The Visitor's Window by Independent Presbyterian Church

The Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

indow An Introduction to Independent Presbyterian Church 1

To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire victory; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and want fellowship; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to whoever will come— this church opens wide her doors and offers her welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Independent Presbyterian Church 4738 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, Tennessee 38117 901- 685-8206 | www. indepres.org 2

Find us on Facebook

Welcome to IPC__________________________ 1 IPC History and The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)_________________ 2, 3 Richie Sessions ___________________________ 4 Senior Pastor Murray Garrott ___________________________ 5 Executive Pastor 60+Community__________________________ 6 Mike Malone, Assistant Pastor 50s Community __________________________ 7 Ed Norton, Associate Pastor 40s Community__________________________ 8 Jeremy Jones, Assistant Pastor 30s Community__________________________ 9 Parker Tenent, Assistant Pastor 20s Community_________________________ 10 Samuel Husband, Assistant Pastor Senior High @IPC _______________________ 11 Justin Jones, Assistant Pastor Senior High @IPC _______________________ 12 Mary Virginia Felker, Assistant Director Junior High @IPC _______________________ 13 Brad Robson, Director Women’s Ministry ________________________ 14 Barbara Collins, Director Congregational Life ______________________ 15 Lisa Turner, Director Children’s Ministry ______________________ 16 Elizabeth Fowlkes, Director Children’s Ministry ______________________ 17 Rhona Gibson, Assistant Director Nursery & Preschool Ministry______________ 18 Cindy Wright, Director Music & Worship Ministry___________________ 19 James Brown, Director of Music & Worship Ministry Music & Worship Ministry _________________ 20 Pam Brown, Director of Children’s Choirs Music & Worship Ministry ________________ 21 Jennifer Velázquez, Organist & Music Associate Recreation Ministry ______________________ 22 Rob Howard, Director Recreation & Fitness _____________________ 23 Adrienne Hillyer, Assistant Director IPC Bookstore _________________________ 24 Debbie McCallen, Director

@IPCmemphis

Connect @IPC Get involved at IPC

“Welcome to a church where you can find rest and be encouraged to keep living instead of just surviving.” ~ Richie Sessions, Senior Pastor The church is to be the presence of Jesus in a specific place and time. This means that God fills us to be who Jesus was and still is here in Memphis. In a culture of performance-based worth, we want to be a community where people belong and are loved just because they are alive and made in God’s image. You might be exhausted from the rat race or anxious about “measuring up,” and we want to be a community where you can be yourself. People felt alive around Jesus because they never had to perform for Him. The gospel returns us to being human. It gives true rest to our souls. We want IPC to be a safe place to be broken. We are people who are truly messy and sinful and God is restoring us in our relationship with H im, ourselves and each other. So thanks for visiting our church where we adore Jesus in worship, are growing in love for each other, and desire our neighbors to see and love Jesus right where they live.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” ~ Matthew 11:28 T h e G o sp e l

“If the gospel of Jesus Christ is not the best news you’ve ever heard, you can be absolutely certain you’ve not understood it.” -Rico Tice, co-author of Christianity Explored There is no greater story of rescue than that of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is such good news because it addresses human beings most serious issue, the problem of sin: God is holy, and He is just, and we are not. At the end of our lives, we are going to stand before Him and be judged. We will all be judged either on the basis of our own righteousness or the righteousness of another. The gospel is good news because Jesus, saddened by the human condition, entered our broken world as a humble child, grew, lived, and was perfectly

obedient to His Father so as to earn a righteousness that we could not earn for ourselves. He has done for us what we couldn’t possibly do for ourselves. Not only has He lived that life of perfect obedience, He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice to satisfy the justice of God that we deserve. To brush this message aside and say, “Oh, I have that” or to have a cavalier attitude toward it and convince yourself of its unimportance is to belittle the costly sacrifice of Jesus. There is nothing cavalier about forgiveness, because forgiveness at its core assumes a cost. Forgiveness that God offers us in the Gospel ultimately cost the Father His son. So valuable was that sacrifice to the Father that He raised Him from the dead and “exalted Him and bestowed upon Him that name that is above

every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Christ died for us, was raised for our justification, and now rules and reigns as King over the cosmos. What continues to make the gospel so amazing, besides God sacrificing His perfectly obedient son for sinners, is that it is freely given. Receiving the gospel and taking it into your life has nothing to do with performance, behavior modification, or even good works… but has everything to do with faith: personal acknowledgement, adherence and acceptance of what God has done for you in the glorious rescue story of His Son.

Independent Presbyterian Church 1965 to Present

pho

fo to is

on ositi

only 6

The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)

1. Groundbreaking for IPC (1967) 2. IPC (1970) 3. IPC Renovation Celebration to add new wing to church (1992) 4. New Steeple added to building (1993) 5. IPC Sanctuary Groundbreaking (1972) Robert C. Laman and Vaughn Hathaway 6. IPC (2006) 4738 Walnut Grove Rd. 7. The Reverend John Sartelle, Sr. pictured with Hugh Francis Jr., and Chris McEwan (1980) 8. Diaconate (1992) pictured from left: Hollis Halford, Ed Kennedy, Montgomery Martin, Tom Phillips, Rick Powell, Son Williamson, John Greene, Carroll Andre, David Terry, Matt Olson, Charles Duggan, Sam Graham, and Larry Shelley 9. The Reverend John Sartelle, Sr. (2006) 10. IPC (2011) 11. IPC Senior Pastor, the Reverend Richie Sessions

In December 1973, delegates representing some 260 congregations with a combined communicant membership of over 41,000 that had left the PCUS (Presbyterian Church US) gathered at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama. There they organized the National Presbyterian Church, which later became the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). The PCA has a firm commitment to the doctrinal standards which have been significant in Presbyterianism since 1645, namely the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms. These doctrinal standards express the distinctives of the Reformed tradition. Among the distinctive doctrines of the Westminster Confession of Faith is the unique authority of the Bible. The reformers based all of their claims on “sola scriptura,” the Scriptures alone. Other distinctives are the doctrines of grace, which depict what God has done for mankind in salvation: (1) Total depravity of man. Man is completely incapable within himself to reach out towards God. Man is totally at enmity with God, cf. Romans 3:10-23. (2) Unconditional election by the grace of God. There is absolutely no condition in any person for which God would save him. It is only by the grace of God, and His unconditional affection is placed upon them. (3) Particular atonement. God, in His infinite mercy, in order to accomplish the planned redemption, sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die as a substitute for the sins of a large, but specific number of people, cf. Romans 8:29 and 30. (4) The irresistible grace of God. This is the effectual work of the Holy Spirit moving upon a particular person whom He has called, applying the work of redemption, and bringing salvation to their souls cf. John 3:5 and 6. (5) The perseverance of the saints. This is that gracious work of God’s sanctification whereby He enables a saved person to persevere to the end. Even though the process of sanctification is not complete in this life, from God’s perspective it is as good as accomplished, cf. Romans 8:30, 38, and 39, and Philippians 1:6. The PCA maintains the historic polity of Presbyterian governance set forth in The Book of Church Order, namely rule by presbyters (or elders) and the graded assemblies or courts. These courts are the Session, governing the local church; the Presbytery, for regional matters; and the General Assembly, at the national level. It has taken seriously the position of the parity of elders, making a distinction between the two classes of elders, teaching and ruling. In summary, the PCA has a strong commitment to evangelism, missionary work, and Christian education. The best and most succinct way to describe us as a denomination is, “faithful to the Scriptures, true to the reformed faith, and obedient to the Great Commission.”

