First Press First Press is the monthly newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu 45-550 Kionaole Road, Kane‘ohe, HI 96744
DECEMBER 2014 | Volume 19 | Issue 11
Merry
CHRISTMAS 2014 Christmas worship services Dec 23, Tues • 6 pm, 8 pm Dec 24, Wed • 4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm
Invite family, friends, and acquaintances IN THIS ISSUE
After 18 years of writing, Marcia Wright says aloha. See page 6 Have you taken Alpha?
SOCIAL MEDIA
STAFF NEWS
Images of Christmas
Aloha, Kirk, Nick, and Dave! (and welcome Aaron and Greg)
a photo countdown to Christmas on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest December 1-25 Count down to Christmas with us with your original photos using these 25 daily photo prompts: DECEMBER 1 Angel 2 Bells 3 Candle 4 Carols 5 Celebration 6 Christmas tree 7 Cookies 8 Decorations 9 Family 10 Generosity 11 Gifts 12 Hugs 13 Laughter
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Lights Nativity Ornaments Red Shopping Star Surprise Sweater Toys Traditions Wreath Jesus
Post your photo for the day on your social media page, and use the hashtag #FPCXmas2014. If we all flood social media with our photos and the specific hashtag, First Prez might be trending the whole month of December and, as a result, attract more people to church. Another opportunity to expose people to Jesus! It’s also a way of celebrating Christmas as a church ohana in social media.
THE 3:16 APPEAL UPDATE
Praise God that we reached our goal of $316K by Thanksgiving Day! Our heartfelt thanks to you for your generous donation. You'll be blessed!
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DECEMBER 2014
by Pastor Dan Chun
As the year comes to a close, we’re seeing a lot of movement in our staff. Three of our staff members have decided to follow God’s leading to take a different route in their careers, plus there are some new additions. KIRK LEAVY, First Prez’s Executive Coordinator, has been designated as the new Executive Director of Hawaiian Islands Ministries (HIM) beginning January 1, 2015. Mary Vinson, HIM’s present Executive Director, will continue to produce the annual conferences at the Hawaii Convention Center in addition to her recent acceptance to be the Executive Director of First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, Virginia. A former First Prez member, Mary has done a superlative job leading HIM to new and greater heights over the last ten years. In the short time Kirk was on staff, he did a significant amount of ministry. He headed up our last capital campaign (Upon This Rock), which raised millions of dollars for our church. He implemented the congregational membership software called Fellowship One. He streamlined online giving and various administration systems at our church. He was also on our church’s executive leadership team, which oversees much of our budgeting and personnel issues. The good news is that Kirk will remain on Session as an active elder and member of First Prez. NICK LOVE, our Jr. High Ministry Coordinator, has answered the call to be the pastor at Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay for junior high, senior high, and college students starting in mid-December this year. We are sad to see Nick move on because he has made a positive impact on our junior high ministry. But Hope Chapel was his wife Alex’s home church growing up. So it will be like going back to her roots, only this time with Nick and their infant
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son Jude. Her parents still worship there as well as her cousins. DAVID KUSUMOTO, our Director of Young Adults and our Media Department, is going to be stepping off of staff but continuing to provide for the church's video requirements by contract. Dave has been instrumental in launching our 11:11 contemporary service, starting our TV show on KALO, and creating our video ministry from the ground up. He and his wife Shayna will still be serving in the church and leading their small group in Kaimuki, so this isn't good-bye; just a new working relationship. AARON LARSON, former associate pastor of One Love Church, will be our new Director of Singles Ministries working with singles of all ages – those never married, divorced, and widowed. Aaron comes with 18 years of ministry. It’s the first time our church has ever staffed a full-time person to just work with singles. Aaron and his wife Koreen have three kids. They have served many years in YWAM (Youth with a Mission) in Hawaii as well as in other countries. GREG BRYAN, a fulltime staff worker for Navigators for the UH Campus, will also be our main liaison with the college-aged people in our church. It’s the first time we have had such liaison. Both Aaron and Greg will be supervised by Pastor Tim Shaw, who will over see the Young Adult Ministry that David Kusumoto used to lead. We look forward to working with Aaron and Greg, but no doubt we will miss Kirk, Nick, and Dave. They have been great to work with, and
CHURCH NEWS
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A Sense of Christmas
An Advent Sermon Series by Pastor Tim Shaw
photo by Lisa Rigoni from pixabay.com
PRAYERLINES
Five Little Fingers by Patti Marshall
We often assume that children’s Christmas songs are meant only for their little ears and hearts. But I’m hoping that “Five Little Fingers” by Stephen Hill speaks to your adult ears and heart during this blessed season: Five Little Fingers Chorus: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 little fingers on His hand Son of God, Mary’s little man Born in a manger, gentle as a lamb My heart’s in the five little fingers of His hand. There was no room within the inn When they came to Bethlehem In a stable a baby came Little Jesus was His name. (Chorus) Jesus came to save the world Man and woman, boy and girl Bow before Him, give Him praise For His blessings, count the ways. (Chorus) Imagine Jesus’ five little infant fingers on His hand reaching out of the rough blanket that covered Him, stretching, rubbing His little eyes, and clutching Mary’s thumb as He nursed. Imagine the five little boy fingers on His hand as He threw a ball, dumped the trash, and made mud-pies, and cupped His mouth while calling a far-away friend. Imagine the five teenage fingers on His hand carving and building furniture, pulling and pushing carts, baking bread with His mother, and praying with His with parents at home and in the Temple.
