From The Pastor s Desk

Transcription

1 Gilbert Presbyterian Church Presyterian 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 Women s Gathering... 3 GPC by the Numbers... 4 Dais Pastor Jen s Youth Corner... 5 Music at GPC... 6 From The Pastor s Desk Dear Friends, Easter came early this year. It doesn t seem possible that the scene of the empty tomb is in our rear view mirror already! We had a great day of worship and celebration here at GPC. Our youth did a fantastic job leading the SonRise service. There was a spirit of joy and excitement at all of the morning services. Resurrection was in the air. You could feel the Spirit moving! That is what makes Easter so special. That is why it is sometimes hard for us to move on. We are like the disciples on the mountaintop, seeing Jesus changed before their eyes robed in white with Moses and Elijah. We want to stay put and keep soaking it in. But we have to move on. The good news is that Easter doesn t have to be a fading image in our rear view mirror. When you check out traffic as you drive, do you also see a message with this reminder: Objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear? Easter is always closer than it appears! We need to stand on that faith as children of God. Easter is ALWAYS closer than it appears! You might not see that or feel that when you get up and look in the mirror each morning. When you listen to the news each day, it might seem as though we are long way away from GPC Newsletter - April 2016 a resurrection world. We still treat each other badly, even horribly, at times. But Easter is there, reminding us He is risen! What peace that can offer a peace that passes understanding a peace that Jesus and Satan might talk about over coffee? May you know the sweet peace of total victory in every day that God gives you. God is always closer than God appears! Christ is risen! Yours in Christ, Pastor Terry Easter Sonrise Service Stewardship... 9 Christian Education...10 April Activities Calendar...11 April Celebrations...12 GPC Crossroads 1 Apr 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... Bill Goodenberger Director - Chancel Bell Choir... Bill Goodenberger 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, Mary Ann Glenn, Ginny Goodbar, Tara Hall, Rob Nagy, David Nape, Cheri Peterson, Tom Russell, Angela Stover. 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 Margie Brown is our newest member; Goodenberger resignation accepted V Margie Brown became the newest member of GPC when the session met for its March Stated Meeting on the 15th. She will be introduced to the congregation soon. She transfers her membership from Orangewood Presbyterian Church, Phoenix. V Bill Goodenberger s resignation as director of the Chancel and Bell Choirs, as of May 23, was received. The Personnel Committee is in the process of finding a replacement. V Written verification approving session minutes by the Presbytery of Grand Canyon was received. Annually, minutes of all Presbyterian Churches are subject to review within their presbyteries. The same is true for presbyteries, whose records are read by their synods. V The Rev. Paul Soderquist will lead discussion about spiritual discernment at the Women s Retreat, April 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be held on the GPC campus. Lunch is included in the $10 registration fee. Some scholarships are available through Evangelism Committee Moderators Susan Lucas and Dorothy Smith. V Burke School, the elementary school closest to GPC, accepts efforts by GPC youth to collect specific supplies for the school to help students and faculty as they finish the school year. Donations of copy paper, white or colored, and No. 2 pencils will be received through April 20 and delivered to the school by youth, led by Sammi Martinez and Ryleigh Hall who won approval for this project after a presentation about the school s needs to the session in February. The hope is that this endeavor is the beginning of a successful relationship between our church and the school. V The above project is one way our faith community can support, and touch, one of our neighbors as discussed in the last leadership retreat in which GPC members engaged in conversation led by the Rev. Brad Munroe, pastor to pastor s for the Presbytery of Grand Canyon. Listed as The Place of Our Calling, it asks that we consider the ways in which our ministry touches others in our neighborhood. V Considering new possibilities for the above, session members agreed that ways to get to know neighbor churches on Guadalupe Road should be explored. Moderator Palmer will make contacts and develop a format for this activity. V The next Stated Meeting of the session will be April 19, Members who wish to address the session on any church-related matter should contact the moderator, Pastor Terry Palmer, to schedule time on the docket. Rochelle Mackey - Clerk of Session GPC Crossroads 2 Apr 2016

3 Church Picnic All are invited! SUNDAY, APRIL 17 TH 12:15 PM Deacons will provide the meat, buns and drinks. Congregations brings: A through J: Salads or Baked Beans K through P: Fruit Trays or Veggie Trays or Chips Q through Z: Dessert Try to find dishes with an Hawaiian flavor! GPC Crossroads 3 Apr 2016

