First Press May 2013 issue

First Press First Press is the monthly newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu 45-550 Kionaole Road, Kane‘ohe, HI 96744

MAY 2013 | Volume 18 | Issue 4

IN THIS ISSUE

Seekers & Joiners New Members Class Saturday, May 25th—see page 2

Mahalo to our Small Group Leaders–page 3

FACEBOOK CAPTION CONTEST

Announcing the Winner You had to get pretty creative to think up appropriate captions for last month's caption contest photo.

The winner, based on the number of likes from Facebook users, is Audrey Koizumi! She wins a $10-gift certificate to Ko‘olau Kitchen! Congratulations!

Here's Audrey's winning caption: "Sorry Darth, because of my Faith, I have more power in my pinkie finger than you have in your light saber...or your violin bow!"

Other good ones: “ Good guy, bad guy. All look same.” - Vicki Leavy "And all these years I thought Darth Vader was tall!" - Ellery Lum "Dan and Darth at FPC New Members Class." - Bruce Patterson “Pastor Dan and friend are spotted out on the town after being kicked out of another Tatooine cantina who wouldn't serve their kind.” - Scott Harada "Hey, check me out! I'm Vader's apprentice!" - Matthew Lum "May the Shaka - Mark Gleisner

be

with

you."

" Dan Chun: doing something about the violins in the community." - Arne Lim

ON THE COVER...

Next Seekers & Joiners Class Coming Up in May May 25, Sat, 9 am-3:30 pm, Makai Room Our next new members’ class is a oneday session to be held on Saturday, May 25th from 9 am-3:30 pm. Pastor Dan Chun will lead the class and will share from his heart the vision of First Prez, our core values, the teachings of the Presbyterian church, the miracle of our move to Ko‘olau, and other helpful information.

It’s also a great way to meet others who attend FPC-Honolulu! If you’d like to join

" ....and Luke, I'm your bruddah!!!" - Maia Cann Ancarani "The force? You ain't seen nothing." Kathleen Zabell

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Some of the new members from the most recent Seekers and Joiners Class who baptized at Magic Island.

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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 by May 15th. We’ll need your name, phone number, e-mail and childcare request (if applicable). There is no obligation to join the church after attending the class.

PRAYERLINES

Abide With Me

by Patti Marshall

Have you ever missed your customary AM or PM time with the Lord? Did you feel out of sync or slightly “off” for the day? Do we have to feel disconnected just because we occasionally miss our quiet time with the Lord? Or can we feel connected all the time?

SMALL GROUPS

Fun times at the March 23rd Small Group Leaders Mahalo Dinner

Mahalo to all Small Group Leaders!

by Shelley Germain On March 23rd, the Small Groups Ministry Team (SGMT) hosted the third annual Mahalo dinner at First Prez for all the First Prez small group leaders who faithfully lead, host, and/or plan for the various meetings, gatherings, get-togethers, etc. with their different fellowships throughout the year. Our motivationally-gifted Tracie Ann Tjapkes, SGMT leader, guided the group through an evening of fun, food, and inspiration enjoyed by all.

Highlighting the evening was having Pastor Dan share about “How Small Groups Saved My Life.” It was touching as he spoke of his “wilderness” years and how, mandated by one of his mentors at Fuller Seminary, he had to get into a small group that became the “bane of his existence” for the duration of his struggles as he wavered in and out of his commitment of becoming a pastor. He explained that small group formats are generally centered around Bible study, fellowship, and prayers. He stated, however, that beyond the weekly worship experience at FPC, small groups are also the first level for people to get “healthy.” Small Group meetings can serve as an early warning system for people’s problems and as a liason with church staff on issues, data gathering, and exploring new paradigms. He expressed the deep appreciation from the church for the small

group leaders in their continuing efforts to develop the relationships needed within their groups and for sharing “authentically” the love of Christ.

The evening ended with several small group leaders sharing the joys they have had in their groups. Hearing about their dedication to serve, we can definitely say a huge MAHALO to our Small Group leaders.

If you have a desire to become a small group leader, a required training session will be held soon. Email pkamahele@ fpchawaii.org if you would like to attend.

Or, go to fpchawaii.org, and click on Small Groups" from the list of ministries.

Whether or not we miss our appointment with the Lord doesn’t change the fact that Jesus came to live among us and to form a unique relationship with us. Jn. 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” By His very presence and nature, He set the stage for us to remain connected to Him. Jesus said, “Remain in me and I will remain in you … Jn. 15:4. Simply put, if we overscheduled, task-driven people abide in Christ, He will abide in us. The Greek meaning of the word “abide” is to remain, to continue, to stay. Other definitions suggest remaining in one place and tarrying. Abiding is about “being” rather than “doing.” It’s about being in relationship with Christ, and the relationship is more important that the things we do or don’t do.

