Before I go any further, let me correct a mistake from my last message. I wrote that Rev. Dr. Douglass and his wife Julie left church BEFORE worship after being poorly greeted, but turns out I misheard. They stayed for worship, but the greeting definitely impacted their impression of the service and the church as a whole. Thanks, Doug, for keeping me in line!

I hope you all had a meaningful Memorial Day, despite the rain and storms. Although I have not experienced the loss of a family member in military service, I do come from an Air Force family: my maternal grandfather served in the Air Force in WWII and Korea, and my dad and husband both served in the Air Force. And while I think of my grandfather at least once a week—he passed in December 1980—I especially remembered his service on Memorial Day. Celebrations like the 80^th anniversary of D-Day this week also remind me of him.

If you weren’t able to attend Wednesday Night Live last week, you missed Phil Mann’s fantastic presentation about AI and scams! Phil gave us great information, and also left us reassured that there are resources available for us in these sketchy situations. His final advice: if in doubt, don’t! The handout is available in the church office if you’d like to pick one up. And remember—I will NEVER email you asking you for gift cards!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 23 at 4 p.m. for the Bon Voyage Concert for the Instruments of Peace Singing Mission Trip to Switzerland! Rehearsals are in progress, and I’m doing some in-depth research on the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland to share with travelers. I’m also trying to figure out how to pack 12 days’ worth of everything I’ll need into one bag. I don’t want to say it’s impossible, but I have never packed light.

School is almost out, summer has begun, and folks are traveling. If I may speak for the Stewardship and Finance team, don’t forget to keep up with your pledges when you’re traveling. It’s so easy to contribute, even when you’re away, with text-to-give or through the website; you can do either on a one-time basis. I contribute “old school,” with checks that are post-dated for the Sundays I’m away. And don’t forget to volunteer for Sunday School and VBS!

Be encouraged, build up one another, and pursue shalom!

Lou

Rev. Dr. Lou Ventura

revventura@gbpres.org

Upcoming Church Events

June 9

• Class of 2024 Recognition Sunday

June 12

• Presbyterian Women (PW) Meeting

June 16

• Father's Day
• WomenSING Sunday, 9:30 Worship Service

June 21

• Seasoned Saints' Luncheon and Concert, 12:00pm in Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary

June 23

• VBS Volunteer Meeting, 10:45am in Room 230
• "Instruments of Peace" Bon Voyage Concert, 4:00pm

June 30

• One Worship Service, 10:00am

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

VBS Wishlist

Please use the link below to help fulfill the VBS Wishlist.

We are in need of medium boxes. Please boxes to the church office.

July 15-16 | 5:30pm - 8pm

Ages 3 - Rising 5th Graders

Come and Venture into Solid Faith!

I’m looking forward to our Outback Rock VBS July 15th and 16th from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. We

have volunteers who have stepped forward to assist this year, which I am grateful for.

However, we are still in need of additional volunteers.

Areas of Need:

6 group leaders needed (takes children to the different activities)

4 additional preschool volunteers (helps in the 3&4 year old classes)

3 volunteers for the Bible Story Center

3 volunteers for the Games Center

Leader for Projects with a Purpose mission center and 2 additional volunteers

Medium size boxes for the Bible Center

This is an extremely important ministry to the children of our church, preschool and

community. I need your assistance in making this a memorable experience for all the children

who attend.



Blessings,

Joy

VBS Volunteer Meeting

Sunday, June 23rd | 10:45am | Room 230

All VBS volunteers are asked to attend a brief meeting Sunday, June 23rd at 10:45am in room 230.

Worship and Music

WomenSING Sunday

• June 16th
• ALL AGES
• NO rehearsal
• Just show up, 9:00 am for the 9:30 am service. 

**Volunteer Opportunity**

VBS is asking our youth group to help volunteer for group leaders/assistants, help with games/activities, and help with set up/tear down. If you would like to volunteer for VBS please reach out to Jordan or Joy.

VBS is July 15-16; 5:30pm - 8:00pm.

Adult Ministry

Seasoned Saints'

Luncheon and Concert

Instead of going out to eat, after lunch the Seasoned Saints will have Linda and Lyle Dowling, a husband and wife musical entertainment duo from the Tidewater Arts Outreach. Their covers include songs by Hank Williams, Neil Diamond, and Doris Day. They play guitar, tambourine, maraca, and spoons.

Lunch is $10 suggested donation but the concert is free and open to everyone!

Opportunities For All

Be a friendly face to people who walk in our doors! Smile and greet everyone. It isn’t hard to be an usher and we NEED HELP at the 11:00 service! Click on the link below and say YES!!!

Congregational Care

DEACON MINISTRY Deacons are responsible for providing pastoral care and support to the members of the church. This may involve visiting the sick, elderly, or homebound members, offering prayers, providing comfort, and meeting practical needs within the congregation. All members and non-members of the congregation, not in small group, should have a deacon assigned. If you don't have a deacon, have not been contacted by a deacon, and are not in a small group, please reach out to Wayne Stover, at waynerstover@gmail.com and he will assign you a deacon.

In Need of Prayer? 

Please use the link below and let us know how we may lift you in prayer.

Stewardship & Finance

Online Giving

You may give to GBPC by online. Click the video link for step by step instructions or click the link below to give now.

In Case You Missed It

Last Week's Service

Ongoing Signups & Events

PW Novel Ideas Book Discussion

July 18th 6:30pm in Room 230

• The Women by Kristin Hannah



Sign up in the Narthex!

Seeking Office Volunteers

We are currently seeking a pool of volunteers to assist with office tasks and coverage. If interested, please use the link to sign up.

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.

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. Deadline is the Tuesday prior to the display date.