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 Pastor Jen s Youth Corner...3 GPC by the Numbers...4 Announcement...4 Stewardship Committee...5 Stewardship Fair...6 Announcements...7 Boo Bingo...8 Quilts of Valor...9 Pot Luck & Movie...9 Christian Education...10 November Activities Calendar...11 November Celebrations...12 GPC Newsletter - November 2016 From The Pastor s Desk Dear Friends, Election Day is almost upon us. To say that this has been and unusual election cycle would be an understatement! Emotions are running high. No matter what your vote, you are VERY concerned about the outcome. I came across this article by Max Lucado. I feel it frames the election very well and puts the day after the election in its proper context for all Christians, regardless of political affiliation. Read it. Mediate on it. And most importantly VOTE!! My Prediction for November 9 Max Lucado We are really ready for this presidential election to be over. We re ready for an end to the rancor and tackiness. Voters on both sides feel frustrated, even embarrassed by it all. There is a visceral fear, an angst about the result. What if so and so wins? When we wake up to November 9, postelection, when the confetti is swept away and the election is finally over, what will we see? I have a prediction. I know exactly what November 9 will bring. Another day of God s perfect sovereignty. He will still be in charge. His throne will still be occupied. He will still manage the affairs of the world. Never before has His providence depended on a king, president, or ruler. And it won t on November 9, The LORD can control a king s mind as he controls a river; he can direct it as he pleases (Proverbs 21:1). On one occasion the Lord turned the heart of the King of Assyria so that he aided them in the construction of the Temple. On another occasion, he stirred the heart of Cyrus to release the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar was considered to be the mightiest king of his generation. But God humbled and put him in detention for seven years. The kingdom is the Lord s, and He rules over the nations (Psalms 22:28). Understanding God s sovereignty over the nations opens the door to peace. When we realize that God influences the hearts of all rulers, we can then choose to pray for them rather than fret about them. Rather than wring our hands we bend our knees, we select prayer over despair. Jeremiah did this. He Jeremiah was the prophet to Israel during one of her darkest periods of rebellion. He was called the weeping prophet because he was one. He wept at the condition of the people and the depravity of their faith. He was so distraught that one of his books was entitled Lamentations. But then he considered the work of God. Note the intentionality of his words: This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. (Lam. 3:21-23) Imitate Jeremiah. Lift up your eyes. Dare to believe that good things will happen. Dare to believe that God was speaking to us when he said: In everything God works for the good of those who love him. (Romans 8:28). Many years ago, I spent a week visiting the interior of Brazil with a long-time missionary pilot. He flew a circuit of remote towns in a small plane that threatened to continued on page 8 GPC Crossroads 1 Nov 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 Eight new members welcomed At October session meeting V Four couples John and Lisa Ewoldt, Carl and Liz Hansen, Ken and Sue Hassen, and Jim and Leonora Hubbard were enthusiastically welcomed into the GPC family of faith at the Stated Meeting of the Session, October 18. V Other business included review and discussion of the 2017 budget and Pastor s Terms of Call that will be presented at the Congregational Meeting between services October 23, V Session approved use of Falkenstine Hall by the Al=Anon group that meets on Friday evenings. They will hold a workshop on February 18, 2017, from 1 to 4 p.m. V The next Stated Meeting of the Session is November 15, Anyone who wants to meet with the session should contact Moderator Palmer during the week prior to the meeting to get time on the docket. Elections, Pastor s Terms of Call Business as Congregation meets V Elders and deacons, the officers of the church, were elected to the Class of 2019 at the Congregational Meeting, October 23, V Gaill Blackburn, Mike Gallagher and Cheryl Williams were elected elders; Mary Sumner and Betty Walford elected deacons. Ann Bernal, elder, and deacons Ginny Goodbar, David Nape and Angela Stover were elected to second terms. All are in the Class of V Ann Bernal, chair of the Personnel Committee, explained the line-items in the Pastor s Terms of Call. It was approved by voice vote. V The preliminary budget for 2017 was distributed. Moderator Palmer and Anne Barton, vice-chair of the Finance Committee, answered questions from members about the budget. The final budget will be determined by the session after pledges are received. V The next regular meeting of the congregation will be on a Sunday at the end of February Rochelle Mackey - Clerk of Session GPC Crossroads 2 Nov 2016

