MINISTRY AT IPC: CALLED TO CONNECT

As summer transitions into fall, what a season we are enjoying here at IPC—filled with ministry happening in many places throughout our wonderful congregation.

We hope you will find an opportunity to connect with us in the coming months. Read along for updates from our church leaders in ministry.

Adult Ministries

By: Gail Pless, Adult Ministry Team Chair

Autumn is a time to open doors, reunite the family of faith, and nestle into our church home. Adult Ministries (which includes Adult Education, the Library, and many small groups) is tasked to oversee adult engagement opportunities—learning with a Sunday School class, experiencing God’s call in an interest group, quietly studying in the library, and venturing into large intergenerational gatherings.

We have a new Small Group Subcommittee to help us become more intentional and responsive to IPC adults where they gather, grow in faith, and minister to one another and our neighbors. Please contact Adult Ministries to let us know what you need to experience warm and welcoming grace at IPC and beyond.

Family Ministries

By: Beth Middleton, Director of Family Ministries

Summer is always a special season for families at IPC, and over the dog days of summer, we hope you were able to relax, spend time with others, explore, and learn something new. Children in VBS learned how to be “Game Changers” while campers at Bibletimes Marketplace joined the biblical tribes of Israel to learn about Jacob’s story.

The Youth reflected on what it means to experience deep, authentic joy while in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. The IPC Day School welcomed over 120 children during their six weeks of themed APPLE camps like camping, island adventure, and busy builders.

In May, we welcomed Dr. Jonathan Davis and Dr. Dale Wisely to IPC as our guest speakers for our first-ever “Parentpalooza,” which shared tips and support for the parents of the church. Families also joined us to celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day with flowers and sweet treats.

Mark your calendars for a special “Summer Supper Soirée” for all IPC parents on August 23 at Clubhouse on Highland.

As we prepare to kick off the school year on Sunday, August 13, Family Ministry wants to express our excitement for the coming season. We really can’t wait to see what the Holy Spirit has in store this fall!

Youth Ministries

By: Olivia Vanlandingham, 2023 Youth Elder

Summer was filled with opportunities for our youth to grow and connect with each other, the community, and their faith.

This summer, youth served at BTMP and in Camden, spent time in fellowship during Tuesday night patio nights, and deepened our faith at the Montreat Youth and Middle School Conference. I spent time, as Youth Elder, working with our subcommittee to plan events, approve curriculums, and discuss changes that will better foster fellowship, service, and development of faith.

This fall, Youth group will continue to meet on Sunday nights and will focus on our call to care for Creation. We are excited to introduce “First Wednesday Fellowship,” which is a time once a month for our youth to deepen their relationships with one another through fun activities, games, and meals together.

All ninth and tenth graders are invited to participate in confirmation, a significant milestone in their faith. Select eleventh and twelfth graders will be chosen to participate on the Youth Grant Team, where they will learn about the IPC Foundation through reviewing grants, performing site visits, and conversing meaningfully to allocate funds.

We are looking forward to this fall and can’t wait to continue to grow, learn, and worship together.

Children Ministries

By: Katie Wells, Children’s Ministry Sub-committee Chair

Wow! It’s hard to believe we are getting into the Fall season and school getting back in session! We’ve had an amazing summer with our IPC Children’s Ministry programs.

Thanks to our incredible volunteers and committee members for making VBS and Bibletimes Marketplace a huge success with over 140 children participating. We have a fantastic line up this fall that your kids will not want to miss out on.

Personally, I’m excited about Kids Rock from 5:30–7:30 pm on Wednesday nights. It will give our children a chance to gain a deeper connection with their church family and intentional time experiencing God’s Word all while having fun!

M4 is another incredible way for our fourth, fifth, and sixth graders to connect with each other through service every third Sunday of the month.

I am loving all of the opportunities to connect our children together in Christ and am looking forward to seeing all of your children this Fall.

Ipc Day School

By: Julie Rediker, Day School Committee Chair

Greetings from the Day School Committee Chair! I’ve been involved with the Day School since 2013. I’ve witnessed the incredible impact the Day School has on the lives of children. Here are some exciting highlights for fall.

The Day School continues to connect students and their families to our church through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and weekly chapel services. We have seen families new to the Day School visiting the church on Sundays and several families have joined IPC in the last year. Home for Faith, a monthly Bible study for moms, continues to grow each year.

Day School families support Community Ministries as one of the largest donors of the Harvest for Hunger food drive. Students visit the Food Pantry to see where their donations go as we build the concepts of giving and sharing with others.

This year we will be adding a curriculum to build phonemic awareness for our 4- and 5-year-olds, thanks to funds we received from the William W. Featheringill Fund. We are also eagerly exploring options for the much-needed playground renovation. We’d love to have you come visit the Day School!