Wednesday, September 27, 2023

FROM THE PASTOR

Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar

Today I passed a man on Dauphin Street wearing a t-shirt that declared, "God is an artist." It is a statement with which I whole-heartedly agree. God is, of course, the first and best creator.

It also made me think about the art that has been a part of our worship these last few weeks, and I realized that I have not shared much why I think that the incorporation of art in worship is so important. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit is the instigator of creativity and the fuel for imagination--both in the creative act itself and in the reception of it. I have found myself staring at Carrie Adams's beautiful artwork throughout the week. (It is currently in the hallway outside the sanctuary if you missed it or what to take a longer look!) Each time I see something I did before--sometimes in the details and sometimes in the whole. Even art that I did not create makes me think creatively and opens my imagination.

That is a skill that we need in our faith. Creative, curious, imaginative thinking builds resilience and depth in our faith, solidifying our foundation for the stormier days of life. It also helps open us to new ways of approaching scripture.

This week we head into some of the scripture that I find most challenging as we look at Joshua's leading the Israelite conquest in the Promised Land and systematically displacing and, at times, destroying the inhabitants there. It is scripture that requires curiosity, openness, and creativity to remain faithfully engaged and receptive to God. I look forward to exploring it more with you on Sunday.

Grace and Peace,

Rebekah

GSPC News

Did you memorize last Sunday's Bible verse?

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:1-9)

Anyone who memorizes the weekly Bible verse will have a chance to place it on a bulletin board with their name on it. We will add to this board throughout the fall as our church memorizes scripture together. Remember to pick up a new memory verse on Sunday!

GSPC is hiring a new Office Administrator: The Session regretfully received Heather Hamilton's resignation as GSPC's Office Manager. We wish Heather the best as she begins a new position closer to her home. If you know of someone who would be a good fit for this 30 hr/week position, please contact Bo Perry, Staff Committee Chair.

Eugenia Gamble Sunday School Class Postponed: Rev. Eugenia Gamble's class on "Words of Love: The Ten Commandments," originally scheduled for this Sunday, October 1, has been postponed. Watch the newsletter and bulletin for a new date!

Tuesday Lunch and Learn Series: Come to lunch! The GSPC community lunch series will continue weekly through November 14. Our first three speakers, Mayor Sandy Stimpson, our own David Trent and Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, were all terrific! The price is $12 and includes coffee, tea and dessert. The congregation is encouraged to invite their friends to these lunches, which are open to the public. Free parking is available in the church lot for our guests during the lunch hour. Here is the schedule of upcoming speakers:

Oct. 3: Meredith Wilson and John Sledge, Mobile Historic Development Commission

Oct. 10: Dr. Amanda Jones, Principal, Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies

Oct. 17: Stacey Driskell and Scott Wright of Mobile Opera

Oct. 24: William Strickland and Wes Wyatt of Mobile Baykeeper

Oct. 31: Bradley Byrne, President and CEO, Mobile Chamber of Commerce

Nov. 7: Paul Prine, Chief of the Mobile Police Department

Nov. 14: Tom McGehee, historian

Nominations: The Nominations Committee is seeking nominations for those to serve as elders and deacons for the class of 2026. You may call the church office with your nominations, fill out a form and place in the offering plate on Sunday, or reach out to Margaret Vidmer Hutchison, Nominations Committee Chair. Other committee members are Jeanie Lindsey, Rudy Nordmann, Hunter Oswalt and Robert Otts.

Old Testament Study: The fall sermon series and Bible study, "How Firm A Foundation," may be supplemented with "A Guide to Bible Basics" by Tyler Mayfield, or videos for bibleproject.com. For details, pick up an outline of the series in the sanctuary or in the church office, or view it here. Complementary studies, led by the Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar, include Wednesday noon Bible studies in the GSPC Library, which continue through November 15.

20s/30s Women's Bible Study: Mark your calendars: The next Bible study is set for Wednesday, October 25, at 6 p.m. in the Guesnard House.

Two Pastors and a Rabbi: Mark your calendars!

