Pastor Terry. Dear Friends, WHAT IS INSIDE THIS ISSUE? GPC Newsletter - June 2017 From The Pastor s Desk

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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 Stewardship Committee... 3 GPC by the Numbers... 4 Joyful Ringers... 5 Sharing Tree... 5 Christian Education... 6 June Activities Calendar... 7 June Celebrations... 8 GPC Newsletter - June 2017 From The Pastor s Desk Dear Friends, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! The Book of Acts tells us about the coming of the Holy Spirit to Jesus disciples. There is talk of a rush of wind tongues of flame a chattering of voices in multiple languages. Can you imagine it? If that happened while our congregation was all together in one place, there would probably be a rush for the exits. The scene seems a little wild for our sensibilities! We could maybe scoff at God s extravagance here. It s not the first time the Spirit has made an appearance. Spirit was there from the very beginning moving over the face of the waters at creation. We try to wrap our minds around what God is doing in us. We take steps to make the day special like wearing something red to worship on Pentecost Sunday. But besides that, what do you get out of this Pentecost? I hope you get a couple of things: First, the world looks different through the eyes of the Spirit. When we look at the world through Christ, all things can be seen as in and of the Spirit. Second, the words are linked to action. How you live IS a language. And because of the depth and the breadth of God s love for us, that life-language looks different for each of us. Relax and celebrate that diversity! Take time to find and refine that unique lifevoice God has given to you and then speak it boldly in everything you do! Finding that voice is not easy. It is more comfortable blend in than to stand out. Maybe that s why we hear the call to fear not so often on the pages of scripture. We are afraid to be ourselves and let our gifts and lights shine as children of God. Is that where you find yourself as we celebrate the church s birthday on this Pentecost Day? If so, how is God speaking through you today? You don t have to worry about standing out or be afraid of looking different. The world is full of wonders and you re one of them. If there s something you ve been wanting to say, someone you ve been needing to forgive, someplace you ve been yearning to go this is the Day to do it. What will you do with this first day of the rest of your life? Remember the Day of Pentecost is your day too your day of being claimed, your day of belonging, your day to stop trying to be like - look like -sound like anyone else and to become honestly, whole-heartedly, authentically fluent in your own unique life-language. That s a gift. Let the birthday party commence! Yours in Christ, Pastor Terry GPC Crossroads 1 June 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 New members, new projects and activities on session docket V Kevin Weedon and Debbie Andrée are our newest members, and will be introduced to the congregation in a worship service soon. They were welcomed into our family of faith at a Called Session Meeting on May 21, V The meeting to interview prospective new members was set at the Stated Meeting of the Session on May 16, at which time the 2016 Audit, performed by Members Carl Hansen and Hoyte Mitchell, was received. It confirmed good financial health for GPC. Session expressed thanks to these members for their V Kevin Bauerle, Finance Chair, confirmed continuing good financial health for GPC. V While there is good news concerning church finances, session members are assessing the status of the church campus, acknowledging that there are many projects that need to be addressed if we are to provide proper care for God s house. As plans develop they will be shared with members. V The final report, along with a refund of $3,000, has been submitted and accepted by the Lilly Foundation which funded the $50,000 grant for the Pastor s Sabbatical. V The Stewardship Committee shared their vision for activities to inform the congregation of some of the ways by which their gifts support God s work. V The next Stated Meeting of the GPC Session is June 20, 2017, at 7 p.m. Anyone who has business to share with the session should contact Moderator Terry Palmer during the week prior to the meeting to receive a position on the docket. Rochelle Mackey - Clerk of Session GPC Crossroads 2 June 2017

3 A Faith Odyssey Revisited Have you ever come away so thrilled and excited from visiting a place that you just had to see it again? I have visited the Musical Instruments Museum in Phoenix three times, but I could easily return. Each time I learned something new that I had overlooked previously. On my third visit I was with two of my grandchildren. That became an entirely different experience, looking at the many instruments through their ears and eyes. Perhaps you enjoy watching a movie more than once or reading a book the second time. Even when you know the plot of the movie or book, there can be some little nuance that perhaps you previously missed. That movie or book can still be just as exciting as the first time you experienced it. Years ago my husband and I took our four children on a vacation trip to Carlsbad Caverns. We were astounded at the beauty and vastness of the cavern. We marveled at the long thin stalactites hanging from the ceiling and the stalagmites growing up from the floor. We all peered into a deep hole that supposedly had no bottom. The formations were incredible each room more magnificent than the last. We ate our lunch inside the cave. We rode the elevator to the top then walked down again repeating our morning trip through the caverns. That evening we sat in a large amphitheater and watched the bats coming out of the cave. The next morning my husband asked our children if they wanted to head for home or walk through the caverns again. Everyone said Again, let s go again before we go home. In a day and a half our family walked three times completely through the cave. We could not get enough of the beauty and magnificence of Carlsbad Caverns. Were you here at Gilbert Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 9th? On that beautiful day we held a Faith Odyssey in the courtyard. If I remember correctly the temperature was perfect and a slight breeze was blowing. We were on an odyssey, a journey of walking around the patio, enjoying the fellowship with one another and becoming reacquainted with the ministry and mission of the committees and other groups at GPC. We talked with the committee members and read their displays and handouts. We found out about their present activities and heard their dreams and wish list for the future. That was an exciting time to explore each committee and group at GPC. Starting on Sunday, July 9th through July 30th we will revisit our Faith Odyssey. This time our journey will be in the Education Building not outside. The committees will update us as to their goals. They will explain what they have accomplished since October and any challenges they may have had. As you walk around and explore, consider how you might respond to the dreams of GPC. Some ventures may require our time, others our talent, and almost all our treasure. Consider how you can best serve God and Jesus Christ through the work of the committees and other groups at Gilbert Presbyterian Church. Remember all the gifts God has given you as you serve others. Eloise Annis, Stewardship Committee GPC Crossroads 3 June 2017

