2014 October - Independent Presbyterian Church
Transcription
2014 October - Independent Presbyterian Church
The Window Views from Independent Presbyterian Church October 2014 Vol. 67 Issue 10 Welcome to Rev. Elizabeth Goodrich, Associate Pastor, Director Discipleship A t our IPC congregational meeting held on Sunday, August 3, 2014, the congregation voted to approve the recommendation of the "Associate Pastor, Director of Discipleship Nominating Committee" to call the Rev. Elizabeth Cole Goodrich to join the staff of IPC. Now, on behalf of the IPC congregation and staff, Rev. Dr. Conrad Sharps warmly welcomes to our IPC staff Rev. Elizabeth Cole Goodrich who is joining the IPC staff as Associate Pastor, Director Discipleship (Christian Education). Elizabeth's areas of ministry will encompass the educational ministries of the congregation. Before coming to IPC, Elizabeth served as the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, and before that as the Pastor of Gardendale Presbyterian Church. Elizabeth is a 2003 graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary, where she currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. A native of Memphis, Tennessee and child of Idlewild Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth received her undergraduate degree from Trinity University, in San Antonio, Texas. Elizabeth and her husband, Mike, have three children: Catherine (12), Gibson (10) and Andrew (4). Welcome to the IPC family! Elizabeth's installation at IPC will be Sunday evening, October 5, 2014, during the 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship Service in 3116 Highland Avenue. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Rev. Elizabeth Goodrich photo by Virginia Jones Pulpit Notes Stewardship: a year-long act of love in action I Conrad C. Sharps, Pastor Jesus calls us all to be faithful stewards. Living in Service to Others... Suggested Food Pantry Items October 5 Protein-Rich Foods October 12 Fiber-filled Grains October 19 Vitamin-Packed Canned Veggies, Legumes and Tomato-Based Pasta Sauce October 26 Energizing Canned Fruit First Light Women's Shelter Items for October Visit www.ipc-usa.org/ FirstLight forWish List 2 n many of our churches we are in the season in which we consider the meaning of Christian Stewardship. At IPC, our Stewardship Ministry is a year-long act of sharing and love in action as we together give and serve. Christian Stewardship simply understood is the faithful management of all the resources and talent God has provided for us in life. Every gift we possess is from God who calls us to be faithful stewards — generous in every way to the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the world. The story is told of Mahatma Gandhi, that one day as he was boarding a train one of his sandals slipped off and landed on the track. Before an attempt could be made to retrieve the sandal, however, the train started to move. Undaunted, Gandhi removed his other sandal and tossed it as close as he could to the shoe on the track. Somewhat surprised, one of his traveling companions asked him why he threw the shoe off the train. And Gandhi replied, "Because now the poor man who finds the shoe on the track will have a pair he can use." In a community as blessed as ours, we too often forget that there are families here who struggle with poverty, with housing and with hope. The Word of God, however, makes it very clear that as disciples of Christ and stewards of the gospel we are not to forget or leave others behind, for all are children of God. We are to respond to their needs no matter who or what we consider is responsible for their plight. It is very clear in scripture that Jesus humbly and obediently accepted the role of servant from God. Jesus was a servant who was radically committed to charity, as well as radically committed to serving and loving others because he knew that this was, and is, the will of God. Jesus calls every disciple to follow him and to be faithful stewards not only of all the material possessions God has provided but also stewards of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have many opportunities to share the love and the message of Christ. Just imagine the difference we could make if we all found just one place for ministry beyond the walls of our homes and churches. If you don't know where to turn to share the love and the message of Christ in our community ask one of our pastors. Today as faithful Christ-like stewards, let us joyfully commit to the work of Jesus Christ in our church