vol. 51, no. 9 | september 2019 mainstream · fourthnight dinners and programming resume on...

Equipping Disciples Ministry............................................. 3

September 2019 Events............................................. 9

D48‘s New Format ..........10

Effective Financial Planning Seminar............10

Life in Christ Class........................................... 11

Bridges Ministry Update........................................... 11

Cub Scout Pack 64 Activities........................................... 13

All-Church Potluck .......... 14

IN THIS ISSUE Dear Friends,

All good things take time – and this September is filled with good things and the accompanying transitions. Kindergartners load up their backpacks and go to school for the first time. College students load up the family minivan, sometimes pulling a trailer, to head off to college.

Speaking of backpacks, students in Kindergarten through Grade 5, remember to bring your backpacks to church on Sunday, September 8, for the Blessing of the Backpacks!

Also on September 8, we welcome our new pastor, Rev. Mary Austin! Finally, she will be here! Many of you attended the congregational meeting on July 21 to call her as our new pastor, and some of you have wondered why she wasn’t in the pulpit the next week. But, of course, she had to say goodbye to her church in Detroit and pack up a house and move from Michigan to Maryland. Please join Congregational Life Ministry in hosting a welcome reception for Mary Austin and Carl Smith after the 11:15 service.

We said a sad goodbye to Bill Wisdom, our former Director of Music and Worship Arts, last month. This month we begin a season of transition in our music department. The HR committee has worked to find temporary leadership for our diverse music program. We are happy to announce that Paul Byssainthe, Jr., is returning to GPC! He will be our organist/choirmaster for the fall season, starting September 1. Also, Sandra Ragusa, the music director and conductor of the Montgomery Philharmonic orchestra, will serve as the temporary director of the Canterbury Ringers. Welcome, Sandra!

I’ll admit that there are days when I wish that everyone would stay still for at least five minutes, and we could enjoy a rest from all the changes. But that’s not the way God works. The Holy Spirit is blowing across our church and leading us into new ventures. So students go to school, friends move away, and new friends arrive. And this is good.

Many Blessings,Mary Beth

Associate [email protected]

From the Heart of Pastor Mary Beth

MANY BLESSINGS

THE MAINSTREAM

Vol. 51, No. 9 | September 2019

GAITHERSBURG PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND. A CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)

CONNECT with GPC!

www.gpchurch.org Find Us on Facebook:Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church

(301) 948-9418 (301) 869-3043

RECENT SCENES OF GPC

THE MAINSTREAM | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 2

Sunday Coffee Fellowship follows the 8:45 and 11:15 worship services.

With the support and generous contributions of the Angel Network, the Congregational Life Ministry coordinates a variety of activities and events. To join the Angel Network, contact Shari McCann at [email protected].

MORE Blessings | From the Congregational Life Ministry

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN SEPTEMBER

Sunday Coffee Fellowship Seasonal EventsMinistry of the Week Special RecognitionReceptionsKEY

01

ICE CREAMSOCIAL

Sept

embe

r

01

COMMUNION SUNDAY& BACK-TO-SCHOOL

RECOGNITION

29

BAKED GOODS(hosted by VIPS)

15

POPCORN, SALTYSNACKS & FRUIT

08

CELEBRATORYCAKE & FRUIT

GAITHERSBURG PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAFFTelephone: 301-948-9418 | Fax: 301-869-3043 | Website: www.gpchurch.org

The Rev. Mary Austin, Senior Pastor ......................................................................................maustin@gpchurch.orgThe Rev. Mary Beth Lawrence, Associate Pastor .......................................................... [email protected] Rev. Jacob Rodawla, Parish Associate ............................................................................. [email protected] Larsen, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries ..................................................clarsen@gpchurch.orgCarolyn Hayes, Director of Children and Young Families ........................................................ [email protected] Lee, Accounting Manager ............................................................................. [email protected] Gosnell, Facilities Manager ............................................................................................ [email protected] Kalu, Office Manager ........................................................................................................... [email protected] Obermiller Bruni, Communications Manager ........................................................ [email protected]

GAITHERSBURG PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN STAFFTelephone: 301-977-5787 | Website: www.gppk.com

Amy Smith, Director ............................................................................................................................. [email protected] Fantacci, Administrative Assistant ...............................................................................schooloffice@gppk.com

The Mainstream is published monthly by Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church, 610 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877-1297. The newsletter is a product of GPC’s Communications Committee, Rev. Mary Beth Lawrence and Jenna Obermiller Bruni, staff liaisons. Copies are available in the church’s Narthex and Main Office. Copy deadline is by the 15th of each month unless otherwise specified. Submit material electronically to Jenna Obermiller Bruni, Communications Manager, at [email protected].

STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

08

WELCOME REV.MARY AUSTIN AND

HER HUSBAND, CARL

22

FRESHVEGGIES & DIP

EQUIPPING DISCIPLES MINISTRY

3 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE MAINSTREAM

ADULT EDUCATION on sundays10:00–11:00 a.m.

• Christian Classics, Room 202

• The Bible as a Whole, Room 205

• The Present Word, Room 206

NEW for this Fall!

• Life in Christ, Library, starting 9/29

• Women in the Bible, Room 35

The time is here!!! Over the summer, the Equipping Disciples Ministry has been busy organizing classes and small groups for you and training facilitators for these groups.

This fall, GPC is offering the adult opportunities listed below. You are welcome to join any of these classes and small groups.

Unless otherwise noted, these classes and groups will begin on September 8.

small groups on sundays10:00–11:00 a.m.

• <<Topic TBD>>, Room 36

12:15–1:30 p.m.

• Christian Women Fellowship, Room 205

• Christian Men Fellowship, Room 206

Notes: • Look for other small group opportunities at GPC, such as the Adult Book Study –

Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult Peopleby Bob Goff (5-week study) – 7:00 on FourthNight in Carolyn’s office.

• The CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG FAMILIES’ MINISTRY page in this issue contains information about activities for your children at 10:00, 11:15, and 12:15 onSunday mornings.

If you have questions or wish to register for any of these programs, please contact Carolyn Hayes at [email protected].

Carolyn HayesDirector of Children and Young Families

[email protected]

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10:00 REMEMBER THE NEW TIME!!!

• September 1 – Labor Day Weekend – No Children’s Sunday School – Take your parents to church at 8:45 or 11:15! • September 8 – First day of 2019–2020 Children’s Sunday School – One Room Schoolhouse for pre-Kindergarteners

through Fifth Graders – Fellowship Hall • September 15, 22 & 29 – Children’s Sunday School – One Room Schoolhouse for pre-Kindergarteners through

Fifth Graders – Fellowship Hall

SPECIAL EVENTS:• September 8 – Parents Back-to-School Open House – Parents meet for coffee, pastries, and an overview of the

program year – Rooms 32/33• October 6 & 13 – Second Grade Bible Workshop – Room 16• October 20 – Children’s Sunday School follows 8:45 a.m. Children’s Sabbath Sunday.

OTHER ACTIVITIES (September & October) • Every Sunday, 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – The Nursery is open for 3-year-olds and younger with Malvin Duncan,

Naomi Njihia, and other volunteers.• Friday, September 6, 7:00–9:00 p.m. – Movie Night – Lindsay Hall (1st Friday of each month)• Sunday, September 8, 8:45/11:15 a.m. – Blessing of the Backpacks – Sanctuary• Sundays, beginning September 8 at 11:15 a.m.:

o Pre-Kindergarteners through Third Graders begin in worship with their parents and then, following the Time with Children, move to Fellowship Hall for Godly Play, an introduction to worship for young children where they hear and see scripture with the help of a storyteller.

o Fourth and Fifth Graders attend worship with their parents.• Sunday, September 15, 11:15 a.m. – Welcome to Worship Ceremony – Fourth and Fifth Graders will participate

in this ceremony during worship to highlight their transition to a more active and mature phase of their church life – Sanctuary

• Sundays, beginning September 15, 12:15–1:30 p.m. – Sunday Kids Club – fellowship, music instruction, and mission – Rooms 32/33

• Sunday, September 29, 5:00 p.m. – All-Church/Fifth Sunday Potluck – Lindsay Hall• Sunday, October 20, 8:45 a.m. – Children’s Sabbath Sunday and Presentation of Bibles to Second Graders –

GPC children will help lead worship. We hope that all children will be involved as lay leaders, ushers, or with children’s choirs.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (FOURTHNIGHT) FourthNight dinners and programming resume on September 11, with dinner starting at 6:15

