Kaneohe 1st Ward Elders Quorum Family Fireside

What's happening?  Family Fireside

When is it? Friday 5/31/13. 5 p.m to 8 p.m.

Where at? Parkway Rec Center-- 45-396 Mokulele Drive (see map)

Who's invited?  Ward Members, Family, Friends, Everyone! 

 What's the schedule? 5 p.m. socialize (swimming pool), 6 p.m. dinner (potluck), 7 p.m. FHE program 

Want more info?  Makana Tani 387-6683 or Dayle Turner 729-3811 (text okay, too)

Church today -- Kaneohe 1st Ward, 14 April 2013

Sacrament Meeting

• Presiding: Bishop Bert Oshiro
• Conducting:  Robert Carlile, Bishopric 1st Counselor
• Opening hymn:  #142 "Sweet Hour of Prayer" (chorister Kanoe Tani, organist Isabella Lesa)
• Invocation: Sister Kanoe Tani
• Stake business:  Released John Rodriguez (ward executive secretary);  called and sustained Lehi Livingston (ward executive secretary).
• Ward business:   Sustained--Nicholas Santiago (Aaronic priesthood, office of deacon).
• Sacrament hymn:  #180 "Father in Heaven, We Do Believe"
• Sacrament administration by Priesthood
• Testimony bearing: Robert Carlile, Herman Kanahele, Garth Gertsch, Chauna  Faumuina, Filipo Filiaga, Odetta Nesmith, Kanoa Kanahele, Lauryn Cullen, David Suficiencia.
• Closing Hymn: #193 "I Stand All Amazed"
• Benediction: Sister Vivian Filiaga

Sunday School

• Gospel doctrine:  Lesson 14 -- "The Law of Consecration"
• Gospel Principles: see manual

Elders Quorum

• Announcements:  
• EQ is responsible for chapel cleanup on 4/20 Sat.  Meet at 7 a.m.
• Sign-up for team-ups with missionaries on Wednesday evenings. 
• Mahalo to quorum members who participated in service project to trim trees in a member's yard.  We will have another service project to trim trees in another yard on an upcoming Saturday.  Date/time/place TBA.
• The EQ will be looking into hosting a Blood donation drive in the coming months.
• Business Meeting: 
• Redeem the Dead committee:  
• Worldwide Indexing Challenge.  
• Baptism for the dead:  Our ward will be doing baptisms for the dead at the Laie Hawaii Temple on May 24 Friday, 5pm.  Every family in the ward is challenged to bring the name of one family member for temple work.
• Billion Graves.  Another possible project to undertake.
  
• Perfect the Saints committee:  
• Family Fireside.  Friday May 17 at Parkway Rec Center.  5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Potluck.
•  Proclaim the Gospel committee:
• "Will you?" challenges from the Hawaii Mission President:  Will you pray for the success of missionary work in our stake? Will you identify and invite someone to be taught by the missionaries?
• Proposal to conduct a "missionary week" once a month beginning in May.  Every day will have a designated activity to promote missionary work and proclaiming the gospel.
• Home teaching.  District Leaders (Turner, Sellers, Tamashiro) will be contacting home teachers for reports on home teaching assignments for April .  Goal is 100%

Elders Quorum tree trimmers unite

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “It will be a marvelous day, my brethren … when our priesthood quorums become an anchor of strength to every man belonging thereto, when each such man may appropriately be able to say, ‘I am a member of a priesthood quorum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I stand ready to assist my brethren in all of their needs, as I am confident they stand ready to assist me in mine. Working together, we shall grow spiritually as covenant sons of God. Working together, we can stand, without embarrassment and without fear, against every wind of adversity that might blow, be it economic, social, or spiritual.’"  
“Welfare Responsibilities of the Priesthood Quorums,” Ensign, Nov. 1977, 86.

Today, quorum members assisted another quorum member who needed help trimming trees in his yard.   Job well done, Elders.

Family Fireside cancelled

The Family Fireside scheduled for Friday April 12 at the Parkway Rec Center has been cancelled.

The Fireside will be rescheduled for a future date.

183rd Annual General Conference -- Priesthood Session

President Dieter F Uchtdorf conducted

A priesthood choir made up of YSA from the Salt Lake City area sang Arise, O God, and Shine

Elder Ronald A Rasband offered the invocation

The choir sang Nearer, My God, to Thee

Elder Robert D Hales

• His father taught him about wearing the armor of God.
• If we are faithful in the priesthood, this armor will be given to us as a gift from God. We need this armor! (Ephesians 6:13-17)
• In past ages, when someone wanted trouble he generally had to go searching for it. Today temptation finds you!
• The gap between the world and the Church is getting wide
• Satan desires to have you, and sin lieth at the door. How will you resist his aggressive tactics? Put on the whole armor of God.

Elder Tad R Callister

• Shared an experience from the life of his great-grandfather, George F. Richards, who found out that the priesthood of a boy is just as powerful as the priesthood of the man when exercised righteously.
• As a mission president, he observed a dramatic increase in the spirituality and leadership skills of young men during their missions as a result of three factors: [1]  these young men are trusted as never before, [2] there are high but loving expectations of them and [3] they are trained and re-trained so they can fulfill those expectations with excellence.
•  These same factors could be employed with deacons quorum presidents (and other church leaders) and thereby accelerate their spiritual and leadership growth.

Brother David L Beck

• Told of a young woman, Chy, who, when she started high school last year, was victimized by bullying.  Chy was ministered to by members of the school's football team led by Carson Jones, an Aaronic Priesthood holder who was the starting quarterback of the team.
• What does it mean to minister?
• Brother Beck reminded us that we received the power, authority and sacred duty to minister the moment we were ordained to the priesthood.
• In your own home is where you can do your most important ministering.
• We are always priesthood men — we have a duty to minister wherever we stand. Ministering is not just something we do — it defines who we are.

