Inside this

issue:

Calendar

Fellowship and Fun

Words of Appreciation

Fellowship & Fun cont.

Worship Hour

GAPC Cares

Congratulations Grads

Reimbursement Form

Something to Think About

June Birthdays

Nursery Schedule

Parish Register

Newsletter Deadline

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Green Acres Presbyterian Church

June 2016

In the name of Jesus Christ, Green Acres Presbyterian Church welcomes everyone for worship that inspires hope,

imaginative education that brings growth, mission that reaches beyond our walls all reflecting the love and presence of

God in the world.

greenacrespc.org

A Pastor’s Perspective One of my Young Clergy Women Project colleagues, Rev. Elizabeth Grasham, a solo pastor at

Heights Christian Church in Houston, TX asked this wonderful question in our Facebook

group one Monday in May:

“What do you think the church is supposed to DO?”

She goes on with some context for her question, “Plenty of non-profits exist that serve the

marginalized in the world. Meet-up and community activities can help you find groups of

people to "fellowship" with. Professional and amateur musicians are ubiquitously available to

listen to and experience beautiful art that makes you contemplative. The Internet is chock full

of TEDTalk-style teaching that challenges and informs you. You can find places to teach you

meditation and centering techniques-yoga, raki, etc. You don't need to go to church to

experience any of that. Many times, the church doesn't even do those things well when they

try.

“So, what is the church's DISTINCT calling? What about church is specific and NECESSARY

to the world?”

Lots of responses were offered on that Facebook thread, many of us admitting that we’d had

the same or a similar question at one time or another. All of the answers were wonderful and

thoughtful. Here are a few I really liked:

“the church is called to be an in-breaking of the realm of God in this world. To be the place

where grace is practiced, where the image of God is recognized, where the Body of Christ can

seek healing together. The church is called to be the place where barriers are broken, and all

people can break bread together in compassion.” —The Rev. Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy.

One of the women quoted renowned preacher Nadia Bolz-Weber, who said, “The culture will

never proclaim the Gospel, administer the sacraments, and proclaim the forgiveness of sins---

that's the job of the Church. That's our job.”

And in answer to her own question: “It seems like the church (or religion) has the opportunity

to help people look at all of the world in it's pain and beauty and say ‘that's all connected;

we're all connected. It can be better. We can be better. Jesus makes that possible.’ And then

worship would spill out of that awareness - that at the heart of existence, God moves.” —Rev.

Elizabeth Grasham

There were lots more thoughts and conversations, but I would love to know what you think

about that original question. What would your answer be? What makes the church different

from a civic group or a country club or a non-profit? What is the church supposed to do that

sets us apart?

I hope you will share your answers with me so I can in turn share them with this wonderful

group of colleagues! But more than that, I hope you will think about ways that we can be the

church to a world that thinks it doesn’t need the church so much anymore. How can we be

“necessary to the world?”

Grace and peace,

Rebecca

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Middle School Retreat — June 26 - July 1 At the end of this month, 14 middle schoolers and their chaperones will be traveling to Asheville, NC to

work with the Asheville Youth Mission program. While there, our young people will do a variety of

mission projects including: working in a community garden, helping with a children's program, spending

time with the elderly at a nearby nursing home, assisting in soup kitchens and homeless shelters,

working in a food pantry, and many other types of jobs. This will be an eye opening and humbling

experience for our youth, and will teach the importance of showing God's love and helping those around

us who are less fortunate. Please be in prayer for these young people as they prepare their hearts and

minds for this adventure, as well as, during the week of June 26 - July 1 that our work be safe and

meaningful. Thank you for all of the prayers, encouragement, support and love you have offered to help

make this trip possible.

Ladies in Fellowship Together L.I.F.T. — June 16

Join us on Thursday, June 16 at Dock of the Bay for a time to fellowship with one another, create and

strengthen friendships and to L.I.F.T. one another up in prayer. Be on the lookout for sign up sheets in

the pew registers or contact Lounelle Chenevert to make your reservation.

Fellowship and Fun! GREEN ACRES NEWSLETTER www.greenacrespc.org PAGE 3

Preschool Summer Camp — June 6-10

June 6-10; ages 3 – 5 years (by 9/30/2016); cost $120 per child

Registration forms can be found in the church office. Come Join the Fun!

Spring Picnic! — June 5 GAPC will have their annual Spring Picnic on June 5 rain or shine! This will be casual

Sunday so wear your shorts and flip flops and plan on staying for an ol' fashioned picnic

immediately following the 11 am worship service. Hamburgers, hotdogs and beverages will be

provided. The Fellowship Committee is asking that you bring a salad or dessert of your choice to share.

Entertainment will include horseshoes, cornhole, face painting, snocones, and games for all ages. Please

bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating! There is no charge for this event, so bring your friends and

introduce them to your church family! We look forward to seeing you for this fun day of fellowship!

