Spring 2018
INDEPENDENT Presbyterian Church
WINDOWS
He is Risen! RABBONI
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CAMP PALMER
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WHITE STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A New People. A New Memphis.
My dear Friends:
Windows is a publication of Independent Presbyterian Church. Go to ipcmemphis.org to view online.
In this issue:
2 “RABBONI!” 5 CAMP PALMER:
Celebrating 50 Years
9 LOVING WHITE STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ON THE COVER: Resurrection of Jesus, 19th century mosaic at the Kerepesi Cemetery in Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to the second year of Windows magazine! Our first issue was a year ago this month as part of our revamped communications strategy. We especially wanted to use this magazine to highlight how our church family is living out “New People, New Memphis” in all sorts of unique ways. We also wanted to have a piece that you could use—not only for your information, but for others. I would strongly urge you to take your copy and give it to a neighbor, family member, or friend whom you know would be encouraged by what God is doing at Independent Presbyterian Church. One of the things that I hope you’ve heard me say is that if we are going to be new people working toward a new Memphis, then we must be those who “live and love locally.” Part of loving locally means loving our neighborhood and our neighborhood schools. For several years now, we have had a partnership with White Station Elementary School, which is just a few blocks from our church building, off Avon Road on Chickasaw Road. What you may not know is how much IPC has done to reach out to our community through our adopted school. This issue will open a window on our ministry efforts there. Another special partnership that we cherish is with Palmer Home for Children. This month, Palmer Home will celebrate 123 years of caring for children in Jesus’ name. And since our church’s beginning, we have loved Palmer Home well. In fact, three years after IPC started, we began Camp Palmer—an outreach ministry to Palmer Home, providing an opportunity to go to camp for children who may not have that opportunity. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Camp Palmer, and we are excited to recount the history of our partnership even as we look forward together to what God might do in the future. God is on the move here at IPC. I trust that this issue of our magazine will help you and others see what God is doing!
In the grip of God’s grace,
Rev. Sean Michael Lucas, PhD Senior Pastor Independent Presbyterian Church 4738 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, Tennessee 38117 901-685-8206 | ipcmemphis.org
Martin C. Shea
Holy Week
Palm Sunday “Hosanna!” Program March 25 | 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Adult Choir, Senior High Choir, and Junior High Choir accompanied by orchestra
Maundy Thursday Communion Service March 29 | 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Good Friday Service
March 30 | Noon | Sanctuary
Easter Eve Concert
March 31 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. | Levitt Shell Kirk Whalum, Memphis Repertory Orchestra, City Choir, and more!
Easter Sunday Worship Services April 1 | 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. | Sanctuary
Choir, Brass Quartet, Timpani, and Handbells. Everyone joins in singing the "Hallelujah Chorus" to celebrate the resurrection of the King of Kings!
Easter Eve Concert
palm sunday Music Program
March 31 • 6-8 p.m.
March 25 | 6:00 p.m. Great choral masterworks, sung by our Adult, Sr. High, and Jr. High choirs and congregation — accompanied by an orchestra that includes members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra
Levitt Shell
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IPC is partnering with other area churches to present our Easter Eve concert at the Levitt Shell. Share the Light of the World, produced by Ephie Johnson, will be a citywide celebration and family picnic, featuring an array of guest performers, including Kirk Whalum, Memphis Repertory Orchestra, and City Choir.
“Rabboni!” Sean Michael Lucas
The sun is barely cresting the hills surrounding Jerusalem on Sunday morning. Several women, led by a woman named Mary from Magdala, have come to prepare Jesus’ body for its final rest. After all, there wasn’t time on Friday. Jesus suffered on the cross, dying there. When it was getting close to nightfall, the soldiers came to break the legs of the dying men to speed their deaths and found that Jesus was already dead.
