First Press First Press is the monthly newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu 45-550 Kionaole Road, Kane‘ohe, HI 96744
OCTOBER 2015 | Volume 20 | Issue 2
IN THIS ISSUE Alice Yoder Story (page 5) Have you taken Alpha?
First Press: Why don’t we just close the golf course? Ron: It isn’t an option. Under the Conservation District Use Permit for Ko’olau, we are required by State law to operate a golf course. Any change involves a lengthy and expensive process.
a lot here. We track the rain very carefully because if average annual rainfall exceeds 82 inches, the operation historically loses money. Rainfall in 2013 was 105 inches, and in 2014 it was 118 inches! We had 185 rain days last year, which meant it rained more than every other day.
First Press: What other options were considered?
First Press: What can the First Prez ohana do to help?
Ron: When we learned about the early termination of the lease, we sought (under Long-Range Planning Team’s oversight) other options, including either a lease or management agreement. But our due diligence led us to the conclusion that self-managing the golf course is in the best interest of First Prez. First Press: What will be the corporate structure? Ken Terao, Daryl Akiyoshi, Ron Mathieu
CHURCH NEWS
Right On Course Effective August 31, 2015 American Golf Corporation terminated its lease with First Prez to operate the Ko’olau Golf Club. This comes nine years after our big move to Ko’olau, and this means there’s new management! First Press caught up with Executive Coordinator Ron Mathieu, who is managing the transition, to get the rest of the story. First Press: Ron, we thought the lease with American Golf lasted at least ten years? What changed? Ron: Yes, we had a ten-year lease, but there were provisions whereby either party could terminate early. American Golf exercised its option, and the lease terminated at the end of August 2015. First Press: What was behind that decision? Ron: Our association with American Golf has been very solid. I can’t speak for them, but it’s a fact that they were bought out by a new parent company. Ko’olau Golf Club is the only property they manage in Hawaii, and the last few years have been financially challenging. I believe those are the major factors driving their decision.
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Ron: We already have a separate, wholly owned for-profit corporation for Ko’olau, with a separate Board of Directors and general manager. Ko’olau Golf Club LLC will be a new subsidiary company under that same corporation and will answer to the same Board of Directors, but it will have a different general manager. We will also restructure the operations of Honey’s Restaurant and the Snack Bar, and put it under Ko’olau Ballrooms, which will then give the congregation more dining options. First Press: Who will manage the golf course? Ron: The current General Manager Ken Terao will stay on. We are happy that we are able to retain many of the current management and employees. Retaining key experienced personnel was critical since alternative options would have taken the same path but at greater cost to our for-profit entity. First Press: It seems the golf course has always struggled financially. Is that correct? Ron: Actually, from 2007 (the first full year First Prez owned the course) through 2014, the cash flow was positive in six out of the eight years. However, the last two years were a financial struggle. First Press: Why was that? Ron: The biggest factor affecting Ko’olau Golf Club’s bottom line is weather. It rains
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Ron: There are lots of ways! Pray. That God will bless this endeavor as He has the Ko’olau Ballrooms and Conference Center, whose continued net profits support the ministries of our church. Pray for the Long-Range Planning Team, which is spearheading the future development of our church campus. Pray specifically for sunny weather. Seriously. If we get less than 82 inches of annual rainfall, the golf course will generate profit that will help fund our ministries. Encourage people to golf at Ko’olau. Our course used to be the toughest in the nation, but we’ve done a lot to make it less challenging. Our golf course is one of the most stunningly beautiful courses in Hawaii. We offer a golf membership called the K-Club that’s the best deal on the island. For $30 a month, K-Club members get unlimited driving range balls, free instruction, and discounts on green fees, merchandise, and food. Encourage people to eat at Honey’s Restaurant. Honey’s is now a second church-affiliated dining option to Ko’olau Kitchen. Under new management, you can expect Chef Jim Gillespie’s influence on the menu, longer opening hours, and eventually evening dining options Tell people about the Snack Bar. Not many people may know that we have the Snack Bar in the back of our building that’s facing the golf course. It offers quick meals for golfers, but it’s also open to anyone who may want a sandwich, a chili plate, or even a Spam musubi.
