Sunday, December 23, 2012

Kaneohe 1st Ward -- Church Today -- 12/23/12

Sacrament Meeting

Youth speaker:  

  • Lele Stanley

Adult speakers:

  • Kanai Hanohano--spoke about his first semester at BYU-Provo and how he is preparing to serve a misson.
  • Jerrick Laimana--just returned from Phillippines Naga Mission where he served the past two years.

Sunday School

Elders Quorum

  • Mahalo to EQ members who helped Brother Joshua Steffen load boxes onto a truck at his home.  He and his family are moving to Utah.
  • Mahalo to quorum and ward members who went Christmas caroling on Christmas Lane (Namoku Street) this past Thursday 12/20.
  • Laulau making activity--5pm on Thursday 12/27/12 at Bill Sellers' house on Kuuipo Place. Learn how to make laulau.  Invite family and friends to attend.
  • Lesson in the quorum today was based on the talk "That the Lost May Be Found" by Elder M. Russell Ballard who counseled us on what we can do to not become lost including [1]  prioritizing by putting everything we do outside the home in subjection to and in support of what happens inside our homes; [2] doing things in the right order, specifically marriage first and then family; [3] making sure we, as husbands, are equal partners with our wives in our marriage; and [4] using the family resources of the Church, whereby in raising our children, we can draw upon the help of the ward.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Kaneohe Hawaii Stake Conference December 2, 2012

Kaneohe Hawaii Stake
Semi-Annual Conference
Sunday General Session
December 2, 2012
Cannon Activities Center, Laie

Prelude Music:  David Ahuna, Kaneohe 2nd Ward

Presiding:  President George H. Kaluhiokalani

Conducting:  President Kaluhiokalani

Chorister:  Micah Hirokawa, Kailua 1st Ward
Organist:  David Ahuna

Welcome and Announcements:  President Kaluhiokalani

Opening Hymn:  #202 Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

Invocation:  Ed Motosue, Kailua 2nd Ward

Stake Business:  President Henry E. Gibson, Stake Presidency 2nd Counselor

Stake Choir:  "Samuel Tell of the Baby Jesus"  Directed by Micah Hirokawa

Speakers:
  • President Carl K. Kawakami, Stake Presidency 1st Counselor
  • Kalai Hanohano, Kaneohe 4th Ward
  • K'lynn Eror, Kailua 3rd Ward
  • Terry Takaki, Kaneohe 3rd Ward
Stake Choir:  "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

Speakers:
  •  Maile Au, Stake Primary President
  • Elizabeth Kanekoa, Hawaii Temple Matron
  • President Patrick K. Kanekoa, Laie Hawaii Temple
  • President Kaluhiokalani
 Closing Hymn:  #201 Joy to the World

Benediction:  Lisa Kunioka, Kailua 1st Ward

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Recap: Kaneohe 1st Ward Turkey Trot 2012

Today's Turkey Trot was a success, with 18 participants on hand to see who could come closest to their predicted time for a run-course around Kaluapuhi Neighborhood Park (aka Souza Dairy Park).  The winners were Kaila Presbitero and Carla Oshiro, who both finished the course 20 seconds from their predicted times.  Lots of food, fellowship, and fun!




On your mark...


The Elders befriended a group of young men at the park.

Lots of kaukau
Post trot refreshments
Labatte, Turner, Harris, Goodman.
Sister Oshiro and Bishop Oshiro

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Kaneohe 1st Ward -- Church Today 11/11/12

Sacrament meeting

Youth speakers

  • Beehive 1st counselor Airi Sellers spoke about friends who "will be a great strength and blessing to you. They will influence how you think and act, and even help determine the person you will become. They will help you be a better person and will make it easier for you to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Choose friends who share your values so you can strengthen and encourage each other in living high standards."  From For the Strength of Youth.
  • Deacons quorum president Puna Tani asked, "What is the priesthood?" and quoted D&C 121:36--That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

Adult speakers 

  • Young Women's president Stevette Santiago provided an update and many "fun facts" about her son Braeden Santiago, who is currently serving a misison in the Phillipines. 
  • Former ward mission leader Tommy Friel spoke about his two sons, Kaneakua and Kala, who both served missions and now are attending college on football scholarships, Kaneakua at BYU and Kala at the University of Utah.  Several times, he quoted Alma 37:37, a very powerful scripture.

Sunday school

  • Lesson 43:  The purpose of today's lesson was to help us see the importance of living according to gospel principles despite the increasing wickedness in the world.  Key points:
    • Mormon is given responsibility for the sacred records.
    • Mormon, (at age 16!) becomes the leader of the Nephite armies; however, the Nephites suffer in battle because of their wickedness.
    • Mormon explains the purposes for the records he has abridged and written.
    • In a final great battle, all but 24 of the Nephites are killed.

Elders quorum

  •  Mahalo to all who participated in the Adopt-a-Highway Service on 11/10 Saturday. Lots of trash was picked up along Likelike and Kahekili Hwy.
  • The quorum will be organizing Kaneohe 1st Ward Turkey Trot Run/Walk on 11/17 Saturday, 3pm to 6pm at Souza Dairy Park. 
  • Today's lesson was about Bringing Up Children in Light and Truth.  The lesson's main points were
    • Parents have the primary responsibility to teach their children the gospel.
    • Other interests must not cause us to lose sight of our duty to teach our children.
    • A parent’s example can lead a child to safety, righteousness, and happiness.
    • By loving and teaching our youth, we can help safeguard them from evil.
    • Studying the gospel as a family will help us keep our children close to us.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Elders Quorum Service: Adopt a Highway 11/10/12

Though there was just three today, our mission was accomplished.  This is part of our continuing commitment to keep our community trash-free via the Adopt-a-Highway program.  We go out on a Saturday morning every other month.  The next outing will be in Jan 2013.   Stay tuned.


Mosiah 5:15-- Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Family Home Evening on 11/5

The quorum held a Family Home Evening at the Parkway Rec Center on 11/5 Monday.  Ninety-plus people, mostly ward members attended. There was swimming, socializing, singing, eating of great food for dinner, playing of the game fruit basket, and a devotional.

A dozen or so of the the 90+ folks who attended
Bishop Oshiro and Sister Oshiro
Gene Tamashiro and Sam Kaluna
Rob Carlile, Justine and Hyrum Nihipali
Leah Kanahele, Makana Tani, Nachelle Wai
Celestine Rodriguez, John Rodriguez, John Teves
Spencer Christian, Ruth Shimabukuro, Lehi Livingston
Na keiki at play in the pool

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Kaneohe 1st Ward -- Church today -- 10/28/12

Sacrament meeting

Youth speaker

  • Isabella Lesa spoke about being a good example and sharing the gospel.

Adult speakers

  • Sister Naomi Sellers spoke about the answer to this question:  Why go to church?
  • Sister Ame Uyema (from the Kahala Ward) spoke about the faith of a man in Kobe, Japan, where she served a mission.

Sunday school

  • Lesson 41:  The purpose of today's lesson was to help us earnestly desire to search the words of the prophets.   Key points:
    • The Savior quotes some of Isaiah’s prophecies about the house of Israel.
    • The Savior commands the people to add to their records.
    • The Savior expounds all things from the beginning.

Elders quorum

  • The quorum will host a Family Home Evening on Monday 11/5 from 5pm to 8pm at the Parkway Rec Center on Mokulele Drive.  Dinner (pot luck) at 6 p.m.  FHE devotional at 7 p.m. All members of the ward are invited to come.  Bring family, neighbors, and friends.  
  • Adopt-a-Highway Service on 11/10 Saturday.  Meet at 8am at Kaneohe Burger King.
  • The quorum will be organizing Ward Activity Day/Turkey Trot on 11/17 Saturday, 3pm to 6pm at Souza Dairy Park.
  • Today's lesson was about The Why of Priesthood Service.  Key points of the lesson:
    • We need to be constantly reminded of the eternal reasons behind the things we are commanded to do. 
    •  Basic gospel principles need to be part of our life’s fabric, even if it means learning them over and over again.
    • The what of priesthood service teaches us what to do. The why inspires our souls.
    • There are times when we have to step into the darkness in faith, confident that God will place solid ground beneath our feet once we do.
    • Our activities, initiatives, and plans should be inspired by and grounded upon the why of our priesthood service and not by any flashy trend or interest of the moment.
    • If our hearts are pure—if we seek not our own glory but the glory of Almighty God, if we seek to do His will, if we desire to bless the lives of our family and fellowman—we will not be left to walk alone.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Church today -- 10/21/12

Sacrament meeting

Today  the ward Primary Program conducted Sacrament Meeting. Primary is the children’s organization in the Church, and children attend from the ages of 3-11, moving into the youth meetings after that. The kids have been preparing all year long for the opportunity to stand up in front of the entire congregation in Sacrament meeting and present statements, stories, and testimonies on a theme. This year the theme was “Choose the Right” and and the children quoted scriptures, explained how and why  to make good choices. They stood up together and individually presented at the microphone (even the 3 year olds, which is of course, adorable and hilarious) and sang songs on the theme in between.  Wonderful.

 

Sunday school

  • Lesson 40:  The purpose of today's lesson was to help us understand the latter-day work of gathering Israel and establishing Zion via 3 Nephi 16, 20, and 21.   Key points:
    • The Savior prophesies of the scattering of the house of Israel.
    • The Savior prophesies of the temporal gathering of the house of Israel.
    • The Savior prophesies of the spiritual gathering of the house of Israel.

Elders quorum

  • The quorum will host a Family Home Evening on Monday 10/22 11/5 from 5pm to 8pm at the Parkway Rec Center on Mokulele Drive.  Dinner (pot luck) at 6 p.m.  FHE devotional at 7 p.m. All members of the ward are invited to come.  Bring family, neighbors, and friends. 
  • The quorum will conduct a children's game for the Halloween Carnival on 10/27 Saturday, 6:30  p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Waikalua Cultural Hall. 
  • The quorum will be organizing Ward Activity Day/Turkey Trot on 11/17 Saturday, 3pm to 6pm at Souza Dairy Park.
  • Adopt-a-Highway Service on 11/10 Saturday.  Meet at 8am at Kaneohe Burger King.
  • Today's lesson was about The Power of Kindness.  Key points in the lesson were [1] The Spirit of the Lord is a spirit of kindness, not harshness and criticism. [2] We should look for the virtues in others and offer sincere praise. [3] Kindness has the power to lead people from their mistakes. [4] Love and kindness in our homes can lead our children to listen to our counsel.  We were encouraged to do random acts of kindness.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Church today -- 10/14/12

Sacrament meeting

Youth speakers:

  • Kamuela Hoapili spoke about education, quoting D&C 130:18.
  • Kawehi Filiaga spoke about faith, quoting Alma 32:21

Adult Speakers

  • Kanoe Tani quoted Alma 13:38 and Moroni 7:13 and shared a story about receiving a gift from her Institute teacher.  She challenged us to engage in SASS (simple acts of service).
  • Andrew Livingston (below), just back from his two-year mission in Utah (Salt Lake City), spoke about how his mission experience strengthened his faith and testimony.

Sunday school

  • Lesson 39:  We discussed much the events of 3 Nephi 17 whereby Jesus Christ directed the Nephites to ponder his words and pray for understanding—He heals their sick—He prays for the people, using language that cannot be written. We were encouraged to feel the love of the Lord Jesus Christ and develop a greater desire to exercise faith in Him and bear testimony of Him.

Elders quorum

  • The quorum will host a Family Home Evening on Monday 10/22 11/5 from 5pm to 8pm at the Parkway Rec Center on Mokulele Drive.  Dinner (pot luck) at 6 p.m.  FHE devotional at 7 p.m. All members of the ward are invited. 
  • The quorum will conduct a children's game for the Halloween Carnival on 10/27 Saturday, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Waikalua Cultural Hall.
  • The quorum will be organizing Ward Activity Day/Turkey Trot on 11/17 Saturday, 3pm to 6pm at Souza Dairy Park.
  • Adopt-a-Highway Service on 11/10 Saturday.  Meet at 8am at Kaneohe Burger King.
  • Today's lesson was about Temporal Salvation for Ourselves and Others.  Key points of the lesson: [1] If we are wise with our means, we will be prepared for hard times; [2] The Lord has directed us to work to earn our own livelihood; [3] Neither the rich nor the poor should set their hearts upon riches; [4]  Through tithing and other offerings, we assist in the work of the Church and bless those in need; and [5] If we are generous with our means, there is no need for anyone to go without.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Priesthood Session -- October 2012 General Conference

Elder D. Todd Christofferson


The first to address us was Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve.  His message to the Priesthood:  become men. “The Church, and the world and women are crying for men,” said Elder Christofferson . “They are crying, ‘Rise Up, O Men of God.’”

Elder Christofferson cited the importance of education and hard work in supporting a family and made reference to statistics from a book, ”The Demise of Guys,” that indicates that  females outperform males  from elementary school through college. “Women will earn 60 percent of bachelor’s, 63 percent of master’s and 54 percent of doctorate degrees by 2016,” according to the book.

Urging us to be different, Elder Christofferson said, "It cannot be this way with us.  We must be men that women can trust, that children can trust and that God can trust.”

