First Press May 2015

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

MAY 2015 | Volume 20 | Issue 2

Pastor Steve Peich Joins the First Prez Staff

IN THIS ISSUE

Goodbye to the Fulchers (page 5) Have you taken Alpha?

currently is walking with a care receiver.

“My care receiver was despondent due to [his situation], says Stephen Minister Hector Venegas, “But now he seems to be more upbeat and able to accept what the future brings.”

NEW STEPHEN MINISTERS: (L-R) Regina Ewing, Jessica Lani-Rich, Charlie Alexander, Barbara Klemm, Rick Klemm, John Seth, Rich Meachen, and Hal Jensen (photos in this article by Donna Matichuk)

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Christ Caring for People through People

by Rick Klemm

Randy has been unhappy with his job but feels powerless to do anything about it. He’s been feeling worse and worse as time goes by and is frustrated with himself for not getting out of this situation. He’s in a vicious cycle that he needs to break out of to be healthy again.

Randy could use some loving Christian care.

known as a care receiver, for six months to two years. Each situation varies.

Stephen Ministers supplement, but do not replace, pastoral care. Stephen Ministry founder Kenneth Haugk, pastor and clinical psychologist, says people often will accept lay ministers because they are hurting and want The story is fictitious, but illustrates the somebody to talk with. tough times many people face in their lives “My Stephen Ministry training and where a Stephen Minister—a trained and relationship with my care receiver have helped compassionate Christian companion—can me to see that most people really don’t want to walk alongside providing emotional and be given solutions. They want someone to be spiritual support. with them who will listen to what they have to At First Prez there are about 15 trained say. No nicey-nicey comments, no trite words, Stephen Ministers, each having completed no need to solve or fix,” says First Prez member 50 hours of training to provide one-to-one, and Stephen Minister Melanie Meinken, who gender-based care to members and regular attendees of the church. Across the U.S. more than 10,000 churches representing many Christian denominations offer Stephen Ministry. The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, the first lay person commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need.

Stephen Ministers may be better understood as the “after people.” They come alongside a person hurting after the loss of a loved one, after the recovery after an accident, after a spiritual crisis, after the unexpected demands of a new baby, or after other short-term crises. Typically a Stephen Minister will walk alongside a person in need of care, otherwise

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“Listening, prayer, meditation, and studying the Word of God has brought my care receiver and myself closer to each other and God. I believe the sharing and support has also allowed my care receiver to deal effectively with her [problems],” explains Stephen Minister Dolly Hoag, who has been with a care receiver for more than a year and-a-half.

One of the Stephen Ministry’s challenges is encouraging hurting members of our church to seek help. “Some people may hesitate because they don’t want any confidential information to be divulged,” says Stephen Ministry Leader Putter Meinken. Confidentiality is strictly adhered to, he added.

“Also a care receiver may hesitate to open up his or her heart to a stranger. But how quickly the care receiver opens his or her heart when the stranger becomes a friend and confidant,” he says.

If you're hurting and believe a Stephen Minister may be a help to you, contact Marianna Meachen: 225-8448 or marianna@ fpchawaii.org. To learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact John Seth: 2629165.

To find out more about Stephen Ministry and for a list of our current Stephen Ministers, visit our website at fpchawaii.org.

Stephen Ministers (L-R): Dolly Hoag, Marianna & Rich Meachen, Charlie Alexander, and Barbara Klemm

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Women's Retreat June 12 & 13 at First Prez

W e ’ r e excited to have local personalit y Dawn O’Brien as guest speaker at our Annual Women’s Retreat! We hope the women will come out for this one when Dawn shares how we can be renewed by Jesus and how a reinvigorated life blesses others.

Leading the worship of the Lord at the retreat is gifted musician Nalani Choy of the group Na Leo Pilimehana.

EDITORIAL

My Kitchen Sink

by Anne Beidleman

Thirty-five years ago my kitchen sink used to face a brick backsplash I installed myself.

That installation took place during the late night hours while my three little children slept. Daddy was snoring away too. I always seemed to get a lot done in the quiet of the “Lone Star Texas” nights. Oh, the sweet peace of it all!

I could operate really fast during the night shift of running my blessed home. And so, I bricked my entire kitchen one winter. The bricks were antique colored pavers. They were a great invention. I glued on each one and then mortared. Brick by brick I went.

One at a time. Lots of lessons in thinking that through, all alone with God in the wee hours. Whew! All done and I really liked it.

Then I found an old board and stained it and hammered it over my sink for a shelf. I found a sweet little blue frame and painted the verse, “He careth for you” 1 Peter 5:7. And now my altar was complete.

