IPC Messenger

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

VolumeVisible 18 • No 39 and Invisible OCTOBER 2018 Behind the anti-institutional under- youthful years in a denomination that IPC Messenger standing of the church that has become believed that alone was the bride of commonplace today is an overblown Christ and it alone would participate CONTENTS doctrine of the invisibility of the church. in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb Quite often, quite unwittingly the (Rev 19:6-10). Other Christians would 2 Safety and Security word “church” itself has been defined be in heaven, we were assured; they just 3 Moral Concerns differently by its users depending upon wouldn’t be a part of the Supper. Silly as 4 Savannah Care Center context. We may identify three such that sounds, it has not been uncommon uses. for ecclesiastical institutions to claim 5 Children’s Ministry 1. “We are going to church tomorrow,” that they alone are the true church and 6 Music Ministry means we are going to the church all others are illegitimate or apostate. Conversational Suppers Rather, the true church may be found building for a church service. 7 Family Corner wherever 1) the gospel is preached; 2) 2. “The true church is not limited to a the sacraments are rightly administered; 8 IPC Veterans Celebration denomination,” means true believers are and 3) ecclesiastical discipline is 8-9 IPC’s Greatest Generation found across all denominational lines. exercised. These are the three marks 10 Intern Corner 3. “We are joining Redeemer church,” that were identified at the time of the means we are uniting with a particular Reformation and found in various 11 Announcements congregation. confessional documents (e.g. Scots 12 Covenant Care Adoption Confession of 1560). The true church Hence, there is confusion. When the transcends denominational borders. Bible speaks of the church, what does it have in mind? The theologians have The doctrine of the church’s invisibility discerned two proper uses of the term also guards us from spiritual presumption. “church.” Use #1 above is probably most What spiritual presumption? The SUBSCRIBE! frequently utilized today, but nowhere spiritual presumption of those who to be found in the Bible. Uses 2 and 3 are unconverted, but because they are are biblical, leading to the distinction members of the visible church, think IPC eMessenger between the church “invisible” (#2) they are saved. Corrie Ten Boom of and the church “visible” (#3). This The Hiding Place fame cited her father’s distinction on the one hand is vital, and wisdom in saying, “Just because a on the other hand is misleading. mouse is in the cookie jar doesn’t make it a cookie.” Better yet is the Apostle Invisibility Paul’s warning, “Not all Israel is Israel” Understanding that the true church (Rom 9:6). There is an Israel within is invisible and cannot be limited Israel, a true church within the visible to a particular time or a particular church (see Rom 9:4-11). A true believer place guards us from a destructive is a believer “inwardly,” not merely by factionalism. I spent some of my outward association, “a matter of the Continued Page 2 isible and nvisible V I from page 1 heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter” (Rom 2:29). The church Safety and in this world contains both wheat and tares, as Jesus warned, both believer and unbeliever (Mt 13:24-30). Membership in the visible church guarantees nothing. One must also be a member Security at I.P.C. of the church within the church, the church that is invisible in this world. n light of recent events, the officers of our church have been reviewing the safety and security of our Visibility Icongregation when we meet to worship and to Important as the doctrine of the invisibility of the church is, it participate in the different programs that are offered for can be misleading. How so? Because nearly every reference to our members. The following is an update on actions the “church” in the New Testament is to actual congregations. In taken to help us ensure the safety and security of our the book of Acts the word ecclesia appears 19 times, all of which members and our children as we participate in the are references to the visible church. The church fears (Acts 5:11), various programs of the ministry of the church. is persecuted (Acts 8:1, 3; 12:1), prays (Acts 12:5), gathers (Acts 14:27), sends missionaries (Acts 15:3), welcomes guests (Acts Child Protection Committee 15:4), chooses messengers (Acts 15:22), is strengthened (Acts In April 2018 the Session formed a “Child Protection 15:41; 16:5), greets (Acts 18:22), has elders (Acts 14:23; 20:17) Committee” to study ways to ensure the safety of who oversee and care for it (Acts 20:28)1. It has specific locations our children from would-be predators. The Session such as Jerusalem (Acts 8:1; 11:22); Judea, Galilee, Samaria in September approved a Child Protection Policy for (Acts 9:31), and Antioch (Acts 11:26; 13:1). implementation in our nursery, children, and student The Apostle Paul addresses his epistles to “the church in ministries. We also investigated the most effective Corinth” (Acts 1; Cor 1:2; 2 Cor 1:1). He refers to “the church way for training and screening the large number of at Cenchreae” and the church in their house (Rom 16:1, 5; Col volunteers who work with our youth and children’s 14:15; Phil 2), “the churches of Asia” (1 Cor 16:19), “the church ministry. The Session approved a subscription to the of the Laodiceans (Col 4:16) and the churches of Galitia (1 organization Protect My Ministry which will provide Cor 16:1), Asia (Acts 16:19), Macedonia (2 Cor 8:1). He refers online training in child abuse prevention for employees to what is taught in “every church” (1 Cor 4:17; cf 5:4; 7:17; and volunteers. 14:33, 34) and to “the churches of God” (1 Cor 11:16; cf 11:22), Windows and even what is done “in church” (1 Cor 14:35). The ascended The Session approved installing windows in office and Christ speaks to the “church in Ephesus” and “in Smyrna,” and classroom doors throughout our facility. These windows “in Pergamum,” and “in Thyatira,” and “in Sardis” and “in help eliminate a level of privacy which make possible Philadelphia,” and “in Laodicea” (Rev 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14). either foul play or false accusations. Churches are said to gather (1 Cor 14:23) and may be “built up” (1 Cor 14:4, 5, 12, 19). Get the point? The “church” is actual Safety awareness presentation congregations made up of actual people in actual places. On August 22, 2018, various I.P.C. officers, staff It is easy to be committed to an invisible church made up of and members of the “I.P.C. Safety Team” attended a invisible people. This invisible commitment exposes the flaw in presentation by James Hamilton about safety awareness the claim to be committed to the big “C” Church, the universal at churches. James is a former FBI agent that now and invisible church, while being unattached to any local and works for Gavin de Becker & Associates, a national visible church. A commitment to the “Church” is a commitment private security firm. The purpose of this meeting was to an abstraction, an idea. It requires nothing in particular of to educate us on how we can better ensure that I.P.C. me. It allows me in the name of the “Church” to form my members, children, staff and visitors are able to worship own fellowship group made up of people who look and think in a safe environment. Many of the suggestions remarkably like me or avoid fellowship with any group at all. provided by James are things already in place at I.P.C. In the meantime, I avoid all the headache, all the heartache, (off-duty officer at services; organizing a separate all the trials and challenges of an actual congregation made up “safety team,” etc.). However, James also gave us some of a diversity of people, from a diversity of backgrounds and additional ideas to consider as well as suggestions on experiences, and having a diversity of ages. This surely is not handling different crisis situations. The overall goal is what Jesus had in mind. for I.P.C. to strike the proper balance between enacting appropriate safety measures and providing a welcoming place to worship for people from all walks of life. —TLJ These active steps are being taken to both address the past and prevent incidents in the future.

