First Press August 2012 issue

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

AUGUST 2012 | Volume 17 | Issue 7

IN THIS ISSUE Help needed in Children's Ministry! Story on page 7.Come out to WAKO every

Wednesday night this month!

TheGateOPENonIN!COME

Living Our Mission: Loving Peopleby Shelley Germain

2 AUGUST 2012 | FIRST PRESS

ON THE COVER

WAKO (Wednes-days at Ko‘olau) Wednesdays in August 2012

WAKO classes happen every Wednesday night this month!

If you haven't signed up for a class, we may still have a few classes open. Inquire from Sarah Williams ([email protected] / 808.440-6553), or drop by the WAKO registration table on opening night, August 1st, before 5:30 pm at First Prez.

Caption Contest And the winner is ….

C a p t i o n s submitted to last month's First Press were really fun!

The winner of our contest, based on the number of likes from Facebook users, is Michael Shishido! He wins a $10-gift certificate to Ko'olau Kitchen! Congratulations!

Here's Michael's winning caption:“You buy two, I throw in Chinese pastor for free."

Second place by a small margin:"No, I'm sure I said I wanted to meet the Dalai Lama not Da Li'l Llama." - Ralph Kam

Other good ones:“Quinn, look at the dowry we received from your betrothed!! This looks like a match made in heaven to me!" - Joy Yoshida

“Oh, THIS is what's for dinner?!? I thought you said 'I'll pack a dinner'!" - Anuhea Brady

“Pastor Dan poses with the direct descendents of Noah's Ark." - Barbara Harberts

“Cost? Them two for $75; him, we'll PAY you." - Cathy Cook

SMALL GROUPS

There are so many terrific reasons for being in a small group: learning about Jesus, getting to know other believers in fellowship, sharing our lives with each other, partaking in snacks or meals together, developing accountability in our Cross-walk, praying for each other, etc. Small groups have a special dynamic and there is no place that it’s more obvious than when small groups are in service outside of their group.

Take a quick peek at the photos above. They are representative of a small group who call themselves “The Divas”. A diva is defined as a glamorous woman who is preeminent in her field (usually singing). Our FPC “Divas”, however, take that definition to the ultimate in that not only are they beauteous women but they are preeminent in singing the praises of our Lord. Their special definition of DIVA is Devoted, Inspired, Virtuous, and Anointed. This past spring, Bev Heyberger and her group of Divas graced the Waipahu Lighthouse Shelter in joining with our Impact Ministries team who have committed to the Shelter as one of their missions. The talents of our “Divas” purchased, prepared, and served a memorable meal for those who frequent the Shelter because they are homeless or jobless or just in need of someone who would say a kind word to them. Bev’s group would tell you that it is not just the rewards of seeing the smiling faces of those they served but the Divas themselves were uplifted by their ability to help others. Just as our Lord came not to be served but to serve, this small group stepped out in His name to “love people” as part of our mission statement

says. Kudos to the lovely Divas for a magnificent “performance” just for Jesus!

If any of you in a small group would like to join hands with our Impact Ministries Team to serve at the Lighthouse Shelter or any of our other mission areas, check out the www.fpchawaii.org website under Ministries: IMPACT Ministries: Service Opportunities. Also your small group may have had your own service opportunity or a fun activity that I would love to write about. Inform me at [email protected]. And for those of you who are not yet in a small group, join up soon…it’s truly a blessing! Open small groups are listed on the First Prez website as well.

Small Group Leaders TrainingSunday, August 19, 9:30-11 am, Makai Room

This special Small Group Leader training session is open to all those who would like to start a First Prez small group, as well as any current small group leaders. The class will be taught by Pastor David Stoker and Alison Stransky and will include a training guide and instructions on how to lead your small group more effectively. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP with Patty at [email protected] or call 532-1115.

IMPACT MINISTRIES

I was 76 years old and First Prez was promoting Compassion International’s program to sponsor a child somewhere in the world to save that child from poverty in Jesus's name. I pondered, wrestled with and tried to rationalize the idea of getting involved with such an undertaking at my age.

Two things resolved my quandary. First, I explored Compassion International’s website. I looked at the pictures of the many children, at their faces, all of them waiting to be seen by someone who cared. They were all dressed in their finest, or perhaps something their mother borrowed so that their child looked presentable to the prospective sponsors. Some pictures featured a red heart symbol - a sign that the child had been waiting more than six months for a sponsorship. Other pictures sported a red ribbon, specifying that that particular child lives in an AIDS-infected area.

