From The Pastor s Desk

Transcription

1 Gilbert Presbyterian Church Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) 235 East Guadalupe Road Gilbert, Arizona Tel: Fax: Web: WHAT IS INSIDE THIS ISSUE? GPC Newsletter - October 2016 From The Pastor s Desk Dear Friends, October is a busy month at GPC. As you look through the pages of this issue of Crossroads, you will notice a pretty full calendar of events that call us together for ministry, mission and fellowship. From the Pastor s Desk...1 Church Staff...2 Clerk of Session Report...2 Pastor Jen s Youth Corner...3 GPC by the Numbers...4 Announcement...4 Stewardship Committee...5 Boo Bingo...6 St Vincent de Paul...7 Pool Party Christian Education...10 October Activities Calendar...11 October Celebrations...12 I want to highlight the October 9th Stewardship Fair 2017: A Faith Odyssey - as an event particularly worthy of both your attention and your participation. The Stewardship Committee of GPC is charged with the task of interpreting the mission of the church to the membership in a way that makes that mission understandable and that plants a seed of joy in your heart that encourages you to support that mission. On October 9th, between services, each of the ministry committees of GPC; Christian Education, Stewardship, Finance, Buildings and Grounds, Mission, Evangelism, and Worship, will have display tables and information in the courtyard so that you can understand their mission and ministry. The better you understand the way we are responding to the call of Jesus to let our light shine, the better equipped you will be to respond to God s call to support that ministry. So come to worship on the 9th and enjoy the fair! Ask questions. Have a snack. Enjoy the cool October breeze and look for God s Spirit to blow into your life in new ways as we look ahead to 2017 together. Then on October 23, between services, there will be a congregational meeting where we will elect elders and deacons, approve the pastors terms of call, and receive the first draft of the ministry budget for We are at a critical and exciting time at GPC. At some point early in 2017, we hope to have both of our mortgages paid off, freeing up monies to expand our ministry here. The vision statements from our committees at the Stewardship Fair reflect possibilities we hope to make realities. I believe that God is hard at work in the life of this congregation. So I would encourage you to give some serious, prayerful consideration to how you will respond to the call to support the ministry here through your dedication of time, talent and treasure to God in See you at The Fair! Pastor Terry GPC Crossroads 1 Oct 2016

