Windows: Spring 2021

Spring 2021

INDEPENDENT Presbyterian Church

WINDOWS

Planting Trees HOLY WEEK

|

CAMP PALMER

|

IPC FOUNDATION

|

A New People. A New Memphis.

WOMEN’S SERVICE

My dear Friends: The picture in the upper left-hand column of this page — remember that? I took that picture the day after we received another five or so inches of snow on top of the previous inches of snow we had already gotten. Fast forward less than five days from that Thursday — we reached a high of 70 degrees and all the snow was basically melted.

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

That’s how fast spring comes! And it also reminds us of the great need to be ready for Gospel ministry and opportunity; we don’t know how rapidly those opportunities might present themselves. We are hopeful that even by the time you are reading these words, we are beginning to come out of the year-long winter of COVID into a new springtime of ministry. In these pages, you’ll read about opportunities of service within our women’s ministry as well

In this issue:

1 OAKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS 3 ALL ABOARD! CAMP PALMER 5 IPC FOUNDATION 9 WOMEN’S SERVICE

as a new future for Camp Palmer.

But it is also in the springtime that we need to be about the work of planting trees. Many moons ago, the Lucases lived out in the Kentucky countryside on a little over an acre. One of the things we did our first spring was to plant some fruit trees. We knew that we may not receive the benefit of those trees (and we didn’t), but someone else would receive the shade and fruit from those plantings we made.

The centerpiece article in this issue highlights the way we as a church are doing this kind of legacy work: the IPC Foundation. As you read about the hopes and dreams for future Gospel fruit which the Foundation represents, I hope you will prayerfully consider the ways you may want to think about your own legacy giving — that it might work for the salvation of your children and grandchildren through future pastors and churches that you might never see.

Our longing is for God to raise up “oaks of righteousness” that will

IPC Foundation insert is written

by Annie Howard

give shade to the nations. May God do this good work through us!

In the grip of God’s grace,

Sean Lucas Senior Pastor Independent Presbyterian Church

4738 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, Tennessee 38117 901-685-8206 | ipcmemphis.org

Martin C. Shea

Oaks of Righteousness Se an Luc as

A

few years back, I had the privilege of being the family camp speaker at Ridge Haven, the camp and conference center for the PCA. The theme of that week — reflected in the camp t-shirts, the devotionals, the signage — was drawn from Isaiah 61: “That they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3). Oaks of righteousness — that seemed to me at the time to be an odd choice for a camp theme.

But then I did some more poking around on Isaiah 61 and on that verse in particular, and I realized how fitting the choice was.

1

First, think about what Isaiah is seeing. He sees God’s

Lord’s favor and the day of his judgment. What comfort

people as “oaks of righteousness.” Oaks here doesn’t

to these mourners! The Lord’s grace lasting a year, his

necessarily mean a particular kind of tree, but more a

judgment only a day!

particular size of tree — a tall, well-established tree is

Because the Messiah has come, everything is different,

in view. And these are oaks of righteousness — so this

especially God’s people — they are different. New people

righteousness is well-established and abiding, in the same

for this new world they are.

way a big tree is.

Why is it important that God’s people are seen this way? It’s important because throughout Isaiah’s prophecy,

Now, who was, who is, this Messiah? Who is the one who can author such a radical transformation?

After Jesus left the wilderness, he went to Galilee

God’s people are anything but

and began preaching that the

righteous. In the first chapter,

kingdom of God had come —

God through Isaiah lamented

because the King himself was

over Israel that they were

here. He brought that message

children who “have rebelled

back home to Nazareth, to his

against me” (Isaiah 1:2), a

home church, to those whom

“sinful nation, a people laden

he knew and loved. He was

with iniquity, offspring of

invited to take up the Old

evildoers” (1:4). There was no

Testament scrolls and to read

part of God’s people that was

a passage.

sound — though they brought

Jesus took the Isaiah scroll,

their worship, sacrifices, and

rolled it to what we know as

songs, they pursued injustice

Isaiah 61 (because his scroll

and wickedness over and

had no chapter divisions) and

again (1:12-20).

he read the first two verses of

The result of this

the chapter, the ones about the

wickedness was God’s vengeance (61:2). God expressed his judicial wrath through

to do. And he told his home-folks, “Today this Scripture

the exile: Assyria took Israel away, Babylon would take

has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). They didn’t

Judah away. The land was barren, the people were scattered,

believe him, the family and friends in Nazareth; in fact, they

the city’s walls were torn down, and the temple was burned.

wanted to kill him, to throw him from the top of the cliff.

