First Press First Press is the monthly newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu 45-550 Kionaole Road, Kane‘ohe, HI 96744
MARCH 2012 | Volume 17 | Issue 2
IN THIS ISSUE
Youth Auction to support Youth Missions on page 7
THE
COURSE
ON THE COVER
The Alpha Course at First Prez
Pastor's Letter
Wednesdays, March 7-May 16, 6:30-9 pm, at First Prez
This set of 10 classes offers a chance to ask questions about God and learn more about Him. If you are able, there is a one-time cost of $10 to purchase the Alpha Course Manual. Dinner is provided and there is a calabash bowl for you to drop off any amount you want to donate for the food. For more information about the Alpha course please check out the alpha website: www.fpchawaii.org/alpha
WHAT IS ALPHA?
Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Alpha course meets weekly for 10 weeks, and includes an amazing weekend. At the end of the course there will be an Alpha Celebration dinner. The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith. It’s relaxed, low key, friendly, and fun. There is a meal together at the beginning of each session, which gives you an opportunity to get to know each other. Listen, learn, discuss, and discover. And ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or too hostile.
WHO IS ALPHA FOR?
Alpha is for everyone, especially: • Those wanting to investigate Christianity • New Christians • Newcomers to the church • Those who want to deepen their understanding and faith
Learn more about Alpha at www. fpchawaii.org/alpha
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The Max Factor by Pastor Dan January 5 was my spiritual birthday– the day I accepted Christ into my life many years ago.
advantage, as Max is a “chick-magnet”. Women always come up to us to say hi and start conversations.
On January 5th this year, God surprised me with a gift: a dog named Max! He came from Ella Kang, daughter of church members Peter and Rea Kang, who shared their testimony with us during our 2011 Christmas Eve worship services.
Dogs are really popular. Among our US presidents, 32 of them have had dogs. In fact, three presidents in recent times had a terrier type pooch (like Max)–George W. Bush, John F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Max is a Yorkie Poo–half Yorkshire Terrier and half Poodle. He’ll be four years old on May 19th. He loves everyone, plus he’s already housebroken!
Was it Harry Truman who said, “If you want a friend in Washington DC you better get a dog”?
The amazing thing about Max is that he is now a major factor in my evangelism. As I walk him through our neighborhood, I get to talk to neighbors I haven’t talked to for a long time, some for decades. I get to meet neighbors I’ve never met. I am learning their names and their kids’ names. One neighbor even asked me if I would do a funeral for her mom, and I said yes. When I walk though the nearby University of Hawaii campus, people come up to me all the time to pet Max. I even got to meet a UH professor, with whom somehow the conversation shifted to Jesus and faith in general.
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If I were single I would really have the
Max is now my new way to get to know people, talk about life, talk about Jesus. I told the Elders at our recent leadership retreat that our priority for our church this year is to REACH OUT. Reach out to people and tell them about Jesus. Reach out to invite them to church, to Alpha, to RAA! or to a youth ministry activity. Reach out to have that conversation with a friend or your child of how you came to faith. Is there something in your life that is like a Max factor, a way to get to know people and have an opportunity to talk about Jesus? Maybe it’s your job, your community group, your child’s sport, or maybe even a hobby. Think, pray. What could be your Max factor?
Life Ministries
ALL-CHURCH EVENT
Tony Campolo Direct Sunday, March 25, 5 pm, Fellowship Hall
Pam Chun, Lauren and Pastor Dan
CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Meet Lauren By Lauren McCartha Our new Early Childhood/Childcare Coordinator Growing up in small-town Alabama, some of my earliest and fondest memories took place in the children’s ministry of my home church in Tallassee, Alabama. This is how I grew to love the church and where I learned that I belong to God. I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was eight years old. Because of the impact that had on my life, I have always hoped and dreamed of being able to give away what I received! I graduated from Auburn University in 2008 with a bachelor of science in degree in human development and family studies in pursuit of my dream to have an impact on the lives of children and families in our world. In August 2010, I moved from Nashville, Tennessee, to Hawaii because of an opportunity I had through my job at the time. Quickly the doors opened, and I found myself across the globe just three weeks later! Soon after the move, I met a friend who insisted I visit First Prez. After my first Sunday I knew this would be my church home.
