January eNews - Start 2026 with Hope and Reflection!

745 Little Neck Road

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

(757) 340-2840

info@kgpc.org kgpc.org

Happy New Year 2026!

Happy New Year! Whether you partied the night away Wednesday night or went to bed and woke up the next morning as usual, yesterday we turned the page to find that we are now in 2026. It may be just another day but there is something about New Year’s Day that invites me to look back on the previous year.

What happened last year? Did I live the way I hoped to? Accomplish what I intended to? Was I faithful to what God was asking of me?

What happened last year? How was God at work? What blessings did God bring into my life? How has God shaped, molded, and transformed me?

What happened last year? What milestones did my kids go through? What memories were made? What were the highlights? What were the challenging struggles?

There’s also something about New Year’s Day that causes me to look forward with hope, excitement, and expectation. It’s a blank canvas and while some chapters will be written for me, there are many more that I will choose what to write. What are my intentions about the way I want to live? What are my hopes for myself, my kids, my family? What memories do I want to create? How might God use me and how can I be open to it?

As we start another year, part of our church’s recent tradition is to hand out star words on the first Sunday. This year is no different. This Sunday, or anytime after, come and pick up your star with a word on it that God will use to guide you in the coming year. I have heard of so many stories around these star words: from realizing what the word meant the following November, to it being a constant reminder of a joy-filled life, to bringing energy and new life throughout the year. I’ve even heard of those who have passed that had their star words close by to guide them in their final days.

This time of year, let’s look back and see the faithfulness and goodness of God in our lives, even when times were tough. Let’s look forward at all the possibilities of how God might use us in the future to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. And let’s look up at the stars, like the magi, and listen for guidance into the year ahead.

I don’t know what the future holds for my life, for each of you, or for this church. But I know who holds the future. And that’s enough for me. May God bless you in this new year. May God bless KGPC as we start another year of witnessing to the goodness and love of God. I just know God has some wonderful things in store for us.

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

Pastor Chris

Following the Star: Celebrating Epiphany

This coming Sunday we will celebrate Epiphany, the season in the church year that marks the revelation of Christ to the world. Epiphany begins with the story of the Magi, who followed a star to find the Christ child, reminding us that God’s light continues to guide people from every place and background toward hope, justice, and joy.

For several years now, our congregation has marked Epiphany with the practice of Star Words. During worship, you will be invited to receive a star, drawn at random, with a single word on it that can serve as a prayerful focus for the year ahead. These words are not meant to predict the future, but to invite reflection: How might God be speaking through this word? Where might it challenge, comfort, or guide you as you follow Christ in the months to come?

This Sunday we will also take part in the Epiphany tradition of chalking the door. Using blessed chalk, we will mark our sanctuary entrance as a sign of God’s presence and blessing in this place and in all who enter. This ancient practice traces back centuries and includes both a prayer for God’s protection and a reminder that our homes and our lives are places where Christ is welcomed. After worship, you will be invited to take chalk and a simple liturgy home to chalk your own doors, extending this blessing beyond our sanctuary and into the everyday spaces where we live and serve.

As we celebrate Epiphany, may we be attentive to the light of Christ among us, open to where the Spirit leads, and ready to follow the star—wherever it may guide us next. ✨

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Kailey

Happy New Year KGPC!

Do you remember 2025? I recall a year where I was positively overwhelmed witnessing people showing up and taking care of needs. For the music area in the church, it included bringing Ruth, our new piano, to her home of service, and so many volunteers stepping forward to provide weekly music and extra programs throughout the year that told of God's love and honored the story of Jesus. The musicians here take to heart their role in playing and singing for the Lord. The challenges each person has faced this past year (and there were many), have been bearable because of laying the burden at the feet of Jesus, not just through music, but deep within their hearts and souls. God has lifted and carried us through loss, diagnoses, treatments, surgeries, and much more.

