First Press December 2012

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

DECEMBER 2012 | Volume 17 | Issue 11

Merry

Christmas celebrate the newborn King!

6 Christmas Services

Dec 23, Sun, 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am Dec 24, Mon, 4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm

IN THIS ISSUE Year End Giving Info See 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 Joy Yoshida!

She wins a $10-gift certificate to Ko'olau Kitchen! Congratulations!

PASTOR'S LETTER

BE A SPARTAN! I need 300 men to join me in a movement to pray regularly for our church, its families, the pastors, and the church staff. Right now!

Last month, I challenged 160 men of our church to join me in this movement.

Here's Joy's winning caption: "and I'M the high maintenance one???:)'" Other good ones: “Eat your heart out, Dan…you’ll NEVER be as handsome as me” - Sarah Lau "Pseudo Presbyterian Baptism.....more than a sprinkle, less than a dunk." Barbara Harberts "I'm sorry my Dog Sitter Bailed, but I really need to get this GRAY out today!!"

- Octavius D. Gonzaga "'Now remember,' said Dan, 'I want my hair to look exactly like Max.'" - Janet Oshiro "You gotta go thru me to get to him!" Trisha Burlison "Pastor Dan: 'I save money getting my hair done at the doggie spa.'" - Ellery Lum "One Stop Groomers" - Shayna Kusumoto "Aha, the truth is out! Pastor Dan is really a VERY lifelike puppet with the puppetmaster revealed!" - Scott Harada

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I told them a parable. Back in the 8th century, Vikings attacked the castles in Scotland. There was one castle where the men were meeting in the Town Hall to talk about their business as merchants on the crucial issues of their city – the need to build roads and cut down trees, and how to be a good merchant.

Suddenly, a woman appeared at the door in great distress. “Vikings!” she yelled. “Vikings are coming to pillage our city. They are approaching!” But the men went back to their business.

Soon the Vikings appeared at the castle walls. Their catapults had pulverized the barricades, they broke a hole through a wall, and their soldiers began to pour through. But brave women in seeing the danger stood in the gap. Taught by their fathers and friends the art of swordplay and archery, they held their ground.

Suffering big losses of death and injury, they fought the Vikings. Women ran from the kitchen carrying huge pots of boiling oil and went up to the ramparts and poured the burning oil down on the ferocious Vikings. Some women threw their javelins from afar and hit their mark.

Many of the women lost limb and life, but they were able to repel the Vikings who went back to fight another day.

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This is a picture of a church that allows the women to do all of the praying in the spiritual war against thousands of demons and Satan who attack our church, our families, and staff on a daily basis. This is a picture of a church that allows the women to flood the prayer team while the men attend to their business. This is a church that doesn’t believe the Bible that "...our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Eph. 6:12 As the line from the movie about Moses called Prince of Egypt said, “You‘re dealing with the big boys now!” Our enemies are rulers, authorities, cosmic powers of the present darkness – far more evil and prevalent than even Osama Bin Laden and Adolf Hitler.

It is greatly because of men in society that we have around the globe: sex slavery, child slavery, child soldiers, the spread of AIDS, and the production and pervasive use of prostitution and pornography. Hollywood portrays and popularizes the weak foolish-minded man as seen in actors Will Ferrel and Adam Sandler, and in characters like Harold and Kumar, Bill and Ted and in blockbuster movies like "The Hangover."

We need men who will understand spiritual warfare and pray fervently and regularly. Prayer is not just women’s work!

So I am calling for 300 men to be my SPARTANS. (Continued on page 5...)

