First Press November 2013 by First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu

First Press

christmas missions gifts

2013

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

NOVEMBER 2013 | Volume 18 | Issue 10

Give gifts to our missions partners beginning Nov. 24 (Details on page 2)

IN THIS ISSUE

Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch–info on page 3

FACEBOOK CAPTION CONTEST

Winning Caption The winner of last month's caption contest photo, based on the number of likes from Facebook users, is Craig Shoji! He wins a $10-gift certificate to Ko‘olau Kitchen! Congratulations! Here's Craig's winning caption: "I come in peace, take me to your Pastor."

ON THE COVER...

Gifts of Love by IMPACT Ministries Team “Heaven surely knows that packages and bows can never heal a hurting human soul.” (Lyrics from My Grown-Up Christmas List by Amy Grant.) Other good ones: "Dude...I can't see..." - Matthew Lum "Reindeer games." - Nancy Hybner Murphy "The Newest X-Men (Silk Wormverine)" Craig Shoji "It's not a tumor." - Shayna Kusumoto "When they said your high schooler would be transformed at camp, this is not what I had in mind." - Ellery Lum "Just so you won't notice my bad hair day." - Carol Ching Tomita "God sees past the outward appearance and sees the true person inside." - Don Calhoun "Meanwhile at FPC" - Michael Olderr "Mom, it's the new thing... It's called fashion. You obviously wouldn't understand!" - Josh McFeeley "I don't think my face lift turned out too bad. Now I need to work on my neck" Cullen Chong " Last thing I remember, Pastor Drew was talking, and then the shaving cream cans came out..." - Julie Calhoun-Williams

NOVEMBER 2013

The giving of a thoughtful gift is part of how we celebrate Christmas, the gift reminds us of God's gift of love to us— His precious Son, Jesus. Continuing our tradition of alternative gift ideas, Impact Ministries is excited to once again offer you the “Gifts of Love” catalog of unique gifts that support our church's missions partners and shine the light of God's love into a hurting world. Now in its eleventh year, the generous gifts given by you through “Gifts of Love” have resulted in over $180,000 of additional support for our missions partners—thank you! We hope you will encourage and bless our partner’s ministries by continuing to give “Gifts of Love.” What better way to express your love of Christ than with a CHRISTmas gift that ministers to the poor, uplifts a needy child, cares for the sick or feeds the hungry. Beginning Nov. 24th, you can pick up a copy of the "Gifts of Love" catalog at the Impact Ministries table on Sundays and at the front desk on weekdays throughout the Christmas season. This year you can

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also view and give the catalog online at the Impact Ministries page of the First Prez website. We hope you will take a few moments to browse through the catalog and prayerfully consider your gift giving this year. Select the gift most appealing to you and receive a card to give to the person you are honoring with your thoughtful gift. It’s a great way to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with your family and friends. Whatever you choose to give, your gifts will have value long after the holidays and be treasured by those who receive them as well as the ministries they benefit. Make your gift giving more meaningful this year and be doubly blessed as you honor Christ and your loved ones with special CHRISTmas "Gifts of Love.”

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Thanksgiving Potluck Luncheon Nov. 28, Thurs, 11 am, Fellowship Hall

Come join your church family for Thanksgiving this year! Lunch begins at 11:00 in Fellowship Hall. We provide the turkey and you bring your favorite side dishes and desserts. Sign-up at the Congregational Life table on Sunday (Nov. 10,17, and 24) so we know how much turkey and seating to prepare. Music will once again be provided by our very own treasure, Harry Koizumi! You won't want to miss it!

