GPC Newsletter - February 2017
Gilbert Presbyterian Church
Presyterian Church (U.S.A)
235 East Guadalupe Road
Gilbert, Arizona 85234-4536
Tel:480.892.6753
Fax: 480.539.4594
E-mail:[email protected]
Web:www.azgpc.org
WHAT IS
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE?
From the Pastor’s Desk ............. 1
Church Staff .................................... 2
Clerk of Session Report ............ 2
Announcements .......................... 3
GPC by the Numbers.................. 4
Pancake Breakfast......................... 4
Stewardship Committee........... 5
GPC-West........................................... 6
Pastor Jen’s Youth Corner......... 7
Sammi Martinez............................ 8
Valentine Bingo.............................. 9
Christian Education ..................10
February Activities
Calendar ..........................................11
February Celebrations .............12
From The Pastor’s Desk
Dear Friends,
I saw a terrific movie this
afternoon titled “Hidden
Figures.” It’s the story about
the important role AfricanAmerican women played in
the early stages of NASA’s
space program.
These
women worked with figures
and calculations. In fact,
they were called “computers”
before the machines took
over the job. These ladies
excelled at their work.
They were ground breakers
in an era of prejudice and
segregation. They exceeded
everyone’s
expectations.
The
main
character,
Katherine Johnson, just
received the Presidential
Medal of Freedom from
President Obama for the
lifelong contribution she
made to NASA’s work. It
is an incredible story…a
feel-good story. And it’s a
story that I had never heard
anything about!
What does it say about
our culture when inspiring
stories such as Katherine
Johnson’s go untold and
unnoticed for years, yet
we hang on every word of
gossip and scandal? And
we almost salivate at the
thought of celebrities and
public figures stumbling and
falling from grace? Then
we can’t wait to be the first
one to pass on the bad news!
How different might this
world look if we were as
anxious to share good news
as we seem to be fascinated
with the bad?
Friends, we do have good
news to share as children
of God. The bible calls it
“gospel.” It is news that has
been there for centuries, yet
often overlooked as folks
become fixated on evil and
give up hope. It is the news
of God who loved the world
so much that he chose to
save rather than destroy.
It is the news of God who
loves with a love so strong
that no sin…not even death
can separate us from God.
It is news of hope and
promise and new life for all
of creation. And it is news
that you know…news that
has changed your life. But
have you told anyone about
it? Do your co-workers have
any idea that you possess
such a treasure…that you
have such an amazing story
to tell?
This
world
needs
hope. This world needs
inspiration. This world
needs good news. I came
out of the theater today
with mixed emotions. I
had that warm, good
feeling that comes with
catching a glimpse of
the impact that ordinary
people can have on society
when they use their Godgiven gifts to the fullest.
But I also had a feeling of
frustration because I had
never heard of Katherine
Johnson before this movie
was produced. What other
good news is out there?
What other stories need
to be heard that have gone
untold?
You have a story that can
change the world. You have
a story that HAS changed
the world! You have been
saved by grace through
faith in Jesus Christ. And
there are aching people
that you come in contact
with each and every day
who need to hear his name.
Will they hear it from you?
God bless you as you
journey. God strengthen
you as you share!
In Christ,
Pastor Terry
GPC Crossroads
1
Feb 2017
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, Gaill Blackburn, Mike
Gallagher, Wendy Ihms, Denise Jones, Susan Lucas, David
Martinez, Pam Russell, Judy Walmsley, Cheryl Williams.
Rochelle Mackey, Clerk of Session
BOARD OF DEACONS
Dan Bernal, Bret Blackburn, Carole Blake, Stacey Bruno, Joe
Carpenter, Betty Gleason, Ginny Goodbar, Tara Hall, David Nape,
Cheri Peterson, Tom Russell, Angela Stover, Mary Sumner, Betty
Walford, Mary Ann Wilkie.
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 e-mail attachments to: [email protected]
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
Once-a-year items fill agenda
At January session meeting
VElders reviewed and approved the Annual
Statistical Report as required by General
Assembly. It will be submitted to the national
body electronically.
VFebruary 26, 2017, was set for GPC’s Annual
Congregational Meeting. It will be held
between services.
VPastor Terry Palmer advised that both worship
services on that day will give proper thanks to God
for the generous, but anonymous, gift that enabled
full payment of the second and final mortgage on
GPC buildings. VSusan Lucas and Judy Walmsley were elected
session representatives for the 2017 Nominating
Committee. They, along with four AtLarge members, to be elected at the Annual
Congregational Meeting, and a representative
from the Board of Deacons, will make up the full
committee.
