First Press First Press is the monthly newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu 45-550 Kionaole Road, Kane‘ohe, HI 96744
APRIL 2013 | Volume 18 | Issue 3
Support Youth Summer Missions
At the Youth Auction on Sunday, April 21—see page 2
IN THIS ISSUE Meet Yasu Hatano See page 3
FACEBOOK CAPTION CONTEST
ON THE COVER...
Announcing the Winner
Youth Auction
You had to get pretty creative to think up appropriate captions for last month's caption contest photo.
* Silent Auction begins at 9 am in the
The winner, based on the number of likes from Facebook users, is Martha Morrissey! She wins a $10-gift certificate to Ko‘olau Kitchen! Congratulations!
A fundraiser for high school mission trips this summer Sunday, April 21 Fellowship Hall and will be ongoing throughout the morning. The "buy it now" feature allows you to buy an item right then and there, and take it home. * Lunch - Catered by Ko‘olau Ballrooms, begins at noon * $10 per person/$40 per family max * Live Auction begins at 12:30 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 - Lawyer services - Wine collection and pool party You don’t want to miss this incredible event and support the High School ministry in their Summer Mission Trips! Why not gather your small group and make it an amazing fellowship event together?
Here's Martha's winning caption: "Ron! Ron! Ron!" Other good ones: “This is the new ushers and greeters uniform for 2013.” - Anonymous "Noah in his raincoat ready for the next flood. The zoo is all on board." - Marcia Wright “Dan, what is the church’s position on letting garden gnomes hold office?” - Will Pendragon "Thanks, guys...the staff memo DID say to come in COSTUME." - Carol Ching Tomita "My name is Ron. This is my happy face. They say one out of five will turn out normal. Trust me, I am the normal one." - Bruce Patterson
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Auction Donations Needed
Please donate to our auction! This is a very tangible way to help minister to children in poverty around the world. - Vacation home stays - Show Tickets - Food items/baked goods - Professional services - Certificates for golf/beauty treatments/ movies/restuarants - Sailing trips Please, no rummage sale items. This year’s auction is supporting two high school mission trips: 1) May 29 - June 8 - The Philippines with Compassion International. 2) July 20 - Aug 5 - Swaziland with Advocates for Africa’s Children There are over 35 kids and leaders going on the two trips. To donate, please contact Drew at 532-1118 or drew@fpchawaii.org, or Sarah at 440-6553 or sarah@fpchawaii.org
LIFE MINISTRIES
New Life Training Classes Beginning Sunday, April 21
Life Ministries has exciting and inspiring classes to offer beginning Sunday, April 21st! Sign up in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, April 14th. Here are a few samples of the many classes that will be offered: Alzheimer's Symposium “It is probably the most difficult, frustrating, hilarious, exasperating, fascinating, bewildering and rewarding care giving I have ever experienced,” says Elder Eileen Lum. She will be facilitating sessions on dementia and Alzheimer's for those who need more information on this growing need for caregiving for this disease. Half of people over 80 will suffer some dementia and Alzheimer’s in the
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USA. It can affect people in their 50s and 60s as well. Sister Norberta Hunnewinkel, Franciscan Nun/social worker and Director of the Franciscan Adult Day Care Center will be our guest teacher. She will provide practical help and a better understanding for those already caring for loved ones in their home, as well as for people beginning to see this happening in their own families. The class will be limited to about 20 participants. “Recovering from Grief and Loss” by Dr. Norman Wright This will be facilitated by Sissi Tran Copeland for anyone experiencing (Continued on page 3)
CHURCH NEWS
Meet Yasu Hatano by Ron Mathieu
