The HeartBeat

A Message from Pastor Jeff

Hearing the Call

One night the young boy Samuel was lying in the temple when he heard a voice call out to him, “Samuel, Samuel!” Thinking his master Eli was calling to him he rushed in and said, “Here I am!” Eli denied having called Samuel and told him to go back to sleep. After a couple of more episodes, Eli, the nearly blind priest, perceives that Samuel is hearing God’s voice and instructs Samuel that when he hears the voice again, he should reply, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Samuel’s incredible ministry as a leader in Israel begins with a quiet voice, an open heart, and a listening ear.

Just as the “word of the Lord was rare” in the days of Samuel, we do not have the advantage of God’s physical voice whispering in our ears. We are left to discern just what God is up to, and what God wants us to be up to as a congregation and as Christian individuals living in a modern world.

These days, we study God’s word, have cottage meetings, attend taskforce and visioning meetings, and listen to one another in hopes of hearing something of God’s mission. It is a slow, inexact, and sometimes frustrating exercise. During our congregational council meeting last night, Fred Benco presented a case study of a congregation where the pastor kept trying to implement the missional aspirations of the members but failed at every turn to garner the needed enthusiasm from the congregation. After years of effort, both the congregation and pastor felt exhausted. Church leadership finally suggested that they no longer worry about “visioning and mission and just be the church.”

Fred asked us, “What do you see as the mission of LCH?” The answers were interesting and inspiring. None of the council members present seemed interested in “just being the church” if that meant giving up a vision for mission, bowing to apathy, or curtailing ministry because we feel we are too busy or too tired to bother. Most interesting though, was that I had a sense that the council members were not satisfied that what we are up to now is all we should be up to! There is a palpable sense that God has something even more for the people of Lutheran Church of Honolulu to share as we grow in ministry and in God’s Spirit. It is exciting to see leaders interested in both the present and the future of our ministry together and willing to be a part of growing that ministry into the future.

So how would you answer Fred’s question? What is God calling you to in the next month, year, or decade? How will you support the ministry to which you have been called at LCH? What are you willing to share of time, talent, and treasure so that God’s mission can continue to reach our community and the world? Are you willing to support the mission campaign aimed at growing our ministry with additional staff and improved facility? Will you step up to serve on a committee or the congregational council so that you can give of your gift of leadership? Will you pray for each other and the staff at LCH? Will you teach young people so that you can share the gift of wisdom? Can you lend your voice to one of the choirs or share your love of music so that worship is joyful and meaningful? Or are your hands ready to help with our facility repairs and maintenance?

Just as Samuel heard God’s voice and was transformed, so we are transformed in Christ. It begins with a quiet voice, and open heart, and a listening ear. How is God calling you?

Aloha,
Pastor Jeff Lilley
pr.jeff@lchwelcome.org

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September Council Highlights

Council met Tuesday, September 20. Here are some of the highlights of the meeting:

• Welcome to Adam Landherr and goodbye to Chris Bushman. Mahalo to you both.
• Audit Committee is waiting for letters to be returned from LCH financial institutions.
• Parking Lot Taskforce update: Mark Saito has dropped project; looking at hiring an alternate project manager.
• Giving for month of August low, but expenses have remained low. As of August 31, income is still slightly ahead of year-to-date expenses.
• Since the PV installation, system has avoided 42,187.81 kg of CO ₂, with a total yield of 60,268.30 kWh.
• “All Staff Meeting” now to meet second Monday of each month at 5:00 PM.
• 2012 Budget: Deadline to receive committee budget reports set for December 10.
• Employee reviews to be completed by October 15.
• November 20 set as date for the first half of the Congregational Meeting.

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In Stitches

In Stitches, the LCH craft group, meets on the second and fourth Saturday of each month in the Boardroom from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. This month we will be meeting October 8 and 22.

Learn ribbon lei making or pillow needlepoint, or bring your own craft and join the fellowship.

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Food for Thought

Food for Thought will meet next on Saturday, October 8, at 6:30 PM at the home of Irmgard Hörmann, for potluck supper and discussion. All are welcome. For information, please contact Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (941-2566).