I speak with Karen Makishima. Little did I know, Ko’olau Kid’s was looking for an Early Childhood/Childcare Coordinator! After much prayer, I decided that this would be an opportunity of a lifetime! I am finishing my first month on staff, and I am honored and humbled to be a part of such a wonderful team! I feel privileged and inspired to work alongside the amazing leaders and teachers who are dedicated to our keiki and to sharing the Gospel. God has given me the desires of my heart, and I am filled with overwhelming thankfulness! I look forward to what God has in store for our Children’s Ministry!
ABOUT TONY CAMPOLO
Tony is the author of more than 35 books, but he’s mostly in demand worldwide for his electrifying talks. Over 400 times each year he speaks at conferences, universities, professional gatherings, and churches. Dr. Campolo is professor emeritus of sociology at Eastern University, and a former faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania. His website is redletterchristian.org and he can be found on both Facebook and Twitter. Tony and his wife Peggy live near Philadelphia and have two children and four grandchildren.
ABOUT TONY’S TOPIC
In the Book of Revelation we are told to “Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Because of Tony’s worldwide grasp of the church in the world today and his perceptive nature, we’ve asked him to speak to us about “What the Spirit is Saying to the Church Today.”
In June 2011, I joined the church and began helping out with the Youth Ministry. One day while hanging out with Nick Love, I shared how much I desired to work with kids and in ministry. He enthusiastically insisted
Tony Campolo returns to First Prez! • Hamburger dinner (Veggie option available) • Cost $5 per person *$20 maximum for families; children ages 5 and under free) • 5-6:30 pm Dinner • 6:30-7:30 pm Tony Campolo speaks (childcare kicks in) • Tickets go on sale at the Men's table in the Fellowship Hall on March 11.
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NEW MEMBERS
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Seekers & Joiners (New Members) Class Saturday, March 17, 9am-3pm Our next new members class is a oneday session to be held on Saturday, March 17 from 9am-3pm. Pastors David Stoker and Dan Chun will lead the classes and will share from their hearts the vision of First Prez, our core values, the teachings of the Presbyterian church, and other helpful information. It’s also a great way to meet others who attend FPC-Honolulu! If you’d like to join First Prez, transfer your membership, or just learn more about us, this class is for you! To sign up, please e-mail rosella@fpchawaii. org (Childcare is available upon request only).
BEAR GRYLLS
Host of “Man Vs. Wild” Discovery Channel™
“IS THERE MORE TO LIFE?” THE ALPHA COURSE at First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu
explore the meaning of life
alpha.org 4
RAA! (Retired Active Adults)
Meryl Streep in "Julie and Julia"
Will the Real Julia Child Please Stand Up? (A RAA! Event) Wednesday, March 28, 10:30 am, Fellowship Hall Do you remember that woman on the black and white tube preparing incredible French cuisine with humor and aplomb? “One glass of wine for the bird and one glass for me.” How about the pounds and pounds of butter and cups of heavy cream? It’s a wonder with all the haphazardness of her cooking style that her dishes were absolutely delicious (or so she said). That was the one and only Julia Child. Our March event includes a film featuring Nora Ephron’s delicious comedy about joy, obsession and butter—Julie and Julia (PG-13). It lovingly celebrates the life of one of American food’s most influential and beloved figureheads: Julia Child, portrayed by the spectacular performance of Meryl Streep, who plays Julia with zest, humor, and a sweet, subtle respect. A.T. Hurley of Amazon.com writes: The movie is based on the book by Julie Powell, a frustrated New York bureaucrat who wants to be a writer. “But you’re not a writer until someone publishes you,” she moans. So, she gives herself a challenge: to cook her way through Julia Child’s "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" in one year, and to blog about it. As Powell begins to find her groove as a cook, and her voice as a writer, the project takes on a life of its own—and in the end it does provide the struggling young woman
MARCH 2012 | FIRST PRESS
with her life’s purpose, to her very pleasant surprise. But mostly, Julie & Julia is a valentine to Child, to Child’s amazing love affair with her dashing husband, Paul (Stanley Tucci, as divine as any soufflé in the film), and to her outlook on embracing life, and ordering seconds. Meryl Streep throws herself into the role with real affection for her character, and while certain of Child’s idiosyncrasies, including her warbly voice and unflappable haphazardness in the kitchen are retained, it is Child’s character and vision which form Streep’s portrayal and which make the film so involving and rewarding. Come and join us for laughs and tears as we watch a film that should be relished with gusto—accompanied by the freshest ingredients.. All this takes place on Wednesday, March 28, 2012. Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Stephanie Castillo will introduce the film to us and then lead us in a lively discussion of the film after its viewing as we enjoy our special catered lunch. Sign up at the RAA! Ministry Table after the 8 and 9:30 am services on March 18 and 25. The cost is $13, payable in cash or check. Hope to see you there!
