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

MARCH 2013 | Volume 18 | Issue 2

IN THIS ISSUE Women's Tea PhotosSee page 5

thealpha courseSTARTS WEDNESDAYMARCH 13

CRE: Commissioned Ruling Elder

The Alpha CourseMarch 13–May 22, 10 Wednesdays at Ko‘olau

2 MARCH 2013 | FIRST PRESS

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

Here's Barbara's winning caption:"Old men dream dreams....young men see visions."

Other good ones:“You too can fulfill your New Year's resolutions!” - Marsha Coscina

"'That Dan Chun's so hot right now.' -Mugatu from Zoolander" - Joy Yoshida

"Hey, a Presby Pastor can dream too!" - Kelly Michelle Choate

"All I want for Christmas is this bod and Bieb!" - Corinne Ehara

"When I grow up, I want a body just like this!" - Craig Shoji

"Pam! Pam! Wake up and wipe that smile off your face, it's only a dream!" - Barbara Harada

"HEAVENLY body?! God, can't I have my inheritance NOW?" - Scott Harada

PASTOR'S LETTER

ON THE COVER...

by Pastor Drew Hulse

As ministry opportunities continue to expand here at FPC, the staff are taking exciting steps to be equipped and prepared for the ministry God is calling us to. Seven of our full-time program staff are currently pursuing calls as Commissioned Ruling Elders (CRE). A CRE is commissioned by the Presbytery to assist in limited pastoral ministry that includes administering the sacraments, moderating the Session, and officiating weddings. The CRE role will allow each staff member to more fully minister in the areas they have been called in.

It is not an easy process. In order to be commissions, each CRE candidate (already ordained as an Elder) must go through a course of study and show competence in the areas of the Bible, Reformed Theology and sacraments, Presbyterian polity, preaching, leading worship, pastoral care, and teaching.Each CRE candidate is currently in the process of study, meeting each week for nine weeks, reading theology and the Confessions of the church, preaching practice sermons, and talking through pastoral case studies. In addition, they will be doing a 40-hour

Alpha gives everyone the opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Alpha course meets once a week for 10 weeks, including a one-day Alpha Day Away. Sessions begin with a meal, followed by a short talk and time to discuss what's been taught. Child-care is provided for children 6 months to age 12.

intensive on those areas with a representative from the Presbytery during the second week of March.

The staff who are working toward becoming CRE in order to better serve the congregation are David Kusumoto, Karen Makishima, David Chang, Rosella Shishido,

Kirk Leavy, Gary Toh, and Ron Mathieu. After completing the process and being commissioned by the Presbytery, these candidates will be able to serve in those capacities. For example, if David Kusumoto were to lead a Young Adults Retreat, he would be able to serve Communion without one of the pastors being there because he would be commissioned. Ron Mathieu could moderate Session in the absence of any of the pastors. The work of ministry at FPC could be facilitated in many more ways.

Please keep the CRE candidates in your prayers for God’s good work in them in the midst of many long hours of preparation. We are blessed to have them ministering among us. If you want to know more about the process or have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Drew: drew@fpchawaii.org / 532-1118.

The next Alpha Course:March 13 - May 22(10 Wednesdays)6:30-8:45 pm, Grand Ballroom at First Prez Ko‘olau

You can register for the course online at the website: www.fpchawaii.org/alpha

JOHN CALVIN (1509-64)French theologian who played a major role in the Reformation

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

We are excited to announce that the Ko’olau Kids area is currently undergoing major construction for the Early Childhood environment. The Upper Elementary has been relocated to provide a new space for the preschool and toddler classrooms, as well as a specific worship and story area with a stage and screen for exciting and engaging storytelling.

It is our mission to implement the interactive curriculum and small group time even among our toddlers, giving them the structure they need to learn and grow before they graduate to the preschool class.

In addition to these two major changes, the nursery is being revamped to serve only infants and crawlers. The Early Childhood program is not just about “childcare.” We want to make a lasting impact on our youngest as they experience church for the very first time and discover our loving and awesome God.

These changes have been the long-time vision of Karen Makishima and the leadership team of Ko’olau Kids. Many leaders, especially those on the preschool and toddler team, have spent hours rethinking our Early Childhood structure and how to better equip our areas for learning, safety, and spiritual growth.

