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Volume 13 • No. 51 Holiday/JaNuary, 2014

IPC MessengerA Weekly PublicatioN of tHe INdepeNdeNt PresbyteriaN CHurcH

Office—236-3346 • Fax—236-3676•E-Mail—[email protected]•Website—ipcsav.org oryoumayAccessIPC Messenger at www.ipcsav.org

“cHrist iN you, tHe Hope of Glory”Iloveagoodstory.Ibelievewealldo;itisinourDNA.We are inspired by tales of heroes and villains, conflictsresolved,damselsrescued,victoriesachievedorredemptionexperienced.Somestoriesarefunny;somemakeuscry.Theycaptivateandcompelus.Theymotivateustobebetterpeople:givemore,sacrificegreater,lovetruer,livewiser.Goodstorieseventranscendtime,languageandculture.Linesfromthesestoriesareburnedintoourmindsandgripourhearts.Our best stories have a power to not merely impart information but affect a transformation.

FormeTolkiendidthis.Histales,particularlyThe Lord of the Rings,engagedme. Iwas thatobscurehobbit,a littleguyinabigworld. Onlyagrownupgermamongmany,whowouldliveameaninglesslife,unnoticedbutbyafew,insignificant.ButinTolkien’sworld,likeinallgoodstories,therewasalargernarrative,agranderplot,oneevenahobbitcangetcaughtin.Calledtomakeatranscendentdifference,affectchange,besignificant…thathappensinstories.Andthatimpartshope;atleastitdidforme.

What is the grand narrative of history? What isTHISallabout?WhyamIhere?EvenasatenthgraderthesewerethequestionsIwasconsideringwhenthegospelwascommunicatedtome.

Whatisthegospel?Itisgoodnews…thebestofnews…TheBestofNews!TheBestStory,andinthisstoryiswhereourhopelies.

MyhopewasbornwhenIwasoverwhelmedthatmystory,likeahobbit’sinMiddleEarth,couldbecaughtupinTHESTORY;themeaningofhistory.TheStoryisthestoryofakingdom.God’skingdom.GodwasredeemingforHimselfapeoplefromamongthoseHecreatedinHisimage,whorebelledandfellawayfromHiminsin,andHewasdoingthisthroughthesubstitutionaryatonementofJesusChrist,theGod-Man,andHisSon.

At Christmas, more than any other time, we celebrateTheStory. Theclimaxof TheStory is the incarnationofChristandtheaccessibilityofGod’skingdom.Jesus’ lifeandministryandsubsequentlyHisdeathandresurrectioninauguratethekingdom.Hislifeisthecrescendoofhistory.It is thepivotalact. TheculminationofTheStory isourglorificationandthefullyrevealedkingdomattheendoftime.

We now live in the resolution phase ofThe Story. Thekingdomishere,butnotyetinitsfullestsense.Wepraytorealizeitonearthmore,weeffectitthroughrepentanceandsubmission toHimandweproclaim it to rescue those indarknessfromtheendthatiscertain.

ButinTheStorytherearetwoheroes.TheSoniscertainlyone. AswecelebrateatChristmas,Hewasgiven,“atthefullness of time.” He entered in objectively in history,sentbyGodtoachieveagoalasHeaccomplisheda task(see Galatians 4:4-5). Heachievedour redemptionasHesubstitutedHimselfthroughatoningforoursin.

ButGodsendsanotherherotoo(vs. 6).HesendstheSpirit.TheSpirit too invades, not being born into theworld offlesh,but intoourhearts. Healso achieves agoal asHeaccomplishes a task. He cries out inus,“Abba! Father!”givingusaninwardexperienceoftheobjectivetruthofouradoptionintothefamilyofGod.

Atthebeginning,Isaidourbeststorieshaveapowertonotmerelyimpartinformationbutaffectatransformation.TheBestStorydoesevenmore.It is a story of incarnation and indwelling.Itcommunicateslife.

Yousee,Jesusisourhope.WehavenoalternativebutHim.ItisJesusinus,throughHisSpirit,whichisourhopeofglory.WeknowHim,wecommunewithHim,wewalkwithHim,andweworshipHim. Theheart thatdoesnotgenuinely

atteNtioN: meN of tHe cHurcH

Didyoumisstheopportunitytoreadthefirstvolume ofCalvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion (1559), a classic account of theChristianfaith?Whynotjoinusin2014inreadingthesecondvolume?WemeetonthelastThursdayofeachmonthatthenoonhourforonehour.Keepingpacerequiresreadingamaximumofjust3pagesaday,andinmanymonths just 2 pages a day. Join us. Bring abrown-baglunchandfeedbothyourbodyandsoul!WemeetnextonJanuary30,2014.

Also, have you considered the TuesdayMorningMen’sPrayerBreakfast?WestudyaPsalm,pray,andeatahotbreakfast.Join Us! Every Tuesday!

siGNificaNt sessioNalactioNs for NoVember aNd december

know the indwelling of Christ throughtheSpirit,butonlyknowsChristmasandthecrossasexternalevents,hasabsolutelynohope.ThebeautyoftheindwellingisspokenofbyPaulinGalatians2:20whenhesays,“IhavebeencrucifiedwithChrist.ItisnolongerIwholive,butChristwholivesinme.AndthelifeInowliveinthefleshIlivebyfaithintheSonofGod,wholoved me and gave himself for me.” AChristianissimultaneouslynothimselforherselfyetmorefullythemselvesthantheyevercouldbe.ForitisChristinyouthatisthehopeofglory,asPaulsays(Col.1:27).

In this season of merriment, let us eachexamine ourselves. Let us consider thetruthoftheunavoidablenecessityofJesusas Lord, ruling in the heart, establishingHis government over decisions, decisionmakingprocesses,andoveralldealingsandrelationships,forthisiswhatitlooksliketobesavedbygrace.

