Pastor Don’s Reflection
September is our month here at JKPC to learn about our involvement and support of missions and missionaries. We will look at some missionaries that we support directly as a church and other organizations that our members are involved in.
I don’t think of myself as a missionary, though come to think of it I have worked and served overseas. In the 90’s and 00’s I lead six teams with Habitat for Humanity. In all of this I never thought of myself as a missionary-I just felt I was doing what I needed and wanted to do. Truth be told I did it too because of my love of travel and and seeing and experiencing other countries and cultures.
If we call ourselves Christians and follow the Lord we are missionaries wherever we are. Our faith is not for us alone but to be shared with those around us. Jesus commanded his disciples “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28: 19) This was directed to his disciples but it is meant for all of us. No matter where we are we go out and share the love of Jesus Christ to whoever is around us. Some do missionary work full time and for entire careers, others like me travel and serve overseas a little at a time, but all of us share the love of Christ in both word and deed to the world that is around us.
This month come and join us as we listen to and learn about various mission efforts both near and far. It is hoped that our imaginations will be stirred as we learn more about what and how God is working in the world and all around us.
Pastor Don
Garrett was born and raised in beautiful San Diego, California. He attended U.C. Davis and graduated with a degree in Agriculture Education (a combination of Plant Science with a teaching credential). More importantly, at Davis, he met Stephanie (his future wife). While in the teaching credential program, he felt led by God to go into the ministry. He attended Princeton Theological Seminary (New Jersey) for one year and completed his studies at Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA).
Garrett has served as an ordained minister for over 40 years. He has been a pastor at churches in Riverside, the Philippines, Berkeley, Laguna Hills, Pleasanton, San Mateo, and Newark (CA).
Garrett and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for over 40 years. They have three children: Brent, Kimi, and Sara … and now they enjoy having 2 grandchildren: Andi and Charlie.
In his free time Garrett enjoys being with family, visiting the grandchildren, traveling, gardening, fishing, reading, photography, and enjoying good food and wine. However, he also feels blessed to be semi-retired as he continues to be in ministry here at JKPC.
Administrative Assistant
Sama (Sky) Merham
Benevolence Treasurer
Linda Koeplin
Contact Church office for questions johnknoxoffice@gmail.com
JKPC Session
Current Session Members (Elders)
Adult Education Nanette Wehe, 2024
Community Life, Men Open
Community Life, Women Sandy Rauch, 2024
Family Ministries PJ and Soeun Peterson, 2025
Finance Peter McIntyre, 2026
Human Resources Kaci Lopez, 2026
Missions Open
Outreach Alice Richards, 2024
Property Bob Rickleffs, 2026
Property Jeff Wilburn, 2026
Stewardship Stan Husted, 2024
Worship Sue Fox, 2024
Worship Vicki Sigl, 2024
Clerk of Session Peter McIntyre, 2024
Moderator Pastor Don Strongman or Garrett Yamada
JKPC Board of Deacons
Board of Deacons
John Knox Presbyterian Deacon Team
Moderator Nancie Maxwell, 2024
Vice-Moderator & Secretary Shana Daniel and Joy Dubey, 2024
Treasurer Tina Kritzer, 2024
Home Visitation Coordinators Sue King-Irwin, 2026
Communion Preparation Coordinator Maryam Ladoni, 2025
Meals Coordinator Open
Hospital/Rehab Visits Open
Events Coordinator Eshari Wijesekera, 2024
Cards Coordinator Rene Phillips, 2024