1 See also Romans 16:16, 23; 1 Corinthians 7:17, 10:32, 11:18, 22; 12:28; 14:28; 15:9: 16:1; 2 Corinthians 2:18, 19.

PAGE 2 OCTOBER 2018 IPC A little something from the Operation Christmas Child Stewardship Committee There are several ways to participate with Operation Christmas Child this year: (1) Provide a shoebox that you put together and This year Stewardship Sunday is bring $9 with your filled box to the church office; (2) If you do October 21. We will have a brief not have a box, let Patty Brodmann know—$10 includes a box “Stewardship Minute” on October 14 and postage; and (3) A new way to participate is to purchase a Ready-Made (prefilled) box for $25. Only a limited amount and again on October 21 from two of of prefilled boxes will be available. The last day to order a our church officers. Very soon you prefilled box (money due with order) will be Sunday, October will be receiving your 2019 Pledge 21. The last day to bring your own box to the church is Sunday, Card in the mail. Pledge cards play November 11. a vital role in the church’s financial Patty Brodmann only needs to know if you are wanting to order planning. Please be prepared to turn a Ready-Made/Pre-Filled box. There is a form available at it in at the end of the worship service https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5rD0tnLZeNmqN- on Stewardship Sunday. Also, over the i-S7qBeG-W0xKBl8AE4dv7xwXlrqGOFzQ/viewform. All checks next few weeks, please give prayerful should be made payable to Independent Presbyterian Church. consideration to your church giving for the upcoming year. Andy Brodmann Stewardship Committee moral concerns October Birthdays Ever since the Supreme Court’s notorious decision in 1 Mac Barrett 16 Lucy Biemiller the case of Roe v. Wade in 1973, the prolife community 2 Tim Miller 16 Rachel McKee has mounted a variety of efforts to fight the scourge 2 Wallace Milling 17 Doug Winks of legalized abortion. One early response to this 3 Brantley Laffitte 19 Anna Gross holocaust was the establishment of crisis pregnancy 3 Sarah Miles 20 Tripp Jackson centers (CPCs), places where women with unwanted 4 Howie Pavlo 20 Maribeth Nix pregnancies could get counsel and care from a prolife 5 Daniel Sharpless 20 Anna Liebing perspective. Opened in 1986, the Savannah Care Center 6 Lindsey Van Puffelen 22 Sarah Crowe is a Christian CPC,strategically located a couple of doors 6 Leighann Rosenfeld 22 Mark Dusek from the abortion center on 34th Street in Savannah 6 Per Johnson 22 Adelaide Murns (euphemistically known as the Savannah Medical 6 Hailey Williams 23 Bob Dykema Clinic). The Savannah Care Center’s Mission is to do 6 Paul Rodgers 23 Hunter Lanier the following: 7 Dot Richardson 23 Mary Van Puffelen 7 Connie Hartridge 24 Bill Immel Acknowledging that every human life begins at 7 Frank Brunson 24 Mark Stall conception and is worthy of protection, Savannah 7 Andrew Parrish 24 Diane Sayler Care Center, a Care Net affiliate, offers compassion, 8 Lakelyn Ward 24 Abigail Shaw hope, and help to anyone considering abortion by 10 Mical Garrison 24 Jessica Wiggins presenting them with realistic alternatives and Christ- 10 Sarah Blake Rodgers 25 Margaret Knoche centered support through our life-affirming network 10 John Heritage 25 Bastian Kim of volunteers, churches, community organizations, 11 Lillie Black 26 Dede Roberts and individuals. 11 Allie Nolen 26 Carter White I.P.C. has long supported the Savannah Care Center. 11 Betty McLaurin 27 Tricia Barrett Recently new board leadership and programs have 12 Nancy Beam 27 Heyward Berry begun expanding the impact of the Center and they 12 Ruthie Mullininx 28 Doris Cope are seeking more volunteers. Here is a reprint of their 12 Louis Oswald 28 Charles Moore informational handout. Consider whether God may 12 Anne McCune 28 Cindy Sutlive have you participate in this ministry. A first step may be 12 Sarah Roth 29 Melvis Edenfield simply to visit the Center and learn more about its work. 13 Conrad Martin 29 Gretchen Reese 14 David Pierce 29 Tim Barrett — Fun Gobel 15 Inger Prescott 30 Louise Marlow Continued Page 4