To God Alone Be the Glory! MerryChristmas f rom al l the staff atIndependent,

onbehalfof

IPC OffICersTHE SESSION

Terry L. Johnson, ModeratorRonald H. Parrish, AssociateTimothy P. Foster, Associate

Class of 2014William D. Brodmann, Sr.

Richard E. MartingEric W. RobynClass of 2015

J. Dennis BoatrightDavid D. GobelClass of 2016

Marion T. (Jody) Lanier, IIIClass of 2017

Francis V. DaniellJohn W. Garnett

Class of 2018Timothy A. Barrett

David B. GrossClass of 2019

W. Gregory BrunsonCharles C. Martin, Jr.John C. Van Puffelen

ELDER EMERITIWilliam Elbert Best Alton Brown, Sr.

John Gilbert Donaldson Silas Dobbs McCaslinDonald K. McLaurin

COL Richards O. Stewart

THE DIACONATE

Class of 2014David A. Goeser

Patrick B. McLeanJ. William P. Oliver, Jr.

Francisco OrellanaStephen E. Jackson, Jr.

Class of 2015Andrew W. Brodmann, Sr.

Andrew G. GibsonGarry W. McKee, II

W. Ryon RamboJohn W. RigbyClass of 2016

William D. Brodmann, Jr.Eddie W. DeLoach

Mark W. DusekKevin J. Heritage

Thomas D. MacMillanWallace T. Milling, Sr.

William B. Van PuffelenDavid M. WadeClass of 2017

Ronald S. Barksdale, Jr.Neal Cope

Clark W. GibsonPatrick C. Kenard

Ryan B. MoodySeth L. Murray

Jody P. RobinsonMichael W. Spencer

Roy C. Thompson, IIIK. Wilbur Wiggins

THE TRUSTEES

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

HOLIDAY/JANUARY, 2014 IPC

1.ApprovalwasgivenfortransferoflettersforMrs.C.Waller,communingchildrenEmilyandChase,andnon-communingdaughterAli,toGraceChurch of the Islands, Savannah,GA(PCA);Mr.&Mrs.WilliamP.Bowers(Val), and communing daughter Ragen,to Community Bible Church, Savannah,GA;MissHillaryC.Honeck (out-of-townmember)toRedeemerPresbyterianChurchNewYork,NY(PCA);Mr.RobertC.Garvin,IV (out-of-town member) to PerimeterChurch,Duluth,GA(PCA).2. ApprovalwasgiventoestablishanAdHocCommunicationsCommitteeconsistingofthefollowingchurchmembers

ElderCharlieMartin(Chairman)•Sr.MinisterTerryJohnson•AssociateMinisterRonParrish•AssociateMinisterTimFoster•MinisterialInternAlexMark•ElderDavidGross•YouthDirectorPaulRodgers•DeaconGarryMcKee•Communicat ions Director Kay•Heritage

3.ApprovalwasgiventoremoveMissPollyJohansenandMr.JakePackfromtherollsofIndependentPresbyterianChurch.

cHrist iN you, tHe Hope of Glory from page 1

Messenger HOLIDAY/JANUARY, 2014

missioN News

my liVer turNed oVerIn July of 2013, the Ka* people, a group predominantly ofanotherfaith,receivedthecompleteNewTestamentintheirownlanguageforthefirsttime.TheBibletranslatorsjoinedtogetherwiththesmalllocalFilipinochurchtocelebratethededicationoftheWordofGod,andKaNewTestamentswereavailableforallwhoattended.

ButeventhoughtheNewTestamentisnowaccessible,owningaBibleisnotalwaysacceptablewithintheKaculture.SoGodworksthroughothermeanslikedigitalmedia,literacymaterials,andrecordingstomakeHisWordknown.

Lastweek,oneofthelocalbelieverswenttovisitafriendonherbirthday.Shebroughtagift,asmallposterprintedwithaBibleverseintheKalanguage:

Ayaw kamo magkarido sang maskin ono. Awgaid pagdowaa kamo aw pangayowa mayo adto sang Tohan yang kariko ng kikinaanglan mayo na aon pagpanginsokor. Pilipi4:6

“Donotbeanxiousaboutanything,butineverythingbyprayerandsupplicationwiththanksgivingletyourrequestsbemadeknowntoGod.”Philippians4:6

Whenthefriendreadtheverse,shewasdeeplytouched.“My liver turned over!”sheexclaimed.IntheKaculture,thisexpressioncommunicatesdeepemotion,inthiscase,greatjoy.

OurfamilygivesthankstoGodforIPC’sprayers,encouragement,andfinancialsupportinthisworkofBibleTranslation.Throughyourparticipation,GodcontinuestomakeHisWordknowntopeoplewhohaveneverbeforeexperiencedthegreatjoyofhearingthegoodnewsintheirowntongue.

“…behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”Luke2:10

With our love and thanks as we collaborate to make Himknown,

Mark,Barbara,Amy,EliseandMichaelRustine

*Realnamenotusedforsecurityreasons.

doNNie & kara williamsGreatnews!DonnieandKaraWilliamswereabletoannouncethefollowingonNovember26,2013:

ThanksbetoGod.Andthankstosomanyofyou.

WeboardaplaneforWestAfricaonDecember30!

Thismeansthat,yes,weareat100%ofourneededsupport.(AsImentionedinourlastupdate,wecontinuetowelcomeregulargivingandonetimegiftswhichreplenishfundsbeingproratedtocoverpartofourfirstterm.)

Nowwecangiveourfullattentiontopurging,packingandpeople.

Theyrequestthefollowing:

Pleasecontinuetoprayforusaswedoallthatneedstobedoneandasweenjoypreciouswindowsoftimewithothers.Andgivethankswithus,evenaswethankGodforyouandpraythatyourThanksgivingwillhavenewmeaningthisyear.Oursdefinitelywill.

Thanks,grace&peace...