There’s a new face on campus. His name is Yasuo Hatano (Yasu), who just graduated from Tokyo Union Theological seminary in Japan, and will serve as an intern on First Prez staff through May. He will be observing all aspects of our church, so be sure to show him and his wife Akiko (Aki) our aloha. Executive Director Ron Mathieu recently interviewed him for First Press: Ron: Tell us about yourself. Yasu: Aki and I reside in Hiratsuka, Japan, about one hour southwest of Tokyo. I graduated from Sophia University Graduate School in 1974 with a master degree in Physics, and was employed by the Yokohama Rubber Company for 35 years until I retired in 2009. Aki and I met in church. Her father was a pastor. We married in 1975, have a daughter (Naoko) whose husband is attending the same seminary from which I just graduated. Our son Yoshikazu works at Nissan Motor Co., headquarters. Ron: Wow, two seminarians in the same family! How long has your family been followers of Christ? Yasu: My grandfather converted from Buddhism in the 1930’s, when it was quite courageous to be a Christian. He was an admiral stationed in Germany, and his conversion affected his promotions. My grandmother and my mother followed in the faith and raised me in the faith. And our church prayed for the young people such as me to grow strongly in the faith. Ron: Your entering full time ministry in your sixties is also unusual; there must be a story. Yasu: A number of things have convinced me that Jesus has a strong sense of call on my life. I was able to arrange my job in a way that allowed me to take a nighttime theology course for two years in Tokyo. I retired four years early to follow that call, entering seminary with an intent to eventually pastor in Japan.
Ron: What’s the connection with the Presbyterian denomination? Yasu: I have been an elder in our church (Hiratsuka Fujimicho Presbyterian Church) that has Presbyterian roots. My career frequently took me to America, and I would attend PC(USA) churches whenever possible, including FPC Honolulu, even when you were located in Makiki. My seminary thesis was a study of the history of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and I asked our seminary president if I could intern abroad for a year after graduation.
Ron: You are paying us a huge compliment… Yasu: I have observed FPC for some time. I see you as being obedient to God… not afraid to take risks for your faith. There is a joy in serving here, and you are not reluctant to invite people in. Ron: We look forward to sharing our aloha with you and Aki. It’s our prayer that your time here can exceed your expectations.
Ron: Wasn’t that fairly unusual also? Yasu: It was a precedent. He told me to “go for it,” but that I had to find a church that would accept me before September 2012. I first applied with American missionaries in Japan. No response. Then I visited and wrote to several U.S. churches on the mainland. No response. Finally I contacted First Prez Honolulu, and you said yes! We took this as a sign of God’s will and affirmation. Ron: How will FPC help you on your journey? Yasu: Christianity in Japan increased after World War II, but the church has been in decline in recent decades. Similarly, mainline denominations such as the Presbyterian Church (USA) have seen rapid decline, but First Prez Honolulu is growing. I want to do something about reversing the trend in Japan. As an engineer, I know how to benchmark—observing and employing best practices. I believe studying how FPC “does church” can be instructive for my ministry and vision.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 one of the many types of loss that any one may encounter during a lifetime including death, divorce, loss of job or career, loss of wealth or health, to name a few. God loves us and intends for us to live joyful lives in all circumstances. He also provides the resources for us to do so. James—The Way of Wisdom and Maturity (Part 2) The book of James in the Bible is a letter intended to impart practical wisdom so that we may demonstrate godly skillfulness in the pressures of daily life. Its wisdom is concrete and real, the kind of thing we all long for in order to live impactful lives as Christians. Come and learn about growing your soul, thriving in your relationships, and deeply impacting our world for Jesus’ sake. Even if you missed Part 1 of the class, you can jump right in and join the flow without skipping a beat.
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MEN'S MINISTRY ,
Men's Retreat The recent Men's Retreat
The Men’s Ministry at First Prez just jumped a few more notches. A record 135+ men attended the annual Men’s retreat held at church in early March. The numbers, the sharing, the fellowship, and the impassioned talks by Tony Campolo caused many of the men to say at retreat’s end, “The best ever!”
