Window | Fall 2021

THE

FA LL 2021 | VOL 73 | I SSU E 4

ENTERING A NEW SEASON AT IPC

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R E B E CCA L ONG, PNC CHAIR T HE HONORABL E T ERESA PUL L IAM, AND T H E REV. KE VIN J. L ONG AT A RECEPT ION F OL L OW ING T HE SERVICE F OR INSTAL LATIO N FO R R E V. LONG ON SEPT. 26.

Not only does our church family have so much to be thankful for right now, we continue to find new ways to help carry out Christ’s ministry within our church, the Birmingham community, and the world.

God is very good. We give thanks to Him for all the opportunities to reconnect

and grow with our church family.

We are better when we are together as the body of Christ. In this new season, tune in to our communications to stay up to date about church events. Mark your calendar to join us and please invite someone you haven't seen in a while to come with you.

FEATURING

FEATURING

MISSION

MISSION

IPC's Fall Music and Arts Lineup P G 4

2021 Giving by the Numbers PG 5

Returning to an In-Person Holiday House Tea PG 8

Ways to Give this Holiday Season PG 9

3 1 0 0 H I G H L A N D AV E N U E | B I R M I N G H A M , A L 3 5 2 0 5 | 2 0 5 - 9 3 3 - 1 8 3 0 | I P C - U S A . O R G

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his fall, take a look around the church.

You will find multiple generations reconnecting with one another through worship and fellowship.

You may stumble upon familiar soundsfavorite hymns being rehearsed in the sanctuary for Sunday’s worship service or the cheerful voices of Day School students coming from the playground or classrooms on the ground floor.

As the leaves begin to turn new colors at Rushton Park, our food insecure neighbors continue to visit Community Ministries on 31st Street to shop our Blessing Boxes. And planning is underway among church members and staff for our 72nd Annual Holiday House Tour, upcoming IPC Connect events, mission journeys in 2022, and all that will bring the Advent season to life.

Although these activities and events may look different than they have in the past, we are in the midst of this typically busy yet joyful season at IPC. Topping the many reasons to come and take a look around the church, we joyfully welcomed the Rev. Kevin J. Long and his family to IPC after months of anticipation.

Rev. Long preached his first service at IPC on Sept. 12, and his service for installation was held the afternoon of Sept. 26.

UPCOMING

events See complete calendar online including details and updates: ipc-usa.org > connect

OCTOBER

6 IPC Kids Fun Night & Parent Date Night, 5:30-7:30 pm 10 Fall Grace Groups Begin

Second Sunday Supper, 6 pm

IPC Choir Fruit Sale Begins

14 IPC Connect Fall Supper, 5:30 pm, Blackjack Farms 17 Harvest for Hunger Drive, Crop Drop, 3-5 pm 21 Highland Bark Party benefiting the Community Garden, 6 pm, Clubhouse on Highland 24 Fall Festival, 3-5 pm, CFAF

NOVEMBER 3 IPC Kids Fun Night & Parent Date Night, 5:30-7:30 pm 7 Organ Recital Series Begins, See back

Youth Confirmation Luncheon, 12 pm

11 Children’s Fun Day at CFAF, 9 am-3 pm 14 Confirmation Recognition, 11 am

Second Sunday Supper, 6 pm 21 Christ the King Hymn Festival, 8:45 & 11 am

Youth Friendsgiving, 6:30 pm

22 Christmas Flower Deadline, See insert 24-Dec. 4 Serve at First Light

25-26 Thanksgiving, Church Offices closed

28 Congregational Sunday School Breakfast 30 PW Christmas Lunch, 11:30 am

DECEMBER 1 IPC Kids Shelter Sing & Christmas Party,

5:30-7:30 pm Parent Date Night, 5:30-7:30 pm

Giving Tree Begins

4 Children's Advent Workshop, 9 am-12 pm 5 Jeff Leonard Sunday School Class, 10 am 11 Holiday House, See page 8

12 Adult Sunday School Carol Sing, 10 am

IPC Choir Christmas Concert, 4 pm

Second Sunday Supper, 6 pm

CONSIDER THIS

“Stewardship Season”

Dear IPC Friends, Like many people, I always have a bit of a problem with “Stewardship Season.” My problem with it, however, is not that the church is asking for money, but that it implies stewardship is something we only do once a year. For Christians, stewardship is a way of life, something we practice 365 days a year. It is our way of recognizing and acknowledging that everything we have is a gift from God. We are simply stewards of those gifts, given responsibility to use them wisely and generously in service to our Lord Jesus Christ. This is true not only of our money, but also of our knowledge, our talents, and our time.