CHURCH NEWS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Year-End Charitable Giving Information

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Dec 16, Sun, following 11:11 Service All members are encouraged to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to nominate and approve the election of deacons, elders, and the Nominating Team for 2013; to present the Budget for 2013; and to approve the Pastors’ Terms of Call for 2013. A Congregational Budget Forum will be held on Dec 7, Fri, 7 pm for those who would like a preview of the 2013 budget. Q & A will follow.

by Suzie Millard

The Finance Team wants you to be fully informed of some good options if you are planning on making contributions before the end of the year. We can't give you financial advice, but the following might help you pose good questions to your financial advisor if you're considering strategies that can help your church as well as your pocketbook:

Charitable income tax deduction. In

order to obtain an income tax charitable deduction for 2012, gifts must be made

by December 31. If the gift consists of property that will require an appraisal (generally required for gifts of property valued in excess of $5,000, other than publicly traded stock), you should start the process as soon as possible. Also, it may take several weeks for a transfer of stock via physical stock certificate or stock power to be complete, so you should plan ahead to ensure that the gifts are completed by year's end. You may want to consider the tax implications of your charitable gifts.

Certain itemized deductions, including charitable deductions, are scheduled for additional phase-outs in 2013 unless Congress intervenes, and the Obama administration has proposed further limits to itemized deductions for high income earners. Some might benefit from a larger deduction in 2012 vs. 2013. However, as tax rates are scheduled to increase next year, a charitable deduction next year might be more valuable. While tax planning does not generally drive charitable giving, you may wish to consult your tax advisors to determine the potential tax consequences of a gift made in December or January.

Choosing which assets to give to charity. To avoid capital gains, you may

want to consider giving appreciated property to charity (as opposed to selling the property, recognizing the gain, and contributing cash to charity). Most people do not think of fixed income holdings when

looking at low-basis assets to give to charity. In part, this is because fixed income assets historically tend to have relatively small capital gains.

However, the recent interest rate environment has created significant capital gains in many individual bonds and bond funds. If you believe interest rates are likely to rise in the future, now may be an opportune time for giving fixed income assets to charity at their higher valuations, which may have additional benefits if done as part of an asset reallocation strategy.

IRA distributions donated to charity. In 2011, individuals over age 70½

were permitted to exclude from income up to $100,000 of their required minimum distribution (RMD) where the RMD was made payable to a qualified charity. Private foundations and donor-advised funds were not included in the definition of eligible charity, however, most public charities were considered qualified. Although the provision expired at the end of 2011, it is possible for the Congress to reinstate the provision prior to the end of 2012.

Accordingly, if you are interested in making a charitable gift, you may wish to delay taking your RMD until it is clear whether or not the provision will be reinstated.

Donor-advised funds. You may want

to consider establishing a donor-advised fund with a financial services company.

Transferring assets to a donor-advised fund can allow you to receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction (at the maximum amount allowed for gifts to public charities) while affording you time to decide on the ultimate charitable beneficiaries. If you would like to create a donor-advised fund in 2012, you can establish one as late as December 31, although it is not recommended that you wait until the last minute, especially if you are planning on funding the account with anything other than cash.

FIRST PRESS

DONATE SANCTUARY FLOWERS Have you seen the beautiful flower arrangements on the chancel at Sunday services? How did they get there?

They are given by members of the congregation, and our First Prez Flower Team arranges them to perfection! If you'd like to donate flowers in memory of a loved one, in celebration of a birthday or anniversary, or just simply to honor God, you can sign up for a Sunday in 2013 at the Hospitality Table on Sundays, or call Patty at 532-1115 and request a date. An announcement in the bulletin can commemorate your special occasion. Mahalo!

SEEKERS & JOINERS (NEW MEMBERS) CLASS Jan 19, Sat, 9 am-3pm, Makai Room Pastor Dan Chun and Executive Director Ron Mathieu will share the vision of our church, our core values, the teachings of the Presbyterian church, and the miracle of our move to Ko’olau. If you’d like to join, transfer your membership, meet people, or just learn more about us, this class is for you! To sign up, please e-mail rosella@fpchawaii.org by Jan. 10 with your name, phone number, e-mail and childcare request (if needed).

VOLUNTEER POSITION AVAILABLE Starting Jan. 2013, the Buildings & Grounds Team is looking for a volunteer administrative assistant. The primary responsibility is to record minutes for the team meeting, held on the first Tuesday of every month, 5:30-7 pm.

Contact Ross Kutsunai at rmkuts@ hotmail.com or 478-5631 if interested.

