First Press First Press is the monthly newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu 45-550 Kionaole Road, Kane‘ohe, HI 96744
JAN / FEB 2014 | Volume 19 | Issue 1
IN THIS ISSUE
All New Life Training Classes Start Jan. 19th. Details on page 5.
Congratulations to Dr. Joseph Chow on page 3
FACEBOOK CAPTION CONTEST
Winning Caption The winner of last month's caption contest photo, based on the number of likes from Facebook users, is Candi Cann! She wins a $10-gift certificate to Ko‘olau Kitchen! Congratulations! Here's Candi's winning caption: “’Port-a-pastor’ Dan Chun preparing another fresh message!!”
GIVING
Discover the Benefits of Giving by Kirk Leavy
Other good ones: “Tasty, fresh, latrine cuisine! Yummm!!" Heidi Lum “It was really maika' i at our Christian lua... I mean Christmas Lu'au!” - Sarah Lau “My sermon is so hot that it set off the fire alarm.” - Carol Kellogg “(On the Greece Tour) This is where we get the Holy Water we use for our Sunday Church Baptisms." - Ellery Lum “Wait 'til you see what WE'VE recycled!” Paula Caracol “Getting ready for battle. To the Pastor Lavatory. Super Pastors to the rescue!” Craig Shoji “The blondes leading the blind.” - Susan Page “Shhhh...don't tell Pastor Dan where we are hiding..!!” - Lisa Youngest “We are fresh, and getting ready for Advent.” - Hennie Wattimena “And, behind door #3…” - Martha Morrissey "Whaddya mean, evacuate?? No way, Jose!" - Linda Iverson
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In his last will and testament, Benjamin Franklin bequeathed a portion of his estate to the cities of Boston and Philadelphia for philanthropic purposes. He is quoted as saying, “I wish to be useful, even after my death.” His estate gift provided funds well into the 1990’s providing scholarships for high school students in Boston and Philadelphia. Franklin is not alone in wanting to be useful after death. Many Americans wanting to do the same donate billions of dollars in cash and assets through charitable bequests to support the churches, charities and causes they believe in. Many in our church family feel this way, too. Every year people include First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu as part of a legacy giving plan, telling us that supporting the future mission and ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu is a very high priority for them. By naming the church as a beneficiary, these people have made a commitment that will have Kingdom impact for generations to come. First Prez member Suzie Millard felt this way when she decided to donate assets that would otherwise place
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a significant tax burden on her estate when she passed away. She decided that for her, making the church one of the beneficiaries of her IRA would allow her to make a contribution more significant than would be possible using some other asset. Many don’t realize some assets have characteristics that make them more preferable to give, and in Suzie’s case, gifting a portion of her IRA made the most sense. Talking about the future can be uncomfortable, especially when it comes to money and family, but we can help. We have the information you need to get the conversation started. A conversation that can lead to a plan that meets the unique situation and personal goals of you and your family. Benjamin Franklin left a gift that was useful well beyond his lifetime, and when the time is right for you, you can too. Visit our planned giving website at fpchawaii.plannedgiving.org for more information, and when you’re ready to get the conversation started about planned giving, give us call at (808) 532-1111.