Thank you for the support to make this mission possible. As a church body, this speaks volumes of how important children are to us. We so appreciate this dream come true, and also for the patience of all our leaders and families inconvenienced during this time of transition.

Take a look at some of the improvements underway, and stay tuned for more. WORK IS IN PROGRESS!

KO‘OLAU KIDS is Under Constructionby Lauren McCartha

YOUNG ADULTS

Second Worship Second Sunday of every month at 2 pm, Youth Room

If you love to worship the Lord and just can't get enough on Sunday mornings, we invite you to join us at Second Worship!

There's an easy way to remember the day and time–SECOND Worship on the SECOND SUNDAY of the month, at the SECOND hour of the afternoon.

This service attracts a lot of young adults but we want to make sure everyone in the church knows that all ages are welcome. If you love to worship God through singing, music, and prayer, this service is for you.

A couple of hours before the next SECOND WORSHIP on March 10th, a bunch of us will have lunch together after 11:11 service. Just grab your grub from Ko‘olau Kitchen and head over to the coffee bar area (behind the waterfall). We believe fellowship is an important part of building this worship community, so this time of eating together and hanging out is a valuable time you won't want to miss.

Have you been in the Youth Room before? It is the perfect atmosphere for intimate worship. The Chevas Band leads us in a Spirit-led time with songs like "Heart of Worship," "How He Loves" and "10,000 Reasons."

Do any of those song titles sound familiar to you? If so, you probably enjoy worship just as much as we do. Please venture over to the coffee bar after 11:11 on March 10, get to know a few of us, and we'll all head down to the Youth Room together. You'll leave feeling more connected to God, refreshed, and fuller with peace and joy. What could be better than that?

FIRST PRESS | MARCH 2013 3

Man

,

RAA! (Retired Active Adults)

SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN OUT & ABOUT (RAA!) EVENT FOR MARCH 2013

Have you ever wondered what goes on in that beautiful building next to the Punahou exit on the H-1 East? The grounds look so inviting with its grassy lawn and tall date/palm trees.

Well, wonder no more. We will be touring the Shriners Hospital for Children and there we will learn about their vision and mission. We will go behind the scenes and see what incredible work they do for children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries, and other special healthcare needs.

The newly constructed hospital, which was completed in August 2010,is a multi-cultural, family-centered facility that also accommodates neighbor-island and international patients and their parent or legal guardian. It serves a geographic area larger than the continental United States, sharing its aloha spirit to children in Hawaii and throughout the Asia-Pacific region, such as American Samoa, Chuuk, Fiji, Guam, Pohnpei and Saipan.

The hospital also provides for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals and conducts research to discover new knowledge to improve the quality of care and quality of life of children and families. Their goal is to help the children become as functional and healthy as possible by treating them with a customized approach based on their overall health and medical condition. Physical and occupational therapy, training and fitting of adaptive devices, support for transitioning back to school or community are just some of the ways Shriners works with their patients.

After our visit, we will travel across the street and have lunch on our own at the Kapiolani Medical Center’s cafeteria for a total medical experience.

When does this all take place? Wednesday, March 27, at 10 am. The cost? We are accepting a $5-cash donation that will be given to Shriners Hospital. Sign up at the Out and About (RAA!) Ministry Table after the 8 and 9:30 am services, on March 10 and 17. PLEASE NOTE: THE SIGN-UP DATES ARE EARLIER, AND WE WILL BE LIMITED TO 30 ATTENDEES.

4 MARCH 2013 | FIRST PRESS

MEN'S MINISTRY

Men's NewsA Recap of the recent Men's Dinners and Retreat

How do the SPARTANS of FPC prepare for battle? On their knees in prayer! At the February Men’s dinner we heard from Art Hansen who is leading us to build homes for those in need. Continue to watch out for details on this effort, and keep praying for it.

Our March dinner will feature Jim Hochberg, an attorney who defends religious liberty. The enemy is on the attack, and we SPARTANS must pray. Pastor Dan will be giving an update to the SPARTANS at the March dinner as well. The SPARTANS will be meeting on a regular basis in 2013, and you will be hearing more details about this in the coming weeks. Stay tuned, and keep praying!