MESSENGER OCTOBER 2018 PA G E 3 ABOUT US Savannah Care Center (SCC) is a non-profit, faith-based organization providing physical, emotional and spiritual support to the women and men in our community facing pregnancy decisions. In 1985, a small group of Christians came together to found SCC to provide alternatives to abortion in greater Savannah. In 1986, our doors were opened. Today, we envision a culture where women and men facing pregnancy decisions are empowered by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to choose life for their unborn child and abundant life for their families. We are located at 105 East 34th Street between Abercorn and Drayton streets. Learning of an unplanned pregnancy can be daunting and life-changing. SCC client advocates provide truthful, fact-based information to help women and men consider the options for themselves and the life of their unborn child in a supportive, loving, non-judgmental environment. Each month, between 80-100 women and men come to SCC seeking our help and support. All services are highly confidential and provided at no cost to our clients. SCC is not a medical facility or a substitute for medical care. SCC does not perform or refer for abortions or abortifacients.

Services Offered:

- Pregnancy Testing, Peer Counseling, Access to Ultrasound, Baby Clothing, Diapers, Baby Formula, Baby Food and other Baby Needs - Parenting, Nutrition, Literacy and Bible Studies - Pregnancy Support - Post-abortion support for those who struggle with the aftermath of a past abortion - Sexual Integrity Classes for those who would like to live life free from unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and the emotional trauma of multiple relationships. SCC: A Volunteer Based Organization Savannah Care Center is thankful for the service of volunteers who work with the staff and those we serve. There are many volunteer opportunities at SCC. - Client Advocates meet with teens and women and men who come for pregnancy testing. Training is required. - Reception: greeting the public, answering phones and scheduling appointments. Training is required. - Building maintenance: SCC is housed in a 100- year old home in need of renovation and repair. If you enjoy painting and carpentry, we would be thankful to have you serve in this area. - Data Entry/Filing/Office Organization - Fundraising Consulting: Working with staff to plan and manage the Walk for Life, Baby Bottle Campaigns, Baby Showers and mini-banquets with local churches. - House Cleaning: A clean environment is an important part of making people feel welcome. - Instructors for Parenting Classes, Birthing Classes, Bible Studies, and Sexual Integrity Classes. - Publications Consulting: Offering graphic design and writing expertise for newsletters, etc. - Finances Continued on next page

SCC is funded solely through individual, church and corporate donations. We do not receive any local, state or federal funding. For information about our Baby Bottle Campaign, or our mini-banquets/baby showers and how you can help, or for details about our finances, please contact our office at 912-236-0916.

PAGE 4 105 East 34th Street, Savannah, GA OCTOBER31401 | 912-236-0916 2018 | www.savannahcarecenter.org IPC CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Memorization Fall Family Night Achievement Congratulations to Jonathan Edward Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 31! I.P.C.'s Howell for completing Level 1 of our annual Fall Family Night is back with something for everyone! memorization program. Jonathan recited word perfect, the Apostles’ Come ride the mechanical bull, try out the new camo slide, Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten get your face painted, and fill up on all the candy, hot dogs, Commandments. He will be recognized during a morning worship service. cotton candy, popcorn, and sno cones you can handle! Back by popular demand.....BIG BON PIZZA! Be at I.P.C. from 6:00 Student Ministry We need your help! Set-up for Fall p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in your best costume. Stay for the prize Family Night will begin at 4:00 p.m. in drawings at 7:45! See you there! the parking lot at I.P.C. Clean-up begins at 7:45 p.m. during the prize drawing. Last year we had such a great number of youth volunteers that clean up was completed within one hour! Thanks Candy for to our wonderful youth that make this a very special event in the life of our Fall Family Night church. And who knows? You may get If you plan on participating in Fall some Big Bon Pizza before the crowd Family Night, would you please comes!!! Any questions? Please call donate a bag of individually Amy Martin or Paul Rodgers. wrapped candy for the event? In early October collection boxes will be located in front of the Telfair Hall, Narthex, or in the church office.