• Kids Club – 7:00–8:00 – Rooms 32/33 (Note: Because Youth Fellowship runs until 8:30, Kids Club may stay open an extra half hourif there are enough adult volunteers that we can do so.)

o October 23, 6:00–8:00, Family Fun Night – Sky Zone o October 30, 7:00–8:30, Trunk or Treat – GPC parking lot

• Adult Book Study – 7:00 – Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacksand Difficult People by Bob Goff (5-week study) – Carolyn’s office

CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG FAMILIES’ MINISTRY


Dear Staff and Members of GPC:

I wish to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for the warm welcome and support you have given me during my time here. Deciding to leave GPC was difficult. I have

been surrounded by a caring congregation, a wonderful staff, and talented musicians. However, I must heed the call to be faithful to my gifts as an organist by spending my time performing, teaching, studying, and leading worship from the organ bench. I wish you God’s blessing in this time of transition, and I pray that you find a gifted musician who will lead your hearts and voices in song and praise to the Lord. I assure you of my prayers and well wishes.

Sincerely, Bill Wisnom

Director of Music and Worship Arts

MUSIC NOTES | THANK YOU


We’re back in full swing and are looking forward to a fantastic year with our Preschoolers and Kindergarteners! Our amazing staff is ready for another exciting, fun-filled year in our 3-year-old and 4-year-old preschool classes as well as our state-approved Kindergarten class. The school is sparkling and prepped for our new crop of children as we kick off our 44th year serving the community!

We are still enrolling students for the 2019–2020 school year and are excited to offer an Extended Day option this year! Look us up on Facebook or visit our website to see our class options.

If you have questions or would like to schedule a school tour, please call the GPP&K office.

In His Love, Amy Smith

GPP&K Director

SEPTEMBER SMILES

AT GPP&K!

2019–2020 THEME | IT’S PERSONALThis year our theme is “It’s Personal.” We will strive this year to make Jesus personal, get personal with one another, and share our personal faith journey. I’m excited to see God move through this theme this year.

WHAT WE'RE TEACHING THIS MONTH | SEPTEMBER Our teaching series for this month is called “The Greatest Show!”

Have you ever felt as if you’re putting on a show? Like the person that people think you are doesn’t line up with who you really are? Or maybe you’ve been known to put on different personas for different situations — personas that help you fit in with certain crowds, even if that persona doesn’t reflect who you really want to be. Sound familiar? Of course it does. We can all relate because, at times, we all struggle with the same big questions: “Who am I?” “Who loves me?” “Why am I here?” In this 4-week series about identity, we will help students find answers to those questions as they discover that, in Jesus, they are loved, they are forgiven, they have purpose, and they belong.

YOUTH SUNDAY MORNING KICK-OFF | SEPTEMBER 8 | 11:15 AM – 12:30 PMWe are kicking off the fall with a welcome back breakfast. Youth will have all the breakfast fixings to fill our bellies and begin a new year together. Please note that our Youth Gathering on Sunday mornings will end at 12:30 p.m. This helps us get through the lesson and lets the Youth have enough time with their small groups each week.

YOUTH WEDNESDAY NIGHT KICK-OFF | SEPTEMBER 11 | 7:00–8:30 PMEvery month, the Youth will participate in an event called SQUAD WARS. This event is for all Youth and it will be filled with crazy games, team spirit, and a little friendly competition. Youth will be divided into four color teams. This month’s theme is Water Night. Please bring a towel with you to Youth Group.

PARENT SYMPOSIUM | OCTOBER 19 | 9:00–11:30 AM | GPCHey parents! Can we just say it? Parenting teens is HARD!!!! With the start of the school year, the work of parenting teens is in full swing. Last year we introduced Parent Symposiums and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Well, we are hosting these again this year at GPC and at the first one we will discuss bullying. How can we help our teens navigate this and recognize when they need help? Let‘s discuss this together! Admission is free, RSVPs are very helpful for planning

purposes (see parent emails), and a light continental breakfast will be offered. We hope that you’ll take advantage of the dialogue and support from the parenting community!

FALL RETREAT | NOVEMBER 8–10 | NEW LIFE BIBLE CAMP – BUFFALO MILLS, PENNSYLVANIAThe retreat is open to both middle school and high school youth.

Registration is officially open for our fall retreat and will close on October 20. The cost is $70. Please see the monthly youth email to register.

