Government Street Presbyterian Church
IN THIS ISSUE
Pastor Nominating Committee Report
Confirmation 2019
Vacation Bible School
Graduate & Special Recognition
Congregational Life
Urban Ministries
Session Highlights
Ministry of Music
Welcoming Rebekah Abel Lamar
Presbyterian Women
Summer at GSPC
A very special THANK YOU to the youth for leading in worship on Sunday, May 5. May just MAY be one of my favorite months. Certainly for those graduating and moving on to new and exciting opportunities in life, this is a grand time to have much to look forward to. In our region, the heat begins to saturate our days and the beauty of God’s creation, particularly the water, and the beach, beckon me to step out and take in the rest and calming features offered to us by the beauty of the earth. I find it very easy to “worship God in his sanctuary” when I’m able to enjoy these moments in the out of doors. It is also the time when the liturgical year of the church changes from Easter to Pentecost, and the many events of summer garner our attention. Let’s remember that our collective worship in church still goes on each Sunday. Let’s remember to whom we owe our praise for the beauty of summer and the amenities we all enjoy. I challenge you to consider: how will you do summer?
ď Ą From Rev. Dr. Cary Speaker The end of April every year is a special time for me. I celebrate my birthday. The older I get the more I stretch that celebration. My brother Ted and I have birthdays two weeks apart. For about the last twenty-five years we have been able to get together sometime between our birthdays to celebrate. This year we were not able to make that two-week window, but we will be together next weekend in Nashville. I will be there for my niece’s wedding. It will be a large family gathering. Another part of what makes the end of April special is the beginning of May. When I was growing up school ended May 31 (and started September 1). That meant that the month of May was always filled with end of the school year activities. We will celebrate the end of high school for our seniors on May 5. Please be here in worship that Sunday to support and celebrate with our youth and particularly our seniors. The end of the school year means that summer is coming. You will see in this edition of the newsletter that we are welcoming Anna Grace Claunch as the Director of the Urban Mission Camps. Some of you may remember her parents from years ago. They were members at GSPC before the family moved to St. Louis. Another summer tradition for GSPC is Bible School. This summer Lois McNorton (our office and property manager) will be the director. For several years Lois was on the road directing as many as nine and ten different Bible schools each summer. If you have children or grandchildren, please register early for Bible school. Of course, the final part of summer for me is that this begins the wind down of my time with you at GSPC. I will be here through July 14, 2019. Rebekah begins July 15. I may be as excited as you are about Rebekah being your new pastor. We have talked a few times and I am sure we will more before July. She is delightful. I suppose, since this is a church newsletter, it is OK for me to confess. I am jealous of this congregation. I wish I was a church member with Rebekah as my pastor. Peace, Cary
Pastor Nominating Committee After months of discernment, interviews, fellowship, travels, and prayers, the Pastor Nominating Committee is excited to announce that we have a candidate whom we recommend be called to GSPC to become our next Head of Staff/Senior Pastor: The Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar. Rebekah and her husband Ashley have three children Sam (10), Ann Thomas (8), and James (5). They are all very excited at the prospect of being involved in this new phase of our church. Rebekah grew up in southwest Virginia outside the town of Abingdon. She met Ashley Lamar, a Pensacola, Florida native, while they were both students at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, Rebekah graduated from college in 2000 with a BA in Religion-Christian Education and English. They were married in July 2002 after Rebekah completed her Master of Arts in Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. She began her work as Director of Christian Education at Decatur Presbyterian Church in August, 2002. During her time in Decatur, Rebekah heard a call to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament and enrolled at Columbia Seminary in 2008 while still serving at Decatur Presbyterian Church. She graduated in 2014 with a Master of Divinity. In summer of 2015, Rebekah accepted a call as Associate Pastor for Christian Formation at Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee where she was ordained in September 2015. While at Idlewild, she had the opportunity to lead not only in the area of Christian Formation, but also in preaching and worship leadership, pastoral care, and administration. She supervised and developed a staff team for Christian Formation, working closely in the supervision of other staff members. She also served as a staff member of the Budget and Finance Committee and the Building Committee for a major renovation project. She, along with the clergy team, maintained a scheduled rotation for regular and emergency visitation and home communion. Rebekah has a passion for planning and leading worship that engages all ages to praise and seek God. Ashley currently teaches fifth grade math at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School, where the children also attend. Their life is full of soccer games, church meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and lots of laughter. The Presbytery Committee on Ministry has completed its evaluation and has approved Rebekah for our call. The PNC has also performed reference checks and received glowing responses such as: “she would be an excellent Head of Staff”, “she is wise”, “she has great clarity”, “she is an exceptional spiritual leader”, and she is “articulate, very committed, delightful, a people person, compassionate”. The PNC unanimously and wholeheartedly recommends Rebekah as our next Head of Staff/Senior Pastor. The PNC invites the Congregation and Session to join in its excitement and accept its recommendation to extend a call to The Rev. Rebekah Lamar.
