using shinrin-yoku in the 1980s as a type of preventative medicine because forest bathing has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, strengthen the immune system, and even improve sleep quality. (This article has more information about shinrin-yoku.)

So, what does this have to do with you? For the last two years, friends and members of LCH have partnered with Legacy Trees, a.k.a. Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) to plant native, or canoe, plants and trees. The first year, fourteen of us planted 200 trees at Gunstock Ranch; the experience was so positive that we continued talking about it for weeks and months after the event! The second year, eighteen of us visited HLRI’s newly purchased 400-acre plot of land in Hale‘iwa. We planted native ferns next to the Anahulu Stream; we put so many ferns in the ground that the directors dubbed the spot the Fern Grotto. (Check out these links on the Legacy Trees website and Instagram for pictures of the two events.

Do the photos make you wish that you’d come with us? Well, this year you can, even if you’re unable (or would prefer not to) participate in the planting. That’s because this All Saints Day, the invitation is for all of us! The details are still evolving, but the basic idea is that Saturday morning at about 8:00 am. we’ll carpool to the Hale‘iwa site. Our group will be together for the ceremony that accompanies the planting of a tree dedicated to LCH. During the ceremony, we’ll thank God for LCH’s 125 years of existence and ask for blessings as we forge ahead into the future. I anticipate that it will be a spiritually powerful ceremony, and it would be wonderful to have all of you there!

After the ceremony, we will break into two groups, tree planters and forest bathers. The directors will have some options for the forest bathers, but in a nutshell, the aim of forest bathing is to give your mind, body, and soul a break from the fast-paced craziness of our world and allow yourself to sink into the calming, healing presence of nature. It’s a time to open your senses and quiet your mind, to restore inner balance and recharge your spirit. There’s a good reason that most church retreats take place in natural settings: when we are immersed in God’s awesome creation, our anxieties are quieted, and we can feel God’s presence in our lives. The experience can be transformative. At around noon, we’ll head back to the church (although there are always a few cars that opt to stop for lunch somewhere along the way).

These days, the woes of the world weigh heavy, and it’s important to remind ourselves that we are rooted in a power that is stronger than the darkness that pervades. Nature has the power to heal, and spending the morning in the woods, whether as tree planters or forest bathers, is the perfect way to ready ourselves for the work that lies ahead.

To sign up, see Cindy in the courtyard after church or email her at cschein@iolani.org.

Mahalo nui loa from Karen and David Barber

When Pastor Lesley communicated with us that the congregation had taken a calabash memorializing the life of our son, Timothy, we were overwhelmed and greatly humbled by your thoughtfulness and generosity. In my sermon on September 7, it was mentioned that LCH breathes more life into the world through your many ministries. Your act of kindness, remembering our son, not only breathed more life into our weary and wounded souls, but you also breathed more life into the ministry of Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp (ELCA). Since its inception, Sky Ranch in Colorado has nurtured the lives of thousands of young people and adults nationwide through on-site camping, backpacking, day camps, and retreats throughout the year. Timothy was a camper for several years, along with attending many retreats, and later in life, it became a place that gave him peace and solitude by hiking in the area. We give thanks to God not only for the many ways you gifted us when serving LCH, but also your continued love, support, and blessings to us in surprising and unexpected ways. May God’s “endless song” of love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness for all continue to shape the life and ministry of Lutheran Church of Honolulu.

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 August

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$7,217	Memorials-Pr. Jeff-H3RC	$50
125th Anniversary Mission Fund	$488	Organ Maintenance	$30
Music Fund	$325	Capital Improvements	$25
Social Ministries/IHS	$225	Family Promise	$20
Concert Fund	$90	One Pot, One Hope	$20

Attendance and Offerings for September

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
September 7	Hybrid Worship	89 + 221 views	Offerings	$24,688
			125th Anniv. Mission Fund	$12,0470
			Organ Maintenance	$4,427
			Concert Fund	$2,562
			125th Parish Celeb. Fund	$1,450
September 14	Hybrid Morning Prayer	31 + 191 views	Organ Renovation Fund	$572
	Hybrid Festival Worship	127 + 419 views	Social Ministries/IHS	$500
			Wounded Warriors	$500
			GWOH—Fernhurst	$200
			Family Promise	$200
September 21	Hybrid Worship	76 + 151 views	Altar Flowers	$150
	Hybrid Compline	30 + 117 views	Music Fund	$50
			One Pot, One Hope	$20
September 28	Hybrid Worship	77 + 211 views	Offerings	$6,341
			125th Anniv. Mission Fund	$14,705
			FMC—Music in Mission	$866
			Altar Flowers	$450
			GWOH—Fernhurst	$50
			Family Promise	$50
			Angel Network	$20

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, October 21, 9:00 am

lan G., Alex M., Amanda L., Betty H., Chuck P. and Josie B., 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, Uncle Jim S. and family, John B., John S., Kathleen C., Kristin H., LaVerne R., Michael, Miriam S., Nancy B., Nan W., Peggy A., Rich and Kathy M., Salina R., Steve J., Steve M., Tony P., 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.

October Birthdays

10/02	Reuben Padua
10/03	Mary Jo Estes
10/05	Akiyo Takamune
10/07	Phyllis Hörmann
10/07	Mark Russell
10/07	Lois Watanabe
10/09	Dorothy (Dot) Hutchins
10/10	Paul Benco
10/14	Stephen Miller
10/17	Donna Thomasson
10/20	Barbara Poole-Street
10/24	Katherine Crosier
10/25	Lynn Juvinall
10/28	Randy Castello
10/28	Jan Flachsbart
10/29	LaVonne Holmberg

Calendar: September 2025

Day	Date	Event and Time
Wednesday	October 1	1:00 pm, Game Day, Isenberg Hall
Thursday	October 2	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	October 4	9:00 pm, God’s Work, Our Hands–Fernhurst Project
Sunday	October 5	9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service
Monday	October 6	7:00 pm, First Monday Concert, In-person Only
Tuesday	October 7	6:30 pm, Leadership Roundtable Zoom Meeting
Thursday	October 9	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	October 11	6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society, Hörmann Courtyard
Sunday	October 12	Pet Blessing Sunday 9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Tree Planting and Pet Blessing, Hörmann Courtyard
Monday	October 13	Office Closed–Discovers/Indigenous Peoples Day 4:00 pm, Kaimana Beach Service Project 5:00 pm, Remembering Pr. Jeff Lilley, Kaimana Beach 6:30 pm, Worship and Music Zoom Meeting
Thursday	October 16	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting noon, IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep (closed group) 6:30 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	October 17	6:00 pm, Queer Eucharist Service, Parish of St. Clement
Saturday	October 18	3:00 pm, Pride Parade, Magic Island 5:00 pm, Pride Festival, Waikīkī Shell
Sunday	October 19	9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service 7:30 pm, In-person/Streaming Compline
Monday	October 20	4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop Zoom Meeting
Tuesday	October 21	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 5:30 pm, Finance Committee Zoom Meeting
Thursday	October 23	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	October 25	9:00 am, Community Carwash with UH Students, Church Lot 9:00 am, One Pot, One Hope, Maluhia Lutheran Church
Sunday	October 26	Reformation Sunday 9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service 4:00 pm, Fall Festival with Trunk or Treat, Poki Lot
Tuesday	October 28	6:00 pm, Executive Council Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Zoom Meeting
Thursday	October 30	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal