First Press December 2013

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

DECEMBER 2013 | Volume 18 | Issue 11

Christmas 2 0 1 3 at first prez honolulu

5 Christmas Services Dec 23, Mon • 6 pm, 8 pm Dec 24, Tues • 4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm

IN THIS ISSUE

Bazaar Thank You and Photos on page 4

FACEBOOK CAPTION CONTEST

Winning Caption The winner of last month's caption contest photo, based on the number of likes from Facebook users, is Jan Armstrong! She wins a $10-gift certificate to Ko‘olau Kitchen! Congratulations!

Here's Jan's winning caption: "He ate the last slice of banana creme pie, no she ate the last slice of banana creme pie. did not, did too, did not, did too..."

GIFTS OF LOVE

Give REAL Gifts this CHRISTmas

Other good ones: "If only I had a gift card for every time I've been in the caption contest..." - Lauren McCartha "Wonder Twin Powers, ACTIVATE!" - Tino Villaro "Pastor Dan, I didn't know you subscribed to 'In Style' too!?!" - Anuhea Brady Pizana "He is greater than I! She is greater than I! No, HE is greater than I!!" - Yasuo Hatano "I know YOU...you somebody" - Laura Miller "I found someone on staff shorter than me!" - Ellery Lum " Your point being…?" - Scott Schultz "DeVito & Schwarzenneger? Nah, we're the REAL twins!" - Scott Harada "Canadian tuxedo... Wait Canadian?" - Shawn Wolff

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you're

Be doubly blessed this year as you honor Christ and your loved ones with a Christmas “Gifts of Love.”

This Christmas how would you like to Pick up a copy of the “Gifts of Love” give a gift that is genuinely needed, will catalog at the Impact Ministries table be truly treasured, and won’t be forgotten any Sunday until Christmas. You can also in two weeks? If so consider these ideas: view the catalog on the Impact Ministries Bibles for new believers in Africa; medical website and download an order form supplies for hill tribe villagers in Thailand; there to bring or mail in. We hope you food for a hungry child in Bangladesh; will take a few moments to browse transform a village in Indonesia with through the catalog and prayerfully better sanitation; food and shelter for consider your gift giving this year. Then Oahu homeless or have dinner delivered select the gift most appealing to you to a shut-in senior citizen. and receive a card to give to the person you are honoring with your the gift. It’s Continuing our tradition of alternative a great way to inspire the true spirit of gift ideas, Impact Ministries is excited to Christmas in your children. Let them offer you the “Gifts of Love” catalog of make their own selection and receive the unique gifts that support our church’s card as a memento. Honor the memory missions partners and shine the light of of a loved one with a special gift. Make God’s love into a hurting world. Over the this Christmas season extra special for past decade, the generous gifts given by someone outside your traditional circle you through “Gifts of Love” has resulted of giving with a gift that celebrates the in over $180,000 of additional support real reason for the season. Whatever you for our mission partners—support choose to give, your gifts will have value that has at times been the answer to a long after the holidays and be treasured budget shortfall or allowed ministries to by those who receive them as well as the expand their reach. We thank you for your ministries they benefit. generous hearts, as do they. We hope you will continue to encourage and bless our Be part of this wonderful ministry partners' ministries with your prayers and opportunity and make your gift giving by continuing to give “Gifts of Love”. What more meaningful by giving real Christmas better way to express your love of Christ gifts this year! than with a Christmas gift that ministers We look forward to helping you celebrate to the poor, cares for the sick, uplifts a Jesus—the real reason for the season! helpless child or feeds the hungry?

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LIFE MINISTRY

Life Training Classes

Jan. 19, Sun, 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am, First Prez The Winter Life Training Classes will begin on Sunday morning, Jan. 19 (8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 am). Watch for the brochure.

Grow Up!

SINGLES' OHANA

(To Your Potential)

Singles' Annual Costume Hoopla A Recap

Approximately 55 people attended the Singles’ `Ohana Costume Dinner and Hoopla in late October. This annual event, always a crowd favorite, was billed as a time to dress as one’s favorite character and vie for best costume prizes.

Charlie. “He has a bright light that glows in him, and I’m glad he’s decided to make FPC his home church,” said Ramona.

The raucous evening closed on a more serious note with Jay sharing a brief devotional about taking off our masks— Jay Jarman, former parish associate and we need to be transparent as we open “coach” for the Singles’ Ohana for more ourselves to Christ’s love. than five years, started the “phenomenon” of the Singles’ Ohana hoopla. This year, it was hana hou for him as guest MC and games coordinator.

