Remembering With Much Love

 I can't say for certain, but I"m guessing that for most of the 100+ years, the women of Independent Presbyterian Church have gathered on the Friday before Palm Sunday and lovingly made palm crosses that would be pinned on each member as they entered the Sanctuary on Palm Sunday. I"ve been privileged to photograph this lovely gathering many times. There is much laughter and love as the older, more experienced members shared their techniques with the newer ones. I will admit that I mainly come for Betty Schriber's fabulous pimento sandwiches. This year, our church along with others across this country will celebrate in a different way. No palm crosses for us this year, but we still have these memories.

Blessing of the Animals

Yesterday began a new tradition at Independent Presbyterian Church. Rev. Susan Clayton and Rev. David Seamon greeted dozens of animals, from dogs, cats and rabbits. I left early so who knows what other critters came for a blessing! Here are a few of the photos I managed to capture amidst the sniffing, barking and delightful chaos!

Sunday Church Series - Easter Sunday

I share this image from my church, Independent Presbyterian Church. For all of my followers who celebrate Easter, I hope it is a blessed day for you and your family.

For my Jewish readers, I send blessings as you celebrate Passover. 

The Thrill of the Hunt I

Get Ready!!!

 GO!!!!

Palm Sunday... Uh Oh!

 On Palm Sunday, the children of our church parade through the hallways with their palms singing, Hosanna. This sweet girl didn't let a this ruffle her enthusiasm!

Preparations

On the Friday before Palm Sunday, the ladies at Independent Presbyterian Church gather to lovingly make hundreds of palm crosses to be pinned on Palm Sunday. There is much friendly talk and laughter as they share this beautiful tradition.

Read With Me

One of my favorite "jobs"( joys)  is visiting STAIR Birmingham sites all over the city and taking photographs. Today, I was right at home at my church, Independent Presbyterian Church. STAIR ( Start The Adventure In Reading) provides twice a week, one on one reading tutoring for second grade students from Birmingham City Schools. It's a wonderful program providing much needed reading mentoring along with a lot of love.

STAIR Birmingham now has 14 sites throughout the city and growing. Please visit their website to learn more. 

Sunday Church Series - Reflections

After weeks of rain, last Sunday was bright and sunny. As I sat in church, I looked up and was startled at the gorgeous play of color and light reflected on the balcony wall from the stained glass window. I made a mental note of the time and went back last Wednesday to try and capture it.

Independent Presbyterian Church 

3100Highland Avenue

Birmingham AL 35205

All Is Calm, All is Bright

Christmas blessings to all of my readers around the world who celebrate Christmas.

Back in the Water!

After a few weeks off to mend from an injury, today I'm back in the pool, figuratively.
 I visited a very special place, the Children's Fresh Air Farm. IPC's  STAIR of Birmingham graduates, grades 2-5, gather there for our Summer Learning Program. It's academics, and so much more. This special program bridges the summer gap when so many students lose ground during the summer. They get two hot meals, study hard on math and reading in the morning with certified teachers, and in the afternoons swim, have art and so many other wonderful activities. My church, Independent Presbyterian Church sponsors, and I"m just happy to be along to photograph the fun!

Hallelujah!

He is risen!

Found it!

The wee ones have a hard time finding the one zillion eggs thrown out in plain sight. While helpful parents point them out, they just have fun wandering around and sometimes, even stumble on an egg!

Egg Hunt Memories

This year, I was down with a bad cough and didn't make it to Independent Presbyterian Church for the annual EGG HUNT!  I was so sad, I took a trip down memory lane to Egg Hunts past and found some sweet kiddos that I recognize! I'll share some of my favorite hunt photos this week and next.

Sunday Church Series - Organ concert at Independent Presbyterian Church

For my Birmingham area friends, I hope you will join us this afternoon for a special event. Notre Dame titular organist, Vincent Dubois will be our featured organist at a beautiful recital this afternoon. Please join us at Independent Presbyterian Church, at 3:00  for this beautiful performance.

You Are Invited!

For my Birmingham area readers, I will be exhibiting my Paris photographs at my church, Independent Presbyterian Church the month of March. This is in conjunction with our Religious Arts Festival's salute to France. Next Monday, 5 March, I will present a phototalk on Sacred Spaces of Paris. There will be wonderful events planned every day next week culminating with a concert featuring Notre Dame de Paris' organist Vincent Dubois on Sunday, 11 March. All events are open to the public and are free except for the banquet on Thursday evening. Reservations for this may be made through the church.

The Holy Family

Merry Christmas to all of my dear friends near and far who celebrate. I pray that the new year will bring peace, understanding and compassion to our world.

Christmas Eve - Lessons and Carols

This afternoon, I will worship at my church, Independent Presbyterian Church, to celebrate the service of 9 Lessons and Carols. Merry Christmas to all of my friends here and around the world who celebrate with me. For those of you of other faiths, I pray we will continue to honor the beliefs of each other and find peace in this troubled world. 

Who Knew!

Friday morning was set to be the time the magical and very talented flower ladies were to decorate Independent Presbyterian Church from top to bottom for the 68th Annual Holiday House Tour. After all, that has been the day for 68 years. What could go wrong? Well a surprise Alabama snowfall that's what. Friday morning, our city got about 4 inches of wet fluffy snow. Those with four wheel drives made it and the show went on. Some had to catch up on Saturday morning. The doors opened at 10 and except for a few icy steps, everything went perfectly as planned. The addition of snow to the outside decorations was a photographer's delight!

Please come today ( 1-5)  for the tour of the church, tea in the Great Hall, then visit  the five beautiful homes. You may purchase tickets online, at the church or any of the homes. All proceeds benefit the Children's Fresh Air Farm and the STAIR reading program at IPC. 

Change In Plans

Well the weather through us a curve ball here in Alabama, and was suppose to be a "light dusting" proved to be a delightful fluffy snow day. That meant no schools, no Lessons and Carols and no just about anything but staying inside and enjoying watching the snow fall. I did venture out several times, just around my apartment for photos so you'll be seeing a few for the next few days. It will be back to business as usual tomorrow I hope!

For my Birmingham area readers, I hope you will attend Independent Presbyterian Church's 68th Annual Holiday House Tour. You can purchase tickets online, at each home or at the church. Saturday and Sunday the church will be open for you to see the exquisite floral decorations and have tea in the Great Hall. All proceeds go to fund so many wonderful projects such as the Children's Fresh Air Farm and the STAIR reading program.