4 GPC by the Numbers MARCH ATTENDANCE REPORT Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Average Average Total Total TREASURER S REPORT Treasurer s Report as of February, 2016: Account Balances: ING Associate Operating: Mortgage: Savings: Pastor Fund: February 29, 2016 $14,843 $4,311 $9,743 $13,465 Total Income received in February: $31,541 Total Expenses* for February: $32,787 *Includes loans, utilities, payroll, Presbytery pledges, etc. Breakdown of Giving in February Amount Unrestricted Giving Sunday Offering...$23,662 Facility Use...$1,600 Restricted Giving Mortgage...$3,550 Per Capita... $306 Music (Glory Hymnals)...$1,900 Mission... $62 Deacon... $336 Extra Principal... $50 Miscellaneous/Emergency Aid... $50 One Great Hour of Sharing... $25 As you can see from the figures above, once again expenses were greater than income. Please prayerfully consider your giving to GPC. Thank you. DAIS 11 Discussions, Actions, Information and Stories A dais is a platform higher than the floor to permit observers to be able to see the speaker or performers. This DAIS is to provide a platform for you to see some things of importance. Wonderful Music Through the Ages GPC has people with great musical talents who are willing to share that talent with us to the glory of God. How many churches our size have an orchestra, a handbell choir, a chancel choir, soloists, and so forth? There seem to be few like me who have no such talent. However, I do appreciate the music and pay attention. Last Sunday (March 6) there was a tremendous variety of music. Here s the list. From the 1500s which we would call ancient music: the music to the Doxology as we sing it came from the Geneva Psalter, John Calvin s hymnbook. It is called The Old Hundreth because it was the music for singing the 100th Psalm. The Doxology words were added much later. The first hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful, is an English Melody from the 17th century. The text came later (1848). The second hymn Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ was called by the author of the words a communion calypso written in The music is a Jamaican folk melody. Did you realize you were singing calypso? The third hymn, For the Life That You Have Given, has words from 1987 but the music is from Then came the Postlude. This was based on Standing on the Promises from the late 1800s as many of our hymns do. But this was a jazz version! It had to have inspired us to begin our service (to God and to others). From ancient music to calypso to jazz with 19th century favorites in between. Frank Walmsley Further information about church finances may be obtained through the Finance Committee, Kevin Bauerle - chair. P.S. Did you know that most of the information above came from the new hymnal? If you look at the hardback version rather than at the screen, you will find interesting information about each hymn at the bottom of the page. GPC Crossroads 4 Apr 2016 Have you remembered your church in your will, trust or IRA?

5 PASTOR JEN S YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRIES Easter blessings to you and your family! During the 11:00 Easter service this past Sunday, I witnessed something that is worth sharing. It happened while I was delivering the children s moment. All the kids were lined up on the chancel steps listening as I tried to relate the story of the resurrection from Mark, without sounding really repetitious and without losing my way (having been up since 3:00 am, I was getting a little tired). Typically the kids are very talkative and wriggly. It is always a challenge to keep their attention and deliver a message that captures their interest. But this morning, as I took a moment to pause, I looked at all of the kids, and one of them was staring, wide-eyed, with a look of both fascination and reverence. Now, I can t be certain exactly what this child was thinking, but it seemed as if he was taking the story of Jesus in very deeply. It wasn t just that he was listening intently, but I could tell he was hearing something that he felt was very, very important. It was a moment in ministry that will stay with me for a long time. Sometimes, when I am rushed with the tasks of church life, when I am stressed out with deadlines or trying to come up with creative new strategies, etc., sometimes I can lose sight of the powerful thing that is happening all around me people are experiencing Jesus. Kids are the best at shocking us out of the routine that we get caught in. They reflect back to us how amazing God s story really is with their open-mouthed awe and their piercing questions. We have many weeks ahead to celebrate the hope and promise of the resurrection of Jesus. It is my hope that we can experience together, young and old alike, the power of the season with fresh eyes, just like that young man did on Easter Sunday. The world could use that kind of fresh hope so may it start with us. Blessings, Pastor Jen Family Ministry in February Youth April 3 Youth Group after second service Bring a lunch... we will meet until 2:00 pm. April Hour Famine overnight at the Nasiff s house. Young Adult Ministry April 16, 6 pm Monthly potluck meeting (see Jen for details) Save the Date: April is the 30 Hour Famine. 30 HOUR FAMINE STUDENTS LOVING GOD AND FIGHTING HUNGER GPC Crossroads 5 Apr 2016

6 MUSIC AT GILBERT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The musical talent at GPC is tremendous. Each week we are blessed with music, whether it is by our praise team, the Chapel Orchestra, the Chancel Choir or the Bell Choir! Music is alive at our church. GPC Crossroads 6 Apr 2016

