July eNews

745 Little Neck Road

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

(757) 340-2840

info@kgpc.org kgpc.org

The Family Reunion of PC(USA) General Assembly

While the bi-annual meeting of General Assembly is the overarching governing body of the Presbyterian Church (USA), what it really is is a reunion. I saw a young man whom I had in confirmation 20 years ago who is now an ordained minster. I saw people from the two former Presbyteries I was apart of. I met folks from the National Office making connections and asking questions that would have been difficult over email. For the first time, I worked behind the scenes as a Committee Assistant sending emails, answering texts, and making sure all 60 commissioners were able to fully participate and conduct the business they felt called to do. I had lunch with our current Co-Moderators, worked with a previous Co-Moderator, and met new friends along the way. It really is powerful to bring together over 1,000 people to worship, pray, sing, debate, and discern together what God is calling us to be and do.

Of course, we also had 9-10 hours of meetings per day discussing dozens and dozens of motions, ideas, constitutional amendments, and substitute motions. Some motions were perfunctory: celebrating the new directors of our agencies, new presidents of PC(USA) seminaries, and our ecumenical partners. But there were also some real issues to debate. For over 13 hours the committee I served debated an entire new way to organize our national denomination. While we used to have two agencies, The Presbyterian Mission Agency and the Office of General Assembly, we now have one structure, the Presbyterian Life and Witness. Merging two major entities took quite a bit of time and discernment.

Other motions included approving the 2028 General Assembly in Puerto Rico, providing alternative ways for candidates to be ordained, writing a new confession of faith, discussing the firing of mission co-workers, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, gun violence, and creating new groups to further study ideas such as collaborative ministry in small churches and whether or not the denomination needs to make a statement about monogamous relationships for clergy. At the time of this writing, some motions have not yet been voted on. If you have any questions about the decisions that have been made or what impact they might have on our church, please reach out to me or check out the reporting on Presbyterian Outlook https://pres-outlook.org/. I felt humbled to serve behind the scenes at GA as well as to be elected to a committee that will review our new Presbyterian Life and Witness structure in the next two years. Our connectional church is one of our many strengths. I’m proud to be part of the PC(USA) and pastor of King’s Grant Presbyterian Church.

Abide, Grow, Shine, Love, Transform Your World,

Pastor Chris

Thanks to Hannah Van Auken for her beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, and to Terry Perry and the Jubilee band for their fun music at the patriotic picnic on Sunday! Also, much gratitude to the kitchen and worship team folks who set everything up, and to all who helped with equipment moving and cooking! We were blessed to have a decent weather day and a good crowd to celebrate the good things about the USA.

I would also like to thank the wonderful men who participated in Men's Chorus on Father's Day. It is such a delight to work with you each summer and this year I believe you outdid yourselves. God has truly blessed our church and we are fortunate to have those willing singing men in our midst. Thank you for sharing your message and lifting us all in the name of Jesus.

AI Music Warning: For those of you using YouTube or other platforms for your music source, I want you to be cautious about the incessant insertion of AI music into playlists and searches. Even with my sensitive ear I have been fooled many times that a song is real when it is not. They will even put the names of famous artists with near exact replicas of their voices and styles in a video that looks and sounds authentic... until it doesn't. Here is an example of what I found (and copied for you) when searching Lauren Daigle, and what you should look for hidden in the comments below the videos. This is not shown without searching for it:

1,526,454 views Jul 30, 2025

#eminem #mileycyrus #eminem2025

Eminem ft. Lauren Daigle - All My Praise (Music Video 2025) This is not an official song. this is remix created using ai tools (No copyright) This song uses ai voice changer to mimick vocal style. it is not an original performance by the artist. Music materials do not represent represent the artist, and are for entertainment and worship purposes

Please be careful that what you listen to may be misleading, even if you like the sound at first. I currently have strong feelings about AI creeping into our lives without our permission, though I am assured it is coming like a rocket whether I like it or not, and Christian music is apparently a heavy target along with all the other art forms like writing, acting, art, etc.

All that being said, here is some authentic music by Phil Wickham that helps us celebrate the goodness God shows us no matter what is going on around us!