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Two Jewish leaders, secret followers of Jesus, requested the body from Pilate. Receiving permission, they wrapped the body the best they could and placed it in the new tomb owned by Joseph of Arimethea. Then the world as they knew it settled to rest on the Sabbath. Now Sunday morning has come and the women come. And when they arrive in the early morning light, they discover the unexpected. Perhaps Mary Magdalene sees it first—the stone has been rolled away! Immediately, Mary begins to worry. Without pausing even to look into the tomb, it appears, she races back to the disciples. She has to tell the two leaders of the disciples, Peter and John. And when she arrives, panting all out of breath, she cries out with words that serve to drive this narrative: “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” We can understand her thoughts. How disoriented, how fearful she must be! She had placed her faith in Jesus—after all, he had delivered her from seven demons (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2). Perhaps she was the one who had anointed Jesus’ feet with her tears; perhaps she was the one who had been forgiven much and so loved much. Quite naturally, her heart, her hopes, her love are buried in that tomb. She goes to the grave in order to be with the one who delivered her very soul from oppression and granted her life. Though he is dead, though he is buried, her heart is focused on his burial site. But now, the stone is rolled back. And the only thing she can conclude is that “they”—whoever they are, either soldiers or enemies or grave robbers or careless ones—they have taken his body and he is gone. Peter and John, identified only as “that other disciple,” hear her news and run to investigate. When they see the strips of cloth and the empty tomb, though they don’t understand it, they know this is the work of Another. Mary follows them to the tomb; and when two apostles return home, Mary remains, searching, longing, hoping for answers. Weeping too. Through her tears, she finally plucks up her courage to look into the tomb. And what she sees is astonishing—two angels have descended, sitting where Jesus’ body had been. “Woman, why are you crying?” they ask. Why are you crying when it is clear what happened? Why are you worrying, fearful, doubting? Her answer is the same, frantic and yet personal: “They have taken my Lord away and I don’t know where they have put him.” Perhaps you know what she is really saying. For you have longed to be delivered from oppression and fear and doubt. Your heart longs to believe and hope in something,
in someone who is real, who keeps his promises, and who delivers the goods. But you don’t know where to go. And so, you are like Mary—your heart aches with brokenness and sin and alienation and grief; you long for relief; you may even know that Jesus can deliver you—but you don’t know where to find him. For Mary, she simply has to turn around. For there, next to her, is Jesus. And yet in her frenzied heart, she cannot recognize him, she doesn’t realize that her Lord is as near as her shadow. He speaks to her, asking the same question the angels asked: “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Her answer to the question repeats the basic substance of her refrain. She assumes this man is the gardener and assumes again that he doesn’t mean any harm in his work. “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” She thinks that if she has the body, all will be well. But something happens that changes all her calculations. Something happens that moves her from worry to hope, from weeping to rejoicing, from doubt to faith. Something happens that is far beyond her expectations and yet is the real bedrock of all her expectations. It is a single word: “Mary,” Jesus says. And by hearing her name in his voice, by hearing the word, Mary recognizes this Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for the sheep (cf. John 10:16, 27). This is no gardener. This is Jesus! And in that moment, everything changes! The light of heaven that reflects on the angels and on the hills of Jerusalem, it dawns in Mary’s heart! It spills over, through her whole being—joy and love and peace spill out through her mouth— “Rabboni! My master!” He is alive! No one has taken him away. No one has misplaced him. What those strips of linen and head covering declare is that he is alive! In the flesh, there before her very eyes! She wants to keep him, hold on to him. But instead, Jesus gives her a word to speak: “Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary thus becomes the first eye-witness of the resurrection: “I have seen the Lord!” No more worry, no more weeping, no more doubt—for she has seen the resurrected Jesus; she has heard his word, his voice with her name on his lips. And it makes all the difference! What will make the difference for you? In the midst of your worry and weeping and brokenness and sin and alienation, how will everything change? Jesus is alive! He is calling you by name! And he will transform your life!
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High School Students: Join our "Wild West” Tour
There is still time to join our Senior High Choir and participate in our “Wild West” tour, May 31-June 8. It’s a great opportunity to: 1) worship our Lord and proclaim the Gospel through beautiful music—choir, solo, and instrumental 2) experience the wonders of God’s awesome creation 3) share the experience with others, building relationships while traveling together, singing and having fun Your friends are welcome too!
2018 IPC Senior High Choir “Wild West” Tour May 31 – June 8
Thursday, May 31 First Reformed Presbyterian Church - Oklahoma City, (Minco), OK Friday, June 1 Providence Presbyterian Church - Albuquerque, NM Saturday, June 2 Rincon Mountain Presbyterian Church - Tucson, AZ
IPC Recreation Ministry Summer Camps Soccer Camp
for Boys and Girls ages 5-13 We partner with the SCSA Falcons for our summer soccer camps. Cost: $125 per session June 4-8 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. June 11-15 (After VBS) 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (VBS campers can bring their lunch and will be picked up from their classroom to attend soccer camp.)