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RETIRED ACTIVE ADULTS

LIFE MINISTRIES

Celebrating the Reason

Resolve! by Michael Shishido Christmas is almost here! That means

Dec 5, Wed, 10:30 am, First Prez - a RAA! Sponsored Event

What does Christmas mean in the context of poverty? What does Christmas mean in the context of living in a Muslim majority country? Christmas can take on significantly different meanings depending on your circumstances and worldview.

We will have the opportunity to experience the Advent Season through the eyes and ears of a sensitive traveler.

Kirk Leavy, our Executive Coordinator and Director of Outreach who recently returned from Indonesia and Swaziland, will take us back with him through the magic of his incredible presentation with mic and screen.

Then get ready to enjoy a very special catered meal prepared especially for us

by Chef Jim of Ko‘olau Catering. We may even want to share our own experiences of Christmases past with those around the table.

Mark your calendar for our very special Christmas luncheon, where we will usher in the Christmas season with food and festivities. It’s a bit earlier than our normal monthly events but our early celebration will allow us to enjoy the rest of the month with family, friends, shopping, wrapping, and parties.

,

2013 is right around the corner, too. Even though you haven’t opened your presents yet, it’s time to start thinking about your resolutions for the new year. We have a suggestion for you: make a commitment to improve your biblical knowledge.

You can achieve this by taking a Life Training class on Sunday mornings.

Resolve to know God better. Resolve to carry His word in your heart. Resolve to be a better Christian. First Prez Life Training classes exist to help you do all of these.

Next month Peter and Ann Millard help you to be a Red-Letter Christian.

Some Bibles feature Jesus’ words printed in red. Jesus' words instruct, exhort, and encourage. How can we apply these Red Letters to our lives?

A new year means a new start financially. Once again, the Life Training classes include Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Reduce the stress in your life. Learn sound, biblical principles that will help you pay less, save more, and allow you control your money instead of the other way around.

Fulcher and his wife Mimi reprise their very popular class, Door to a Better Marriage, which is based on their book and includes lots of personal reflection.

Come learn from this couple who’ve been married for 54 years!

Those are just three of the many Life Training classes you can look forward to in the new year. Watch for the full brochure and resolve to sign up for a class or two.

Also on tap in January, Pastor Sim

Sign up on Sundays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, after the 8 and 9:30 am services. The cost is $15 per person, payable in cash or check. We hope to see you all there to enjoy a morning of insight, reflection, fellowship, and fine food.

OUR JANUARY EVENT

Get ready to celebrate Chinese New Year, the year of the Snake. Watch for more details in the January/ February issue of First Press.

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SAVE THE DATE!

The

Making of a

Man

MEN’S RETREAT WITH TONY CAMPOLO FIRST PREZ MARCH 1-2, 2013

CHURCH NEWS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Meet Lucy Bowerman

Our new Parish Associate

by Rosella Shishido We have a new person on the church staff. Meet the Rev. Lucy Bowerman, our new Parish Associate. She’ll be helping our pastors in ministering to those in our congregation who need a call or a visit because of an illness, or because of a difficult period in their life. Read on to learn more about Lucy.

How long have you lived in Hawaii?

My family and I have been here a little over two years.

When did you start attending First Prez?

October 2010 Where were you ordained as a pastor?

I was ordained at First Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I had graduated Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA the year before, and I was a Candidate for Ministry under care of the Greater Atlanta Presbytery. Since I was eight months pregnant and unable to fly to Atlanta for ordination, arrangements were made for me to transfer to Coastal Carolina Presbytery. There were many churches without pastors in that area at the time. I was supply preaching to bridge their transitions to an Interim pastor. It was a good education for me, and I really enjoyed that. My daughter Allie was born six weeks later.

How have you served the Lord through First Prez?

I have been a Life Guide (aka an instructor for First Prez’s Life Training classes) and an Alpha Course host.

What are you passionate about in ministry?