COLLEGE STUDENTSNo matter the age of your college student, everyone likes to receive a little snail mail throughout the year. If your son or daughter is attending college, please send their address to Carrie. Many times we do not have an updated address and mail is returned to us. Please send these addresses by September 20 so that we can mail the fall packages.

“What if the church and the family teamed up to help youth find and follow Jesus?” On The Journey <><Carrie Larsen

Director of Youth and Young Adults(562) 777-5364 (mobile)


YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS' MINISTRY

COSTA RICA MISSION TRIP

HIGH SCHOOL CAMP

MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP



craft group Sunday, September 8 | 12:15 p.m. | Rooms 30/31Bring your lunch and come join the fun as we sew, crochet, and knit. Start or finish projects! There arealso ongoing needs for small knitted/crochetedanimals prayer shawls, and lap robes. Patterns are available for these projects. If you have a special project in mind, would like a materials list, or haveany questions, contact Barbara Clark, 240-988-9572 or [email protected].

Our next meeting is October 6.

VERY IMPORTANT PRESBYTERIAN SENIORS {VIPS}Thursday, September 5 | 11:30 a.m. | Lindsay Hall | “A Success Story from the World of Disabilities”Come hear an amazing talk by GPC’s own Roisin O’Hare, a person from the world of developmental and intellectual disabilities, as she shares the many facets of her life’s story.

This bring-your-own-lunch (only) meeting starts with gathering at 11:30, followed by the noon meeting and the 12:30 lunch, including dessert. Roisin’s presentation will follow the lunch.

Everyone 50 or over is enthusiastically encouraged and welcome to join in the fellowship and fun of VIPS! If youare attending VIPS for the first time or have any questions, contact Nancy Sanders at 301-963-1357.


GPC EMPLOYMENTSUPPORT GROUP

Those seeking employment opportunities are encouraged to take advantage of the various resources posted at www.gpchurch.org/esg. If you wish to be added to the ESG distribution list, need additional employment support, or have job openings and other suggestions to share, contact Clara Pratt at [email protected].

2nd friday book clubFriday, September 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Spencer Hall We will discuss Chapters 4–6 of White Fragility, by Robin DiAngelo and Michael Eric Dyson. All are welcome, whether or not you’ve startedreading the book or can attend meetingsregularly. For more information, contact Cindy Cenname, [email protected].


THE GOOD GRIEF GROUp Saturday, September 28 | 10:00 a.m. | Room 202

If you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one or another loss, we invite you to GPC’s bereavement support group. We are a small group, usually 8 to 12 people, including a facilitator. Everyone has an opportunity to talk (or may refrain from talking, if they wish) and all conversations are confidential. Coffee, tea, and water are provided. Contact John Slavcoff, 301-987-6903 or [email protected].


men’s fellowship breakfast

This month’s program will feature a presentation about recycling by Eileen Kao of the Montgomery CountyDepartment of Environmental Protection. Please join us for a light breakfast, Christian fellowship, and prayer. Reservations are not necessary. Although this group has been for men, some women also attend regularly. Questions? Call John Slavcoff at 301-987-6903.


Saturday, September 7 8:00 a.m. | Lindsay Hall


29 30 1 2 3 4 5

MEN'SFELLOWSHIPBREAKFAST8:00 AM

MOVIE NIGHT7:00 PM

REV. MARY AUSTIN PREACHING8:45/11:15 AM

LIFE IN CHRIST CLASS10:00 AM

ALL-CHURCH POTLUCK 5:00 PM

September 2019 EventsSUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

22 23 24 25

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

8 9 10 11 12 13 14REV. MARY AUSTIN PREACHING8:45/11:15 AMBlessing of the Backpacks

12:15 PM Welcome Reception for Rev. Austin & Carl Smith

CRAFT GROUP12:15 PM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7MEN'SFELLOWSHIPBREAKFAST8:00 AM

MOVIE NIGHT7:00 PM

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

26 27 28

LABOR DAY

VIPS11:30 AM

VIPS11:30 AM

COOKING FOR MCCH MEN’S SHELTER11:00 AM

THE GOOD GRIEF GROUP 10:00 AM

FOURTHNIGHT 6:15 PM

REV. MARY BETHLAWRENCE PREACHING8:45/11:15 AMCommunion

2ND FRIDAY BOOK CLUB7:30 PM



FOURTHNIGHT 6:15 PM

FOURTHNIGHT 6:15 PM

FOURTHNIGHT 6:15 PM


WHAT IS D48’S NEW FORMAT?D48 is a recipe for a divine experience:

• Date and time • 2 hosts with entrée • 6 guests hungry for Christian fellowship and good food • 1 appetizer• 1 of the following: salad, vegetable, or bread • Lots of desserts

Add all ingredients in any size home and blend thoroughly. Serve leisurely.

