745 Little Neck Road

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

(757) 340-2840 

info@kgpc.org kgpc.org

Ending the Church Year with Celebrations

All good things come to an end…including the church year. May is the month when our church ministries start to wind down. The Youth Group has its final outings. Music Ministry rehearsals and leadership come to a close. New Elders will be elected as the class of 2026 prepares to rotate off. Ministry Teams go through end of year assessments as they evaluate the last year and make goals for the coming one.

It’s also the month of celebrations. We celebrate our confirmation class as we welcome 9 new members into this church and baptize 2 of them. We celebrate our 6 talented and faith-filled graduating seniors giving senior moments. We celebrate our youth as they lead us in worship. They will share prayers, skits, and even serve us Communion. Session has approved four of our youth members to serve communion per the Book of Order. Later in the Month, we celebrate mothers of every kind who do so much for their families. We celebrate and remember those who gave their lives for this country on Memorial Day.

May is an exciting month as we wrap up another church year with the help of our new Associate Pastor, Kailey. And there’s so much to look forward to. Our children’s ministry is being revamped this summer with new curriculum and classrooms. Our pre-design team is hard at work as they discern how our facility can more effectively enhance our ministry to the community. Our VBS will bring in children from all over the community as we teach them about Jesus. Our Locals on the Lawn has had a complete makeover so we can host more people from our community this Summer. Our church-wide goals are being discerned so we can better make disciples in the name of Jesus Christ.

It is a privilege to serve such a vibrant, active congregation. Each of you make this church what it is and invest so much of yourself in the ministry of this church. Thank you for your faithfulness and dedication. I look forward in this next church year to see what God has in store for us. Whatever it will be, I know it will be good.

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

Pastor Chris

Hello KGPC!

Did you follow the Artemis II journey around the moon in April? One of the astronauts, Reid Wiseman, said he was not a religious person, but because he couldn't explain what he experienced, he asked to see the ship's chaplain. This story is online everywhere, but aside from breaking down to tears when he saw the chaplain's cross, he also said something else that caught my attention... 

   “The sun eclipsed behind the moon,” said Wiseman. “I turned to Victor and I said I don’t think humanity has evolved to the point of being able to comprehend what we are looking at right now, because it was otherworldly and it was amazing.”

If you believe that Our God is the God of the Universe, creator of all things good and wonderful, then to see the photos of this NASA adventure surely expanded your heart and mind like it did mine. Can we imagine something so vast outside of Sci-Fi books and movies? Even the star gazers of the old testament could not have imagined the other side of the moon the way we have just seen. To quote Rocky, a new Sci-Fi character to us in the movie Project Hail Mary... "Amaze, Amaze, Amaze!"  

Experiencing feelings and wonder that we can't explain through sound is also transcending. We have such an opportunity next Friday, May 8th at 12:00PM when our former Music Director, Janet Phelps, will come present a program of Organ solos and duets with collaboration support from myself, Paul Chidester, and Jeff Phelps on Cello. I have enjoyed working with Janet on this project and we are truly looking forward to sharing a "Symphony of Praise"... music that reminds us to worship the God of the Universe with awe, wonder, and trust. God is Good, and His power is beyond measure and understanding. May that power and love wash over your life in a brand new way so that all you can say is "Amaze, Amaze, Amaze!"

KGPC God Winks

I left the grocery pick up feeling discouraged, down, and unsure of where to turn for support. While driving I noticed a beautiful red cardinal directly in front of me in the middle of the road. Not a typical occurrence even though cardinals are Virginia’s state bird. While I would normally not stop completely assuming a bird in the road would be able to fly away as I got closer, I was immediately lifted emotionally and spiritually as I slowed to stop in front of this amazing creature. God’s creature. Through this beautiful, vibrant colored bird in the middle of the road, I was reminded of God’s peace, love, and presence in my life. 

The song, “There is Freedom” by Josh Baldwin played on the radio. The first words I heard after stopping for the cardinal was, “‘cause nothing stands between me and my God.” The song continued with, “There’s no place I go that he is not. There is freedom. We’ll be dancing through the darkness ‘cause we believe it. Every stronghold has to break in the name of Jesus. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.”

God knows my struggles as He knows each of ours. He lifts us up when we need Him most which sometimes appears in small or inconvenient ways we would normally brush off.

