ipc messenger - independent presbyterian...

Volume 14 • No 46 DECEMBER 2015

A Weekly Publication of the Independent Presbyterian ChurchOffice 912-236-3346 | Fax 912- 236-3676 | E-Mail [email protected] | Website www. ipcsav.org

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3 MIssions

4 Women’s Ministry

4 Children’s MInistry

5 Student Ministries

6, 7 Family Corner

8–10 Announcements and Events

11 December and January Birthdays

IPC Messenger

CONTENTS

IPC Messenger

IPC eMessenger

“A certain type of ministry of the gospel is cruel,” says J. I. Packer in the

opening sentence of “These Inward Trials,” the 21st chapter of Knowing God. It doesn’t mean to be, he admits, but it is. What kind of ministry is that? It is an evangelical ministry of the kind which I happened to encounter as a junior in college. Packer describes it as so playing down the “rougher side” of the Christian life “as to give the impression that normal Christian living is a bed of roses, a state of affairs in which… problems no longer exist.” Or, if problems do come, it insists that one need only trust and pray and “they will melt away at once.”

The struggling Christian, Packer continues, is taught to “regard all experiences of frustration and perplexity as signs of sub-standard Christianity. Consequently, he now encounters “further bondage by the strait jacket of a remedy by which it purposes to dispel these experiences.” Struggle, according to this “cruel” type of ministry, is equaled with defeat, caused by a failure of “consecration” or “trust,” the cure of which is found in confession and reconsecration. “If he does this (it is affirmed), he will find himself once more, in the theological as well as metaphorical sense, on top of the world,” Packer explains.

My problem was that the exciting rapid spiritual growth of my sophomore year of college was followed by a dark junior year of struggle. As a serious Christian, I didn’t know where I belonged any longer. I was living in a fraternity house, alienated by a brotherhood whose common bond seemed to be debauchery. I didn’t mind it the year before. Now I did. The “brothers” seemed to sense my discomfort and resented it. I felt

ostracized, alone, isolated.I was struggling with my own heart sins

as well. I was discouraged by my lack of progress in the Christian life. I saw great joy and peace in other serious Christians, little in me, and wondered how I could be Christian at all when I was unsettled so much of the time? For most of my adult life I have been a happy person. I don’t worry much. I don’t get down. I whistle and sing a lot. I am at peace. I’m blessed with joy and contentment. But not then. I was down, and to use a word tossed around far too much, I was depressed.

My Christian friends responded mostly by telling me to get over it. They implied that I was being a bad witness. If the Christian life was as gloomy as I made it seem, who would want to become a believer? I was urged to be filled with the Spirit, and since the fruit of the Spirit is peace and joy, such would return to me. I was told, or at least this is what I thought I heard, that my problem was that I was striving. I needed to stop. I needed only to “let go and let God” and all would be well again.

The result of this counsel from Job’s friends: my despondency compounded. Now I was not only down, but I was ruining my Christian witness, the realization of which cast me further and further into darkness. I was caught in a downward spiral, discouraged because I was discouraged, from which I feared I would not recover.

One day we were reading a Campus Crusade “Ten Steps” booklet and happened upon a citation from Romans 7:

15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if

Christian Motivations5: The Struggle – Romans 7

Continued Page 2

January The Heavenly Footman, John Bunyan, 73pp

February The Art of Man-Fishing, Thomas Boston, 85pp

March The Mortification of Sin, John Owen, 1-80

April The Mortification of Sin, John Owen, 81-157

May The Pleasantness of a Religious Life, Matthew Henry, 1-90

June The Pleasantness of a Religious Life, Matthew Henry, 91-180

July Christ Crucified, Stephen Charnock, 1-126

August Christ Crucified, Stephen Charnock, 127-229

September Repentance, Thomas Boston, 1-131

October Repentance, Thomas Boston, 132-250

November Keeping the Heart, John Flavel, 128 pp

December The Life of God in the Soul of Man, Henry Scougal, 1-127

January The Crook in the Lot, Thomas Boston, 160 pp.

All of the above books are published by Christian Focus

and available through the church office.

I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus

Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. (Rom 7:15-19, 21-25)

As we read these verses I had a eureka moment. That’s me, I said to myself. I want to do what is right. Yet instead, I do the very thing I hate. I am the “wretched man.” Our study leader explained that Romans 7 was the Apostle Paul’s pre-Christian testimony and we needed to move on to Romans 8. Yet instinctively I knew better. As the Scot John “Rabbi” Duncan (1796-1870) said to his congregation, “As long as I’m your pastor you’ll never get out of Romans 7.” Indeed, we never do. We never escape the fight. We never arrive.

Discovering this was liberating for me. It normalized my struggle. My classification moved from spiritual freak to ordinary Christian, joining countless other believers

who have endured the “dark night of the soul” (see Pss 22, 77, 88). I was released from what Packer calls “a cruel treadmill life of hunting each day for non-existent failures in consecration.” And it started me on the path of understanding the Christina life as warfare; of understanding the continuing problem of “indwelling sin” in believers; of understanding the incompleteness of redemption in this world; of understanding our active participation in sanctification; of understanding our absolute dependence upon the Holy Spirit; and of understanding God’s gracious purpose in refining us through our trials and tribulations.