Elder Christofferson recounted the story of Amar, a 14-year-old boy from India, who goes to school and works two jobs to provide for a large part of his family’s livelihood. Though having never met Amar, Elder C. said, “I feel proud of him for his diligence and courage. … He is a blessing to his family.”  

Priesthood quorums are among the most important places men are needed said Elder C. because  "quorums provide spiritual nourishment to others who serve and are a great benefit to missionary work."  He used an example of an Aaronic Priesthood quorum in Albuquerque, New Mexico who counseled together about who to bring back to church and then, together, would visit them.

He also said that quorums form a "brotherhood of mutual support."  He quoted President Gordon B. Hinckley, who said, “It will be a marvelous day … when our priesthood quorums become an anchor of strength to every man belonging thereto.”

“Brethren, we have work to do,” Elder Christofferson said, but he also promised help. “We have a perfect Master who wrought a perfect Atonement. … As we repent and purge our souls, we are promised that we will be taught and endowed with power from on high.”

Bishop Gary E. Stevenson

 

Speaking to all of us, but especially to young men, Bishop Gary E. Stevenson of the Presiding Bishopric highlighted the courage of the 2000 stripling warriors.  Said Bishop Stevenson, “I invite you to qualify yourselves as did the 2000 stripling soldiers by being valiant priesthood holders.  Remember, what you do, where you go and what you see will shape who you become.”

He told the story of his friend John, who was accepted at a university in Japan.   Soon after he arrived, a party was held to greet new students and John and two of his friends decided to go. After a time,  the atmosphere at the party changed and students formed a circle to share marijuana cigarettes.  When John said he did not want to participate, one of his friends ridiculed him for it. “In a moment, he mustered his courage and told them that they could do as they wished, but he was leaving,” said Bishop Stevenson.  After John and one friend left, the police arrived and arrested many of the party goers. Most of the students were expelled from the university and many were deported.

“Young men,” Bishop Stevenson said, “there will be times when you, like John, will have to demonstrate your righteous courage in plain view of your peers, the consequence of which may be ridicule and embarrassment.”

He invited all of us to qualify as the stripling soldiers did, “By being valiant in courage as worthy priesthood holders … become a worthy deacon, a worthy teacher, a worthy priest.”  Bishop Stevenson concluded by quoting President Monson who taught, “To make decisions wisely, courage is needed- the courage to say no, the courage to say yes.”

Elder Anthony D. Perkins

 

Third up was Elder Anthony D. Perkins of the  Seventy who warned us to heed the “Beware” signs placed along our way by God just as we would on a road.  “If men keep the priesthood covenant to ‘beware concerning yourselves,’ we and our families can be assured of safely reaching our exalted destination in the Celestial Kingdom,” Elder Perkins said.

Elder Perkins asked, “Why would God command us to beware?” He then offered the answer, “God knows that lurking within priesthood holders is a ‘natural man’.”  With this "enemy to God" within us, he spoke about six fundamental principles that will help deepen conversion and strengthen families.

  • Prayer - Praying "opens the door for divine help to conquer Satan.  
  • Study - Reading the scriptures diligently, as well as Church magazines and websites,  will enable us "to be counseled in an intimate and personal way by the Lord’s chosen prophet."  
  • Worthily participating in ordinances - Partaking worthily of the sacrament each week qualifies us to always have his spirit to be with us.  
  • Showing genuine love - Choosing to control anger will lead to blessings for family members "who should hear blessing from our mouths, not cursings.”  
  • Obey the law of tithing - Refraining from covetousness comes "as we project our income, pay an honest tithe and generous fast offering… and become temporally self-reliant.”  
  • Fully live the law of chastity - “Living the law of chastity yields confidence to stand ‘in the presence of God.’ with the Holy Ghost as our ‘”constant companion.’” 

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 

As he often does, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, used his flying experience to illustrate gospel principles.

Today, he told the story of how he and a friend restored a Piper Cub, an antique airplane, which, when finished, was a joy to fly. “It was the perfect way to experience the wonder and beauty of flight,” President Uchtdorf said.

He contrasted a time earlier this year when he had the opportunity to fly a sophisticated F-18 fighter jet with the Blue Angels, the United States Navy’s flight demonstration team.  He explained that even though both experiences were quite different, they were also very similar.

Akin to his flying experience, priesthood service can be different depending on the size of a ward or spread of an area, yet it can also be very similar.  "The joy of the priesthood is the same everywhere," said President Uchtdorf.  “As invigorating and blissful my experiences as a pilot were, my experiences as a member of this Church have been much deeper, more joyful and far more profound,”  President Uchtdorf  remarked. “As a pilot, I have touched the skies.  As a Church member, I have felt heaven’s embrace.”