The choir and congregation sang Hope of Israel

President Dieter F Uchtdorf

• We identify ourselves by titles four titles that apply to all priesthood holders
  1. Son of Heavenly Father
     • No matter what we do, we are God’s literal spirit children
  2. Disciple of Christ
     
     • We are united in our testimony of the restored gospel and our commitment to keep God's commandments, but we are diverse in our cultural, social and political preferences.
  3. Healer of Souls
     • We are to practice the Healer’s art
     • We need to build up, repair, uplift
     • We should reach out to those in need
  4. Heirs to all that He has
     • We are joint-heirs with Christ
     • Does it make sense that so many of us spend time on wealth, prestige, or what is cool?

President Henry B Eyring

• Example 1: a faithful 16-year-old priest in the Aaronic Priesthood who lives in a country where missionaries arrived just a year ago.
• Example 2: being an officer in the U.S. Air Force in 1955 and his bishop gave him a blessing just before he left for Albuquerque, N.M. He was blessed that his time in the Air Force would be missionary service. Two years later, church membership had grown so much that the first stake was organized there, and today there is now a temple.
• Example 3:  a deacon  in a strong ward that emphasizes missionary work through the efforts of the ward council and the ward mission leader.
• The commonality: we are one in our charge in the priesthood. We sanctify ourselves and fulfill our individual duties to take the gospel to all of our Heavenly Father's children.

President Thomas S Monson

• Missionary work is an identifying feature of the Church
• Within two years, all currently serving missionaries will have returned home, and their replacements will be found in the ranks of the Aaronic Priesthood of the Church. "Young men, are you ready to respond? Are you willing to work? Are you prepared to serve?" he asked.
• Suggested a formula that will ensure success in missionary work:

1. Search the scriptures with diligence
2. Plan your life with purpose
3. Teach the truth with testimony
4. Serve the Lord with love

The choir sang Ye Elders of Israel

Brother Larry M Gibson offered the benediction

183rd Annual General Conference -- Saturday afternoon session

President Henry B Eyring conducted

A choir made up of students from Brigham Young University sang Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee

Brother Russell T Osguthorpe offered the invocation

The choir sang Did You Think to Pray?

President Dieter F Uchtdorf presented officers for sustaining. There were lots of releases and new calls with Area Authorities.  There was also a new Young Women Presidency called: Bonnie Lee Green Oscarson, Carol Louise Foley McConkie, and Evelyn Neill Foote Marriott.

Brother Robert W Cantwell, Managing Director of the Church Audit Report read the audit report for 2012

• Based upon audits performed, the Church Auditing Department is of the opinion that, in all material respects, contributions received, expenditures made, and assets of the Church have been recorded and administered in accordance with appropriate accounting practices, approved budgets, and Church policies and procedures.

Brother Brook P Hales, Secretary to the First Presidency presented the Statistical Report for 2012

• 3,005 stakes
• 347 missions
• 591 districts
• 29,014 wards and branches
• 14,782,473 members
• 122,273 children of record were baptized
• 272,330 convert baptisms
• 58,990 full-time missionaries
• 22,961 church service missionaries
• 4 temples dedicated
• 2 temples rededicated
• 140 temples in operation

Elder Richard G Scott

• The world seems to want us to live a hectic life
• We need a place of peace, ideally in our own home
• The Savior is the true source of peace
• Technology can be a protection if we use it right
• Having the scriptures in your pocket (on a phone or tablet) won’t protect you, but studying them will
• A Christ-centerd home will be where covenants are kept and love abounds
• A good friendship is like asphalt that smooths over the holes and bumps
• Recognize the good in others

Elder Quentin L Cook

• He has been reflecting on the doctrine of peace
• There is a difference between world peace and gospel peace
• God is not the author of confusion
• For those who reject God there is no peace
• The Church is a refuge

The choir and congregation sang Rejoice, The Lord Is King!
Elder Stanley G Ellis

• We are not spiritual orphans
• With parents we do not need to be confused
• One of the problems today is that every man walks in his own way
• How we raise our children is more important than where we raise our children

Elder John B Dickson

• Spoke quite a bit about the Church in Africa

Elder David A Bednar

• Why is the law of chastity so important?
• Every impulse of the natural man can be overcome through the Atonement of Jesus Christ
• Love increases through righteous restraint and decreases in unrighteous indulgence
• Let virtue garnish they thoughts unceasingly

Elder Russell M Nelson

• There is great enthusiasm for sharing the gospel
• The youth need to share it with their friends
• Apply to the school of your choice before you serve a mission
• We all need to “catch the wave”
• Our Living God is a Loving God

The choir sang More Holiness Give Me
Elder J Devn Cornish offered the benediction

183rd Annual General Conference--Saturday morning session

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang Redeemer of Israel
President Dieter F Uchtdorf conducted
The choir sang In Hymns of Praise
Elder Randall K Bennett offered the invocation
President Thomas S Monson

• Traveled to Germany and Idaho in the past six months  to dedicate temples.
• Didn’t attend cultural celebration in Calgary because it was Sister Monson’s birthday
• President Uchtdorf dedicated Honduras temple
• Announced new temples in Cedar City Utah and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• In October changes to missionary age announced
• As of April 4, there are 65,634 full-time missionaries with 58 new missions
• We were invited to donate to the general missionary fund of the church

The choir sang Hark, All Ye Nations!
President Boyd K Packer

• He shared a short poem he wrote in 1992 at age 68 (he updated it at 78 and again at 88).
• He is getting older. Although he loses physical ability, there are “great spiritual gains” that come with age.
• We need to protect our homes. The priesthood has been given to protect the home
• There are few things more powerful than the prayers of a righteous mother.