s e n i o r P a st o r

ichie Sessions was six years old, dressed up enormous pressure for people to in a suit and clip-on tie, when he first understood look and act a certain way— something was wrong with the world. His grandfaeveryone looks really good, but ther had died, and no one wanted to take him to the funeral. underneath there’s brokenness “I remember looking at the grave and the flowers and and a fear of being found out for feeling emptiness, sadness and fear, but I also wanted to see being human. what was real about the world.” I want IPC to be a safe A desire for authenticity still drives Richie today and place where just being human is guides his preaching at IPC. “I was the enough. You little boy who asked the questions: why don’t have to do you feel that way, and why did that perform for us,” happen?” he says. “God was stirring me at Richie says. a young age, preparing me to think deeply Richie about life.” values humility among church leadership. As he grew, Richie became more aware “Gospel renewal happens when church of the sin and brokenness in his family and leaders are humble, honest and hospitahis own life. “I embraced the Good News ble,” Richie says. His vision for IPC is that of the gospel when I was 22,” he says. the leaders would value, “So the gospel came to me as a little boy “being a church of broken people who are searching for truth and reality—asking hopeful in a culture of despair, humble in what is the real world—and then I realized a culture of pride, hospitable in a culture Richie Sessions at 22 that God had invaded the real world of exclusivity, and honest in a culture in the person of Jesus Christ.” where people feel they have to hide.” Senior Pastor Richie has a deep desire for people Richie loves meeting with people to experience the power of the gospel one-on-one. “I love to tell people how right where they live. “Christianity is not wonderful Jesus is and to see them an escape from the human condition or a way around it: experience it,” he says. Christianity is the way through it,” he says. “When I go into As he reflects on the future of IPC, Richie says a hospital to see a wife who has lost her husband, I want to humility among the leadership is essential. “You never see be able to look at death and say, ‘You don’t win,’ and I can’t Jesus managing his image. Humility makes us real. Being say that without the gospel.” real is sustainable.” Richie’s desire for IPC is that her members would be “This church needs me to need Jesus,” he says. the hands and feet of Jesus in the city. “We want to be “You need a weak man who is very dependent on the the presence of Jesus in Memphis. With Jesus, people felt Spirit, because if I’m not, you’re going to get Richie. I’m human, and they came alive. I have seen a lot of hurting, not here to make disciples of Richie. I’m here to make beautiful people who are afraid to be known. There is disciples of Jesus.”

Richie’s family partners with him in ministry and provides him with “a safe place to land,” he says. He and Laura were married in 2000, and they have three children: Mamie, Griffin and Margaret. “My wife is my best friend and my number one ministry partner. She is my encourager,” he says. Richie was called to IPC in 2007 to serve as the Assistant Pastor to Young Adults. He completed his Master of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary in 2004 and was the Associate Pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, Mississippi, before coming to Memphis. In 2009, after two years at IPC, he was called by the congregation to become the Senior Pastor.

e x e c u t i v e p a st o r

or IPC’s Executive Pastor Murray Garrott, “I have spent a lot of time thinking about Christ’s mission doing his job well means that the other pastors at IPC for the church and what the mission of IPC should be,” he thrive in their respective positions of responsibility. “I says. “Part of my role has been to identify those areas where love to see each of the pastors cultivating his particular gift we can build on the strengths of IPC, while attempting to and passion within the broader church,” says Murray. ensure that we are fulfilling every facet of the Great “I enjoy seeing other staff really excited about what they do. Commission.” It gives me pleasure to watch them use their gifts and see As Executive Pastor, Murray oversees the business office fruit in their ministries.” at IPC, supervising much of the staff, leading the Global Murray came to IPC to work alongOutreach Committee, and managing the side Richie and the other ministers. “I am budget process. “I love putting together originally from Memphis and am thankful the budget,” he says. The budget informs to be back! I came here to support Richie, the priorities of how we spend money. We and God has given us a good relationship work hard to steward the tithes and of trust and understanding in our offerings of God’s people well.” Murray particular roles.” also teaches the Pathway Class for new Murray worked with Richie to demembers, and enjoys preaching and caring velop and implement the concept of agefor the people at IPC. based communities at IPC. “The idea is to have one pastor for approximately every 250 members, in order to create intimate communities where relationships can be Murray Garrott formed and cultivated. We desire for each Executive Pastor pastor in these communities to know his community personally.” In addition to each pastor shepherding a community, they also have a program that they oversee. Murray facilitates this process by developing job descriptions for ministerial staff. “Pastors are generalists in leading the flock, teaching, training, counseling, and equipping. But each one also has a particular program responsibility that is unique to his passion,” he says. The mission of IPC is carried out through the leadership of the pastors and elders in their respective communities.

In 2009, Murray and his wife, Liz, and their children, Tom and Grace, made the move to Memphis after Murray received an invitation from Richie to come alongside him for encouragement and counsel. Murray graduated from Vanderbilt University and finished his Master of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He completed his PhD in Church History in Edinburgh, Scotland.

60+ Community

ike Malone is the Assistant Pastor all kinds—not just financial ones. I’m thinking also about to the 60+ Community at IPC, and he and his spiritual capital: the maturity, the street smarts, the growth wife Barb enjoy their ministry among this age that you only get by living through the hard stuff of life.” group. Mike delights in caring for the members of the 60+ Mike enjoys preaching and teaching, and feels ministry Community. “I am in that group—these are my people,” he is most fruitful when strong relationships are built. “I like says. Mike served as the pastor of Christ the King Presbyteto know people and how the gospel can be applied to them rian Church in Vero Beach, Florida before personally and particularly,” he says. “I coming to IPC. “God was very gracious. want to help folks put their lives to good The people were such a gift to us, and I use for advancing the kingdom.” learned a lot from them that helped to Mike is passionate about projects that prepare me for this chapter,” he says. improve quality of life. He has helped lead “Our congregation in Vero Beach was an initiative called Impact Tanzania for an older demographic with a lot of vigorclose to 15 years. “I lead a teaching conferous 80-year-olds! They taught me a lot.” ence for 150 pastors and wives each year,” Mike views his ministry as a partnerMike explains. “This has developed into ship with Barb. “I am incredibly grateful other ministries supporting pastors for her. She has done everything you can as indigenous missionaries, and a well do in a church except play piano, sing in project that brings safe water to the the choir, and preach!” Mike says he and diocese where I go. That’s become a real Barb are uniquely positioned to minister heartthrob for me.” as a team among the 60+ Community. How you can get involved: “It’s the stage of life we’re in,” he says. “We don’t have small children, and we’re not Contact Mike if you are interested Mike Malone pulled in a thousand directions. We’re in in reaching out to the homebound, or to this together, happily!” individuals in hospitals or nursing homes. Assistant Pastor As the shepherd of the 60+ ComMike welcomes people of all ages who feel munity, Mike hopes to foster intergeneracomfortable in a hospital setting. “Ninety tional relationships that will allow younger percent of pastoral ministry is just being believers to learn from those with more life experience. “Our there for people,” he says. culture is addicted to the new and the young, and people my The 60+ Community meets for Sunday School in Room age can feel like they are pushed to the margins,” he says. “I 237. Contact Mike if you are interested in any of these want this group of folks to know that these can be among opportunities at mmalone@indepres.org. their most fruitful years because of accumulated resources of

Community

Mike Malone came to Independent from Vero Beach, Florida, where he served as the pastor of Christ the King Presbyterian Church for eight years. Mike and Barb have been married for 36 years. They have three grown daughters: Katie, Leslie and Annie. Mike has a BA in Studies in Religion from the University of Michigan, and he completed his Master of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