President Uchtdorf asked us to embrace the wonder and privilege of the priesthood which we can do "by applying the principles of knowledge, obedience and faith.”

“As we honor the holy priesthood, God, will honor us, and we will stand blameless before Him at the last day,” President Uchtdorf concluded. “That we may always have eyes to see and a heart to feel the wonder and joy of the priesthood of our great and mighty God, is my prayer.”

President Henry B. Eyring

 

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, invited us to help those with whom we have influence. “Angels rejoice," said President Eyring," as priesthood leaders across the world build Zion in their wards, stakes and missions."

He shared  an experience he had with his sons.  For each , he carved a board which described each one’s spiritual gifts with a scripture and a picture carved in.

He said that as we prayerfully seek to prepare youth to utilize their spiritual gifts,  “[God] will help [us] see how to do it, and [we] will come to know that God knows and loves each of His children as individuals, and sees great and unique gifts in each of them.”

To reach out to the young and help them “aim higher,"  our habits of family prayer and scripture reading "will create more lasting memories and greater changes of heart than [we] may realize now.”

President Eyring spoke about a fond boyhood experience with his father, who took him to a Yankee baseball game in New York.  As memorable as that ball game was, he spoke about an even more memorable experience that “shaped my life forever.”  It was when his father took him to Salt Lake City where President Eyring met with an ordained Patriarch and received his Patriarchal blessing.  “That blessing of my possibilities has shaped my life, my marriage and my priesthood service.”

“God knows our gifts,” President Eyring concluded. “My challenge to you and to me is to pray to know the gifts we have been given, to know how to develop them and to recognize the opportunities to serve others.”

President Thomas S. Monson

 

President Thomas S. Monson was the concluding speaker and he urged us  to be anxiously involved in missionary work. “We have the responsibility to see individuals not as they are but rather as they can become. I would plead with you to think of them in this way,” said President Monson.

He recounted a trip he made with  President N. Eldon Tanner to a Stake Conference in Alberta, Canada, where names were read of those who had qualified to be ordained elders.  President Tanner had lived in Alberta at one time, and as the names were read, he recognized them as people he once knew.

“The stake president read the name of the first man and asked him to stand,” President Monson said. “President Tanner whispered to me, ‘Look at him. I never thought he would make it.’” This continued on through four of the brethren.

“After the meeting," said President Monson,  "President Tanner and I had the opportunity to congratulate these four brethren.  They had demonstrated that men can change.”

President Monson  also told the story of a branch conference in Leadville Colorado.  The branch had always been presided over by a missionary.  However, on that day, President Monson received an impression that a member should preside over the branch and called on an adult deacon who, according to the mission president, had not attended church enough to be advanced in the priesthood.  ”I shall always remember the day that I had an interview with him.  I told him that the Lord had inspired me to call him to be the president of the branch,” President Monson said.  Though the man protested, he accepted the call.

“It was the beginning of a new day for that man,” President Monson related. “His life was quickly put in order, and he assured me that he would live the commandments as he was expected to live them.” Having been ordained as priest, in a few months he was ordained an elder, and he and his wife and family eventually were sealed in the temple. Their children served missions and were married in the temple.

“Sometimes letting our brethren know they are needed and valued can help them take that step into commitment and full activity,” President Monson said.

He urged us to look on those we serve not as they are, but as they can become especially in missionary work. He said that we each have the mandate to share the Gospel of Christ.

“I pray that we will have the courage to extend the hand of fellowship, the tenacity to try and try again and the humility needed to seek guidance from our Father as we fulfill our mandate to share the gospel,” President Monson said.

Friday, October 5, 2012

October 2012 General Conference

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invite all members of the Church to participate in the 183rd Semiannual General Conference on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 2012.

General sessions will be held on Saturday (10/6) at 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m Hawaiian Standard time.  Live broadcasts will be available at the following locations:
The general priesthood session will be broadcast (delayed) at 6:00 p.m. at the Keolu Hills chapel.  All priesthood brethren are encouraged to attend.

Two more general sessions will be held on Sunday (10/7) at 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Hawaiian standard time and can be viewed live at the above-listed venues.