MEN'S MINISTRY

Men's Annual Coed Christmas Dinner December 3, Tuesday, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall by Pastor Sim Fulcher

FPC Men’s Ministry extends this invitation to everybody! Former drummer for Don Ho and newly installed pastor of Mililani Presbyterian Church Ron Lee, joins with his wife to be our guest speakers at the First Prez Men’s Annual Coed Christmas Dinner. Musician by trade, pastor by divine conscription, Ron Lee has been the world over to finally come back to the town he left years ago—this time not to join with a band of musicians, but with a community of fellow believers called Mililani Presbyterian Church. The Lees completed their move from Charlotte, North Carolina in August. Margie Lee is a native of Savannah, Georgia where she started her business career as an administrative assistant before eventually becoming Vice President of Acquisitions for a national real estate

syndication company headquartered in San Francisco. While in the company’s Los Angeles office, she did graduate work in law and finance at UCLA. Later, managing her own consulting business, she moved to Hawaii where Ron, having just completed his international travels, asked her to be his bride. In four months they’ll celebrate 25 years together. Ron is no stranger to the FPC family. He completed his seminary internship with First Prez six years ago. We welcome him back, plus any members of Mililani Prez who want to join us, as we borrow from them Ron’s talents for the Men's Annual Co-Ed Christmas Dinner. The dinner cost is $15/person. You may pay at the door but you must sign up at the Men’s Table (when you sign up please indicate child care in space provided, if applicable). Hope to see you there!

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NOVEMBER 2013

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY ,

Wanted: Ushers & Greeters Nov. 9, Sat, 9-11:30 am, FPC

How important are ushers and greeters at First Prez especially on Sunday mornings? Very important! Because if people are welcomed rudely or improperly when they arrive, they will never come back to church no matter how good the music or preaching is. Ushering and greeting are such important functions that here at First Prez we require ushers and greeters to take a training course before they serve. This upcoming class is open to those who are interested in becoming an usher or greeter, as well as those who have already been serving and would like a refresher class. To register, contact our usher coordinator, Adele Chong, at adelechong@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 Sept. 30, 2013

• Campaign Goal = $7M • Actual Pledges received = $3,473,517 • Actual collection to date = $2,533,594

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

OUT & ABOUT (FORMERLY RAA!)

A Frank De Lima Christmas Dec. 4, Wed, 10:30 am, Grand Ballroom If you’ve never seen or heard Frank De Lima before, you are in for a real treat! Be prepared for “local fun," zany parodies, spontaneous creativity, and his specialty of translating issues such as current events, fads, attitudes, and people into fresh musical parodies.

laughing, and family while managing major emotional and physical life transitions. He visits 350 schools statewide biennially and for his efforts, has received numerous honors, including the Ellison S. Onizuka Memorial Award from the National Education Association.

Comedy has been ingrained in Frank’s life since childhood. While growing up in Pauoa Valley, Frank realized that he had a natural talent for making family and friends smile, especially at themselves. As he says, “Laughter makes a happy heart. Humor breaks down barriers, and being able to laugh at one’s self is the first step down that road.”

So get ready for some belly laughs and know that Frank will be using pidgin and other ethnic languages as he entertains us. And who knows what he has in store? With Frank, you never know what he will do next. Could it be the Filipino Christmas tree? Or a parody on what’s going on with our government, both state and Federal?

For over 30 years, he has been entertaining us by personifying Hawaii’s diverse ethnicities and cultures and using his ethnic background, which is selfdescribed as “Veritable Portuguese Soup” and “Chop Suey Nation” (Portuguese, Hawaiian, Irish, Chinese, English, Spanish, and Scotch). He celebrates, not disregards, ethnic differences and integrates them into his comedic routines. This, all from a man who started out to become a priest! But comedy is not Frank’s only passion. In 1980, he founded the Frank De Lima Student Enrichment Program. This non-profit organization is devoted to helping Hawaii’s students understand the importance of reading, studying,

NOVEMBER 2013

Inside the historic Hawaii Theatre

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To set the mood for Christmas as we dine, we are so privileged to have our own Cory Oliveros share his incredible musical talent with us as he sings some Christmas classics. Chef Jim will be preparing a special Christmas Breakfast Buffet for $17 per person. Invite your family and friends, too. And in the season of giving, please bring a canned good to share with those those in need. Sign up at the Out & About Table on Sundays, Nov. 24 or Dec. 1st. Out & About will not be having an event in November, but please plan to join the church luncheon for Thanksgiving on Nov. 28.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