Sunday, October 22: Rabbi Ed Boraz and Rev. Trey Doyle will help lead us in worship.. We look forward to welcoming some friends from First Baptist and Springhill Avenue Temple to join with our choir that morning.

Thursday, October 25: GSPC will host our next Interfaith Bible Study from 5:30-7 PM in the Multi-Purpose room.

Additional News and Notes

Sanctuary flowers: If you would like to place flowers in the Sanctuary in memory of or in honor of a loved one, please contact Ann Adams at Adams-marion@att.net or 251-591-8586.

Children's Choir rehearsals: The GSPC Children's Choir rehearses on Sundays from 9:30 to 9:45 a.m. in the office of Chris Nemec (2nd floor at the Jackson St. stairwell). The dates for the children to sing are October 15 and December 24 (10:30 a.m.). To assure the children are well-prepared and effective leaders, each child must attend a minimum of three rehearsals in order to sing for Sunday worship. Questions? Contact Chris Nemec, chris@gspcmobile.org.   

Sanctuary Choir rehearsals: If you've ever wanted to learn to play handbells, or to lift a joyful voice in song, the Sanctuary and Handbell Choirs are eager to show you the ropes! Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights. The Handbell Choir rehearses from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m., and the Sanctuary Choir rehearses from 6 to 7:30 p.m. If you'd like to know more, contact Chris Nemec, Director of Music and Organist.

This Sunday in Worship

Join us on World Communion Sunday as the Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar continues her sermon series with “Promised Land.” Scriptures include Matthew 26:26-29 and Joshua 3:14-4:9. In preparation, worshipers may read pages 31-42 of “A Guide to Bible Basics” by Tyler Mayfield, or view the “Biblical Themes: The Law” video at bibleproject.com. Choral Music for Oct. 1 includes the Communion Anthem "In Remembrance" by Buryl Red, and Chris Nemec's setting of "Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place," with Jasaan Roberts providing the baritone solo.

Sunday Assistants on October 1:

Jane Hale

Corinne Lorge

Bulletin for October 1:

Sunday, October 8

Join us in worship next Sunday, October 8, as the Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar continues her sermon series with “Kings.” Scriptures include 1 Samuel 16:17b. Choral music will include Nancy Roberts’ exciting “Clap Your Hands!,” which paraphrases Psalm 47, and “Soli Deo Gloria” (Glory to God Alone) by an anonymous 17th century composer.

Talking Heads

This Sunday School class is studying the "How Firm A Foundation" guide to the Old Testament.

Sunday Book Study

9:30 a.m. in the Church Library. The group is studying the Interpretation Bible Series "1st Corinthians."

Sunday School for Children and Youth

All ages are welcome at 9:30 a.m. Wee Worship has resumed for children aged 3 years through kindergarten following the children's sermon.

Spring Hill Women Bible Study

Tuesdays at 8 a.m. at the home of Ann Adams. The group is studying "Look Around" by George Sinclair. 

Tuesdays at Ten Bible Study

The Tuesdays at Ten Bible Study meets at 10 a.m. at the church. The group is studying the "How Firm a Foundation" Old Testament study series. For details, contact Mary Elizabeth Perry.

Wednesday Bible Study

This group meets from noon to 1 p.m. in the library at GSPC and via Zoom and is led by the Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar. The study follows the fall sermon series, "How Firm a Foundation." Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84007919454 .

Men's Bible Study

The Wednesday Night Men’s Bible Study meets at 6 p.m. in the library. Contact: Bo Perry.

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 by emailing it to the church office.

Premium Parking is handling our parking lot revenue. The company has added a service kiosk next to the Guesnard House patio entrance.

Please remember to update us if you have a new tag and or vehicle.

Please remember:

1. GSPC members park for free in the lot at all times.
2. If you have not registered, you may do so by emailing your license plate number to Heather Hamilton in the church office.
3. 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. 

Baytreat: GSPC's bayfront property is available for rentals. Several of the rooms now have queen-size beds. For details, click here. For information, email Barbara Williams or call her at the church office (251-432-1749).