June is here and the days are getting warm. The summer months bring a different pace of life. You’ll notice the different pattern right away with the church office being closed June 1 through June 5. The Early Learning Center will also be closed this week and both Jennifer and I will be taking vacation.

Don’t worry, though — June will start with us welcoming a favorite pastor back to our pulpit. On Sunday, June 7, Rev. Ralph Lowe, the Associate Minister for Pittsburgh Presbytery, will be leading our worship service. Rev. Lowe will surely bring a heartfelt message that will speak to all our hearts. We will also be returning to our summer rhythm of welcoming folks to come forward to receive communion.

On the second Sunday of the month (June 14), we will look at Matthew 9:35-10:8. In this passage, we find Jesus working hard throughout the cities, towns, and villages. Jesus doesn’t just heal people; he also assigns his followers jobs. During worship, we will explore what it means to work for God and how our faith impacts our vocation.

On Monday, June 15, we will be having a Prayers with the Pastor session in the Prayer Garden from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.

On Friday, June 19, the Early Learning Center will be closing early to host a carnival for their families. This exciting afternoon is made possible with the help of our Mission and Outreach Committee.

On Saturday, June 20, we will be having our next GPC Youth Event. We will be Sliding into Summer with a picnic on the front lawn.

On Sunday, June 21, we will look at Genesis 21:8-21 which is the story of Hagar and Ishmael. Sometimes things don’t go according to the plan. This passage reminds us that, when things go awry, God is still with us.

Finally, on Sunday, June 28, we will wrap the month up by looking at Romans 6:12-23 which compares life in the world to life in the Spirit. This week, we’ll think about what it means to live our lives committed to Christ. I’m looking forward to another wonderful month of worship!

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:

• An asset tour of the church campus
• A congregational educational and brainstorming meeting