FOCUS a Newsletter of first United Methodist Church “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World”

1020 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Volume LIII Issue 42 July 2016

Pastor’s Page…

We are all called, “therefore, go,” through the theme of our General Conference of the UMC and also our Cal-Pac An-nual Conference few weeks ago. It reminds us as Christian and followers of Jesus Christ to go to the world and make disci-ples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the

world. Our Bishop Minerva G. Carcano spoke about the tension/division in the church. She said Christian unity is not a task but a gift from God. Our brokenness in the church is a witness to the world. Grace is at work in oth-er Christians and faiths, just like there is grace in our church. We have a commitment as United Methodists that we will not let an-ything separate us. God’s grace is for all and we commit to stay in dialogue. Unity is a gift, but how we choose to live out that unity is up to us. Our annual conference urges us all different local churches to perfect a vision statement: Inspiring the world as pas-sionate followers of Jesus Christ so all may experience God’s life-giving love. We know that Jesus came to offer hope, sal-vation, and a way back to relationship with God. That way back comes through repent-ing or turning away from our sins, believing and welcoming Jesus into our lives and then fully experiencing God’s life-giving love. In Christ there are no barriers, we are all one. God who has called us by name has created us in God’s image. He knows all of us and has called us. What is your respond to His called? “Now” is the best opportunity for all of us to respond to God’s call. Let the grace of God upon you and lighten your life to fo-cus on God’s life-giving love. Pastor Linita Moa

New Members Sunday

We will welcome new members to our church on August 7 at the joint worship service, followed by a luncheon sponsored by the 10am worship ser-vice members. Please see one of the pastors if you would like to know more about being a mem-ber!

Welcome to the family Mia Lin, our new pianist.

Thank you to…

All the volunteers of Pancake & Praise Aloha Refreshments: Ikata'ane & Sue Veikoso Altar Flowers: Constance Deming, ‘Anapela

Cocker & family, and Lenley Hawksworth in memory of loved ones.

Thank you to Moala Mateaki for his dedication as our part-time custodian. Moala has moved on to a full-time job. Congratulations!

In Our Prayers

Our shut-ins: Momi Schneider, Katherine Minn, Shigeko Yamaguchi, Buster Scott, Ruth Kiehm, Evelyn Shon Those with continuing concerns: David Walter, Ma`u Ikahihifo, ‘Aunofo Koloamatangi, Wilma Wilson, Jo Toxvard & son, Richard Szumiel, Johann Leverenz, Ann Bystrom, Ben Timmer-man, Supi Palamo, Mele Paongo, Temaleti Ma-file`o, Peni Tau`alupe, Ray Dorsey, Albert Pihi, Patrick Dolan, Fa’aui Taumoepenu, Wilma Wil-son, Mele Paongo, Jeff Thomas, Carol Kesler, Etu Lolohea, Mel Olson, Lile Fonoti, Pastor Amy’s Uncle Dave, Alisi Moala, Billy Masima, Reynold Anien, Beverly Aiwohi Those receiving treatment for cancer: Valerie Leverenz, Roman’s sister-in-law Amanda, Judy & Mel’s daughter, Mim Hall Beck, Justin Wong, Kesa Finau Our hearts and prayers are with: Mel Olson, recovering from surgery Lile Fonoti, surgery Terry Harris, recovering from surgey The children at Shriner’s Hospital: Everil, Sera, Ratu, and Alizo

Announcement Pastor Amy will be on vacation July 5-18, and

then on a prayer retreat July 25-August 4. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, July 18-22, for

children from kindergarten through 8th grade.

SUNDAY SCHOOL FAMILY PICNIC… will be held on Saturday July 23 at Magic Island, from 8 a.m. —2 p.m.

Na Leo O Paulele Choir...is on hiatus in the month of July. Please let Tupou Seini or Paini know, if you would like to sing a solo, play an instrument, or bring a friend to do one or both during the 10 am service. Please call the office at 522-9555 or call Tupou Seini at 548-9860 to sign up. Thank you."

The Praise Team...is looking for a new or used bass guitar. Please call the church of-fice if you would like to donate one.

The Pancakes and Praise cooking crew...is looking for a new freezer. If any-one would like to donate, please call the church office.

TRUSTEES REPORT

Trustees is calling an All Church work day. Sat-urday July 9, at the Ulumaika parsonage in Kahala from 9 am—1 pm. We will need the fol-lowing equipment: Hedgers, Trimmers, Weed-whackers and yards equipment. Call the church if you have these equipment. Mahalo.

FOCUS

Over 30 Pancakes & Praise volunteers came to an ap-preciation dinner and to learn about the root causes of homelessness from activist Katherine Xian.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 *8pm Youth & Youth Adults *10 p.m. Radio Ministry

2

3 10am Joint Worship & Luncheon

4 Independence Day Holiday—office/building closed

5 *5:30pm Centering Prayer 7:30pm Building Comm. Komuro Hall

6 *2:30pm Staff Meeting *7pm Tongan Services

7 6:30pm SPROUTs

8

9 9am-1pm Trustees Work Day at Ulumaika parsonage in Kahala

10 10am Valingi Tafuna, Preacher 9-12 Health Clinic 11:30am Bible Study 1-3pm Legal Clinic

11

12

Kalasi’aho 13 11:30AM UMW Meeting—library

14 7pm Trustees

15

16

17 10am Helena Ogle, Preacher 11:30am Bible Study

18 19 7pm Tongan UMW Circle

20 21

22 23 Church Picnic, Ala Moana, Magic Island

24 8:30-11:30 Health Clinic 11:30am Bible Study 1-3pm Legal Clinic Counseling Clinic

25 26 27 28 11:30am Lunch on the Loose

29 30

31 10am Roman Lev-erenz, Preacher 1pm Misinale 3pm Youth & YA Ser-vice

JULY 2016 *repeats weekly

Check out our website: www.firstumchonolulu.org

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, July 18-22, 2016

First United Methodist Church

1020 South Beretania Street

Honolulu, Hawaii 96814-1492

(808) 522-9555 Fax (808) 528-3992

Email: Ofiice@Firstumchonolulu.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Church Leaders & Staff Resident Bishop:

Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño

District Superintendent:

Rev. Dr. Se Hee Han

Co-pastors:

Rev. Amy C. Wake

Rev. Dr. Linita ‘U. Moa

Church Secretary/Office Mgr.

Paini Harris

Choir Directors:

Tupou Seini Kelemeni, Fololiena Maka

Pianist:

Xin Lin

Custodians:

Heamasi Koli, Pat Sheppard,

Moala Mateaki

Newsletter editor: Sandra Mactagone

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL July 18-22, 2016

For children kindergarten—8th grade

* * * * * * * * * * *

FIRST UMC HONOLULU FAMILY PICNIC July 23, 2016

9AM—2PM Magic Island in Ala Moana Beach Park.

Bring the whole family, invite your friends for the last Hurrahs of the Summer before school starts!