Ko‘olau Kids News

Bringing the Message Home: Ko‘olau Kids wants to Partner with Parents Each week at Ko‘olau Kids, our children are guided by story tellers and small group leaders in learning the main points of who our God is and who He created them to be. In addition to our commitment in providing exciting learning experiences at church, it is our desire to equip parents with resources for bringing the Sunday message home in a practical way. Ko‘olau Kids Early Childhood Program (including the nursery, toddler, and preschool) calls these connections Parent CUEs (connect, uncover, experience) because they are designed to “cue” parents to leverage everyday moments with their child to CONNECT to God’s story, to UNCOVER something about life, and to EXPERIENCE something together. These Parent CUES are broken into two categories by age. The first, called “Parent Time,” helps parents of babies and toddlers imagine the end goal of baby growing into someone who knows God. Each month, parents are reminded that children are never too young to hear God loves them. The second category, called “Small Talk,” is designed for older preschoolers. “Small Talk” helps parents create a rhythm at home with ideas for incorporating faith-learning into play time, drive time, bath time and cuddle time. Our team will be praying for moments

full of wonder as we give preschoolers a "first look" at the God who loves them, made them, and wants to be their friend forever. We hope that as parents are cued in to what is happening on Sunday, they will have the tools and ways to make spiritual connections throughout the week. This simple tool, instead of adding another task to the day, gives ideas about how to share God's love with children during the natural rhythm of your day! Along with that, the Ko‘olau Kids Elementary Program (including children Kindergarten-5th grade) uses connections called “God Time Cards." These are designed to assist our elementary students to connect to God, much in the way a daily devotional does for adults. These God Time Cards extend the virtues that are taught on Sunday. They include a Bible verse to find and read, a practical explanation of the verse, an activity to help reinforce real-life application, and a suggested prayer.

them into adulthood! Each week, small group leaders will give little incentives for completing and returning God Time Cards that will help make this new habit feel fun and rewarding! We hope to help bring the message of Jesus home to our families and children as they grow in their faith, and we want it to be exciting! For more information on our philosophy and the curriculum we are using, parents are encouraged to visit www.OrangeParents.org for a monthly podcast and many other resources that are a part of our weekly curriculum! If you have any questions, please contact us! Karen@fpchawaii.org and Lauren@ fpchawaii.org for both Elementary and Early Childhood questions.

It is our desire for parents to use this tool to assist their child in developing a quiet time with God. Younger elementary children may need assistance and guidance as they develop an understanding of spending quiet time with God. Teaching our children to connect with God is the best habit we can help them create! This habit will follow

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NOVEMBER 2013

People

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Women's Christmas Brunch

All the Good Things

What's the buzz with First Prez people by Marcia Wright

Dec. 14, Sat, 10 am-12:30 pm, Fellowship Hall

It’s November and we are all wondering where the year went. Wasn’t it just last week that we were thinking up our New Year’s resolutions? Well, you still have time to resolve to participate in the all-church fast as we remember all the reasons we have to be grateful to God and prepare your heart to celebrate the joy of Christmas.

Women of First Prez: kick start your holiday season with “A Christmas To Remember,” a Ladies' Christmas Brunch for you and your friends. Enjoy warm fellowship with each other amidst the beauty of the Ko’olau’s and dine at a sumptuous buffet. Cost is $13 per person. Sign up at the Women’s Ministry Table starting on November 10th. For more information: Call Linda Verdugo at 532-1114.

First Prez member Vivian Bobrownik just celebrated her 90th birthday. Congratulations, Vivian! Get ready for the FPC Chancel Choir Christmas Concert on Dec. 1st. We will sing some of our favorites and yours, too. And if you love to sing, come join us. And here’s another invite: we hope you will consider joining us in singing at one of the services for Christmas or maybe all of them! If you don’t have the time to commit to weekly rehearsals during the year, the choir welcomes YOU to share in the Christmas music. We will be rehearsing in the music room downstairs on Thursday evenings at 7 pm. Note that we will probably be taking Halloween off and definitely Thanksgiving. Drop me an email and I can clue you in. We have such a good time praising God!

