GPC Top 5, October 9, 2026

Dear Partner in Ministry,

Over 30 years ago, a World War II veteran named Phil founded a men’s fellowship group at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon, California. The idea was simple, to meet weekly and discuss topics of interest and use these as a vehicle to learn more about each other and build a support community. This group still meets to this day with some of the original members, after going online during the pandemic and welcoming members from outside the local community, including myself. If you asked those men who show up week after week they would say that it’s one of the most important things that they do.

One of the resources we drew on was the book ‘The Council of Dads’ by Bruce Feiler. It chronicles the author’s battle with cancer and his determination to build a community of friends who could support his family in the event that he lost his fight with the illness. I highly recommend this as a good read for anyone.

Upon joining the GPC community three years ago, I was delighted to find a similar group of men willing to open up and build community. This was particularly evident in last years’ men’s retreat where, as well as organized activities, we had plenty of space to spend time together and talk about whatever was on our minds. Freed from our usual environments and daily activities, we felt able to listen, share and just relax. Other activities included walking, a bonfire, group discussions and small but meaningful service on Sunday morning, as well as enjoying excellent food and beautiful surroundings.

I hope you will be able to join for our next Men's Retreat at the same location, The Claggett Center in Maryland on November the 7th and 8th. I look forward to getting to know you even better.

Peter Sayers

Join Us for Worship, this Sunday, October 11th at 11:00am in person or on YouTube. Rev. Jessica Tate is preaching.

All Things Bright and Beautiful: GPC’s 2027 Annual Stewardship Campaign is underway! GPC is a community we build together and your pledges of support make it possible. To indicate a pledge visit gtownpres.org/give. Thank you!

Lunch and Learn on October 11th: Join us after worship this week at 12:30pm in the Washington Room for a lunch and learn with Advocacy Fellows from Liberty In North Korea. The Advocacy Fellows are young adults who escaped North Korea and are sharing their stories with community organizations. In their fellowship program, they learn about issues surrounding North Korea, and how to use their personal and collective stories to be effective advocates for the North Korean people.

Kid's Night In/ Parent's Night Out: Children ages 3 (potty trained) through 5th grade are invited to a festive evening at church on Friday, October 23, 5:30–8:30pm. Wear a Halloween costume, decorate pumpkins, make crafts, and play games. Dinner and a special Halloween dessert are provided, and we’ll wind down with a movie. Parents can enjoy an evening out on their own or join other GPC parents at a local Georgetown restaurant while the kids have their own night of fun and fellowship at GPC! Register Here.

Emma Marshall Ordination: On behalf of National Capital Presbytery, you are invited to a service of worship celebrating the ordination of Emma Marshall as a Teaching Elder in the PC(USA). The service is on Saturday, October 31 at 11am at GPC, with a reception to follow. Live-stream available as well. All gratitude and glory to the triune God, with thanksgiving for the body of Christ, the church!