Ministries Directory 2014 - 2015

G ermantown P resby terian
C hurch
Ministries Directory
2014 - 2015
CONTENTS
Services...................................................3
Stay Connected.......................................3
Welcome.................................................4
Adult Education...................................5-7
Wednesday Nights..................................7
Presbyterian Women...........................8-9
Fellowship Groups.............................9-10
Youth Ministry..................................10-11
WORSHIP SERVICE BASICS
On Sunday mornings Germantown Presbyterian Church offers two times
for worship: 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM.
These services essentially are mirror images
of each other, but the later service is slightly
longer and includes the Chancel Choir.
Special music including ensembles, solos, and duets are a regular and
inspirational part of all our worship services. Also, GPC handbell choirs
and children’s choir lead worship several times throughout the year. Guest
artists from Opera Memphis and instrumentalists from around the city
also enliven worship on a regular basis.
Holy Communion is served, most months, on the first Sunday of the
month at both worship services.
Sundays at 10:30 AM there is a family fellowship time with refreshments
in the Activity Center.
Childcare is available for both Sunday morning worship times and during
the Sunday school hour at 9:30 AM.
Children’s Ministry................................12
STAY CONNECTED!
Missions........................................... 13-15
There are many ways to stay informed about activities
at Germantown Presbyterian Church:
Worship............................................16-17
• Join our e-mailing list for weekly e-mail
updates and monthly newsletters. E-mail
Communications Director Hannah Keathley
at communications@germantownpres.org to
be put on the list.
• Check out our website for events at germantownpres.org.
• Like us on Facebook- go to facebook.com/germantownpres.
• Follow us on Twitter- our handle is @germantownpres.
Music Ministry.................................18-19
Congregational Life..............................20
Congregational Care.........................21-23
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WELCOME!
Germantown Presbyterian Church worships through scripture, prayer, music,
and fellowship. Christian education is vital to children, youth, and adults of
all ages. Church groups, small and large, build faith and relationships in the
congregation. Through ministry outreach, God’s work is done in Germantown, Memphis, and around the world. Opportunities are provided to translate
faith into action, from the governing Session and Diaconate to church committees and programs that offer volunteer and learning opportunities for every
member of the congregation.
A Note From the Pastor
As Jesus called His followers to Him, He invited them to a new way of
thinking and living. By teaching and example, He
showed them how to live as God intends so that
they could enjoy abundant life. He summed up His
ministry by saying, “I have come that they may have
life, and have it abundantly.” Our purpose at GPC
is to open up avenues of learning and service so that
all who worship here can grow into this abundant life that Jesus offers.
The membership and staff of GPC have been working hard over the last several months to build up our offerings in many areas for all participants in our
church. This booklet highlights the many groups for worship, service, learning, fellowship, and more. There is a place for you to get involved in meaningful activity that will cause you to grow closer to God through the work of
these groups. If you have musical skills and can use them in worship, there
is a place for you. If you want to learn more about theology, there is a class
for you. If you want to work with children or youth, there is an opportunity
available. If you have a gift for prayer, there is a prayer group you can join.
There are so many possibilities for people of all ages, spiritual gifts, and faith
levels to find abundant life through this church.
Our church is growing in many ways, and we are being built by Christ into a
fellowship of believers who love and care for one another through all seasons of life. I often hear people say after a crisis, “I don’t know how I would
have gotten through this without my church family.” We need each other as
we move through all of the blessings and burdens we experience in this life.
Christ has called us to be part of this family of faith, and through this booklet,
you are invited into a deeper relationship with God and with others through
ministry at GPC. I look forward to growing with you over the course of the
next year. May God be with you and those whom you love.
A Word from our Associate Pastor
on Adult Education
Spiritual formation and discipleship are such important aspects of our
walks as Christians. Without stretching and learning, our faith can
easily turn stale—or even boring. The Book of Hebrews offers some
powerful words here: “Indeed, the word of God is living and active,
sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from
spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)
Our hope is that you would all be eager to enter into this process of
spiritual formation and discipleship, even when it challenges you.