Upon This Rock Update

Our "Upon This Rock" capital campaign is on the right track. Here's the "temperature reading" so far:

As of Jan 31, 2013• Campaign Goal = $7M• Actual Pledges received

= $3,473,517• Actual collection to date

= $2,126,954

$7M

$6M

$5M

$4M

$3M

$2M

$1M

0

RAA! Transforms Into "Out & About"RAA! has a new name: Out and About. The name was selected to encourage EVERYONE to attend our functions and events and to describe what we are about. We find interesting places to visit and informative speakers to share at our events—we are Out and About.

FIRST PRESS | MARCH 2013 5

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

The teas were exotic. The decorations were evocative. And the ladies were elegant.

Most importantly, as we sipped our tea and dined at the Annual Women’s Tea and luncheon this year, we were indeed introduced to possibilities. The message from five diverse speakers was emphatic: no excuses if the Lord calls you on a mission.

We marveled at Alice Yoder’s ability to follow God’s call as she continues to travel to Africa in her 90's.

We wondered at Heidi Lum’s obedience to audaciously start an organization to help orphans in another country, when she herself has young children.

We laughed with Faith and Joy Yoshida as they described their initial fears at traveling in a foreign country: Will we get dirty? Will we get sick? Will our hair straighteners work? Our hearts warmed as they described the incredible attitude change they experienced as they bonded with the “beautiful, Christ-centered people” they met while in the Philippines.

We followed Jessica Ensing’s journey with delight as she progressed from a teenager on high school mission trips to pursuing God’s call full time in the Dominican Republic.

Let us have ears to hear their exhortation: ask God what you should do, trust Him, and step out. “He will uphold you,” Alice affirmed.

Heidi said, “Open your eyes and see what God has for you to do. Consider seeing the power of Jesus in another part of the world.”

Women's Teaby Donna Matichuk

Women’s Way Project Saturday, March 23

Women’s Way is a residential and outpatient treatment program in Kaimuki for adult and adolescent women and their infants and toddlers. This year, the Women’s Ministry visit to the facility, which is part of the Salvation Army Family Treatment Services, will provide a fun day with the women and their children.

We will share God’s Word, engage in craft projects, and organize an Easter egg hunt for the children. We provide lunch, and each woman and child receives a gift bag. The team is collecting donations of new items for the gift bags as well as monetary donations for the luncheon. More information is available at the Women’s Ministry table on Sunday mornings.

(Women’s Ministry supports two programs that are part of the Salvation Army Family Treatment Services. These services provide substance abuse treatment specifically designed for women with children. The approach is holistic-addressing physical, psychological, social and family and spiritual concerns. It honors the cultural values of the Hawaiian multi-ethnic community. The Family Treatment Services aims to break the cycle of chemical dependence; help children with emotional, behavioral and d e v e l o p m e n t a l problems to develop skills to be more successful at home and school; and strengthen the family unit.)

WOMEN'S EVENTS

Upcoming Events Coed Dinner with Pami Ellis from the Shalom Christian Birthing Home March 4, Mon, 6-8 pm, Fellowship HallThose who have signed up will meet Pami Ellis and learn about a ministry that ignited the fervor and support of the late Don Parker. The Shalom Birthing Center, where Pami works as a nurse, gives the poorest of the poor women in the Philippines a clean and loving place to give birth.

Women’s Annual Spring RetreatMay 3-4Watch for details to be announced soon.

Women’s Spring Bible StudyDetails to be announced soon.

6 MARCH 2013 | FIRST PRESS

March has come in the middle of our Lenten fast. Whether you have joined the few, those happy few, who have chosen the Daniel Fast again this year or the 40-day fast, let us hold onto the quiet reflection and emotional cleansing and preparation that these days afford us. As we move towards Holy Week with the somberness of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, we look forward to the joy of the Son rising on Easter Sunday and the hope of the empty tomb!

Here is an update from our Bible translators Joe and Barbara Grimes: “We are beginning to see the end for the translation of Da Befo Jesus Book, the Old Testament in Hawaii Pidgin. Sixteen books are finished, approved by the SIL International translation consultant Marge Crofts, and you can choose the ones you want to read from Da Jesus Book, by clicking on http://www.pidginbible.org.” An interesting note is that one of our own members is helping with this translation. Dorothy Kusumoto is a native Pidgin speaker having grown up on the Big Island and speaking Hawaii Pidgin as a child. Yay for this dedicated group! Keep praying!

