BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
Service for the Lord’s Day
The Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
SEPTEMBER 7, 2025 | 8:45 A.M. AND 11:00 A.M. | HOLY COMMUNION
Welcome to IPC!
Founded in 1915 , Independent Presbyterian Church (IPC) has long held a commitment to glorifying God through the use of beauty in every form as well as community service. From the beginning, our founders sought to establish a church reflecting God’s love for humanity and humanity’s love for God.
Today, we continue this legacy by cultivating meaningful worship, nurturing our congregation, and engaging in acts of service that reflect our call to love God and love our neighbors. All are welcome.
Thank you for joining us today. Please sign our friendship pad located in the pew racks so we know who is worshiping with us today.
If this is your first visit, you are invited to join us at the Welcome Table in the Parlor following the service. We look forward to meeting you and telling you more about our church.
Children are welcome to worship with us in the Sanctuary. Materials to build a Worship Bag are in the Parlor before each service. Please replace the items when the service ends. Children in kindergarten and younger may follow the acolyte down the center aisle to the Ground Floor for childcare during the service.
THE COVER features a 2018 acrylic painting of IPC’s exterior by McKenzie Kirk Brannon (1960–2025), a beloved friend of IPC whose spirit and art touched the heart of Community Ministries for many years.
The Gathering for Worship
We gather as a Family of Faith and prepare our hearts to worship God.
PRAYER OF PREPARATION
O God, send us to the Book which tells His story. May the old pages come new to us as we see Him moving among them. May the warmth and glow of His life and words burn again into our souls. Meeting Him there may we lay aside every weight and follow Him over the hills and far away. Amen.
from “Beginning the Day” by Henry Edmonds
PRELUDE
“Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness” J. S. Bach
The service of worship begins with the music of the organ. Through its power and brilliance may you feel the majesty and glory of God; in its quietness, His peace.
INTROIT
“Blessed be his glorious name for ever” George Thalben-Ball Blessed be his glorious name for ever; and let the whole earth be filled with his glory, Amen.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 25
Rev. Seamon
Minister: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. Lead the humble and teach them your way.
People: Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Minister: For you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
People: Your paths are steadfast love and faithfulness for those who keep your decrees.
Minister: Let us worship the Lord our God!
HYMN 299 “You Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim” HANOVER
Rise in body or spirit.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, we confess the blindness that is not even aware of sinning; the pride that dares not admit it is wrong; the self that can see nothing but its own will; the selfrighteousness that knows no fault, except in others; the callousness that has ceased to care; the defiance that does not regret its own sins; the evasion that constantly makes excuses; the heart that is too hardened to repent. Grant, O God, that we may be forgiven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A period of silence for personal confession.
KYRIE ELEISON from The Independent Service by Dr. Jeff McLelland
DECLARATION OF PARDON
Minister: Friends, this is the good news of the gospel. People: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
THE PEACE
Minister: May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. People: And also with you.
Minister: Let us share the peace of Christ with one another.
Please exchange the peace with the words, “The peace of Christ be with you.”
Rise in body or spirit.
GLORIA PATRI from The Independent Service
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Long
The Word
We listen for the word of God through confession, passing the peace, Scripture, and preaching.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON Acts 9:1-19a Pew Bible, N.T. pg. 97
Leader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
HYMN 462
“I Love to Tell the Story”
During the singing of this hymn, children kindergarten age and younger may follow the acolyte down the center aisle to the Ground Floor for childcare.
SERMON
“Your Damascus Road” Rev. Long Rise in body or spirit.
HANKEY
The Response to the Word
We respond to the hearing of God’s word through reflection, prayer, and offering.
NICENE CREED
Rev. Newton
I BELIEVE in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds; God of God; Light of Light; Very God of Very God; Begotten, not made; Being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; Who for us, and for our salvation, came down from heaven; And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered, and was buried; And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven; And sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Lord and Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead; And the Life of the world to come. Amen.
PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
To give online, text OFFERING to (205) 927-3100 and follow the steps.
THE DOXOLOGY (HYMN 606)
“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” OLD HUNDREDTH
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Rise in body or spirit.
THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION
THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether Harold Friedell
Draw us in the Spirit’s tether; for when humbly, in thy name, two or three are met together, thou art in the midst of them: alleluya! Touch we now thy garment’s hem. As the brethren used to gather in the name of Christ to sup, then with thanks to God the
Father break the bread and bless the cup, alleluya! So knit thou our friendship up. All our meals and all our living make as sacraments of thee, that by caring, helping, giving, we may true disciples be. Alleluya! We will serve thee faithfully. Percy Dearmer
The Eucharist
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
GREAT THANKSGIVING
Minister: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Minister: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Rise in body or spirit.
SANCTUS
The minister continues in prayer, and then is sung:
from The Independent Service
MEMORIAL
ACCLAMATION
The minister continues in prayer, and then is sung:
from The Independent Service
AMEN from The Independent Service
The minister continues in prayer, and then is sung:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
OUR FATHER, who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done; On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts; As we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Rise in body or spirit.
