Download - December 2012 Cornerstone
Irvington Presbyterian Church Fremont, CA December, 2012
Sundays
Worship 10:15 a.m.
(Nursery and Children
Sunday School During
Service)
Irvington Chinese
Presbyterian Service:
10:15 a.m.
Weekdays at IPC 9
December Highlights
Church Directory
Bible Studies
Inside this issue:
Music Ministry 2
Missions News 3
Session News /Notes 4
Youth Ministry 5
Deacons Update 5
Children’s Ministry 6
Activities Update 7
Congregation News 8
Your Congregation 10
December Calendar 11
Mailing 12
In studying generosity this season, I have learned a great deal from Chip
Ingram, Pastor of Venture Church in Los Gatos who introduced me to this
idea of the “Ladder of Generosity.”
The giving of Christmas begins with God’s huge generosity to us.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” 2(Corinthians 9:15). Let us look
at each of the main players in the events surrounding
the birth of Jesus through the lens of generosity.
The wise men knew that someone special was
about to be born. They brought valuable gifts of gold
incense and myrrh. To give material things is the first
step in the ladder of the genius of generosity.
The shepherds gave their time. When the angels
left, they left their sheep and went into the town to see
the baby. They had the privilege of becoming the first evangelists because
they responded to God in obedience and genuine devotion.
The greatest gift of all is love, and love is well expressed in time you give
to someone. God didn’t ask Joseph for his money or his time, but rather to
sacrifice his reputation. All Joseph knew was that his fiancée was pregnant
and that he wasn’t the father. For all appearances, she betrayed him and he
did not make a stand. He looked like a fool; but he accepted his fate out of
love and obedience to God.
Mary had dreams and hopes, but when the angel Gabriel appeared to
her and told her what was about to happen, whatever future Mary envisioned
was gone. The blessing of mothering the Messiah would come at enormous
cost. She simply said, “May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38. The
last and greatest step in the ladder of generosity: Jesus gave his very life.
Mark 10:45 “The son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to
give his life as a ransom for many.”
Generosity is a lifestyle that flows out of a heart of love and worship.
God invites us to enter into deeper levels of generosity. He wants to give us
far more than most of us are ready or willing to receive. True generosity
does not stop with possessions, it starts with them.
Yours in the love of Christ, Pastor Michael
The Ladder of GenerosityThe Ladder of Generosity
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 2 December, 2012
- Daniel Khuc Music Ministry
“Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountain in reply, echoing
their joyous strains…”
Do you hear what I hear?
Every year, Christmas music leads the grand parade of sights and smells that will
soon follow. Eagerly we all hum, sing, and whistle these familiar carols and
songs starting in the middle of November. Some may feel rushed into Christmas
when “Jingle Bells” starts playing during a shopping trip for turkey, but it’s hard for
Thanksgiving to really compete. Thanksgiving does not have songs as memorable as “White
Christmas” or as catchy as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. “Have a Holly Jolly Thanksgiving”
just doesn’t have the same ring to it.
For a brief moment, I invite you to sit back, relax and close your eyes. Imagine the wonderful
sounds and sweet voices that you may have heard during past Christmas seasons. Maybe Christ-
mas sounds to you like festive carolers, a full house of relatives or busy shopping malls. Some
people will hear the soft patter of footprints in the snow or the growling of a warm fireplace. You
might even hear the humorous complaints of a warm winter here in California or “Merry Christmas”
in ten different languages. Other people might remember Christmas with the cheers of delight as a
loved one opened a gift, while others may cherish the simple phrase, “We’re home!”. Do your
Christmas sounds include a dash of sleigh bells, a cup of jolly laughter, or a bunch of musical
Christmas cards? From the softest Christmas prayer to the loudest Christmas Parade, there is still
lots of room for more memories to be made.
Luke 2: 8-12 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at
night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around
them, and they were terrified. 10
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you
good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11
Today in the town of David a Savior
has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12
This will be a sign to you: You will find
a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Can you imagine being the shepherds who had heard this wonderful news? I am sure they heard
a message they would never forget. This December, we hope to share and make music that will
inspire our congregation to spread the good news to all. We invite everyone to come and take part
in the joyous celebrations for the birthday of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Lend your voice or your ears.