The Brunch Menu

Selected Breakfast Breads • Fresh Fruit Platter • Pancakes • Bacon and Sausage • Eggs Benedict • Assorted Salads • Fresh Catch of the day • Chicken Marsala • Rice • Pastry Chef's choice of desserts • Ko‘olau's famous Bread Pudding • Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea

A Ladies’ Christmas Brunch

The Children’s Christmas musical performers are gearing up, and we can all look forward to an exciting performance on Dec. 8th. I can’t wait. Stay tuned for more.

for you and your friends

Chau and Mike Sachs have been traveling on mission work again. They were mostly in the Mekong region visiting people, an orphanage, leper colony, mental hospitals, and in rural areas working with local pastors and evangelists. Thank you for your service. December 14, 2013 10 am to 12:30 pm glass ballroom Cost $14 Sign up at the Women’s Ministry Table

Presented by The Women’s Ministry of First Presbyterian Church

NOVEMBER 2013

The FPC Chancel Choir at Christmas

Honolulu is buzzing this season with great shows, musicals, opera, art, and just all out fun for everyone. "Les Miserables," was a highlight evening for me and included FPC’ers Scott and Zenia Moura,

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Ron Bright as director, Mary Chesnut Hicks as music director, Michael Bright, mother-daughter pairing Galyn Kong Akaka and Meilan Akaka, and Michelle Blake as stage director. This production of ‘Les Miz’ was the pinnacle of the season and was as powerful as it was heartrending. I hope you had a chance to see it. The sellout shows from the beginning kept the show on extensions one after another. Then there was Megan Mount in "Cabaret" at Diamond Head Theatre, a great performance albeit somewhat disturbing due to the subject matter. Friend of FPC Arlene Koh was in the orchestra. And last but not least was HOT’s offering of Puccini’s ‘Turandot.' As usual, our dear Beebe Freitas was in the thick of things along with Larry Whitson, Glenn Redigar, Nigel Gonzaga, Doug Stiles, Chad Williams, and yours truly. Thank you all, dear friends, for your hard work. Jessica Lani Rich was featured in an article by Wayne and Liz Dernetz of The Honolulu Star Advertiser. Jessica is the president and executive director of the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, or VASH. This worthwhile and needed non-profit group helps visitors who find themselves in overwhelming circumstances or victims of a crime. Thank you for being out there for our visitors! Don’t forget to come and enjoy the fellowship at the Annual Church Bazaar on Nov. 2. I’ve never had anything less than a blast! Thank you to all who send me tidbits and thoughts, articles and announcements, news and notions, prayers and praise, and well….you get the picture. I can’t do my article without your input and help. Let us go through this month with joy and thanksgiving, sharing God’s love and rejoicing in His faithfulness. Aloha no and malama pono. manoaw@hawaiiantel.net