CHURCH NEWS
Congratulations, Dr. Joseph Chow WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Your Donations Make a Difference Thank you for giving to others through the Women's Ministry Your Christmas Card Donations
Our Compassion Child
When we donate our unused Christmas Last month, the Women’s Ministry team cards each year to Women’s Ministry, who at FPC received wonderful news- that do they go to and what difference does it Appoline, our Compassion sponsored make? student of several years, completed her university studies and leadership Each December as the Women’s Ministry training through Compassion’s Leadership Team gathers to celebrate Christmas Development Program (LDP)! One of the together, we package up all the odds and main services of the Women’s Ministry at ends of Christmas cards we have collected FPC, in addition to Fellowship, Growth & to donate to the women at Women’s Discipleship, is outreach. We are grateful Community Correctional Center (WCCC). for the opportunity to have been a part of We couldn’t help but wonder: Is this Appoline’s life and to have encouraged her important to anyone? Do they really with prayer and resources. Appoline sent a want or need these cards? So we asked heartfelt letter to the team, and we would Lillian Hussein, a former inmate who, as like to share some excerpts that touched a member of Total Life Recovery, used to our hearts and raised our praises toward help distribute the packets each year to the heaven! women at WCCC. “Dear Women’s ministry, I would like to thank you so much for your effort you “Oh, my gosh, yes—it absolutely is important to those women,” Lillian said. offered to me in order to become who I “They look forward to it every year and am. It is so difficult for me to express my when the holiday season is coming, they feelings and to explain how Compassion start asking, ‘Will we get Christmas cards had changed me from poverty. I entered into Compassion when I was nine years this year? When are they coming?’” old, I was orphan, I had no any parent, both With tears in her eyes, Lillian explained dead in the Rwandan Genocide. My life was that for some of the women who have no in danger. But when Compassion came it money to buy cards, one of these cards may was a big solution to me because I found be the instrument of healing that opens the shoes, clothes, and school fees. There up communication and helps to restore was no difference between me as orphan a broken family relationship. Sometimes and those who had the parents. they will ask the women from Total Life "Now I have bachelors degree in law I am Recovery to pray over their cards that their message will be received and the process able to compete with other lawyers in my country. It is very amazing I thank my God of forgiveness can begin. for helping me in my studies. This year, packaging up the cards was "I would like to thank you so much for not just a job we do every year, it held new whatever you did for me in order to become meaning and great joy. who I am now. May our good God continue to take good care of you. I really love you so much, yours faithfully. Appoline”
FIRST PRESS
We’re happy for First Prez member and Elder Joseph Chow who recently received the Chinatown Heroes Award from the Chinatown Business and Community Association for his commitment to journalistic integrity through the Sing Tao Daily newspaper. Joseph established the Hawaii office of Sing Tao Daily in 1982 and since then has served as its manager. Working in the heart of the Chinese community at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, Joseph is dedicated to reporting news of interest to the local Chinese community. He has also helped many new immigrants and Americans of Chinese ancestry acclimate to their new homeland, and build and strengthen networks in Hawaii. Congratulations, Joseph!
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OUT & ABOUT (FORMERLY RAA!)
MEN'S MINISTRY
Men's Monthly Dinner at Ko‘olau Tuesday, Jan. 28, Tues, 6 pm "A Man-Side View from a Leader of Leaders" In the home, he has led his family. On the courts, he has led his team. On the bench, he has led his courts. In the capitol, he has led his state. In the church, he has led his men. Former Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona will be coming to continue our Men's Ministry Dinner series on "The View." Duke will be sharing on the importance of the man's role is in the health of our families, the vitality of our church, and the strength of our state. He will be speaking from a perspective of being a dedicated husband of 33 years, father of four children, a basketball coach, and a church leader. We will learn from his amazing life: born in Pearl City, graduated from St. Louis School, earned his law degree from University of Hawaii, prosecutor, state judge, and lieutenant governor. Duke is currently Executive Vice President at Saint Louis School where he is working to equip tomorrow's leaders with education to succeed today. We are blessed to be able to present this rare opportunity to hear from one of the great leaders in Hawaii today. Cost: $ 10 ($ 15 at the door) Sign up online at http://tinyurl.com/ FPCMensDinner Or at the Men's Ministry Table on Sunday, Jan. 19. (See page 6 for Men's Retreat info.)
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Two Out & About Events We’re Off to See the Wizard! Jan. 29, Wed, 9:30 am
Author and lecturer and a familiar face at WAKO, Carmen Leal, will be joining us to introduce the film, "The Wizard of Oz," and then in her special way, share her perspective on the Transformative Power of Potential in the movie. She will walk us through the film, helping us see its many aspects. Carmen is the author of nine books and is a storyteller with a dramatic testimony. Come and take part in this special event and participate in a lively discussion of the film after its viewing. Then stay for our special catered lunch by Chef Jim and continue the discussion with others at your table as you dine. Sign up at the Out & About table on Sundays, Jan. 19 and 26. The cost is $13, payable in cash or check.
