Dr. Paul Tellström
paul@iucc.org

The Rev. Dr. Paul G. Tellström was called to the Irvine United Congregational Church on February 26, 2006. Paul received his B.S. from Syracuse University and his Masters of Divinity with honors from the Claremont School of Theology, where he also received The Claremont Distinguished Preaching Award. His Doctor of Ministry degree in preaching was earned at the Chicago Theological Seminary, through the ACTS D. Min. in Preaching program.

For eleven years, Paul was on the board of Hope-Net, an interfaith non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating hunger and homelessness in Los Angeles. He is the immediate past president of Hope-Net, an agency that has grown to form a network of twelve food pantries and six feeding programs throughout the city. In addition to food pantries that operate throughout the week, Hope-Net owns Hope-West Apartments, a 17-unit low income apartment complex.

The Rev. Dr. Tellström is the recipient of the 2001 Paul Rothman Humanitarian Award. This award was given in honor of his service to the fight against HIV/AIDS by AIDS ReSearch Alliance.

Paul comes to us as the immediate past Senior Minister of the Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church, where he spent eight years. His work at that church is featured in Dr. William Avery's book, Revitalizing Congregations, in the chapter entitled, Peace Congregational Church. In 2001, their story was featured on the front page of the Los Angeles Times, and in 2002, he accepted the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Social Justice on behalf of the church.

more about Rev. Paul Tellström >

Rob Istad - Director of Choral Activities
rob@iucc.org

Dr. Robert M. Istad is the Director of Music at IUCC. He is also the Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Fullerton where he conducts the CSUF University Singers and Chamber Choir, in addition to teaching courses in conducting, advanced interpretation, and literature. He has prepared choruses for Esa–Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Carl St.Clair and the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Nicholas McGegan and the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, as well as conductors Marin Alsop, George Fenton, John Alexander, William Dehning, David Lockington, Mark Manderano and Gordon Paine. Dr. Istad received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, his Master of Music degree in choral conducting from California State University, Fullerton, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral music at the University of Southern California. He has studied conducting with Dr. William Dehning, John Alexander, and Dr. Jon Hurty. Dr. Istad also holds the position of Assistant Conductor of the Pacific Chorale, where he provides artistic support and facilitates a pre-concert lecture series. In addition, he is in demand as an adjudicator and guest clinician throughout the region.

Robinmarie McClement - Christian Education Director
christian.ed@iucc.org

"The primary purpose of a liberal education is to make one's mind a pleasant place to spend one's leisure." This quote by Sydney Harris has always inspired me. It is what I try to inspire in Christian Education. To provide a safe and loving environment for children and adults alike to explore their faith and to learn about what the Bible proclaims. A place where discovery is possible and theology is grounded in the great mystery of God and the universe in which we live. 

Robinmarie has been working in church ministry for over 20 years. Having been raised a catholic gave her a deep sense of spiritual connection, however she felt boxed in and always had more questions than could be answered. Joining the UCC as a teenager in Scottsdale , Arizona she began to feel more comfortable in her connection to God and her call to serve. She has been involved with many churches over the years in the UCC in Arizona and California and has served on the conference level on several different boards and ministries. She has been a member of IUCC for ten years.

Additionally, she received her degree in Childhood Development and has taught in the local area for 15 years. She has a great love for Outdoor Ministries and has also served as the Director of Program and Operations at Pilgrim Pines UCC Camp in Oak Glen, California for two years. She maintains involvement both as a volunteer and staff member for retreats and programs including summer camp. She is a certified facilitator for teambuilding and low and high ropes programs. Robinmarie enjoys being active in the American Camping Association where she served as the Program Chairperson for the Camp West Conference for 2005. When she is not at church, she can be found with her family, playing golf or at the high school where her son, Alex attends as the "Comedy Sportz Mom" working with the students and school team. 

"It is important to me to help the children (of all ages) to realize that Jesus saw everything as being alive. To help them understand the scriptures and what they say to them. To ensure discovery and to help them realize their own destiny. What does the Lord require of you? This is something we explore each week here. That is why it is such an exciting place to be. To offer a place of peace where we can all make that journey together is my goal and as Sai Baba said 'With Faith, we can achieve anything. Faith is the foundation for the realization of God'."

Irma Rosales - Director of Early Childhood Center
ccc@iucc.org

Irma Rosales is the Director of the Irvine United Congregational Church Early Childhood Center. Her love for children and her commitment to the school led her to this position. Irma has over nine years of experience in her field.

Irma's responsibility is to oversee the development of each child in the program. From early on in her career, she understood just how important it was for young children to gain a strong sense of self. Here at IUCC, she and her staff of seven foster each child towards the goal, by focusing on the "whole" child.

The entire staff feels that this philosophy helps their students develop balance, which will give them a strong foundation on which to learn.

The center has a strong curriculum, as Irma and her staff feel that it is important that children attain the skills needed for kindergarten. Aside from academics, they also spend a great deal of time teaching social skills, sharing, language development, and conflict-management. Irma and her teachers work hard to maintain a positive learning environment that is fun and enjoyable for all.

As director and a mother herself, Irma looks forward to many years of happiness and fulfillment in watching the students of IUCC's preschool grow in knowledge and self-confidence.

For information regarding the work of our ministries and committees
please contact the church office at iucc@iucc.org.  Your correspondence will be directed to
the appropriate chairperson.