Mike Miller Basketball Camp
Sunday, June 3 Travel to Flagstaff, AZ Monday, June 4 The Grand Canyon - Grand Canyon Village, AZ Tuesday, June 5 Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church - Montrose, CO via Four Corners Monument and Silverton, CO Wednesday, June 6 Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs – Colorado Springs, CO Thursday, June 7 Evangel Presbyterian Church - Wichita, KS Friday, June 8 Homecoming Concert - Independent Presbyterian Church – Memphis, TN Transportation: Barkley Travel - A new 56 passenger travel bus with one of our favorite drivers, Larry Rushing! Cost: $325 per student (includes transportation, motels, admission fees, and most meals); cash for miscellaneous meals in route Preparation: Weekly rehearsal – Sundays 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Call the IPC Music Ministry Office, 901-685-9707, or email musicoffice@ipcmemphis.org.
Women’s Ministry Spring Luncheon Tuesday, May 1 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Guest Speaker: Susan Tyner Topic: TBD Cost: $7.00 Please make reservations, either through Bible Study small group or by contacting Sandy Martin, smartin@ipcmemphis.org or (901) 685-8206. Nursery provided, but pack your child’s lunch. Susan Tyner is Coordinator of Women’s Ministry at Christ Presbyterian Church in Oxford, MS. She also serves as Mid-South Regional Advisor on the PCA Women’s Ministry Team and as an Advisor to the RUF Permanent Committee. Susan and her husband, Lee, have five children. Stirring a pot of soup, dancing in her exercise class, and reading a book are her favorite things to do between the laundry and the dishes.
for Boys and Girls ages 7-14
Campers will be coached by Pro Players, M33M Alumni, and current M33M players. Each camper will receive an Adidas camp t-shirt, awards, autographs, photos, and more. Cost: $245 per session June 18-21 | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. July 16-19 | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. July 30-August 2 | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration available at
ipcmemphis.org/ministries/recreation-fitness/ For more information, contact Rob Howard, Director of Recreation Ministry, rhoward@ipcmemphis.org, or call (901) 763-3857. 4
Coming this fall:
Vocation Mini-Conference With Dr. Donald Guthrie | September 7-8, 2018 IPC has invited Dr. Donald Guthrie to lead a church-wide miniconference on vocation, Friday and Saturday, September 7-8. Dr. Guthrie holds the Jeanette L. Hsieh Chair of Educational Leadership at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where he is also executive director of the Center for Transformational Churches, director of the PhD (educational studies), and professor of Educational Ministries. Dr. Guthrie is also a frequent teacher at conferences and retreats, often addressing cultural trends, intergenerational ministry, calling and vocation, and adult learning. Watch for details later this summer.
Mountain air, cabin walls, and warm summer sun: Camp Palmer has a simple kind of magic. “It's a chance for everyone to get away, unplug, and just live for five days,” said Emily Duggan Dean, an IPC member and one of camp’s coordinators. “I don’t know how to describe the feeling you get when we’re going up the mountain and we’re almost there.” Each year around Memorial Day, buses wind up Lookout Mountain. Nestled in the woods is Camp Desoto, where over 200 campers from Independent Presbyterian Church and Palmer Home, a residential children’s home, will spend a few summer days in a world out of time. Cookouts, archery, canoeing, horseback rides, forest nights on a camp cot: it’s a wealth of experiences, offered to children from first grade clear up to twelfth. Throughout its fifty years, Camp Palmer has offered those experiences to hundreds—and just like the campers who come back a little older and wiser each year, it’s changed and grown since its early days.
Back in 1968, two men had a conversation: Joe Davis, the executive director of Palmer Home, and Jim Moore, Independent’s second minister. “Joe Davis and Jim Moore were childhood friends, they were in touch,” said Lisa Turner, an IPC member, one of camp’s coordinators, and a one-time camper herself. “One is running a children’s home in Columbus, Mississippi; one is pastoring a little Presbyterian church in Memphis. And Joe Davis says, our staff needs a break.” At the time, Palmer Home staff and house parents were on duty year-round. Together, Palmer Home and IPC shaped a solution: camp. For two weeks, Palmer Home staff would go on vacation while church members took the children under their wing. “Different adults in church would go be the counselors at camp,” Turner said. “The children would stay the whole time and the adults would come and rotate in two, one-week shifts. Back then it was more like, there's a basketball, there's a kickball, and you did Bible study, but still, it was fun.”