VReporting for the Evangelism Committee, Susan
Lucas said that the first meeting of the Mental
Health group will be February 17 at 7 p.m. in
the sanctuary overflow area. Liz Hansen, a new
member and retired professional in the field, will
facilitate.
VApproval was granted to Lifeline Screening, a
for-profit company that does health screenings,
to use Falkenstine Hall on a day in May. They
will pay a fee.
VThe next Stated Meeting of the GPC Session is
Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 7 p.m. in room 7
of the Christian Education building. Anyone who
has an item of business, or something of interest
for the session, is invited to contact Moderator
Terry Palmer for time on the docket.
Rochelle Mackey - Clerk of Session
GPC Crossroads
2
Feb 2016
M AT T R E S S
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) 338-5602
DINE OUT & SUPPORT GPC
Floridino's Pizza & Pasta
50 E Guadalupe Rd #107
Gilbert, AZ 85234
Northeast Corner of Gilbert & Guadalupe Roads
Papa Dema from Floridino’s has agreed to donate
15% of food purchases to GPC. Please turn in
your food receipts (the large receipt, not credit card
receipt) to:
Carole in the Office.
This is an ongoing event. Please pass this on to
Friends and Family. Have your meeting, bible study
or happy hour at Floridino’s and help support a
Gilbert Business and GPC.
OUR ANNUAL
CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING
will be Sunday, Feb. 26 between
services. One of the agenda items
will be electing at-large members to
the Nominating Committee. The
Nominating committee’s task is to
bring to the congregation, at the fall
Congregational Meeting, a slate of
nominees for the vacant positions of
Elders and Deacons. If you know of
someone who might serve GPC well
in this capacity, please talk to him/
her in advance so they may prayerfully
consider this position. And if that
person agrees, please nominate them
for this very important committee.
GPC Crossroads
3
Feb 2016
GPC by the
Numbers
JANUARY ATTENDANCE REPORT
20162017
Nov 3............................... 158
Nov 1...........................120
Nov 10............................. 206
Nov 8...........................167
Nov 17............................. 195
Nov 15........................166
Nov 24............................. 191
Nov 22........................210
Nov 31............................. 178
Nov 29........................178
Average .......................... 186Average .....................168
Total................................ 928Total............................841
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer’s Report as of December 31, 2016:
Account Balances:
Operating:
Dec 31, 2016
Mortgage:
$14,903
$565
Cap One Associate
Savings: Pastor Fund:
$8,824
$6,374
Total Income received in December: $44,399
Total Expenses* for Decembber:
$40,087
*Includes loans, utilities, payroll, Presbytery pledges, etc.
Breakdown of Giving in October:
Amount
Unrestricted Giving
Sunday Offering................................................................ $24,920
Facility Use............................................................................$1,810
Restricted Giving
Mortgage.................................................................................$565
Per Capita.................................................................................$520
Mission..................................................................................$1,186
Memorials................................................................................$100
Extra Principal................................................................... $13,328
Workship/Music........................................................................ $60
Deacons...................................................................................... $15
Christmas Joy Offering.......................................................$1,818
Miscellaneous............................................................................ $77
Thanks to your generous support, GPC was able to pay the
remainder of our Mission Pledge $5666, in January. The
food and angel gifts and bicycles were so appreciated by
the children at Guadalupe Presbyterian Church. Thank
you for your love and compassion.
HOSTED BY
TROOP 286
Sunday, February 12th
at 9:30 am until 11:00 am
(serving only in between services)
The cost is $6.00 for adults
$3.00 for children under 12
Serving: pancakes, sausage,
hash browns, scrambled eggs,
coffee and orange juice
YUM!
Further information about church finances may be obtained
through the Finance Committee, Kevin Bauerle - chair.
Have you remembered your church in your will, trust or IRA?
GPC Crossroads
4
Feb 2016
T
he
date
was
February 20, 1962.
Everyone in the
country was glued to a
television set watching the
Mercury Astronaut John
Glenn take off into space.
He was cleared to make
seven trips around the earth;
however, his voyage was cut
short to three orbits. The
heat shield on his spaceship
came loose at the end of the
second revolution. He had
to return to earth. Would he
be safe coming back through
the atmosphere with a
loose much needed heat
shield?
Mission Control
made a decision that after
the retrorockets were fired,
John Glenn was to keep the
rocket pack attached to his
spaceship instead of jettison
it. Hopefully, that would
keep the heat shield in place.
There was a few minutes of
communication blackout as
the spaceship decelerated,
left its orbit then approached
the earth. At that point in
time no one knew for certain
if John Glenn would make it
safely down. I do remember
watching on live television
the tension in Mission
Control. The room was filled
with white, male engineers
all in silence waiting for
communications to return.
Then all at once cheers – John
Glenn safely splashed down
in the Atlantic Ocean – the
first American Astronaut to
circle the earth.