Imagine the five adult fingers on His hand as He broke bread after the Sermon on Mount, prayed unceasingly with clasped fingers, healed the sick with His gentle touch, washed His disciples’ feet, cradled His weary head while on the Sea of Galilee, and restored the centurion’s ear in the Garden of Gethsemane. Imagine the five suffering fingers on His hands during the crucifixion. Those two fivefingered hands were lifted up for us. Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, held and holds our hearts in His nail-scarred hands. The song lyrics remind us of the Hebrew word Immanu’el (God is with us), first given to Jesus by the prophet Isaiah 700 years before Jesus’ birth (Is. 7:14). They stir memories of Immanuel (the infant Jesus who is God in flesh) whom Matthew refers to in his gospel. The lyrics also urge us to reflect on the precious name of Jesus (Jehovah is salvation), and perhaps weep realizing once again that in this one Name the entire plan of God’s salvation is displayed (Matt. 1:21).
At Christmas the streets of downtown Honolulu are ablaze with light, the music of Advent fills our church, and the fragrances of the season permeate our homes. The coming of God to earth in Jesus Christ is what we celebrate every December. It is the most astounding event in human history. On that first Christmas night, the One who fashioned the galaxies, slept in a feeding trough in Bethlehem under the watchful care of a poor couple. The message of Christmas is a message of hope for those who have given up hoping. Christmas tells us that there is no place God will not go to reach us. How will we make sense of the coming of Jesus Christ for us in this season that fills our senses with lights, melodies and aromas that hold out the promise of meals shared with friends and family? Jesus Christ did not enter the kind of idyllic world pictured on a Hallmark card. He came to mud and manure, to oppression and poverty. Jesus was born a child in a world, like ours, that was filled with both pain and promise. A star led wise men to a place that was unfamiliar to them, and it was there they met the One who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Join us this Christmas as we once again explore the wonders of this season every Sunday morning this month — as we hear and touch, taste and see the goodness of our God. It’s the Advent sermon series we’re calling “A Sense of Christmas.”
Someday, when we are called home, we will all feel the comforting embrace of those five fingers around us. Thank You, Jesus, for being Immanuel. Note: In 2012, 55-year old Stephen Hill, the writer of the song, had a massive heart attack. Jesus held his heart in His five fingers for those many years. His five fingers also celebrated Stephen’s homecoming.
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DECEMBER 2014
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A CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Nov 30, Sun, 2 pm, Sanctuary featuring the First Prez Voice and Bell Choirs
A CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN WITH YOUR ORIGINAL PHOTOS Dec 1-25 on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest
ANNUAL CO-ED CHRISTMAS DINNER Dec 2, Tues, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall featuring Jeff and Shaunti Feldhahn
"JOY TO THE WORLD" CHRISTMAS LUNCH Dec 3, Wed, 10:30 am, Fellowship Hall featuring Imua and Tiffa Garza
SPONSOR A POINSETTIA PLANT ANNUAL WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS BRUNCH Dec 6, Sat, 10 am, Fellowship Hall
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DECEMBER 2014 |
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Sundays, Fellowship Hall Help decorate the church for Christmas
GIFTS OF LOVE CATALOG Dec 13, Sat, 9 am, Glass Classroom for those dealing with pain from the loss of a loved one
all month of December meaningful gift-giving that benefits mission partners and honors those you love
WHITE GIFTS SUNDAY
VISIT
Dec 14, Sunday morning The Sunday we feature a nativity scene at the end of worship services and present canned good for the homeless.