After dinner, guests burned off calories with the “Hokey Pokey.” A costume parade followed as partygoers applauded their favorite costumes. Top winner was Phillis Johnston who was a blown-up pumpkin.

A favorite activity is the “mummy” contest where tables compete to create the best mummy. In a given time, guests take turns wrapping a tablemate in bathroom tissue. Good sport Charlie Alexander, a new FPC member, willingly agreed to be “mummified,” so his tablemates—all women—took turns wrapping him.

Ramona Harris, who enjoyed her first Singles’ Ohana event, was delighted to catch up with long-time friend, Lisa Arashiro, as well as meet new member

SINGLES' OHANA ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

The next Singles’ Ohana event is the annual Christmas luncheon on Dec. 14, from 11 am to 2 pm.

Cost is $12 for lunch, fun, and fellowship. A bonus is special entertainment! Guests are asked to bring a wrapped gift under $10, not gender specific.

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 Oct. 31, 2013

• Campaign Goal = $7M • Actual Pledges received = $3,473,517 • Actual collection to date = $2,589,014

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

RSVP not later than Dec. 6 to Shirley Cavanaugh at 225-0703, or Russell Yamada, 942-2422.

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WOMEN'S MINISTRY ,

Thank You! Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers, leaders, and customers who made the annual Church Bazaar a success! Because of your efforts, proceeds will continue to support missions and outreach partners!

OUT & ABOUT (FORMERLY RAA!)

Scene from the 1939 film, Wizard of Oz

We're Off to See the Wizard!

Out & About Event for January 2014 Jan. 29, Wed, 9:30 am, First Prez When was the last time you watched Dorothy, Toto, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man skip along the Yellow Brick Road? Let’s take a trip back in time, maybe even to our childhood, and re-visit the little girl searching for a way back home and the man behind the curtain whom she believes is the only one who can help her.

Telecasts of the film began in 1956, re-introducing the film to the public and eventually becoming an annual tradition, making it one of the most famous films ever made and named the Most Viewed Motion Picture on television syndication in history by the Library of Congress. It is often ranked among the Top 10 Best Movies of All Time.

The movie is a 1939 American musical fantasy adventure film based on the 1900 novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. The film stars Judy Garland as Dorothy, and Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr and Frank Morgan.

Author and lecturer and a familiar face at WAKO, Carmen Leal, will be joining us to introduce the film and then in her special way, share her perspective on the transformative power of potential in the movie. She will walk us through the film, helping us see its many aspects.

Carmen is the author of nine books and is a storyteller with a dramatic testimony.

Over the years it has become one of the best known of all films and part of American popular culture. It also featured what may be the most elaborate use of character make-up and special effects in a film up to that time. Its initial release was NOT a box office success, earning only $3,017,000 on a $2 million budget, the most expensive production up to that time. Subsequent re-releases made up for that.

It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, but lost that award to Gone With the Wind.

However, it won two others, including Best Original Song for “Over The Rainbow.”

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Come and take part in this special event and participate in a lively discussion of the film after its viewing. Then stay for our special catered lunch by Chef Jim and continue the discussion with others at your table as you dine.

Sign up at the Out & About table after the 8 and 9:30 am services on Sundays, Jan. 19 and 26. The cost is $13, payable in cash or check.

KO‘OLAU KIDS

December Happenings in Ko‘olau Kids

Ko‘olau Kids is excited to celebrate Jesus coming as a little baby but with a HUGE job—to save the world.

December 1 JR. HIGH & HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRIES

We will offer our full traditional Sunday program for all three services

Youth News

December 8

by Pastor Drew Hulse

College Christmas Reunion Dinner

got to be there as it’s gonna be the perfect You’ve been plowing through a semester way to start your Christmas vacation. of school and you’re ready for the holidays. Important Upcoming Events for High It’s been months since you’ve seen some School Ministry of your best friends and you’re looking • Senior Seminars—Begins in January forward to connecting when everyone gets • Mexico/Forest Home Meeting—Jan.12th home. Well, the College Christmas Reunion • HS Mega Winter Retreat—Jan. 17-20 Dinner is the place for you. On Sunday • Youth New Member Class—Begins in night, Dec 22nd at 7 pm, we will gather for February an amazing time together starting with an awesome dinner provided by Chef Jim of Ko‘olau Ballrooms. Then we will gather for a time of sharing, laughter, and worship.

It’s the perfect way to reconnect with all of your friends. The cost is $10 per person, payable at the door. All you need to do is RSVP to drew@fpchawaii.org. The candles will be lit, the room decorated, the pies made. All the room will need is you to make it complete.