People of this church also came to my rescue after knee replacement surgery, and most recently helped me move into a new home nearby after my former landlord decided to sell the property where I was living. I am still amazed at the giving spirit of the people here and so thankful that KGPC is a place where folks step up for each other. Christ truly works through you, and the world needs that spirit of love and generosity now more than ever. The things you do make a difference... they mend hearts, heal wounds both physical and emotional, and honor the God we follow.

I believe the care and gratitude of 2025 will turn into the joyful service in 2026! We look forward to more musical opportunities, starting with the regional PEVA meeting held at KGPC on Saturday, January 24th, where we will provide music throughout the day as the leaders in our Presbytery come to worship and plan the work of God. The following day, Sunday the 25th at 2:00pm is going to be a fantastic treat! My piano professor at JMU will present a purely classical program you won't want to miss. I cannot wait for you to hear Beethoven specialist and Steinway Artist, Dr. Eric Ruple share his incredible program with us. Dr. Ruple is not only a serious and intellectual musician, he also encouraged me to play for the church he served, Trinity Presbyterian in Harrisonburg, VA while I was studying at JMU. Aside from his extraordinary career, he loves God and truly exemplifies this in his life. The concert is free, however there will be a love offering opportunity to support JCOC. Look in the Special Events section of the newsletter for more information about this wonderful upcoming event!

May God be with you and bless you and your family in the year to come. May He guide you, heal you, and raise you up to give and receive new heights of love and kindness. And may His grace shine upon you like never before.

~Tonya

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT KGPC

Sunday, January 4

8:45 AM - Adult Faith Formation

9:00 AM - Youth Donuts & Discussion

10:00 AM – Worship

10:00 AM - King's Kids

11:15 AM - Florida Mission Trip Meeting

Monday, January 5

11:00 AM - Joyful Bells

12:30 PM - Lunch Bunch

12:30 PM - Quilters

5:30 PM - Eve Circle

Tuesday, January 6

6:30 PM - Tuesday Bells

6:30 PM - Grow Meeting

Wednesday, January 7

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 - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, January 8

2:00 PM - Caregivers Support Group

7:00 PM - AA Meeting

7:00 PM - Chancel Bells

Friday, January 9

9:00 AM - Contemplative Prayer Group

Saturday, January 10

Click HERE for the Full Calendar

Click HERE for January Birthdays

Upcoming Special Events!

PIN Donations

If you have donations for PIN Ministry, please leave them in the wooden donation bin in the Connection Point. Our biggest need for January is small or medium men’s sweatpants and men’s jeans, waist size 30 to 34, so if you have any in your closets that you aren’t using, please feel free to share! You can also “like” PIN Ministry on Facebook to see their “In-Kind Need of the Week” which shows what their most pressing needs are for purchased items. These can also be dropped off in the Connection Point and will be delivered.

Compassion Sponsors

As we enter the New Year, please consider making a resolution to write regularly to your Compassion child. Your letters are an incredible source of encouragement to your sponsored child, to their family, and to their community and the more often you write to your child, the more often you will hear from them. As one project worker in Ghana shared, “When children get letters, the whole community hears about it and rejoices.” Consider writing to your child today and sharing with them your prayers for them for 2026!

If you are able, please break the boxes down flat before you bring them in.
Thank you!

Steinway Artist Eric Ruple is on the piano faculty at James Madison University. He enjoys an active career as a solo and chamber musician, including several performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and Steinway Hall in New York. For a number of years, he was pianist for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, including several “Harry Potter Live” shows and pianist for Bernstein’s “Prelude, Fugue and Riffs” with the VSO Jazz Ensemble. His recording “Musica Incognito” with hornist Ian Zook has earned unanimously positive reviews from several national and international publications. A second CD with violinist Maureen Yuen was released in 2023. He has most recently performed with violinist Brendon Elliott, both in Virginia and on WQXR: National Public Radio, New York City.

He is a member of the American Liszt Society and has been a regular adjudicator in Hong Kong. He twice served as Interim Director for the JMU School of Music. He received his doctoral degree from the University of Michigan.

