Category Archives: News

Pastor’s Pen

It may be cold and (very) snowy outside, but we are almost to the season of Lent. This year, Easter falls on the first Sunday in April, which means that Ash Wednesday will be February 18. Before that happens, we will continue to look at the different gifts offered throughout the season of Epiphany.

On the first Sunday of the month (February 1), we will read two well-known passages (Micah 6:1-8 and Matthew 5:1-12) and explore the gift of being able to share God’s word in various ways. After worship, we will have our annual Souper Bowl of Caring collection which benefits the Bread of Life Food Pantry.

We will also be collecting for the Souper Bowl of Caring on Sunday, February 8. On this Sunday, we will continue to read through Matthew 5, focusing on verses 13-20. We will learn how to faithfully and respectfully share our faith.

February 15 brings us to Transfiguration Sunday and the final gift that we are exploring: the gift of the unpredictable Jesus. The disciples were certainly surprised by Jesus on the mountain top. We, too, should be open to the Holy Spirit.

Once again, we will host Ashes to Go on Ash Wednesday (February 18) from noon to 1:00 PM and from 5:00 to 6:00 PM in the Pennsylvania Avenue portico. The Ash Wednesday service will be held in the sanctuary at 7:30 PM.

The following Sunday (February 22) is the first Sunday of Lent. We will begin our Lenten Series titled Heart to Heart Talks. Each week, we will look at conversations in the Gospels and explore the questions they pose for our lives. The first week will focus on Matthew 4:1-11 and explore what tempts us.

I hope you are staying safe and warm! I look forward to seeing you in worship this month.

Pastor Emily

Adult Education Classes

The Wired Word

Our Adult Education classes meet each Sunday morning, from September through May, in the church parlor from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM.

During the first 3 Sundays in February, we will continue to use the Wired Word curriculum. According to their website, the mission of the Wired Word is to supply churches with solid scriptural material to help facilitate group discussions about important matters of faith raised by news of the week.  So far, the topics have proven to be challenging and encouraged us to think deeply about what is happening in the world and how these things relate to our everyday lives. Each Thursday, Pastor Emily sends out the lesson to folks who would like to receive it ahead of time. If you would like to be included in that e-mail (even if you can’t attend Sunday School), just let her know.

He Chose the Nails

Starting February 22, we will begin our Lenten study using Max Lucado’s book He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart. Throughout the study, we will explore how the last moments leading up to Jesus’ death were not left up to chance. It is in the details that we find the gifts God provided for us. We will work through six sessions, exploring the choices God made that can offer us comfort and a sense of peace throughout this Lenten season.

We hope to see you there!

The Neighborhood Table

The Neighborhood Table

The Neighborhood Table, founded and organized as a part of the Roots of Faith Ministry, is a free community dinner in Sharpsburg. It is not a soup kitchen or a handout, but a place for the Sharpsburg community to gather to support, encourage, and serve one another in the name of Jesus Christ. For the past 8 years, GPC members and friends have served fried chicken dinners there to approximately 100-150 people on the second Thursday of every month.

We are thankful for the many people who are working together to help feed hungry people in our local communities. The Giant Eagle Express in Harmarville is excited to be working with GPC in this ministry and to know that their food is helping others. GPC in turn is thankful to our team leaders, our many volunteers, the GPC Deacons, and the GPC Mission and Outreach Ministry who gave monetary donations.

Finally, we are thankful that God is guiding us.  Being a Christian brings with it the duty and the privilege of a lifetime of service. Service allows us to practice doing what Jesus would do. It connects us to those we serve and gives us a kind of satisfaction that self-interest can never offer.

Our next GPC mission service event at the Neighborhood Table will be held on Thursday, February 12 from 5:30 to 7:15 PM.  How can you help? Consider volunteering as a server.  We need about 12 to 16 people each month to help with the dinner. We welcome all who are interested in greeting, meeting, serving, and eating with our neighbors in Sharpsburg.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Larry or Cindy Bock, Henry or Diana Long, or Pastor Emily.  Thanks!

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

You are invited to join us on Ash Wednesday (February 18) for any of the following observances:

  • Pastor Emily will be providing drive-through “ashes to go” at our Pennsylvania Avenue side drive-thru portico from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
  • We will have a worship service with the imposition of ashes at 7:30 PM in our sanctuary.

If you have any questions, please call or e-mail the church office for more information.

Game Day

Youth Bowling Event

We invite you to join us for a Game Day on Sunday, February 15 at 3:00 PM in King’s Hall.

This family event is for GPC adults and youth. We will be playing some indoor games — Corn Hole, Shuffleboard, Duck Pin Bowling, and Pictionary. After the games, we will enjoy a pizza dinner and an ice cream sundae for dessert.

If you would like to just observe the games rather than participate, you are welcome to join as a spectator.

We look forward to seeing you for a day of fun and fellowship! If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to Ray Hack.

Blood Drive

Blood drive

The GPC deacons are sponsoring a blood drive in Kings Hall on Sunday, March 8 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets, or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are greatly appreciated. To schedule your donation appointment, click the button below or call 1-877-25VITAL. Thank you for your donation!

Schedule your blood donation