Congregational Growth and Care Committee John W. Garnett
The Growth and Care committee is responsible for implementing the I. P. C. Care Groups, and also for providing general oversight of several special events during the year to nurture the growth and fellowship of our congregation.
Care Groups The Care Group ministry is a vital and integral part of I. P. C. and provides an organizational method of caring for the members of our congregation. Each month a Care Group is reviewed during the joint portion of the Diaconate and Session meeting to discuss any specific needs or on-going prayer requests while a picture of each individual / family is displayed in that Care Group.
Many of you may have assisted or even been the beneficiary of actions by other I. P. C. members during 2017, as we fulfilled Christ’ s command to“ bear one another’ s burdens.” During the year many meals were provided to I. P. C. members, cards and notes were mailed, telephone calls made, home and hospital visits took place, and groups gathered for fellowship; all are important aspects of acting as the body of Christ while on this side of heaven. Our committee is always truly grateful to hear of these small blessings and know there are countless other acts of love done within the congregation we do not hear about, which we are extremely grateful for as well.
Once again in 2017, we experienced the destruction of a hurricane( Irma) and were able to witness the actions of I. P. C. members as they cared for their fellow members as well as provided assistance to their neighbors. All of these actions demonstrated a witness of Christian love and faith in action.
Other Events During 2017 there were several events for congregational participation and spiritual growth. By participating, attendees were able to grow deeper in their faith while also enjoying the fellowship and benefits of being in the company of fellow believers. Additional events during 2017 included:
‣ Special services observing Sanctity of Life, Georgia Heritage Day, Maundy Thursday, Kirkin’ of the Tartan, and Thanksgiving were held during the year. Many thanks to those in our congregation who assisted in the preparation of these unique services.
‣ Over 50 I. P. C. members assisted with the coordination and hosting of the Reformation Reforms Conference in March to commemorate the 500 th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. During the three-day conference, attended by over 150 participants, several well-known authors, seminary professors, and ministers provided insight as to the lasting effects of the Reformation on worship, family, educational, and vocational aspects within society. I. P. C. had never hosted a conference like this; special appreciation goes to all those involved.
‣ Our sixth Communion Season was held in August, featuring Dr. Derek Thomas, pastor of First Presbyterian in Columbia, SC. The sessions culminated with observing the Lord’ s Supper during Sunday morning worship.
‣ A Veterans’ Appreciation Lunch was sponsored by I. P. C. at Pt. Pleasant in November to recognize the men and women who currently serve and have served in our nation’ s armed services. This was the fourth year for this event, and approximately 100 were in attendance. Special thanks to Dexter Brewer and his committee of I. P. C. members who organize this event.
Thank you to each member of I. P. C. for everything that you do and for your continued prayer and support of our church. Serving on the Congregational Growth & Care Committee in 2017 were Neal Cope, Tim Foster, John Garnett, David Gross, Stacy Nix, Ron Parrish, Rosemary Taylor, Wilbur Wiggins, and Tracy Wood.
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