Jesus is the ultimate model for abiding. He was always in the place of abiding with His Father. Once, when His anxious parents were looking for Him, He asked, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” Lk. 2:49 Abiding in Christ is not about performance; it’s about a relationship that we engage in on an ongoing basis.

We can be in relationship with Him at all times even in the hectic pace of a given day.

Next month, I’ll share some do-able abiding prayers for you to consider.

Author and Finisher of my life, I want to be more still with You. Help me.

Show me. You wait each day for me to tarry, to stay, to hang out with You. Please help me. In Jesus' name, amen.

Adapted from Kisling, Ginny, “Staying Connected with Jesus.” Prayer Connect. Sept/Oct. 2012

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MEN'S MINISTRY ,

Calling All Men! May 28, Tues, 6 pm, First Prez

by Scott Schultz This is the moment. It’s your time to serve. Our Master has laid the plans before us and now is the time for us to move. We SPARTANS have been listening and anticipating what was ahead; we are ready to get started. We will gain in health and strength and prepare for our part in the battle. We will be meeting weekly; our weapon of prayer will be executed, our study together will be intense, and our fellowship will not be broken. Its time for action. Join us!

Kenny Luck (Saddleback Church Men’s Pastor) said it well when he said, “We are witnessing a variety of global uprisings, but there is something more: a spiritual uprising is uniting men around the world. Men everywhere are rejecting the broken male culture, seeking new hearts, seeking truth, seeking righteousness, seeking God. Amen!

God’s men want to be transformed. They are seeking the power of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ. Our spiritual Dad loves us. He cares for us. He’s waiting for us. Now is the time to embrace Him, to love Him and to do His will!”

For complete details of what's in the works for the SPARTAN men, attend our next Men’s Dinner on Tuesday, May 28th. Then join us in June for weekly SPARTANS get-togethers:

• Tuesdays @ 6:45 am–8 am (HIM head office at Manoa Shopping

Center–very limited seating, so you’ll need to sign up)

• Thursdays @ 6:45 am–8 pm at First Prez

OUT & ABOUT (FORMERLY RAA!)

Summer's Here–Let's Get Moving!

May 29, Wed, 10:15 am, First Prez When was the last time you were on a hike? Have you been feeling like a “couch potato” lately? Would you like to be in the midst of God’s beautiful creation while breathing in clean, fresh air, and getting some vitamin D while you’re at it?

Well, put on some walking or hiking shoes and take in some breathtaking views as we take a hike to the falls at Ko‘olau. Our own Yeayin Saepae has once again graciously offered to escort us for a refreshing and informative one-hour adventure as he leads us to the falls.

Yeayin is a modern-day Tarzan, growing up in the jungles of southern Thailand.

The home he lived in had a dirt floor with no electricity or running water. His love of nature and the outdoors led him to conducting hiking tours all over Hawaii.

As we walk up to the falls, he will share his knowledge of the area, the geology and flora as well as some tales and legends.

We can work up an appetite as we work up a sweat. Our bodies will thank us, too, as we give our hearts, lungs, and muscles a workout. The walk is a relatively easy one. Come with a shade hat, light jacket (just in case of showers), insect repellent, and water.

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After the hike, we will have a fabulous Ko‘olau catered picnic lunch at the far end of our parking lot, complete with picnic tables. So we can plan on “roughing it.”

If you’ve never had the experience of walking in OUR paradise, come and be prepared to be amazed!

So mark your calendar: Wednesday, May 29. We will meet at the front entrance of the church at 10:15 am. The cost for lunch is $13, payable in cash or check.

Sign-up for this event Sundays, May 19 or 26. All are invited, so bring your family and friends!

PLEASE NOTE: In case of rain, the hike will be cancelled, but the luncheon will still take place indoors.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

WOMEN'S UPCOMING EVENTS

Your Generosity to Women's Way Blesses Many

Exciting Events

by Dee Dee Lee Every year when our Women’s Ministry begins collecting donations for the Salvation Army Women’s Way project, the excitement begins. Some of us have been attending the outreach since 2006, or maybe that’s just me as one of the senior members on the team!

of, course, food makes it a celebration. Even the manager of the pizza and pasta place generously gave us more food than we ordered. To top it off, special mini cupcakes were donated by a generous pastry chef.