The result was mourning (three times in 61:2, 3), ashes of penitence and grief.

So, something radical has happened for these wicked

But the promise of Isaiah 61 — and the rest of Holy Scripture — is that for all those who believe the good news that Jesus is God’s Messiah, this is the year of the Lord’s

and condemned people to have this new, abiding status as

favor. And what does God do for those who believe in Jesus,

righteous in God’s sight. What happened?

wicked, sinful, foolish, dirty though they may be?

The anointed one, the Messiah, has come. That’s

2

Messiah and the work he came

God in Jesus by the Spirit makes us “oaks of

what the first two verses tell us. The Spirit of the Lord was

righteousness” — new men, new women, whose righteous

poured out upon him, the Lord’s Servant, so that he might

standing with him and just ways before him will never fade

bring good news to the materially and spiritually poor, bind

away. They will be a long-standing, beautiful, holy legacy

up the broken-hearted, proclaim liberty to the captive, and

that will last until the coming of God’s Garden, at the end

open the prison-house so that all might go free (61:1).

of the age. And the result of it all will be “that he may be

This Messiah shouted out the news: this is the year of the

glorified” (Isaiah 61:3).

All Aboard!

Come for great fun and fellowship MAY 28 -JUNE 1

By Maryanna Story

T

here is a rumbling around the church that raises to an excited buzz in the spring of each year. What could create this type of anticipation across the span of ages in our congregation? Two words: Camp Palmer.

What is Camp Palmer? Camp Palmer is a week-long camp run by IPC for Palmer Home kids 1st-12th grades. As anyone at IPC knows, Palmer Home for Children is a faith-based organization that provides a family and community to children in need regardless of race, gender, or background. This partnership dates all the way back to 1968. Our church wanted to know how to best

serve Palmer Home, and Camp Palmer was born both to give the Palmer Home staff time off and to give the children of Palmer Home an unforgettable camp experience. It was a huge disappointment to lose the opportunity for Camp Palmer due to Covid-19 in 2020, but we are excited to bring a new era to Camp Palmer, May 28 - June 1, in a new place this year!

A NEW place to be together!

For over 35 years, Camp Desoto in Mentone, Alabama, has graciously hosted Camp Palmer. IPC is incredibly grateful to Phil and Marsha Hurt for allowing us to use their wonderful space.

Because of scheduling conflicts, a new location was needed for Camp. In true Presbyterian fashion, a committee was formed to determine the best place for the future. Lucy Green, Robert Browning, Lisa Turner, Rankin Fowlkes, Emily Dafferner, and Brad Robson worked together on this project. Each committee member had a different region of our surrounding area to research campsites.

Many options were discussed and visited, and the final decision was made.

Every Summer Since 1968 3

only grown. Former campers have grown up and are now giving back to younger generations in the church — including their own children.

“We know Camp may look different this year,” says Turner, “But our hope for it is

Camp Palmer will take place at Barefoot Republic Camp and Retreat Center in Fountain Run, Kentucky!

While the location has changed, the Camp Palmer experience will still be evident. A typical day looks like waking up for breakfast, large group worship, activities, lunch, rest hour, afternoon activities, free time, dinner, night activity, and nightly small group time by age group. Camp is always a great getaway from the usual routines of life for our covenant kids and Palmer

Home residents alike.

“The relationships between the two groups are sweet to witness,” says Lisa Turner. “It is fun for the kids to be together; and it just does my heart good to see the adults in our church engage and make Camp the best it can be.”

Indeed, even though Camp Palmer is advertised as a children and youth camp, it is run by our own church members, who volunteer their time for this special experience. As Camp Palmer has occurred for more than fifty years, the family atmosphere has

Sign up at ipcmemphis.org 4

still the same: that we as members of IPC would engage to give this gift to the children of Palmer home, and that the relationship between Palmer Home and IPC will continue to grow.”

IPC Foundation Church Planting | Education | Leadership Development

Like an acorn, one act can unfold into something Mighty.

That idea is at the heart of the newly launched IPC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable fund which transforms members’ donations and bequests into future church leadership.

they leave a life insurance policy and they’ve named the church

with the purposes of the Foundation, that will grow and multiply

bequest, or even a sizeable lifetime donation. When a large gift

“It’s a vehicle allowing our people to plant seeds, consistent

for many, many years after their gift is made,” says Sam Graham, chair of the Foundation’s Investment Committee.