We all appreciate your prayers and support during this time.
With the symphony of different sounds and memories that you and I may have for Christmas, there
is a clear message that still rings loud throughout this Christmas season: “Jesus Christ is Born!”
God Bless you and have a Merry Christmas!
“Let His praise be heard around the world, and let His love been known by all.”
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 3 December, 2012
MissionS News Paul and Alice Ryon serve with Christar, one of the Missions supported by IPC. They live in Leices-
ter, a large city in the middle of England known by many as “Little India.” This
is because the population consists of a large number of Indian immigrants,
with one major group being the Gujarati. The Ryons work with this Hindu
group, sharing the good news of Jesus. Paul and Alice have spent many
years learning the Gujarati language which is spoken in Gujarat, in North-West
India. They have formed a lovely group of Gujarati people who meet regularly
to learn about Jesus Christ. Some have come to put their trust in Him and will receive eternal life.
While Patti and I were in the UK in October this year, we had the privilege of spending a weekend
with Paul and Alice. They attend St. Theodore’s Church of England where I had the pleasure of
preaching one Sunday morning. We also toured Leicester and observed colorful Hindu decorations
on the typically English streets. In the evening, I had an opportunity to share my testimony with the
Gujarati group. My study and rejection of Hinduism before I came to faith in Christ, prepared me to
understand and relate to some of the spiritual struggles faced by this group.
Paul and Alice greatly appreciate IPC’s support and prayers. Patti and I enjoyed the graciousness of
their warm hospitality; and we were all blessed to share this wonderful time together.
Yours in Christ, the hope of all nations.
Your Missions Team is hosting a Tri-City Volunteers "Holiday Food Barrel" from Monday November
25, through Sunday December 17. Bring in your donation of canned and packaged goods and place
in the barrel located in the Narthex. These will be used to prepare food baskets that
will be distributed to children, low income families and seniors. The Tri-City
Volunteers’ mission is to eliminate hunger and food insecurity in the Fremont,
Newark and Union City area where thousands of adults cannot provide sufficient
food for their families.
Your generosity has the power to transform the life of someone who is hungry.
Holiday Food Barrel Holiday Food Barrel -- Editors
It is that wonderful time of the year when we can all give a little to help many. Bring your unwrapped
gifts for persons of any age on December 9, and celebrate with us.
You may include paper and ribbon if you wish. These gifts will be
distributed by Tri-City Volunteers to families in our community who
may not otherwise receive a gift this Christmas. The Lord has done
so much for us so let us respond with generous hearts.
If you are unable to come to Church you may ship or drop off your gifts in the office.
All gifts will be delivered on Monday December 10.
Birthday Party for Jesus - Bonnie Nichols, Teresa Oliver
Paul and Alice Ryon Paul and Alice Ryon -- Pastor Michael
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 4 December, 2012
Session News & Notes - Editors
Finance - Don Carson
Income: General Giving in the latest report peri-
od continued the current trend. The end of year
projection is now closer to $200K, but still higher
than the budgeted amount.
Expenses remain within budget thus a balanced
budget for 2012. There will be a special Meeting
on December 12. to discuss the 2013 budget.
Stewardship - Jeff Jaycox
Pledge Drive Meetings were completed with
good turnout and discussions.
Session thanked Elder Jeff and Deacon Karen
for their dedication and significant contributions
to the IPC family and wished them blessings for
continued success. They will be missed.
Worship Committee - Pat Jeffries
The Worship Committee is planning the Annual
Christmas Show with songs by the IPC Choir,
Praise Band, Youth and Children. There will be
a Christmas Eve service. Families were select-
ed to light the Advent Candles in December.
Church Alive - Russ Pennelly
Talent Show - A great show and a fun time for
all. Special thanks to all our performers and
helpers. Dean & Heather for the slide show and
"turkey act". To Ron for his fine MC work. To
Dave for his behind the scenes stage work even
if the "chop" was early. To Darlene and Mary
Lou for the after-party snacks.
