745 Little Neck Road

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

(757) 340-2840 

[email protected] www.kgpc.org

Faith Over Fear

Batten down the hatches, Ian is coming! After-school events are canceled along with the Neptune Festival and other events. Stay safe this weekend folks and if that means staying inside and worshipping with us from the safety of your home, then feel free to do so. Just make sure you have your communion elements ready for World Communion Sunday.

We celebrate our unity as the worldwide Body of Christ on this last Sunday of our worship series on Living Unafraid with the fear of “the other.” Only when we see ALL people as valuable and made in God’s image will we be able to release the fear we have of those who may be different from us, whether that difference is in nationality, language, race, immigration status, economic background, sexual orientation, religion, or political party.

As it is our last Sunday of the worship series, we want you to have something tangible to remind you that you do not have to be afraid, for God is with you. So we will be handing out a keepsake to all children and adults with the message that faith overcomes fear through the cross. Don’t worry, if you can’t make it Sunday we will have some left over for you to pick up in the weeks to come.

So live unafraid this weekend in the midst of the storms of life. Courage is not the lack of fear. It is simply fear that has said its prayers. God is with you so that you may live each day with courage and hope.

Keep on Growing, Shining, and Loving,

Pastor Chris   

WORSHIP SERIES

Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope

10/2 Fear of “The Other” (World Communion Sunday)

Psalm 27:1,14; Psalm 46:1-2a; I John 4:18

The Transformation of Scrooge (in all of us)

This Generosity series will take a look at how living in God’s economy of grace and justice is the antithesis of the life-threatening addiction to money, success, exclusion, and selfishness. In Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol Ebenezer Scrooge receives 4 visitors that transform his resentment, fear and isolation toward generosity, joy, and love. What can this classic story coupled with scripture teach us about our own past, present, and future?

October 9  The Haunting Past: You Can Run from It or Learn from It

Luke 12:13-21; Matthew 16:24-26

The cultural context in which Dickens placed his powerful story was 1800’s England — a time of great divide between rich and poor. His main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, is clear as the story begins that the only redeeming value in life was in getting more money. He lives in resentment, fear, loneliness, and selfishness. But as he is visited by the ghosts of his friend Marley and Christmas Past, he sheds a tear for the disappointment of his own past and compassion slowly awakens in him. The transformation has begun as it dawns on him that storing up treasure on earth and gaining the whole world might not be all there is to life.

Reflection Questions: In what ways do you identify with Scrooge? When were times in your life you were selfish? If the Ghost of Christmas Past visited you tonight, what scenes would the Spirit show you and why?

October 16 The Stark Reality of the Present: Cratchits and Crutches

Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Matthew 6:2-4; Philippians 4:11-13

Ebenezer Scrooge has a prescription for humanity at the beginning of the story — the poor have only themselves to blame and would be better off dead. So when he is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present, he is admonished to “look!” He must see the truth of the suffering world and his own hand in it. He must also see the people: those with empty hands, but generous hearts; those in lowly conditions, who yet rejoice, those who lack material wealth and still are rich in family and friends. Scrooge’s transformation continues as he expresses a desire to change.

Reflection Questions: What is your attitude toward those who are poor and how does that guide your response to them? When was the last time you took a hard look at the reality of many who live in Virginia Beach? Do you have a desire to change your giving patterns?

October 23 Faced with a Fearful Future Facilitates Freedom   Luke 16:19-31; Romans 4b-17

Scrooge fears the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come more than any other. He tries to hide from it, run from it–to no avail. Was it is his fear of death, fear of the future, or fear of a wasted life? At this point, he regrets his lifestyle but does not yet grasp the gravity of his stinginess in his life and others. Only when he comes face to face with death, his own and Tiny Tim’s does he desperately resolve to change his ways if given a chance. Only when he realizes he has the power to change his destructive course is he freed from this fearful future. Often we never get the chance to know how our actions, or lack thereof, change the future of our lives and others. But what if we could?

Reflection Questions: If you had the opportunity to see how your present actions would impact the future, what would you change? How can coming face to face with your mortality redirect your life? Was Scrooge more fearful of death or a wasted life? What about you? How did Scrooge’s way of life negatively impact others? What about yours?

October 30 The Transformation of Scrooge…And Us!

Ephesians 4:17-24; Ephesians 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Scrooge awakens on Christmas Day having experienced a profound and radical transformation that leaves his life forever changed. No longer is he a miserly, mean, and selfish person but rather a generous, loving benefactor. In his transformation, he has a newfound desire to share his joy with others and makes a profound effect on others. We, too, have a newfound joy in Christ and have the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of others as well.

Reflection Questions: In what ways is your “old self” gone and you are a new creation? How does the way you live, especially your generosity, reflect your transformation?

Kick off the Worship Series with us during our

KGPC Movie Night October 9^th from 6-8 PM

in the Fellowship Hall.

Dinner of soup and bread will be served as we enjoy the 1984 classic, A Christmas Carol. Children will enjoy pizza and the Muppet version of the story. Following the movies, we will come back together to dive deeper into our Worship theme for the next few weeks. 

