Windows: Winter 2017

Winter 2017

INDEPENDENT Presbyterian Church

WINDOWS

Christ the Lord THE GIFT OF THE MAGI | CHANGING LIVES IN MEMPHIS | SPREADING COMFORT AND JOY

A New People. A New Memphis.

My dear Friends: I am so excited for you to be holding this new issue of Windows! As you remember, we launched this magazine this past spring as a window on our ministry here at Independent Presbyterian Church as well as a way of looking out to see how God is using us as new people working for a new Memphis.

Windows is a publication of Independent Presbyterian Church. Go to ipcmemphis.org to view online.

In order to sharpen that focus, starting with this issue you will find stories about those in our congregation who are using their gifts to enter into our city’s need. As I move among you, I am overwhelmed by the range of ministry involvement and missional passion that you have. But I also recognize that while I know some things about how God is using you, there are many in our church and city who would like to know as well.

In this issue:

2 THE GIFT OF THE MAGI 4 AN ARMY OF IPC WOMEN ARE CHANGING LIVES IN MEMPHIS 6 SPREADING COMFORT AND JOY – ONE STITCH AT A TIME

Not just to know—but to join in, to come along side with presence and support, to dream about how God might be calling each one of us to look out at this city and to engage her for his glory. The Presbyterian pastor Fredrick Buechner observed that “the place God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Some of you have a deep joy, gladness, passion—but there is a city that has a deep hunger that your gladness actually fills. What is it? Where is it? How is it possible?

Those questions ultimately find their answer in the great gift that has been given to us in Jesus Christ. As we celebrate together this Christmas season, my prayer is that you will find the great gift of self-sacrifice God made in Jesus is not simply abstract news—but deep, profound, joyful news that fills

ON THE COVER: Three Magi mosaic, the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy, 6th century

you with gladness and impels you into this city for God’s glory alone.

Look through these windows, meditate on God’s great gift, and see what God might have you do!

In the grip of God’s grace,

Rev. Sean Michael Lucas, PhD Senior Pastor Independent Presbyterian Church 4738 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, Tennessee 38117 901-685-8206 | ipcmemphis.org

Martin C. Shea

The Nativity

6:15 p.m. | Wednesday, November 29

Preschool and Kindergarten Choirs Program | Fellowship Hall

29th Annual Christmas Service

of Lessons & Carols 6:00 p.m. | Sunday, December 3

Adult Choir, Children’s Choirs, and Junior & Senior High Choirs with members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra | Sanctuary

Sing a Song of Christmas: Carols for the King 6:30 p.m. | Wednesday, December 6

Graded Choir Program, Grades 1-12 | Sanctuary

Messiah Sing-Along

5:00 p.m. | Sunday, December 17 | Sanctuary

Setup Friday, Dec. 15, 2:00 p.m.

Assembly & Delivery Saturday, Dec. 16, 9:00 a.m. $50.00 for each basket For 30 years, IPC members have honored the birth of Jesus by taking Christmas food baskets to our brothers and sisters in need. Each basket purchased provides a week of food for four people, which is delivered to families involved with Neighborhood Christian Center or Streets Ministries. Purchasing food baskets in someone’s honor or memory makes a perfect gift; helping with assembly and delivery may be the most meaningful thing your children do this Christmas. Our goal this year is 1,400 baskets – please help!

The Gift of the Magi Sean Michael Lucas

Y

ou may remember O. Henry’s story, “The

And O. Henry’s last word on this couple reminded

Gift of the Magi.” Della and Jim Young were

us that those who give the most personally costly gifts

a struggling young couple, making do on $20

are often the wisest: “Here I have lamely related to you

a week. They

the uneventful

were just

chronicle of two

scraping by.

foolish children

But it was

in a flat who most

Christmas—

unwisely sacrificed

Della knew that

for each other the

Jim prized his

greatest treasures

gold pocket

of their house. But

watch. And

in a last word to

the thing that

the wise of these

he would most

days let it be said

enjoy and that

that of all who give

she could most

gifts these two

afford on their

were the wisest. O

small income

all who give and

was a gold chain

receive gifts, such

for his pocket

as they are wisest.

watch.