Pledging is an important part of stewardship. It not only allows the church to prepare a budget and plan for the year to come, but it is also our way of demonstrating our faith and our trust in God. Pledging is our way of showing that Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives, not only in words, but also in practice. And I look forward to declaring our faith together on Nov. 14 as we dedicate our pledges for 2022.

There is another important reason for us to pledge. We have a God whose nature is to give. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” ( John 3:16). In giving us the Son, and in sending us the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, God has given us everything God had to give, pouring himself out for our sakes. One of the things Scripture teaches us is that human beings were made in the very image of God. Therefore, we are never more who we were made to be than when we are giving. It is what we were created to do.

My family and I have already seen and experienced the generous spirit of this congregation, and I am so excited to witness all the things that God will be doing in and through this church as a consequence of your generosity.

These are such exciting days for Independent Presbyterian Church! I hope you will join in and help raise the bar for what we can do for God’s kingdom and for the sake of Jesus Christ. But don’t give because you feel you have to. Give because you have been paying attention and are grateful for what God has been doing in your life and in this church. Give because you were made to be givers. Give because it is what you do best!

With great excitement and anticipation,

18-19 IPC Choir Fruit Sale Pickup, 9 am-5 pm

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19 Storyteller Dolores Hydock, 10 am

Youth Christmas Party, 6:30 pm 24 Christmas Eve, Church Offices close at 12 pm Nativity Service, 12 pm

Nine Lessons & Carols, 4 & 6 pm

26 No Sunday School

Rev. Kevin J. Long Senior Pastor

welcome

Nicole Cunningham New Member

Rachel and Nathan Hall (son: Louis)

TO

Theodore Longlois New Member

IPC

Martha Anne Parker New Member

New Members

NOT PICTURED Anna Kate and Nate Prum (children: Campbell, Hayes, and Rosemary) New Members

Caitlin Perry New Member

Rebecca Wiggins New Member

Lissett Cendejas

New Staff, Housekeeping

Ashley and Andrew Prewitt New Members

Julia and Tom Wells New Members

If you are new to IPC or considering a new church home, we would be delighted for you to contact us.

Stacy Pulliam Engagement and Assimilation Coordinator 205-933-3690 | spulliam@ipc-usa.org Cindy Shaw Assistant Engagement and Assimilation Coordinator 205-933-3696 | cshaw@ipc-usa.org

The Long Family

The Rev. Kevin J. Long with his wife, Rebecca, and children: James, Jessica, and Katelyn

The Window is a quarterly publication of Independent Presbyterian Church, 3100 Highland Avenue South.

The Window is published for church members and friends.

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JOINING IPC

CH U RCH L IFE

EXPERIENCE THE WONDER OF LIVE MUSIC AT IPC THIS FALL B Y K AT E WAT E R S , C HAIR OF IPC'S MUS IC & FINE ART S COMMIT T EE

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ast fall, our Sunday morning services here at IPC consisted of clergy and a few singers in a mostly empty room. We are so fortunate to have the technology and staff that allow us to stream our services online; and in a time when we could not meet in person, that was a lifeline that kept us together. But thank God this fall, while we are still using caution to keep each other safe, we are able to gather for worship in the same room and experience God’s presence and each other’s fellowship.

We are incredibly blessed by the many ways that God can speak to us and move our hearts in worship: the beauty of the sanctuary with light streaming in through our amazing stained-glass windows, the heartfelt prayers offered by our clergy, and thought-provoking and soul-stirring sermons given by those same talented ministers. And the music played and sung to the glory of God every week, whether by the IPC Choir or the whole congregation.