The Foundation funds three specific goals: theological education, church planting, and leadership development.

Its 10-member, Session-appointed board is broken into administrative, investment, stewardship, and grants committees, which collectively guide gifts from donors to ministries advancing those three goals. Board chairs have filled out these committees with multigenerational laypeople, creating points of contact churchwide.

“Business is underway,” says David Neubert, the current chair of the Foundation. “We’re ready to work with prospective donors.”

A tithe or general donation funnels into IPC’s everyday operating budget; it could go towards staff salary, missions funding, or even the light bill. On the other hand, Foundation donations are distinct in purpose; they’re invested exclusively in ministries that align with the Foundation’s three goals. In fact, the Foundation is a separate entity from the church altogether.

Why create something so

as the beneficiary; there’re all sorts of ways it can happen. Now, with this Foundation, people can go, ‘Okay, now I know what my gift from my will is going to be used for.’ It’s those three purposes.”

The Foundation lends more structure to the lifecycle of a is made, it joins the pool of Foundation funds. From that core amount, a percentage is invested via a diversified moderate growth portfolio. As investments grow, grants do too — creating an ever-expanding cycle of progress. One gift can effectively stretch into perpetuity, raising up church plants and future leaders for years to come.

“Funds will be invested, collect interest, and grow the overall amount. And as long as you’re growing the Foundation with your investment returns, more than you’re distributing out, you can make greater gifts down the road,” says Graham.

While the Foundation’s been floated as an idea for twenty years, only recently did it start to crystallize.

“When I came in January of 2017, we were talking in terms of: How do we develop a church planting pipeline here in Memphis and elsewhere in the country? How do we raise up future

“That should be comforting to people who are giving money thinking, ‘This will be used for ministries after I’m gone,’ …the principles of the Westminster Confession are what will guide who receives grants from the committee.”

Lynn Albano, IPC Foundation Grants Committee Chair

distinct?

“The Foundation doesn’t compete with the general fund of the church,” says Graham. “They’re complementary.” Like two different tools, one funds everyday needs, while the Foundation goes “over and above for more unusual, irregular, larger gifts.”

And that hits on the Foundation’s unique purpose: a home for legacy gifts. Every angle of its design, from bylaws and investment strategy to grant distribution, ensures these special gifts are used wisely.

“We’ve had some wonderful members who have been incredibly generous to the church,” says Graham. “Sometimes

ministers and those who serve beside them?” says Sean Lucas, IPC’s senior pastor. “It became pretty clear to me that there needed to be some kind of funding mechanism.”

As these conversations played out, the church received a generous bequest. One member’s gift enabled the session to “fulfill a longstanding dream,” says Lucas.

Second Presbyterian Church, which launched its own Foundation in 1998, also pitched in.

“They were very gracious in letting us see how theirs operates, so we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel,” says Lynn Albano, chair of the Grants Committee. Second provided the Foundation’s initial planning group with advice gleaned from decades of experience.

Altogether, it’s a snapshot of the Foundation’s overarching vision: one gift, turned into perpetual kingdom growth. The three goals provide scaffolding for that growth. Each cause

the Foundation supports must align with church planting,

number of people who could potentially be reached with the

leadership development, or theological education, as well as the

gospel over fifty years is literally incalculable. Multiply then

Westminster Confession.

what a Foundation can do in granting several church plants

“That should be comforting to people who are giving money thinking, ‘This will be used for ministries after I’m gone,’” says Albano. “Even if the church shifts or there’s mission

simultaneously, in ways that don’t put stress on the IPC missions budget.”

Church planting grants could also provide what Graham

creep, the principles of the

calls a “catalyst” for local

Westminster Confession

growth.

are what will guide who

“Part of this is to

receives grants from the

fund church planting

committee.”

in a 100-mile radius of

Neubert echoes that

Memphis,” he says. “That

thought: investing in

could create more of an

three specific purposes

impact of the reformed

can give donors “peace of

faith here in our own

mind” about a large and

backyard.”

long-lasting gift. “If they

education

made a donation to the Foundation, the funds

Theological education

would be used for these

grants seek to lighten

types of ministries.”

the burden of seminary

Church planting,

tuition.

theological education, and

“Student debt is a big

leadership development were specially chosen.

issue across the board,”

Individually, they’re

says Graham. “Seminary

important; together, they

students are going to be

interlock.

ministers or counselors,

“If God’s ordinary

and to be candid, they’re

way of working is through

going into jobs that don’t

churches, well, that means

pay that much. They end

we need to raise up new

up having this mountain

churches. And how are

of debt because their heart

these places going to be

is in ministry. I believe it’s

supplied with ministers?

incumbent on the church

That leads us to theological education. Who’s going to come

to take that burden of debt off of these wonderful people who

beside the church planter and help these churches grow? That’s

are serving the church.”

where leadership development comes into place,” says Lucas.

church planting “IPC is right now in the midst of planting a church in

It’s a cause with a personal example; two out of IPC’s seven teaching elders had their theological education funded by Second Presbyterian Church’s Foundation.