High School Christmas Event

Friday, Dec 20th. What’s significant about that day? Two things: you are done with school and Christmas break begins (yeah!), and it's the night of the High School Christmas event (perfect!). Everything begins at 6 pm with cookie-making and pizza. Then we are going to be heading out caroling to share the Christmas spirit with other folks. Then we are headed to Pali Lanes for a night of “Rocket Bowling.” It’s gonna be amazing. The cost for the evening is $20, but don’t let that stop you. You’ve

1st Service We will offer our full traditional program (Nursery – 5th grade) 2nd Service The Keiki Xmas Musical performance will be during the 9:30 am service ONLY; we are encouraging all preschool and elementary keiki to enjoy the program upstairs in the Sanctuary with their parents. We will offer our nursery and toddler program.

3rd Service Full traditional program for nursery through 5th grade.

December 15

White Gifts Sunday (all 3 Services) Families are encouraged to bring in canned goods (to be donated to those in need), which we will present to the live nativity for all three services. Children have the option to be part of the live nativity by dressing in costume. As a result, our keiki will begin and end the service in our Ko’olau Kids program.

December 22

We will celebrate Jesus’ birthday by having a party for all three services in our elementary program.

December 29

We will enjoy a Veggie Tales movie and popcorn for all three services in our elementary program.

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People

WORSHIP MINISTRY

Choir Christmas Concert

All the Good Things

What's the buzz with First Prez people

Dec. 1, Sun, 5 pm, Sanctuary Come enjoy a concert of sacred and secular songs of Christmas presented by the First Presbyterian Church Choir and Handbell Choir. Selections include: “Do You Hear What I Hear," “The Little Drummer Boy," “Carol of the Bells," and more! What a treat to ring in the Christmas season! Bring your family and friends. The concert is free and open to the public!

Keiki Christmas Musical Dec. 8, Sun, 9:30 am, Sanctuary

We invite you, your family and friends to come and watch our incredible keiki in the Children's Musical, "The Secret of Snowflake County—Hope in a Humble Stable.” Our story this year takes us to Snowflake County, a place where Christmas performances and celebrations have become so professional and overblown that they threaten to steal the focus away from the simplicity of the true meaning of Christmas: God coming down to earth as a baby. Together they all learn that the message of Christmas doesn't need to be dressed up in lights or decorations to shine any brighter; at its simplest is the brilliance of the one true Light, born in a humble stable. Hope is here! Come and be blessed as our cast of 73 children between the ages of 3 and 13 perform to share the message of Christmas. Admission is free!

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by Marcia Wright Merry Christmas to all! The season is upon us of running to and fro, sometimes frantically; trying to finish all the tasks we have set for ourselves to do. Cookies to make, carols to sing, services to go to, presents to buy, rush traffic and cloudy skies. Sigh…all that is needed is to sit at the feet of the baby born in Bethlehem.

Take joy in HIS birth and serve HIM. Here are five good stories of those who are serving HIM! Bill and Mary Fisher, along with Margaret Jefferies, felt called by God to go to A‘ala Park to feed Thanksgiving meals to the homeless. This is God’s love in action.

Stephanie Castillo was featured in the Shidler Business College News Magazine.

“Stephanie…is working on a featurelength documentary entitled ‘Night Bird Song: The Thomas Chapin Story’…

Castillo’s documentary will unfold the life of her friend (and brother-in-law), the late Thomas Chapin, a jazz master.

After a 20-year career…Chapin passed away…at the age of 40 from leukemia.

This will be Castillo’s 10th documentary and her fourth biography. Learn more at thomaschapinfilm.com.”

funeral! Talk about a posthumous mission work!” Carol told me this wonderful legacy of faith letter ended with these words.

“A big hug and kiss to each of you. I’ll be watching and leaning over the gates of heaven waiting to welcome you.”

Roy Gritter was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board. It recognizes Roy “for his years of seemingly untiring and relentless efforts to address the many forms of plaguesome graffiti, and for also for bringing his observations of area problems to this Board. On a daily basis, he can be seen bicycling and curbing urban blight.”