So if you donated to this project recently, know that this year something special was This year, God was doing something happening. These quotes from thank-you amazing right from the start. Donations notes we received are snapshots of what it were very generous, whether items meant to the women: were purchased for babies and moms or "I am thankful for the wonderful gifts monetary donations shared. We were able that were given to me and my son. to give additional funds to the Women’s You brightened up my day; the message Way overseer, Chaplain Pomai, from what was incredible." was donated. And there were more items in the special tote bags than years past!

"Thanks for giving us a wonderful awakening with your words of wisdom and Along with special entertainment from your kind blessing hearts."

Sheri and Gabe Wong’s three daughters, the women made foot or hand prints of Blessings to all who donated to this their babies or toddlers, as well as created special outreach of love and support to either jewelry or decorated photo frames. the women who are touched through our Of course there was a volunteer available Women’s Way outreach. For those unable to take photos. to donate this year, you will have a chance next Spring!

The Easter “resurrection egg” story was a special touch this year – a wonderful way to share why Easter is all about Jesus. And

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by Donna Matichuk

WOMEN'S SPRING RETREAT May 3, Fri, 5:30 pm May 4, Sat, 8 am-9pm, First Prez DEE DEE LEE'S RETIREMENT PARTY May 13, Mon, 6:30 pm, Sanctuary

It will be an evening of food, fun, music, and special moments, so be there and help make it a truly memorable evening for Dee Dee. Purchase your dinner tickets Sunday in the Fellowship Hall: $20 adults, $10 kids 6-10 yrs old. Free for kids 5 and younger. (Childcare will not be available.)

CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT St. Anthony’s Retreat Center August 9 and 10, 2013 MIXED PLATE Sept. 21, Sat, 2013

If you have a hobby, skill, or interest that you can teach others about, we want you! Mixed Plate offers a diverse menu of fun, spiritual, and creative mini classes. Past classes have ranged from jewelry-making to cooking, from exercise to mentoring, from personal defense to sewing, and everything in between. We are only limited by your imagination! Please call Julie or Linda at the church office, 532-1111.

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LIFE MINISTRIES TESTIMONY

My Stone of Remembrance

by Linda Nakata

My stone is small, uneven and not very smooth. It represents me in all my imperfections and all the sins that I felt were unforgiveable. Life for me had always been rocky, as if dark clouds were always gathering overhead. It felt as if the trials and challenges were neverending, and although I tried to smile on the outside, inside I felt I could never live up to the expectations of others. I had always let others define me to the point that it bordered on idolatry. I felt that I could never live up to the expectations of others and was so imperfect.

Now, by Your grace, Lord, I am perfect in your sinless eyes. I rest in Your love and deep peace and worship You in Spirit and truth. Because of the blood of the Lamb, I am completely cleansed of all my sins. I am deeply humbled by Your eternal love for me, Lord. You accept me in all my imperfections, just the way I am. It's the deepest desire of my heart to always be in Your abiding presence.

You have poured Your Light into me and made me a beacon to others. Now, when I smile on the outside, I feel the wonderful radiance from inside. I know I'm definitely smiling on the inside. I am, "God's very own–all this so that I may show others how God called me out of the darkness, into His wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).

When I hold my "Stone of Remembrance," it's a reminder of all that the Lord has done for me. I finally know I'm a part of Him and He is a part of me. The Lord is "my Rock, my Rescuer, Defense and Fortress" (Psalm 62:5). With Your presence enfolding me in Your eternally loving arms, Lord, I am truly blessed!

MAY 2013

All the Good Things

What's the buzz with First Prez people

The following is was written in Peter and Ann Kai Millard's Life Training class. Life Training classes are going on now, every Sunday morning, and walk-ins are welcome.

Shared with permission.

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People

by Marcia Wright The showers of April are resulting in the flowers of May, and there seems to be a profusion of color everywhere you look.

From the golden trees planted along the freeway to your neighbor’s yards, enjoy these gifts of love from our Heavenly Father who pours out His abundant blessings on all!

Daniel Fujiwara, son of David and Cindy Fujiwara, sang the National Anthem for the opening day of Little League baseball. What is so amazing about this is that Daniel is only ten years old and our National Anthem is not the easiest song to sing. By the way, Daniel also plays for the Kailua Little League Giants team.