MESSENGER OCTOBER 2018 PAGE 5 MusicMinistry One of the highlights of my work at I.P.C. is rehearsing with The Handbell Choir our children. On September 9, we began Chapel Choir with The Handbell Choir began rehearsal on Wednesday, ice cream and fun. We had a great group and hopefully that September 12. Mrs. Greg Brunson is the Handbell Choir will last throughout the year! director. This choir is by appointment only, since there is need for about 14 ringers. Chapel Choir The following is a list of what goes on in Chapel Choir: In Psalm 13, David says, “But I trust in your unfailing love: my 1. As you know, the children are encouraged to memorize heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has the Hymn of the Month and sing it individually to Mrs. been good to me.” May our singing be a reflection of hearts Tevis Garnett or me each month. After singing six months, that trust and rejoice. January-June, or July-December, the children are given an —Kathryn Van Eck award. Not all of the children participate in this, but many are regularly memorizing and singing the Hymns/Psalms each month. Sunday, December 16 ~ 5:30 PM The following children sang January-June of 2018: Abby Lessons and Carols Service Brodmann, Mary Brodmann, Emory Corbitt, Ethan Crowe, aturday ecember John Gross, Emily Hazeltine, Luke Hazeltine, Michael S , D 15 Hazeltine, Betsy Kelly, Rachel McKee, Bel Orellana, Edie Lessons and Carols Rehearsal Steward, and Kari Thompson. 8:00-10:00 a.m. Children 2. The Chapel Choir is also learning to read choral music. In Cherub Choir, 1st and 2nd grade, the children learn note 10:00-12:00 p.m. Youth and Adults values, rhythm, time signatures and clefs. In Chapel Choir, all of those pieces are put together on the page, and children have to begin reading the music along with the words. 3. Right now the Chapel Choir is learning an anthem that we will sing sometime in October or early November. Also, with Christmas coming ever closer, we will begin practicing music for the Lessons and Carols Service. Music for this service must be memorized! Seraph and Cherub Choirs Conversational On October 21, the Seraph Choir (4-5 year-old children) Suppers will join the 1st and 2nd grade children (Cherub Choir) in the Choir room from 10:10-10:30 a.m. This is in preparation for our Lessons and Carols Service. CDs and booklets will be The Growth and Care Committee, along with the Staff, would mailed soon. like to organize Conversational Suppers. The suppers will take place during January, February and March. It is designed to Youth Choir help our congregation become more familiar with one another. On Sunday, September 9, we began Youth Choir rehearsals. This happens in worship, during Sunday evening fellowship This rehearsal was for boys only, and on Sunday, September meals and throughout the week with our programs, but we 16, the girls joined for a full Youth Choir rehearsal. It was also recognize that those can be challenging times to engage well attended and I feel we are off to a good start. So, if and show hospitality to unfamiliar faces or those new to our you are in 6th grade–12th grade, the Youth Choir is for you. congregation. We work hard, but also have a lot of fun, and singing for If you wish to participate in these suppers, please register our worship services is a very rewarding endeavor. It is a by November 30. You may do so online (http://bit.ly/ wonderful way for you to serve this church. In order to ipcsupperclub), email [email protected], or leave a message at sing in the Lessons and Carols Service, you need to attend 421-8111. During the month of December, groups will be rehearsals! Please join us! Sundays at 4:00-5:00 p.m. organized into groups of six members. One person will be assigned as the facilitator who will encourage the group to set Sanctuary Choir up one date each month during January, February and March The Sanctuary Choir prepares music for weekly worship and a location to meet. History has found that suppers in and will soon be working on Christmas music. We still have homes make the experience more fruitful though, if needed, a room for more members. No audition is required, but ability meal in a restaurant could be arranged as well. We encourage to carry a tune and having a small knowledge of reading that the gatherings be limited to adults only. As far as the music is helpful. Rehearsal is on Wednesday evening 6:30- time together…enjoy it, have conversations, ask questions, 8:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. be creative.

PAGE 6 OCTOBER 2018 IPC FAMILY CORNER Year 1-10 Year 11-15 Psalm 136 Psalm 136 Psalm 41 A psalm of thanksgiving, verse Based on John Craig and Verses 1–6 23 is the “hinge” of Psalm 136. Scottish Psalter, 1564 The psalmist praises God for Verses 1–16 1 How blessed the man who guides His supremacy (vv 1-4), and for the poor the works of creation (vv 5-9) 1 O thank the LORD, for good is He; By counsel strong and clear; and redemption (vv 10-22). He His mercy lasts forever. The LORD will surely rescue him then brings us forward to the 2 Thanks to the God of gods give ye; When evil days draw near. immediate past, what God has His mercy lasts forever. 2 The LORD will guard him in the done, not only in the distant past, 3 O praises give the King of kings; land; but in our lives. “He remembered His mercy lasts forever; His life is blessed indeed; us . . . rescued us . . . and gives to 4 For He alone does wondrous things; Nor will You let him fall before all” (vv 23-26). He remembered His mercy lasts forever; His adversaries’ greed. us, sending Jesus to die to atone for our sins. He rescued us, 5 Who in His wisdom framed the skies; 3 The LORD sustains him on his bed sending the Holy Spirit to open His mercy lasts forever; Of sickness and of pain. our eyes and ears and softening 6 Who made the earth from waters rise; And from his bed You make him our hearts to receive the truth His mercy lasts forever; rise; of the gospel. He gives to us, 7 Who placed the great lights on He will his health regain. reconciliation with God, a new display; 4 Now as for me, I said, “O LORD, life and new nature, and eternal His mercy lasts forever; Have mercy on my soul. life. 8 The sun to rule the sky by day; Because against You have I sinned, His mercy lasts forever; Restore and make me whole.”

