First Press June 2014

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

JUNE 2014 | Volume 19 | Issue 5

Mark your calendar because First Prez is taking over THE DRIVING RANGE for the purpose of MAJOR FUN! FOOD TRUCKS • PETTING ZOO • DUNK TANK OBSTACLE COURSE • CLIMBING WALL • TATTOOS PHOTO BOOTH • VOLLEYBALL • CRAFTS • FELLOWSHIP FARMER’S MARKET • GAMES • LIVE MUSIC

IN THIS ISSUE

Singles' Ohana Cinco de Mayo event recap...pg. 2


ON THE COVER

Independence Day Celebration June 29, Sun, 10:30 am-2:30 pm, First Prez Ko‘olau Driving Range Lawn Mark your calendars and then go back and circle it in red because you will not want to miss this year’s Independence Day Picnic Party on June 29! Between 10:30 and 2:30, our congregation is taking over the driving range for the purpose of MAJOR FUN! You will be sampling food truck delights, trying to dunk your favorite pastor in the tank, weaving through an obstacle course with a climbing wall, getting a tattoo (only temporary), hamming it up in the photo booth, finally getting time to really talk with your friend from Sunday School, laughing at the volleyball players' antics, learning a craft project, humming with the band, and so so much more...

SINGLES' OHANA

Cinco de Mayo partygoers relax after the fun-filled evening. From left: Christine Chun, Gail Takagi and Shirley Cavanaugh.

Cinco de Mayo Singles' Ohana event recap

More than 40 people enjoyed the Singles’ Ohana Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 2. The evening was filled with lots of laughter, fellowship, and a Mexican buffet that was a feast for the eyes. The event featured former Parish Associate Jay Jarman, who served as Singles’ Ohana “coach” for more than five years. He was our guest MC and also coordinated the games. A self-admitted fun-maker who loves “silly” games (his words), he had people swinging at a piñata. The challenge was to do so while wearing a donkey's head with its eyes covered! Jay ended the evening with a devotional vignette about celebrations. He gave personal stories about celebrations in his own life, highlighting the time he led his father to Christ just before his father passed away. Jay described Cinco de Mayo as a celebration of the underdog Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over French forces in the Battle of Pueblo on May 5, 1862.

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Per Jay, the highest celebration in our lives, however, should be our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Former Singles' Ministry Leadership Team member, Gail Takagi said, “I laughed until I cried” at raucous moments during the evening. Nancy Van Allen, another former team member who’s attended a number of Singles’ Ohana events, summed up the evening, “The party for Singles’ Ohana was the best!” Wearing a bull’s head, John Ruppersberger swings at the piñata while Earle Zinn bravely holds it on a pole. (Note: John unfortunately missed breaking open the piñata.)


FACEBOOK CAPTION CONTEST

Winning Caption The winner of last month's caption contest photo, based on the number of likes from Facebook users, is Claire Tanoue! She wins a $10-gift certificate to Ko‘olau Kitchen! Congratulations! Here's Claire's winning caption: “I have time for ONE more game of Candy Crush!”

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Other good ones: "Hey Roz, why are you on my side of the stage?" - Scott Schultz

Women's New Bible Study

Saturdays, June 21–August 2, 9:30-11 am, First Prez Back home in Hawaii—that’s how it feels to Karen and Hal Jensen, even after 27 years away. And of course, back home at First Prez. But Karen is not here to retire, at least when it comes to God’s calling on her life. She says they are here to “devote all our energy and passion to completing a good work God began in us and through us years ago.”