3 PASTOR JEN S YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRIES Last Friday I was sitting at my desk when the came through. The pastor from my home church had sent out an announcement that long-time member Ede Yarter had passed away in her sleep. My daughters and I had just been at her house on Wednesday and she had seemed fine. But Ede always seemed fine to me. Even though she was in her 80s and even though she had plenty of health problems, I couldn t see anything but strength in her. She was a pillar of our life. Sitting there alone absorbing the news, my first thought wasn t how much I would miss her, or how deep this loss was going to hurt. No, my first thought was O Lord, how am I going to tell my daughters This would be the fourth beloved older adult they have lost in the past five years. For better or for worse, my girls are no strangers to death. They have been blessed with many wonderful grandparents through church; older members who looked after them, brought them delicious meals when their mom was in seminary, picked them up from volleyball practice, taught them piano, brought them extra jackets for winter, asked about their school, their interests, their friends. Its only because they have been so loved, that they have known so much loss. Our church families have riches to offer our kids. The kinds of relationships youth find in church are rare and life changing. And it s not just attention and concern and acts of kindness that they find. Many of the gifts of friendship come through the challenges the disagreements, the disappointments, and even the painful good byes. When we called the girls into the living room for a family meeting, their first guess was that they were in trouble and were going to get a lecture. When my husband reassured them in his gentlest voice that, no, they were not in trouble, the energy went out of them and they prepared for the worst. Teens and young children need extra space to process grief. One moment they may shrug it off and the next they are overcome with tears. They may get angry with God, angry with their siblings, or angry with themselves. They may be overcome with guilt or just want to pretend it didn t happen. I have learned that the best response is to let them process it in their own way, to not try to fix their feelings but to be there with them through the long road ahead. Our church families have riches to offer our kids. Ede s gift to my girls will keep on giving over their lifetime. They will remember her as a pillar of their life. But, even deeper still, she has become part of that great cloud of witnesses that has gone before them. She has colored this great cloud personal, loving, strong, faithful and Christlike. Through her, they have been brought closer to eternity and that is riches beyond measure. Peace, Pastor Jen On October 15th, Pastor Jen and several of GPC s Youth participated in the Cardboard City event and slept in carboard boxes for the evening to bring awareness to the many homeless in the country. They shared a wonderful evening in the splendid home they created. GPC Crossroads 3 Nov 2016

4 GPC by the Numbers OCTOBER ATTENDANCE REPORT Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Average Average Total Total TREASURER S REPORT Treasurer s Report as of September 30, 2016: Account Balances: ING Associate Operating: Mortgage: Savings: Pastor Fund: Sep 30, 2016 $1,190 $445 $8,815 $8,640 Total Income received in September: $22,963 Total Expenses* for September: $22,984 *Includes loans, utilities, payroll, Presbytery pledges, etc. Breakdown of Giving in September: Amount Unrestricted Giving Sunday Offering... $20,659 Facility Use...$595 Restricted Giving Mortgage...$445 Per Capita...$359 Mission... $21 Deacons... $0 Flowers... $95 Christian Education... $8 Scrip Proceeds... $76 Worship (Music)...$680 Youth Group (Cardboard City)... $25 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 3 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 Nov 2016 Have you remembered your church in your will, trust or IRA?

