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

NOVEMBER 2012 | Volume 17 | Issue 10

IN THIS ISSUE Thanksgiving LunchNov. 22—see page 3

Our annual GIFTS OF LOVE project has begun! Details on page 2.

Gifts of LoveIMPACT Ministries Team Initiative

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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 Ellery Lum! He wins a $10-gift certificate to Ko'olau Kitchen! Congratulations!

Here's Ellery's winning caption:"This wall needs some 'compassion.'"

Other good ones:"Your dreams will come true at Koolau Ballrooms" – Josh Hayashi

"Beauty on the right/ Beast on the left" – Sarah Lau

"Rock on! I am next to Rosella! Eat your heart out, Michael!" – Corinne Ehara

"How do I do the shaka sign again? Oh well, whatever." – Shayna Kusumoto

"First Prez...Innovative Worship" – Barbara Harberts

"We're rockin' and rollin' at First Prez at Koolau" – Paula Caracol

Keep them coming, folks! Your captions have us all rolling on the floor laughing (ROTFL)!

ON THE COVER

“. . . Heaven surely knows that packages and bows can never heal a hurting human soul”

The giving of a thoughtful gift is part of how we celebrate Christmas. The gifts remind us of God’s gift of love to usHis precious Son, Jesus.

Continuing its tradition of alternative gift ideas, Impact Ministries is excited to once again offer you the “Gifts of Love” catalog of unique gifts that support our church’s missions partners and shine the light of God’s love into a hurting world. Now in its tenth year, the generous gifts given by you through “Gifts of Love” have resulted in over $158,000 of additional support for our missions partners -— Thank you! We hope you will continue to bless and affirm our partner’s ministries by continuing to give “Gifts of Love”. What better way to express your love of Christ than with a Christmas gift that ministers to the poor, uplifts a needy child, cares for the sick or feeds the hungry?

Beginning November 18th you can pick up a copy of the “Gifts of Love” catalog at the Impact Ministries table on Sundays and at the front desk on weekdays throughout the holiday season. This year you can also view the catalog online on the Impact Ministries website and download an order form that you can bring or mail in. We hope you will take a few moments to browse through the catalog and prayerfully consider your gift-giving this year. Select the gift most appealing to you and receive a gift card to give to the person you are honoring with your generous gift. It’s a great way to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with your family and friends. Whatever you choose to give, your gifts will have value long after the holidays and will be treasured by those who receive them, as well as the ministries they benefit. Make your gift-giving more meaningful this year and be doubly blessed as you honor Christ and your loved ones with special Christmas “Gifts of Love."

Upon This Rock Update

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

As of Sept. 3, 2012• CampaignGoal=$7M• ActualPledgesreceived=$3,473,517

• Actualcollectiontodate=$1,730,669

$7M

$6M

$5M

$4M

$3M

$2M

$1M

0

CHURCH NEWS

A new Associate Pastor NominatingCommittee (APNC) has been elected tofind a new associate pastor for First Prez.

Our church has grown by more than 500 peoplesincewemovedtoKo‘olau.Addinganother associate pastor was part of the long-range plan a few years ago but we had to delay that decision to hire when the recession hit. Now that we have many more new people, we have decided to move out in faith and hire another pastor to increase the care and guidance for the congregation.

Serving on the APNC are:Nan FancherScott Makuakane (chair)Gracynn MaeharaMichael ShishidoKyle WatariLinda WilloughbyAliceYoderFaith YoshidaJoan Young

They are of different age groups; some

Associate Pastor Nominating Committeeby Pastor Dan Chun

are veteran members of the church, others are new but all are committed to following the Lord. The majority of the team members are elders, and five out of the nine have been on pastoral searches before. Those five and others on the team did well in choosing Pastors Sim Fulcher, David Stoker, and Drew Hulse.