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Process Thought Forum

The October meeting for the Process Forum will meet on Saturday, October 8, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at LCH. We will continue with our examination of selected poetry and our discussion of “theopoetics.” All of the poems can be found at the “Internet Poetry Archive.” They include: “Advice to a Prophet” and “Boy at the Window,” both by Richard Wilbur; “We Have Been Believers” and “Dark Blood” by Margaret Walker; and “Salts and Oils” and “M. Degas Teaches Art and Science at Durfee Intermediate School—detroit 1942” by Philip Levine. No prerequisites necessary, just come and enjoy some stimulating and challenging thought.

A repeat session will be held on Sunday, October 9, at about noon in the Rainbow Room at LCH. Newcomers are welcome.

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Writers’ Workshop

Writers’ Workshop will hold our next meetings on October 24 and November 28 (both Mondays), from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Boardroom at LCH.

All are welcome. For information, please contact Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (941-2566).

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What’s New on the LCH Website?

Bill Potter, Webmaster

The church webpage welcomed the new school year with a picture on the Children page about the Sunday School’s emphasis on stewardship. The page was also updated with changes in Sunday School classes and teachers and information about special activities during the fall semester.

We also welcomed Miguel Felipe as our new director of music and liturgy with small changes on the Music page, a listing on the Staff page, and his own “people page.” In addition, there was a picture and short article from his installation on September 18 on the Congregational Life page. Also, with the schedule music events for the fall beginning to take shape, a list of Concerts and Concerted Worship Services was added in the Music section, with a link to the poster for the first concert, The Mozart Konzert, on October 1 and 2.

Also on the Congregation Life page, we have a short article and picture from the wine tasting on September 10. A number of additional photos are posted on the Additional photographs are available on the LCH Facebook page page as well.

Finally, a page for the Church Council is now available on the website. There you will find a list of Council members and officers (with their committee liaisons and term dates), dates for upcoming meetings, the agenda and reports for recent and upcoming meetings, and key documents. You can get to this page by entering <www.lchwelcome.org/council> in your browser.

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Once again, it’s that time of year when we ask every member of the LCH ‘ohana to start thinking about their pledges to support the mission of LCH over the coming year.

Many of us remember the years of our youth and how our parents and grandparents faithfully turned in their pledges year after year. Well, now it is our turn! The church of ages past is now in our hands, and it is up to us to both sustain it and grow it in mission.

Each of us is called to service—be it with the use of our time, talents, or treasures—and every one of us has an important part to play in proclaiming the Gospel through our work at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu.

This year, we are excited to ask for everyone’s support in continuing traditions as well as embarking on new ministries. We trust in God’s Spirit to uphold our tradition of fine music ministry under Dr. Miguel Felipe’s leadership as he builds on the legacy of Carl Crosier. We strive to keep our tradition of giving to local and global outreach alive by supporting Windward Wounded Warriors, the people of IHS, One Pot One Hope, and Heifer International. By making a pledge to the 2012 general fund, you make a commitment to all the ministries of LCH.

We also have commitment to expanding our mission of outreach even further in the months to come by calling a new associate pastor and enhancing our facilities with a covered courtyard and repaved back parking lot. A pledge to the m1ssion campaign honors your support of LCH’s mission statement:

Pray about your pledges for 2012. Take time to talk to your family about pledging. Look for more information in the days ahead as we all unite in mission to spread God’s love and grace in the world.

Sincerely,
Pam Buckley, Karen Fay,
Bill Potter, and April Smith

Children and Stewardship

As part of the beginning of Sunday school each year, I put up a bulletin board addressing the theme we’ve chosen for the year. This year’s theme is Stewardship. Once I started putting up all the ways the children of LCH participate in our church, I was amazed at how involved they are.

Stewardship has three main parts: time, talent, and money. The children use their time and talents to lead several events during the year including Children’s Sabbath, Jesse Tree, one of the Christmas Eve services, and a Seder Meal on Palm Sunday. They also serve as acolytes every Sunday, park cars at the Punahou Carnival parking fundraiser, and contribute money towards an Ark for Heifer International.

For several years, the Sunday school offering has gone to support the Heifer Project. The children have offering envelopes to help them bring in their contribution each week. We pass the offering plate during music in Sunday school just as it happens in the adult services. They are eager to give since they know that their money is going to something understandable to them. During Lent, they will again use their talents to give a concert that will raise money for the Heifer International Ark.

