August 2012 Cornerstone

Irvington Presbyterian Church Fremont, CA August, 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

August Highlights

Church Directory

Bible Studies

Inside this issue:

Deacons Update 2

Music Ministry 2

Missions Update 3

Session News /Notes 4

Youth Ministry 5

Children’s Ministry 6

Activities Update 7

Congregation News 8

Your Congregation 10

August Calendar 11

Mailing 12

IPC

Church

Olympics

8/18

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members

do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one

body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:4, 5)

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corin-

thians 12:27)

Irvington Presbyterian Church is an organic, living

being. Just as Paul the apostle said, we have various

organs that function rather as the organs in a human

body work together. Each part needs all the others.

Here are some of the parts of the body:

IPC Deacons are the hands and feet. They take care of a lot of the nitty-gritty

work that keeps IPC alive and well. Each Deacon has a parish of ten or so

members whom they care for. Deacons prepare the bread and juice for com-

munion; they arrange for coffee and snacks after worship and flowers in wor-

ship; they meet the needs of many in the church and community who are

hurting and they prepare receptions for memorial services. As their name

suggests, the Deacons are leaders who serve.

Mission is the heart of the church. Our Mission Team disburses the faith

promise giving in the best way we can to strategically build the kingdom of

God in the world. They arrange for Mission events in which a speaker tells

us about what God is doing in other parts of the world. IPC Mission focuses

on supporting work in places where people have not yet heard of Jesus. Last

year, for example, we began to help support three new missions to Muslims.

In the next couple of months we will explain the Buildings and Grounds Team

(skeletal system), Church Alive Team (the nervous system), the Session

Team, the Christian Equipping Team (growing new parts), the Worship Team

(our face towards God), Stewardship and Finance (our digestive system?),

the Tri-Cities Free Breakfast Program, our work at Hirsch Elementary School,

our fellowship groups, the Chinese Ministry and other parts of our vibrant

body that together give glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Warmly in Christ, Pastor Michael

Many Branches, One Tree Many Branches, One Tree (Part 1 of a 3 part series)

Irvington Presbyterian Church page 2 August, 2012

- Peggy Handono DEACONS NEWS

Dear friends! This is the start of a regular column where I share with you what is happening in our

Music Ministry at IPC. This month I will begin by explaining the purpose of music in our church.

In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:15-20: "Be very careful, then, how

you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because

the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will

is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the

Spirit speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing

and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for

everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

According to this passage, what is the Lord's will for us, his people? How can we be wise? How

can we make the most of every opportunity in these evil days? Simply, by singing and making

music that comes from our hearts to the Lord and by always giving him thanks for everything that

he has given us through Jesus! This is the goal of the Christian faith. God's intent is to overwhelm

us with spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ; so that we will joyfully sing and give thanks to him,

always, just as angels do!

As your Worship Director, my goal is to help us remember God every time we gather together. I do

not want us only to remember the truths you have learned about Him. I will use music to awaken

our hearts and experience the goodness of the truth. I would especially like to focus on the most

important of all truths: how great is our Heavenly Father's love for us. While we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us, a most terrible death and received onto himself every punishment that might be

due to us. He rose again to life, giving us an unshakable promise to bring us into new life, where

every tear will be wiped from our eyes!

I want us to believe this good news and to live as if it is true. In fulfilling my music ministry role, I

want to help us sing, dance and shout in praise when we gather together to worship Him. My goal

is to accomplish these tasks in a way that reflect our true faith and hope in God's promises for us.

Just as Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus, I will pray daily for our Church using the same words

found in Ephesians 3:14-21. Please join me:

“Father, I pray that out of your glorious riches you may strengthen us with power through your Spirit

in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And I pray that we, being

rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp

how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses

knowledge - that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his

power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all

generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Moderator Shirley Murray opened the meeting with prayer and a devotion. The plan to have a new,

secure and dedicated cupboard for Deacons supplies will be implemented soon. All new members

and visitors who attend Sunday worship regularly were assigned to parishes. May God bless our

IPC congregation and leaders with peaceful minds and compassionate hearts.

