Category Archives: Congregational Life

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!”

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.

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.

Angela Freeman Installed as Co-Pastor

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Members of the congregation gather around to lay on hands as part of the InstallationThe first summer Sunday with one worship service saw a joyful celebration of the ministry of LCH as we gathered to formally install The Rev. Angela Freeman as co-pastor. Even though Angela has been working among us for almost two years, her initial call was for a term of two years, so after the congregation voted to extend a regular call, she had to be installed again.

The service of installation featured special music from several children in the congregation, elements from the traditional “10:30 style” (the LCH Choir singing the psalm and special music by Sir Ralph Vaughan Williams), and the Alleluia Mass regularly sung for contemporary worship.

Following worship, everyone enjoyed a summer barbecue and fellowship inn the Hörmann Courtyard and Isenberg Hall.

At right, members of the congregation crowd around to lay hands on Pr. Angela during the installation.

AIDS Walk 2014—God’s work. Our feet.

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The walkers pose for a team photo prior to the beginning of the WalkTwelve folks from LCH teamed up to participate in the Honolulu AIDS Walk 2014 to benefit the Life Foundation on Saturday, May 24. It was a rainy morning, but nothing could dampen team spirits as nine members gathered on the grounds of Honolulu Hale prior to the walk. (The other three had work obligations, so they couldn’t walk.) With everyone wearing the goldenrod shirts from the 25th anniversary of the ELCA, the group certainly stood out.

The nine walkers were right up front when the walk began at 9:30 am, but a misstep by one of the members about half way through the walk resulted in an injury. Everyone gathered around to offer support and comfort until the ambulance arrived and transported the member to the hospital. As a result, Team LCH was one of the last to cross the finish line.

In the end, Team LCH raise almost $3,000 for the Life Foundation to help fight HIV/AIDS in Hawai‘i and help those living with the disease.

At right, team members pose for a photograph before they stepped off on the Walk.

Gearing Up for Summer Camp

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Two campers from last summer talk of their experiences and encourage participationSummer is fast approaching, and with it opportunities for our young people to enjoy Day Camp on the LCH campus June 30 through July 4. Again this year, leaders will come from Southern California Lutheran Outdoor Ministry.

To get everyone excited about Day Camp, youth from the congregation provided special music and spoke about how much last year’s experience meant to them at both morning worship services on May 18.

Between services parents and friends held a FUNraiser bake sale to raise funds for the camp.

At right, one of the girls gives her testimony while her brother shows the shirt he made for camp.

Below, one of the boys plays the courante from the Sonata in G minor by Henry Eccles (1670–1742).

Anyone wanting more information or interested in registering for Day Camp should contact Pastor Angela Freeman at pr.angela@lchwelcome.org.

In addition to Day Camp, LCH will be joining with other ELCA churches on O‘ahu and the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i for summer camp. There are three sessions between June 21 and July 3. For more information and a link to register, see the May issue of The HeartBeat.

Special music for at the 11:30 service

Allen (Hanson) Baby Welcomed in Baptism

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The baptism of the daughter of Janelle Hanson, baptized May 11The people of LCH welcomed a new member, the daughter of Janelle and Jon into the family of faith through the sacrament of Holy Baptism during the 8:00 am worship on Sunday, May 11, 2014.

Jordyn’s baptismal sponsors are Parker W.K. Hanson and Kristina Hanson.

“We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks and praise to God and proclaim the good news to all the world.” (ELW rite of Holy Baptism—affirmation from the congregation)