and community so that the love of God might abound. Upcoming Events October 4 IPC Choir Golf Tournament 8-noon October 5-November 15 Fall Grace Groups October 12 Photos being made in Parlor Sunday a.m. October 12 Cahaba River Fry-Down Competition October 15 4th Quarter Trip to Stone Hollow Farms October 19 Living River Chapel Dedication & Worship October 26 4th Sunday Evensong 3pm October 27 Birmingham Men's Club October 28 4th Quarter Lunch Bunch Village Tavern Noveember 1-2 Youth (grades 7-12) Fall Retreat November 2 3rd grade Worship Retreat @ CFAF November 9 Officer Installation/Ordination November 13 North Alabama Tour November 30 Advent Workshop December 2 Presbyterian Women Holiday Luncheon December 7 Christmas Pageant December 7 IPC Choir Concert December 13 & 14 Holiday House Tour PLAN AHEAD FOR NEXT SUMMER 2015: BibleTimes Market Place and Vacation Bible School June 15-18, 2015 Holiday House Tour December 13 and 14, 2014 SAVE THE DATE for the 65th annual Holiday House Tour! This year’s tour is December 13 &14. If you would like to volunteer to bake goodies, to serve as a hostess at one of the fabulous locations, or to help serve the holiday guests at IPC, please contact chairperson Margaret Shuttlesworth at 914-2466 or at pmshuttlesworth@ bellsouth.net or Betsy Middlebrooks at bmiddlebrooks@ ipc-usa.org or at 933-3731. Birmingham Men's Club Birmingham Men’s Club will be on Monday, October 27. Join us to hear Dr. Fred Shepherd, chair of the Samford University Department of Political Science. The topic will be “Inside Politics – Election 2014” and should be a very interesting and timely program. For reservations call Connie Logan at 933-3694. NEW MEMBER CLASS "INTRO TO IPC" If you're interested in learning more about our church, please join us for new member class Sunday October 5, 2014 in Dr. Conrad Sharps' office (2nd floor) at 10:00 a.m. YOGA CLASSES! Come join our Yoga classes in 3116 on Wednesdays at 6:15pm or 11:30am on Thursdays. Instructor Nedra Springer offers great instruction for all levels of expertise. Just bring your Yoga mat and enjoy! Events Sponsored by 4th Quarter: All adults invited 4th Quarter Lunch Bunch: October Lunch Bunch will meet at the Village Tavern at the Summit on Tuesday, October 28, at 11:30. For reservations call Connie Logan at 933-3694. Trip to Stone Hollow Farms in Harpersville on Wednesday, October 15. Join us for a farm tour, picnic lunch, cheese tasting & cheese making class. The bus will leave IPC at 9:30 and return around 2:00pm. It will be a funfilled day, and the total cost is $41 per person. Although it is sponsored by 4th Quarter, we encourage everyone to join as this will be a fun adventure for all! Call Connie Logan for reservations – 933-3694. North Alabama Tour The IPC North Alabama Tour with overnight stay in Florence will be Thursday and Friday, November 13-14. Thursday afternoon, after check-in at the hotel, we will visit Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller. We will also stop in several other shops and local attractions, followed by dinner at the hotel. Friday we'll visit the Rosenbaum House, the only Alabama structure designed by Architect Frank Lloyd Wright and explore downtown Florence. We'll also tour the Alabama Chanin Factory with lunch at the Factory Restaurant. There are several other fun surprises in store so you don’t want to miss this trip. There will be moderate walking involved in this trip and there are a very limited number of spaces so make your reservations soon. Call Connie Logan at 933-3694 Departments Worship Conrad C. Sharps, Pastor 933-1830 David Seamon, Director of Missional Engagement 933-3730 Music & Fine Arts Dr. Jeff R. McLelland, Director, Music and Fine Arts 933-3701 Beth Middleton, Music Assistant 933-3675 Discipleship (CE) The Rev. Mrs. Elizabeth Goodrich, Associate Pastor, Director Disciplesship (Christian Education) 933-3732 Cindy Coulter, Director, Children’s Ministries 933-3717 Mary Beasley, Assistant Director, Children's Ministries 933-3690 Kay Roller, Director of Catechesis & Assistant Director Children's Ministries 933-3690 Margaret Cobbs Assistant Director Catechesis 907-3598 Ryan Hamilton, Director Youth Ministries 933-3734 Catherine Goudreau, Assistant Director Youth Ministries 933-3708 Congregational Care & Counseling The Rev. Ms. Lucy Turner, Associate Pastor; Director, Congregational Care 933-3706 Cindy Shaw, Program Coordinator 933-3696 Counseling Associates The Rev.. Dr. Stewart Jackson 933-3698 Dr. Kenneth Wade 933-3695 New Member Coordinator Nancy Skinner, 933-3703 