FPCHAWAII.ORG
TO GET MORE DETAILS ON OUR CHRISTMAS EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES.
First Presbyterian Church
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Dec 23, Tues • 6 pm, 8 pm Dec 24, Wed • 4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm
• Free admission! • Festival Choir & Orchestra • Free shuttle service • Free childcare for ages 3 mos-5yrs (except for 8 pm Dec 24)
FIRST PREZ CHRISTMAS OFFERING
45-550 Kionaole Road • Kaneohe 808.532.1111 • www.fpchawaii.org
Donations given using the Christmas offering envelope will benefit mission partners helping disadvantaged women and children locally and abroad.
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People All the Good Things by Marcia Wright
What's the buzz with First Prez people Christmas will again be a joyous celebration of the birth of our LORD, with song, instruments, and the special message. At this time of year we say goodbye to the old year and hello to the new. We look forward to being with family, eating, and laughing with friends, and attending a Christmas service at First Prez. I just love singing Christmas carols. photo by Paul Hayashi
Michelle Hee, daughter of Richard and Sandra Hee, is participating in the Narcissus Queen contest set for January 10, 2015 at the Hawaii Theatre. For more information on Michelle, please go to this link (http://on.fb. me/1tmYweu) and LIKE her Facebook page to follow along. Christi Morrissey recently published an online article in Naval Aviation News about her recent deployment. Lt. Christy Morrissey is a VP-16 pilot and the squadron’s public affairs officer. Read it here: http://1.usa.gov/1F8MzS7 Charlene (Charley) Oyama, singing with the Sweet Adelines “Honolulu Blend,” came in 3rd worldwide, in her division, at the International Sweet Adelines Convention/ Competition in Baltimore, Maryland. Another friend you might know from FPC who attended was Ruth de Mesa, a long-time Sweet Adelines participant.
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Pastor Dan had an eventful trip to the mainland, which included an interview with Focus on the Family on his book How to Pick a Spouse. Wow, the big-time Pastor Dan! He also gave some talks at Fuller Seminary to some rather fresh-faced students. If you want to read more go on the church’s Facebook page. Yes, we say goodbye to the old year and hello to the new. But now there is another heartfelt goodbye I need to say to all of you my church family. Eighteen years ago Pastor Dan approached me and asked if I would be willing to write a “three-dot column” and, after not enough thought, I agreed. Obviously, I didn’t know what I was getting into. Well, as you can tell, my “All the Good Things” morphed into much more than a three-dot column. There was just so much life to share with our growing family. New jobs and promotions, theater productions and operas, doctorates and graduates, publications and poems, Bible translations (specifically Joe and Barbara Grimes’ Da Jesus Book) and mission trips, concerts and hoedowns, Women’s and Men’s Ministry, Singles groups, Small Groups and Life Ministry groups, Children’s Ministry and High School auctions, Lenten fasts and Easter joys, Christmas wonder and New Year’s resolve, church bazaars and car washes, hellos and goodbyes, ‘The Move’ and adjustments, and ‘Alpha’ and Omega (well, that last class hasn’t been written yet). And just so much more! You have shared your lives with me and opened your hearts. You have been right there with me on this journalistic exploration with a 75° learning curve. It has been a refreshing scenic detour, and I have loved every minute of it. With God’s help, this endeavor has helped me grow so much. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. An extra special thanks to Beebe Freitas who recommended me to Pastor Dan. And
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a BIG MAHALO to Pastor Dan for all your encouragement and belief in me! Though I say goodbye to you with a grateful heart, you are not left without a newsy column for you to read. Don’t worry I am not leaving the church; just changing the scenery a bit. I leave you in the capable reporting hands of Sherrilyn Shephard, who will be taking
over the article. So send your information now to: yay4freedom-now@yahoo.com. God’s blessings! Be well and share all the good things in your lives. Mahalo nui a ‘e malama pono kakou. Marcia Wright
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
It's All About You! A Bazaar Recap by Donna Matichuk Once again, you are all AMAZING! The Annual Bazaar was another outstanding success, and it’s because of you. Because of you, many women and children here and around the world are blessed. This year we took in about $33,000 for our various mission projects. PEOPLE
How a Dog Walk Led a Couple to First Prez A Christmas Service Story
We’re a church family made up of people from all walks of life with unique stories of how we became part of the First Prez ohana. For First Prez members Scott and Marianne Shultz, it all started with walking their dogs. Marianne: “One day on a dog walk, I met a kind Southern Baptist Texan (Pam Pope), who became our friend. She and her husband had been attending First Prez, and recommended that we attend a Christmas Eve service. She said to come for an unforgettable and beautiful night celebrating Jesus’ birth, and we did just that on Dec 24, 2009. “We entered the church, which was full of warmth and love for total strangers. The worship service, the music, and the welcoming atmosphere gave us the feeling that we had found our church home. “During the Christmas service, satin roses were handed out, and Pastor Dan told us to get one and to say a prayer that’s against all odds; a miraculous, long-shot prayer. We got a rose not knowing how important it would be in 2010. “I was able to send the rose back to Pastor Dan with thanks for answered prayers. You see, I was diagnosed with an infection called MRSA in September, which was quite dangerous. But, thanks to Jesus, I was healed! I know my rose is there on the wreath of answered prayers!”
