IPC Ministry Brochure | 2021-2022 by IPCBirmingham

INDEPENDENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

MINISTRY BROCHURE 2021-2022

artwork by www.CamillaMoss.com

3100 HIGHLAND AVE | BIRMINGHAM, AL 35205 205.933.1830 | WWW.IPC-USA.ORG

WELCOME

Welcome to the life and ministry of Independent Presbyterian Church (IPC) in Birmingham, Alabama. We are a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley. We believe God calls us to be a Christian community, actively engaged in transforming lives through our living faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. You are invited to worship here and to discover ways to grow your faith, serve in ministry to others, and build relationships through fellowship. All are welcome.

SUNDAY WORSHIP Morning Worship 8:45 am & 11 am (Sanctuary)

Table Evening Worship 5 pm (Highland Hall) Childcare available. Holy Communion served on the first Sunday of each month in morning worship, and weekly at The Table Evening Worship.

IPC STAFF

CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES Catherine Goudreau, Director of Children and Youth Emma Stewart, Assistant Director of Children's Ministries Kay Roller, Director of Children's Faith Formation Enid Athanas, Assistant Director of Catechesis Kenya Hicks, Nursery Coordinator

COMMUNITY MINISTRIES Rev. Melissa Self Patrick, Director of Community Ministries Evelyn Puckett, Social Service Coordinator Lisa Holloway, Community Ministries Coordinator

YOUTH MINISTRIES Catherine Goudreau, Director of Children and Youth JD Tyler, Director of Youth Faith Formation Susan Dukes, Youth Logistics Coordinator Grace Daniels, Youth Intern

CLERGY Rev. Kevin J. Long, Pastor Rev. Susan Clayton, Associate Pastor Rev. David Seamon, Associate Pastor

CHILDREN'S FRESH AIR FARM Catherine Goudreau, Children's Fresh Air Farm Program Director CONGREGATIONAL CARE & COUNSELING Rev. Susan Clayton, Associate Pastor, Congregational Care Stacy Pulliam, Engagement & Assimilation Coordinator Cindy Shaw, Asst. Engagement & Assimilation Coordinator Connie Logan, Executive 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, Executive Assistant of Music & Fine Arts COMMUNICATIONS Lindsay Jones, Director of Communications FAITH FORMATION (CHRISTIAN EDUCATION) Rev. David Seamon, Associate Pastor, Faith Formation Rev. Susan Clayton, Associate Pastor, Adult Faith Formation Lea Anne Hardy, Executive Assistant, Faith Formation

FINANCIAL/IPC FOUNDATION Denise Moore, Director of Finance & Exec. Director IPC Foundation Beth Grauel, Accountant Patricia Harper, Stewardship, Membership, Finance, IPC Foundation IPC DAY SCHOOL Kathy Leaver, Director Natalie Anderson, Assistant Director Susan Edmonds, Administrative Assistant ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS Alynn LeBerte, Executive Assistant to Pastor Brian Hagan, Manager of Technology Sandra Putman, Executive Assistant, Operations & Administration Linda Jolley, Administrative Assistant Andre Asberry, Facilities Manager Gary Cohill, Maintenance Fred Matthews, Maintenance Vanessa Woods, Housekeeping Cynthia Miller, Housekeeping Alma Gutierrez, Housekeeping Kim Martin, Director of Food Services Alejandra Trejo, Kitchen

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SUNDAY MORNING FAITH FORMATION Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021 - Sunday, May 22, 2022 | 10 - 10:50 AM

ADULTS Advanced Class | Room 302

This class is taught by leaders from the Bill Shanks Friday Morning Bible Study and is made up of mostly retired adults. The class has traditionally studied books of the Bible for their curriculum. Facilitator: Lee Walthall

Wonder Years | Room 306

This class is made up of mostly median adults and will continue their study of "The Great Courses: The Holy Land Revealed" this fall. New class members welcome to join. Facilitators: Matt Hunter & Larry Krannich