MUSIC DURING COMMUNION
“Ave Verum Corpus” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum, immolatum in cruce prohomine cuius latus perforatum unda fluxit et sanguine: esto nobis praegustatum in mortis examine. Hail, true Body, born of the Virgin Mary, having truly suffered, sacrificed on the cross for mankind, from whose pierced side water and blood flowed: Be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet] in the trial of death!
14th-century chant attr. Pope Innocent VI
“Deck Yourself, My Soul, with Gladness” Johann Crüger
Deck yourself, my soul, with gladness, Leave behind all gloom and sadness; Come into the daylight’s splendor, There with joy your praises render Unto God, whose grace unbounded Has this wondrous banquet founded; Come, for now the Lord most holy Stoops to you in likeness lowly. Sun, who all my life does brighten; Light, who does my soul enlighten; Joy, Your wondrous gift bestowing; Fount, from which all good is flowing: At Your feet I cry, my Maker, Let me be a fit partaker Of this blessed food from heaven, For our good, Your glory given. Jesus, source of life and pleasure, Truest friend and dearest treasure, By Your love I am invited, Be Your love with love requited. From this banquet let me measure, Lord, how vast and deep its treasure; Through the gifts that here You give me, As Your guest in heaven receive me.
Johann Franck, trans. Catherine Winkworth and John Casper Mattes
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Rise in body or spirit.
The Sending
We are sent out into the world to love God and our neighbors.
HYMN 475 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
BENEDICTION
NETTLETON
Rev. Long
POSTLUDE
“Jesus, Priceless Treasure”
J.S. Bach
Flowers
The flowers on the War Memorial are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of all who served in World War II, including Lt. Col. John Lightner Feagin, U.S. Army; Major Arthur Henry Feagin, Jr., U.S. Army; Major Joel Daniel Feagin, U.S. Army; Captain Isaac Ball Feagin, Jr., U.S. Army; and Lieutenant junior grade Samuel Ball Feagin, U.S. Navy; family members of John Feagin. September 2 marked the 80th anniversary of the official end of World War II in 1945 when U.S. General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
Announcements
Together Again Breakfast
today 9:45 a.m. | Great Hall
All are welcome for breakfast, coffee, and fellowship as we celebrate the first Sunday back on our regular schedule. Worship services will be at 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary and 5:00 p.m. in Highland Hall. Sunday School classes will not meet today and will resume Sept. 14.
Youth Group Returns
tonight 5:00 p.m. | Highland Hall
IPC Youth Group resumes tonight! Dinner is provided, and no sign-up is required.
Wednesday Nights at IPC
Each Wednesday Night
Find a class and join us for dinner prepared by Kim Martin. Class details and
dinner reservations can be found at ipc-usa.org/worship/wednesday-nights.
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, Sept. 14 | Noon | Sanctuary
A meeting is called for Sept. 14, to be convened with the opening prayer at the 11:00 a.m. worship service with the business portion to follow worship. The purposes of the meeting are to elect: Elders and Deacons for the class of 2028, a Youth Elder and Youth Deacon to serve one-year terms (Feb. 1, 2026-Jan. 31, 2027), a President and Vice President of the Congregation, a representative to serve on the IPC Foundation Board of Directors (2026-2032), and members of the Representative Nominating Committee for the class of 2028.
Announcements
Sunday School Classes Resume
Sunday, Sept. 14 | 10:00 a.m.
• Bonhoeffer’s Life Together (Reformed Class), RM 309
• Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ (Presbyterian Women), RM 304
• The Biblical Prophetic Purpose (Wonder Years & Seekers Classes), RM 305 & 306
• Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Heal From (Bridges & Crossroads), Garage
• In the Trenches: Faithful Families (New Parent Class), RM 302
• Foundations (Young Adults Class), RM 303
• Youth Sunday School (7th-12th Grade), RM 101
• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (2K-6th Grade), Ground and 1st Floor
• Nursery (6 weeks–18 months), RM G05
Service of Choral Evensong
Sunday, Sept. 14 | 4:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
The IPC Choir will sing a service of Choral Evensong, directed by Dr. Jeff McLelland. Music includes works by Joanna Forbes L’Estrange and Grayston Ives’ Canterbury Te Deum. Come worship with us as we rest in the Heart of God.
Beer & Hymns
Monday, Sept. 15 at 7:00 p.m. | The Grocery, 2823 Central Ave., Homewood Sing old-time hymns (and a few new ones) in a relaxed setting with good food and great company. All are welcome at our new location, The Grocery.
Fall Dinners for Eight
Sign up by Monday, Sept. 15
Dinners for Eight brings together members and friends of all ages to share a meal in homes or restaurants. Sign up at ipc-usa.org on the Sign Up Links page.
STAIR 3.0 Tutors Needed
Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 3:15–4:15 p.m. | Hayes K–8
Volunteers are needed Sept. 23–Dec. 17 to work one-on-one with 3rd graders to strengthen reading skills through IPC’s STAIR 3.0 program. Questions? Contact Marion Dukes at mdukes@ipc-usa.org.
Provide & Serve Dinner at First Light
Sept. 22-30 | First Light Shelter
Volunteer with your family or a group to provide evening meals Sept. 22-30 for the women and children staying at First Light. Sign up at ipc-usa.org on the Sign Up Links page.