9 The moon and stars to rule the night; 5 My foes speak evil things of me Psalm 41 His mercy lasts forever; And to each other say, Our psalmist (David) is sick (vv 10 Who Egypt’s firstborn all did smite; “When will he die; when will his 3, 5, 8). He is a charitable man, His mercy lasts forever; name and one of integrity (vv 1, 12). 11 Who freed all Isr’el from their charm; Completely pass away?” Yet his enemies use the occasion His mercy lasts forever; 6 And when he comes to see me here to attack him (vv 5-8), and even 12 With mighty hand and outstretched His words are all deceit. his close friend betrays him (v arm; He gathers evil in his heart 9). His response is trust in God’s His mercy lasts forever; And tells it in the street. care for the virtuous: He delivers (v 1), protects (v 2), sustains (v 13 Who by His wind the Red Sea clave; TUNE: SALZBURG CM (115A) 3), restores (v 3); and prayer: he His mercy lasts forever; prays for grace (vv 4, 10), healing 14 Led Isr’el through the parted wave; from sin (v 4), triumph over His mercy lasts forever; enemies (vv 10, 11), and praise 15 O’er Pharoah He the Red Sea spread; (v 12). His mercy lasts forever; 16 Through desert wastes His people led; His mercy lasts forever;

TUNE: CONSTANCE 87.87.D (“I’ve Found a Friend”) Arthur S. Sullivan, 1875

PAGE 7 OCTOBER 2018 IPC IPC VETERANs DAY Celebration 2018 I.P.C. will conduct its annual Veterans day lunch and preparation, serving, tear-down, and clean-up. We will also be celebration on November 17, 2018 at our Point Pleasant counting again on the ladies of the church to provide their great facility, 441 Suncrest Blvd. The event will begin at 11:30 deserts to compliment Tim Barrett’s excellent lunch. Dessert and should be over by approximately 1:30. Major General sign-up sheets and instructions will be circulated in the Sunday Lee Quintas, the Fort Stewart and 3rd Infantry Division School classes prior to the event on November 17. If you are commander, has agreed to be our guest speaker this year. interested in volunteering to support the Veterans Celebration, We are also expecting the 3rd Infantry Division band to please email me at [email protected]. return to provide their usual outstanding musical support. All of the veterans in our congregation are invited to attend If you are planning on attending or inviting guests please with their families. We encourage our members reach out to R.S.V.P. no than Sunday, November 10, so we can ensure veterans, active duty service members and their families in our that we have enough food prepared for everyone. You can community to invite them to the celebration to honor their RSVP by email at [email protected], leave a message service and introduce them to I.P.C. at 912-727-4418, or use the bulletin tear-offs that will be in the bulletins the two Sundays prior to the Veterans Celebration. We will need volunteers to assist with setting up the Point We look forward to celebrating our veterans’ service to God Pleasant facility the evening prior to the luncheon and on and Country. the day of the luncheon to finish set-up, help with food — Dexter Brewer Gordon Fenwick Gordon Fenwick has been a member of I.P.C. since December new crews, naming each man. One broadcast advised them to 2014. This article includes excerpts from an interview Gordon reset the clock in the mess hall which was five minutes fast! It had with Steve Bowman, historian, who based his interview didn’t take long for us to learn what was in store for us.” questions on the book, Masters of the Air, by Donald L. Miller.* “On November 25, 1944, we flew to Merseburg, the most Gordon’s story as a radioman on a B17 bomber in the 8th Army heavily defended target in Europe with its interlocking flak Air Force began in November 1942. He was an engineering field that downed a bomber every couple of minutes. The Mary student at the University of Michigan but decided to enlist as Alice was shot up disastrously—elevator trim tabs were shot an Air Corps cadet. Orders to report for basic training came in away, two engines were out and a third was damaged. To stay February 1943. He had hoped to become a pilot, but because airborne, we tossed everything that wasn’t bolted down—, his ears could not withstand rapid change in air pressure, he ammo, everything. We ran out of fuel and made an emergency didn’t pass this rigorous physical exam. He could have had landing at a field just beyond the White Cliffs of Dover.” non-combat duty but decided to stay the course and opted for duty as a radio operator. “Five days later the target was another synthetic oil plant at Bohlen, Germany. The November 30 mission was grim for The radio guy had a critical crew position: providing position the Eighth with dozens of B17s being shot down and hundreds status in Morse Code to the base, keeping command radio heavily damaged. Two crew members on the Mary Alice sets operating correctly on assigned frequencies, assisting the sustained serious injuries, and I narrowly missed being killed navigator in location fixes, sorting out formation radio traffic, when flak sliced through the radio room and missed my head and, of strategic importance, using the classified mission by about a millimeter. The guardian angel that watched over codes of the day. Radiomen were trained as medics and acted me since my daring youth was definitely with me that day.” as gunners as well. “I was the medic on our ship, the Mary Alice, and, unfortunately, had to put those skills to use.” Gordon has many non-combat memories including lying in bed at night listening to the song, Lili Marlene. “It was a Gordon and other new crewmen arrived at the 401st Bomb German song actually, but we all loved it. As I lay on my bunk, Group base in Deenethorpe, England, in October 1944. He I’d think about my home and wife and child and wonder how recalls his evening arrival: “It was an unusual first night. An they were coping and what were they doing.” outgoing crew gave us a long briefing on what to expect. They told us about German propaganda broadcasts that welcomed