Reformed Class | Room 309

All IPC members and visitors who are interested in studying God's word and its application in our everyday lives are invited to focus on "Christian Calling" in select scriptures from the Old and New Testaments. Facilitator: Wendell Allen

Bridges | Garage

This class is for parents with children from infants to sixth graders who are looking to form friendships and grow in your faith, your marriage, and your parenting. We represent varying stages in our life, our faith journey, and our knowledge of scripture. Facilitator: Anna Hartzog

*NEW* Adult Sunday School Classes Crossroads | Room 308

As parents of older children and teenagers, we find ourselves at a number of intersections: launching your kids while caring for aging parents, all while navigating your own transitions as a person of faith. If you are a parent of an older child or teenager (or anyone who finds themselves at a crossroads) and looking for a meaningful place for connection, join us! Facilitator: Emily Vanlandingham

PW Women's Class | Room 304

Please join us for a new women's Sunday School class this Fall open to all ages! We will follow the Presbyterian Women's Horizons Bible study "What My Grandmothers Taught Me, learning from the Women in Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus." Led by a team of teachers, we will explore stories of the handful of women mentioned by name -- Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary. Their stories will lead us into the Gospel and the Good News about Jesus Christ! Join us for a lively class of discussion and fellowship. Facilitator: Mary Ann Morrow

YOUTH Youth Sunday School | Room 101 7th - 12th Grade Led by: JD Tyler

Youth Confirmation Class | Room 105 9th & 10th Graders - Fall 2021 Led by: Catherine Goudreau

Youth Sunday Fundays | Room 101 October 10 and February 20 A time for fellowship and fun for youth on select holiday weekends. Games, breakfast, and fellowship time together. IPC Ministry Brochure | Page 3

CHILDREN Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 2s (Toddlers) - 6th Grade Children gather in a specially prepared room for child-focused Christian faith formation to contemplate scripture, share our faith practices, and celebrate God's great love for us through song and prayer. Toddler Atrium (2s) G05 Atrium Level I (ages 3- 5K) Rm. 109 Atrium Level 2 (grades 1- 3) Rm. 108 Atrium Level 3 (grades 4- 6) Rm. 107 Director: Kay Roller

Nursery Infants (born after 9/1/19) 8:30am - 12pm | Room G22

W o r s h i p C a r e (1 1 a m - 1 2 p m )

Children's Sunday Fundays

Toddlers (2s) - Room G05 Ages 3-5K - Room G08 During the 11 am Worship Service, your child may stay in the same Sunday school room to continue their fellowship with a Bible story and craft. Worship care is supervised by parent volunteers and childcare employees.

October 10 and February 20 2s - K5 in Room G05 1st - 6th Grade in Room 113 A time for fellowship and fun on select holiday Sundays. Bible story, craft, and breakfast.

CONGREGATIONAL BREAKFASTS & SPECIAL EVENTS For select holiday weekends (Sunday School classes will not meet), IPC's Congregational Care Ministry invites members and guests for breakfast in the Great Hall during the Sunday School hour for fellowship. BREAKFAST DATES: September 5 - Labor Day November 28 - Thanksgiving January 2 - New Year's May 29 - Memorial Day July 3 - Independence Day SPECIAL EVENTS: February 13 - Mercedes Marathon March 20 - Children's Spring Musical April 17 - Easter Sunday

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WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

Sept. 1 - Nov. 17 (12 weeks) and Jan. 12 - March 16 (10 weeks) | 5:30 - 7 PM Wednesday Night Curbside Dinner To-go meals continue out of Kim's Kitchen. Pick up a meal and take it with you to your small group or back home. Reservations required by noon the Tuesday before.

