December eNews - A Walk Through Bethlehem and Other Advent Joys!

745 Little Neck Road

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

(757) 340-2840

info@kgpc.org kgpc.org

December Is Here: Ready, Set, Go!

The costumes, the sets, the props, the oranges, and the cookies…oh, the cookies. It must be time for Bethlehem Walk! Dozens of people have been here all week dropping off items, setting up walls, and creating the city of Bethlehem. Can you believe it’s been 20 years that we’ve been doing this? Every year we hear wonderful stories about the impact this event has on over a thousand people. For some it’s their family tradition that anchors holiday events. For others it is their first time and they are blown away. From wide-eyed children eager to tell us what the star means to older adults experiencing the old story in a new way, Bethlehem Walk means so very much to this community. We tell the Christmas story in a way like no other and it really does make a difference in the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people. I hope you’ve found a way to be part of this incredible event whether as an actor, setting up, cleaning up, or bringing or serving food in the fellowship hall. I am proud to serve a church that puts this much time and energy into sharing the Christmas message.

What the adults do for the community, the children will do for us, as they, too, have been hard at work preparing a special event to share the Christmas message this Sunday. The First Christmas, a children’s Christmas program, will recap the Christmas story with narration, songs, and instruments. Come to hear and see this story through the eyes of a child.

And that’s just the beginning. Our Sanctuary Choir looks forward to sharing the annual cantata with you next week, December 14, so come early if you want your favorite seat since it is the highest attended Sunday of the entire year. A few days earlier on December 12, Tonya will gift us with meditative piano music as a needed break from the hustle and bustle of this season. Parents will get a needed break on December 22 as we offer free childcare from 9:00-noon so they can get some last-minute Christmas details wrapped up.

Then our three distinct but beautiful Christmas Eve services at 3:00, 5:00, and 7:00 will give us all a choice on how we want to worship God on that special day. Matthew, Luke, and John look forward to sharing with you their different perspectives on Jesus’ birth as they banter with each other at the 3:00 and 7:00 services. Of course, the traditional chaotic Family Bell Service at 5:00 that we’ve done for over 40 years will delight both the first timers as well as those who grew up with this service.

Yes, it is a busy time but what wonderful ways to both celebrate and share the greatest gift the world has ever known: Jesus Christ! I look forward to seeing you this Advent season as we prepare ourselves and share the good news of Jesus birth in this world.

Abide Nearer, Grow Stronger, Shine Brighter, Love Deeper, Transform Your World,

Pastor Chris

Merry Christmas KGPC!

Thursday morning this week I was invited to a Christmas recital at a nearby retirement home where my mentor Jackie was conducting her senior's community choir "The Singing Beez." I was blessed by their selection of songs and the heart with which they sang, especially knowing the continual work they put into rehearsals in spite of their own personal trials. Sometimes we musicians get caught up in the stress and pressure of wanting to do a good job for everyone, practicing extra hours, and taking a more careful approach to save our voices and hands for making pure music for others. We know the Christmas message and try to share it in a new way every year, working hard at new notes and lyrics. But behind the technique is the heart and soul of being a channel for the Maker. The reason for our sharing music in church is to commune with God, and we consistently pray God will use us to help others do the same.

I ask your prayers for our music ministry, because life does not stop just so we can make music, as much as we wish that were the case. Some are going through health challenges or major life changes and truly need your uplifting prayers. In the midst of these things, I am so encouraged by the love and excitement each person is bringing to rehearsals, and their music is sounding fantastic! Please see the list below of opportunities to grow in your faith through the blessings of music as we all celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Sunday Dec. 7^th - Chancel Bells share "He is Born" for the offertory, the Music Maker's present "The First Christmas", a musical Christmas Pageant, and Paul Chidester will enhance communion with "Mary Did You Know?".

Friday Dec. 12^th - "Images of Christmas" Piano Reflections at noon in the sanctuary: Take a 45-minute break from the bustle and noise of the world. There will be fresh new arrangements of Christmas favorites by Joel Raney and an optional opportunity to give a love offering for the PiN Ministry.

Sunday Dec. 14^th - "A Classical Christmas" is a collection of classical music by different composers set to lyrics based on the Christmas Story. In addition to these beautiful arrangements, you will hear some favorites from the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah. The Sanctuary Choir will be joined by our professional Orchestra for this elegant cantata presentation.

Sunday Dec. 21^st - Anne Deary will play a beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night" as handbell soloist, and our Praise Team and Sanctuary Choir will bring festive flavor to the remainder of the service.

