february 2012 cornerstone
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The Cornerstone is IPC’s monthly newsletter; here you will find news of the church, its members and events past and present.TRANSCRIPT
Irvington Presbyterian Church Fremont, CA February, 2012
Sundays
Worship 10:15 a.m.
(Nursery and Children Sun-
day School During Service)
J.O.Y. Bible Study: 9:00
a.m.
Irvington Chinese
Presbyterian Service:
10:15 a.m.
Weekdays at IPC 9
Communion and Prayer
Church Directory
Bible Studies
Inside this issue:
Deacons Update 2
Missions Update 3
Session News & Notes 4
Youth Ministry 5
Children’s Ministry 6
Activities Update 7
Congregation News 8
Your Congregation 10
October Calendar 11
Mailing 12
“I wonder what sort of a tale we’ve fallen into.” In The Lord of the Rings,
Frodo and Sam have been through dangers and have seen marvels they
could not have imagined before they set out from their homes in the Shire on
their perilous journey to save the world. We each wonder about his same
question. What is the story so far? How do I fit in? Is my life part of a tragedy,
or a comedy, or a soap opera?
Jesus said, “As the Father sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21). Even
though so much of this beautiful world that he made
and loves has turned against him, God is winning it
back. His strategy is not to use armies or laws, but to
use the strongest force in the world, love, to win the
hearts of men and women and children. The church is
the instrument God chose for this great task. In spite of
its all too human weaknesses, the movement of followers of Jesus Christ is
the central player in this great epic. In dying on the cross and rising from the
dead, Jesus won the victory for love over death and guilt and shame.
Each one of us has a unique role in bringing the effects of that victory to bear
in our sphere of influence. Missions is the great project of spreading the love
of God in Jesus Christ so that hearts can be brought to new life through the
power of His love. As the Father sent Jesus into the world, so Jesus sends us
to show by our actions and our words that there is hope, that love will be
victorious in the end. God made a promise; Jesus kept it; we share it.
Irvington Presbyterian Church is part of this heroic enterprise. Each one of us
shines the light of Christ into our local scene. Through our mission fund,
supported by the missions gifts of our people, and through our prayers, IPC
supports work to bring the good news to natives in the jungles of Venezuela;
to the downtrodden untouchables of north India; to Muslims in West Africa,
Central Asia and Ethiopia, to street children in Brazil; to seamen who come
ashore in the Port of Richmond, CA, among others. Meanwhile we shine his
love and invite people to celebrate with us here in Irvington. Our prayers and
our mission giving fuel the fire of His love around the world.
Warmly in the love of Christ, Pastor Michael
Missions: The Heart of the ChurchMissions: The Heart of the Church
Special Service at 7 PM
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 2 February, 2012
- Peggy Handono DEACONS NEWS
This was the first meeting of the new year and was opened with prayer by Pastor Michael. We
prayed the congregation would have a blessed 2012, and we would have productive meetings
with respect and compassion among us. We thanked the Lord for his help in accomplishing all
that we achieved in 2011, including the installation of the 85 year old church bell. Its wonderful
sound rings through the Irvington area calling the congregation to worship and marking special
events at our church. Special thanks to Mary Wolfe who chaired the committee to hear the bell
ring again.
We welcomed the new Deacons: Bonnie Burger, Jean Landrum, Kathy Fletcher, Lisa Young,
Emmy Yourish and Gill Carson. They joined our two other classes to form the 2012 Board of
Deacons that comprise of twelve members. Deacon assignments for 2012 are:
Officers: Committee Chairpersons:
Each month, the “Act of Kindness” program recognizes members of the congregation for providing a
service or doing something good. Helen Jorgensen was the December, 2011 recipient; and will
receive a $25.00 gift certificate to Olive Garden. Daniel Khuc was the January, 2012 recipient for
his outstanding contributions to the music department. He successfully “bridged the gap” as we
transitioned to a new Worship Director; and will receive a $25.00 gift certificate to Panera.
A Deacons/Sessions Retreat is Scheduled for February 11, 2012.
