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From the Pastor

Well, absolutely NOTHING went according to plan last week.

In case you didn’t know, last Sunday morning I tested positive for COVID (I tested twice just to be sure). Many thanks to Billye, David Prevost, and Marty Phillips for stepping in for me during worship. You all did a terrific job! My symptoms have been like a cold — congestion and coughing — but now I understand what folks mean by the energy drain. Just doing small things around the house, or even sitting at my desk for several minutes, bring a deep exhaustion that sends me straight to bed. I’m trying to do more things to increase my endurance, but it seems to be a slow process. So glad I’m updated on my vaccine!

My unexpected absence last Sunday reminded us that we should have some specific plans in place for similar circumstances in the future. We’ve thankfully gotten out of the practice of worrying about COVID and its uncanny ability to strike at a moment’s notice, but when it does rear its ugly head, it brings back all the memories (and realities) of masks and isolation. What it doesn’t bring back is the same level of fear that we had back in the spring of 2020, thanks to all the research and work to create the COVID vaccine. I know that this illness would have been so much worse without the vaccine, and I’m deeply grateful. I’m also incredibly appreciative of all of you who texted or emailed offers to bring food, and for your prayers.

June is here, ushering in the summer and also marking new beginnings here at GBPC, mostly through the arrival of new staff. This week we will welcome Joy Rowe, our new Director of Children’s Ministry; on the 18th we’ll meet Jordan Bybee, our new Director of Youth Ministry; and on June 26th, Justin Jaynes, the new Facility Director, will start work. What an exciting month! Please stop by if you get a chance and welcome our new staff members to the GBPC family.

Unfortunately, I had to postpone the first meeting of the Interim Process Team due to my illness. We’ll be rescheduling and doing some preliminary reading before we meet. Once we have some news to report, you’ll be the first to know.

For most churches, the summer months see traveling congregation members, fewer meetings, and more relaxed worship. Whatever these days bring us, I’m glad to experience them with you. Be encouraged and pursue shalom!

Lou

Rev. Dr. Lou Ventura

revventura@gbpres.org

Upcoming Church Events

June 6

• First Day for Joy Rowe, Director of Children's Ministry

June 13

• PEO Sisterhood Meeting, 7pm in Room 230

June 14

• Cereal for the 2023 PEVA Cereal Campaign Deadline
• Senior Singers Rehearsal Begins, 6:00pm in the Choir Suite

June 16

• Seasoned Saints Luncheon, 12pm at Lily's Crepes & Waffles

June 18

• Father's Day

July 1

• GBPC's Norfolk Tides Game Night, Game Time 6:35pm

July 13

• PW's Novel Ideas Book Discussion, 6:30pm in Room 260. This month's book: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle By David Wroblewski

July 17-18

• Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Meet GBPC's New Facility Director,

Justin Jaynes

Justin Jaynes is a native of western North Carolina. He enlisted in the Navy as a Nuclear Electronics Technician in October of 2002. Justin earned his degree in Electrical Engineering while on active duty from North Carolina State University and was commissioned as a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer. He recently retired from active duty in December of 2022.

Justin's hobbies include woodworking, hiking, camping, and all things outdoors. He has been married to his wife Heather for 15 years. Together, they have two children: Ayden, age 13 and Olivia, age 11. His daughter is the most excited for him to take the position because she believes it will give her an "in" for volunteering in Sunday school!

Worship & Music

Father's Day Tributes

Is there a special man in your life that you would like to honor or remember on Father's Day?

Blue Father's Day Envelopes are now in the pews. Fill it out and drop it in the offering plate by Sunday, June 11th.

The donation will support ABBA List, a website listing support resources for needy families in the Hampton Roads area.

New Summer Choir Just For Seasoned Saints & Senior Singers

Begins Wednesday, June 14th!

Rehearsals 6pm - 6:45pm in the Choir Suite. 

Rehearsal dates: June 14, 21, 28; July 5,

Sing in worship: July 9th at 9:30 & 11 services. Interested? We give free tuneups!

Sanctuary Servants

Volunteers are needed to prepare the sanctuary for Sunday morning worship services on Friday mornings. Please use the link below to sign up.

Children's Ministries

Meet GBPC's New Director of Children's Ministry,

Joy Rowe

My name is Joy Rowe. I'm excited to begin as the new Director of Children's Ministry on June 6^th. My passion in ministry is working with children, helping them connect with God and develop a deep love for Christ is my calling.

I have a bachelors degree in Sociology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, as well as a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary. I have 20+ years working in ministry. I served Disciples of Christ churches in Indiana, North Carolina, Florida and Virginia. In my spare time I enjoy reading and embroidery. I also walk an hour every day for exercise. It helps keep me centered and focused.

I stepped away from ministry eight years ago to help care for my father who had dementia. It was a long journey but it meant a lot to me to be there for him and my mother during this difficult time.

My husband, Michael, and I live in Portsmouth. We have been married for 14 years. Between us we have seven children and 11 grandchildren. Michael is retired from General Motors. He worked for GM for 32 years. He is also a disabled veteran, serving in the first Gulf War. Together we love going to the mountains, watching movies, going out to eat and spending time with family.