“So right there you see the potential legacy,” says Lucas.

“Somebody gave money to the SPC Foundation to fund

Collierville, and the church’s financial commitment over three

theological education. Fast forward fifteen, twenty years, and

years will come to about $100,000 for that plant. And yet, just

we’re receiving the benefit here at IPC of someone at SPC’s

from that one financial investment in one church plant, the

generosity and forward thinking.”

leadership development

members, deacons, and general church members; its committees are filled out with church laypeople across all age groups. This diversity aims to make the Foundation easily

Leadership development, the broadest category, seeks to train up both ordained and non-ordained church leaders.

Targeting elders, deacons, interns, or general men and women of the church involved in worship work, this goal has a range of potential uses.

“Leadership in Christ’s church is for all of God’s people in all types of ways, whether someone’s ordained or not,” says Lucas. “How do we go about developing those kinds of leaders? What kinds of opportunities can we provide for them?”

It’s a topic with a bigger umbrella, and grants could cover everything from internship creation to funding a mentorship program alongside a ministry partner.

accessible, linking “everybody with somebody who’s got a connection with the board,” says Albano.

Going forward, the Stewardship Committee will be on hand to meet with the congregation about the Foundation’s goals and ministry opportunities. Not only are members of the Stewardship Committee available to talk to members about the Foundation, but there will be a report each year at IPC’s Annual Meeting. The committee also hopes to “make short presentations to IPC Sunday School classes and be available to meet with interested church members,” says Lee Greene, chair of the Stewardship Committee.

“The Stewardship Committee’s role will be to communicate to the IPC congregation the Foundation’s purposes and goals. We want our members to understand the

This goal also opens up an exciting feature of the Foundation. Donors can certainly give towards goals like church planting or theological education, but leadership development is a roomier category. If a donor holds one specific cause dear to their heart, and that cause meshes with developing future church leaders in some way, this category could enable a grant.

Albano uses IPC’s Music Ministry as an example.

“With the Music Ministry, or with music interns, you’re raising up the next generation of people who can lead worship.” If a donor had a passion for music, they might be able to dedicate their donation to a Music Ministry internship specifically funded through the Foundation.

Whatever the category, each grant applicant is carefully reviewed by the Grants Committee before approval.

“They fill out a form that gives us information on what their ministry is, what their goal is,” says Albano. “We’re looking at things like, does it fall under the overarching goals that the Foundation has? Is there a good chance of success?

ministries the Foundation will support, how these ministries can increase the kingdom, and how our members can direct legacy gifts to these ministries through the Foundation.”

The Stewardship Committee will work directly with donors, and “will be prepared to help donors plan their gifts and also coordinate our work with the donor’s other advisors — CPA, estate attorney, financial advisor,” Greene says.

Since the Foundation is IRS-approved as a 501(c)(3), all donations made are tax-deductible; the Foundation also accepts a variety of gifts, from cash to appreciated securities.

“We cannot know nor control what God will do as a result of people simply saying, ‘I want these dollars God’s blessed me with to continue to do work for ministry after I go to be with Jesus,’” says Lucas.

“By investing a legacy gift, you’re potentially planting trees all over the country, whether new churches, new ministers, or leaders to serve beside them, that will give gospel shade to thousands of people.”

We want to make sure that when we do give money, it’s used well.”

The Grants Committee then checks in with grant recipients semi-annually to annually.

Members are encouraged to reach out to Foundation leadership with potential donation wishes or ideas.

“They could start with contacting me or any of the other board members, or they could certainly contact the church office in general, and the office would refer them to the appropriate person,” says Neubert.

The Foundation’s board is composed of session

I N D E P E N D E N T

IPC

Foundation Church Planting | Education Leadership Development

For more information, please contact Suellen Warren, Business Administrator, Independent Presbyterian Church.