Upon This Rock Update Our "Upon This Rock" capital campaign is on the right track. Here's the "temperature reading" so far:
As of Feb 28, 2013
• Campaign Goal = $7M • Actual Pledges received = $3,473,517 • Actual collection to date = $2,169,199
$7M $6M $5M $4M $3M $2M $1M 0
OUT & ABOUT (FORMERLY RAA!)
What is Smart Money? April 24, Wed, 10:30 am, First Prez What is financial abuse? How do we identify different scams and protect ourselves from fraud? How safe are you and your money? Come and learn the answer to these questions from the expert himself, Jeff Marshall, son of church members Hal and Patti Marshall. Jeff is a Security Investigator in the Corporate Security Department of Bank of Hawaii. (The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.) Bank of Hawaii provides various presentations from their Smart Money Seminars series as part of their community outreach program, with senior awareness of financial exploitation being the most popular seminar. But don't mind the seminar title because people of all ages can benefit from the information Jeff will provide. With scams and fraud on the rise, we need to learn as much as we can to protect and arm ourselves with knowledge, which is powerful. This
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will help us avoid falling prey to these financial predators and scam artists who lure seniors (and non-seniors, too) into donating or releasing their money. The FBI Honolulu Division has seen an increase in the number of scams affecting seniors in Hawaii. Jeff’s presentation will dovetail on what we’ve learned from the FBI. REMEMBER: THIS IS DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST SENIORS. When will this take place? Wednesday, April 24, 10:30 am, at First Prez. The cost is $13. Sign up at the Out & About (formerly RAA!) table on Sundays, April 14 and 21.
PRAYERLINES
Prayer & Worship by Patti Marshall
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Women's Women’s Bible Retreat: Study: "Dare to Dream" Missing Pieces... May 3 & 4 (not an overnight)
Thursdays, 6-8 pm, First Prez
by Donna Matichuk Do you have a dream? Do you feel that Come join the Women’s Ministry Team’s you are living your destiny, or did it get lost newest Bible study “Missing Pieces, Real somewhere along the way? Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense” by Jennifer Rothschild. It will be held on This year’s women's retreat speaker, Julie Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm in the Daubenspeck, experienced the crushing Fireside Room. We start with a 30-minute loss of her childhood dream, but she DVD and discuss the workbook questions experienced a restoration through God. together. We all have questions, let’s work Many of us have also had our hopes or through some answers together. dreams stolen from us. Through the retreat, Jennifer Julie hopes to help us discover how God Rothschild, can give us back those hopes and dreams. Author She also hopes to bring the lost and the brokenhearted to the King, our Lord Jesus so that they may find hope and healing IN HIS PRESENCE. Our own First Prez campus nestled against the beautiful Ko‘olaus will be the setting of the "Dare to Dream" women's retreat. It all starts on May 3rd, Friday, with check-in at 5:30 pm and dinner at 6. The evening concludes at 9:15 pm, and the retreat continues on Saturday morning with breakfast at 8:00 am.
Who comes to mind when reading this scripture? Our Worship Ministry! We are blessed with an anointed worship team who bring glory to God and usher us into His presence. They also help us experience a deeper intimacy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Whether a solo or ensemble, Sunday services, special celebrations, or dramas, their voice/s, instrument/s, and selection/s support sermons and each other. Each person with their God-given gifts brings the stories and promises of the scriptures into our bodies, minds, and spirits. Sometimes we are moved to stand up, lift our hands and clap, or at other times we weep, kneel, bow down, close our eyes, or quietly look heavenward. Our response comes because they have prayed over the event and themselves. Do they seek and need our prayers? Yes! These followers of Jesus are just like us. Whether guests or our very own, they experience joy/delight and sorrow/ distress and need people to lift their names heavenward.
The afternoon will include various planned and spontaneous activities including recreation, a prayer labyrinth, girlfriend time, and fellowship. The retreat will conclude at 9 pm Saturday night.
How can we pray for them? We can pray for them as a congregation weekly.