2 CHURCH STAFF Pastor... Rev. Dr. Theron J. Palmer Pastor for Youth & Family Ministires... Rev. Jen Fraser Admin. Assistant... Carole Blake Director - Chancel Choir...Jan Palmer Director - Chancel Bell Choir...Jennifer Nagy Director - Chapel Orchestra...Jan Palmer Director - Youth Choir...Susan Martinez Pianist/Organist...Susan Martinez Director - Children s Bell Choir... Web Master... Paul Ihms WORSHIP - 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL - 10:00 a.m. Office Hours...9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday CHURCH OFFICERS SESSION Anne Barton, Kevin Bauerle, Ann Bernal, Karen Gallagher, Wendy Ihms, Denise Jones, Susan Lucas, David Martinez, James Ralston, Pam Russell, Dorothy Smith, Judy Walmsley. Rochelle Mackey, Clerk of Session BOARD OF DEACONS Dan Bernal, Bret Blackburn, Carole Blake, Stacey Bruno, Joe Carpenter, Laurel Coughlin, Betty Gleason, Ginny Goodbar, Tara Hall, Rob Nagy, David Nape, Cheri Peterson, Tom Russell, Angela Stover, Mary Ann Wilke. GPC Session meets monthly on the 3rd. Tuesday Board of Deacons meets monthly on the 1st. Thursday STANDING COMMITTEES: Building & Grounds, Education, Evangelism, Finance, Mission, Nominating, Personnel, Stewardship and Worship. The Crossroads is published monthly; deadline is the 20th of the month before publication. News and information to be included may be submitted to the church office in hard copy, or as attachments to: azgpc1@aol.com Readers comments, ideas & suggestions are welcome. Editor: Tanja Bauerle Proof Readers: Grace Mossman & Carole Blake; Production & Circulation: Carole Blake; Layout & Design: Tanja Bauerle Clerk of Session Report Special Stewardship event plans Part of September session docket V GPC members and friends will have an opportunity to learn about God s work being done by committees and other church groups at a special event between services on Sunday, October 9. V Karen Gallagher shared some of what she and husband Mike learned from the Stewardship Conference they attended in August. It was sponsored by the Synod of the Southwest. Some of the topics addressed were: reaching Millennials and understanding their ways of giving, encouraging members to share their faith stories, recognizing that money is a faith issue, and that Jesus talked about money but never asked for it. As Christians, we should understand that Stewardship is what we do after saying, I believe. V Session members, led by Finance Chair Kevin Bauerle, continued their ongoing discussion of ideas for the budget of V Jim Ralston, elder commissioner to Grand Canyon Presbytery, along with Assistant Pastor Jen Fraser, shared information from the presbytery meeting, August 20. Held in Tucson, it was the annual meeting at which the two Arizona presbyteries meet together for workshops. Rev. Fraser taught one on conflict resolution and mediation as it is needed within churches. V The next presbytery meeting is a called meeting October 1, at Memorial Presbyterian Church, Phoenix. Its agenda is to take a vote on dismissal of several churches wishing to leave our denomination. V The next Stated Meeting of Grand Canyon Presbytery is November 12 at a new worshiping community Urban Connect, Phoenix. V The next Stated Meeting of the session is October 18, Any member who wishes to address the session should contact the Moderator, Terry Palmer during the week prior to the meeting. Rochelle Mackey - Clerk of Session GPC Crossroads 2 Oct 2016

3 PASTOR JEN S YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRIES A Road Map Late last month, a group of GPC members met to discuss the past, present and future of our youth and family ministries program. The gathering was diverse. There were youth, young parents, and older members, all of whom gave an entire Saturday to plan for the life of the church. Personally, I was really grateful for the opportunity to hear what was on people s minds. After an entire day of reflecting on the past and considering the future, there were three basic ideas that stood out: People at GPC, children, youth and adults alike, enjoy time spent with members of other generations. In other words, intergenerational events have a big impact on everyone. Youth participation in worship is very important. It not only engages the youth and makes them feel a part of the church, but it enlivens worship for older people. There is a desire to engage in respectful, honest conversations about differing perspectives in the church. Young people especially are sensitive to the harsh rhetoric that has become so much a part of our public life and there is hope that the church could be a place for a new kind of dialog. So, now that we have had the chance to reflect, it s time for action. What exactly do these ideas mean in real practice? Well, first, we addressed the need for more intergenerational connections. To kick this effort off, our young parents got to work and planned a pool party for the youth and the kids it was a fantastic day! On the other end of the spectrum, our CE committee came up with an idea for mentor Sundays where older members will join us during our youth Sunday School hour. Next, we addressed youth participation in worship. GPC has always had a lot of youth involvement in worship, from the traditional Easter Sunrise service, to youth liturgists, to musical performances, to the contemporary services the youth put on a few years ago. To this we will add Youth Sabbath (October 23) youth leading children s moments, and more youth liturgists. Finally, as for engaging in respectful dialog, this is something to enter into thoughtfully. Both Pastor Terry and I have been discussing possible ways to open up communication and some interesting ideas have surfaced. One thing is for certain, we are in a good position to begin this work, because we already enjoy good relationships. We are not the only church that is wondering how best to maintain bonds in times of disagreement. As we go down this path, there are others who would be interested in hearing how it unfolds. Stay tuned for more on this later in the year. So, for today, we have a road map for the year ahead. The future is known only to God, and yet we trust that the Spirit has delivered to us a few steps in the right direction. Peace, Pastor Jen GPC Crossroads 3 Oct 2016

