At Independent Presbyterian Church, we believe God calls us to be a Christian community, actively engaged in transforming lives through our living faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Christian community by its very nature is a very close community—we enjoy each other’s company and presence by spending time together in fellowship, worship and by the breaking of bread. This year has been really challenging for both staff and lay people alike on how to actively engage in transforming lives while keeping everyone safe. This document will provide information about a phased approach to return to in-person gatherings, sources used by the H&P Reopening Task Force for guidance, facility guidelines and frequently asked questions.

When the time is appropriate to return to the church campus for in-person worship and small groups gathering, it must be done in a manner that is measured, focused and safe.

• IPC will reopen in a measured way. We will follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control, the Alabama Department of Health, the Jefferson County Department of Health, state and local leaders and agencies. We must re-open in a way that keeps those that are more vulnerable safe from the potential harm of the virus.
• IPC will reopen in a focused way. As we remain focused on actively engaging in transforming lives through Jesus Christ, we will remain focused on the physical, spiritual and emotional well-being of our congregation and our guests.
• IPC will reopen in a safe way. We will determine which priorities of the church need to happen immediately and which ones will be added later. Our goal is to resume activities as soon as it is safe to do so.

Our first priority when it comes to re-opening the church has always been and will continue to be the health and safety of our members and visitors. For that reason, we have not set a date to return, rather our task force has focused on looking at what the data is telling us. A downward trend in active cases of COVID-19 would give more assurance to the task force that the group was moving in the right direction by re-opening the church.

House & Properties Task Force

Mike Graham | Chair, House & Properties

Alan Deer, Elder | House & Properties

Dr. Susan Eiland, MD | Lay Leader

Dr. Steve Hunt, MD | Clerk of Session

Paul Leaver | Lay Leader, House & Properties

Julie Rediker, RN | Lay Leader, IPC Day School Committee

Dr. Sean Vanlandingham, MD | Lay Leader

Rev. Lucy Turner | IPC Executive Assoc. Pastor, Director of Congregational Care

Bill McKelvey | IPC Director of Operations & Administration

Sandra Putman | IPC Administrative Assistant