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October 2014

Dear Church Family,

Rally Day this past Sunday was informative and delicious!! Thanks to all who brought casseroles and worked to set up and tear down. I love how this church fellowships!

This week, October 5, at 9:30 am, we'll start our new fall classes for youth and adults. Confirmation class (taught by Pastor Robert and Joanie) will be offered for all 6th and 7th graders, regardless of whether or not they have been confirmed. For 8th graders up through adults, there are three options. 
Each semester, we offer different options of styles (lecture vs. discussion/interactive, academic vs. intro level, topical vs. textual, etc.) to meet a variety of learning styles, interests, and spiritual needs. 

If you want a textual Bible Study:
HEBREWS will study the New Testament book of Hebrews, written to the Jews, specifically focused on understanding the new covenant - how Jesus changed the sacrificial system and how faith in Him as the once-for-all sacrifice is the only way we can be saved. This class might be especially helpful for those who want to understand their Jewish friends better. [academic with life application, a mix of lecture and discussion] 
taught by: Jim Hinton and Leslie Pack

If you feel overworked, overwhelmed, over-stressed and in need of a rest:
REST will explore what it means to really practice Sabbath as a lifestyle rhythm of work and rest in the Lord. Based on the book, "Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity," by Keri Wyatt Kent, but adding in content from others as well. You do not have to purchase or read the book. [study and discussion with some interactive activities to do as follow-up at home]   
taught by: Kathy Larson and Gail McKitterick

If you want to share your life and heart openly with others:
LIFE HAPPENS will focus on many of those inevitable life experiences, how we handle them, how we don't handle them, and where God is in all of it. We will support each other, be honest with each other, and meet each other where we are in an effort to grow in our faith where it meets us in the real world. [small group discussion, mostly life application] 
taught by: Jonathan Hetterly 

Beyond Sunday School, our men's prayer breakfast continues to meet, one women's study is already up and running and the other will start back up (see below for details), and our community group leaders will start meeting for their time of prayer, study, and discernment.

Our youth and children have already started their programs back up and our new Kid's Club is off to a great start. It has been a great outreach already - 1/3 of the kids at September's kids' club were visitors from the community!


As you can see below, October re-starts our regular events, outreach, service, education, and fellowship events. We're excited to gear back up to full throttle for the fall and be the church together in this unique place and time, as God leads and as He wills. 

In Him,
Kathy Larson

 
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UPCOMING SERMON TEXTS & THEMES

October 5 (communion): Who Needs a Doctor?: Matthew 9:9-13
Jesus invites those who don't belong to belong to God.

October 12: His Eye is on The Sparrow: Matthew 10:24-39
When we belong to God, nothing can separate us from the love of God.


October 19: The Eye of a Needle: Matthew 19:16-26
Following and belonging are the truly difficult task, but it is possible with God.

October 26 (Kathy Larson): They Will Be My People: Deuteronomy 26:17-19
God established a people to belong to Him, but to be a light to the world, so that all might belong.

OCT events


02: 9:00 am - noon
Crisis Assistance
Volunteer Group


04: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Youth at the Corn Maze

04: 5:30 pm
Primetimers BBQ
at the Rea Shed


11: 8:15 am - noon
Youth Service Project at Loaves & Fishes

11: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Fall Work Day

18: 10:30 - noon
Women of the Church Brunch

19: 2:00 - 5:00 pm
CROP Walk

19: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Kids' Club

24 - 25:
Middle School Fall Retreat

26: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Fall Festival

26: 5:00 - 7:30 pm
High School Party at the Balls'

29: 9:30 - 11:30 am
Community Creating


A LOOK AHEAD...
November 2: 
Baby Shower: Ashley McMillan
November 14-15:
High School Fall Retreat
November 23:
Vivaldi Gloria 

OCT service


communion: 
captain: Jane Chiseck

prep: Janice Woods

usher captain:
Ron Long

lay assistant:
05: Ron Long
12: Marty McKenzie
19: Graham Meeks
26: 
Chris Orr

children's message:
05: Joanie Fedor
12: Melissa Lancaster
19: Suzanne Harrington
26: 
Melissa Lancaster

children's church:
12: Katie Meeks
19: Cindy Dolinger
26: 
Emily Pearce

nursery:
05: Angela Hinton
       Savannah Ball
12: Juliette Tillery
       Maggie Slade
19: Emily Pearce
       Lily Orr
26: Marty McKenzie
       Kaitlyn Hetterly


fellowship time:
05: Maria Messersmith
12: Shelley Northcutt
19: Robin Orr
26: Leslie Pack