In an effort to include more folks in our Dinners for Eight (D48) program this year, we are accepting members who are unable to host because they feel that their homes are not large enough to accommodate eight adults for dinner. Therefore, if you are interested in participating in D48, we can include you in the 2019–2020 schedule. Also, folks sometimes do not sign up because they do not have babysitting for their young children. Perhaps you can partner with another family so that your children go to their home on the evening when your D48 is scheduled and then you care for their children on the evening of their D48. If you need help finding a family with whom to partner, please let Clara know (contact information provided below).

The D48 program is a wonderful way for members and friends of GPC to get to know one another better. During September, you may sign up as a single, a couple, or a substitute on the poster in Lindsay Hall or by contacting Clara Pratt at 301-840-2212 or [email protected]. You will be scheduled for four gatherings between November and June. If you are a host, you will coordinate the dinner and provide the entrée in your home. As a guest, you will be asked to take one item to someone else’s home.

To be in sync with the vision of GPC, D48 desires to be representative of a global, caring community of faith. We need your participation to become more intergenerational and more multicultural. Sign up today!!!

EFFECTIVE FINANCIAL PLANNING SEMINARSunday, October 27 | 12:30 p.m. | Lindsay Hall

The Planned Giving Committee is pleased to invite you to a special public-service seminar, “Effective Financial Planning.”

This seminar will be presented by Stefanie Marsden, Relationship Manager at Texas Presbyterian Foundation—one of the largest full-service foundations in our denomination. Her presentation will include details on 2019 tax law changes, various benefits of effective planning, and using financial planning methods.

Reservations are encouraged. Prepayment of $10.00 for your box lunch is required. Sign-up forms will be available in the Narthex, Lindsay Hall, and on the church website.

Additional information is available from me or any other member of the Planned Giving Committee: Bruce Andrews, Maxine and Jerry Brown, Sharon Mastroni, Kay Penn, Keith and Sally Rush, and Charlotte Spencer.

Phil MelbergPlanned Giving Committee


Conversations from the field

RELIGIOUS "NONE" – One who checks the “none” box under “Religious Affiliation” in a survey;one who has rejected organized religion as a whole.

Let me redact a conversation I had recently with someone in this demographic and in our community:

“My mother was a religious fanatic. She attended every religious event that her church offered. While other kids got hauled from soccer game to lacrosse game on a Saturday morning, my mom was taking me from prayer meeting to Bible study. Every Sunday afternoon, no matter who was calling, when you picked up the phone, there was only one opener: “Did you go to church this morning?”

“By the time I left home, I was burned out on church. As an adult, I was still a person of faith but I could never go back to what I grew up with. I tried a few churches but never seemed to be able to connect. My kids are now young adults. They have no interest in church. But they’re good people. They’re not anti-faith but, like me, they kind of don’t know what to do with it, or where it belongs. What do I do?”

Answers that are not helpful:• “Well, why don’t you come to church with me?” [Uh, because that’s what I’m burned out from.]• “Maybe you could come to our Bible study.” [Same difference]• “Let me tell you about Jesus.” [Already know about him.]• “Let me set up a meeting for you with our pastor.” [What’s he/she going to tell me that I don’t already know?]

Answers that might be more helpful:• “Really? Tell me more.”• “Tell me about the faith that you do have.”• “ I can understand how you feel that way. Let’s make an appointment for coffee so that we can share more at length.”• “I‘ve had struggles with my faith too. Let me tell you about them.”

Which is better: Learning about the historical figure of Jesus or encountering someone who is like him?

Norm Gordon is a Bridge Leader serving as a GPC Missionary in Central Montgomery County among the unchurched. For more information, contact him at [email protected].

LIFE IN CHRISt classSundays, September 29 – November 17

10:00 a.m. | LibraryThis is the basic discipleship class for long-time members as well as for those wishing

to become official members of the congregation. Please contact Rev. Mary Beth Lawrenceto let her know of your interest.