After a year like no other in the life of our church (have we overused the word “unprecedented”?), it is so good to be together in person. Live music was one of the things that many of us missed the most this past year. So the Music & Fine Arts Committee is thrilled to be able to offer so many opportunities to experience the beauty of music in our sanctuary.

All Saints’ Sunday is Oct. 31, and will be marked by a Service of Choral Evensong at 4 pm. The last Sunday of the liturgical year is called Christ the King Sunday. It falls on Nov. 21 this year, and our services that morning are a journey through the church year celebrating each season with special readings, hymns, and anthems.

Four world-renowned organists will bless us with their talents at the 57th November Organ Recital Series: David Enlow, Colin Lynch, Stephen Buzard, and Katelyn Emerson. This will be the 10th series played on the new Schreiber Memorial Organ. The IPC Choir

LAST FALL, THE IPC CHOIR OFFERED THE 2020 CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN THE SANCTUARY SOCIALLY DISTANCED. THE CONCERT WAS LIVESTREAMED AND A REPLAY WAS AVAILABLE FOR ALL TO WATCH FROM HOME.

THIS FALL, MUSIC FROM THE IPC CHOIR WELCOMED THE REV. KEVIN J. LONG AT HIS SERVICE FOR INSTALLATION.

Christmas Concert will be music for choir and string orchestra, including the Vivaldi Gloria, on Dec. 12.

St. Augustine wrote that singing is praying twice. We have all heard of people suffering from dementia who have almost no memory of familiar people and places, but who start singing or try to get up and dance when music is played that they knew from their youth. And how many of us have realized that we have memorized the words of a song without even trying? The tune

begins, and our lips are moving. Music taps into a place deep in our souls beyond words.

Please come experience the wonder of music at IPC this fall.

Watch your email and the IPC website for upcoming details about our fall lineup of Music & Fine Arts programming.

Find video replays of past performances on YouTube @IPCBirmingham.

BRIEF

Familiar Face, New Call

“Return to me, for I have redeemed you”. ~Isaiah 44:22 STEWARDSHIP

2021 Giving by the Numbers

B Y K E N N O N WALTHALL, S TE WAR DS HIP MINIS TRY T EAM CHAIR

As a church family, we found many new ways to be together in person and virtually this year—as we took opportunities to return to those we have missed, renew old friendships, and reconnect with the community. Our ministries grew even stronger because of you and your commitment to IPC. As we prepare for this year’s stewardship season, the IPC Stewardship Ministry Team brings you a sampling of how your 2021 gifts are bringing our mission to life.

Faith Formation • 150 adults in Sunday School classes • 85 adults in midweek small groups • 70 in youth group, Sunday School, and youth grant team • 120 in Children’s Sunday School, Atrium, and Nursery Community Ministries • 2,493 people fed • 183 utility bills paid • 21 First Light volunteer nights with 630 dinners served • 64 Summer Learning Graduates

IPC extends joyful congratulations to Emily Frandsen, who has received her first call upon completion of her seminary graduation as Associate Pastor for Faith Formation at First Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa.

Emily is a member of IPC. She previously held the position of IPC Interim Youth Director and Seminary Intern at Kirkwood by the River. Emily most recently served as Ministry Coordinator for UKirk Birmingham, College Ministry.

Her Service of Ordination and Installation will take place on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 3 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa.

Members of IPC are encouraged to attend as a way to support Emily as she begins her new call.

Worship and Music • 250 worship services • 8,800 hours of music • 20 music events • 75 livestreamed services

The impact of our ministries goes on and on. However, in order to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our congregation and community, we need your continued financial gifts. As you consider your pledge for 2022, we ask you to pray about how you can make an impact at IPC in the coming year. Look for an email from the Stewardship Ministry Team with the 2022 pledge information and an infographic that fully highlights how your 2021 gifts are supporting the ministries of IPC.