Stewardship is about responsibility. By helping the children find ways to participate in the life of the church, we acknowledge them as members of our community who make worthwhile contributions. Giving regular offerings and playing a concert to donate an Ark through Heifer helps them understand that we can all do something to make the world a better place.

Linda Miller

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From the Director of Music and Liturgy

With my installation still fresh in my mind, I can’t believe how much is already going on with LCH’s vast music program. As I’ve begun to settle in, I’ve been fortunate to have time to chat with and get to know LCH’s fantastic professional musicians: assistant choirmaster Allen Bauchle, organist Kathy Crosier, and Compline director Keane Ishii. As we’ve gotten to know each other I’m learning about the many activities of our choirs, instrumentalists, and concert series. There’s so much going on in our community and I hope many of you will join in.

First, and foremost, I encourage everyone to sing! Those interested in any aspect of our music program—the contemporary tunes of 8:00 AM, the choral masterworks of 10:30 AM, the candlelit repose of Compline, or the youthful sounds of F.R.O.G.S.—should come by my office or email <miguel@lchwelcome.org> and say “hi.” I’ll happily meet with anyone and help them find a place that’s a match for their voice, skills, and interests. I’m convinced that there’s a place for everyone to make music at LCH...and all are welcome.

Second, please mark your calendars now for the big musical moments of our fall. Our Abendmusiken concert series kicks-off on October 1 and 2 with The Mozart Konzert. The concert features the premiere public performance of the Crosier’s pianoforte (the instrument Mozart would recognize!), period strings, and some of the greatest music in our Western tradition. The LCH Choir and Bach Chamber Orchestra return for a special Bach Vespers on Sunday, October 30, Reformation Sunday, when we celebrate our faith’s rich history in a beautiful liturgy that features music of Bach and Schütz. Late November brings the 37th annual Advent Procession on Sunday, November 27. And finally, we’re already making plans for a joyous and musical Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the many people at LCH who’ve welcomed me and my husband Aaron as members of the LCH ‘ohana. Moving to a new place nearly 6,000 miles from our previous home is a daunting idea, but the way LCH has embraced us has made the transition seem easy. Thank you to those on the call committee, the congregation, Pastor Jeff and the staff, those in all of the musical organizations of LCH, and the Crosiers. Aaron and I feel profoundly blessed to be called to this church: a place where we can worship, make great music, and begin this new chapter of our lives.

Aloha,
Miguel

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LutherFest Is October 29

It’s October, and LutherFest is just around the corner. Mark your calendar now for Saturday, October 29, so you don’t miss out on the food, fellowship, and frivolity that are the hallmark of this annual celebration of our Lutheran heritage.

Sister Peggy and her indulgences were a big hit last year, so we have invited her back to receive your donations (cash or checks) for the Mission Campaign and exchange them for LutherBucks that you can use to purchase indulgences, contribute for beer/wine, and vote for the winners in our dessert contest. All donations will go to the Mission Campaign.

The evening begins at 5:30 PM with pupus in the Hörmann Courtyard. Our wonderful Fellowship Committee will provide snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, and beer and LCH-label wine will be available for donations.

The contest this year is for desserts that incorporate that favorite fall fruit (and sometime forbidden fruit)—the apple. Somewhere in your family recipes there is certainly an apple dessert that is flamboyant, or delicious, or Lutheran enough to tempt the LCH family and garner the most votes to be declared the winner.

Dinner this year will be potluck with the church providing brats, buns, and condiments. Participants who skip the dessert contest are asked to bring salads, vegetables, and other side dishes to share.

When everyone has had their fill of the bountiful potluck, entries in the dessert contest will be put on display for judgment on the basis of appearance, Lutheran heritage, and taste. Make your decision and cast your vote with LutherBucks.

While the votes are being counted, we will be treated to a variety show, including a sing-along led by Miguel Felipe, our new director of music and liturgy, and maybe even a visit from Martin Luther himself.

Babysitting has been arranged for the evening, so bring the whole family. You definitely won’t want to miss this memorable evening of fun with the LCH ‘ohana.

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Wounded Warriors Program

The ministry to wounded, ill, and injured Marines at Kane‘ohe Bay is developing into an amazingly comprehensive support program. An average of forty-three Marines and Navy corpsmen are assigned with the primary responsibility of healing in body, mind, spirit, and relationships.

