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745 Little Neck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(757) 340-2840
info@kgpc.org kgpc.org
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Whatever You Do, Don’t Miss This Sunday!
Seriously, you won’t want to miss worship on May 4. Yes, every Youth Sunday is special and inspiring. But this year is different. With 6 seniors sharing personal reflections, celebrating communion, 3 baptisms, and 4 people joining the church, it will be a Sunday to remember. As always, the youth planned every aspect of this service: the theme, inspirational music, liturgy, personal sharing, and even the gifts to the seniors. Of course, I’m biased. This Sunday is personal with Christian, my oldest, being one of those six seniors. I am always emotional on Youth Sundays, but this year even more so. On top of all that, two days later he turns 18! These milestones for our youth are so special as we celebrate their major accomplishments and as they look forward to starting a new chapter. We have such an incredible group of youth in this church led by Hollie, our amazing interim youth leader. Please be in prayer for each of our youth as they lead us in worship. You might even want to throw a prayer in there for their parents in this joyous and emotional time.
I am so very grateful for the ministry this church has for its children and youth, nurturing these young people to this point in their lives. Thank you to each and every one of you who have volunteered to teach faith formation, mentor confirmands, chaperone overnight youth trips, led children’s events, participated in fundraising events, and taken an interest in our young folks. Sunday is not only about them; it is about YOU. It is a testimony to the love, care, and nurture we have of our youngest disciples as we offer ways for faith to plant seeds and take root in their lives. I will forever be grateful that this is the church that helped raise my children in the faith. I believe we will continue be a place where families, children, and youth can find a home, acceptance, belonging, and grow in their faith as well. Thank you for being that kind of church. See you this Sunday…with a Kleenex in my hand.
Abide Nearer, Grow Stronger, Shine Brighter, Love Deeper, Transform Your World,
Pastor Chris
| | Our Youth Sunday Senior Speakers | | |
Christian Carrasco
Ocean Lakes MSA
University of Pennsylvania
Studying Mathmatical Economics
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Walter Douglas Caynor
Landstown High School (STEM Academy)
Florida International University
Studying International Business
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Caroline Ewing
Norfolk Christian
Christopher Newport University
Studying Studio Art
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Caleb Leidel
Princess Anne High School
Virginia Commonwealth University for Biochemistry (Pre-Med)
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Lauren Noelle Restrepo
Kempsville High School (Entrepreneurship and Business Academy)
James Madison University
Studying Computer Science and Earth Science
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William Alexander Strauss
Landstown High School
William and Mary
Studing Business
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Our youth have been busy preparing for Youth Sunday and Graduate Recognition which is on Sunday, May 4. We enjoyed an overnight retreat on the Outer Banks of North Carolina just before Easter. The youth worked hard to select a theme and scriptures, write out prayers and senior moments, and plan music for this special worship service. We also enjoyed time on the beach, eating out, and some recreation such as go-karting and shopping. This was a great opportunity for our youth to connect with each other and with the Lord.
As we wind down the school year, we are looking forward to our summer adventures at Massanetta Springs, Montreat, and Triennium! These life-changing conferences are often the highlight of the summer for many of our youth, so please keep them in prayer.
Peace and blessings,
Hollie
This Week:
Youth Sunday and Graduate Recognition
Rehearsal 8:45 AM
Worship 10:00 AM
Reception to follow
No Evening Activities
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Happy Hot Spring Everyone!
As the outside temperatures rise and the activities at church begin to wind down for the summer, we have one more month-plus to revel in the buzz and fervor that is our church before a time of rest. It has been a beautiful year at KGPC...one of growth, support, and love from Christian brothers and sisters whether in perfect harmony or having questions on upcoming projects. I'd like to acknowledge that our new dinner church, a topic of much discussion last year, has become an important gathering time, the worship has been meaningful, and the food has been lovely (thanks Robin and team!).
Our last full month of school-year music ministry will bring more youth music, bells, choir, children, and praise! You will be blessed by the messages and the spirit with which each individual serves as a vessel for God's anointing on this congregation. Pentacost is not far away, and as we rest assured in the Holy Spirit's presence praying for God to move mightily in our church, I love the power that music can claim. This song has touched me lately and I hope it lifts you up as well... CeCe Winans - Holy Forever (Official Music Video)
Also, I want to express how much I appreciate the enormous efforts of all the musicians and tech folks from toddler to senior adult throughout the past year. It amazes me that I have been here 2 1/2 years as of May 8th. So much has happened and the joy this music ministry brings is only described by the joy of Christ who meets us where we are, lifts us to heights we could not imagine, and brings us closer to Him through it all. Thanks to each of you for your time, talent, and loving ways in which you share the message of God's love through music. Enjoy your summer rest from rehearsals after June 8th!
Piano Notes🎶: As we begin the downslope of the piano campaign (yes, there are only two months left), I am beginning to look at inventory to see what is out there and available for the amounts we have collected so far. As of this past Sunday April 27th we have $64,870.00, and we praise God for the generosity! During May and June, the piano sub-committee and I will keep eyes open locally and perhaps travel a little to find the piano God has waiting for us. Please continue to pray for God's grace in this purchase which will bless KGPC for years to come. If you wish to help, please designate your donation to "Sanctuary Piano", refer to the "frequently asked questions" button, and feel free to come talk to me in person with questions you may have regarding mechanics of pianos. 🙂
God Be With You,
Tonya
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Sunday, May 4
8:45 AM - Adult Faith Formation
9:00 AM - Discussion and Donuts
10:00 AM - King's Kids
10:00 AM – Worship
11:15 AM - Music Makers
11:15 AM - Book Study on 'Poverty, By America'
11:15 AM - Graduate Reception
5:00 PM - Gather Worship
Monday, May 5
11:00 AM - Joyful Bells
12:30 PM - Quilters
7:00 PM - Eve Circle
Tuesday, May 6
6:30 PM - Porch LIFE Group
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Wednesday, May 7
7:00 AM - Prayer Breakfast
1:00 PM - Faith Walkers LIFE Group
5:30 PM - Best LIFE Group
6:45 PM - Praise Team Rehearsal
7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, May 8
9:00 AM - Connect Meeting
2:00 PM - Caregivers Support
7:00 PM - Chancel Bells Rehearsal
7:00 PM - AA Meeting
7:15 PM - Zoom LIFE Group
Friday, May 9
2:00 PM - Contemplative Prayer
7:00 PM - AA Meeting
Saturday, May 10
| | Upcoming Special Events! | | |
From Our Serve Ministry
Serve will be hosting a three-part book study on Matthew Desmond’s “Poverty, by America” to learn more about poverty in the United States and changes that could dramatically reduce or even potentially eradicate systemic poverty in the United States, which is a part of PCUSA’s vision for living out Matthew 25. Matthew Desmond is a life-long Presbyterian and professor at Princeton University. We will meet immediately following church on May 4th (Chapter 7 to end) to discuss. A light lunch will be provided. Please contact Suzy Farley to sign up.
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Volunteers Needed for Upcoming JCOC Dinner May 21st
One of the many outreach services KGPC offers to our community involves providing dinner 4 times a year to 110 people who gather near the oceanfront nightly for a hot meal. If you are new to this program it is quite easy and not time consuming and we would be most appreciative of any items you can donate. All it requires is for you to select the ITEM and QUANTITY you can provide from the list below, contact Fran with your choice and bring it to the Fellowship Hall by 3PM on the 21st. We can always use a few volunteers at that time to package the meals as well.
Thanks in advance for your willingness to support this effort! Fran Potter, Gay Aridas
Needed:
7 boxes of 18 ct. small bags of chips
5 bags of the small Halo mandarin oranges
5 cases of 24 ct. bottled water
19 dozen 2” cookies, your choice of flavor
(Subs are being purchased from Subway)
Contact Fran - fpotter96@gmail.com
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Trinity Preschool's
End of Year Celebration
Wednesday, May 21st at 11:00 AM
Trinity Preschool is registering now for
the 25-26 School Year.
| | 10 AM Worship Information | |
God’s Restoration Projects:
You, Your Faith, Your Church
Restoration is returning an object to its original condition. To the untrained eye it might look like a piece of junk, ready to be trashed, destroyed, or torn down. But to a skilled restorer, it’s a treasure, a project. Whether it’s a house, car, antique, or painting, restoration takes a lot of work, dedication, passion, money, time, and skill. In a similar way, God is in the restoration business. God takes our worn out and worn down lives, faith, and churches and through the Holy Spirit brings them back to their original condition. While the world sees a dilapidated, rusted out, good for nothing piece of junk, God sees beyond what we are to what we could be. This Easter season come to be restored and renewed by the Divine Restorer.
