Merritt Island Presbyterian Church

The MIPC family and Pastor Shepp Lawrence welcomes you!!! 

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Here's a quick update on what's happening this week at MIPC!

 Tonight (Tuesday, April 15):  Kids Klub at 3:00; Tremendous Tuesday dinner at 5:45 and Ringers of Tomorrow at 6:15.  Deacons meet at 6:15.

For more information on any of these events just email back or call the church office, 321-452-5689.

Worship News:

The liturgical season of Lent, which began last month on Ash Wednesday, continues into April culminating in a time we call Holy Week. Lent is a time for us to put the distractions of the world into proper perspective and refocus our devotion to Christ.  Music of Kids Klub on April 6 In our morning (8:45 and 11:00) worship services on April 6, we will be richly blessed as MIPC Kids Klub shares musical offerings filled with their joyous energy and spirit.  Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan on April 6th (3 p.m.) Our special 50th Anniversary celebration event for April comes on the afternoon of April 6 when we will express our faith through a distinctive tradition known as Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan. This is an opportunity to worship God in a joyous service rich in Scottish heritage and Presbyterian history. The service will include a stirring processional of bagpiper, snare drummer, beadle carrying the Holy Bible, pastor, and other worshippers carrying over 20 large flags of the Clans of Scotland. We will be privileged to welcome Rich Shader as guest preacher for this service. (Our Fellowship Committee invites you to enjoy a Scottish Tea following the service!) 

 Palm Sunday / Passion Sunday (April 13) As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the gathered crowd lay cloaks and palm branches before him and called out "Hosanna!” which means “save us” (Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19). But as the palm branches reveal, their expectations were for a political messiah who would "save" them from Roman taxes and occupation. The clash between earthly and heavenly priorities sets the stage for Christ's Passion and for the final unfolding of its cosmic and eternal dimensions.  

Maundy Thursday (April 17 at 7:00 p.m.) In this special evening service, we remember the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples in the upper room the evening before he was crucified. Jesus' commandment to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34) provides a devotional focus for a deeply meaningful celebration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.  

Good Friday Service at MIPC (April 18 at noon) This year, MIPC will host a Good Friday service that is a cooperative effort with Rockledge Presbyterian and St. Mark’s Episcopal (Cocoa) churches. This will be an opportunity for focused, prayerful reflection on the wondrous, redemptive love of Jesus Christ that we encounter in the scriptural accounts of his passion and crucifixion.

Easter Sunday (April 20) “By God's great mercy we have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Join us for this jubilant proclamation of Resurrection triumph over sin and death. Special music in both services – by our vibrant Worship Leadership Team at 8:45, and by our superb Chancel Choir with brass ensemble and guest organist Andrea Smith at 11:00 – will give prayerful voice to the joy in our hearts: Christ is Risen! Our Savior Lives!  

Generation Ringers on April 27 In our worship on April 27, we will be blessed though the music of handbells offered by our talented Generation Ringers!

Mission Committee News:

"Why We Share. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have. -Hebrews 13:16 "Whether it’s a roof over our heads, a warm nutritious meal, or even our ability to gather freely and worship together, many of us have enjoyed the abundance of God’s blessings. As we reflect upon the benevolence we have experienced, let us also commit to living openhanded lives by sharing these blessings with others. As we share, we offer an outward sign of thanksgiving for the presence of Christ in our lives while also bringing joy to God and to our sisters and brothers across the world.... "Through our gifts, we continue to have an impact across the world. "Through our gifts, we have helped families left devastated by a historic Texas wildfire rebuild their homes and restore their lives, by housing and feeding volunteers working diligently on the ground. "Through our gifts, we have brought new life and increased sustainability to rural villages across the African country of Niger, by providing families with access to clean water through hundreds of newly dug wells. "Through our gifts, we have assisted in the empowerment of marginalized populations in Detroit, Michigan, where an organization called Warriors on Wheels has given persons with limited physical accessibility a new chance at life and dignity. "Each year since 1949, Presbyterians like you have given generously to One Great Hour of Sharing. As we share together this year, we sincerely thank you, on behalf of all the lives touched by your generosity, for your continued investment in the church’s effort to meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of God’s family."  (www.PCUSA.ORG/oghs)  Mission Committee Meeting: April 10, 5:15, Session Room.  MIPC Tutoring: Our last day of tutoring for this semester is April 10. Thanks to parents for bringing children, and special thanks to our wonderful tutors who are so giving of their time and energy.

