February 2012 Cornerstone

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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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


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


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 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

February 2012 Cornerstone

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Transcript of February 2012 Cornerstone