May 11--God Restores Your Heart--Psalm 51:10-12, Psalm 80:3, Ezekiel 36:26-27
Restoration begins with the inside. With cars it might be the engine. With houses it could be the studs or electrical system. With us it is our hearts. The Hebrew Scriptures refer to a God who longs to restore our hearts, transforming them from stone to flesh. What does that mean and why is that so important to God?
Reflection Question: Have you ever worked on a restoration project? Where did you start? Do you want to be restored? In what ways is God restoring your heart?
May 18--Restoration Needs Maintenance--Joshua 1:7-8, Ephesians 2:1, 4-5, 8-10
Without regular maintenance, anything restored will deteriorate again. Whether it’s an oil change for a car or a tune up for an HVAC system, a maintenance schedule is essential to run at peak condition. We need a maintenance schedule as well. The Bible tells us what we need to maintain our spiritual lives so we can live at peak condition. What is the “maintenance schedule” for human beings? What does “living at peak condition” look like?
Reflection Questions: What is your “maintenance schedule”? What does “living at peak condition” mean for you? Write down the answers to these questions and keep it in a special place as a reminder.
May 25--God Restores Your Faith--Romans 12:2, Matthew 22:36-37, Philippians 1:9-11
Faith has been confused and misunderstood in our society as being anti-science and anti-intellectual. Scripture urges us to use our minds, be transformed by our minds, and to love with our minds. How might God restore our faith by engaging our minds and critical thinking? What would a compelling authentic faith look like restored to its original condition?
Reflection Questions: When you hear, see, or experience Christianity in a surprising or disturbing way, do you engage your intellect as you determine if it’s of God? What role do you believe critical thinking has in your faith restoration?
June 1--God Restores Your Love--Romans 13:9, I John 4:7-12, 18-21
According to recent polls, Christians are no longer known for their love. Christianity has become entangled with prosperity, politics, and prejudice. Yet we follow Jesus Christ who gave us the two greatest commandments to love and worship a God whose very definition IS love. Christians are in need of a love restoration. Although love can feel overwhelming and naive in a world full of division, hurt, and hate, it is at the heart of the Christian life. How would we live differently if our love for one another was restored to its original condition?
Reflection Questions: How might you counteract the prevailing perception of Christianity with love? Reflect on your words, your actions, your Social Media posts, and your lifestyle and ask God if there is room for you to express more love toward all people and how.
June 8--God Restores Your Church--Acts 2:1-4, 36-47
Church may be the creation of God through Jesus Christ, but it is also a human institution. Churches get caught up in bureaucracy, in disagreements, and in power struggles. What would it look like for the church to be restored to its original condition? Pentecost gives us a clear picture of the existence of the church in its original condition. Through the Holy Spirit and our openness, KGPC can experience restoration today.
Reflection Questions: What do you believe needs to be restored at KGPC? How might God use you to be part of our church restoration?
| | Gather Dinner Church Worship Information | |
THIS WEEK'S MEAL:
Dinner: Taco Salad
Dessert: Strawberries, Whipped Cream, and Angel Food Cake
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Gather Dinner Church Easter Series
GO!
Jesus is risen! Now what? GO! But where? What shall we say? What is our mission? In this Easter season we will study the resurrection stories and the consistent theme that we are a sent people. We are commissioned to GO. The church is always being sent out into the community, into the city, into the world. But why? And for what? What do we do or say once we are in the community? Each passage adds another piece to the overall picture of what it means to GO as a sent people out into the world.
May 4--GO!--Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission is the mission of each Christian and each church. How do you make disciples? What is the role of the Holy Spirit? What exactly is this great commission, how well are we fulfilling it, and how could we better live out this command?