EverySummer Summer Since Since 1968 1968 Every 5
Camp’s first years were an adventure. Ruth Francis, an IPC member, could share a wealth of stories. Her family is woven right into the fabric of Camp Palmer; Lisa Turner, her daughter, and Kelly Turner, her granddaughter, went as children and still orchestrate Camp Palmer today. Her husband, Hugh “Doc” Francis, served on Palmer Home’s board and helped bring the idea of camp to life in 1968. Both Ruth and Hugh were instrumental in shepherding Camp Palmer through its early years. From transporting a piano into the woods to a fifteen-foot moonball that flew out of a truckbed down the highway, Francis recalls colorful days when camp was new— not quite the well-oiled machine it is today. “Mr. Moore let us sing, and he said we didn't need a piano there—we should sing acapella, the acapella was beautiful. I'm like, these are kids, they're not a choir," Francis laughed, reminiscing. “So I went around to all these music stores asking if they would contribute a piano of any sort to use at camp. Finally one let us use a piano for a week. Somebody had a truck. It got there somehow.” Camp’s early life resembled more of a vacation bible school, with singing, bible study, and a few outdoor adventures. Most importantly, as it still does today, camp provided a foundation for relationships. The Francises would settle into camp for one week; while Doc Francis served as camp doctor and a counselor for the boys, Ruth oversaw the Palmer Home girls. “One year I had the high school girls,” she remembered. “We’d stay up
until two or three in the morning, just talking— about boys, about life and what they were going through.” Kaki and John Crews, also long-time IPC members, worked as counselors that first year, and for fourteen more. “We were at this camp somewhere up in Tennessee, and it was hot, August hot,” Kaki recalled of one early year. “We took a few children up in this cornfield, we were looking for arrowheads. Oh, they just had a big time. There was a little boy named Michael — I was holding one hand and Janet Sartelle was holding the other hand, and he looked up and said, ‘I so happy.’ That’s my most vivid memory of that camp. It’s Michael.” After hopping between grounds for several years, camp settled down in Mentone, Alabama. Camp Desoto has been home to Camp Palmer for over 32 years; today, it’s owned by Phil and Marsha Hurt, who fell in love with Palmer Home and Camp Palmer while Mr. Hurt was on staff at IPC. “Now that they own Camp Desoto, they virtually give it to us for this ministry,” Turner said.
These days, campers bond over five days packed before, but I think he hates that week.” with archery, high ropes courses, crafts, swimming, skits, Throughout camp’s many activities, children get a horseback riding, and more. One chance to play and bond. recent highlight is the Farm at Windy “It's an overall long-term relationship; Sometimes the friendships formed you bond at camp, I started going to Hill, bought by Camp Desoto in the far outlast the short few days at summer camp when I was, what? Five? And last few years. camp; Mesha Embree, a Palmer Home I'm still in touch with Grace fifteen “We go to look at the chicken alumna, and Grace Thompson, an IPC years later.” Mesha Embree, Palmer Home alumna coop, to watch them harvest honey member, have stayed in touch for over from their bees, see the queen bee,” a decade. said Turner. Campers try out the farm “It's an overall long-term life for a day: pulling up carrots, making friends with pigs, relationship; you bond at camp,” Embree said. “I started and exploring the greenhouse. going to camp when I was, what? Five? And I'm still in touch There are also some time-honored camp traditions. with Grace fifteen years later.” “The night we get there, our skit opens up,” said Lisa Camp also allows the children from Palmer Home’s Turner. “It’s a week-long story, and it’s kind of the same Columbus and Hernando campuses to relax together for a theme every year. Somehow a bad guy is going to get the deed to Camp Palmer and not let us come back, or turn it into a homework camp.” Skit time usually means a loud and enthusiastic mess hall, especially the year “a bad guy came in smoking a cigar with a suit, planning to turn camp into a porta potty camp,” Turner laughed. Busy days give way to cool summer nights, when campers gather in the open-air gym for events like the square dance and luau. And, of course, there are the inevitable camp legends. “There's usually this huge turtle in the lake, they’ve named him Jaws,” Turner said. “It's every little boy's goal to somehow catch Jaws. He’s been caught and released