Everywhere they are wisest. They

But all Della had was

John Hall Thorpe

are the Magi.”

I think O.

$1.87, which was not going to buy a gold chain for a pocket watch. Her

Henry was on to something—at least, as it came to the

solution? She sold her hair to a local wig shop in exchange

Magi, these strange eastern magicians or wise men who

for $20. She excitedly bought the gift and could not wait

show up in Matthew 2. They gave wise gifts because they

for Jim to come home. However, instead of being excited,

gave their gifts to the true king of the world, the one who

Jim was crestfallen; and when she opened his gift, she saw

deserves all that we are and all that we have.

why: he had sold his watch to buy her hair combs.

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We must recognize that there was another king, a rival

claimant to the Magi's gifts and affections. We are introduced

this child, this king. And so it was, as O. Henry noted, that

in Matthew 2 to that false king, whose name was Herod the

these men were the wisest who gave and received gifts.

Great. He ruled over Palestine on behalf of the Romans from

Or almost the wisest—because there was a sense in

37 to 4 BC. He took to himself the name of “King of the Jews”

which these Magi, like us, are the receivers and not the givers

and ruled his area firmly and fiercely, destroying his enemies

of the costliest gift. After all, who was this child? Not simply

and dominating his friends.

a baby in the manger and not even a great middle eastern

Perhaps that’s why he was troubled when the “wise men from the east came,” asking about one “born king of the Jews.” Herod knew the prophecies about a Messiah, a son of Abraham and son of David, one who would rule forever. Maybe that’s why he was troubled and why “all Jerusalem with him” was troubled too. And so, Herod turned to trickery in

king. That child was God himself. And so, God gave the costliest gift—he gave himself.

And don’t forget that he gave himself in utter humiliation—nine months in Mary’s womb, the filth of birth, the weakness

What can I give him, poor as I am?

of infancy. He

If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb,

gave himself

If I were a wise man I would do my part,

submission

Yet what I can I give him—give him my heart.

order to get at this

Christina Rossetti

in utter to Mary and Joseph, to the law of God, and ultimately

promised king. He told the wise men to “go and search diligently for the child,

to the wrath and curse of God. And he gave himself to live

and when you have found him, bring me word, that I may

and die and rise again for you—because he loves you with

come and worship him.” Of course, Herod had no intention

a steadfast, always and forever, kind of love. Seemingly

of worshipping the Christ child; as Matthew’s account will

unwisely, truly profoundly, he sacrificed himself and gave

make plain, he wanted to kill him.

himself as the ultimate gift.

The wise men were wise—they saw through Herod’s

How will you respond this Christmas as you meditate

fakery and trickery. They went on their way with their gifts

on these wonder-filled truths? What will you give to Jesus

and their worship. They didn’t give their gifts to that false

the Christ, the true King? As Christina Rossetti’s familiar

king, to that usurping king. They continued to follow the star

Christmas text asks:

until they found God’s true king: “Behold, the star that they

What can I give him, poor as I am?

had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest

If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb,

over the place where the child was.”

If I were a wise man I would do my part,

And when the wise men saw the child, they responded with joy and with worship. They gave their gifts of gold, frankincense, myrrh. They gave themselves to this Messiah,

Yet what I can I give him—give him my heart.

Will you give the truly wise gift to Jesus? Will you give the gift of the Magi and give yourself to him?

3

By Annie Howard

Renewal is a big word, but it can happen through the smallest things—red kettles, conversations, even backpacks and shoes.

said. “When you go to these graduations, you really hear these testimonies, it moves Through the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, IPC members you.” are alleviating need with all of the above and more.