Women
WOMAN-TO-WOMAN
Women's Way Event By Angela Cherland
Tyne Cody, Carol Stevens and Karen Makishima at the Women's Tea
WOMEN'S EVENT RECAP
Snapshots of Faith The Women's Lunch and Tea Event on Feb. 11th On February 11 the women of First Prez were blessed to share a beautiful afternoon together at the annual Women’s Tea and Lunch in the gorgeous Glass Ballroom. As we enjoyed the delicious lunch and dessert bar full of delightful treats and chocolate, the ladies spent the day basking in the beauty of the Ko‘olaus and fellowshipping with one another. This year we were blessed to hear from five of the women from our church family as they spoke for five minutes on a snapshot of their lives. Each of the women shared transparently and tenderly from their hearts allowing us to look intimately into a snapshot of their faith journey with God. Sarah Williams started the program and shared how to grow in intimacy with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Shayna Kusumoto spoke about the importance of fighting for and growing our relationships by being intentional. Our Children’s Ministry Director, Karen Makishima, shared her calling to minister to children and their families and urged the women to get involved in the lives of our children. Tyne Cody stressed that the key to life is knowing and living according to God’s Word. And Carol Stevens shared the importance of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
represented at our Tea and we were blessed by the intergenerational fellowship and time of sharing. A special thank you goes out to Dee Dee Lee, Linda Verdugo, Julie Lockyer, Rosella Shishido, Beth Fila, Ivonne Litchkowski and Tom Howes for all their hard work and making this such an outstanding and special day for us. God bless you all!
Each year the Women’s Ministry Team organizes a luncheon and afternoon of activities for the women of the Salvation Army Women’s Way. This ongoing program provides encouragement to pregnant and new moms who are recovering from substance abuse. The visit provides encouragement to these new and soon-to-be moms through positive interactions and fun with other Christian women. You can participate in this program by donating personal care items (e.g., body wash, toothbrush, infant bibs, etc.), provide a monetary donation, and/or volunteer to participate at the event. Shopping lists and volunteer information are provided at the Women’s Ministry table each Sunday. Or you are also welcome to contact Angela Cherland with any questions. (Cell: 310-210-8901 or acherland@gmail.com). Donations are being accepted now until March 18.
