HeartBeat—December 2025

First Mondays Concert Series: A Festival of Carols in Brass—Re-Imagined

December 1 • 7:00 pm

Join our brass ensemble for some fresh arrangements of your favorite traditional carols. Bringing back your favorite Christmas album with some fun surprises! Ring in the holiday season with A Festival of Carols in Brass—Re-Imagined. Performing will be David Nakazono and Casey Tamanaha, trumpets; Marie Lickwar, horn; Gabe Cruz, euphonium; Aaron Wright, trombone; Lisa Stoneham, bass trombone; and Dr. Barry J. Wenger, organ.

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 the Hukilau One Pot, One Hope ministry, a joint project of the Hukilau Conference of Evangelical Lutheran Churches on O‘ahu, whose services focus on providing meals to the homeless and poor on the Wai‘anae Coast.

51st Annual Advent Procession

Sunday, December 7 at 10:00 am • In-person and Via Livestreaming Broadcast

Join us for Lutheran Church of Honolulu’s annual Advent Procession, a beloved Hawai‘i tradition since 1975. This year the service, led by Barry Wenger, our organist and director of music, will include seasonal readings, hymns old and new, and glorious choral selections by the LCH Choir. For those not attending in person, Advent Procession will also be livestreamed on the LCH Facebook page.
 

From Pastor Lesley

This time of year reminds me of family and family traditions and practices. One that especially stands out this time of year is my mother’s insistence on writing thank you notes. As a kid I resented the practice. My cousins, who received similar gifts from my grandparents, were not required to write a thank you note, only to say thank you. However, my mother was insistent that the best way to show my gratitude was to write a thank you note.

As I got older, I began to understand how my mother’s practice shaped how I saw the world and related in and to the world. This practice helped me become more aware of all the blessings I received, some of them so small that I might miss them and their impact on my life if I hadn’t stopped to intentionally say thank you.

As we just gathered around a bountiful table this Thanksgiving and remembered our many blessings, and as we now enter a season of preparation for the greatest gift ever received, Jesus Christ, I hope we take a moment or two to be thankful and to acknowledge all the blessings we receive each and every day.

This season leading into Christmas can tend to get very hectic. With so many things to do in preparation for the holiday, so many people to see, so many gifts to get, and the list goes on and on, it can cause us to forget to attitude of gratitude. It can cause us to forget all the blessings we have been given. Maybe it even causes us to get close to a “Grinch-like” mood.

My invitation to all of us, this season of Advent is to truly prepare our hearts to receive the gift of our Lord and Savior. Preparing our hearts includes rejoicing, giving thanks, and being intentional about an attitude of gratitude.

I can tell you this Advent season, as I prepare my heart for the coming of the Savior, I give thanks to all of you for giving me the opportunity to serve with you and to be in Hawai‘i to—for the first time in over 50 years—spend the holidays with my sister and family. What a gift; thank you. I give thanks to the amazing staff at LCH. Y’all have been blessed with people who see what they do as ministry, not just a job. Thank you for the privilege of working alongside them.

I have so much to be thankful for that I don’t always remember to stop and say thank you. The other day a friend of mine posted a song by John Bucchino, Grateful. It captures all the things I am grateful for and for which at times I forget to say thank you. Here is a sample of the lyrics (link to the full lyrics):

Grateful (Words and music by John Bucchino)
I’ve got a roof over my head.
I’ve got a warm place to sleep.
Some nights I lie awake counting gifts,
instead of counting sheep.

I’ve got a heart that can hold love.
I’ve got a mind that can think.
There may be times when I lose the light
and let my spirits sink.
But I can’t stay depressed,
when I remember how I’m blessed!

Grateful, grateful,
truly grateful I am. Grateful, grateful,
truly blessed
and duly grateful.