Bishop Dean M Davies

• Talked about experiencing the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in San Francisco.  Many buildings collapsed because they were not built on a sure foundation.
• Just as buildings need to use the right material, we need to be built properly spiritually on a sure foundation to be safe (Helaman 5:12)

Sister Elaine S Dalton

• spoke about the first line in the YW theme… we are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love him
• we need to understand "we are daughters of an exalted being"
• women have a significant role to play in building the kingdom of God.
•  Was comforted by remembering What e'er thou art, act well thy part.

The choir and congregation sang Let Us All Press On

Elder Craig A Cardon

• The Savior forgives sin on earth, not just in the eternities
• In this forgiveness the enabling power of the Atonement helps us
• False faith does not justify sin
• The Savior knows our weakness; however, “Notwithstanding your sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you”

Elder M Russell Ballard

• “And worlds without number have I created” (Moses 1:33)
• The Milky Way is just one of 200 billion galaxies which for most of us is difficult to grasp.
• The priesthood is power by which these were created and the source of this power is God Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ
• While men administer the priesthood, they are NOT the priesthood.  Just as a woman cannot have a child without a man, a man can’t properly use his priesthood without a woman
• Shared an analogy of growing a tomato plant, its potential, and what happens when it is neglected (it wilts).
• Those who hold the priesthood but don’t honour it will wilt spiritually
• Spoke of the recent Worldwide Leadership Training videos about the role of priesthood and strengthening the family

The choir sang Faith

President Henry B Eyring

• This is the Church of Jesus Christ and we take His name upon us as we enter it.
• The Savior tells us, “I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.” (D&C 6:20)
• Recounted much of the life of Christ
• Great blessings come from faithful service
• Christ has shown us how to hear our Heavenly Father

The choir sang My Redeemer Lives

Sister Jean A Stevens offered the benediction

Kaneohe 1st Ward church today 3/24/13

Sacrament Meeting

• Presiding: Bishop Bert Oshiro
• Conducting:  Tommy Friel, Bishopric 2nd Counselor
• Opening hymn:  #241 "Count Your Blessings" (chorister Van Wai Sr, organist Isabella Lesa)
• Invocation: Brother Dayle Turner
• Ward business:   Sustained--Nicole Gonsalves (Ward Missionary); Nachelle Wai (Relief Soceity Meeting Coordinator).
• Sacrament hymn:  #180 "Father in Heaven, We Do Believe"
• Sacrament administration by Priesthood
• Youth Speakers:
• Ku'uli'i Hanohano spoke about the Plan of Salvation and how it can bring happiness. (Alma 40:11-12)
• Eric Yugawa spoke about magnifying callings (D&C 88:40).

• Adult Speakers
• Brother and Sister Davis from Logan, Utah (and formerly of New Mexico) are serving a mission here.

  

  Sister Davis

    One of "64 retired military couples serving as senior missionaries at U.S. military bases around the world" The Davises "assist local church leaders in serving and encouraging LDS service men and women" [source].  Sister Davis spoke about "enduring to the end" and the things we can do to endure as well as what we can do to help others, especially new church members, tto endure.  She quoted President Gordon B. Hinckley, who said "There is no point in doing missionary work unless we hold onto the fruits of that effort. Converts must be nurtured." 

  

  Elder Davis

  Elder Davis made reference to a talk by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who spoke about the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and "they can definitely help us to avoid future regrets."
  
  

• Closing Hymn: #252 "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel"
• Benediction: Brother Mark Stride

Sunday School

• Gospel doctrine:  Lesson 12 -- "The Gathering of My People"
• Gospel Principles: see manual

Elders Quorum

• Announcements/quorum business: 
• Redeem the Dead:  
• Worldwide Indexing Challenge.  Details of the challenge TBA.
  
• Perfect the Saints:  
• Family Fireside.  Friday April 12 at Parkway Rec Center.  5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Potluck.
• Wednesday evening team-ups with the missionaries.  Brothers Piena and Turner will be going out this week. 
•  Proclaim the Gospel:
• "Will you?" challenges from the Hawaii Mission President:  Will you pray for the success of missionary work in our stake? Will you identify and invite someone to be taught by the missionaries? 
• Home teaching.  District Leaders (Turner, Sellers, Tamashiro) will be contacting home teachers for reports on home teaching assignments for March.  Goal is 100%

• The lesson in the quorum today was presented by Brother Dayle Turner and was based on the talk "The Atonement" from the October 2012 General Conference by Elder Boyd K Packer.  Elder Packer said,
• In mortality we [will] fall short of being perfect. It [is] not expected that we [will] live without transgressing one law or another (see Mosiah 3:19).
• From the Pearl of Great Price, we understand that “no unclean thing can dwell [in the kingdom of God],”³ and so a way was provided for all who sin to repent and become worthy of the presence of our Father in Heaven once more.
• A Mediator, a Redeemer, was chosen, one who would live His life perfectly, commit no sin, and offer “himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.”⁴
•  Concerning the importance of the Atonement, in Alma we learn, “For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; … or else all mankind must unavoidably perish.”⁵
• ^{If you have made no mistakes, then you do not need the Atonement. If you have made mistakes, and all of us have, whether minor or serious, then you have an enormous need to find out how they can be erased so that you are no longer in darkness.}

Kaneohe 1st Ward, Church Today 3/17/13

Sacrament Meeting

• Presiding: Bishop Bert Oshiro
• Conducting:  Robert Carlile, Bishopric 1st Counselor
• Opening hymn:  #252 "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel" (chorister Van Wai Sr, organist Lormona Meredith)
• Invocation: Brother Glen Tani
• Ward business:  Released--Ken Otsuka (Assistant Cub Scout denmaster),  Sustained--Van Wai, Jr. (Ward Missionary).
• Sacrament hymn:  #179 "Again, Our Dear Redeeming Lord"
• Sacrament administration by Priesthood
• Youth Speakers:
• Kawehi Filiaga spoke about reconciliation through the Atonement of Christ (Jacob 4:11).
• Nakea Hanohano spoke about gratitude.  "If we are grateful, we cannot be bitter," he said.  (D&C 78:19 and D&C 59:7)