Suddenly, a little face caught my eye. “Who’s this little guy," I thought to myself. “What’s this? His name is David?" That’s my name. And then, there was the red heart alongside the sad, longing look on his face.

The second thing that relieved my concerns over age vs. involvement came after a little research of Compassion’s literature where I discovered this sentence: “If you need to discontinue your support, we will immediately look for a new sponsor for your child and continue that child’s support without interruption.”

It was at this point I experienced an epiphany: “Get off your posterior and do

Love Doesn’t Know Your Age!by David Free

something for a child out there waiting for help, waiting for love!”

“Little David” and “Big David” began corresponding in January 2011. Little David lives with his mother and siblings in Managua, Nicaragua. He is nine years old and likes to play soccer. He continually thanks me for sponsoring him and asks for nothing more than prayers for his family and himself, which he gets on a regular basis.

Eventually he began to ask when he was going to be able to meet me. Wow, he’s half a world away! How would such a trip be possible? Fast forward to March 2012 and there I was, on a plane headed for Nicaragua.

Our meeting was very well planned by the local office of Compassion. An interpreter, project director, David, and his mother were all waiting as my taxi pulled up to the project building, but the only one on the front steps, waiting nervously with hands fidgeting at his sides, was a little nine-year-old boy anxiously anticipating the arrival of the man who wanted to erase that red heart from his picture.

The meeting went well. I did not speak his language; he did not speak mine but that didn’t slow us down. In a minute’s time he was sitting on my lap. Our smiles did the talking!

I had gifts in tow. Compassion suggests that if you make a personal visit to your child, a few gifts for the child and family would be appropriate. I was certain Little David had never experienced too much

(Continued to the right)

FIRST PRESS | AUGUST 2012 3

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

"LOVE DOESN'T..." CONTINUED

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW MUCH DOES THE AVERAGE PERSON GIVE TO OUR CHURCH?

If you divide the 2011 General Fund income by the average number of attenders, the average person gave approximately $2500. This doesn’t include donations to the Capital Campaign, which started in June 2011 and will continue for three years.

2. DOES PASTOR DAN KNOW HOW MUCH I DONATE TO THE CHURCH?

Not unless you tell him or indicate that you want him to know. The only ones who know how much someone gives are you, God, and our bookkeeper; she knows because she prepares your tax contribution statement each year. Pastor Dan and the other church leaders don’t want to know because it’s human nature to preferentially treat large contributors. In the parable of the widow’s mite, Jesus praises the poor lady who only gives a small copper coin because the condition of her heart was purer than those who gave a lot more.

of anything in his life, so if two suitcases of gifts were too much, then so be it! It took a good hour for all of the gifts to be opened and after each opening I received a warm hug - each one made the trip so worthwhile!

We eventually had some conversation with the aid of Nilton, our interpreter. Later we enjoyed lunch together, then playtime with all the new toys.

Our goodbyes brought more hugs and big smiles. When asked by friends how the trip went, I reply, “Fantastic, I’m going to return next year. I want to drink from this cup of joy once more!”

,

MEN'S MINISTRY

On June 30th forty-two hikers, including over 30 from First Prez, ventured out on a three-hour hike of the Kapalama Ridge Trail above Kamehameha School. Heart for Africa organized the hike as part of its annual one-day Summit For Hope fundraising event for mission work in Swaziland. The Hawaii Sierra Club provided experienced guides and the First Prez Men's Leadership Team co-sponsored the hike. God provided a beautiful day, glorious views, and comradeship and support in abundance even when our guide made a wrong turn, extending our trek from three to five hours.


Men's HikeEvent Re-Cap

LIFE MINISTRIES

RAA! (Retired Active Adults)

“Raise that Bar this Fall!”

Life Training Classes for fall start on Sunday, Sept 23 at First Prez. There will be classes at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 am--opportunities for you to raise that bar a little bit more on your Bible skills and the life that goes with it. Brochure for Life Training classes will be coming out soon.

Summer Break RAA takes a summer break and

resumes its monthly events in September with the annual Ice Cream Sing-Along.

We will have a very special guest at the sing-along, so mark your calendar: Sunday, Sept 30. More info to come in the coming weeks.

As the old song goes, "See you in September!"

Raise that Bar

Women's Ministry ladies cook, cook, cook!


WOMEN'S MINISTRY

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Whatever the occasion, large or small, it’s a reason to gather around food—especially here in the islands.

Certain foods evoke special memories. Maybe it’s something your family always makes on a certain holiday. Maybe it’s the recipe everyone always asks you for when you prepare it for a potluck. Maybe it’s a new favorite you’ve recently discovered.

