EDITION
2022
ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Letter From our Pastor Life of IPC Adult Ministries Family Ministries IPC Youth IPC Children Finances Foundation Missions & Renovations Community Ministries Music & Fine Arts IPC Day School Ministries of IPC Baptisms, In Memoriam, Weddings Church Leadership Church Staff
Connect with IPC! ON SOCIAL MEDIA
IPC INSTAGRAM: @ipcbirmingham
IPC FACEBOOK PAGE: Independent Presbyterian Church Birmingham, AL
YOUTH INSTAGRAM: @ipc_youth
COMMUNITY MINISTRIES FB GROUP: IPC Community Ministries
CHILDREN'S INSTAGRAM: @ipcbirminghamkids
1 FROM THE PASTOR REV. KEVIN J. LONG
Dear Church Family, In the pages of this report, you will get a glimpse at the wonderful year we had at IPC in 2022. It was our third year of COVID-19, but we finally saw a glimpse of normalcy again and were able to return to church as usual. It was also my first full year as your pastor as my family and I continued to adjust to our new life here in Alabama. You all have been so gracious to us, and we are extremely grateful for your kindness and hospitality. I have been continually amazed at the ways this church cares about one another and the world around us, and your increased generosity in 2022 was more evidence of that. The Lord has blessed us so that we might bless others in his name. It is wonderful to be a part of a church that wants to make a difference in our world in the name of Jesus! Thank you to everyone who generously gave and supported our ministry so that we were able to be such a blessing throughout the year, largely as a result of our truly outstanding staff. After a few excellent additions in 2022, our staff is nearly complete. I feel so grateful to get to work with so many talented and committed people. I hope you all realize how blessed we are to have them. There are exciting things afoot at IPC as the Holy Spirit is clearly on the move. 2022 was a fantastic year for us, but I believe that the best is still yet to come! In Christ, Kevin
2 LIFE OF IPC 2022 AT A GLANCE
Together in Person For the first time since the pandemic, IPC doors were fully open for our traditional events beginning with the Religious Arts Festival in January, moving into the 2022 Lenten Season, and throughout the remainder of the year. Finding Fellowship in New Ways During the Lenten Season, members began the journey to the cross and resurrection with new opportunities to connect. Wednesday Chapel and Lunch was introduced, and each Sunday featured Cookies in the Courtyard. Much to Celebrate On March 20, we celebrated David Seamon’s ordination and installation as a PC(USA) pastor. IPC's youth boys’ basketball team won the church league championship. Hunger Never Took a Weekend Off Weekend Buddy Bags, a new ministry, provided 1,844 bags of weekend food items to Hayes K-8 in the regular school year and students of the Summer Learning Program. The Crop Drop was back and even bigger than ever on Sunday, October 16. Summer Worship Schedule Introduced IPC transitioned into a new summer worship schedule from May 29 – Sept. 2. The morning worship service was held at 10 am in the sanctuary, and the Table evening worship service at 5 pm in Highland Hall. Sunday School moved to 9 am. Ministry in Many Places A group traveled on an IPC Mission Trip to Chiapas, Mexico, June 4-11, and the IPC Choir toured France, June 2-10. Hundreds of people came to our church on August 20 to celebrate the Ukrainian Freedom Festival.
1672
40
18
1915
TOTAL MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
TOTAL BAPTISMS
YEAR FOUNDED
3
9
13
48
43
TOTAL WEDDINGS
MUSIC & FINE ARTS EVENTS
STAFF MEMBERS
CATECHESIS VOLUNTEERS
4 ADULT MINISTRIES
2022 AT A GLANCE In our educational ministry, we strive for knowledge and understanding of the biblical story, application of God’s story in our everyday lives and service of compassion, reconciliation and justice in Christ’s name.