Sunday, October 2

9:00 AM– Faith Formation

10:00 AM- Worship Service & King’s Kids

11:15 AM– Faith Formation

Monday, October 3

9:00 AM– Trinity Pre-School

9:30 AM- Quilters

Tuesday, October 4

9:00 AM– Trinity Pre-School

5:00 PM– Care Ministry Mtg.

6:30 PM– Grow Ministry Mtg.

Wednesday, October 5

7:00 AM- Prayer Breakfast

9:00 AM– Trinity Pre-School

6:00 PM– Music Team Rehearsal

7:15 PM- Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, October 6

9:00 AM- Fine Arts Day

4:30 PM– Staff Mtg.

6:00 PM– Parent Class

6:30 PM– Finance Class

7:00 PM– Chancel Bells

FAITH FORMATION

9:00 AM

  Adult Study/Parlor: Gospel of John- Hybrid Class (Zoom Link)

Join us as we unpack this amazing Gospel  

October 2        Chapter Three    Lilly Bradley

October 9        Chapter Four     Claudia Hudgens

October 16      Chapter Five      Dan Duquette



  Middle School & High School Session/HS Rm 104: Deeper Questions

10:00 AM

  Worship and King's Kids: During Passing of the Peace, children may follow their teachers to and be picked up from: 

· Pre-school — Room 118        · Elementary School — Fellowship Hall

11:15 AM

  Adult Study/Parlor: Unafraid- we discuss the sermon and walk through the book study that inspired this worship series.

  Adult Study/Connection Point: Parent Connection- A support & resource group for parents of children of KGPC

  Children's Program/Fellowship Hall: Kid's Corral- Informal relationship building for kids

Youth Fellowship 

  Middle School/Rm 102: 5:30 PM-7:00 PM     High School/Rm 104: 6:30PM-8:00 PM 

October Youth Calendar

2- Youth Fellowship

MS: Join us from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM for Youth Fellowship. We will enjoy fellowship time together from 5:30-6:30, and then eat dinner with the high schoolers from 6:30-7:00. 

HS: Join us from 6:30 PM-8:00 PM for Youth Fellowship. We will eat dinner with the middle schoolers from 6:30-7:00 and then separate to enjoy fellowship time together from 7-8:00.

9- Family Movie Event

6:00-8:00 PM

Bring the entire family for dinner and a movie! We will be watching A Christmas Carol and discussing some of the themes afterward. This goes along with our worship series.

16- Third Sunday Small Groups

6:30-8:00 PM - Meet with your small group at your assigned location!

23- Youth Fellowship

MS: Join us from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM for Youth Fellowship. We will enjoy fellowship time together from 5:30-6:30, and then eat dinner with the high schoolers from 6:30-7:00. 

HS: Join us from 6:30 PM-8:00 PM for Youth Fellowship. We will eat dinner with the middle schoolers from 6:30-7:00 and then separate to enjoy fellowship time together from 7-8:00.

30- Holy Ghost Weenie Roast/ Trunk Competition

Youth will raise money for activities and summer trips by selling hot dogs at Trunk or Treat. Middle schoolers and High Schoolers will compete to create the best trunk for the event!

Our Women's Circles will be meeting on

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Elizabeth Circle meets at 10:00 AM in the church Parlor. Contact Cindy Hiddemen for more details.

Lydia Circle will meet at 10:00 AM at Pollie Morison's house. Contact Claudia Hudgens for more details.

Eve Circle meets at 7:00 PM in the Parlor. Contact Pam Ponce for more details.

John Fritz

If you see John this Sunday, be sure to welcome him as our new Assistant Director of Music. He will be coordinating and directing our children's and youth's music program.

Email John if you are interested in being a part of these programs.

OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS & INFO

October 13th, 14th & 15th

Directory Pictures will be taken 

To schedule your photography appointment online today (Friday),

simply go to:

• www.ucdir.com
• click on photography appointment scheduling. 
• Login on the right side, 
• ENTER va166 in the Church Code field,
• ENTER photos in the Church Password field. 
• Follow the prompts to schedule your family appointment time. 

(If you have 6 or more in your family, please use 2 consecutive time slots)

• Be sure to tell your friends!

The photography sessions are open to anyone who wants to be photographed whether or not they are members and will not be a part of our directory.

For more details contact:

Vanessa Hubbard or Pollie Morison

SIGN UPS ARE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

For all interested, there will be a Puerto Rico Mission Trip Planning Meeting on Sunday, October 9th at 11:15 AM (after worship) in the Connection Point.

Contact Don Bradway. 

Summer is over, school has begun, and Halloween is looming. What does this mean? It means it’s time to get organized for our annual gift to the community… Bethlehem Walk 2022 is coming this December 2-4.

Calling all Roman Guards, Angels, bearded Prophets, Shepherds, and Shopkeepers. All Cookie Bakers, Greeters, Builders and Scene Painters, Hall Decorators, Costume Managers, Parking lot Attendants, Mary, Joseph, and most of all baby Jesus! There is a role for YOU… join us in Bethlehem! God is calling us all to share the amazing story of Christ’s birth with as many people in the community as possible. 



