November 2011 Cornerstone

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Irvington Presbyterian Church Fremont, CA November, 2011 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 From the Gold Rush era until around 1920, William Thomas Garratt had a foundry on Folsom St. at Fremont St., in downtown San Francisco. There he cast bells, plumbing parts, and among other things the golden spike which completed the Transcon- tinental Railroad. Meanwhile, in the little village of Washington Corners, a group of Christians began to hold meetings in the local Washington College. In 1886 they put up a church building beside the gravel road from Oakland to San Jose. In 1889 they had W. T. Garratt cast them a big bronze bell, ship it across the bay and hang it in the steeple of the “Little White Church.” Sunday by Sunday the bell called the people of Washington Corners to worship the living God. For some it was the sound of joy and beauty, ringing across the vineyards and orchards. Those whom the bell woke up after a hard Saturday night’s partying probably cursed the bell for exacerbating their hangover. As Paul wrote to Corinth, “We are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fra- grance of life.” (2 Corinthians 2:15, 16) Times changed. Washington Corners was renamed Irvington. The main road was paved with blacktop. In 1956 Irvington became part of the new City of Fremont. The bell rang out over the fields and streams, the houses and stores of the fast growing village. And the church grew too. In 1964, the bell was hung in the new church building at the intersection of Chapel Way and Irvington Ave. But the stress of swinging the heavy bell wreaked its toll on the building. The bell came down and sat in storage for many years. Now the bell is back. We heard it ring at the 125th anniversary of IPC. Soon it will be mounted, this time with an electrically operated clapper. The sound of the bell has not changed, though it will be in a new building with a new mechanism to ring it. The good news of Jesus has not changed either, now expressed in new songs and new images. We are blessed to have our old bell back, a reminder of our debt to those who guarded the good deposit entrusted to them. As Paul wrote to Timothy, (Continued on Page 2) Let The Bell Ring Again Let The Bell Ring Again

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The Cornerstone is IPC's monthly newletter; here you will find news of the church, its members and events past and present. Please enjoy finding out more about the life of IPC.

Transcript of November 2011 Cornerstone

Page 1: November 2011 Cornerstone

Irvington Presbyterian Church Fremont, CA November, 2011

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

From the Gold Rush era until around 1920, William Thomas Garratt had a foundry on Folsom St. at Fremont St., in downtown San Francisco. There he cast bells, plumbing parts, and among other things the golden spike which completed the Transcon-

tinental Railroad.

Meanwhile, in the little village of Washington Corners, a group of Christians began to hold meetings in the local Washington College. In 1886 they put up a church building beside the gravel road from Oakland to San Jose. In 1889 they had W. T. Garratt cast them a big bronze bell, ship it across the bay and hang it in the steeple of the “Little White Church.” Sunday by Sunday the bell called the people of Washington

Corners to worship the living God.

For some it was the sound of joy and beauty, ringing across the vineyards and orchards. Those whom the bell woke up after a hard Saturday night’s partying probably cursed the bell for exacerbating their hangover. As Paul wrote to Corinth, “We are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fra-grance of life.” (2 Corinthians 2:15,

16)

Times changed. Washington Corners was renamed Irvington. The main road was paved with blacktop. In

1956 Irvington became part of the new City of Fremont. The bell rang out over the fields and streams, the houses and stores of the fast growing village. And the church grew too. In 1964, the bell was hung in the new church building at the intersection of Chapel Way and Irvington Ave. But the stress of swinging the heavy bell wreaked its toll on the building. The bell came down and sat in storage for

many years.

Now the bell is back. We heard it ring at the 125th anniversary of IPC. Soon it will be mounted, this time

with an electrically operated clapper.

The sound of the bell has not changed, though it will be in a new building with a new mechanism to ring it. The good news of Jesus has not changed either, now expressed in new songs and new images. We are blessed to have our old bell back, a reminder of our debt to those who guarded the good deposit entrusted

to them. As Paul wrote to Timothy,

(Continued on Page 2)

Let The Bell Ring AgainLet The Bell Ring Again

Page 2: November 2011 Cornerstone

Irvington Presbyterian Church page 2 November, 2011

- Mary Wolfe

Eight Deacons and Pastor Michael gathered on October 18 for our regularly-scheduled monthly meeting. The meeting was opened with prayer by Pastor Michael. This was followed by an inspir-

ing devotional given by Karen Jaycox.

