FALL 2020|VOL72ISSUE4 and ourDeacons, ourneighbors andtoall our seniorsthrough Congregational Care families through Education, Christian to through Community Ministries, toour are toourneighbors ministering family with thenumerous we ways as a church ofthe2021campaign.as part began Itall Blessingsover thesummer Counting Our God’sthanks for favor. people, find thatyou still reasons can togive much tensioncaused andhardship many for in themidstofthispandemic, has which two tolook around you. Youeven find will holiday traditions. Buttakeaminuteor andadjustments to parties befewer will won’tfestivities bethesame. Perhaps there different than one year ago. Holiday ourblessings.for totakealook aroundability andgive thanks together, closer usall draw givingusthe festivities the andcertainly days The shorter Thanksgiving, and New Year’s. soon Halloween behere will followed by COUNTING OURBLESSINGS T radio mystery show PG4 radio mystery happenedtoJeff?A What FEATURING The IPC StewardshipIPC The Team started around uslooksThe vastly world 3100 AVENUE HIGHLAND | BIRMINGHAM, AL 35205 | All are All reminders that Autumn hasarrived. color andbegintofall. soon will change Leaves he temperature iscooling. THE 16 years of service PG5 16 years ofservice Rev.Honoring Lucy Turner's FEATURING HOMELESS WIHTHYGIENEKITS THE BILLSHANKS'FRIDAY MORNINGBIBLESTUDYBLESSINGBIRMINGHAM'S neighbors inneed. Recently, Shanks’ theBill to grow. events.Arts listofblessingscontinues Our worshipthrough andMusic&Fine virtual We are continuing toblessour work ofjusticePG8-11 to dothe PC(USA)'s call LEARN 205-933-1830 | IPC-USA.ORG | 205-933-1830 hygiene Birmingham’s kitsfor homeless toassemble150 Community Ministries Friday worked with BibleStudy Morning others this fall PG6 others thisfall Ways tobeablessing MISSION CONTINUED ONPG3

1 | IPC | THE WINDOW 2 | FALL 2020 and events. online calendarandeUpdatesfor thelatestnews Events couldchange.Pleasemake sure to check November Organ Recitalsislimitedbyreservation. for outdoorworshipservicesat8:30amand NOTE: Mostservicesare livestream only. Seating 11:30 am-1pm. Sanctuary alsoopenforprayeronWednesdays vation at8:30amand11vialivestream. Sunday worshipisoffering in-personbyreser 24 Thu 20 Sun 13 Sun 11-13 Fr-Su HolidayHouseTour Virtual D 5 SatAdventWorkshop D DEC 30 MonIPCFruitSalesendF 26- 27Th-FriThanksgivingHoliday. Offices 22 Sun 18 Wed 16 Sun 13 Fri 8 2 Mon 1 Sun NOV 25 Sun 18 Sun 16 Fri 11 Sun 4 Sun 1-31 Th-Sa OCT D D D

Adults/Seniors Children/Youth Major Events Sun events ipc-usa.org >connectcalendar including detailsandupdates: See completecalendaronline UPCOMING Christmas EveServicesD Storyteller Dolores Hydock,10amD pmF Online IPCChoirChristmasConcert,4 closed. November Organ Recital,4pmF Event, 6pm Presbyterian Women OnlineHoliday November Organ Recital,4pmF FlowerDeadlineD November Organ Recital,4pmF Youth GrantTeam presentation, 5pmD November Organ Recital,4pmF CFAF, Festival, Fall 1pm D Harvest forHungerDrivebeginsF worshipD am online Stewardship MomentforMission,11 Stewardship campaignkicksoff D Grace Groups beginF The Table 5PMOutdoorServiceD SocktoberDonationDriveF D F F F D

Music Ministry Service Opportunity Learning/Education D - F AT THECHILDREN'S FRESHAIRFARM THISFALL. SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAMSTUDENTSARE ENJOYINGAFEWFUNFRIDAYS we feel. give back. oftheSpirit, ofthegifts all themore weWith grateful act, themore grateful begrateful,the wholeofIPC to for theopportunity you find all grateful will yourselves those many blessingsyou have tocountandthenrespond accordingly. Not will only we don’t foresee inamountneededtomeetthe needsahead. itchanging Digdeepinto you are abletohelpcover thosewhocan’t. thebudget haschanged inemphasis, While consider your thisyear,prayerfully commitment toIPC pleaseconsider “stepping up” if of Christ, we tohelpeach otherandstep upwhenotherscan’t. are called Asyou others, you blessingsalong theway. have discovered surprising Beingthecommunity -like. letushelpyou by Please lettingusknow whatyour dealingwith. many Butfor emotional and/orfinancialhardship andcounting your blessingssounds Pollyanna Blessings.”Our some Iunderstandthat for of you, thesetimeshave brought great these upcoming ofseasonalchange. days for during find tobegrateful can much Christmas. beremarkably different, itwill While eyes with toseeandearshear, we COVID