My passions are teaching the Bible, preaching, and pastoral care. Pastoral care can be counseling, or it can just be taking time to be available to people in their life’s struggles. It’s a ministry of “being there.”

What do you enjoy doing outside of ministry/work?

I love to hike! I especially love going to the tops of mountains and walking along the shoreline. My husband and I usually do this together, but I also enjoy hiking alone and with groups of friends. My family and I enjoy watching plays, ballet, and concerts.

Wherever we move, we always try to learn as much as we can about our new area and the people there.

What is one fun or unique thing about you?

I started out in elementary school with a deep desire to become a musician. In fact, I majored in French horn, performance.

While in college in Atlanta, I freelanced and was an auxiliary player for the Atlanta Symphony. I even went on tour with the orchestra to Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall! I rarely play anymore, but I still love music. I keep hoping to have time to get my instrument back in order and play again. Maybe I can soon.

Anything else you want First Prez to know about you?

Moving around as we do in the military I never know what God will expect me to do. I am thrilled at the opportunity to be involved at yet another First Presbyterian Church, this time in Honolulu, a church with such a joyful spirit and a golf course, too! The beauty of the Ko‘olaus reminds me of the majesty of our Creator and this is an awe-inspiring place to serve and worship.

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S.P.A.R.T.A.N. is an acronym for Special Prayer Army Ready To be Activated Now! Why 300? With 300 men, Helm’s Deep was defended in the movie The Two Towers, which based on the book The Lord of the Rings whose author J.R.R. Tolkien took his idea, I believe, from the biblical story of Gideon. With 300 men, Gideon defeated the more than one hundred thousand Midianities. It was the 300 Spartans who defeated the hundreds of thousands of Persians soldiers at the Battle of Thermopylae, which saved all of Greece.

On the night I spoke, 105 men signed up to be Spartans. If you are a man, you can join by going to the church front desk and ask for a Spartan card to fill out and turn in. You would be committing to pray regularly for our church, its families, the pastors, and the church staff.

What’s the benefit for you? You will be part of my monthly prayer email letting you know what is going on in my life and about some specific challenges before our church. You would be open to further training in prayer and to actually pray as a group now and then.

And the biggest benefit: you would be an active Man of Prayer.

Go to fpchawaii.org, and click on the Men’s Ministry page to watch the video of my talk “When Men Pray.”

Men, be a Spartan, and join me in the movement of prayer in our church.

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Left: The Sullivans and a group of Compassion kids. Right: Janis, Samuel, and Garrett.

We Met Our Compassion College Student!

by Janis Loo

Oli Otya! (Hello in Luganda!)

My husband, Garrett Sullivan, and I chose our Compassion Leadership Development (LDP) student Samuel of Uganda three years ago because he and Garrett share a love for business. In February of this year, we received an invitation to Samuel’s Uganda Christian University graduation and thought, “Why not?”

Uganda is literally halfway around the world from Hawaii, with a 13-hour time difference. It took us one and-a-half days and three long plane rides to get there.

But what an amazing experience we had meeting Samuel in person! We travelled with nine others from the US, including two Compassion staff, and others who had Ugandan Compassion students and LDP students.

On the three days leading up to Samuel’s graduation, we travelled to three Compassion projects in the country by (bumpy!) bus rides through the city of Kampala and through various parts of the country. At each site, we were greeted with Christian songs (in English) and Ugandan dance by the students. What joy they shared! They were delighted to receive stickers, pens for schoolwork, candy, and playtime and interaction with us. We also visited several homes and saw some extreme poverty.

If meeting Samuel was the highlight of this trip, Graduation Day, October 19, was a close second! Garrett was asked to speak as a representative of the 92 sponsors from around the world (as only 12 or so attended), and he chose the topic of

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leadership, which was very apropos and well received. We brought shell leis for each of the graduates and the students cherished them as if they were medals.

There were several speakers, some praise songs, prayers, and a children’s dance group interspersed throughout the day.

After the degrees were distributed, we celebrated with a Ugandan buffet with Samuel, his father, brother, aunt, pastor, and professors. Some of the popular and simpler Ugandan foods included paw paw (papaya), pineapple, various kinds of potato, chicken, and rice.