The minutes of the September 20 meeting were approved as printed. The Treasurer’s report was received and filed for audit. These two items were reported by Shirley Murray to Sessions at their September 22 meeting. Communion and coffee assignments were completed through the end of

the year.

Helen Jorgensen has resigned her position as Deacon of Parish #10. Moderator June Dawson will take over this parish through the end of the year. Bob and Shelley Reavis are now in Shirley Mur-ray’s Parish #6. Shelley Reavis has volunteered to join the flower committee. This is timely since Mary Wolfe has resigned after serving on this committee for more than 25years. Chair of the Flower Committee is Shirley Murray with Betty Blizel and Thea Pex completing this talented and dedicated

group.

Karen Jaycox announced that the Tri-City Free Breakfast Program had received a high rating on a recent Alameda County Food Inspection. (see article on Page 8). Pastor Michael revealed exciting

information on the origins of our historic 115 year-old bell (see article on Page 1.)

After a sharing of joys and concerns, the meeting ended with prayer.

DEACONS NEWS

“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you. Guard it with the help of the

Holy Spirit who lives in us.” (2 Timothy 1:13, 14)

We thank God for people who kept the bell, and above all for those who passed on to us the good news that God loves us so much that Jesus died and rose from the dead, to win the victory over death and sin and to open a place in God’s family for whoever will come. May the ring of the bell, and above all the

truth of the gospel, sound forth clearly from this place for many more years.

Warmly in Christ, Pastor Michael

The Board of Deacons consists of eleven members and meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Pastor Michael attends. Members of the congregation are also welcomed to attend the meetings .

They may participate in the discussions but will have no vote.

Members of the congregation and regular attendees are divided into ten parishes. Each Deacon is assigned a parish. The Deacon cares for the needs of those in the parish, pray for them and help them in any way they can when called upon to do so. If you do not know your assigned Deacon, you may call Moderator June Dawson at 510-656-2277 or the church office at 510-657-3133 to ob-tain this information. Deacons’ other duties include: communion, coffee, communion table flowers, memorial meals, medical supplies, representative to session meetings, nursery and the prayer

chain. Be sure to call upon your Deacon if you have a need.

Know Your DeaconsKnow Your Deacons—— The Ministry of Compassion and ServiceThe Ministry of Compassion and Service

Let The Bell Ring Again Let The Bell Ring Again (Continued from page 1)(Continued from page 1)

IPC Bell

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Irvington Presbyterian Church page 3 November, 2011

Caroline Kurtz Visits IPC October 23Caroline Kurtz Visits IPC October 23-- Tim Stachowiak

IPC hosted a visit from Caroline Kurtz, Associate Director of Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship and one of IPC's funded missionaries. Her work focuses on supporting the fast-growing church in Ethiopia and promoting partnerships for Unreached People Groups around the world. Caroline preached a sermon during our Sunday Worship entitled "The Good News Unbound" in which she shared news of the continuing growth of the Church in Ethiopia. Her message focused on the gospel becoming unbound in India, South East Asia and the Middle East

resulting in an increase in Christians in Global South from 20% -60% in 2000.

Following worship, Caroline spoke at a special Missions luncheon that was attended by 50 members and visitors who enjoyed an Ethiopian-themed meal that included dishes such as Doro Wat (chicken stew) and Injera, the traditional flat bread of Ethiopia. After lunch Caroline shared an update and presentation on the Light of Hope Ministry which serves the Arssi Oromo people in Eastern Ethiopia. Through your generous donations, IPC is also supporting the teacher-evangelists who work in this ministry. It was exciting to see the fruits of the church's work among the Arssi Oromo and fascinating to learn how gospel truths have been adapted for their culture through unique music and worship styles that they have developed. Please pray for the continued growth and success of these ministries and thank you very

much for your support!

MissionS Update

The Mission Team directs the church’s support of outreach projects in the USA and overseas; and

educates the congregation about the missions they select to receive funding. Each year, members

of the congregation pledge to contribute to the mission budget. The

Missions Team prayerfully allocates these and other funds raised during

special events, to the various projects and missionaries whom IPC sup-

ports. The Missions Team also provides several opportunities each year

for the congregation to learn about what God is doing to bless people in

the USA and different parts of the world. Among its many functions, the

Missions Team is responsible for organizing short-term mission trips, as

appropriate, and hosting missionary visits to IPC.