Cristian Education YOUTH END-OF-YEAR PARTY MAY 19 | 12pm Details TBA
Confirmation was held on Sunday, April 28, 2019 receiving as confirmands: JACKSON MCLEAN BOONE ROBINSON GUY HELMSING ROBERT ANDREW MOSTELLAR
Congratulations Graduates! Emma Parson Goodloe will graduate on May 8, 2019, from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. She will receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations with a Public Affairs Professional Certificate. She is a member of Order of Omega Greek Honor Society and the Dean’s List. During her time at UGA, Emma has been a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority where she has served as the Risk Management Chairman, has been a Public Affairs Professional Certificate Ambassador, participated in the Cannes Lions Festival Study Abroad Program in Cannes, France, and participated in the Grady@DC Domestic Field Study Program in Washington, D.C., where she interned for Congressman Bradley Byrne and High Cotton Consulting. Emma volunteered in the Clarke County Mentor Program for a local middle school in Athens. Emma will attend the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in August, as a Merit and Academic Excellence Scholar.
Laura Catrett Tamblyn will graduate Summa Cum Laude from Auburn University on May 5, 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. While at Auburn, she worked on the executive committee o f K appa K app a Gamma, was an ambassador for the College of Education, and enjoyed working and participating in the college ministry at the First Baptist Church of Opelika. She attended several mission trips with FBO to Port Saint Joe, Florida. Upon graduation, Laura Catrett is moving to be an elementary school teacher and to be part of a church planting team in the city of Montgomery.
Alex Van Haneghan graduated from USA's College of Medicine on Saturday May 4. In June, Alex will move to Birmingham to begin her residency in anesthesiology.
In a worship service on Sunday, May 5, GSPC recognized those graduating from High School.
ELIZABETH
Sullivan
Julia
GUSTIN
“Sully”
Thomas
Irvine
King
A Special Congratulations to Carter Hale, Jr. Carter received recognition and was pinned at the investiture of Honorable George Zoghby. “There is a little boy that I met only once or twice. He was four or five years old. A couple of years later, when he found out that I wanted to be a judge, I immediately became a rock star in this child’s eyes. I became a figure that this young boy looked up to and he was so excited. I instantly became cool!! In fact, he wrote and colored this book that he made for me. It’s called ‘My George Zoghby Book’. “Carter Hale, Jr.: Come up here. Everyone, meet Carter Hale, Jr. ‘We did it Buddy!!’ “I thought, ‘Why can’t judges be super heroes? Why can't the judges’ robes be their capes in the eyes of today's youth?’ For it is what judges do that affect society and hopefully provide a better future for our youth.” Carter, the son of Carter and Jane Hale, and brother of Emerson and Lillian Grace, is active in GSPC’s Children’s Ministry and Children’s Choir.
Congregational Life Words can’t express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for the past eight years and the wonderful reception and gift you bestowed upon me. I truly enjoyed serving my loving church family as the Director of Children’s Ministry and look forward to serving my church in various other ways in the years to come. I want to thank you all for your kind words and support for my future endeavors. GSPC has been a true blessing to me and my family. Love to each and everyone. Shawn Walker
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY ...is extended the family of Dr. Jeptha Blacksher Cobb who died April 2, 2019. A memorial service will be held from GSPC on Saturday, May 18 at 10AM. ...is extended to the family of Evelyn Durant who died on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. A graveside service will be held from Magnolia Cemetery on Friday, May 10 at 11AM. A memorial service will be announced at a later time.
PULPIT SWAP ON SUNDAY, MAY 19 Rev. Anna Fulmer Duke is the Associate Pastor at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church in Mobile and has served there for the past 4.5 years. Prior to that, Anna was a Lake Fellow Resident at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Anna is originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina. Last year, she married Brian Duke; he teaches history at Davidson High School. For fun, Anna enjoys biking, walking her dog Buster, and reading. A fun fact: Anna went to Columbia Theological Seminary with your new pastor, Rebekah Abel Lamar and was able to work with her for two years at Decatur Presbyterian Church (as their Youth Ministry Assistant). It is a small Presbyterian world!