As for what specific duties the newassociate pastor will have, our Session Elders have decided for now that he or she will have general pastoral duties, serving in whatever area is needed at the time of hire, plus the normal responsibilities of sacraments, preaching, counseling, funerals, weddings, hospital visitation, etc. We want flexibility when we see the pool of candidates available. We will look for the best man or woman possible.

Please pray for our APNC becausechoosing an associate pastor is critically important for our future.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Thanksgiving LunchThursday, Nov. 22, 11 am-1:30 pm, Fellowship Hall

• Sign Up: Sunday mornings in theFellowship Hall until Nov. 18

• Bring: 1 side dish to share (6-8servings)

• OptionalDonation:1cannedgoodforthe homeless

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LIFE MINISTRIES CREATIVE ARTS MINISTRIES

Of Blessings, Gifts and GratitudeBelow is an entry from a class journal from Peter and Ann Millard's LIFE SHARE class, as written by Lettie Nakamura: "A blessing is a gift, wrapped orunwrapped, big or small, with an invisible tag that says, 'I care.' A blessing is akindness, spoken or unspoken, an act that touches the heart.

"Most blessings, however, go unrecognized and unacknowledged. They are the 'stuff'—the joy, the sorrow, the pain, the healing, restoration and reconciliation—all strung together on the ribbon that God uses to tie together His plan. This ribbon adorns and wraps the gift that God gives us—our lives.

"Just imagine a simple ribbon tied around a box. One side of the ribbon goes over the top and bottom, and the other part crosses over the sides.

"The result of this is the symbol of a cross. The cross is the ribbon that wraps around the gift of salvation—our ultimate gratitude. This gift is given to all of us with a tag that says, 'Because I Love You.' (With no strings attached!)"

RAA! Give ThanksThursday, Nov. 22, 11 am, Fellowship Hall

RAA will not be sponsoring a regularevent in November. Instead, we encourage everyone to join in the church-wide Thanksgiving lunch and festivities on Thursday, November 22nd. What a perfect way to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family. And in the spirit ofgiving thanks, please bring a canned good for the Hawaii Food Bank as well as a potluck dish. Look for further details in this issue of First Press.

But, please mark your calendars for our very special Christmas luncheon on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 10:30a.m. at Ko’olau, where we will usher in the Christmas season with food and festivities.

To help us remember and be grateful for the true meaning of Christmas, Kirk Leavy will be sharing with us what Christmas means to people living in extreme poverty, based on his recent experiences in Indonesia and Swaziland. (Stay tuned for more details of his presentation in our Sunday Bulletins.) Then get ready to enjoy a very special scrumptious catered meal prepared especially for us by Chef Jim of Ko’olau Catering.

Sign-ups will be taken on the two preceding Sundays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, after the 8 and 9:30 a.m. services. Thecost is $15 per person, payable in cash or check. We hope to see you all there to enjoy a morning of insight, reflection, fellowship, and fine food.

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LIFE MINISTRIES

RECOVERY GROUPS

Learn the Bible with Ada LumNew Life Training Class starts Sunday, Nov. 4 at 11 am, Music Room (Lower Level)

Sit where Jesus’ disciples sat—or stood or walked or ran—as you ...

1) Get to know Jesus more intimately. 

2) Learn how to practically help others who want to draw nearer to God.

3)Learncommonsensewaysofhowto lead a Bible study group of your own.

Ada has been on the faculty of theBible Institute of Hawaii for 27 years and is internationally known for  her Bible teaching skills.  This class is for anybody who wants to become more like Jesus, but especially for those who want to help others, too, to become more like Him. 

Note: This class is open to all, and is also a LIFT Class (LifeGuide Institute For Teaching).

GriefShare Surviving the HolidaysSunday, Nov. 18, 11 am-1 pm

Facing a holiday after the death of a loved one can be more difficulty than one may realize.  If you or someone you know have experienced the loss of a loved one, this two-hour session from GriefShare will help you not only survive the holidays, but also find strength, healing and tools to move forward in your daily walk through the deep pain of grief.