Nose to nose with those words for blessed years, I stood like a choir member and poured out my praises and prayers to my Lord. Silverware, dirty dishes, and clanging pots and pans were my praise instruments. I approached my altar many times a day.

Everything in that sink got a good washing, as did my heart and soul. I used Palmolive on the dishes, while God used the Joy of the Holy Spirit on me.

We’re expecting excitement and inspiration to flow at this two-day retreat, so join us!

It’s been 20 years since I faced that homemade brick wall of mine. Today my sink faces HIS grand Pacific Ocean. There is music and His voice upon the waves. Little birds land at arms length and join in praising Him. It blows my mind!

After I wash my dishes, I can plunge my whole self into that ocean. I have to tell you, there is absolutely something very special and spiritual about being completely submerged, engulfed, pressed on every side, and cleansed by His ocean. It’s like God’s earthly embrace to me, the closest place to heaven on earth. You must hold your breath to enter, leaving what is normally seen. It’s just like diving into prayer, only me and God; like a holy of holies. “Cast all your cares on Him because He careth for you and me.” 1 Peter 5:7

Women’s Retreat

June 12 & 13 at First Prez Friday 5:30-9 pm Saturday 8 am to 8 pm Retreat cost: $75 (includes 4 meals) Register in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings or on our church website any time at fpchawaii.org

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Barbara with Holy Trinity’s mascot known as Brompton Bear.

COLLEGE MINISTRY

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College-Aged Community

by Greg Bryan, College Ministry Coordinator Starting college ministries at First Prez and at University of Hawaii (with The Navigators) is tough work. It’s important to find outside hobbies that are relaxing and refreshing. One of the hobbies I’ve found is being an “extra” on the TV show Hawaii Five-O. So far, I’ve played a tourist, a detective, and most recently an Elvis body double!

THE ALPHA COURSE

The London Experience

by Barbara Harada, First Prez Elder for the Alpha Course

I’m fascinated to see first-hand how things work behind the scenes. It’s truly amazing how much goes into making an episode. The best part has been all the people I’ve met. The vast majority of the time is spent sitting around with other extras talking. Most of them don’t know Christ, so I’m finding it to be a mission field of sorts. But don’t worry; I’m not quitting my day job anytime soon. My number one passion continues to be reaching and discipling college students. If you know any (age 18-25), do encourage them to check out our college-aged community.

OUR COLLEGE-AGED COMMUNITY (18-25 yrs old, whether in college or not) BIBLE STUDY CLASS 9:30 am Sundays at First Prez gregbryan@gmail.com FELLOWSHIP GROUP 7 pm Mondays, off-campus tim@fpchawaii.org

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Earlier this month, my husband Scott and I had the privilege of attending the Alpha Leadership Conference in London, England, along with some of the First Prez staff and spouses. It was our first trip across the pond, and all the planning we did for the trip did not prepare us for the wonderful experiences that God had in store for us!

After the conference, Scott and I stayed an extra week to take in the sights of the amazing city of London. We visited museums, castles, and cathedrals. We savored the many cosmopolitan culinary delights and the traditional English breakfast that included broiled tomatoes and blood sausage (gulp!).

First of all, our 18-hour journey to the UK was smooth and free of any major mishaps.

That was no small thing considering we were traveling with a pastor (who shall go unnamed) who is notorious for having crazy adventures whenever he steps foot on a plane.

The Alpha conference was sponsored

by Holy Trinity Brompton, the church that launched the Alpha Course 25 years ago.

Over 6,000 people gathered for the Alpha Conference at the Royal Albert Hall for the main sessions and the Eventim Apollo for the seminars. It was wonderful to see and hear the many stories about how Alpha has been used to introduce people to Jesus Christ around the world. The beauty of Alpha is that it is designed for learning the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly and nonthreatening environment. That, along with the heavy emphasis on prayer – relying on God to do what only He can in a person’s life – is why I think the Alpha Course has been so successful.

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Blood sausage

We can also say that we were in London when Princess Charlotte was born on May 2nd and when England celebrated the 70th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day on May 8th. The VE Day celebration was a “chicken-skin” moment for us as searchlights, just like the ones used in World War II, illuminated the sky over St. Paul’s Cathedral.

We had a grand time in London, but we’re also very glad to be back. We’re looking forward to applying what we’ve learned at the Alpha Conference and what God will do in and through the Alpha Course at First Prez.