The Ministry Faire will be scheduled in 2013.
The success of FUN Singles is giving impetus to
a Couples Group that is being discussed.
Nominating Committee - Joe DiMaggio
NOM COM presented candidates for Deacons,
Elders and the Mission Study Team that were
unanimously elected to serve. The installation
and ordination of Officers will be on January 6.
Christian Equipping - Lynnette Ariathurai
Sunday morning children worship continues to be
a strong program with an average of 10 kids.
Ikidz “Angel Breakfast” for children grades 2-6 is
scheduled for December 15. BLAST had a suc-
cessful Thanksgiving Dinner on November 13.
Discussions have begun on starting English as a
Second Language and possibly an Elementary
After School Program at IPC in the future.
Youth Ministry will participate in the Christmas
Program and an evening of bowling on 12/16.
Missions - K and M Baksh
Mission will hold the Annual “Birthday Party for
Jesus” on December 9, and host a “Holiday Food
Barrel” in the Narthex from 11/28 - Dec 17.
The Missions Team will be represented at the
Stewardship Meetings.
Peggy Handono was added to the Team.
Clerk’s Report - Ron Fong
The election of Church Officers and the Mission
Study Team Members were completed at the
November 18 Congregational Meeting with 55
Church Members and a representative from
COM in attendance.
The Clerk is requesting that departments submit
their input for the Annual Report by 1/17/2013.
The Annual Congregational Meeting is planned
for February 10, 2013.
The following four motions were approved:
Minutes of November 1, Session Meeting.
Minutes of November 18, Congregation Meeting.
Three Letters of Transfer from active member-
ship and two from inactive membership.
Special Session Meeting on December 9, to
formally receive two new members .
Boy Scout Troop 102:
Completing re-charter with Troop for 2013.
Troop is working with B&G for storage space.
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 5 December, 2012
Youth Ministry - Alishan Merjanian
Did you know that the God who created the universe wants us to know him? This is the meaning of
Christmas. We could endlessly seek God but never find him, except that he makes
himself known to us. The eternal Word of God, who was with God in the beginning,
and who is God; the one who made all things that have been made became flesh
and dwelt among us. He was born in a barn over 2000 years ago, so that we could
see His Glory, and receive grace upon grace, and blessing upon blessing. Through
His blood we are washed from our sins and made new. In his resurrection we live
in hope that one day all death will be abolished, and every tear will be wiped away.
This is my goal in our Youth Ministry. I want us all to know these truths deeply: I want our youth to
see the glory of Jesus Christ, the only Son from the Father, and I want them to believe in him, trust
him, love Him, follow Him, and serve Him. As we are built up by Christ, we are built into His Church
and called to love one another as He loved us.
This is an exciting season for our church, as God calls us back to our mission. Each of us has an
opportunity to connect with a youth and lovingly support them on their journey into adulthood. There
are many activities that allow you to reach out to our youth at IPC. Join us at:
High School events in December:
Sunday morning Bible study: The Gospel of John.
Sundays after-church: Lunch and hang out.
Sundays 7pm: 12Stones Fellowship.
When our college students come back briefly on their winter break, we will be resuming
12Stones College meetings on Thursdays at 7pm starting December 13.
Our special events this month are:
Annual Christmas Concert: Saturday December 15, at 7 PM
Bowling at Cloverleaf Bowl on Grimmer: Sunday December 16, at 3 PM
Deacons News - Peggy Handono
The meeting was opened in prayer by Shirley Murray followed by a short devotional read
by Bonnie Burger. Seven Deacons were present.
In keeping with the Deacons’ annual tradition of celebrating the birth of Christ, poinsettias
to decorate the sanctuary will again be available for purchase by signing up with Shirley Murray on
Sunday, December 2 and 9. You may also place your order by calling Shirley at 408-269-1516.
Poinsettias can be dedicated to a loved one, in memory of someone dear to you, a sick friend or any
other occasion. The plants will be placed in the sanctuary on December 16, and may be picked up
after worship service on December 24. The cost of each Poinsettia is $8.50.
