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Children’s Benefit Concert a Great Success

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Members and friends of the congregation gathered for the 9th (mostly) annual Children”s Benefit Concert on Saturday afternoon, March 7

In keeping with tradition, the concert began with “Hittite Hints,” an original poem by Pr. Fritz Fritschel, read by Peggy Brandt because Pr. Fritz was out of town. Following the poem, more than a dozen children presented their musical talent. They performed on the trumpet, guitar, piano, violin, drum, and organ; one sang a solo, and all the children joined together to sing the finale.

The first Children”s Benefit Concert took place during Lent 2006, and except for last year, has taken place every Lent. Each year the children challenge members of the congregation to pledge $1 a day for the 40 days of Lent to be used to help families in need around the world. At the early years, donations were made through Heifer International, but in 2013 and again this year, donation will go the ELCA”s Good Gifts program.

Pastor Jeff welcomed the audience to the 9th Children’s Benefit ConcertPeggy Brant read “Hittite Hints,” a new poem by Pr. Fritz Fritschel written for the event.A boy played Jeremiah Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary.”A boy played a guitar arrangement of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”A girl played “Go Tell Aunt Rhody” on the violin.A girl played “What Can I Share” by Palmer, Manus, and Lethco on the piano.A boy played “Hip Little Sixteen” by Murray Hollif on the snare drum.A boy played Beethoven’ “Für Elise” on the piano.A boy played “Toccotina” by David Schaap on the organ.A girl played “Vivace” by Ferdinando Carulli and “Minuet in G minor” by J.S. Bach on the piano.A girl sand “New York, New York” by Kander and Ebb.A boy played “Sicilienne and Rigaudon” by Fritz Kreisler on the violin.A girl played “Morning Vista” by Melody Bober on the piano.A boy played the second movement of Diitri Shostokovich’s “Sonata in D minor” on the cello.A boy played “Toccata” form Suite Gothique on the organ.The concert ended with the F.R.O.G.S. Choir singing “Elijah Rock!”

11th Annual Faith and Arts Sunday

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Members look at examples of the art work of children and adults submitted as part of the annual Faith and Arts Sunday

LCH celebrated its annual Faith and Arts Sunday on February 8. Held each spring, this is a time when members of the congregations recognize the many ways the arts enrich our lives and honor the artist of all ages who call LCH home.

Works submitted this year represented a wide variety of media. There were examples of needle craft, paintings, digital media, poetry, prose, photography, drawings, woodworking, and more.

Participating artists included young children, working adults, and retirees. Some, like members of the Writers’ Workshop, meet regularly as a group, but many work at home and share as part of this annual event.

At right, members look at examples of the art work of children and adults submitted as part of the annual Faith and Arts Sunday.

The slideshow below includes photos of most of the works shared. Click on any of the slides to open up a larger version in a new window.

Read poetry and prose written by members of the Writers’ Workshop.

LCH Bids God Speed to Pr. Angela

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After two and a half years of dedicated service and dynamic ministry, Pastor Angela returns to the continent to begin new adventures in life and ministry.

In recognition of this milestone in the life of Pr. Angela and of LCH, the congregation ended both morning services on January 4 with a liturgy of Thanksgiving at the Conclusion of a Call. Between services, there was a reception with lots of hugs, lei, and wishes of God speed.

All of us at LCH will miss Pr. Angela very much and give thanks to God for her time with us.

At right, April Smith, president of the Church Council, presents Pr. Angela with a book of photos from her time at LCH.

At left, Pr. Angela and the cake from her reception.

Additional photos are available on the LCH Facebook page.

Preparing for a Joyous Christmas

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With only one more day until our celebration of Christmas begin, members gathered to prepare for worship. The antique crèche (imported from German in the 1920s) was brought out from storage, poinsettias were unwrapped and placed around the Nave, a wreath of greens was assembled and hung by the entrance, a tree was decorated, and worship booklets prepared for all three Christmas worship services. It was a lot of work, but with many hands, it was completed quickly.

At right, Jim Cartwright and Peggy Anderson decorate the Christmas tree.

Below, Steve Miller and the kids unwrap poinsettias.

All are welcome to the three Christmas worship service:

  • Family Worship on Christmas Eve at 5:00 pm featuring a Christmas skit by the children, familiar carols, and Holy Communion.
  • Festival Choral Eucharist on Christmas Eve at 11:00 pm featuring the LCH Choir, familiar carols, and Holy Communion. Come early and enjoy a concert of Christmas music by the LCH Choir and Organist Mark Wong at 10:30.
  • Choral Eucharist on Christmas Day at 10:30 am featuring the women of the LCH Choir, familiar carols, and Holy Communion

Interim Music Leadership Installed

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Today, LCH installed the first member of the interim leadership for its music program during morning worship. Jeremy Wong was installed as interim director of the LCH Choir during the traditional choral eucharist at 10:30 am. Michael Bartels will be installed as interim director of the Eight O’Clock Ensemble during the contemporary worship service next Sunday.

