Explore God's Will Together - Don't Miss Out! KGPC October eNews

745 Little Neck Road

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

(757) 340-2840

info@kgpc.org kgpc.org

Sessions with Session

Session gathered for yet another 3+ hour meeting last Monday. The meeting wasn’t long because it was contentious or because we were going to take a controversial vote. Sometimes it takes awhile to discern God’s will. Above all, that is Session’s primary focus: to listen for what God’s wants for KGPC and then to make decisions accordingly. God wants us to be a healthy, vital church both now and long into the future. God wants us to make disciples, to share the gospel, to serve, to worship, and to grow in our faith. God wants us to abide in Jesus Christ as we are sent into the world to grow in our discipleship, shining his light and sharing his love. How do we make decisions now that will best help us fulfill this vision for decades to come? What is the staffing, programs, facility, finances, and worship that best brings this vision to fruition? This is the work of Session. It’s good work. It’s meaningful work. It’s important work. And it takes a long time. Kairos time. God’s time.

That’s why Session may take several months before they are convinced that they have enough glimpses of God’s will to take action on an issue. In that time, they educate themselves, pray, listen to each other, and engage in dialogue with the congregation. They read scripture, look for God winks, and find a peace about what direction God wants us to move in.

At the last Session meeting after another lengthy discussion about pre-design services, we pondered what the next best step would be. We came to the realization that the next step is a conversation with the congregation. We want each person in the congregation to have all the correct information regarding this proposal and the rationale that came with it. We want to field questions about what it entails and what it doesn’t. We want to engage in honest and thoughtful dialogue about the hopes, fears, joys, concerns, and any other thoughts or feelings that people may have.

So Session has decided to host three “Sessions with Session” for that very purpose. In these gatherings there will be time to share the specifics of this pre-design services proposals purely for informational purposes. Then, we want to be able to field questions, clear up any misconceptions, and bring clarity to the issue at hand. Finally, we want to listen to the hearts of the congregation as we speak the truth in love to one another.

Please find time to attend one of these three Sessions: Sunday, October 12 at 11:15 in the parlor, Wednesday, October 15 at 7:00 am in the fellowship hall with the Prayer Breakfast, and Sunday, October 19 at 11:15 in the parlor. Come with questions, comments, and a willingness to seek God’s will together. We look forward to seeing you there. And in the meantime, please pray for Session that they may know and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in all things.

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

Pastor Chris

There is much on the horizon for the Music Ministry and I invite you to share in the excitement! The children’s Music Makers group will be delivering the call to worship this Sunday. They have been working on a special song to enhance the sermon series on the Power of the Tongue. We will begin a Tuesday Night Handbell group this week, October 7th 6:30-7:30pm. If you and I have not already spoken about your interest, please connect with me before Tuesday so I can prepare the music properly. All are welcome age teen and up.

You will see announcements this month for our piano dedication concert on Sunday Nov. 2nd at 2:00pm with a light reception to follow. Please also invite your friends and family who do not attend church here. This is a community event and one that will emphasize the service nature of the instrument and our ministry. Many of the ensembles will be participating including Cellist, Jeff Phelps. This music has been specifically chosen as an expression of Gratitude to God, the following of our Calling to Music Ministry and Outreach, and the Vision of how the Spirit is leading us for the future. There will be an exciting new secret piece as well! You won't want to miss this special dedication of our new instrument to our Lord and Savior.

On a sadder note, the music ministry lost a dear soul this week with the passing of long-time Choir and Chancel Bells member, Ann Hipps. I ask your prayers for these groups, which also include her family, as we move forward without our beloved alto, bell ringer, and friend.

God calls us to spread His word, love our neighbors, and be kind to one another. Our current series has been emphasizing the use of our words to each other. For those of us who sometimes struggle to speak the right words, music speaks for us. Please let this music speak to your heart. It translates to "The Blessings of God in Solitude" from the larger work by Franz Liszt entitled Harmonies Poetic and Religious.