Remembering Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Feb. 26, Wed, 9:30 am, USS Arizona Visitor Center
Where were you on December 7, 1941? Many of us were not even a twinkle in our parents' eyes, but there also are many who were here on Oahu and lived through that earth-shattering day. The USS Arizona lays in its resting place at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, right where it was bombed by Japanese imperial forces and sunk on that fateful day. It is the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines who were killed on the battleship. This was the catalyst that led to the United States’ direct involvement in World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial was designed by Honolulu architect Alfred Preis who had been detained at Sand Island at the start of the war as an enemy of the country because of his Austrian birth. It was built in 1962
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at a cost of approximately $400,000. It straddles the sunken hull of the battleship without touching it. The 184-foot-long structure has two peaks at each end connected by a sag in the center of the structure. It represents the height of American pride before the war, the sudden depression of a nation after the attack and the rise of American power to new heights after the war. The sunken remains were declared a National Historic Landmark on May 5, 1989. The memorial is visited by more than one million people annually and is accessible only by boat. Oil leaking from the sunken battleship can still be seen rising from the wreckage to the surface of the water. The tour from start to finish is 75 minutes. This includes the 23-minute film and boat trip to the memorial and back. There are two museum galleries, which takes about another 45-60 minutes, for those interested. We will be having lunch (on your own) at the Schooner Restaurant at Pearl Harbor. Parking is usually an issue, so please plan to carpool. We will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. SHARP on the Flag Court in front of the Visitor Center. Sign up at the Out & About table in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays, Feb. 16 and 23. There is no charge for the tour, BUT THERE IS A LIMIT OF 35 TICKETS. NOTE: Due to security reasons, there are several restrictions. No purses, camera bags, backpacks, diaper bags, luggage or other items that provide concealment are allowed in the Visitor Center or on the USS Arizona Memorial. Valuables should NOT be left in your vehicles. Bag storage is available at the Visitor Center entrance for $3 per bag. You may bring in your wallet, cameras, cell phones, and water bottles. Strollers and wheel chairs permitted.
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LIFE MINISTRY
Life Training Classes
Begins Jan. 19, Sun, 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am, First Prez The 2014 Winter Life Training series could be life changing. Check out the 13 classes during the three morning hours. And Beta is back–the course for new or restart believers. Check out the Life Training brochures for schedules.
JR. HIGH & HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRIES
Youth News by Pastor Drew Hulse
Mexico Mission Trip
Jan. 25-Aug. 1 are the dates for this year’s High School Mission trip to Rancho El Milagro outside of Ensenada, Mexico. This will be our fourth trip to the orphanage caring for 35-45 children who have been victims of poverty, neglect, and/or abuse. We get the opportunity to love the kids, spend time doing crafts, playing games and building relationships. At the same time, we will be doing significant work on the orphanage. In the last trip we put on a new roof, built a computer room, painted murals, dug ditches, cleared fire breaks, poured concrete, and more. No telling what this year’s projects will be.
to mention incredible times of worship, digging into God’s Word, sharing in small groups, and having your heart challenged to the core. Did I mention late night talks, mountain hikes, ropes course challenges, line dancing, and, oh yeah, polar bear swims? All of this is waiting for you at Forest Home Aug 2 - 9. Registrations are now available if you are ready to have an awesome week. This camp is the second week of the Mexico Mission / Forest Home adventure. Our hope is that you will do both weeks, but, if your schedule says just one week, this is a great option. Registrations are now available on the high school page on the church website www.fpchawaii.org. If you have any questions contact Drew at drew@fpchawaii.org.
Grow Up! (To Your Potential)
This week is an amazing opportunity to invest your life into the most vulnerable in God’s Kingdom. Registrations are now Summer Intern Program It will make for the greatest summer of available on the high school page on the your life. You get to spend 11 weeks pouring church website at www.fpchawaii.org. If you have any questions, contact Drew at yourself into the lives of youth loving them in the name of Jesus. Oh, and did we tell drew@fpchawaii.org. you? We will give you all the training you This is the first week of an incredible two need. This summer we have intern positions week experience tied in with Forest Home available in Children’s Ministry, Junior High Summer Camp. Our hope is that everyone Ministry and High School Ministry. The will do both, but you can also just go to internships are 19 hour per week paid Mexico. Don’t miss out on this! positions. You will work in a team of interns, Forest Home High School Summer along with the other volunteer leaders, to facilitate ministry opportunities for youth Camp Picture yourself high in the mountains through events, camps, Sunday mornings, with 250 other high school students having small groups, one on one contacts and the time of your life. You’re dominating more. Applications will be available online camp competitions, flying off of the blob, or by contacting Drew at drew@fpchawaii. drinking milkshakes at the snack shack, not org.
