November 30, 2017 My dear Friends: One of the things that I like about Memphis is that we have four seasons here. In south Mississippi, you have summer ten months out of the year, winter for one month, and spring for one month. But here, we’ve had a beautiful fall. Looking out my window as I write this, I still can see beautiful reds and oranges, yellows and evergreens. And with the little warm stretch we’ve had the past couple of days, we’ve had a taste of southern California weather-wise. But when the calendar turns to December 1—as it will Friday—that’s when my thoughts turn to Christmas. Actually, truth be told, when I was a kid (and still a little bit as an adult), my thoughts turned to my birthday, which is December 19. It was so difficult as a kid to have to go 360 days from Christmas until my birthday to get presents and then within six days to have both of my gift-receiving occasions. As I have gotten older, it hasn’t bothered me as much (because Father’s Day usually is around June 19— which is my half-birthday and for which I had always lobbied when I was younger). All to say, Christmas is going to be here soon. And our first real taste of that as a congregation, a taste that is a gift for us all, will be our Lessons and Carols service, which is this Sunday night at 6 p.m. I so enjoy Lessons and Carols—and I’m looking forward to my first one here at IPC. I know that James, Jennifer, Pam, and the choirs have worked hard to prepare for this night. I trust that you will make a point of being with us this coming Sunday evening. After our service, we will have a reception, and I hope too that you will plan on sticking around. It’ll be a very special evening together. One other thing: it’s my pleasure to let you know that this past Tuesday, Paul Halford started working with us as director of operations. Paul brings a range of experience to this position. A veteran of the automobile service industry, Paul has owned his own auto repair shop, managed a large parts and service department for a Mazda dealer, and built body shops across the Midsouth. He is also a deacon at his Baptist church, where he has chaired the building and grounds committee for many years. As you might guess, he is the brother of our own Hollis and Chuck Halford. As you see Paul around, please do welcome him; we are so excited to have him on our team. In the grip of God’s grace,
Rev. Sean Michael Lucas, PhD Senior Pastor Independent Presbyterian Church Memphis, TN