Here are some ways you can share conference with others:
  • Tell others about these ways to access conference.
  • Embed the conference stream in your blog or website. Go to the video on Facebook and click the Embed button in the upper right of the video to get the code.
  • Share your favorite quotes and stories from General Conference through social networks and blogs.
  • Share the General Conference event on Facebook.
  • Post your feelings about conference on your Facebook wall.
  • Like the Church’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/LDS.
  • Click the Share and Like buttons on your favorite talks on LDS.org.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Church today--9/30/12

Sacrament meeting

With General Conference being convened next weekend, today was designated as Fast Sunday and today's meeting was for testimony bearing.  Speaking of testimonies, Elder M. Russell Ballard taught, "To gain and forever hold on to a testimony of gospel truths is worth whatever price in spiritual preparation we may be required to pay."

  Sunday School

Lesson 38:  We were encouraged to be true disciples of Jesus Christ by following His example and by living the higher law that He taught to the Nephites. Jesus taught the Nephites how they must live to be His true disciples. He tells them that those who hear and do His sayings are like a wise man who builds a house on a rock. 

  Combined session

The subject for meetings that fall on the fifth Sunday of the month is determined by the bishopric to meet the needs of the members. Today, the time was used to instruct members of the Relief Society, elders quorum, and high priests group in a combined meeting about missionary work.  Speaking during the session were the High Priest group leader (Herman Kanahele), Elders Quorum president (Dayle Turner), Relief Society president (Laola Kau), ward missionary David Suficiencia, and Ward Mission leader Joshua Steffen.

EQ Service in Kahaluu

How many priesthood holders does it take to weedwhack a yard?  Well, it turns out the answer is ten, specifically two high priests, four Elders, and four of the Aaronic priesthood. This happened yesterday at the 2-acre property in Kahaluu of a member of the ward.  Starting at 7 a.m. (with a break for breakfast at 8 a.m.), the weedwhacking mission was accomplished in a couple of hours.   The EQ Presidency would like to thank all those that were able to come out and help. If you need help with anything please contact anyone of us. All of our information is listed under the tab above.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Fireside for President and Sister Workman

There was a fireside tonight at the Waikalua Chapel, with the featured speakers being President H. Ross Workman and Sister Kaye Workman of the Laie Hawaii Temple.  The focus of both their talks was on covenants, with Sister Workman testifying that if we keep the covenants we make in the temple, our children will be together with us for eternity.  Using the story of Ruth from the Old Testament as the framework, President Workman also testified about the vitalness of keeping covenants "to the letter" as Ruth did, with promised blessings to be bestowed.

Aloha and mahalo nui to the Workmans for their service to the Lord here in the past five years.  Best wishes in their future callings.

Church Today 9/23/12

Sacrament Meeting

Today's meeting featured the High Priests of the Ward.  Speaking today were President Herman Kanahele, who asked priesthood brethren, "Are we stuck in neutral?   Are we treading water?" or "Are we strengthening and nourishing our priesthood?"  Second, Brother Frank Correira bore testimony of a time, while on the way to the Laie Temple, that he and his wife were spared from the fury of a tidal-wave-like flood near Waikane.  "We were on the Lord's errand and knew all would be well," he said.   The concluding speaker was Brother John Laimana, who spoke of intelligence, quoting D&C 130:18-19.  The meeting concluded with all the High Priests of the ward singing the hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour." 

Herman Kanahele, High Priest Group Leader
Frank Correira
John Laimana

Sunday School

  •   Lesson 37, the purpose of which was to help us understand the fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecies and the blessings available to those who come unto the Savior. 

Elders Quorum

  • Today's EQ Lesson was based on the talk "Having the Vision to Do" by Elder O. Vincent Haleck  of the Seventy who said, "As we gain a vision of ourselves as the Savior sees us and as we act on that vision, our lives will be blessed in unexpected ways."
  •  Announcements
    • Service on 9/29 Sat.  Meet @ Temple Valley McDonald's at 6:45 a.m.  We will help weedwack and rake grass/weeds on a ti leaf farm on Ahaolelo Road in Kahaluu. 
      Team-ups with missionaries for home visits to ward members.  9/27 Thurs.  6 pm.  Call Joshua Steffen (ward mission leader) or the EQ presidency if you want to participate.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Church today 9/16/12

Sacrament meeting

  • Brother Rocky Baso spoke about the greatest miracle of all: a person's change of heart.  He told the story of a man he knew who experienced the miracle of a changed heart and came unto Christ.
  • Sister Kuulii Hanohano quoted the Savior in John 3:5: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. She shared her experience doing baptisms for the dead with the youth of the ward at the Laie Hawaii Temple yesterday.