There are so many opportunities for spiritual growth, both in our individual practices and in group settings like Sunday morning classes,
weekly small groups, or our Wednesday night program. I pray that the
Spirit would stir and guide you in your growth in grace.
The following is just an introduction to
our program. For more details please
contact Tom Wilson, Adult Education
Chair, at (tpwilson1@comcast.net) or
Associate Pastor Jay Howell at jayh@
germantownpres.org.
In Christ,
Jay Howell
@JayFHowell
Will Jones
@WillGrayJones
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ADULT EDUCATION
Adult Sunday Classes
Sundays, 9:30 - 10:30 AM
The “bread and butter” of our Adult Education ministry is our Adult
Sunday Classes. From 9:30 - 10:30 AM every Sunday, you can
choose from a number of different offerings that were put together
with your discipleship growth in mind. The classes are regularly
changing, so there is always a good time to get plugged in. At any
given time, groups may be focusing on topics in the Bible, Christian
Foundations, Missions/Evangelism, Theology, Christian Living, and
Spiritual Formation. Check our website or contact Pastor Jay (jayh@
germantownpres.org) to learn more.
GROW Small Groups at GPC
There’s something powerful about simply opening
up God’s Word and exploring a passage with a small
group of people. Nothing fancy, but growing in
faith, knowledge, and fellowship should be a pillar
of a healthy Christian faith.
GROW Small Groups are dedicated to this calling.
These groups, ranging in number from as intimate as 4-6 people to as
large as 30 people, meet at various times and locations throughout the
week. They study and discuss in depth a Scripture passage, often from
the previous Sunday’s sermon. They also focus on intentional prayer
and fellowship. If you’re interested in joining (or forming) a small
group, please contact Pastor Jay at jayh@germantownpres.org or 901754-5195, or come to one of our groups!
Young Adults Bible Study
Sundays, 9:45 – 10:30 AM, Mellor Library
The Young Adults Sunday group meets Sundays at 9:45 AM in
the church library. Young adults and college students are invited
to attend. Together, we explore God’s Word through discussion
and build relationships with one another. Contact Myles Beaupre
(myles.d.beaupre@gmail.com) or Lauren Beaupre (lauren.beaupre@
gmail.com) for more information about joining this class.
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SONrise MENistry (Men’s Breakfast)
Fridays, 6:30 – 7:30 AM, Warren Hall
Start your Fridays off right with a great breakfast and Bible study! The
men of the church cook and lead this weekly Bible study. Contact Jim
Boyd (901-756-7359 or jboyd10@comcast.net) or John Colmer (901-7556961 or john@computerenvironment.com) for more information.
Eat, Read, Pray
GPC’s book study group, Eat, Read, Pray, meets the second Monday
of each month from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM in the parlor. Women who
like to read and discuss books that lead to a greater understanding of
our Christian faith are encouraged to come and be part of this lively and
supportive group. Participants take turns leading the monthly time of
discussion, prayer, food, and fellowship. Each person is responsible for
purchasing her own book and reading it before the day of discussion.
For more information, contact Stephanie Wall at 901-754-6869 or
stephaniewall@hotmail.com.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTSTHE COMPASS
Luke 13:29 - People will come from east and west and
north and south, and will take their places at the feast in
the kingdom of God.
Wednesdays (during the school year) 5:45 - 7:00 PM
Wednesdays are a great time midweek to share in fellowship and dive into
the word with your church community! Join us for dinner in the Activity
Center 5:45 – 6:15 PM. Dinner will be an open table, buffet style meal.
Dinner prices will be $6 for each adult and $4 for each child (infants-5th
grade). Please RSVP for dinner with the church office. You can make a
reservation for the entire semester, or by week. Dinner punch cards will be
available to purchase for individuals or families.
At 6:15 PM education offerings for all ages will begin. Children will meet
in the lower level of the church, youth will meet in the Youth Loft and
adults will meet in the sanctuary for a bible study led by Pastor Jay Howell.