together crawl sofar, aswell astheprograms andplanstomanage itthrough Inside this Window, abouthow you findstories we have will managed thiscrazy beaffected,will programming, aswill normal worship,fellowship, andoutreach. Managing the"COVID Crawl" CONSIDER THIS Interim SeniorPastor Steve! Gratefully, It isalso “Stewardship” season withthisyear's reminder of tofindways “Counting Tour Eve andthemuch services loved Christmas theholidays,celebrated liketheHoliday House together. of beinginthisseemingly “40 year wilderness” of Godtoinspire ustofindandpractice ways do, atleast. untilnextspring probably as well asIthatwe’ve got some more to crawling again. dancingnormally and start But… you know youable totell we are almostready tostandup together, how wonderful itwould metobe befor going andwintertime crawl" intoourfall This means that the traditional ways IPC has This meansthatthetraditional ways In themeantime, we on must thestrength call As we continue thechurch’s COVID "crazy giving online: ipc-usa.org >give2021annual Our Blessingsormakeyour 2021pledge moreLearn abouthowweare Counting years prior are blessingIPC.from more abouthow information you andyour gifts Stewardship Team on Friday, October16with church home. theIPC anemailfrom for Look makeanimpact on can yourhow your gift financial support. consider Please prayerfully tohappen,this ministry we needyour continued there are toomany tocount. But inorder for ofourblessings.has lostcountofall Perhaps thanks for. Stewardship Ministry IPC The Team Committee, teams. ministry andIPC Committee, theRepresentative Nominating Task Force, the Session, thePastor Nominating asmembersoftheRe-Opening church family meetingandshapingthefuture ofour regularly Holiday House and thevirtual Tour. are Others theFallplan for Festival, theAdvent workshop, andgenerously givingtheirtimeto are willingly listedabove,the ministries teamsofvolunteers community andtheworld. Inaddition of toall withinourchurch,ministry theBirmingham outChrist’s toenableuscarry time necessary powernot justthebrain butalsothevolunteer World, Welcoming Neighbors. Our You provide outourmission ofJoiningGodinthe us carry members. You tohelp ways continue tofindnew along withahostofothertreats. Staff Kitchen andtheIPC KimMartin and bakedbread from with sending thembagsfilled reading materials adults intheir80sand90sregularly. areThey also on our check and They’recall continuing to when communication andcontact bedifficult. can atime during asalifeline continuing toserve are beingablessingtoouroldermembersby Meats. withCity our partnership also receiving additional assistancethrough food Air Farm Fun for Days. These samefamiliesare welcomed toplay andrelax attheChildren’s Fresh Program studentsare Learning being Summer our BlessingsBoxes Food andIPC Pantry. Our for tocontinue food tocollect getting underway October. for Hunger is Drive The Harvest Food and children’s peoplelivinginshelters for socks population. We men’s, are new collecting women’s CONTINUED FROMPG1 As achurch family, we have somuch togive biggest blessingisofcourse,Our you our Deacons andLove Thy Our Neighbor Team AND HELENSAAB (ANDNOLA).NOT: PICTUREDHATCH MARBURY PICTURED TOP LEFTTORIGHT: ANNAFIKES,VIRGINIA GRISHAM,NICHOLAS careers. Pleasejoinusinthankingthiswonderful group! They havedonethiswhile pursuingtheirownfulltime and Montreat andcoachedchurch leaguebasketball. have chaperoned tripstoGulfShores, Gatlinburg opened theirbackyards toouryouthgroup, they youth foroverthree yearsnow. Notonlyhavethey This amazinggroup hasbeenvolunteeringwithour welcome New Members children Kate,Lucy, andWilliam Sissy andDavidAustintheir The Window is published forchurch ispublished The Window Independent Presbyterian Church 3100HighlandAvenue South. quarterly publication of quarterly publication members andfriends. The Window isa The Window Director ofCongregational Care New Staff Rev. JayWilkins TO IPC