Tell us about your family. I am married to the most beautiful woman in the world, Valerie, who is extremely talented in many areas such as the arts, writing, speaking, and teaching. She has served as a full-time missionary in Africa within the countries of Tanzania and Uganda. I actually flew out to Uganda in 2011 to spend her final three months there with her and ultimately propose to her. We were married December 10, 2011 in Temecula, California, and have been happy growing in marriage ever since. We have one child, Gianna Rae, who was added to our family on March 15, 2014 and our lives will never be the same. She is a treasure, just like her mom. The name Gianna means “God is gracious,” and she is truly our
gracious gift from God. What is your favorite comfort food? Starbucks/Morning Brew (Kailua) coffee What is one of your pet peeves? When people grunt while they are eating What book(s) are you reading right now? “An Hour On Sunday” by Nancy Beach What is your favorite movie? “Chef” directed by and starring Jon Favreau If you could be a superhero, what superpowers would you like to have? I’d like to have Wolverine’s superpowers. He has a body made of Adamantium, which is an incredibly strong fictional metal. He can heal his own wounds. And most of all, he has cool hair.
MEET THE STAFF
Meet Ryan Our 11:11 contemporary worship service has a new worship leader. His name is Ryan Smithson, an ordained pastor, worship leader, and songwriter with over fifteen years of ministry experience on the mainland. Ryan has spoken at and led worship for multiple youth, young adult, and pastoral conferences, and assisted with two church plants. He joined the First Prez staff back in August as the Associate Director of Worship. Let’s get to know Ryan. What do you like most about your job? I LOVE using the arts to bring joy and excitement into peoples lives on a daily basis. I love working with extremely talented musicians and our incredible leadership team every day. What are you passionate about in ministry? I strive to share the message of God’s love through biblical teaching, music, and the arts. I’m passionate about unifying the church through corporate worship and creating opportunities for people to celebrate, reflect, and connect with God. My written music incorporates scripture and focuses on simple phrases that invite others to worship.
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Art Hanson breaking ground with Mrs. Santos
OUT & ABOUT
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A Pumpkin Patch Adventure
Oct 21, Wed, Waimanalo Country Farms Our next Out & About event will be an adventure perfect for fall. (And it might even remind you of the TV classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.) Plan for an afternoon of fun, exercise, fresh air, adventure, and education as we venture out to Waimanalo Country Farms. Take a hayride on a real tractor where you will see fields that include non-GMO corn, pumpkins (of course) as well as other vegetables, and a sunflower maze. Join us and find out from farm co-owner Dominic Kadooka how the farm began and blossomed into an industry that provides fresh produce to local farmers’ markets around Oahu. Dominic will also talk about how his family work the farm and offer the Pumpkin Patch event every year. We may even get to hear him sing “When the Harvest Comes,” a song he wrote and recorded about life on God’s farm. You will be able to purchase corn, kale, cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon, zucchini, eggplant, and sunflowers, weather permitting. You may want to try their famous fresh-squeezed lemonade or cut watermelon at the end of our adventure. Everyone will be given a “school-sized” pumpkin (4-6 pounds). If you’d like a larger one, they may be available for purchase. Be prepared for either hot or rainy weather. Covered shoes and long pants are required (Palaka shirts optional!). Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles. We’ll meet at Waimanalo Beach Park at 11:30 am for a time to hang out and have lunch together. Oh, and it’s BYOL (bring your own lunch). If not coming for the lunch, be at the park by 12:30 pm so we can caravan to Waimanalo Country Farms. Or if you’d rather meet us at the farm, be there at 12:45 pm. Our Pumpkin Patch Adventure follows at 1 pm. Waimanalo Country Farms is at 41-225 Lupe St. in Waimanalo. Cost for our adventure is $7. We are limited to 30 participants so sign up early on Sunday, Oct 11 or Oct 18.