—Terry Johnson

Fellowship for MenLooking for fellowship with other men? Hoping to find a catalyst for deeper

conversations of spiritual things? Join the “Dead Theologians’ Society” for 2016. The following is a list of the Puritan classics that we will read.

Not a reader? Don’t worry. One need only read three to four pages a day to keep on schedule. Most of us simply make the readings a part of our daily devotionals. If you’ve struggled to establish a daily devotional time, this will help. Sign up today!

When: the last Wednesday (PM) and Thursday of each monthTime: breakfast at 6:30 a.m., lunch at noon, or 7:00 p.m. (Wednesday)

What: the following books, as scheduled:

The Twenties/Career/Covenant Group continues to meet for Bible Study on Thursday nights on

the 4th Floor of the Whitaker Building. We continue studying Romans and being led in worship by Mr. Frankie Daniell. Last month we were invited by the Van Puffelens to an Oyster Roast at their house, and on December 17, 7:00 p.m., we have been invited to the Johnsons’ home for a Christmas Party. Please continue to pray for our young professionals: that they might easily connect to I.P.C., that they might continue to grow in love for Jesus and His Church, and that we might see the conversion of many of our friends, neighbors, and co-workers! — Tim & Abigail Shaw

This past semester flew by, and during that time we had one major stride in our college ministry:

we established a Bible study group out at Armstrong State. Over the past few months, Paul Rodgers and I went through the “I AM” statements of Jesus. We believe we have an interested and committed core group established and are working to continue our study and hopefully see fruit from it, not just in the lives of the students present but also in our church. The true test will be this: continuation. With the winter break upon us and the spring semester approaching, it is our hope that the break will not diminish the momentum the Lord has blessed us with at this juncture. So as we look towards another semester with these students in which we will study the attributes of God, please pray that our efforts in this fall semester have not been in vain. Pray for the students, that they may grow in faith and holiness. And please pray that the Lord would continue to foster a desire within them to be a part of this Bible study we are providing.

— Kyle Brent

Intern Corner

christian Motivations from page 1

PAGE 2 DECEMBER 2015 IPC

MESSENGER DECEMBER 2015 PAGE 3

Flood Relief Report

On Saturday, November 5, a group of workers from I.P.C. traveled to Lexington, SC to help with flood relief efforts. We departed from First Presbyterian of Pooler (avoiding the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon) for a good day of work and fellowship. We worked on an old mill building (1891) that houses Watershed Fellowship PCA in the lower level and several merchants upstairs—a lovely old building that sustained significant damage when the dam immediately upstream was breached. We met with believers from Watershed and other local churches to organize our work crews. Some of our group helped a bookstore owner stain new bookshelves (his store had been downstairs and completely destroyed and now was moved to the upper level, making more room for the church downstairs.) Watershed Fellowship, as a good neighbor, is helping others occupying the building with their recovery—it is a great witness to the love of Christ and greatly appreciated. Others did general cleanup and sheetrock installation. It was a joyful day meeting fellow believers, enjoying each other’s company, and extending mercy where there is great need. Those from I.P.C. were Steve Thompson, Candace Sutlive, Morgan Thomas, Mark and Stephen Dusek, Wallace Milling, and Frankie Daniell.

Dates to RememberPeruMission Day Camp Trip Jan. 1 – 9 (please pray for this event)

Day Camp Registration For I.P.C. members – begins January 10For non- members – begins February 8

I.P.C. World Missions Conference March 3-6

Frankie Daniell

Greetings from Davao City, Philippines. I just want to let you know that I received

the three packages that you’ve sent to me. Thank you so much for your continued support. The cause of the gospel of Christ are further advanced this side of the world through these books and pamphlets. This evening, Friday, and tomorrow whole day, we will have a Reformation seminar on the sovereignty of God at the church. We will be giving away some of the pamphlets to at least 30 people. Next month, we are going to have another Reformation seminar up in Manila, and we will be giving the books away to pastors who will be joining our seminar again. So I thank you and the I.P.C. congregation for your generosity in giving these resources.

Last week, I had the privilege of joining the Asia-Pacific Conference of Reformed Churches in South Korea, and I was all the more encouraged to labor for the cause of the gospel of Christ and for the promotion of Reformed doctrines and practices here in the Philippines. The theme of the conference was the Sacraments. I was greatly informed and motivated to remain faithful to the Lord and to the ministry He has entrusted to me. The papers, Bible studies, and group discussions were superb.

I understand that Reformation books and literature play a vital role in bringing reformation to the churches. So I am very grateful to I.P.C. for her selfless and tireless labor to help bring reformation in the churches all over the world by producing and distributing these resources to those

congregations that are in need of them.