May 11--So I Send You--John 20:19-23
“As the Father Has Sent Me, So I Send You.” We are a sent people. Faith was never just an individual endeavor but a motivation for propelling us out into the world with Good News. How was Jesus sent? How are we sent? How does this impact our lives today?
May 18--Feed My Sheep--John 21:15-19
Why does Jesus ask 3 times if Peter loves him? Why does he send Peter out three times to feed and tend his sheep and lambs? What might it mean for us to feed Jesus’ sheep?
May 25--Should I Stay or Should I Go?--Luke 24:36-49
June 1--Can I Get a Witness?--Acts 1:6-11
In this Ascension text, Jesus leaves the dozens of disciples with a mission, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” What does it mean to be a witness? Where are we sent today?
June 8--Ready or Not, Here I Come--Acts 2:1-18 (Pentecost)
Just like in the game hide and seek, the Spirit comes and finds us wherever we are hiding to transform us into more faithful disciples for Christ. The purpose of Pentecost and the sending of the Holy Spirit, is to empower us to share Jesus with the world. The Spirit does not solve all our problems, but gives us a new one. “We have a story to tell and we can’t help but tell it.” So, ready or not, here comes the Spirit…and it will change everything. Do you WANT to be changed by the Holy Spirit? What is your response to “the problem of Pentecost”?
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BOOK CLUB
May 27th
7:00pm
Come and share what you have read, are reading and would like to read as we discover and discuss books we would like to put on our Book Club reading list.
As always, ALL are welcome!
For more info contact Julie Seipel at jseipel57@gmail.com
Our Book Club meets on the last Tuesday of the month
at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor.
Need a book, contact Julie Seipel for information.
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APRIL 2025 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
Session started by spending time reading scripture from John 20:1-10 about Jesus’ resurrection and then spent time in prayer for each other and the church.
We reviewed our first priority for this year:
"Priority #1
Because KGPC is committed to creating a unified church where all members feel cared for and valued (I Corinthians 12), we will…
- Session will become more visible to the congregation
- Increase Empathy in the Church for each other and the community
- Pray, Listen, Share, Love
- Remind and exhibit that we all are on the same team #(teamJesus)
- Express to all members that we want them to see themselves as part of this body of Christ
- Strengthen the connection and trust between members, Session, and ministry teams"
We divided into groups and looked over this priority and came up with lists of actions we could take to implement this priority.
Some of our ideas were:
Be more visible in worship
-Be recognized in Worship, Serve as Liturgists, Identify Session members with name tags or shirts
-Pray with the choir in the sanctuary
Have a Session table at the Meet and Greet
-How can we pray for you?
-Share your thoughts and questions with Session
Invite folks to share your interest
-Host small get togethers
Create a leadership bulletin board
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KGPC FINANCIAL REPORT
PERIOD ENDING: March 2025
MONTH OF March
Cash Income--------- $74,348
Cash Expenses -------($45,424)
Surplus(Deficit)------- $28,925
YEAR-TO-DATE COMPARISON
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ACTUAL INCOME:-------
ACTUAL EXPENSES:--
DIFFERENCE:----------- -
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2024
$150,825
($153,716)
($2,891)
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2025
$181,625
($137871)
$43,754
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Our Livestream is available Sundays on YouTube and also on Facebook! Use the links below. The links will also be in the Sunday Morning Worship email.
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Faith Formation Information!
King's Kids (Children's Faith Formation)
THIS SUNDAY: On May 4th, children in K-5 will join their families in worship to watch the youth lead worship on Youth Sunday. Children under age 5 will go to the nursery or their class as usual. Children's books and activities are available in the alcove under the stained glass windows.
King's Kids meets Sunday at 10:00. Kindergarten through grade 5 meet in room 104 and preschool meets in room 117. Please register your children on our website or at the classroom.
We also offer King's Kids at 5:00 pm on Sundays during the Gather Service. Children will eat with their teachers and friends and then go to room 104 for a Bible story and activities.
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Adult Faith Formation 8:45-9:45am - Parlor (Room 115)
Righ now, we are doing a study of the book of Luke, led by Nelson Hodges. Join us in the Parlor (room 115). No preparation is required, and bibles are provided. All are welcome!