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IMPACT (MISSIONS MINISTRY)
Building a World of Hope Mustard Seed Miracle (MSM) is an independent non-profit organization committed to building homes for Hawaii families in need. Started by people from First Prez, MSM works in partnership with churches, ministries, and organizations, including the Department of Hawaii
Homelands (who provided the land), Partners in Development Foundation (who chooses, trains and supports the family), the Castle Foundation (who provided the seed money to get Mustard Seed Miracle started), and the USDA Rural Development Program (who provided the construction loan that enables us to build the house and will be repaid by the family at an affordable rate). These organizations have come together to turn the dream of home ownership into a reality. Art Hanson, a member of First Prez, is one of the visionary leaders of this new organization. Art has had a spectacular career here in Hawaii as a designer and builder and now at the age of 94, Art lends
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his experience, passion and leadership to this new effort to provide affordable housing for low-income families. In August 2015 Mustard Seed Miracle started building our first home in Waimanalo for the Santos Family, a family of four. This is just the first of many homes that Mustard Seed Miracle will build in the years to come. You can volunteer to help us. Find out more online at www.fpcimpact.org. Just click on the links to Mustard Seed Miracle.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
The Kenya Connection MEETING PAUL While in college, Alice attended a youth group. And it was there that she met her future husband Paul Yoder. Alice explains, “My friends were getting married and they had this thing called "groom’s cake". And the saying was if you put it under your pillow, you’ll dream about whom you’re going to marry. And I did that. And it worked!” When asked if it was love at first sight, she reflects a moment. And with a smile, she acknowledges that it was. “Actually, I think so. I knew he was the one.” Alice Yoder is one of those church members whose presence may be easy to miss. She’s a tiny lady. But don’t let her physical stature fool you. Her spiritual stature is Gibraltar-like. She was born Alice Kendall, on the eastern side of Africa, in the country of Kenya, the child of missionaries William and Lillian Kendall. The year was 1922 and Kenya was undergoing social and political change. Her parents had already been there for five years when Alice was born. They had been sent by the Africa Inland Mission (AIM). Will was there to help with the print shop. Lillian taught at the school. Once Alice turned three years of age, the family decided to move back to their home state of California so their children could attend school. William and Lillian would make multiple trips to Kenya over a span of more than 30 years. Alice remembers her reverend father leading her to the Lord when she was just four. While the specifics are fuzzy now, the incident is clear as day. They were at a nighttime church service where the pastor always gave an altar call. Little Alice looked forward to it asked her father if she could answer the call. “If you’d like to,” was his response. But that night, there was no altar call. Alice was so disappointed. However, later, she was baptized in that church. “I was dunked.” And so began the Christian life of little Alice Kendall. While God honors those early steps of faith, it was much later, when Alice was at a college retreat, that she accepted Christ as an adult.
Paul and Alice were married in 1945. Paul got discharged from the military and used his G.I. Bill proceeds to get his PhD. Alice taught high school home economics. After Paul got his degree, he got a job offer from the U.S. Dept. of Health. His choices were Maine, Michigan and Hawaii. He chose Hawaii. Paul arrived first in October 1961; Alice and their three children followed in November. With only a three-year deal, the Yoders kept their house in Fresno, fully intending to move back. Eleven years later, they decided to stay in Hawaii for good. The Yoders found Hawaii to their liking and decided it was a great place to raise their children. The first three-Diane, Marilyn, and Janice-were born on the mainland. Paul, Jr., nicknamed Poki’i, which means youngest in the family, was born in Hawaii. Paul and Alice joined the church in 1961, while FPC was in its infancy. Paul and Alice almost didn’t make it to First Prez. They had decided to attend a different church when FPC pastor Bill Phifer ran into Paul on the escalator at Sears. “I need you, Paul.” That’s all Pastor Phifer needed to say to ensure attendance from his soon-to-be members. LIFE AT FIRST PREZ They experienced a lot of life’s milestones at the Keeaumoku campus. All four children were baptized; Paul was Clerk of Session for a time and had a hand in planting the first garden. Alice, when not chasing down and raising their children, helped with Vacation Bible School and teaching Sunday school.