50s Community

s shepherd of the 50s Community of faith built after the model of Acts 2:42-47,” he says. “I and the Minister of Christian Education at IPC, want it to be a life-giving environment where people can Ed Norton finds nothing more rewarding than grow and exercise their spiritual gifts.” seeing others begin to walk by faith. Ed also serves on the Global Outreach Committee “You take a guy who was just hanging out at church, (GO) at IPC. “The focus of GO is church planting in and five years later, he’s leading Bible studies, walking by Memphis and in pockets of need in the world,” he explains. faith and praying for people—that is “I love praying and strategizing concernthrilling to me,” Ed says. “I love discipleing church planting in the United States ship, and I love training because I like to and throughout the world. see the change in people’s lives, and I like I love to take people to the misto see people become productive in the sion field where they have to leave their kingdom of God.” Memphis life behind and move into an Discipleship is at the core of Ed’s heart environment without the encumbrances for his flock and for the church at large. of this life, where they can walk by faith “The key word in our mission statement for a week and do nothing but ministry,” is discipleship,” he says. “Everything we he says. do is woven through this word, because it How you can get involved: is through discipleship that worshippers, converts and missionaries are created.” The 50s Community Sunday School Ed was drawn to ministry while at meets in the Fellowship Hall, and social Mississippi State University, where he events are held throughout the year in became a believer during his sophomore individuals’ homes. “Involvement is tied year. “My campus pastor was preaching to spiritual gifts, calling, and passion,” Ed in the chapel on Nicodemus and what it says. “I can help you get plugged in when Ed Norton means to be born again,” Ed remembers. I know what your gifts and interests are.” Associate Pastor “I got very involved in ministry with him Contact Ed at jenmemphis@gmail.com. on campus and began to feel called to ministry.” Ed’s wife plays an important role in his ministry. “Sally is the bedrock of my life and ministry. She has been faithfully involved in all aspects of our ministry together through the years.” Ed’s desire as shepherd of the 50s Community is to provide a place where people can find their niche in the body of Christ. “I want my Sunday School class to be a community

Community

Ed first came to IPC in 1974, when he served for two years as a youth director. He then attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and was called to minister at First Presbyterian Church in that same city. Later, he started Highlands Presbyterian Church in Madison before returning to Independent in 1997. Ed graduated twice from RTS: first in 1979, with a Master of Arts in Christian Education, and second in 1987, with a Master of Divinity. Ed and Sally were married in 1982 and they have three grown children: Clarke, Evan, and Halley.

4 0 Ts I cT o L Em mHuE nR iEt y

uilding a hub where individuals can experience might use to equip them at work, or to help a marriage? I deeper community is the heartbeat of Jeremy Jones’ enjoy thinking about how to minister to them and point ministry among the 40s Community. them to the gospel.” “We’re creating a home base for people in their 40s Jeremy delights in guiding his community toward where they can connect with other believers and find a place mercy ministry opportunities by providing time on Sunday to grow,” says Jeremy. “We’ve seen people who have been mornings to highlight ministries supported by IPC. “A around for a while but hadn’t felt connected, and this is the person is assigned to each ministry, and we stay informed first time they feel like they are connecting about their needs by hearing quarterly with people and the gospel on a deeper testimonies about their work and ways we as level.” a community can help,” Jeremy explains. Jeremy identifies with the challenges How you can get involved: faced by this age group because he is in it with them. “I am struggling with the same The 40s Community meets on Sunday things they are, which gives me a feeling mornings in the Romper Room on the of camaraderie,” he says. “There are many east end of the second floor. 40s Comunique challenges that go with this group munity Small Groups meet on Wednesday of folks. Their personal, relational and evening during Grace Groups, and social vocational responsibilities coincide and gatherings include a fall party, February can make circumstances fairly challenging. party, and get-togethers in people’s homes. Career and finances are stressful, and marThe 40s Community also hosts a yearly riages often hit new phases of crisis in this men’s retreat. age group. It’s painful, but God uses it.” For more information please contact Jeremy gives himself to the task of Jeremy at jjones@indepres.org. coming alongside his peers to point them Jeremy Jones to Jesus. “People hit a crisis or they just Assistant Pastor hit 40 or 45 and say, ‘I don’t feel like I’m known, and I don’t have a deeper sense of belonging.’ Maybe they were in a Christian community during college or in their 20s, but with the pace of life it became harder and harder to continue,” he says. “Tailored teaching for this stage of life is a benefit of the 40s Community,” says Jeremy. “It excites me to think about what they need to hear—what’s the next thing that the Lord

Community

Jeremy has been shepherding the 40s Community since 2012. He grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. He met his wife, Maylon, while at The University of Mississippi, and they married in 1993. He completed his Master of Divinity at Covenant Theological Seminary and worked for Reformed University Fellowship from 1996 – 2006. “RUF was my first ministry job, and after seminary we moved to Atlanta to start RUF at Emory,” Jeremy says. “We were in Atlanta for six years and, though we loved campus ministry, we came to realize that we wanted to transition to a local church setting.” Jeremy and his family moved to Memphis in 2006, where he served as a church planter and associate pastor in Midtown. Jeremy and Maylon have four children: Isaac, Lucy, Nathan and Irene.

3 T0 Is T cL o E mHmEuR nE i t y

arker Tenent is more likely to be found having

brought from darkness to light, death to life,” Parker says. “I desire to see us as a church on mission in our city.” As the leader of LEOC, Parker oversees training for outreach. “This past summer, we encouraged members to plan neighborhood dinners,” he says. “We want people to know their neighbors and invite them into this faith family. Hopefully, this will become part of the ethos of IPC.” The committee was established in 2013 by the Session and is directed by four values: preaching grace, doing justice, loving our place, and practicing hospitality. “These values direct our strategic initiatives for individuals and the church,” Parker explains. “We are charged with being salt of the earth and light to the world for the glory of God.”

lunch with a member of his flock than anywhere else. As shepherd of the 30s Community at IPC, his heart is to spend time with people. “I want to know my sheep well so that I can pray for them and see God’s word applied in their lives,” Parker says. “I enjoy time with people, and the easiest way to become part of the 30s Community is to sit down with me. My number one gift is to know, shepherd and lead my people.” A core value of the 30s Community is to love God and our neighbor. For Parker, this starts with knowing Jesus. “All my endeavors—pastoral, teaching, counseling—are about my people knowing and loving Jesus more.” Shepherding this community means helping individuals stay close to the Good Shepherd. “I want my flock not only to survive their thirties, but also to truly flourish and look more like Christ in a chaotic time of life,” he says. I desire to shepherd them so they don’t wander too far out in the desert of life that they can’t make Parker Tenent their way back home.” Assistant Pastor Parker and his wife, Ashley, came to IPC in 2010 after having served with Reformed University Ministries (RUF) at the University of Arizona. He and Ashley both grew up in Memphis. “Ashley and I prayed about it and felt like the Lord was calling us back to Memphis to serve IPC,” he says. Parker has been overseeing the 30s Community since that time. He also heads the Local Evangelism and Outreach Committee (LEOC). “I have a deep desire to see people

Community

How you can get involved: The 30s Community meets for Sunday School in the north end of Fellowship Hall. The 30s Community is organized into five community groups which gather regularly for fellowship, service, and missional opportunities in our city. For more information, contact Parker at ptenent@indepres.org.

Parker served as an RUF Campus Minister at the University of Arizona, as well as an RUF intern at Ole Miss. He completed his Master of Divinity at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis in 2006. Parker views his ministry as a partnership with his wife, Ashley. “My wife is the most discerning, gifted, and compassionate person I know,” he says. “I lean on her a lot in my understanding of ministry.” They have three children: Parker, Elizabeth and Abe.