The Congregation is encouraged by the Mission Team to participate in “faith-promise giving;” that is,

giving to support Missions Fund over and above their donations to General Fund. A detailed finan-

cial statement delineating how Missions funds are spent is included in the IPC Annual Report.

A monthly report of current activities is given by The Team during worship, generally on the third

Sunday of each month. The Missions Team meets on the second Thursday of each month in the

McKowen Room at 5 pm. Any member of the congregation who is interested, may attend. You may

participate in the discussions but will not be able to vote.

Missions Team Focus Missions Team Focus - Editors

Caroline with Ethiopian Family

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Irvington Presbyterian Church page 4 November, 2011

Session News & Notes - Ron Fong

Personnel

Session approved a compensation package for

presentation to a candidate who will lead worship

and direct music beginning January 2012. Pray

for the candidate’s acceptance of our offer.

Finance

Session approved retaining a private security

patrol for our campus. This will help reduce the

increasing number of security issues.

Finance projects the end of the year to have a

larger surplus than budgeted due primarily to the

re-roofing of the Social Hall now occurring in

2012 instead of 2011.

General News

Session received with regret the resignations of:

Missions Elder Tim Stachowiak ( class of 2013)

and wishes him the best as he and Jeanne

relocate to Austin, Texas in November.

Building & Grounds Elder Pat Hughes (class of

2013) due to family health issues.

Deacon Helen Jorgensen (class of 2013) due to

family health issues.

Congregational Meeting: October 30 to elect

Pat Jeffries as an elder for worship.

The Bell: Session determined the bell should be

moved from the nave next to organ back to stor-

age to avoid tempting any vandals. Session is

working on a permanent location for the bell and

has requested design feasibility/ quotations to

mount the bell on the roof of the choir room.

New Members Class: Session will hold a spe-

cial meeting Saturday November 19 to receive

new members.

Elected Elder Commissioners: Joan Fong,

Mary Ellen McKowen and Anh Truong were nom-

inated to attend the Presbytery Meeting Novem-

ber 8, at Old First Church in San Francisco.

Nominating Committee (Nom Comm)

Nom Comm will be looking for 10 Deacons ( 5

for class of 2012 and 5 for class 2014)

Nom Comm will be looking for 11 Elders ( 4 for

class of 2014 and 4 for class 2012 and 3 for the

class of 2013)

Pray for the Holy Spirit to be clear to whom the

Lord is calling to service.

Buildings & Grounds

Steam cleaned the nursery carpet.

Working on quotes to re-carpet the sanctuary and

repaint the Social Hall.

Revising rental lease with Communidad Church .

The Clerk plans to have bids by the end of the

year for re-roofing the social hall (funding in part

by a CDBG grant from the City of Fremont). The

goal is to reroof the Social Hall by June 30, 2012.

Clerk’s Actions

Session approved the minutes as submitted:

Oct. 22 - Special Session Meeting to approve

holding an October 30 Congregational Meeting to

elect an elder.

Sept 29 - Regular Session Meeting.

Sept 13 - Special Session Meeting to receive new

members.

Sept 08 - Special Session Meeting online regard-

ing Kingman Estate.

Aug. 28 - Special Session Meeting online regard-

ing volunteer form and background checks.

Aug 25 - Regular Session Meeting.

·Worship Task Force

Kudos go to the Music Committee members led

by Kamroon Baksh. They collected surveys from

44 members in the congregation to come up with

a favorites list of 121 Hymns and 22 Songs.

The Top Hymn was “How Great Thou Art”.

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Irvington Presbyterian Church page 5 November, 2011

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 King-

dom.

12 Stones Youth Fellowship, therefore, set out to

challenge students with life-changing decisions.

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 any-

thing else and join us on Fridays at 7:45 - 9:45 pm

in room #3. For more information visit our Face-

book group page: “12Stones Fellowship.”

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 wor-

shiping. We use an array of teaching tools to get

God’s word known and understood. Join us Sun-

day morning at 10:15 -11:25 am in the Sanctuary

and in room #3 after worship.

12Stones Student Ministries News:12Stones Student Ministries News:

Our Focus has been on “Live Large, Be Different,

Shine Bright , a guidebook written by Doug Fields

and Joshua Griffin. The essence of this book is a

challenge to students to live in such a way that

doesn’t allow room for people’s low expectations.