September arrives with our hurrying about with new business, school, church, and social schedules. We begin planning our lives realizing that we will have less daylight and more dark hours each day. So much less sunshine will be available and it will continue to decrease until the Winter Solstice. Sometimes we feel cheated, depressed, or deprived of something we need and which makes us happy and smile. Sunshine is always welcome, but also very unpredictable and ever changing.

Blessedly that does not happen when we consider our Sonshine—the light and glory that God shares with us each day. As His disciples, we can enjoy the delight and warmth of God’s love all the time. Our acceptance of Him as our Lord and Savior allows us to bask in the joy and comfort of that relationship. Like sunshine, it is always welcome, but also constant and never changing. And just like children playing on a beautiful, sun-filled summer day, inviting everyone to join in, so have you wished to share your delight in the Sonshine with others. Through your discipleship and stewardship here at GPC, you have reached out to others—serving meals at SOME, teaching Sunday School, volunteering at Vacation Bible School, sending cards to members offering comfort or encouragement, raising your voices in praise to the Lord, planting flowers, sharing your gifts of music, painting the manse, serving Communion, working in the kitchen, visiting schools and shelters, going on a mission trip, donating money to GPC, helping boys and girls in Scouting programs, and bringing your family and friends to church services and events. Look through The Mainstream and see what you and others have done or plan to do—it’s amazing!!! And this is only a little snippet of GPC life.

You are incredible in your commitment to the Lord through the mission of GPC. You are strengthening your Sonlight and sharing it generously with everyone you can so that they will feel the energy, hear the message, and experience the Love of God. Your enthusiasm is contagious and brings light into people’s lives no matter the season or time of day. Your generous spirit is appreciated throughoutthe year.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows.” —James 1:17

Sharon MastroniStewardship Chair

Church Library Notes by Linda Hastings New books in the GPC library will be on display in September. Some of them are listed below:

• Forever Family, by Rob Scheer. Helping foster children in transition.• Nave’s NIV Topical Bible. Updated from the original King James Version.• Prayer, by Philip Yancey. Subtitled “Does It Make Any Difference?”• Seven Women, by Eric Metaxas. From Joan of Arc to Mother Teresa.• Wounded Healer, by Henri Nouwen. In our own woundedness, we become a source of life for others.

SONSHIP


COMMUNITY SCHOOLS BACK TO SCHOOL 2019

More new families are moving to our area and their needs remain the same as in previous years.

WINTER COATS: For boys and girls from ages 5–11, sizes 4–14. Please try to buy these early. I would like to turn them in by Halloween, as the weather is starting to get cold by then.TOILETRIES: For the family (shampoo, deodorant, body soap, etc.) and a first aid kit.HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS: Toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, wipes. Please purchase packages of 4 or 6–9 rolls of toilet paper, not one large package of 50 loose rolls.GROCERY GIFT CARDS: $25 or $50 cards for Weis, Giant, Walmart, or wherever you shop.

Please give gift cards to a staff person. All other items can be placed in the bin under the mailboxes marked “SHES.” If every GPC family buys one of the items listed above, we will show our neighbors that we care about their needs.

This year we are planning to team up with Ana Schmidt at SHES and work with her mothers group, which meets on Tuesday mornings. She would like conversation to be part of her program and, who knows, we might even learn some Spanish! She would also like to teach them crocheting or knitting.

Feel free to contact me with your questions.Marilyn Morrison

[email protected]

CUB SCOUT PACK 64 ACTIVITIESPack 64 had a busy summer of activities, starting in June with the Raingutter Regatta and the Advancement Ceremony. July’s activities included attending a Gaithersburg Giants baseball game and taking a hike along the C&O Canal at Great Falls. A kickball game was played at Woodward Park in Washington Grove the end of August.

We’ll start our fall activities in earnest with Gaithersburg’s annual Labor Day parade onSeptember 2, the Join Scouting Night at GPC on September 17 at 7:00 p.m., and the Izaak Walton League-Lois Green fall clean-up activity on September 21, beginning at 9:00 a.m. We look forward to a bike rodeo and camping trip later in the fall. All elementary school age children are welcometo participate in these and other fun events.