20s community

hile transition can be difficult Loving our city begins by building relationships, which for many people in their 20s, Samuel Husband are the priority when reaching out to those in need. “We believes it can be an excellent time to grow and still need to give financially, but we also are called to give discover spiritual gifts. of ourselves,” Samuel says. “When Jesus was asked, ‘What “We want to train and equip our people to use whatever is the greatest command?’ His answer was to love God and God has given them to bring glory to Jesus,” says Samuel. people. We desire to highlight relationships just as Jesus did, “Our community members are typically and that is where our mercy begins.” 18-28 years old. Whether you’re in college, Samuel admits that mercy ministry in grad school, working, married, or challenges him. “God is challenging the whatever else, this community shares a idols of my heart and calling me out of my common bond because so many are own brokenness to serve Him by serving transitioning into new phases of life.” others,” he says. The 20s Community is intentionally Samuel’s desire for mercy ministry is structured to know people by name and to see individuals equipped to use their to know their needs. “We have elders and gifts in the service of others. “Jesus was deacons who are excited about serving among His disciples as one who serves,” he in this community,” Samuel says. “They says. “This is not a spectator sport. All of know our people and pray for them.” us share the same Spirit, but we have a va“Twenty-somethings can grow tired of riety of gifts. Let’s use those gifts together.” being talked at, so Sunday School is filled “The 20s Community Sunday School with ample time for discussion,” he says. class meets in Room 131, and we would “Part of learning is putting things into love you to drop in anytime,” Samuel says. your own words,” Samuel says. “In comThere are a variety of opportunities for munity we learn from each other. I want teaching, fellowship, and service, includSamuel Husband this community to be shaped around Jesus ing monthly gatherings, a summer study Assistant Pastor where people share both the gospel and series, and serving with local ministry themselves.” partners. Samuel is passionate about helping How you can get involved: members of the congregation love their neighbor and serves as chairman of the Mercy Ministry If you are interested in visiting, joining the church, or Committee at IPC. “Jesus delighted in mercy,” Samuel becoming involved in a particular mercy ministry, Samuel says. “My heart for mercy ministry at IPC is that our entire would love to talk with you. For more information, contact congregation would sense the call to mercy and consider him at shusband@indepres.org. themselves on a mission to Memphis. Our call is to see word and deed go together so that our city would know the love of Christ.”

Community

Samuel and his wife, Sara Tyson, came to IPC in 2011. Samuel served as a campus minister with Reformed University Fellowship at the University of Memphis before joining the family of IPC. He completed his Master of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi . He and Sara Tyson have two sons, Sam and Luke.

s e n i o r h i g h @ i pc

iblical teaching in the context of authentic what it means and how it matters,” Justin says. “On relationships is at the heart of the Senior High Wednesday evenings, we gather for worship and conversaMinistry at IPC. tion in an environment that’s a little more “I long for the student ministry at casual than Sunday mornings, with the IPC to be a place where, because of Jesus, goal of teasing out how the redemption of it’s okay to not be okay; where we can be Christ plays out in life.” real sinners in need of a real Savior,” says Small groups, which meet on Sunday Pastor Justin Jones. “High School students evenings, are the primary avenue for are increasingly aware of the brokenness building community. Groups are led by of the world and the brokenness within volunteers in the church and organized by themselves. As they search for something grade and gender. Other opportunities to to give them hope, my desire is that they build relationships include retreats, camps, would find what they are looking for in and traveling together. “Whether we are Jesus.” going skiing, to the beach, or just out to Justin came to IPC with several years eat, my hope is that we will not only enjoy of experience in youth ministry. He served the good things God has made, but also as the director of student ministries at First foster deeper relationships,” Justin says. Presbyterian Church in Meridian, MS, for Justin hopes to facilitate relationships seven years prior to coming to IPC. Duramong students from a variety of schools ing that time, he was exposed to Reformed and backgrounds. “My desire is to develop Youth Ministries (RYM). a sense of community among students “Being connected with Reformed where being connected is based on someYouth Ministries helped me to have a thing more than dressing alike and talking more intentional approach to student alike,” Justin says. “The one thing that Justin Jones ministry that was grounded in our distinct matters is what we have in common as theology,” Justin says. “The more time I believers. Jesus brings all kinds of differDirector of Senior spent around RYM, the more I underent people together. I hope to facilitate a High Ministry stood the importance of youth ministry in culture where that’s our DNA.” the church, especially as I saw God work How you can get involved: in the hearts of students.” Justin places a high priority on discipleship and consisIf you are willing to assist with music, chaperone a trip, tent teaching that points students to the person and work of or help with leading a small group, contact Justin. We’re Jesus. “I want to prepare our senior high students to know always looking for people who are willing to help,” he says. Jesus not only in college, but also for the rest of their lives— “Come by the office or shoot me an email. I’d love the to know what it means to be a faithful follower of Jesus,” he says. chance to introduce myself, to get to know you, and to hear Sunday School is the largest gathering place for senior about what you might bring to the table.” He can be reached high students. “We dive into the Scripture to understand at justinjones@indepres.org.

Justin grew up here in West Tennessee, spending most of his childhood in Dyersburg. He came to faith in Christ at a young age, and after graduating high school, he attended college at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Soon thereafter, he attended Beeson Divinity School on the campus of Samford University where he earned his Master of Divinity. During graduate school, he met Meredith, who became his wife in 2007. Justin and Meredith have two young sons, Patrick and Simon.

s e n i o r h i g h @ i pc

ary Virginia Felker calls Oxford, Mississippi, home. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Mississippi State University, where she also met her husband, Stephen Felker. She worked as an RUF intern at Baylor University for two years after college. “I loved the relational aspect of it.” She spent a year working at Everyday Gardener in Jackson, Mississippi. “I missed the ministry and getting to meet with girls and the relationships,” Mary Virginia says. After Stephen’s acceptance into the

Memphis Teacher Residency Program, Mary Virginia contacted IPC to find out about internship openings. After a two-month internship with The Senior High Ministry, she was asked to stay on as full time Assistant Director. “It’s neat that I got to intern and begin building relationships with those girls.” Mary Virginia’s father was a PCA pastor at Christ Presbyterian in Oxford. “I always wanted to work with high school Mary Virginia Felker or college girls. As a high school girl, I wish there had been an older girl mentor Assistant Director of at my church.” Senior High Ministry The IPC Senior High Ministry holds small group Bible studies throughout the year. “I look forward to being able to sit down with them and do a Bible study. I would say that’s one of my favorite things in ministry,” Mary Virginia says. “I love the stability of a church. It’s such a blessing that this is actually a job. It makes me really excited and thankful,” Mary Virginia says.

J u n i o r H i g h @ i pc

rad Robson’s zeal to minister to junior the main spiritual leader for their lives.” high students is a calling he first sensed when he was Students from over twenty schools are involved in the still a student himself. Junior High Ministry, and Brad knows them by name. He “In high school, a youth pastor had highlights the worth of the individual as a a huge influence on my life,” Brad says. priority. “We want them to feel valued and “He showed me Jesus and modeled the known,” Brad says. “Even if a student only faith. He encouraged me to think about comes once a month, we remember their ministry.” name and value them.” Brad looks forward to “messy game On Sunday mornings the junior high nights” and meeting kids for breakfast. gathers for Sunday School. “There’s time “It’s easy to get involved in the lives of to hang out, and we worship through junior high kids,” he explains. “They’re song,” says Brad. “We have a junior high impressionable and so much fun. The difworship team, and we study the Bible ference in junior high and other ministries together.” is that, they are thinking, ‘Does my junior The Junior High Ministry enjoys parhigh leader think that I’m cool?’ The ticipating in service activities with students mindset of the students makes junior high from other ministries and neighborhoods. a unique ministry.” “There is unity in the body of Christ and Having fun in an emotionally safe we love serving together,” Brad affirms. environment is a priority for Brad. “I want Students gather weekly on Wednesday to know them and what they like, and for evenings. “We play games and have talks them to feel welcome and comfortable,” relating to the Christian life,” says Brad. Brad Robson Brad stresses. “We want to provide a com“We also have monthly events like picture Director of Junior munity where students connect with one party scavenger hunts, or we grill out or go High Ministries another and feel loved.” Brad contextualbowling.” izes the mission How you can get involved: of IPC for junior high. “We focus on teaching and “We’re always looking for people who have a heart to modeling the gospel. I want them to be with junior high students,” Brad says. “There are tons of see Jesus in all that we do,” he says. places where they can serve, from folding flyers for the sumBrad also ministers to the mer calendar, to helping on Sunday mornings, or Wednesparents and views them as an imday evenings.” Small groups meet on Sunday evenings in the portant aspect of the ministry. “We fall and spring. There is a need for small group leaders and equip parents and families and enfor volunteers to provide and serve meals. Contact Brad at courage them,” Brad says. “We want brobson@indepres.org. Robyn Thomas 2-year Junior High Intern our students to see their parents as