Thank you so much for your faithful partnership with us in the ministry of the gospel of Christ. May the Lord continue to equip you to help other churches become strong and faithful to their calling as foundation and pillar of truth!

I shall see to it that these books will land in the hands of those who are learning and are eager to learn the gospel of Christ and the Reformed faith. Many pastors and church leaders have already benefited from the previous resources that you’ve sent. Our Women’s Sunday School also has greatly benefited from Mr. Johnson’s “The Parables of Jesus.” Now they are starting to study “When Grace Transforms.” They always have a lively discussion during their Sunday School class.

Thanks a lot for giving us freely these materials which we do not have easy access to here in the Philippines.

Blessings, Vic Bernales

PS: Some of these I.P.C. pamphlets will be given to those who will join the seminar on the sovereignty of God this evening and tomorrow at the Davao Covenant Reformed Church. Some will be given to our Reformation Seminar in Malolos City next month.

Missions

Greetings from the Philippines

Women’s Ministry

Children’s Ministry

The women of our church had a “gathering” on Saturday, November

14, for our Holiday Hospitality event. A “gathering” is a coming together, and we enjoy our opportunities to be with one another. We need time spent together in order to know one another and to be more to each other than faces we see on Sunday mornings. This is primarily what our fellowship events are for. As is usual for our gatherings, we had women of all ages join us. Daughters came with their mothers, and we welcomed visitors who were neighbors of church members. We did open our first gifts of the season (the ornament exchange), and

learn about a painting technique, and make a wreath out of fresh greens, but mostly we were together while we did these things. There were smiles all around as we discussed how we might use the ideas that were presented to us. Some of us needed help to make the wreaths, and there were those who helped. A number of our ladies prepared Christmas morning breakfast recipes for us all. A few of the ladies did not participate in the ornament exchange in order to stay in the kitchen to make sure that the food we would share would be ready. We took a little time out of our schedules to be together for Holiday Hospitality. One event like this by itself may not make a lot of difference, but over time with many opportunities taken for time with each other, it will make a difference. You do not even have to like painting techniques, wreaths, or Christmas morning casseroles. All you really have to like is time spent together.

—Jane Boatright

Where can one ride a mechanical pig? Eat 200

hot dogs? Win a $100 gift card? Slide down 60 feet of fun? Only at I.P.C.’s Fall Family Festival! This year was better than ever! With a crowd of over 200 and all new rides and games…a great time was had by everyone!

This huge event involves so many people who willingly give their time and efforts to ensure our children and families have the best event possible. Thank you so much to Paul

Rodgers and Caroline Boatright. They made sure the youth were manning the stations and everything was running smoothly. If the families in our church have best friends, it would be in the form of Frankie Daniell, Dennis Boatright, Tim Barrett, and Charlie Martin. These men were behind the scenes and attending to the countless details from setting up to cleaning up. Our I.P.C. office staff which includes Josh Espinosa, Maggie

Taylor, Karen Hansill, and dear Josh Corbitt are worker bees on our behalf. Kyle Brent was a superstar manning the striker and anywhere else he was needed.

Our I.P.C. youth group made the day for our church. They were at the church early to set up and late to clean up. They manned the rides and did the tedious jobs all day with smiles and great attitudes. All in great costumes I might add!

Would you please take a moment to thank these wonderful young people? They were awesome

—Amy Martin

We Enjoyed Our Time Together

Renovation Update

Thank you to our Sunday School children and teachers, Sue Hinely

and Bev Van Grouw, for their flexibility during our renovations. Our first and second grade classes are meeting in the Fellowship Hall, and our third and fourth grade classes meet in the Administration Building while the lane repairs and renovations are being completed. We cannot wait to see how grand the lane will look in March!



SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.Middle School (210 Whitaker St., 2nd floor)

High School (210 Whitaker, 3rd floor)

SUNDAY NIGHTSYouth Choir 4 – 5 p.m.

Dinner 6:30 p.m. (210 Whitaker Street)

High School Small Groups and Middle School Emmaus Road 7:00 –7:55 p.m.

WEDNESDAYSHigh School Dinner and Fellowship 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

REGULAR STUDENT MINISTRY SCHEDULE

STUDENT MINISTRIES

This fall the youth of I.P.C. have enjoyed many events. We have had regular

Wednesday night meetings for the high school, small group meetings and middle school large group meetings on Sunday nights, as well as several special events.

The ladies of our student ministry attended the W.O.C. tea in September while our guys had an airsoft tournament. In October, we had middle school madness at Fun Zone, and the youth helped to keep Fall Family Fun Day running smoothly. At the beginning of November, the youth and their families came together for an oyster roast at the Gibsons’ house.

We have had a wonderful season and are thankful for all the families who participate in this ministry. You are in our prayers for continued growth in fruitfulness and holiness.

DECEMBERYouth Christmas Basket Delivery Saturday, December 5Youth will meet at The Kirk at 11:30 a.m. and have a brief time of prayer before heading out. We plan to finish up around 2:30 p.m.