My prayer for our church community is for us to notice God’s unique ways of reaching us. Individually and as a church. Once we acknowledge those little whispers from Him I pray we continue to pray and be led by the Holy Spirit within each of us. 

IHL,

Sara Sturdevant 

“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, May 3

YOUTH SUNDAY

8:00 AM - Adult Faith Formation

10:00 AM - Worship Service

No King's Kids This Week

No Youth Donuts and Discussion This Week

5:00 PM - Gather Dinner Church

Monday, May 4

11:00 AM - Joyful Bells

12:30 PM - Lunch Bunch

7:00 PM - Eve Circle

Tuesday, May 5

6:30 PM - Grace Notes (Tuesday Bells)

Wednesday, May 6

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, May 7

7:00 PM - Chancel Bells

Friday, May 8

9:00 AM - Contemplative Prayer Group

12:00 PM - Symphony of Praise Music Reflections

Saturday, May 9

Upcoming Special Events!

We hope you will join us THIS SUNDAY, May 3rd, for a special service of worship that was planned and will be led by our middle school and high school youth. It's a service full of exciting moments including witnessing two baptisms, receiving our confirmands as new member, hearing senior moment, recognizing our graduates, and more! We hope you will also join us after worship in the Fellowship Hall for a reception to celebrate our confirmands and the Class of 2026 graduates!

Our "Senior Moment" Speakers for this Sunday

Confirmation Program

Our confirmands have completed a meaningful and multi-faceted journey of faith formation, engaging deeply in both learning and lived discipleship. Over the course of the program, they participated in weekly classes following Sunday worship, where they explored topics such as the Bible, church history, Presbyterian theology, worship and sacraments, and what it means to live out their faith. Alongside their class time, each student was paired with a mentor from the congregation, meeting regularly to reflect on lessons, discuss questions, and grow in relationship and understanding. They also dedicated time outside of class to complete homework, culminating in the writing of their own personal statement of faith.

In addition to classroom learning, confirmands experienced hands-on opportunities to encounter faith in action. They participated in a service project with PiN Ministries, learning about community outreach while serving others, and took part in field trips to both Temple Emanuel Synagogue and St. Nicholas Catholic Church to broaden their understanding of faith traditions. A day-long retreat offered space for deeper reflection, prayer, and community-building, while individual meetings with teachers provided time for guidance and encouragement. Through all of these steps, our confirmands have thoughtfully prepared to profess their faith publicly and take their place as active members of the church.

Confirmands and Mentors

Knox Teague - Pat Bowling

Cannon Cespedes - Bill Long

Jackson Reynaldo - Jeff Hammaker

Cliff tenHoeve - Bruce MacCall

Riley tenHoeve - Miriam Callahan

Laura Schmitt - Kailey Stephens/Gretchen Allmond

Cade Schmitt - Chuck Sandford

Zac Granville - Roger Crider

Chaz Zapata - Suzy Farley

Opening Week at the Betty Brown Chidester Campus of JCOC

Our congregation has the privilege of serving one of the first meals in the newly constructed JCOC center which is dedicated to the memory of former KGPC member Betty Chidester. A dedication ceremony of the facility will be held at a later date but the kitchen and dining hall will open the week of May 18th and we will have the opportunity to provide a meal to 150 participants on Wednesday, May 20th.

The dinner will consist of lasagna, salad, french bread, cookies and bottled water. Specifics/helpful hints are listed below and we greatly appreciate any help you can provide. Please contact Fran Potter at 757-434-5973 or fpotter96@gmail.com and specify the amount/portion you are able to donate. All items should be delivered to our church Fellowship Hall labeled with JCOC and your name by 3:30 on Wednesday the 20th. Please also note if you are able to help deliver the food to the facility at 1053 Va. Beach Blvd. and help serve at the 5:00 dinner time.

Lasagna – your own recipe is fine, usually an 8 serving size, or Stouffer’s has an 11 size serving which is around $15 at the big box stores, $13.50 for an 8 serving at Kroger. We are asking that the lasagnas be fully cooked (and can be reheated in the JCOC kitchen if necessary.)

Salad – a 10 size serving of any type garden variety along with a small bottle of any dressing of your choosing

French Bread – sliced in to 1 inch slices, buttered and wrapped in foil ready for heating at the facility (a typical loaf seems to be 16 1- inch pieces)

Cookies – your choice, no need to wrap individually

Bottled Water

Thanks in advance for making this first meal at the Betty Brown Chidester Campus a reality.

