FROM THE PASTOR
Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar
A couple weeks ago, I mentioned that a small group from GSPC would be attending a program at Montreat Conference Center. The group wanted to offer an update to the congregation:
As Rebekah mentioned in her note in the October 7, 2022 Newsletter, she and five members of the congregation traveled to the Montreat Conference Center October 3-5 to set out upon a two year exploratory and learning experience focusing on what it means for GSPC to be, and remain, a thriving congregation in our community. The program is fully funded by a grant from the Lilly Foundation and is staffed by the Black Mountain School of Theology. Along with Rebekah, others who attended this first meeting are Casi Callaway, Mary Herndon Nordmann, Sarah Otts, Buzzy Riis, and Bo Perry. William Peebles and John Browning will also participate as members of the group. The work of the team will begin with a close analysis of our identity as a congregation, the unique features and needs of our community, and how those elements can come together to help us discern where God is leading us. The process will lead off with interviews with deacons, elders, and many members of the congregation directed towards gaining a deeper understanding of our collective perceptions, hopes, dreams, and passions for being the church in years to come, both within and outside these four walls. We ask your prayers and your commitment to be available when asked to help us move forward with this important undertaking for our church which we all love. Thank you!
You will be hearing more from this team in the coming months. In addition to this exciting initiative, we look forward to welcoming a new Director of Music to GSPC in a few weeks. You can see Chris Nemec's photo below and you will receive a flyer with more information about Chris in worship on Sunday. It is an exciting time for GSPC!
Grace and peace,
Rebekah
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Sunday Assistants
LeAnne Tamblyn
Leigh Schottgen
Click below to view the bulletin for Sunday, October 16:
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GSPC News
New Director of Music: GSPC is thrilled to announce that Chris Nemec is our new Director of Music. Chris comes to us from Auburn United Methodist Church. He will play the organ and conduct our choirs. Welcome, Chris!
Invitation to Shabbat Service: Springhill Avenue Temple invites the GSPC congregation to join them for Shabbat service tonight at 6 PM. Rabbi Ed Boraz has graciously invited Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar and Rev. Trey Doyle of First Baptist to share the message with him tonight. We look forward to welcoming Rabbi Boraz and Rev. Doyle to worship at GSPC on January 29.
Clergy Appreciation Month: Did you know that October is Clergy Appreciation Month? Be sure to thank our wonderful church leaders, the Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar and the Rev. Alexandra Hutson, for all that they do for our church!
Stewardship Season: Please prayerfully consider your pledge for the 2023 fiscal year. Every gift is appreciated. On Pledge Sunday, October 23, the congregation will be invited to present their pledge cards during the offering.
Bible Basics Class Rescheduled: The Bible Basics Class, originally planned for October 16, will be rescheduled on a later date. Stay tuned!
GSPC Youth and Club 345 Pumpkin Party: On Sunday, October 23, the Youth will join Club 345 (3rd, 4th and 5th graders) for an afternoon of pumpkin carving and painting, Halloween games and dinner at the Hale family's house from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
New Sunday Evening Bible Study: Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar will begin a Bible study on the letter to the Romans this Sunday, October 16 at 5 PM in Guesnard House. The class will meet weekly through November.
Interfaith Bible Study: The Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar joins Rabbi Ed Boraz of Spring Hill Avenue Temple and the Rev. Trey Doyle of First Baptist Church for an interfaith Bible study, "Two Pastors and a Rabbi." The dates are October 20, November 10 and December 1 at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome. (See details below.)
Volunteers needed for Trunk or Treat: Our annual Halloween party is coming up on Sunday, October 30, and we need plenty of trunks full of treats! Click here to sign up!
Special Banquet: The Exchange Club of Mobile is sponsoring the "One Nation Under God" banquet with guest speaker Capt. Joseph Snowden on Thursday, October 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The cost is $10 per person. (See details below.)
Barton Academy Luncheon: On Monday, October 10, the Urban Ministry Committee presented a special luncheon for the teachers at Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies. The teachers were so pleased with the hospitality!
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Talking Heads
This Sunday School class meets each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Heltzel Room on the second floor. The topic is "Questions Jesus Asks," led by the Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar.
Sunday Book Study
9:30 a.m. in the Church Library. The group is studying "Holy Envy: Finding God in the Face of Others."
Spring Hill Women Bible Study
Tuesdays at 8 a.m. at the home of Ann Adams.
The group is studying Genesis.
Tuesdays at Ten Bible Study
The Tuesdays at Ten Bible Study meets at 10 a.m. at the church. The group will continue its study of the Psalms and the sermon text for the following week. For details, contact Mary Elizabeth Perry.
Men's Bible Study
The Wednesday night Men’s Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the church library and also via Zoom. Study of lectionary or sermon texts. Contact: Bo Perry.
Sunday School for Children and Youth
Sunday School for Children and Youth begins at 9:30 a.m. each week.
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Opportunities for Service
Please remember the people our church is serving and those who work with them daily in your prayers.
Help for Ukraine
The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program is our denomination's means for helping in times of disaster and crisis. The PC(USA) is in touch with our partner churches in Ukraine, Russia, Poland and Hungary. While it is difficult to get funds into Ukraine, the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance workers are doing their best to meet needs. In addition, they are sending supplies to partners in Hungary and Poland to help with the mounting refugee crisis in those countries. If you would like to help, you may give online or by text. https://pda.pcusa.org/situation/ukraine/
PB&J for Meals on Wheels
Our 45 Meals on Wheels recipients receive a sack lunch each day, along with a hot meal. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are often on the menu, and donations of creamy peanut butter (no Jif, please, because of the recent recall) and grape jelly are needed to help fill the pantry. Our clients also receive an individually wrapped snack, and snack donations are needed: peanut butter/cheese crackers, chips, cookies, cereal bars, Cheez-its, etc. Please leave your Meals on Wheels donations in the donation box at the Jackson Street entrance.
McKemie Place
GSPC has agreed to provide lunch for up to 40 residents at McKemie Place on the second Friday of each month. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered for this mission over the last year. We are in need of volunteers to provide, prepare, and serve lunches on December 9. If you can help with this mission on any of these dates, please contact Lisa deShazo at 251-591-1077.
In addition, the residents of McKemie Place are in need of luggage to carry their belongings when they are able to leave the shelter. Please bring your donations of gently used luggage (preferably on wheels) to the church office.
Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies
How Can You Support Barton Academy?
- Send monetary gifts to the church to provide assistance to families purchasing uniforms. Checks should have the memo "Uniform Assistance."
- Bring the following items to stock a Hygiene Closet for the school: Clorox wipes, Tissue, Deodorant, Black socks, Paper Towels, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste.
The Mobile Area Interfaith Conference (MAIC) is a non-profit agency that provides services for inmates in Metro Jail and released inmates returning to the community. This agency was formerly known as the Council of Downtown Churches, of which GSPC was a major participant. MAIC currently has an urgent need for white underwear (see details in the listing below) and used glasses. Below is a list of needed items:
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Personal hygiene products for men and women, including full size shampoo and conditioner (must be able to see through the containers), full size deodorant (no roller balls), full size soap, full size toothpaste, white cotton socks (no anklet style);
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Clothing, including men's white cotton briefs or boxers (no snaps), white cotton T-shirts with sleeves (men and women use these, so all sizes welcome), women's white cotton underpants (all sizes), women's white cotton bras (all sizes);
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Reading material, including Bibles (softbound only, large print editions especially needed), magazines with neutral content such as food, decorating, self-improvement, health, shopping, geography, history, etc., and books (soft bound only, with mild non-violent content, non-fiction also appreciated).
- Small containers of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and soap are also welcome.
If you have any questions about any of these missions, please contact Lisa deShazo, Chair of the Urban Ministries Committee.
Habitat for Humanity SW Alabama here in Mobile is looking for volunteers to help out – just yourself, or a group. Our volunteers come out on Wednesday through Saturday. Hours are 7:45 a.m. to noon. What a great way to focus on team-building with your co-workers and friends!
Please email and let me know when you would like to be added to the Habitat calendar for 2022.
In Partnership,
Sue C. King
Habitat for Humanity SW Alabama
Development Coordinator
3712 Airport Blvd.
251-476-7171, Ext. 229
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Parking lot
We suggest that all of our members park in the GSPC lot, double parking if necessary. If you wish to park in the lot next to GSPC's, you will need to pay $5 for 3 hours of parking.
The State of Alabama has begun issuing new tag plates with current year tag renewals. Please make sure that you update your new tag number as you receive them. You may submit new information at this link, or to the church office.
We began our agreement with Premium Parking in November and continue to anticipate a significant boost to the church income for 2022 as a result. As we have made the transition, we are aware that some members have experienced difficulties with getting their vehicles registered or with receiving tickets. Please remember to update us if you have a new tag and or vehicle.
Please remember:
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GSPC members park for free in the lot at all times.
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If you have not registered, you may do so at online at gspcmobile.org/parking
- If you have difficulty registering your vehicle online, please contact Heather or Barbara in the church office.
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If you receive a ticket, do not pay it. Please bring the ticket or send a picture of it to Heather or Barbara in the church office and they will take care of it.
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Blankets and more: A ministry of the GSPC Presbyterian Women
All are invited to donate items to be delivered to USA Children’s & Women’s Mother/Baby/At Risk department for full term babies of needy families (not the NICU) and to the Mostellar Clinic. Here are suggested items and sizes:
- Baby blankets (greatest need) approx. 28-36” square/rectangles 30-34”x40-46”
- A few hats and booties
- (USACW only): No-scratch mittens (must be fabric, not yarn)
Inexpensive items of any baby-appropriate washable fabric or yarn are appreciated. No large items, please: The babies we serve usually average 3-5 lbs. Store-bought or handmade items are welcomed. (Please do not donate unmade fabric.)
Donations may be left in the “Baby Box” at the Jackson St. entrance, or you may order from Amazon, etc., and request delivery to the church, marked “Blanket Ministry.”
For details, email Charlotte Naylor.
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