If you would like to participate in the September activities or have any questions about Cub Scout Pack 64, contact either Jacob Ricker, Cubmaster, at [email protected] or Paul Pollard, Cub Pack Committee Chair, at [email protected].

—Barb Clark


Jane Hyndman(240) 690-4811

19310 Clubhouse Road, #420Montgomery Village, MD 20886-3032

WE’ve MOVED! Please note this new information

in your church directory.

Irene Ngwa(240) 418-6512

9015 Centerway RoadGaithersburg, MD 20879-1804

Charles & Irene Tchimou(240) 899-3924

503 South Warminster Road, #L7Hatboro, PA 19040-4124

We cook hot breakfasts that are delivered to the MCCH men’s shelterin Rockville. 200 residents receive hot breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday!

Fridays, September 27 and October 2511:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the GPC kitchen

IMPORTANT: PLEASE RSVP so that we know how many helpers to plan for. Sign up at kind-works.org/news/new-project-help-cook-hot-weekend

-breakfasts-mens-shelter or contact Denise Schleckser at [email protected].

Spaces fill up quickly!

HELP COOK for THE MCCH MEN’S

SHELTER!

All-Church PotluckSunday, September 29

5:00–7:00 p.m. | Lindsay Hall

Bring one of your favorite foods to share (enough for 10 servings) and enjoy the fellowship with other members of GPC. We will welcome notonly our new pastor, but also the members of the Mizo Presbyterian Church, and will make lots of new friends!

Interfaith WorksWomen’s Center Alert

It won’t be long before GPC will be providing meals at the IWWC during Christmas week! Mark your calendars now for December 22–28. More information and online sign-up sheets will be provided later.

July 2019 Membership Directories are available in the Narthex and GPC office.

Please check the directory to make sure that your current address is in the GPC database and that your family’s information is correct. Contact Karma Beal at [email protected] with any changes.


submissions

If you would like to share a family milestone, please submit material electronically to [email protected] on or before the 15th of each month.

GPC MEDIA POLICY

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church (GPC) uses print and digital media of church life in communications materials to share the ministry of GPC with our congregation and community at large. GPC reserves the right to use any media taken at any activity sponsored by GPC, without the express written consent of those individuals included within the media. GPC may use any such media in publications, social media, and any website.

Financial summary report July 2019

2019 YTDINCOME

Worship Offering ................. $588,267Rent ............................................$22,668Other Income ............................. $4,951

Total ................................. $615,886

EXPENSE

NCP Membership .................$22,378Human Resources ............. $336,273Buildings & Grounds ......... $158,319Office & Administration ......$26,849Community Engagement....$54,586Equipping Disciples ..............$11,094Vital Worship ........................... $1,149Congregational Life ................ $3,477

Total ................................. $614,124

NET ................................... $1,762

% OF BUDGET

........58%

........47%

........53%

.......58%

........75%

........55%

........69%

........53%

........55%

........44%

........14%

........46%

.......58%

To request a complete financial summary, email [email protected].

ARE you SOCIAL?Find/follow/like GPC on social media!

facebook.com/GaithersburgPresbyterianChurch

instagram.com/gpchurch_moco

twitter.com/GPChurch_Moco

christian sympathy

The sympathy of our congregation is extended to the friends and family of

Karma Bealon the death of her brother,

Gordon Yates,in Sachse, TexasAugust 8, 2019

STOCK & SECURITIES DONATIONS

GPC has opened a new account with Merrill Lynch to facilitate the sale of donated securities, replacing the previous broker. Anyone wishing to give stock or other securities to GPC should

contact Lisa Lee, GPC Accounting Manager ([email protected]),

for details and processing instructions. Also, please notify Lisa when giving proceeds

from donor-advised funds.

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church610 South Frederick AvenueGaithersburg, MD 20877-1297

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

OUR VISION AND MISSIONGPC is called by God to be: A global, caring community of faith, centered in Jesus Christ, training people to share His life everywhere we go.Our top three priorities are: • To worship the Lord with heart, soul, mind

and strength • To engage our neighbors in central

Montgomery County • To equip each generation for Christian

discipleship

NON-PROFIT U.S.ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Suburban MarylandPERMIT NO. 10005

THE MAINSTREAM

BACK TO SCHOOL & BACK TO CHURCH!

vol. 51, no. 9 | september 2019 mainstream · fourthnight dinners and programming resume on...

Documents