4 GPC by the Numbers SEPTEMBER ATTENDANCE REPORT Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Average Average Total Total TREASURER S REPORT Treasurer s Report as of August 31, 2016: Account Balances: ING Associate Operating: Mortgage: Savings: Pastor Fund: Aug 31, 2016 $3,285 $2,205 $9,462 $9,367 Total Income received in August: $26,618 Total Expenses* for August: $24,358 *Includes loans, utilities, payroll, Presbytery pledges, etc. Breakdown of Giving in August: Amount Unrestricted Giving Sunday Offering... $19,040 Facility Use...$2,405 Restricted Giving Mortgage...$2,205 Per Capita... $0 Mission... $82 Deacons...$158 Flowers... $90 Memorials...$1,050 Christian Education... $88 Extra Principal...$1,500 MATTRESS FUNDRAISER The mission committee will be having a mattresss fundraiser on: Saturday, February 4th in Falkenstine Hall, GPC from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Enjoy some lunchtime hotdogs or put on a mattress costume! Join the fun while taking advantage of greatly reduced prices on new mattresses, adjustable beds, pillows, and matress protectors by a variety of manufacturers. Funds raised will support our work with the homeless and also be used for Montlure camperships. Anyone interested in participating can contact: Rob Nagy (480) GPC is currently 2 months behind in our Mission Pledge to the Presbytery and very tight on funds to pay regular obligations. Please prayerfully consider how you can help this situation. Thank you for your support. Further information about church finances may be obtained through the Finance Committee, Kevin Bauerle - chair. GPC Crossroads 4 Oct 2016 Have you remembered your church in your will, trust or IRA?

5 would you like to go with me to the grand Mom, opening ceremony of the OdySea Aquarium on Saturday, September 3? my son Dave asked. I said, Sure, I would love to go with you. Dave had received free passes for that opening day from a friend of his who is in charge of marketing. Both Dave and I felt that the aquarium was aptly named. An odyssey is a journey and in this case a journey through many different waters fresh water rivers and lakes, salt water oceans, swamps, bayous, and coral reefs. There were over 500 exhibits containing all kinds of fish including little jellyfish and crabs, and the big sharks. Yes, we even found Nemo and Dory. We also saw otters, penguins, and turtles. The 3D movie was good too. I enjoyed riding down a long escalator into an underwater tank. Fish were swimming above us and on both sides of us. That was fun. To me the highlight of the morning was entering an auditorium built on a large rotating floor. It was like a merry-go-round only with very comfortable seats. We slowly moved from one exhibit to another stopping in A Faith Odyssey front of each to view the fish, turtles, or sharks. I had never experienced that at an aquarium. Yes, we had a lot of fun that day on an odyssey at the OdySea Aquarium. A fish this is the symbol for Christ and Christianity. If a Christian, long ago in the days of persecution, met a stranger along the road the Christian would draw an arc in the dirt. If the stranger drew the second arc to complete the drawing of a fish, both would know they were Christians and were therefore safe. One arc drawn in the dirt would have no meaning to a pagan. These early Christians traveled from place to place spreading their faith. They were on a faith journey, a faith odyssey. The fish became their symbol to identify themselves and their places of worship. We too at Gilbert Presbyterian Church will be on a faith odyssey on Sunday, October 9. Between services each committee will have a booth in the courtyard with an overview of their committee and responsibilities along with their dreams for Please come and take that faith journey from booth to booth. This is a celebration of where we have been and where we want to go. Are you interested in the mission of the church? Stop by their booth and explore their projects. What about education, evangelism, or worship? Have you wondered what plans they have for 2017? Or perhaps you might be interested in building and grounds, finance, or stewardship. Stop by their booths and hear what they have to say. Explore all the committees, ask questions and be informed as to the committees plans for Should any committee interest you then discuss it with the chair of that committee as to how you might give your time and talents. Travel on an odyssey of faith at Gilbert Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 9th. October is Stewardship month. Towards the end of the month you will be receiving a letter along with a pledge card. Prayerfully consider your pledge to God and Jesus Christ through our church a pledge of your time, talents, and treasures. Then on Sunday, November 6, come forward and present your pledge with love and thanksgiving in your heart. Rejoice in all that God has given you, and look forward to that journey of faith in Where will your faith odyssey take you? Eloise Annis Stewardship Committee GPC Crossroads 5 Oct 2016

