July 2018 Newsletter

GSPC NEWS July Edition | 2018

300 GOVERNMENT STREET | MOBILE, ALABAMA 36602 251.432.1749 | GSPCMOBILE.ORG

VBS 2018—ShipwreckedRescued by Jesus Thank You to all the VBS volunteers and Shawn Walker, VBS Director

Congregational Life

Worship Volunteers Sunday, July 1

Sanctuary Preparation: Usher Captain: Nursery Volunteer: Wee Worship Leader: Sunday Assistants:

SAVE THE DATE! JULY 15TH, after worship is our next Summer Sunday Social, an intergenerational lunch and Bible Study. Lunch will be provided and we’ll discuss Ephesians 1:3-14, about belonging to God. These should be words of comfort because when you belong, you are part of something bigger than yourself.

Harriett Boster Ashford Kettler Linda Reynolds Susan Ashbee Nicole Riis, Buzzy Riis

Our discussion will also include the reading of the book, Toby, about a young boy and his newly adopted rescue dog Toby. Toby is learning how to fit into his new family, feel safe and meet expectations and accept the love being offered to him. It’s all about belonging. We hope you’ll join us for food, fun, fellowship and discussion.

Sunday, July 8th Sanctuary Preparation: Usher Captain: Nursery Volunteer: Wee Worship Leader: Sunday Assistants:

Dot White Ashford Kettler Susan Holler Casi Callaway Katherine Ogburn, Sally E.

Congratulations to John and Margaret Sue Browning on the birth of their daughter Katherine Jane born on June 14th. She is the granddaughter of Susan Helmsing Groom.

Sunday, July 15th Sanctuary Preparation: Usher Captain: Nursery Volunteer: Wee Worship Leader: Sunday Assistants:

Bligh Jones, Trisha Hawkins Ashford Kettler Lindsay Otts Jessica King Susan Ashbee, Charlotte C.

Congratulations to Scott and Liz Markle on the birth of their daughter Charlotte Molly Rose who was born on June 27th. She is the little sister of Max and Lucy Carden Markle.

Sunday, July 22 Sanctuary Preparation: Usher Captain: Nursery Volunteer: Wee Worship Leader: Sunday Assistant:

The Session & Diaconate will NOT meet this month.

Harriett Boster Ashford Kettler Nicole Riis Beth McKee Jimmy Carroll, Susan Holler

Urban Ministries Urban Ministries will meet Tuesday, July, 10th at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, July 29 Sanctuary Preparation: Usher Captain: Nursery Volunteer: Wee Worship Leader: Sunday Assistant:

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with IHN June 10-17. Our remaining hosting weeks this year are August 5-12 and October 28– November 4. Are you called to serve during one of these weekends? Please contact Brian Naylor for information on this vital ministry.

Harriett Boster Brent & Sally Ericson Sandy Thomason Ashley Oswalt Abbie Bowron, Ed Bowron

An invitation from Alabama Presbyterian Cursillo: our next gathering is Ultreya, on July 14 at Northm minster in Pensacola (1100 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL). Pot luck lunch starts at noon - please bring a dish to share. All are welcome to join us for fellowship, food, singing, news, and a devotional. See you there!

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The inscription on the Statue of Liberty, written by Emma Lazarus says, “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

The United States of America has welcomed millions of people who were tired, poor, homeless, oppressed and yearning for freedom. They came to our shores exhausted but with a ray of hope within them. They did not give in, give up or give over to the precarious conditions they toiled under. They did not lose their faith. In fact, for many immigrants, it was their faith that motivated them to come to America.

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, July 4th, 2018 I am reminded of the familiar ring of the inscription on the Statue of Liberty with Jesus’ words, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest,” (Matt. 11:28). America has been a haven for many millions of people, who were unafraid to claim their new nation a Christian nation.

It appears that in America today people are afraid to proclaim both their allegiance to God and to country. Priorities have gotten skewed. We should joyously celebrate this land that we love, but our allegiance to America should never supersede our allegiance to God. We need God to continue to guide us and our country.

We are proud of our country and what it has accomplished in its short history. Yet, we know we are not perfect.

We don’t always agree with the direction our country is heading. Let us give our allegiance, first to God, whose truth goes before us. Serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ by serving others. And keep our faith fires burning brightly to guide others to the Lord.

The peace and joy of Jesus Christ be with you, Pastor Paul Session Highlights from meeting, June 19th, 2018

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Approved Healing Hope service for Wed. July 18th at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary.

Approved Jody Beth Melton, CLP, to officiate communion and preach on August 5th, 2018.

Approved vacation for Rev. Phillips, August 2-10, 2018.

Tabled Baytreat Committee’s request for funds to repair wharf until Sept. 2018.

Approved baptism of Marion Adams V on July 29th, 2018. Monnie Adams Caine will officiate the service.

Staff committee recommended Tommy Watts be paid at the rate of 40 hours a week, plus medical/dental benefits through the PCUSA Board of Pensions with GSPC paying half of the cost of these benefits. Session approved.

Financial Highlights (Jan. 1 thru June 19, 2018) GSPC

Baytreat

Revenue

$484,010.17 *

$24,770.00

Expenses

(461,402.71)

(19,571.80)

$22,607.46

$ 5,198.20

Income (Loss)

*Includes Maria Marbus’ Estate Gift of $198K ** Please note that current pledges received are $224,472.13. Budgeted pledges are $540,000.00, difference of ($315,527.87). We need your pledges especially during the summer months.

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GSPC NEWS

GSPC NEWS (USPC 736150) is published monthly by GSPC, 300 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602. Periodical: postage paid at Mobile, AL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GSPC NEWS, 300 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602

300 Government St. Mobile, Alabama 36602

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