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Congregational Care • 225 attending IPC Connect events • 130 participating in Grace Groups • 60 in Members in the Middle small groups • 200 Deacon Board deliveries, calls, and photos taken

IPC F OUN DAT IO N

MISSIO N

I P C F O U N D AT I O N

Pastors' Support Fund B Y D E N I S E M O O R E , IPC FOUNDATION E XE CUTIVE DIRECT OR

BRIEF

Shepherd Teams at IPC Join a Shepherd Team at IPC and share your gifts with fellow members.

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• I recently had the opportunity to meet with Tom Williams (longtime IPC member) together with Patricia Harper (IPC’s Development Manager) to discuss the IPC Foundation’s Pastors’ Support Fund, which was formed in 2018 by Tom and his wife Alice.

Tom shared with us that he and Alice spent a lot of time planning this gift.

They established a charitable remainder trust with the full intention of Alice receiving distributions from the trust during her lifetime, which they thought would exceed Tom’s.

As we all know, life has an uncanny way of not exactly turning out the way we expect. Soon after all their legal maneuvering (e.g., establishing trusts, rewriting wills, etc.), Alice was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma and died in November 2019.

While we continue to mourn the loss of Alice, her love for IPC continues to live on through the Pastors’ Support Fund. The purpose of the fund best comes to life through Tom’s words sent to us recently in a hand-written note.

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“I realized the importance of so-called legacy gifts many years ago when I was the President of the Botanical Society and set aside two major gifts. Later we were able to hire a very-qualified outside Executive Director solely because we had a Foundation.

In many ways the IPC Foundation is really the 'foundation' of the church.

When Alice came down with melanoma, we searched for ways to support the IPC Foundation and realized a pastor-backed gift was needed. Hopefully down the road others will join in adding to our gift.

Leadership from the top is essential, and our gift is to help establish this for years to come.” ~ N. Thomas Williams Gifts to the IPC Foundation extend IPC’s ministries throughout the community and around the world. If you would like more information about the Foundation, please contact me at 205 933-3705 or dmoore@ipc-usa.org.

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Bereavement Support: Represents our church membership to fellow members who experience the loss of a loved one.

Celebrations: Provides contact from the church in times of joy and celebration: weddings, births, promotions, graduations, etc.

Funeral Ushers: Provides a valuable ministry to the family and congregation, showing hospitality to all who enter our doors.

Home Communion: Serves communion to members who are unable to attend services on or near the first Sunday of each month.

Homebound Outreach: Calls and/ or visits church members who are confined to their homes.

Love Thy Neighbor: Provides a frozen food gift to members convalescing from a hospital stay or to those who have suffered a death in the immediate family.

Intercessory Prayer: Meets to pray for our members and their families and friends who find themselves in special circumstances of grief, pain, or joy.

Just Checking In: Checks in with members who are not in a time of “special need.”

Knitting Ministry: Engages in a ministry of care and compassion for members and friends of IPC who are ill, grieving, or homebound.

If you feel called by God to this ministry of care and concern, please contact Connie Logan, Executive Assistant in Congregational Care, at 205 933-3694 or clogan@ipc-usa.org.

TROOP 28

Eagle Scout

THE YOUTH GRANT TEAM PICTURED AT A RECENT SITE VISIT TO THE CAHABA RIVER SOCIETY.

I P C F O U N DAT I O N

Youth Grant Team

B Y C AT H E R I N E GOUDR E AU, DIR E CTOR OF CHILDREN & YOUT H MINIST RIES AND C H I L D R E N ’ S F R E S H AIR FAR M PR OGR AM DIR E CT OR

Each fall, we begin what I believe is one of the best programs at IPC, the Youth Grant Team. The group receives all grant requests submitted to the Foundation for their review and has the opportunity to discuss and discern how best to allocate $20,000.

This year’s team, comprised of 14 juniors and seniors, has been meeting since August. The students are selected via application and are asked to commit to each week of the 12-week process. Together they have reviewed 95 grant applications and cover letters. They have done additional research, shared their thoughts and convictions with one another, and made difficult, educated, heart-felt decisions about how to allocate their funds. In September, we began the site visit process.