5 What shall I return to the Lord for all His bounty to me? Psalm 116:12 The weather was beautiful that day sunshine, perfect temperature, a little breeze blowing. Sunday, October 9, was a wonderful day for our Faith Odyssey, a journey with God and our friends at Gilbert Presbyterian Church. Were you there enjoying the fellowship with one another and becoming reacquainted with the ministry and mission of our committees and other groups at GPC? Did you walk around the patio and talk with the committee members concerning their visions and new ventures for 2017? And did you receive and read the tri-fold brochure that was mailed to you prior to that Sunday? Yes, we have read, we have talked about the dreams of Gilbert Presbyterian Church, now is the time for our response. How can we serve in these new ventures for next year? The worship committee always needs ushers, liturgists, and communion servers. It takes no particular talent to be an usher except to have a welcoming smile and a warm hello for all entering our sanctuary on Sunday morning. Do you have a talent in music and time for practice? Then you are needed. The Education committee said that they want updated storage and support for materials and costs for special events. That sounds like they need us to share a little of our money with them. The Evangelism Committee would like family centered events. Those are always fun, but it takes people to organize, plan, and lead those events. And that can take our time, talent, and also treasure. The new ventures for the Mission Committee include Feed My Starving Children and serving more meals at the Justa Center. That only takes our time of an occasional evening helping and serving people with far more challenges than what we can ever imagine. The Youth Council would like to recruit new adult youth leaders. Is that your passion to work with our youth? They need you. Building and Grounds has a big wish list and all require our treasure. One item on their list is resurfacing then striping the parking lot. That project is expensive; however, the parking lot is noticed first by visitors to our church. Our buildings are showing their age and are need of maintenance and repair. The Education building needs to be leveled, and the air conditioners maintained and possibly replaced. Painting the buildings requires our time and talent. What is your response to our journey into 2017? Some of the dreams and new ventures only require a minimal amount of our time. Others require our talents. And almost all require our treasure. We at Gilbert Presbyterian Church have been wonderful coming through with money for special needs, items that are mentioned and are highly visible. I well remember several years ago when our roof leaked in the narthex, pails were set out to catch the rainwater. After the rain stopped the pails were again set out, but this time to collect checks, dollars, and coins for roof repair. That generated a wonderful response from everyone. But for our everyday needs of paying the electric bill, water, landscaper, office supplies, staff, and mission pledge we at times have fallen short. On Sunday, October 23, we looked over the proposed budget and approved the pastor s terms of call. That part was easy, now comes the difficult part. Now we must follow through with our promises to move forward and allow our dreams and new ventures to happen in This will require everyone s prayers, faith, and support. Everything we have is a gift from God our time, our friends and family, our unique talents, the beauty of the earth, our treasures, our health and life, and the best gift of all, Jesus Christ. In appreciation of what God has given us and His love for us, let us share a portion of our time, talents, and treasures to the work of His kingdom at Gilbert Presbyterian Church. You soon will be receiving in the mail a pledge card for Please prayerfully consider your response in filling it out. With love and thanksgiving in your heart not only consider your gift of your monetary pledge, but also the gift of your time and talents. Perhaps this year you will be able to increase your pledge to help make the dreams of Gilbert Presbyterian Church come true. Then on Sunday, November 6, come forward with your pledge to God through our church. Together with God s help and guidance, let this be an exciting odyssey of faith into Thank you. Eloise Annis Stewardship Committee GPC Crossroads 5 Nov 2016

6 Stewardship Fair 2017: A Faith Odyssey GPC Crossroads 6 Nov 2016

7 SCRIP GIFT CARDS will be available for sale from Betty Gleason on Sunday, November 6 (delivered on Nov. 13) and again on November 27 (delivered on Dec. 4). Make your Gift List and be ready to purchase these cards that make perfect gifts for Christmas and other times. HELP US REACH OUR GOAL! SATURDAY, DEC 3 RD, 2016 Given the many health issues around the country limiting the donors available to supply the blood banks, your donation is valuable. We are looking for 30 (or more) volunteers to donate. If you would like to give blood, you can call, text or me, and I will do my best to place you where you want to be. John Stover: jstover12@cox.net PW CHRISTMAS COOKIE SALE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 TH If you d like to contribute cookies, sign up on the board in the narthex or call Carole in the church office. (480) GPC Crossroads 7 Nov 2016