There were women of every generation
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PRAYERLINES
Praying for Missionaries by Patti Marshall What do we mean when we ask God to bless missionaries? Jesus did not pray that God would rescue the disciples from the hardships of the world. He asked the Father to “keep them from the evil one” (Jn. 17:15). After Saul’s Damascus Road experience, Christ said He would show Paul “how many things he must suffer” for Jesus’ name (Acts 9:16). God’s call on the life of a missionary (or for any believer) does not remove the reality of pain, suffering, sickness, and persecution. Of course, we must always pray for their safety and protection. But, perhaps we should pray less for the “success”, happiness and comfort and more for their endurance and character as crosscultural disciplers. In their book, Called to Reach: Equipping Cross-cultural Disciplers, Young and Barnett identify eight characteristics of effective missionaries. They suggest that we should pray that they would: • Depend on the Holy Spirit in all they do (spiritual character). • Live according to the teachings of the Bible (Biblical character). • Be good thinkers and teachers across cultural barriers (rational character). • Be willing to suffer with those they witness to (compassionate character). • Endure as they suffer for the sake of the gospel (impassioned character). • Build lasting, witnessing relationships (relational character). • Stay focused on God’s mission, not their own (maturational character). Lord God, we lift up those who have answered Your call to the mission field. Protect them under the shelter of Your wings. Be their Rock of Ages and shelter them for life’s assaults. Place in them Your godly character. Help them to live according to Your word. May they always sense Your presence in their hearts. Amen Adapted from Chap. 26 of Giving Ourselves to Prayer (Strategic Prayer for God’s Mission and Missionaries by Mike Barnett
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MARCH 2012
People All the Good Things
What's the buzz with First Prez people by Marcia Wright It’s March already? Wow! I am always surprised at how surprised we always are that time seems to move so swiftly. And yet, as I wrote in the Jan/Feb column, I hope to be living in the NOW moments, with the LORD. This gives me pause and stretches out my time. And speaking of NOW moments many of us have started our fast as we move towards the joy of Easter. Each moment we choose to abstain from our chosen fast item(s) is one in which the LORD is present and we with HIM. Speaking of Easter, now is the time for you, shower singers and car crooners, who have the inclination to join the choir for our Easter celebrations to start coming to the choir rehearsals on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. We would love to have you! Long time member Joan Riggs was pictured in the MidWeek attending and accepting the first endowment gift to the Chaminade Interior Design program. Did you go to the opera this season? Wow, what block buster smash hits they were! Here are a few of the First Prez members who made our enjoyment possible: Beebe Freitas, Mary Hicks, Leon Williams, Larry Whitson, Doug Stiles, Glenn Rediger, Marcia Wright, and Dean Wiegardt. Their jobs ranged from artistic director, chorus director to chorus members and dressers. “Pam Kennedy has two new books released this month. The first is a two-book devotional and journal set for women published by Guideposts titled, Devotions From the Heart. It contains 100 reflections on the everyday ways God’s love keeps us growing. The second book is written by Pam and her daughter, Anne Kennedy Brady, published by Ideals Children’s Books, and is titled Five-Minute Bible Devotions for Children: Stories From the Old Testament. Written for ages 4-8, each devotion is intended to spark conversations between parents and
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children and features a brief retelling of an Old Testament story and a lesson related to situations today’s children face. Questions reinforce the message, and a brief prayer and a Bible verse complete the text, which is accompanied by whimsical illustrations. A second children’s devotional by Anne and Pam featuring New Testament stories will be released next fall. These books and others by Pam are available from Amazon.com. (Word has it that she’s happy to sign and personalize any books you purchase and want to give as gifts. Just bring ‘em by the Life Ministries table on a Sunday mornings!)” An update from Joe and Barbara Grimes; “Praise God with us that Joe has sent the semifinal draft of the Book of Numbers in Hawaii Pidgin to our consultant. You can read Da Jesus Book and 16 books of Da Befo Jesus Book by clicking on http://www. pidginbible.org” Here’s some news from Karen Makishima. “The Hawaii Division of The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) had their annual conference in January. Notable USPTA Master Professionals from the mainland prepared presentations as well as local USPTA pros from Hawaii. Carolyn Thibault received the 2011 USPTA Hawaii Division’s “Rookie of the Year” award. Although she has been teaching tennis for years, as a new member of this organization (certified in 2010) she has learned a tremendous amount from her colleagues and is excited to serve on the Board of Directors for the USPTA beginning this year.” Each NOW moment we are present with the LORD is a moment to savor our Savior and all that HE shares with us. Psalm 34:8 "O taste and see that the LORD is good: Blessed is the man that trusts in HIM." Be well. Be blessed. And share all the good things the LORD shares with you with us. manoaw@ hawaiiantel.net
Youth
HIGH SCHOOL & JR. HI
Youth Auction
Sunday, April 22, after 11:11
• Lunch - Catered by Ko‘olau Ballrooms, begins at 12:15 pm • $10 per person/$40 per family max • Silent Auction begins at 9 am during Fellowship Hours • “Buy It Now” at any point • Live Auction begins at 12:45 pm • Great family fellowship event • Last year we had great items like: - Sunset sailing cruise - 30 hours of yard work - Turtle Bay Weekend - Lilikoi Pies - Gold Jewelry - Wine collection and pool party
HIGH SCHOOL & JR. HI
Youth News by Drew Hulse
SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM
Are you high school grad and looking for the summer of your life? We have an amazing opportunity for you in our Summer Intern Program. It is a chance to work within Children’s Ministry, Middle School Ministry or High School Ministry while receiving high level training in theology and ministry skills. We have four paid 19 hours/week positions. The applicant must be a high school grad/ college student and be a part of the FPC family. If you are interested contact Drew at drew@fpchawaii.org or call the church office at 532-1111.
