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? From the Pastor s Desk... 1 Church Staff... 2 Clerk of Session Report... 2 Evangelism... 3 GPC by the Numbers... 4 Remembering the Past... 4 Stewardship Committee... 5 Service Opportunities... 6 BoxTops for Education... 6 September Activities Calendar... 7 September Celebrations... 8 From The Pastor s Desk Dear Friends, As I write this note, I have been following the news coverage of the devastating flooding in Texas as a result of Hurricane Harvey. The amount of rain is unprecedented. People who thought their homes and their property were secure have had to evacuate move to higher ground to a place of safety. In many cases, they have escaped with just the clothes on their backs. In the midst of this tragic situation, I have also been heartened by the news of people of communities working together to get people to safety. Shallow draft fishing boats have been making their way to Houston to be used to make a way through shallow water in flooded neighborhoods to rescue trapped residents. Aid workers from the Red Cross and groups like Presbyterian Disaster Assistance are making their way to the flooded communities to be on site to help feed, clothe, and rebuild even before the water begins to recede. As I reflect on all of that, a couple of thoughts come to mind. First, there is a reminder that all the stuff we surround ourselves is only temporary. Any of us could find ourselves facing the same circumstances as the Texas flood victims. What would you stand on if everything was taken away? Second, I was reminded of the importance of community. In times of need in times of tragedy we see people reaching out and helping, even saving others because it is the RIGHT thing to do. And after being inundated with images over the past few months that showed how angry and divided people have become, these acts of reaching out are a source of hope. As we head into the fall season of worship at GPC, we are going to spend some time looking at what we stand on as a community of faith and how we are called by God to never become sedentary but to always be ready to GO and meet the needs of the world around us. Our faith is never about a destination. It s always about a journey. GPC Newsletter - September 2017 Be in prayer, starting right now, that God might show you how you might be part of a community on a journey into a world that is looking for signs of hope. Out of the tragedy of a storm, might we all learn lessons of compassion and love. If you would like to make a grace filled response to the great needs brought about by Hurricane Harvey, make a donation to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Checks can be written to GPC with DR Harvey on the memo line. Or if you like to mail a check directly, make it to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance with DR Harvey on the memo line and send it to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) PO Box Pittsburgh, PA, Know that 100% of all gifts received go directly to meet the needs of flood victims. Thank you for your generosity! In Christ, Pastor Terry GPC Crossroads 1 September 2017

2 CHURCH STAFF Pastor... Rev. Dr. Theron J. Palmer Pastor for Youth & Family Ministries... Rev. Jen Fraser Admin. Assistant... Carole Blake Director - Chancel Choir...Jan Palmer Director - Joyful Ringers...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, Gaill Blackburn, Mike Gallagher, Wendy Ihms, Denise Jones, Susan Lucas, David Martinez, Dave Peterson, Judy Walmsley, Cheryl Williams. Rochelle Mackey, Clerk of Session BOARD OF DEACONS Dan Bernal, Bret Blackburn, Carole Blake, Stacey Bruno, Joe Carpenter, Linda Gibbons, Betty Gleason, Ginny Goodbar, David Nape, Cheri Peterson, Tom Russell, Angela Stover, Mary Sumner, Betty Walford, Mary Ann Wilkie. GPC Session meets monthly on the 3 rd Tuesday Board of Deacons meets monthly on the 1 st Thursday STANDING COMMITTEES: Building & Grounds, Education, Evangelism, Finance, Mission, Nominating, Personnel, Stewardship and Worship. The Crossroads is published monthly; deadline is the 20 th 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: Gaill Blackburn, Carole Blake & Judy Sullivan; Production & Circulation: Carole Blake; Layout & Design: Tanja Bauerle Clerk of Session Report Lots of talk about facilities by your session members V Session members have been busier than usual this summer. They are involved in a thorough review of the whole church campus which has required several meetings. V On July 18, usual date for a Stated Meeting, they traversed the entire campus looking at buildings, inside and outside, as well as the grounds, including the parking lot. From that, a comprehensive list was compiled which was distributed prior to the next Stated Meeting. V At the August 15 Stated Meeting regular business, see below, was dispatched quickly and session members delved into a discussion of a long ToDo list itemizing possible projects that would enhance GPC facilities. After more than an hour it was determined that the conversation should be continued at another time. A Called Meeting was agreed to for August 28. V While there were a few duplicates, but session members made their way through the 172 items listed. They refined it and Finance Chair Kevin Bauerle volunteered to make the changes and distribute to session. They will list their top 15 items before the Stated Meeting September 19. V Business items dealt with during the above meetings includes the following: V Receipt and acceptance, with regret, of the resignation of Ruling Elder Susan Lucas. She will move to Ft. Worth, Texas, with husband Kyle and daughter Kaylin; V Approved baptism, at a date to be determined, of Jael Rose Barton, infant granddaughter of Les and Anne Barton. Her parents are Jacob and Andrea Barton, former members who moved to Douglas, AZ. V Accepted 2018 dates for Blood Drives on April 7, August 4 and December 1; V Learned about the work of the Nominating Committee as it concluded its work prior to the Congregational Meeting in October; V Congratulated Pastor Terry on his election by the presbytery as a commissioner to the 2018 General Assembly; and V Learned that a Sunday school class proposed by Pastor Jen has been accepted enthusiastically by parents and youth. V The next Stated Meeting is September 19. Anyone wishing to personally address the session should notify Moderator Palmer in the week prior to the meeting. Rochelle Mackey - Clerk of Session GPC Crossroads 2 September 2017