Blessings,

Tonya

KGPC God Winks

Submitted by a Church Member

Several years back, I was contemplating the next move in my career. I had been offered a different role within the same company—not exactly a promotion since it was in another department, but it did come with a pay raise and aligned more closely with the direction I wanted my career to take. The only downside was a slightly longer commute, maybe about 15 extra minutes. Despite that, I was puzzled by my lack of enthusiasm for the position. In fact, I felt uneasy, though I couldn't pinpoint why.

I had a long discussion with my wife, but because I couldn’t clearly explain my hesitation, she found it hard to take my concerns seriously. In the end, I decided to accept the job since I couldn’t find a solid reason not to. On the morning I was to give my boss my answer, my wife hugged me and said, "God always tells us the right answer if we are willing to listen. So, try just listening."

I wasn't sure how much I really believed that at the time. I believed more in a God of dramatic moments, not day to day interactions, but her words stayed with me. While waiting at a bus shelter, two women joined me; one was comforting the other, who was clearly upset. I wasn’t trying to listen, but as they passed by, the upset woman said, "They all look so nice at the start, but then they are just so awful to you." On the bus, I sat near a mother and her son. I wasn't paying too much attention to them but the boy kept doing something that made his mother sharply whispered, "Don’t you do it! I swear, if you do, you’ll regret it." When I arrived at my building, waiting for the elevator, there was a terrible squealing noise behind the doors. The man waiting with me said, "Nope. That doesn’t sound right, I’m not doing it," and headed for the stairs. Finally, I took the hint. I went straight to my boss’s office, and told him that while I appreciated the offer, I preferred to stay in my current role.

Exactly six weeks later, we were called to an all-hands meeting where we learned that our regional company had been acquired by a national company, bringing changes. My department was safe and would continue mostly unchanged, but the department I would have moved to was immediately dissolved, with almost no severance offered. We knew shortly there after that the national company was not one that I wanted to work for, but at least I had a steady paycheck to take care of my family while I looked for a better place to be.

“God winks” are those coincidences we know aren’t coincidences. They are celebrations for what God is doing in us and through us.

If you’ve seen God at work in this church or in your life, write a short paragraph and send it to the church office (office@kgpc.org). Anonymous stories are accepted as well as those who don’t mind their name being known

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT KGPC

Sunday, July 5

8:45 AM - Adult Faith Formation

9:00 AM - Youth Donuts and Discussion

10:00 AM - Worship Service

10:00 AM - King's Kids

5:00 PM - Gather Dinner Church

Monday, July 6

9:00 AM - VBS

Tuesday, July 7

9:00 AM - VBS

Wednesday, July 8

7:00 AM - Prayer Breakfast

9:00 AM - VBS

5:30 PM - Best LIFE Group

Thursday, July 9

9:00 AM - VBS

2:00 PM - Caregivers Support Group

Friday, July 10

9:00 AM -VBS

5:00 PM -Locals on the Lawn

Saturday, July 11

Click HERE for the Full Calendar

Click HERE for July Birthdays

Upcoming Special Events!

Serve is happy to unveil our 'Need Help Share' board in the Connection Point!

If you have an item (a microwave, a walker, a tool you need to borrow) or a service (a ride to an appointment, someone to feed your cat) that you need, please post your need on the board. And if you have something you can share, or a way you can help, post that.

Then, watch the board, and if you are able to help someone (or see someone that can help you), reach out to them!! What a beautiful way to love our neighbors and do life together!

Posts Currently On the Board

AVAILABLE - Hamilton Beach Mixer (like new) - Donna Hoberg

AVAILABLE - Hamilton Beach Toaster Over (slightly used) - Donna Hoberg

AVAILABLE PAID ASSISTANCE - Landscaping/Yard Work - Cade Schmitt

AVAILABLE RECREATION - Kayaking from the Long's House - Suzanne Long

For more information on these items, Check the Need/Help/Share Board in the Connection Point, or reach out to the poster!

Summer Ladies’ Bible Study for 2026:

Ladies, join us for a 5-week study of “Jonah: The Call of Compassion” by Sue LeBoutillier. There will be a morning group on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:00, beginning on July 1st. We will skip the week of VBS and will finish our study on August 5th. We will also offer this study on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Pat Bowling will lead the morning group, and Pam Ponce will lead the evening group. The study guide will be printed out in the office and will be available at no cost. Contact Pat Bowling (pgbowling3728@gmail.com) to register for this study and to get more information.

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers for Wednesdays to deliver meals.