Mary Ellen Chase, Auxiliary members work to connect the vulnerable with an IPC member Salvation Army resources. Through fundraising events, membership and former Auxiliary dues, and volunteer work, members generate both funds and feet The Angel Tree program, introduced to Memphis by president, got her start the Women’s Auxiliary in 1986, makes Christmas on the ground for a variety of Salvation Army ministries, from the brighter for thousands of needy children and seniors. planning celebrations Angel Tree program to the homeless shelters lodged in the Purdue for men in the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center. “Every Center of Hope downtown. month, they celebrate one more month of sobriety in the program,” “The need is so overwhelming that we may want to throw up she said. “And as I got involved with that, I realized the Salvation our hands, say the city’s done for, but we can't do that,” said Peggy Army did so much more than just this one program. I found that 365 Duke, IPC member and immediate past Auxiliary president. “There days a year, 24 hours a day, they are ministering to men, women, are just little things we do—a pair of shoes to go back to school, and children across the city.” backpacks with school supplies—that make a difference.”

Chase felt guided to do more, and began leading a Bible Study IPC members are embracing the challenge. The Memphis for displaced and homeless women at the Single Women’s Residence.

Auxiliary is roughly 500 women strong—and over a fifth of its Now on year five of members are IPC women. that study, she has seen “We’ve grown because and learned much. “Being we are so passionate about with these women who have it,” said Susan Madden, nothing, they have no home, an IPC member and prior no family, no possessions— Auxiliary president. “When some of these women's faith you love something, you is a mountain,” she said. “It’s want to share it.” been an incredible place to To talk to IPC’s Auxiliary serve Him. I feel and know members is to hear story that I am serving and meeting after story of need, response, the needs here on earth for and healing. Billie Jean His people.”

Graham served as the first The Purdue Center Auxiliary president from IPC of Hope houses three in 2004, and the Army’s shelters: the Single Women’s Adult Rehabilitation Center Residence, the Pathway of has remained an important Hope Family Residence, ministry to her. “ARC allots and Renewal Place. Each participants money for is tailored to a specific personal needs, feeds them, demographic, from the clothes them, and when homeless and addicted to they're given a certificate, the mothers escaping dangerous Auxiliary helps put together From left, IPC members Peggy Duke, Susan Madden, Mary Ellen Chase, and situations with their children; a graduation for them,” she Billie Jean Graham have all served as president of the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary. Graham and Chase won back-to-back S.A.L.L.I.E. Awards, presented each year to the most outstanding member.

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Renewal Place is the only shelter in the city which cares for both addicted mothers and their children, keeping families together throughout recovery.

“We’re the number one housing provider for homeless women and individuals who are recovering from addiction in the city of Memphis,” said Madden. “And we have counseling. We don't just take care of physical needs, we try to take care of spiritual needs. It’s a holistic approach. Tell us your needs, and we’ll give you what you need to make it physically and spiritually in this world."

Duke, Madden, Graham, and Chase all reflected on the power of the shelter graduations.

“The women of the Auxiliary help plan the food, give graduates a gift, and come as often as we can to the graduation party,” Madden said. “If you ever attend one of those, it's the most powerful thing you've ever seen—to see the victory in their eyes for what they've done.”

Auxiliary events and volunteering opportunities are as varied as the needs they service, and the ability to help is instant. “Anybody that joins the Auxiliary, the next day, you could ask when's the next lunch we're going to do at the Single Women's Residence, and start getting those casseroles together,” Duke laughed. “It's automatic. If you want to do stuff, then there's plenty to do. Any woman can join and do as much or little as she wants. The dues alone are needed.”

Whether structuring fundraising events, IPC members minister to physical, emotional, and dishing out casseroles, or spiritual needs of women in Salvation Army programs. connecting with difficult situations, members can find a space for the unique shape of their gifts.

“There’s a line I've used on my kids, as they’ve thought about their sense of calling: what are you passionate about, and what has God gifted you with?” said Sean Lucas, IPC’s senior minister. “It’s probably a pretty good indication that there’s a need out there somewhere, where those things are going to come together.”

The beauty of the Auxiliary—and the Salvation Army—is its room for diverse ministries and skills in a city that needs them. “One of the things that I always tell the women downtown in the Bible study is if we were all called and put in the same circumstances with the same gifts, worked the same, we would accomplish one dot,” Chase said. “But because we are all called differently, different circumstances, different gifts, we are able to beautifully carry out His plan and accomplish His works.”