  • Elder DeeJay Pasikala (above), recently returned from a two-year mission to the Cebu Philippines Mission, spoke about his experiences there.  He also made reference to a talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who counseled:  "God doesn’t care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go."
  • Brother Jonathan Aki, a member of the Stake High Council, was the concluding speaker, made reference to Lehi's dream (1 Nephi, 8) and reminded us that, like the people in the dream, we, too, are on the strait and narrow path, and must "continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until [we come] forth and [fall] down and [partake] of the fruit of the tree."

Sunday School

  •  Lesson 36: Today’s lesson discussed the opposition faced by the believers among the Nephites. Some people endured in spite of all opposition, while others received great blessings yet quickly “turned from their righteousness” (3 Nephi 7:8). From the chapters we studied, we were reminded of the importance of remaining faithful in spite of trials and temptation.

Elders Quorum

  •  Announcements:  
    • Team-ups with missionaries for home visits to ward members.  9/19 Wed.  7pm.  Call Joshua Steffen (ward mission leader) or the EQ presidency if you want to participate.
    • Fireside.  7pm on 9/23 Sunday at Waikalua chapel.  Ross W. Workman and Sister Workman, the Laie Hawaii Temple President and Temple matron, will be the featured speakers.
    • Service.  9/29 Sat. 7am to 9am at a member's farm in Kahaluu.  
    • Fast Sunday on 9/30
    • General Conference on Oct 6 and 7.  General Priesthood Meeting will be broadcast at the Keolu Hills chapel at 6 pm on 10/6 Saturday.
    • Ward Temple Night.  7 p.m. at the Laie Hawaii Temple.  President Workman will speak to us and we will attend the 8 p.m. endowment session.
  • Lesson:
    • Chapter 19: Temporal and Spiritual Blessings from the Word of Wisdom.
      • The Word of Wisdom is loving counsel from our Father, who knows all things.
      •  The Lord promises mental and physical health to those who obey the Word of Wisdom
      • Obeying the Word of Wisdom strengthens our faith and spirituality.
      • By obeying the Word of Wisdom, we prepare for eternal life.
      • The best way to teach our families to obey the Word of Wisdom is to obey it ourselves.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

May We Always Have His Spirit

Do you know how to recognize when the spirit is with you and when it is not?
Read more...

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Church today 9/9/12

Sacrament meeting

  • Brother Puna Tani spoke about the importance of education "that ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you" (DC 88:80).
  • Sister Kawehi Filiaga spoke about virtue which leaves people "Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men" (DC 121:35).
  • Sister Gloria Carlile quoted President Dieter F. Uchtdorf who characterized happy people as "those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy."
  • Brother Dayle Turner spoke about the importance of preparation, citing President David O. McKay's counsel about the Personal Priesthood Interview everyone will have the the Savior.

Sunday School

  • Gospel Doctrine lesson 35 which reminded us of the importance of repenting, turning to the Lord, and following the prophets.

Elders Quorum

  • Makana Tani was ordained an Elder (his dad Glenn did the ordination)
  • Kaanoi Walk was released as EQ second counselor.
  • Gene Tamashiro was set apart as EQ second counselor.
  • Lesson on Staying on the Lord's Side of the Line
  • Announcements:
    • 9/12 Wednesday.  Ward Temple Night.  7pm Laie Temple.  All members with current temple recommends are encouraged to attend.
    • 9/13 Thurs. Team-ups with Missionaries.  All invited to participate.  6:45 p.m.  Meet at Magalogo's residence on Heupueo Place. 
    • 9/15 Saturday.  Baptisms for the Dead.  6am Laie Temple. All Elders with current temple recommends are encouraged to attend.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Service--Adopt a highway

Twelve is the number of Apostles in the Quorum of the Twelve.  Twelve is also the number of volunteers who came out to pick up trash along Likelike and Kahekili Highways today as part of our quorum's service to the community in the state's Adopt-a-Highway program.

Mahalo for your service! 
“The Lord is keeping His promise to you as you keep yours. As you serve others for Him, He lets you feel His love. And in time, feelings of charity become part of your very nature. And you will receive the assurance of Mormon in your heart as you persist in serving others in life that all will be well with you.”  President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “A Witness,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 68.