• Adult Speakers



Alan Yugawa


• Brother Alan Yugawa, baptized a member of the church in January, spoke about how he "bought the cow" after 23 years of investigating the church.  He quoted President Lorenzo Snow, who said, "Every man has got to learn to stand upon his own knowledge; he cannot depend upon his neighbor; every man must be independent; he must depend upon his God for himself entirely. It depends upon himself to see if he will stem the tide of trouble and overcome the impediments that are strewn in the pathway of life to prevent his progress. A man can get information by the operations of the Holy Spirit, and he approaches to God and increases in his faith in proportion as he is diligent."
• Brother Kevin Vidinhar (Stake High Council), spoke about the law of tithing and told us, "We show are faithfulness to Heavenly Father through our tithing."  He related a story of a car trip to Sacramento, where he and his family received the blessings of heaven--because they were faithful tithe payers, despite only having a few dollars for gas.  He quoted Malachi 3:10.

• Closing Hymn: #281 "Help Me Teach with Inspiration"
• Benediction: Brother Sean Jung

Sunday School

• Gospel doctrine:  Lesson 11 -- "“The Field Is White Already to Harvest”
• Gospel Principles: see manual

Elders Quorum

• Announcements/quorum business: 
• Redeem the Dead:  
• Committee initiative forthcoming.
  
• Perfect the Saints:  
• Family Fireside.  Proposed for Friday April 5 at Church (pending building availability)
• Teacher Improvement Workshop, 3/23 Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. All teachers are invited to attend.
• Wednesday evening team-ups with the missionaries.  Brothers Piena, Chong Tim, and Turner will be going out this week. 
•  Proclaim the Gospel:
• "Will you?" challenges from the Hawaii Mission President:  Will you pray for the success of missionary work in our stake? Will you identify and invite someone to be taught by the missionaries? 
• Home teaching.  District Leaders (Turner, Sellers, Tamashiro) will be contacting home teachers for reports on home teaching assignments for March.  Goal is 100%
• Chapel Clean-up duty for the quorum was on 3/16 Saturday.  Mahalo to all who participated.  

• The lesson in the quorum today was presented by Brother Rory Lono and was based on Chapter 6 of the TPOFC--Lorenzo Snow: Becoming Perfect before the Lord: “A Little Better Day by Day”.  President Snow said,
• With diligence, patience, and divine aid, we can obey the Lord’s command to be perfect. 
• When we comply with a requirement from the Lord, we are perfect in that sphere.
• Rather than become discouraged when we fail, we can repent and ask God for strength to do better. 
• With divine help, we can live above the follies and vanities of the world. 
• We cannot become perfect at once, but we can be a little better day by day.

Kaneohe 1st Ward, Church Today, 3/10/13

Sacrament Meeting

• Presiding & Conducting:  Bishop Bert Oshiro
• Opening hymn:  #239 "Choose the Right" (chorister Van Wai Sr, organist Isabella Lesa)
• Invocation: Brother Kanoa Kanahele
• Sacrament hymn:  #178 "O Lord of Hosts"
• Sacrament administration by Priesthood
• Youth Speaker:
• Sister Lelei Stanley spoke about divine nature and individual worth.  "Because I am a child of God, I should never settle for less," she said.

• Adult Speakers



Spencer Christian

• Sister Stevette Santiago gave an update on her son Elder Braeden Santiago, who is serving a mission in the Tacloban, Phillipines Mission. 
• Brother Spencer Christian spoke about how we should strive to live a balanced life.  He quoted Elder Dallin H. Oaks, who advocated "a steady, tranquil dedication [to] gospel living [which] means living the gospel by becoming a 100-percent Latter-day Saint 100 percent of the time [instead of having] an intense focus on goals [which] can cause a person to forget the importance of righteous means."

• Closing Hymn: #247 "We Love Thy House, O God"
• Benediction: Brother Makana Tani

Sunday School

• Gospel doctrine:  Lesson 10 -- “This Is My Voice unto All”
• Gospel Principles: see manual

Elders Quorum

• Announcements/quorum business: 
• Redeem the Dead:  
• Ward Temple night 3/13 Wed.  7p.m. Laie Hawaii Temple; 
• Perfect the Saints:  
• Emergency Prep Workshop, 3/16 Sat. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., all are invited to attend;
• Family Fireside.  Proposed for Friday April 5 at Church (pending building availability)
• Teacher Improvement Workshop, 3/23 Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
•  Proclaim the Gospel:
• "Will you?" challenges from the Hawaii Mission President:  Will you pray for the success of missionary work in our stake? Will you identify and invite someone to be taught by the missionaries? 
• Home teaching.  District Leaders (Turner, Sellers, Tamashiro) will be contacting home teachers for reports on home teaching assignments for March.  Goal is 100%
• Quorum members are asked to participate in team-ups with full-time missionaries on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 830pm.  Sign up sheet was circulated.
• Quorum members are asked to offer prayers at Sacrament meetings in March. Sign up sheet was circulate.
• Adopt-a-highway service project.  3/9 Saturday.Mission accomplished.  Mahalo to participants.
• Chapel Clean-up duty for the quorum is on 3/16 Saturday, 7a.m. 