Wednesday Dec. 24^th Christmas Eve - Our 3:00pm Contemporary Service will be led by the Praise Team with exciting arrangements of widely loved Christmas music, the 5:00pm Bell Service will delight Children and parents as we continue this time-honored tradition for families, and the 7:00pm Candlelight Service will bring warmth and joy to your Christmas celebration.

God Bless You All this Christmas Season! This Christmas season, please come enjoy the music the KGPC ministry has worked so diligently to prepare for you and the community. We look forward to celebrating the Christ Child with you...

~Tonya

Embracing an Inclusive Worship Space

For some time now, our sanctuary has included a small alcove designed as a space where children can quietly engage during worship. We are delighted to share that this familiar area now has a new name—the Grace Space—and will be supplied each week with tools that help create a more comfortable and supportive worship environment for all ages. In addition to drawing tablets, quiet fidget options, and noise-damping headphones, the Grace Space will now also offer clipboards, pencils, and paper. If you ever find yourself running out of room for sermon notes in the bulletin, feel free to borrow these materials—they’re there for you too!

This Sunday and next, in addition to the Grace Space, some materials will also be available at the narthex doors. There you may pick up a bag and fill it with whichever tools would be most helpful for you or your family. Feel free to make your way over to the Grace Space to also gather some children’s books or additional tools and toys. We hope these resources will be especially supportive for the Children’s Christmas Program this Sunday and the Christmas Cantata service next week, both of which will include more children in worship as well as moments of heightened sound and activity.

Our hope is simple: to cultivate a sanctuary where all feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. Let us practice grace with one another—grace for those whose bodies and minds have different needs, and grace from them in return as we share the gift of worshiping together. This space and effort is a work in progress. Please let me know if you have any suggestions of things that would help support you/your family. May these tools be one more way we act out our hope and prayer to be a community where everyone can fully belong.

-Pastor Kailey

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT KGPC

Sunday, December 7

10:00 AM – Worship

2:00 PM - Bethlehem Walk

Monday, December 8

11:00 AM - Joyful Bells

12:30 PM - Lunch Bunch

12:30 PM - Quilters

6:30 PM - Eve Circle

Tuesday, December 9

10:30 AM - Lydia Circle

6:30 PM - Tuesday Bells

Wednesday, December 10

7:00 AM - Prayer Breakfast

1:00 PM - Faith Walkers LIFE Group

5:30 PM - Best LIFE Group

5:45 PM - Praise Team Rehearsal

7:00 PM - Cantata Rehearsal

Thursday, December 11

2:00 PM - Caregivers Support Group

7:00 PM - AA Meeting

7:00 PM - Chancel Bells

Friday, December 12

9:00 AM - Contemplative Prayer Group

12:00 PM - Christmas Piano Reflections

Saturday, December 13

8:00 AM - Cantata Rehearsal

Click HERE for the Full Calendar

Click HERE for December Birthdays

Upcoming Special Events!

JCOC Dinner

As the saying goes...”Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.” And KGPC truly needs many volunteers in order to feed 160 people in need for our final meal of this year for the JCOC program.

The date is Tuesday, December 16th and Fran Potter and Gay Aridas would greatly appreciate your help in providing the following -

8 volunteers to provide 10 cups of potato salad, bought or your own recipe

7 to purchase a 24 count pkg of dinner rolls

4 bakers to make 7 dozen cookies of your choice

and 6-8 volunteers to arrive at 3 PM to help package the meals

The main entree, chicken tenders, will be purchased.

If you would like to spread Christmas cheer by helping to make this meal possible, please contact Fran Potter at 757-463-5675 or fpotter96@gmail.com or indicate your willingness on the Connect Card. Please also note the item and quantity you will donate.

All items should be brought to the Fellowship Hall kitchen by 2:45 on the 16tth labeled with your name and JCOC. If purchasing early, please do not deliver before the Bethlehem Walk event!

Thanks in advance for your willingness to serve those in need, especially at this most busy time of year!

Fran and Gay

NOVEMBER 2025 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

Session gathered for scripture and contemplation studying Philippians 4:4-7. This scripture teaches us to Rejoice in the Lord always! We are not to worry about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
The Finance Ministry Team came to Session and presented the preliminary budget details for 2026 including the generosity analysis and the budget requests from each ministry team. Finance informed Session that there is a projected deficit of $66,490 on first-pass of this budget. They were seeking guidance from Session. We discussed the projected income as well as requests from the ministry teams. We were able to make some adjustments resulting in decreasing the projected deficit to around $20,000. Finance will continue to revise the numbers based on any additional pledges and return to continue the discussion with Session at their December meeting.
The Worship ministry came to Session with the following recommendation: Concerts and recitals be allowed to include a love offering for charities starting in December of 2025. Contributions received would be given to known charities KGPC supports and named prior to each event. Session passed this motion with the amendment of a one year period.