A few days prior to that
eventful day, John Glenn had
said “Get the girl to check
the numbers. If she says the
Hidden Angels
numbers are good, I’m ready to
go.” What girl and why check
the numbers, don’t computers
do the math? Well in 1962
John Glenn did not trust
computers. He trusted humans
who did the calculations all
by hand using slide rules and
adding machines. And these
people were called computers,
a person who computes. And
“the girl” he was referring to was
Katherine Johnson, a brilliant
mathematician, who was black.
Katherine Johnson was not
the only female computer
working at Langley Memorial
Aeronautical Laboratory in
Hampton, Virginia. During
World War II many women
were hired to do the necessary
calculations for the engineers.
At Langley there was a building
off to one side away from the
other buildings called “West
Computing”. A large room was
filled with human computers
all female and black.
In
Virginia workers were required
to be segregated so the white
computers worked elsewhere.
Katherine began working at
“West Computing” then was
later transferred to the Flight
Research Division. She was
there for John Glenn’s eventful
voyage.
I had never heard of Katherine
Johnson. I did not know who
she was until I saw the movie,
“Hidden Figures”. I do not
recall any news in 1962 that
said anything about a black
woman doing the mathematical
computations for John Glenn’s
historic flight. Yes, she was
hidden from view and not
shown on television cheering
with the engineers. John Glenn
did not know who she was,
he called her “the girl”, yet he
depended upon her and trusted
her calculations.
She was
indeed a hidden figure.
Are there any hidden figures
at
Gilbert
Presbyterian
Church? Of course there are,
but not doing difficult calculus
equations by hand to send
astronauts into space. Our
hidden figures are hidden
angels, volunteers working
behind the scenes, without
recognition, and unknown by
many. Before each service on
Sunday morning we see the
children lighting the candles,
but who fills the candles with
oil? The sanctuary is neat and
orderly, but who straightens the
hymnals and bibles, puts the
giving envelopes in place in the
pews and picks up any paper
trash? Who prepares the preservice slides for the computer?
We see the ushers passing the
offering plates, but who counts
the money and takes it to the
bank? We see the communion
servers, we know who they are,
but who behind the scenes
bakes or buys the bread, fills
the cups, cuts the bread, and
cleans up afterwards? At
Christmas time we see many
gifts around the Christmas
tree for GPC West, but how
do they get there? Who gets
the ushers, greeters, and lay
readers? It takes someone to
call. Who knits the prayer
shawls? Who provides the
flowers when no one has
signed up? For that matter,
who gets the flowers from the
florist? Who takes the church
towels and communion cloths
home to wash and iron? Then
who locks and unlocks the
doors, sweeps the patio, and
changes the light bulbs?
These are just a few tasks
done by our hidden angels at
Gilbert Presbyterian Church.
Serving our church and
helping others is a wonderful
way to do stewardship of time
and talents. Many of the tasks
done by our hidden angels
require very little talent and
mostly just a little time. Would
you like to become a hidden
angel? If any of these tasks or
others not mentioned interest
you, Carole Blake could lead
you to the committee or
person in charge of that task.
We thank all of our hidden
angels working behind the
scenes, unknown by many, but
known by God.
Eloise Annis,
Stewardship Committee
Information about John Glenn and
Katherine Johnson was obtained
from the movie and book, “Hidden
Figures”, Margot Lee Shetterly,
Harper Collins Publishers, 2016.
GPC Crossroads
5
Feb 2016
GPC Crossroads
6
Feb 2016
GPC-WEST CHRISTMAS ANGEL
GIFT DISTRIBUTION
Finding faith in an era
of fake news
PASTOR JEN’S YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRIES
A
s of this writing, I, like many of
you, are reeling from a week of
non-stop political news. If you feel
cynical or defensive or just overwhelmed, I
would recommend that you talk with (and
listen to) someone under the age of 20. In
young people you may find the curiosity
and open mindedness that is so refreshing
amidst the anger and outrage that has
become the norm.
Well, we have a model for that in our
faith. The first image that comes to mind
is Mark 4:35-41, that is, Jesus sleeping
in the boat during the great storm.
Remember, in this scene, the disciples
are ENRAGED that Jesus could sleep
through such dangerous times. “Do you
not care that we are perishing!!!” We face
the same pressure to react to the chaos
that engulfs us now. But how do you
know the appropriate reaction? How
This past Sunday, a few of our younger
can we enable the good in a time when
members and I had a chance to reflect on
information changes from hour to hour?
the first week of the Trump presidency.