- Alishan Merjanian


MissionS Update

Our loving God knew what was going to happen on April 1, 1960, in Beirut, Lebanon, when twenty-

one students, the eldest being 17, walked into eternity. Four hundred boys and

girls were returning from an all-school excursion, when one bus crashed. Even

though the principal had prayed for God's care at the start, God allowed this trage-

dy to take place, waking up the capital to think about eternity.

They were buried in white caskets and we thank God. Why? Because later, during

the civil war of Lebanon, thousands of young Christian fighters who had died for

their country did not have the privilege of being buried in a casket. The civil war (1975-1990) was

raging and the death toll was rising to 200,000 souls. Were they ready to face God?

Forty days prior to this tragedy, my father had preached a sermon entitled, "God's Balm and Comfort

in Grief." There were no words to depict the burning loss felt by the parents who were crying for out

comfort and asking the question, "Did my son or daughter make it to heaven?"

This question haunted us. As a result, Esther volunteered to teach English literature to 8th and 9th

grade students, some of whom had lost a brother or sister. There were tears in the classroom and

there was faith. The Lord led us to have a worship and prayer hour after school, on Fridays. The

Holy Spirit was moving. Many students came to Christ. God was drawing men and women, boys

and girls to Himself, comforting them in their grief.

What about the 300,000 children in Lebanon? Were they ready? Through grief God put a burden

on our hearts to pray for the lost children of Lebanon, knowing for certain that dark times would be

the lot of this new generation. Through grief, God was guiding us to change direction and submit to

a higher calling for the evangelization of the children of the Middle East. God had a plan to call out

workers, on His schedule, under His sovereign guidance, to gather the precious children into His

fold. We could not envision the future, but He knew. We did not have a plan, but He had. However,

He had given us His love, His vision. It was no easy path, but it was His sovereign path. We had to

obey in awe.

What happened next? Read it in the September issue of Cornerstone.

God’s Footsteps God’s Footsteps (2nd in a series) -- George and Esther Manoukian

East Bay/Silicon Valley Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley Habitat for Humanity - Editors

Over 25 years ago, the two affiliates were founded independently out of local grassroots efforts to

face mounting shortages of affordable housing in our respective neighborhoods. As the housing

challenges in the Bay Area have continued and grown more urgent over

the years, the need for a united approach to those challenges has

become more compelling. Today, both affiliates have joined forces and

created homeownership opportunities for more than 380 families through-

out our service area and 695 families worldwide — that’s more than 1,000 families served to date in

the 24 year history! All of this made possible by organizations and people like us at IPC.

Your prayerful contributions go to help support this chapter of Habitat for Humanity.


Session News & Notes

Finance - Don Carson

The General Giving trend for the period of Janu-

ary to mid-July appears to have leveled off. The

projected deficit for this account is now small but

further declines may occur based on previous

year’s results. Expenses are on track for a

balanced budget at the end of this fiscal year.

Stewardship - Jeff Jaycox

The Pledge Drive is being planned for November.

There will be an article in October Cornerstone

and sermons on “giving”. A request was made to

include Faith Promise giving in the Pledge Drive.

Building and Grounds - Dave Wegener

Work is continuing on a secure area for Deacons’

supplies in the Social Hall. Trees on the road side

of the Social Hall will be trimmed to avoid falling

branches. The Social Hall was broken into. This

is being addressed with the security company.

Worship Committee - Pat Jeffries

Ushers and greeters to meet greet and hand out

bulletin before service. On Communion Sunday,

Pastor will no longer serve communion. Young

children will not come forward for blessing from

the Pastor after Elders and Deacons are in posi-

tion to serve the elements. A plan to celebrate

the Lord’s Supper every Sunday was rejected.

Personnel Committee - Joe DiMaggio

Performance evaluations for staff are being pre-

pared. Plans are underway to recruit a Youth

Director to replace Anh, when he leaves.

Pastor’s Report - Pastor Michael

Pastor’s recovery after surgery is going well.

Pastor is back in the praise band and will teach

the class on Revelation beginning August 5.

The July 21, new members class had four

attendees as well as Pastor and two Elders.