Community Ministries The Rev. Ms. Susan Clayton, Associate Pastor; Director, Community Ministries, 933-3709 Gini Williams, Director Children's Fresh Air Farm 822-0150 Chris Walker, Social Service Coordinator 933-3726 Finance James Wooten, Executive Director, IPC Foundation & Director, Finance , 933-3705 Stewardship & Development The Rev. Ms. Bobbie Epting, Associate Pastor; Director, Stewardship & Development 933-3729 IPC Day School Kathy Leaver, Director, Day School, 933-3687 Administration Bill McKelvey, Director, Operations & Administration 933-3704 President of Congregation Jeff Grantham 907-7003 Vice-President of Congregation Miller Gorrie 879-9633 The Window is a monthly publication of Independent Presbyterian Church 3100 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205-1408. Phone: 205-933-1830 The Window is published for church members and friends. Please send comments to Mary Ann Morrow, editor, c/o IPC. Photographs by Paul Romjue, Virginia Jones, & Matt Hunter 3 Catechesis Atrium IPC Day School News By Margaret Cobbs, Assistant Director, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Did you know? O irmingham Fire Fighters come to visit the Four and FiveYear-Olds each school year. The Fire Fighters demonstrated their equipment and allowed each child to sit inside the fire truck. Students in Mrs. Knight’s class are shown here with the Firefighter dressed in all of his gear, teaching them to not be afraid if they see and hear someone dressed like this during a fire. Remember the Day School Open House will be held on Thursday, October 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 accompanied by our Usborne Book Fair. The Usborne Books representative will also be here on Friday, October 10 for your convenience. No School Monday Oct. 13 in observance of Columbus Day. ur Atrium year is off to a wonderful start. We have had large, enthusiastic groups of children in the atrias on Sunday mornings in both age groups- approximately forty 3-5 year olds in Level I, and thirty 6-9 year olds in Level II! We can’t thank our devoted catechists (trained educators) enough for helping the kids learn the fundamentals of How to Be in the Atrium during these early weeks, as well as introducing them to the works so lovingly prepared for them by our talented church members. Each week these dedicated volunteers welcome children into the atria for an hour of learning and prayer, lead circle time, and communicate with each other about any changes that need to be made. Thank you, catechists!! We would also like to humbly thank several of our church members who have given so generously of their time and talents to build works for Level II. Rupert Bodden built another communion table and baptismal font for the older kids to use, Rupert Bodden (left) and IPC neighbor Dick Cecil child-sized and so beautifully crafted. who helped Rupert gather the salvaged wood from Again he was able the old organ for Rupert to use in building the childsize communion tables (exact replicas of the one in to use salvaged the sanctuary). wood from the old organ shutters. Rupert also made our “Holy Bible” cabinet, which is such an inviting work and helps the kids to visualize that the Bible is a book of many books. Each individual book is sized according to its length. Please stop by to see it sometime, it’s amazing! Barbara Morgan and Virginia Jones have been our devoted Level II worker bees, spending much of their time over the summer painting dioramas and figures, shopping at the thrift store for us, and polishing up furniture finds. Their painting skills are exquisite, and will make our parables come alive for the children: The Insistent Friend, The Found Coin, the Ten Bridesmaids, and the Last Supper are among the works they’ve collaborated on. Virginia photographed many of these, and you can look for them to be added to the new IPC website soon. She also photographed the Te Deum stained glass window from the sanctuary and had it printed on a large canvas. It is stunning! Through these beautiful “works of the hand,” the children truly feel that these atria are their very own sacred spaces. We give thanks for all of our IPC hands, as it continues to be a blessing to watch this ministry unfold! 