few days. “We don’t get to see each other very often,” said Pam Criger, Palmer Home’s Director of Administrative Services. “The kids love getting to spend time together for a week, because they are comfortable with each other, like they get me, they know me.” Through the years, Camp Palmer has woven numerous lives together; it began with the friendship of Moore and Davis, and its decades-long history has knit Palmer Home and IPC continually closer. “Through camp over the years, there have been hundreds, thousands of bonds formed between our staff, children, and IPC members,” said Robert Farris, Palmer Home’s Vice President of Rescue. “Camp looks like a fun time, but the incredible side benefit is all the support that has developed.” Founded in 1895, Palmer Home provides “a family for children in need,” according to Criger. “We’re a residential home for children who, through no fault of their own, need a place to be and become.” That means filling an array of roles. “It’s more than being mom and dad,” said Farris. “It’s being therapists, college counselors, guidance—a lot goes into raising a child.” Palmer Home currently occupies two campuses: one in Hernando and one in Columbus. Campus programs range from schooling and athletics to, at the Columbus grounds, horseback riding and horticulture in seven on-site greenhouses; there’s a space for every gift to grow. Altogether, Palmer Home’s campuses are currently home to over fifty children. And as the children grow up, Palmer Home grows out. “The Hernando campus recently expanded,” Criger said. “We have three new cottages we’re working on, and we could easily, within the next year maybe, double our occupancy.” Another Hernando project, to be completed in June 2018, is the Hugh Francis Wellness Center. A multipurpose facility, it will house a gym, counseling suite, campus school, administration offices, and a
boardroom. “To do all these expansions and projects requires a lot of people to lean in,” Farris said, “For a 125 year old organization, Palmer Home has never been a wealthy organization. As we’ve been raising funds for the Wellness Center, easily half has been from IPC members, and if I named those individuals, you could trace that relationship right back to Camp Palmer.” 2018 marks fifty years of Camp Palmer—and fifty years of friendship. “There is such a deep relationship that goes back for so long,” said Emily Duggan Dean. “With Doc Francis, who was one of the founding fathers of camp and the legacy that’s gone on through Lisa and now through Kelly—it's so special to be a part of this generational ministry alongside Palmer. Our relationship has continued to stand the test of time, truly.”
Here’s to fifty more. Palmer Home for Children provides healing and restoration for vulnerable children, allowing them to experience life in a loving family setting where they are nurtured and guided with Christian principles. The children of Palmer Home live on two campuses in Mississippi. The original campus, founded in 1895, is located in Columbus with seven cottages situated on 110 acres. A Hernando campus opened in 2003 (Independent Presbyterian Church funded its first cottage). The 150-acre property has six cottages with a capital campaign underway to build the Dr. Hugh Francis Health and Wellness Center. Palmer Home serves individual children and sibling groups, supporting them physically, emotionally, spiritually, and educationally through college age.
Loving thy neighbor, White Station Elementary School By Annie Howard
How do we love our city well? One possible answer: by starting small. “Sometimes it's hard for us to think abstractly about a city,” said Dr. Sean Lucas, IPC’s senior minister. “So the question becomes, how can we live and love locally, within our neighborhood?” In 2015 the church made a deliberate move to put down roots in its area, adopting White Station Elementary School. Only a few blocks from church grounds, the school provides a tangible picture of loving locally. Church members of all ages have rallied around teachers and students alike, encouraging the White Station community—and, perhaps, inspiring renewal elsewhere.
“If the gospel transforms this neighborhood, then it becomes a figurehead for the city to continue its process of being renewed,” said Lucas. White Station Elementary is a special place. The school paints a large and small-scale portrait of our community; it’s in IPC’s neighborhood, practically on its doorstep, but the diversity within reflects humanity far and wide. “White Station Elementary represents 17 different languages, several ethnic groups, and at least four to five major
religions,” said Sarah Hamer, both an IPC member and a Professional Learning Community Coach at White Station. “Really, White Station is what the world looks like, because we've got everybody here.” When IPC first adopted WSE, Hamer bridged the two, matching members with opportunities to nurture White Station’s wide range of students, staff, and teachers. As a learning community coach, Hamer develops programming for teachers and students;
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as White Station’s Adopt-A-School coordinator, she works as a liaison, connecting companies and churches with needs within the school. “The senior highs were the first people to really embrace us,” she said. “They started out tutoring and mentoring our children, they still do. The students at the school, they'll say, ‘Hey, are our people coming?’ I'm like, ‘Yes, your people are coming.’ Or I'll say, ‘No, not this Wednesday.’ Then they get really disappointed.” On the last Wednesday of each month, IPC’s Junior and Senior High students head to White Station Elementary for the evening. For an hour and a half, they hang out with children in White Station’s after-school program; from gym time to friendly competition over board games, these nights give children and IPC students a chance to play and relax together.
