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

FirstFEBRUARY 2015 | Volume 20 | Issue 1

IN THIS ISSUE Read Sherri Shephard's

debut column on page 2

LOOKING BACKto 2014

2 FEBRUARY 2015 | FIRST PRESS

Greetings First Press family of readers! Thank you for being here for my first-ever article. Yay, God!

Here is a little bit of Sherri history. I was born and raised in Kaneohe. I attended Punahou and graduated in 1979 along with two classmates you may know: First Prez member FRED NOA and President Barack Obama.

In 1984 DEANE and I were married. We began attending First Prez in January 2009, although in the 1980’s, we attended seminars given at our church by then Associate PASTOR DAN CHUN.

I need your help in coming up with content for my next article! (Subtle insert of my email address: yay4freedom-now@yahoo.com. Not-so-subtle disclaimer: limited space, exhaustive editing, and or content appropriateness may prevent usage of some contributed material.)

A couple of First Prezers were featured in the Midweek newspaper. LEE ALDEN JOHNSON

modeled several outfits for a local dress shop as seen in a November issue. Lovely! And in one of

the December issues, DEANO KIYOHARA was featured as Midweek’s Mystery Shopper Winner after answering a simple question while he was grocery shopping. Fun!

MEGAN MOUNT not only earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in December, but also sang the University Alma Mater during her graduation ceremony, something I am certain

I will never be asked to do should I seek a Master’s, a Doctoral, or a Fahrenheit Degree. Truly!

MARY HICKS and LEON WILLIAMS were the alto and baritone soloists respectively at the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Oahu Choral Society’s Handel’s Messiah Part I and Hallelujah Chorus. Fabulous!

Mary’s children, MICHAEL AND LAINEY HICKS, appeared on HawaiiNewsNow’s Sunrise

morning show as background singers for the song Through the Eyes of a Child, this following an interview with and an introduction by First Prez Director of Worship and Performing Arts, ROSLYN CATRACCHIA, who wrote the song years ago. Wonderful!

ROSLYN was also featured in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that same day. It showcased Our Finest Gifts, her newest compilation of Christmas music

as performed by all male singers GEORGE BENAVENTE, RYAN SOUZA, CORY OLIVEROS, Mahi’ai Kekumu, and Elika Santos. Our Finest Gifts was produced by ROSLYN and David Kauahikaua. Outstanding!

Speaking of Christmas, Usher Coordinator ADELE CHONG was on hand to wish former Governor George Ariyoshi and his wife Jean a Merry Christmas as they arrived to attend one of our Christmas services. Delightful!

Congratulations to GEORGE AND FLORENCE FUJIWARA who celebrated their 50th wedding

anniversary on Jan. 2nd! Yahooooooey!

Mahalo nui loa to contributors MARCIA W., ROSELLA S., ANN H., and AURORA F. who gave me a place to start with eyes out in the field, ears to the ground, fingers on the pulse, and lots of verve. Thank you! And now I’m looking forward to what YOU will send me!

PeopleAll the Good Things by Sherri Shephard

What's the buzz with First Prez people

FIRST PRESS | FEBRUARY 2015 3

LESLIE PAEZWhat's your role at First Prez?Children’s Ministry Administrative Coordinator 

What are you responsible for?I am responsible for setting and preparing things for Sundays. I help coordinate Children's Ministry events and childcare to support all ministries. I also aim to keep our volunteers, parents, and kids happy, and help them out in any situation as much as I can.

What are you passionate about in ministry?Kids! They have such open hearts to learning about God. I love how creative they can be and how, without even knowing it, you learn so much from them.

Tell us about your family.I have a son that just turned five months, and who is growing way to fast! Juan Paez is my amazing dad, whom I also have the pleasure of working with at First Prez. There’s also my mom and brother, who are such wonderful people and who love to serve God. And my dog Nani, who is pretty much like my other baby.

Aside from the Bible, what's one book that has made an impact on you?A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer

What do you like to do outside of work?Spend time with my baby and take him out for walks. He loves seeing different things, and I love seeing him happy, so it’s our favorite pastime together.