4 B IPC All 3rd Graders: Save the Date! Sunday, November 2, 2014 9 am – 3 pm 4th Annual Worship Retreat Children's Fresh Air Farm (CFAF) • 8:45 am – Arrive at IPC dressed casually to go to the CFAF • Learn about worship in a fun and active way! • Make communion bread • Prepare a worship service for your parents – plan a drama, learn sign language for one of the songs and make a nature cross for the acolyte to carry! • Parents, plan to be at CFAF at 2:30 pm. Registration and more information will come by e-mail but make plans to attend this meaningful retreat! IPC 4th Graders Receive Bibles The Sunday School’s 4th graders have begun I Know My Bible, a nine-month PC(USA) overview of the Bible. By next May they will know the major stories and where they are in the Bible, as well as how the Bible flows from book to book. Fourth graders who received Bibles as a gift from the congregation on September 14 are: DeAnthony Addison, Martha Anderson, Zoe Browning, Sarah Beth Cowart, Adelia Crawford, Blair Cross, Jane Haley, Halli Hollingsworth, Alex Horton, Cate Lewis, Richard Monk IV, Gray Powell, Elsa Ray, Maggie Robinson, Norah Roller, Ryan Scholl, Libby Sims, Trey Stiles, Charlotte Walthall, Katie Witcher and Logan Woodall. Teachers: Dany & Jamey Hollingsworth, Ann & Kennon Walthall, Laura & James Witcher, Genie & Paul Woodall IPC Children & Youth Event Lineup OCTOBER 1 5K - Grade 6 R.O.C.K trip to Mt.Brook Presbyterian Church's community garden 5 Church-wide event: Installation of Rev. Elizabeth Goodrich, 5 p.m., at 3116 Sunday Night Youth Schedule Fall 2014 October 5 Small Groups Meet – Bible Study 6:15-7:30 October 12 No Small Groups – Columbus Day Weekend October 19 All Youth to Sloss Furnace Haunted House 26 Children's Choirs/Westminster Choir: Sing at 8:45 a.m. 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. $25 (No Confirmation Class that night) Sign up online at: http://www.ipc-usa.org/halloween-haunted-house-registration 29 5K- Grade 6: October 26 Small Groups Meet – Bible Study 6:15-7:30 worship R.O.C.K. Halloween Carnival YOUTH: Plan ahead for the November 1 & 2 Youth November 1 & 2 Jr. & Sr. High Retreat at Shocco Springs GRADE 3: Plan ahead for the November 2 Worship Shelter Retreat at Shocco Springs near Talladega, Ala. Retreat at CFAF, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. CHILDREN & YOUTH CONTACTS Children: Cindy Coulter, Director of Children’s Ministries 933-3717 [email protected] Mary Beasley, Assistant Director Children's Ministries 933-3690 [email protected] Kay Roller, Director of Catechesis; Assistant Director Children's Ministries 933-3690 [email protected] Margaret Cobbs, Assistant Director of Catechesis 907-3598 [email protected] Beth Middleton, Music Assistant 933-3675 [email protected] November 9 7th-8th & 10th-12th Grades Serving Dinner at November 16 Small Groups Meet - Bible Study 6:15-7:30pm November 23 7th-12th grade out to eat, 6:30-7:30; 9th Grade Confirmation Party with Covenant Partners November 30 No Small Groups; Advent Workshops Youth: Grades 7 - 12 Ryan Hamilton, Director Youth Ministries 933-3734 [email protected] Catherine Goudreau, Assistant Director Youth Ministries 933-3708 [email protected] Can you spare one afternoon a week to help teach a child to read? STAIR needs you!Remember learning to read and the excitement you felt? For many second graders in Birmingham City Schools reading is a struggle that is far from exciting. Please help them catch up to their classmates so they won’t be left behind year after year. STAIR (Start The Adventure In Reading) can only accept a student if there are two tutors to work with him/her. If you sign up for one afternoon, we will find a partner for the other. In addition to tutors, there is a need for snack volunteers, substitute tutors, and volunteers to help with special events. STAIR at IPC meets October through April on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 3:00 until 5:00. Call Evelyn Puckett at 933-3684 or email at [email protected]. 5 LIVING GRATEFUL LIVES IPC's annual stewardship appeal theme is "Living Grateful Lives" which is so appropriate as we look to gathering our financial resources for the celebration in 2015 of what God has been doing at Independent Presbyterian Church for 100 years. Since IPC's founding in 1915, the church has gratefully proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ through sermons, music, Christian education, and powerful ministries of justice and compassion. As you are asked, please give prayerfully and generously as we begin our second century. Your gifts and contributions are your grateful response to the many blessings God has already provided in the past; is providing to us even now in the present; and will be providing for the future witness of IPC to the transforming love of Christ who is our cornerstone. MUSIC SUITE Fourth Sunday Evensong continues