3 | IPC | THE WINDOW 4 | FALL 2020 MINISTRY BY DR.JEFFMCLELLAND,MUSIC&FINEARTS DIRECTOR RADIO MYSTERY THEATRE TO DEBUT dazzling dialogue: Chandler.the mannerofRaymond similes andmagnificentmetaphors, bothin 2013. Mark wasknown hissumptuous for Festival theReligiousArts during at IPC of theatre themystery remember Mark from Schweizer. congregants Many IPC may ofauthorMark thewritings and especially popularmovies,from stand-upcomedians, andFredLes minepopularculture, drawing oftheweek). (oratleastthecrime century ofthe thecrime attempttosolve as they detectives, Intelligent andFred Les Knott, thisconfounded conundrum! able tosolve arduous be studious listener and will sturdily McLelland. themostattentively Only Jeff most esteemedOrganist/Choirmaster ofthe disappearance in themysterious dun-it” plottodiscover whathappened gob-stopped withagobbledygook “who- withdazzlingdialogue, riffled wittily and sonoroussumptuously withsoundeffects, mired withintrigue,mind-bogglingly episodes. You thatis hearadrama will play bepresented will cliff-hanging in four this Noir“Guy Private Eye” radio type membersofthecongregation,and loving Choir, theIPC from staff, some brave IPC in November. Featuring singers various be made availabletothepublicon YouTube Radio Theatre ChoirMystery thatwill IPC Well, they’re back. Beon thelookout the for A yogurt machine.” yogurt barhad anout-of-orderdessert frozen then findingoutthatthe can eat’‘all you into aRyan’sRascal Houseand Steak his fatmandriving in likeanangry stormy, theweather had because rolled streetssuburban ofBirmingham; her unkemptnestthatwasthegritty a giantflaminghensquattingupon dark, thesunhad justsetlike because Here is a sample of the deliriously Here isasampleofthedeliriously Follow theexploitsoftwo intrepid “It wasadark night; andstormy “It they may have left IPC? IPC? maythey have left Doyou that fear services? livemorning streamed ourSunday during choir re you missingthewhole THE SHOWWILLBETAPED LIVEINHIGHLANDHALLANDRELEASEDASAPODCAST IPC websitefor upcomingdetails. Be sure to watchyouremailandthe alliteration. withawesometo thisdubiousdrama thanan rather “er”. we theatre spelled because withan “re” Mystery Theatre. You know it’s fancy ChoirRadio thatistheIPC perplexity thantolistenmaddeningquarantine intheplaythe maincharacters are: and directed by memberJeffJohnson, IPC Face masksare optional asyou listen Written by memberBudKeller IPC There is likely nobetterwayThere toself- islikely • • • • Members of the IPC Choir Members oftheIPC Clayton Susan Dr. GoyerClergy: Steve andRev. Walker Williams,Sonny Jim and Horton,Bill Terry Hamilton, George Taylor, Members:Church Keller Intelligent: Bud Detective Les it has truly been a joy and priviledge to have Lucy at IPC. been a joy tohave andpriviledge Lucy it hastruly of timesandthebesttimes.” To me, thingsand inall touch shehashad theright the River. Asshesaidinherretirement letter, “We have beentogether intheworst at Kirkwood time chaplain by as a part ministry too far away as she assumes her new grandsons. Lucy! have all admit thatthey kidnapped They hunting, andwonderful mealstogether withmyimmediate family, three including for troutfishing inacoldmountainstream (lotsoffunny stories),car trips, quail shown ofGod’s have beenevidence providence. Pastor andGod’s servant. true andsmall gestures shehas The quietsensitivity the endandlaidherhandon hisforehead --- againthe “right touch.” raced tothehospital. MydaughterandIwere awed assheprayed withhimtoward pastor whowasintheICUon support. life himandshe whoknew Lucy Icalled officiated. service,together hisfuneral discussedwhathewantedfor shebeautifully which herewas bedridden athome, shesaton thesideofbed, heldhishandasthey husband, Lee. had the She “right touch” andhesensedit. Toward theendwhenhe need.” to thethrone ofgrace, thatwe may receive andfindgrace tohelpintimeof mercy exemplifies the found inHebrews 4:16,verse nearwithconfidence usdraw “Let anunexpectedjoy.or discovering the Itisconsistently “right touch.” IthinkLucy to others. appropriate whethertointensepainandsuffering The response isalways herself anintrovert, andlovingly andlistenintently tostepback shehastheability counseling session, orsermon. deep intothereal meaning ofanissuewhetheritbeabaptism, homily, Biblelesson, special gift. Lucy Turner many todig hastouched lives withherintuitive ability BY KARENCHAPMAN,IPCMEMBER Rev. Lucy Turner's Special Giftto IPC A NEWCALL We lives not be here butshewill ofourspiritual atIPC miss heraspart all will theyears, hasgrown throughOver many happy times --fly ourfriendship asshehasministered haveI amsure similarstories asaconsummate at IPC all Another time, Irecall, had adear, ourfamily dearfriend, aretired Presbyterian sad time, ill In aparticularly withhow sherelated tomycritically Iwasstruck understandingofherselfandGod’s hasanuncanny onShe herlife. call Calling Those whohave the touch”“right inany given situation are blessedwitha HIS FIRSTSERVICEONOCT. 