Through each and every bit of work, transformation pieces together.

“One of our slogans a while back was ‘Changing lives one at a time,’” Madden said. “It’s overwhelming if you think of all the things that need to be done in this city. But if you think of it one life at a time, it's not overwhelming at all.”

Annie Howard has been a member of IPC since she was two years old. She graduated with honors from Samford University this past May and is working as a free-lance writer.

The Women’s Auxiliary helps facilitate the work of the Salvation Army in Memphis through hands-on service and financial support.

IPC’s Susan Madden fulfills another Auxiliary role by raising public awareness of the Salvation Army.

Whether working in the trenches or attending a fundraiser, Auxiliary members enjoy the friendships that grow out of serving Jesus together.

Opportunities to support Salvation Army ministries in Memphis: • Give the 2017 Salvation Army Christmas Card as a gift for friends, clients, teachers, neighbors, or anyone else you want to honor this Christmas.

The beautiful illustration, Giving with the Heart of a Child, was contributed by local artist Dr. Tim Hacker; inside the card is the verse Matthew 19:14 with a note that a donation has been made in their name to the Salvation Army. To order cards, contact Susan Madden at 901-832-2237 or suemadd@comcast.net.

• Support the 2017 Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign by texting MEMPHIS to 41444. Kettle money supports the ministries of the local Salvation Army all year long.

• Join the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. Any woman can join: contact Rhea Schnabel at 901-763-1848 or oktschnabel@att.net.

5

Spreading Comfort and Joy – One Stitch at a Time

By Annie Howard

A

scarf may seem humble enough, but in tough situations it can become much more than stitches and yarn.

Through throws, hats, scarves, and shawls, IPC’s knitting ministry creates a tangible source of comfort for people citywide.

The group formed in 2011 as a ministry to homebound members, but its scope soon widened: first within the church, and then beyond to the greater Memphis community.

Today, the ministry’s impact ranges far beyond its nine-member headcount; last year, knitters created 337 pieces for everything from Memphis Athletic Ministries to White Station Elementary School.

"If we’re going to truly be new people for a new Memphis, we cannot just identify with others intellectually or financially, but affectionately,” said Sean Lucas, IPC’s senior pastor.

Each handmade item provides

warmth for body, and spirit too; the knitters meet each Thursday to pray for each person who will receive their work. Each item is delivered with a card reminding the recipient that they are loved and prayed for.

Within the church, knitters craft pieces for three groups of members: the bereaved, ill, and homebound.

Susan Strong started the group six years ago in an effort to appreciate IPC’s elderly members.

"I was really concerned with letting them know that they were remembered and loved by the congregation,” she said.

The ministry now provides warm throws and shawls for the newly-homebound and bereaved, as well as large, soft blankets for the ill;

special chemo wraps are often knit to guard against cold hospital rooms.

The ministry has also reached beyond IPC into the Memphis community.

"There's a spiritual side to ministry, but there also has to be a practical side,” said Strong. "And if you don't have that practical side, the words can be hollow.”

The knitters use their skills to tackle a variety of projects annually.

"There’s always a need,” Strong said.

"Sometimes I think, oh dear, what are we going to focus on next, and with time and prayer something new will always emerge.”

From baby blankets for the Forrest Spence Fund to hats and scarves for Hospitality Hub, a

Photo by Wess Bramlitt

Interweaving front loops with fellowship, (from left) Nelia Fletcher, Jennifer Schmuck, Susan Strong, and Holli Payne are part of an IPC knitting ministry, which meets weekly to create cozy gifts for people in need.

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homeless ministry, the group’s schedule is always brimming with activity.

Each year, the ministry knits a hat and scarf for each woman in the A Way Out assistance program. A Way Out provides counseling, health care, and a change of residence for women working to permanently leave the sex trafficking industry; it also covers clients’ children. "We do something for each of their children, those that have children too,” Strong said.

"Some of those women are amazed that a group of women in a church would do these things for them. It’s not what they always expect.”