The Women's Ministry would like to have those recipes and publish them in a new cookbook.

We welcome "secret" family recipes, vegetarian dishes, slow cooker favorites, irresistible desserts, and/or popular ethnic specialties.

Please send your recipes to [email protected] or [email protected] by August 15.

The cookbook will be for sale at First Prez's November 3rd All-Church Bazaar. Proceeds will all go to missions.

We Want Your Recipes!For the cookbook that will be on sale at the Bazaar on Saturday, November 3rd

Fall Events Women’s Ministry is gearing up for Fall! Mark your calendar and get ready to plug in!

• Woman-to-Woman Mentoring: September – December

Meet regularly with another sister in Christ, as a mentor or mentee, to walk together in your faith journey. Watch for announcements about the next Orientation Coffee and session kick-off.

• Mixed Plate: September 29 Join other women for a full plate of

interesting and fun activities. Let us know if you would like to share your expertise or passion by leading a session.

• All-Church Bazaar: November 3 We need many volunteers for bazaar day, but there are several ways you can help now: 1) Join the crafts team on Friday mornings at First Prez. 2) Help make jams and eliies (watch for announcements). 3) Nurture some plants, or grow herbs to donate to the bazaar's Ko'olau Market. 4) Submit your favorite recipe by Aug 15 for the new cookbook (see article on the left for details). 5) Decide what to bake for the bazaar's baked goods section. 6) Go through your closet for what you can donate for the bazaar's Chic Boutique, silent auction, and children's corner. (Donations will be accepted in October only.)

• Women’s Prison Christmas Card Collection: November

Bring in last year's left-over cards or purchase a box or two to donate to women inmates so they'll have cards to send to their loved ones at Christmas.

• Christmas Brunch: December 1 New this year, the Christmas brunch

will be a great way to kick off the holiday season with your friends and sisters in Christ!


In August we like to believe we are on break. Must be a hang on from our carefree ‘small kid kine’ days. Whatever the reason, I feel a lift in my heart and new God-infused energy to get projects done so I can enjoy the outdoors. You must admit Hawaii puts on a show of colors and sounds this time of year. The shower trees down King Street, Foster Garden Night time shows, Concerts on the Bishop Museum Mall, and how can you miss the Concerts at the Zoo complete with animal accompaniment! I hope you have been having fun.

Our dear friend Stephanie Castillo is featured in two alumni magazines. As a 2000 MBA graduate from the University of Hawaii at Manoa Shidler Business College, Stephanie has write-ups in both the UH Alumni Magazine for her accomplishments in film and the Shidler Business magazine where she shares her advice and knowledge with students. Yay, Stephanie!

Kathy Wong was selected as the 2012 Model Chinese Mother of the Year of Hawaii. The award is given by the United Chinese Society, which includes the numerous Chinese clubs and societies. This award is based on three areas of a woman’s life: children and their accomplishments, family life, and community service. As a model Chinese mother, Kathy was awarded a free trip to China. The presentation was held at the Empress restaurant at the Chinese Cultural Plaza. Kathy belongs to the Organization of Chinese American Women and has four children and nine grandchildren. Congratulations, Kathy! Another First Prez member to win this same award was Lucille Wong in 2005.

Monica Stoker was pictured in the MidWeek Honolulu Pa‘ina at the Compassion Awards Banquet. She works for the Counseling and Spiritual Care Center of Hawaii, which celebrated its

inaugural Ho‘omenemene (compassion) Awards banquet.

This just in from cub reporter Alice Rae: “Congratulations to Jane and John Powers who celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in July. Both of them were also feted for their 30 years of service to “Meals on Wheels”. You can see Jane Sundays with her bright smile in the front row of the choir.” Congratulations, Jane!

“A special thanks to all who participated and attended the wonderful memorial celebration of Jeannie Acheson’s life on May 20, 2012. Your time and efforts were greatly appreciated by her friend, Marily Bartell.”

Here are some more doctors in First Prez who were listed in Honolulu Magazine’s Best Doctors of Hawaii: Dale and Judy Vincent and Eric Crawley.

Natalie Sheffield and Dylan Austin of Oregon made a presentation to the mayor of Minami-Uonuma, Japan in June. Both are medical engineering students at Oregon Institute of Technology. They are in Japan working as summer interns. Natalie is working for Hakkai Creates, which makes parts for products such as Playstation. She is the daughter of Paul and Rachel Sheffield.