Blessings to each of you,

Tonya

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT KGPC

Sunday, October 5

8:45 AM - Adult Faith Formation

9:00 AM - Youth Donuts and Discussion

10:00 AM – Worship

10:00 AM - King's Kids

5:00 PM - Gather Worship

5:30 PM - Youth Group Craft Night

Monday, October 6

9:00 AM - Quilters

11:00 AM - Joyful Bells

12:30 PM - Lunch Bunch

7:00 PM - Eve Circle

Tuesday, October 7

6:30 PM - Porch LIFE Group

6:30 PM - Grow Meeting

Wednesday, October 8

7:00 AM - Prayer Breakfast

1:00 PM - Faith Walkers LIFE Group

5:30 PM - Best LIFE Group

5:45 PM - Praise Team Rehearsal

7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, October 9

2:00 PM - Caregivers Support

7:00 PM - AA Meeting

7:00 PM - Chancel Bells

7:15 PM - Zoom LIFE Group

Friday, October 10

9:00 AM - Contemplative Prayer Group

Saturday, October 11

4:00 PM - Blessing of the Animals

Click HERE for the Full Calendar

Click HERE for October Birthdays

Upcoming Special Events!

Compassion and World Communion Sunday

On World Communion Sunday, when we celebrate our connection to our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, we will pray for our Compassion kids around the world and their church families.

After the service this week, we'll be taking a group picture of all of our Compassion sponsors gathered around the communion table that we can each send to our sponsored children. Our hope is to share with our children that they are loved and supported not just by their sponsors, but by the church.

This would also be a great time to write to your kids, share with them how you are involved with the church, and ask them how they are involved in their church! Anyone who has questions about writing to their sponsored kids, what to say, or using the Compassion app or website to write is welcome to join us in the Connection Point after our photo to have your questions answered.

SEPTEMBER 2025 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

Session gathered for scripture and contemplation reading Ephesians 4:25-32. This passage teaches believers to speak the truth, work honestly and use words to build others up; being kind to one another and forgiving one another, as Christ has forgiven you.
Kailey Stephens will be Ordained at her home church in Texas on October 19 and Pastor Chris will be attending on behalf of KGPC. Her Installation as our Associate Pastor will be here at KGPC on November 23rd at 2 PM.
We elected two Presbytery Commissioners for the October 28th PEVA meeting at Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church – Jeff Hammaker and Brian Miller.
The Finance Ministry Team members presented Session with data and explanations regarding the church’s financial status so that we can be better informed when making budget decisions and planning for the future. We appreciate all the hard work and effort made in providing us with the Financial Reports, Analysis and the financial picture of our church.
We continued our discussion regarding the Pre-design proposal and are still prayerfully discerning God’s Will for our church in this decision. We would like to provide the opportunity to meet with Session after church on October 12th and October 19th as well as the Prayer Breakfast on October 15th for a conversation about the proposal. The details of the proposal will be outlined as well as the rationale behind it. We will then engage in meaningful conversation in these group settings to share questions and comments. Session members welcome conversation individually if you cannot attend any of these gatherings. Please continue to pray about this opportunity as your Session members are also praying for God’s direction.

“Commitment Season ‘26” is upon us!

The work of the church cannot be done without your financial support!

“Commitment Season” is the time of year when KGPC church family and friends are invited to make a commitment to financially support the work of KGPC for 2026. Commitment brochures and cards will be handed out/ mailed at worship on Sunday, Oct. 12 & 19th. “Commitment Sunday” is Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, the day the congregation presents the 2026 commitment cards during worship.

Fixed costs affect us all, including KGPC. Over 85% of the 2025 budget is committed to the fixed costs for personnel, property, finance management and KGPC’s commitment to PEVA, leaving 15% to be used for the work of the remaining ministries.

Paul wrote to the people of Corinth and to the people of King’s Grant Presbyterian Church, *”Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Prayerfully consider that giving to God

~is a spiritual discipline.

~is to be done prayerfully, intentionally, sacrificially.

~blesses others.

~equips KGPC to meet the 2026 financial commitments to our staff, the property, and the ministry programs that provide for our congregation and the community.

Is God calling you to increase your financial commitment for 2026? Is God calling you to make a “commitment” for the first time? Please decide what you can give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, but “cheerfully”, in faith, without reservation this Commitment Season.

Get involved with PIN!

Would you like to get more involved with local mission? Is God calling you to serve people in need in Virginia Beach? There are several opportunities to serve at PIN Ministry, with many different talents needed!