Christian Equipping Elder, Jeanette Ariathurai, was the designated Sessions representative for this
meeting.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Pastor Michael.
Deacons’ meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. If you would like to attend as a
visitor and observe our Ministry of Compassion and Service at work; or if you need to get in touch
with your Parish Deacon, contact: Shirley Murray, Moderator.
Pray for our Deacons as they carry out their responsibilities rendering service and caring for
the IPC congregation.
Moderator: Shirley Murray
Vice Moderator: Bonnie Burger
Secretary: Kathy Flenniken
Treasurer: Deloris Anderson/Gill Carson
Flowers: Shirley Murray
Juice (coffee hours): Karen Jaycox
Medical Supplies: Jean Landrum
Communion Supplies: Emmy Yourish
Communion Reminder: Emmy Yourish
Nominating Committee Rep: Deloris Anderson
Nursery: Lisa Young
Newsletter: Peggy Handono
Prayer chain: Thea Pex
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 3 February, 2012
MissionS Update LOVE IS IN THE AIR AGAINLOVE IS IN THE AIR AGAIN - Mary Ellen McKowen
HEADS UP….It’s almost Valentines Day and that means an opportunity to again prepare Valentines
for the girls at Hope Unlimited in Brazil, a Mission we support through your generous contributions.
Each February, we at IPC add a little something to our Valentine's prepara-
tions. As we make cards for friends and family, and maybe for that special
loved one, we also take time to make a card for one of our girls in Brazil.
The cards are given during a party celebrating Brazil's Day of Love in early
summer. The children who receive your cards are poor, neglected, and for
the most part, have never before experienced familial love and concern.
As the valentines are passed out, godly women talk to the girls about the meaning of love, the
importance of purity, and their value as the highest creations of the God who truly loves them. The
smiles and squeals as the girls open their valentines are great rewards; but having the chance to
change their self-perception means so much more. It is an appalling truth that many of these girls
have been sexually abused and exploited. We can play a part in restoring their innocence and help
them know that our God is a God of new beginnings. Ask Lynette Ariathurai about her experience
when she visited the Girl’s Ranch in July 2010. Your heart will be touched.
The names of specific children will be published in the Church Bulletin. We encourage you to plan
ahead as the season draws near to either gather some materials for hand making Valentines or to
purchase some as they start to go on sale. Help these girls celebrate their new beginnings!
Growth of the Christian Movement in Asia ConferenceGrowth of the Christian Movement in Asia Conference-- Editors
On Saturday February 25, Centerville Presbyterian Church will host a conference to share what the
Lord is doing right now in Asia, specifically China. The conference will feature informational mission
booths and guest speakers including our own Pastor Michael, Tara Chase, Associate Director with
Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship and Simon & Becky Ziegler from International Students Inc. Simon
is the Western Regional Director for International Students, Inc.
The conference is from 8:30 AM to 1:00PM and there is a $5 charge per person. Check your Sun-
day Bulletin for sign-up details.
Rev. Philip Prasad and Elizabeth Prasad to Visit IPC in May Rev. Philip Prasad and Elizabeth Prasad to Visit IPC in May -- Editors
Presbyterian Frontier Mission supports Witnessing Ministries of Christ, the Ministry of Rev. Philip
Prasad and Elizabeth Prasad. This ministry preaches the Gospel, plants churches and provides
education, health care and vocational training for Untouchables or Dalits in India. Untouchables are
outcasts because of their birth outside India’s Caste System. Their visit
will be an opportunity to learn more about the wonderful work the Lord
is doing through WMC with your prayerful contributions. Watch for
details in your Church Bulletin and in future issues of Cornerstone.
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 4 February, 2012
Session News & Notes - Ron Fong
Finance
A budget for 2012 was reviewed and adopted
by Session at a special January 19, meeting.
The budget has a deficit of $29,377, mainly
due to the fact that pledges were down from
last year. Session voted to use reserves to
cover the deficit and the budget was accepted
by a majority vote.
