Agape-news - Pearl City Community Church!

PEARL CITY
COMMUNITY CHURCH
Agape-news
August 2014
Pearl City Community
Church UCC
PASTOR’S PORTION
I was glad when they said to me,
‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’
(Psalm 122)
Dearly beloved in Christ,
Grace, peace, and the love of Jesus be with each one.
Where there is darkness, know that God is bringing
light. Where there is joy, know our future in Christ.
Let us embrace all of God’s provision with humble
gratitude.
This verse from the Psalms simply captures the depth
of my heart. As we move to your installing me as
your fifth settled pastor I am filled over and over
again with joy and gratitude.
This has been a holy place for me and our family in
the struggles of the past few months. Your prayers,
care, and support have been a strengthening reality
that we literally feel daily. We would be in a very
different place emotionally and spiritually without
your prayers and care. PCCC is more than a “house
of the Lord”. It is a home not made with hands, a
people in whom Christ dwells.
I am grateful beyond words to God for this calling to
serve with you. I promise God and each of you my
best efforts.
Many of you have been here a long time. So, the
experience of aloha, compassion, and prayer here
may be so familiar that you have grown accustomed
to it. It’s what you have come to know and expect
“No matter who you
are or where you are
on life’s journey, you
are welcome here!”
We invite you and your
loved ones to our
Services of Worship
Sundays
7:45 AM Traditional
9:30 AM Praise/Worship
Sunday Schools for
Keiki & Youth 9:30 AM
Child care 9:30 AM
Check with us for adult
Bible Studies, Book
Studies, Fellowship
and Support Groups
www.pearlcitycc.com
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From PCCC. Some of you are new or returning because you, too, feel
what we as a newcomers are feeling from the Spirit made manifest here
at PCCC. It is real. It is good. It is life-giving. It is from Christ.
Years of faithful ministry and stewardship.
Years of skilled,
compassionate, tender, bold pastoral leadership. Years of study of
scripture. Years of outreach to the wider community. Years of loving
presence to those in need. Years of being community and working
through struggle. Years of prayerful waiting. These are some of the gifts
I inherit as I take my place in service to the Lord with you in this home
Christ is building.
We’re still getting acquainted. That will take time. We’ll come to see
one another’s strengths and weaknesses more clearly over time. We’ll
go through difficulties and disagreements, I’m sure.
But, I am so very grateful and so looking forward to the years ahead
with this community (and with the community to come!). I’m not sure
you really do know how precious you are.
Some are undoubtedly going to say, “Wow. This sound li’ one love story,
already.” Hey, let it be what it is.” Love story” is what our faith and
community is all about! If it’s foolish for a pastor to be as glad and
grateful as this one is – then I’m one fool.
Thank you for your prayers and ministry to our family and for one
another. Let’s grow it. Thank you for the love offering for Adam and
your reaching out to and with needy people, organizations, and
ministries beyond yourselves Let’s grow it.
That’s simply enough for now, beloved.
In Christ,
Love.
phil
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PCCC invites you,
Members and Friends,
to the Installation
of Rev. Philip Reller
our Fifth called Pastor
Sunday, September 7, 2014
3:00PM Installation Service
4:15PM Celebration
RSVP by August 25. Please call
455.4148 or email [email protected]
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MODERATOR’S CORNER
Dominic Inocelda
We are now past the middle of year 2014, and autumn will soon
be arriving. The Congregational Meeting on Sunday July 27, 2014
provided our boards and committees an opportunity to share
what they have been doing since January and projected some
plans and events for the future. For all who attended the
Congregational Meeting, the Council would like to thank you for
your attendance and interest in knowing more about what is
happening at PCCC.
For the near future two key activities that will help us to move
forward as a church are the Installation Service for Pastor Reller
and the implementation of a strategic planning process. First, the
theme of our Installation Service is “Amazing Grace”. This theme
reflects the reason for our being a church and gives a foundational
meaning for why we exist as a church in Pearl City. We have a gift
of “Amazing Grace” that Christ gives to us and calls us to share
with all that we come into contact with. The Installation Service
formalizes Pastor Reller’s call into service at PCCC in unity with all
other United Church of Christ Churches on Oahu. We anticipate
and look forward to this very special event in the life of Pearl City
Community Church. Please mark your calendars and plan to
attend on September 7, 2014, at 3:00 PM at PCCC.