• The lesson in the quorum today was presented by President Dayle Turner and was based on Chapter Five of the TPOFC--Lorenzo Snow: The Grand Destiny of the Faithful.
• President Snow said," As man now is, God once was: as God now is, man may be," and "God...has bestowed upon us the capacity for infinite wisdom and knowledge, because He has given us a portion of Himself."

Kaneohe Hawaii Stake General Priesthood Meeting

Saturday March 9, 2013, 6:30 p.m. at Keolu Hills Chapel

• Conducting: President Carl Kawakami, 1st Counselor, Stake Presidency
  

  

  Julian Perkins

• Opening hymn: #100 "Nearer My God to Thee"  (Chorister:  George Poliahu, Pianist: Rick Nelson)
• Benediction:  Kekoa Tato (Olomana Ward)
• Priesthood sustainments:  Several brethren were sustained to the offices of Elder and High Priest by the body of the priesthood assembled
• Speaker 1:   Julian Perkins (Olomana Ward?), spoke about the duties of the Aaronic Priesthood.
• Speaker 2: Gerald Lam (Olomana Ward), spoke about pureness of character, Zion (the pure in heart), and taking the high road.
  

  

  Gerald Lam

• Speaker 3:  Pono Kelly (Elders Quorum President, Olomana Ward), using himself as an example, told us old dogs can learn new tricks.  "Repetition is the key," he said, as is the enlistment of professional help (Heavenly Father via prayer).
• Rest hymn:  #29 "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief"
  

  

  Pono Kelly

• Speaker 4:  President Charles Dalton (Hawaii Mission President) updated us on the missionary work being done in Hawaii which included 1124 convert baptisms (67 in our stake) in 2012. "Eighty (80) percent of convert baptisms," he said, "are from member referrals.  He issued two challenges to us:  [1] to pray daily for the success of missionary work in our stake and [2] to identify one person for the missionaries to teach.
• Speaker 5:  President Bud Gibson, Stake Presidency, 2nd Counselor.
• Speaker 5: President Carl Kawakami, Stake Presidency, 1st Counselor
• Concluding Speaker:  President George Kaluhiokalani, Stake President, using world record holding skydiver Felix Baumgartner as an example, spoke about making preparations, making course corrections, and taking leaps of faith.
• Closing Hymn: #85 "How Firm a Foundation".

Quorum Service -- Highway Cleanup

On this  rainy Saturday morning, quorum members turned out for service by picking up litter along Likelike Hwy and Kahekili Highway. Mission accomplished and job well done.

We will service our adopted highway sections again on Saturday May 11.  Come and join us!

Kaneohe 1st Ward--2/24/13 Church Today

Sacrament Meeting

• Presiding:  Bishop Bert Oshiro
• Conducting: Brother Robert Carlile (Bishopric, 1st Counselor)
• Opening hymn:  #239 "Choose the Right" (chorister Van Wai Sr, organist Isabella Lesa)
• Invocation: Brother Roy Hirokawa

• Ward business:  Released: Mary and Isaac Miyashiro (Emergency Preparedness Leaders), Taunalei Wolfgramm (Relief Society Instructor).  New callings (sustained):Mary Miyashiro (Relief Society Instructor), Bobbie Le'i (Asst. House Librarian & Emergency Preparedness Leader)

• Sacrament administration by Priesthood
• Youth Speakers:
• Deanne Yugawa, a senior at Iolani School, talked about her bout with "senioritis" and how she took an exam at school whereby she relied upon faith and had less than satisfactory results.  Her point:  faith without works is dead (James 2:20)
• Nephi Hikila, the first member of the Hikila family to introduce himself to the ward, spoke about his love of primary classes at church.
• Asaeli "Sae" Hikila, brother of Nephi,
• Mahina Hikila, sister of Nephi and Sae, spoke about her affection for Yu-Gi-Oh and the many good friends she has made in the church.

• Adult Speakers

• 

  Isi Hikila

  Sister Kehau Hikila, mom of Nephi, Sae, and Mahina, spoke about growing up in a home where her parents taught her to love people, having friends who were members of the church, taking the gospel lessons from missionaries, meeting her husband Isi, being baptized, marrying Isi, and living the gospel with her family.
  
• Brother Isi Hikila, dad of Nephi, Sae, and Mahina and husband of Kehau, talked about the application of principles set forth in The Family: A Proclamation to the World with his family. Describing himself as "an analyzer, Brother Hikila told stories of two times he followed directions to complete tasks and likened the Book of Mormon to a set of instructions we can follow to help us complete tasks in our lives.

• Closing Hymn: #237 "Do What is Right"
• Benediction: Brother Dana Chong Tim

Sunday School

• Gospel doctrine:  Lesson 8 -- The Restoration of the Priesthood
• Gospel Principles: see manual

Elders Quorum

• The lesson in the quorum today was presented by Brother Ka'ano'i Walk and was based on Elder David Bednar's talk "Converted unto the Lord" from the Oct. 2012 General Conference. We discussed the meaning of testimony (i.e. knowledge of the truth) and conversion (i.e. actions that lead to change to be Christ-like)--see Alma 23-6-8.   We also discussed the Parable of the Ten Virgins and how the parable pertains to testimony and conversion.  Quoting Elder Bednar: "As the wise virgins emphasized properly, each of us must “buy for ourselves.” These inspired women were not describing a business transaction; rather, they were emphasizing our individual responsibility to keep our lamp of testimony burning and to obtain an ample supply of the oil of conversion. This precious oil is acquired one drop at a time—“line upon line [and] precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30), patiently and persistently. No shortcut is available; no last-minute flurry of preparation is possible."
• Announcements/quorum business:
• The laulau fundraiser was a success.  Mahalo to all quorum members who assisted with their time, talents, and contributions.
• Personal Priesthood Interviews (PPIs) will be conducted by President Turner for all quorum members from noon to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.  Elders will be contacted for interview date & time. 
• Home teaching.  District Leaders (Turner, Sellers, Tamashiro) will be contacting home teachers for reports on home teaching assignments for February .  Goal is 100%
• Quorum members are asked to participate in team-ups with full-time missionaries on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 830pm.  Sign up sheet was circulated.
• Quorum members are asked to offer prayers at Sacrament meetings in March. Sign up sheet was circulated
• Adopt-a-highway service project.  3/9 Saturday.  Meet at 8a.m. at Kaneohe Burger parking lot.
• Stake General Priesthood Meeting.  3/9 Saturday.  6:30 p.m. at Keolu Hills Chapel.  All priesthood holders in the stake are asked to attend.