013e” 2 O K r WA rpos Winatrety with anPFuebruary “A P esdays i , 2013) Wedn arts Feb 6 (St

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Did You Know?

Donations given to Foodland’s Give Aloha Program are not reflected on your First Prez year-end contribution statement. For income tax purposes, you can claim a donation to Foodland’s Give Aloha Program. For more information, please contact your tax preparer.

Tears came to my eyes when Samuel’s father said, “I am so thankful, and I don’t know how to repay you.” Samuel’s prayers now are for him to be able to start a piggery, and eventually a school to help other students in need.

Upon This Rock Update

After a week in Uganda, our group travelled to Kenya for a two-day safari, and seeing the giraffes, elephants, zebras, and lions (to name a few) up close was unbelievable.

As of Oct. 31, 2012

Our family had previously sponsored a young girl in Peru and we met her in 2009 after seven years of correspondence. That was an eye-opening experience for us, especially for our young children.

Our next Compassion child will be from a country we have not yet travelled to because one never knows when, where, or how God will send us. I know the why— because we are to love one another, and what a blessing it has been for us to sponsor our Compassion children. Could I challenge you to sponsor a Compassion

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Our "Upon This Rock" capital campaign is on the right track. Here's the "temperature reading" so far: • Campaign Goal = $7M • Actual Pledges received = $3,473,517 • Actual collection to date = $1,794,441

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

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

This Year’s Bazaar was Over the Top

by Judy Ensing For this year’s November 3rd bazaar, I purposely offered myself as a “floater,” figuring I’d help out in any area that was short-handed. As I moved from area to area looking for a place to plug in, it soon became apparent that each section had an enthusiastic, hard-working team that was having a blast setting up, helping customers, and tallying purchases. That left me with only one thing to do – shop!

(Please don’t ask the cashiers how many times I stood in line to make my “last” purchase.)

As a floater, I overheard comments from the shoppers: “Wow, the craft team really outdid themselves this year!” “Best bazaar ever!” “So cute!” “So creative!” “So fun!”

“Malasadas this year? Great idea!” I also got to meet several shoppers that had come to FPC/Ko’olau for the first time, having heard

about the bazaar on the KHON Early Show, where Sky Stewart promoted the bazaar and displayed the endearing “one myna bird in one papaya tree”.

This year’s bazaar brought in over $30,000, setting a new record in the bazaar’s 31-year history. The proceeds will benefit individuals as far away as parts of the African continent and as close as our own backyard in Kaneohe. At the same time, the bazaar brought out the best in our First Prez ohana, with over 100 men and women eagerly volunteering to pitch in for a good cause and to serve the Lord with gladness. It’s thanks to the many volunteers, section chairs, and craft team members that the bazaar was a success.

Patt Emminger and Linda Verdugo deserve an extra big mahalo for their leadership and organization.

FIRST PRESS

WOMEN'S TEA/LUNCHEON

Save the Date!

Feb 9, Sat, 2013

Next year’s Women's Tea/Luncheon is themed “Passports and Possibilities.”

Watch for more information coming soon!

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PRAYERLINES

A Cup of Christmas Cocoa

by Patti Marshall

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, there’s one thing that always calms our hearts and quiets our thoughts—a cup of hot cocoa. Who doesn’t feel warm and peaceful while sipping a cup of steaming cocoa with marshmallows piled on top? Let's let each letter of this favorite winter drink help us focus our hearts on Christ.

C–CHRIST • Read Matt. 1:18. Spend as much time seeking God’s heart as you do searching for the perfect gifts.

O–ORNAMENTS • Read 1 Pet. 3:3-4.

Spend less time decorating your home and more time adorning your inner spirit with God’s love and compassion.

Look for ways to bless those around you, especially those in need.

C–CHEEFULLY CELBRATE THE SEASON • Read Prov. 15:13. Spend each day focusing on how much you are loved as a child of God. These holidays are merely a season, but God’s love and compassion for you are permanent.