—Donnie&Kara

cHildreN’s miNistryAs2013drawstoacloseandwereflectonthewonderfulgiftsGodblessedhasblesseduswith,Iwouldliketotakeamomenttothankthevolunteersthathavesupportedourcovenantchildrenthisyear.Many,manyhandsareneededtoteachSundaySchool,Children’sChurch, rock babies, hang up robes, read stories, and performcountlessothertasksthatarenotseenbythecongregation.Blessyou to thesepeople thatwillingly step forward to takepart inthisministry.Let’sjointogetherinprayerforourchildrenastheynavigatetheirway through thisworld. Theyneed our shield of prayerprotectingthemeachday.Pleaseaddthemtoyourlistaswellastheirparents.Thankyouforthinkingofourfamiliesthatworshipinthewonderfulchurch.MerryChristmasandHappiestofNewYearstoyouandyours. —AmyMartin

family corNerDeCember 2013

Years 1 – 10Psalm Of the mOnth

psalm 139

Years 11 – 15hYmn Of the mOnth

“Glory be to Jesus”

GlorybetoJesus, Whoinbitterpains Pouredformethelifeblood Fromhissacredveins!

Graceandlifeeternal InthatbloodIfind; Blestbehiscompassion, Infinitelykind!

Blestthroughendlessages Bethepreciousstream Whichfromendlesstorments Didthechurchredeem!

Abel’sbloodforvengeance Pleadedtotheskies; ButthebloodofJesus Forourpardoncries.

Oftasearthexulting Waftsitspraiseonhigh, Angelhostsrejoicing Maketheirgladreply.

Liftwe,thenourvoices, Swellthemightyflood, Louderstillandlouder Praisethepreciousblood!

TUNE:WEMINLEIDENSTAGEN6.5.6.5.Friedrich Filitz, 1847(#190, Blue Trinity)

1 Lord,Thouhassearchedme;2 Thouhasknown Myrisingandmysittingdown; AndfromafarThouknowestwell Theverythoughtsthatinmedwell.

3 ThouknowestallthewaysIplan, Mypathandlyingdowndostscan;4 Forinmytonguenowordcanbe, But,lo,OLord,’tisknowntoThee.

5 Behind,beforeme,Thoudoststand AndlayonmeThymightyhand;6 Suchknowledgeisformetoostrange Andhighbeyondmyutmostrange.

7 WhereshallIfromThySpiritflee, OrfromThypresencehiddenbe?8 Inheav’nThouart,ifthereIfly, Indeath’sabode,ifthereIlie.

9 IfIthewingsofmorningtake Andutmostseamydwellingmake,10 Ev’nthereThyhandshallguidemyway AndThyrighthandshallbemystay.

11 IfIsay,“Darknesscoversme,”12 ThedarknesshidethnotfromThee. ToTheebothnightanddayarebright; Thedarknessshinethasthelight.

13 MyinwardpartswereformedbyThee;Withinthewomb,Thoufashionedme;

14 AndIThypraiseswillproclaim, Forstrangeandwondrousismyframe.

ThywondrousworksIsurelyknow;15 Whenasindepthsofearthbelow Myframeinsecretfirstwasmade, ’TwasallbeforeThineeyesdisplayed.

16 MineunformedsubstanceThoudidstsee;Thedaysthatwereordainedtome WerewritteninThybook,eachone,Whenasofthemthereyetwasnone.

17 Thythoughts,OGod,tomearedear;18 Howgreattheirsum!Theymoreappear Innumberthanthesandtome. WhenIawake,I’mstillwithThee.

19 ThewickedThouwiltslay,OGod; Departfromme,yemenofblood,20 Theyspeakoftheeinwordsprofane, ThefoeswhotakeThynameinvain.

Based on the Book of Psalms, 1871;v. 13 altered 1994

Italian,18thcentury,centoTr.byEdwardCaswall,1857


21 DonotIhateThyfoes,OLord? Andthineassailantsholdabhorred?22 ItrulyhateallfoesofThine; Icountthemenemiesofmine.

23 Searchme,OGod;myheartdiscern; Andtryme,everythoughttolearn,24 Andseeifanysinholdssway. Leadintheeverlastingway.

TUNE:MARYTONLM(“OMasterLetMeWalk)

H.PercySmith,1874

Psalm and Hymns of the Month— 2014

Years1-10Jan Psalm139Feb #441“JesusShallReign”Mar Psalm47April #277“ChristtheLordIsRisen Today”May Psalm119:1–16June #691“ItIsWellwithMySoul”July Psalm46August #347“TheChurch’sOne Foundation”Sept Psalm68Oct #98“NowThankWeAllOur God”Nov Psalm146Dec #Hark!theHeraldAngels Sing”

Years11–15Jan “GloryBetoJesus”Feb Psalm56Mar #382“GodHimselfIswithUs”April Psalm69:7–21May #211“GodRestYouMerry, Gentlemen”June Psalm71:1–14(RUFtunefor “BeneaththeCross”)July #405“God,ThatMadestEarth andHeaven”August Psalm74:1–11Sept #103“HolyGod,WePraise YourName”Oct Psalm75Nov Hosanna,LoudHosannaDec Psalm77:1–10(Myra)


womeN of tHe cHurcH

When: January31toFebuary1,2014Where: TheBeachHouseInn(AHolidayInnResort)onHiltonHeadIsland.Cost: $133/person(Twopersonroom) $100/person(Fourpersonroom) **BothpricesincludeallmealsfromFridaydinnerthroughSaturdaylunch

Please turn in the registration form you received in themail with your $20 deposit to Sarah Spencer (9872WhitefieldAve.Savannah,GA31406;(334)470-7401)byJanuary12.

Theremainderisdueattheregistrationtableattheretreat.PleasemakeallcheckspayabletoIndependentPresbyterianChurch.

scHedule

Friday — January 314-6PM Check-in6PM Dinner7-9PM FirstSession& SecondSessionSaturday — February 17-9AM Breakfast&Check-out9-12PMThird&Fourth Session12-1PM Lunch

fiVe reasoNs to come Hear wiNi baker

attheLadies’RetreatJanuary31-February1,2014

Sheisagodly,wiseladywhohasbeenministeringwithher1.husband,Al,forover30years.