Kaneohe 1st Ward, Church today 2/17/13

Sacrament Meeting

• Presiding:  Bishop Bert Oshiro
• Conducting: Bishop Oshiro
• Opening hymn:  #229 Today, While the Sun Shines (chorister Van Wai Sr, organist Isabella Lesa)
• Invocation: Brother Roy Hirokawa

• Ward business:  Released: Janice Ahuna, choir president.  New calling (sustained): Shelly Asao, choir president
• Announcements: 
• Laulau fundraiser by Elders Quorum: 3 laulaus for $10.  See Elders quorum members for tickets.  

• Sacrament administration by Priesthood
• Youth Speakers
• Nalani Stanley spoke about being firm, steadfast, and immovable in maintaining good standards.  "Having double standards weakens our testimony," she said.   Scriptures:  Matthew 6:14 and 6:24.
• Logan Santiago, speaking about gratitude, said, "Be specific in your thankfulness," and "The Lord loves for you to be grateful."  Scripture: DC 78:19.

• Musical selection: Have I Done Any Good Today?,  Kaneohe 1st Ward Relief Society.

• Adult Speakers



Gene Tamashiro

• Brother Gene Tamashiro, Elders Quorum 2nd Counselor spoke about prayer and provided two examples of times when his prayers were answered.  He also cited D&C 25:12--For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads, and mentioned how music is a form of prayer he uses.
  



Alan Teruya

• Brother Alan Teruya, Stake High Council man and former Bishop of Kaneohe 4th ward, spoke about fasting, which, when combined with sincere prayer, can strengthen us spiritually, bring us closer to God, and help us prepare ourselves and others to receive His blessings.

• Closing Hymn: #235, Should You Feel Inclined to Censure.
• Benediction: Brother John Rodriguez

Sunday School

• Gospel doctrine:  Lesson 7 -- The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel
• Gospel Principles: see manual

Elders Quorum

• The lesson in the quorum today was presented by Brother Mike Young and was based on Chapter 4 of the Teaching of the Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow.  Key points of the lesson: [1] Through the gift of the Holy Ghost, we are led to all truth and strengthened in our faith; [2]  Every Latter-day Saint can have the Holy Ghost as a friend to give counsel; [3] The Holy Ghost can bring us happiness and peace of mind; [4] We need the assistance of the Holy Ghost as we endure trials, fulfill our duties, and prepare for celestial glory. [5] When we live humbly, the Holy Ghost helps us in our onward path.  Mike challenged us to do at least one good deed this week as a result of a prompting of the Holy Ghost.
• Announcements/quorum business:
• Mahalo to quorum members who participated in chapel clean up duties on 2/16 Saturday.
• Personal Priesthood Interviews (PPIs) will be conducted by President Turner for all quorum members from noon to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.  Elders will be contacted for interview date & time. 
• Home teaching.  District Leaders (Turner, Sellers, Tamashiro) will be contacting home teachers for reports on home teaching assignments for February .  Goal is 100%
• Quorum members are asked to participate in team-ups with full-time missionaries on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 830pm.  Sign up sheet was circulated.
• Laulau making fundraiser: Meet at 6 p.m. on 10/22 Friday at Bill Sellers house.  Tickets for the fundraiser were circulated to quorum members. 

Kaneohe 1st Ward Church Today--2/10/13

Sacrament Meeting

• Presiding:  Elder Aley Auna of the Seventy
• Conducting: Tommy Friel (Bishopric, 2nd Counselor)
• Opening hymn:  #227 There is Sunshine in My Soul Today
• Invocation: Brother Sapena Faumuina

• Ward business:  New calling (sustained): Keala Kanahele, Family History Consultant; Kehaulani Hikila, Primary Music Director.
• Announcements: 
• Musical Fireside:  2/10 Sunday.  7 p.m. at Waikalua Chapel.  All are welcome to attend

• Sacrament administration by Priesthood
• Youth Speakers
• Isabella Lesa, spoke about good works and selfless service, saying "Serving others is like serving Heavenly Father."
• Puna Tani, speaking about judging others, said, "There is a difference between righteous and unrighteous judgment."

• Adult Speakers



Brockton Saifoloi

• Sister Kim Saifoloi spoke about how her three children grew stronger in obedience, charity, and trust in the Lord as a result of their missions. Eldest son Ashton served in Chile, eldest daughter Kelsey served in Mongolia, and youngest son Brockton served in Mexico (youngest daughter Kiani is awaiting her mission call).
• Elder Brockton Saifoloi, just returned from a 2-year years  in Mexico City, spoke about how he was able to "cultivate patience"as a result of his mission.  He said he has observed three kinds of members of the church, namely [1] those who attend because they want to avoid condemnation,  [2] those who attend because they want to receive blessings, and [3] those who attend because they love God.
  

  

  Elder Aley Auna

• Elder Eley Auna, of the Seventy.  Elder Auna, quoting D&C 87, told us how we should "stand...in Holy Places and be not moved" and related the story of one of his sons who when presented with an unrighteous video by some peers at at youth leadership camp, chose not to view it but instead chose to stand in a Holy Place and be not moved. Elder Auna told us that holy places include church, the temple, our homes, and "wherever we go."