“Sirena Linton, daughter of members Al and Kathleen Linton, has been selected to attend the Junior National Young Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. this summer, July 7-12. Students attending the Junior National Young Leaders Conference develop and sharpen their leadership skills by examining the leaders of the past, and are empowered to become leaders themselves. The program centers on leadership through a practical, everyday lens, incorporates a detailed examination of six leadership traits, and focuses on leaders in American history and social advocacy. Sirena is in the 5th Grade at St Mark’s Lutheran School in Kaneohe. “ “Our Christmas Wish,” a CD from the mind and heart of Roslyn Catracchia, and the voices and fingers of, Beebe Freitas, Megan Mount, Mary Hicks, Zenia Moura, Cindy Fujiwara, Christina Souza, Vanessa Benavente, Roslyn Catracchia, and David Kawahikaua, has been nominated for a Na Hoku Hanohano award for Best Christmas Album. I hope you got a copy because it is fabulous!

Meilan Akaka was honored as teacher of the month at James Campbell High School

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in Ewa Beach, where she currently serves as the special education department head.

She will be transitioning this summer to the role of Manager of Teacher Leadership Development in “Teach for America” training, coaching and mentoring new teachers on O‘ahu.

“Hospice Hawaii’s annual Family Camp is for children and teens (ages 7-17) and adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. In a safe and supportive environment, they explore their loss with other families touched by grief. They discover in this journey from loss and grief to remembrance and healing, that they can thrive again in a changed world with a new relationship to their loved one. The camp provides a balance of fun activities and introspective grief exercises to assist families in their journey from loss and grief, to remembrance and healing. The camp’s name, Ka Pilina Pulama, was given to honor our island heritage. It signifies that we are connected to the land, the heavens, and each other. This sustains and holds us through the darkest nights.”

You can contact Hospice Hawaii at 808791-8029; or email us at FamilyCamp@ HospiceHawaii.org. Ken Zeri, FPC member and choir member, is the National Director of Hospice Hawaii.

Psalm 107:1, "Oh...give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"

His blessings are many and His goodness abounds in all our lives. So give me a call, or drop me a line, by FB or email, or snail mail or note, we all want to know, of the good things He does. If there’s something missing, it might be your quote and if it’s not here, then it may be all she wrote. manoaw@hawaiiantel.net

HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY

Youth News

by Drew Hulse

YOUTH SUNDAY

Sunday, May 19 is going to be Youth Sunday. The entire High School Ministry will be putting on all three services for worship. Check in with Drew to get signed to participate. It's gonna be awesome.

YOUTH MISSION AUCTION

The Youth Mission Auction was a great success with bids, great deals and tons of laughter filling the Glass Ballroom. Thank you to all for your amazing support and helping our two mission teams to take another step forward in ministering to children of poverty around the world.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Ko‘olau Kids Lots happening this summer in Children's Ministries

by Lauren McCartha Ko‘olau Kids is gearing up for another great summer! Ko‘olau Kids is recruiting for our summer program (June-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.

We would also like to announce this summer’s Vacation Bible School, June 3-7 from 9 am to noon. This year we will be learning all about trusting God with the theme: “KINGDOM ROCK...WHERE KIDS LEARN TO STAND STRONG FOR GOD!”We are 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 )

We are also pleased to announce that the renovations in our Children's Ministry area is making huge progress. As you may have seen downstairs, the Toddler Sunday School room is no longer in the Glass Classroom, but in their very own new classroom! It is still a work in progress, but we are so grateful for the space so that our toddlers have a special room in our building to keep them safe and happy, while learning about God. Children's Ministry Director Karen Makishima recently took members of her team to Atlanta, GA for it. The Orange Conference is a specialized, Children’sMinistry-focused, energizing event attended by thousands who are passionate about children knowing God from an early age and making their faith stick! Aside from Karen, three other Team members went to the conference: Karen Kaisan, Lauren McCartha, and Sheri Wong. We hope that the vision, insight, and training gained will help us better implement effective ministry tools.Ko‘olau Kids is expecting great things in our future. Pray for us as we are hungry for God and for His Kingdom!

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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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MAY 2013 Upcoming Events May 2 May 3, 4 May 4 May 5 May 12 May 13 May 25 May 25 May 26 May 28 May 29

Caregiver Support Group Women's Retreat PGA Royal Kunia Healing Service Second Worship Dee Dee Lee's Retirement Reception Seekers & Joiners (New Members) Class Military Ministry Mom's & Dad's Night Out Jr. High Car Wash Men's Dinner Out and About (RAA!)Event

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 Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays

Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11 Mighty Moms Gathering (High School), Alpha Choir Practice Women's Craft Group, F2, 5th Quarter

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 May 15 for the June 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