Gary Harms, chairperson for the FPC golf ministry, sends in this good news: “Congratulations to Bruce Patterson for winning the 2012 Player of the Year for our First Prez Golf Ministry (aka PGA or Presbyterian Golf Adventures). Bruce beat 44 other golf members to win the award. In addition to the fun of playing golf each month, the PGA also collected $3,410, which was donated to local charities. A big mahalo to all our golf members for their continued support.” Yay, Bruce!

Elaine Masters has had another book published. What The Witch Doctor Taught Me by Elaine Olelo Masters is now available in bookstores, Amazon.com, and e-reader sites. She also has recently published, The Dragon Who Stole The Holidays, A Rusty The Red-Bearded Pirate Story, which is a chapter book for kids age 7 to 12. Elaine emails

that "What The Witch Doctor Taught Me is a book that tells about evangelizing tribal areas in Thailand. Many First Prez people have participated in these mission trips and are mentioned in the book. In fact, Don Fancher and Bunny Carl Matsuura were recently in Thailand. Joan Young says, ‘Wow! It’s a page-turner!’” Tate Publishing has more information on this book if you are interested.

Elaine Masters continues to be in our news this month. Her grandson, David Verburg, just won a 400-meter indoor track meet making him maybe the fastest man alive in that event. He had several guys almost keeping up with him until the last few seconds when he pulled WAY out front. Way to go, David!

Ross and Stefanie Anderson were pictured in the MidWeek’s Paina celebration of ” Duke’s Waikiki 20th anniversary." Duke’s started its 21st year giving $12,000 to local nonprofits through its annual Legacy of Aloha donation. The gatherings served as a reminder of what Duke Kahanamoku was all about — friends, family and aloha.”

Another member of First Prez was seen in MidWeek’s Paina section receiving a check from Central Pacific Bank (CPB) employees who “presented checks totaling $2,500 to local nonprofits on behalf of employees. Pictured was Kenneth Zeri, president of Hospice Hawaii.”

Susan Murray is now the Queen’s Health System senior vice president for the West Oahu region, and the chief operating officer for the Queen’s Medical Center-West Oahu. (Information compiled by Nicole Kato of MidWeek.)

Well, folks, that’s all she wrote. Keep me posted on those good things that we all want to hear about. I can’t wait to rejoice with all of you on Easter Sunday when we shout to world that OUR LORD IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! manoaw@hawaiiantel.net

PRAYERLINES

Listen Before Prayingby Patti Marshall

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Ephesians 1:17)

Elijah and Daniel both listened to God first and then prayed. They based their prayers on what they had “heard.” Elijah heard God speak directly. Daniel heard God speak through the Scripture. They took God’s revelation seriously. They took their prayer responsibility seriously. They understood the listening side of prayer.

Listening prayer is simply this: First, we listen, and then we pray. There are several different ways that we can listen. First, we can “hear” directly from God. When God the Father speaks, it is always through His Son and His Spirit. Of believers Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice . . .” (John 10:27, NASB). Hearing Jesus’ voice is direct hearing. Paul calls the Holy Spirit the “Spirit of . . . revelation” (Ephesians 1:17). This Spirit of revelation dwells within us and is able to reveal what God wants to say directly to our hearts and minds. What we “hear” from God shapes our prayers, so that we know what to pray.

By listening we may even learn when not to pray for something. At a time when the spirit of unrighteousness reigned in Israel, God said to Jeremiah, “Do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them: do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you” (Jeremiah 7:16).

The link between our prayers and God’s actions is so tight that God doesn’t want us praying for things that He definitely doesn’t want to do. Though He probably won’t speak to you as decisively as He did to Jeremiah, He may at times put a check in your spirit when you start praying for someone or something. When that happens, it may be time to change your prayers.

Adapted from Praying God’s Heart (Prayers that Make a Difference) by Alvin VanderGriend.