Nominating Committee
At the Congregational Meeting scheduled for
February 12, five members will be elected from
the congregation to serve on the Nominating
Committee for 2012. If you are interested in
serving or would like to recommend someone
for this Committee, contact Joe DiMaggio.
Pastor’s Report
Pastor Michael shared that at a recent retreat
with the new Worship Director, the Children
Ministries Director and the Youth Ministries
Director, a vision for 2012, “Foothold on the
Future” was developed. This vision has two
main components: To increase the love for
Jesus among the existing congregation and to
invite and integrate new members into IPC.
First, to help the existing congregation grow in
our love for Jesus there are two initiatives: The
course on spiritual disciplines, “The Life You’ve
Always Wanted,” by John Ortberg; and the
worship style of Alishan Merjanian that is well
accepted by the congregation.
To implement the second goal, strengthening
the life of the church and incorporating new
people, we have planned a barbecue in August
for families with children in Hirsch Kids Club
and a day at the Fremont Aqua Park. Similar
programs that will attract families and children
to the church will be developed during the year.
Building and Grounds
Dave Wegener who now heads B & G plans work
days where volunteers from the congregation will
get together and work on a “to do” list of projects.
B & G would group and prioritize the wish list of
Capital Improvement items with cost estimates.
Plans for a Building Fund are being discussed.
Stewardship
Stewardship reported that the recent pledge drive
yielded 45 pledges and $122,704. This amount
represents a $ decrease of 29% when compared
to 2011 that yielded 47 pledges and $172,578.
Worship Committee
A keyboard for use by the Praise Group during
worship was purchased for $700.
Session authorized the purchase and installation
of one 60” TV Monitor to replace the existing
projector and screen that is now used in worship.
Christian Equipping Committee
Approved increasing Children Ministry Director
hours to 30 per week effective immediately.
A new Sunday School Class for 3-4 year olds will
begin in September this year.
Clerk Actions.
New bids for reroofing the Social Hall are in and
the contract was awarded to Sonrise Roofing.
Three elder commissioners were elected to attend
the January 31, Presbytery Meeting at Grace
Presbyterian Church, Walnut Creek. Critical
items include the election of Joan Fong as a Com-
missioner to the 220th General Assembly.
A church officers retreat is planned for Saturday
February 11, 2012, 9 AM—4 PM.
An annual congregational meeting and “pot luck”
is scheduled for February 12, 2012, after worship.
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 5 February, 2012
Youth Ministry - Anh Truong
12 Stones Student Ministries:12 Stones Student Ministries:
The goal of 12 Stones Ministry at IPC is to
prepare students 7th grade through college to
accept Christ. The investment, dedication and
prayers of IPC 12 Stones Ministry is to help
insure Christ is known, living and constantly
influencing the lives of our youth.
12 SM: Youth Fellowship:12 SM: Youth Fellowship:
Just as a stone is a piece of rock that has been
refined through the course of its life, people
also need to be refined by Christ to be part of
His Kingdom.
12 Stones Youth Fellowship, therefore, set out
to challenge students with life-changing deci-
sions. The truth needs to be told, heard and
lived. We do not want to change who you are
and He does not want to either. Come as you
are - Broken, Happy, Sad, Hardened, Failure,
Powerful or anything else and join us on Fri-
days at 7:45 in room #3. Visit us on Facebook
“12Stones Fellowship” for more information.
12 SM: Sunday Youth Service12 SM: Sunday Youth Service
The point of Sunday morning service is more
than just waking up early and learning about
Christ. It’s about being with the church body as
one and worshiping. We use an array of teach-
ing tools to get God’s word known and under-
stood. Join us Sunday morning at 10:15 am in
the Sanctuary and in room #3 after worship.
12Stones Student Ministries News:12Stones Student Ministries News:
Sunday Youth Worship is devoted to helping
our students solve problems as they go through
different stages of awareness of what Christ
means to them.
College FellowshipCollege Fellowship
College students look forward to Spring break
with eager anticipation. This is also the time
when our own 12 Stones College Students return
to us. We look forward to their leading worship
and sharing their adventures, successes, chal-
lenges, spiritual growth and accomplishments.
