First Press March 2012

COURSE

THE

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

MARCH 2012 | Volume 17 | Issue 2

IN THIS ISSUE Youth Auction to support Youth Missions on page 7

Pastor's Letter

January 5 was my spiritual birthday–the day I accepted Christ into my life many years ago.

On January 5th this year, God surprised me with a gift: a dog named Max! He came from Ella Kang, daughter of church members Peter and Rea Kang, who shared their testimony with us during our 2011 Christmas Eve worship services.

Max is a Yorkie Poo–half Yorkshire Terrier and half Poodle. He’ll be four years old on May 19th. He loves everyone, plus he’s already housebroken!

The amazing thing about Max is that he is now a major factor in my evangelism. As I walk him through our neighborhood, I get to talk to neighbors I haven’t talked to for a long time, some for decades. I get to meet neighbors I’ve never met. I am learning their names and their kids’ names. One neighbor even asked me if I would do a funeral for her mom, and I said yes.

When I walk though the nearby University of Hawaii campus, people come up to me all the time to pet Max. I even got to meet a UH professor, with whom somehow the conversation shifted to Jesus and faith in general.

If I were single I would really have the

advantage, as Max is a “chick-magnet”. Women always come up to us to say hi and start conversations.

Dogs are really popular. Among our US presidents, 32 of them have had dogs. In fact, three presidents in recent times had a terrier type pooch (like Max)–George W. Bush, John F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Was it Harry Truman who said, “If you want a friend in Washington DC you better get a dog”?

Max is now my new way to get to know people, talk about life, talk about Jesus.

I told the Elders at our recent leadership retreat that our priority for our church this year is to REACH OUT. Reach out to people and tell them about Jesus. Reach out to invite them to church, to Alpha, to RAA! or to a youth ministry activity. Reach out to have that conversation with a friend or your child of how you came to faith.

Is there something in your life that is like a Max factor, a way to get to know people and have an opportunity to talk about Jesus? Maybe it’s your job, your community group, your child’s sport, or maybe even a hobby.

Think, pray. What could be your Max factor?

The Max Factorby Pastor Dan

2 MARCH 2012 | FIRST PRESS

ON THE COVER

The Alpha Course at First PrezWednesdays, March 7-May 16, 6:30-9 pm, at First Prez

This set of 10 classes offers a chance to ask questions about God and learn more about Him.

If you are able, there is a one-time cost of $10 to purchase the Alpha Course Manual. Dinner is provided and there is a calabash bowl for you to drop off any amount you want to donate for the food.

For more information about the Alpha course please check out the alpha website: www.fpchawaii.org/alpha

WHAT IS ALPHA?Alpha is an opportunity to explore

the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Alpha course meets weekly for 10 weeks, and includes an amazing weekend. At the end of the course there will be an Alpha Celebration dinner.

The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith.

It’s relaxed, low key, friendly, and fun.

There is a meal together at the beginning of each session, which gives you an opportunity to get to know each other.

Listen, learn, discuss, and discover. And ask anything.

Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or too hostile.

WHO IS ALPHA FOR?Alpha is for everyone, especially:• Those wanting to investigate

Christianity• NewChristians• Newcomerstothechurch• Those who want to deepen their

understanding and faith

Learn more about Alpha at www.fpchawaii.org/alpha

FIRST PRESS | MARCH 2012 3

Life Ministries

Pam Chun, Lauren and Pastor Dan

ALL-CHURCH EVENT

Tony Campolo Direct

Sunday, March 25, 5 pm, Fellowship Hall

Tony Campolo returns to First Prez!• Hamburger dinner (Veggie option

available)• Cost $5 per person *$20 maximum

for families; children ages 5 and under free)

• 5-6:30pmDinner• 6:30-7:30 pm Tony Campolo speaks

(childcare kicks in)• TicketsgoonsaleattheMen'stable

in the Fellowship Hall on March 11.