FIRST PRESS | NOVEMBER 2012 5

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

WOMEN'S NEWS

My husband Rich and I recently moved back to the islands after being gone for over ten years. We’re also back at First Prez. Every week on our way to church, we drive by a facility with old buildings situated behind a chain link fence along Kalanianaole Highway, and I used to wonder what it is. I was unaware of a plan and a purpose the Lord had for me concerning that facility.

Rich and I have moved many times over the years, and I knew to begin praying about how God would have me serve Him in Hawaii. My passion has always been to see women grow and become secure in their faith, so I have performed various roles in women’s ministry in the church and in community Bible studies.

I soon learned how my prayer would be answered as a friend began to tell me about a faith-based program called Total Life Recovery Program (TLR) at the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) in Kailua, the facility with the chain link fence! My friend serves as a counselor in the program, and she asked if I would like to visit the prison with her one day. It sounded interesting, and I knew she loved her time there, so I agreed.

Needless to say, I was a little nervous and didn’t know what to expect on my first visit. Wow, does our God do amazing things! I was overwhelmed with the friendly greetings and openness of the women. They were so appreciative that a stranger would take time to come and visit them, be respectful, and accept them. I was totally humbled by their sincerity and kindness.

I met with Chaplain Tammy Turcios, who oversees the daily running of the TLR program, and she asked me to pray

Changing the Heart of a Womanby Linda Willoughby

Saturday, Nov. 3, 9 am-2 pm, Grand Ballroom

Come to the All-Church Bazaar! Greatdeals on Christmas craft items; gently-used women's clothes and accessories; baked goods; jams and jellies; silent auction items; malasadas and other ono about becoming a volunteer. God took

my heart that day, filling it with a love for these women like nothing else I had ever experienced. I thought He wanted me there, but I needed to be sure. However, God already knew that and in an unusual twist, He confirmed the decision to volunteer at WCCC.

Rich and I had been invited to visit a small group in Hawaii Kai that evening, and guess who is a member of that group—Chaplain Bonnie Holcombe, the woman who developed the TLR program! I was able to learn more about it, and felt confident that God was indeed leading me to the prison ministry.

Sometimes our Heavenly Father stretches us. He has kept me at teaching women, but this time He picked me up and moved me from the comfortable, safe church setting to the unfamiliar women’s prison where He is causing me to learn and grow. Now when we drive by WCCC on our way to church, my heart leaps with joy as I pray for the women there.

Part of the TLR philosophy states: “Society says to change the woman you must first change the behavior. God says to first change the heart of a woman then the behavior will change.”

The Total Life Recovery Program provides a wonderful opportunity for our church to be involved in changing lives. Teachers, volunteers, mentors, counselors, sponsors are all needed. If God is calling you, then He has something for you to do.

Is God calling you to help change the heart of a woman? For more information please visit www. totalliferecovery.org or feel free to contact me at lindawilloughby72@

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

Women's Christmas Brunch Dec. 1, 10 am-12 pm, Fellowship Hall

Women of First Prez: kick start your holiday season with “Joy to the World,” a Ladies' Christmas Brunch for you and your friends. Enjoy warm fellowship with each other, sing a few Christmas carols, and dine at a sumptuous buffet. Cost is $11. Sign up at the Women’s Ministry Table. For more information: Call Linda Verdugoat532-1114.

The Brunch MenuSelected Breakfast BreadsFresh Fruit PlatterPancakesBacon and SausageEggs BenedictAssortedSaladsSoupFresh Catch of the dayChicken MarsalaRicePastry Chef's choice of desserts Ko'olau's famous Bread PuddingCoffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea

PODS are in the parking lot on Sundays to receive your donations! Don’t forget to sign up at the Women’s Ministry Table for a shift to help. SEE YOU THERE! All proceeds go to missions.