Bible Studies & Fellowship IPC Connect Lunch Bunch Knitting Ministry Centering Prayer Yoga with Rowena Bible Study with the Pastor Bible Study with Margaret Northen Bible Study with Rev. Susan Clayton Bible Study with Lucy Turner Grace Groups Bill Shanks Men's Bible Study Tapestries IPC Small Groups Women at the Well Home for Faith: Mom's Group Book Review Group Intercessory Prayer Group Bridge Young Adults Presbyterian Women Lent & Advent Chapel Series
Sunday School Topics
211 ACTIVE IN PRESBYERIAN WOMEN
186 GRACE GROUP ATTENDEES
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The History of Christianity Gentle & Lowly: The Heart of Christ SUNDAY SCHOOL for Sinners and Sufferers ATTENDEES Jeff Leonard Summer Sunday School Celebrating Sabbath Grace, Gratitude & Generosity Book of Matthew Book of Mark SUMMER Hope: A Users Manual S U N D AY SCHOOL Stained Glass Windows ATTENDEES John For Dear Life
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5 FAMILY MINISTRIES STENGTHENING FAMILIES
In 2022, IPC was excited to offer education, support, and connection opportunities, with family as its primary focus. Family Ministries has nurtured opportunities including: Sunday School Classes, marriage resources, parenting lectures, and plenty of fellowship. As part of a newly reorganized ministry, IPC welcomed Beth Middleton as Director of Family Ministries as a devoted staff person to help shepherd families and parents in this season of life.
Events & Activities Summer Splash & Wrap Up Family of Faith Fall Kick-off Family Hub Parent's Date / Kid's Fun Night Parent Christmas Social Advent Daily Verse Brochure Parenting Lecture by Dr. Clara Gerhardt Dinner Marriage Event
I am so excited to be in ministry with the families of IPC as Director of Family Ministries. I have loved getting to create lasting connections over the last 22 years and look forward to serving IPC in new and engaging ways.
Beth Middleton Director of Family Ministries
6 IPC YOUTH
7TH TO 12TH GRADE
2022 was a year of growth and development in Youth Ministry. We welcomed in a new Youth Director, Cammie Ashworth, and a large class of 7th graders to the youth program. We ventured to new conferences and continued beloved IPC traditions. Weekly programming typically includes Sunday School, Sunday evening youth group, and midweek meetups.
Programming & Fellowship IPC Winter Gatlinburg Retreat Presbytery Youth Retreats Youth Sunday Senior Celebration Sunday Tribal Assistants at Bibletimes Marketplace (BTMP) New! Service Day in Camden, AL Montreat Youth Conference NEW! Montreat Middle School Conference Acolytes in Worship Youth Grant Team Lock-ins at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm
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TRIBAL ASSISTANTS AT BTMP
2022 Acolyte Installation
16 SERVED ON THE YOUTH GRANT TEAM
18 RECOGNIZED ON SENIOR SUNDAY
48 PARTICIPATED AS ACOLYTES
"Being able to bring the light into the sanctuary has always been some of the most fundamental memories I have in the church. Acolyting throughout my time as a youth has meant that I’m able to better connect with other youth and all members through serving.” ~ Charlotte Walthall, Acolyte Captain
7 IPC CHILDREN INFANTS TO 6TH GRADE
In 2022, Children's Ministries focused on strengthening our core programming and growing our preschool ministry. We welcomed Maegan McRoberts as Director of Catechesis and many catechists began both Level I and Level II training. We enjoyed several new opportunities for fellowship including our Summer Splash and preschool play mornings. Weekly programming includes Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Worship Care, and Wednesday night programming including the musical. We continued well-loved programming including VBS (our largest ever), Bibletimes Marketplace, Advent Workshop, Fall Festival, and the Easter Egg Hunt.
Events & Activities Valentine's Party at Kirkwood 4th Grade Bible Presentation Spring Musical Extended Atrium NEW! Summer Splash and Wrap-up Parties at CFAF NEW! 6th Grade Recognition Palm Parade Easter Egg Hunt 2's Bible Presentation Vacation Bible School Bibletimes Marketplace (BTMP) BTMP NEW! Preschool Socials CAMPERS Blessing of the Backpacks Fall Festival at CFAF NEW! Presbytery Retreat at Living River Kid’s Fun Nights and Date Nights Advent Workshop Kid’s Christmas Party VBS Noon Nativity Choir PARTICIPANTS
72
89
Top Golf with New Youth!
129 ATRIUM PARTICIPANTS
Congrats to IPC's children that transitioned into Youth Ministries during the fall of 2022.