Glenn Adams Win Elliott Lewis Lawrence John Otts, II Grace Tyson Margaret McGinnis Blanton Elyse Marley Beth Rouse Thomas Tippy, IV Sully Irvine David Lindsey James Van Haneghan Mamie Blanton Kathryn Tomko-Watson Travis Goodloe, III Rachael Hood Anne Roberds Elizabeth Lutz Wade Perry Haney Jones Margaret Sue Browning Elizabeth Gustin Lane Wright Carley Akers Lisa DeShazo Jenifer Jameson Julie Martin Blair Schoenvogel Kaitlin Wright Denton Elliott Deb Becker Buzzy Riis Allison Peebles Chandler Ogburn Hunter Oswalt
Bible Study
TUESDAYS Men’s Bible Study 7am | Home of Rudy Nordmann
WEDNESDAYS Men’s Bible Study 7am | GSPC Library
Ladies’ Bible Study 7:45am | Home of Ann Adams
Men’s Bible Study 6pm | GSPC Library
Ladies’ Bible Study 10am | GSPC Frist Room
Worship Volunteers MAY 5
MAY 12
MAY 19
MAY 26
USHER CAPTAIN
Ashford Kettler
Ashford Kettler
Ashford Kettler
Brent Ericson
SANCTUARY PREPARER
Harriett Boster
Dot White
Bligh Jones Trisha Hawkins
Harriett Boster
SUNDAY ASSISTANTS
Sara Bryan
Abbie Bowron
Jarrett Callaway
Charlotte Crockett
Preston Reeder
Ted Burke
Sue King
Linda Dealy
NURSERY
Dorothy Morrison
Susan Holler
Sage Arnold
Georgia
WEE WORSHIP
Jane Hale
Charlotte Crockett
Dorothy Morrison
Casi Callaway
ď Ą Elder Shepherd Program The Elder-Shepherd project is designed to enhance communication between the officers of GSPC and our members. Either an Elder or a Deacon will be contacting each family in GSPC once per quarter. Some may remember that this project was initiated last year but never fully implemented. We will start over in the second quarter of 2019 and hope to speak with each family. We have a two-fold purpose in making theses calls. 1) it gives the officers a chance to communicate to our bosses, the congregation, what we are up to, answer any questions, and clarify any misconceptions. 2) it allows the officers to hear from the congregation. We need to know how you feel about our worship services, Sunday School, Bible Study, Urban Missions, etc. Is there something you really love or something you would like to see changed? We also want to hear about any joys or concerns in the congregation. If there are needs for prayer, we want to hear about it. If your family is not contacted in the coming weeks please let me know. Sincerely, Edward Ogburn
ď Ą Worship: Ministry of Music The summer break is upon us! The Sanctuary Choir will sing through Sunday, May 19. Next season will begin with the annual Ministry of Music dinner at Guesnard House on Wednesday, August 14 at 6PM.
I encourage those that have any desire to participate to use the summer months to consider joining the Sanctuary Choir or the Handbell Choir. There is a place for you and we would love to have you join us! In July, we welcome our new Senior Pastor, Rebekah Abel Lamar. A veryspecial service of joyous celebration is planned and the choir will convene for rehearsal and to sing on her first Sunday with us, July 21. We invite you to be a part of this special time in the life of our church. As always, you may contact me if you have any questions or are interested in signing-up for next season. Tommy Watts | tommy@gspcmobile.org | 251.654.6453
ď Ą Prayer Chain If you have a prayer need, please contact Charlotte Crockett at 251.478.1003 or 251.591.7902 spjr7@comcast.n et
Urban Ministries
Introducing
Anna
Grace
Claunch Director, Urban Mission Camps 2019 anna@gspcmobile.org
Anna is a Masters of Divinity student at Columbia Theological Seminary. Originally from Fairhope, Alabama, she spent part of her childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, and has lived in Memphis, Tennessee while pursuing an undergraduate degree from Rhodes College. After graduation from Columbia next May, it is her desire to eventually pastor in a PC(USA) setting. Anna Grace also has a passion for interfaith and religious tolerance, as well as mental illness advocacy and suicide prevention. Aside from her studies, she interns for the Healthy Seminarians-Healthy Church Initiative and teaches English as a second language. “I look forward to getting to know the congregation of GSPC and I cannot wait to lead the Urban Mission Camps this summer!”
*
Summer Assistant
GSPC is looking for a responsible, energetic, motivated young adult to serve as the Assistant Camp Director for its 2019 Urban Mission Camp program. If you or someone you know qualifies for this position, please contact the church office at info@gspcmobile.org. For more information, visit gspcmobile.org/job-opportunities.