DECEMBER 2025 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

Session gathered for scripture and contemplation studying Luke 1:26-30, 1 John 4:18. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. So fear not!
We elected Elder Jenn Baden and Elder Pam Sandford as our two Presbytery Commissioners for the January PEVA meeting on January 24th, 2026, here at KGPC.
Finance Ministry came to Session noting that they have gone over their budget for this year by $978.49 due to extra expenses for computer supplies, training and increased bank fees. With one month to go, they requested the Session allow them to go over their budget for this year by approximately $3,000. Session approved this motion.
The Finance Ministry Team came to Session and presented the motion to accept a projected budget deficit of $17,363 for 2026. This was discussed among Session, and we made additional adjustments resulting in a decreased projected deficit of $12,543. This motion was approved by Session.
Session also approved the motion to allow Finance to update any changes to the budget regarding pledges, giving and income without having a Called Session meeting for approval.
There being no further business, we celebrated Christmas with a re-gift swap and enjoyed sweet treats!

10 AM Worship Information

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.

The fourth season of the series, The Chosen, depicts the major events that lead up to Jesus’ final entrance into Jerusalem where he knows death awaits. His teachings become more controversial as he confronts the religious leaders while his popularity continues to grow. In this series we will better understand what led to Jesus’ death and what was at the heart of his teaching and life. Come journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem through the eyes of The Chosen.

January 11 Family, Forgiveness, and Faith
Matthew 10:34-37, 16:13-20, 18:21-22

As Jesus continues his ministry, he uses everyday situations in the disciples’ lives to redefine the notions of family, forgiveness, and faith. When one of his disciples turns away from her father’s wishes to follow Jesus and become engaged, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach them about the cost of following him. When Peter and Matthew have a hard time forgiving one another for past and present hurts, he teaches them about reconciliation. When they take a detour to Caesarea Philippi, he distinguishes who he is among all the other gods and religions. How might Jesus continue to redefine family, forgiveness, and faith today?

Reflection Questions: What would you do if you had to choose between family or Jesus? Who might need your forgiveness for the 77th time? How is faith in Jesus different from all the other gods in our world?

(Based on Episode 2 of Season 4 of The Chosen.)

January 18 Trouble at the Temple
Luke 11:29-32; John 9 and 10 (select verses)

Jesus confronts the Pharisees more directly as he approaches Jerusalem. He intentionally heals on the Sabbath, breaks purity laws, and refutes the idea that this man or his parents are to blame for his blindness. Then he challenges them about keeping the letter of law but not the spirit of it, insulting them and accusing them to be full of greed and wickedness. Theological claims about the sign of Jonah, being greater than Solomon, and acting like a Good Shepherd spurs the Pharisees’s anger. Finally, when he claims that he and the Father are one, more than words are hurled at him.

Reflection Questions: How do we today put laws above people or blame them for their own misfortune? How would you describe the difference between keeping the letter of the law and the spirit of the law? What are the ways people do that today?

(Based on Episodes 3 and 6 of Season 4 of The Chosen.)

January 25 Unexpected Faith and Faithlessness
Matthew 8:5-12; Mark 10:35-45

On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus encounters some unexpected people. While the Jewish religious leaders try to kill Jesus, one Roman centurion surprisingly demonstrates great faith in him. Asking for healing for his servant boy, this Roman citizen senses his own unworthiness in Jesus’ presence and believes Jesus only needs to say the word to perform this miracle. On the other hand, James and John who have followed him for almost three years, still don’t understand Jesus’ meaning of greatness or the kind of life he calls them to live. Faith and faithlessness come in unexpected ways.

Reflection Questions: Think of a time when you witnessed great faith from someone you least expected. Have you been disappointed in a strong believer who didn’t live according to Jesus’ teachings?

(Based on Episode 4 of Season 4 of The Chosen.)

February 1 Rev. Kailey Stephens Preaching

February 8 Martha and Mary Memorable Moments

Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1-9

Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, who are siblings, have many encounters with their good friend, Jesus. On one occasion, when Jesus and his disciples stop by for a visit, Martha learns what’s really important. On another visit, Mary pours out her love for Jesus in the form of expensive perfume. How might you live more like Martha and Mary in these two stories?