If you would like to join us on Zoom, Please use the link below:
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Youth Faith Formation
Middle and high school students meet for "Discussion and Donuts" at 9:00 in room 104.
Our youth enjoy donuts on Sunday mornings while we engage in thoughtful spiritual discussions and activities. Would you be willing to donate donuts for faith formation occasionally? Please use the following link to sign-up!
Click Here
Willing to help be an extra adult for Youth Group Events? Please sign up using this link!
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Spring ‘24 “LIFE” Groups
(“LIFE” L=Love God, I=Impact Others, F=Find time together, E=Engage authentically)
Prayerfully consider where you might spend “LIFE“ at KGPC by joining a LIFE group! There is a place for you in this small group experience of Loving God, Impacting others, Finding time together & Engaging authentically by studying, praying and sharing in the LIFE that fits your needs. There’s always room for more LIFE groups at KGPC if you are feeling called to create and lead a small group!
For more information, contact Julie Seipel (jseipel57@gmail.com). Please contact the LIFE facilitator for details on the LIFE group you would like to be a part of.
Spring 2024 LIFE groups: (day, time, place, point of contact)
Sunday:
Sabbath LIFE, begins 9/22, 8:45-9:45 a.m. @ church, Suzy Farley (suzyfarley@yahoo.com)
Monday:
Lunch Bunch LIFE, begins 9/9, 12:30-2pm @ church Connection Point, bring a lunch, Julie Seipel (jseipel57@gmail.com)
Tuesday:
Porch LIFE, every other Tuesday, begins 9/10, 6:30 p.m.@ Sandford home, Chuck Sandford (chuck_sandford@yahoo.com)
Wednesday:
Bible Breakfast LIFE, 9/4, 7 a.m. @ church Fellowship Hall, Don Bradway (bradway.don@gmail.com)
Faith Walkers LIFE, begins 9/25, 1 p.m., @ church, Sue Mooney (susannemooney@gmail.com)
Best LIFE group, begins 9/4, 5:30 p.m., various restaurants, Jenn Baden
Thursday:
Biscuit Bunch LIFE group, begins 9/19, 8:30 a.m., 3rd Thursday of the month, @ the Hardee’s by Home Depot, Daryl Mitchell (darylwmitch@gmail.com)
Zoom LIFE Group, begins 9/12, 7 p.m., every other week, online, in the comfort of your home, Karen Pleas (pleask.5@gmail.com)
Monthly LIFE groups:
Lydia Circle for Women 10 a.m. @ members homes, Claudia Hudgens (claudiakhudgens@gmail.com)
Eve Circle for Women, 7 p.m., @ church Pam Ponce (pnp.virginia@gmail.com)
Book Club, 7 p.m., last Tuesday of each month @ church, Julie Seipel(jseipel57@gmail.com)
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Home Communion
Are you unable to make it to worship on a regular basis? Would you like to still participate in the sacrament of Communion? Every Communion Sunday, we have several elders willing to bring Communion to you in your home.
If you would like to receive home Communion, please notify Miriam Callahan or the Church Office. (757-340-2840)
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We would like to remind everyone that from Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:45 AM and 12:30 PM, the doors by Trinity Preschool are designated for preschool use only.
This measure is in place to ensure the safety and security of our wonderful students. Thank you for being an integral part of our efforts to maintain a secure and supportive atmosphere for all.
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Session Members
The Members of Session are always open to have conversations about what is happening in the church. Let's Talk!
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Class of 2025
- Chris Anderson
- Sharon Gardner
- Susan Kerr, Clerk of Session
- Sue Mooney
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Class of 2026
- Jeff Hammaker
- Audrey Malagon
- Pam Sandford
- Joe Simmons
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Class of 2027
- Jenn Baden
- Shannon Bronaugh
- Suzanne Long
| | Youth Delegates (Class of 2025): Christian Carrasco, Belle Powell | | |
King's Grant Presbyterian Church
745 Little Neck Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
(757) 340-2840
info@kgpc.org
Office Hours: 9:00 - 3:00 M-F
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10:00 AM - Worship
---------- Service
5:00 PM - Gather
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