Fellowship News:

Spring is here and the showers have been refreshing. There are several things in the works for our committee. Shilah and Leslie have been collecting your recipes for the church cookbook. The cookbook will cost less than $15, they believe. Put your order in; they need to know how many are wanted by our congregation and friends.  On April 6, we will be helping to set up for the planned “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans.” Others will help with the requested donations of food to be served at the “Tea” after the program. If you have not been to this colorful event, plan to come. It is an old tradition in the Presbyterian Church. 

 Tremendous Tuesday continues through this month. Carl has prepared many delicious meals that many have enjoyed. You are welcomed any time to join in at 5:45 on Tuesday evenings. We even give away door prizes. Chaplain Norris Burkes will be speaking in late April. It will be a treat to hear his talk.  We have a new member on our committee!!! Diana Hammer just couldn’t stay away from doing something at church. We are happy to have her. Our Tuesday night clean-up crew continues to help each week. They are a “tremendous” help! Thanks to the Myricks, the Carpenters, and Sue Lawrence. There are others who pitch in also. Thanks everyone!  Norm White has been setting up the Sunday morning beverages and donut holes. Carl and Leslie served on the third Sunday. Thanks to them for doing this.  Easter time is here. Let us all give our thanks and praise. Mary Jane Page

RED TENT WOMEN'S GROUP

The Red Tent group has met fairly regularly for several years now! This informal women's gathering is a fun time of fellowship over a meal at a different local restaurant each month. If anyone would like to assist in the very easy task of choosing a location and sending out an email once a month, please contact the church office. April's gathering is set for April 17, 6:30 pm 

The session (church board) received a recommended from the ad hoc committee on the feasibility of adding a multi-purpose building to the property for additional classroom space to handle the child center preschool needs and place classrooms closer to the offices. The committee consists of Craig Smoot, Chuck Hayes, Trish Kent, Mike Andrews, Dave Hertzler, Shepp Lawrence (ex officio) and Sterling Smith (property committee). The recommendation to spend $6250 for drawings and civil engineer work on future water retention and parking was approved from endowment funds. Architect Jack Rood from RZK will work with church committees and present drawings and estimates to the congregation sometime in April. Nothing will happen until the congregation and Presbytery give their approval. The drawings will offer the church a vision and game plan for the future while the church continues to minister with the Ambassador Christian Academy, which currently rents our classroom space during the week. The Academy recently added 42 new students increasing their enrollment to almost 100. A town hall meeting will be held at 7pm, April 1, following Tremendous Tuesday dinner to discuss the future plans for the church. Craig Smoot, chair of the fesability study and Jack Rood, architect, will answer any questions or comments you might have. Please call (321-452-5689), or email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to rsvp if you will eat with us at 5:45.

As we proceed with our 50th Anniversary monthly Sunday celebrations we want to include as many as possible of our past members who live both near and far away. The first weekend in May will culminate a year long journey lifting up our various ministries. The 50th Anniversary committee has decided to have a picnic on Saturday, May 3, at Kiwanis Park from 3 - 7 pm. Games and fellowship will start us off, and the food will be served later. On Sunday, May 4, there will be one worship service at 10 am with our Choir and Brass, WLT Praise Team and Generation Ringers. We have invited former pastors of MIPC to participate in the service as well. Following worship we will enjoy a covered dish luncheon. Please take time to think about as many former members as you can that would relish an invite to our festivities and send the office their address, email and phone. As with any event the best way to get the word out is by "word of mouth."

 MIPC Mission Committee

Tutoring Program:

Carepacks for Homeless – Consider packing several gallon size ziploc bags to keep in your car to give to people who are asking for food or donations. Suggested items: non-perishable snack items, bottles of water, toiletries (travel size items of toothpaste, soap, etc.).

Help MIPC reach its goal to support Central Brevard Sharing Center to feed Brevard's Hungry....bring in cans/jars/packages of food to every event!! Coming to Kids Klub? Help feed the Hungry. Coming to Ruth Circle? Help feed the Hungry.  Are you willing to help?