4 REV. JAY WILKINSLEADINGPRAYER IN Continues Congregational Care Fund Honoring Lucy BRIEFS "Lucy Turner FoundationFund." link ourwebsiteipc-usa.org andselect in need.To donate,clickontheGive pastoral care andcounselingforthose Fund intheIPCFoundationtoprovide Pastor Care andCounselingAssistance retirement, weare establishinga need itthemost.InhonorofLucy’s caring forourmemberswhenthey of hermore than16yearsatIPCto in thistimeoftransition. look forward toservingChristwithyou when youneedsomeonetolisten.I introduce yourselftome, andcall Christ’s church. Pleasefeelfree to members incaringforthispartof help connectthepastors,staff, and as aninterimpastor. Myrole isto Presbytery, and servepart-time Presbyter forSheppards &Lapsley January from beingtheGeneral Congregational Care. Iretired in new InterimAssociatePastorfor my [email protected]. My cellphoneis(610)247-5413and (205) 933-3706are thesame asLucy’s. Logan. Myoffice(G37)andtelephone Rev. LucyTurner dedicatedmost Who amI?IJayWilkins,the I tellfolkstocallmeorConnie “Lucy hasretired. WhocanIcall?”

5 | IPC | THE WINDOW 6 | FALL 2020 SERVE MISSION presentation inupcoming eUpdates. Look formore aboutthe information which willtakeplaceonNovember2. presentation totheIPCFoundation, youth. Theprocess culminates witha demonstration ofleadershipfrom our an incredible timecommitment and to allocate$20,000.Theprocess is in action.Studentsthendecidehow see manyimportantorganizations to askquestions,andachance additional information,anopportunity The sitevisitsprovide students with list, theyselectseveralsitevisits. strong requests. From thenarrowed particularly interested inandfeel have narrowing thelisttoones theyare requests, thestudentsspend weeks all categories.Afterreviewing all grant look atbothlocalandglobalgrantsin charitable. Studentsare encouragedto education, mission,andgeneral requests fallintothree categories: submitted totheIPCFoundation.The year, theteamreviewed all98grants special 10-weekexperience.This and seniorsapplytobeapartofthis Team. Everyfall,ateamofIPCjuniors treasures ofIPCisourYouth Grant YouthGrant Team IPC FOUNDATION BY CATHERINE GOUDREAU TEAM GATHERED FORAMEETING MEMBERS OF2020YOUTHGRANT Possibly oneofthegreatest by goingtoipc-usa.org >connect>links Find more abouton-going serviceopportunities information ways tohelp: following inhisfootstepsnowbyministeringtoothers.Here are some The Christ-childiscoming!InsteadofwaitinguntilAdvent,let's start Be aBlessingto Others SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES HATS TOSTAIR STUDENTSOVERTHELASTFEWYEARS. IPC MEMBERS,STAFF ANDSTAIR VOLUNTEERSHAVE DONATED JACKETSAND • • • • • • • Only 100 available and will go 100available andwill on sale withHoliday Housetickets. Only House cookies, Kim'sham biscuits, $50. for andaHoliday Houseticket Tea inaBag, straws, Kim'scheese includes which Holiday assorted aHoliday Purchase House needahostess gift? Going on thetour?Or by ourPresbyterian go supported toorganizations the $20tickets Women. Take tourofthisyear's Holiday avirtual HousesDec. 11-13.from The money 19-20. Choir'smission. theIPC salessupport All order isNovember 30. Fruit upatIPC pick beavailblefor will your member. choir favorite at ipc-usa.orgorfrom to Deadline online Choirappreciation ourIPC byShow purchasing fruit bulletin. inthis An envelopeWindow. isincluded November 13. We theirname(s)intheChristmas include will Honor a loved one by makinganAdvent flower contribution. by aSTAIR for ofwarmth Give the gift student. Donate acoat. Oct. Hunger for Drive Harvest 18-Nov. 22. page onnext . information More Food theIPC itemsfor some food Collect non-perishable the during Pantry church. inbinsoutsidethe Drop offsocks page onnext . information More homeless for women, socks Donate new Socktober. menandchildren during Fighting Hunger,Fighting Cold JOINING GODINTHEWORLD HELP KEEPOURNEIGHBORSFEDANDWARM THISWINTER to thebuilding. Thankyouforyourgenerosity! Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30 byringingthebellatParlordoorforentry Oct. 1-31. distributed tolocalsheltersand thoseservingthehomelessonstreet bring donationsofnewsocks formen,womenorchildren toIPCbe order tohelpmeetthisbasicneed,weare engaginginSocktober. Please but least-donateditemsathomelesssheltersacross thecountry?In homeless shelters.Didyouknowthatsocksare oneofthemost-requested the pandemicbecauseofstrictermeasures required forentryinto the streets. Thenumbersofstreet homelesshaveincreased during of homelessmen,womenandchildren inourlocalsheltersandon stocked ormakingafinancialcontributiontoIPCSocial Services. by bringingnon-perishablefooddonationstokeepourBlessing Boxes ask youtoparticipateintheHarvestforHungerDriveOct. 18-Nov. 22 anyone inneedoffoodaswellsomehygieneandpaper products. We food itemsallowustostocktheBlessingBoxes,whichare accessibleto dairy andfruit.Inaddition,yourcontinueddonationsofnon-perishable non-perishable fooditems,aswellfresh andfrozen vegetables,meat, people toCityMeatswitha$45virtualvoucher. Thisvoucherprovides Food Pantryremains closed. Eachweek,wehavesentasmany75 allowed ustocontinueourpartnershipwithCityMeatswhilephysical the pandemic.Becauseofyourgenerosity, ourSocialServiceFundhas we are abletosupportour neighborsexperiencingfoodinsecurityduring Food Driveisasimportantever, ifnotmore important,tomakesure All donationsoffoodorsocks canbedropped off atthechurch As weathergetscolder, wealsothinkabouttheincreasing number With thearrivalofcoolertemperatures, ourannualHarvestforHunger projectempathy/ at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ now through December. Learnmore Contributions are beingaccepted already. large partofthe$12,000contributed contributed $7,500through agrant- debt. Project Empathycaneliminate$100in dollar donatedtothePresbytery's working withRIPMedicalDebt,each the debtonedollaratatime.By Belt counties.Thisproject isreducing million ofmedicaldebtintenBlack Lapsley isworkingtopayoff $13 her. Birmingham. Joinusincongratulating time ministrycoordinator forUKirk Emily Frandsenisnowthepart- Interim Director ofYouth Ministries Project Empathy Project PRESBYTERY NEWS Role Familiar Face, New COURTESY: KIRKWOOD BYTHERIVER EMILY FRANDSEN All donationsare taxdeductible. The IPCFoundationhas The Presbytery ofSheppards and IPC memberandformer

7 | IPC | THE WINDOW PCUSA 8 | FALL 2020 F injustice. pandemicsofCOVID-19twin andracial respond towhatsome referred toasthe Some businessthatdidmakeitthrough:Some in2022. tothenextassembly other reports “core andcritical” many business –referring considered alsomeant theassembly format first thingmany commissioners said.) That hard bumps. (“Canyou hearme?” wasthe thathad more hiccupsthan technology –with meetingviaZoom Assembly the PC(USA)’s General firstvirtual walkinfaith. as they them responsibility tofindthewayforward “you makethepathby walking” andgiving hay camino” thecommissioners –telling Antonia Machado,from “Caminante, no Ephesians.from And sherecited apoem said,Cintron-Olivieri on drawing a passage than we couldhave orimagined,” askedfor courage tohearthatvoice,” Kohlmann said. oh Lord, tohearyour voice, andgive usthe voicesand theraised ofprotesters, helpus, ofthegrieving of respirators andthecries lamentation toconfession to hope toaction. commissioners infaithfrom to journey Assembly,the 2019General the called Cindy Kohlmann, of theco-moderators of power, and Cintron-Olivieri Vilmarie raised inasymbol fist aBlack and featuring Baltimore, made by Jeff Wunrow Designs Arrangements in the Committee on Local hymns.one oftheclosing for choir aZoom the PC(USA)–including together music, around andvoices from art power toweave ofthedigitalplatform BY LESLIESCANLON,"OUTLOOK"NATIONAL REPORTER VIRTUAL GA WORSHIP FROM LAMENTTOACTION Because ofCOVID- Because 19, thisbecame God provides abundantly “far more aswe“Surrounded are by thesounds Wearing from stolesthatwere agift June26usedthe The worship service work ofjustice, working to Church (U.S.A.) todothe thePresbyteriancalled Assembly the 2020General rom lamentation toaction – CONDUCTS THECLOSINGPRAYER OFTHEASSEMBLY. PHOTO:RICKJONES REVEREND GREGORY BENTLEY, CO-MODERATOR OFTHE224THGENERALASSEMBLY properties. repairing Native church and for American Native Coordinating Council American thework for ofthe pandemic andsupport thoseaffected for by the COVID-10 church’s the offering presence and advocacy 4. PHOTO:RANDYHOBSON. ASSEMBLY (2020),MODERATES PLENARY MODERATOR OFTHE224THGENERAL THE REVERENDGREGORY BENTLEY, CO- Bentley, minister, aBlack on thefirst elder,an Indigenous ruling andGregory elected Elona Street-Stewart,assembly elect co-moderators. session