PAGE 8 OCTOBER 2018 IPC by to the general public and that would smoke up to 15,000 feet—even if precise be Dresden.” targeting were possible with the Norden “The medieval city of Dresden had been bombsight in a mass formation, which bombed twice but never in a massive it was not, precision bombing would assault. That changed on a beautiful, have failed that day. Did the planners unseasonably warm evening on February and crews of these missions understand 13, 1945. Bomber Command dispatched the implicit civilian casualties? Without over 800 Lancaster bombers to the question, they did.” charming city known as the Florence on Gordon says this about raids with large the Elbe. The ordnance selection was not quantities of incendiaries: “You’d see unusual—2,000 and 4,000 pound bombs a 500-pound bomb being replaced to collapse buildings and/or blow out with incendiaries and you knew the windows, sever water and gas mains, implications, but there was no time to and to crater the streets thereby making ponder it. We were totally focused: get access by firefighting and emergency the job done, don’t screw up, survive, Gordon Fenwick teams difficult or impossible. Around Gordon experienced the horrific live, go home. There was today, maybe a 9:30, the first wave of bombers delivered tomorrow. That was it.” conclusion of the air war during 1945. He the large bombs. The next group released was on the Berlin raid that historian Don incendiaries. Two such formations hit “The emotional impact on airmen varied. Miller calls “the Moral Threshold for the Dresden that night. The city was a raging Some lost it, flak happy, damaged beyond Army Air Forces.” Up until this time, inferno when the second formation repair. Gordon witnessed a man on the allied forces tried, to the best of their of bombers arrived around 1:00 a.m. flight line crack up completely after a limited ability, to hit only military and Self-generating gale force winds were mission. He explains his experience. industrial targets. That all changed on a feeding the flames well before the second “Several years after the war, I started cold, clear afternoon on February 3 when round of incendiaries fell. The planners to remember and think about what 1,437 bombers and 948 fighters appeared probably didn’t grasp it, but Dresden happened. It was dreadful. Any decent in the skies above Berlin. The decision to was mostly defenseless. The city lacked human being would recognize the horror conduct Morale Bombing, also known as proper air-raid shelters. Flak defenses of it all. What choices did we, the airmen area or Carpet-Bombing, was made at the were negligible. While the Luftwaffe’s and the leaders of our countries, have? highest level. General George Marshall, field was lined with new jet fighters right I had an adjustment period right after Army Chief of Staff, sent the order to off the production line, they did not rise the war as well; it went on for several bomb civilian populations in four cities. to fight. They were ordered to stand months. There was no time to feel sorry President Roosevelt by default must have down due to lack of fuel. The final pieces for yourself, no one to hold your hand. approved the verdict. The objections of of a perfect storm were in place.” I had to get on with it. I had a family to General Carl Spaatz, Commander of take care of.” European Air Force Operations, and “The Eighth appeared the next day, th General Jimmy Doolittle, 8 Air Force February 14, with over 300 bombers After the war, Gordon returned home Commander, were brushed aside. It’s to pummel the rail yards. Smoke from and had a wonderful life. He graduated reported that Marshall asked, “How do the furious inferno reached 15,000 feet from Wayne State University through you get an enemy that’s defeated but making visual bombing impossible. A the GI Bill. He and his beloved wife Pat refuses to surrender, to just stop, give few bombs hit the marshaling yards, were married for 68 years and had four up?” The massive resources in Europe some struck the inner city, and others children: Sally, Gordon, James, and were needed in Japan….the end of the were 8–10 miles beyond target. A cruel Carol. He retired at the ripe old age of war in the Far East was not in sight. twist of fate brought the Eighth bombers 58, concluding a highly successful career Morale Bombing missions were the grim to Dresden again on the 15th—the city at Michigan Bell including an eight- answer. was a secondary target for 200 bombers year assignment to AT&T’s New York that were waved off the primary mark, headquarters, with coast-to-coast trips Bowman recounts another event in which an oil facility near Leipzig. Tactically, to the regional Bell phone companies. “I Gordon participated: The Dresden Raid. the raid was unique. As many times as watched the World Trade Center being “With the bombing of Dresden in early the RAF bombing techniques had been built from my office. It was a brilliant 1945, the press had a field day lamenting used, only a handful of raids produced a time.” the toll on civilians, and the Eighth was firestorm of this magnitude.” criticized for its role. It was one of the few missions by the RAF and the Eighth “As for the Eighth’s involvement? They bombed as accurately as possible * Donald L. Miller, Masters of the Air (New York: that produced such grizzly results. Kurt Simon and Schuster, 2006) Vonnegut immortalized the raid with considering