• Closing Hymn: Lord We Ask Thee Ere We Part #153.
• Benediction: Brother Ray Tecson

Sunday School

• Gospel doctrine:  Lesson 6 -- I Will Tell You in Your Mind and in Your Heart, by the Holy Ghost.
• Gospel Principles: see manual

Elders Quorum

• The lesson in the quorum today was presented by Brother Jake Butler and was based on Chapter 3 of the Teaching of the Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow.  Key points of the lesson: [1] Gaining a testimony is a good starting point for Latter-day Saints. [2] We can increase in our faith and spiritual knowledge. [3]  If we desire to increase in our faith and spiritual knowledge, we must exert ourselves. [4]  As we dig deep into the things of God and remain faithful, our religion becomes a part of our being.
• Announcements/quorum business:
• Mahalo to quorum members who participated in Laulau/palasami making activity and on Friday 2/8, at Bill Sellers' house.  Mahalo to Brother Sellers and his family for hosting the quorum.
• Mahalo to those who took part in the trip to Laie Hawaii Visitors Center on Saturday 2/9.  A potluck was held afterward at Kokololio beach park.  Good food and spirit.
• Musical Fireside.  Sunday 2/10, 7 - 8 p.m. Waikalua Chapel.  All are welcome, including family, neighbors, friends.  Quorum members who attend are encourage to bring a dessert.
• Personal Priesthood Interviews (PPIs) will be conducted by President Turner for all quorum members from noon to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.  Elders will be contacted for interview date & time. 
• Home teaching.  District Leaders (Turner, Sellers, Tamashiro) will be contacting home teachers for reports on home teaching assignments for February .  Goal is 100%
• Gospel instruction: quorum members will be invited to teach quorum lessons on assigned Sundays. (See Quorum Lesson Schedule for 2013)
• Elders quorum has been assigned to coordinate Ward Camp in July.  Assignments forthcomnig.
• EQ is responsible for cleaning the church building on Saturday 2/16.  Meet at 7 a.m. Quorum members are asked to help out.
• Adopt-a-highway service project.  2nd Saturday in March.  Meet at 8 a.m. at Kaneohe Burger King.
• Quorum members are asked to be on the lookout for service opportunities for the quorum and contact quorum presidency with information about service projects.

Quorum Activity--Laulau making

Activities at the ward level bring Church members together as “fellowcitizens with the saints” (Ephesians 2:19). In addition to providing fun and entertainment, activities should build testimonies, strengthen families, and foster unity and personal growth.

Activities strengthen members by giving them a sense of belonging and mutual support. Activities should help members feel connected to others their age, to their leaders, and to their families. Activities should also help members see how living the gospel brings “the joy of the saints” (Enos 1:3).

The quorum organized an activity this evening to make laulaus at Bill Sellers' house.  This was a good opportunity to learn how to make laulaus (over 200 made) and to foster unity.

Kaneohe 1st Ward church Today--2/3/13

Sacrament Meeting

• Presiding:  President Carl Kawakami
• Conducting: Robert Carlile (Bishopric, 1st Counselor)
• Opening hymn:  #142 Sweet Hour of Prayer
• Invocation: Brother Tommy Friel

• Ward business:  New calling (sustained):Laurene Tanji, Sunday School teacher 15 year old class.
• Announcements: 
• By Ward Mission Leader Kanoa Kanahele:  Ward Flood yesterday went very well.  Mahalo to all members who participated and provided refreshments.
• Musical Fireside:  2/10 Sunday.  7 p.m. at Waikalua Chapel.  All are welcome to attend
• By High Priest Group Leader Herman Kanahele:  Laie Temple Visitors Center excursion.  All are welcome to attend.  2/9 Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon at the Visitors Center.  Lunch to follow.
• By Brother Steve Hanohano: Kana'i Hanohano has been called serve for two years in the Japan Fukuoka Mission.

• Sacrament administration by Priesthood
• Testimonies:  Robert Carlile, Garth Gertsch, Mary Miyashiro, Herman Kanahele, Filipo Filiaga, Chauna Faumuina, Steve Hanohano.
• Closing Hymn: We Are Marching On to Glory #225.
• Benediction: Brother Sapena Faumuina

Sunday School

• Gospel doctrine:  Lesson 5 -- This is the Spirit of Revelation
• Gospel Principles: see manual
• Family History: Researching family history:  lesson on using various resources for family history research by Dayton Labanon and Sister Saffery (Kaneohe 2nd ward members)

Elders Quorum

• The lesson in the quorum today was presented by Makana Tani and was based on the 1st Presidency Message for February 2013. The lesson included a suggestion to use President Uchtdorf's Missionary Kit which suggested  that we 1. Be a Light (Candle), 2. Be Conversational (Gum), 3. Be Full of Grace (Heart),  and 4. Be Filled with Faith (Paper Clip)
• Announcements/quorum business:
• Mahalo to quorum members who served in the Ward flood to visit ward members on Saturday 2/2
• Laulau/palasami making activity and potluck.  Friday 2/8, 6 p.m. at Bill Sellers' house.
• Trip to Laie Hawaii Visitors Center.  Saturday 2/9.  10 a.m to noon.  Potluck to follow. All are welcome, including family, neighbors, friends.
• Missionary Fireside.  Sunday 2/10, 7 - 8 p.m. Waikalua Chapel.  All are welcome, including family, neighbors, friends.
• Personal Priesthood Interviews (PPIs) will be conducted by President Turner for all quorum members from noon to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.  Elders will be contacted for interview date & time. 
• Home teaching.  District Leaders (Turner, Sellers, Tamashiro) will be contacting home teachers for reports on home teaching assignments for January.  Goal is 100%
• Gospel instruction: quorum members will be invited to teach quorum lessons on assigned Sundays. (See Quorum Lesson Schedule for 2013)
• Elders quorum has been assigned to coordinate Ward Camp in July.  Assignments discussed.
• EQ is responsible for cleaning the church building on Saturday 2/16.  Meet at 7 a.m. Quorum members are asked to help out.
• Adopt-a-highway service project.  2nd Saturday in March.  Meet at 8 a.m. at Kaneohe Burger King.
• Quorum members are asked to be on the lookout for service opportunities for the quorum and contact quorum presidency with information about service projects.