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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Presbyterian Women (PW) is an independent
organization of more than 300,000 women
within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The
programming and resource options for the
organization offer a variety of ways for women to
work for justice and peace, and to live out their faith
in an inclusive, caring community among other
women, strengthening the Presbyterian Church and
witnessing to the promise of God’s kingdom. We are service-oriented, assisting with both local and global missions.
(A sampling of missions we’re involved in is included below.) We
utilize Bible study as the common thread of our efforts and offer
opportunities for fellowship and leadership. Please consider joining
our group! The small groups, called Circles, meet the first Tuesday of
every month, and everyone meets together, as their schedules permit,
every third Tuesday. Gathering times accommodate just about every
schedule, and you are invited! Please consider serving and enhancing
your faith through our sisterhood ministry! Anyone who is interested or
has any questions, please contact Catherine King at 901-755-2534 or
rking13141@comcast.net.
Martha’s Manor
Threads of Love
All are invited to join this group
that meets once a month to make
articles needed to help others. We
need workers to sew or cut or stuff
or iron, etc. You do not have to have any previous experience. We
are a fellowship group that makes pillows for surgery patients,
bags to attach to walkers, dresses for African girls, hats for chemo
patients, and anything else that can be of help to others. We meet on
the second Tuesday of each month from 9:30 AM until noon in the
sewing room in the basement of the chapel on the northwest side of
the building. We don’t meet during the summer and start back on
Tuesday, September 9, 2014. We hope you will join us! If you have
questions or would like more information, please contact Susie Lyle
at 901-754-1811 or susanwlyle@yahoo.com.
FELLOWSHIP
GROUPS
Fellowship groups are an important way to
build up friendships within our congregation.
Groups vary in age and meeting times.
These groups meet on the first Friday of each month:
A day activity center for mentally challenged women, Martha’s
Manor provides rewarding volunteer opportunities for members
of our congregation. Volunteering includes working with the
ladies from 10 AM to noon on the first and third Tuesdays of the
month on craft projects and hand stitching skills. Every Thursday
volunteers meet from 10 AM to 11 AM to exercise, play games,
read, write, and sing with the ladies. Also every Tuesday and
Thursday there are opportunities to drive the ladies to Curves
at Quince and Kirby roads for exercise. Martha’s Manor is a
ministry that will bring you joy and will be of great service to
these wonderful women. For additional information please contact
Bonnie Algee at 901-761-6190 or bbalgee@bellsouth.net.
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• Young Adults FG (people in their 20’s and 30’s);
Convener: Courtney Wall (courtney.wall@hotmail.com)
• Young Families FG (people in their 30’s and 40’s);
Convener: Amber Phelan (amberphelan8@gmail.com)
• Parents’ Night Out FG (people in their 40’s and 50’s); Convener: Susan Jones (susanstumbjones@gmail.com)
• Hits of the 50’s and 60’s FG (people in their 50’s and 60’s); Conveners: Helen Norman (helenwatnorman@me.com) and Melinda Russell (melinda.russell@att.net)
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FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
The Cornerstones
The Cornerstones fellowship group is a meeting
of friends through GPC and works as an extended
family for the members. This fellowship group meets
once each month for dinner and games, sometimes
at homes or neighborhood club houses. No matter
what the occasion is, the theme is fun, and there is
always great fellowship with Christian friends. Please
contact Ann and Roscoe Phillips at 901-756-6670 or jroscoep2013@
bellsouth.net with questions or for more information.
The Keystones
The Keystones fellowship group is a meeting of Germantown
Presbyterian Church friends which provides the group members with
a chance to bond on a less formal basis in individual homes and other
locations once a month. The group meets one Saturday a month, usually
the third, with the intention of developing and growing deep Christian
friendships. New members are welcome. Please contact Evelyn Mosley
at 901-754-4929 or mosleyec@yahoo.com with questions or for more
information.