HIM YOUTH CONFERENCE
Did you know that over 22,000 kids die every day from simple causes with existing cures and within that a child dies from hunger related causes every 8 to 12 seconds? Do you want to change the life of a child who is starving? On March 9-10 the High School Ministry is going to fast for 30 hours while raising funds for World Vision who is committed to changing the lives of kids around the world. If you’re a high schooler who would like to participate, or if you are someone who would like to sponsor one of the participants just let Drew know at drew@ fpchawaii.org or call at 532-1111.
DONATIONS NEEDED
Please donate to our auction! - Vacation home stays - Tickets - Food items/baked goods - Art work - Certificates for golf/beauty treatments/movies/restuarants - Sailing trips - Please, no rummage sale items
There are more than 30 kids and leaders going this summer. To donate, please contact Drew at 532-1118 or drew@ fpchawaii.org, or Sarah at 440-6553 or sarah@fpchawaii.org
NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES
You don’t want to miss this incredible event and support the High School ministry in their Summer Mission Trip!
This year’s auction is supporting two High School Events: 1. July 21-27: Forest Home Summer Camp 2. July 27-Aug 5: Mexico Mission to Rancho El Milagro
HONOLULU
1,000 high school and middle school youth in one place. I know, a little scary and pretty awesome. That is just part of what is going to happen at the HIM Conference coming up March 22-24 and we are trying to get as many of our HS and MS students there for a powerful three days. It’s going to be Switchfoot, Matt Redman, special speakers, and more. The student rate is incredible at only $79. All you need to do is register online at himonline.org and then let Drew know. You’re going to grow big time!
30 HOUR FAMINE
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID KANEOHE, HI PERMIT NO. 120
45-550 Kionaole Road Kane‘ohe, HI 96744 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
WORSHIP SERVICES
Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11:11 am Visit our website at www.fpchawaii.org
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MARCH 2012 Upcoming Events March 2-3 March 7 March 9-10 March 17 March 22-24 March 25 March 28 March 31
Men's Retreat The Alpha Course Starts High School 30-Hour Famine Seekers & Joiners Class Starts Honolulu 2012 Conference Tony Campolo Direct RAA! Monthly Luncheon Women's Way Outreach
Recurring Events Sundays Tuesdays Wednesday Thursday Fridays Write a caption for this photo, and enter to win! Post your suggestion on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/firstprez or email it to shay@entheos-i.com and we'll post it for you. Captions with the most "LIKES" will be published in next month's First Press. Winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to Ko‘olau Kitchen. Go now to www.facebook.com/firstprez, and enter your caption as a comment on this photo!
Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11 Mighty Moms The Gathering Choir Practice Women's Craft Group, F2, 5th Quarter
First Press can be viewed online at www.fpchawaii.org/?page_id=19 Submit articles by March 15 for the April 2012 issue to: shay@entheos-i.com We reserve the right to edit articles submitted. If you no longer wish to receive First Press by postal mail, please e-mail pkamahele@fpchawaii.org Art director • Shayna Kusumoto; Copy editors • Ralph Kam, Patty Kamahele, Ivonne Litchkowski, Rosella Shishido, Linda Verdugo, Sarah Williams