IPC YOUTH MEMBER RICHARD MONK IV RECENTLY EARNED THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT AND IS TROOP 28’S 200TH EAGLE SCOUT.

IPC YOUTH

Page-to-Stage Project

Zoe Browning, 11th grader at The Altamont School, created a Pageto-Stage project as part of a school project. Benefiting IPC's Ministries, she raised money to purchase 45 copies of The Wizard of Oz for 2nd-5th graders who attended the Summer Learning Program at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm. She read the book with them and later took them to see The Wizard of Oz at Red Mountain Theatre followed by dinner and discussion. Zoe is grateful to everyone at IPC who helped make her project a success.

The process culminates with a presentation on Nov. 8 at 6 pm. All are welcome, and this is truly an event in the life of our congregation that you do not want to miss. We are so fortunate to have a congregation full of bright youth who are passionate about serving Christ’s church in the community and the world.

IPC YOUTH MEMBER ZOE BROWNING WITH SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAM STUDENTS.

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Students spent five weeks visiting in person with organizations where they had particular interest or further questions. The students are smart, articulate, curious, and thoughtful in their questioning and information gathering, and each site we visited followed up to say how much they enjoyed sharing with our youth and how exciting this process of introducing students to Christian philanthropy was. Following the site visits, the team will reconvene to make their final decisions.

MISSIO N

2021 HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR: A RETURN TO AN IN-PERSON TEA AT IPC B Y E L I Z A B E T H M I L E S, CHAIR OF IPC'S HOLIDAY HOUSE COMMIT T EE

W

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e are excited that this year will represent the 72nd year for the Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour. The Holiday House Tea will be in-person this year in the Great Hall. The house tour will be in a virtual format again this year and will be released on Saturday, Dec. 11, alongside the inperson Holiday House Tea. You will not want to miss it!

The Holiday House Committee is excited to announce Merrill Stewart, Bart McCorquodale, and Jennifer and Joe Calvin have offered to share their homes with us this year. In addition to these private home tours, everyone who purchases a ticket is invited to the in-person Holiday Tea on Saturday, Dec. 11.

In these unique times, the tour has adapted, and last year was our first ever virtual Holiday House Tour, along with the well-received and beautifully orchestrated Tea in a Bag that was offered. We are happy to announce that the Holiday House Tea will be in person this year, so that we can enjoy the fellowship that was so missed during the height of the pandemic last year. We will also continue the tradition of

THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY HOUSE COMMITTEE

IPC'S GREAT HALL DECORATED FOR THE HOLIDAY HOUSE TEA IN PREVIOUS YEARS.

sharing beautifully decorated private homes that will remain in a virtual format this year.

Over the past 72 years, this tour has welcomed thousands of visitors, now both in person and virtual; organized thousands of volunteers; hosted hundreds of homes, condominiums, or businesses; served countless finger sandwiches and homemade snacks from our very own Holiday House Cookbook; tied bows; hung garland and wreaths; and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars that have greatly benefited our IPC ministries.

The net proceeds of Holiday House ticket sales benefit programs of IPC Community Ministries directly supporting women and children.

HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE FUN We encourage everyone to purchase a ticket and come celebrate the 72nd year of the tour with us at the tea and watch the tour online. We are also grateful for the volunteers who work to make the tour a success every year. These volunteers serve a variety of roles. Most of our volunteer needs this year will be associated with the Holiday House Tea. Whatever your STRENGTH may be, we have a spot for you! To be a part of this tradition, look for volunteer opportunities soon in the weekly emails, bulletins, and in the parlor.

Volunteering for the Holiday House is a great way to meet other members, have some fun, and get into the holiday spirit.

Please reach out to me at elizabethsims@me.com to ask how you can help or volunteer.

G L O B AL MI SSI O N T RI P S

Joining God's Mission in the World

Give the Gift of Your Time As we prepare to honor the birth of the Christ-child, our community still faces many challenges. Join fellow IPC members to spread some holiday cheer. You can participate in the holiday activities of our church or get involved in one of the following ways to safely make a difference this holiday season for our vulnerable, food insecure, and temporarily unhoused neighbors.