having finished the work which you have given me to do.’ Before dying for the world’s sin, the ‘work’ Jesus finished was equipping a few men and women disciples who would carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Disciple-making is God’s method for building His Kingdom. I wanted to be part of God’s plan and purposes. I committed my life to being a disciple and making disciples and it was and still is the greatest In 1981, Karen, her husband Hal, and their decision I ever made!” three children moved to Hawaii to help supervise a college and military ministry This summer, the Women’s Ministry for The Navigators. They joined First Prez invites Karen Jensen to teach about and had six wonderful years ministering in discipleship and what it means to be a the church, and throughout the island as follower of Christ! God brought men and women into their Using the “Flower Illustration” we will lives in order to encourage their growth in discover how we can become the “sweet Christ. First Prez became a spiritual home aroma of the knowledge of Him in every that refreshed and refueled them. place. II Cor. 2:14. The title, “Bloom Where The seed of Karen’s passion, discipleship, You’re Planted” reflects the awesome was planted when she was a child attending opportunity each of us has to be a world First Prez, Hollywood. In addition, she changer. “Ever wonder if you can be remembers hearing these words at the used to influence others?” The answer is conclusion of all the radio broadcasts of the a resounding “yes” when you decide to sermons: “Only one life will soon be past, follow Jesus Christ! Jesus said, “Follow me only what’s done for Christ will last.” and I will make you fishers of men.” Matt. 4:19 ! “Those words would in later years become a deep conviction in my heart Come and be a part of this weekly as I was exposed to discipleship. What is Women’s Bible Study, starting June 28 called ‘The Great Commission’ is not a great each Saturday for six weeks. Sign up in suggestion, but the marching orders of the Fellowship Hall on Sundays, or contact Jesus to his followers,” Karen said. Jenny at jenny@fpchawaii.org “Jesus modeled for us how to make disciples and that is why He could say in John 17:4 ‘I glorified You on the earth,

Let’s follow Him and watch Him work!

FIRST PRESS

"Woohoo, I'm the new YELP Mayor of this organ!" - Ellery Lum "Gotta order more goodies from my personal baker. I ate everything already." - Trisha Burlison "You know you're addicted to Candy Crush when you have to play during Dan's sermon." - Sue Laufer "You mean you can't program the organ with my iPhone?" - Marita Nelson "Googling, 'So how do I play this thing???'" - Susan McCreary Duprey "I kinda forgot where B flat is. Can someone text me real quick where B flat is?" - Robbie Sewell "I know. And I'm the one who complains when they don't shut off the phone during the service!" -Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church Moclips Washington "Siri, which button should I push?" - Jodi L. Bremer "Can I change keys on my iPhone?" - Betsy McCreary

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KO‘OLAU KIDS

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Vacation Bible School 2014 June 2-6, 9 am to noon

At Weird Animals Vacation Bible School (VBS), kids discover that Jesus’ love is one-of-a-kind. Weird Animals is a habitat filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch, and even taste! Sciency-Fun Gizmos, teambuilding games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life. Plus, we’ll help kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life— something we call God Sightings. Get ready, kids and Weird Animals Team, to hear that phrase a lot! Our kids will also participate in a hands-on mission project where we will be earning money to help the orphans at Rancho Milagro Orphanage in Mexico have clean pillows, sheets, and pillow cases. Our very own FPC High School Mission Team will deliver these when they go to the orphanage on their mission trip this summer. So come on down, June 2–6! Register your elementary children (keiki who have finished K–5th grade) at www. fpchawaii.org or get a copy of the registration form from the Front Desk or the Children's Ministry area. Cost is $25 per child. Scholarships are available. The registration fee will be waived for children of volunteers.

OUT & ABOUT (FORMERLY RAA!)

Ko‘olau Golf Course Tour June 25, Wed, 8:15 am, First Prez Front Desk Golf and the Middle Earth—what do they have in common? Well, nothing really, but Out & About will be taking a mini-tour of the Ko‘olau Golf Course, the 15th tee to be exact and a mini-tour of FPC’s Middle Earth, a.k.a. the newly renovated Children’s Ministry area and the Youth (Jr. High) Room. We will be treated to a spectacular feast for the eyes and some cultural observations on the first tour and a wonderful learning experience in Middle Earth with our tour guide, Karen Makishima, who will show us where our children and grandchildren are given their Christian foundation, cared for and introduced to Jesus. We will meet at 8:15 am at First Prez, at our reception area and head on down to begin our golf cart caravan from the 18th hole directly to the 15th hole where we will be able to see Kaneohe Bay, Chinaman’s Hat, the H-3 freeway, and the majestic Ko‘olau mountains. For the adventurous, we will take a short jaunt to see a birthing rock and some ancient Hawaiian carvings of the Ko‘olau mountain range. Bring your cameras for some beautiful picture postcard shots. Be still and quiet and listen for and to the birds singing their melodious love songs to God. Breathe in the fresh air and bask in the