June20inorder to plenary an extra added theassembly PC(USA) seminary- remains asa Seminary Theological Franciscoand inadisputeover whetherSan to2022,debating whatbusinesstodefer withcommissioners late–inpart 19 ran CO-MODERATORS The decision didn’t takelong, asthe on June theopeningplenary Because CHURCH LIFE into, hegot thrown outof.” having achurch house. one hewent Every building. don’t“I remember ever make adifference,” to churchget outofthe poor, tothebroken, tothewindows, and who reminds usyou goSavior tothe can apastor”still –andsaid atheart “there isa Gail Porter Nelson, alsoaPC(USA)pastor. hiswife, withaprayerwas installed from -noone elseapplied–and candidate only voice inthepublicsquare. Nelson wasthe denomination’s officer and its ecclesial chief as thePC(USA)’s –the statedclerk Nelson, 61, toasecond four-year term killed.” us tostandinsilenceaspeopleare being Scioto Valley putit: isinexcusable for “It of thePresbytery delegatefrom advisory enough –asMiloBrowne, ayoung adult commissioners wasnotstrong determined anotheroptionwas asubstitutefor that church andinsociety. That resolution racism”and dismantlesystemic inthe injustice andpledgingto “confront church hasbeencomplicit inperpetuating livesthat Black matter; confessingthatthe toAction” andaCall Racism –declaring resolution of called totheSin “Responding On June26, approved a theassembly STATED CLERK RACISM cultures tomake thechurch better.” said,Bentley ofbringing “the bestofour whilelooking backward,forward ahope, in theMississippiRiver, representing flying bird: theSankofa as theirsymbol standing happy anddinosaur delighted.” pronounced himselftobe “hippopotamus tears andbloodoftheirancestors. Bentley that theirpathshad beenwatered withthe J. McCloudprayed theirinstallation during Huntsville, Alabama. of Fellowship Presbyterian Church in co-moderator.American ispastor Bentley Nanticoke tribe, anassembly’s first Native Prairies and, asamemberoftheDelaware and ofLakes executivesynod oftheSynod team.the next-closest is Street-Stewart them,for three timesasmany votes asfor –with304commissionersballot voting Nelson expressed thanks, saying “I’m re-elected The assembly J. Herbert Bentley and Street-Stewart have chosen andStreet-Stewart Bentley Their election wasemotional, asOscar

ASSEMBLY (2020)ISTHESANKOFA BIRDSTANDING IN THEMISSISSIPPIRIVER. THE SYMBOLSELECTEDBYCO-MODERATORS OFTHE224THGENERAL and girls are disproportionately affected are affected disproportionately and girls statement on theways women“that Black controversy: afailedattempttointroduce a controversy andrepentance. The 2019 and2020. for per memberrate of$8.95 rate percapita Assembly General and next. alsoapproved a The assembly by 25%thisyear roughly income to decline the assumption thatCOVID-19 cause will 2022builton2021 and$83.4million for PC(USA) budget of$80.1million for issues, ifnecessary. usingamoderator toresolve the totry assemble concludes the after togetherEducation shortly Committee on theOffice of Theological andthe theseminary representatives from wouldannouncing June27thatthey bring avoided a floorfight onthisdispute by REPENTANCE ANDACTION BUDGET SMEINARY SAN FRANCISCOTHEOLOGICAL The assembly concluded with concluded The assembly The assembleapproved aunified andStreet-Steward Bentley for thePC(USA)to#TrustBlackWomen.for voting against, despiteasocialmediapush commissioners), 306, butgot only with144 needed 326vote (2/3oftheenrolled toallow thatmotion tobeheardthe rules atlarge.”and society Avote tosuspend incommunities,misogynoir thechurch by ofwhitesupremacy and thesystems church’s Great endsintothestreet.” findtheirpaths,as they “live to outthe prayed, askingGodtolead Presbyterians George Floyd. Chauvin kneltpressing of on theneck time thatMinneapolispoliceofficerDerek lament–the 26 seconds insilentcorporate them.” for theirdaughtersandcry pray for their motherswho “fall on theirkneesand broken down insomany ways,” andfor would be their mindsandspirits whose and prayed girls Black for “bodies prayer, Nelson withsilence, started then “Guide ourfeet,”“Guide Stewart Street- thenspent8minutesand The assembly Asked toaddress theseconcerns with