ABOUT TONY CAMPOLOTony is the author of more

than 35 books, but he’s mostly in demand worldwide for his electrifying talks. Over 400 times each year he speaks at conferences, universities, professional gatherings, and churches. Dr. Campolo is professor emeritus of sociology at Eastern University, and a former faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania. His website is redletterchristian.org and he can be found on both Facebook and Twitter. Tony and his wife Peggy live near Philadelphia and have two children and four grandchildren.

ABOUT TONY’S TOPICIn the Book of Revelation we are

told to “Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Because of Tony’s worldwide grasp of the church in the world today and his perceptive nature, we’ve asked him to speak to us about “What the Spirit is Saying to the Church Today.”

CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

Growing up in small-town Alabama, some of my earliest and fondest memories took place in the children’s ministry of my home church in Tallassee, Alabama. This is how I grew to love the church and where I learned that I belong to God. I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was eight years old. Because of the impact that had on my life, I have always hoped and dreamed of being able to give away what I received!

I graduated from Auburn University in 2008 with a bachelor of science in degree in human development and family studies in pursuit of my dream to have an impact on the lives of children and families in our world. In August 2010, I moved from Nashville, Tennessee, to Hawaii becauseof an opportunity I had through my job at the time. Quickly the doors opened, and I found myself across the globe just three weeks later! Soon after the move, I met a friend who insisted I visit First Prez. After my first Sunday I knew this would be my church home.

In June 2011, I joined the church and began helping out with the Youth Ministry. OnedaywhilehangingoutwithNickLove,Ishared how much I desired to work with kids and in ministry. He enthusiastically insisted

Meet Lauren By Lauren McCartha

Our new Early Childhood/Childcare CoordinatorI speak with Karen Makishima. Little did I know, Ko’olau Kid’s was looking for an Early Childhood/Childcare Coordinator! After much prayer, I decided that this would be an opportunity of a lifetime!

I am finishing my first month on staff, and I am honored and humbled to be a part of such a wonderful team! I feel privileged and inspired to work alongside the amazing leaders and teachers who are dedicated to our keiki and to sharing the Gospel. God has given me the desires of my heart, and I am filled with overwhelming thankfulness! I look forward to what God has in store for our Children’s Ministry!

,

RAA! (Retired Active Adults)

Do you remember that woman on the black and white tube preparing incredible French cuisine with humor and aplomb? “One glass of wine for the bird and one glass for me.” How about the pounds and pounds of butter and cups of heavy cream? It’s a wonder with all the haphazardness of her cooking style that her dishes were absolutely delicious (or so she said). That was the one and only Julia Child.

Our March event includes a film featuringNoraEphron’sdeliciouscomedyabout joy, obsession and butter—Julie and Julia (PG-13). It lovingly celebrates the life of one of American food’s most influential and beloved figureheads: Julia Child, portrayed by the spectacular performance of Meryl Streep, who plays Julia with zest, humor, and a sweet, subtle respect.

A.T. Hurley of Amazon.com writes: The movie is based on the book by Julie Powell, a frustrated New York bureaucrat who wants to be a writer. “But you’re not a writer until someone publishes you,” she moans. So, she gives herself a challenge: to cook her way through Julia Child’s "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" in one year, and to blog about it.

As Powell begins to find her groove as a cook, and her voice as a writer, the project takes on a life of its own—and in the end it does provide the struggling young woman

with her life’s purpose, to her very pleasant surprise.

But mostly, Julie & Julia is a valentine to Child, to Child’s amazing love affair with her dashing husband, Paul (Stanley Tucci, as divine as any soufflé in the film), and to her outlook on embracing life, and ordering seconds.

Meryl Streep throws herself into the role with real affection for her character, and while certain of Child’s idiosyncrasies, including her warbly voice and unflappable haphazardness in the kitchen are retained, it is Child’s character and vision which form Streep’s portrayal and which make the film so involving and rewarding.

Come and join us for laughs and tears as we watch a film that should be relished with gusto—accompanied by the freshest ingredients.. All this takes place on Wednesday, March 28, 2012. Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Stephanie Castillo will introduce the film to us and then lead us in a lively discussion of the film after its viewing as we enjoy our special catered lunch.