This year Deacons will adopt/sponsor a family for the holiday season. A local charity organization
will recommend a family that needs special help this year. The Deacons have assigned a member
from their team to present a check covering the cost of food and presents for the selected family.
Merry Christm
as IPC!
Merry Christm
as IPC!
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 6 December, 2012
Children’s Ministry – Jeanette Beland
BLAST celebrated its annual Thanksgiving Family Dinner November
13th. Our Families dined on a traditional turkey dinner with all the
fixings courtesy of our amazing IPC community. Together we dined
and shared many family stories. For several of our family members,
this was their first experience of an American Thanksgiving
Celebration. There was something absolutely wonderful about
hearing snippets of information from each table explaining some of
the foods, and how each family celebrates this day in their own
unique way. After an amazing dinner, and sumptuous pumpkin pie
our families had an opportunity to experience a lesson from our
weekly curriculum. Parents shared that they learned some new
concepts from the Bible and were a bit humbled that their kids
understood theological and biblical concepts better than they did. IPC
members and Children’s Ministry Team Volunteers went out of their
way to open and build bridges in welcoming our neighborhood into
our IPC family.
Sincere thanks to all who helped make this a memorable evening.
December 15th 9-11 a.m.
Irvington Presbyterian Church
4181 Irvington Avenue
510.657.3133 to RSVP
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 7 December, 2012
Activities Update
Social Groups
IPC’s Annual Christmas Concert begins at 7PM, Saturday December 15. Celebrate the season with
songs by IPC Choir, Praise Group, Youth and Children. Bring your friends,
neighbors and family members and join us for this special event. This year’s
program will feature a duet with Pastor Michael on the guitar and Patti on the
flute. Peggy Handono will also be sharing a special Christmas piece during
the program. The Choir and Praise Group will lead the congregation in singing Christmas carols.
All are invited for good tidings and cheer in the Social Hall after the program.
Ladies Monthly Luncheon Ladies Monthly Luncheon - June Dawson
There will be no luncheon scheduled for the month of December. Join us in
January 2013 for a great meal, fellowship and happy times together:
Date: January 15, 2013,
Restaurant: Ming’s Szechwan Restaurant ,
Address: 3915 Washington Boulevard, Fremont. (across from Safeway).
Contact: June Dawson, (510) 656-2277 to confirm your attendance.
IPC F.U.N IPC F.U.N - Bonnie Burger
Sunday December 2, we are celebrating our six-month anniversary with a pot-luck din-
ner at Jean Landrum’s home - 5033 Brian Court, Fremont, CA. (RSVP Bonnie Burger).
Our first Christmas Party will be on Saturday December 8, at Cynthia’s Tea House on
Bay Street, beginning at 11:30 AM.
Contact Bonnie Burger (510) 468 4656
Christmas ConcertChristmas Concert - Daniel Khuc, Alishan Merjanian
Karen Jaycox, Program Coordinator for TCFBP, and her family are planning to leave IPC and
Fremont. The Jaycox family will be missed by everyone. The TCFBP team will especially miss
Karen’s steadfast leadership. We are grateful for her hard work, commitment and dedication to the
success of this program. The Jaycox family are in our thoughts and prayers as they pursue their
new adventure.
The Program Steering Committee selected Gerlinde Mardirosian as the new TCFBP Coordinator.
We are blessed to have her long tenure of volunteer experience working in the program. Her dedi-
cation includes, but is not limited to, waking up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to arrive in
the Social Hall kitchen at 5:00AM, help prepare breakfast and open the doors for serving our guests
at 7:00 AM. Gerlinde is a willing and cheerful volunteer who is well liked, respected and appreciated
by the team and our guests. We extend our prayers and best wishes for success in her new role.