3 09/23/17 Movie & Karaoke Night 6-6:30pm Karaoke 6:30pm Movie begins ALL AGES WELCOME!!! Please bring your favorite finger food dessert/snack to share MISSION PROJECT - H-Pack Supplies or Donation for Supplies 10/07/17 GPC Women s Gathering 9 am - 11 am Coffee & light snacks provided This Is My Story Coming together and sharing our faith journeys. 8 am Wednesdays 1661 E WARNER RD GILBERT, AZ (480) Men s Fellowship! Feel free to us at: with your ideas and event suggestions! Meet in Room 7 in the CE Building Caregivers 2nd Sunday of the month 4:30-5:30 PM 09/10/17 Those with mental health needs 4th Sunday of the month 4:30-5:30 PM 09/24/17 Group Facilitator - Liz Hansen GPC Crossroads 3 September 2017

4 GPC by the Numbers JULY ATTENDANCE REPORT Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Average Average Total Total TREASURER S REPORT Treasurer s Report as of July31, 2017: Account Balances: Associate Operating: Cap One Savings: Pastor Fund: Jul 31, 2017 $12,104 $9,389 $1,186 Total Income received in July: $30,636 Total Expenses* for July: $25,429 *Includes loans, utilities, payroll, Presbytery pledges, etc. Breakdown of Giving in June: Amount Unrestricted Giving Sunday Offering... $19,042 Facility Use...$1,075 Restricted Giving Cash Reserve...$6,100 Mission... $49 Pentecost... $20 Flowers... $80 Christian Education... $26 Deacons...$270 Fry s...$175 Honorariums...$250 Per Capita...$136 Youth... $10 From Savings Account... $3,400 Thank you for your giving in July. Finances are still tight but we caught up some. We are behind two months in our Mission Pledge to the Presbytery. REMEMBERING THE PAST The following poem or quotation was written by Martin Niemoeller, a Lutheran pastor in Germany who had originally supported Adolf Hitler and his national goals for that country. In the 1930's Niemoeller grew alarmed at what was happening in Germany, especially in the churches. In 1934 he was one of several theologians including Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoffer who were instrumental in convening the Synod of Barman. From that meeting came the Barman Confession (read it in our PCUSA Book of Confessions) and the founding of the Confessing Church in Germany. The Confessing Church opposed the Nazification of the German churches. Niemoeller spent 8 years in German concentration camps but did survive the war. Though he wrote many other works, this piece, regarded as a poem, is his most well-known. It exists in several versions but the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. displays it as follows: "In Germany, first they came for the Socialists, but I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, but I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews but I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics but I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it." And by that time no one was left to speak up. - George Santayana Further information about church finances may be obtained through the Finance Committee, Kevin Bauerle - chair. GPC Crossroads 4 September 2017

5 Look Both Ways before Crossing the Street In June my son, Alan, was driving me home from my appointment with my oncologist. We were both in our own thoughts as to what my doctor had said. The liver biopsy that was done only a few days ago showed the melanoma from my eye had metastasized into the liver. That confirmed the scan of the previous week showing cancer in the lungs and liver. The doctor had explained that I would immediately begin immunotherapy on June 28 with treatments every three weeks. To both of us this latest news of cancer was devastating. Alan was driving south on Dobson ready to turn left onto US 60. At the top of the on-ramp both of us saw the freeway clogged with traffic. He then made a quick u-turn and headed up to Southern. That must have been quite an accident on the freeway to cause an almost complete standstill. Alan broke our silence as he was driving on Southern. He asked me, It is easy to learn a lesson when we have good news, but what lesson is there in the bad news you received today. I really did not have to do much thinking for an answer to his question. A few months ago if someone had asked me how long did I expect to live, I would have perhaps said to age 90. After all I exercise, eat right, am involved with my family, friends, and church and am in good health. Now, after what the doctor had said, that 90 most likely is not possible. Then I thought of the people who were in the accident on US 60. I had no idea of their condition, but with the traffic like it was it probably wasn t good. I am sure they were not expecting to be involved in an accident. They might have been looking forward to their evening at home with their love ones, but now their evening was probably spent in a hospital. What lesson did I learn from my bad news of cancer or the bad news for the accident victims on the freeway? That s easy. Life is tenuous like a thin silver thread. At any moment that thread may be broken, we don t know when, where, or by what means but it will be broken. What does that mean to us? Thank God and praise God for every moment you have. Live in the present. Appreciate and love your family and friends, listen to them and pray for them. Enjoy nature, look at the magnificent rainbow in the sky, the moon, stars, sunrise and sunset, summer storms, and the mountains. Listen to the birds that sing. Look at that wild bunny hopping in the backyard of your home. I did and even got a picture of him posing on my pavers. For the short time each of us has on earth, enjoy and celebrate life. Think of your legacy you are leaving your love ones. That legacy can be your gift of giving a portion of your time, talents, and treasures in helping others. A few weeks later my oncologist wanted me to see a doctor at Mayo Clinic. The purpose of that visit was to see if I might qualify for one of their cancer research studies. If my treatment here is not working, then I will be going to Mayo Clinic. My daughter, Karen, flew in from Philadelphia to go with me. At the end of our visit, Karen asked my Mayo doctor if he had any advice for me. With a smile on his face he said, Yes, look both ways before crossing the street. We both laughed. I am sure Karen was thinking of the number of times she had said that to her sons, and likewise I thought of all the times I had said it to Karen and her siblings, and all the times my mother had said it to me. That was age old advice passed down from one generation to the next. A few days later I had thought about what the doctor had said. Of course the literal meaning is excellent advice. But figuratively, it also is good advice. In any decision we make in life, we need to consider all options or possibilities before we decide to cross that street. Throughout life we make many decisions some small others big. In our youth it is what college do we attend, then do we accept that job or this, do we get married and have kids, do we get a dog for the kids, if so what kind, then finally in our retirement years do we or should we move. As you meander along that path of life, consider all your options, are there any obstacles along the way, is it clear to cross, ask God for guidance, then make your decision without looking back. Yes, look both ways, in all directions, before crossing the street. Life is tenuous, filled with options, choose wisely, enjoy each day and live it to the fullest. Then thank God and praise Him for all the gifts He has given you, especially for the gift of His son, Jesus Christ. Eloise Annis Stewardship Committee GPC Crossroads 5 September 2017

