Have you considered how kindness can be a miracle? What about all the reasons why being a Christian is more than believing in Jesus? And are you saved? Those are some big questions. Our 2020 Focus on Faith speaker and guest preacher the Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Are, Jr. will be with us this Sunday to tackle those questions about our faith. Dr. Are is the pastor of Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, KS. He will preach on “The Miracle of Kindness” during the 8:45 and 11 am worship services in the Sanctuary, as well as The Table 5 PM worship service in Highland Hall. His sermon at 5 PM will be “Hey, Are You Saved?” He’ll also lecture on “Christianity is More Than Believing in Jesus” during the Sunday School hour at 10 am in Highland Hall. It’s a busy day for Dr. Are, which will end with a Q & A session at Clubhouse on Highland at 6:15 pm. All are welcome (and encouraged) to come to the events.
Dr. Are’s sermons and lectures are a wonderful segway into Lent. As we journey with Jesus to the cross, we invite you to pick up a Lent-in-a-Box from the parlor or Highland Hall this Sunday. The IPC staff created this box filled with weekly scripture readings and hands-on activities to help you and your family explore and grow your faith during Lent. Inside the box, you will find a resource guide, a worship schedule, activity supplies and information about the significance of our holy days and the reasons behind the noticeable changes to our worship. There is also a daily reading list. You will find additional resources, including a Lenten playlist, online at ipc-usa.org/lent.html. Lent-in-a-Box is designed for all members, so please make sure you take a box home with you.
If you are looking for another way to grow your faith, join a Grace Group. For the first time, the author of a Grace Group book is coming to IPC Monday. The Rev. Gordon Lindsey will sign his book, "Charter of Christian Freedom: A Layperson's Study Guide to Paul's Letter to the Galatians" in the Great Hall from 4:30- 5:30 pm. He'll then introduce the book and give a presentation about it to all Grace Group participants, hosts and leaders from 5:30- 6:30 pm. Make sure to sign up for Grace Groups and bring your book to hear the author talk about it! A light dinner for Grace Group leaders and another training session just for them will follow.
Finally, the Session met Tuesday night. We received good reports from many of our ministry areas. A search committee for the director of Children’s Ministries position is meeting regularly. A job description has been posted and members are currently compiling a list of potential candidates. The choir is preparing to leave for a March tour in France. The IPC Foundation is preparing for a second Lunch and Learn on March 31 with LUV. Our financial report shows us ahead of budget, which is a good sign! Thanks to those who are stepping up and giving! There will be an official ribbon cutting for the Highland Park Community Garden at 11:00 am on March 6.
You may be receiving a phone call from an elder or deacon soon. They will start calling members this month to say “hi” and check in. We want to hear from you and how we can further engage you in the life and mission of the church. We also want you to learn more about what our church leaders are doing to help carry out that mission.
See you Sunday!
Bill
Dr. William J. Carl III, Senior Pastor