8 continued from page 1 come undone at the slightest gust of wind. Wilbur and Orville had a sturdier aircraft. I could not get comfortable. I kept thinking that the plane was going to crash in some Brazilian jungle and I d be gobbled up by piranhas or swallowed by an anaconda. I kept shifting around, looking down, and gripping my seat. (As if that would help.) Finally, the pilot had had enough of my squirming. He looked at me and shouted over the airplane noise. We won t face anything I can t handle. You might as well trust me to fly the plane. Is God saying the same to you? If so, make this your prayer: Dear Lord, You are perfect. You could not be better than you are. You are self-created. You exist because you choose to exist. You are self-sustaining. No one helps you. No one gives you strength. You are self-governing. Who can question your deeds? Who dares advise you? You are correct. In every way. In every choice. You regret no decision. You have never failed. Never! You cannot fail! You are God! You will accomplish your plan. You are happy. Eternally joyful. Endlessly content. You are the king, supreme ruler, absolute monarch, overlord, and rajah of all history. An arch of your eyebrow and a million angels will pivot and salute. Every throne is a footstool to yours. Every crown is papier mâché to yours. No limitations, hesitations, questions, second thoughts, or backward glances. You consult no clock. You keep no calendar. You report to no one. You are in charge. And I trust you. Circle November 9 on your calendar and write upon it the words: Our good God rules the world. Max Lucado October 2016 Yours in Christ, Pastor Terry Saturday October 29 th, 2016 GPC Crossroads 8 Nov 2016

9 On Sunday, October 23rd, our very own PW Quilters presented Dennis Wilke with one of the quilts that they so lovingly created. They wanted to show their appreciation and thank him for his service during the Vietnam War. If you would like to nominate a veteran to be awarded a quilt, please go to the Quilts of Valor Foundation website (qovf.org). POT LUCK MOVIE NIGHT Join us for a wonderful pot luck dinner and some fellowship on: Saturday, November 5 th, :30 pm We will show the movie War Room afterward. My Sunday School class will be discussing various aspects of the movie for the next 5 weeks. We will watch a clip and then discuss. Everyone is invited to just come and enjoy the movie or watch the movie and then join the DVD Sunday school class in the following weeks. I hope to see you there. Susan Lucas GPC Crossroads 9 Nov 2016

10 TRUTHSEEKERS WORKSHOPS: November Theme: Esther The Brave Queen PreK through 6 th Grade - 10 A.M. Sunday program Bible Memory Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Spiritual Objectives: Having faith in God is choosing to trust God even in scary times. The same awesome God who loved and cared for the Jewish people loves and cares for us! Children Will Learn: Where Esther is in the Old Testament and they will be able to locate the book. God is All Powerful and through Esther, He helped to save the Jewish people including the future family of Jesus 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! That God is always watching over them. That God always helps His people. That God is in control and that we should worship Him. GPC Crossroads 10 Nov 2016

11 November Monthly Planner GPC Crossroads 11 Nov 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! November Celebrations Birthdays: 1 Michael McCabe 4 Kathy Jo Purpura 6 Jodi Kevern 6 Thomas Lemme 7 Margaret McDougall 7 Erica Modzelewski 8 Gary Lolling 9 John Modzelewski 10 Maria Savarese 11 Ellen Roberts 12 Lauren Bruno 12 Barb Carpenter 13 Dave Lynch II 14 Lisa Christensen 15 Wendy Case 15 Ryleigh Hall 16 Hoyte Mitchell 17 Denise Jones 17 Art Nelson 17 Gloria Nelson 21 Zoe Bauerle 22 Sheree Swanson 23 Vic Carpenter 25 Joshua Peterson 26 Cayleigh MacKenzie 27 Karen Harper 29 Tanja Bauerle Anniversaries: 23 Ralph & Joyce Johnson 23 Dave & Donna Ray 27 Mike & Pam Russell GPC Crossroads 12 Nov 2016