The book has 12 chapters, with each chapter

focusing on a different character quality.

The traits they address are: integrity, enthusi-

asm, managing conflict, giving, encourage-

ment, transparency, nonverbal communication,

meekness, cliques, competition, laughter and

reflection. These character

qualities are rooted in

scripture. Our goal from the

study of this book is to in-

fluence our youth to learn

about and adopt some of

these important character

qualities that will help teen-

agers live large, be different, and shine bright

in order to be more vibrant followers of Jesus

Christ. Much of what the authors write do not

seem to get significant sermon time, but we

feel these topics are definitely worthy of

consideration and exploration.

Each week 12SM Friday Night Fellowship stu-

dents study and discuss a characteristic that

encourages them to live a life for Christ.

Creative use of teaching methods enhance

their understanding of these characteristics.

Mission San Jose & Irvington High Mission San Jose & Irvington High

School Home Coming:School Home Coming:

Our two local high schools completed their

annual Home Coming weeks! We encouraged

our students to show their school spirit with

their peers and friends. More importantly, we

urged them to show and share their love and

faith in Christ. The hard work and talents of

our students were clearly evident during their

participation in class theme performances.

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Irvington Presbyterian Church page 6 November, 2011

Children’s Ministry

Fall Fest FUN Our 2nd FALL FEST held October 30th was a wonderful time for the

children and families of IPC. Special thanks to all those who donated

goodies, helped with our games and attended. Special thanks to our

Chair, Lynette Ariathurai, who made it possible.

Winter Coat Drive November 27-January 8

Have you browsed through your closets lately and found any gen-

tly-used coats that you no longer need? Found a new coat that

you’d like to buy and don’t know what to do with your old one?

Consider sharing it with our Winter Coat Drive. We’ll be accepting

gently used coats of all sizes (men, women and children) during the holiday season. These coats

will be packed up and taken to CITY TEAM OAKLAND for their annual coat drive in January. The

coat hanging out in your closet can keep someone warm and safe this winter!

FAMILY NIGHT TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH

Our FAMILY NIGHTS are underway! FAMILY NIGHT is an opportunity to join us monthly to build

relationships with other families, and discover what we’re doing

in BLAST. Dinner will be served from 5:45-6:45 p.m. in the

Social Hall. After a time to celebrate birthdays, do a family

experience and send the kids off to their groups, parents are

invited to join us for our first parent chat. Our topic is “FAMILY

TRADITIONS”. We’d like to remind you that your attendance

at Family night is a very important part of our program and

requested.

BLAST NEWS BLAST NEWS

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Irvington Presbyterian Church page 7 November, 2011

Activities Update

Sunday, November 27th11:30-2:00 p.m. Social Hall $5.00 (for wreath materials)

Start the season off right with your friends and neighbors of IPC with a time of

food, fellowship and fun. Sign up in the office or on Sundays beginning in

November. Bring your dish, and join in the fun. You’ll have an opportunity to

create your own advent wreath, discover all the holiday season activities and

much more. For more information contact the Church Office.

Worship Task Force Music Committee Report Worship Task Force Music Committee Report

Thanks to the congregation for its overwhelming response to the Hymn Fest questionnaire. 121 hymns and 22 songs were selected. Results were tabulated and all chosen hymns and songs were submitted to Pastor Michael and our interim Music Director, Daniel Khuc, for consideration and inclusion in our Sunday Worship selections. Plans are also in the works for a Hymn Sing that

will include these selections and will be announced at a future date.

The Music Task Force has completed its tasks and all members now have the option of joining the

Worship Task Force as work on the targeted issues continues to enhance our Sunday Worship.

Top Selections in popularity order:

HYMNS HYMNS

How Great Thou Art

Make Me a Blessing

The Old Rugged Cross

It Is Well With My Soul

America the Beautiful

As The Deer

Trust and Obey

Majesty

I’ll Fly Away

Just a Closer Walk With Thee

SONGSSONGS

When I Get Carried Away

Wayfaring Stranger

I Saw the Light

- Kamroon Baksh

Autumn is here. Now is the time to reflect upon the blessings in our church in 2011; and consider

new opportunities and directions in the coming year. With the continuing generosity of our dear

members and friends, we are able to fund the ministries and programs that are

so important to us.