AMANDA TUTTWhat's your role at First Prez?Early Childhood Coordinator

What are you responsible for?I oversee the nursery, toddler, and preschool programs.

What are you passionate about in ministry?First, I love that I get to share the love of Jesus with our littlest churchgoers and their families. Second, I love discovering Jesus through the eyes of our keiki!

Tell us about your family.I have an amazing husband and two boys that I lovingly refer to as "my crazies!"

What do you like to do outside of work?My favorite way to spend my time is with my family. Our favorite activities include: swimming, hiking, watching movies, playing games, going to the park, cuddling on the couch, reading books. I like to go to Target, but have to bribe my boys with Starbucks (chocolate milk and pumpkin bread) to get them to go with me. I also enjoy sewing, crocheting, decorating cakes, and have recently rekindled my love for reading.

Meet Our Children's Ministry StaffGet to know the two newest staff members in Children’s Ministry who help ensure our kids have a positive experience every time they come to First Prez.

Our Ko‘olau Kids verse is Psalm 91:1—

"Being in the shadow of the Almighty" ...for God is our refuge. I trust in You and I am safe!

His huge outstretched arms protect me. Under them I am perfectly safe; His arms fend off all harm."

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PrayerlinesAre We a House of Prayer? by Patti Marshall

In three of the four gospels, Jesus quotes His Father from Isaiah 56:7—“For My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” The repetition points out the importance of His statement, especially as it relates to the people of God. God’s original house, the great temple in Jerusalem, is gone. But He still has a house. We, Christians, are the house. Individually and as a church, we are the dwelling place of God, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the house that prays for others far and near.

Ownership clearly implies the right to name a house. God could have named us a house of Bible study, or a house of evangelism, or even a house of fellowship. All are worthy names, but they aren’t what God has chosen to name us, His house. He says we are to be called “a house of prayer for all nations.”

Are we living up to our name? It’s more than doing devotions and attending small group gatherings. It’s more than showing up at monthly planning meetings or attending Sunday services or singing in the choir. It is intentional and purposeful prayer that permeates every aspect of our congregational life. It is integrating prayer into every hour of our day and life. It is prayer that becomes the heart of who are as the people of God.

Lord God, we are humbled that You have called us, our families, and our church to be a house of prayer. Please show us how to move consistently forward in our understanding and practice of prayer. Forgive us for our past prayerlessness. We turn to you, longing to experience a richer intimacy in prayer. Help us to become a house of prayer for all nations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Adapted from Revolution on Our Knees: 30 Days of Prayer for Neighbors and Nations by David & Kim Butts.

photo by Chris Sardegna

FIRST PRESS | FEBRUARY 2015 5

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SUPER BOWL VIEWING PARTYon SOUP-er Bowl SundayFeb 1, Sunday, 1:30 pm, Grand Ballroom

If your team didn’t make it to the Super Bowl, well, there’s always next year. But we can still watch the big game together as a COMMUNITY! Come to one of our worship services on Sunday and then change into your favorite jersey because when 1:30 pm rolls around, we’ll be showing the big game between the Patriots and the Seahawks. We’ll have munchies too, so come!

Super Bowl Sunday is also SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY, the day we bring cans or bowls of soup or chili to help restock a local food panty that serves the homeless. Bring soup or chili, and help tackle hunger.

HEALING SERVICEFeb 8, Sun, 6pm, Sanctuary

Come with family and friends who need prayers for physical, emotional, or spiritual healing. Expect a time of worship in songs, a message of encouragement from Pastor Dan Chun, and prayer time with trained prayer teams. Everyone’s welcome.

THE ALPHA COURSEFeb 3-March 24, Tuesdays, 6:30 pm, First Prez

Do you have questions about God, Christianity, or about life itself? Or do you know someone who does? We can help try to find answers to those questions through the eight-week Alpha Course. It’s a friendly and non-threatening place to ask your questions, watch a video teaching on the basics of Christianity, and then discuss it in small groups. Register at fpchwaii.org/alpha.