for several years. On that wondrous Christmas Eve, I remember being awestruck by the beauty and joy we experienced through the service and on the faces of the worshippers. We knew that we had to come back for a "normal" service the very next Sunday (it was "average" in First Prez parlance). Now the 11:11 service is the only place we want to be every Sunday!” We’re grateful that Scott and Marianne have become part of the First Prez ohana and that they have a stronger relationship with Jesus. Since becoming members in 2011, they’ve been serving as ushers and greeters under the church’s Red Carpet Team and actively serve in Alpha and other ministries. And both are now also serving the Lord as Deacons. A simple invitation to church can make a huge impact on someone’s life. With the Christmas worship services coming up, we have extra reasons to invite people. So grab a bunch of the Christmas invite cards, and hand them out to friends, family, and even strangers. Our church doors are open to everyone who wants to walk in and celebrate the reason for the season.
Scott: “We had not attended a worship service
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So here’s to you— YOU who crafted i n t r i c a t e, useful and decorative creations, hidden away all year in the basement recesses of the building. YOU who labored over cooking the delicious delicacies that were devoured hungrily. YOU who spent hours baking mouth-watering cookies, cakes and other sweets. YOU who propagated and donated the plants, and YOU who cooked the chutneys, jams and jellies. YOU who provided all the lifting and carrying to set up. YOU who plumbed your closets and crannies for treasures to stock the boutique and silent auction. YOU who set up the enticing displays so lovingly. YOU who cheerfully managed the cashier table, the will-call table, and all of YOU who manned the various “shops.” YOU who drove the golf carts. YOU who stewarded the financial end of things. And there are many more of YOUs. A special thanks goes to Patt Emminger, who saw to all details and to whom we owe a tremendous debt for all her years of quiet and competent service. And one more star performer—Beth Fila, who worked tirelessly with Patt. She will direct the bazaar next year.
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID KANEOHE, HI PERMIT NO. 120
45-550 Kionaole Road Kane‘ohe, HI 96744 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
WORSHIP SERVICES
Sundays at 8 am, 9:30 am, 11:11 am Visit our website at www.fpchawaii.org
DECEMBER 2014 Upcoming Events
Dec 14 • Sunday • 12:30 PM • Sanctuary
December 2 December 3 December 4 December 6 December 7 December 13 December 14 December 21 December 23 December 24
Annual Co-ed Christmas Dinner Christmas Luncheon featuring Imua & Tiffa Garza Women's Christmas Card Project Caregiver Support Group Women's Christmas Brunch Jr. High Car Wash GriefShare Surviving the Holidays White Gifts Sunday, Annual Congregational Meeting GriefShare/DivorceCare Comfort on the Longest Night Christmas Worship Services Christmas Worship Services
Recurring Events
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Dec 14 • Sunday • 12:30 pm • Sanctuary Purpose of the meeting: 1) To present 2015 church budget 2) To vote on 2015 candidates for elders, deacons, and nominating team members 3) To approve pastors' Terms of Call Everyone's invited but only FPC members may vote.
Sundays Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays
Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11, Life Training Classes MONDAYS: College-Age Bible Study and Fellowship Mighty Moms Celebrate Recovery Men's SPARTAN Group, Choir, Dance Ministry The Zoo (Jr. High), 5th Quarter, Gathering (High School)
First Press is also available online or can be sent to you via e-mail. If you would like to opt out of receiving our newsletter by mail, please email pkamahele@fpchawaii.org or call 532-1111 First Press can be viewed online at www.fpchawaii.org/?page_id=19 Submit articles by Jan 1 for the Jan/Feb 2015 combined issue to: rosella@fpchawaii.org. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted. Editor • Rosella Shishido; Art director • Shayna Kusumoto; Copy editors • Patty Kamahele, Julie Lockyer, Sarah Williams