6 SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES In Romans 12:4-8 Paul talks about life in God's service. In verse 5 we read: "There are different kinds of service but the same Lord." (NIV Study Bible) Eugene Petersen puts this in contemporary language as "Each person is given something to do that shows who God is." (The Message) Paul goes on to say that some find their purpose in something as simple as being a helper in the Church. Are you looking for a relatively low demand service opportunity here at GPC? Then consider these options. HOW ABOUT USHERING? Ushering in worship service involves the following: 1. Usher in either first or second service approximately once every 4-6 weeks 2. Arrive at church 30 minutes before the service starts 3. Hand out bulletins at the doors to the sanctuary as worshipers arrive 4. Close the doors at the start of service and open them at the end (so Pastor Terry can get out!) 5. Hand out church information packets to first-time visitors 6. Pass the offering plates 7. Straighten up the pews after the service, collect the sign-in sheets and turn in to the church office This is a much needed way of helping that requires nothing but a willing spirit and a few extra minutes each time one ushers. New ushers will be oriented to the role by being assigned with experienced ushers. Won't you please give some thought to joining the faithful few who already help in this way? Contacts who schedule ushers: First service - Cindy Hermes , Second service - Shirley Kurz HOW ABOUT THE LIBRARY? Do you love books? Do you have 1-3 hours a month to spare? The GPC library is in need of a person to take on library tasks that are simple and infrequent in nature. What would a library helper have to do? 1. Sort out donated books following library guidelines, keeping those appropriate for our library and getting those not accepted to Good Will or some similar site 2. Stamp, classify, and color code each new book according to the appropriate category 3. Shelve new and returned books in the appropriate location for each 4. List new books in the library inventory 5. Occasionally order new books from appropriate book sellers 6. Keep an eye on the sign out-sign in sheets and books that have not been returned 7. Periodically report on status of the library to the Christian Education committee An orientation to the library system will be provided to the new volunteer. Contact Wendy Ihms of the Christian Education committee if you are interested in this way of helping in the Church. Reach her at Report on Box Tops for Education Labels Collection Thanks for collecting these labels to help support the Menaul School in Albuquerque, NM. We sent in 665 labels last month. Each one is worth ten cents to the school. Since we have started collecting these labels in 2014, we have sent The Menaul School a total of 2536 labels worth about $253 to them for the purchase of needed items. A container has been placed in the narthex. Add your labels to the container and they will be sent to the Menaul School. The Labels for Education (from Cambell products) no longer are available. Thus, we are only collecting Box Tops for Education as shown. Thank you for supporting this excellent Presbyterian related school. Frank Walmsley GPC Crossroads 6 September 2017

7 September Monthly Planner GPC Crossroads 7 September 2017

8 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! Birthdays: September Birthdays: 2 Andrew Smith 2 Richard Wyman 8 Greg Smith 9 Matthew Swanson 9 Betty Walford 11 Irene Williams 13 Aria Martin 15 Jeani Mitchell 19 Don Howlett 20 Jane Lolling 20 Rocky Mackey 21 Carole Blake September Celebrations 22 Bradley Kevern 25 Jaymie Lucas 25 Janet Paterson 26 Miles Epping 27 Gaill Blackburn 27 Cheri Peterson 29 Barry Harper 29 Jewel Nicholls 30 Sharon Dendy 30 Tristan Epping Anniversaries: 13 Art & Gloria Nelson 23 Kevin & Tanja Bauerle 26 David & Susan Martinez GPC Crossroads 8 September 2017