YOUTH MINISTRY
GPC Live Theater
GPC Live Theater Group is a fellowship group that attends a live
theater production each month from September to May. Specific plays
and productions are usually picked by the group as a whole at the first
gathering. We’d love to see you join the group and come along to create new
friendships and enjoy live theater performances. Contact Sally Ostheimer at
sallyostheimer@comcast.net with questions or for more information.
Young at Heart
Young at Heart is a fellowship group interested in
daytime activities geared toward those mature in
age but not limited to any particular age group. We
meet on the fourth Friday of each month (September
to May) at 11:30 AM at the church in Warren Hall. This year our meetings
consist of catered lunches with a program. In addition, we go out to lunch as
a group at 11:30 AM on the second Friday of each month. No reservations
are needed; carpooling can be arranged by arriving at the church at 11:00
AM. As the year’s programming has not been finalized, specifics detailing
future plans will be announced from the pulpit, published online, in the
church bulletins and newsletters, and communicated through all the other
church publications. Be sure to keep your eyes open for announcements of
upcoming events. For more information about Young at Heart, please contact
Tom Sauer (901-754-5195 or toms@germantownpres.org).
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And Jesus said “The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter
seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed
sprouts and grows; he knows not how.” (Mark 4:26-27)
GPC Youth Ministry exists to open a
welcoming and safe environment for
middle school and high school aged
youth to engage their faith in Jesus
Christ through the Holy Spirit, creating
a deep, grounded relationship with God the Father. Through the
teachings of the Bible we provide opportunities to instill confidence in
faith, cultivate a desire to serve, and encourage active participation in
Christian community.
We meet on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday
nights from September to April for Bible study, fellowship, games,
and worship. We also participate in mission projects and retreats
(from overnights to week-long conferences) throughout the year.
If you would like more information or would like to sign up for our
weekly e-mail updates, please contact Director of Youth Ministries
Adam Peterson (901-754-5195 or adamp@germantownpres.org) or
chair Bob Pitts (901-737-2179 or bpitts@pickeringfirm.com). You can
find more information on our web page at youth.germantownpres.org.
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and
when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6)
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and
do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven
belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)
The GPC Children’s Ministry Team exists to provide a safe and loving
environment for all children to know God as their Father and Creator.
Through a developmentally appropriate environment with biblically
based curriculum we partner with families to nurture children’s faith and
to lay the foundation for a lifelong journey as a disciple of Christ. We
seek to nurture relationships for each child with his or her peers, leaders
and church family.
We provide Sunday School classes that meet Sunday mornings at 9:30
AM year-round for children age three years through fifth grade in the
preschool buildings at the south end of the church and in the elementary
classrooms beneath the sanctuary. Our Wednesday Night program meets
September through April and is a fun time of worship, fellowship, and
activities.
If you would like more information about how to get involved, please
contact Director of Children’s Ministries Kelle Wesson at 901-754-5195
(ext 109) or kellew@germantownpres.org.
Special Needs Ministry
GPC is in the process of establishing a special needs ministry. If you are
a family touched by special needs, we want to hear from you! Allow us
to get to know you and your child, and together we can work to develop
a program that is right for you. It is our desire to partner with parents
so all children can know God’s love and feel at home in His church. We
presently offer a shadow program, with plans to expand our offerings
as the ministry grows. For more information, please contact Mary K.
Grantham at 901-751-4202 or GPCSpecialNeeds@gmail.com.
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MISSIONS
Mission Leadership Team
The Mission Leadership Team (MLT) is a committee of the Session open
to all members of the congregation. The purpose of the MLT is to help
GPC develop a clear, robust theological and scriptural understanding both
of the need for mission and its implementation. The MLT has several
important goals: to establish GPC as an action-oriented missional church;
to provide long-term, relationship-based mission opportunities for the
GPC congregation; to work with other committees and groups to provide
proactive/hands-on involvement; and to provide clear global missions
direction, seeking to establish longstanding international partnerships. We
try to focus on “hand-up” efforts as opposed to “hand-out” efforts in order to
break the cycles of dependence. We are always praying for God’s guidance
in new opportunities to go with our established efforts. In particular, given
our church’s passion for teaching and education, we are exploring what
it would mean to focus on education-related missions and ministries as a
church.