9 | IPC | THE WINDOW 10 | FALL 2020 PCUSA L Support office raise funds forboth raisefunds agencies, office Support of havingtheMission Engagement and ofmerger”to explore thepossibility and should that PMAandOGA “continue collaborative,” andbroadly be “boldly and challenges theagencies should of fiscal expression ofthechurch. corporate PC(USA), ACorporation, isthe which in thefuture PMA, for andthe OGA unifiedbudget process atruly ofdeveloping coordinating tableconvene tobeginthe convenedAssembly –todirect thata June 18–theday before the2020General commission took administrative action Commission.Implementation That through thework Forward oftheMoving were —inpart plantedlastspring (OGA). Assembly and theOfficeofGeneral the Presbyterian (PMA) Mission Agency some kindofmerger or realignment of of budget thepossibility andconsidering unity, aunified developing including procedures are needed; andissuesofchurch look like; whatchanges inpoliciesand might Assembly shape ofthe2022General whatthe into specificissues—including hasconvenedAssembly thatare digging Committee on theOffice oftheGeneral withthreecollaboration work groups the I’d bepreaching now.” right live intoit,” said. Lesane Ihad apulpit,“If 25asavision, Matthew claimed so “let’s of theboard Oct. 7-9. 17 inpreparation online afull meeting for board’s coordinating committee heldSept. Board, meetingthatthe aZoom during ofthePresbyterianchair Mission Agency down theroad?” asked Warren Lesane, realities 25church. ofbeingaMatthew live— andhow intothe thePC(USA)can once theCOVID-19 pandemichasended BY LESLIESCANLON,"OUTLOOK"NATIONAL REPORTER DIVING INTOTHEMATTHEW 25VISION That action alsostatedthatinatime The seedsofthoseconversations In part, thatwork involves The has Presbyterian Mission Agency isitwe wanttobetwo years “Where Church (U.S.A.) shouldbe vision ofthePresbyterian to look ahead towhatthe areMission Agency trying eaders ofthePresbyterian VISION. SCREENSHOT: LESLIESCANLON WARREN LESANEENCOURAGEDTHECHURCHTOLIVEINTOMATTHEW 25 that’s on a focus makingdisciples; on the coordinating committee. For PMA, thefuturefor toguideus,” told Moffett recent weeks. workAssembly teamshave beenhavingin Committee on theOfficeofGeneral insome ofthediscussions the participating executive director ofPMA, have been Board, andDianeMoffett, president and ofthePresbyterianchair Mission Agency PMA. not justfor “It’s so important to have a clear vision tohave aclear “It’s soimportant Shannan Vance-Ocampo, whoisvice that is driving ustoreinvent,”that isdriving tolive into politics, notpower. Itshould bethemission who we are,” shesaid. “Not money, not forward. 25churchmoving Matthew a whole,” how todetermine tobestbea that “all of theseconversations of are part itsown leadership retreatto organize and said, thatthePMAstaffis saying working needs tochange post-pandemic, Moffett PC(USA) alsoneedstothinkaboutwhat policy. the PC(USA)’s current socialwitness business itemscouldbeacted on through whether therecommendations inthose in2022,to thenextassembly toconsider referred online assembly this shortened itemsofbusinessthat all toreview OGA racism,”systemic anddirecting PMAand on thechurch to anddismantle “confront lives thatBlack matter,affirming calling passed Assembly that the2020General compelling us, us,” driving said. Moffett injustice andgender bias. iswhat “That ofeconomics,intersectionality racism, and inimpact; anddealingwiththe churches growing spiritually, numerically “Mission should drive what we shoulddrive doand “Mission denomination,As aReformed the Another ofthework: focus aresolution MISSION to serve peoplewhoare hungry,to serve oppressed, andcompassionately PC(USA) toact boldly the Assemblies (2016and2018)exhorted passage, boththe222ndand223rd General possibilities.to new Convicted by this so ourfaithcomes alive andwe wakeup around engageactively us, intheworld CHURCH? WHAT ISAMATTHEW 25 financial position aspossible by year’s end. toputthePC(USA)inasstrong a trying the church on Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1)— togive to thosewhocan encourage all will said.Moffett ButshesaidthePC(USA) • • pandemic. oftheeconomicbecause impact ofthe June, Point Stony laidoffmostofitsstaff PointStony CenteroutsideNew York. In October meeting: the direction ofjustice. work that’s neededtomove thechurch in issue,” shesaidoftheanti-racism work — issue,is adeeptheological it’s adeepsoul congregations white. all are essentially “This not look likethisboard” —some PC(USA) anddo Louisville not look likethestaffin Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) do