Christian Equipping - Lynnette Ariathurai

Vacation Bible School was very successful with

30 children in attendance. There were 23 faith

decisions committed. The Thursday night ice

cream social had 90 attendees.

BLAST will focus on grades K-3 for the coming

year and will now be from 5:30 - 7:30 PM.

There is a revised job description for the

Director of Youth Ministry .

Nominating Committee - Joe DiMaggio

Progress on identifying potential candidates for

the officers’ class of 2016. This work continues.

Missions - K and M Baksh

Message and presentation of David Nowell from

Hope Unlimited well received. Christine Bietsch

from Compassion Network will present a brief

message during worship in August. A Mission

trip for next summer is being investigated.

Church Alive - Russ Pennelly

The Church Picnic was very successful and well

received. The next big celebration is the

Church Olympics and Burger Bash on 8/18.

Volunteers are needed for a successful event.

Updates will be posted in the weekly bulletin.

Session authorized a committee to prepare a

draft layout for an updated Church Website.

Clerk’s Report - Ron Fong

Approval of minutes for the June 28 meeting

were postponed to next meeting.

IPC as a charter organization of Troop 102 is

being asked to vote on a proposed boy scout

council merger on August 29.

The Mission Study Team is focusing on how

and what to ask in the congregational survey.

A motion was approved to reduce the Youth

Director’s hours to reflect actual work. This was

done in agreement with the Youth Director.

- Editors


Youth Ministry - Anh Truong

12Stones College Fellowship: We are excited and blessed to have many of our college

students back for summer. This is the season for all of them to

encounter and react to what Christ is doing in their lives away from

home. We meet Wednesday nights for fellowship and to study the

Book of Romans. We have a rotating 3-week schedule that meets

for 2 weeks of Bible Study and the 3rd week, a fellowship outing

around town. We'll be camping at Big Basin August 5 - 7.

12Stones Friday Night Fellowship: Congrats and blessing to the class of 2012! With

most of our students graduating from High School fellowship, we have transitioned them into the

12Stones College Fellowship. We'll be kicking off Friday Night Fellowship in a couple of months.

Be ready to welcome a fresh wave of new of students and a new ministry.

IPC Sunday Youth Service: Summer is a time of sun and fun. With many families on

vacation, Sunday Youth Service has been light and quiet. We are still studying “Thrive (How to Sur-

vive Your Faith.) We have been making the best of Sunday Service with God's word and guidance.

Hirsch Kids Club Hirsch Kids Club -- Carol Lynn

This is a Christian after-school program established in February, 2009 and hosted in partnership

with Harbor Light Church at the Hirsch Elementary School campus every

Monday afternoon when school is in session.

Volunteers and kids have fun with games and crafts and the bible is

taught every other week. A volunteer, Lou, plays his guitar leading the

kids in songs of praise and worship. The seeds of faith are being sown

into these children’s lives and we feel blessed to be a part of it.

All IPC and Harbor Light volunteers (teachers and helpers) enjoy a har-

monious working relationship. We all love the Lord and share the same goal of bringing the gospel

to children in public schools. This is a very successful program that has experienced exponential

growth from 40 kids in 2009 to 70-80 kids in the last school year. The Lord’s blessing is clearly

evident in this program. Our volunteerism here is greatly facilitated by the welcome, cooperation

and enthusiasm of the Hirsch School Principal and the Fremont School District.

In a little over a month from now, kids will be going back to school. That means we will resume our

Kid’s Club at Hirsch, sharing the good news with some kids who know little or nothing about Jesus.

As our Kids Club membership grows and as we lose some volunteers through attrition, we need new

volunteers to step up and donate their time and talents to this ministry. We need you to volunteer a

couple of hours every Monday when school is in session. A curriculum and supplies are provided

and there are plenty of people who will be happy to mentor if needed. For additional information or

to volunteer for the classes that begin this fall, please contact Carol Lynn or Jeanette Ollison. You

will be blessed while you are being a blessing to these children.