4738 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, Tennessee (901) 685-8206

P R E S B Y T E R I A N

C H U R C H

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

a glimpse of the blessings women bring serving at the church

9

S E E H O W YO U M I G H T S E RV E Jesus said he came, “not to be served, but to serve.” Every week at Independent, women are doing just that — whether behind the scenes preparing for our worship, in the foreground welcoming our visitors, in the car delivering flowers, or in the classroom passing on the faith. Serving together, we get to know one another better, while making a difference. Our Women of the Church Ministry, through its leadership committee, has a number of service opportunities that need additional volunteers. Of course, these are not the only ways women serve at the church — they serve on the Missions Committee and the Faith and Work Leadership Group, give testimonies in worship services, lead mission trips, and much more.

Wednesday Night Dinner

Volunteers are needed to greet people, collect money, and serve food.

Flower Ministry

Choose from three areas: 1) Arranging for Sunday; 2) Disassembling and rearranging in smaller vases; 3) Delivering small arrangements to members grieving a loss, celebrating a birth, or struggling with sickness.

Summer Things Greeters

Be one of the friendly faces welcoming people on Sunday mornings as they enter our doors and helping newcomers find their way around the church.

10

Children’s summer activities could not happen without the help of volunteers in every area. Although Vacation Bible School has been posponed until 2022, our Children’s Ministry needs volunteers for this summer’s That Olympic Thing.

RECESS

IPC’s 99 Balloons RECESS ministry, offering families experiencing disability a parents–night–out the first Friday night of the month, is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Special Events

Whether a simple after-service dessert bar or large-scale production like Fall Fest, our many fellowship events throughout the year offer volunteer opportunities in a variety of ways, from planning and decorating to serving food and cleanup.

Communion Preparation

Twice a month on Thursday or Friday, volunteers assemble the juice and crackers, then stack, wrap, and stow.

Bible Study Teachers

There are opportunities to lead children’s Sunday school, middle school and senior high small groups, and women’s Tuesday Bible studies.

Interested in serving?

Contact Beth Clark, Administrative Assistant, Women’s Ministry and Children’s Ministry, bclark@ipcmemphis.org

11

Mitch Maher Spring Dinner

Tuesday, April 13 | 5:30 box dinner Program 6:00-8:30 p.m. (with intermission) $15 per person includes dinner and workbook

Join us for dinner and a unique opportunity to hear Mitch Maher.

His acclaimed “Clarifying the Bible” is a passionate and compelling overview of Genesis through Revelation that will help you dive into Scripture with confidence.

Space is limited. Register at ipcmemphis.org.

A simple gesture to help address hunger in Memphis: Pick up a Cool Green Bag at IPC, beginning April 11.

When you go shopping, buy one or more non-perishable food items to store in your Cool Green Bag, then drop off at IPC every other month on a designated Sunday.

Suggested items include: tuna, vegetables, fruit, soup, beans, chili, juices, tomato sauce, peanut butter, pasta sauces, jelly, cereal, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, pasta, rice, sugar, flour

12

April 21, 24, 25 Building Intergenerational Relationships Through

Men’s Ministry and Competition GOLF • CYCLING • PICKLEBALL RIB COOKOFF • SHOOTING RUNNING & TRIVIA SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

That Olympic Thing June 21-25 PreK - K 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Run with Joshua

1st - 4th 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. | Olympic Sports Camp 12:30 p.m. | Lunch 1:00-3:00 p.m. | Run with Joshua Elementary-school children may attend both Olympic Sports Camp and Run with Joshua, or either one.

Run with Joshua, pursuing wholehearted obedience to God!

Go, Go, Go Joseph! VBS is postponed until 2022

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

4738 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, Tennessee 38117 www.ipcmemphis.org

PAID

PERMIT NO. 422 MEMPHIS, TN

Dated Material — Please Expedite

Holy Week Palm Sunday Choral Worship Jesus, Name Above All Names March 28 | 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary

Maundy Thursday Communion Service April 1 | 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary

Good Friday Service

April 2 | Noon | Sanctuary

Easter Sunday Worship Services

April 4 | 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. | Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. Outdoor Family Service | North Parking Lot (weather permitting)

JESUS Name Above All Names

palm sunday Choral Worship

March 28 | 6:00 p.m. sanctuary

Please join us as we joyfully praise our Savior on Palm Sunday evening for a service of worship, including choral and orchestral music by our Adult, Sr. High, and Jr. High Choirs, congregational hymns, 1 and Scripture readings to praise, honor, exalt, love, and adore the OneWho is above all.