OCT birthdays


02: Catherine Campe
03: Emily Pearce
03: Morgan Dolinger
05: Glenn Horne
05: Mike Harrington
05: Laura Kinken
05: Lily Orr
05: Sylvia Terrell
06: Rebecca Horne
06: Vivian Macaulay
06: Samuel Bedzinski
07: Rhonda Huggins
13: Clay Cupples
15: Olivia Austin
16: David Hatfield
17: Zach Goudy

20: Dana Esposito
21: Daniel Kinken
21: Noah Meeks
24: Levi Slade
25: Harris Wilson
26: Charlotte Lamb
28: Shelley Northcutt
28: Jonathan Hetterly

If we have missed anyone, please let us know so we can update our records!
















**Remember that you can access our church calendar online anytime at http://gspccalendars.
blogspot.com
CAPITAL campaign

If you were able to worship this past Sunday (September 28), I’m sure you felt the same excitement I did as we worshiped in our newly renovated sanctuary.  Although there are still some small “punch-out” list items to complete, we’re in the final stages of completing this project.  Norton Hall continues under John Wright’s leadership and after having cleared some permit challenges, is moving forward.  It is important to thank so many people that have helped and to celebrate what God has blessed us with and to the end, we are planning a combined Sanctuary & Norton Hall celebration once Norton Hall is completed.   We still have other projects included in this Campaign and will provide an update on those and give a financial update as well one Sunday in October after worship.

FINANCE report

 
  August YTD 2014 Actual August YTD 2014
Budget
 YTD Over
(Under) Budget
Total Offering Income $221,132 $226,666 ($5,534)
Total Expenses $222,012 $225,107 ($3,095)
Net Profit (Loss) ($880) $1,559 ($2,439)
If you have any questions, contact Diana Horne at 704-364-1234.  

WORK day


Join us for our Fall Work Day, to spruce up our buildings and grounds! The work day will be on October 11, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, including lunch. However, if you can't make it on that day, you can sign up for a project that can be completed on your own time! A sign-up sheet is posted on the welcome counter in the foyer. 

SHOE boxes


Operation Christmas Child's annual shoe box ministry is an opportunity to put a smile on the face of a child and spread the Gospel. We have the shoe boxes and hope you will take one or more and fill them with the suggested items. This could make a real difference in these children's lives
 
We will be giving the boxes out on October 19, October 26, and November 2. We would like to have them back by November 9. It is suggested that a gift of 7.00 be given for each box for shipping.
 
Thank you for your participation in this special opportunity.

Jim Kennedy

DINNER service

 
Do you love to cook? Or even just like to a little? Or are even just willing to cook if it's for a good cause? GSPC Women of the Church is providing dinner for the Young Life Capernaum Club on November 13. Any men who like to cook are welcome to help join us in this mission, too! We're not gender-exclusive on this at all - we women could ALWAYS use a little help in the kitchen! 

Young Life Capernaum Club is a Young Life program dedicated to students and young adults with disabilities. Though students with disabilities are welcome to join any Young Life Club, some students feel more comfortable in a group dedicated to students with special needs. Young Life Capernaum gives young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities. Young Life staff and volunteers model Christ’s unconditional love and acceptance as they walk alongside these young adults — filling their lives with love and support. 

More information will come in the November Voice. Contact Jane Chiseck if you have any questions.

CROP walk


Please mark your calendar for Sunday, October 19 for the Charlotte CROP Walk. The walk raises money for Church World Service, which is passionate about ensuring sustainable access to proper, nutritious food, supporting more than 2,500 local hunger-fighting groups across the U.S. and the world. Click here to learn more about this vital work.
 
Leslie Pack has sponsor sheets on the welcome counter in the church foyer. Stay tuned for more information, and plan to join us as we walk to raise money to help eliminate hunger in Charlotte and throughout the world.