The MLT meets on the second Tuesday of each
month at 6:00 PM, and you are always invited!
For information, contact Jay Howell in the church
office at 901-754-5195 or jayh@germantownpres.
org or Merrill Wise at 901-896-4396 or merrill.wise@earthlink.net.
The following is a sampling of just some of the wonderful missionary
partners of GPC.
LOCAL MISSIONS
Binghampton Christian Academy
Binghampton Christian Academy is a Pre-K through eighth grade Christian
school in the Binghampton area of Memphis serving students who need love
and hope. As stated on their website (www.tnsmemphis.org), the school’s
goal is “to give each child the opportunity to appreciate who he or she is
in Christ Jesus, to succeed academically, and to live a meaningful life.”
Germantown Presbyterian Church has joined BCA students for dinner,
homework, and games and has purchased and installed a playground for the
school. To learn more, contact Helen Norman (helenwatnorman@me.com).
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Habitat for Humanity
Twice per year (spring and fall), Germantown
Presbyterian joins several other corporations and
congregations to sponsor a Habitat for Humanity
home. During the builds, you can sign up for a day,
a partial day, or multiple days. Lunch and tools are
provided. Volunteers of all skill levels are needed, but for safety reasons,
all volunteers must be at least sixteen years of age to participate. If
interested, please contact George McGaha (901-757-4108, gamcgaha@
comcast.net) or Austin Simmons (901-754-4095, austinsuga66@gmail.
com).
Lifeblood
Lifeblood is the Memphis region’s only non-profit volunteer blood
center. Every year Lifeblood supplies more than 100,000 units of blood
and blood products for local patient transfusion. GPC hosts several blood
drives throughout the year in our Activity Center. For more information,
please contact Phil Carroll (901-361-8252 or phillip_carroll@att.net.)
Memphis Athletic Ministries
Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM) is a network
of gyms and after-school programs for children
and youth in the city of Memphis, combining
sports, homework help, and Bible studies. GPC
partners with MAM’s gym at Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church on
Knight Arnold Rd. We help with homework and get to know the kids
on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. For more info, contact Pastor Jay
(jayh@germantownpres.org, 901-754-5195).
Team Read
GLOBAL MISSIONS
Xpujil, Mexico
For the past two years, GPC has been
partnering with a Presbyterian missionary
in Xpujil, a small community in the Yucatan
peninsula of Mexico. Every year, we join
teams from other Presbyterian churches
in the Mid-South in partnering with this
ministry in Mexico, joining members of the
community to build clean water cisterns.
Independent Presbyterian
Church of Brazil, Caico
GPC’s partnership with this church in
Caico, Brazil, began in 2000 as part of
the Sertao Project. The Sertao region of
Northeast Brazil is semi-arid, characterized
by severe droughts, causing not only material poverty from lack of
food and water, but emotional and spiritual poverty as well. The Sertao
Project was established to develop self-supporting church communities
throughout the region and to seek and train local individuals for
leadership.
Now, after fourteen years, GPC continues to partner with our brothers
and sisters in Christ in Caico as the church grows under the leadership
of Rev. Alberto and Erica Soares.
Team Read is a partnership program between schools and churches,
focusing on improving vocabulary and reading skills for second graders.
GPC is partnering with Oak Forest Elementary, just a few minutes south
of the church. With an hour once a week, you can make a huge difference
in the lives of two students, setting them up for success academically
and, more importantly, sharing the love of Christ with them. For more
info, please contact Beth Willingham (bethwillingham@comcast.net).
We serve and are served through vibrant worship services, children’s
and youth ministry, men’s ministry, and active outreach and evangelism.
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For more information about global and/or local missions, please
contact Jay Howell (901-754-5195 or jayh@germantownpres.org) or
Merrill Wise (901-896-4396 or merrill.wise@earthlink.net).