Opportunities include:

Help us sort donations so that clothing is available for those who come in for services. Join us any Wednesday between 8 and 12 or every other Saturday from 8-10 or 9-11. You don't have to be there the whole time to make a difference! Contact Sharon Gardner for more information.
KGPC makes and delivers lunches to PIN once a month. If you would like to help, contact Southern Van Auken.
Would you like to help out at the front desk or work during services to check people in, serve food, or help people shop? Contact Suzy Farley or Brittany Walker (b.walker@pinministry.org) or sign up online at PiN Ministry: Volunteer Opportunities.
Do you have a history of interviewing potential employees or reviewing resumes? Would you be willing to share your knowledge with those clients looking for jobs? Contact PIN about being a part of their Job Fair 10/23.

A Letter from Pastor Mariane at the Presbyterian Church in Musambira

Update on the Sorghum Growing Project

After the Church and caregivers learned that our cause had been funded, we were filled with joy. The church generously provided us with land for growing sorghum and even helped connect us with an agronomist to advise us on the best farming practices. We are now in the planting season, and we are glad that it is raining and the soil is moist. We have been able to prepare the land properly and are ready to plant sorghum. We are hopeful for a bountiful harvest that will not only improve food security but also create jobs for those who will process sorghum flour. This initiative is expected to lift our families out of poverty in Jesus' name.

February 2026 Hurricane Relief Mission Trip

Sarasota, Florida

January 31 to February 6, 2026

Coordinated by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

Lodging at the First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, FL

In 2024, Sarasota County, Florida, faced a significant disaster due to the impact of not one, but three hurricanes: Debby, Helene, and Milton.

These storms, occurring within a short timeframe, brought a variety

of damaging effects to the region.

Work includes painting, debris removal, light carpentry, door replacement,

roof replacement, roof sealing, pressure washing, plumbing, electrical and other.

First planning meeting: Sunday, November 9 (after 10am worship)

For More Information: Contact: Don Bradway

Click HERE to Volunteer for this year's Bethlehem Walk

10 AM Worship Information

The Power of Words

Words are powerful. They can create and destroy, build up and tear down, unite and divide. They reveal what’s in our hearts and shape who we are, especially the words we say to ourselves. They can have a lasting impact on others for good or evil. The Bible has a lot to say about the words we use, from Proverbs to Jesus to James. Our Fall Worship series will explore how God’s powerful Word, present at the beginning of time, is a model for how we use our words to profoundly shape us and others.

October 5 - The Positive Power of Words (World Communion Sunday)

Ephesians 4:29; James 1:19-20; Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 16:23-24

God’s Word instructs us that we aren’t just to refrain from evil words, but we are to actively use our words to build other up and give grace. Words of love, encouragement, and grace come out of our mouths when we have listened to God’s Word about ourselves and others, listen more than we speak, and keep our anger in check. Everyday we choose what to say to others and to ourselves. Speak Life!

Reflection Questions: At the end of each day, write down all the positive words you spoke to others as well as the positive words spoken to you. Soon you will be intentionally looking for ways to build others up and speaking life into all you meet!

What Does the Lord Require of You?

God’s people have continually asked, “What does God want of me? What does the Lord expect of me? How am I supposed to live as a believer and what happens when I don’t?” Micah’s answer to this age-old question in 6:8 is memorable. Do Justice. Love Kindness. Walk Humbly with God. While Micah addressed a particular people in a particular time, his message continues to speak to us today. This Fall we will spend 4 weeks reflecting on Micah’s most famous passage and the ways we can live God’s “requirements.”

October 12 Micah: The Prophet, the Context, the Message Micah 6:1-8

Who was Micah? Who was he writing to and why? What is the overall message of the book? In order to better understand the passage of Micah 6:8, we begin with its larger context and purpose of the book as a whole, including what it has to say to us today.

Reflection Questions: How is Micah’s context similar and different to our own? What might Micah say to us about judgment and blessing?

October 19 Kairos is Leading Worship

October 26 Do Justice Micah 6:8, Amos 5:21-24, Matthew 23:23-24

The requirement to “do justice” is grounded in God’s characteristic of being just. What does justice mean in biblical terms? Why doesn’t the word “justice” appear more in the New Testament? What did Jesus teach and how did he “do justice”? What does justice look like in our day and age?

Reflection Questions: How would you define justice? What injustice in this world breaks your heart? What one thing will you commit to to “do justice” in this world?

November 2 Love Kindness Micah 6:8, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Colossians 3:12-14

A consistent message throughout scripture is that God’s people are to show love, mercy, kindness, and compassion to the most vulnerable. Hesed is the Hebrew word that encompasses all of these traits. In what ways does God demonstrate Hesed? How is the theme of Hesed woven through the New Testament? What might Hesed look like today?