Hukilau congregations have joined LCH in supporting these military members and their families in a variety of ways. St. John Lutheran has a number of members who have provided internships in vocations patients want to explore as options should they not be able to continue in their primary specialties or be discharged from the service. Others help by babysitting, fixing bikes, or mentoring the troops and their spouses. Once a month, a church group provides a barbecue meal at the barracks.

Lihue Lutheran sponsored a trip to Kaua‘i’s Barking Sands for Pastor Steve and twelve soldiers with PTSD. They loaned the group the church bus, provided meals at restaurants, and arranged for a luau, catamaran sail, Wailua River boat ride, ATV excursion, and more.

Friends of Pastor Steve (“Chaps”) and LCH have contributed to his discretionary account that allows for purchase of new baby items, work clothes for internships, back supports, birthday cakes, and more. Since a number of them are uncomfortable around crowds, Chaps opens his home to them on the canal in Kailua each week for fishing and barbecue. Others find learning to play piano, guitar, or to paint helps reduce their stress and the fund pays for teachers that have offered dramatically reduced fees for their services. A few enjoy concerts and will be invited to attend The Mozart Konzert.

While in a parking lot loading some small second-hand patio tables into his car, Pastor Steve was overheard to say that they were for the Wounded Warriors. A couple watching nearby asked who was paying for them, and he indicated it was from LCH’s discretionary account. Not only did this couple make a donation, but they said they would visit the church with the intent of joining because of this ministry.

If you have an interest in assisting in any way with the Wounded Warrior Program, please contact Pastor Steve through the Church Office (941-2566). Pastor Steve is also looking for a part-time, volunteer administrative assistant to help with the ever-increasing paperwork associated with maintaining this program. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please contact Pastor Steve for more details. Mahalo nui loa for your kokua.

Web Extra: Additional Pictures from the Kaua‘i Tour

 
 
 
 
The Windward Wounded Warriors stopped at Lihu‘e Lutheran Church, which had worked with a variety of local businesses to provide activities during their 4-day visit.

 
 
 
 
The good folks at Smiths’s provided a free Wailua River boat tour and lu‘au.

 
 
 
 
Sailing on the Blue Dolphin catamaran along the Na Pali coast.

 
 
 
 
The Windward Wounded Warriors enjoyed a 5-star dinner at Duke’s at the Marriot.

 
 
 
 
Kipu Adventure Tours donated an ATV ride for the Wounded Warriors...

 
 
 
 
...as well as some time at a waterfall.

 
 
 
 
A Marine helicopter squadron provided a CH-53 ride and air tour of the island

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Death with Dignity Conference

The Social Ministry Committee reminds us that the public is invited to a free conference to discuss the important issue of “Death with Dignity” in Hawaii. The conference will be on Wednesday, October 5, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at the main auditorium at the Hawaii State Capitol.

The keynote presentation will be given by Professor Kathryn Tucker, Director of Legal Affairs of Compassion & Choices. She has served as lead counsel representing terminally-ill patients and their physicians in several landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases. There will also be a panel of local citizens. For further information, see <hawaiidwdsociety.org>.

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Prayer Requests

Carl	Judy	Ruth
Cindy	Karen	Stephen
Debbie	Maggie	Susan
Gene	Pat	Ulrike

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October Birthdays

Date	Name
10/03	John Purtzer
10/05	Akiyo Takamune
10/05	Ingrid Weeks
10/07	Lois Watanabe
10/08	Joe Suske
10/09	Dorothy (Dot) Hutchins
10/10	Paul Benco
10/14	Patricia Lilley
10/12	Jacob W.
10/14	Stephen Miller
10/17	Karen Roberts-Ogawa
10/19	Sieglinde S.
10/19	Sophia S.
10/19	Mahina Katherine W.
10/24	Katherine Crosier
10/25	Lynn Juvinall
10/26	Campbell Mansfield
10/26	Rafael S.
10/28	Randy Castello
10/28	Jan Flachsbart

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HeartBeat Deadline

Next HeartBeat Deadline is Tuesday, October 18!

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Heavenly Humor

God’s kids say the funniest things

“When I had third-graders in my class at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Largo, FL, they had learned the order of the names of the first six books of the New Testament.

“One day, I asked if anyone knew the name of the very first book of the whole Bible. Russell raised his hand and answered, ‘Preface.’”

—Gloria Walz
Clearwater, FL

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