Did the discussion of Ben Hardman’s “Thrive –
Do More Than Survive” help them deal with any
spiritual problems they encountered? Did they
have a chance to “Live Large, Be Different and
Shine Bright?” We know that the Lord is with
them because of their great faith and trust in Him.
Feedback from our college youth will influence
our planning programs for Junior High School
Students. Take some time to talk to the returning
college students, listen to their experiences and
let us help our Junior High School students effec-
tively prepare for similar experiences.
Junior High School YouthsJunior High School Youths
There are some challenges in effectively planning
and executing programs for our Junior High
School Students. Our Youth Ministry Director is a
part-time position that requires his having to work
another job and attend school. This makes it dif-
ficult to allocate additional time during the week.
This year we have one 6th grade, two 7th grade
and three more middle school students who will
join the 10-14 students already attending the
Sunday program. These students also represent
future members of our church that Pastor and his
staff addressed in the recent staff retreat. Pray
that our staff be given guidance and resources to
develop challenging and effective programs for
our Junior High School Students.
Praise God for providing the means for IPC to continue reaching young people for Jesus.
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 6 February, 2012
Children’s Ministry
How Do You Spell FUN? We spell it B-L-A-S-T!!!
BLAST keeps iKidz on their toes each week with a variety of experiences that connect with the gos-
pel stories presented. Recently, to understand what praise had to do with Jesus’ triumphal entry into
Jerusalem, the kids had to create a cheer. Check out how the lower elementary students shared
their joy of being “forever friends” with Jesus.
Three Kinds of Love… Three Kinds of Love… I love ice cream. I also love the Giants. And of course, I’m madly in love with Jesus! For many of us,
the word “love” means many different things. The Greeks were fortunate to have three different
words to describe three different types of love: agape (unconditional love), eros (sensual love), and
phileo (brotherly love). Here are some activities which you can do with your children, grand/great
grand children and those you love during the season of love.
1. “Secret Valentine”: Draw names of each person in your family, and daily do a special some-
thing that will let them know they are loved. From secretly setting the table, sweeping the side-
walk or leaving them an anonymous note that says you love them, they will know that someone
cares about them.
Act of Random Kindness: As a family, give up one activity that you do that costs money like
going to a movie, or out to dinner. Use that money to either donate or purchase a small item that
can be donated to an organization that helps others in our community.
Bake and Take: Bake an extra plate of cookies or other dish and bring it to your local fire
station. Thank them for their willingness to put their lives on the line to protect us.
Love Notes: Send a quick note to someone in our community who is shut in, under the weather
or having a challenging season. Let them know that not only do you love them, but God is also
wildly in love with them!
3rd/4th/5th Grade Special Night!
Saturday, February 18th 5:00-9:00 p.m. There is a $5 dinner charge
Parents! We’re testing the waters to see if there is interest in beginning a pre-teen group next year.
If your child is in the 3rd-5th grade they’re invited to join us for an evening of fun. We’ll be having
dinner (pizza, salad and drinks), play some “sweet” games and chill out watching the movie SOUL
SURFER (rated PG). This is a terrific time for your child to invite friends from class, relatives, neigh-
bors etc. To help chaperone or for more information contact MJ at the church office 510-657-3133.
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 7 February, 2012
Activities Update
Santa Visits the Breakfast Program Santa Visits the Breakfast Program -- Karen Jaycox
Mr. and Mrs. Claus (Cleburne Stephens and Bonnie Burger) visited the Tri-City Free Breakfast
Program on Friday, December 23. A total of 170 guests, adults and children, were served a deli-
cious breakfast of baked ham, eggs, toast, pastries, oatmeal, juice and coffee. Each guest received
candy and a McDonald’s gift card from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Gift cards were made possible through
a generous donation from the Walter and Elise Hass Foundation. Smiles and laughter abounded as
Santa and Mrs. Claus wished everyone a very Merry Christmas.