May we, this Advent season, allow ourselves a moment each day to stop and be grateful for the many gifts we have been given and especially for the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Blessings, thanks, and prayers,
Pastor Lesley

Transition Team Update

The Transition Team wishes to thank all of you for your participation and thoughtful input that helped us shape our Ministry Site Profile. In November, the team worked individually and then met two Saturdays to compile the MSP. Ayesha is taking our first draft and finalizing it for presentation to the Council at their December meeting for approval. After the Council’s approval, it will be sent to the Office of the Bishop of the Pacifica Synod for their approval and use of the document to seek potential pastoral candidates.

When you see the Transition Team, please thank them for their faithful service to this process. As we go forward, please continue to keep the pastoral search process in your prayers that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide LCH.

Thanks and 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.

A New Stewardship Year Begins

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?—Isaiah 43:19

On November 1, a group of members and friends of LCH went to Hale‘iwa to help Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) plant endemic trees and shrubs on their 400-acre parcel of land. Most of what we planted had been germinated from seeds in HLRI’s nursery. It made me marvel at how amazing seeds are! They contain the genetic material of their parent plants but are not genetically identical to them (at least most aren’t). Seeds combine the past and the future, sameness and newness, what has been and what could be. Seeds are like us!

For this new liturgical year, which started on Sunday, November 30, your Stewardship Team chose the verse from Isaiah (printed above) for our guiding theme. (When we shared our proposed theme with others, we discovered that they had come up with the same idea. The Holy Spirit is at work here at LCH!) To help us think about the new possibilities that God might be working in and through us, we distributed seeds to plant at home. As we watch them sprout and grow, we can reflect on what new things God might be doing in our lives.

This theme of God doing something new will permeate the Stewardship Team’s activities throughout the coming year. We’ll focus on five different aspects of this theme, changing the focus every two months. As of now, the coming year looks like this: December–January, Growing Community; February–March, Healing Relationships; April–May, Unity with Nature; June–July, Compassion and Community; August–September, Acts of Service. During October and November, we will reflect on giving thanks for the past year and making our prayerful commitments for the following year. If you have ideas for specific activities that you would like us to sponsor within this framework or you’d like to help coordinate an event, please speak to one of us.

While the year’s plans are still very much a work in progress, the Stewardship Team has planned its first event, a retreat for all friends and members of the congregation. It will take place on Saturday, January 24, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and be filled with joyful activities for young and old alike. Please mark your calendars now so that you don’t miss out! We have been blessed with many new friends and members in the past few years, and this retreat will allow us to continue to grow our community, strengthen our bonds with each other, and deepen our faith.

We have looked back on 125 years of our history, the Transition Team has gathered information about our congregation right now to complete our Ministry Site Profile, and soon we will begin searching for a new pastor. We do not know what exactly is in store for us as a congregation or as individuals, but we do know that God is doing a new thing with us.

To those of you who are already active in the many goings on at LCH, thank you! To those who have yet to sign up for a committee or to become involved in any of the groups that meet, I encourage you to take that extra step. Together let us discover the new thing God is working in and through us, individually and collectively, so that we can continue to scatter the seeds of God’s love and new possibilities wherever we go.

The Stewardship Team (Phyllis Hörmann, Bill Potter, Barb Poole-Street, Willow Chang, 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.

Committee Chair Reports—Deadline January 5

It’s time to begin compiling the Annual Report! Please submit your committee’s yearly report to the LCH office by Monday, January 5. Direct questions to the office at 808-941-2566 or email lch@lchwelcome.org.

Leadership Roundtable

Tuesday, December 2, 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, December 3, at 1:00 pm in Isenberg Hall

Please join Paula Wheeler for Game Day on Wednesday, December 3, 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.

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, December 4, 11, and 18, 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!

Godly Play Sunday School

Godly Play is a Sunday school curriculum for children from kindergarten through 5th grade. We meet each Sunday in the Godly Play Room at 9:00 am for a story, discussion, and creative response using the form and techniques of Godly Play. All children are welcome! Sunday School topics for December:

• 11/30—Advent I (Circle of the Church)
• 12/7—Advent II (The Holy Family)
• 12/14—Advent III (Shepherds)
• 12/21—Advent IV (Wise Men)
• 12/28—Christmas

Adult Forum

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

On December 7 and 14, Barbara Poole-Streete will make a presentation about Chautauqua, its history and the wonderful experiences to be had at its annual gatherings. The next two weeks will include presentations on Christmas, its music, and memories of the season.