Our conversation settled on how difficult “He woke up and rebuked the wind and
it is to sift through all the talk to what said to the sea ‘Peace! Be still!’” Jesus
is true. We talked about listening to all demonstrates conviction and certainty
sides and even how we might look past in who he is rather than in the ever
the inflammatory statements, which can changing circumstances around him.
distract us from reality. This requires that Can we find the same conviction in
we stay calm and unflappable in the midst who he is? Yes, certainly we can. But it
of raging storms.
takes calm reflection.
What does the Bible say about these
issues that face us? What does the
Bible say about the immigrant? What
does the Bible say about truth telling?
What does the Bible say about the
responsibilities of governing? What
does the Bible say about stewardship
of our economic resources? What does
the Bible say about healthcare? What
does the Bible say about conflict and
reconciliation?
You will have to do your homework to
find the answer to these questions, but
what better time to start the journey.
Youth know all about homework…just
ask them. And we tend to put a lot of
pressure on them to study and learn
well as they prepare to become citizens
and responsible adults. Perhaps we
should learn from them and prepare
ourselves well. There is no fake news
in the Bible. But there are also no easy
answers there either.
The good news is that if we begin to
search for our faith there, we will be
transformed by the journey. We may
even come out of it to stand strong and
calm in the midst of the raging storms
that lie ahead.
In Christ,
Pastor Jen
GPC Crossroads
7
Feb 2016
Congratulations
SammI martinez,
on the release of
your first CD!
Sammi's CD Release part at SoZo
Cafe on the evening Saturday,
January 21st, was a huge success.
Lots of her GPC family were there
to celebrate with her. She wow’ed
everyone with her stunning
voice and talent. Congratulations
Sammi! May you release many
more CD’s in the future.
GPC Crossroads
8
Feb 2016
Join us at 6 pm on Saturday,
Join February
us at 5:30 pm11,
on 2017
Sunday,
February 11th, 2017
For food, fun and fellowship
For food,
withfun
ourand
GPCfellowship
family!
with our GPC family!
“Heart” Dogs & Drinks
will be provided
Please
bring
side
dishes
“Heart” Dogs & Drinks
and / or desserts
will be provided
Please bring
side dishes
Be ready
for lots of fun prizes as well as
and/or desserts
surprises all night long !!!
Be ready for lots of fun prizes as well as surprises all night long!!!
The grand finale super prize will be given after a
The grand finale super
prize will
be given
after a fun-filled round
fun-filled
round
of “Left-Right-Center”
of “Left-Right-Center”
Our Mission project
for this event is to
collect socks for
the homeless
PLEASE DONATE !!!
Questions?
Contact
Questions? Contact
SusanSusan
Lucas Lucas
at (480) 219-9428or
or [email protected]
at 480-219-9428
[email protected]
GPC Crossroads
9
Feb 2016
TRUTHSEEKERS WORKSHOPS:
February Theme:
“Jesus Saves: Stories of His Saving Grace”
PreK through 6th Grade - 10 A.M. Sunday program
Bible References:
Focus on the “Woman at the Well” John 4:1-30, 39-42
and “The Ten Lepers” Luke 17: 11-19
Bible Memory Verse:
“God did not send His Son into the world to condemn
the world, but to save the world through Him.”
John 3:17
Teaching Objectives:
Children will learn:
that God loves people of all backgrounds, cultures; this is
shown in Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at
the well
that God loves each individual child at all times and in
whatever circumstances that child is living
that Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost”
(Luke 19:10)
GPC Crossroads
10
Feb 2016
that sin separates us from God, but that Jesus brings us
to God by taking the punishment for our sin
that when a person receives salvation through faith in
Jesus Christ, Jesus’ Spirit, the Holy Spirit, lives in the
person and is the “living water” that Jesus promises
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 for upcoming events!
February 2017 - Monthly Planner
GPC Crossroads
11
Feb 2016
Gilbert Presbyterian Church
Presyterian Church (U.S.A)
235 East Guadalupe Road
Gilbert, Arizona 85234-4536
Tel:
480.892.6753
Fax: 480.539.4594
E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.azgpc.org
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!
February Celebrations
Birthdays:
Anniversaries:
1Jen Fraser
1Ward MacKenzie
2Bret Blackburn
2Angela Stover
3Rob Nagy
6Christian Gallagher
6Arlyn Hearn
6Greg Kevern
6Judy Walmsley
7Gregory Brooks
10Brooke Ihms
10Dave McDougall
12Shirley Schmidt
17Katy Nasiff
GPC Crossroads
12
Feb 2016
17Andrew Walter
20Grace Mossman
21Sherry Gamble
25Kyle Lucas
28Paul Bengtson
3Hoyte and Jeani Mitchell
10Gary and Jane Lolling
12Jason Heinkel and Jane Poston
26Roy and Ginger Martin
28John and Erica Modzelewski