Among their many goals, the knitters also choose a main annual project.

This year, that project is Palmer Home. Two new cottages are preparing to open and will house around thirty children in all; IPC’s

knitters are creating a unique throw for each one. "Most of the children that come in down there just have the clothes on their back,” said Strong.

"They’ve been through some tough times, and we want something that's warm and fuzzy and cuddly for them to have immediately when they walk in the door. They will have something that they know is theirs.”

The women’s work builds bridges in surprising ways.

The ministry once put together 45 hats for Booker T. Washington athletes, decorated with the school’s colors and initials.

Weeks later at a downtown restaurant, Jennifer Schmuck, a knitting ministry member, spotted a familiar

"This city is a place that needs a lot of love. We're just trying to do our little part—it’s one note on the keyboard.” Susan Strong, founder hat in the crowd. "She saw a kid wearing that Booker T. hat,” Strong said. "And she walked up to him and said, 'you go to Booker T., I’m one of the ladies that knit these hats.' He just grabbed her and hugged her, he was so excited—and she was so excited that he was happy with it.”

IPC’s knitters come together each week to visit, knit, and pray, healing Memphis one stitch at a time.

"This city is a place that needs a lot of love,” said Strong. "We're just trying to do our little part—it’s one note on the keyboard.”

IPC member Richard Evans, who was called home to heaven this year, said his chemo blanket made him feel “wrapped in the love of his church.”

Pathway Weekend | February 23-24 Taught by Senior Pastor Dr. Sean Lucas If you are interested in becoming a member of Independent Presbyterian Church and want to know more about what we believe, join us on Friday night and Saturday morning, February 23 & 24, for our next Pathway Class for prospective members.

Friday, February 23

Saturday, February 24

6:00 p.m. | Dinner 6:30 p.m. | Session I 7:30 p.m. Break 7:45-8:30 p.m. | Session II

8:30 a.m. | Breakfast 9:00 a.m. | Session III 10:45 a.m. Break 11:00-12:00 p.m. | Session IV

Contact Suzanne Doyle at sdoyle@ipcmemphis.org or call 901-685-8206 if you would like to attend. Go to www.ipcmemphis.org to register online.

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g o o d ne w s fo r a n e w m e m p h i s

“ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15

Join us for the good n ews

F e b r u ary 4 – 1 1 , 2 01 8 : 2018 MISSION TRIPS : Athens, Greece | January 18-28 Women’s ministry to House Damaris, a home to help girls coming out of the sex slave industry. Leader: Kathy Garrett.

Trip is full.

Athens, Greece | February 8-18 Men’s ministry to help with construction and maintenance work at the Greek Bible College and at House Damaris.

Leaders: Parker Tenant and Matt Olson.

Cost: $2,000.

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Tanzania, Africa | February 15-25 The team will serve alongside the African Inland Church in Musoma, helping with a women’s Bible study, agricultural training, and women’s pre/post natal care.

Leader: Mike Malone. Cost: $3,500.

New York, New York | July 28-August 5 This mission trip is for adults and families to serve alongside Grace Fellowship Church running a summer camp for children in Sunnyside, NY. Contact: Don Kilgore.

Cost: $1,000-1,200.

London, England | March 3-11 Opportunity for college and post-college aged students to partner with churches in the United Kingdom, previewing summer internship and two-year theological education through AT-3. Contact: Mel Payne or Elizabeth Jones. Cost: $1,700.

Nassau, Bahamas | Summer 2018 Work with ministry partner Julian Russell teaching local leaders business and ethics from a Christian world view; may also help repair hurricane damage in underserved communities. Contact: Ed Norton or David Burch. Cost: $1,200.

Glasgow, Scotland | Summer 2018 Our team will help the Free Church of Scotland with holiday clubs or sports camp as an outreach to teens in the Glasgow area.

Contact: Elizabeth and Rankin Fowlkes.

Cost: $2,500-3,000.