Secondly, we are entering a pre-strategic planning process to fully
implement a strategic planning process in 2015. As we pre-plan, a
key principle will be to include as much input and information
from our members and friends so that all voices have opportunity
to be heard. Hopefully the process will help us to identify
common goals and objectives that are owned and implemented
by all. A small pre-planning group will be working during the last
half of the year. Our first event will be the rescheduled “What If?”
Sunday on Sunday, October 12 at 9:00 AM.
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I wanted to thank all of our church members and friends for being
a people of ministry and the sharing of “Amazing Grace”. May this
great gift be reflected in our daily lives and become the reason for
being not only for ourselves but for all that we are in contact with.
UPCOMING PCCC CALENDAR AND SPECIAL EVENTS
ALL CHURCH CLEAN UP! ALL INVITED!
Saturday, August 16
In preparation for the Installation Service of our new Senior Pastor
on Sunday, September 7th, efforts are underway to start the
process of cleaning up our church facilities! “Alotta stuff” can be
removed from the Church. Requesting assistance from everyone to
begin removing any unwanted items to the far Makai side of
Higuchi Hall prior to Saturday, August 16th when the items will be
discarded. Requesting any and all assistance for general cleaning
of the Church’s facilities and grounds. Sat. August 16th. Breakfast
7:00am. Work project 8:00am. Contact Tom Nishi (478.3990
or [email protected])
WOMEN’S TEA PARTY rescheduled. Hurricanes don’t stop us! All
women invited. Saturday, August 23, 9:00 AM.
Contact Nancy Yoshimoto [email protected]
Do you have INTEREST in assisting with our AV Ministry? We need
help with our Sunday morning worship and church special events
– sound and visual aids. We’re creating 4-5 teams to assist with
running our equipment. Fun and Informative Training Sessions led
by Ryan Uyematsu will be held Saturday, August 30 and Saturday
September 6 from 9:30 – 11:00 AM Contact Pastor Phil
[email protected]
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What If” Sunday Coming Up (again!)
Our exciting, community building, informative Sunday exploring
very real issues that will impact our short and long term ministry
has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 12. We’ll worship at
9:00 AM, share a meal provided by the church, and gather to
consider the issues which we must address. We are hoping for
100% participation because each ones’ ideas and perspectives
will help us move forward. We ask your prayers as we move
toward this important all-church event.
Your ideas and feedback will be part of our first steps as we
undertake our PCCC Strategic Planning.
Need Anxiety/Depression S.U.P.P.O.R.T?
Come to our meeting on Monday, August 25 at 9:30AM at Pearl
Country Club. The meeting are open to anyone, a family member
or friend, who may be struggling with anxiety or depression. The
acronym for S.U.P.P.O.R.T. (Servants United to Pray and Praise Our
Redeemer Together) upholds God in prayer and praise for His love,
grace and mercy on our lives and all who are afflicted with anxiety,
fear and worry that often accompany or lead to depression. We
are not professional counselors, but we listen, encourage, and
support by sharing common experiences, and above all, seek the
help of God in prayer. For more information, you may contact Gail
Kaminaga 455.3629 or Karen Ujimori 341.3029
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about
my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2Corinthians 12:9
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MISSIONS MINI SHARING RETREAT
Jean Kimoto
The Board of Missions held a Mini-Sharing Retreat on July 26,
2014 in Higuchi Hall. Twenty two people came to share and learn
about the mission of the church. Pastor Phil led a bible study
about mission and outreach, walking us through Luke 9:28-43,
Isaiah 58, Exodus 3:1-12 and Matthew 11. As participants came
down into the valley they listed needs and opportunities for
service, mission and outreach for PCCC. The retreat ended with a
story, “Upstream Mission” and the sharing of what the church is
doing and where God may be calling us to deeper engagement.
As outgoing Missions Chair, Lei Yap was recognized for her many
years of service to the Board of Missions.
