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| Dear Partner in Ministry,
The scents of magnolias and sunscreen. Just like that, I know that it is summer. The daily rhythms shift in summer months as folks travel and work loads (hopefully) lighten just a bit. In recognition of that cultural norm and in honor of the commandment to remember the sabbath, we are inviting GPC into the ancient practice of sabbath-keeping this summer.
The practice is rooted in creation itself — after six days of forming and filling the world, God rested on the seventh, blessing that day and setting it apart. In a world that rewards busyness and feeds us a constant stream of noise and stimulation, many of us have quietly become rest-less — not simply tired, but unable to stop. Sabbath is God's antidote to this way of living.
At its heart, sabbath means three things: stopping work, engaging community, and creating spaciousness. Summer naturally opens a door to this practice, but sabbath is more than a seasonal habit; it is a gift from God. Sabbath reminds us that our lives are held not by our own striving, but by God's grace.
This summer, we want to experience together what it looks like to slow down, to connect, and to receive that gift. We are going to intentionally pare down the worship service just a bit to create more time for fellowship after the service. We will hear stories from fellow church-members. The children will lead us in worship each week and the summer choir will share their gifts with us on occasion. We will share in potlucks as an extension of God's table of welcome on the first Sundays of the month.
You can carry out the practice of sabbath at home, too, simply by seeing the rhythms of summer as an invitation to practice sabbath rest and receive that gift of grace.
Peace,
Jessica
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1. Join Us for Worship, this Sunday, June 14th, at 10:00am in person or on YouTube. Rev. Meghan Brown will be preaching. Pop Up Choir begins this Sunday-if you're interested in joining, meet in the loft at 9 to rehearse and sing alongside members of the GPC choir.
2. GPC Town Hall: Join us after worship this Sunday, June 14, for a brief town hall meeting in the Georgetown Room. Pastors Meghan and Jessica will share an update on where we are as a church, staffing changes, and the GPC250 Capital Campaign.
3. GPC250 is FULLY ONLINE! With many thanks to Jack Gillum, we have launched a new GPC250 website, with information about the Capital Campaign vision and 4 funding priorities. CLICK HERE to watch short videos, review renovation plans with interactive floorplans, make a pledge with the payment calculator, or make an online gift. We welcome the opportunity to connect with you, but understand that life is busy and summer vacations are here.
4. Young Adult Capital Campaign Session: Are you a Young Adult who is curious about the GPC Capital Campaign, but wondering if you have "enough" to give? You do. We need everyone, and even $1 counts. Join Claire Gillum and Pastor Grace this Sunday, June 14, after the town hall following worship, in the Washington Room, for a casual conversation about how you can participate. This is a zero pressure, come as you are session. Can't make it but want to learn more? Reach out to Pastor Grace directly.
5. GPC Joys and Concerns Newsletter: The GPC Care Team has launched GPC Joys and Concerns, a biweekly newsletter published on the 1st and the 15th Each issue shares congregational news — marriages, births, graduations, moves, new jobs, surgeries, deaths, and other milestones — so we can celebrate and support one another well. All current Top 5 subscribers are automatically enrolled, with the option to opt out at any time. To submit news, email care@gtownpres.org or fill out the Care and Support Form.
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Did you know that GPC's bell dates back to 1847? Members (and unofficial "steeple keepers") Doug Davies and Jack Gillum recently replaced the bell's rope, which had worn down over use. The GPC bell has rung for the church's anniversaries (the 225th and 245th!) and in commemoration of the deaths of various presidents, including for George H. W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and Jimmy Carter.
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