And eventually, their daughter Marilyn was ordained as a Presbyterian minister at Keeaumoku. Paul and Alice both taught at the University of Hawaii. Paul in microbiology, Alice in the clothing and merchandising department. The kids all grew up at First Prez. Paul served as an Elder at First Prez. Alice has been the Clerk of Session for forever, it seems. Paul’s death in 2003 came as a shock. “I was really devastated when Paul died.” Alice says she was in a fog for a couple of months. “Right after that, that same week that he died, I was reading in Isaiah and God said, ‘I will not leave you. I will be your husband. And ever since then God’s been close and taken care of me.’” Isaiah 54: 4-5 (NIV) says, “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.” Those mid-2000s were challenging for Alice for another reason. Having been a member of the church since 1961, naturally, she had built up quite a few close friendships. So when it came time for First Presbyterian to move from Keeaumoku to Ko’olau, many of Alice’s close friends chose to attend a different church. Even though so many life events happened at the Keeaumoku campus, Alice says, “The building is not the church; the church is its people.” Alice remains closely connected at church by attending two small groups. She says of small groups, “We share and we pray for each other and we watch God answer prayer. It’s good strengthening and we account for each other. We’re a good close group.” Long retired now, Alice says, “Someone Continued on page 7
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People All the Good Things by Sherri Shephard
What's the buzz with First Prez people Aloha! Here is a quick look at news of our First Prez ‘ohana. Lots of smiling faces as …. ….. BILL BAIST was featured in a full-page newspaper advertisement.
….. ANDY OISHI was seen at the Honolulu International Airport doing the happy dance after the cost of 2 full bags of medical supplies for their Swaziland medical mission was waived entirely. He and wife LAURIE and the entire team were glad to have the $200 in excess baggage fees completely set aside.
….. MARY CHESNUT HICKS is now teaching Musical Theatre at Iolani School. More drama in life, then, can be a good thing. ….. PAUL SHEFFIELD was honored as one of the recipients of the Grand Award for Residential Construction from the Building Industry Association.
And then there were more smiles … ….. ANNA and ALANA UEHARA, daughters of member GREG and SUZIE UEHARA, were featured on the front page of the Star Advertiser as they lined up to get Alex O’Loughlin’s autograph at the Annual Sunset on the Beach preseason premier of TV’s Hawaii Five-O in Waikiki.
….. JOHN JENKINS looked bright and cheerful at the end of the Ironman race. His wife DIVINA was at the finishing line to greet and congratulate him.
….. KO’OLAU BALLROOMS won first place in the booth competition at the April 2015 Hawaii World Class Wedding Expo. What impressed one of the judges was “the visual branding–– the intricacies in and around the entire structure of the booth.” … Many enjoyed the musical “Once Upon One Noddah Time,” performed at the Manoa Valley Theatre. Music and lyrics by ROSLYN CATRACCHIA, and the story written by the late Lisa Matsumoto. The talented cast included First Prez members CHARLES and ZAN TIMTIM. Remember that if you have good news you want to share, just send them to yay4freedom-now@yahoo.com
….. MITCH D’OLIER appeared on PBS in an interview with Leslie Wilcox for “Long Story Short,” where he talked about, among many other things, his beginnings and his passion for improving public education.