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CATECHESIS VOLUNTEERS
8 FINANCES 2022
Sources of Funding
2022 Actual: $5.94 million
HIGHLIGHTING
Designated Gifts 9%
$6,241
Children's Fresh Air Farm 8%
AVERAGE PLEDGE
Endowments 9% Designated Gifts
455
9%
NUMBER OF PLEDGES
Restricted Fund Transfers Children's Fresh Air Farm 8% 3%
$2,839,700
Other Income (includes Day School) 9% 16%
PLEDGE TOTAL
Pledges & 5
Endowments
Restricted Fund Transfers 3%
Pledges & Offerings 55%
E x p e n d i t u r e s Other2Income 0 2 2(includes A c t uDay a lSchool) : $5.79 million 16%
BUDGET SURPLUS
$150K AT YEAR END
$15K
Congregational Life 9% Discipleship 24%
Worship & Music 13%
10% TITHED FOR MISSION SUPPORT
$135K 90% RESTRICTED FOR CONTINGENCY FUND
Member Support 15%
Church Facilities 18%
Community Ministries 21%
9
IPC FOUNDATION
$68.3M FINANCIAL ASSETS AT END OF 2022 Grantmaking Committee Oversees distribution of funds, including the Beeson Fund & 44 Unitized Funds Reviewed 117 applications and awarded 100 grants for $2.1 million. Youth Grant team of 16 juniors and seniors in high school were charged with · researching and recommending distributions totaling $20,000. Approved 31 grant requests for small grants totaling $169,800. Approved 6 emergency grants for $36,500 to assist with natural disasters in Alabama, Kentucky, and Haiti; to provide wartime relief to the Church of the Risen Christ in Ukraine; to assist with the economic crisis in Syria and Lebanon; and to purchase new equipment for Hayes K-8.
Finance Committee Actively oversees financial matters, focusing the investment of Foundation endowments Ended the year with blended net loss of 11.92%
slightly behind the benchmark net loss of9.6%
Development Committee Oversees efforts to publicize the Foundation and grow the endowments 6 Lunch & Learns: Alabama Interfaith Refugee Partnership, Build Up, Church of the Risen Christ, Friends of Forman College, Lift Up the Vulnerable & Raleigh’s Place.
1 New Fund: Virginia Talbot Markle Fund, established by Melanie Talbot and Tom Booker in loving memory of their daughter, Virginia Talbot to provide financial support for the IPC Emergency Fund.
10 UPDATES TO IPC Guided by the House and Properties Ministry Team, including the Garden and Décor subcommittee Design and approval of plans to expand IPC's Columbarium. Construction dates: Feb. 6 - Summer 2023. Approval of landscaping and pool house renovation projects at The Children's Fresh Air Farm. The landscaping project was completed in Fall of 2022. The pool house renovation project will be completed by Summer 2023. Interior improvements were made to the AV system and lighting in Highland Hall, and a master plan was developed for future improvements. Exterior improvements to the Sanctuary and Highland Hall, including sealing the sanctuary stained glass windows and repairing the roof of Highland Hall.
DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY SESSION TO SERVE IN 2022
At the end of 2020, Session set aside significant funds to support the critical areas of need in our community. In 2022, the Community Ministries Discernment Committee was established to investigate and recommend the best use of these funds. After 12 months of work to discover opportunities to make a transformational impact, the committee unanimously approved funding to address the needs of children in the Birmingham area. Session approved the plan in November, and the Committee presented it to the congregation on December 11 during the 10 am Sunday School hour.
Organizations Receiving Funding Hayes K-8 Community Connector IPC's Summer Learning Program Family Wraparound Support Services Mobility Mentoring at i3 Academy
11 COMMUNITY MINISTRIES PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR NEIGHBORS IPC believes strongly in continuing to carry out Christ's ministry in Birmingham and the world through acts of service. In 2022, Community Ministries served others and provided a range of service opportunities to members that allowed all ages and skill sets to participate!