Sheisauthenticandreal.2.

She has great discernment and is not afraid to speak3.Truth.

Sheisawomanofprayer,whoisfilledbytheHolySpirit4.andwholovesJesus.

ShefearsGod,notman(orwoman!).5.

ComehearWinisharewhatGodhasdoneinherlife.Bytheendoftheretreat,she’llbeyournewbestfriend.

—EmilyJohnson

it’s retreat reGistratioN time! PleasehaveyourregistrationformsinbyJanuary12,forourWOC2014WinterRetreatwithWiniBakerinHiltonHead.Pleasedon’tmissthisopportunityforthewomenofourchurchtoencourageoneanotherandfellowshiptogether.Weneedthistimetobewithoneanother,andweareprivilegedtohearfromWini.Setasidethetimeandmakeyourplansnow!

Wini Baker’s Retreat Topic: The Joy of Obedience— Living Under God in the City and The Country

Session1:God’sExpectationofUs Session2:OurExpectionofGod Session3:TheWorld’sExpectationofUs Session4:GreatExpectationsUnmet

WOC Retreat AttendeeName:_____________________________________

Phone:_____________________________________E-mail:________________________________________________

RoomType:[]Twoperson[]Fourperson

PreferredRoommate(s): __________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________


News from tHe NurseryAgroupofdedicatedwomentaketurnsteachingour2and3yearoldSundayschoolclasses.Thesewomenmettogetheroverthesummertocarefullyplanthelessonsthattheythoughtwouldmostbenefitthechildren.Eachweekthetwo-yearclasswalksdownthehalltojointhethree-yearclassfortheirlesson.Thechildrensitinasemi-circleandconsistentlyfollowthesameorderofteachingforthelesson.Theyarefaithfullysowingseedsinlittlehearts.Wearethankfulforallthattheydoforourlittleones.Ourteachersare:MirandaGibson,RosemaryTaylor,LizBrodmann, Cindy Sutlive, Fun Gobel, Marie Schenck, andPriyaGoeser.ThisletterwassubmittedbyoneofourIPCparents...“The blessings our Sunday School classes offer our childreninvoketearsofjoyfromthisparent.Havinglivedalong,fallenlife before coming to Christ makes seeing my child makespontaneoususeofteachingsinherclassespeciallywonderful.“DrivinginthecarandjusthavingnormalchattingwithJill,wenowhavetostopandlisten.ThisisbecauseLilliewillbesittinginhercarseatlookingaboutorplayingwithatoyandsinging“Holy,Holy,Holy”whichsheknowsthefirstversewordpefect.Shegotthatfromherclassandwehavefannedtheflame.Yes,shepracticallychewsouttheword‘holy’,buttohearherattwoyearsandonemonthsoftlycooouta‘LordGodalmight’or‘mercifulandmighty’makesone(me)pausetothankGodasthey(me)drivehomefromwherever.Sincethenshehasbeentaughtfirstversesto“OtheDeep,DeepLoveofJesus”arathercomplicatedsongandourweddinghymn,aswellasthismonth’s“JoytotheWorld.”Havewebeenholdingherbackwith“ThisLittleLight”and“Ho,ho,ho,Josanna...”?Especiallywhenshepicksupnewsongsquickly?Veryquickly.Notthatshehassuperpowers(suremydaughterisadvanced),butsimplythemindisyoung,ready,andbeingfilledwithhealthyinformationinsongformwhichsheisabletodigesteasily.Andwewouldnotbedoingthatunlessherclasshadchallengedherwiththehymn,“Holy,Holy,Holy”inthefirstplace.“Aslifewouldhaveit,whenLilliefirststartedherclass,JillandIhadnurserythatmonthandhadtoleadtheclassoffourgirlsdownthehall forthe lesson.LizBrodmanwasteachingtheclassandIthinksheshouldbegivenamedal.Startingoffwithacoupleofmovingexercises,andasong(“Holy”x3),shewentintothestoryofJacobandEsau,butfirsthadtotelltheclassthat,“ThisstoryisfromtheBible”(cuepickingupaBibleandholdingitoutsothatallthekidscouldseeitandreachoutandtouchit,whichtheyofcoursedid),beforeendingwith“andtheBibleistrue.”

Holdthatamomentandleapwithmeaweeklater.JillissickandthegrandmotherhashadLilliealldaywhileIwasatwork.Ipickupmyfairissuefromsaidgrandmother’shouseandstop

topickupsomefoodastheladyofthehouseisnotgoingtobeinanyshapetomakeanykindofdinner.IamputtingLillieinthecarandchattingwithherandplayfullyaskher“Wholovesyou?”LookingatmeandsmilingIanswerforher:“Daddylovesyou.”Shesmiles.“Mommalovesyou.”Shesmiles.“AndJesuslovesyou.Howdoweknowthat?BecausetheBibletellsusso...”ThatiswhenshehitmeupsidemyproudDaddyheadwithanemotionalhaymaker.

“‘It’strue.’

“AweekearlierGoodieBrodmann(InowimagineherdressedlikeapilgrimandlovinglyteachingtheBibletochildren.IfshegetsaThanksgivingcommercialfromthis,Iwantacut)hadtoldhertheBiblewastrue.Atherfirstopportunity,mychildusedwhatshehadbeentaughtinclass.“It’strue.”

“Indeeditis.ThankstoLizandalltheothermomsandteacherswhodiligentlyputthiseducationinfrontofourchildren.It’swonderfultohearitcomingun-coaxedfromtheirmouths.Jillhasagreatvoicethathasbeenwelltrained,whileIsoundlikeacroakingtoad,butIwillalwaysrememberLillie’sbright,littlevoicesingingofherownvolition“Holy,Holy,Holy”inthecaronthewayhome.”