Congregation
After you’re settled in your seat, pray that God will: • Unify His people in love. Jn. 17:11 • Stir up a hunger for God’s presence. Ps. 42:1, 63.1, 84:1-2 • Usher His people into the Holy of Holies-God’s presence. Ez. 48:35 (Continued on page 6)
Please register for the retreat no later than April 28 in the Fellowship Hall. The price of $85 includes two dinners, one lunch, and one breakfast. Childcare is available on Saturday only.
In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Rev. 5:12-13 (NIV)
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 • Enable His people to exalt and praise their God. Ps. 57:5 • Fill the sanctuary with God’s glory where He can move mightily and minister to and meet the needs of His people. Jn. 17:4-5 • Prepare the hearts of His people to receive from God’s word and be focused on Jesus.
Weekly
• Select a person/family, tell them you are praying for them, and pray for... • Sunday—Favor with God (spiritual revelation, anointing, holiness) Psalm 90:17 • Monday—Favor with man (congregation, ministry, staff, unsaved) Acts 2:47 • Tuesday—Pure Vision (wisdom, enlightenment, motives, guidance) Habakkuk 2:2 • Wednesday—Body, Soul, Spirit (health, appearance, attitudes, spiritual /physical wholeness) 1 Thessalonians 5:23 • Thursday—Warfare and Protection (temptation, deception, enemies) Psalm 91 • Friday—Finances (priorities, blessings) Matthew 6:33 • Saturday—Family (general, spouse, children) Ephesians 5:33-6:4 Father, our Worship Team brings music, dance, and drama to us so that we can sing melodies to You. They remind us to “Come, now is the time to worship. Come, now is the time to give your heart. Come, just as you are to worship. Come, just as you are before your God, come.” Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, speak to my heart as I listen for Your voice through Your word, in my circumstances, through others, or in whatever way You choose! May Your words shape my prayers and guide my life into the midst of Your divine activity! Help me to be attentive to Your voice, never doubting Your ability to share Your heart with my own.
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People All the Good Things
What's the buzz with First Prez people by Marcia Wright April comes with the promise of new life. I praise God that my new life was promised and accomplished on that long ago Easter at the open tomb, and I rejoice for HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED! Some of you may have seen Leon Williams singing at the Diamond Head Theater preview of "Old Man River" for next season. His superlative rendition was moving. Megan Mount was also featured in this preview in a comedic role to the delight and laughter of the audience. Megan Mount was the music director of MVT’s production of “Next to Normal.” Kalani Hicks, husband to our own Mary Hicks played the demanding role of Doctor Fine in this award winning musical. More about singing: "Unforgettable," a performance including Beebe Freitas, Mary Hicks, and FPC friends Shelly Breneman and James Price among others, was just that! What a great afternoon. I think the whole choir showed up and so many other FPC members. And now even more about singing: Beebe Freitas, Doug Stiles, Marcia Wright, Glenn Rediger, Chad Williams, Larry Whitson, Nigel Gonzaga, and of course our dear Mary Hicks are involved with the Hawaii Opera Theater season, and many will be in the upcoming performance of "Tosca" in April. Come and see! David Keuning has become the facilitator for the newly opened Honolulu Vistage International group. Vistage International is a CEO brain trust that provides a place for CEOs to share their personal wisdom and support. CEOs come together as a community and talk about the similar issues that occur in all businesses. Vistage International supports 15,000 CEOs in 16 countries, and David says he truly cares for his team and that this job
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“personally gives me the chance to use my God-given gifts of facilitating groups and empathizing with people.” Eileen Lum and Sister Norberta Hunnewinkle are teaming up to lead a seminar for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s. The seminar will be presented on April 28 and May 5, at First Prez, with the purpose of providing practical helps and more understanding of this ever increasing phenomenon in our families. Specifically designed for those already caring for those with Alzheimer’s and those needing more information. See page 2 for info as well. Here is what Alice Yoder writes about her last trip to Kenya. “Eight people were on my team, including Jim and Pam Becker. God blessed our work because we accomplished by on this trip: installation of five computers (four desktop and a laptop computer). The entire hospital