Youth Christmas PartyFriday, December 11 • 6:30 p.m.The Laniers’ Home, 6 Liberty Place

College Christmas Party Saturday, December 18 • 6:30 p.m.The Martins’ Home 1304 Walthour Road

Final Small Groups and Emmaus Road of 2015 Sunday night, December 6

Final High School Fellowship for 2015Wednesday night, December 16,6:30-8:30 p.m.210 Whitaker Street Building

College StudentsCollegiates, look out for a flyer about the mixed doubles disk golf tournament on Monday, December 21!

JanuaryParents’ Meeting and Youth Prayer and PraiseSunday, January 10, at 6:30 p.m.3rd floor of the 210 Whitaker Street Building

Student Ministry Fellowship and Bible Study Returns for 2016 (Grade 6-12)Wednesday night, January 136:30-8:15 p.m.210 Whitaker Street Building

Because of construction, beginning the 11th and for the foreseeable future, there will be no Sunday evening activities besides youth choir. Middle School is welcome to participate on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:15 p.m. for a meal with the high school, but a separate game and study.

Covenant College Visit for Juniors and SeniorsJanuary 14 & 15 More details to come!

Summary of Fall Events:

Family CornerDecember 2015

Psalm 108

Two Psalm endings, 57:7-11 (vv 1-5) and 60:5-12 (vv 6-13) combine to form the 108th. Yet “it is no (mere) anthology,” says Motyer. “David drew on his earlier psalmody and fashioned it afresh for new needs,” he continues. It opens with thanksgiving (verses 1-6) and ends with the promise of triumph (vv 7-13). The place names in verses 7 and 8 are a way of indicating dominion over the whole land of Israel; Moab, Edom & Philistia (verses 9, 10) are principle enemies over whom victory is promised. Spurgeon entitles it, “The Warrior’s Morning Song.

Years 1-10

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” Latin hymn, attr. to

John Francis Wade, 1751

O come, all ye faithful,Joyful and triumphant,O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;Come and behold HimBorn the King of angels;

Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

God of God,Light of Light;Lo, He abhors not the Virgin’s womb:Very God,Begotten, not created.Refrain

Sing, choirs of angels,Sing in exultation,Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above;Glory to GodIn the highest;Refrain

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,Born this happy morning:Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n;Word of the Father,Late in flesh appearing;Refrain

TUNE: ADESTE FIDELES 6.6.10.5.6.ref.

John Francis Wade’s Cantus Diversi, 1751 (#208)

Verses 1–61 My heart is fixed, O God; I’ll sing; my psalms I’ll raise.2 My soul shall sing; awake, O harp! At dawn I’ll wake to praise.3 I will give thanks to Thee Among the peoples, Lord. Among the nations of the world To Thee I’ll psalms accord.

4 Above the heavens high Thy love and mercy rise; Thy faithfulness extendeth far; It reaches to the skies.5 Be Thou exalted far Above the heav’ns, O God; And let Thy glory be advanced O’er all the earth abroad.

6 That Thy beloved ones Deliverance may see, O save us by Thy strong right hand; In mercy answer me.

Verses 7–137 God spoke in holiness; “I will exultant stand; From Shechem unto Succoth’s vale

I’ll portion out the land.

8 For Gi-le-ad is Mine; Mine are Manasseh’s fields; Yes, Ephraim defends My head; My scepter Judah wields.

9 “In Moab I will wash, My shoe on Edom throw; And o’er the land of Palestine In triumph I will go.”10 O who will bring me to The city fortified? Or who is he that to the land Of Edom will me guide?

11 Hast Thou not cast us off, O God, in Whom we boast? Wilt Thou no more, O God, go forth In battle with our host?12 Against the foe give help; In vain the help man knows.13 In God we shall do valiantly, For He’ll tread down our foes.

TUNE: FESTAL SONG SM(new Trinity Hymnal, p. 242)(“Rise Up O Men of God”)

Elements from The Psalter, 1912

Years 11-15Psalm 108



Psalm and Hymns of the Month— 2016

Years 1 - 10Jan #598 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”Feb Psalm 67Mar #254 “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed”April Psalm 24May #53 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”June Psalm 42July #345 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”Aug Psalm 19Sept #38 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”Oct Psalm 124Nov #295 “Crown Him with Many Crowns”Dec Psalm 37

Years 11 – 15Jan #649 “More Love to Thee, O Christ” Feb Psalm 109:1–12 (tune: Stuttgart) Mar #660 “O God Beyond All Praising”April Psalm 111:1–4 (tune: St. Magnus)May #201 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”June Psalm 112 (tune: Morecombe)July #2 “O Worship the King”Aug Psalm 115 (tune: Dix)Sept #227 “On Christmas Night All Christians Sing” Oct Psalm 116 (tune: Pilgrims)Nov #604 “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart”Dec Psalm 119:65-72 (tune: Guidance)

Years 1-10

“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”

William Williams, 1745

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,Pilgrim through this barren land;I am weak, but Thou art mighty;Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand;Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,Feed me till I want no more,Feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,Whence the healing stream doth flow;Let the fire and cloudy pillarLead me all my journey through;Strong Deliv’rer, strong Deliv’rer,Be Thou still my strength and shield,Be Thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,Bid my anxious fears subside;Death of death, and hell’s Destruction,Land me safe on Canaan’s side;Songs of praises, songs of praises,I will ever give to Thee,I will ever give to Thee.