O–OVERJOYED NOT OVERWHELMED • Read Matt. 2:10-11. Spend time each day in December thanking Jesus for coming as your Savior and become overwhelmed by his kindness. When you focus your heart on all God has done, being overwhelmed will turn into being overjoyed.

A–ABUNDANCE • Read John 10:10b.

Christmas, for some, means an abundance of food, presents, and activities. But these are temporary. What we need is the abundant life Jesus came to give us. Our hearts need His mercy and His love, not only on Christmas day, but also throughout the year.

Dear Lord, thank you for your Son. Help us to not get so caught up in the earthly Christmas celebrations that we forget to celebrate all we have in You. Amen.

Adapted from Tracie Miles. Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Dec. 2011.

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DECEMBER 2012

People All the Good Things

What's the buzz with First Prez people

by Marcia Wright Rejoice for Jesus is born. This is the time of year we celebrate the coming of Christ as a helpless babe, dependent on the Father.

In His birth we see ourselves, so vulnerable and needy of the Father’s grace and love. I will take this season to reflect on opening my heart to all that Jesus has done for me and wants to do through me. I hope you will do the same.

So much is going on this time of year.

There are family get-togethers, the women’s and singles' luncheons, our choir concert on December 2, and a host of festivities island-wide, and, of course, the Christmas services on the 23rd and 24th.

Take advantage of all the many offerings to fellowship and share the good things about this season.

If you love to sing but don’t have the time during the year to join the choir, please consider joining the special choir for our Christmas services; we are always happy to include our friends. We also hope you will come join us for an afternoon concert of our Christmas favorites on December 2nd at 4 pm.

Posted in the Honolulu Star Advertiser section, “On the Move,” The Association of Fundraising Professionals Aloha Chapter honored Kenneth L. Zeri, outstanding professional fundraiser, with the Paulette V. Maehara Leadership Award at the 2012 National Philanthropy Day Awards for Hawaii. Ken is the President and Chief Professional Officer of Hospice Hawaii and was nominated by Becker Communications, Inc. Jessica Rich is the executive director of “The Visitor Aloha Society” here in Hawaii.

This group of dedicated people helps and cares for visitors who find themselves in trouble in paradise. Everything from lost and stolen items to illness and everything in between are covered. If you are interested

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in sharing the Aloha of the Islands with visitors in need, please give them a call.

Volunteers are welcome.

Here’s an update on the Morrissey family. Casey, a senior at Iolani, has been named the Captain for the cross-country track team. She is also the student cochair for the Iolani fun-fair. Kelly is at Duke University in pre-dental and enjoying herself. Christi is a pilot flying a Maritime plane Anti-Submarine P-8 (for those of you who know these things). And last but not least, Patrick was married in October to his sweetheart, Kimberly Mason, in Williamsburg, VA. He is in his orthopedic residency at Balboa Naval Hospital in Sand Diego. Wow, I’m sure Shawn and Martha have a busy time keeping up with the entire goings on in this family.

Larry Whitson, long time choir member, and Mary Gutzi, long time FPC friend, have been seen numerous times in the new series “Last Resort.” Keep your eyes peeled for these folks.

Daniel Cody was promoted to CIO or Chief Investment Officer for MW Group Ltd., a Honolulu-based real estate Development Company, according to the MidWeek Movers page.

And now, until next year, remember Christ was, "Born Thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne."

–Charles Wesley, 1707-1788 Let this Christmas time be one of rejoicing and joy. Share all the good things of the LORD with everyone, and His goodness will be evident to the world.

Amen and amen! manoaw@hawaiiantel. net

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

YOUTH MINISTRY

Ko‘olau Kids Snapshots

Youth News

by Lauren McCartha

by Drew Hulse

Here is a sneak peak of what is happening at Ko‘olau Kids at our church! Pictured below are several of our small group leaders, leading SMALL to impact BIG. We believe in the importance of small groups for our kids. We have worship and small groups program-wide from preschool through 5th grade.