2022 Outreach First Light Shelter for Homeless Women & Children Habitat for Humanity Home Build Crop Drop Gleaning at Pepper Place Blessing Boxes Food Ministry Harvest for Hunger Campaign Food Box Ministry with East Lake Market Summer Learning Program & Lift Off Weekend Buddy Bags for Hayes K - 8 School Birmingham Warming Station One Roof Street Team Ukrainian Freedom Festival
MISSIONS
CHIAPAS, MEXICO
On June 4-11, 2022, a group of 16 IPC members and friends travelled to Chiapas, Mexico to worship, serve, learn, build community and experience a new culture together. An IPC group will travel to Chiapas again in 2023.
12 MUSIC & FINE ARTS
2022 AT A GLANCE
51st Annual Religious Arts Festival J.S. Bach and 18th-Century Germany, January 30 - February 6 Bach-a-thon Recital with 17 local organists “Cinderella, Rapunzel, and the Brothers Grimm” lecture by Dr. Jennifer Geer “Prost!” German food & wine tasting at the Clubhouse on Highland Annual Banquet "Oktoberfest" with jazz accordionist Cory Pesaturo Early Music Concert, Chatham Baroque, Pittsburgh, PA "J.S. Bach Concert" Wolfgang Rubsam on organ and harpsichord MEMBERS IN
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IPC CHOIR
IPC Choir Events
14 MEMBERS IN IPC CAMERATA
4 HOURS OF REHEARSAL PER WEEK
Choral Evensong, February 27 Choral Evensong, March 20 Palm Sunday Vespers Service featuring the Faure Requiem, April 10 Choir Tour to France, June 2-10 Choral Evensong, August 28 Choral Evensong, September 25 November Organ Recital Series: Alcee Chriss, NYC, November 6 Ken Cowan, Houston, TX, November 13 Colin MacKnight, Little Rock, AR, November 20 Theodore Davis, Baltimore, MD, November 27 Christmas Concert with brass orchestra, December 11 Annual Nine Lessons and Carols, December 24
13 IPC DAY SCHOOL 2022 AT A GLANCE
In 2022, IPC Day School increased student enrollment as we expanded the number of 2-yearolds and added a new 5-day class. The Day School website was updated with new content, teacher photos, and additional online payment options. A new Associate Director, Shanon Johnson, was also hired in 2022. Highlights of the year included getting back in the atrium for Catechesis, gathering with parents for our Halloween Parade and classroom holiday parties, and a successful HERO party fundraiser including a Roger Day concert for our students.
Events & Activities City of Pelham Police and K9 unit visit Lee Bryant “The Puppet Guy” Halloween Parade Harvest for Hunger food drive Thanksgiving Feast in the Great Hall 3-year-old Christmas program 4 and 5-year-olds Lessons and Carols service Visit from the Tooth Fairy HERO party for HERO Scholarships Duck Parade Doughnuts with Dads Field Day Bug Parade Muffins with Moms 4 and 5-year-olds Graduation service Day School Chapel
187 DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS
50 DAY SCHOOL STAFF
32 ATRIUM DAYS
Enrichment Programs Play Pals Little Artists Art Class Aces and Birdies Soccer Shots Step, Skip & Leap Music Enrichment
60 CHAPEL SERVICES
14 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN CHRISTMAS LUNCH IPC women and guests gathered on November 29th in the Great Hall to eat lunch and hear Mark Thompson, coowner of Shoppe and General on Clairmont Avenue, speak about all things holiday decorating.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE Our Congregational Care Department owes a great debt to the many IPC members who participate in our Shepherd Teams, providing ministry to members of IPC in times of need.
Shepherd Teams Knitting Ministry The Intercessory Prayer Group Love Thy Neighbor Funeral Ushers Bereavement Note Team Home Communion Team Homebound Ministry Team
CHILDREN'S FRESH AIR FARM AN IPC MINISTRY
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In 2022, the Children’s Fresh Air Farm continued to offer high-quality SUMMER LEARNING school-year and summer programming to students. LIFT OFF saw an PROGRAM increase in enrollment and volunteers. We strengthened the program by GRADUATES adding a literacy focus. During the Summer Learning Program, students participated in a wide range of activities including academics, chapel, technology, swimming, yoga, PE, art, music, and field trips. We continued to offer daily breakfast, lunch, and a snack and even hosted family dinners to strengthen relationships with families. The Farm was also LIFT OFF excited to host lots of IPC events in 2022 including Bibletimes PARTICIPANTS Marketplace, youth lock-ins, and the Summer Splash and wrap-up party.