TUNE: CWM RHONDDA 8.7.8.7.8.7.rep.

John Hughes, 1907 (#598)

More love to thee, O Christ,More love to thee!Hear thou the prayer I makeOn bended knee;This is my earnest plea,More love, O Christ to thee, More love to thee,More love to thee!

Once earthly joy I craved,Sought peace and rest; Now thee alone I seek;Give what is best:This all my prayer shall be,More love, O Christ to thee, More love to thee,More love to thee!

Let sorrow do its work,Send grief and pain;Sweet are thy messengers,Sweet their refrain,When they can sing with me,More love, O Christ to thee, More love to thee,More love to thee!

Then shall my latest breathWhisper thy praise;This be the parting cryMy heart shall raise,This still its prayer shall be,More love, O Christ to thee, More love to thee,More love to thee!

TUNE: MORE LOVE TO THEE 6.4.6.4.6.6.4.4.

William H. Doane, 1868 (#649)

Family CornerJanuary 2016

Years 11-15

“More Love to Thee, O Christ”Elizabeth Payson Prentiss, 1869

Weddings Congratulations to

... Mr. and Mrs. Neal Anderson Cope, Jr. who were married on October 17, 2015, at Grace Church of the Islands. Mrs. Anderson is the former Miss Ciara Dallas Newsome. Anderson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Neal A. Cope.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTSThe Lord’s supper

The Lord’s Supper will be observed during our evening service on December 6. Because of the exceptional blessing we have in this sacrament and the danger of eating and drinking unworthily, it is necessary that we come to it with knowledge, faith, repentance, love and with hungering and thirsting souls after Christ and His benefits. The congregation is encouraged to use all appointed means, public and private, to come to the Lord’s Table, depending upon God for the gracious preparation of the heart according to His promise (Psalm 10:17). The Lord’s Supper for January will take place in the morning worship service, January 3, 2016.

session/diaconaTe MeeTingOur regular Session/Diaconate meeting will be held on Monday evening, December 7 at 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. They will meet at Pt. Pleasant. After meeting, they will have an oyster roast.

dead TheoLogians’ socieTyThe Dead Theologians’ Society will meet on Thursday, December: 6:45-8:00 a.m. for breakfast at Henry’s Restaurant, or 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for lunch in the Administration Building, 2nd Floor classroom (bring a brown-bag lunch). The assignment to read from The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall is: “Direction Twelfth,” pages 504-600.

Tuesday Morning circLeThe Tuesday Morning Circle will not meet in December. It will resume on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at the home of Mrs. Pam Dykema, 123 Goette Trail, 429-5326.

Thursday Morning circLeThe Thursday Morning Circle will meet on December 10, 10:30 a.m., at the home of Mrs. Susan Mullininx, 103 Baymeadow Point (Southbridge), 231-8885.

Wednesday noon servicesThe Wednesday Noon Service will cease after December 16, until the renovations are completed.

church office cLosedThe church office will be closed in observance of the Christmas holiday on December 24 and 25. It will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, December 28.

fLoWers for 2016The flowers in the sanctuary on Sundays are donated by members of the congregation. This is a wonderful way to honor/memorialize a special person in your life. If you would like to donate flowers in 2016, please call Laurel Brewer at 912-727-4418.

annuaL reporTsSummary narratives for the Annual Report are due from committee chairmen, church staff, educational staff, and W.O.C. by Monday, January 6, 2016. Please submit your report by email to [email protected].

chrisTMas eve serviceOur annual Christmas Eve service will be held on Thursday, December 24, at 5:30 p.m. It will include a message by Mr. Johnson, a children’s story by Mr. Parrish, and candlelight carol singing on the lawn. Make plans to attend this special service of worship. Bring your family and friends.

chrisTMas eve BroadcasTof King’s coLLege

National Public Radio (91.1) will broadcast live the Service of Lessons & Carols of Kings College, Cambridge University, England, on Christmas Eve at 10:00 a.m. (EST). Check BBC Radio for broadcast information.

veTerans day paradeWhen Savannah’s Veterans Day parade s t e p p e d o f f o n Wednesday, November 11, Allen Harvey, a Marine Corps veteran, was there as the parade’s grand marshall. Allen Harvey is the husband of I.P.C. member, Susan Stephens.

Births Congratulations to

... Rev. and Mrs. Timothy Foster (Caroline), on the birth of their daughter, Ava Anne Foster, born on, November 11, 2015, in Savannah, GA.

College Christmas Party

December 186:30 to 9:30 p.m.