Neither Jeremy not Michael is new to the LCH ‘ohana. Michael has been playing piano and filling in for Miguel Felipe from time to time for the contemporary worship service, and Jeremy has been singing in the LCH Choir.

You can learn more about Michael and Jeremy on the Leadership page

At right, Pastor Jeff installs Jeremy Wong as interim director of the LCH Choir.

Advent Procession · November 30 · 7:00 pm

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Advent Procession at Lutheran Church of Honolulu, Nov. 30 at 7:00 pm

What’s Happening…

Since 1975, the Lutheran Church of Honolulu’s Advent Procession has been a Hawai‘i tradition. This perennial favorite ushers in the Advent season with a service that melds music and word. To celebrate the 40th annual Procession, we offer The O Antiphons (2014) by Zachary Wadsworth, one of the leading composers of his generation. This remarkable new setting—the second initiative of LCH’s The Cantata Project—illuminates the ancient words of the O Antiphons anew. The service also features Arvo Pärt’s Magnificat, or Song of Mary, a modern masterpiece from 1989. Finally, this evening marks the end of Dr. Miguel Felipe’s tenure as director of music & liturgy. Join us as we begin a new liturgical year, carry on a beloved Hawai‘i tradition, and bid aloha to Miguel—a reception will follow.

The Musicians…

The LCH Choir and Mark Wong, organist
Miguel Ángel Felipe, conductor

How Much…

Free—a freewill offering will be taken

Cantata Project logoFor More Information…

Visit www.lchwelcome.org or call 808-941-2566
Driving Directions / Bus Information

Advent Procession graphic

Rain Can’t Dampen Children’s Sabbath

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Not even a tropical storm warning could keep folks away from out annual celebration of Children’s Sabbath on Sunday, October 19. Our congregation’s talented children had been practicing their music and acting for weeks, so they were ready with enthusiastic performances during both morning worship services. They also provided ushers, readers, and communion assistants.

The highlight of the morning was the children’s skit which served as both children’s conversation and sermon. Under the direction of Georgine Stark, they retold the Gospel story when Jesus was asked whether it was OK to pay taxes to the emperor.

In keeping with our program of year-round stewardship, Linda Miller offered a Temple Talk emphasizing our congregation’s commitment to stewardship of our keiki (children) and our thanks to our children for participating enthusiastically in our Sunday School and youth programs.

Below is a slideshow with photos of some of the ways our children offered their talents.

A girl plays the prelude.The children singing the call to worshipThe children do a Gospel skitboy playing a violin pieceTwo brothers play part of a sonata

LutherFest Rescheduled

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LutherFest – Postponed

Due to the uncertain nature of Tropical Storm Ana, LCH has postponed LutherFest to NEXT Saturday, October 25th.

Same time. Same place! One week later!
Bring your pretzels and your friends!

We pray that you all stay safe and sound over the weekend.

Sunday’s Worship events will be as scheduled unless otherwise notified via eNews, Website, Facebook and via phone.

New Members Received

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Today, LCH welcomed two new members into its ‘ohana of faith.

Lindsey (left) – serves in the US Navy and has begun discernment in the candidacy process toward possible ordination in the ELCA

Melody (right) – currently PhD Candidate at University of Hawai’i recipient of Fulbright-Clinton fellowship and soon on her way to East Timor for field work in her studies as a linguist.

We pray for them and for the whole of our family of faith.

If you are interested in learning more about LCH and what “becoming a member” means, contact the church office or the pastor directly. We’d be happy to schedule a time to sit down together and get to know one another and answer any questions.

Godly Play Room Dedicated for New School Year

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With the new school year just around the corner, the congregation gathered to dedicate the new Godly Play room following worship on Sunday, August 31.

The Sunday School teachers and pastors have been preparing for almost a year for the introduction of this new curriculum, which approaches the stories of sacred history in a way that is both fun and engaging. Linda Miller has been describing the journey to be ready for Godly Play in her blog, Notes from Nana Linda. For a brief introduction, please read her post “What is Godly Play?”

Christian Educations is offered for children and adults of all ages each Sunday morning at 9:20, between the two morning worship services. In addition to Godly Play for children ages 3 through 5th grade, children 6th through 12th grade have their own class (which meets in the Rainbow Room), the Adult Forum gathers in the Board Room, and professional nursery care is provided for children infant through 4 years. All are welcome.

At right, Pastor Angela blesses the Godly Play room with help from one of the children.