What does 2012 hold for IPC? During November and December, we will host

small group meetings to review IPC finances for 2011 and discuss plans for

2012. This is a very valuable and important opportunity for all of us to continue

building the shared vision of IPC’s future.

The Stewardship Committee requests and encourages all members and friends of Irvington Presby-

terian Church to actively participate. The outcome of these meetings represent an integral part of

our Church life. Select a time that works best for you and sign up for this important activity using the

meeting sheets in the Narthex.

Fall Stewardship Campaign Fall Stewardship Campaign - Jeff Jaycox

Page 8: November 2011 Cornerstone

Congregation News

Irvington Presbyterian Church page 8 November, 2011

Mary Russell

TriTri--City Breakfast Program UpdateCity Breakfast Program Update——Karen Jaycox

The Tri-City Free Breakfast Program passed the 2011 Alameda

County Food Inspection with flying colors. The Environmental

Health Inspector investigated 50 different categories including

cooking, serving temperatures, proper cooking methods, and

waste disposal. He was especially complementary of our clean

floors and counters. We scored 99%. This is higher than most

restaurants!. One point was deducted for the lack of mop hangers

in our broom closet. This was immediately corrected. Great job

by Jeanette Ollison and all our Breakfast Program volunteers!

Make a Difference Day Peanut Butter DriveMake a Difference Day Peanut Butter Drive-- K Jaycox

The Tri-City Free Breakfast Program peanut butter drive, part of

the city-wide “Make A Difference Day” campaign, received over

178 lbs. of peanut butter - a

great success! Your donation en-

ables us to offer protein along

with the bread we give to our

guests at the Breakfast Program.

A special thank you to all who do-

nated! You have made a big dif-

ference. "For I was hungry and

you gave me something to eat, I

was thirsty and you gave me something to drink …when you did

it to the least of these, you did it to me," Mathew 25.

IPC Ladies LunchIPC Ladies Lunch—Eleanor Conwell

This is an informal gathering for food and fellowship open to all

ladies in our congregation who are available on Thursday, No-

vember 10, at 11:30. We will meet at Ming's Szechwan Restau-

rant, 3915 Washington Blvd., (Irvington District, across from

Safeway Grocery. Parking is at the back of the building).

Contact Karen Jaycox 623-0964 if you would like to attend.

Alex Fong

Joan Fong

Ted Gardner

Jim Madsen

Brook Mantia

Mary Wolfe

Tesliana Young

Emmy Yourish

Pastor and Patti Boyland

Peggy and Johnny Handono

Thea and Theo Pex

New ArrivalNew Arrival

Melody Dianne Chaikin born

Thursday October 13. Con-

gratulations and best wishes

to Nicole and Justin Chaikin.

Wanted: A Writer, Historian or Closet Author!Wanted: A Writer, Historian or Closet Author!

The 125th Anniversary Committee recommended that a supple-

ment to the “Century in Retrospect Book,” covering the years

1987 to 2001 be written to bring our IPC history up to date. Those

interested in this project, contact Mary Wolfe or Pastor Michael.

Collecting Peanut Butter

Page 9: November 2011 Cornerstone

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 November, 2011

Pastor: Rev. Michael Boyland

Chinese Pastor: Dick Hwang

Youth Ministries Director : Anh Truong

Children Ministries Director: Jeanette Beland

Music Director: Daniel Khuc

Organist: Daniel Khuc

Office Manager; Frankie Cabral

Men’s Bible Study — Men meet with Pastor Boyland 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 - Our new study covers a wide range of interesting topics. Each chapter

contains a short introduction to the word or concept being studied. Study also includes the ten most

relevant scriptural references and discussion questions relating to each Bible reference. We will

learn what the Bible says about angels, find out what it means to fast, see what worship truly is, and

much more! We invite women of IPC (and friends!) to come and learn with us - in the McKowen

Room, Monday mornings, 9:30-11:00.

J.O.Y Adult Bible School— Sunday mornings at 9:00 am in the McKowen Room. Pastor

Michael continues to lead this class. Contact Pastor Michael for more information.

Home Bible Study— Meet at Mary Ellen McKowen’s home on alternate Mondays at 7:30 pm.