Participants Sharing
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SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL
Jean Kimoto
This summer the children continued their Bible studies with
lessons on the fruit of the spirit and the joy of the Lord is your
strength. Adult Bible Study Class members gave the teachers
respite with a revival of the puppet ministry and the children had
fun telling Bible stories through the actions of cute, furry puppets.
On July 20 children and their families went on an outing to the
Kroc Center in Ewa Beach where they enjoyed floating down Lazy
River, riding through the water slides, being drenched by a huge
water bucket, diving into the large pool and climbing the wall.
Summer classes will continue through the month of August and
the fall session will start on September 14.
Children enjoying furry puppets
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Children having fun at
Kroc Center
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THE GARDEN YOU COULD GROW
ADULT BIBLE STUDY and FELLOWSHIP GROUPS at PCCC
Karen Ujimori
Jaroldeen Edwards tried to dodge her daughter Carolyn’s frequent
requests to visit a particular garden several hours from their
home, but eventually, she gave in. Once they reached their
destination, however, Edwards understood. Before them lay acres
of daffodils cascading down a mountainside in a river of orange,
white, lemon and saffron. More than 50,000 bulbs had been
planted, one at a time, over the span of 40 years… but just one
woman.
“What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a goal 35
years ago and worked at it… one bulb at a time”, she mused.”
“Start tomorrow,” said her daughter. (Jaroldeen Asplund Edwards,
“The Daffodil Principle”)
Yes, we want acres of daffodils (God’s Word) planted in our hearts
… ONE CLASS AT A TIME. Start by taking a class this fall, so in 30
years acres of God’s Word will flourish in our lives. All are
welcome!
Contact Karen Ujimori [email protected] or call 341.3029
Adult Bible Study and fellowship Group Schedule
Sunday Classes
9:30AM
Gospel of John - Gora Meeting Room
Walking with God Series by Don Cousins & Judson Poling - H101
John’s Letters, Discovering Genuine Christianity – H103
Gospel of Luke - Family Room
Book of John – H102
Next Door Savior by Max Lucado – H101
11:00AM
Purpose Driven Life – H103
Crucial Accountability – H103
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Monday Classes
10:00AM
Minor Prophets – H103
7:00PM
Sunday Message – H102
Tuesday Class
8:30AM
Discovering Bible – H103
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and
spirit… and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the
heart.” Hebrew 4:12
MEN’S MINISTRY ANNUAL “BIG BREAKFAST”
Leroy Ujimori
On Saturday, July 14, 2014 Men’s Ministry invited the congregation
to their annual “Big Breakfast” event. Daniel Ko, Youth For Christ
interim executive director for Hawaii was invited to speak. His
message moved and motivated us to make connections with Pearl
City High school’s Youth for Christ program. Also, sharing was a
history teacher at PCHS, a sponsor of YFC at the high school. He
shared his experiences at these YFC events. One experience he
shared was about a student who came to their weekly meetings
with a YFC friend. This student came with deep hostility and
anger, but after a period of time came to know the love of Jesus
and, presently, is on fire for the Lord, bringing others to Christ.
Both speakers heightened our attention to the many issues and
great need our youths are facing, today, especially at our high
schools. In the book of James it states, “Do not merely listen the
word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says,” James 1:22.
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Daniel Ko speaking
Pastor Phil Reller sharing a prayer
We are praying that hearts will be moved and touched to reach
out and bring hope to students who are lost and carry heavy
burdens. Men’s ministry and Community Concerns are
formulating plans to make connections with YFC, at Pearl City
High School. Anyone interested in reaching out and bringing hope
to these youths are welcomed to join this effort. Mahalo, to Clyde
Okuda.
Worship during the Big Breakfast
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Participants in the Big Breakfast
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad
and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure. Psalm 16:7-9
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A church had a picnic and invited the entire community to come.
The Pastor placed a basket full of apples on one end of a table
with a sign saying, "Take only one apple please - Remember that
God is watching."
On the other end of the table was a plate of cookies where one of
the children had placed a sign saying, "Take all the cookies you
want -- God is watching the apples."