Kaneohe 1st ward church today--1/27/13

Sacrament Meeting

• Presiding:  President Carl Kawakami
• Conducting: Bishop Bert Oshiro

Kanoa Kanahele

• Ward business:  Released from callings with a vote of thanks: Stacy Christian and Pohai Hayashida.   New callings (sustained): Stacy Christian (YW, 1st counselor), Naomi Sellers YW, 2nd counselor), Pohai Hayashida (YW, secretary), Lormona Meredith (YW, personal progress advisor).
• Announcements: 
• By Ward Mission Leader Kanoa Kanahele:  Ward Flood. All members are invited to participate.  Meet at the chapel at 8:30 a.m. on 2/2 Saturday.
• Musical Fireside:  2/10 Sunday.  7 p.m. at Waikalua Chapel.

• Youth speakers:
• Rocky Baso spoke about his experience at the Laie Hawaii temple on 1/25 participating in saving ordinances.  Also on that night was the LDS prom.  "I know I made the right choice (in attending the temple)," he said.
• Lele Stanley told us that integrity is the foundation for faith and that her testimony is her foundation.  Referring to foundation, she read Helaman 5:12.
• Adult speakers: 



Sean Jung

• Jodi Presbitero spoke about testimony which is "knowledge and a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost"  A testimony is gained, she said, by personal desire and prayerful seeking.  She also mentioned that a testimony should be borne, and doing so is our duty.
• Sean Jung, who just returned from two years of service to the Mexico City East Mission, shared about his mission experiences, including the growth of his testimony "100 fold."  Among the many things he mentioned were forming bonds with church members there to move the work forward, working in several different areas in the mission, serving as district leader, taking a shower with water from a bucket and a plastic yogurt cup, and being robbed at gunpoint on the way to church one Sunday. 

Sunday School

• Gospel doctrine:  Lesson 4 --Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon.
• Gospel Principles: see manual

Elders Quorum

• Announcements:
• Mahalo to quorum members who served at the Baptism for the Dead, Friday 1/25, at Laie Hawaii Temple. Several hundred saving ordinances were completed.
• Ward flood to visit ward members.  Saturday 2/2, 8:30 a.m. Meet at church.
• Laulau/palasami making activity and potluck.  Friday 2/8, 6 p.m. at Bill Sellers' house.
• Trip to Laie Hawaii Visitors Center.  Saturday 2/9.  9 a.m to 11:00 a.m.  Potluck to follow.
• Missionary Fireside.  Sunday 2/10, 7 p.m. Waikalua Chapel. 
• The lesson in the quorum today was based on talks by Elder Robert D. Hales [link to talk] and Elder Daniel L. Johnson [link to talk] from the October 2012 General Conference

Kaneohe 1st Ward--Church today--1/20/13

Sacrament Meeting 

• Presiding:  Bishop Bert Oshiro
• Conducting: Brother Tommy Friel

• Youth speakers:
• Reiko Baso, speaking about repentance, mentioned how his ohana has family prayer together in the morning and evening.
• Kawehi Filiaga spoke about how the atonement makes repentance possible.  She read 1 Corinthians 15:22:  For as in ^aAdam all ^bdie, even so in ^cChrist shall all be made ^dalive.
• Adult speakers: 
• Makana Tani, Elders Quorum secretary, gave a talk titled "Who Am I and Who Can I Become?"  He spoke about his experiences in school, his accomplishments, the help he has received from others, and his aspirations, which include serving a mission.  Scripture references included D&C 4:1-3 and Jeremiah 16:16: Behold, I will send for many ^afishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.
• Dana Chong Tim, Stake High Council, asked us if we were truly converted to the Lord and described the five key points of conversion which include [1] Believing in the Word of God as revealed by Prophets, [2] Having faith in Christ, [3] Repenting  of sin and wrongdoing, [4] Experiencing a might change of heart, [5] enduring to the end.

Sunday School

• Gospel doctrine:  Lesson 3 -- I Had Seen a Vision
• Family history: Providing Temple Ordinances
• Gospel Principles: see manual

Elders Quorum

• Announcements:
• Mahalo to quorum members who helped with chapel clean up on 1/19 Sat.
• Baptism for the Dead, Friday 1/25, 5 p.m. Laie Hawaii Temple.  Need priesthood holders with current temple recommends to perform ordinance work.
• Ward flood to visit ward members.  Saturday 2/2, 9 a.m. Meet at church.
• Laulau/palasami making activity and potluck.  Friday 2/8, 6 p.m. at Bill Sellers' house.
• Trip to Laie Hawaii Visitors Center.  Saturday 2/9.  Time TBA.
• Missionary Fireside.  Sunday 2/10, 7 p.m. Waikalua Chapel. 
• The lesson in the quorum today was about Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  Key points of the lesson were [1] We receive blessings from God when we follow the principles He has established; [2] The outward ordinances of baptism and confirmation are inseparably connected with the inward works of faith and repentance; [3] Baptism is administered by immersion, and the gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed by the laying on of hands; [4] The blessings of baptism and confirmation come only when those ordinances are administered by the proper authority. [5] When we keep the baptismal covenant and seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost, the promised blessings are sure to follow.