FIRST PRESS
Experience Forest Home!
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LIFE MINISTRIES
WAKO 2014 Winter Edition Coming Soon!
People All the Good Things
What's the buzz with First Prez people
Every Wednesday in February at 5:30 pm
by Marcia Wright
It’ll be a WAKO Winter Wonderland with the usual and the unusual, and with the opportunity to be creative and to be better acquainted with the Creator. Circle February 5,12, 19, and 26 now and plan to Go WAKO! WAKO brochures will be distributed soon.
Takeshi "Tak" Yoshihara was featured in a two part dialogue on “Long Story Short” with Leslie Wilcox on PBS. If you missed this insightful interview, you can watch it at pbshawaii.org.
Men’s Annual Retreat
March 7 & 8, Fri-Sat, Grand Ballroom Our featured speaker, Steve Peich, will be speaking on the topic, “Standing Strong Against the Tide.” F l y e r coming soon with details.
JAN / FEB 2014
Though it is long, I have chosen to post this letter sent to Leon Williams, our beloved deacon, soloist, and friend, as it exemplifies what Jesus calls us all to be like. This was written by the father of a little boy in the audience. “I was one of the fortunate members of the audience tonight at the Nestle Gerber Holiday Pops in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I attended with my wife, our two younger sons, and our daughter. We were all delighted with the disarming beauty and resonance of your singing. During the second half of the show I was moved almost to tears several times by the magnitude of glory that rang through your performance. Your voice was splendid, but more than that, you blessed us with a powerful witness to our Lord and Savior that somehow went far beyond the skilled delivery of lyrics and vocal melodies that I have appreciated all my life. I determinded before leaving my seat that I must write to you to express my sincere thanks.
MEN'S MINISTRIES
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Happy New Year! May you only have one New Year’s resolution: to Love God more!
"My wife and our youngest son, however, had to leave at the intermission as my son had a perviously scheduled sleep study at the nearby children’s hospital. I called my wife from the parking garage after your performence to tell her of the tremendous second half and how profoundly it touched me. "Then she told me how, as she and our son were waiting for the elevator, you walked by and little Peter volunteered to you his compliments of the first half of
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your performance. She told me how you turned around and weclomed him with great joy to come and speak with you, then you inscribed a CD of your music for him! We are just overwhelmed at your kindness and your thoughtfulness. "Our son has had 16 surgeries over the course of his 12 years, and I think this is his 10th sleep study. He has had crosses to carry all along the way , but he is a little man with a huge heart, and God has sent so many saints and angels into his life. Today you were like that for him, and for all of our family. "I am at a loss of how to thank you, both for your sensational performance, but even more for sharing. With all the love in my heart I want you to know you have made a difference on earth this day! May your advent and Christmas season be filled with God’s grace and joy. I hope our paths will cross again someday, Leon. Kind regards.” I hope this story helps us understand how we all make an impact in even the littlest of things we do. You may not be singing to hundreds, or speaking to thousands like our pastors, but there are other ways God can use you. I’m sure there is a neighbor who needs a kind word or some help. Or the guy walking on the street with his head down probably needs a Happy New Year smile from you. Either big or small each of us can make a difference on earth every day! May you have a blessed New Year accepting all the good things God has stored up for you and sharing them with others. Me Ke Aloha Pumehana. manoaw@ hawaiiantel.net
YOUNG ADULTS
in
MONDAYS (CollegeAge Young Adults, ages 18-26) Mondays, 7 pm, the Chuns'
PRAYERLINES
10 Prayer Resolutions for the New Year by Patti Marshall
Consider weaving one or more of these Enemies and turmoil surround this powerful prayer resolutions in your list for nation, so close to the heart of God. 2014 as you seek to be more like Jesus: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall “Be still, and know that I am God.” Ps. 46:10 into temptation.” Matt. 26:41 What better way to begin the year We are often tempted by things that we spending some time devoted to being should avoid completely because we are still before your Creator and allowing His not watchful. The enemy creeps into our perfect Presence to become more full and words, motives, actions, and thoughts. Be rich within your heart. watchful as you pray. “…pray continually…” 1 Thess. 5:17 Prayer will become like breathing to you if you take time to invite God into your every thought, word and activity so that the likeness of Jesus can become more fully formed in you. “...Keep on praying for all the saints.” Eph. 6:18 As you pray for other believers, it is important to seek what is on the heart of God for them. He knows everything and will tell you how to intercede for others who love Him. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault… James 5:1-8 There are many times when wisdom is needed and we forget this amazing promise. We try to “fix” things in our own strength rather than through the wisdom that God wants to give us.
