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Counter Schedule 2
Virtual Donation 2
Birthdays/
Anniversaries
2
Newsletter
Submissions 2
IPC Online 2
Profit & Loss Report 3
Pastor Anne Final Note 4
New Pastor Hired 4
Worship Information 5
Church Facilities 5
Courses for Sale 5
Timmons 5
Coastal Bend Troops 6
Pet Memorial 6
Angels in Aprons 6
Pentecost Article 7
THANK YOU! 8
Island Presbyterian Church
Island Presbyterian Light
Volume 19, Issue 6
Inside this issue:
Island Presbyterian Church E-mail: 14030 Fortuna Bay Drive [email protected] Corpus Christi, TX 78418 [email protected] Phone: 361-949-8770 [email protected] Fax: 361-949-9887 WEBSITE: islandpresby.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ipc.cctx
2020
Anne Kowalczyk,
Stated Supply Pastor
Beth Koutsoumbaris,
Church Secretary
David Hiser,
Music Director
Ross Bernhardt,
Accompanist
Mary Orr, Clerk of
Session, Administration & Personnel
Bob Orr, Worship &
Sacraments, Officer Nominating Co-Chair
Debbie Marchant,
Treasurer, Membership & Outreach
Donna Garcia Devlin,
Deacons, Co-Chair Membership & Outreach
Jim Wessels, Co-Chair
Fellowship
Kathleen Dare, Missions
& Service
Marshall Lochausen,
Buildings & Grounds, Officer Nominating
Ray Ziembinski,
Fellowship
Victoria McGuire,
Stewardship, Admin & Personnel, Finance
Virginia Koutsoumbaris
Christian Education
Office Hours: Wednesday & Thursday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
A Final Note
from Pastor Anne
Greetings all, this is my last pastor’s note to you as I have retired following the end of my
contract with IPC on May 31st. I will preach one final
worship service on June 7th to provide worship coverage
that will include Holy Communion on that date. I write this with both joy and sadness. As I reflect upon my ministry experience with you for the last several years, it has been a good experience for me. I have learned a lot and grown a lot in my role as a church pastor in my time with you. Prior to becoming your stated supply pastor, I would never have imagined that my primary ministry would be in leading worship each week and preaching, yet I was committed to learn how to provide this ministry to the best of my ability. Part of my decision to retire was guided by my desire to be free to be more deeply engaged with my family, and part of my decision was based on my belief that there are pastors who are far better, creative and more eloquent worship leaders than I will ever be. I hope that your remaining thoughts about me are good ones and I hope that my leadership with you provided you with good spiritual nourishment. I have served you and God with full-hearted faithfulness.
Serving this church has not been difficult in the traditional manner—I do not think we experienced any major schisms or disagreements in these years, though there were debates at times. I consider differences of opinion as healthy and just part of being human. I regret that my teaching and leading did not provide the “spark” that might have motivated our members and frequent attendees to really invest their energy and commitment into the community. I continue to believe that given the right inspiration, this faith community can grow again and flourish rather than wither. I am very grateful for those have really committed themselves in the life of this com-munity and dedicated themselves to Christian service. (Continued on page 4)
Island Presbyterian Light - Volume 19, Issue 6 2
We apologize if we have forgotten anyone in the birthday
and/or anniversary listing.
Please call the church office to add your birthday
or anniversary to our list!
COUNTER SCHEDULE
June 7
Sonia C. & Grace H.
June 14
Maureen D. & Barbara B.
June 21
Neva S. & Marshall L.
June 28
Debbie L. & Maureen D.
IPC continues to be on Facebook, and the number
of visits to our church web site continues to grow. If you
have not yet visited our web site or Facebook page, log on to your computer and check it
out!
FACEBOOK PAGE:
www.facebook.com/ipc.cctx
If you have suggestions or comments about the website
or Facebook page, please call Beth at the church office at
361-949-8770.
We’re on the web!
www.islandpresby.com
Newsletter Items We are always looking for
things to share in this newslet-
ter. If you have a story or pic-
ture you would like to submit
for consideration, please
f o r w a r d t h e m t o
office@islandpresby. You may
forward them anytime during
the month but please keep in
mind if items are received after
Jim & Donna Barksdale 3
Bob & Rosemary Himes 19
A NEW way to make an offering to IPC!
Presbyterian Foundation’s Online Giving Portal
Click HERE to give!
David Dare 4
Kent Needham 5
Billie Webb 10
Jon Hepner 13
Marian Walter 17
Barb Tornes 17
Donna Barksdale 24
Barbara McGinnis 25
John Tornes 28
Bob Himes 28
Island Presbyterian Light - Volume 19, Issue 6 3
Island Presbyterian Light - Volume 19, Issue 6
4
(Continued from page 1)
A Final Note from Pastor Anne
In this past month, I/we have become more adept and more comfortable with technology being the main venue through which we communicate between members and groups and through which worship serves are provided. If learning to preach to a congregation was a challenge, learning to preach to a camera attached to my computer was that much more of a task. This is a lesson I would have preferred not to have learned, yet using technology became another example of “adult education” and learning is a wonderful thing. Those of us who have provided virtual worship have worked each week to improve production and transmission. Sometimes there have been hiccups, however, I am so grateful for the creative and collaborative work we have been doing with Bob, David, Ross and worship lay leaders, and I am deeply appreciative of the number of people who have tuned in to participate!