Youth Lock-in & Car Wash! — June 17-18 If you are in grades 6-12...get ready for the excitement!!!! We will have a much anticipated Lock-in on

Friday night, June 17 at 7 pm! Come for a night of fun, games, lots of junk food, and I'm sure NO

SLEEP...followed by:

A Free Car Wash!!! — June 18 The Youth Group will have a car wash here at the church the next morning, Saturday, June 18 from 10

am-2 pm. Donations will be accepted to help fund our Summer Trips. Kill two birds with one

stone -- get your cars washed while supporting our youth for two great trips that will make

such an impact on their lives! SAVE YOUR DIRT FOR US!

KOGA— June 12

KOGA KIDS!!! It has been a great year in the KOGA and I've enjoyed spending time with you each

month! Our last KOGA meeting will be on Sunday, June 12 from 11:15-1:00 pm. We will have a pizza

party so you don't need to bring your lunch. Come ready to have a big celebration to end our year right!

Also keep your eye out for fun activities and outings this summer! See you there!

Words of Appreciation from Our Young People

GREEN ACRES NEWSLETTER PAGE 4 www.greenacrespc.org

Dear GAPC,

Thank you SO much for the generous care package

you all sent me during finals week. It really lifted

my spirits and helped me. It was a very nice

surprise.

Thank you again,

Lily Mantz

GAPC,

Thank you so much for the care package! That was

so thoughtful of you and it made my week!

Love,

Amy Miller

Green Acres,

Thank you all so so much for the care package! It

was such a nice surprise!

Anna Mendelson

Dear GAPC Family,

I want to say thank you all for the care

package. I've had a rough week or so with constant

studying and tests, and the package was a nice

treat that put a smile on my face. It might take me

a while to get through all of the snacks though.

Hope everything is going well throughout the

congregation. I will see you all some time over the

summer. Thanks again!

Love,

Christian Coulson

Dear GAPC,

Thank you for the food care package. The food

helped me make it through the long nights of

studying before and during exam week. The food

was all great and I especially enjoyed the

chocolate! Thanks again for thinking of me.

Mike Miller

To the Members & Staff of GAPC,

Thank you so much for the box of finals goodies! It

means so much to know everyone cares about me

and my success! Thanks again!

Love,

Mariah Gay

Green Acres,

Thank you for the final exam care package! It was

great to have a ready supply of snacks that I could

grab and take to the library as I left my

apartment! The words of encouragement and

Bible verses were helpful and very motivating late

at night while studying for an exam the next day!

Thanks again!

Matt van de Graaf

GAPC,

Thank you so so so much for the care package! It

brightened my day! Thank you to everyone who

contributed. I love you all so much! It was very

appreciated!

Love,

Julia Steiner

GAPC Family,

Thank you so much for the care package! It meant

a lot during finals week!

Josh van de Graaf

GAPC,

This was such an awesome box! Thank you so

much!!!

Rachel Mendelson

GREEN ACRES NEWSLETTER www.greenacrespc.org PAGE 5

Why Not Try Summer Choir?

Each Sunday at 9:00 am during the summer, gather with

other singers in the Choir Room to put together a simple

anthem for that morning’s worship. Anthems chosen are

very simple, often based on familiar hymn tunes; nothing complicated

at all. This year several will be hymns from the new Presbyterian

Hymnal, “Glory to God”; others might be a favorite hymn request.

You’ll get a feel for singing with other like-minded folk, and will really

enhance the worship experience for others. Since there are no mid-

week rehearsals, you can’t say “I missed rehearsal so don’t feel that I

can sing on Sunday”! And there is no carry-over from week to week;

each Sunday is a stand-alone.

So beginning June 12, come to the Choir Room at 9:00 am and be a

leader of summer worship! As a poster on the bulletin board outside

the Choir Room says, “Singing in a Choir...is Cheaper than Therapy,

Healthier than Drinking, and more Fun than Working Out!”

Become a Coffee Hour Host! Please take a look at the sign up board in the narthex. If

you've never been a Coffee Hour host, don't let that keep

you from signing up. A member of the Fellowship

Committee will help you every step of the way! Sign up on Sunday!

Vacation Bible School — July 17-21 VBS is fast approaching! July 17-21 from 5:45-8:30

pm GAPC will be a bustling center of activity! Join us

as we "Catch the Wave of God's Amazing Love" in our

Surf Shack VBS! If you would like to be part of the

excitement as a helper, please sign up in the fellowship register

today or contact Jaime Ambrose. If you have a child, grandchild, or

neighbor that is in Preschool all the way through finishing the fifth

grade who would like to attend, there are registration forms in the

narthex and the church office, or register online at

greenacrespc.org! Mark your calendars and be part of the fun!!!

Reminder!! YES, WE WILL HAVE A RUMMAGE SALE! It will be happening

Friday, August 19 from 5-8 pm and Saturday, August 20 from 9 am

-12 pm Please continue to save all of your STUFF for our annual

sale. All proceeds go to the Witness Committee to help with our

missions and outreach. If you need help transporting your

items to the church, or if you need a place to store them

please let us know. Please call Terri Pond or Jaime

Ambrose if you have any questions.