Fran Potter

Gay Aridas

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!

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.

An Easter Season Discussion Group

Chris Carrasco

For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional

By Hanna Reichel, professor of theology at Princeton Theological Seminary

I have been asked by several church members if we can create a safe place to talk about some similar questions being raised: How do Christians maintain their integrity in times of political polarization? How do we keep on living faithfully in a time of rapid social change? How does our faith inform our response in such a time as this? This resource offers 4 weeks of daily devotions as we pray about and begin to formulate our own answers to these questions. Join us starting April 19 on Sundays from 11:30-1:00 as we share insights, reflections, and thoughts based on the daily devotions in this book. Bring a lunch if you’d like.

An excerpt from Amazon’s book description: “Drawing upon both scholarship and pastoral wisdom, theologian Hanna Reichel offers a timely resource for believers seeking spiritual grounding amid societal upheaval. For Such a Time as This provides a thoughtful framework for discernment rooted in scripture, historical wisdom, and the core commitments of Christian faith. Through meditations on scripture, Reichel guides readers toward their own Christian response to the present moment. Readers will come away with practical wisdom for navigating our uncertain times, a deeper understanding of Christianity’s resources for resistance, and renewed energy for the urgent tasks that faithful discipleship demands today.”

You may order the book on Amazon, purchase one from the church starting 2 weeks ahead of time, or come to listen and share insights without using this book.



I hope you’ll join us in this discussion navigating our Christian faith in challenging times.

APRIL 2026 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

1. Session practiced the presence of God by reading Romans 5:1-5. We shared that rather than despairing, Christians can rejoice in trials because suffering produces perseverance, which creates character, resulting in unshakable hope because God’s love is poured into hearts through the Holy Spirit.
2. Nine Confirmands were presented to Session sharing their testimony of faith. All nine were received into membership, including 2 for Baptism.
3. We approved the motion to authorize 4 confirmed youth members of the church to serve the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper on Youth Sunday in celebration of the active faith and leadership of the young people in our congregation. This motion is grounded in the guidance of the Book or Order which states: “Ordinarily ruling elders, deacons and ministers of the Word and Sacrament serve the bread and cup; the Session may authorize other church members to do so” (W-3.0414)
4. We set a Congregational Meeting for May 17th to elect the next class of elders and youth delegates.
5. Session has elected Al Mayo as Clerk of Session for 2026-2027.
6. Session addressed the parking lot proposals. The decision was made to have the potholes professionally repaired by Complete Sealcoat & Striping and for volunteers from the congregation to re-stripe the lines and handicap spaces as well as put some sealcoat on the worst “alligator cracks”. This project will be funded by the Future Project Fund and the Capital Replacement Fund equally, not to exceed $7,000. The intention is to totally replace the parking lot in the next 5 years by grading and repaving.
7. We reviewed our Session Retreat goals and refined the focus for the upcoming Leadership Summit on June 5-6th.

10 AM Worship Information

On the Road to Emmaus

Easter Season Worship Series

An empty tomb was not good news to the first disciples. As two of them walk back home overwhelmed with disappointment, grief, and confusion, they encounter a stranger. By the end of that encounter, they are running back to the eleven proclaiming, “The Lord has risen indeed!” Breaking hearts turned into burning ones. Despair gave way to hope. Confusion transformed into understanding. This Easter season we will walk with these two disciples on the road to Emmaus in the midst of our disappointment, grief, and confusion. Perhaps we, too, will encounter a stranger who will transform us and send us out to tell the world, “Jesus is alive!”

May 3 Youth Sunday

May 10 Breaking Assumptions: We Had Hoped… Luke 24:20-29

When the stranger asked two disciples what they were talking about, they shared the whole sob story. They recounted not only the facts, but their assumptions, hopes, and dashed dreams. The stranger then interpreted the Hebrew scriptures in a way that provided a whole new outlook, a better understanding, and a fresh perspective. As we walk on the road to Emmaus, we too have assumptions that keep us from understanding how God is at work. We had also hoped that things would be different. When we turn to scripture, we hear the Holy Spirit speaking to us in new and fresh ways, breaking assumptions and offering guidance and comfort for the journey.