Chrismon Tree

Did you know that when decorating the Chrismon tree there is a pattern or a framework for a group of Chrismons that explain our Lord's life and the nature of the Godhead of the Liturgical Year? It is called The Christian Year Series. By using these Chrismons of the Christian Year Series, one can see a connected story about our Lord and God, not only at Christmas time but throughout the year. Frances Kipp Spencer developed this frame work in 1960. This Framework has been used for decorating King's Grant's Chrismon tree for many years.

The Christian Year Series is composed of 14 Chrismons forming a large double loop or figure 8. The upper loop of the figure 8 proclaims the Triune God, who is the one God made known to humanity in three different ways. The lower loop shows God's revelation in the incarnation of the man, Jesus.

Click HERE For more Details on the Chrismons

As 2025 comes to a close we offer a BIG THANKS to you all for your ongoing financial support to the Lord's work through KGPC this year. The bottom line is while "nothing is impossible for God" your generosity makes all things possible at KGPC.

Current giving statements were emailed out on 12/3. If you have any questions about your giving, please contact Jill McNulty, our financial administrator. All financial donations must be recieved by December 31 for any tax purposes.

As 2026 approaches, our Session and the Finance team are finalizing the budget for 2026. A BIG THANKS to the 88 "givers" who have cheerfully made financial commitments for a total of $537,388. However, we still have a deficit. Every commitment counts! You can still make a commitment or perhaps increase your commitment at any time. Contact Jill for assistance.

God loves a cheerful giver...and KGPC loves every one of its givers! Thank YOU for your generosity!

A Great Day for "Prayer and Share" from Kairos Ministry

From Chris Andersen

The sign in sheet had 27 resident names and I'm not sure that we didn't miss a couple. We had to move from the multipurpose room to a classroom to accommodate everyone which included not only the two of us but also two sign language interpreters. There were unique circumstances on this day before Thanksgiving in that classes were cancelled and the woodshop/upholstery center was also idle.

We had a young resident come in today in crisis with a family issue at home and as has happened before, the men prayed over him and spent the better part of our 90 minutes testifying to him of their own challenges with problems that cannot be fixed from inside Greensville Correctional Center. I can't tell you how many times we listened to the men reiterate themes that we teach on the weekend. From addressing choices, to not being alone, to forgiveness and the power of relationship with Jesus and each other, today felt as if we had a mini weekend experience with the lay and clergy messages all given by our graduates. I truly wish all of you could have been there and heard it all. The Holy Spirit showed up and showed off and validated the commitment, hard work and time that all of you have spent in the service of the Lord through this vehicle we call Kairos.

The Christmas Joy Offering brings hope and support to those who have served faithfully and to those preparing to lead in the future. Your gifts make a difference in two powerful ways:

50% provides care and assistance for current and retired church workers and their families during times of need.
50% helps equip future leaders by supporting Presbyterian-related schools and colleges that nurture communities of color.

Please give generously—because when each of us does a little, together it adds up to a lot!

10 AM Worship Information

Advent, Christmas, & Epiphany 2025

December 7- The First Christmas (A Children's Christmas Program by the KGPC Music Makers)

December 14 - A Classical Christmas - Christmas Cantata

December 21 Beyond “Baby” Christianity Luke 1:34-38; Luke 2:34-35; John 16:19-22

At Christmas our focus is often on “baby Jesus.” How do we move beyond a sentimental birth to a deeper understanding of Christmas and what it asks of us? What if Jesus’ birth wasn’t a one time event but a continual process of being birthed in the world through us? At Christmas we are asked not just to admire a newborn child, but to surrender, encounter, make room for, suffer and partner with Jesus the Christ.

Reflection Questions: What do you believe is a “deeper understanding” of Christmas and what Jesus asks of you? What are the ways you will surrender, encounter, make room for, suffer and partner with Jesus?

December 24 A Tri-Told Nativity Pageant Luke 1 and 2, Matthew 1 and 2, John 1

What if the three authors of the Christmas story came together to share the events surrounding Jesus birth? That’s exactly what happens as John, Matthew, and Luke get together to weave their details into one complete narrative of our Savior’s birth.

December 28 Where in the World is Jesus? Luke 2:41-52

In the aftermath of a hectic Advent season, we are invited to pause, breathe, and notice that Christmas has only just begun. Just as Mary and Joseph searched anxiously for the boy Jesus, we too are reminded that Christ has never been lost—He is still found among “the least of these,” calling us into the ongoing work of compassion, presence, and love.