Volunteering starts around 10 am, and should be done within an hour or hour and half depending on your route. We need people who are willing to drive anywhere in the city of the Virginia Beach.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to minister to our housebound neighbors by being a friendly face and bring them food that they cannot cook or collect for themselves.

For more information or to volunteer, Contact Traci, the Director of Operations for Meals on Wheels at 757-419-8810

10 AM Worship Series Information

Building Healthy Relationships

God created us to be in relationship with others. Those relationships include parents, children, partners, friends, church members, coworkers, neighbors, among others. To be human is to feel a strong emotional connection with another. But how do we build healthy relationships that will last? The Bible has a lot of advice about building life-giving relationships. Our Summer series will equip us with biblical principles we can use with the most meaningful and important relationships in our lives so they can grow stronger, healthier, and closer. With effort and intentionality, you can build a deep connection with your loved ones this summer.

July 5 Biblical Tools for Healthy Relationships Romans 12:9-21

The Bible has a lot to say about how to build healthy relationships with one another. In our last Sunday of this series, we will explore several of these biblical tools. Relationships may be hard, but they aren’t rocket science. Healthy long-lasting relationships take time, effort, and intentionality. Implementing the biblical advice Paul gives in Romans will help also.

Reflection Questions: Which of these tools are most used in your current relationships? Which ones would you like to develop more? What relationships in your life would you like to strengthen with these tools?

July 12 VBS Sunday!

Join us as our VBS Kids teach us everything they learned this weeks during their "Snowball Mountain Challenge"

Bible Stories for Children of All Ages

Most of us have heard these stories since we were kids. But what happens when we look at them from a different perspective? These familiar “children’s” stories will take on a whole new meaning as they teach us about sin, temptation, faithfulness, courage, disobedience, and trust. We will uncover deeper truths about what it means to be human and to live as God’s chosen people. Join us this summer as we return to our favorite childhood stories and realize they are for ALL God’s children.

July 19 - The Garden of Eden Genesis 1-3

Creation. Adam and Eve. The Fall. The first three chapters of Genesis tell the story of the beginning of the world. Is it actually true or just a fairy tale? What was the real temptation that led Eve and Adam to eat the apple? What does this story teach us about being human: freedom, disobedience, and our relationship with God? In the end, perhaps our deepest desire is to restore the perfect union with God we had in the Garden of Eden.

Reflection Questions: What are your greatest temptations? What are the most important lessons you have learned from the Eve and Adam story?

July 26 - Noah’s Ark Genesis 6-9

Almost every civilization has a flood story. Our scripture tells of a God who decides to cleanse the earth of human violence and wickedness. God spares Noah and his family because of their faithfulness and asks him to build an ark when there’s no rain in the forecast. After 40 days of rain and the death of all living things, Noah’s family has to wait another 110 days for the waters to subside. After sending a dove to see if it was safe to exit the ark, Noah and his entourage finally leave the boat to set foot on dry land. God's judgment and grace are evident in both the flood and the rainbow. What are the ways God’s judgment and grace are evident today?

Reflection Questions: What has God asked you to do that didn’t make sense at the time? Are you surprised God sent a flood to judge human wickedness? What motifs of faithfulness, floods, waiting, discernment, and promises of God are most meaningful to you at the moment?

August 2 - David and Goliath I Samuel 17

When everyone cowered at Goliath’s challenge, young David stepped forward to face the giant. Refusing Saul’s armor, David took with him into battle his slingshot and a few stones. This epic battle celebrates the underdog. Against all odds, the little guy wins because of his courage and faith in God. But in the real world, the underdog rarely wins.

Reflection Questions: When have you’ve felt like the “little guy”? List the giants in your life, those obstacles that seem unsurmountable. What do you already have that you could use to combat those giants? How will you take the first step to face them with faith and courage?

August 9 - Daniel and the Lion’s Den Daniel 6

How far would you go to be faithful to God? Would you risk your life? Those are the questions Daniel had to answer when a law forbid him to pray to God. He remained faithful despite the threat of being thrown in the lion’s den. God protected him both from the lions and from those scheming against him. What are the ways society asks us to compromise our beliefs and actions today? How do you respond?

Reflection Questions: What laws would you be willing to break, or jobs you’d be willing to give up, in order to be faithful to God?