Photos by John Deliso, Kathleen Funk-Linton, Donna Matichuk

FULCHER FAREWELL

A Beautiful Farewell for the Fulchers

by Rosella Shishido

It’s hard to believe that the time to say goodbye is finally here. Pastor Sim and his beautiful wife, Mimi, are moving back to the mainland to retire at the end of May. Augusta, Georgia will be their new home after living in Honolulu for the last 15 years.

and through it all Mimi has been there to support him. Lessons learned from their 57 years of marriage have translated into popular marriage classes that they’ve taught in tandem at First Prez. They're also near completion of a book, "The Door to A Better Marriage.

Pastor Sim served as one of the associate pastors at First Prez. In fact, he’s the pastor who has worked alongside Pastor Dan Chun the longest since Pastor Dan became senior pastor back in the ‘90s. Pastor Sim was incharge of Adult Education, Men’s Ministry, and the Out & About fellowship group. He believed that Christian adult education should never be boring because God is dynamic and exciting, which led Pastor Sim to create what we know today at First Prez as Life Training Classes on Sunday mornings and WAKO classes on Wednesday nights in the spring and in the fall.

Saying goodbye to the Fulchers was not easy, but we made sure it was memorable.

At the Fulchers' Farewell Dinner on April 26th, close to 400 friends came to honor and celebrate them. The evening opened with a southern-themed dinner, followed by a program of hymns, dance, songs, and loving and funny tributes. It was an evening to remember for a couple who will always hold a special place in our hearts.

We love you, Pastor Sim and Mimi.

Aloha, and a hui hou. Until we meet again.

Pastor Sim has been in ministry for 50 years,

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People All the Good Things

by Sherri Shephard

What's the buzz with First Prez people Aloha First Press readers! Here’s a look at news of our ‘ohana: HERE WE ARE ON TV

GEORGE BENAVENTE, SHIRLEY CAVANAUGH, and SUSAN MURRAY are at least three of our church family members who may currently be seen in local TV commercials: George in a car dealership ad, Shirley in a bank ad, and Susan in a hospital ad. Looking good!

HERE WE ARE IN MUSIC “Our Finest Gifts – A Christmas Wish,” produced by ROSLYN CATRACCHIA, made it to the final ballot as a Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominee in the category of Christmas Album of the Year. Sounds good!

HERE WE ARE IN CRAFTS

Lyn Greer and Betti Griffen

Each Friday at church in the glass classroom and in the kitchen, ready and willing hands are busy making beautiful quilts, ornaments, greeting cards, and so much more in preparation for the amazing Annual Bazaar!

Volunteers of every kind are welcomed. Just bring yourself and have some fun! All’s good!

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HERE WE ARE IN PRINT In a recent press release by the Queen’s M e d i c a l Center, clinical pharmacists KENNETH LO was named the 2014 Employee of the Year. Congratulations, Kenneth! Kenneth has been with Queens for 20 years.

SCOTT MAKUAKANE contributed to the book “Blooper Episodes in Estate Planning and Elder Law: Lessons from Prime Time TV.” J A N I S LOO AND GARRETT S U L L I VA N can be seen on page 3 of the Spring 2015 edition of the Waikiki Health “People Care” newsletter. Janis, the “Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Lady,” was featured in an article about the Youth Outreach and her generosity as a supporter and volunteer. Very good!

HERE WE ARE IN ENCOURAGEMENT The Hawaii Pidgin Bible is translated and now, according to JOE GRIMES, “has reached the nitpicking stage…we need to have it finished by the end of August…Please pray that we won’t miss anything.” Doing good!

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HERE WE ARE IN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS St. Andrew's Priory freshman and First Prez member JORDAN JONES ran in her first HHSAA State Track Meet in Maui this month, and finished 7th in the 1500m and 4th in the 3000m. Woo-hoo! Running good!

HERE WE ARE IN FRIENDSHIP Here is an excerpt from the DesMoines Register quoting PASTOR DAN who led the memorial services for The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Schuller: “He really didn’t want to build an empire for himself; he wanted everyone in the kingdom of God to grow, be healthy, be fruitful, and be together…

He would be happy that this campus is still being used for the cause of Christianity.”

Rev. Schuller and his wife Arvella gave our church great gifts of friendship, exhortation and wisdom, which are still bearing fruit here today. GOD IS GOOD!

ON THE COVER

Welcome Aboard!

Prez community. I also got to spend time with some of the staff at retreats and on a mission trip. In those times I saw a lot of passion, commitment, and soulful health in the leadership. I also experienced their wacky humor.

Some of the things that drew me to First Prez were the fantastic students in my Life Training Classes. The conversations were always so rich (and fun!). I also appreciated the church’s commitment to helping the poor overseas through Compassion International and other projects.