the circumstances. Precision his highly successful novel and movie, bombing was a pre-war myth. There are Slaughterhouse Five. There may be only dozens of examples dispelling this myth. one mission in the air war remembered In addition, with the city engulfed in MESSENGER OCTOBER 2018 PAGE 9 Intern Corner Both Jobe and Elizah are known in our house for their In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in ability to nibble away at an apple until core and all disappear. me, and I in you. — John 14:20 The remarkable thing about this feat is the time it takes for their little mouths and tiny bites to consume the whole. The “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe process, while messy, is methodical and patient. Perhaps they in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as get it from their mom who seems able to “milk” a tea bag for you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in all its worth, again and again adding water until the bag itself us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The seems defeated. glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that These are the things that come to mind when I think of they may become perfectly one… — John 17:20-23 meditation. Not sitting cross-legged and emptying your mind but the continual, methodical, and patient rolling over some So it is not a new idea, but it is one that perhaps I have not Scripture or doctrine again and again. It often happens while chewed for all its worth, seed and core. It seems that in it is you are doing other things, folding clothes, walking to lunch, regeneration, justification, adoption, assurance and even glory or driving. The thought sits, as it were, in the back of your — and I still feel that I but nibble the surface… Nevertheless, brain behind the other thoughts which accompany the task here is our unity in the Church which is His body, the fullness at hand. Occasionally the object of meditation surfaces in the of Him who fills all in all. midst of other things as with more active intention you slowly, If nothing else, maybe it is providential that I find myself bit by bit consume it, making it a part of you. teaching about the church. I can only pray and hope that I think this gets at the idea expressed by the psalmist in regard these realities that have so fed me will serve to feed the college to the law—in it he meditates day and night. While that is students and nourish them up for eternal life. taken from the very first Psalm in the Psalter, the idea pops —Evan Gear up again towards the end as well in Psalm 143; I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I am delighted and overjoyed to be a part of I.P.C. for the I muse on the work of Your hands. next year. Thank you for welcoming and encouraging me I share this passage because it is a particular work of His these past two weeks.The Lord has answered my prayers which has been the object of my meditation over the last few by bringing me to Savannah and I am so thankful. weeks. In the days of old, in the fullness of time God, by His Spirit, wrought a wonder in the womb of the virgin. The While I was working for RUF (Reformed University second person of the Trinity was joined to flesh. The Word Fellowship) and before coming to Savannah, my hope became flesh. Divinity was hypostatically united to humanity. and prayer was to be a part of God’s great work to share This is a deep mystery indeed, even one that we will probably the gospel with young adults from all over the world. This be exploring long into eternity so I am not about to say I have desire stemmed from my experience of knowing God and consumed it whole like Jobe’s apple. Yet one specific aspect His word more fully through RUF at Carson-Newman of the thing has murmured and muttered in the deep recesses University (my undergrad). My view of Scripture and of my brain and it is that which I am attempting to share (I the Christian life was changed completely and I began hope to your profit). to see Christ and experience His creation more clearly and with more joy than I had ever felt before. In college The thing that strikes me about the incarnation is my part in it. and in young adulthood, I have found that is so easy to When the Son of God took on flesh, He took on my flesh and be distracted by the temporary joys of life and that we bone. He became united with me. I was in Him vicariously are constantly searching for one thing that will make us born from above. When He was baptized in the Jordan and happy or feel whole. However, by God’s grace and being the heavenly voice declared, “This is my Beloved Son,” He in a Christian community, I have learned it is the person spoke that of my flesh and blood, of me. When He died, I and sacrificial love of Christ that we ultimately seek. died; when He rose, I rose; when He ascended, I ascended and with Him sat down in Him far above all principality and I pray that this truth will be manifested through I.P.C. power. By sharing in our humanity, we share in His divinity to the young adult community of Savannah and I’m not by becoming gods, but by becoming God’s. In Him extremely thankful to work alongside of this church humanity is made a partaker of divinity. In the end, this is community to be a part of God’s great work. nothing more than our union with Christ, which is quite basic to our salvation and taught throughout the New Testament. —Rachel Vining