nationally PC(USA) isthat “the demographics ofthe across ofanti-racism training challenges the reparations, said. Moffett economic justice, theracialwealth gapand of anti-racism, discussion of including in October, on focus thetheme will which for theboard’sspecifics upcoming meeting that vision. Matthew 25:31–46 calls all ofusto all 25:31–46calls Matthew “We had decentAugust,” apretty onA report thefinancialfuture of itemsexpectedtocome upatthe Some Vance-Ocampo saidone ofthe There also were some discussions of end of2020. $9.1 millionatthenational by level the ofabout abudget shortfall experience to showed thatthePC(USA)islikely board inAugustthe ACorporation Budget updates. Projections given to opinions. is shared andwhogets tovoice their mattersofhow information including issues inhow theboard itselfoperates, on powerfeedback andprivilege who’sof Louisville beenproviding theUniversity a consultant from from MarianThe findings Vasser, imprisoned orpoor.imprisoned focus: 25 churchesand embrace theseareas of of ourcongregations to become Matthew 25presbytery.a Matthew todomission.common identity purpose: acommonfor and holy our Presbyterians uniteall faithcan energized contagious. And we rejoice how ourre- love, and are shineforth justiceandmercy to beachurch ofaction, where God’s world. We Christ’s urgent recognize call become a more relevantpresence inthe invitation, you helpourdenomination can MATTHEW 25PRESBYTERY AND LAPSLEYBECOMES PRESBYTERY OFSHEPPARDS PRESBYTERIANS HOW THEVISIONUNITESALL SCREENSHOT: LESLIESCANLON OCAMPO, THEBOARD’SVICECHAIR. BOARD; ANDSHANNANVANCE- PRESBYTERIAN MISSIONAGENCY WARREN LESANE,CHAIROFTHE PRESBYTERIAN MISSIONAGENCY; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOROFTHE DIANE MOFFETT, PRESIDENTAND "We pledge toencourage 20%ormore In May, voted tobecome ourpresbytery 25 By accepting theMatthew presbytery's website. presbytery's timetotime," statesthe the PC(USA)from and share with ourstories of ourministry matthew-25 presbyterianmission >ministries > vision andinvitationonline: requiresworld human effort. the pointthatactive engagement inthe mark. We font tomake useahandwritten ofthe identification istheliteral the symbol active commitment. andenergetic —suggestive ofour friendly well asthe Trinity. poverty, racismandsystemic structural as three areas focus ofcongregational vitality, and service. The numberthree suggests the other, friendship, symbolizing protection race bias. have aroundThey theirarms each peoplewithoutgender ofall or the equality our engagement withtheworld. shape alsosuggests aglobethatpointsto tohelp one another.continuing effort The beginning andnoend, our anditsymbolizes and equality. LikeGod, hasno acircle Pictured onprevious page. ABOUT THEMATTHEW 25MARK We promise oftheimpact tokeeptrack poverty systemic Eradicating racism Dismantling structural Building congregational vitality Finally, thelegend 25”“Matthew below The colorpaletteisbright, lively, figuresThe three represent interlocking The circular shape represents unity Learn moreLearn aboutthisbold

11 | IPC | THE WINDOW 12 | FALL 2020 Organ Recitals NOVEMBER 1-22, 2020 Birmingham, AL35205 3100 HighlandAvenue could increase ordecrease depending onrecommendations state health officials. Online Reservation form coming soon. and onIPC'sFacebook page. You canfindIPC on YouTube from theIPCRe-Opening Task Force, aswell aslocaland recital by intheSanctuary reservation only. The capacity All recitals willbelivestreamed onIPC'sYouTube Channel Sunday, November 22•4p.m. &Livestream •Sanctuary Sunday, November 15 •4p.m. &Livestream •Sanctuary Sunday, November 8 •4p.m. &Livestream •Sanctuary Sunday, November 1 • 4p.m. &Livestream •Sanctuary Due to COVID-19, 50 peoplewillbeableto attend the Southern Methodist University inDallas, Texas King of Lutheran Glory Church inDallas, Texas and socialmedia@ipcbirmingham. Details: ipc-usa.org >connect Baylor University inWaco, Texas AN IPCTRADITION New York, New York SINCE 1965 Isabelle Demers Stefan Engels Stefan Monica Czausz David Enlow RETURN SERVICEREQUESTED Independent Presbyterian Church POSTMASTER: Sendaddress 3100 HighlandAvenue South Birmingham, AL35205-1408 Birmingham, Al35205-1408 Periodical PostagePaidat Periodical change to the WINDOW,change tothe WINDOW (USPS255-220) 3100 HighlandAvenue Birmingham, Alabama Office ofPublication Published Monthly Published