I expect that in the relatively near future you will be experiencing a melding of the old and new in our methods of providing worship for you. The church is going to have some challenges in the next several months. I hope you can embrace it more as new and exciting than troublesome and I hope you will participate in the church’s development.
I believe I’ve provided some “non-anxious” presence in the midst of significant change, I think I’ve provided some good transitional leadership and there is a part of me that wishes I could see it through with you. However, there is a much bigger sense that I’ve done what I’ve been called to do and it is time to pass leadership on to someone who will bring her own gifts, skills and energy to this community. I have just received news that Kris Bair has accepted the offer to be your new pastor and I know that she brings many gifts and talents with her. I’m confident that as your new pastor, she will bring to you new and creative ways for engaging our faith.
As a final note, it is a little strange not to be able to say “good-bye” to the community in person. In general, I think it is much better to be able to close the relationship in the direct presence of community, but that is just not going to happen. We live in unusual times. We’ll say our good-byes and transfer responsibilities as clearly as possible and know that we did the best we could. I am very appreciative of the relationships I have built with many of you and I will miss you! God bless you all. As always, “Vaya con Dios.” May God’s peace and grace be with you always,
Pastor Anne
New Pastor Hired The Pastor Search Committee and the Session have extended an offer to Kris Bair, a member of IPC to serve as our next part time Pastor and she has accepted the position. Kris is a “Certified Ruling Elder” or previously known as “Commissioned Lay Pastor” in Mission Presbytery.
Kris most recently serve as Pastor at 1st Presbyterian Church of Alice and has been very active
in Mission Presbytery and the Corpus Christi cluster for many years. Kris will be transitioning with Anne during the first week of June and will fill out the pulpit permanently starting on June 14. Once Kris gets settled she will maintain office hours twice a week and will be available for pastoral care.
Watch for next month’s newsletter and Kris’ article where you will lean much more about our new pastor.
Please make it a point to welcome Kris.
IPC Mission Statement
Island Presbyterian Church aspires to joyfully:
Love God Love others as ourselves
Make strong disciples for Jesus Christ
“ Making a Difference”
Thanks and Blessings from your Timon’s friends.
Sunday Schedule
Online Worship Service 10 a.m.
Join us on FACEBOOK!
IPC’s Facebook Page
Timon’s Ministries 10501 S. Padre Island Dr.
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
361-937-6196
E-mail: [email protected] Website: timonsministries.org
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Mission: As people of God we seek to help those in need and in crisis situations with food, shelter, clothing and guidance, in hopes they are able to return to the workforce for long term success.
Goal: To build and sustain a comprehensive Community Resource Center with a Christian Philosophy of caring for and giving to people in need.
Island Presbyterian Church
“Where Faith and
Friendships Grow”
14030 Fortuna Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Phone: 361-949-8770
E-mail: [email protected]
Island Presbyterian Light - Volume 19, Issue 6 5
Great Courses for Sale—DVD’s & CD from Pastor Anne's Collection:
I’m letting go of a number of religious based CD’s and DVD’s that
have been created by Great Courses. Some have never been opened, others have been used. Their price ranges when I bought
them were $40-60. I’m offering them to the congregation as a bene-fit for the church at whatever the best offer is!
The New Testament 2 volumes: Bart Ehrman $40-60 The Old Testament 2 volumes: Amy-Jill Levine $40-60 The History of Christianity in the Reformation Era – Used, Brad Gregory $40-60 Luther Gospel, Law and Reformation—Used, Parts 1, 2, 3 $40-60 Historical Jesus Parts 1, 2, 3 -- Ehrman $60 The Apostle Paul -- Luke Timothy Johnson $89 From Jesus To Constantine: A history of Early Christianity— 1 volume new, Bart Ehrman DVD $254.95 Jesus and the Gospels—Luke Timothy Johnson DVD $374.95 There is another CD program that is for Biblical study that I got while I was in seminary: Logos Bible Software Series X – “Scholar’s Library”— its price was @$350.
Again, if anyone wishes to buy any of these it is a donation to the church.
A Note About Church Services and Building Use:
Session will revisit reopening church facilities
and sanctuary when conditions change and
CDC, state and city restrictions indicate it is
safe to return. At this time the church is closed. When we receive direction from the Presbytery, CDC, state and local governments we will make a decision then
about opening the church.
Island Presbyterian Light - Volume 19, Issue 6
ANGELS IN APRONS Generally when a need for providing meals for families within our IPC community arises, the Deacon who has that individual or family in his/her care group, contacts the other members of that specific group and the situation is resolved. There are times, however, when others wish to help and we want to include them. We can now do that since a group called “Angels in Aprons” simply formed itself! Although “Angels in
Aprons” evolved spontaneously, it has been increasing in size fairly rapidly through word of mouth.