Reflection Questions: What is the one important lesson that Jesus teaches Martha? How can you incorporate both “Mary times” and “Martha times” in your life? In what way have you witnessed an extravagant outpouring of love? How are you pouring out your love for Jesus in big and small ways?

(Based on Episodes 5 and 8 of Season 4 of The Chosen.)

February 15 A Foretaste of What Is to Come
John 11:1-44 (select verses)

Jesus intentionally sets up his greatest miracle not long before his entrance into Jerusalem. Although he gets word of Lazarus’ illness several days earlier, he waits until he knows Lazarus is dead before making the journey to Bethany. He grieves with Lazarus’s sisters upon arrival as they both question why he didn’t arrive earlier. Once all his disciples, family members, and grieving friends gather at the grave, Jesus brings Lazarus back to life. He provides a foretaste of what is to come in Jerusalem.

Reflection Questions: When have been instances in your life that you didn’t understand God’s timing? What are the parts of your life you would like Jesus to “breathe new life into”?

(Based on Episode 7 of Season 4 of The Chosen)

Gather Dinner Church Worship Information

Jesus’ Parables of Grace, Kingdom, and Judgment

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. We will explore several of Jesus’ parables and learn the deeper truths he shared through these stories.

January 4 Epiphany--Matthew 2:1-12

Parables of Judgement (with a Little Grace)

January 11 The King's Son's Banquet--Luke 14:15-24

January 18 The Laborers in the Vineyard--Luke 14:15-24

January 25 Guest Speaker

February 1 Guest Speaker

February 8 The Sheep and the Goats--Matthew 25:31-46

February 15 The Seed, Soil, and Sower--Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

This Week's Menu:

Italian Green Salad with marinated and fresh vegetables

Baguette toasted with garlic and butter

Lasagna with meat sauce

Click HERE For the Sign Up Genius

Eve Circle will meet on Monday, January 5th at 6:30 pm in the Parlor. Contact Pam Ponce (pnp.virginia@gmail.com) for information.

Lydia Circle will meet on Tuesday, January 13th at 10:30 am in the Connection Point. . 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: NOVEMBER 2025

MONTH OF NOVEMBER

Cash Income--------- $57,138

Cash Expenses -------($50,963)

Surplus(Deficit)------- $6,176

YEAR-TO-DATE COMPARISON

ACTUAL INCOME:-------

ACTUAL EXPENSES:--

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

2024

$566,766

($550,758)

$ 16,008

2025

$590,429

($596,524)

($ 6,095)

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: Gay Aridas

Greeter: Sharon Gardner

Faith Formation Teachers: Adult-Nelson Hodges; Pre-K - Jean Anne Kim; Elementary School: Austin Stephens; Gather Dinner - Gay Aridas

Nursery Workers: Michele Pichardo and Crystal Humphrey

Tech Team: Cameras - David Scholefield ; Slides - Lisa Hemmrich; Soundboard -Bob LaRose; Livestream - Matthew Montoya

Communion Servers: Wayne Shank and Mel Allmond

Time and Talents

Here is all our current lists looking for volunteers!

Gather Dinner Church

Faith Formation Information!

The adult faith formation class will begin a study of First and Second Samuel on January 4th, which will continue through June 7th.

All are welcome! No preparation is required and Bibles are provided. We meet Sundays at 8:45 in room 115 (Parlor).

January 4    Introduction and Ch.1 of 1 Samuel    Nelson Hodges
January 11    Chapters 2 & 3 1 Samuel           Louise Fox
January 18   Chapters 4-7 1 Samuel             Bruce Bradley

Youth Faith Formation

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

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

Youth Group

Sabbath Life Sunday Morning Group

The Sabbath Life Group meets Sunday mornings before worship. We will be studying the book of Matthew starting in January and would love to have you join us!

Spring ‘26 “LIFE” Groups

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

Join a LIFE group this Spring!

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