on October 26 at 3:00 p.m. (Note time change) in the sanctuary. The service this month will be Service of Reformation led by the IPC Camerata following the beautiful liturgy of Evening Prayer. Following the service, Jamie McLemore of South Highland Presbyterian will present a 30 minute organ recital. Please join us for this meaningful service. New Adult Sunday Morning Class A new adult community church school class begins Sunday, October 5, at 10:00 in room 304. Join Amy McCain, Laura Woodruff, and other class members as they begin a study of Eugene Peterson’s Practice Resurrection, a conversation on growing up in Christ. Peterson brings the voice of scripture, especially Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and the voice of the contemporary Christian congregation together in understanding what is involved in the practice of becoming mature—growing up to the “stature of Christ.” 6 IPC members are welcome to come observe our English as a Second Language Classes! We meet every Tuesday night from 6:30 until 7:45 p.m. on the first floor of the IPC Education Building. You may find that you would like to be a tutor! This is a rewarding mission of our church. Questions? Contact Amanda Wilson [email protected] or 205-915-0629 IPC Holiday House Plans Did you know the IPC Holiday House Tour helps fund the Summer Learning Program at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm? Through the Summer Learning Program at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm, Independent Presbyterian Church addresses the challenges faced by disadvantaged children, including summer learning loss, nutritional deficiencies, physical safety, and low self-esteem. Our mission is to nurture the children in mind, body, and spirit, by offering a program of excellence in academics, enrichment, physical education, and spiritual development. The tour list is filling for the 65th annual Holiday House Tour, to be held December 13 and 14. This year’s tour will feature Independent Presbyterian Church with its special holiday decorations and its rich history, along with beautiful homes in both Forest Park and Mountain Brook and a special addition in the Overton area. Make plans now to include the tour in your holiday activities! Tour hours are 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tea will be served in the Great Hall during the tour. And we would love to have your help! If you would like to be added to the volunteer list, please contact chairperson Margaret Shuttlesworth (margaretshuttlesworth@ gmail.com ) or administrative assistant Betsy Middlebrooks (bmiddlebrooks@ipc-usa. org). Survey: Please give us your thoughts! LIBRARY NOTES Learning to Walk in the Dark is acclaimed preacher Barbara Brown Taylor’s most recent book. With great insight, she guides us toward finding God—or letting God find us—even when it is dark. Some of her other titles in our library are An Altar in the World, When God is Silent, and Gospel Medicine. To supplement your Grace Group study, explore David’s Truth, by Walter Brueggemann, an examination of four different David narratives from the books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Two other authors who examine the life of David as a real human being with all his flaws and complexity are Jonathan Kirsch in King David: the real life of the man who ruled Israel, and Steven L. McKenzie in King David: a biography. One reviewer writes “For anyone interested in the role of religion in American life, Robert Putnam and David Campbell’s American Grace is a must read.” It “will be of great value to … leaders and citizens who wonder about why and how religion continues to matter so much in American civic and private life.” Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good is Jan Karon’s latest addition to the Mitford series of novels. With grace and charm, she invites us into the complicated lives of this lovely village that “takes care of its own.”. In A Child’s Look at the Twenty-third Psalm, author Phillip Keller uses the example of a shepherd caring for his flock to show how Jesus takes the form of the Good Shepherd to care for us. In David & Goliath and other Bible stories, Selina Hastings retells familiar Old Testament stories. We'd like your feedback on IPC Communications to help us in getting news to you. Please cut out this survey request and mail it to the church or drop it in a box at the receptionist's desk. 1-What is your primary source of information about what is happening at IPC? ____ The Window (monthy printed newsletter) ____ The EUpdate (Thursday email newsletter) ____ The IPC Website _____The Sunday Bulletins _____ Update (Printed 1-page flyer distributed at IPC) 2- On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is The Window? 