Sign up at the RAA! Ministry Table after the 8 and 9:30 am services on March 18 and 25. The cost is $13, payable in cash or check. Hope to see you there!


Our next new members class is a one-day session to be held on Saturday, March 17 from 9am-3pm. Pastors David Stoker and Dan Chun will lead the classes and will share from their hearts the vision of First Prez, our core values, the teachings of the Presbyterian church, and other helpful information. It’s also a great way to meet others who attend FPC-Honolulu! If you’d like to join First Prez, transfer your membership, or just learn more about us, this class is for you! To sign up, please e-mail [email protected] (Childcare is available upon request only).

Will the Real Julia Child Please Stand Up?(A RAA! Event) Wednesday, March 28, 10:30 am, Fellowship Hall

NEW MEMBERS

Seekers & Joiners (New Members) ClassSaturday, March 17, 9am-3pm

“ISTHERE MORE

TO LIFE?”

THE ALPHA COURSEat First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu

explore the meaning of life

alpha.org

BEAR GRYLLSHost of “Man Vs. Wild” Discovery Channel™

Meryl Streep in "Julie and Julia"


WOMEN'S EVENT RECAP

WOMAN-TO-WOMAN

On February 11 the women of First Prez were blessed to share a beautiful afternoon together at the annual Women’s Tea and Lunch in the gorgeous Glass Ballroom. As we enjoyed the delicious lunch and dessert bar full of delightful treats and chocolate, the ladies spent the day basking in the beauty of the Ko‘olaus and fellowshipping with one another.

This year we were blessed to hear from five of the women from our church family as they spoke for five minutes on a snapshot of their lives. Each of the women shared transparently and tenderly from their hearts allowing us to look intimately into a snapshot of their faith journey with God. Sarah Williams started the program and shared how to grow in intimacy with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Shayna Kusumoto spoke about the importance of fighting for and growing our relationships by being intentional. Our Children’s Ministry Director, Karen Makishima, shared her calling to minister to children and their families and urged the women to get involved in the lives of our children. Tyne Cody stressed that the key to life is knowing and living according to God’s Word. And Carol Stevens shared the importance of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

There were women of every generation

Snapshots of FaithThe Women's Lunch and Tea Event on Feb. 11th

Women's Way EventBy Angela Cherland

Each year the Women’s Ministry Team organizes a luncheon and afternoon of activities for the women of the Salvation Army Women’s Way. This ongoing program provides encouragement to pregnant and new moms who are recovering from substance abuse. The visit provides encouragement to these new and soon-to-be moms through positive interactions and fun with other Christian women. You can participate in this program by donating personal care items (e.g., body wash, toothbrush, infant bibs, etc.), provide a monetary donation, and/or volunteer to participate at the event. Shopping lists and volunteer information are provided at the Women’s Ministry table each Sunday. Or you are also welcome to contact Angela Cherland with any questions. (Cell: 310-210-8901 or [email protected]). Donations are being accepted now until March 18.

represented at our Tea and we were blessed by the intergenerational fellowship and time of sharing.

A special thank you goes out to Dee Dee Lee,LindaVerdugo,JulieLockyer,RosellaShishido, Beth Fila, Ivonne Litchkowski and Tom Howes for all their hard work and making this such an outstanding and special day for us. God bless you all!

Women

Tyne Cody, Carol Stevens and Karen Makishima at the Women's Tea


It’s March already? Wow! I am always surprised at how surprised we always are that time seems to move so swiftly. And yet, as I wrote in the Jan/Feb column, I hope to be living in the NOW moments, with theLORD. This gives me pause and stretches out my time. And speakingofNOWmomentsmany of us have started our fast as we move towards the joy of Easter. Each moment we choose to abstain from our chosen fast item(s) is one in which the LORD is present and we with HIM.

Speaking of Easter, now is the time for you, shower singers and car crooners, who have the inclination to join the choir for our Easter celebrations to start coming to the choir rehearsals on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. We would love to have you!

Long time member Joan Riggs was pictured in the MidWeek attending and accepting the first endowment gift to the Chaminade Interior Design program.

