More than 200 people, I included, filled Rogue Tavern Monday night for Beers & Hymns. We lifted our voices and filled our souls with delicious food and fellowship. We made new friends. We deepened our relationships with old ones. We even welcomed Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin who happened to be in the neighborhood and came in to see what was going on. If you haven’t gotten to one of these fun all church events, we hope you will stop by at the next one on Monday, September 10 at 7 pm at Rogue Tavern.
Also, take a moment to stop and witness all of the other incredible fellowship opportunities at IPC and how we are continuing to engage and grow our church. Our Youth Grant Team just started meeting to review IPC Foundation grant applications. Later this year, the team of 17 high school juniors and seniors will decide which of those organizations will receive grants. Due to an increase in applications, we’ve added additional members. It’s now the largest Youth Grant Team yet!
Our Recess Respite Program has a new program assistant named Henry Scott. You can always find him with a guitar in hand, usually strumming a tune as he helps our director, Pat Flowers, lead volunteers and participants through songs, games and other activities. Henry also plays wooden flutes and drums. He was the Artist in Residence at the Red Mountain Theatre Company this year. If you went to see Beauty and the Beast this summer, you saw his choreography. He also is a yoga and meditation instructor. His goal is to use arts for therapy and community building, which makes him a great addition to the Recess team. Please welcome him!
It seems every time we say “hello,” we also say “goodbye.” Music assistant Barb Fillmer has announced her retirement. After 39 years at IPC, she will officially retire December 31. Barb does so much behind the scenes assisting with our choirs and music event scheduling and publicity. She also creates our Sunday morning worship, wedding and memorial service bulletins. She also used to edit The Window. What you may not know about Barb is that she’s an avid quilter. She makes embroidered bibs to help welcome new babies to the IPC family. When she retires, she’ll move to Columbus, Ohio where her sister lives and where there is an active quilting community. Please ensure you take a moment to tell Barb how much she will be missed.
See you Sunday!
Bill