—WillBlack

appreciatioNDearWomenoftheChurch,Thankyouallsomuchforthewonderfulresponsetohelpwiththe college care packages.Theboxeswere fullwith somuchgreatstuffandIhaveheardbackfrommanyof thestudentswithmuchgratitude.Theseboxeswouldnotbepossiblewith-outyouladies.Thanksagainforhelpingwiththeministrytoourcovenantcollegestudents. PamWiggins

DearIPC,Wewishtoexpressourheartfeltthanksfortheoutpouringoflove,prayers,meals, letters, and supportwe receivedover thetwoyears.ThroughoutMom’sillnessanddeath,wehavebeensustainedby theknowledgeof theLord’s presence andHisministry through our church andHis people.Wehave beengreatlyhumbled. InChrist’sloveandfellowship JodyandKimLanier,andfamily

DearIPC,Icanotthankyouenoughforthecarepackageandnotesthaty’allsentme.Thesnacksandwordsofencouragementhelpedmesomuchduringfinalsweek.ItmakesmesohappytoknowthatIhavesuchagreatchurchhome. Sincerely, ConradMartin


bible studies & circlestuesday morNiNG

ladies’ bible studyTheTuesdayMorningLadies’BibleStudymeetsonTuesdaysat 10:00 a.m.,Whitaker Bldg., 3rdFl. It will resume onJanuary7,withLesson14.Formore informationcontactPeggyMartingatpeggymarting@[email protected].

youNG womeN’s bible studyTheYoungWomen’sBible StudymeetsTuesdays, 10:00-11:30a.m.,onthe4thFlooroftheWhitakerBuilding.FormoreinformationcontactCindyFletcherat912-507-9723.ItwillresumeonJanuary7.

Garmer bible studyTheGarmerBibleStudywill resumeagainonJanuary7,2014,at7:30p.m.atthehomeofMr.andMrs.AltonBrown,Sr.,205WheelerStreet.ForinformationcallRonParrishat236-3346.

soutH caroliNa bible study The South Carolina Bible Study will meet at the homeofMr. andMrs.GlennMcDougall, 8HalburtonCircle(Bluffton)onTuesdayeveningsfrom7:00to8:30p.m.Forfurther information call 843-757-0201. It will not meetuntilJanuary2014,whentheywillbeginastudyinTheTenCommandments.

military bible studyTheMilitaryBibleStudy(sponsoredbyOfficers’ChristianFellowship)meetonTuesdaysat7:30p.m.Opentoall,itwillmeetat8SabalCourt,Savannah.PleasecontactJonShinefordetailsat912-335-2489.

tuesday morNiNG circleTheTuesdayMorningCirclewillmeetonJanuary14,2014,at10:30a.m.,atthehomeofMrs.HelenSteward,300BullStreet,Apt.704(236-8904).

tHursday morNiNG circleTheThursdayMorningCirclewillmeeton January9, atthe home of Mrs. Ernest Mitchell, 133 E. 50th Street,(232-1323).

islaNd’s circleThe Island’sCirclewill bemeeting onThursday, January16, at the home of Fef Nolen, 102 Paxton Drive, from9:30to11:00a.m.ContactPeggyMartingat598-8970orpeggymarting@bellsouth.netforanyquestions.

tuesday eVeNiNG circleThenextoftheTuesdayEveningCirclewillbeheldatthehome of Aylssa Butcher, 9 Bent Oaks Court (469-964-2122),onJanuary7,2014,7:00p.m.TheywillbelookingatChapter3.(Locationswillvaryeachmonth.)Allladiesareinvitedtojoinus.

DearChristianBusinessOwners,

Wehavesomereallygreatnewstoday.Wehaveexpandedtheoutreachofourministryinareallyexcitingway.Itisthenextlogicalstepin“BreakingtheCycleofCrimeonelifeatatime.”Wehavebeen active in the Chatham CountyDetentionCentersincetheearly1990s.

OurcoreprogramistheChaplain’sLifeLearningProgram,whereBiblicalprinciplesforsuccessfullivingaretaught.

We began looking at the problems our Chaplain’s dormparticipantsfacedwhentheygotoutoflock-up.Wecouldseethereissomuchmorethatneedstobedone.Wehavefocusedourattentiononcontinuedspiritualgrowthandfindingthemjobsasthisisthecondenseversionoflong-termsuccess.

Thisiswherewecouldreallyuseyourhelp.ThesenewChristiansarelookingfora“SecondChance”togetliferight.InorderforustorecommendourJobsProgramParticipantsforaninterview,theymusthaveexhibitedahungerforweeklyBibleStudyandwemusthaveobservedinthemanewrightattitudeaboutlife.

WeareaskingyoutoofferajoborthetimetomentoranewChristian or both. I do hope youwill contactme that Imayattempttoansweryourquestions.Itissaid,“Itismoreblessedtogive than to receive,” and today is a greatday tooffer thisprecioushelptoaworthyperson.Manythathaveprovidedjobsarecallingusaskingforanotherapplicantlikethelastonewesent.Yougetagreatemployee,anewChristiangetsasecondchance,thecommunityisabetterplacetoliveandthetaxesyoupayformorejailspacemaynotgoup.Nationallytheseprogramshaveworkedreallywellforyears.Ihopeyouwillgivemeacallat480-5068.IfIdon’tanswer,pleaseleaveyournumberandIwillcallyourightback. Bestregards, LorieIrish JobsProgramCoordinator

cHurcH iN bereaVemeNtThecongregationofIndependentPresbyterianChurchextendssinceresympathyto:...Mr.andMrs.ChristopherHartandfamilyonthedeathofJo’smother,Josie Smith Winn,whopassed awayonMonday,December2,2013inEstill,SC....thefamilyofVera Bale Wood,whoenteredthepresenceoftheLordonThursday,November21,2013,inDallas,TX....thefamilyofMargie Johnston Jones,whoenteredthepresenceoftheLordonSunday,December8,2013,inSavannah,GA.