At the home ofCharlie and Amy Martin

1304 Walthour Road (31410)

agape afTer chrisTMas parTy

The Agape Sunday School Class will hold their annual after Christmas Party on Friday, January 15, at Point Pleasant, 441 Suncrest Boulevard, at 6:30 p.m. Information will be provided during the class on Sunday mornings.

save The daTeSave the date for or next PRIMES’ event,—the Valentine’s Day Luncheon—on Friday, February 12, 11:30 a.m., at the Savannah Golf Club. Details to come later.

officers’ reTreaTOur Officers’ Retreat will be held on January 9, 2016, from 9 to 11 a.m., (Whitaker Street Building). Our featured speaker will be Dr. Neil Stewart, Senior Pastor of Kirk O’ the Isles (PCA). We invite our officers to join us for this important time of exhortation, prayer, and enrichment as we renew our vision for shepherding Christ’s flock.



The following are changes in members’address and/or telephone information.Please note them in your directory.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rustine627 Little Creek DriveDuncanville, TX 75116

Dr. & Mrs. John Gouse4 Sassafras TrailSavannah, GA 31404(no home phone number)

Mr. and Mrs. Hal Ambos1101 Walden Park DriveSavannah, GA 31410

Mrs. Amy Hale1519 Beach Drive S.E.St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Parker119 High Valley Blvd.Greenville, SC 29605

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hill2852 Bellwind CircleRockledge, FL 32955-5194

LtJG & Mrs. Paul Johansen, Jr.611 Tower LoopKodiak, AK 99615

Changes in Address

church in BereaveMenT

The congregation of Independent Presbyterian Church extends sympathy to:

. . . Mr. and Mrs. Carl Biathrow and family on the death of his brother, Kenneth Moore Biathrow, who passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2015, in Lyndonville, VT.

. . . Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Grouw and family on the death of his father, Leonard J. Van Grouw, who passed away on Monday, November 2, 2015, in Franklin Lakes, NJ.

. . .Mr. and Mrs. Blake R. Berg and family on the death of Sarah’s grandfather, Clarence James Bunda, who passed away on Friday, November 13, 2015, in Fort Dodge, IA.

. . .Mr. and Mrs. Steve Bell and family on the death of his mother, Dorothea “Dot” Scholl Bell, who passed away on Monday, November 23, 2015, in Ashville, NC.

deceMber/christMas schedule

December 4 PRIMES’ Christmas Party, Savannah Golf Club, 11:30 a.m.

December 5 Youth deliver Shut-in baskets, 11:30-3 p.m.

December 6 Last Small Group for 2015

December 11 Youth Christmas Party at The Laniers’ home, 6 Liberty Place (The Landings), from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

December 12 Lessons & Carols Rehearsal, (see schedule Music Ministry article)

December 13 Lessons & Carols Service, 5:30 p.m., followed by the Annual Christmas Buffet in the Fellowship Hall.

December 16 Last Youth Group for 2015

December 17 Covenant Christmas Party, at the Johnsons’ home, 110 Lee Blvd., 7 p.m.

December 18 College Christmas Party at the home of Charlie and Amy Martin, 1304 Walthour Road (31410), from 6:30–9:30 p.m.

December 22 Men’s Prayer Breakfast will meet

December 23 No Wednesday noon service

December 24 Christmas Eve Service, 5:30 pm

December 24 Church Office Closed in observance& 25 of Christ’s birth

December 29 Men’s Prayer Breakfast will meet

December 30 No Wednesday noon service

January 1 Church Office closed in observance of New Year’s Day

January 9 Officers’ Retreat

January 10 last Sunday evening meal before construction begins in the Fellowship Hall

Dear Women of the Church,

After a long and difficult week, I received my college care package last Thursday. I knew it was coming and I was so excited to get it, stocked full of goodies. I knew what to expect since I normally help my mom pack them every year. What I did not expect was how much joy all the homemade food, gifts, and notes brought me. Seeing how much everyone cared by making me food and sending thoughtful encouraging cards made me overwhelmingly happy and thankful. Instead of digging into the candy like my usual self would do, I was digging around my box looking for every sweet letter I had received and sat on my bed in tears of joy as I read them. One of the hardest things, if not the hardest thing, moving to college for me was leaving my church home. I am very thankful to be attending Trinity Presbyterian Church here in Statesboro, but I still miss I.P.C. every Sunday. Now I have a little bit of I.P.C. with me in your cards and in my stomach! It was an incredible feeling to know that my church family was thinking about me and praying for me. The food was delicious and the notes were so kind. I just wanted to let y’all know how thankful I was to receive them. I appreciate it so much! God bless you!

Madison Wiggins

Dear I.P.C. members,

Cliff and I would like to express our appreciation to the I.P.C. congregation for all the cards, calls, and flowers during my recent illness. Your attention has meant so much to our family.