Ken Zeri was interviewed in an article entitled Hospice: When the End Is Near

by Chad Pata of Honolulu MidWeek. Ken has been the President of Hospice Hawaii or HH for 11 years. “When doctors diagnose a terminal illness, Hospice Hawaii provides doctors, nurses, social workers, even massage therapists to ease the patient’s suffering and to offer support and solace for family members. Helping thousands of local residents deal with death with grace, dignity and peace is the call of Hospice Hawaii (HH), the only completely local hospice organization on Oahu, which is I seldom write about people celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. posthumously, but this story, related to ‘At the very core of what we do is that our me by Bertie Schleicher, about the recent team of professionals and volunteers go passing of Carol Stevens’ mother needed to a place of uncertainty in a family’s life to be shared. “What an amazing lady. cycle,’ says HH president Ken Zeri.” What a Carol says her mom, Ruth Entwistle, ran gracious and needed service HH provides an unofficial Salvation Army type home, for Hawaii’s families. bringing in the needy, who, in turn, felt free to bring in other needy people! She was an And now let us rejoice in the birth of our extremely nonjudgmental person and firm LORD Jesus knowing that the season is not about God’s command to love the lost. A about what we can get but about what letter, written in 1984 to her kids, was we can give. Jesus asks us to give over our found after her service. The siblings read lives to HIS service. We can go out with Joy the letter together. During her funeral, and do good things knowing we are in she had instructed her children to give HIS will and encouraged by a great cloud out certain personal letters from her to of witnesses. Aloha no kakou. manoaw@ unsaved people she knew would be at her hawaiiantel.net

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MEN'S MINISTRY

Men's Annual Coed Christmas Dinner Dec. 3, Tues, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall

Men and women are invited to this Christmas dinner featuring Ron and Margie Lee. Ron, former drummer with Don Ho, is the new pastor at Mililani Presbyterian Church. You may purchase tickets at for $20 at the door.

PRAYERLINES

Submitting Your “Hit List" to Jesus

by Patti Marshall

Have you been unjustly accused of doing something wrong or inappropriate? Are there people whom you’ve intentionally decided not be around because they irritate you? Make you feel uncomfortable?

Is there anyone whom you just don’t like?

These questions are numerous in our experience; however, the answer to them is simple. Pray for him/her or them.

Jesus said: “You have heard it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt. 5:43-44).

Paul expounds on Jesus’ teaching in his letter to the Roman by saying, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Rom. 12:14). Quoting Proverbs, he adds, “If you enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing so, you will heap burning coals on his head” (Rom. 12:20). If unbelievers “Kill them with kindness”, shouldn’t followers of Jesus try to do the same?

Be honest with God. It’s okay to say, “God, I don’t like this person or what he’s done, but I know you love him. Help me to love him too.”

Look for practical ways to meet a need. Few people are mean or ornery just for the sake of being mean. Sometimes past hurts, a deep insecurity, or a lingering fear is masked with cruelty. Ask, “God, help me to listen and watch what ________does.”

You don’t have to become best friends, but you will see their need and be able to pray more lovingly.

Do the hard thing. Write the person a letter of encouragement. Mmmm, easier said than done. Will let this brew a bit within you.

Look in the mirror. Is it possible that someone sees you as the enemy? Ask, “God, forgive me for any behavior in my life that would make me an enemy to someone.”

Then ask for the person’s forgiveness if appropriate.

Here are five ways to help you pray for your enemies:

Lord Jesus, thank you for hearing my prayers. Help me to "love at peace with Make a list. Instead of asking “Who is everyone. Amen." Rom. 12:18 my neighbor?” ask, “Who is my enemy?” Adapted from Lisa Bartlett. Prayer Connect. May/June The goal is not to make a hit list for revenge 2013. p 33-35. but to specifically identify people that you consider to be the “thorns in your side.”

Sometimes these are people you see or interact with regularly.

FIRST PRESS

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Help Beautify the Church with Poinsettias The red poinsettia plant is our tropical symbol of the holidays. Help us beautify First Prez with the brilliant color of red poinsettias by purchasing a 6" potted plant for $10 which will be used throughout the Christmas Eve services and then becomes yours to enjoy until the New Year. Sign up and purchase at the poinsettia table in the Fellowship Hall between services on Sundays.

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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

WRITE A CAPTION FOR THIS

DECEMBER 1-JANUARY 15, 2013 Upcoming Events December 1 December 3 December 4 December 7 December 8 December 14 December 15

December 20 December 22 December 23 December 24 January 2 January 12

Choir Christmas Concert Men's Annual Coed Christmas Dinner Out and About Christmas Luncheon PGA Golf Outing - Ewa Beach Children's Christmas Musical Ladies Christmas Brunch & Singles' Ohana Christmas Lunch White Gifts Sunday, Annual Congregational Meeting, GriefShare Surviving the Holidays High School Christmas Event College Christmas Reunion Dinner Christmas Eve Services Christmas Eve Services Caregiver Support Group Mexico/Forest Home Meeting

Recurring Events

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!

Sundays Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11 Mondays College Connection Tuesdays Mighty Moms Wednesdays Gathering (High School) Thursdays Choir, Men's SPARTAN Group, Dance Ministry Fridays F2 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 December 15 for the January/February 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