As a means of sharing God’s love, “Angels” volunteer to join care groups in providing and delivering periodic meals (by schedule) to individuals or families who are experiencing difficulties and appreciate receiving a helping hand. The group is by no means “elite” or “closed”- it just happened and we don’t want anyone to feel “left out.” If you’d like to be added to the “Angels in Aprons” list and contribute to overall congregational care by whipping up a meal every now and then, let us know. Believe it or not, some of our “Angels” don’t even like to cook! They prefer delivering “carry out” meals and that’s okay! Others like preparing “crock pot” dishes, casseroles, & family favorite comfort foods, a few are “health enthusiasts”, and there are those that like to practice their culinary expertise preparing epicurean delicacies. As you can tell, our “Angels” live up to the expression that “variety is the spice of life.” You can join by notifying any Deacon.
Pet Memorial Wall in Chapel We now have a special place in which to memorialize our beloved four-legged friends who have left this world and are patiently waiting for that time when God calls us to be reunited with them in our new heavenly home. On the right hand wall as you enter the Chapel, you will see a beautiful painting, by our resident
artist Karen Winship, which serves as the focal point of our pet memorial wall. It will soon be joined by an engraved plaque designating the “Pet Memorial” area and framed copies of “Till We Meet Again at Rainbow Bridge.” To honor your pet, please purchase the “pet tag” of your choice at a local pet supply store or online, have it engraved and place it on the wall below the painting. Pushpins are available nearby on the Chapel table. To preserve the dignity of the wall, it is strongly suggested that all pet tags be of “standard” size. You may wish to have the tag engraved with your pet’s first name and your last name and appropriate dates. That is up to you! The shape of the tag is your choice as well!
Coastal Bend Troop Support CBTS is a non-profit organization whose mission is "Letting Our American Heroes Know We Care." Care boxes are packed on the 2nd or 3rd Friday of each month, (depending on events) and mailed to individuals serving in war zones. Purchasing and packing is done by Worker Bee volunteers who show up at the building every Wednesday and Friday from 1-3 p.m. On the weeks that we are not boxing, we are preparing purchased and donated items for the monthly boxing. If you would like to help, the address is 1141 S. Church St. in Rockport, Texas. For more information about Coastal Bend Troop Support, contact the IPC Mission Committee or call Carla Reed, President, at 361-205-4046. You may also visit the CBTS website at: www.coastalbendtroopsupport.com.
6
Pentecost Offering:
Being in the Now
When Rev. Dr. David Gambrell was asked to speak at the Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT) last year, he knew it would be both challenging and extremely personal. “Not many preachers have the opportunity to address several thousand teenagers,” he says. “So I did this with a healthy dose of humility, fear and trembling, especially mindful that one of those teenagers was my own daughter.” David attends Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, where he volunteers to teach confirmation classes. He has witnessed and guided the faith journey of many young people—including his two daughters. As each of us considers a gift to the
Pentecost Offering, he says every person, young or old, should understand that ministry with youth is not just about the future, but also about being in the now. “Our kids need to know they are valued in this moment—their gifts, wisdom and experiences are important,” David explains. “They need to know that we take them seriously and honor them as members of Christ’s body and that we want to learn from them even as they learn from us.” It’s one of the things Gina Yeager-Buckley, Associate for Ministries with Youth at the Presbyterian Mission Agency, truly appreciates about being a Presbyterian—all people, regardless of age, are welcomed into ministry. Gina handles the organization of the Triennium, which is funded in part by the Pentecost Offering. “Ministry is not just for older adults or the middle-aged. Presbyterians understand that each of us, youth as well as adults, is called to be in relationship with God and to share our faith,” she says. The Pentecost Offering not only supports the Triennium, it also supports the Young Adult Volunteer Program and children at risk through the Educate a Child, Transform the World national initiative. “We tend to say something like ‘we’re investing in the future because the youth are the future of our church,’” says David. “But our youth already have gifts to give and important ways to serve and lead in the church. Supporting the Offering is a way to give youth the opportunity to do things and share their gifts in the present moment.” Serving others is a joy Gambrell experienced as both a faith leader and a father. Following his service at PYT, he received a truly special gift—a text from his daughter who attended. It read, simply, “I’m proud of you, dad.” Please give generously to the Pentecost Offering, for when we all do a little, it adds up to a lot.
Island Presbyterian Light - Volume 19, Issue 6 7
Island Presbyterian Light - Volume 19, Issue 6 8
Unrecognized Essential Angels: A message sent by a grateful member….
It seems contradictory to be joyful, but I am always thrilled to see those who rise to the occasion during a time of hardship. During the rebuild from Hurricane Harvey and now the pandemic, it is such a blessing to witness those who seek to provide comfort to those who are suffering in one way or another. We've all been hearing about the medical and grocery store personnel who are putting their lives in danger to serve others during this COVID19 pandemic. However, there is a group of unrecognized essential individuals who are fulfilling a great need for so many Christians by helping us stay connected to Jesus. Thank you, Pastor Anne, Bob and Mary Orr, David Hiser, Ross Bernhardt and all the others behind the scene at IPC for learning how to bring virtual church services into our homes, giving us strength and support when we cannot be in fellowship with one another. God Bless you all and safe.