4 GPC by the Numbers APRIL ATTENDANCE REPORT May May May May May May May May May Average Average Total Total TREASURER S REPORT Treasurer s Report as of April 30, 2017: Account Balances: Associate Operating: Cap One Savings: Pastor Fund: April 30, 2017 $4,418 $12,217 $3,426 Total Income received in April: $29,016 Total Expenses* for April: $28,768 *Includes loans, utilities, payroll, Presbytery pledges, etc. Breakdown of Giving in April: Amount Unrestricted Giving Sunday Offering... $23,825 Facility Use...$1,580 Restricted Giving Cash Reserve...$270 Mission...$533 Per Capita...$340 Worship & Music... $35 Deacons...$516 Evangelism...$427 Memorials... $20 One Great Hour of Sharing...$1,470 As the warm weather begins and folks head for cooler climes, please remember your pledge to the church. The bills continue in the summer too. Thank you Thank You! Dear Church, Thank you very much for your love and concern and prayers during my son s illness and death. His widow has observed your wonderful support and now wants that faith! You were very helpful to me. Beryl Elwood Further information about church finances may be obtained through the Finance Committee, Kevin Bauerle - chair. GPC Crossroads 4 June 2017 Have you remembered your church in your will, trust or IRA?

5 A great big THANK YOU to the Joyful Ringers for their music ministry during the season. THANK YOU to Eloise Annis, Britney Blackburn, Joe Carpenter, Wendy Case, Marilyn Dickens, Sue Jax, John Paterson, Ryan Stover, Judy Walmsley, Cheri Workman, Barb Zubler, and Ray Zubler. THANK YOU to short term members/substitutes: Barb Atchison, Kaylin Lucas, Grace Nagy, Linda Savarese, and Jessica Dickens. Joyful Ringers will resume regular rehearsals again in August Look for more info to come! In His service, Jennifer Nagy, Joyful Ringers Director NEW FEATURE! GPC SHARING TREE GPC, under the direction of the Board of Deacons, is trying to develop a new idea. If you have items that you are not using, but are too good to throw away, you can post them on the SHARING TREE. And, if you need an item or a service, you can post that on the SHARING TREE. We will list these postings in The Crossroads for a while as we get started. But the plan is to have a physical tree that can be rolled out into the courtyard on Sunday mornings and other times of fellowship so folks can look over the items and services that are being offered to see if there is anything they want or need. Example: Mike Gallagher, ( ) is offering: Wooden Structural beams (used, but in good condition) These are not glue-lams o 10 ft x 4 x 8 ; 11ft 10 x 4 x 6 5 each short beams, in the 48 range, 4 x 6 Metal clothes line, 3 lines wide no concrete needed Swimming pool pump & filter, 2hp, 240v AC & control box Disc and hitch for garden tractor Watch this space for more valuable stuff!! GPC Crossroads June

6 SEE YOU IN THE FALL! TRUTHSEEKERS WORKSHOPS: GPC Crossroads 6 June 2017

7 June Monthly Planner PENTECOST SUNDAY, JUNE 4 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHURCH GPC Crossroads 7 June 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! June Celebrations Birthdays: June Birthdays 1 Irina Andriananjason 3 Betty Gleason 5 Alyssa Cox 5 Lisa Ewoldt 5 Dave Wautelet 6 Barbara Zubler 8 Charlotte Schmidt 13 Lillian DeCarolis 14 Ginny Goodbar 16 Thomas Bruno 17 Chelsea (Brooks) Humphrey 17 James Ralston 18 Kevin Bauerle 18 David Martinez 18 Jane Poston 18 Bob Szabo 21 Marilyn Dickens 21 Margaret Hansche 24 Sean Gallagher 24 June Walker 25 Alanna Zubler 25 Katherine Zubler 26 Frank Walmsley 28 Larry Bruno 28 Justice Lemme 29 Nina Lynn Wheeler 30 Clara Nagy Anniversaries: 2 Greg & Jodi Kevern 4 Bruce & Laurel Coughlin 7 Kyle & Susan Lucas 8 Dave & Grace Mossman 10 Eric & Lisa Christensen 13 Alex and Alia Eccles 14 Paul & Wendy Ihms 17 Mike & Karen Gallagher 20 Dave & Margaret McDougall 21 Mike & Alicia Epping 25 Dennis & Mary Ann Wilkie GPC Crossroads 8 June 2017