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"ALICE" CONT'D FROM PAGE 5
once told me when you retire you’ll be busier than ever. I didn’t believe it then, but I sure do now. I don’t have any spare time.” Alice works on her yard at SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2 home. When we visited, she was in the 9:00 am – 2:00 pm middle of assembling a Kenya mission First Presbyterian Church at the Ko’olau Go trip scrapbook. Her passion remains First Presbyterian Church. She volunteers DO at church and continues to be Clerk of Ne Session.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2015 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church at the Ko’olau Golf Club
DONATIONS NEEDED New or gently used items for the Silent Auction Men & Women’s Clothing in good condition for the Chic Boutique Handmade craft items Plants and produce* Homemade baked goods* (cakes, pies, cookies, breads,
GOING BACK TO KENYA M It was only after retiring from her teaching position at the University of Hawaii that Alice went back to Kenya in 1990, 65 years after she left. Even though she was only three when she left Kenya, (ca upon returning, she felt an instant kinship with the area. It was a homecoming. Alice continues to make mission trips to the area and helps at an orphanage. As she says, Advo “Everywhere else needed money, but this place needed help. I saw that we could use our muscles.” FPC Y
PROCEEDS GO TO Advocates for Africa’s Children Zoi House • Camp Agape Compassion LDP Student FPC Youth Mission Scholarships Ho‘ola Napua • Made in Hope Red Light Angels WCCC Total Life Recovery Salvation Army–Women’s Way Shalom Birthing Center Tumaini Children’s Home
BAKED GOODS • CRAFTS • QUILTS • CAFE FARMER’S MARKET • CLOTHING BOUTIQUE SILENT AUCTION JAMS & JELLIES • KEIKI FUN ZONE *Sign up to bring baked goods, plants and produce at Women’s Ministry table. Bring these items before 8:45 am the morning of the bazaar.
Alice has been a member of FPC for 54 Ho‘o years. The secret to church life, especially for those new to First Prez? Alice says to W plug in. “Get into a small group. Volunteer, Salva get active, and get acquainted.”
As Clerk of Session, she’s there for every Session meeting, taking the official notes. BAKED GOODS • CRAFTS • QUILTS So her knowledge and awareness of the FARMER’S MARKET • CLOTHING B church happenings are through the roof. SILENT AUCTION This quiet, unassuming woman of God is JAMSnotes. & JELLIES • KEIKI FUN Z also taking mental She says, “I watch the Session members grow. It’s amazing *Sign up to bring baked goods, plants and produce at Wo Bring these items before 8:45 amatthe how their faith grows. I’m amazed themorning o wisdom a lot of them have.”
UPCOMING EVENT
All-Church Bazaar Oct 31, Sat, Sanctuary
The annual Church Bazaar raises funds to support missions and outreach all over Hawaii and beyond. This annual event runs from 9am to 2pm on Saturday at the start of the Holiday craft season. One can find crafts, quilts, plants, jams and jellies, house hold items, stylish clothes and accessories, not to mention the ono baked goods and grinds!
you’re a keiki or a kupuna. This year’s event is on Saturday, October 31st, 9am-2pm. Mark your calendars because you won’t want to miss this celebration of food and fun, all for a good cause. To volunteer before or during the event, please contact Beth Fila at bethmfila@gmail. com or call Linda Verdugo at FPC, 532-1114.
This tiny but headstrong woman starts each day with God in Bible study. An hour each morning, faithfully. “I get hope, purpose, direction, guidance, comfort, forgiveness and joy out of reading my Bible.” Our amazing Alice has “been there, done that” many times over. From Kenya to California to the Carolinas to Hawaii. The ups and downs of life will come. When all is said and done, for Alice Yoder, life is simple. “Trust God.”
There’s something for everyone, whether
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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
On the Calendar
FACEBOOK CAPTION CONTEST Upcoming Events
Oct 10 Oct 11 Oct 16-17 Oct 16-17 Oct 21 Oct 31
Alpha Day Retreat Healing Service Women’s Contemplative Retreat Parenting Conference Out & About All-Church Bazaar
Recurring Events
WINNER
The winner of the last caption contest photo, based on the number of likes from Facebook users, is Charlene Oyama! She wins a $10-gift certificate to Ko‘olau Kitchen! Congratulations! Here's Charlene's winning caption: "Well, besides our members...I have a whole bunch of Facebook buddies! Party!!!"
Sundays Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays
Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11, Life Training Classes College-Age Bible Study and Fellowship Mighty Moms, DivorceCare, Celebrate Recovery The Alpha Course Men's SPARTAN Group, Choir, Dance Ministry, Jam & Jelly Making First Prez Crafters, The Zoo (Jr. High), 5th Quarter, Gathering (High School)
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 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