Reflection Questions: Who are the vulnerable today we can show Hesed to? What one thing will you commit to to “love kindness” in this world?

November 9 Kailey Stephens will be Preaching

November 16 Kailey Stephens will be Preaching

November 23 Walk Humbly with God Micah 6:8, I Peter 5:5-7, Philippians 2:3-8

“To walk” was the Hebrew way to identify a person’s lifestyle. Micah urges us to live a life of humility in the presence of God. What does that mean? How did Jesus exemplify humility? Humility is often misunderstood as low self-esteem or unworthiness. In fact, it is quite different. While the first two “requirements” focused more on our relationships with others, this one is more about who we are in our relationship with God.

Reflection Questions: How would you define what humility is and what it isn’t? What one thing will you commit to to “walk humbly with God” in this world? Write down the three actions you committed to do in this series and put it in a place where you will see it everyday.

Gather Dinner Church Worship Information

Jesus’ Parables of Grace, Kingdom, and Judgment

Fall Gather Worship Series

A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. The Bible says that in addition to the 50 or so parables recorded, Jesus used many other parables, and he would not speak to the people without using a parable. The parables revolved around one of three central themes: Grace, Kingdom, Judgment. This Fall we will explore several of Jesus’ parables and learn the deeper truths he shared through these stories.

Parables of the Kingdom

October 5 (Communion)-The Mustard Seed and Leaven-Matthew 13:31-33

October 12-The Thistles-Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

October 19 - Chris Andersen will be speaking

October 28 (Communion)- The Treasure and the Pearl-Matthew 13:44-46

November 2 - Kailey Stephens will be speaking

November 9 - Tonya Holland will be speaking

November 16 - Kevin Mooney will be speaking

November 23 (Communion)-Lesson of the Ten Lepers-Luke 17:11-19

THIS WEEK'S MEAL:

Chicken Pot Pie

Sweet & Savory Broccoli and Bacon Salad

Pumpkin Pie

Click HERE For the Sign Up Genius

BOOK CLUB

James by Percival Everett

October 28th 7:00pm

As always, ALL are welcome!

For more info contact Julie Seipel at jseipel57@gmail.com

Upcoming Book Club Books:

November: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

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: August 2025

MONTH OF August

Cash Income--------- $62,905

Cash Expenses -------($59,173)

Surplus(Deficit)------- $3,733

YEAR-TO-DATE COMPARISON

ACTUAL INCOME:-------

ACTUAL EXPENSES:--

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

2024

$416,009

($417,621)

($1,612)

2025

$443,264

($412,788)

$30,476

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

Faith Formation Information!

Adult Faith Formation

We are continuing our study of Elijah and Elisha, led by Nelson Hodges. Join us in the parlor at 8:45! All are welcome. Advance preparation is helpful but not required. Bible are provided.

Oct. 5th 1 Kings Ch. 21 "I'll Get That For You"

Oct. 12th 1 Kings Ch. 22 "Somebody Slap Me"

Oct. 19th 2 Kings Ch. 1 "Have Word, Will Travel"

Oct. 26th 2 Kings Ch. 2 "UBER is Not New"

Youth Faith Formation

Youth Discussion and Donuts will resume September 7th in room 102. Join us at 9:00 am in room 102 for lively, faith-filled discussions... and donuts!

Youth Group

Every regularly scheduled Youth Group Night will include Dinner from 5:30 to 6:00 and activities from 6:00 to 7:00.

King's Kids

King's Kids (children's faith formation classes) 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.

K-5: This month we will be learning about we can turn to God for wisdom whenever we need help, with stories about David, Solomon, and other kings of Israel.

Pre-K: Our theme this month is how God can help us be brave. We'll be learning about Esther, David, Gideon, and Abigail.

Sabbath LIFE Group

The Sabbath LIFE Group will resume September 7th, during the Sunday School hour (8:45 to 9:45 Sunday mornings). We’ll be studying Glenn Clark’s “The Soul’s Sincere Desire.” All are welcome to join!!!

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

Eve Circle will meet on Monday, October 6th at 7:00pm in the Parlor and on zoom. Contact Pam Ponce (pnp.virginia@gmail.com) for information.

Lydia Circle will meet in the Connection Point on Tuesday, October 14th at 10am. For more information, please Contact Claudia Hudgens (claudiakhudgens@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