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15 BAPTISMS Judson West Speaker Conrad Nicholas Riggs Annabella Marie Williams Margaret Naomi Fessler Andrew Franklin Smith Graham Coleman Barrows Mary Margaret Willings Vivian Page Couch Emerson Campbell Goudreau Ewan Yanzhang Brisendine Cordelia Jane Evans Virginia Ann Bellenger Elizabeth Boyd Bellenger Poppy Beatrix Joseph James Creedence Horton Otto Haynes Chandler Christopher Scott Hamre Mary Lane Weatherly
WEDDINGS
Mary Conyers Jernigan & Jordan Hicks Rebecca Wiggins & Drew Phillips Maggie Claunch & Kyle Raburn Charlotte Turner & Gaines Belcher Lochrane Smith & Brad Chase Anne Simmons & Philip Parker Crane Denise (Brown) & Charles McCall Jr. Heidi (McLoed) & Carter Dukes Jr. Sallie Grantham & Ryan Wheeler
IN MEMORIAM Hobart McWhorter Don McCormick Lena Smith Knight Thomas Nelson Rains Carolyn Miree Johnson Crawford Mary Sue Thornburgh Marvin Perry James Wilson Davis Jr. Marie Lee Stovall James Matthews Hollingsworth Nancy Lynn Kays Stetler Lowell Matthews Adams William Simms Moor Patricia McGauly Hershey Doris Dodds White Lathrop Winchester Smith Jr. Aubrey Glass Ross Ramon L. Deshazo Ralph B. Morrow Jr. Clifford M. (Burr) Spencer Jr. Sara Lacey Erwin Dorothy Tidwell Ireland Fletcher
16 CHURCH LEADERSHIP THE SESSION (ELDERS) SESSION CLASS OF 2022 Adams, Scott Alexander, Bruce Brunstad, James Casey, William Cheney, Lydia Deer, Alan Feagin Jr., John Hamilton, Terry Higgins III, John Horton, William McCain, Amy Ort, Janet Scholl, Kara Taylor III, George Albright, Bibb (youth elder) PRESIDENT OF THE CONGREGATION: Beth Hillhouse VICE PRESIDENT OF THE CONGREGATION (President Elect): Barry DeLozier PAST PRESIDENT OF THE CONGREGATION: George Taylor III SESSION CLASS OF 2023 Abbott, Susie F. Allen, Wendell F. Butts, Aly Cobbs, Margaret Cooley, Jim D. Donovan, Anna Kate Hill, Robert Lyons, Matt Monk, Jeanne P. Pless, Gail S. Rediker, Julie J. Thomson, Tommy Vanlandingham, Emily Walthall, Kennon Walthall, Charlotte (youth elder) SESSION CLASS OF 2024 Averitt, Anne Knox Cook, Foster Cook, Sheri Fleenor, David Hereford, Langston Johnson, Jeff King, Margaret Page, Penny Shepherd, Margaret Sutherland, Fairy White, Bennett Woodruff, David
DEACONS DEACON CLASS OF 2022 Albright III, Carl Cooley, Andrew Cowart, Lydia Lane, Jessica Brooks McRoberts, Rich Miller, Georgia Moore, Rebecca Polson, Kim Rediker, Michael Walthall, Ann Ward, David Cobbs, Ivy (youth deacon) Donovan, Hattie (youth deacon) DEACON CLASS OF 2023 Carrol, Justin T. Dexter, Ian H. Hartzog, Anna James, II, Clarence W. Kopecky, Diane Mather, Kate Murphy, Susan E. Posey, Grace J. Turner, Jay Wells, Jr., Thomas L. Woodruff, Kathleen A. Cowart, Sarah Beth (youth deacon) DEACON CLASS OF 2024 Beasley, Mary Cooper, Carter Couch, Chase Deer, Charlie DeLozier, Cathy Horton, Judilyn Brooks Hunter, Jan Jones, Virginia Middleton, Jr., Bobby Pelham, Heath Pledger, Mark Warren, Elise
UPDATES IN 2022 Session voted to reduce the number of ruling elders. This change will be phased in over a three-year period, beginning in 2023. By the calendar year 2025, IPC will have a total of 24 ruling elders with eight members per class, each still serving for three years. We will continue to elect one youth ruling elder each year.