God has given us this list of HIS character to follow. The list may be short but not so simple. Let us strive to share with others what the LORD shares with us then tell about all the good things our LORD is doing in our lives and the lives of those around us. Galations 5:23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Keep praying and working for the LORD and until next time, a hui hou kakou malama pono. [email protected]

PRAYERLINES

Made to PraisePart 3, by Patti Marshall

“I was made to praise You. I was made to glorify Your name, In every circumstance, To find a chance to thank you.”

We continue with the 15th day of our adoration praying to God, which is our first duty and our highest privilege.

15. A Provider God: “I praise You today, Lord, as my Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord will Provide), who makes all grace abound to me and generously provides all I need” 2 Cor. 9:8.

16. God, My Shepherd: “I bless Your name and praise You as my Jehovah-Rohi (The Lord My Shepherd), who will shepherd and guide me in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake” Ps. 23:1-3.

17. God, My Victory: “Praise to You, my God, because You are my Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord My Banner), my victory, who always leads me in the triumphal procession in Christ” 2 Cor. 2:14.

18. God, My Peace: “I praise You with all of my heart, Lord, because You are my Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord Our Peace), the God of peace who will soon crush Satan under my feet” Rom. 16:20.

19. The God Who Heals: “Father, I praise You because You are the Lord who heals me” Ex. 15:26.

20. The God of All Comfort: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God all comfort” 2 Cor. 1:3.

21. The God of Miracles: “Lord, I praise You because You perform miracles. You display Your power among the peoples” Ps. 77:14.

22. A Forgiving God: “I want to bless You with praise, Father, because You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love” Neh. 9:17.

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

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Dear First Prez,

Ko‘olau Kids is recruiting for the coming school year. We are in need of nursery caregivers, small group leaders, and storytellers to make our Sunday School Program come alive. Each week while the congregation worships upstairs, our team at Ko‘olau Kids is downstairs sharing the excitement of following Jesus to the hundreds of keiki (children) who participate in our program.

Please prayerfully consider becoming part of our Children’s Ministry team. For once a week you can join us and see first-hand how God is moving in the lives of our children and our families at First Prez. Similar to other serving opportunities, we have seen that what is given will feel small in comparison to the joy received. It is one of our greatest joys at Ko‘olau Kids to see how both the lives of our keiki and

our volunteers are blessed when we come together to worship God.

In Matthew 21, the children in the temple were shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David!” When the teachers asked Jesus if He could hear what these children were saying, Jesus answered them, “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.” What a great verse to remember as we build our program. God is faithful to His promises and has great plans for our kids. He is with us! Come join the fun! Contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Sincerely, Ko‘olau KidsChildren’s Minsitry of First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu at Ko‘olau

Be a Part of Our Teamby Lauren McCartha

Children


PRAYERLINES, CONTINUED

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

23. The Burden Bearer: “Praise be to the Lord, to God my Savior, who daily bears my burdens” Ps. 68:19.

“Lord, I pray that my praise brings joy to You. May my voice, actions, thoughts, attitudes, and responses glorify Your name on Earth.” Amen.

Hosteler, Bob. “Learning the Language of Praise”. Discipleship Journal. 2009.

Upon This Rock Update

Our "Upon This Rock" capital campaign is off to a good start. Here's the "temperature reading" so far:

As of June 30, 2012• CampaignGoal=$7M• ActualPledgesreceived=$3,473,517

• Actualcollectiontodate=$1,500,323 $7M

$6M

$5M

$4M

$3M

$2M

$1M

0

45-550 Kionaole Road Kane‘ohe, HI 96744

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDKANEOHE, HI

PERMIT NO. 120

AUGUST 2012

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 August 15 for the September 2012 issue to: [email protected]. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted.Artdirector•ShaynaKusumoto;Copyeditors•RalphKam,Patty Kamahele, Ivonne Litchkowski, Rosella Shishido, Linda Verdugo, Sarah Williams

If you would like to opt out of receiving our newsletter by mail, please email [email protected] or call 532-1111

WRITE A CAPTION FOR THIS

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 [email protected] 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!

Upcoming Events

August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 WAKO (Wednesdays at Ko‘olau)August 2 Jam & Jelly MakingAugust 4 Second WorshipAugust 18 Second WorshipAugust 25 Military Mom's Night OutAugust 31 Choir Practice Resumes

Recurring Events

Sundays Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11Tuesdays Mighty Moms, DivorceCareWednesdays Summer Gathering (off-campus)Fridays Women's Craft Group

Documents

First Press August 2012 issue