1(not important) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (very important) 3- Which sections of articles in The Window are most valuable to you? ____ Pulpit Notes ____ Suggested Food Pantry Items ____ Upcoming Events ____ Calendar of Events ____ Departments & Staff Contacts ____ Features (in depth information about IPC programs) ____ Photos ____ IPC Day School: Did you know? ____ Library Notes ____ Children and Youth Information The Library Committee Cahaba River Fry-Down Rescheduled to Sunday, October 12 IPC’s own Kim Martin and her kitchen crew will be vying for a trophy and bragging rights at the 5th Annual Cahaba River Society “FryDown” on Sunday, OCTOBER 12, from 12 – 4 in Trussville. Please plan to come and cheer her on and enjoy this fun and educational outdoor festival for the whole family. Like the other cooking teams, Kim will cook 40 pounds of catfish filets adding her secret ingredients and sides to wow the judges. (The Presbytery’s Living River Camp and Conference Center has won awards in the past but we think Kim’s culinary talents will win over the competition.) The IPC Foundation has recently supported the Cahaba River Society’s educational program CLEAN that engages youth in healthful outdoor play and learning. Even the students at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm summer learning program this summer enjoyed a stream walk and discovering the amazing biodiversity that is unique to the Cahaba. SAVE the date (October 12) for the Fry-Down and check the E-updates and information marquee for additional details. IPC Stewardship Ministry/Care of Creation 4- How often and when do you read The Window? ____ I read every issue cover to cover. ____ I glance over it and put it aside for referring back to. ____ I read it occasionally when I have time. Thanks for your feedback! Other Comments: 7 the Window Independent Presbyterian Church 3100 Highland Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205 www.ipc-usa.org WINDOW (USPS255-220) Published Monthly Office of Publication Independent Presbyterian Church 3100 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, Al 35205-1408 Periodical Postage Paid at Birmingham, Alabama POSTMASTER: Send address change to the WINDOW, 3100 Highland Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205-1408 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED New book of IPC coming soon! Celebrating the IPC Centennial The IPC centennial book is on the way! Forward In Faith, IPC’s centennial history book, is in production, with expected delivery early November. We are offering church members the opportunity to pre-order this limited edition book at a discounted price from now until October 31. Including the complete text of our 75th anniversary book, The Bearing Day Is Not Gone, supplemented with many never-before-published early images, our updated history will be a 264-page hardbound book illustrated with 550 pictures and 17 full color plates. Along with a chronological narrative and timeline of events and personalities shaping Independent’s first 100 years, the book also features chapters exploring a variety of subjects from architecture and Kirkwood, to the Guild, as well as a photo collection of many of the beautiful brides married at IPC over ten decades. This limited edition book, with broad appeal to anyone interested in Birmingham history in general, will make a perfect Christmas gift for friends as well as family members. Also, gift-wrapped three volume sets will also be available and will include, along with Forward In Faith, the related works An Enduring Ministry, Marvin Whiting’s excellent biography of Dr. Henry Edmonds, and Beginning the Day, Dr. Edmonds’ book of daily devotionals, first published in 1919. Take advantage of pre-publication DISCOUNTED Prices available now through October 31, 2014. You may order online (see below) or pick up a form from the church receptionist. You may pay online or by check (Attn: Marsha Harbin. Write "Centennial Book" on your check memo line with check made out to IPC.) You will be contacted when your books are ready to be picked up at the church. Forward In Faith, $30 per copy ($5 savings off of November cover price of $35) Three volume, gift-wrapped, set, $60 ($10 savings off of individual combined cover prices) ORDER ONLINE: http://ipc-usa.org/ipc-centennial-book