Did you go to the opera this season? Wow, what block buster smash hits they were! Here are a few of the First Prez members who made our enjoyment possible: Beebe Freitas, Mary Hicks, Leon Williams, Larry Whitson, Doug Stiles, Glenn Rediger, Marcia Wright, and Dean Wiegardt. Their jobs ranged from artistic director, chorus director to chorus members and dressers.

“Pam Kennedy has two new books released this month. The first is a two-book devotional and journal set for women published by Guideposts titled, Devotions From the Heart. It contains 100 reflections on the everyday ways God’s love keeps us growing. The second book is written by Pam and her daughter, Anne Kennedy Brady, published by Ideals Children’s Books, and is titled Five-Minute Bible Devotions for Children: Stories From the Old Testament. Written for ages 4-8, each devotion is intended to spark conversations between parents and

children and features a brief retelling of an Old Testament story and a lesson related to situations today’s children face. Questions reinforce the message, and a brief prayer and a Bible verse complete the text, which is accompanied by whimsical illustrations. A second children’s devotional by Anne and PamfeaturingNewTestamentstorieswillbereleased next fall. These books and others by Pam are available from Amazon.com. (Word has it that she’s happy to sign and personalize any books you purchase and want to give as gifts. Just bring ‘em by the Life Ministries table on a Sunday mornings!)”

An update from Joe and Barbara Grimes; “Praise God with us that Joe has sent the semifinal draft of the Book of Numbers inHawaii Pidgin to our consultant. You can read Da Jesus Book and 16 books of Da Befo Jesus Book by clicking on http://www.pidginbible.org”

Here’s some news from Karen Makishima. “The Hawaii Division of The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) had theirannualconferenceinJanuary. NotableUSPTA Master Professionals from the mainland prepared presentations as well as local USPTA pros from Hawaii. Carolyn Thibault received the 2011 USPTA Hawaii Division’s “Rookie of the Year” award. Although she has been teaching tennis for years, as a new member of this organization (certified in 2010) she has learned a tremendous amount from her colleagues and is excited to serve on the Board of Directors for the USPTA beginning this year.”

EachNOWmomentwearepresentwiththe LORD is a moment to savor our Savior and all that HE shares with us. Psalm 34:8 "O taste and see that the LORD is good: Blessed is the man that trusts in HIM." Be well. Be blessed. And share all the good things the LORD shares with you with us. [email protected]

PeopleAll the Good ThingsWhat's the buzz with First Prez peopleby Marcia Wright

PRAYERLINES

Praying for Missionariesby Patti Marshall

What do we mean when we ask God to bless missionaries? Jesus did not pray that God would rescue the disciples from the hardships of the world. He asked the Father to “keep them from the evil one” (Jn. 17:15). After Saul’s Damascus Road experience, Christ said He would show Paul “how many things he must suffer” for Jesus’ name (Acts 9:16). God’s call on the life of a missionary (or for any believer) does not remove the reality of pain, suffering, sickness, and persecution.

Of course, we must always pray for their safety and protection. But, perhaps we should pray less for the “success”, happiness and comfort and more for their endurance and character as cross-cultural disciplers.

In their book, Called to Reach: Equipping Cross-cultural Disciplers, Young and Barnett identify eight characteristics of effective missionaries. They suggest that we should pray that they would:

• DependontheHolySpiritinalltheydo(spiritual character).

• Liveaccording to the teachingsof theBible (Biblical character).

• Be good thinkers and teachers acrosscultural barriers (rational character).

• Be willing to suffer with those theywitness to (compassionate character).

• Endureastheysufferforthesakeofthegospel (impassioned character).

• Build lasting, witnessing relationships(relational character).

• StayfocusedonGod’smission,nottheirown (maturational character).