“It's neat to see our students loving on younger kids, and then the same back,” said Mary Virgina Felker, the assistant director of the Senior High ministry. Beyond the school year, Senior High students also run a one-week summer sports camp for White Station students. All in all, it’s been a “sweet experience,” Felker says. “I tended to
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think of missions opportunities like international missions trips, but we can love people well in our own circles.” Brad Robson, IPC’s Pastor of Student Ministries, echoed her words. “I live close to the school. I’ll go over to the park with my sons and run into kids I’ve seen on Wednesday nights; they’re excited to see me, they know me,” he said. “I always think about that passage in Jeremiah 29, ‘seek the prosperity and the welfare of your city.’ This has been a great opportunity for our students to give of themselves.” The high school ministry inspired Ellie Weeks, a senior high student, to create a service project. Through Hutchison School’s Wilson Society program, upper school girls launch their own projects throughout the Memphis area; Weeks chose White Station as her home base. “I’ve loved volunteering with White Station through our church, so I thought it would be a great idea to do something outside of that, on my own,” she said. One Thursday a month, Weeks and a Hutchison classmate take snacks and crafts to around thirty fifth-graders in an after-school program. For an hour and a half, the teachers get a break—and the students get their wiggles out, playing games Weeks plans. “We form a lot of funny memories,” she said. “During Christmas time, we played this game where you had to wrap someone in toilet paper to turn them into
a snowman and put a hat and gloves on them.” Turnabout was fair play; Weeks and her partner soon became snowmen themselves. “They covered us head to toe,” she laughed. “I think there were a few making snow angels in the toilet paper on the floor.” A little attention can go a long way. Homework, first crushes, impending teen years: elementary school can be a rocky experience. From toilet paper snowmen to tutoring, there are small ways to pour into lives that may need it. Barbara Malone works with White Station first-graders. “The teachers are happy for anything and everything you can give,” she said. “They welcome tutors from 8:15 to 9:15 any day of the week; I thought, hey, I can do that.”
Teachers send her two to four children with books in tow; together, they spend an hour reading stories and practicing spelling. “It’s easy, seriously,” she laughed. “I can roll out of bed and go. It’s just a little thing you can do.” Three years ago, Samuel Husband, IPC’s 20s Community and Mercy Ministry Pastor, talked to Hamer about tutoring; a few weeks later, he was matched up with a fifth-grade ” student named KD. Barbara Malone “It's a little nerve-wracking going into a school, talking to a little kid you don't know,” Husband said. “It's funny that I, as an adult who's done with school, has kids, would still feel like an elementary school kid walking in
“The teachers are happy for anything and everything you can give. They welcome tutors from 8:15 to 9:15 any day of the week; I thought, hey, I can do that.
there like, ‘Are they going to like me? Don't be an idiot!’” Those initial jitters soon gave way. For an hour after lunch, the two would go over reading and math together, and gradually, conversations about homework opened up into chats about the Grizzlies, football, and school life. Over three semesters, Husband was able to work with four different fifth-grade boys, and in each case a small commitment of an hour here and there turned into an unfolding friendship. “Here’s the turning point of what made it so rewarding,” he said. “With all four of these guys, I would start asking questions. Then after several meetings with them, they would start asking me questions: where I was from, why was I doing this. I got to share a little bit of my story, being in a church, wanting our church to love this school.” IPC member Pat Gettings also introduces children to the church story, in a fun-filled way: Good News Clubs. Every
Monday, she meets with K-5 children in the after-school program for an hour and a half of games, Bible verses, and a missionary story. The clubs are sponsored and run by Child Evangelism Fellowship, where Gettings is a long-time staff member. In that light, the Good News Club becomes a picture of joint effort. “The church is the body of Christ. It’s not that building over there,” Gettings said. “There are Christians all over the city. Gettings also puts together a quarterly luncheon for all White Station staff. Alongside the women in her Sunday School class, she decorates the teacher lounge and provides food for all those who keep school running smoothly, from principal and teachers to maintenance workers. “One lady told me it was like an oasis in the middle of the day,” she said. For staff, the smallest gestures can mean much. White Station teachers look forward to the once-a-month visits
from Cheryl Parker, an IPC member; her arrival always means baked goods appear in the teacher lounge. “Teachers hate announcements unless Mrs. Parker's involved,” Hamer laughed. “I'll say, ‘The ladies at IPC just brought us fresh-baked cupcakes,’ and they'll be gone within ten minutes.” Parker also remembers each teacher’s birthday with a personalized card. “My interest has really been in the teachers: trying to make their lives appreciated, making them feel special,” she said. Small acts of kindness can go a long way. Loving Memphis—and the world—doesn’t need to feel overwhelming; sometimes, it’s simply doing what you can, where you can. “Whatever level of support you can offer, offer it,” Husband said. “Once a week, once a month, once a semester. Sometimes, when we show up and just love people, take an interest, and ask them questions, it's crazy; they feel supported. Think about what a little encouragement’s done in your own life.”