Reflection Question: Where am I being invited to “look again” for Jesus in the ordinary rhythms of my life—and especially among those whom society tends to overlook? What part of “the work of Christmas” am I called to take up in this season, and how might Christ be seeking to use me in the places I least expect?

January 4 How Come Nothing Epiphs on Epiphany Anymore? John 2:1-11, Luke 3:21-22

In the early church Epiphany was a big deal, second only to Easter itself. Nowadays, most people don’t even know what it is, much less expect anything meaningful from this holy day. To put it bluntly: nothing epiphs on Epiphany anymore. Why is that? What does it mean? How can we reclaim the significance of Epiphany for our day and age?

Reflection Questions: Do you expect to have an epiphany like the ancient Christians did? How will you look for God’s manifestation in your life? When you choose your star, place it in a significant place and ask God to use it to give you an epiphany throughout the year.

Gather Dinner Church Worship Information

This week, December 7th, there will be no Gather Dinner Church due to our Bethlehem Walk event.

Join us for a trip through time back to Bethlehem at the first Christmas.

Click HERE For the Sign Up Genius

Eve Circle will meet on Monday, December 8th at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Pam Ponce (pnp.virginia@gmail.com) for information.

Lydia Circle will meet at Claudia Hudgens' House on Tuesday, December 9th at 10:30 am. For more information, please Contact Claudia Hudgens (claudiakhudgens@gmail.com).

BOOK CLUB

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

January 27th 7:00pm

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

February 24th 7:00pm

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.

KGPC FINANCIAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDING: OCTOBER 2025

MONTH OF OCTOBER

Cash Income--------- $50,875

Cash Expenses -------($62,330)

Surplus(Deficit)------- ($11, 455)

YEAR-TO-DATE COMPARISON

ACTUAL INCOME:-------

ACTUAL EXPENSES:--

DIFFERENCE:----------- -

2024

$513,721

($505,311)

$ 8,410

2025

$533,291

($545,562)

($ 12,271)

Click HERE for Financial Summary

Grow In Your Faith!

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.

Click HERE for our 10:00 AM Worship Service

Click HERE for this week's Worship Guide

Those Serving our Church This Sunday:

Head Usher: Mark Seipel

Nursery Workers: Michele Pichardo and Jennine Cabrera

Tech Team:

Cameras - David Scholefield ; Slides - Lisa Hemmrich; Soundboard - Ken McCrory; Livestream - Cade Schmidt

Communion Servers: Jenn Baden, Keith Benson, Miriam Callahan, Bob Larose

Time and Talents

Here is all our current lists looking for volunteers!

Parents Night Out

Gather Dinner Church

Faith Formation Information!

Faith Formation classes will NOT meet on December 7th or December 14th. (children, youth, and adult)

Classes Resume Sunday, December 21st

Youth Group

Fall ‘25 “LIFE” Groups

(“LIFE” L=Love God, I=Impact Others, F=Find time together, E=Engage authentically)

Join a LIFE group this Fall!

Prayerfully consider where you might spend “LIFE“ at KGPC!

There is a place for you in this small group experience. And there is always room for more… more members & more groups.

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.

Sunday:

Sabbath LIFE, 8:45-9:45 a.m. @ church, Suzy Farley (suzyfarley@yahoo.com)

Monday:

Lunch Bunch LIFE, 12:30-2pm @ church Connection Point, bring a lunch, Julie Seipel (jseipel57@gmail.com)

Tuesday:

Porch LIFE, 6:30 p.m., every other Tuesday @ Chuck & Pam Sandford’s home (chuck_sandford@yahoo.com)

Wednesday:

Prayer Breakfast LIFE, 7 a.m. @ church Fellowship Hall, Don Bradway (bradway.don@gmail.com)

Faith Walkers LIFE, 1 p.m., @ church in the Parlor, Sue Mooney (susannemooney@gmail.com)

Best LIFE group, 5:30 p.m., various restaurants, Jenn Baden (jennifer.baden@gmail.com)

Thursday:

Biscuit Bunch LIFE group, 8:30 a.m., 3rd Thursday of the month, @ church, Daryl Mitchell (darylwmitch@gmail.com)

Zoom LIFE Group, 7 p.m., every other week, online, in the comfort of your home, Karen Pleas (pleask.2@verizon.net)

Monthly LIFE groups:

Book Club, 7 p.m., last Tuesday of each month @ church, Julie Seipel (jseipel57@gmail.com

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)

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.

Session Members

The Members of Session are always open to have conversations about what is happening in the church. Let's Talk!

Class of 2026