7 Easter Sonrise Service was held by GPC s youth group under the guidance of Pastor Jen Fraser. GPC Crossroads 7 Apr 2016

8 GPC Crossroads 8 Apr 2016

9 I Am Not My Eye You know me, who I am. I am someone who loves music, the mountains, sunsets and sunrises, flowers, and the birds that sing when I play my piano. You know I love my family and friends, God and Jesus Christ. You know that I am not defined as that lady whose eye looks a little funny because it was removed due to a fast growing tumor. You know me because we are friends. You have been wonderful your prayers, concerns, and ever asking if I need a ride. You have been patient with me should I accidentally bump into you because I cannot see you on my left side. You know that I am not my eye, for I am much more than that. But what about people we do not know? Are we also caring, kind, thoughtful, and concerned for their welfare as we are for our friends? What about those who might look a little different than us, such as the homeless or those who are mentally and/or physically challenged. Are we defining them by their challenges without really knowing them? We at Gilbert Presbyterian Church are wonderful serving in our mission projects, but can we do a little more? When we serve meals in a shelter can we say more than just a polite hello? If allowed the opportunity can we actually sit down and listen to and converse with the people whom we are serving? When we give out an H-PAK to someone alongside the road do we wish that person well then silently say a prayer for them as we drive away? Are we patient with the elderly whom are taking longer purchasing items in a store? Are we patient when speaking to a person whose native tongue is not English? And can we refrain from negatively classifying people because of their nationality or ethnic background? Several years ago I was on a tour of the Holy Land. The majority of our time was spent in the West Bank. We met people who had the same basic desires as we. They were not terrorists. All they wanted was peace, a safe place to live and work. They wanted good schools for their children, and the ability to freely travel from place to place within their country. Isn t that what people all over the world desire? And yet today there seems to be much fear and hatred reported in the news against certain ethnic groups and nationalities. Let us strive to look beyond a person s physical features, his/her dress, and nationality and get to know the person for whom they are. Respect them as you would respect your friend. Do as you know Jesus would like you to do by spreading love, kindness, and thoughtfulness to your fellow man no matter what their circumstances. Remember Jesus served the poor, forgotten, and marginalized during His ministry. He went among those who others feared or looked down upon. Let us also serve others. Eloise Annis Stewardship Committee GPC Crossroads 9 Apr 2016

10 TRUTHSEEKERS WORKSHOPS: April Workshops: Faithful Believers PreK through 5th Grade Objectives: --at the end of the Rotation, kids should be able to: V V V Recount the events of these faithful believers in Jesus Christ: The Syro-Phoenician woman, Jairus, and a sick woman The Centurion soldier Learn that faith is realizing that Jesus is God, then relying on His promises and living the way He wants us to live Realize that Jesus came to give hope for all people who come to Him Bible references V Syro-Phoenician (from area of Canaan) woman --Mark 7: 24-30; Matt. 15:21-28 V Jairus & his daughter, & a sick woman -- Mark 5:21-36; Luke 8: V The Centurion soldier --Matt. 8: 5-13; Luke 7: 1-10 Memory Verse: I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me will live, even though he dies. John 11:25 Jr. / Sr. PYC Sunday School: Classes combine to finish their series on Gospel Journey Maui. Two Bible studies available for Adults: 1. DVD based Bible Study and Discussion Group led by Susan Lucas 2. Bible Study class PLUS: College/Young Adult Bible Study SUNDAY SCHOOL ART MASTERPIECE PROJECT! Zoe Bauerle, Andrew Walter, Noah Walter, Ryan Stover and Dylan Nape GPC Crossroads 10 Apr 2016

11 April Monthly Planner GPC Crossroads 11 Apr 2016

12 Gilbert Presbyterian Church Presyterian 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! April Celebrations Birthdays: 1 Shirley Kurz 3 Steve Williams 5 Rita Brooks 5 Ann Rood 7 Jason Grossinger 8 Anna Carpenter 10 Will Burger 11 Dixi MacKenzie 13 Eric Christensen 15 Madison Russell 18 Terry Winter 19 Joe Carpenter 22 George Purpura 23 Roland Dendy 25 Rilla Harvey 27 Heidi Carpenter-Sherman 28 Ray Davis 28 Danielle Jones 28 Elvin Shaw 30 Dale Seacat Anniversaries: 6 John & Betty Gleason 6 Tim & Judy Sullivan 10 Kevin & Duron Evans 15 Lyn and Ginny Goodbar 16 Roland & Sharon Dendy 25 Scott & Katy Nasiff GPC Crossroads 12 Apr 2016