Sincerely,Ruth Wilson

Dearest I.P.C. Family,

Thank you for the care package. I was so encouraged by all the sweet notes in it! And the goodies are always appreciated; my housemates loved the snacks and baked goods, too. I am often overwhelmed by how my church body has been such a tremendous blessing to me. Keep on pursuing the Lord and take care of His college-age sheep; we need the reminder that we have dear people praying for us!

Gratefully,Sara Kaitlin Van Puffelen

The ChurCh BudgeT and giving 2015In order to inform the congregation of the financial status and needs of the church, the following snapshot of our current financial condition is provided. Thank you for your faithful support. Received Needed Over/Short1st Quarter $426,518 $508,378 –$ 81,8602nd Quarter $474,469 $508,378 –$ 33,909 3rd Quarter $451,392 $508,378 –$ 56,986October $164,916 $156,424 +$ 8,492*November $163,441 $156,424 +$ 7,017*4 weeks only

Totals $1,680,736 $1,837,982 –$157,246

STewardShip CommiTmenT for 2016

As of Monday, November 23, we have received 162 commitment cards totaling $ 1,496,683 for the year of 2016.

Thank You NotesI.P.C. OffICers

THE SESSIONTerry L. Johnson, ModeratorRonald H. Parrish, AssociateTimothy P. Foster, Associate

Class of 2016Marion T. (Jody) Lanier III

Class of 2017Francis V. DaniellJohn W. Garnett

Class of 2018Timothy A. Barrett

David B. Gross

Class of 2019W. Gregory Brunson

David D. GobelCharles C. Martin, Jr.

Class of 2020J. Dennis Boatright

William D. Brodmann, Jr.Richard B. Mullininx, Jr.

ELDER EMERITIWilliam M. AustinWilliam Elbert Best Alton Brown, Sr.

John Gilbert DonaldsonDale H. Gibson

Silas Dobbs McCaslinDonald K. McLaurin

COL Richards O. StewartJohn Cornelius Van Puffelen

THE DIACONATE

Class of 2016William D. Brodmann, Jr.

Eddie W. DeLoachMark W. Dusek

Kevin J. HeritageThomas D. MacMillanWallace T. Milling, Sr.

William B. Van PuffelenDavid M. Wade

Class of 2017Neal Cope

Clark W. GibsonPatrick C. Kenard

Ryan B. MoodySeth L. Murray

Jody P. RobinsonMichael W. Spencer

Roy C. Thompson IIIK. Wilbur Wiggins

Class of 2018William J. Black

Micahel D. HazeltineG. Clay Nolen

Class of 2019Kenneth C. Crowe

Stephen E. Jackson, Jr.Roy (Rob) Robinson Kelly IV

Clark M. RookstoolWilliam (Breck) B. Van Puffelen II

THE TRUSTEES

John T. South, III (2014)Andrew W. Brodmann (2016)William J. Monroe, Jr. (2017)Frank Chisholm, Jr. (2018)

Richard B. Mullininx (2019)G. Ronald Morris (2020)