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H a aarSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 9-2

PODS are in the parking lot on Sundays to receive your donations! Don’t forget to sign up at the Women’s Ministry Table for a shift to help. SEE YOU THERE! All proceeds go to missions.

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H a aarSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 9-2

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Happy Thanksgiving to all! November has rolled around again. Well, "rolled" may not be the best word as I feel sometimes the year is in a pell-mell dash to get to Christmas. Things seem to move even faster from November on. However, let us take the time during our church fast to slow our lives down and think of the LORD and all His many blessings.

I received a wonderful email from long ago members and still dear friends of FPC Brent and Cindy Clark. Cindy writes to share the news that their daughter Emma was married in October. Some of us FPC old-timers will remember that Emma was born while the Clarks were at First Prez and she was baptized in the old sanctuary. Their other son Ben was born not long after they moved back to the mainland. Husband Brent works as business manager for Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill. Cindy has been a nurse at UNC Hospitals for 11 years on the cardiac step-down floor and just accepted a new job as a Cardiac Rehab nurse. Son Ben is a senior at UNC. Cindy wanted to let Emma’s first church family know that she was married! Congratulations to all.

Roy and Jean Ann Gritter’s oldest grandson, Dr. Matthew Gritter, has had his first book published: “Mexican Inclusion; The Origins of Anti-Discrimination Policyin Texas and the Southwest,” which is based on his PhD thesis at the New School of Social Research in New York City. Matthew isnowanAssistantProfessorofPoliticalScienceatAngeloStateUniversity inSt.Angelo,Texas.

Karen Offerdahl completed her CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation. This is a designation for qualified life insurance professionals. Karen writes: “It’s part of those letters-after-my-name thing and has taken me YEARS to complete.”She had to complete several college level

c o u r s e s plus tests to receive t h i s designation. Yippee, Karen!

Julie Carter will be coming home soon from a wonderful mainland trip to see granddaughter Olive in New York City where the highlight will be the two sets of grandparents taking her to see “The Lion King”. I think the best part for all grandparents involved will be watching Olive watch the Lion King! Imagine four pairs of eyes not watching the stage in a Broadway production!

Opera for the fall was a hoot with a bat in Strauss’s Die Fledermaus. Mary Hicks waltzed her way across the stage as a convincingly nasal-voiced social climber. And, of course our ever fabulous Beebe Freitas was behind the scenes making sure all was well. Others that you might know who were involved are Chad Williams, Doug Stiles, Lida Chase, and myself.

Keep an eye out for the concert of the Oahu Civic Orchestra and the FPC choir coming up on Sunday, November 11th. Please join us for this free concert and enjoy an afternoon of lovely music.

"He only is the Maker of all things near and far; He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star; The winds and waves obey Him, by Him the birds are fed; Much more to us, His children, He gives ourdailybread..All goodgifts aroundus,are sent from heaven above, then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, for all His love." (Matthias Claudius)

Blessings on you this season and forget not the many good things the LORD has done for us. Pray, watch, and listen, then share those good things with others. Malama Pono. manoaw@hawaiiantel.net

PRAYERLINES

Our Response to Terrorismby Patti Marshall

We live in an age of terror. The threat of terror affects us every time we go to the airport, cast a vote, or even support our nation’s policies.

What is the Church’s response to terrorism? It has certainly, in parts of our country and the world, been the target of terror attacks. In order to fully engage the threat, we must see the spiritual aspect of what is happening.

Read Isaiah 59:6-8. Could this Old Testament scripture be applied to the terrorists of today? Terrorism is not merely a matter of a physical struggle. It’s a spiritual battle as well. This type of blind violence is indicative of Satan’s handiwork. Jesus said of Satan in John 8 and 10 that he is liar, a thief, a murderer. His intent is to steal, kill, and destroy. In Revelation 12 he is described as he who leads the world astray. In short, Satan is a terrorist.