Tri City Free Breakfast Program (TCFBP)Tri City Free Breakfast Program (TCFBP) - June Dawson
Congregation News
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 8 December, 2012
Carol Reavis
Kamroon and Mustapha Baksh
Nichole and Justin Chaikin
Kathy and Pat Jeffries
Delores Anderson - Kurtz and
Edward Kurtz
Leah and David Wiseman
Bradley Cartier
Pat Hughes
Leila Kalin
Pastor Michael
Denise Pennelly
Jeanne Stachowiak
Virginia Stull
Beverly Wagner
Michael Young
Lisa Young
Holiday Worship ScheduleHoliday Worship Schedule
December 23 at 10:15 am: Regular Service with lots of Joy and Christmas songs.
Christmas Eve at 7 pm: Service, Blessings, Carols and Readings from Prophets.
Moderator Pastor Michael opened the meting with prayer
at 11:18 AM. In attendance were 55 Church members
and Karen Merris, laison from the Committee on Ministry.
Church Officer Elections: Elder Joe DiMaggio present-
ed the slate of nominees from the Nominating Committee.
Since there were no nominations from the floor, all nomi-
nees were unanimously elected as follows:
Deacons:
Class of 2013: Alexis DiMaggio and Cathy Jeffries
Class of 2014: Denise Pennelly
Class of 2015: Mary Lou Craig and Dawn Lunn
Elders:
Class of 2015: Helen Jorgensen, Dean Ostdiek and
Heather Ostdiek
The installation and Ordination of new Officers will be
held on Sunday January 6 during worship.
Pastoral Call: At the November 13, meeting, Presbytery
approved the dissolution of the call for Pastor Michael as
Senior Pastor of IPC on or before August 31, 2013.
Mission Study Team: Elder Joe DiMaggio chair of The
Nominating Committee presented nominees to serve on
the Mission Study Team. There were no nominees from
the floor. After two questions were answered, members
voted for Deloris Anderson, Lynnette Ariathurai, Marion
Bade, Nick McClure and Ron Fong to serve.
Sincere thanks to the outgoing officers class of 2012
for their faithful service:
Deacon: Deloris Anderson
Elders: Don Carson, Joe DiMaggio, Jeff Jaycox and
Dave Wegener
Congregational Meeting of November 18Congregational Meeting of November 18
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 9 December, 2012
Pastor: Rev. Michael Boyland
Chinese Pastor: Dick Hwang
Youth Ministries Director : Alishan Merjanian
Children Ministries Director: Jeanette Beland
Worship Leader: Alishan Merjanian
Worship Administrator/Organist: Daniel Khuc
Office Manager: Frankie Cabral
Men’s Bible Study - This class meets with Pastor Michael at Bay Street Coffee Roasting
Friday mornings from 8 am to 9 am. .
Women's Bible Study - Women meet weekly in the McKowen Room. The theme is 102
fascinating Bible studies. Contact Betty Blizel for details.
Home Bible Study - Regularly scheduled bi-weekly Bible Classes at Mary Ellen’s house is
on break and will resume January 15. Contact Mary Ellen McKowen for additional details.
Weekdays at IPC
Address: 4181 Irvington Avenue
P.O. Box 1336,
Fremont, CA 94538
Phone: (510) 657 3133
Fax: (510) 657 7040
Email: [email protected]
Church DirectoryChurch Directory
The Church office is open Monday - Friday each week from 8 AM to 12 noon, except on holidays. If
you would like to meet with Pastor Michael, you may schedule an appointment by calling the office.
Mondays: Women’s Bible Study
Tuesdays: BLAST
Wednesdays: Band and Choir Practice
Sundays: 12Stones Fellowship
Fridays: Men’s Bible Study - Bay St Coffee
6 - Worship Committee Meeting
8 - FUN Singles Christmas Party
9 - Birthday Party for Jesus
1 - 17 - Holiday Food Barrel
13 - Mission Team Meeting
14 - Church Alive Meeting
15 - Annual Christmas Concert
15 - Angel Breakfast
18 - Deacons Meeting
20 - Session Meeting
24 - Christmas Eve Service
Bible StudiesBible Studies
Highlights for DecemberHighlights for December
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 10 December, 2012
Knowing Your Congregation - Editors
Peggy and Johnny Handono became members of IPC in 2007. Peggy started attending
church in 2006 and recalls being impressed with the choir which, at that time, was under the direc-
tion of Dan Chaikin. She recalls feeling welcomed by “Murry’s warm greetings
and inspired by Mary Ellen’s love for the Lord and willingness to share her vast
knowledge of scriptures. Both Peggy and Johnny are impressed with Pastor
Michael’s knowledge and understanding of their Indonesian culture and his
ability to greet them in their native language. Peggy’s interest in singing in the
church choir was encouraged by Jonathan Fadner, who became Music Director
in 2010. She volunteered for both choir and praise band and continues to
praise the Lord with her melodious voice every Sunday morning during worship.