Prayer List
Copies of IPC’s current prayer list are available in the Parlor and Narthex. Our Intercessory Prayer Group meets each Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel to pray by name for those on the list. To submit a prayer request for a loved one, yourself, or any prayer need, please contact Connie Logan at clogan@ipc-usa.org.
Give To IPC
Mail a Check:
Independent Presbyterian Church 3100 Highland Avenue S., Birmingham, Alabama 35205
Give Online:
Scan to give in a secure, convenient format online.
Text to Give:
To give online, text GIVE to (205) 927-3100 and follow the steps.
Thank You for Your Gifts.
Questions on how to give can be directed to Margaret Lane Hollingsworth at mhollingsworth@ipc-usa.org.
Watch Online
We invite you to worship with us from wherever you are. Join the 11:00 a.m. livestream at YouTube.com/@IPCBirmingham
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
This Week At IPC
8:45 A.M. Traditional Worship, Sanctuary
9:45 A.M. Together Again Breakfast, Great Hall
11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship, Sanctuary
5:00 P.M. Table Worship, Highland Hall
5:00 P.M. Youth Group, Garage
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
9:15 A.M. Home for Faith, Garage
5:30 P.M. Yoga, RM 301
6:00 P.M. Boy Scouts, Scout Hut
7:00 P.M. Lakeview AA, RM 307
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
11:00 A.M. Intercessory Prayer, Chapel
1:30 P.M. Centering Prayer, RM 304
3:00 P.M. Chair Yoga, RM 304
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
9:00 A.M. Yoga, RM 301
10:30 A.M. Women at the Well, Garage
10:30 A.M. Caregiver Connect Support Group, RM 304
10:30 A.M. Zoom Bible Study
5:30 P.M. Lakeview Al Anon, RM 304
7:00 P.M. Lakeview AA, RM 307
WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMMING
5:00 P.M. Christian Doctrine: Intro to Reformed Theology, RM 305/306
5:00 P.M. Youth Grant Team, RM 101
5:30 P.M. Wednesday Night Dinner, Great Hall
5:30 P.M. Home for Faith, RM 105
5:30 P.M. Kids ROCK, Ground & 1st Floors
6:00 P.M. Bible Study with the Pastor, RM 218
6:00 P.M. Whimsy Wednesdays, RM 302
6:00 P.M. Traveling the Path of Labyrinth, RM 301
6:30 P.M. IPC Choir Rehearsal, Music Suite
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
11:00 A.M. Knitting Ministry, RM 105
12:00 P.M. Noon Bible Study with Rev. Clayton, RM 307
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
6:30 A.M. Bill Shank’s Bible Study, GH2
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
11:00 A.M. IPC Hiking Group
To learn more about our upcoming events and to register for classes, please visit ipc-usa.org.
Introducing Our New Bulletin Format
Over the past year , a special task force from the Worship Committee, along with IPC pastors and the Communications team, has worked to refresh our morning worship bulletin. The project began more than 12 months ago with a review of IPC’s current bulletin and bulletins from other churches with similar worship styles, helping us recognize what worked well and identify what could work better.
Our goals were to create a bulletin that is more readable, easier to follow, and welcoming to visitors, while also presenting a more modern design. At the same time, we were careful to preserve design elements inherent to IPC’s style and tradition. This way, while the format feels refreshed, it still reflects the character of our church and the beauty of our worship.
We partnered with a Birmingham-based agency specializing in branding and typography to guide the reformatting and bring in a fresh perspective. Their expertise helped us shape a bulletin that reflects both the tradition and the clarity we strive for in worship. Every detail was intentionally considered to move the look and feel gently forward while keeping it familiar. A smaller booklet size makes it easier to hold and read, while consistent formatting, clear headers, and section markers bring flow and ease of use. The new format also includes a weekly section, This Week at IPC, which outlines opportunities to worship, learn, and serve as a church family in the coming week.
In August, the updated bulletin was unanimously approved by the Worship Committee and subsequently unanimously approved by Session. As always, we will continue to print in house to help reduce costs and to work with responsible paper and equipment vendors to lessen our environmental impact.
We will continue to listen, learn, and make thoughtful adjustments as we begin using this new format. Our hope is that the bulletin can grow with us and serve as a welcoming guide to worship and fellowship at IPC, especially for new members and first-time worshipers.
PARTICIPANTS IN TODAY’S SERVICES:
The Rev. Kevin J. Long, Pastor
The Rev. D. Nicole Newton, Associate Pastor, Discipleship
The Rev. David J. Seamon, Associate Pastor, Mission & Outreach
Dr. Jeff R. McLelland, Director of Music and Fine Arts
Acolytes:
(8:45 a.m.) Charlotte Chambliss and Russell Chambliss (11:00 a.m.) Helen Ray, Shep Ray, and Kate Austin
The Independent Presbyterian Church Choir
3100 Highland Avenue, South Birmingham, Alabama 35205
PHONE : (205) 933-1830
OFFICE HOURS : 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays
This congregation is affiliated with The Presbyterian Church (USA) ipc-usa.org