Annie Howard has been a member of IPC for 20 years and is a freelance writer.
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Helping Fund Your Good Ideas
he IPC Mercy Community Fund connects members of the congregation with resources to engage our city. Set aside by IPC's Mission Committee, the Community Fund is available to IPC members who want to realize a ministry in Memphis. The fund seeks to harness members' ideas, changing our local mission field organically. As members not only of IPC but of the Memphis area community, we know our city and can impact it from a local perspective; if a need is recognized, members can use the fund to help. With the aid of Community Fund resources, IPC members can respond to opportunities with acts of mercy, compassion, and relationship-building. The maximum grant amount is one thousand dollars. Requests and ministry ideas must be approved by the Mercy Subcommittee before receiving a grant. If you have a project in mind, or for more information, contact Ralph Delbove at delbove5@gmail.com. 11
: 2018 MISSION TRIPS : The Lord’s Work in Tanzania
Two IPC Mission Groups Take Turns in Greece
An IPC team led by Rev. Mike Malone recently returned from a two-week mission trip to Tanzania, where they served alongside the African Inland Church in Musoma. The group’s work was multifaceted. Alicia Bartusch, Carole Jones, and Barb Malone taught at a Bible Conference attended by 220 women from a dozen churches in the Musoma area. Dr. Martin Fleming and Paula Wilder saw patients at several health facilities, offering pre- and post-natal care, cancer screening, diabetes and blood pressure consultations, and treatment for water born diseases like malaria and cholera. Mike and Jim Wilder visited 10 villages where well projects (some funded by IPC members) are providing fresh, safe water for thousands of people. Access to abundant, clean water has not only helped eliminate illnesses, but several churches have been planted and continue to grow due to well projects. “We westerners tend to think we are the ones who have something to give; the reality is we are the ones who are on the receiving end of God’s goodness and grace as He encourages us through His people here,” Mike noted.
Nine men left February 8 for Athens, Greece to serve the Kingdom through construction work at the Greek Bible College and House Damaris. Will Frazier, Andrew Dafferner, Barrett Day, and Parker Tenent (known as “Team Alpha”) worked at the Greek Bible College, which is the only evangelical Bible college in Greece, taking down 20 trees and building a walkway for the college students to have better access to their dorm. Feb Boswell, Mark Olinger, Jason Dallas, Tom Callahan, and Matt Olson (known as “Team Bravo”) served House Damaris, a rehab ministry for women being rescued out of the Athens sex trafficking industry. They built a pergola on the House Damaris roof to provide a shady, relaxing outdoor patio for the residents and their children. The Lord is truly at work in Athens, Greece. Preceding the men in January, a team of five IPC women also served at house Damaris: Melissa Alexander, Darlene Brewer, Joyce Caldwell, Kathy Garrett, Lexie Johnston, and Hermenia Prather. They spent a week encouraging ladies who were rescued from a life of abuse and trafficking. Many wonderful relationships were made while helping them plan for their futures.
JOIN AN IPC SHORT TERM MISSION TRIP THIS SUMMER! New York, New York July 28-August 4
Glasgow, Scotland July 27-August 4
“City Camp” at Grace Fellowship Church A family mission trip Grace Fellowship, a multicultural church located in a neighborhood just outside New York City, provides a “City Camp” during the summer months to serve as an outreach to the community. IPC has been asked to come alongside senior pastor Jon Storck to help provide a fun-filled, Christfilled week to the local children. This trip is designed for families from IPC to serve together on the mission field. We anticipate middle school aged and older family members to be the perfect age for this type trip along with their parent (s). From Monday to Friday, we will run a VBS type camp for the neighborhood children with lessons, games, and outdoor recreation. Late afternoons, evenings, and Sunday, July 29, will be to enjoy New York City and all it has to offer. The trip cost is approximately $350 for plane fare (currently). IPC will pay for the food, lodging, and transportation for all members of IPC. All incidentals such as sight-seeing fees, souvenirs, etc., are not included. Please contact Don Kilgore at dkilgore@uhsweb.com or Harriet Goshorn at hwgoshorn@gmail.com for more information and interest.