A Woman's Heart | Room 101 This group is geared toward women in their late 30s to early 50s but all are welcome! The perspective of those who have seen the road ahead is an invaluable resource to those struggling at certain milestones! Spend your Wednesdays in fellowship in the middle of the week, when we need it most! Facilitator: Sarah Long

Members in the Middle | Room 105 Members in the Middle (MitM) is a group of adults in their “middle years”—and we have a loose definition of that term! We meet for dinner, fellowship and study. This fall, MitM is sponsoring a study of Listening for God: Volume One: Contemporary Literature and the Life of Faith with IPC member Gail Pless as our leader. This book contains selections of short stories and essays from a variety of contemporary American authors and seeks to help the reader find connections between these writings and the life of faith. This class will run for six weeks, from Sept. 1-Oct. 6. From Oct. 13-Nov. 17, this group will sponsor a Grace Group on Wednesday nights with a team teaching approach, studying Acts: Catching Up With the Spirit by Matthew L. Skinner.

Parent Date Nights | 5:30 - 7:30 PM (2 hours) | First Wednesdays Date Night is designed to be a nudge for the couples at IPC. A nudge to have a conversation. A nudge to laugh. A nudge to think. A nudge to break out of our normal routines. Drop off your kids for FUN NIGHT while you and your partner enjoy a couple of hours together. Cultivated date night kits provided or use the time to recharge anyway you need it. Childcare for babies - 4s provided by the IPC Childcare staff. (Date nights will be Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec., Apr, and May)

GRACE GROUPS Oct. 10 - Nov. 20 (6 weeks) and Feb. 27 - Apr. 9 (6 weeks) Grace Groups offer IPC members an opportunity to get to know other members and study the scriptures in a small group setting. Groups meet in various places or via Zoom twice a year over six-weeks from October 10-November 20 (fall term) and February 27-April 9 (spring term). There is a place for you! Facilitator: Cindy Shaw Fall Term: Acts: Catching Up With the Spirit by Matthew L. Skinner This study explores six themes that illustrate the ways in which reading Acts is capable of igniting our imagination about the character of the Christian gospel, the work of God’s people (the Church), and the challenges of living faithfully in a complex and challenging world.

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ADULT WEEKDAY FAITH FORMATION MONDAYS A Home for Faith

Women at the Well

Sept. 13-Nov 8 | 9 AM | Garage All IPC Day School and church mothers are invited to join this small group of women to discuss life as a mom. A new book is chosen for each semester. Fall 2021 we are reading "Giddy Up Eunice!" by Sophie Hudson. Facilitator: Kathy Leaver

Book Review Group 1st Mondays Sept.-May | 10 AM This group reads and discusses a new book each month. Facilitator: Ginni Robertson

Yoga with Rowena Starting Sept. 13 | 5:30 PM | Room 301 Appropriate for all levels from beginner to advanced (modifications provided). Must be able to get up and down from the floor. Facilitator: Rowena Macnab

TUESDAYS Centering Prayer 1:30 PM | Prayer Room on Ground Floor Deepen your relationship with the living Christ through interior silence. Facilitator: Rowena Macnab

Tapestries 1st/3rd Tuesdays Sept.-May | 12 PM This women's group discusses books from a number of genres: theology, spirituality, faith and culture, religious history, etc. Leader: Rev. Susan Clayton

WEDNESDAYS Bible Study with the Pastor 7:30 AM Meeting weekly to study the sermon text for the coming Sunday’s sermon. This group has met continuously in the past with IPC's Pastor.

Sept.-May | 10:30 AM This Bible study explores books with Biblical applications and guidance to life. Facilitator: Leigh Ann Moore

Bible Study with Margaret Northen

Year-Round | 10:30 AM This group focuses studies on Biblical interpretation and meaning.

THURSDAYS Bible Study with Rev. Susan Clayton

Sept.-May | 12 PM | Room 307 This weekly Bible study group is open to women of all ages. We study biblical texts in their original context, but also seek to understand their application to our daily living. New members always welcome!

