It's time to update the GPC office directory with emergency contact information for all members. Please call the office at 805-967-2131 or email shirley at shirley@goletapres.org, to give her the name and number of the emergency contact person for your household.
This summer we have several Sunday school lessons ready to go, and a teacher available, for when children are present. This seems the best plan given the present uncertainty. Rest assured that if you see a child, better yet children, during the summer, a lesson will be available. This program started on June 9.
I enjoyed spending Sunday school time with Melina last week. She was visiting her grandparents Herb and Penny Hall.
The first Sunday in June was special because it celebrated several events. Christopher and Angelia Pagliaro handed out the Bulletins.
Bibles were presented to 5th graders Eva Muzinich, Mia Muzinich and Angelia Pagliaro. Many thanks to Butch Ribet for making available the embossing equipment, and helping out with inscribing names on those bibles. Also thanks to Jeannie for the special bookmarks.
Julie Roth recognized four High School students who are moving on to the next stage of their lives. Nicole Calene, McKenna Grant, Bethany Ribet and Kieran Spence will all be attending college in the fall. Congratulations to them and their families!
We recognized the valuable contributions of our Sunday school teachers for the 2018-19 year. With much gratitude we thanked Sandy Adams (in absentia), Peggy Ciolino, Marilyn Gross, Sue Kremser and Chuck Roth.
The first attempt at getting together for a movie night at GPC on June 28 did not work out with all your summer plans. Stay tuned for the next suggested time towards the end of July! Meanwhile, as summer is officially here, I hope you are finding some time to enjoy it!
-Alison
Come join us Saturday July 6th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm in the Common Room. We will indulge in rousing games of bingo and enjoying each other’s company. The goal is to build bridges between various groups at GPC, so come and get to know your neighbors! There will be refreshments and prizes!
Brought to you by the GPC Deacon Board.
The annual GPC Walt Eby Golf Tournament is coming up! Sunday, June 23, 2019 at the Twin Lakes Golf Club. Registration begins at 12:45pm. First tee time is 1:00pm. There will be refreshments, awards and prizes.
Entry fees: Adults $18 ($15 greens fee and prize fund).
Seniors $15 ($12 greens fee and prize fund).
Students $15 ($12 greens fee and prize fund).
Tournament format: 4-Person Scramble. For more information, contact Steve Martin at 805-967-1146.
Seven harps in one place is a special event! HarpWorks Ensemble is seven harpists with a repertoire that includes Latin, classical, spiritual, medieval English, Gospel, and folk.
The Ensemble's director will also offer a brief discussion about these interesting instruments. Proceeds from the program will be used to fund a harp scholarship program.
Tickets: $10 cash or check, at the door. Presented by American Harp Society and Goleta Presbyterian Church.
More information: Email Ann Lawler or call 805-448-8906
In Sunday School this month, children have an opportunity to express gratitude for God's forgiveness, remembering how Jesus forgave the woman who washed and anointed his feet. Also gratitude for God's love, by learning to listen as Martha did. The kids can further express their gratitude for God's grace by praising and thanking God, in the same way as one of the lepers did again and again, and by learning to welcome others as Jesus did with Zaccaeus.
Teaching Sunday school in April were Sue Kremser and Peggy Ciolino and we thank them for always being prepared. Peggy made it possible for Sue, Marilyn and me to sing with the choir at Easter.
Easter was, as usual, a special Sunday at GPC. Noella helped by handing out Bulletins, Linda prepared a lively version of The Run Away Bunny for the children, all ages were successful in finding Easter eggs and then we enjoyed a delicious brunch. I want to thank all the generous people who took and filled the hundreds of eggs that were hidden for the children and also Kaylie Grant who came early and helped me with hiding them.
Please put June 2ndon your calendars as we will present Bibles to 5th graders and celebrate our Sunday school teachers and Ashley Adams. Spring is lovely this year; I hope you are finding some time to enjoy
We are blessed with the so far gentle rain and mild temperatures.
-Alison
A bunch of GPC-ers gathered on Saturday, April 6, to spruce up the church grounds and meeting rooms. A good mix of friendly conversation and hard work. And some pretty good food, too! The photos here are by Mary Ellen Kestel and Marilyn Gross
Mary Ellen & Jeannie escape from the trash can
Into the bin!
Jeanne & Alison nurturing plants
The hole-digging crew
Look what I found!
Lynn and George at rest
Jim hefting mulch
Alan shows how it's done
Ernie shovels air
Heavy Machinery
Break Time!
Eduardo with a Spear
Vacuuming the library
Sunday School room team
Down in the dirt
Lunch!
Work on our lovely succulent garden began in 2018, headed-up by Lynn Kirby, Alan Scholl, George Emory, Eduardo Villa, and Norma Shinoda. We also thank everyone else who helped out with the huge amount of loving work that went into this garden.
Here is a video of the "emergence" of the garden.
Work on our lovely succulent garden began in 2018, headed-up by Lynn Kirby, Alan Scholl, George Emory, Norma Shinoda, and Eduardo Villa. We also thank everyone else who helped out with the huge amount of loving work that went into this garden. The photos below are by Mary Ellen Kestel.
A video of the "emergence" of the garden is below the photos.
For a 3-minute video of the "emergence" of the garden, from its beginnings in 2018, click the video icon.
The first April Sunday school lesson considers lost things, sheep and a prodigal son, and how God will search them out and welcome them home. Next we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the crowds who welcome him, followed 5 days later by his arrest, crucifixion and amazing forgiveness from the cross. Easter Sunday brings the resurrection and joy we can share with others. Finally some of the disciples see the risen Christ; their eyes are opened. Where might we see Jesus?
Marilyn Gross taught Sunday school for most of March and we thank her.
Spring began with the equinox on the church calendar so Easter is late this year, April 21. I’ll be asking for people to help with filling eggs for the annual Easter egg hunt. It will be held on the back lawn again. I might also need help hiding eggs before church as Ben isn’t here to organize that anymore. Stay tuned! Come to our wonderful Resurrection service and stay for brunch afterwards.
The Nursery looks bare just now but I’m assured by Ministerios Betel that it is temporary -- they held a garage sale with some of the old equipment and will be purchasing more soon with the proceeds. Ashley will be glad!
After due consideration, which included a variety of factors, our church has decided to cancel the Villa Music and Performing Week for this year. The presentation dates we chose were a conflict for all the GPC children and most others who might otherwise join us. We are disappointed but realistic. We’ll consult with our new pastor and see what he/she envisions for music-education projects going forward and hope we can coordinate on a time that works for everyone next year.This is a time for prayer and close community as our hard-working PNC searches for a new pastor and our future direction. We offer our gratitude to all those helping out while this takes place.
We wish you many blessings and a Happy Springtime!
Alison