WORSHIP
Worship Committee
The Worship Committee plans and
organizes all aspects of our worship
services. This is the place to be if you
would like to help greet, usher, read the
liturgy, set up for Communion prior to
worship, clear Communion things from the sanctuary after the service,
or help with the flower committee. We also assist members as parking
attendants and funeral hostesses. We would love to include you in
any of these activities. Please contact Elaine Cates (901-754-6598 or
etccheer@bellsouth.net).
Greeters
Germantown Presbyterian Church is known for
its warm and friendly greeting every Sunday
morning to members and visitors alike. We want
everyone who comes to GPC to feel that they are
very welcome. Stationed at the entrances of the
sanctuary prior to both services, greeters give the
first impression. All it takes is a smile and a “Good
Morning.” This is a great opportunity for you to greet people you know
and meet people you don’t. Volunteers are vital in welcoming others into
the house of the Lord.
If you’re interested, there are two different opportunities to serve in this
way.
GPC Flower Committee
This group of dedicated individuals is responsible for
arranging the flowers on the chancel for each Sunday
worship service. After the service, members break
down the flowers into small vases which are stored
in the flower room cooler. These flowers are then
available to be taken by church members and staff to the
homebound, and/or those in need (Petals and Prayers
ministry).
The Flower Committee also decorates the sanctuary,
chapel, and other areas of the church for Advent/
Christmas. The committee is occasionally asked to
arrange flowers for memorial services and receptions as
well.
Training will be provided to those interested in joining
the flower committee; however, some experience with
flowers is helpful. New members are always welcome.
Please contact Barbara Armstrong at 901-754-9319 or
b2armstrong@yahoo.com with any questions or if you
are interested in joining.
8:30 AM service: 3 people arrive at 8:10 and greet until the start of the
service. When possible, people agree to serve a month at a time. The
contact person for this service is Aggie Losa (901-754-4013 or
jpl4808@bellsouth.net).
11:00 AM service: 2 people arrive about 10:30 and greet until the start of
the service. About every four months you’ll be asked to greet for about
30 minutes. That’s three times a year. The contact person for this service
is Mary Ann Harding (901-754-4820 or hardingma17@yahoo.com).
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MUSIC MINISTRY
Music at GPC occupies a very special place in the life of the church.
For years quality music in worship, and worship at GPC have been
synonymous. Throughout the church year talented members of the
congregation as well as the finest musicians from our community lead
our services of worship. For additional information contact Director
of Music Jerold Teachey at jeroldt@germantownpres.org or Carolyn
Mason, Organist/Handbell Director at carolynm@germantownpres.
org.
Chancel Choir
The GPC Chancel Choir sings regularly at the
11:00 AM worship service and is comprised of
40-50 singers who are dedicated in sharing their
talents to lead the congregation in worship through
music. On Easter Sunday, during Advent and for
other special music presentations, the choir sings at both the 8:30
AM and 11:00 AM worship services accompanied by instrumental
ensembles. Traditional anthems as well as standard cantata and
oratorio repertory are presented for worship. Rehearsals are held
at 10:20 AM each Sunday morning and Wednesday evenings, 7:159:00 PM in the Choir Suite. For additional information about the
Chancel Choir, contact Jerold Teachey at 901-754-5195 or jeroldt@
germantownpres.org.
Children’s Choir
Children’s choirs are part of the Kids
Ring and Sing music program designed
for children from 4 years old through 5th
grade. The choirs are divided into two age
groups and meet 4:00-5:00 PM each Sunday
afternoon of the school year. The Cherub Choir (4 years old- 1st
grade) meets with Karen Schowalter Cooper; 2nd-5th grade children
meet with Sandra Franks. The children will be exposed to traditional
and current church music and a variety of musical instruments.
These choirs present the skills they learn during the year in worship
services several times throughout the year. For additional information
about children’s choirs, contact Sandra Franks at 901-212-4540 or
frankswhited@aol.com.