Aly's Group

Meets Monthly IPC youth group alumni who want to do life together! We hang out once a month, eat really good food, and learn to navigate this in-between phase of life. Facilitator: Aly Butts

Young Professionals Small Group

Year-Round | 7 PM Come and hang out to meet young professionals in the area! Each week we study something together and help build relationships with one another. So, bring yourself and a friend, and let’s connect! Facilitator: Catherine Kinney

Young Adult Small Group

Year-Round | 7 PM Whether you have a Tinder or a two-year old, you’re welcome here. We’re a diverse community who study, serve, and fellowship together. We strive to create a place where everyone belongs; a safe place to share doubts and questions, joy and laughter, struggles and heartache. In a time when so many have had to “culturally commute” or bracket out parts of themselves in order to be in Christian community, we gather in the broken, mess of our lives and trust that God is at work to create something beautiful. Leader: Rev. David Seamon

Yoga with Rowena Starting Sept. 15 | 9:00 AM | Room 301 Appropriate for all levels from beginner to advanced (modifications provided). Must be able to get up and down from the floor. Facilitator: Rowena Macnab

FRIDAYS Bill Shanks Men's Bible Study

Sept.-May | 6:30 AM This men's small group meets weekly over breakfast to discuss Biblical texts. Facilitator: Lee Walthall

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TOGETHER IN

IN FELLOWSHIP Beer and Hymns Third Mondays at Iron City Grill | 7 PM It's exactly what it sounds like - we sing old timey hymns (plus a few new ones...as long as they sound good in a bar) while enjoying good food and beverages.

IPC Connect IPC Connect is a new ministry of Congregational Care offering opportunities for IPC adults to connect to one another, God, and the wider world for fun, Christian fellowship, and exploration. New events planned every month. So far we have enjoyed Sunset Cocktails, a show at the Virginia Samford theater, a movie at the Alabama Theater, and a Baron's Baseball Game. Contact: Cindy Shaw

Hiking Group The hiking group will sponsor a monthly hike September - May on the third Saturday. Hitting the trail with a group of IPC members and their friends is a fantastic way to strengthen relationships and meet new people all while enjoying God’s wonderful creation. Facilitator: Rowena Macnab

IPC Bridge Group Every Monday and Wednesday 1-3 PM | Rooms 308/309

SERVICE

Blessing Box Food Ministry

Drop off donations or send items via a delivery service Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm to IPC Community Ministries' entrance on 31st Street South.

S.T.A.I.R. Birmingham

STAIR trains volunteer tutors to partner with a 1st or 2nd grade student for an entire school year, assess their literacy needs, and join them on their reading journey. Tutoring takes place at Hayes K8 between 3:30-4:45, Mon.-Thur. Contact: Kelli Thompson Bell kelli@stairbirmingham.org

First Light

Provide and serve dinner for the women and children staying at First Light. Please consider this great activity for a family (families with children welcome) or a group. IPC will be providing the evening meals each night the following weeks.

Aug. 22-28 | Oct.3-9 | Nov. 28 - Dec. 4 Habitat for Humanity

Sign up for this year’s Habitat for Humanity Build (ages 14 and up). The project begins on Sept. 9 with a ground breaking ceremony, and construction will take 6-8 weeks with sign-up dates for our Presbytery on Fridays and Saturdays starting Sept. 10.

Harvest for Hunger

Bridge is a fun and challenging game to be enjoyed by players of all ages. If you are new to the game there is a Beginners/Refreshers Bridge class on Mondays at 11 AM in Room 301 beginning Aug. 16-Oct. 11.

Join us Oct. 17-Nov. 21 for our annual Harvest for Hunger Food drive when we have a special call for members to bring food to the church to stock the pantry shelves for the holiday season! You can also make a financial contribution to pay for the purchase of fresh and frozen food to supplement the non-perishable items.

Dinners for Eight These dinners take place three times a year in members’ homes, restaurants, or anywhere else you can make a "table". You will be asked to serve as host once during the rotation. Couples and singles are all invited. Dinners will begin in October/November for the first rotation, and the spring dinners will be February/March and April/May. Members of all ages invited to participate! Please contact Fairy Sutherland (fairysutherland@gmail.com) to join.

