NOVEMBER 2014 Volume 20, Issue 10

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

8:00am WORSHIP 9:30am WORSHIP 11:00am YOUTH GROUP 2:00pm SAMOAN WORSHIP 4:00pm SAMOAN YOUTH

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last month we shared background information regarding this year’s Stewardship Sunday. All of us appreciate that God has provided us with resources that

include: talents, time, and finances. Between now and November 16th, we ask that each member of the congregation evaluate their ability to share those resources in support of the United Methodist Church, Aiea UMC, and the outreach ministries of our membership.

Maintaining and growing our Aiea UMC programs and ministries will face some unique challenges in 2015. The Life Communities Ministries led by Pastor Peter will no longer be eligible for conference funding/grants. Our use of the facility currently occupied by Aiea Korean UMC will add expenses after they depart to their new church home.

The business of operating our church and maintaining our facilities is executed through the Administrative Council. The “Ad” Council relies upon our members to support the various committees and programs. Please give careful consideration to adding your talent and time to the team that works to meet our mission, vision, and goals. Our committees are preparing budget requests that will be balanced with anticipated revenue, to include pledges and commitments of financial resources. If you desire a copy of the budget and expense categories please contact the church office.

You will be receiving a letter in the mail with Stewardship Sunday materials (also be sent by email). Enclosed with the letter will be a Estimate of Giving (EOG) pledge card and an RSVP form for the brunch that is to follow the 9:00am service.

Estimate of Giving Card: The EOG pledge card will assist the Finance Committee and members of the Ad Council in determining the scope and level of program support we can provide for calendar year 2015. Please pray and listen for God’s guidance related to your financial giving for 2015 and make a generous commitment by recording it on the card. For your convenience a giving reference table is listed on the reverse of the card. Please bring the card on Stewardship Sunday or otherwise provide to AUMC (mail, e-mail, phone) by November 16th.

Brunch RSVP: Whether you plan to attend or not, please complete the RSVP slip and place it in the offering bowl by November 9th. You can also RSVP via e-mail (aumc@hawaiiantel.net) or phone (488-5354).

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Pastor Jim’s Message…….…………..…3

Pastor Peter’s Message………….……..4

The 3 D’s of OCC………………………….4

Tom Goto Named A Fellow of The Society of John Wesley……………...…5

Home Maluhia Update………………...6

Giving Tuesday……………………………7

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

November Committee Meeting Schedule (page 2)

Passion Group Schedule (page 2)

Birthdays! (page 4)

Images of October (page 7)

November Sermon Schedule (page 8)

99-101 Laulima Street ● 808-488-5340 ● email: aumc@hawaiiantel.net ●www.aieaumc.com

NOVEMBER 16TH IS STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY!!!

A Single Service at 9:00am

(CONTINUED PAGE 2)

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BASKETBALL: Meets weekly for “pick up ball”

Wednesday’s @ 6:30PM at Halsey Terrace Courts.

For more info, contact Pastor Jim

(whitehome@hawaiiantel.net)

GAMES FELLOWSHIP: Meets every Wednesday from 12:30-2:30 to play cards & board

games in the double classroom.

HULA: Meets every Monday @ 9AM in the double classroom to practice and learn the art of Hula.

MOVIE: Will be meeting Sunday 11/23. Movie & Showtime info TBD

QUILTING: This group will meet 11/1, 11/15 and 11/29 from 9am-noon in the children’s room to quilt.

COMMITTEE MEETING DATES

11.2.14 EDUCATION

11:00 AM

CHAIR: SARAH BEEBE

11.11.14 FINANCE

6:30 PM

CHAIR: DOUG RINEHART

11.15.14 LEADERSHIP

BREAKFAST

8:00 AM

CHAIR: PASTOR JIM

WHITE

11.18.14 SPRC

6:30 PM

CHAIR: AL BLANKENSHIP

11.25.14 AD COUNCIL

6:30 PM

CHAIR: DELL EPPERSON

LITURGIST

8:00 GRACE OMURA (PAUL TAKAMIYA 11/9)

9:30 BLAKE VANCE

NOVEMBER

SCHEDULE

AUMC

PASSION

GROUPS

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY (CONT)

Please keep in mind that Stewardship Sunday will be a single service event that starts at 9:00 a.m. on November 16th followed by an on-campus brunch to celebrate our commitments. As in previous years there will be a portion of the service where members can bring their commitment to the Alter for presentation. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

By any measure, God has been extravagantly generous to us and He gives us a choice of how we spend our time and money. He wants us expe-rience the joy of being generous givers. Please prayerfully consider how you will be generous in glorifying God in 2015 and taking hold of the life that really is life.