tHe seVeN Vicesof tHe Virtual life

dr. read scHucHardtiNdepeNdeNt presbyteriaN cHurcH

saNctuary

eVer woNder How cHristiaNs sHould View tHis diGital aGe?

wedNesday, JaNuary 8, 20147:00–9:00 pm

Session1: TheMediaEcologyofCommunicationHistory: LinearandCircularSession2: SevenVicesoftheVirtualLife–PartOne: TheProblemsEndemictoEveryone

tHursday, JaNuary 9, 20147:00–9:00 pm

Session3: SevenVicesoftheVirtualLife—PartTwo: TheProblemsSpecifictoChristiansSession4: TheChristian'sCallingintheDigitalAge: PresenceIntheAgeofAbsence

Break between sessions from 7:50-8:10 pm

Refreshments served on front porch

about read

Dr. Read Schuchardt is AssociateProfessor of Communication atWheatonCollege (IL)andanexpertintheeffectsofmediaandtechnologyuponculture.

Digital communication technology hasdelivered us into a golden age of newcommunication with a broader, deeper, andwider set of relationships than ever before,faster than ever before, transforming theworld into a truly global village. No onequestionsordoubtstheblessingsofthisnewtechnology.Butalongwiththeblessing,thereisadownside,whichisaseriesofunintendedconsequences taking the formof the thingswe lose — as individuals, institutions, andcultures—asthetradeofforhiddencostofsuchrapidprogress.

In this multimedia presentation, WheatonCollegecommunicationprofessorReadMercerSchuchardtwillpresentthemediaecologyofournewcommunicationenvironment,revealtheseven“vices”ofthevirtuallife,andrevealwhat theyhave todowithChristianity andhow, uniquely, the informed Christian isbest poised to respond to these challengestoday. The talks are based on a book thatis forthcoming from InterVarsityPress, andcomes just after Professor Schuchardt hastravelled to 24 countrieswhere he has seenthispatternatplayincountriesandcultureswithvaryingdegreesofimmersionindigitaltechnology.


moralcoNcerNs

riGHt-to-life: a cHaNGed HeartI

“Rigby!” “Matt!” “What’sup,buddy?”Thechurchsupperawaited,asthelinewounditswaydownfourflightsofstairs.Knowingthewaitwouldbelong,Mattstoodinthedoorwayandwatchedtheline. “Matt,”JohnRigbysaid.“CometotheRight-to-LifeCommitteemeeting. Nocommitment, justcomeseewhat it’sabout.” “I...uh...” Mattdidn’twanttogotothemeeting.Hewantedtoeatblackberrycobblerandicecream. “Thirdfloor,theGarmerSundaySchoolroom,”Rigbysaid.“Justgetyourtrayandcomeonup.” “Uh...I...letmethinkaboutit.” “Don’tthinkaboutit,justcometothemeeting.” “Well,I...uh...”Mattwatchedthelineinchclosertothecafeteria.“CanIjoinandnotgotothemeeting?” “...yeah....” “Okay, that’s great.” Matt wanted to eat blackberry cobblerandicecream.

‘Can I join and not go to the meeting?’Soundridiculous?ThegoodnewsisthattheHolySpirithelpsourinfirmities(Romans8:36). Mattgothisdinner and tookhis tray to a table. Hethengotagroupofpeopletoguardhisdinner. “Rigbyguilt-trippedmeintogoingtotheRight-to-Lifemeeting,”Mattsaid.“I’llgoforafewminutesandseewhatit’slike.” Matttookhiscobblerandicecreamandwentupstairs. Tenflightsof stairs later,Mattwalked into the room.TheRight-to-LifeCommitteegaveMattarousingwelcome. “Holdon,”Mattsaidashesethiscobblerandicecreamonthetable.“Letmegettherestofmydinner.” Mattknewhewassupposedtobethere.

II

I was pro-choice before I was born again. I cametoChrist in January 1993, when I was 25. Very early inmy Christian walk, theHoly Spirit convictedme that life beginsatconception. GodknewJeremiahwhenJeremiahwas in thewomb—andGodordainedhimtobeaprophetbeforehewaseven born ( Jeremiah 1:5-6). When the soon-to-be birth oftheMessiah was announced, John the Baptist rejoiced in his mother’swomb(Luke1:21).

Forthenextfourteenyears,Iwaspro-lifeanddidn’tdomuchaboutit. Then, inFebruary2007,Ibeganprayingforwomenwhohavehadabortions.Inanunfinishedpieceofwriting,Isaid,“Womenwhohavehadanabortiondon’tneedourscorn.TheyneedChrist’slove.” In May 2012, when I was on the internet, God’sProvidence led me to Life and Liberty Ministries. DennisGreenandhiswifeRuthareparentsto13children,withonedaughter-in-law.TheygototheabortionclinicsinRichmond,Virginia,andtalktowomenwhogothereseekingabortions.After seeing a video of their daughter-in-law’s testimony—entitled“Genna Shares About a Saved Baby!”—IdecidedtostartsupportingtheGreenfamily.