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IPC YOUTH Circle Up Live Music Group Sundays at 6 PM | Beginning August 15 Open to all youth 7th - 12th graders who are interested in being a part of our live music group. Musicians, singers, AND aspiring musicians welcome. We will meet immediately prior to Youth Group on Sunday evenings in the Garage at Highland Hall. Led by Beth Middleton and Sarah Mason

Youth Group Sundays at 6:30 PM | Beginning Aug. 15 7th - 12th grade Youth Group meeting on Sunday evenings immediately following Circle Up and will begin with dinner together. Our youth are inundated with endless pressures to conform to various identities, norms, behaviors, and standards. We want them to know first and foremost who they are in Christ. That is, how God sees them. We hope to offer them a way to face all the struggles they come up against - particularly anxiety and create a space where they can wrestle through those emotions and anxiety. And there is fun too! We'll never let a Sunday go by without some fun games and fellowship together! Dinner for $5 (or buy a Food Pass in advance). Led by JD Tyler

Youth Grant Team Wednesdays at 5:30 PM | Beginning Aug. 25 The purpose of the IPC Youth Grant Team (YGT) is to educate high school juniors and seniors in Christian philanthropy, group decision-making, Christian stewardship, and the IPC Foundation. YGT will meet in the Loft in Highland Hall and are invited to join our other youth at 6:30 pm in the Garage for the remainder of MidWeek Meetup.

MidWeek Meetup Wednesdays at 5:30 PM | Beginning Sept. 1 All 7th-12th graders are invited to MidWeek Meetup for a chance to breathe, relax, and just hangout. We will eat together, pray for one another, and recharge for the week. Dinner for $5 (or buy a Food Pass in advance).

Acolytes An Acolyte has a long history in the church. They perform the very important function to bring the light of God into the sanctuary at the beginning of each worship service and carry the light of God out into the world at the end of each service. All youth 7th-12th grade are welcome to serve in worship as an acolyte. Training for new and returning acolytes will be held Sunday, August 22 from 12-1:30 pm.

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Montreat

July 10-16, 2022 | Registration Opens Feb 1, 2022 Every summer IPC Youth grow closer to Christ and each other at the Montreat Youth Conference. Nestled in the North Carolina mountains, Montreat is a place where generations of Presbyterian youth have encountered God. For many of our youth, it’s their favorite week of the year. If you want a full week of fun, worship, Bible study, and time together, consider joining us next summer.

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MIDWEEK MUSIC & MORE September 1 - November 17 (12 weeks) and January 12 - March 16 (10 weeks) 5:30 - 7:00 PM Champions of Faith Wednesdays, September 1 - November 17 | Room 111 Dinner begins at 5:30 pm followed by Champions of Faith Through songs, activities and Bible study. Kids in grades 5K - 6th will experience the rich spiritual legacy of eight Bible champions whose lives of obedience provide worthy examples to follow. They will encourage children to lay aside distractions and run a faithful race with steady determination as they keep their eyes on Jesus. Directed by Beth Middleton and Emma Stewart

Spring Musical: More Power to You LIVE! Wednesdays, January 12 - March 16 | Room 113 Dinner begins at 5:30 pm. followed by More Power to You Alex was an ordinary kid with ordinary problems. But one day, a bigger than ordinary problem appears. In fact, you might even call it a GITOP: a Ginormous, Intimidating, Troublesome, Overwhelming Problem! Join us for the long-awaited LIVE production of this fun musical. Kids K-6th are welcome!

Final Presentation Sunday, March 20 at 10 AM Directed by Beth Middleton

IPC KIDS FUN NIGHTS First Wednesdays (September - May) | 5:30 - 7:30 PM (2 hours) 5K - 6th graders are invited to join us on the first Wednesday of every month as we play and have fun with our friends at church! These Fun Nights will correspond with our parent Date Nights being offered by the IPC Family Ministry Team. Additionally, childcare will provided for children babies - 4s. September 1 - Glow Night October 6 - VIP Movie Night November 3 - Passport Around the World Night December 1 - First Light Shelter Sing & Christmas Party January 5 - Churchwide Epiphany Celebration (no Date Night for parents) February 2 & March 2 - These Wednesdays will be reserved for Spring Musical rehearsals April 6 - Easter Eggs-travaganza May the 4th - Be With You... Star Wars Night IPC Ministry Brochure | Page 10

