We have had an interesting spring so far with some very warm days and some downright chilly days. However, as they say, time marches on and we are entering May already.

We will kick off the month with Bunco Night on Friday, May 1. It is always a great time to gather together for delicious snacks and lots of laughter in the Parlor.

Also, several members of the congregation will be attending Exploring Missional Leadership, a free event led by 1001 New Worshiping Communities at the Pittsburgh Presbytery office on Monday, May 4. More information about this event can be found in this YouTube video.

The youth event we had in April was a hit, so we’re going to hold another one on the evening of Saturday, May 9. All students in grades 6 through 12 are invited to join me and Heather Daugherty for an escape room in the youth lounge. Students attending are encouraged to bring their favorite snack to share with others. I can’t wait to see what everyone brings!

As for our May worship, we will be working through the second part of our Easter series Closer and Closer. This six-week series started the Sunday after Easter and will continue through May 17. Each week, we are exploring how Jesus’ resurrection means deeper relationships with God and one another. On Sunday, May 3, we will think about how Jesus is our cornerstone helping us to work together to build the kingdom. Since it is the first Sunday of the month, we will celebrate the sacrament of communion.

On Sunday, May 10, we will think about how God is inherently part of who we are and how we live. Just as a fish cannot live without water, we cannot live without God. All we have and all we are is shaped by God, which gives us the freedom and ability to share those gifts with others in all that we do.

On Sunday, May 17, we will explore Acts 1:6-14 where Jesus commands the disciples to share the gospel. After worship, we will hold our annual congregational meeting. During the meeting, we will elect our new elders and deacons and hear updates about the church.

Prayers with the Pastor will return on Monday, May 18 and continue through the fall. I will be in the Prayer Garden on the third Monday of each month from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. During this hour, folks are welcome to join me in whatever way is most comfortable for them. If you have prayer requests, we can pray for them together. If you are looking for a place of solitude for an hour, that works too.

Pentecost falls on Sunday, May 24 this year. We will celebrate the coming the Holy Spirit. My favorite part of the Pentecost story is thinking about how God uses people to ensure that they are able to hear the Holy Word in a language they understand. Every person present played a part, everyone mattered in order for God’s message to be shared.

Finally, on Sunday, May 30, we will celebrate Trinity Sunday. During worship, we will take time to ponder what it means and why it matters that God is one God in Three persons.

There is a lot happening this May at GPC and I hope you are able to enjoy all our offerings. May this be a month full of blessings!

Pastor Emily

In recent months, and through consultation with Pastor Emily and Session, the Mission and Outreach (M&O) Committee has been exploring a new approach to building stronger connections with the residents of surrounding neighborhoods.  

The congregation was recently surveyed about how they identify and perceive the culture and principles of GPC.  Supporting each other and reaching out to the less fortunate was identified as the central legacy theme.

Spurred by a generous gift from the Raynor family, and by the motivation to carry on the caring legacy of GPC, M&O will be implementing a community engagement and strengthening initiative modeled on the recent successful initiatives in Etna, Millvale, and Sharpsburg. 

In the coming months, a deliberate process will be initiated to educate GPC members about the initiative, asking for input about how to utilize GPC’s resources while staying true to Christian teaching and the legacy culture of GPC.  We will be relying upon the leadership of this congregation and volunteer efforts will be presented to our members.  But to be clear, the success of this initiative will depend on the participation, and in some cases the leadership, of community members.  The most critical contributions of GPC will be our foundation of benevolence, physical infrastructure of the church campus and the financial foundation created by the Raynor family’s contribution. 

In the weeks ahead, you should expect:

• A Minute for Mission during worship
• A presentation during the annual congregational meeting on Sunday, May 17
• An asset tour of the church campus
• A congregational educational and brainstorming meeting  

The annual meeting of the congregation will be held on Sunday, May 17 at 11:30 AM in the church sanctuary and via Zoom.  At this meeting, we will briefly share news and updates about the ministries of GPC, elect elders and deacons, and review updated terms of call for our pastor.

In order to conduct our business, we will need a quorum. We are asking that you sign up in advance to let us know you plan to attend.  To do so, please e-mail Jennifer Zankey or give her a call at 412-486-8400 ext. 110.  Thanks!