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Build a family a home for the holidays. Habitat for Humanity build underway on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through October. Contact: Rev. Melissa Self Patrick, mpatrick@ipc-usa.org, 205 933-3709

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Donate non-perishable food and hygiene items through the Harvest for Hunger Drive Oct. 17-Nov. 21. Contact: Rev. Melissa Self Patrick, mpatrick@ipc-usa.org, 205 933-3709

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Buy a ticket to the 2021 Holiday House Tour or serve as a volunteer. An in-person Holiday House Tea returns on Dec. 11 alongside the release of the virtual tour link. Contact: Elizabeth Miles at elizabethsims@me.com

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Make an Advent Flower Contribution in honor or in memory of a loved one by Nov. 22. We'll include their names in the Christmas Eve worship bulletin. An envelope is included in this Window. Contact: Sandra Putman, sputman@ipc-usa.org, 205 933-1803

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Purchase fruit and support the mission of the IPC Choir through Nov. 28. Contact: Rosalynn Fairless, rfairless@ipc-usa.org, 205 933-3700

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Provide and serve dinner for the women and children staying at First Light. IPC will be providing the evening meals each night the week of Nov. 24-Dec. 4. IPC children will have a service night at First Light on Dec. 1. Contact: Lisa Holloway, lholloway@ipc-usa.org, 205 933-3725

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Make a gift to the Giving Tree this December. Contact: Rev. Melissa Self Patrick, mpatrick@ipc-usa.org, 205 933-3709

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Volunteer at the Children’s Advent Workshop on Dec. 4. Contact: Emma Stewart, estewart@ipc-usa.org, 205 933-3690

Find more information about events and on-going service opportunities at ipc-usa.org/connect.

Participate in an IPC Mission Journey Join us for an IPC Global Mission Journey in 2022! Everyone (14 years+) is welcome.

Chiapas, Mexico: June 4-11, 2022 Mwandi, Zambia: June 18-30, 2022 Kigali, Rwanda, and Alabama Black Belt: Tentatively planned for July 2022 Let us know your interest by Oct. 31.

You can find our initial applications to journey with us in 2022 at ipc-usa.org/connect. No deposits are anticipated until December 2021.

Please watch our communications for new updates about our mission journeys, or contact Rev. Melissa Self Patrick at mpatrick@ipc-usa.org for more information. Our Global Mission Team members are also happy to share their experiences with you.

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SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

For more than 30 years, IPC has carried out the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ in a variety of places around the world. We seek to build relationships and foster partnerships in the Gospel, as we work alongside people of many cultures, languages, and ethnicities.

M I NISTRY

I P C S TA F F

Farewell to One of Our Finest

We are forever grateful to Kathy Leaver, who announced her retirement in May after more than eight years of service as the Director of the Day School. Kathy started the 2021-2022 school year with the Day School to help ensure a seamless transition in leadership and plans to fully transition to retirement at the end of October.

As a member of IPC and a leader of A Home for Faith, she will not go far. Look for Kathy in worship and at various IPC activities. Please join us in congratulating Kathy on her well-deserved retirement.

“Working in a faith-based environment with faithful friends to further the IPC mission of the Day School was the most meaningful way to complete my 37 years as an educator. I have loved watching creativity flow, teams work so well together, and camaraderie abound. Thank you to those who were here in August 2013 who welcomed me to the Day School with open arms. Building relationships with all of you has been a blessing I will take with me,” said Kathy.

I PC D AY SCH O O L

A Bright Future with Kay Roller The IPC Day School began the new school year by welcoming Dr. Kay Roller as its new Director.

As the daughter of a lifelong preschool teacher, Kay grew up listening to the stories of what a thriving school culture looks like. It was those values that led Kay to earn her PhD in Developmental Psychology from UAB in 1998. She has previously been IPC’s Director of Children’s Faith Formation, where for ten years, she helped build the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program from the ground up.

She also helped start A Home for Faith, a small group of Day School moms who meet each week to discuss their life and faith.

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Please join us in congratulating Kay in her new role.