We, the Church, must step to the forefront of the battle. And prayer is amajor weapon in our arsenal.

Again, theprophet Isaiahcriesout,“Ihave posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night” Is. 62:6.

What do watchmen do?• Theywatchandpray• They are to be on guard constantly

and provide protection. Lam. 2:19• Theyaretolisten.Jer.6:17• Theyaretowarn.Ez.3:17• TheyaretocalltotheLord.Is.62:6

God has called the Church to be watchmen, not observers or victims in the war against terror. When we read the newspapers, we pray. When we watch television, we pray.

Our prayers make a difference in the fight against terrorism. Through our watchful prayer, we release the powerful light of Christ into the battle. Adapted from Dave Butts. Prayer & the End of Days.

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

Mary Hicks

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Family Experience was a night to remember as parents and children shared in all the fun! Take a look at some of candid photos of the night.

The Mitchell family using funny props to celebrate our theme,“Individuality!”

Families competing in an Ultimate Donut eating challenge!

Children and parents worshiping God together.

Individuality means discovering who you are meant to be so that you can make a difference. Thank you, God that you have given us each special talents!

Thank you to the team of volunteers who used their “Individuality” to make this year’s Family Experience a success! If you want to join the fun and learn more about our Children’s Ministry, please contact Karen@fpchawaii.org or Lauren@fpchawaii.org.

Family Experience (FX) Recapby Lauren McCartha

FIRST PRESS | NOVEMBER 2012 7

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Operation Christmas Child by Kelli Adachi

Join Children's Ministry this month as we participate in Operation Christmas Child. Please fill an empty shoe box with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and other things children would enjoy. Wrapping is not required, but if you do, please wrap the lid and box separately. Drop off your filled shoe boxes downstairs in the Children's Ministry area by Sunday, November 11.

MEN'S MINISTRY

Annual Coed Christmas Dinner Tuesday, Dec. 4, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall

Tom and Anita Rhee Stirling“Journeys of Bumps and Blessings”

Tom and Anita met at a First Prezgolf outing (PGA, Presbyterian GolfAdventures). Pastor Dan officiated theirwedding at Ko’olau two years later. Tom  was made single twice by  divorce, andAnitaonce bya fatalautoaccident.Anita was born in Rio de Janeiro—her dad  a Korean diplomat there—and  raised in many  places.   She speaks fluent  Spanish, is a trained  pharmacist, and most  recently a passionate  scone maker just  starting her company called Mama’Nita Scones.  Tom is a lawyer, a former  soldier, and an  active member at   First Prez  (an elder)  where he has led the Men’s Ministry  and  held other FPC leadership positions. Anita andTom have six children between them—including Tom’s step-children—and four grandchildren.

Always an exciting, inspirational, andentertaining evening that warms the heart and fires the spirit  as Christmas moves closer, the dinner is  open to  all. Bring your spouse, a friend, or just come by yourself. You don’t want to miss what Tom  and Anita have  to share with us!Childcare is provided.

Men's Dinner

Making

Manof a

The

SAVE THE DATE!

MEN’S RETREAT

WITH TONY CAMPOLO

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2013

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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 November 15 for the December 2012 issue to: shayna@fpchawaii.org. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted. Artdirector•ShaynaKusumoto;Copyeditors•RalphKam,PattyKamahele, Julie Lockyer, Rosella Shishido, Linda Verdugo, Sarah Williams

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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

November3 AnnualAll-ChurchBazaarNovember3 TheColorRun(YoungAdultsEvent)November4 LearntheBiblewithAdaLumNovember 11 Veteran's Day ConcertNovember 17 Military Mom's Night OutNovember 18 GriefShare Surviving the Holidays, Second WorshipNovember 22 Thanksgiving Lunch

Recurring Events

Sundays WorshipServicesat8,9:30and11:11Tuesdays Mighty MomsThursdays Choir PracticeWednesdays Gathering (High School)Fridays Women's Craft Group