Children’s Ministry – Jeanette Beland

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Activities Update

Church Picnic Church Picnic -- Russ Pennelly IPC members like to get together for good

fun and good food. Our Church Picnic was

attended by more than 90 members who

reminded themselves, once again, just how

fabulous it is to break bread with other

Christians. The weather was perfect, the

food was delicious, the attendance was

great and the fellowship was wonderful.

Food galore: hamburgers and hot dogs

cooked to order on our own backyard grill;

salads and deserts by the score from our

own kitchens were prepared by members.

Servers, prep staff and lots of helpers from

the Church Alive committee all pitched in.

Special thanks for outstanding efforts from

Darlene Neesham, Dave Wegener, Johnny

Handono and Denise Pennelly. Cold

drinks were provided by Dave King.

Thanks be to GOD and I think He had a

good time too. Adults visited and prepared

food and tables. One by one families

arrived with their covered dishes and picnic

ware. The outdoor grill smoked at 400F. It

was a truly a festive and memorable day.

Participants from 3 generations played the

9-square game at the same time. MJ has

a real winner here. The squares are still in

place and useable; just bring a beach ball.

Let us continue to build on this success.

Help is needed to support and celebrate

the IPC Olympics/Burger Bash on August

18th. We need a staff of 50 for the 5

planned events - Sumo wrestling, Ice

Hockey, Archery, Skiing and Basket Ball.

Volunteer to help the kids.

IPC Church Olympics and Burger Bash Saturday August 18, 2 to 5 pm

Congregation News


Deloris Anderson David King

Nancy Olson-Angelo Matilde Leon

Bob Chase Dwight Lynn

Richard Craig Laraine Madsen

Kathy Flenniken Wayne Neesham

Johanna Furstner Flora Putler

Kathy Jeffries John Randall

Sandra and Stewart Brandon

Alexis and Joe DiMaggio

Child BaptismChild Baptism

Samuel (Sammy) Jackson was baptized by

Pastor Michael during worship service on

Sunday July 15. He

is the son of Gina

and Michael Smith.

Sammy is in the 3rd

grade at Gomes

Elementary, likes

building aircraft with Legos, playing soccer

and is very good in art. Sammy has always

attended church.

This past Easter, he was able to “connect

the dots” and accept Jesus after listening to

MJ’s bible school presentation.

New MembersNew Members

On Saturday July 21, Pastor Michael and Session

welcomed four new members shown below with

Pastor Michael (left to right) are:

Michael and Gina Smith, Sonal and Daxesh Patelia.

Michael and Gina were recently married at IPC. They

are the parents of son Samuel Jackson and daughter

Jasmine Jackson.

Michael is an avid 49er

fan and loves to restore

and build classic cars.

Gina loves singing and

is looking forward to

being part of the IPC

choir in the fall. In her

spare time she enjoys

sewing, crocheting and knitting.

Sonal and Daxesh (Dex) were both born, educated

and married in India. They migrated to the US about

5 years ago and have lived in Fremont for 10 months

with their two young sons, Stavan and Ethan.

Dex is a software engineer at eBay and Sonal is also

trained as a software/computer engineer. She takes

care of her family, loves to cook, read and learn new

technologies. Paper quilling is one of her favorite

hobbies. Dex, a devout cricket fan of the Indian

National Team, is usually seen blurry eyed during the

Cricket World Cup. When not talking software, he

enjoys political discussions.

We pray that the Lord will continue to grow and

strengthen IPC with new members and families.

We are all given spiritual gifts from our Lord. If you

are blessed with the gift of prayer or would like to

develop this wonderful gift, contact:

Pastor Michael or a member of the Prayer Team.


Pastor: Rev. Michael Boyland

Chinese Pastor: Dick Hwang

Youth Ministries Director : Anh Truong

Children Ministries Director: Jeanette Beland

Worship 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.

Women's Bible Study - This group that usually meets on Mondays, 9:30-11AM, in the

McKowen Room is on vacation through the summer.

Home Bible Study - Regularly scheduled bi-weekly Bible Classes at Mary Ellen’s house on

August 13 and 27. Contact Mary Ellen 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]

Office Hours:

8:00 am —12:00 pm, Monday – Friday

Church DirectoryChurch Directory

Bible StudiesBible Studies

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.