Lord God, we lift up those who have answered Your call to the mission field. Protect them under the shelter of Your wings. Be their Rock of Ages and shelter them for life’s assaults. Place in them Your godly character. Help them to live according to Your word. May they always sense Your presence in their hearts. Amen

Adapted from Chap. 26 of Giving Ourselves to Prayer (Strategic Prayer for God’s Mission and Missionaries by Mike Barnett

HIGH SCHOOL & JR. HI

SUMMER INTERN PROGRAMAre you high school grad and looking

for the summer of your life? We have an amazing opportunity for you in our Summer Intern Program. It is a chance to work within Children’s Ministry, Middle School Ministry or High School Ministry while receiving high level training in theology and ministry skills. We have four paid 19 hours/week positions. The applicant must be a high school grad/college student and be a part of the FPC family. If you are interested contact Drew at [email protected] or call the church office at 532-1111.

HIM YOUTH CONFERENCE1,000 high school and middle school

youth in one place. I know, a little scary and pretty awesome. That is just part of what is going to happen at the HIM Conference coming up March 22-24 and we are trying to get as many of our HS and MS students there for a powerful three days. It’s going to be Switchfoot, Matt Redman, special speakers, and more. The student rate is

incredible at only $79. All you need to do is register online at himonline.org and then let Drew know. You’re going to grow big time!

30 HOUR FAMINEDid you know that over

22,000 kids die every day from simple causes with existing cures and within that a child dies from hunger related causes every 8 to 12 seconds? Do you want to change

the life of a child who is starving? On March 9-10 the High School Ministry is going to fast for 30 hours while raising funds forWorldVision who is committedto changing the lives of kids around the world. If you’re a high schooler who would like to participate, or if you are someone who would like to sponsor one of the participants just let Drew know at [email protected] or call at 532-1111.

Youth Newsby Drew Hulse


Youth HIGH SCHOOL & JR. HI

Youth AuctionSunday, April 22, after 11:11•Lunch-CateredbyKo‘olauBallrooms,

begins at 12:15 pm•$10perperson/$40perfamilymax•SilentAuctionbeginsat9amduring Fellowship Hours•“BuyItNow”atanypoint•LiveAuctionbeginsat12:45pm•Greatfamilyfellowshipevent•Lastyearwehadgreatitemslike:

- Sunset sailing cruise- 30 hours of yard work- Turtle Bay Weekend- Lilikoi Pies- Gold Jewelry- Wine collection and pool party

You don’t want to miss this incredible event and support the High School ministry in their Summer Mission Trip!

DONATIONS NEEDEDPlease donate to our auction!-Vacationhomestays- Tickets- Food items/baked goods- Art work- Certificates for golf/beauty treatments/movies/restuarants - Sailing trips- Please, no rummage sale items

This year’s auction is supporting two High School Events: 1. July 21-27: Forest Home Summer

Camp2. July 27-Aug 5: Mexico Mission to

Rancho El Milagro

There are more than 30 kids and leaders going this summer. To donate, please contact Drew at 532-1118 or drew@ fpchawaii.org, or Sarah at 440-6553 or [email protected]

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MARCH 2012WRITE A CAPTION FOR THISUpcoming Events

March2-3 Men'sRetreatMarch 7 The Alpha Course StartsMarch 9-10 High School 30-Hour FamineMarch 17 Seekers & Joiners Class Starts March 22-24 Honolulu 2012 ConferenceMarch 25 Tony Campolo DirectMarch 28 RAA! Monthly LuncheonMarch31 Women'sWayOutreach

Recurring Events

Sundays Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11Tuesdays Mighty MomsWednesday The GatheringThursday Choir PracticeFridays Women'sCraftGroup,F2, 5th Quarter

WORSHIP SERVICESSundays at 8, 9:30 and 11:11 amVisit our website at www.fpchawaii.org

First Press can be viewed online at www.fpchawaii.org/?page_id=19 Submit articles by March 15 for the April 2012 issue to: [email protected] We reserve the right to edit articles submitted. If you no longer wish to receive First Press by postal mail, please e-mail [email protected]

Artdirector•ShaynaKusumoto;Copyeditors•RalphKam,Patty Kamahele, IvonneLitchkowski,RosellaShishido,LindaVerdugo,SarahWilliams

Write a caption for this photo, and enter to win! Post your suggestion on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/firstprez or [email protected]'llpostitforyou.

Captionswiththemost"LIKES"willbepublishedinnextmonth'sFirst 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!

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First Press March 2012