PAGE 10 OCTOBER 2018 IPC ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS The Lord’s Supper TUEsDAY MORNING CIRCLE The Lord’s Supper will be held on The Tuesday Morning Circle will meet Sunday morning, October 7. Because on October 9, 10:30 a.m. at Paula Deen’s of the exceptional blessing we have in Creek House Restaurant, 104 Bryan Church in this sacrament and the danger of eating Woods Road (344-4634). There will be and drinking unworthily, it is necessary a purchased lunch (strawberry grilled Bereavement that we come to it with knowledge, faith, chicken salad) for $15 total.Hostess for The congregation of repentance, love and with hungering the meeting will be Mrs. Rita Spitler, Independent Presbyterian and thirsting souls after Christ and His 912-572-6448. Church extends sincere benefits. The congregation is encouraged sympathy to: to use all appointed means, public and THURSDAY MORNING private, to come to the Lord’s Table, CIRCLE ... Mr. and Mrs. Clark Gibson depending upon God for the gracious The Thursday Morning Circle will meet (Miranda) and family on the preparation of the heart according to His on October 11, 10:30 a.m., at the home death of Miranda’s brother, promise (Psalm 10:17). Our next Lord’s of Mrs. Ernest Mitchell, 133 E. 50th Alan Mark Sisco, who passed Supper will be held on Sunday evening, Street, 912-232-1323. away on Tuesday, September 4, November 4. 2018, in Gulf Shores, AL. Session/Diaconate Care Group Luncheons ... Mrs. Suzanne McCaslin and Please join Marc Biemiller’s Care Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Murns Meetings (Carey) and family on the death Our regular Session/Diaconate meetings Group #8 for a fellowship luncheon on Sunday, October 7, 12:30 p.m. in of Suzanne’s great-nephew, will be held on Monday evening, October Harrison Shay Lobel, who passed 22, at 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. They will the Fellowship Hall. Fried Chicken and drinks will be provided. Last names away on Tuesday, September meet jointly in the Assembly Room at 18, 2018, in Savannah, GA. 6:30 p.m. beginning with A-L should bring a side dish to share. M-Z should bring a Officer Candidate dessert to share. Please R.S.V.P. to Marc Review and Examinations at [email protected] by Thursday, Ramping up for An Officer Candidate Review will be October 4. We look forward to seeing you there! college care packages held on Wednesday, October 24, in the It’s that time of year again to love on Admin. Building, upstairs classroom, Greg Brunson’s Care Group #1 will our college students as we prepare care 5:30 p.m. for all officer candidates. packages for our students. For the ladies Officers’ Examinations will be held on have a fellowship luncheon on Sunday, October 14, 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship who are new to our church, we pack Monday, November 5. Please meet in the boxes filled with goodies and notes for Admin. Bldg. Hall. Please bring a side dish or dessert. R.S.V.P. to Edith at ebrunson01@gmail. our students who are away at college. com or 912-658-5873. (We include our in-town students as Dead Theologians’ well.) An email will be sent out giving Society Tim Barrett’s Care Group #11 and more details. The deadline for donations The Dead Theologians’ Society will Will Brodmann’s Care Group #5 will for the care packages is October 29. If meet on Wednesday, October 31, at 6:50 have a combined fellowship luncheon on you need further information, call Pam a.m. at the home of Terry Johnson, 110 Sunday, November 11, in the Fellowship Wiggins at 912-484-1344 or email her at Lee Blvd. (breakfast is provided) and on Hall. More details will be forthcoming. [email protected]. Thursday, November 1, at 12:00 noon in the Administration Building (brown bag Addresses for college students need to be lunch). The Pooler Dead Theologians’ emailed to [email protected] so we don’t Society will meet on November 8 at leave anyone out! 11:45 a.m. at Miss Sophie’s Marketplace, Mighty Eighth Museum (purchase lunch). Read Evangelism and the THE CHURCH BUDGET AND GIVING 2018 Sovereignty of God by J. I. Packer, pp. 60- In order to inform the congregation of the financial status and needs of the church, the following 122 (Ch. 3-4). snapshot of our current financial condition is provided. Thank you for your support. Received Needed Over/Short Baby Shower 1st Quarter $465,439 $501,192 <$35,753> A baby shower in honor of Mrs. William nd James (Alex) will be held on Monday, 2 Quarter $519,293 $501,192 $17,101 November 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the home July $159,710 $167,064 <$ 7,354> of Mrs. Charles DePue (Linda), 112 August $473,431 $167,064 $306,367 Terrapin Trail. It’s a boy! William and September* $128,899 $167,064 <$38,165> Alex are registered on Babylist.com. (*three weeks only)

MESSENGER OCTOBER 2018 PAGE 11 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID The IPC Messenger SAVANNAH, GA INDEPENDENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH P. O. BOX 9266 SAVANNAH, GA 31412

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. A night with Covenant Care Adoption Services Thursday, October 25, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. Independent Presbyterian Church Point Pleasant ~ 441 SUNCREST BLVD.

Covenant Care Adoption Services is a Christian adoption and counseling agency in Georgia. I.P.C. will be hosting a Low Country Boil to raise awareness and financial support for this important ministry.

You can help in 3 Ways ™™ Become a table Sponsor ™™ Attend and donate ™™ Volunteer at the event

Registration is open through Eventbrite or on the Event Facebook page. For more information contact Jeff and Wendy Sutton at [email protected]