You’ve probably seen the local murals touting, "It’s nice to have you in Birmingham." It’s a popular trend for cities to create backdrops as memory points for visitors. When someone visits IPC, each of us has an opportunity to be a billboard for what God is doing here through the Holy Spirit. Smiling, shaking hands, recognizing the people around us, and greeting our guests can make a difference. Maybe an eternal one.

Before conducting business, our Session meetings start with a brief study of scripture and a discussion of how the passage applies to us as leaders in Christ’s church. In June, Kevin asked us to consider what we should pray about for IPC. Four priorities emerged: discernment, stewardship, unity, and hospitality.

Please pray with your Session about these priorities. Consider playing a role in our efforts to be a hospitable congregation, a warm and welcoming place for everyone seeking a church home. You can start with something as simple as a handshake.

UPDATES FROM THE SESSION COMMITTEES OF IPC

Keep reading for recent highlights from our Session committees and subcommittees: 

• The Family Ministries Committee invites all to our Family of Faith Fall Kickoff event on Sunday, August 13. On this day, we return to our regular worship schedule, and during the 11 am service, we will have a Blessing of the Backpacks in the Sanctuary. Dress comfortably and join us following the service for a Back to School Celebration & Congregational Lunch in Highland Hall. If you plan on attending the lunch, please register by Friday, August 11. 
   
• Session has approved security recommendations from the House & Properties Committee. To ensure the safety of IPC's members, staff, day school, and those on campus, the exterior doors are now locked throughout the work week. 
  
  Keypads have been installed on all main building doors, which can be accessed with a member code between 7 am to 9 pm. During regular business hours on Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, members and visitors can use the front desk video phone access or seek assistance from the security guards who are present until the conclusion of evening activities. Parlor and chapel doors will remain open for Wednesday night programs and on Sundays for worship, starting 30 minutes before services and ending 30 minutes after. 
  
  If you wish to receive the member code for the keypads by text, you can request access here until Thursday, August 3. After that date, email info@ipc-usa.org, and we will assist you. 
   
• We are seeing the work of the Discernment Committee serve Birmingham-area children in need. Learn more about how IPC is supporting local families through IPC's Summer Learning Program, Family Wraparound Support Services, Mobility Mentoring at i3 Academy, and Community Connector at Hayes K-8 School in the Fall Kickoff issue of the Window coming to your mailbox next month.
   
• Thanks to the efforts led by IPC's House & Properties Committee and its Garden Subcommittee, our Columbarium addition is days away from completion. The beautiful expansion includes 256 additional niches with 192 double and 64 single niches. You can view available niches, or contact us to help guide you through the process to purchase a niche for yourself or a loved one. A dedication for the new expansion will be held this fall.