Worship Hour

GAPC Cares

Dear Green Acres Friends,

We have received so many cards

and kind words from you following

my mother’s death. Each

expression has meant so much. We

have been deeply touched and

would like to reach out and thank

each one of you once again for

treating us with such love and

kindness.

With love,

Elizabeth Hunting

Fourth Sunday Offering -

June 26

The Fourth Sunday Offering is

used by the Service Committee to

fund local missions and help our

Portsmouth neighbors in financial

distress.

Dear Church Family,

There are no words to express how

overwhelmed we are by the

outpouring of kind words, hugs,

food, notes, and the nearly 300

people who attended Peter's

service. Our hearts are so full of

love and gratitude. We had no idea

Peter touched so many lives. He

would have loved the celebration

and attention.

Thank you to all who have prayed

for him and us over so many years.

He is at peace and because of

God’s grace, we will also be as we

sort this all out. We rejoice

because God is going to do great

things out of our sorrow. Watch

and see His marvelous works.

Love you all,

Susan Smith

Summer Worship Schedule — begins June 12 Beginning June 12, we will meet for worship together at 10 am.

There will be no Sunday School hour over the summer.

New Reimbursement Form!

Congratulations Graduates! GREEN ACRES NEWSLETTER PAGE 6 www.greenacrespc.org

Congratulations to our graduating senior, Jeffrey Coulson. Jeffrey will graduate from

Churchland High School, and in the fall will be attending Old Dominion University. Jeffrey is

the son of Dave and Gail Coulson.

We would also like to congratulate our college graduates and their parents:

Katherine Leshkow

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

Rachel Mendelson

Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Design, James Madison University

Michael Miller

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Radford University

Elizabeth Steiner

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology, Randolph-Macon University

Jimmy Steiner

Juris Doctor, University of Richmond School of Law

Aaron van de Graaf

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Old Dominion University

Paul Newman

Doctor of Medicine, Ross University

GREEN ACRES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

PAYMENT VOUCHER Date: __________ Amount: __________

Requested By: __________

This purchase was made using: ___ Church’s VISA Credit Card: ________________ (please specify whose card) ___ Church’s Cokesbury account. ___ Charged to a vendor; no payment made; bill attached to be paid by the church. ___ Your personal funds for which you wish to be reimbursed.

Purpose of for purchase or payment: ___________________________________

Committee Chair/ Staff Signature: ___________________________________

Budget Account Number: __________________________________________

Please attach original receipt(s) to this form and place in the Treasurer’s mail slot.

Revised 11/16/2015

We have a new payment voucher form! These forms

can still be found in the lower left hand mailbox

and in the church office. The main difference is the

addition of the “Committee Chair/Staff Signature”

line. This addition is an effort to keep better track

of our budget and what is being charged to each

line.

In order to receive a refund, you must have the

signature of the person in charge of the

account/committee being charged. A list of

committee chairs can be found on the side of the

mailboxes or in the church office.

Please request approval before making a purchase

to ensure there is available funding and no

duplicate purchases are made. Seemingly available

funds may already be dedicated to a future expense

and those responsible for maintaining our budget

need to be involved and informed as purchasing

decisions are made throughout the year to ensure

we stay on track!

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT 44 PORTSMOUTH VA

June BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday!

Chad Harris ................... 01

Rachel Mendelson .......... 01

Julia Steiner ................... 01

Kenneth Wheeler ........... 02

Juliette Wallace ............. 02

Sarah Ramsey ................ 06

Charles MacDonald ....... 07

Zachary Emler ............... 09

William Fulmer .............. 12

York Poole ...................... 15

Suzanne Skinner ............ 16

Joshua van de Graaf ...... 17

Ania McKinney .............. 18

Susan Poole .................... 19

Lorrie Jordan ................. 22

Jim Cales ........................ 22

Von Piersall .................... 25

Miriam Hartman ........... 25

Herman Smith ............... 26

Davis Lydon ................... 27

Beth Lydon .................... 28

Michael Newman ........... 28

Steve Gottlieb ................ 29

Jean Knapp .................... 29

If you would like a birthday included, please call the church office, 484-5125.

Nursery Schedule Coordinator: Mary Beers

Crib Nursery and 2 - 3 Year Olds

Donna Fink and Amy Clinton

4 - 5 Year Olds

June 5 van de Graaf

June 12 Hartman

June 19 Rowell

June 26 Steiner

3135 Hanley Avenue

Portsmouth VA 23703

GREEN ACRES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Phone: 757-484-5125

Fax: 757-484-4401

E-mail: secretary@greenacrespc.org

www.greenacrespc.org:

In the name of Jesus Christ, Green Acres Presbyterian Church welcomes everyone for

worship that inspires hope, imaginative education that brings growth, mission that

reaches beyond our walls all reflecting the love and presence of God in the world.

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

July/August Newsletter Deadline -

Friday, June 17

Please send articles to secretary@greenacrespc.org

Parish Register

Deaths:

5-26-16 Evelyn Gannon, mother of Robert Gannon