w o mT eI Tn L’ sE mHi EnRi Est r y

ervice to others clad in creativity is has paired up with the girls from Kingsbury High School. a hallmark of the Women’s Ministry at IPC. Just listen Special events during the year include Soup’s On, an to Barbara Collins describe the various ways in which evening ministry that meets four times a year in someone’s the women at IPC serve and you will want to know where home. This gathering for a bowl of soup and fellowship is an to sign up for this ministry that seeks to, “serve one another opportunity for women of all ages to spend time together. humbly in love.” Barbara also had a hand in starting the ballet ministry at “Decorating the church is a way we serve with one IPC. “I taught ballet—dancing is my background,” Barbara another while making the church look beautiful at says. “I saw all these little girls in the preschool ministry and Christmas time. We go caroling to our I said, ‘We should teach them ballet!’ The homebound members, and to nursing ballet ministry is led by talented members homes,” says Barbara. of our church.” The Women’s Ministry at IPC proHow you can get involved: vides a variety of opportunities for women to serve together with others. Each of the The opportunities to serve with the ministries under its umbrella is designed mercy ministries supported by IPC are to reach out to the community and to plentiful. “I would love to see us overthose in need. abundantly involved with Streets at The 3-Cord Ministry is one such Graham Heights and Su Casa. I love getoutreach. “When someone is bereaved ting people plugged in to the church and or in the hospital, they care for them by involved in different things, whether here Barbara Collins knitting an afghan. They also make throws or in the community,” says Barbara. Director of and scarves, and they send them to people There also are opportunities to who may be homebound or going through volunteer with the Care Ministry, an Women’s Ministry a life crisis. They even make hats for the outreach to widows, new mothers, the Booker T. Washington football team!” she homebound, and to any church member says. Barbara loves this idea since she is a who has a need. self-proclaimed “sports fanatic” who reguBible studies are organized by topics larly keeps up with basketball and football and begin each fall and winter. To join a scores. “I can give you all the stats on last small group Bible study, call Barbara, or night’s game!” she laughs. visit the website for information on the Barbara came to IPC in 1997 as the topics that are offered. Children’s Director, and she became the For more information, contact director of the Women’s Ministry in 1999. Barbara at bcollins@indepres.org. Under Barbara’s leadership, the Women’s Ministry Team has grown to include eight women who oversee specific areas of ministry. These include special events, mentoring, missions, care ministry, working women, small group Bible studies, and Mom’s the Word. Small group Bible studies meet for fellowship on Tuesday mornings during the school year. Throughout the year, special luncheons are held that feature guest speakers and are geared toward outreach. “We love for people to invite their friends,” Barbara says. Each small group is encouraged to get involved with a mercy ministry, and many of the groups volunteer at Palmer Home, Streets and Life Choices. In addition, the Working Women’s Bible study, which meets on Wednesday evenings,

co n g r e g at i o n a l l i f e

t is difficult to imagine that anyone has consultation that helps you discover your giftedness and worn more hats at IPC than Lisa Turner. She surprises how to use it,” Lisa explains. “This is a self-discovery process herself when she takes a moment to that helps people identify their personality look back. type, spiritual gifts, abilities, and passion, “I have been here since 1982—that’s and identify key life experiences.” 32 years. Wow!” she laughs. “I started in The course will be offered on Wednesstudent ministry when the church was day evenings, or a Friday evening smaller. Over the years I have migrated Saturday morning format. After individuand shifted over to where there are needs als complete the course, they will have or openings, so I’ve done different things, access to a catalog of service opportunities from students to children to nursery to through the Spiritual Gifts Ministry office. women’s ministry to administration to “This way we can help people plug in Christian education.” to service opportunities in the church and Lisa now serves as the Director of the city,” Lisa explains. “A lot of people Congregational Life. In this role she think if they don’t sing in the choir or oversees the Kitchen Ministry, Fellowship teach Sunday School, there is nothing they Hall, and plans picnics and special events. can do. That is not the case. We need to “Since we are organized into commumobilize people to find out where they Lisa Turner nities, we are hosting events that will help want to serve and jump in!” Director of us cross-pollinate, so that we continue to Lisa also takes part in planning for know others in different age groups,” Camp Palmer, a ministry supported and Congregational Life she explains. carried out by IPC. “This ministry is dear Lisa also leads a ministry called Spiritual to my heart because I was a child in this Gifts. “We have selected a curriculum called Place church when several of the adults, including my parents, Ministries. It’s a six-hour class with a one-hour personal started Camp Palmer in order to give the Palmer Home staff a much-needed vacation,” she says. “We’re providing a camp experience for children who otherwise wouldn’t have that chance.” Gwen Carpenter has been the At camp, the children of Palmer Home and IPC spend Director of Kitchen Ministry at IPC a week together in activities such as rappelling and riding since 2012. Gwen’s mission in the kitchen at IPC is to make people horses. “There’s something about living in a screened-in happy with food. “My favorite cabin, brushing a horse, and climbing the zip line that just phrase is, ‘No problem!’ ” Gwen sets you free or something!” Lisa says. “For some of these says. “I love when I can come children, these are the happiest days of their lives.”

Congregational Life

up with menus without others feeling pressured. I love doing Gwen Carpenter little special things and seeing Director of Kitchen Ministry people enjoy what I do for them.” On Wednesday evenings, Gwen enjoys seeing people line up for dinner. “It makes me feel good when I see them, and I really feel good when I see my coworkers and the staff in the dinner line,” she says. “I always put God before I do anything,” Gwen says. “Before I get here, I tell God, You lead me into what you want me to do. As long as I put Him first, everything goes smoothly. He even controls my hands on how much to fix.” If you would like to volunteer to help with the Kitchen Ministry, please contact Gwen at gcarpenter@indepres.org.

How you can get involved: Volunteers are welcome in the Kitchen Ministry. There is a need for cashiers, servers, food runners, drink station helpers, and people to help with the salad bar. Contact Lisa for more information at lturner@indepres.org.

