Can you believe that we’re halfway through the year already? Corinne and I have already started thinking about Advent — it’ll be here before you know it. For now, let’s enjoy some fun in the sun.

The first Sunday of the month brings us a special occasion, July 5 and America’s 250^th birthday. While we often separate church and state, this special occasion gives us the opportunity to think about who we are as both Christians and Americans. We will also welcome folks to join the choir for this Sunday only. Rehearsal will be at 9:30 AM in the sanctuary for all those who want to join in the celebration.  

On Saturday, July 11, I will be hosting my first ever Garden(ing) Party. We’ll gather in the Prayer Garden at 9:00 AM and work to weed the church’s expansive gardens. After an hour, we’ll take a break and enjoy some fellowship and snacks. Everyone is invited to help tidy up the church grounds.

Sunday, July 12 brings us a new sermon series titled Broken – Good News for Tough Times. The Rev. Dr. Jacqueline J. Lewis developed this series to offer hope and encouragement through Paul’s letter to the Romans. Throughout the series, we will learn how God sustains us through hard times and in brokenness. We will kick off the study by looking at Romans 8:1-11.

On the third Sunday of the month (July 19), we will continue with Romans 8:12-25. In this passage, we see that, even when we are in pain and struggling, God will bring restoration to us. God will indeed bring beauty out of ashes.

On Monday, July 20, we will be back in the Prayer Garden for Prayers with the Pastor from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.

Finally, on the last Sunday of the month (July 27), we will conclude our time in Romans 8 by finishing off the chapter. This section of scripture reminds us that there is no amount of brokenness that can separate us from the love of God. It is always comforting to know that God is intrinsically part of who we are – we cannot be broken away from Christ.

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, we will be scheduling a congregational educational and brainstorming meeting. Let us know if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions in the meantime.