6 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 5:30 pm in the CE building Bring a dish to share Hot Dogs will be provided A free will offering for the Angel Tree will be taken (Costumes are optional) GPC Crossroads Oct 2016

7 GPC Crossroads 7 Oct 2016

8 INTERGENERATIONAL POOL PARTY FOR GPC YOUTH & KIDS GPC Crossroads 8 Oct 2016

9 INTERGENERATIONAL POOL PARTY FOR GPC YOUTH & KIDS GPC Crossroads 9 Oct 2016

10 TRUTHSEEKERS WORKSHOPS: October Theme: Here Come the Judges PreK through 6 th Grade - 10 A.M. Sunday program Bible Memory Verse: I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 Bible Reference: Various events in book of Judges Lesson Objectives: Locate the story in the Bible; identify the book of Judges as an Old Testament book of history. Recognize the characters in the story and know something about them focus on two judges: Deborah: a judge, obedient to God, and Gideon. Explain the role and meaning of a judge in Old Testament times. Examine the background to this story about the judges: people go astray, there is suffering, the people ask God for help, God sends a judge who delivers, then the deliverer dies and the cycle begins again. Discover a foreshadowing of the need for a leader who wouldn t die -- Jesus. Judge the actions of the characters in the story based on their obedience to God; Apply to our own choices. To learn about the pattern of the Israelites relationship with God. Jr. & Sr. High Presbyterian Youth Connection (7th- 12th Grades PYC): Meet at 10 AM for Sunday Youth Connection to focus on our Faith & Mission, led by Rev. Jen Fraser! Two Bible studies available for Adults: 1. DVD based Bible Study and Discussion Group led by Susan Lucas 2. Bible Study class PLUS: Young Adult Gatherings (approx. ages 18-24): Contact Rev. Jen Fraser or Patrick Brooks for upcoming events! THEY RE BACK... Our splendid choirs are back to bring joy and music to the congregation. GPC Crossroads 10 Oct 2016

11 October Monthly Planner GPC Crossroads 11 Oct 2016

12 Gilbert Presbyterian Church Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) 235 East Guadalupe Road Gilbert, Arizona Tel: Fax: Web: ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED / DATED MATERIAL Remember It is never too late to send in your PLEDGE. Please help support the work of the larger church through Per Capita giving - $34 per member. Thank you! October Celebrations Birthdays: 1 Vince Eccles 1 Mary Moranville 1 Judy Sullivan 2 Donna Ray 3 Brian Hansche 3 Tom Walford 5 Audrey Shaw 6 Les Barton 7 Ralph Tromp 8 Erica Coe 8 Mary Jo Smith 9 Jessica Dickens 9 Dennis Wilkie 11 John Masquelier 11 Winifred Modzelewski 15 Maxine Marshall 16 Jacob Heinkel 16 Kim Lynch 23 Jon Cox 26 Dan Bernal 29 Noah Walter 31 Laurel Coughlin Anniversaries: 2 Don & Caralee Howlett 4 Dave & Cheri Peterson 6 Ben & C.C. Bales 6 Steven & Linda Savarese 13 Steve & Cheryl Williams 18 Barry & Karen Harper 19 John & Angela Stover 26 Larry & Stacey Bruno 28 Paul & Joyce Bengtson 28 Dennis & Sylvia Legal 30 Ed & Carole Blake 30 Dale & Mary Burger GPC Crossroads 12 Oct 2016