Wednesday Evenings @IPC Church-wide Dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by Grace Groups and Wednesday Evening Activities, including activities for our children.

ch i l d r e n ’ s m i n i st r y

lizabeth Fowlkes’ version of the C.I.A. main goal is to be relational and share Christ in large and exemplifies service in action. She even organizes small group settings, as well as one-on-one,” Elizabeth says. Secret Service projects with her youthful agents. “This has been my pattern for how to share Christ with Second through fifth grade children participate in a others, and I have applied it to children’s ministry, with a program called Christ in Action, and their few new twists. For example, That Thing Secret Service projects take them all over is a fun hour for children on Wednesday the church on Wednesday evenings. From evenings. It is a high energy outreach prosharpening pencils and replacing pew pads gram where children can bring a friend, in the Sanctuary, to rolling silverware for have a blast and hear the gospel.” dinners and writing cards to missionarIn June and July, there are daily ies, these agents are busy learning to be children’s programs. Dive-Ins are held in the hands and feet of Christ. “We created members’ homes and are an opportunity this ministry to help children understand to “dive into a pool and into God’s word.” how to serve as Christ demonstrated,” says On Tuesdays, a program called 2FunTuesChildren’s Ministry Elizabeth. “We want them to be a part of days coincides with the Women’s Ministry the church at a young age.” summer programs. Vacation Bible School The Children’s Ministry at IPC is takes place in June and presents the gospel geared toward Kindergarten through fifth vibrantly through drama, teaching, storygraders. Christ in Action is an example of telling, art, and music. one of the many programs Elizabeth and “My calling is to share the love of her staff have designed for children in this Christ and the word of God with chilage group. dren,” Elizabeth says. “I also see children’s Elizabeth has served as director since ministry as an opportunity to share the September 1999, when she and her husgospel with the parents and grandparents, band, Rankin, were volunteering as Kinas well as younger and older siblings. I love dergarten Sunday School teachers and had the cross-generational aspect of children’s Elizabeth Fowlkes two children of their own in the nursery. ministry!” Elizabeth remembers one Sunday when a Director of How you can get involved: member approached her about working at Children’s Ministry the church. “They were looking for a new Serving in children’s ministry is Children’s Ministry Director, and that is not only “in the classroom” on Sunday where this journey began.” morning. It can be on Wednesday evenings at C.I.A. or She has worked in both full-time youth ministry and as That Thing, or at VBS, Dive Ins, or 2FunTuesdays. Help is a teacher and holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Educaneeded behind the scenes with curriculum and organizing tion. Elizabeth desires for the Children’s Ministry to have an crafts. “There are so many ways to serve, so don’t hesitate to intentional, relational approach to ministry. jump in and lend a hand!” says Elizabeth. “I became a Christian through Young Life, and their You may contact Elizabeth at efowlkes@indepres.org.

ch i l d r e n ’ s m i n i st r y

he Children’s Ministry at IPC buzzes The 2014 VBS theme with activity and Rhona Gibson thrives on being in was A Knightly Tale. “As they the midst of it. From Dive-In’s and 2Fun Tuesdays were making their armor of to Vacation Bible School and That Thing, there is so much God crafts and swinging their time to spend with kids. swords around like they were “Summer is the most fun because we have activities real, you could see that this was every day, so there’s a lot of time to love on bringing the them and find out what’s going on in their word of God lives,” Rhona says. to life as they Rhona works with Elizabeth Fowlkes are learning,” to organize and plan events. She came to Rhona says. IPC in 2011 after moving across the world Rhona had the opportunity to see from her home in Inverness, Scotland, to just how real those swords and shields can marry her husband, who is from Memphis. seem in the lives of children. “A couple “Griffin and I met at a wedding recepof weeks after VBS, I was in the grocery tion in Memphis and had a long distance store and saw a little girl that I knew from relationship for three years!” she says. church,” Rhona says. “Her mother was a “When I moved here to marry him, I was little emotional, and she came up to me Rhona Gibson offered the position.” and said she had something she wanted Rhona works closely with Elizabeth to tell me. The girl said, ‘I just told my Assistant Director of to recruit teachers, plan activities, and mommy about the armor of God in the Children’s Ministry implement their Wednesday and Sunday car, and I want to put on the armor of evening activities for children. In the God and accept Jesus into my heart.’ summer, their teamwork is evident in the “This makes it all worthwhile. We act outstanding creativity and organization displayed during silly on stage or make crafts with them, or talk or even swim the week of Vacation Bible School. in the pool with them, but it all goes toward showing kids Every year, hundreds of children come to IPC for the love of Christ.” Vacation Bible School from all over the city. Rhona and How you can get involved: Elizabeth make sure that visual aids accompany the lessons. During craft time, children make their own visual aids to For further information on how you can help, contact help them remember what they have learned. Rhona at rgibson@indepres.org.

N u r s e r y & P r e sch o o l m i n i st r y

roviding excellence in childcare while special Wednesday evening programs throughout the year helping children learn about Jesus are the goals of the between 4:30-7:30 p.m. Nursery and Preschool Ministry at IPC. Cindy has been the director of the Nursery and “It is a joy to provide loving and nurturing childcare to Preschool Ministry since 2000. She and her husband, our members, friends and visitors,” says Randy, joined IPC in 1996, and they have Cindy Wright, Director of the Nursery and two children. Preschool Ministry, which serves infants Cindy’s role as director gives her a through five-year-olds. “Our desire is to unique opportunity to support the parents take great care of children and their needs who bring their children to the nursery. in such a way that their parents are able to “I enjoy being a mom and my own chilworship without worry or concern.” dren have grown up here,” she says. “I love The nursery staff and volunteers work meeting the folks who are coming into the together to cultivate a caring environment. church. People seek advice when they get to The experienced paid staff at IPC “provides know me, and I love to be able to pass on the very best care for each child who comes what knowledge I’ve ascertained over the to the nursery,” Cindy says. When children years.” turn 18 months old, volunteer members Cindy also enjoys watching the staff teach Bible stories to them on Sunday and volunteers connecting with the chilmornings. “We want to start planting dren. “I love to pray with the children and those seeds that hopefully will take root teach them, and I love witnessing the and build a foundation in the lives of these volunteers fulfilling their covenantal children,” Cindy explains. promise to help grow them in the Lord,” On Tuesday mornings during the Cindy says. Women’s Bible Study, the Nursery and How you can get involved: Preschool Ministry provide a program for children ages three to five years old. “They Available volunteer positions are Cindy Wright have a Bible lesson, crafts, music and primarily on Sunday mornings and involve playtime,” Cindy says. Nursery care for Director of Nursery teaching Bible stories to children. There children under three years old is also are a variety of schedules available, most and Preschool provided during the Bible Study. volunteers sign-up for a once a month Nursery care is also available during all teaching position. For more information, Wednesday evening Fellowship Dinners, Bible Studies and please contact Cindy at cwright@indepres.org.

M u s i c & W o r sh i p M i n i st r y

he Music Ministry at IPC is not just about James has a lifelong passion for music and holds a B.A. teaching people to sing and play music. It also is in music from Samford University and a Master of Music about teaching them why they sing. Education from the University of Georgia. He enjoys pass“The vision for our music ministry is to worship God, ing his love of music on to his students, and each year, he edify one another, and reach out to the lost,” says James looks forward to the junior and senior high choir trips. Brown, Director of Music and Worship Ministry. “Our “I never get tired of teaching, worshipping, or traveling purpose is to help students develop the with these people because it’s always an skills and values that will assist them in adventure!” he laughs. “Part of the advenworshiping the Lord and communicating ture is getting to know people better. We the gospel to others through music.” tour mostly through the United States, but James and his wife, Pam, came to IPC have done two international tours to the in 1993, from Briarwood Presbyterian United Kingdom.” Church in Birmingham, Alabama, James’ James believes in supporting the hometown. “We received a call from John community through the music ministry. Sartelle, Senior Pastor from 1977-2006, “Several community music groups use our and the Lord worked out the details necesfacilities, and we have been blessed with sary to get us here,” James recalls. “We had outstanding string players through the a desire to build a strong music program Suzuki Violin Program,” he says. and saw the potential.” James views music as an important James’ desire is that believers undermeans of proclaiming the gospel. “When a stand their privilege and responsibility choir stands and sings, they are proclaiming to participate in worship through music. who Christ is to the listening audience.” James Brown “The Bible says, ‘Sing to the Lord.’ We are How you can get involved: to use our voices to praise God,” he says. Director of Music and “When we do this, we are edified, and James encourages all members of the Worship those who do not know Him witness what congregation to take part in corporate we’re doing, which provides an important worship. “The most obvious way to get evangelistic component.” involved is to sing as a part of the congregation on Sunday Music ministry is an important part of discipleship at morning,” he says. “Music is a means of sharing our faith in IPC. The Children’s Music Program starts as young as 18 a corporate setting. It is doxological evangelism.” months and continues to adult choir with a few members in He also encourages individuals to sign up for a choir or their eighties. The ministry includes percussion, stringed and get involved in an ensemble. “If you’re not sure about how wind instruments, and brass. well you sing or play but want to participate, call and talk The music ministry is vital to the corporate worship exwith us,” he says. “We are all about teaching people to sing perience at IPC. “When people are singing hymns together, and play instruments with skill and confidence.” For more reciting the creeds, and listening to the preaching of the information contact James at jbrown@indepres.org. Word, the Holy Spirit is working,” James says.