III

InJanuaryandFebruary2013,IwrotewhatIcall“TheUndertaker’sList.”IgottheideafromTerryJohnson’ssermonatthepreviousDecember’sLessonsandCarolsService(2012),whereTerrytalkedabouthis”bucketlist.”Yes,IlearnedwhatabucketlistwasinaTerryJohnsonsermon. I’minagreementwithTerry—theterm“bucket list”soundsmorbid.Therefore,Icameupwith“TheUndertaker’sList.”Ifiguredifwe’regoingtobemorbid,thenImightaswellbecreativeaboutit.Thereare16itemsonmylist.Thereare16thingsI’dlovetodobeforetheundertakerputsmeintheground—andIamsurethateveryoneofthemwilltakeanactofGod. For example, I’d like to interviewcertain actors andprofootballplayers,anditwilltakeanactofGodtosetthatup.I’dalso liketowatchThe Six Million Dollar ManwithMom.Asachildofthe‘70’s,IconsiderThe Six Million Dollar Man myfavoriteTVshowofalltime.However,IknowwhatMomthinksaboutthatshow—anditwilltakeanactofGodtogethertowatchitwithme. Another item onThe Undertaker’s List is of moreconsequencethaninterviewingafootballplayerorwatchingashowaboutabionicmanwhorunsinslowmotion.IwanttohelpsavebabiesuntilRoevs.Wadegetsoverturned. OnNovember17,2013,mybrother-in-ChristRigbyguilt-trippedme intogoing to theRight-to-Lifemeeting. Iamthankfulhedid.NowIhavetheopportunitytoservetheLordbystandingtogetherwithothersfortherightsoftheun-born.TheWordofGodsays,“Wewalkbyfaith,notbysight”(IICorinthians5:7).

You’ve just read about my journey. We have beensavedbygracethroughfaith,andthatnotofourselves.ItisthegiftofGod(Ephesians2:8-9).WeweresavedtoglorifyGodwithgoodworks—worksthatHepreparedinadvanceforustodo(Matthew5:13-16;Ephesians2:10).

Godhasputitonmyhearttotakeamoreactiveroleinspeakingforthosewhocan’tspeakforthemselves.

RighttoLifeCommittee MattHaddad

aNNouNcemeNts & eVeNtstHe lord’s supper serVice

TheLord’s Supperwill be observedduring ourmorningserviceonJanuary5.Becauseoftheexceptionalblessingwehaveinthissacramentandthedangerofeatinganddrinkingunworthily,itisnecessarythatwecometoitwithknowledge,faith, repentance, love and with hungering and thirstingsouls after Christ andHis benefits.The congregation isencouragedtouseallappointedmeans,publicandprivatetocometotheLord’sTable,dependinguponGodforthegraciouspreparationoftheheart,accordingtoHispromise(Psalm10:17).

sessioN/diacoNateTheregularmeetingforSessionwillbeheldonMonday,January 20, at 5:30 p.m. in the Administrative BuildingandtheDiaconatewillmeetat6:00p.m.intheWhitakerBuilding.Theywillhaveajointmeetingat6:30p.m.

tHe cHurcH budGet aNd GiViNG Inordertoinformthecongregationofthefinancialstatusand needs of the church the following snapshot of ourcurrentfinancialcondition isprovided.To fundthe2013churchbudget$156,462isneededpermonth.Thankyouforyourfaithfulsupport. Totalreceived Over/Short

1stQuarter $436,947 ($32,439)2ndQuarter $444,370 ($25,016)3rdQuarter $468,193 ($1,193)October $132,987 ($23,475)November $152,565 ($3,897) Total$1,635,062 ($86,020)


birtHCongratulationsto:...Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Crowe (Sarah)onthebirthoftheirdaughter,Clara Elizabeth Crowe,bornDecember4,2013.

aNNual reportsSummarynarrativesfortheAnnualReportareduefromCommitteeChairmen,churchstaff,educationalstaff,andWOCbyThursday,[email protected].

saNctuary flowers 2014Theflowers in the sanctuary onSundays are donated bythemembersofthecongregation.Thisisawonderfulwaytohonor/memorializeaspecialpersoninyourlife.Ifyouwould like todonateflowers for 2014,please callLaurelBrewerat912-727-4418.

commitmeNt cardsAs of Monday, December 16, we have received 160commitmentcardstotaling$1,567,175towardthechurch’sbudgetfor2014.

aGape suNday scHool classpost cHristmas party

The Agape Sunday School Class Post-Christmas Party will be held on Friday, January 17, at Point Pleasant, 6:00 p.m.

cHaNGes iN addressTHE FOLLOWING ARE CHANGES in members’addressand/ortelephoneinformation.Pleasenotetheminyourdirectory. Mrs.KateFoilMouchet

3010StateStreet,Apt.406 Dallas,TX75204 email:[email protected]

CornéandKellySchilt ClaraWichmannstraat95 2984XG Ridderkerk TheNetherlands email:[email protected] Phone:+31651261034

New Phone Numbers:

JackandKathrynVanEck—nolandline. Use912-596-8569.

did you kNow . . . ?. . .that Jared Klajnbart was promoted to Captain?Congratulations!

JaNuary birtHdays2 Mary CatherineMcLean2 Kim Lanier 2 Turner Milling3 Marnie Warren4 Stephen Dusek4 Stefani Thompson4 Margaret Up DeGraff5 Charles DePue5 Teri Bell5 Jim Lomax6 Bob Oswald7 Clay Gibson8 Carol Dusek8 Wilbur Wiggins9 Pat Toler 9 Kathy Moore9 Brooks Barrett

16 Denise Winks17 Mandy Oswald18 Ryann Hogan18 Fae Kameron20 Murle Breer21 Parker Carpenter21 Beatriz Orellana21 Ruth Ann Hottel22 Lauren Key22 Sharon Hassing23 Erin Helmly 23 KK Heritage, Jr.24 Katie Gouse24 Alice Henrick24 Sandee Lomax25 Rodney Steward26 Joan Paez26 Jean Ennis

26 Kathryn Van Eck26 Sue Gouse26 Samuel Brunson26 Ron Berry, Jr.28 Jan Rodgers28 John Simpson28 Wayne Sullivan28 Madison Wiggins29 Page Barksdale30 Kenneth Crowe30 Jamie McKee30 Clark Rookstool31 Kirsten Orr 31 Adeline Barrett

10 Bill Brodmann, Sr.10 Gabe Orellana11 Winn Morgan11 James McCune11 Linda Erwin11 Patrick Kenard12 Robert Breer12 Laurel Brewer12 Michael Spenser13 Ashley Shine14 Joe Van Puffelen14 Janice McAlpine14 Judy Nease15 Melanie Moore16 Kay Heritage16 John Hosey, Jr.16 Mary Mitchell Fuqua16 Amber Williams


studeNtmiNistriesThankyoutoourIPCfamily,andespeciallytheyouth,forwelcomingussograciouslytoyourchurch.Youhavelovedusandservedusinwaysforwhichweareeternallygrateful.Welookforwardtomanyyearsoffriendshipandministrywithyou.