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

Dorothy Kusumoto is helping with the translation of Da Jesus Book.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Summer Intern ProgramAre you going to be a high school grad

or college student and looking for the summer of your life? We have an amazing opportunity for you in our Summer Intern Program. The Summer Intern Program is entering its fourth year and is having a significant impact on the lives of both the interns and young people being ministered to. It is a chance to work within Children’s Ministry, Junior High, or High School Ministry while receiving high level training in theology and ministry skills. We have five paid slots that are 19-hour/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 drew@fpchawaii.org or call the church office at 532-1111.

HIM Youth ConferenceA thousand 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 7-9 at the HI Convention Center and we are trying to get as many of our JH & HS students there for a powerful three days. It’s going to be Tenth Avenue North, NFL Quarterback Kirk Cousins, Francis Chan, martial artist Victor Marx, 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. We are again going to offer overnight stays for the high school students with details available on Sunday morning at “Uptown.” JH students will go home each night with their families. You don’t want to miss this event. You’re going to grow big time!

Summer Mission TripsPreparations are underway for thissummer’s High School Missions Trips. We are excited to get back and see our partners in mission as this will be our third trip for our high school teams.Registration packets have been turnedin. Passports are being secured, people are getting shots (fun!), and fundraising efforts are moving along. We have set our final training schedule. All Sunday meetings will go from 12:30 - 2 pm and will include lunch. Hope to see you there.

Deadlines to RememberSunday, Mar 24 (Medical Release due)Saturday, May 4 (Required - Auction projects)

Specific Team Training DatesMarch 3 - The PhilippinesMay 5 - The PhilippinesJune 23 - SwazilandJuly 7 - Swaziland

Youth NewsLots happening this summer in Jr. High and Sr. High Ministriesby Drew Hulse

FIRST PRESS | MARCH 2013 7

YOUTH MISSIONS

Youth AuctionSunday, April 21 * Silent Auction begins at 9 am during fellowship hours and is ongoing throughout the morning. The "buy it now" feature allows you to buy an item right then and there, and take it home.* Lunch - Catered by Ko‘olauBallrooms, begins at noon* $10 per person/$40 per family max* Live Auction begins at 12:30 pm* Great family fellowship event* Last year we had great items from:

- Sunset sailing cruise- 30 hours of yard work- Turtle Bay weekend- Lilikoi pies- Gold jewelry- Lawyer services- Wine collection and pool partyYou don’t want to miss this incredible

event and support the High School ministry in their Summer Mission Trips!

Why not gather your small group and make it an amazing fellowship event together?

Auction Donations NeededPlease donate to our auction! This is a very tangible way to help minister to children in poverty around the world.- Vacation home stays- Tickets- Food items/baked goods- Professional services- Certificates for golf/beauty treatments/movies/restuarants- Sailing trips

Please, no rummage sale items. This year’s auction is supporting two High school mission trips:1) May 29 - June 8 - The Philippines with Compassion International.2) July 20 - Aug 5 - Swaziland with Advocates for Africa’s ChildrenThere are over 35 kids and leaders going on the two trips. To donate, please contact Drew at 532-1118 or drew@fpchawaii.org, or Sarah at 440-6553 or sarah@fpchawaii.org

45-550 Kionaole Road Kane‘ohe, HI 96744

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDKANEOHE, HI

PERMIT NO. 120

MARCH 2013

WORSHIP SERVICESSundays at 8 am, 9:30 am, 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 2013 issue to: shayna@fpchawaii.org. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted. Art director • Shayna Kusumoto; Copy editors • Ralph Kam, Patty Kamahele, Julie Lockyer, Rosella Shishido, Linda Verdugo, Sarah Williams

If you would like to opt out of receiving our newsletter by mail, please email pkamahele@fpchawaii.org 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 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!

Upcoming EventsMarch 1-2 Men's RetreatMarch 4 Women's Coed Dinner with Pami EllisMarch 7-9 Honolulu 2013 ConferenceMarch 10 Second WorshipMarch 13 Alpha Course StartsMarch 22 Children's Ministry OvernighterMarch 23 Women's Way OutreachMarch 23 Mom's Night OutMarch 26 Men's DinnerMarch 27 Out and About (RAA!) Tour of Shriners HospitalMarch 30 Easter Service at 5 pmMarch 31 Easter Services at 7 am, 9 am & 11 am

Recurring EventsSundays Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11Tuesdays Mighty Moms, DivorceCareThursdays Choir PracticeWednesdays Gathering (High School)Fridays Women's Craft Group