August 16 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Daniel 3
Rev. Kailey Stephens Preaching

These 3 Jewish men refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol. What are the golden idols we are expected to worship today? Willing to die for their convictions, they are thrown into a fiery furnace. Much to the surprise of the bystanders, a fourth figure is seen in the furnace with them. Their miraculous survival changed the culture of their day. How might our faith and counter-cultural way of life influence the hearts of those around us?

Reflection Questions: What have been the “fires” in your life when you felt tested? How has a “fourth figure” walked with you through it?

August 23 - Jonah and the Whale Jonah 1-4

This is a story about the mercy of God to a people who did not deserve it and a prophet who just doesn’t get what mercy is all about. While we may want to limit God's grace to those whom we think really deserve it, God's love is wider and more universal than we can imagine. Jonah struggles with obedience when he’s asked to do something he doesn’t want to. Even prophets can be disobedient. Who are our Ninevites? When was the last time you didn’t want to do something God asked you to?

Reflection Questions: Name a situation when you were upset or disappointed that someone received a second chance, forgiveness, or mercy. What has acted like a “whale” in your life?

Gather Dinner Church Worship Information

Flawed and Faithful Simon Peter

He was quick-tempered and impetuous, but possessed a passion that would change the world. He left everything to follow his teacher, yet struggled with doubt and fear. He was the first to profess Jesus as the Son of God, yet he later denied knowing him. Simon Peter is an ordinary fisherman who heard an extraordinary call. As we study Peter’s life in-depth from his call as a fisherman through his death. Perhaps we will see ourselves in Simon Peter, the flawed but ultimately faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

July 5 I Will Not Deny You Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75

This Week's Menu:

Italian Casserole
Salad

Rolls
Dessert

Upcoming Dinner Church Information

The Story that Changed Everything: Peter and Cornelius

Peter and Cornelius’ sixty-six verse story in Acts is one of the great turning points in Church history. Peter is transformed in his ways of thinking about who can be accepted into the church which begins a new mission to the Gentiles. Cornelius becomes the first uncircumcised Gentile baptized and welcomed into Jesus’ following without conforming to the Jewish law. What relevance does that story have for us today? In what ways do we need to be transformed? What are the new missions we are sent on?

July 12 Acts 10:1-8 Who are Cornelius and Peter?

July 19 Acts 10:9-23 When God’s Mind Changes COMMUNION

July 26 Acts 10:24-33 I Don’t Know Why, But I’m Doing It

August 2 Acts 10:34-43 God Shows No Partiality (Neither Should We)

August 9 Acts 10:44-48 The Spirit Did What??!!

August 16 Al Mayo Leading Dinner Church

August 23 Youth Retreat Sunday at Dinner Church

August 30 Acts 11:1-18 Who Are We to Hinder God? COMMUNION

Click HERE For the Sign Up Genius

BOOK CLUB

The Little Liar

by Mitch Albom

July 27th 7:00 pm

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: MAY 2026

MONTH OF MAY

Cash Income--------- $47,719

Cash Expenses -------($64,643)

Surplus(Deficit)-------($16,924)

YEAR-TO-DATE COMPARISON

ACTUAL INCOME:-------

ACTUAL EXPENSES:--

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

2025

$257,096

($245,060)

$12,036

2026

$277,425

($277,064)

$ 361

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 the Worship Guide

Click HERE for our Service Live Stream

Those Serving our Church This Sunday:

Head Usher: Mark Seipel

Greeter: Cindy Black

Faith Formation Teachers: Adult - Nelson Hodges; King's Kids K-5 - Austin Stephens; King's Kids Preschool - Beth Harrison; Gather Dinner - TBD

Nursery Workers: Jennine Cabrera and Crystal Humphries

Tech Team: Cameras - David Scholefield; Slides - Bob Larose;

Soundboard -Mara Montoya; Livestream - Rebekah Kerr-Montoya

Time and Talents

Here is all our current lists looking for volunteers!

Gather Dinner Church

Faith Formation Information!

We have begun a new study we are calling "The Wisdom of Solomon", which will include parts of 1 Kings, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs. This study will be led by Nelson Hodges and will run through July 26th.

As always, all are welcome and no preparation is required. Please join us in the parlor, room 115 at 8:45 on Sundays!

Sabbath Life Sunday Morning Group

The Sabbath Life Group meets Sunday mornings at 8:45 in the Connection Point. We are studying the book of Matthew and would love to have you join us!

Youth Faith Formation

Youth Donuts & Discussion 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 mornings 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.

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)

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)

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