Music Ministry

M u s i c & W o r sh i p M i n i st r y

he Children’s Choirs program at IPC four-part music, and they review music theory and sight is a reflection of Pam Brown’s love of children and singing. By high school, they are learning advanced music. passion for music. Her enthusiasm for imparting “Our choirs participate in A Service of Lessons and musical skills to children and her eagerness Carols each December, and the Senior to allow students to mentor one another High Choir combines with the Adult has been a catalyst for significant growth Choir on several Sundays throughout the of the program over the last two decades. year,” Pam says. “In my life, the highest times of worThe IPC program is inclusive of other ship have been when I am singing,” says churches and schools, and it provides a Pam, who has been the Director of Chilunique continuity of relationships. “We dren’s Choirs since she and her husband have adults helping in this ministry who James came to IPC in 1993. “I can’t think started here as children,” Pam says. “They of a better legacy than giving the gift of also have served as mentors in the Junior musical worship to our covenant children.” and Senior High Choirs. We didn’t plan Pam helps with choirs of all ages at for these kids to mentor each other, but it IPC and plans the curriculum for chilhas happened organically.” Pam reflects on dren 18 months through fifth grade. She the effect that music has on the Christian believes in starting children with music at throughout life, and beyond. an early age, and her zeal for music goes “This is a unique honor to train back to her own childhood. Pam has a children musically. They are learning skills degree in music from Samford University for a lifetime, through eternity actually. and a Master’s Degree from the University We will still be singing in heaven!” of Georgia in Elementary Education. How you can get involved: “Children as young as 18 months are already starting to develop their neural Parents are encouraged to sign their pathways, so it’s a good age to begin,” she children up for choir. The IPC Kickoff explains. “Our goal is to teach children to Carnival and Registration in early fall use music expressively and feel confident is the most logical time, but Pam and using music in worship.” James welcome choir members throughout Pam Brown The curriculum is graduated from the year. Director of Children’s early childhood through senior high Parents are welcomed and encouraged in order to teach children the language to observe any choir at any time. Please Choirs of music. contact Pam at pbrown@indepres.org, or “A parent or grandparent sings the call the music office at 901-685-9707. songs to the child, so it is as if the child is learning a language from them,” Pam says. Beginning with Preschool Choir II, children learn theory through game-based programs, and a Suzuki-based theory program is an integral part of the Preschool, Kindergarten, and First Grade Choirs curriculum. “We use all of their senses to get music inside of them,” Pam says. “‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly!’” Elementary children are encouraged to memorize ten hymns a year. “Memorizing hymns gives children the language of worship and reinforces sound theology,” Pam says. When children enter junior high, they learn to sing

M u s i c & W o r sh i p M i n i st r y

ennifer Velázquez serves as a full-time could learn and grow in our faith organist at IPC. “My main focus is on Sunday morning and be a part of the body of Christ. worship,” she says. We were thrilled to find dynamic Jennifer spends much of her time in service planning worship combined with great bibliand preparing for worship, scheduling instruments to play cal teaching and preaching at IPC.” and arranging music for them, scheduling soloists and speAs Music Associate, Jennifer cial ensembles. She also plays for weddings has assisted with and funerals, significant times of worship almost every in the life of the church that are carefully aspect of the planned and thought out for the edificaMusic Ministry since she started in 1998. tion of our church family, all for the glory She plays for adult choir rehearsals and of God. “My greatest joy and passion is other choirs as needed, leads section using my gifts and utilizing others’ in the rehearsals, and is very involved in plangreatest occupation of all, worshipping the ning and programming of special music Almighty God. I can’t think of anything events. She has also participated in leading I’d rather be doing.” Better is one day in worship outside of IPC for Ligonier Minyour courts than a thousand elsewhere. istries’ annual conference and travelled to —Psalm 84:10 Ukraine with a combined choir to spread Jennifer grew up in Lawrenceburg, the Gospel through music. “When people Jennifer Velázquez Indiana, and attended Houghton College of all ages and different walks of life set Organist and in Houghton, New York, for her underaside their differences and boldly proclaim Music Associate graduate degree in organ. After finishing the message of the Gospel in song—at her Master of Music degree at Eastman IPC, across the country, and throughout School of Music in Rochester, New York, the world—I think, this is a little glimpse in 1997, Jennifer began searching for full-time organist posiof Heaven,” she says. “I am privileged to be part of it.” tions, intending to use her gifts in worship. “I was looking How you can get involved: at organist positions and saw IPC advertised in a national magazine,” she remembers. Jennifer and her husband, José, If you play a stringed or wind instrument, brass, did not expect to find a place where she could both work keyboard or handbells and would like to find out how you and call a church home. “I was playing for one church, but can use your gifts in worship, please contact Jennifer at we were members of another. We didn’t want to do that jvelazquez@indepres.org. again. We wanted to go to a Bible-believing church. I didn’t just want a job; it had to be a church where our entire family

r e c r e a t i o n m i n i st r i e s

f the church gym is open and the lights are later became the first full-time recreation director at Hope on, Rob Howard wants people in it. Presbyterian Church, where he met his wife, Jodi. “If the gym is open and there’s no one on that court, When Rob heard about the position at IPC, he saw it as I want people to be here,” says Rob, “We have a nice double an opportunity to raise his family in the context of a strong gym and more teams than any church in the city! God has church community. “This job is perfect for my personality, blessed us.” and I don’t have to dress up for work! I The Recreation Ministry is known citycan bring my kids and my dog to work,” wide for its basketball program, and threehe says. “My children get to know the staff fourths of the children who play at IPC are and share the church experience.” not members of the church. “We have 300 Along with basketball, baseball is to 400 kids in basketball,” Rob says. “We offered in late spring and summer, and stress having fun. Winning is a goal of every soccer is offered in the fall. There are two game, but it’s not the main one. The main sports camps that take place each month goal is to meet new people and hopefully to in the summer, and the Recreation lead someone to our church.” Department offers a hunter safety class for Rob enjoys welcoming visitors. “It’s the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. particularly rewarding when somebody As well as other sports programs, Rob that doesn’t go to church here comes in has spearheaded the only lacrosse league and says, we don’t know anybody, so please in a recreational program in Memphis. put us on a team,” he says. “I put them on “Since we’re the only ones, we play oura team, and they have the best time. Seeselves. We have enough kids, ages five to ing them come back and play again is very ten, and have had lacrosse camps for the Rob Howard rewarding.” past three years,” Rob says. Director of Rob organizes a men’s basketball Bob says the lacrosse program has Recreation Ministries league through the East Shelby Church been well received. “Everybody has said Recreation Association, the governing how much fun playing lacrosse has been. body for church teams in Memphis, “I It’s nice when people like what you’re schedule 1,200 basketball games for them in a year,” Rob doing and they say, ‘I’m going to visit your church’.” says. “There are 400 teams, and we play in different churches How you can get involved: all over the city.” Rob says he has always felt comfortable in a gym. “My mom Soccer and basketball programs take place during fall was single so we hung out at the gym every day after school.” and winter. Baseball and lacrosse programs continue through Rob came to IPC in January of 2006. He grew up at spring and summer. To sign up for teams or to use the gym, Second Presbyterian Church. As a college student at the call Rob at 901-763-3857, or email Rob for more informaUniversity of Memphis, Rob was involved with College and tion at rhoward@indepres.org. Career at IPC. He taught at Presbyterian Day School and

