GPC Top 5, October 16, 2026

Dear Partner in Ministry,

I've been thinking about the book of Leviticus this week, which is not a sentence I often say. We don't read Leviticus very often because it's tedious and some of its teachings on purity have been used to cause real harm. But at its core, Leviticus teaches that what we do and how we structure our communities matters to God. Leviticus instructs farmers to leave corners of their fields unharvested so that the poor and the resident stranger can eat (Lev. 19:9-10). Every 50 years, in what's called the Jubilee year (Lev. 25), God instructs that all land return to its original family holdings, enslaved or indentured Israelites be released, and debts tied to land be reset. Lev. 25:35 instructs that if a fellow Israelite faces financial difficulty and is dependent upon you, you must support them as you would a foreigner or guest living among you.

These commands came to mind this week when GPC's refugee committee met with a couple of the people we supported in their flight from Afghanistan to the United States. They and their families are here legally. They have learned English. They have undertaken trainings and found jobs. They are integrating well and supporting their families. This week, I received a frantic text that their work permits are expiring and their jobs will be gone. Additionally, this month Medicaid and SNAP benefits were cut off for many asylum seekers. "What are we to do?" she asked me.

Her family's desperation weighs on me. The values God commands in Leviticus to create healthy, just, flourishing communities seem absent in this situation.

The refugee committee is going to support these families with our remaining budget for the year, and I am very grateful to be part of a generous community. At the same time, charity won't be enough to offset the impossible circumstance. It leaves me wondering what our faith asks of us in our common life? I don't have an easy answer or a bow to tie this up. Just a fervent prayer that we would shape our common life by the values God holds dear – where everyone has enough and no one needs to be afraid.

Join Us for Worship, this Sunday, October 18th at 11:00am in person or on YouTube. John Franke 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!

Blessing of the Animals: This Sunday, October 18th at 4 pm, all furry, feathered, stuffed, and scaly friends (and their humans) are invited to a brief Blessing of the Animals service in the GPC Courtyard. Dress casually, bring your pets, and join us for fellowship and worship. Friends and neighbors welcome!

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, from 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.

GPC Men's Retreat: Join us from November 7th-8th at Claggett Center in Maryland. Come for a time to build lasting friendships in Christ through rest, recreation, conversation, worship, and meaningful connection with men of all ages. Cost is $150 and scholarships are available. Contact Deacons Warner Lamar or Charlie Balaan for more information or register HERE.