BABY shower


Save the Date! November 2, 2:00 - 4:00 pm for Ashley (Hatfield) McMillan and her baby boy! Come to the church for snacks, cake, games, and to shower Ashley with our love, gifts and prayers. Because there will be games, this is less of a drop-in, more of a come-and-party type of shower. Proud grandparents are David and Melanie Hatfield!

PRIMEtimers


BBQ Dinner on Saturday, October 4 at the Rea Shed. Contact Jane Chiseck with any questions about PrimeTimers or to offer to help!
WOMEN'S studies

The Monday Night Women's Study will be held on Tuesday nights except on the second Tuesday of the month when it will be held on Monday due to Ministry Team and Session meetings. We are doing Beth Moore's Proverbs. There is no homework. We will have a DVD every week with some time for conversation. Please come for the first session on Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 pm and all will be explained to you or call Barbara Thomson for information at 704-724-7235.

The Tuesday Morning Women's Study has already begun, but it is never too late to join! We are studying Ann Voscamp's One Thousand Gifts. Tuesday mornings, 9:45 - 11:15 am. Contact Ruth Ruane for more information.

WOC brunch


The Women of the Church brunch will be held on Saturday, October 18, 10:30 am - 12:00 noon at the church. The food will be catered by Hope Haven Catering. Good food, fellowship, and entertainment are on the menu. 

Cost will be $12 for adults and $5 for students (13 & up). We would love for our youth and college students to join us! The deadline for paid reservations is October 14. There is a sign-up sheet on the welcome counter in the foyer. 

Feel free to gather early for punch and fellowship before eating. For more information, c
all Jane Chiseck at 704-560-5251.

KIDS club


Join us on Sunday, October 19th from 3-5 pm for Fall Fun and Fellowship! We will be sharing a Bible story, creating something fun, playing games, and enjoying the season of autumn that God has given us. Look for an evite to RSVP or see Melissa. Don't forget... bring a friend!!!

PREschool

 
There are two very easy ways that any church member can support our preschool through purchases you are already making anyway.

First, link our preschool to your Harris Teeter VIC card. It's easy to do. Ask the next time you check out or follow this link:

https://www.harristeeter.com/other
/my_harris_teeter/login_page.aspx

Our school code is 4409. 
 
Second, if you shop on Amazon, try using AmazonSmile to support the preschool. It's easy to do. Look for Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church and link to us. All proceeds will go to the preschool. 

Thanks for supporting our preschool in these ways
!

YOUTH group


Youth Group: October 5 & 12, 5:00 - 7:30 pm

Corn Maze: October 4, 10 am - 5 pm
Bring $11 for admission. Pack a lunch OR bring extra $$ for food, pumpkins, and other fun treats! Wear comfy shoes and clothes. Bring a friend!

Loaves and Fishes: October 11
This service project entails sorting through lots of canned food while listening to music! Must wear closed-toed shoes in the warehouse. Get dropped off at GSPC at 8:15 and picked up at GSPC at noon.

CROP Walk: October 19, after church, 2 - 4 ish
Now is the time to start raising money (as opposed to waiting until the day of and frantically trying to get donations). Sign up today!

Middle School Fall Retreat: October 24-26
at South Mountain Christian Camp
See Joanie for more details

Party at the Ball House: October 26, 5:00 - 7:30 pm
High School Youth Only!

COMMUNITY creating

"Community Creating" is a totally casual, come-as-you-are faith-based creative experience. Everyone bring their own materials and any materials you have to share. We'll turn on some soft worship music, read a passage of Scripture together, pray, meditate and then CREATE - whatever the Spirit inspires you to do! This unique group will be staring up again this fall and will meet once a month, the last Wednesday of every month, 9:30 am - 11:30 am at Gail McKitterick's house (10728 Summitt Tree Court). Contact Gail (980-218-9083; gmckitterick@hotmail.com) for more information. 

THANK you


Thank you so much to everyone who called, texted, emailed, came to visit, and prayed for me while I was in the hospital. This church family has been such a great support to me! 

Love, Debbie Johnson
Copyright © 2014
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, All rights reserved.


3307 Rea Road - Charlotte, NC 28226
www.gspc.net - 704-364-1234 - gspc@gspc.net