After relocating to Fremont, both Peggy and Johnny attended Newark Presbyterian Church. It was
there that Johnny was baptized by Pastor Bob Hampel after receiving spiritual mentoring from him.
When Peggy started singing in the choir and praise band, Johnny started attending IPC. They are
now happily settled in their church home.
Both Peggy and Johnny were born into Christian families. Johnny and his family attended a
Seventh Day Adventist Church. He received his early education at a Protestant school close to the
Catholic school that Peggy attended. Peggy had a Catholic upbringing with her mom and sisters.
Peggy and Johnny knew of each other but did not start dating until Peggy returned to Jakarta from
her boarding -school education in Holland. They married and had their first child, Harry, before
emigrating to the United States. They spent a few years in Texas and then moved to Fremont, CA.
Their beautiful Adriana was born in the United States.
Johnny is very happy with his church home and family at IPC. He is presently working on enhancing
his spiritual growth by attending small-group meetings and home bible classes. He would like to
“connect with other Christians who respect each other regardless of their ethnic background.” Peggy
feels that developing her spiritual growth is still a learning process. She is “still getting to know the
Lord.” She has always been a Christian, but her faith became stronger after the birth of her first
child. Because of a medical error, she was given a wrong blood type causing many complications
including coma. She was pronounced “dead” by the doctors caring for her and just as she was
about to be “wheeled away,” felt life come to her arms and enough strength to push a tray of instru-
ments to the ground. Peggy was able to see her baby boy for the first time, four months after her
recovery at the hospital. “I thank the Lord every day for giving me the chance to see my children
grow up” I cherish this gift of life with all of my heart.”
Besides her work in the church choir and praise band, Peggy is presently serving as a Deacon in
IPC and recently joined the Missions Team. Johnny volunteers his time and talents as the church
photographer. He videos each Sunday Worship, posts them on You Tube and provides pictures for
Cornerstone.
We feel lucky to know and to share many happy experiences with this wonderful Christian family.
The Lord has blessed us with their love and friendship and for this we are truly grateful to Him.
Johnny, Adriana, Peggy
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IRVINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
4181 Irvington Avenue
P.O. Box 1366
Fremont, CA 94538-0133
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Organization
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 52
Fremont, CA
Please Note: December 21 is the deadline for our January issue.
All articles are to be delivered in writing to the church office or by email to:
[email protected]. Cornerstone is the medium to keep your current
and past congregation members informed of all activities at IPC.
Your timely submissions are important to everyone.
We appreciate the time and dedication of all We appreciate the time and dedication of all
who submitted articles and provided who submitted articles and provided
information for the December issue. Special information for the December issue. Special
thanks to Peggy and Johnny Handono for thanks to Peggy and Johnny Handono for
sharing their history and to Jeane Garrett for sharing their history and to Jeane Garrett for
her help with editing.her help with editing.
You play a significant role as we work together You play a significant role as we work together
in the name of Christ.in the name of Christ.
This month’s Cornerstone pictures were This month’s Cornerstone pictures were
provided courtesy of: provided courtesy of:
Peggy Handono and Johnny Peggy Handono and Johnny
Handono.Handono.
Color printing provided by Color printing provided by
Ken Ariathurai.Ken Ariathurai.
AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements
Kamroon and Mustapha BakshKamroon and Mustapha Baksh
Your EditorsYour Editors