Tri City Free Breakfast Program served a total of 1920 guests in December. Combining first and
second servings, 2742 breakfast meals were served. During the month, the breakfast program also
distributed 585 bags of food for guests to take with them. A heartfelt “thank you” to all our dedicated
volunteers who continue to make this program a success!
As the days lengthen we think ahead to the glorious celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ’s victory
over death with his resurrection. (The name for this season, 'Lent,' is from the same
word, 'lengthen'). Two signposts for this journey are, Ash Wednesday,
February 22nd and Good Friday, April 6th this year. At 7 pm on each
day, IPC will have a special service of worship to remember our Lord's
great love and the gift of his life for us.
VBS Information Meeting
Thursday February 9, 7-8:30 PM Rm 6
We will reach the skies this summer as we share with our neighbors and families how “nothing is
impossible with God!” Please join us for our first planning meeting to kick-off VBS. During this meet-
ing we’ll discuss the planning, ice cream social, invitation and other items vital to success. This
meeting is open to all in the congregation. To RSVP, please contact Frankie in the office 510-657-
3133 or email MJ at [email protected].
Special Worship Services Special Worship Services - Pastor Michael
Per Capita Tax is the amount our Church contributes on behalf of each member to help with the
cost of the Presbytery of San Francisco and the General Assembly, the National Church Body.
Your generous contribution to pay your share will be very welcomed. Please write per capita on
your check.
- Ron Fong
Congregation News
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 8 February, 2012
Betty Allen
Jean Vernon
David Ridley
Mary Lou and Richard Craig
Shivani Ariathurai
Max Berger
Frankie Cabral
Justin Chaikin
Karen Craig
Jeanne Garrett
Jean Gion
Johnny Handono
Delores Lasseter
Cecile Litherland
Alishan Merjanian
Shirley Murray
Phyllis Parker
Herman Rabe
Richard Reavis
Jane Soper
Shirley Vick
On Sunday January 22 the IPC congregation
witnessed the baptism of Matthew Robert Young
Congratulations
and best wishes to
the Young Family.
IPC’s Annual Congregational MeetingIPC’s Annual Congregational Meeting
The Annual Congregation Meeting will be held after worship
on Sunday February 12, to conduct the annual business of
the church. The agenda is:
(1) Receive the annual report.
(2) Elect Corporation Officers.
(3) Elect Five Nominating Committee Members.
(4) Reaffirm the call of the Rev. Michael Boyland as Pastor.
Church members interested in serving on the Nominating
Committee should contact Joe DiMaggio.
We will have a pot luck luncheon before the meeting
Anyone who trusts in Jesus Christ and has been baptized is welcome to partake of
the Lord’s Supper in our church. It is a gift from God for us who do not deserve it,
but who gratefully receive his love and his cleansing power. We prepare to receive
the bread and cup by confessing our sins and doing our utmost to patch up any
differences with other people. At IPC we celebrate communion on the first Sunday
of each month, and on Thursday mornings at 7:30 am in the Sanctuary.
Communion Communion —— Pastor BoylandPastor Boyland
Irvington Presbyterian Church page 9 February, 2012
Pastor: Rev. Michael Boyland
Chinese Pastor: Dick Hwang
Youth Ministries Director : Anh Truong
Children Ministries Director: Jeanette Beland
Music Director: Alishan Merjanian
Organist: Daniel Khuc
Office Manager; Frankie Cabral
Men’s Bible Study — Men meet with Pastor Michael at Bay Street Coffee Roasting Friday
mornings from 8 am to 9 am to discuss selected Bible sections. All men are welcomed.
“The Life You’ve Always Wanted” — This six week program started January 15. We
are learning to “live the life you have always wanted to live”. Each week, Pastor Michael preaches
a sermon on one aspect of life. Groups then meet weekly to watch a related video by Pastor John
Ortberg and discuss questions on each aspect of life preached.
Women's Bible Study and Home Bible Study are participating in “The Life You’ve
Always Wanted” through February 19. These six sessions will replace the regularly scheduled Bible
Studies. Regularly scheduled Bible Classes will resume on February 26.