In Christian love and fellowship,

Your AUMC Finance Committee

Submitted by: Doug Rinehart and Chris Neff

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“O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 118:1)

It’s November again! Wow. Where has the year gone? Primary elections will be here shortly. Stewardship Sunday in Church. Our family on the mainland will be setting their clocks back, taking walks in the pumpkin patch, and enjoying the beautiful changing leaves. We are blessed the same AMAZING weather we

have year round (woo-hoo!).

But November is also the month of Thanksgiving. A rich & cherished tradition that means so much more than simply overeating delicious food, watching football (“Go Cowboys!”), and maybe taking in a parade or two on television. It’s about family… and friends… and gratitude… and God’s blessings.

In 1995, Billy Crockett wrote a song on his Red Bird Blue Sky album called “Thankful Boys and Girls.” At the time, I thought it was charming & catchy. It became a favorite of mine. I stumbled across it just the other day, and took the time to reread the lyrics. Maybe it’s that I’m almost 20 years older… or the fact that I’m supposed to get wiser with age… or simply because of what’s happened in my life this year… but I found it incredibly moving. I’d like to share a few lyrics from that song, and the reflections I had.

(v.1) “Let us be thankful boys and girls / For eyes and ears and toes / And puppies with wet noses / Let us be thankful boys and girls / For lessons we have learned / And love we have not earned / Follow the beat of amazing grace / Oh let us be thankful boys and girls”

There are so many simple blessings we have in life. Our children. Our bodies. Our pets. The lessons we’ve learned in life (both the painful ones and the joyous ones). And as Christians, we also believe that we are surrounded by God’s grace – which is “love we have not earned.” It truly is amazing! May we also be able to pass that grace on to others.

(v.3) “Let us be thankful boys and girls / For Mendelssohn and Brahms / Shadows growing longer / Let us be thankful boys and girls / For grandkids we can hold / Years that slowly go; / Memories to keep / Sorrow running deep / Follow the beat of amazing grace / Oh let us be thankful boys and girls”

Music is so powerful. Whether we’re classical fans, country buffs, or blast the good time rock-n-roll… music can touch us in deep places! We also are each growing older, as the shadows lengthen in our lives. Some of us have been blessed with grandchildren – incredible gifts we never knew would impact us so greatly. As our years move by, memories remain – including some lingering sorrows. May God hold us together through them all.

(v.4) “Let us be thankful boys and girls / When hope is not enough / That death won’t bury love / For wine and bread and hymns / Remembering again / We follow the beat of amazing grace / Oh let us be thankful boys and girls”

I lost my mom to death this year. Some of you have lost other loved ones (spouses, parents, siblings, even children!). As followers of Jesus, we believe that death is not the end. It cannot “bury love!” That’s also part of the power of Holy Communion… remembering, again, Jesus’ love for us… and the amazing grace that fills our lives!

Then running in between most of the verses is this bridge: “For all that brought us here / And all that will bring us through / The passages of life that lead to You / Lead us to You” And ultimately, that is what gives our lives meaning: that everything we experience in life – the highs, the lows, the in-betweens… the major events & even those things that seem so ‘minor’… all of us should lead us (back) to God. Because God is there with us through all of it – whether we recognize God or not.

This November, I invite each of us to take whatever happens… and use it as a catalyst to connect us deeper and deeper to God. Indeed, let us be thankful boys and girls! AMEN.

IS THERE MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS?

4

N

NOVEMBER

3– Ezra White

5– Stephanie Pak

6– Apelu Tigilalu Jr.

13– Monalisa Lauofo

Laura Shimabukuro

Madeleine Tali

14– Florence Yarbrough

16– Ilana Leaupepe

Lynn Gomez

17– Nyla Yarbrough

Matthew Nacnac

19– Parker Okamoto

Phillip Iofi

23– Rosa Yasuda

24– Alex Ariola

Dylan Misiluti

Renee Roley

Emily White

26– Nathan Koide

29– Jim White

Matthew Skoda

Nancy Katayama

30– Chris Lawrence

Nathan Yoshimura

Submitted by: Pastor Peter Lee

Nicky Gumbel is the pioneer of the Alpha

course, a popular class designed to explore the

Christian faith. I often use Alpha topics when I have

house church gatherings. In his book, “Alpha:

Questions of Life”, Nicky Gumbel mentions three

common objections to the Christian faith that many

non-Christians have. They are (1) Christianity is

boring, (2)untrue and (3)irrelevant. The key answer

to those objections, according to Gumbel, is found in

John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the Life.”

Many people aren’t satisfied with their lives.

Even those who are rich, have many possessions,

good friends and family often feel that something is

still missing. Human beings were created by God so

that we have a relationship with the creator. Many

people have lost that relationship or it’s broken.

Jesus came to us in order to fix that broken

relationship with God. Through Jesus Christ, we can

reconcile with God and restore our relationship with

Him. Jesus is indeed the way that we find our

meaning and purpose for our lives. When we restore

our relationship, our lives become more exciting and

meaningful. This leads to a deepening relationship

which will show us the truth.

The truth is not only from knowing Jesus

intellectually but also experiencing Jesus through

prayers, bible reading, worship service and relation-

ship with others. Experience Jesus! He will lead you

to the truth. That’s why Jesus is not irrelevant.

Jesus came to earth lived among us, and he was

crucified. He saved us by forgiving all of our sins.

He was resurrected to give us hope. Christianity is

not boring, untrue and irrelevant. Jesus is our

personal savior who is the way and the truth and the

life… Have you found meaning and purpose of your

life?

THE 3 D’S OF OCC

As you are putting the final

touches of your Christmas Box,

remember the 3 D’s:

1. DO pack toys, school supplies, and non

-liquid hygiene products like a toothbrush,

comb, or bar of soap. Be sure to include a

personal note and photo. Include $7/box for

shipping

2. DON’T pack w ar -related items (toy guns,

military figures, etc), Chocolate or food,

liquids, lotions, or vitamins/medication.

3. DEADLINE: The deadline to return

your box to Aiea UMC is Sunday, Nov. 23rd.

No boxes can be accepted past that date!

Download a tracking barcode and Follow You

Box: www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-

christmas-child/follow-your-box

THANKSGIVING MORNING PRAYER SERVICE

Thursday, 11/27/13, 8-8:30am

Submitted by: Sarah Beebe

5

Accompanying the plaque with the engraved wording above is a silver medallion depicting the

Methodist symbol of flame and cross and a personal gift of a sterling silver tie tack. Established in 1982,

it is the highest award given by the United Methodist Men and recognizes those who exemplify the

characteristics of John Wesley – service to fellow men and women and commitment to the teachings of

the Christian faith.

Tom and Lily Goto's faith journey began at Lahaina Methodist Church, Lily's childhood church. Tom

became active in the church when he was in his late teens.

Tom served in the Army Air Force during World War II, eventually becoming an interpreter

decoding Japanese military documents for the U.S. Forces. He had two tall Texans as companions so that

he'd not be mistaken as an enemy soldier.

Lily meanwhile had earned her degree in elementary education at University of Hawaii and Tom,

after his military service, enrolled at University of Hawaii as an education major then decided he wanted to

study architecture. Since UH did not have a school of architecture, the couple by then married, traveled to

Oklahoma where Tom completed his studies and opened his own firm. Lily had been teaching but left

teaching to work alongside Tom, managing office matters and raising their three sons.

They were members of St. Luke's Methodist Church in Oklahoma City for 43 years. The church was

huge, with 7,000 worshipers in the 1950s, as recalled by Lily. In such a large congregation, Tom and Lily

found their niche by serving first in the Missions committee which focused on aiding missionaries in Nepal

and other countries and helping foreign students studying medicine at the University of Oklahoma.

Lily recounts the great help from several church members when she and Tom started their careers.

They affirmed their faith by service to God and to others Their strong, active faith led to participating in

Adult Bible School, substitute SS teaching, women's group and Tom chairing committees at the local church

level. He served as Lay Leader. Then Tom carried out many other responsibilities at the District, Annual

and Jurisdictional Conference levels. He served as a Director of the General Conference Board of Church

and Society.

TOM GOTO NAMED A FELLOW OF THE SOCIETY OF JOHN WESLEY

Society of John Wesley

In appreciation of your continued support and

devotion to prayer, youth and mission efforts of

United Methodist Men

The United Methodist Men Foundation

recognizes you as a Fellow of the Society of John Wesley. Lily & Tom Goto

(CONTINUED PAGE 6)

TOM GOTO (CONT)

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All the while, Tom worked on designs for private residences, on State contracts for instructional

buildings for the Oklahoma Medical School, churches and offices and, contributed a black and white design

of a 7-panel window of the Passion of Christ for a building adjacent to the sanctuary. Historically, worship

services at St. Luke's Methodist Church were traditional, including, as Lily recalls, the dress code for

Sundays was gloves and hat for women and suits for men.