IPC KIDS SPECIAL EVENTS

3 r d , 4 t h , a n d 5 t h Gr a d e B i b l e R e t r e a t a n d P r e s e n t a t i o n 9 A M - 3 P M | S a t u r d a y , S e p t e mb e r 2 5 a t C F A F 1 1 A M Wo r s h i p S e r v i c e | S u n d a y , S e p t e mb e r 2 6

In preparation for receiving their Bible from the church, children in grades 3rd-5th are invited to a Saturday day retreat where they will enjoy food, fellowship, and interactive hands-on materials designed to grow their appreciation and knowledge of the Bible. The church will present them with their Bible on Sunday during the 11:00 am Worship service

F u n Da y a t t h e F a r m 9 A M - 3 P M | T h u r s d a y , No v e mb e r 1 1 a t C F A F

Kindergarten - 6th Graders are invited to spend Veterans Day together at the farm. This will be a day of fun including inflatables, outdoor activities, fun snacks and more! Lunch will be provided.

A d v e n t Wo r k s h o p 9 A M | S a t u r d a y , De c e mb e r 4 a t Hi g h l a n d Ha l l

Kick-off the Advent season with our annual Advent Workshop! A morning filled with crafts, holiday movies, & fellowship will be a welcomed start to this festive season. Christmas PJs welcome!

Vacation Bible School 2022 9 A M - 1 2 P M | Mo n d a y , Ma y 2 3 - T h u r s d a y , Ma y 2 6 C o mp l e t e d 2 s - 4 s

Ready to cook up some fun? Cokesbury's Food Truck Party VBS invites children of all ages to get on a roll with God as a parade of Food Trucks rolls into their neighborhood for the summer's biggest party! This VBS invites children to pray as Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:11; "Give us this day our daily bread." These words serve as a reminder that everything we have comes from God — and that it's by turning to God in prayer that all of our daily needs are met. Registration for IPC members begins March 1 and March 15 for non members.

B i b l e t i me s Ma r k e t p l a c e 2 0 2 2 “ P a u l ” 8 : 3 0 A M - 2 : 1 5 P M | Mo n d a y , J u n e 6 - F r i d a y , J u n e 1 0 a t C F A F C o mp l e t e d K 5 - 5 t h g r a d e

Campers are invited to join us for this year’s Bibletimes Marketplace. This year we will explore the life of Paul. Sign up for a fun week at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm. Registration for IPC members begins March 1 and March 15 for non members.

MUSIC & FINE ARTS Choral Evensongs

Sept. 26 | Oct. 31 | Feb. 27 | Mar. 20

A select group of singers from the IPC Choir, the IPC Camerata, is the resident ensemble for these services in the sanctuary. These services are on select Sundays at 4pm and last about 40 minutes followed by an extended organ postlude. This liturgy has been offered for nearly a thousand years. Here you will experience beauty, and welcome the voice of God into your heart through art, music, and liturgy.

November Organ Recitals Nov. 7 David Enlow Nov. 14 Colin Lynch Nov. 21 Stephen Buzard Nov. 28 Katelyn Emerson Since 1965, this organ series has continued to attract people to IPC from the Birmingham community and beyond. Free concerts are held every Sunday in November in the Sanctuary. It features the Joseph W. Schreiber Memorial Organ built by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders Ltd.

Christmas Concert December 12 | 4 PM

Religious Arts Festival

January 30 - February 6, 2022 The Arts and Culture of 18th Century Germany Guest speakers and artists with expertise in music, literature, and art have been invited to the city for our annual week-long program this winter. Experience the music of Bach, Handel, Buxtehude, Telemann, and more. This year's Religious Arts Festival Banquet will be an Oktoberfest celebration with traditional German food, something you will not want to miss!

Spring Concert May 22 | 4 PM