MerryChristmasandGodBless,TheRodgersFamily

reGular aNd upcomiNG eVeNts

Sunday School: BothJr.High(2ndfloorWhitaker)and Sr.HighSundaySchoolClasses (3rdfloorWhitaker),9:30-10:30a.m.

Sunday Nights: Youth Choir from4-5p.m.

Dinneruntil7p.m.,Whitaker,3rdfloor, EveningWorship,5:30-6:30p.m.

Small Groups (wehavesevengroups targetingspecificgendersandgrades) from7–7:55p.m.

Wednesdays: Youth Dinner and Fun—6:30p.m., Whitaker,3rdFloor

Youth Group–7:30–8:15p.m., Whitaker,4thFloor

JANUARY

5 FirstYouthChoirof2014

12 SmallGroupLeaders’Meeting(4–5pm,3rdfloor Whitaker)

WinterParents’Dinner&Meeting, 3rdfloorWhitaker(6:30–7:30,p.m.)

15 FirstWednesdayYouthGroupof2014 (6:30-8:15p.m.)

[WednesdayYouthGroupalsoon22&29]

16-17 Jr.’s&Sr.’stovisitCovenantCollegein LookoutMountain,GA

19 Prayer Night in Whitaker (Dinner 6-7 p.m.; Prayer7-7:55p.m.)

26 FirstSundayNightSmallGroupsin2014

FEBRUARY

2, 9, 23 SundayNightSmallGroups (NoSmallGroupsonthe16th)

5, 19, 26WednesdayYouthGroups

12 LadyandtheTramp

17 Presidents’Dayyouthactivities

TheIPCMessenger(USPS261–200)ispublishedweeklybyIndependentPresbyterianChurch,207BullStreet,Savannah,GA31401.PeriodicalPostagepaidatSavannah,Georgia31402.

POSTMASTER: sendaddresschangestoIPCMessenger,P.O.Box9266,Savannah,GA31412.

The IPC MessengerIndependent presbyterIan ChurChp. O. bOx 9266savannah, Ga 31412

GREETERSFRONT DOOR ......Elder & Mrs.

J. Van PuffelenNORTH SIDE .....CENTER AISLE ..SOUTH SIDE ......WOC Greeter ...... L. Helmly

SUNDAY SCHOOLGREETER ELDER .................... J. Van Puffelen

USHERSCHAIRMAN ..........G. McKeeFRONT DOOR ......A. BrownINNER DOOR .......S. JacksonCENTER AISLE .....J. Rigby &

J. PetersLEFT AISLE ...........D. JohnsonRIGHT AISLE ........D. WadeBALCONY1 ...........J. SuttonSECURITY/BAL2 .. W. Wiggins &

A. BrodmannAM AUDIO ...... ....R. HinelyPM AUDIO ...........E. DeLoachEVENINGS ...........P. McLean &

A. Gibson

SET-UP & CLEAN-UPCare Group #9 (J. Lanier)(Deacons: R. Barksdale, M. Dusek and R. Rambo)

CHILDREN’S CHURCH WORKER: S. Spencer

SUNDAYREAD-A-LOUD:7:00 p.m. Youth

For Prayer & ParticipationJaNuary 5

PERIODICALSPOSTAGE PAIDSAVANNAH, GA

Assisting Us in Worship ~ January 5

Meal MenuSunday, January 5

Pork Loin* w/ Tangy GlazeMashed Potatoes & Gravy

Sautéed Green Beans*Garden Salad w/ Savannah

Mustard Dressing*Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Wednesday, January 8Shrimp Cakes

Fried Pork TenderloinSeasoned Fries

Lemon Bars

HymNs for JaNuary 5Morning Hymns

#167 “When Morning Guilds the Sky” Psalm 1#252 “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” #469 “How Sweet and Awful Is the Place

Evening Hymns “Great God, We Sing that Mighty Hand” Psalm 13#382 “God Himself Is with Us”

Mon, Jan. 6 7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #876, Point PleasantTues, Jan. 7 6:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Olmstead Hall 9:00 a.m. Church Staff Meeting, Admin. Bldg., upstairs 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Study, Whitaker

Bldg., 3rd Fl. 10:00 a.m. Young Women’s Bible Study, Whitaker Bldg.,

4th Fl. 11:30 a.m. Pastoral Staff Meeting, Admin. Bldg. 6:30 p.m. South Carolina Bible Study, at the home of

Glenn and Julie McDougall, 8 Halburton Circle (Bluffton)

7:00 p.m. Tuesday Evening Circle, 7:30 p.m. Garmer Bible Study at the home of Mr. and

Mrs. Alton Brown, Sr., 205 Wheeler Street (354-9215)

7:30 p.m. Military Bible Study, sponsored by Officers’ Christian Fellowship, (open to all), 8 Sabal Court, Savannah, GA, Jon Shine, 912-335-2489

Wed, Jan. 8 11:00 a.m. Women’s Intercessor Group, Axson Room 12:00 p.m. Wednesday Noon Service and Lucheon 5:30 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 7:00 p.m. Read Mercer Schuchardt, Associate Professor

Wheaton College, “The Seven Vices of the Virtual Life,” sanctuary

9:00 p.m. RUF, Axson Building, Fellowship HallThurs, Jan. 9 10:30 a.m. Thursday Morning Circle, at the home of

Mrs. Ernest Mitchell, 133 East 50th Street (232-1323)

7:00 p.m. Read Mercer Schuchardt, Associate Professor Wheaton College, “The Seven Vices of the Virtual Life,” sanctuary

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