Highlights for August:Highlights for August:

August 7 National Night Out 7 PM

August 8 Mission Study Meeting at 9 AM

August 9 Mission Team Meeting at 6 PM

Tuesdays HANG10 DROP IN for pre-teen at 2 PM

Wednesdays Band Practice at 6:30 PM

Wednesdays 12Stones Fellowship at 6:30 PM

Fridays Men’s Bible Study - Bay St Coffee 8AM

August 10 Church Alive Meeting at 7 PM

August 13 & 27 Home Bible Study at 7 PM

August 17 AMPED for Children at 7 PM

August 18 Church Olympics and BB at 2 PM

August 21 Deacons Meeting at 7 PM

August 27 iKidz Monday movies at 1 PM

August 30 Session Meeting at 7 PM

Irvington Presbyterian Church August, 2012

- Editors Knowing Your Congregation David Mawuto has been attending IPC for the past nine months. Before emigrating to the United

States, he attended an Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Togo. This country in West Africa is

bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east, and Burkina Faso to the north. It extends south to

the Gulf of Guinea on which the capital Lome is located. David was born into a Presbyterian family

and attended church on Sundays with his parents Stephane and Dede Attiogbe and his four siblings.

David feels very close to his family and missed them when he left home to

pursue Economics at the University of Lome. While at Lome, an opportunity

presented itself that changed the course of his life. David won a U.S. Green

Card in the Lottery Program known as DV (Diversity Visa.) This program is

a good opportunity for potential immigrants to obtain status as permanent

legal residents of the United States. The program runs each year and pro-

vides 50,000 "Green Cards" to applicants randomly selected in a world-wide

lottery process. David felt lucky and blessed to win this opportunity but

couldn’t help reflecting on the sadness of being even further away from his

family and friends.

Fremont became the chosen U.S. destination for David; since his Uncle

Victor owns a home here and arranged housing for him and his sister Kafui.

During a stroll in his new Irvington neighborhood, God led David to us at

IPC. Impressed with the praise group and choir, David made a decision to

join both. He gave very little thought to the fact that he had never sung

before an audience and embraced the opportunity to train with our Music

Director. David now appreciates being part of the group that leads our

congregation as we sing praises to the Lord; and we like listening to his melodious voice. Even

though David attends church regularly every Sunday for as long as he can remember; he “really

came to know Christ and accept Him in his life at age 15.” David shared that he was baptized during

infancy and it was during a Bible Study Class that his faith in Jesus Christ was reaffirmed. We are

impressed with David’s spiritual dedication and commitment to IPC.

David is currently working as a teacher in pre-school. He also attends classes at Ohlone College

preparing for a career in Engineering and following in his father’s footsteps. His Dad is a retired

Environmental Engineer. David still misses his family a great deal, especially his oldest brother,

Elom, with whom he feels a very strong bond. Elom has a congenital disability that restricts his

mobility and David helped care for him when he lived with the family in Togo.

It is very easy to like this polite young man with a winning smile and easy-going nature. He is very

proud of his rich Togolese heritage and on special Sundays is easily recognized wearing his bright

and beautiful Batik design clothing. We admire his ability to converse with his Uncle Victor or his

sister Kafui in his native French or in the English of his new country. As we talked with David, it was

natural to think of the great work the Lord is doing through our Missionaries as they spread the Word

and bring families like David’s to faith in Christ. We are blessed to have David in our IPC family.

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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: August 23 is the deadline for our September 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 August issue. Special information for the August issue. Special

thanks to David Mawuto for taking the time to thanks to David Mawuto for taking the time to

share his history and to Jeane Garrett for her share his history and to Jeane Garrett for her

help with editing.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:

Kamroon Baksh, Jeanette Beland Kamroon Baksh, Jeanette Beland

Peggy Handono, Johnny Handono Peggy Handono, Johnny Handono

and Lucy Macelli and Lucy Macelli

Color printing provided by Color printing provided by

Ken Ariathurai.Ken Ariathurai.

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Kamroon and Mustapha BakshKamroon and Mustapha Baksh

Your EditorsYour Editors

August 2012 Cornerstone

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