WAKO (WEDNESDAYS AT KO‘OLAU)Feb 4, 11, 18, and 25, Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30 pm, FPC campus

Twenty-one various classes for adults to choose from, like classes on leadership, parenting, mahjong, intro to Google apps, the parables of Jesus, spiritual warfare, and how to be Christ-like witness to others. There's nursery and toddler care, and a program for kids ages 3 to 5th grade. Register online at www.fpchawaii.org.

FIRST PRESS | FEBRUARY 2015 7

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICEFeb 18, Wed, 7:30 pm, Fellowship Hall

Join us for this reflective service marking the beginning of the Lenten season. We'll have special music, Communion, and a homily from Pastor Sim Fulcher.

OUT & ABOUT'SBISHOP MUSEUM TOURFeb 25, Wed, 10:30 am, Bishop Museum

When was the last time you visited the Bishop Museum? Come with us as we explore Hawaiian origins through a gallery tour of Kai Akea, the section of Bishop Museum that features Hawaiian legends, beliefs, and the world of ancient Hawaii. It will be a 25-minute docent-led tour. Meet at the ticket window at 10:30 a.m. After the tour, we visit the Planetarium for a 25-minute show called The Sky Tonight where we'll explore the evening sky under the guidance of a Planetarium presenter. We will get our own star map (ours to keep) to help find constellations and planets. The cost for the Museum is $13 for adult kama’aina, and $11 for senior kama’aina.

After the exploring and sky gazing, we will go for lunch at Mexico Restaurant on N. School Street. After lunch, you may go back to the museum and continue your exploration of the various exhibits available. We can accommodate 25 people on this tour, so sign up early at the Out & About Ministry table on Sundays, Feb. 15 and 22, after the first or second worship service.

WOMEN'S LUNCHEON & TEAFeb 28, Sat, 11:30 am, Fellowship Hall

Our annual Women’s Luncheon and Tea has been a source of inspiration and hope for many who been a part of it. We serve a gourmet lunch and beautiful tea service, followed by a talk from a guest speak that’s meant to inspire and encourage us in our Christian faith. This year’s guest speaker is First Prez member Mary Robinson, who’ll be telling her story about God’s forgiveness and enduring love. Join us! Tickets at $16 each available in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings.

SEEKERS & JOINERS(MEMBERSHIP) CLASSFeb 28, Sat, 9 am-4 pm, Makai Room

If you’re considering membership at First Prez, or simply want to know more about us, sign up for this class. Send an email to pkamahele@fpchawaii.org no later than February 23 with your name contact info, and childcare request, if applicable (deadline for childcare request: Feb 14). This class is required to be a First Prez member, but there is no obligation to join.

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FEBRUARY 2015

WORSHIP SERVICESSundays at 8 am, 9:30 am, 11:11 amVisit our website at www.fpchawaii.org

First Press can be viewed online at http://issuu.com/firstprez. Submit articles by Feb 15 for the March 2015 issue to: rosella@fpchawaii.org. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted. Editor • Rosella Shishido; Art director • Shayna Kusumoto; Copy editors • Lillian Hussein, Patty Kamahele, Julie Lockyer, Sarah Williams

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

Upcoming EventsFebruary 1 Super Bowl Viewing Party Soup-er Bowl Sunday February 3 Alpha Course BeginsFeburary 4 WAKO BeginsFebruary 5 Caregiver Support GroupFebruary 8 Healing ServiceFebruary 5 Caregiver Support GroupFebruary 18 Ash Wednesday ServiceFebruary 22 Philippines Mission TripFebruary 25 Out & About - Bishop MuseumFebruary 28 Seekers & Joiners, Women's Luncheon & Tea

Recurring EventsSundays Worship Services at 8, 9:30 and 11:11, Life Training ClassesMondays College-Aged Community Bible Study and FellowshipTuesdays Mighty Moms, DivorceCare, Alpha Course, Celebrate RecoveryWednesdays WAKOThursdays Men's SPARTAN Group, Choir, Dance MinistryFridays The Zoo (Jr. High), 5th Quarter, Gathering (High School) Women's Craft Group

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