D AY S C H O O L FA MILIE S AND CHUR CH ME MBE R S AND FAMIL IES CEL EBRAT ED K AT H Y' S M A N Y YE AR S OF S E R V ICE TO THE DAY SCHOOL AT A FAREW EL L PA R A D E O N S E P T. 2 1 .

K I RK W OOD BY TH E R IVER

Laurel

New Independent Living Cottages Kirkwood by the River, a ministry established by IPC more than 40 years ago, is currently in the process of an ambitious repositioning and expansion plan.

The first phase of this expansion includes a new independent living neighborhood, Cedar Ridge at Kirkwood, featuring cottage-style homes situated in the heart of the 120-acre campus. This natural, wooded setting along the Cahaba River will offer “modern mountain living” with two-bedroom homes with open floor plans, natural light, a porch or patio for enjoying the wooded campus, and the option of adding a fireplace.

Other plans for the campus include new dining venues with outdoor spaces providing beautiful views of the Cahaba River, a billiards room and lounge, wellness center, many walking trails and outdoor gathering spaces, and a brand-new state-of-the-art Assisted Living and Memory Care building.

CONST RUCT ION HAS BEGUN ON 18 SINGL E-FAMILY CO TTA GES ON T HE KIRKW OOD CAMPUS.

“As new generations of seniors consider retirement options, they are interested in more choices and flexibility,” said Kirkwood CEO Chad Carter. “Kirkwood already provides our residents with a secure and peaceful retreat-like setting and the full continuum of health services. This new vision builds on our current strengths plus adds in the new things that older active adults look for in a community, such as wellness programs, social gathering spaces, outdoor living spaces, walkability, and excellent dining.”

As a life plan community with the full continuum of care, Kirkwood’s Health Services will see improvements and upgrades that include more private rooms, a new therapy gym, activities spaces, and more. Kirkwood is honoring their past and looking forward to their future and would like to thank IPC for all of the support and love throughout the years.

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IPC’s vision and God’s plan for Kirkwood by the River continue to unfold. Kirkwood is poised to grow into all that the members of IPC hoped and dreamed it could be. I look forward to welcoming more IPC members into this vibrant, loving, and joyful community.” ~Rev. Lucy E. Turner, Chaplain, Kirkwood by the River

P R E SBYT E RY OF SH EPPAR D S AN D L APSL EY

The Executive Council of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley has approved the distribution of the funds raised for Project Empathy. The project started in February 2020, when two members of the Advent Sunday School class at Southminster Presbyterian Church called the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley with the proposal to raise money to eliminate the medical debt in the Black Belt. This project is now aiding the poor in some of the most povertystricken regions of our state.

Project Empathy has raised $96, 859.98 to date to eliminate medical debt in Alabama's Black Belt region. RIP Medical Debt. Inc. is the non-profit that buys medical debt and forgives it. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization uses donations to purchase bundled medical debt portfolios that have gone through collection agencies for months or years.

Sh

e p p Presbytery of a psle a rd s & L

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Project Empathy

WINDOW (USPS255-220) Published Quarterly Office of Publication Independent Presbyterian Church 3100 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, Al 35205-1408 Periodical Postage Paid at Birmingham, Alabama POSTMASTER: Send address change to the WINDOW, 3100 Highland Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205-1408

3100 Highland Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

November Organ Recitals A N IPC T RA DI TI ON S I N C E 1965

Sunday, Nov. 7 • 4 pm • Sanctuary & Livestream DAVID ENLOW Concert Organist, New York, New York Sunday, Nov. 14 • 4 pm • Sanctuary & Livestream COLIN LYNCH Trinity Church, Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, Nov. 21 • 4 pm • Sanctuary & Livestream STEPHEN BUZARD St. James Cathedral, Chicago, Illinois

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Sunday, Nov. 28 • 4 pm • Sanctuary & Livestream KATELYN EMERSON Concert Organist, Boston, Massachusetts All recitals will be in the Sanctuary and livestreamed on IPC's YouTube channel and on IPC's Facebook page. You can find IPC on YouTube and social media @IPCBirmingham.

Details: ipc-usa.org > connect