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that our Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mk. 11:25 “…bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Lk. 6:28 The lack of forgiveness is the root for much of the sin in our lives. God’s redemptive work can only take place when we let go of resentment, anger, bitterness, or a desire for revenge. Ask God to show you if you are holding anything against anyone as you begin the year. Pray blessings over them. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Col. 4:2 In 2014, ask the Father to give you an extraordinary love for prayer. Be watchful and thankful as you dedicate your heart to His plans and purposes for you.
Pastor Dan and Pam started MONDAYS for college-age young adults, ages 1826. Join them every Monday at Pastor Dan and Pam's house, 7pm, for dinner, Bible study, and fellowship. You're welcome to come whether you are in college or not! Call 532-1113 for more information.
Kanikapila Nights Jan. 23, Thurs, 7 pm, Kaimuki Kanikapila Night is coming up on the 23rd! This is a great opportunity to invite your unchurched friends to a mellow gathering with awesome live music and good food. All young adults are welcome!
FINANCE & ADMIN
Upon This Rock Update Our "Upon This Rock" capital campaign is on the right track. Here's the "temperature reading" so far:
As of Dec. 31, 2013
• Campaign Goal = $7M • Actual Pledges received = $3,473,517 • Actual collection to date = $2,784,114
$6M $5M $4M $3M $2M
Jesus, give me the wisdom and strength to carry out the desires expressed through the pledges I make in 2014. As I try to weave “Confess your sins..." James 5:16 these prayer resolutions into my life this year, Keeping short accounts with God is vital remind me of Your encouraging promise: For to your spiritual health and to your work for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and the sake of the kingdom. An accountability His ears are attentive to their prayers. Amen. partner or spiritual friendship would be a Adpated from Kim Butts, January 2013. Prayer transformational goal for this year. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Ps. 122:6-9
$7M
$1M 0
Connect
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45-550 Kionaole Road Kane‘ohe, HI 96744 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
WORSHIP SERVICES
Sundays at 8 am, 9:30 am, 11:11 am Visit our website at www.fpchawaii.org
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JANUARY 16-FEBRUARY 2014 Upcoming Events January 18 January 19 January 20 January 23 January 25 January 28 January 29 February 5 February 6 February 12 February 14 February 19 February 22 February 26
Seekers & Joiners Class Blood Drive, Healing Service, Life Training Classes Start Church Office Closed Young Adults Kanikapila Night Military Mom's Night Out Men's Ministry Dinner Out & About Wizard of Oz Event WAKO (Winter 2014) Caregiver Support Group WAKO (Winter 2014) Jr. High Winter Retreat, Philippines Mission Trip WAKO (Winter 2014) Women's Tea & Luncheon, Military Mom's Night Out Out & About USS Arizona Event, WAKO (Winter 2014)
Recurring Events
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 shayna@fpchawaii.org 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!
Sundays Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11 Mondays MONDAYS: College-Age Bible Study and Fellowship Tuesdays Mighty Moms, DivorceCare starting Feb. 4 Wednesdays Gathering (High School), Old Town Thursdays Choir, Men's SPARTAN Group, Dance Ministry Fridays F2, First Prez Crafters, 5th Quarter First Press is also available online or can be sent to you via e-mail. If you would like to opt out of receiving our newsletter by mail, please email pkamahele@fpchawaii.org or call 532-1111 First Press can be viewed online at www.fpchawaii.org/?page_id=19 Submit articles by February 15 for the March 2014 issue to: shayna@fpchawaii.org. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted. Art director • Shayna Kusumoto; Copy editors • Patty Kamahele, Julie Lockyer, Rosella Shishido, Linda Verdugo, Sarah Williams