December Birthdays

January Birthdays

1 Hayes Hostetter

1 Kristen Sagar

2 Ben Johnson

2 Joel Trice

4 Lucy Biemiller

4 Clara Crowe

4 Gary Moore

5 Sally Robyn

5 Marion Brown

5 Luke Sagar

6 Si McCaslin

6 Darvin Nease

7 Ryan Moody

7 Ian Ward

7 Scott Taylor

9 Jack Reese

9 Jill Black

10 Victoria Eckman

10 Sonny Longo

11 Thomas Hartridge

11 Maggie Miller

12 Ferris Key

13 Emma Brodmann

13 William James

14 Ryon Rambo

15 Steven Jackson

15 Daniel Jackson

15 Tanner Lanier

15 Joey Vavrasek

16 Pam Helmly

16 Amy Orellana

16 Margaree Orellana

16 Jack Henderson

17 Grace Garnett

17 Will Rambo

18 Liam Black

18 Paul Carpenter

18 Mary Hazeltine

18 Mark Ward

19 Marc Biemiller

19 Caroline Berry

19 Eleanor Carson

19 Grant Lane

19 Kristin Nyce

20 Edward Cording

20 Stan Freeman

20 Marley Rodgers

21 Landry Rushing

22 Anna Hazeltine

23 Peter Schenk

23 Jane Boatright

23 Edith Brunson

23 William Wohlleb

24 Andy Chisholm

24 Louis Richardson

25 Frank Orellana

26 Sharon Robinson

27 Hal Ambos

27 Benjamin Hart

28 Kathleen Ward

28 Fef Nolan

29 John Demere

29 Sam Johnson

29 Mary Saleeby

30 Roy Thompson

30 Joanne Johansen

31 Mary Young

2 Mary Catherine McLean

2 Kim Lanier

2 Turner Milling

4 Stephen Dusek

4 Stefani Soutar

4 Margaret Up DeGraff

5 Charlie DePue

5 Teri Bell

5 Jim Lomax

6 Bob Oswald

7 Clay Gibson

8 Carol Dusek

8 Wilbur Wiggins

9 Pat Toler

9 Kathy Moore

9 Brooks Barrett

10 Bill Brodmann, Sr.

10 Gabe Orellana

11 Winn Morgan

11 James McCune

11 Linda Erwin

11 Patrick Kenard

12 Robert Breer

12 Laurel Brewer

12 Caleb Espinosa

12 Temple Fennell

12 Michael Spenser

14 Joe Van Puffelen

14 Janice McAlpine

14 Judy Nease

15 Melanie Moore

16 Kay Heritage

16 John Hosey, Jr.

16 Amber Williams

16 Denise Winks

17 Mandy Oswald

18 Fae Kameron

20 Murle Breer

21 Beatriz Orellana

22 Lauren Key

22 Sharon Hassing

23 KK Heritage, Jr.

24 Alice Henrick

24 Sandee Lomax

25 Rod Steward

26 Jean Ennis

26 Kathryn Van Eck

26 Sue Gouse

26 Samuel Brunson

26 Ron Berry, Jr.

28 Jan Rodgers

28 John Simpson

28 Wayne Sullivan

28 Madison Wiggins

29 Page Barksdale

30 Kenneth Crowe

30 Jamie McKee

30 Clark Rookstool

30 Lucy Brannen

31 Adeline Barrett

Once again, we are heading to Washington, D.C.January 22, 2016

*departing from Savannah—January 21returning to Savannah—January 23

Please watch for a congregational letter coming in December.

INDEPENDENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHP. O. BOX 9266SAVANNAH, GA 31412

PERIODICALSPOSTAGE PAIDSAVANNAH, GA

The IPC Messenger (USPS 261–200) is published weekly by Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401. Periodical Postage paid at Savannah, Georgia 31402.

POSTMASTER: send address changes to IPC Messenger, P.O. Box 9266, Savannah, GA 31412.

SUNDAYS:

• During Phase 1 of Lane Improvement (Nov. 16-Jan. 4), we will not have access to the Whitaker Street Building Lane door or the Axson Building Lane door facing Whitaker Street Building; those utilizing this building will need to access it from the Whitaker Street door. For the S.S. hour, we will move the 1st & 2nd Grade class to the Fellowship Hall and the 3rd & 4th Grade class to the Administration building, second floor (Room 72 “Meeting Room”). The 5th–8th & 9th–12th Grade classes will remain in Whitaker and be escorted to the Axson building by way of Whitaker Street door, down Hull Street to Bull Street and around to Lane door. During Phase 2 of Lane Improvement, classes will move back to their previous classroom spaces and the Lane door will be accessible on the Whitaker Street Building and Axson Building.

• Beginning January 17, the 10:30 AM SNACK—Water bottles, fruit and cookies will be provided in the Chapel from January 11-February 29; For the duration, while we do not have the Chapel or Fellowship Hall, we will consider offering bottled water in children’s rooms with cookies.

• EVENING SUPPER - Sunday Suppers will cease after January 10 (Sunday evening suppers will be served through all of December).

• STUDENT MINISTRY - beginning January 17, there will not be any Student Ministry programs on Sunday evenings until after renovation.

• MUSIC MINISTRY - beginning January 17, there will not be any Chapel Choir on Sunday evenings. Youth Choir does not change and will continue to meet.

• Sunday Evening Meal and Worship will take place at Point Pleasant on February 7 and on March 6.

TUESDAY:

• MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST (January 12-May) This will be offered in the 3rd floor Whitaker with breakfast served. Breakfast will include cereal, bagels, muffins, oatmeal, and possibly crock-pot casseroles and will be handled by the I.P.C. Kitchen. Please

access the Whitaker Building through the Whitaker Street door.

• LADIES’ STUDIES - will continue to meet at their regular times and locations. Please access the Whitaker Building through the Whitaker Street door.

WEDNESDAY:

• NOON SERVICE & LUNCH, and WOMEN’S INTERCESSORY PRAYER (December 23-May): We will cease these ministry opportunities after December 16 until the renovations are completed.

• STUDENT MINISTRY - beginning January 13, we will include our Middle School group (Emmaus Road) in our Wednesday evening program.

MAUNDY THURSDAY: (March 24)

• We will not have Supper that evening and will begin the service at 7:00 p.m.

MISSIONS CONFERENCE: (March 3-6)

• The W.O.C. Friday lunch will be at the Mighty Eighth and catered by an outside resource (March 4).

• The Men’s Saturday morning breakfast will be at Point Pleasant and catered by I.P.C. Kitchen (March 5).

• Sunday Evening Supper and Worship will be at Point Pleasant with a catered meal (March 6).

ASSIGNED PARKING: (November 16-April)

• The parishioners with assigned spaces are being contacted/notified by Deacons.

WEEKLY PARKING: (November 16-April)

• During the lane improvement work, there will be no parking on West Oglethorpe Lane or inside the I.P.C. Parking Lot.

Lane Improvement Work November – March

Axson Building & Garden Renovation Projects AND

January – May

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