He’s a familiar face at First Prez, having had taught several Life Training classes on Sunday mornings over the last three years. But now it’s official. Steve Peich joins the First Prez staff as Assistant Pastor, and is now in charge of our Men’s Ministry, one of possibly many other ministries he’ll find himself involved in.

We sat down with Pastor Steve and discovered how he helps people connect with God and why he loves the Yankees more than the Mets.

TELL US A BIT OF YOUR BACKGROUND. I grew up in the Eastern Orthodox faith, but I have to admit I understood little about it because the church services were all in Serbian (my family line is all from Serbia). However, my dad and I would often have deep talks about God, the meaning of life, etc. This created in me a desire to always seek something deeper in life.

I didn’t give my life to the Lord until I was 21. Once that day came, my life did a 180. A few years later in 1984, I had the opportunity to serve as a missionary in a refugee camp in Southeast Asia. Since then I have been involved in ministry for 30 years. I have been a youth pastor, a church planter, a senior pastor, a missionary to Thailand, and the Executive Director of the Bible Institute of Hawaii.

Three years ago I started a pastoral counseling practice. During that time I got involved, little by little, with First Prez. The deeper I stepped into the life of First Prez the more I enjoyed being a part of the First

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Deep talks, challenging books, the beauty of Hawaii, and the challenge of a new project.

WHAT ARE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS? I would say teaching, preaching, and leading. It seems that no matter what else I try to do in ministry I always find myself doing these three things. The only thing I have never been asked to do in church is sing. And there is good reason for that.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? I love Italian and Thai food. I could eat pasta all day. Everyday. I also love the spicy foods of Thailand; they make my mouth come alive.

YOU’RE THE GUEST SPEAKER AT THE MAY 26 MEN’S DINNER AT FIRST PREZ. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SAY TO THE MEN READING THIS NOW? I want the men to come to this dinner because we're going to get into what it means to be a complete man of God––a man who has Jesus' character, passions, purposes, and values permeating ALL areas of his life. We're going to talk about what's required of men so that the Kingdom of God comes and His will is done through them, as it is in heaven.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT? The New York Yankees! By far, they’re the world’s winningest baseball team with 27 world championships, compared to the Mets’ 2 and the Red Sox’s 8. My dad and I used to go to Yankees games. I just love the history of the team.

But on a more serious note, I’m passionate about helping people have a greater intimacy with Christ, a greater likeness to Him, a greater wholeness in Him, and to be a great witness for Him. I base what I do in ministry toward these outcomes.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK? I enjoy date nights with my wife. I love spending time with my family. I like to hike, work out, and talk deep with my son.

WHO LIVES IN YOUR HOUSE? Just me and my wife, Dyne (pronounced “dine”). My daughter is married and lives on the mainland, and my son (a senior at UH) is mostly at the dorms.

FIRST PRESS

Men's (Spartan) Weekly Meetings

Thursdays • 5:45 pm or 6:30 pm Youth Room Come for prayer and Bible study. Questions?

Contact David Chang: 808-440-6571 or davidchang@fpchawaii.org

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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

On the Calendar

FACEBOOK CAPTION CONTEST

WINNER

The winner of the last caption contest photo, based on the number of likes from Facebook users, is Ira Johnson! He wins a $10gift certificate to Ko‘olau Kitchen!

Congratulations!

Here's Ira's winning caption: "Ron's LASIK surgery was deemed only a moderate success."

WRITE A CAPTION FOR THIS Go now to www. facebook.com/firstprez, and enter your caption as a comment on this photo! Or, email it to shayna@fpchawaii.org and we'll post it for you.

Caption with the most "LIKES" will receive a $10 gift certificate to Ko‘olau Kitchen donated by Ko'olau Ballrooms.

Upcoming Events

Seekers and Joiners (Membership) Class with Pastor Dan Chun

June 6 • Saturday • 9am-4pm • Makai Room Register by May 30: pkamahele@ fpchawaii.org

Recurring Events Sundays Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11, Life Training Classes Mondays MONDAYS: College-Age Bible Study and Fellowship Tuesdays Mighty Moms, DivorceCare Wednesdays The Alpha Course, Old Town Thursdays Men's SPARTAN Group, Choir, Dance Ministry Fridays First Prez Crafters, The Zoo (Jr. High), 5th Quarter,

Gathering (High School) Saturdays GriefShare 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 June 15 for the July 2015 issue to: rosella@fpchawaii.org.

We reserve the right to edit articles submitted. Editor • Rosella Shishido; Art director • Shayna Kusumoto; Copy editors • Patty Kamahele, Julie Lockyer, Sarah Williams