Reflection Question: When have you turned to scripture to find guidance and comfort in your life? Describe a time when you had an assumption that blinded you to other possibilities or explanations. Finish this sentence for yourself, “I had hoped…”

May 17 Breaking Bread: Open Eyes and Burning Hearts Luke 24:30-35

Once the disciples invited the stranger into their home, they sat down to eat together. At their “Communion Table” they realized who they had been with all along. Their eyes are opened to the risen Christ, their hope is renewed, and their hearts are set on fire to go out and tell others. As we conclude our walk to Emmaus, we too recognize Jesus has been with us the whole time. We shift from knowledge to encounter as our hearts are set on fire. May we too run out into the world, excited to tell others about who Jesus is and how he has transformed our lives. 

Reflection Question: In what ways have you unexpectedly recognized Jesus in your midst? How have you experienced a heart on fire after an encounter with Jesus? Who will you tell about Jesus this week?

May 24 Pentecost Sunday Rev. Kailey Stephens Preaching

Wear red to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit

Gather Dinner Church Worship Information

Easter Season Gather Dinner Church Series

“Encounters with the Risen Christ”

      After Jesus’ resurrection, many people encountered the risen Christ. Each one had a different reaction. Each one has a lesson to teach us. This Easter season series focuses on four different encounters Jesus had with four different people: Thomas, Peter, Cleopas, and the group of disciples. Come, hear, and learn from the different encounters with the risen Christ. You might just have an encounter of your own.

May 3       YOUTH SUNDAY

May 10     Luke 24:13-35 “Cleopas’ Encounter with Jesus” COMMUNION

May 17      Luke 24:36-49 “Disciples’ Encounter with Jesus”

Eve Circle will meet on Monday, May 4th at 7:00 pm in the Parlor. Contact Pam Ponce (pnp.virginia@gmail.com) for information.

Lydia Circle will meet on Tuesday, May 12th at 11:30 am for a luncheon at Claudia Hudgens' House. For more information, please Contact Claudia Hudgens (claudiakhudgens@gmail.com).

BOOK CLUB

Theo of Golden

by Allen Levi

May 26th 7:00 pm

The Book Club for Troublesome Women

by Marie Bostwick

June 30th 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: March 2026

MONTH OF MARCH

Cash Income--------- $84,427

Cash Expenses -------($56,724)

Surplus(Deficit)------- $27,703

YEAR-TO-DATE COMPARISON

ACTUAL INCOME:-------

ACTUAL EXPENSES:--

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

2025

$181,625

($137,871)

$43,754

2026

$173,382

($160,771)

$12,611

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.

Those Serving our Church This Sunday:

Head Usher: Chris Andersen

Greeter: Marion  Mitchell

Liturgists: Alex Carrasco, Riley tenHoeve

Faith Formation Teachers: Louise Fox

Nursery Workers: Rebekah Kerr-Montoya

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

Soundboard -Mandi Powell; Livestream - Mara Montoya

Communion Servers: Liam Bronaugh, Alex Carrasco, Mark Jessup, Belle Powell

Time and Talents

Here is all our current lists looking for volunteers! 

Faith Formation Information!

The adult faith formation class is doing a study of First and Second Samuel which will continue through June 14th.

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

May 3      2 Samuel Ch. 7-9      Louise Fox

May 10    2 Samuel Ch. 10-12  Lilly Bradley

May 17    2 Samuel Ch. 13-14  Bruce Bradley

May 24    2 Samuel Ch. 15-16  Nelson Hodges

May 31    2 Samuel Ch. 19-29  Nelson Hodges

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!

NO YOUTH DONUTS AND DISCUSSION THIS WEEK!

YOUTH SUNDAY REHEARSAL STARTS AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY, MEETING IN THE YOUTH ROOM!

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.

NO KING'S KIDS THIS WEEK! Children are invited to join us in worship for Youth Sunday!

Youth Group

Youth are Encouraged to join Gather Church this week for Youth Sunday at Gather!

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

• Jeff Hammaker
• Audrey Malagon
• Pam Sandford, Clerk of Session
• Joe Simmons

Class of 2027

• Jenn Baden
• Shannon Bronaugh
• Suzanne Long
• Wayne Shank

Class of 2028

• Lizzie Chidester
• Bob Larose
• Al Mayo
• Brian Miller

Youth Delegate Class of 2026: Alex Carrasco, Alex Long, Michael Long

King's Grant Presbyterian Church

745 Little Neck Road

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452

(757) 340-2840 

info@kgpc.org

Office Hours: 9:00 - 3:00 M-F



10:00 AM - Worship

---------- Service

5:00 PM - Gather