GPC Top 5, October 23, 2026

Dear Partner in ministry,

On Sunday, November 1, we will observe All Saints Day, giving thanks for the saints of every age and remembering with gratitude those who have died in the past year. As is our tradition, we will light candles in their memory during worship.

This year, our congregation has experienced more loss than in a long time. Pillars of the church died at the end of long lives; others died unexpectedly, before their time. Many of you have also grieved in your own families and circles of friends. Loss is never easy, and in its aftermath, alongside the emotional and spiritual toll, families face an endless series of decisions: burial or cremation, wills and estates, complicated family dynamics, eulogies, and funeral planning.

The church is a place, and a community, that can accompany us in our grief. We do not have to carry loss alone. Yesterday, the Betwixt and Between group met for a workshop on funeral planning. While a difficult topic, the tenor of the room was warm, full of gratitude and tenderness, as we shared stories and remembered loved ones.

Too often we put off end-of-life conversations because talking about death seems sad, uncomfortable, or even morbid. We may worry that raising the subject will frighten our parents or children (or, frankly, ourselves) and make death feel nearer than it is. Yet the conversation doesn’t hasten anything. It acknowledges that our lives are precious, finite, and held in God’s care.

As a church, we want to help you have these conversations. We have resources filled with practical and reflective questions to guide you. No matter your age, I encourage you to talk with your loved ones. Though these conversations can be hard, they can also be beautiful and connecting. They are also a gift to yourself and your family, because reflecting on what matters at the end of life is a way to pay attention to your life now: to the people you cherish, the faith that has sustained you, the places that have held you, and the traces of God’s grace woven through your life.

peace,

Meghan

P.S. Ready to have those conversations? Reach out to Pastor Meghan or Pastor Jessica. Or click here for GPC's Advance Planning Resource or Funeral Planning Packet, which has additional questions for reflection.

Join Us for Worship, this Sunday, October 25th at 11:00am in person or on YouTube. Rev. Jessica Tate is preaching.

Emma Marshall Ordination: Please join us for 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 are invited!

October Saturday Supper: Join us October 31st from 4-6pm at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church (1334 29th Street NW) as we share a meal with our unhoused neighbors. Volunteers are needed for setup, serving, cleanup, and dishes to share. Sign up here to participate.

Lunch and Learn with Susan Page: Stay after worship on Sunday, November 15th to hear from GPC member and veteran journalist Susan Page. Susan will give us an election round-up and there will be time for questions. We'll gather in the Georgetown Room.

Chrismon Ornaments: Join us as we build a new tradition of adding Chrismon Ornaments to our Christmas Tree. We will meet on November 11th at 6:30pm in the Washington Room to learn about the history of Chrismons and make these heirloom ornaments for the GPC Christmas tree. Please reach out to Meredith Lilley if you have any questions or would like to participate.