After you get your coffee and cookies, please join us at 9:00 am each Sunday in the Boardroom for this intriguing discussion.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, December 15, 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!

IHS Sandwich Making

Thursday, December 18 , 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.

Food for Thought

Saturday, December 20, at 5:30 pm • Dave 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.

Mary Magdalene Society Potluck & Gift Exchange

Saturday, December 20, at 6:00 pm • Hormann Courtyard

Mary Magdalene Society will meet in-person for our potluck and gift exchange 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 December 14 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.

Blue Christmas Evening Prayer Service

Sunday, December 21, 7:00 pm • In-person Only

Holidays can be a time of celebration and joy. They can be an occasion for gathering with loved ones and celebrating the gifts of the season and of each other. For some of us, they can also be a time of grief— remembering and longing for loved ones that are no longer with us, those that have been lost during these holiday times, or praying for people who may be grieving around the world.

All are welcome to a Sunday evening prayer service on the winter solstice, the darkest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, to grieve the losses that are closer to our hearts during this time of year. Come for prayer, song, and lighting candles during this service that offers space for grief amidst the holidays.

Deck the Halls!

On Monday, December 22nd, at 9:00 am, willing members of the congregation are invited to help decorate the Nave for Christmas. Come join us at this festive time! If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

LCH OFFICE CLOSED for the Christmas Holiday

Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25

One Pot, One Hope

There will be no One Pot, One Hope in December. Contact Billie Jean Reis or Linda Muller with any questions. Mahalo for assisting with this mission to provide meals to our neighbors.

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
December 1	Holiday Brass	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.

Thank You for Helping Feed Ke‘elikōlani Middle School Students

Heartfelt gratitude to all of you who helped the Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu feed the students at Ke‘elikōlani Middle School (formerly Central Middle School) when the SNAP benefits were not reliable because of the federal government shutdown. The Church Council designated $1,000, and many of you also donated to almost double that amount.

The Rotary Club worked on the project so that all 400+ students received a bag of food to take home on Friday, November 7. We worked with the school counselors who identified 80 priority family who needed more food.

Here is a report from the Community Schools Coordinator who helped with the distribution:

Each time the food bags were delivered to classrooms, the students visibly and loudly showed their excitement and appreciation. Some gave out a few cheers and others started clapping! It was very apparent that the students were grateful for the food bags that the Rotary club put together and donated. The students got even more excited when they opened the bags and saw the food inside because it was food they actually enjoy!

Following this emergency distribution, the Rotary Club is working with the Hawaii Food Bank to help with the twice a month food pantry already established. The middle school administration has decided to increase its focus on nutrition and open the food pantry to the four elementary schools that feed into the middle school.

The Rotary Club is working with the Food Bank to develop a plan to encourage more participation and will use the money raised and not spent.

I also want to express my personal gratitude. I am part of the Rotary Club that spearheaded this drive. We have worked with the school for 20+ years. Ruby, our therapy dog, and I also go every week to meet with the kids. I am privileged to get to know some of the students. Who teach me lessons in resilience and hope on every visit.

My fellow Rotary Club members kept saying, “I can’t believe how generous your church is.” Thank you for being generous in spirit and in funds.

Mary Fastenau

Save on Your Taxes!

For individuals taking required distributions from a retirement account, under the new tax law, if you give cash or check donations from your personal funds, you will be taxed on them and you may not be able to take the deduction. There are two ways to avoid this.

• Donate directly to LCH from your IRA. If you take money directly from your IRA to give to LCH, this increases your income and may increase your tax bracket. You may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Give directly by telling your IRA provider to donate to the church—the account representative will do this easily.
• Give appreciated stock directly to LCH. If you sell stock and then donate, it increases your tax bracket, and you may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Instruct your broker to donate directly to LCH.