Any member in good standing who wants to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ is invited to go on an IPC mission trip. The Short Term Missions Committee will give partial financial help if a person is unable to pay the full fare to go on the trip. Please contact the leader if you are interested.

For more information, contact Sam Olson, mattsamolson@gmail.com or 901-849-3695.

Save These Dates in 2018

’Tis the season to be reading and giving! (and shopping )

January 10 – Wednesday Evening Ministries resume January 14 – Sunday Evening Praise resumes February 4-11 – Missions Conference February 13 – Women of the Church Brunch February 20 – WOC new Bible study begins on Jonah February 23-24 – Pathway Weekend for Prospective Members March 22 – WOC Dinner, Fellowship Hall March 23-24 – WOC Spring Retreat, The Country Place, Moscow, TN March 25 – Adult Choir Palm Sunday Program

Purchase pottery and earn cash back!

For this season of giving, we want to help you purchase those special gifts for your special people.

• Spend $150, get a $25 gift card • Spend $250, get a $50 gift card • Spend $500, get a $125 gift card This promotion runs through November 30, 2017, and is good for special orders. It is not good with any other offer.

All pottery sales as a result of this promotion are final. Gift card must be redeemed by December 24, 2017.

March 29 – Maundy Thursday Communion Service, Sanctuary March 30 – Good Friday Service, Sanctuary March 31 – Easter Eve Concert, Levitt Shell April 1 – Easter Sunday April 25 – Children’s Choir Spring Program April 27-29 – Junior High Choir Spring Trip, St. Louis May 1 – WOC Spring Luncheon, Fellowship Hall May 2 – Junior High Choir Homecoming Concert May 5 – IPC Ballet Spring Recital May 25-30 – Camp Palmer, 50th Anniversary Celebration

Come Let Us Adore Him

by Paul David Tripp This is a new Advent devotional from a favorite author. Come Let Us Adore Him is a wonderful way to stop our frenetic holiday pace and focus on the Savior and who we are to be as His people. As always, Paul David Tripp meddles in our personal life and challenges our everyday way of living.

It can also be used as a family devotional.

God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life

by Tim Keller Last year, Tim and Kathy Keller published a devotional on the Psalms. This year, they have come out with a devotional on Proverbs, God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life.

We all need God’s wisdom for our daily lives, and the Kellers are experts at mining the Word for the jewels of His truth. It's a great devotional for the new year.

Celebrate Advent “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright" — don’t you love that hymn? Singing it brings such wonderful visions of tranquility and beauty. But our lives never match those visions. Extra effort is needed to reduce the hectic pace of our lives, and we want to encourage you to make that effort during this Advent season. Take the time as an individual or as a family to sit at the feet of Jesus and worship Him. We have wonderful devotionals and activities that will help you do that. And if you spend the time with Jesus, you will see His beauty and know a peace that passes all understanding.

May 31-June 8 – Senior High Choir Summer Tour, Western States June 8 – Senior High Choir Homecoming Concert June 11-15 – Vacation Bible School

BOOKSTORE HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Wednesday 9:00 a.m.– 6:30 p.m.

Friday 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Closed Saturday | Sunday 9:30– 11:00 a.m. www.ipcmemphis.org/resources/ipc-bookstore | 901-763-3932 | covenant@ipcmemphis.org

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hristmas at C Independent

Ways to Add Joy This Christmas!

November

29 The Nativity

Preschool & Kindergarten Choirs Program

Christmas Bingo

30 Women’s Ministry

Decorate the Church

December

3 29th Annual

Christmas Service of Lessons & Carols Reception Afterwards

5 Women's Christmas Brunch TBA Women’s Ministry

Christmas Caroling

6 Sing a Song of Christmas:

Carols for the King

Graded Choir Program

15 Food Baskets Setup 16 Food Baskets Assembly & Delivery 17 Messiah Sing-Along

20 Gingerbread Contest 4th & 5th graders

24 Christmas Eve

Morning Services 8:30 & 11:00 Evening Communion Service 5:30

& Christmas Shopping at

Covenanters’ Corner Bookstore!

( The church will be closed December 25, 26 and January 1, 2 )