A little boy was waiting for his mother to come out of the store.
As he waited, he was approached by a man who asked, “Son, can
you tell me where the post office is?”
The little boy replied, “Sure, just go straight down the street a
couple of blocks and turn to your right.” The man thanked the boy
kindly and said, “I’m the new pastor in town, and I’d like for you to
come to church on Sunday. I’ll show you how to get to Heaven.”
The little boy replied with a chuckle, “Awww, come on; you don’t
even know the way to the post office!”
My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do
you know how you and God are alike?"
I mentally polished my halo while I asked, "No, how are we alike?"
"You're both old," he replied.
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COMMON GRACE
"Have you ever felt a nudge to help a child or be a friend to a
child? If so, why not be a volunteer just once a week for Common
Grace at Lehua Elementary School? Common Grace is a small
non-profit organization in Hawaii that facilitates partnerships
between public elementary schools and neighborhood churches.
The essence of Common Grace is the relationship between you
and a lonely child....you may be that missing piece in a lonely
child's life. If you would like more information, please contact
Nancy Yoshimoto
Advent Booklet: 2014
We are now soliciting articles for this year’s Advent Booklet.
Deadline is October 31st. Please limit your entry to 500 words
maximum. A brief, concise article, besides being more
impactful, also helps to use limited publishing space more
efficiently and attractively. Articles should be typewritten and
submitted to the Office. You may email your article to the
Office c/o Mylene ([email protected]) who will forward all
entries to Dick Lum. If you need help to put your words down
on paper, contact Karen Ujimori 341.3029 and Caroldine Lum
381-5764.
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PCCC FAMILY PICNIC WITH WAIALUA UCC
AT CAMP HOMELANI
August 3, 2014
Pastor Phil and Pastor Grant as Newscasters in the skit
“Good Samaritan”
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Enjoying the day at Camp Homelani
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PEARL CITY COMMUNITY CHURCH
933 Lehua Avenue Pearl City, HI 96782
Web: www.pearlcitycc.com
Email: [email protected]
(808) 455.4148
OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM
STAFF
Philip Reller, Senior Pastor ………………………......... [email protected]
Off on Thursdays
Mylene Ibera, Church Office Administrator …….. [email protected]
Codie Escuadro, Office Clerk ….. M-F 9:00AM – 1:00PM [email protected]
Estrella Larioza, Music Director
Cindy Fujii, Financial Bookkeeper … M & F 9:00AM – 12:00NN
Steven Severin, Accompanist
Paul Tanaka, Custodian
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PRAYER LIST
“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Please pray for the following members and friends of our church
ohana. Some are seriously ill, many are on the road to recovery,
others have asked for prayers during their time of need.
Diovi & Noel Baptista
Roy & Bill Bernades
Chock Family
Moana Dabis
Katie Huang
Gamponia Family
Horiuchi Family
Cecil Jenkins
Summer Kozai & Family
Rose Lasit
Manewa Family
Rita Merry
Bob Miyaji
Florence Miyashiro
Jonoah & Aifua Moe
Bill Sahm
Kathy L. Smith
Michael Spaits
Alison Taba
Jenny Wung
Eileen Kishaba
Connie Wheeler
Don Anderson
Karen Chang
Carol Skoog Culver
Jennie Fujimoto
Jane & Ben Gabrie
Sadie La Porte
David Lee
Richard Min
Tommy Miura
Dawnlynn, Joseph, DJ
Jerome Perry & Family
Kimokeo Reed
Rev Rose Wright-Scott
Ginny Tam
Urabe Family
Tam Family
Jezyah Ka’aihue
Adam Reller
Park Ministry
Millie Chun
Lynell Bright
Russel Tsuji
Ray Tashima
To maintain a current and meaningful prayer list, please contact Rev
Reller (455.4148 or [email protected]) or contact our Deacons (Jane
Kobayashi 455.2030). Our list will be updated as changes are made
known to our staff
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Pearl City Community Church
933 Lehua Avenue
Pearl City, HI 96782
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Non Profit
U.S. Postage
P A I D
Pearl City,
Permit No. 1
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