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sun for a while. Then we will be going on a journey to Middle Earth where Karen Makishima will be our “docent” and show us the various areas that make up the Children’s Ministry. She will keep us enthralled with her passion for the children to whom she and her volunteer staff teach and show the love of Jesus. All this traveling should build up our appetites, so we will head over to Honey’s for lunch (on your own). There, we can share our pictures and insights we gathered during the last two hours as we enjoy another spectacular feast, this time for our opu (tummies). When does this take place? Wednesday, June 25. The tours are FREE. Sign-ups for this event are on the two preceding Sundays, June 15 and 22. All are invited, so bring your family and friends and join us for a time of fellowship and fun. NOTE: There is a 32 person limit, so be the first to sign up!


HIGH SCHOOL & JR. HIGH

Youth News

What's Happening Downstairs Youth Ministry Summer Interns

We have five amazing college students joining us for the summer in Youth Ministry. They will be a part of our paid Intern Program and will be receiving training and tons of hands-on experience. Matthew Selvey and Chrysanne Fontanilla are returning to the Jr High program. Josh McFeeley will be heading up the High School program with the help of Sue Sullivan and Seth Franke.

IMPACT MINISTRY

Mustard Seed Miracle Housing the homeless by David Chang It starts with a vision.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has donated a lot in Waimanalo. One man sees: families, homeless on Partners In Development Foundation, the streets. Parents working hard, but not a non-profit organization, will help the earning enough to afford a house. Children family turn the house into a loving home. with no place to call their own. We are now looking for those who are One man considers. What if we can build willing to donate their time to help us build a high quality house at a cost low enough that house. for a family who can’t afford one? What if we can come alongside the family and help We can use help of all levels of skills as them turn the house into a loving home? there are many tasks from constructiontype work like pounding nails, cutting We can. if some could donate land. We lumber and painting walls. There are also a can, if some would donate their time to lot of support tasks like providing food and build the house. We can, if some would drinks for volunteers, transportation and donate their time to teach the family to picking up supplies. turn the house into a loving home. We hope to begin construction before One man prays with faith more than the the end of summer. size of a mustard seed. One man has a dream that the This man is Art Hansen, a noted architect community we build will come together to and First Prez member for more than 50 build this first home. And then will go and years, is that one man. This Harvard and teach others to do the same, so many more Stanford trained builder has constructed families will be housed. everything from skyscrapers to houses. Art has designed and built dozens of houses for If you’re interested in learning more Habitat Hawaii. He has a heart to provide about this dream and becoming apart of homes for homeless families. This is God’s this, please contact the church office. heart as well.

These five young adults are, or have been, a part of FPC, and an internship is a great step in using their gifts in ministry. Please keep them in prayer as they minister to our youth throughout the summer. Feel free to contact Drew if you would like to know more about the program.

God has begun to answer Art’s prayers.

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People All the Good Things by Marcia Wright What's the buzz with First Prez people It’s June, it’s summer, fun, and hot. Go play! Mary and Bill Fisher have moved to the Philippines for one year to work with Pami Ellis at the Shalom Birthing Center (the project Don Parker worked so hard for). "We will live upstairs in the year-old big clinic building many helped build. We appreciate your prayers. They will be posting their adventures on Action International.org. Mary wrote before they left that they…” gave our car away to an outreach worker for the homeless. I feel so uncluttered by all the stuff I gave away, light, simple, free.” “Go God Go, to You be the glory and honor and dominion and power forever and ever, Amen.” This from MidWeek by Susan Kang Sunderland: “West Oahu hospital and ER facility has re-opened after 2 ½ years as The Queen’s Medical Center-West Oahu. Leading the charge of Queen’s expansion is Susan Murray, COO and senior vice president of The Queen’s Health Systems’ West Oahu Region. The Punahou and University of Hawaii graduate who has an MBA in health services management from the University of Dallas says, ‘Health care is a calling. It gives purpose and meaning to those who choose it as a mission.’” Susan has been a long time member and elder of First Prez. MidWeek writer Nicole Kato has posted a great article about Made in Hope. This is a vision from God through Chris Kanemura and Michelle Tolentino. “Made in Hope has made it its mission to address the issues of exploitation and violence against women and children through prevention and awareness. Cofounder Chris Kanemura, along with his partner Michelle Tolentino, focuses on the sustainable aspects for women and at-risk communities. The organization was started in 2001 in the Philippines as a business, and in early 2012 it became a nonprofit. Tolentino has spoken at Hawaiian Islands