Recreation Ministries

r e c r e a t i o n & F i t n e ss

xercise with a greater purpose is a “I used to teach at fitness places around town, but core value of the Recreation and Fitness Ministry at when someone told me about IPC, I thought, I would love IPC. Adrienne Hillyer has a unique opportunity to to teach in a Christ-centered environment,” she remembers. provide individuals with a place to improve their health “I’ve always had that vision, and it’s grown. My focus is in and reach out to the community while doing it. fitness and health. I organize classes and oversee the fitness Adrienne organizes a variety of group facility. I also help plan and coordinate fitness classes at IPC. The net proceeds are recreation for all the major events, like used to spread the gospel by assisting with Vacation Bible School and Camp the needs of Mercy Ministries supported Palmer.” by IPC in our city. The focus of the fitness classes at IPC “I want people to know they are is to live out Jesus’ promise of abundant coming to exercise with a greater purpose. life in John 10:10. Group fitness classes It’s not just about improving your health, include Cardio and Strength, Strength but also being able to give back,” she says. and Toning, Holy Yoga, and Pilates. “I During the holidays, a portion of the can see what a difference it makes when proceeds provides baskets for IPC’s Food people improve their health,” Adrienne Basket Ministry. “This should be encoursays. aging to people—the more they exercise, How you can get involved: the more they’re helping others!” Adrienne says. Use of the fitness room is free and Adrienne has been a group instructor available for anyone, but registration is and personal trainer for over 20 years. She required. New instructors are welcome. Adrienne Hillyer started teaching classes at IPC part time in The fitness room opens at 8:00 a.m. Assistant Director of the mid-‘90s and helped in the recreation on weekdays, and closing hours vary Recreation Ministries office. It was during this time that she depending on the season. Prices vary for & Fitness Instructor and her husband, Bruce, joined IPC. group classes, but scholarships are availIn 2006 she accepted her current able. For further information, contact full-time position. Adrienne at ahillyer@indepres.org

Recreation & Fitness

i pc b o o k st o r e

ebbie McCallen has always loved books. questions. “People have a hunger to connect with other She’s also always loved telling people about books. people. They congregate at local coffee shops because they When the previous manager retired from the IPC want to be around other bookstore, she called Debbie. people. What a better place Debbie began managing the bookstore in 1999. She than a Christian community has been building on her experience with books ever since, for someone to come in growing the IPC bookstore to include feaand have tures such as a children’s section complete coffee and with a wardrobe reminiscent of Narnia. caring “I knew I wanted something special people talk to them? This is where Chrisfor the children, something magical, and tianity shines, because Jesus Christ loves thought of Narnia and how the children His People and uses us to care for them,” went on adventures every time they passed she says. through the wardrobe,” Debbie explains. Debbie stocks the shelves with a “And that’s what Story Time is on Wednesvariety of classic books. “If someone day evenings: it’s an adventure for the comes in and the Lord leads them to a children.” certain book, it ministers to them. We The wardrobe was designed by a church value people more than turning books member who had seen the real wardrobe over quickly. I want people to know God, that inspired C.S. Lewis in the writing of to grow in their love for Him and desire The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. “The to serve Him. We want books that help children love to go through the wardrobe— people reach that goal.” even big children love it!” Debbie says. All books are 20 percent off retail, Debbie’s vision for the IPC bookstore and the bookstore is brimming with is that it would be a place where people can beautiful discounted gifts as well. “The get to know God better and find resources gifts are something God can use to Debbie McCallen to minister to others. “The Scripture that minister to another person or to put in IPC Bookstore directs this store is the second half of your home to bring joy,” Debbie says. Daniel 11:32, ‘…The people who know How you can get involved: their God shall stand firm and take action.’ Books are a fantastic resource that God can use to grow and Activities in the bookstore include a Christmas Open change people, to bring them to Himself,” Debbie says. House, Wednesday evening Story Time, and a Book Club The bookstore is also a place of healing. “People come in for women. grieving, and they are not sure what they want or need, but If you are interested in joining or starting a Book Club, the women who work here minister to them and pray for contact Debbie. them,” Debbie says. From time to time there is a need for volunteers in Debbie envisions the bookstore as a gathering place the bookstore. For more information, contact Debbie at where people can find community and answers to their covenant@indepres.org or call the booksore at 901-763-3932.

Connect @IPC Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.

At IPC, we believe worship is not something we do to escape from reality; we believe that worship is reality. We were created to live before the face of God without fear, in love and adoration. So when we come together to worship we are being authentically human. Worship reorients us to who we really are and enables us to live boldly for Jesus throughout the week. Sunday morning is a time when we regain our sanity: God is in control of everything, and He loves us!

Pathway Class

At IPC we strive to make our worship about the true and living God. We are called to worship our triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God calls us to worship Him, and we respond to His gracious initiative. At IPC our worship is built on the Bible. This means that we pray the Bible, we preach the Bible, we sing the Bible, and we read the Bible. We believe that the Bible is our only rule for faith and practice. At IPC our worship is about the Gospel. When you worship with us, you will see the Gospel in our liturgy, hear it in our preaching, and taste it when we go to the Lord’s Table together. Finally, at IPC we want our worship to Connect with real people where they really live. Our worship style can be called “traditional,” but we want to shun formalism and elitism. We hope that when you come and worship with us you will meet with Jesus, “the friend of sinners.” The Gospel is good news for you right where you are. What about children in worship? We welcome your children to worship with us! We also offer K-Church (for Kindergarteners) and Junior Church (for 1st & 2nd Graders). Our Nursery and Preschool Ministry has classrooms for infants through preschool (room assignments are based on the child’s birthdate). These ministries are available during BOTH worship services. What about attire for WORSHIP? There is no dress code at IPC! You will see people in suits and some in jeans and everything in between.

The process of becoming a member starts by attending a Pathway Class. These classes are offered four times a year during the Sunday School hour. They are five weeks long and provide a great opportunity for you to get to know us well. The goal of these classes is to welcome you and make you feel at home here at IPC. During these classes we will inform you about what we believe concerning salvation, principles that drive our ministry, how to be assimilated into our faith family, and our hope for you as a member. After you have attended a Pathway class, you will be contacted by a community pastor who will seek to meet with you, along with his ruling elders, in order to hear about God’s grace in your life and get to know you better. If the Lord is leading you to join IPC, please mark your calendars to attend a Pathway Class. We strongly encourage you to start attending an age and stage community Sunday School class as a way to get to know the pastor and the community better.

Communities

Grace Groups

We desire every member to be known by name by a pastor and a shepherding elder (I Peter 5:1-3). Because this is our desire, we have established six age-based communities that are headed up by a pastor and several ruling elders. When the Lord leads you to officially join our faith family, we want you to immediately be known by name and prayed for by the leadership of your specific community. This desire receives enormous momentum in the joining process at IPC!

Grace Groups are sermon-based small groups that are driven through communities. The majority of Grace Groups meet on Wednesday evenings. Several other groups meet throughout the week at different times and locations. Each Grace Group meets in a casual environment for discussion and insights from Sunday’s sermon using a sermon-based guide. Each Grace Group is facilitated by a trained discussion leader. This is a great time to explore the Word of God, build relationships and learn to apply the knowledge you have gathered to transform your life. Grace Groups are just one type of small group that we offer throughout the week. Other small groups include Divorce Care, prayer groups, and more traditional Bible studies that take place throughout the life of our church.