Dear Partner in Ministry,

One of the privileges of being a pastor is that you invite us into your lives. When I look out over the congregation on Sunday morning, I see more than just your faces. I see, too, the stories you carry with you. Joy. Exhaustion. Grief. Family struggle. Loneliness. Addiction. Overwhelm. Pain. Anticipation. Hopelessness. Hopefulness.

One of the gifts of the church is that we get to bring all of that with us to this community. And we are met - however imperfectly - with compassion, presence, prayers, shared burdens, companionship for the journey.

One of the gifts of our faith is that God holds all of the stories of our lives with us. Wherever you find yourself today, you are held. And so I close with a sung prayer that reminds me of that gift:

God be the love to search and keep me;
God be the prayer to move my voice;
God be the strength to now uphold me:
O Christ, surround me. O Christ, surround me.

Peace to you,

Jessica

Top Five @ GTownPres

1. Join Us for Worship, this Sunday, May 17th, at 11:00am in person or on YouTube. John Franke will be preaching. In Adult Education, Theologian in Residence John Franke will conclude the series on "Making Sense of the Trinity" at 9:45am in the Washington Room and on Zoom. This is the last Sunday before 10am summer worship, which lasts from May 24th-September 6th.

2. GPC Photo Shoot — This Sunday: We're finally completing our Church Directory! Whether you never had a photo taken or your family has grown, drop by the front garden for a quick individual or family photo — no sign-up required. Find Pastor Meghan and Louise Sumner out front this Sunday, May 17th from 10–11am and after worship.

3. Betwixt and Between in May: On Thursday, May 28th, 10:45am-12:30pm, we'll visit with Don Dahmann, Historian at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House to learn about OPMH's history, including the relationship with Dr. James Muir, Dr. Stephen Bloomer Balch, and Thomas Bloomer Balch, as well as their research into slavery in Alexandria and with the early church. We'll pass the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before having lunch together. Contact Pastor Meghan to RSVP.

4. Fellowship Opportunities: On May 31st after worship, the Young Adults will gather for brunch in the GPC Courtyard. Contact Pastor Grace for more info. Additionally, moms of young children are invite to get together for fun, friendship, wisdom and some much-needed moms-off-duty time after church on May 31st at Cafe Liberte. Contact Deacon Sarah Merritt to join!

5. Corrie's Last Sunday: Corrie Berg, our Director of Children's Ministries, is concluding her time at GPC to pursue further theological studies. We will miss Corrie's faithful leadership, her great love of Biblical storytelling, and her commitment to children and their families. Corrie's last Sunday will be on May 31st. Please join us as we commission Corrie and send her off with our gratitude and support.

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Thanks to everyone who attended GPC Gathers last week!

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