The church’s legal name and address is:

Lutheran Church of Honolulu (Note: There is no The in the church title)
1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96822

If you need the Federal Tax ID (EIN) or if you have questions, please contact Steve Miller. As always, please check with your tax advisors to determine what is appropriate for you.

Second Half of Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 25, 11:15 am • Isenberg Hall

At the January 26 second half, the main business items will be approving a final budget for the new year. All are welcome and encouraged to attend the meetings, but only members in good standing may vote. Please plan to attend!

Electronic Funds Transfers for October

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$7,857	Music in Mission	$83
Music Fund	$324	One Pot, One Hope	$70
Fernhurst Project	$204	Memorials-Pr. Jeff-H3RC	$50
Social Ministries/IHS	$150	Capital Improvements	$25
Concert Fund	$140	Family Promise	$20

Attendance and Offerings for November

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
November 2	Hybrid Worship	67 + 152 views	Offerings	$4,757
			Wounded Warriors	$2.500
			Family Promise	$100
November 9	Hybrid Worship	62 + 118 views	Stewardship—Trees	$50
			Music Fund	$50
			One Pot, One Hope	$20
November 16	Hybrid Worship	75 + 177 views
	Hybrid Compline	26 + 134 views
			Offerings	$6,344
November 23	Hybrid Worship	69 + 124 views	Concert Fund	$6,000
			Ke’elikōlani Project	$710
			FMC—MUsic in Mission	$925
November 30	Hybrid Worship	63 + 207 views	Fernhurst Project	$100
			One Pot, One Hope	$100
			Wounded Warriors	$50

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, December 16, 9:00 am

Alan 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, John B., John S., Kathleen C., Kristin H., LaVerne R., Michael, Miriam S., Nancy B., Nan W., Peggy A., Kathy M., Salina R., Steve J., 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.

December Birthdays

12/03	Wayne Gau
12/04	James Sullivan
12/04	Jerelyn Watanabe
12/06	Jean Lilley
12/09	Wally Mahan
12/09	Masako Schwabenitz
12/10	Tom Juvinall
12/11	Larry Anderson
12/11	Emily S.
12/20	Peggy Anderson
12/23	Linden Doescher
12/23	Andy Flatt-Kuntze
12/24	Sophie Cheng
12/25	Nicole Engel-Nitz
12/27	Samson L.

Calendar: December 2025

Day	Date	Event and Time
Monday	December 1	7:00 pm, First Monday Concert, In-person Only
Tuesday	December 2	6:30 pm, Leadership Roundtable Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	December 3	1:00 pm, Game Day, Isenberg Hall
Thursday	December 4	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	December 6	10:00 am, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Sunday	December 7	Second Sunday of Advent 9:00 am, Godly Play Sunday School, Godly Play Room 9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service with Advent Procession
Monday	December 8	6:30 pm, Worship and Music Zoom Meeting
Thursday	December 11	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Sunday	December 14	Third Sunday of Advent 9:00 am, Godly Play Sunday School, Godly Play Room 9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service
Monday	December 15	4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop Zoom Meeting
Tuesday	December 16	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 5:30 pm, Finance Committee Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Executive Council Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Zoom Meeting
Thursday	December 18	10:00 am, Book of Faith 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
Saturday	December 20	10:00 am, LCH Choir Rehearsal 5:00 pm, Food for Thought at David Hömann’s Home 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society, Hörmann Courtyard
Sunday	December 21	Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:00 am, Godly Play Sunday School, Godly Play Room 9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service 7:00 pm, Blue Christmas Remembrance Service, In-person/Streaming
Monday	December 22	9:00 am, Nave decoration
Wednesday	December 24	Christmas Eve 5:00 pm, Streaming/In-person Family Worship 7:30 pm, Streaming/In-person Choral Eucharist with Festival Preparation
Thursday	December 25	Christmas Day 10:00 am, Streaming/In-person Worship
Sunday	December 28	9:00 am, Godly Play Sunday School, Godly Play Room 9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service (Lessons and Carols)