YOUNG ADULTS

Kanikapila Nights

One Thursday a month, 7 pm PRAYERLINES

Different Strokes for Different Folks by Patti Marshall

Have you ever found yourself wondering What kind of an intercessor are you? at times, “How do I pray for this person or • Crisis intercessor? They are always “on situation, Lord? At other times, have you call” to pray for emergencies of any kind. been led by the Holy Spirit to pray for • Issues intercessor? They pray for disasters, someone, yet had no way at that moment events, and government decisions. of knowing why the person needed prayer? • List intercessor? They love to pray from a These are examples of intercessory prayer. list of missionaries, sick people, etc. Last month’s article, “The Activity of • Mercy intercessor? They feel what others are feeling. Sometimes they feel the Intercession," tells of the Israelites and heart of God. their journey, under the leadership of • Nations intercessor? They enjoy praying Moses, to Mt. Sinai. The warlike Amalekites over a map about cultures and countries. attack them and they fear for their lives. • Prophetic intercessor? They listen to God When Moses’ (a great intercessor) arms are as they speak to Him. He gives them outstretched, the Israelites begin to defeat information that helps them and others their enemy. When his arms get tired and to pray “on target.” come down, the battle begins to turn • Evangelism intercessor? They care deeply against Israel. about the lost and unsaved. But there is more to the story. During this • Special assignment intercessor? They are battle, Aaron and Hur accompany Moses. like spiritual “bodyguards.” They pray for “When Moses’ arms grew tired, they took individuals that God puts on their hearts. a stone and put it under him and he sat (President, Pastor, etc.). on it. Aaron and Hur held his hand up-one • Warfare intercessor? They understand on one side, one on the other-so that his that the devil is out to “kill, steal, and hands remained steady till sunset” Exodus destroy." They like to uncover his evil 17:11-13. They interceded for Moses as he plans and stop him in his tracks. interceded for the Israelites. • Worship intercessor? They bring God’s joy, comfort, and hope to situations by This concept of intercession can be singing their prayers instead of saying summarized as mediating, going between, them. pleading for another, or representing one • Administrative intercessor? They party to another. Just as Jesus is the ultimate organize others to pray and help people intercessor or mediator going between pray more effectively. and re-presenting God to humanity (1 Tim. 2:5), our prayers of intercession are Ultimate Intercessor, thank You for being always and only an extension of His work our Advocate with the Father. Thank You of intercession. for presenting us to the Father as righteous and one of His own. Reveal to us what kind We are called to intercede for others. Our of intercessors we are so that we can extend intercessory prayers are an extension of to others Your love, grace, mercy, and peace. the ministry of Jesus. He needs a human on Open our eyes to the intent of Satan that we earth to represent Himself. might enforce the victory of Calvary. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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God is doing something among the young singles (20's, 30's, 40's) at First Prez. Kanikapila Night is a smash hit! It's a place to hang out, network, and invite people into. It is the launch pad to small groups, accountability partners, mentoring relationships, service opportunities, and mission trips. Kanikapila is a Hawaiian word referring to a relaxed time of playing music and hanging out. There will always be music, food (potluck), and a surprise activity! Please come and invite friends, too. Email shayna@fpchawaii.org for more info, the schedule, and location.

Discipleship Nights

Thursdays, 6:30 pm, Kaimuki

The Kaimuki small group is actually a large group of young adults, singles, married couples and families alike. We are commiting to helping everyone find their destiny, their calling, through this new series that we're calling Discipleship Nights (for lack of a more creative name). Here's what the schedule looks like until the end of the year: November 7 - Discipleship Night 6:30 pm 14 - Discipleship Night 6:30 pm 21 - Kanikapila Night 7 pm 28 - Thanksgiving Day - OFF December 5- Discipleship Night 6:30 pm 12 - Discipleship Night 6:30 pm 19 - Kanikapila Night 7 pm 26 - OFF (Christmas) January 2 - Discipleship Night 6:30 pm 9 - Discipleship Night 6:30 pm 16 - Discipleship Night 6:30 pm 23 - Kanikapila Night 7 pm 30 - OFF

NOVEMBER 2013

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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NOVEMBER 2013 Upcoming Events November 2 November 9 November 11 November 16 November 8-11 November 17 November 21 November 23 November 28 November 29

Annual Church Bazaar Philippines 2014 Training, Ushers & Greeters Training Veterans Day Holiday (church office closed) PGA–Hawaii Kai Jr. High Fall Retreat Blood Drive Young Adults' Kanikapila Night All-Church Workday, Military Mom's & Dad's Night Out Thanksgiving Potluck Luncheon (Office Closed) Church Christmas Decorating (Office Closed)

Recurring Events Sundays Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11 Tuesdays Mighty Moms, DivorceCare, GriefShare Wednesdays Alpha Course, Gathering (High School) Thursdays Choir, Men's SPARTAN Group, Dance Ministry Fridays F2, 5th Quarter

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!

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 November 15 for the December 2013 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