Contact Mary Ellen McKowen for more information (510) 657 6360

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

Page 10: November 2011 Cornerstone

Irvington Presbyterian Church Page 10 November, 2011

knowing your Congregation

- Editors

Margaret Howden is currently the longest active, and a devoted member at IPC. She became a member of “The Little White Church” in 1958. Her certificate of Church Membership signed by the late Rev. Theodore Alam is proudly displayed in her home. She was a witness, sadly, to the demoli-tion of “The Little White Church” and the happy rebuilding and reconstruction of IPC at its current campus. Margaret has many happy memories of “The Little White Church”, since both her husband and her son were baptized there. Many members of our congregation who joined “The Little White

Church” after Margaret, continue to be an integral part of IPC today.

Both Margaret and her husband worked as school teachers. Regula-tions at that time, however, did not allow a husband and wife to work in the same school district. Margaret, therefore, remained with the Fremont School District for 21 years while her husband, James T., commuted to Santa Clara to fulfill his teaching ambitions. Margaret spent a great deal of time with her son, James C., and daughter, Linda, while they were growing up. Her teaching experience prepared her for teaching Bible Study Classes at church, and leading Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Brownie Dens in her church and community. She is proud to have served as Deacon at IPC from 1997 until the end of her

tenure in 2000. Some of Margaret’s time is now spent enjoying her six grandchildren, Jonathan, Christina, Matthew, Nathan, Rebecca and Rachel. As a testament to the influence of her faith and devotion to Christ, it is not unusual to see some of these individuals attend Sunday worship with her

during their visit to her home in Fremont.

Although she maintains a full daily schedule, Margaret finds time to transport mobility-challenged members of our congregation to their personal appointments. She adds: “This I will continue as long as the Lord gives me strength and because my CA. drivers license was renewed for another five years.” Another long standing member said: “Margaret can be counted on to be there when a mem-ber of the congregation needs help. She will not accept credit, is a true friend and works behind the

scenes.”

Margaret grew up in a Christian home in Turlock, California. She states “I have always been a Christian, but the Lord meant a whole lot more to me after I met Rev. Paul McKowen. It was during the Paul McKowen years at IPC that my faith and love for Christ were sealed. I attended many of his bible classes and paid careful attention to his sermons each week. There was just something about Paul’s kindness, compassion, grace and humor that drew me in and made me feel closer to

Jesus.” She spends time with “Our Daily Bread” for her moments of quiet reflection and prayer.

When asked to describe herself, Margaret replies with a mischievous giggle: “Oh, I just love to sew, garden, embroider, knit, and cook delicious casseroles; but if you can believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn that you might be interested in buying.” Truth is, at 89, Margaret would rather be using her hot air-ballooning experience to maneuver over Mission Peak and wouldn’t mind repeating her expe-

rience of landing on a glacier in New Zealand.

Over and above the sermon and music at Sunday worship, Margaret adores her church family. “I look forward to spending social time with my friends here, but I also see the need for encouraging young people to become active in church. I would like to advise the young people who visit to come

back a second time and give yourselves a chance to know the love Jesus has for you.”

Do you know Margaret?. Well, get to know her. She recently won a 200-piece box of Ghiradelli

Chocolates in a KQED Radio contest and still has lots at home.

Page 11: November 2011 Cornerstone

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Page 12: November 2011 Cornerstone

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: November 22 is the deadline for our December issue.

All articles are to be delivered in writing to the church office or by email to:

[email protected].

The 125 Anniversary was great success. We The 125 Anniversary was great success. We

have so many pictures and details that we have have so many pictures and details that we have

decided to publish an Anniversary special by decided to publish an Anniversary special by

November 15. November 15. Check your mail box for this Check your mail box for this

keepsake. keepsake.

We do appreciate the time and dedication of all We do appreciate the time and dedication of all

who submitted articles and provided information who submitted articles and provided information

for November. for November.

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 This month’s Cornerstone pictures

were provided courtesy of were provided courtesy of Johnny Johnny

Handono, Peggy Handono, Handono, Peggy Handono,

Caroline Kurtz, Bob Reavis and Caroline Kurtz, Bob Reavis and

Karen Jaycox .Karen Jaycox .

Color printing provided by Color printing provided by

Worship Elder Ken Ariathurai.Worship Elder Ken Ariathurai.

Kamroon and Mustapha,Kamroon and Mustapha,

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