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Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | |
FROM THE PASTOR
Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar
Tomorrow night we will host our friends from Spring Hill Avenue Temple and First Baptist Church at our Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (6:30 PM). We will worship in gratitude to God, singing and praying and sharing our blessings together.
Our hearts have broken over the last month of terrorism and war between Israel and Hamas. We mourn innocent lives lost, pray for hostages still held, and desire protection for civilian life.
At the same time, our hearts have been broken by the hatred in our own country. Anti-Semitism is on the rise. Anti-Muslim sentiment is as well. Christians who claim the same Savior sow division among the followers of Christ and widen the fissures in the foundations of our nation.
But tomorrow we will come together and give thanks anyway. Consistent and intentional gratitude can seal the cracks of a broken heart. It is not an alternative to heartbreak, but it can exist alongside it, can keep us from succumbing to it.
Tomorrow night we will thank God for all we have been given: for the peace and freedom we enjoy, for the hope we have in God, for the for the ability to worship with neighbors of different denominations and faith traditions. We will bring frozen turkeys and canned food for Central Food Pantry so we can share our abundance with our neighbors. We will together stand firm against all that breaks our hearts. We will not submit to hopelessness. Instead, we will take an hour to live out God's vision of peace and hope and justice as we worship together.
I could not be more grateful for my friends Rev. Trey Doyle and Rabbi Ed Boraz and their congregations. I could not be more grateful for you.
Grace and Peace,
Rebekah
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GSPC News
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service: The community is invited to an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Thursday, November 16, at 6:30 p.m. at GSPC. The service will be led by Rabbi Ed Boraz of Springhill Avenue Temple, the Rev. Trey Doyle of First Baptist, and the Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar. Please plan to bring a frozen turkey or canned food items to donate to Central Presbyterian Church. The donations will be distributed to the needy on Tuesday, November 21, during Central's weekly Food Pantry event.
Did you memorize last Sunday's Bible verse?
November 12: Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your doings, and let me dwell with you in this place. (Jeremiah 7:3)
Remember to pick up a new memory verse on Sunday!
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.
20s/30s Young Women's Bible Study: The group's next meeting is Tuesday, November 28, at 6 p.m. at the Guesnard House.
Interfaith Bible Study: We have had to cancel our November Interfaith Bible Study. Our next study will be in January.
Advent Wednesday Services: Our first Advent Wednesday Service will be held on November 29 at noon in the Sanctuary, followed by lunch in Fellowship Hall at 12:30 p.m. These weekly services will continue through December 20.
Holiday Hours: There will be no choir rehearsals on November 22, and the church office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 23-24. Happy Thanksgiving!
Additional News and Notes
Stewardship Season: Please remember to return your pledge cards. Pledges can be dropped in the offering plate, submitted to the church office, or emailed to Dawn Hearn, GSPC Bookkeeper. 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 children will sing on December 24 at 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.
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.
|  | The Presbyterian Women have set up the Angel Tree in Jackson Street entrance. Stop by and select an angel! Email Blanche Parsons if you have questions. | |
This Sunday in Worship
Join us on November 19 as the Rev. Eugenia Gamble continues the sermon series “How Firm a Foundation.” The sermon is titled “Justice” with scripture from Matthew 5:1-12 and Amos 5:18-24. In preparation for next week, worshipers may read pages 131-154 of A Guide to Bible Basics by Tyler Mayfield, or view the following videos at bibleproject.com: “Apocalyptic Literature.” Choral music includes the hymn “Now Thank We All Our God” arranged by Michael Rosewall and John Rutter’s setting of the traditional hymn.
Sunday Assistants on November 19:
Corinne Lorge
Harris Oswalt
Bulletin for November 19:
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Sunday, November 26
Join us next Sunday, November 26, as the Rev. Rebekah Abel Lamar concludes her sermon series “How Firm a Foundation.” Scriptures include Philippians 2:5-11 and Isaiah 11:1-9 and are the basis for a joint sermon entitled “Hope.” In preparation for next week, worshipers may read pages 155-176 of “A Guide to Bible Basics” by Tyler Mayfield, or view the following videos at bibleproject.com: “Justice” and “Messiah.” Choral music will include Mack Wilberg’s (conductor of the Tabernacle Choir) arrangement of “Rejoice, the Lord Is King!” as we honor Christ the King.
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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 "2nd 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 the Book of Amos.
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.
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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.
Blanket Sunday
The Presbyterian Women are collecting baby blankets, and the first Sunday of the month is designated as "Blanket Sunday" to remind the congregation to donate to the Blanket Ministry. The baby blankets are delivered to the Mostellar Clinic. Inexpensive items of any baby-appropriate washable fabric or yarn are appreciated. The babies we serve usually average 8 lbs. Store-bought or handmade items are welcomed. Donations may be left in the “Baby Box” at the Jackson Street Foyer, or you may order from Amazon and request delivery to the church, marked “Blanket Ministry."
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 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 45 residents at McKemie Place on the second Friday of each month. Thank you to Dick Otts and PW for volunteering for this mission in October, November, and December. 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 donations of gently used luggage (with wheels, please) to the church office.
Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies
How Can You Support Barton Academy?
- 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 personal hygiene products (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 2023-24.
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 three 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:
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GSPC members park for free in the lot at all times.
- If you have not registered, you may do so by emailing your license plate number to Barbara Williams 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 Barbara in the church office and she 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). | | | |
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