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Ministry (HIM) conferences. Chris says, “Our hope is to partner with churches and engage them with the communities they’re already in.” Chris, wife Mari, and son Cruz usually attend the 11:11 service and would love to share more information with any who are interested. Jack and Shirley Leslein proudly share that their daughter Jennifer LesleinHopley passed her comprehensive exam and graduated with her Masters degree in Science in Counseling Psychology, with a major in Psychology Suma Cum Laude, from Chaminade University. She was also given the honor of being asked to join The International Honor Society in Psychology. Congratulations, Jennifer. Six pages of member Royal T. Fruehling’s haiku poetry appear in the 20th anniversary edition of the book Haiku (2014). This series of bilingual (English/ Japanese) books is published every five years by the Meguro International Haiku Circle, Tokyo. Each book contains those monthly contributions by international authors, judged best, for the past 5 years. Here are some of Royal’s musings. 1) Through the child’s fingers, an intermittent light, firefly SOS. 2) Dusk falls at the beach, surfers suddenly emerge, from the setting sun. 3) Broadway’s lights are dark, the only show in town, was Hurricane Sandy. Shirley Cavanaugh was chosen for the principal role as a mom/grandma in an American Savings Bank commercial. She filmed at a historic home in Manoa. “Since I play a mom/grandma in the commercial, it seemed a fitting way to start the Mother’s Day weekend. Wow, what a time.” Let’s keep our eyes peeled for this sure-to-begreat commercial! Friends, keep up the good work. Do all you can as God leads. Keep the faith, run the race and then tell me all the Good things God has shown you along the way! manoaw@hawaiiantel.net


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 March 31, 2014

• Campaign Goal = $7M • Actual Pledges received = $3,473,517 • Actual collection to date = $2,896,459

$7M $6M $5M $4M $3M $2M $1M 0

PRAYERLINES

Head-to-Toe Prayer for a New Grandbaby by Patti Marshall

“The Gifts of Being Grand" is the title of a book given to me when I first became a grandparent. And I must say, it feels sooooo good to be grand! Being a grandparent stirs up memories of my parents’ parenting and my own parenting. Now I delight in watching our kids parent. Do I have to bite my tongue at times? Mmmm, for sure. Yet, the joys and rewards far outweigh the tongue biting.

He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones” Prov. 2:1-8. EYES “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all of your ways. Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil” Prov. 10:11.

Since I’ve never been present for the MOUTH births of our grandchildren, I have always “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of prayed from afar. However, even when life” Prov. 4:23. I saw them and they were still very tiny, I prayed. HEART “Above all else, guard your heart, for So dear grandparents, if and when you everything you do flows from it” Prov. 4:23. have the opportunity to memorize every delicate detail, pray over this God-given HANDS gift from head-to-toe like this: “Diligent hands will rule” Prov. 12:24. HEAD “My son, if you accept the words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

FEET AND LEGS "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” Prov. 3:5-6. I invite all grandparents to pray for their grandbabies and those yet-to-be siblings. Adapted from Jennifer Kennedy Dean of the Praying Life Foundation. Prayer Connect. Sept/Oct. 2013

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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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JUNE 2014 Upcoming Events June 2-6 June 4-16 June 5 June 6 & 7 June 12 & 26 June 15 June 22 June 24 June 25 June 28 June 29

Vacation Bible School (VBS) Jr. High at Camp Hume Lake Caregiver Support Group Women's Spring/Summer Retreat Jam & Jelly Making Father's Day Jr. High Car Wash Men's Ministry Dinner Out & About Ko‘olau Golf Course & Children's Ministry Tour Military Mom's Night Out, PGA Golf Outing, Women's Ministry Summer Bible Study Independence Day Family Celebration

Recurring Events Sundays Mondays 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 MONDAYS: College-Age Bible Study and Fellowship Mighty Moms Gathering (High School), Old Town Choir, Men's SPARTAN Group First Prez Crafters

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 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


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