Duties and Responsibilities: The Assistant Camp Director will support the Camp Director in the efficient and effective running of the camp’s program of activities. This may include, but not necessarily be limited to:
Helping prepare Baytreat to receive a new group of participants each week;
Taking actions to help participants meet the daily schedule;
Monitor participant activities around Baytreat and advise youth and adult chaperones regarding safety issues;
Having FUN!
This position will require the individual to conduct a very broad range of activities, some of which are physical, in roles that may be supportive or may be as a leader. This position assists the Camp Director in providing for a program of activities that exposes participants to working with those in need, the homeless, and those with intellectual and developmental challenges. The program is conducted in a theological setting, acknowledging God’s directive to serve others. In addition to following the direction of those in supervisory positions, the individual will need to be able to make and act on independent decisions and work with others, especially youth and adult advisors. Typical to camps of this nature, hours will be long, physical stamina is a consideration. Personal demeanor & communication skills, particularly an ability to listen, comprehend, and converse are a great part of the job.
Session Highlights from the session meeting April 23, 2019. •
The moderator called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM in the church library.
•
The minutes of the March 19 session meeting and the congregational meeting , April 7, 2019, were approved.
•
The clerk proposed the transfer of two members to out of town churches, which were approved.
•
Christian Education: Allison Peebles reported that Lois McNorton will be the director of Bible school this summer. The dates are June 17 – 20, with Friday June 21 “Splash Day” at Bay Treat.
•
Worship: Betsy Otts reported that May 12 will be presbytery pulpit exchange. Rev. Ann Fulmer, associate at Spring Hill , will preach at GSPC. Cary Speaker will preach at Providence Presbyterian Church. Due to Youth Sunday being on the first Sunday of June, communion will be the second Sunday, May 12. Approved celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion to be served for the final meeting of the year for the PW Bible study on Tuesday May 21.
•
Property: James Tamblyn presented a long list of updates and improvements for GSPC. The list included a major upgrade to the internet system and renovation of the upstairs bathroom in the Guesnard House.
•
Bay Treat: Beth Majure announced an upcoming workday for Bay Treat. (It was later confirmed to be Tuesday May 14 at 1:30.)
•
The Clerk reported that presbytery has requested that GSPC host COLT again. The date is January 2020. The session approved this request.
•
The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Elder Edward Ogburn at 6:45PM.
Susan Miller | Clerk of Session | srm2059@aol.com
Committee Chairpersons
Clerk of Session & Nominating Susan Miller
Finance Guy Helmsing
Stewardship Dru Oswalt
srm2059@aol.com
guy.helmsing@hancockwhitney.com
dsoswalt@gmail.com
Christian Education Allison Peebles
Membership & Evangelism Blair Schoenvogel
Urban Missions Dan Dealy
allisonpeebles1@gmail.com
bschoenvogel@email.com
ddealy@dsdservicesgroup.com
Communications Sage Arnold
Maschmeyer Fund Lisa Goodloe
World Missions Susan Ashbee
sagewarnold@gmail.com
lgoodloe@comcast.net
sashbee@aol.com
Congregational Life Sara Bryan
Permanent Funds Ed Bowron
Worship Betsy Otts
sgdonbryan@comcast.net
ed@bowronlaw.com
betsyotts@aol.com
Diaconate Marcia Wyatt
Property James Tamblyn
Baytreat Beth Majure
mwyatt62@comcast.net
jptamblyn@comcast.net
bethmajure@gmail.com
Elder Shepherd Edward Ogburn
Staff Rudy Nordmann
eogburn@gmail.com
rudolphnordmann@comcast.net
For a complete list of all committee members, please contact the church office.
Government Street Presbyterian Church US POSTAGE PAID USPC 736150
300 Government Street Mobile, Alabama 36604 251.432.1749 info@gspcmobile.org
Staff REV. DR. CARY G. SPEAKER Interim Pastor cary@gspcmobile.org TOMMY WATTS Director of Music & Organist tommy@gspcmobile.org LOIS MCNORTON Office & Property Manager lois@gspcmobile.org DAWN HEARN Bookkeeper bookkeeper@gspcmobile.org
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN’S CHOIR 9:30AM SUNDAY WORSHIP 11AM For the latest calendar and announcements, please visit us online at www.gspcmobile.org @gspcmobile
WE
ARE CALLED BY THE SPIRIT TO GLORIFY GOD, SO THAT ALL MAY BECOME JOYFUL DISCIPLES OF JESUS
CHRIST.