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Handbells
GPC handbell choirs are designed for all
levels of abilities and ages. The goal of the
handbell program is to glorify God with
the gifts and talents He has given and to
use those gifts as an offering for worship.
All skill levels are welcome. Please see the
descriptions of each choir below. Carolyn
Mason is the director of each group.
Adult Ringers - For those who read music easily and have some
ringing experience. This group plays in worship 3-5 times during
the school year and rehearses on Sunday evenings 6:00-7:30 PM.
Intermediate skill level.
Liberty Ringers - For those youth, 6th – 12th grade who have some
music reading and ringing experience. This is a 4-week class that
meets on Wednesday evenings 5:00-5:45 PM, October 15, 22, 29,
and November 5, and again January 28, February 4, 11, and 25.
Please contact Carolyn to register for each 4-week class. Beginning to
intermediate skill level.
Jr. Liberty Ringers - For those children, 3rd – 5th grade who wish to
learn the art of handbell ringing. We create a lot of different sounds
with handbells and have a lot of fun exploring different techniques.
The children learn to not only ring handbells, but to read music as
well. This is part of the Kids Ring and Sing music program that meets
on Sunday evenings beginning September 7. This group plays in
worship 2-3 times during the school year. Beginning skill level.
A class for adults who want to learn to ring handbells will be offered
on Wednesday evenings for 4 weeks in September and 4 weeks in
the spring. There is no expectation of a long-term commitment. The
ability to read music is not necessary.
All rehearsals take place on the second floor of the church in UL 217.
For additional information about any handbell choir, contact Carolyn
Mason at 901-754-5195 or carolynm@germantownpres.org.
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CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Congregational Life Committee
The Congregational Life Committee seeks to draw GPC members
closer together in Christian community by organizing special
events, the annual church-wide retreat to
NaCoMe, and miscellaneous recreation
programming throughout the year. Recent
events planned by the committee include
GPC at the Redbirds nights, congregational
potluck suppers, congregational breakfasts,
Christmas caroling and chili suppers, Guess
Who’s Coming to Dinner, and Easter egg hunts. The committee
meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in UL212. All
GPC members are invited to join Deacons at committee meetings and
to help with events. For more information, please contact Bill Burnett
at 901-251-6839 or bill.burnett@yahoo.com. CONGREGATIONAL CARE
GPC Stephen Ministers
Stephen Ministry has been part of the care
provided to those in crisis for over twenty
years. But much may not be known about what
a Stephen Minister really does. Just simply call
Stephen Ministers the “after” people—after a
traumatic event occurs. Perhaps it is the death of
a loved one, a serious illness, a divorce, when the
pink slip arrives, or other crises. That’s when the Stephen Ministers
step in. They are someone of the same gender who will walk beside
you during a time of need and will be there to provide comfort and
support for as long after as needed.
If you or someone you know may desire confidential support from
a Stephen Minister for any type of after, please feel free to contact
GPC’s pastors at 901-754-5195, and they will arrange for a Stephen
Minister to be assigned.
Card Making with Stephen
Ministry
The Dr. Ernest Mellor Library
The library is located off the south end of the
Welcome Center, and is open daily during
regular church hours. There is a varied
collection of materials for reference, teaching
classes, personal studies, or leisure reading.
There is also a large children’s collection of
new and classic books. The easy check-out
procedure is posted on top of the card catalog
cabinet, and books may be kept for a period
of three weeks. Selections from the staff and
new books reviewed in the Vine are available in the library. For more
information, you can e-mail us at gpclibrary@gmail.com, or give
Nicki Lamar a call at 901-755-3831. You are encouraged to come see
us soon.