was wired up between the computers to a room where a server for the computers will be installed. A lot of painting occurred and the hospital roof was painted with two coats. Jim fixed worn faulty electrical outlets and other things. The pad for the $30,000 generator (paid for with donations) was laid. The generator is sorely needed as the power goes off all the time disrupting surgery, x-ray taking, and delivery of babies etc. that are taking place in the hospital as well as caring for the many people who come to the clinic for help daily”. Alice sends her heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed and prayed to/ for this important endeavor. And remember to live your life in the truth that our eternity was established 2000 yrs ago and the day you met Jesus as Lord and Savior. Good things are always coming. So make sure you share them with me. manoaw@hawaiiantel.net
CHILDREN'S
Summer News by Lauren McCartha
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth News Lots happening this summer in Jr. High and Sr. High Ministries by Drew Hulse
Incoming Youth Church Members
This year’s crop of High School First Prez New Members have been taking great steps in growing in their faith through their current weeks of study. We have been working for seven weeks on the foundations of the faith, including such things as the Doctrine of God, Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, understanding the history of the PC(USA) and doing lots of verse memorization. The potential new members have met with the Elders of the church, will be baptized at Magic Island on April 14th, and will be introduced to the congregation. Pray for this group as they continue to grow in their faith and what it means to be a member of FPC.
High School Summer Mission Trips
Teams for both Swaziland and the Philippines are well into their training as they prepare for their respective summer mission trips. Both teams will be
ministering to children who suffer from the results of poverty. Each team member has been attending trainings, working on selling their mission stocks for fund raising, procuring items for the Mission Auction, and being an active member of the youth ministry. It’s hard to believe that we are leaving in less than two months for the Philippines. Please keep us your prayers as the time grows close.
Ko‘olau Kids is gearing up for another great summer. We are recruiting for our summer program from June to August. Every summer we give our dedicated Sunday School teachers a break to refresh and refuel for the next year of investing in our children. If you are interested in volunteering during this time, please contact us. The program used is simple, user friendly, and training and tools are provided. This short-term commitment is a great way to get involved, if you are unable to commit to a full year, and a great way to experience the joy of the Gospel in a childlike and refreshing way.
Here is the remaining training schedule for the two teams: Joint Date: Saturday, May 4 (Required - Auction projects) Vacation Bible School happens at First Prez June 3-7 from 9 am to noon. We will be learning all about trusting God with the theme: “KINGDOM ROCK—WHERE KIDS LEARN TO STAND STRONG FOR GOD!” We will be looking for volunteers to be station leaders, crew leaders, and nursery caregivers. If you would like to help us create an epic experience for our keiki to discover how faithful our God is, please contact us: Karen Makishima (Karen@fpchawaii.org), Lauren McCartha (Lauren@fpchawaii.org )
Team Specific Dates: May 5 - The Philippines June 23 - Swaziland July 7 - Swaziland
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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 am, 9:30 am, 11:11 am Visit our website at www.fpchawaii.org
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APRIL 2013 Upcoming Events April 4 April 13 April 14 April 14 April 21 April 21 April 24 April 27 April 30
Caregiver Support Group Presbyterian Golf Adventures (PGA) Second Worship Beach Baptisms Youth Auction New Life Training Classes Start Out and About (RAA!)Event Military Ministry Mom's & Dad's Night Out Men's Dinner
Recurring Events Sundays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays 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 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!
Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11 Mighty Moms, DivorceCare Gathering (High School), Alpha Choir Practice, Women's Bible Study Women's Craft Group
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 April 15 for the May 2013 issue to: shayna@fpchawaii.org. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted. Art director • Shayna Kusumoto; Copy editors • Ralph Kam, Patty Kamahele, Julie Lockyer, Rosella Shishido, Linda Verdugo, Sarah Williams