Member News
Fall Classes and WELL begin
New classes begin Sunday, September 12! WELL dinner and programs begin September 15! Click below for all the class descriptions, details and schedules.
Fall Christian Education Brochure | Fall WELL Brochure
Casey leaves Memphis for a new calling in Philadelphia
The Reverend Casey Thompson has received a new call and, beginning in November, will become the next Pastor/Head of Staff at Wayne Presbyterian Church outside of Philadelphia. Casey has served as Idlewild’s Associate Pastor for Congregational Life since his graduation from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2005. We have been doubly blessed to have his wife Sharon and daughters Willow and Lily as part of our church family. His last Sunday at Idlewild will be October 17.
Casey's letter to the congregation.
Be sure to add "idlewildchurch.org" and twai@idlewildchurch to your contacts
Please be sure to add the domain "idlewildchurch.org" (or anyone@idlewildchurch.org) to your always-deliver email settings, or add these addresses to your contacts: twai@idlewildchurch.org and idlewild@idlewildchurch.org. The church has changed email providers, and we've had problems with large-batch messages being rejected.
Help with harvesting at McMerton Gardens
Harvesting has begun at McMerton Gardens, and your help is needed. Come to the corner of Merton and McAdoo on Saturday mornings, 8:00-11:00 or Monday afternoons, 5:00-7:00. If you have questions please contact Clare Stallings, 726-4258 or ctstallings@bellsouth.net.
The Presbyterian Voice is online
The Presbyterian Voice is now online at www.presbyvoice.org. Stay current with news from around the Synod of Living Waters, including the Presbytery of the Mid-South. Find blogs from favorite columnists such as Ray Waddle, Dee Wade and Anne Apple. Subscribe to e-mail updates. If you would like to receive The Presbyterian Voice by traditional mail, simply e-mail Janet Tuck at voiceeditor@bellsouth.net.
Are you missing Idlewild e-mails?
If you are missing known congregational e-mails, please check with the church to verify we have your correct address. If they are from an individual, check with that person. If all is correct, be sure to check your online spam folder. Sometimes group mailings are filtered into a spam folder until you check them. Click here for an illustration of BellSouth's online email.
Add idlewild@idlewildchurch.org and twai@idlewildchurch.org to your contacts! Whatever type of e-mail you use, be sure to add our newsletter addresses to your contacts list so you will continue to receive member messages.
Congregational Care and Support
Do you know a member who needs some extra TLC? Please let the church office know if you or someone you know in the church is having difficulty because of illness, loss of job, bereavement or immobility, please contact the church. There are volunteers ready to offer rides, meals and their time.
Prepare a meal or two of your favorite recipe for members of the congregation who are recovering from illness or who have experienced a death in their family. Bring prepared meals in disposable containers, with cooking instructions, to the church. Meals are frozen then delivered as needed. For information contact Anne Covington at 274-5864.
Confidential prayer requests can be made by calling the prayer chain at 683-6578, or by filling out the cards in the pew racks on Sunday.
The Flower Ministry makes sure there are the beautiful flowers in the Sanctuary each Sunday. On Monday the large arrangements are made into small bouquets and delivered to hospital patients and shut-ins. If you would like to give flowers in memory or in honor of someone special, or simply donate to the flower fund, please call Buff Adams, 818-5567.
Blessed are those who die in the Lord
Dr. Roy Page, 80, died August 18, 2010.Roy had been a church member since 1965, and had served as both elder and deacon.
Rose Virginia Parsley McElroy, 95, passed away on July 11, 2010. Funeral services were July 14. Rose joined Idlewild Church in 1950, and through the years she taught Sunday school and was in Presbyterian Women Circles.
Sarah Ann Varner, 89, died Friday, June 11, 2010. Sarah Ann came to Idlewild in 1946 with her husband, Dr. C. Ferrell Varner (who died in 1990). They raised four children in the church. She was very active in Presbyterian Women and served as Moderator in the mid-seventies. She was was honored with a Presbyterian Women Life Membership in 1983. Please remember Sarah Ann's sons Ferrell, Sam, Al and Jim, their families, and all her friends and loved ones in prayer as we give gratitude for her faithful life.
Swayne Latham Jr., 86, died Sunday, April 25, 2010.Swayne grew up at Idlewild, raised his children in the church, served as a deacon, and remained a dedicated member all his life. He is survived by his wife, Berkeley; four daughters: Peggy McClure, Marion McDonald, Anne Martin and Madeleine Elmer, and their families; three step-children: Jim Bettendorf Jr., Mary Horton and Will Bettendorf, and their families; sister Nathalie Manire; and brother Davant Latham.
Helpful Lists and Links
Long-Range Planning Notes An excellent presentation on Idlewild's long-range planning was given by Kirk Bobo at the congregational forum on May 17. Click here to read notes and timelines on the planning process.