Brother David Suficiencia
Brother Gene Tamashiro and others along Likelike Hwy.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Church Today -- 9/2/12

Sacrament Meeting

  • D&C 20:70 reads, “Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name.”  Today, receiving a name and a blessing from elders of the church was Saydee Kamakanamaikalani Steffen, the daughter of Joshua and Nola Steffen.
  • Elder Steven R. Covey once remarked that "it’s instructive that the monthly testimony meeting is preceded by fasting and renewing our covenants. Also, bearing testimony in such a meeting is more than expressing appreciation, as beautiful and appropriate as being grateful may be. It involves expressing a conviction, declaring one’s position, expressing the soul’s deepest convictions born of the Spirit that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that Joseph Smith and his successors were called to be prophets, and that the Church is led by Jesus Christ."  Such declarations and expressions of conviction were made today.

Sunday School

  • Gospel doctrine lesson 34 highlights:
    • The people are righteous and are blessed with peace and prosperity.
    • The Nephites become proud and wicked.  Nephi calls them to repentance.
    • The Lord gives Nephi the sealing power.  The unrepentant Nephites face warfare and famine.
    • The Nephites humble themselves and repent.

Elders Quorum

  • 1st Sunday Business Meeting Minutes
    • Service:  Adopt-a-Highway.  9/8 Saturday.  Meet @ 8a.m. at Kaneohe Burger King.
    • Baptisms for the Dead:  9/15 Sat. Laie Hawaii Temple.  Meet there at 6 a.m.
    • Emergency Prep Workshop.  72-hour kits.  9/18 Tues. 8 p.m. @ Waikalua.
    • Missionary Challenge vs Relief Society.  Oct 1 to Dec 29.
    • September 2012 1st Presidency Message
    • Proposed:  Activity involving food (i.e. cooking and/or eating); Sports Activity (e.g. flag football) vs or with 2nd Ward EQ;  "Teach Your Talent" activities (e.g. pig hunting, gardening, fishing, Hawaiian sites, etc.)

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Stake General Priesthood Meeting

7 p.m. at Keolu Hills Chapel
  • Conducting: President Bud Gibson, 2nd Counselor, Stake Presidency
  • Priesthood sustainments:  A number of brethren were sustained by the body of the priesthood assembled to the offices of Elder and High Priest, including two young men from our ward:  John Hirokawa (to Elder) and Makana Tani (to Elder).
  • Speaker 1:  Brother Daniel Bukarau, Young Men's President, Olomana Ward.  He spoke about the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood.
  • Speaker 2:  Brother Dayle Turner, Elders Quorum President, Kaneohe 1st Ward, spoke about being prepared for our calling as Saviours on Mount Zion.
  • Speaker 3: Brother Michael Hamilton, Bishopric 2nd Counselor, Kailua 3rd Ward, spoke about how to be good fathers for our children, especially our sons.
  • Speaker 4: President Carl Kawakami, Stake Presidency, 1st Counselor
  • Concluding Speaker:  President George Kaluhiokalani, Stake President.

Church today -- 8/26/12

Sacrament meeting:
  • Youth speaker: Lele Stanley spoke about integrity.
  • Adult speakers:  Tauna and Langi Wolfgramm spoke about the law of tithing and why it is the best investment we can ever make.
Sunday school:
Elders quorum:

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Elvis is in the house!

Elvis (played by quorum member Joshua Steffen) at the birthday bash for ward member Celestine Rodrigues on 8/25 Sat.



Sunday, August 19, 2012

Chruch today -- 8/19/12

Sacrament Meeting:

Youth speakers:  Nalani Stanley and Logan Santiago.

Adult speakers:

Brother Miles Jung spoke about his son Sean, who is 18 months into his two-year  mission in Mexico.  Called as a district leader, Sean is doing well in serving the Lord though he misses home and most especially home cooking.







Brother Dana Chong Tim, a member of the stake High Council, was the concluding speaker and reminded us about the importance of keeping our covenants.




Gospel Doctrine:   Lesson 32 -- which focused on the principles the 2,060 young warriors followed and [the] characteristics they developed in their youth. We paid particular attention to how these principles and qualities helped the young warriors receive strength from the Lord. We were challenged to apply these principles in our lives.

Elders Quorum:  John Hirokawa was ordained an Elder today in the quorum. Administering the ordination  was his dad, Roy Hirokawa, a high priest.  The lesson today was from Chapter 17: The Strengthening Power of Faith.   We discussed how we have been influenced by the faith of others, such as family members, other church members, or friends.  We also discussed how “faith is a gift of God” that “does not come to us by our command” and how this principle influences the way we try to increase our faith and inspires faith in others. We also discussed specific things we can do to “retain” the gift of faith.

Stake General Priesthood Meeting -- 8/26/12 Sunday, 7 p.m. at Keolu Hills Chapel.  All priesthood are asked to attend.

Hurrah for Israel!