What part calls you? 

Look for the sign-up sheet in the Connection Point now

or contact Laurie Duquette to reserve your place in Bethlehem. 

There are many options; choose the part and the shift that works best for you.

“Commitment Sunday”

 Sunday, Oct.30, 2022

“Commitment Sunday” is the day church family and friends come together and present

individual financial commitments that empower the budgeted financial plans of KGPC for 2023. The work of the church cannot be done without your financial support! Giving to God blesses others. 

• Giving to God is a spiritual discipline.
• Making an offering to God is to be done prayerfully, intentionally, and sacrificially.
• Pray about what God is calling you to commit for 2023.
• Ask God to break the chains of distrust and step up in faith to grow as a giver!

Watch for more information and details in the weeks to come.

We are praying for you!

The Generosity team:

Julie Seipel, Al Linberger, Jill McNulty, Dottie Benson, Scott Wilhoit, Ben Chidester, Donna Perry

SEPTEMBER 2022 SESSION SUMMARY 

KGPC FINANCIAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDING: August 2022

MONTH OF August

Cash Income-------------$44,211

Cash Expenses --------($52,892)

Surplus(Deficit)-----------($8,681)

YEAR-TO-DATE COMPARISON

-------------------------------------------------2022-----------------------2021

ACTUAL GENERAL FUND INCOME:--$410,984----------------$387,693

ACTUAL GEN. FUND EXPENSES:---($403,814)---------------($404,927)

DIFFERENCE:--------------------------- -$7,170-------------------($17,234)

Hello Church Family,

With regret, I am announcing that I will step down as our church JCOC coordinator, effective January 1, 2023. I am sad to step away from this Ministry, but after 5 and 1/2 years, it is time for this transition.   Involvement with JCOC remains a big part of my volunteer life.  I am a JCOC Board member, and also on the Executive Committee. With the new building fundraising activity and the planned construction starting in 2023, these responsibilities are time-consuming.

KGPC started this ministry in the summer of 2017, and it has been a fantastic and spiritual journey for me and Carol, and the nearly 400 members of our congregation who have volunteered. The congregation’s strong support of this Ministry made all this possible.  Highlights include serving 32 dinners and many food and clothing drives.  So many wonderful and spiritual experiences as we helped people in need, as our Lord Jesus commands us to do.

We are seeking a person to take over this responsibility, as our church JCOC coordinator. The main activities include:

·        Coordinating 4 or 5 dinners with KGPC volunteers each year

·        Organizing occasional food and clothing drives

·        Communicating with the Serve Ministry about the activities

If you have an interested in this opportunity, please contact me. We are praying that one of our members will accept this meaningful call.

Special thanks to Suzy Farley, Pastor Chris, Session, Leaders, and the congregation for your strong support of this Ministry.

Blessings,

Bob Bibbs

Cell: 757-377-7065

The Serve Ministry is seeking volunteers to help with the Food Bank in the upcoming 2023 year. 

We will have one week in each of the following months: January, March, May, July, September and November. 

The process is easy and takes a minimal amount of time. Training can be provided for those who are new to the process. 

This is a vital ministry that greatly helps those who are suffering food insufficiency. Contact Dottie Benson or Vivian Phelps for more information.

 As many of you know we are now the staging site for serving our aged and infirm neighbors prepared meals through the efforts of Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach. 

This time of year typically becomes more demanding of our volunteers and staff as the number of clients climbs steadily. Instead of our normal requirement of 12 volunteers for deliveries each day we are now in need of an additional 5 to keep each route reasonable as far as the number of deliveries and distance covered. 

Please pray and consider joining us as a delivery volunteer. Just call Traci, our director, at 757-419-8810 and work with her on your availability and her needs.

We believe that no one in this country should ever go hungry and we invite you to join us in this ministry.

Yours In Christ,

Chris Andersen 

Dan Duquette

BOOK CLUB

October 27TH at 7:00 PM in the Parlor

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Contact Julie Seipel for a book link or a zoom code, if you are unable to meet in person. 

The KGPC Book Club meets on the last Tuesday of the month, at 7 p.m. in the Parlor.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT KGPC

Do you know anyone interested in working in the virtual world?

We are looking for a

Digital Outreach Specialist.

Click HERE to find out all the details! 

THE SEARCH CONTINUES

FOR OUR DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY

Often, utilizing personal contacts can lead to the best candidate. If you know of someone who might be interested in this position, please take a moment to forward them this LINK.

Also, please share this LINK with friends or family that attend other churches and ask them to share it with leaders in those churches. They may know of an interested individual.

Word Share Prayer is a monthly scripture reading/reflection that Session and the leaders of ministries use to start their meetings. We will be including this in the monthly ENews for you to use throughout the month to read and meditate on.

 Romans 8:12-17 (NLT) 

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

9:00 AM - Faith---------------- Formation

10:00 AM - Worship

---------- Service

11:15 AM - Faith---------------- Formation