Tom's design of a meeting place for contemporary worship inspired participation by persons more

responsive to non-traditional type worship service. Tom's architectural talent and generosity of spirit in

every undertaking expresses his joy in working for the Lord and helping people.

The pattern of spiritual life devoted to service continued here, when in 1991, the Gotos came to Aiea

UMC. Welcomed here, Tom and Lily embraced the congregation and immediately were active in ministry

as bible study leaders, liturgists (in tandem), adult SS members, choir members and Tom's chairing of

various committees, then chairing the Trustees. His leadership skills honed by experience at all levels of

church governance, imparted with love and grace, is characteristic of the humble servant in Christian

service.

Tom and Lily Goto's faithful discipleship and dedicated stewardship bear witness to John Wesley's

advice to his followers: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In

all the places you can. At all the times you can. As long as ever you can.”

These inspiring words bring to the fore the hymn titled “They'll Know We Are Christians,” that

begins with the lines: “We are one in the Spirit. We are one in the Lord.” Across 3,000 miles from

Oklahoma to Aiea, there is the connectional relationship through the ministry of Tom and Lily Goto.

Friday, 11/21 @ 10am

Help us get our sanctuary in the

holiday spirit! Volunteers are needed

to help hanging garland, decorating

the Christmas tree, and more!

Earlier this year, our Missions Committee committed to

help Home Maluhia. Home Maluhia, located in Honolulu, is a

home that provides therapeutic counseling and rehabilitative

services to non-violent youth (ages 12-17) who have been

released from the juvenile court system for minor offenses.

After visiting the facility and talking with the staff, the Missions

committee focused on 2 projects: painting

and “sprucing up” the bedrooms and creat-

ing an outdoor patio area.

Our Quilting Passion group has

become involved and is in the process of

creating 12 quilts and pillowcases for the

new bedrooms. The group has completed

12 pillowcases and 1 quilt with 5 more quilts

close to completion! Mahalo for your hard

work. A work day is currently being

scheduled and volunteers will be needed to

assist with the painting and outdoor work.

Please consider lending a hand!

Submitted by: Kiyoko Oshiro, based on interview with Lily Goto

HOME MALUHIA UPDATE

Submitted by: Sarah Beebe

7

IMAGES OF OCTOBER

October 12th– White Sunday. The Samoan children praised God

through dance, song, and recitations. A donation of $647 was

made that day to the John Siofele Memorial Scholarship.

October 19th– Operation Christmas Child (OCC)

Wrapping Party. Over 30 volunteers (including Sunday

School and Youth Group) helped prepare 150 shoeboxes.

October 5th– Diabetes Nutrition Seminar. Al Blankenship leads an

informative seminar on preventing and living with Diabetes.

October 8th– Members of Aiea UMC and Mililani Seniors

Group touring JPAC .

The United Methodist church is committed to eradicating the

deadly effects of Malaria. Each year over 650,000 people die

from Malaria. Every 60 seconds, a child dies from this

preventable disease. To date, the United Methodist Church has

raised over $62 million dollars towards a goal of $75 million.

100% of every donation goes directly to prevention, treatment,

and education programs. One treated mosquito net ($10) can

protect an entire family from this disease. Aiea UMC has

committed $5,000 towards the goal. On Tuesday, December

2nd, as part of “Giving Tuesday”, the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries is going to

match dollar for dollar every online donation (up to $1 million dollars). To make a donation,

www.umcmission.org/give

GIVING TUESDAY

Submitted by: Sarah Beebe

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. Postage

Paid

Aiea, Hawaii

Permit No.1

AIEA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

99-101 Laulima Street

Aiea, Hawaii 96701

Return Service Requested

Our Purpose: Knowing, Loving and Serving God

Our Journey: Building a life-changing community that follows Jesus through worship, relationships, spiritual growth and service.

CHURCH STAFF

Bishop: Rev. Minerva Carcaño

District Superintendent:

Rev. Dr. Tom Choi

Senior Pastor: James A. White

Associate Pastor: Joseph Siofele

Associate Pastor: Peter Lee

Director of Christian Education/

Pastoral Assistant: Sarah Beebe

Administrative Assistant:

Debra Bradshaw

Rainbow Choir Director: Peter Lee

Handbell Choir Director:

Karen Carlisle

Organist: Malia Poyer

Samoan Choir Director:

Soteria Moli

Accompanist: Laura Shimabukuro

NOVEMBER SERMON SCHEDULE

Nov. 2 - WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: The Great Fish

Nov. 9 - WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: The Serpent

Nov. 16 - WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: The Lamb

Nov. 26 - Advent 1: Christmas - Behind the Music