Holiday Club and Teen Outreach
Puerto Rico July 10-16, tentative date
Ivor MacDonald, minister of Hope Church Coatbridge, Free Church of Scotland, has asked IPC to come and help with outreach to their own area and a new area that they would like to serve. IPC folks will share our expertise conducting a Holiday Club (their version of VBS) each morning for an underserved area around Glasgow. Then in the afternoons, we will be conducting a teen outreach for their own area, as they strive to build Hope Church’s teen/youth program. The team will have evenings and weekends for exploring the beautiful Scotland countryside. Cost is $2,500., and financial assistance is available, if needed.
Mercy Construction Mission Trip Come alongside our fellow Americans as they struggle to recover from the devastating hurricanes that hit the island in the fall of 2017. Our own José Velázquez is leading trips on an on-going basis to help the people from his home community, in partnership with a PCA church in the area. Right now, the goal is to build temporary shelter and facilities to house groups coming from the main states when they come to assist. As we continue our efforts, the goal of these trips may change. The cost of the trip is your plane fare there. All other costs are covered. Please contact José Velázquez at jvelazquez@jamesleehouse.com or Faye Griffin at faye@memphisurology.com for information and interest.
Please contact Emily Dafferner at emdafferner@gmail.com or Brantley Davidson at Brantley@brantleydavidson.com for more information and interest.
JUNE 11-15, 2018
ipcmemphis.org
Look out! This year’s VBS theme is I Spy. Grab your spy glass and flashlight, and join us on a spectacular investigation of discovering who Jesus Christ is! VBS is a fun-filled, Christ-centered week for both children and adults, planting seeds in the hearts of many. We are already beginning preparations and are very much anticipating the week’s arrival, praying for the children, teachers, volunteers, and parents who bring their children for this week. Pre-K through 5th grade registration will begin in May (children must be age four by June 1 to participate). Hope to see you Detectives there as we uncover the truth!
The Game’s Afoot, Volunteers!
Volunteer registration will begin Monday, April 2. Please begin praying for the week of VBS and how you might join us in serving the children and families of IPC and our surrounding communities. We believe the Lord will do incredible work during VBS to further His Kingdom, and we encourage you to consider participating in this work with us. Teacher/Special Agent Training (choose one) Wednesday night, April 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Room 214 Sunday morning, April 29 | 9:45 a.m. | Room 214 Sunday morning, May 6 | 9:45 a.m. | Room 214 VBS Prep Week June 4-7 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Nursery provided by reservation from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Contact Lucy Green at lgreen@ipcmemphis.org to make reservations.
www.ipcmemphis.org/VBS2018
August 2018 Evangelism Conference
Engaging Contemporary Culture with the Gospel of Jesus Christ Rev. Leon Brown Wednesday, August 1 | 6:30 p.m. How Can I Engage In Evangelism Cross-Culturally? Rev. Richie Sessions Wednesday, August 8 | 6:30 p.m. How Can I Engage In Evangelism With Millennials?
Rev. Randy Pope Wednesday, August 15 | 6:30 p.m. Is Evangelism Possible? Dr. David Robertson Wednesday, August 22 | 6:30 p.m. How Do I Engage With Radically Secular People? Thursday, August 23 | Lunch How Can A Good God Allow Suffering?
Saturday, August 25 | Morning Evangelism Seminar Sunday, August 26 | 8:30 & 11:30 a.m. Worship Services Joint Sunday School Evangelism: The Post Christian Context Dr. Sean Michael Lucas Wednesday, August 29 | 6:30 p.m. How Do I Begin To Develop A Heart For Evangelism?
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
Spring's in full bloom
at Independent March
May
22-24 Women's Spring Retreat 25 Palm Sunday “Hosanna!” Music Program Maundy Thursday 29 Communion Service Good Friday Service 30 31 Easter Eve Concert at Levitt Shell
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April 1 13 18 22
Easter Sunday Junior High Redbirds Game Junior High Choir Concert Senior High/20s/30s/40s Communities Crawfish Boils Children’s Choir Spring Program 25 27-29 Junior High Choir Spring Trip Pathway Sunday School Class 29 Begins (April 29, May 6, 13 & 20) Last Sunday Evening Praise 29 Until September 9
Women of the Church Spring Luncheon IPC Ballet Spring Recital 5 6 Senior High Sunday Brunch 25-30 Camp Palmer 50th Anniversary Celebration Senior High Choir "Wild West" 31 Tour Begins
June 3
Promotion Sunday for Students entering Junior and Senior High Senior High Choir Concert 8 11-15 Vacation Bible School Evening Worship Service at 17 Palmer Home Hernando 23-27 Junior High The Edge Conference