College Christmas Dinner

Uncle Scott Harada, Aunty Manami Keuning, and Aunty Christian Wong leading their Elementary Small Group in learning hands-on how to navigate the Word of God and apply it to their lives.

Left: Aunty Janell Christians reading to our toddlers in the nursery. Giving them love and affection while parents are in worship upstairs. Right: Aunty Rebecca and Aunty Shelly giving out “God Time Cards” and being Door Greeters. At Ko‘olau Kids we want to partner with parents and families to work together in bringing up the next generation of disciples of Christ.

Aunty Maile Singsong with her Elementary Small Group, learning their memory verse for the month of October.

Dec 22, Sat, 7 pm, First Prez Ko‘olau You are a college student and you're headed home for Christmas. Well, it's time to celebrate. We are going to gather at the church for an amazing Christmas Dinner featuring you, of course, awesome food from Ko‘olau Ballrooms, worship lead by the Chevas Band, (yes, that Chevas) and a lot of laughter. The cost for the night is only $10, I'm sure mom will cover it for you. This will be a great night to reconnect with all of your friends who have been scattered here and abroad.

We want to be able to encourage you and hear all of what God has been doing in your lives. You can RSVP to sarah@ fpchawaii.org or on the Facebook event that is posted. If you have questions feel free to call Drew at (808)292-0691.

HS Summer Missions Info Meeting

Aunty Connie Tschillard leading her Preschool Small Group in an activity to make the Bible Story stick, and easy to remember.

For the month of November, Ko‘olau Kids collected over 100 Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes that will be sent to children around the world this Christmas Season to share the love of God! Here is Kelli with them!

JR. HIGH MINISTRY

Jr. High News by Nick Love Jr. High Parent Date Night

Dec 7, Fri, 6-10:30 pm, Youth Room The Jr. High leadership team wants to take all your kids from you so that the parents of Jr. Highers can go out to dinner, go Christmas shopping, or just give you some time to slow down during this busy season.

There’s a catch, from 6:00-6:15 I’d like to talk with you about upcoming events, and my thoughts on how the semester went. This will also be a time to ask questions if you have any.

Shopping spree, Skate, Sleepover (3s)

Dec 14, Fri, see drop-off details below The Jr. High youth group will be heading to Pearlridge Mall for some Christmas shopping, Ice Palace for some skating and then to FPC for an overnighter! Our normal school pickups will still be happening. We will leave CCH by 5:30. You can drop off at CCH from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, Pearlridge at 6 pm, or Ice Palace at 8 pm. Pick-up will be at FPC at 9:30 am on Saturday the 15th. Cost: $15.

Dec 16, Sun, 11:11, Youth Room Summer seems so far away, but now is the time to plan. We are excited to share with you two amazing opportunities we have for this summer. At this meeting we will lay out everything we know about the upcoming opportunities for this summer. We are looking to again have two opportunities, one to the Philippines with Compassion International, and one to Swaziland with Advocates for Africa's Children. Contact Drew at drew@ fpchawaii.org or call at 532-1118 if you have any questions leading into the meeting.

Childcare is provided for all ages; please email me at Nick@fpchawaii.org to RSVP the age of your child or children. Cost: None.

FIRST PRESS

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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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DECEMBER 2012 Upcoming Events December 1 "Joy to the World" Women's Christmas Brunch December 2 Chancel Choir Concert December 8 Singles' Ohana Christmas Luncheon December 9 Keiki Christmas Musical "Back to the Manger" December 4 Men's Co-Ed Dinner December 5 RAA! Christmas Luncheon December 6, 13, 20 Second Worship December 7 Jr. High Parent Date Night December 14 Jr. High Shopping Spree Skate Sleepover December 22 College Christmas Dinner December 23 & 24 Christmas Eve Services

Recurring Events Sundays Tuesdays Thursdays Wednesdays 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 Mighty Moms Choir Practice Gathering (High School)

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Art director • Shayna Kusumoto; Copy editors • Ralph Kam, Patty Kamahele, Julie Lockyer, Rosella Shishido, Linda Verdugo, Sarah Williams