Michael and I feel thankful a connection has been made with GBPC and look forward to becoming part of this family of God.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Youth Ministries

Meet GBPC's New Director of Youth Ministry, Jordan Bybee

My name is Jordan Bybee, I have been the Youth Minister at Bowling Green Cumberland Presbyterian Church for the last 4 years. I have been involved in youth ministry for the last 7 years with churches and organizations in the state of Kentucky. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Kentucky University in Religious Studies. I am very passionate about working with middle and high school students and am very blessed to be called to this area of ministry.

I have been married to my wife, Katie, for almost 4 years. We have 2 dogs named Rambler (You can google Rambler and me!) and Jinx, they are both semi-retired frisbee dogs who used to perform at shows and competitions around the country. We also have a cat named Mr. Meowgi who has been with us for almost a year now. Some of my hobbies include playing video games, watching/playing sports, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with my friends. The last fun fact I will leave you with is that I have had 3 different middle names.

My wife and I are moving to the Norfolk area for her residency at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters and I could not be more excited to be a part of your church family! I have loved talking with Pastor Lou, Jeff, and Kathryn about GBPC and cannot wait to serve as your new Youth Director. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know everyone, and all the other awesome stuff God has in store for us at Great Bridge.

Sunday Morning Youth Group

9:30am in the Youth Room!

Youth from 6th to 12th grade are invited to join for a time of fellowship and learning about God's desire for you.

We are always looking for adult leaders, too!

Service & Mission

Sandwiches for the Homeless

Individuals and small groups are needed to make sandwiches for the homeless living in their cars in Chesapeake.

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning sandwiches and shelf stable items are delivered at 6:30am (no you don't need to deliver) to folks living in their vehicles in Chesapeake. Making these sandwiches is as easy as putting some deli meat and cheese between two pieces of bread and placing into a Ziplock bag. No lettuce or tomato is wanted. (Condiment packs will be placed in their bag)

Please contact Sam Howard for details and any questions. 757-620-5866 or howard_irrigation@yahoo.com 

Opportunities For All

Baseball, Fellowship & Fireworks!

Join us for GBPC Night at Norfolk Tides

Saturday, July 1st, 6:35pm Game Time

• Seats are in Section 204.
• Fireworks following the game.
• Tickets are $15 each. Payment is due to the GBPC office by 4pm on Monday, June 26th.
• The GBPC Bus will be available with a limited number of seats (20) on a first-come, first-served basis. 
• Questions? Contact Doug Bitterman at 757-410-2675. 

Honoring the Class of 2023

If you have a child or grandchild who is graduating from high school or college this year, please register them so GBPC may honor them at the June 11th worship services.

2023 PEVA

Cereal Campaign

Now through June 14th

GBPC will be collecting cold and hot cereal (individual packets of grits, cream of wheat, oatmeal) in the Narthex until June 14th to support the PEVA Cereal Campaign. The cereal collected will benefit mobile food pantries' distributions and summer school sites. Please call the church office with questions.

Chancel Flower Donations

Would you care to donate flowers in memory or in honor of a loved one? Pick up an envelope on the information ledge in the Narthex. Please leave the envelope with the included form and check for $75, payable to GBPC, in the Office Manager's mailbox. You may also place your order online using the link below. Please be sure to include the date you would like the flowers to be dedicated.

Door Greeters & Volunteers Needed for Welcome Desk



If you love meeting and greeting people and helping with their needs, please sign up to help.

If interested, sign up at the Welcome Desk in the Narthex.

Remember: "You never get a second chance to make a great first impression."

- Will Rogers

The Wisdom Well & Mutts With A Mission

The Wisdom Well, GBPC's bookstore, is open on Sundays 9am - 10:50am and is now collecting funds to support Mutts With A Mission!

Contact Tammy Andre with any questions you may have. 757.373.1440 or tammyandre522@gmail.com.

Congregational Care

Access this week's Prayer Covenant here:

In Need of Prayer? 

Click here

GBPC Deacons want to fulfill and build on the Biblical calling of Luke 10:29-37. We desire to serve those in need with Christ’s love, compassion, and mercy, following the example of the Good Samaritan on the road to Jericho. If you have a need, please contact one of the following church members who are willing to talk about how the church can help. The printed prayer covenant is now available on the Information ledge outside the Fellowship Hall.

Wayne Stover (989-430-8379)

Dave Randall (757-636-4389)

Stewardship & Finance

GBPC has three badly needed building improvements that are unbudgeted:

• Replace sanctuary HVAC units
• Repair/reseal/restripe parking lots
• Replace fellowship hall lights

The total cost: $84,000. Our goal is to raise $42,000, with the church matching each donation from our contingency fund. Please prayerfully consider supporting the building fund campaign in addition to your regular offering. Donations can be made online or using the pink envelopes in the pew racks. Thank you!

Thank you for your generous support and commitment to GBPC.