Weekdays at IPC
Address: 4181 Irvington Avenue
P.O. Box 1336,
Fremont, CA 94538
Phone: (510) 657 3133
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
8:00 am —12:00 pm, Monday – Friday
Church DirectoryChurch Directory
Bible StudiesBible Studies
Irvington Presbyterian Church Page 10 February, 2012
- Editors
Knowing Your Congregation Shortly after moving to Fremont, Darlene and
Wayne Neesham began attending “The Little
White Church” on Fremont Blvd. in 1957.
They became members of IPC in December of
1958 when services were held in the present
day Social Hall. They had four children, Phillip,
Robert, Janet and Nancy. All attended Sun-
day school and youth group at IPC. Three of
them and one granddaughter were married at
IPC. Robert died in an auto accident in 1982.
Darlene and Wayne have one grandson, three
granddaughters and four great grandsons. All
live in Fremont except for one daughter and
granddaughter who lives in Arkansas.
Wayne was born in Grand Junction, CO and
moved to Nucla, CO during World War II
where his father was employed in a uranium
mill. After graduation from Nucla High school,
Wayne also worked in the mill until enlisting in
the U.S. Navy at the start of the Korean War.
Wayne pursued his passion for electronics by
accepting an assignment at NAS, Alameda to
Air Transport Squadron 2 (VR 2.) He flew in
the Martin Mars sea planes between Alameda
and Hawaii as a radioman. While stationed in
Alameda he met his future wife Darlene. In
September 1953, they were married in the
Methodist Church in Alameda. After Wayne
was discharged from the Navy in 1955, the
family moved back to Colorado.
They returned to California in the fall of 1955.
Wayne worked as an electronic technician for
several airlines and flew light airplanes as a
charter pilot. He then worked at Lockheed
Missiles and Space Company in Sunnyvale,
where he retired as a Systems Engineer after
32 years of service.
Wayne sang in the Church Choir for many
years. His distinct voice can still be heard
praising the Lord in song during worship. He has
served on Session several times and was on a
pastor search committee.
Darlene was born in Oskaloosa, IA. She moved to
California with her parents after World War II. The
family lived in Richmond, Oakland, and Alameda,
where she attended
Alameda High School
while working part time
at Woolworth. When
their youngest daughter
entered Kindergarten,
Darlene started teach-
ing pre-school at Mrs.
Grieg’s Nursery school
where she continued
her career for twenty-
one years. In the early
years of IPC, Darlene taught Sunday school and
was very active in the United Presbyterian Wom-
en’s Organization. She became president of the
IPC group of UPW. Darlene has served on the
Board of Deacons several times. Her service also
included Moderator of the Deacons. She has
worked with kids in LOGOS, VBS and is currently
working in the iBlast program. In addition to prepar-
ing meals in the Tri-City Breakfast program for
many years, Darlene also served as Chair of the
Steering Committee for this program.
Darlene and Wayne have attended many Bible
Study classes at IPC where they met new friends
and nurtured many wonderful relationships. They
are the second longest active members in the
church. Their faith has been strengthened by
participation in Church activities and the many
friendships developed along the way. They feel
they have been blessed in their walk through life by
their association with IPC. Thank you Darlene and
Wayne for your many contributions and friendship.
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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: February 23 is the deadline for our March 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 welcome the addition of Peggy Handono who We welcome the addition of Peggy Handono who
now provides the monthly Deacon’s report. We now provides the monthly Deacon’s report. We
do appreciate the time and dedication of all who do appreciate the time and dedication of all who
submitted articles and provided information for submitted articles and provided information for
February. February.
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.
Kamroon and MustaphaKamroon and Mustapha
Your EditorsYour Editors
This month’s Cornerstone pictures This month’s Cornerstone pictures
were provided courtesy of were provided courtesy of Johnny Johnny
Handono, Peggy Handono and Handono, Peggy Handono and
Wayne and Darlene Neesham.Wayne and Darlene Neesham.
Color printing provided by Color printing provided by
Ken Ariathurai.Ken Ariathurai.
AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements