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Last Friday evening, I represented the GBPC congregation at the Mutts with a Mission puppy graduation in our fellowship hall. We hosted over 120 people and countless puppies, mostly yellow and black Labs, and it was such a joyful experience! Six puppies and their new handlers graduated after two weeks of intensive training together; five of the six were matched with individuals and one puppy was matched with a facility, Virginia Military Institute. It is hard for me to put into words the feeling I get when I see these beautiful animals look up at their handlers with such love and trust. God indeed gave humanity one of the best gifts in the form of the dog. A second graduation will occur in our fellowship hall on May 17, and Mutts with a Mission is always looking for puppy trainers (I’m working really hard to convince Ron to do it!)!
I had the great pleasure this week of having lunch with a fantastic group of women to celebrate (a week early!) Teacher Appreciation Week. Our preschool teachers, led by the incomparable Becky Miles, daily bring their love, dedication, and faith to the work of teaching our little ones. They are the reason why our outstanding preschool has been in operation for over 50 years. They are the reason why so many in our community have fondest memories of their time in preschool. As I watched them enjoy their lunch and chat and catch up with each other, I reflected on the leadership that employed and nurtured this close-knit staff, setting the foundation for a sustained environment of learning, caring, and love. (That same environment of learning, caring, and love –and service!—is planted deep within the soul of Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, and infuses everything you do.) To the teachers and leadership of Great Bridge Presbyterian Preschool, know that you are deeply appreciated by us all!
It's tough to believe that we’re already five months into 2024—the days are speeding by. Pentecost will be upon us shortly, as will the Instruments of Peace mission trip to Switzerland at the end of June. I confess I am a little nervous—I’ve never traveled outside the country without Ron—but I am excited to visit a place I’ve never been. I am also eagerly anticipating what I know will be the awe-inspiring singing of the IoP choir, who have started Saturday rehearsals and have taken their PR shot (see below). It’s getting really real!
If you attended the congregational meeting on April 28, you heard Rev. Marty Phillips provide an update from the Pastor Nominating Committee. The PNC is moving along quite nicely; GBPC’s Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) is live online, and the PNC has begun receiving matching Pastor Discernment Profiles (PDPs). Now the hard work of discernment begins. The PNC is daily in my prayers, and I know they covet yours too. I have the utmost confidence in the terrific PNC you elected, and I know God is preparing the BEST candidate for you.
Thank you to those of you who made a point of letting me know what the shalom sermon series meant to you. You all know it is a topic dear to my heart, and I hope it makes an impact on your own faith in a profound way.
I will be on vacation next week, and the following week I will be on study leave in Pittsburgh. The Festival of Homiletics is being held there, in partnership with Pittsburgh Theology Seminary, my alma mater, and I am looking forward to hearing some amazing preachers and picking up some preaching tips. I will be back in the office on May 20, but, as always whenever I am away, I will miss you.
Be encouraged, build up one another, and pursue shalom!
Lou
Rev. Dr. Lou Ventura
revventura@gbpres.org
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