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CHURCH STAFF CLERGY Rev. Kevin J. Long, Pastor Rev. Susan Clayton, Associate Pastor Rev. David Seamon, Associate Pastor
COMMUNITY MINISTRIES Rev. Melissa Self Patrick, Director of Community Ministries Evelyn Puckett, Social Services Coordinator Sarah Scruggs, Community Ministries Coordinator CHILDREN'S FRESH AIR FARM Catherine Goudreau, Children's Fresh Air Farm Program Director Mark David Bradford, Caretaker CONGREGATIONAL CARE & COUNSELING Rev. Susan Clayton, Associate Pastor, Congregational Care Stacy Pulliam, Engagement & Assimilation Coordinator Cindy Shaw, Asst. Engagement & Assimilation Coordinator Connie Logan, Administrative Assistant Rev. Dr. Stewart Jackson, Counseling Associate Dr. Kenneth Wade, Counseling Associate MUSIC & FINE ARTS Dr. Jeff McLelland, Director of Music & Fine Arts Beth Middleton, Assistant Director of Music & Fine Arts Rosalynn Fairless, Administrative Assistant of Music & Fine Arts COMMUNICATIONS Lindsay Jones, Director of Communications Margaret Lane Hollingsworth, Adult and Family Ministries Communications Coordinator CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES Catherine Goudreau, Interim Director of Children's Ministries Emma Stewart, Assistant Director of Children's Ministries Maegan McRoberts, Director of Catechesis Enid Athanas, Assistant Director of Catechesis Kenya Glasco, Nursery Coordinator FAMILY MINISTRIES Beth Middleton, Director of Family Ministries YOUTH MINISTRIES Cammie Ashworth, Director of Youth Ministries Susan Dukes, Youth Logistics Coordinator Grace Daniels, Youth Intern FINANCIAL/IPC FOUNDATION Denise Moore, Executive Director of Finance & IPC Foundation Beth Grauel, Accountant Patricia Harper, Development Manager, IPC & Foundation IPC DAY SCHOOL Kay Roller, Director Shanon Johnson, Assistant Director Susan Edmonds, Administrative Assistant ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS Stephanie Heupel, Director of Operations Lea Anne Hardy, Executive Assistant to Pastor Brian Hagan, Manager of Technology Nick Mathes, Technology & Operations Assistant Sandra Putman, Administrative Assistant
ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS (CONT.) Andre Asberry, Facilities Manager Gary Cohill, Operations & Maintenance Assistant Fred Matthews, Housekeeping & Maintenance Assistant Cynthia Miller, Housekeeping Vanessa Woods, Housekeeping Alma Gutierrez, Housekeeping Alejandra Trejo, Kitchen & Housekeeping Kim Martin, Director of Food Services Nicole Dugger, Operations Assistant
Staff Updates Cammie Ashworth began her new role as the Director of Youth Ministries in January. Maegan McRoberts joined staff in January as Director of Catechesis. Shanon Johnson filled the Assistant Director role at IPC’s Day School in January. IPC welcomed Sarah Scruggs in June as Community Ministries Coordinator. Margaret Lane Hollingsworth joined staff in August as the Adult and Family Ministries Communications Coordinator. A search committee was formed in August to fill the Director of Children's Ministries position. Session approved the formation of an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee in October to call an Associate Pastor. Rollins Thorpe served as Assistant Director of Children's Ministries through the fall of 2022. Stacy Pulliam transitioned into a part-time role in October. Beth Middleton was named Director of Family Ministries in November. Nicole Dugger was hired in November as Operations Assistant.
Milestone Anniversaries CELEBRATED IN 2021 & 2022 40 years: Vanessa Woods 30 years: Beth Grauel & Andre Asberry 20 years: Rev. Susan Clayton 15 years: Cindy Shaw 10 years: Kay Roller 5 years: Alma Gutierrez, Catherine Goudreau & Mark David Bradford
2022
ANNUAL REPORT 3100 HIGHLAND AVE. BIRMINGHAM, AL WWW.IPC-USA.ORG (205) 933-1830