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E-mail, Twitter, and Facebook are all great for staying
in touch, but the old fashioned card or letter still
says something extra special to those who need to
know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Stephen Ministers
are trained to stay in contact with their care recipient – preferably
through a personal visit, but if that is not possible, through a phone
call or card. Germantown Presbyterian Church Stephen Ministry is
now sponsoring a Card Ministry that meets once a month to create
handmade cards that can be sent out by anyone who would like to
keep in touch with members of our church and community for any
occasion: birthdays, get well, sympathy, congratulations, or just
thinking of you! Meeting dates and times will be determined by those
who express an interest in this ministry. We also accept all donations
of card-making supplies, including but not limited to: card stock, glue,
stickers, rubber stamps, ink pads, colored pencils, scissors, watercolor
paint, paint brushes, and A2 sized envelopes. Please contact Karen
Cooper at 901-292-1710 or metscho@aol.com with any questions or
to get involved.
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CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Home Visitation
If you or someone you know is unable to attend
church services, we have volunteers who would
love to visit you! Once a month a volunteer will
come and bring you all the news from church. We can also arrange for a pastor to bring
Communion. Volunteers are always needed. Anyone who would like
to volunteer for this wonderful ministry is invited to contact June
McClellan (901-881-1607 or JuneMcClellan@aol.com) or Linda
Oakes (901-853-7880 or linoakes@bellsouth.net).
Grief Support Ministry
As members of the body of Christ, we are told to “bear one another’s
burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2) and to “rejoice with
those who rejoice and weep with those
who weep” (Rom. 14:15). The Grief
Support Group is an outreach ministry
to those in the Germantown Presbyterian
Church community who have lost a
loved one through death. This is not
professional counseling or group therapy;
rather, it is a gathering of those in the
family of faith who are going through the grief and bereavement
journey, to gain comfort, encouragement and support. Grieving is the
normal expression of sorrow associated with the loss of a loved one,
and no one has to walk through this journey alone. Participants meet
once a week for a 6 week period (schedule may vary) with group
facilitators in a confidential setting to discuss aspects of the grief
process, to gain new insights into grieving, and to become equipped
with skills for navigating this journey.
Contacts: Beth Brock (beth.coleman.brock@gmail.com or 901-3550262), Linda Oakes (linoakes@bellsouth.bellsouth.net or 901-2376566), and Stephanie Wall (stephaniewall@hotmail.com or 901-7546869)
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Prayer Ministry
GPC has a wonderful Prayer Ministry offering
caring support for members of our church at
all times. If you would like to participate in
any aspect of the Prayer Ministry or for more
information on contacts for the specific prayer
opportunities, please contact Linda Allwood
(901-854-2194 or Allwood00@aol.com).
The Prayer Ministry includes:
1. E-mail Prayer Chain: distributed as needed with new prayer
requests and updates to existing ones. Contact Margaret
Owens at margaretowens1@aol.com to be added to the
prayer chain.
2. Emergency Phone Prayer Chain: calls made for specific and immediate emergency prayers.
3. Small Prayer Groups: groups within the congregation
formed for various reasons.
4. Congregational Prayer: each member/family is prayed for once per year.
5. Congregational Prayer List: updated weekly and includes members, families, and friends of members as well as ministries of the church.
6. Prayer Card Prayer Team: dedicated to pray specifically
every week for requests on prayer cards from the church
pews.
7. Petals and Prayers: developed by the Flower Committee; floral arrangements created weekly from the sanctuary
arrangement and delivered by staff/members of the congregation to the ill or homebound.
8. An ecumenical World Day of Prayer service was hosted by
GPC on March 7, 2014. A World Day of Prayer service will
be held again on March 6, 2015.
We are all blessed to be part of this wonderful, prayerful
congregation. God listens and answers all of our prayers, sometimes
even providing miracles.
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LEADERSHIP TEAM CHAIRS
Elders
Membership
Carolee Carlin
Mission
Merrill Wise
Education
Tom Wilson (adult)
Bob Pitts (youth)
September Eason (children)
Stewardship
John Colmer
Worship
Elaine Cates
Deacons
Congregational Care
Linda Allwood
June McClellan
Congregational Life
Bill Burnett
Marjorie Reynolds
Buildings and Grounds
Leah Lumm
Mike Phelan
G ermantown P resbyterian C hurch
2363 Germantown Road South
Germantown, Tennessee 38138
www.germantownpres.org