What Is A Christmas Living Nativity? Come and find out!

Feeling Blue as the Holidays Approach? GPC's New Approach for the Longest Night

Spread the Word about the Veterans Crisis Line

Spreading the word about the Veterans Crisis Line can save a Veterans Life.

The Crisis Line performs 18 rescues a day!

Help us get the word out that support is always available.

‪#‎ItMatters‬

Veterans Crisis Line:
1-877-273-8255 and PRESS 1
Text 838255
Visit http://veteranscrisisline.net/

Source:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/VeteransHealth
All rights reserved.

(c) US Dept of Veterans Affairs

 

Gaithersburg Chorus Celebrates Benjamin Britten with Winter Concerts

The Gaithersburg Chorus is pleased to present its winter concert directed by Hugh Harvey, III with organ and piano accompaniment by MaryLu Hartsell. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Britten, the chorus will perform Britten’s beloved Ceremony of Carols (1942) with harpist Monika Vasey and the jubilant festival cantata Rejoice in the Lamb (1943).
On Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, performances will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9000 Warfield Road in Gaithersburg starting at 7:30 p.m. The Tuesday, December 10 performance will be held at the Rosborough Cultural Arts Center Theater at Asbury Methodist Village, 409 Russell Avenue in Gaithersburg starting at 7 p.m.

Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted. This program is presented by the City of Gaithersburg Cultural Arts Advisory Committee and supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

The Gaithersburg Chorus requires no audition to join and is open to anyone high school aged or older. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. September through June. Two annual concerts are presented, with the Chorus performing at various special events throughout the year. For more information please contact Suzanne Takahashi at 301-258-6394 or stakahashi@gaithersburgmd.gov.

Source:
http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=309&TOC=307;309;&id=6483

Are We Thinking of Others?

I had quite a satisfying Thanksgiving meal with friends but I never let myself there are others who are going hungry. We have several organizations in our area who provide food. Here are a couple my church works with:

Gaithersburg Community Soup Kitchen

For the past 30 years the Gaithersburg Community Soup Kitchen has provided hot nutritious meals and other essential services to homeless and needy persons in the Gaithersburg area. During this time the Soup Kitchen has served approximately 15,000 meals annually and assisted many in need of finding shelter and obtaining medical and financial support services.

 
St. Martin's of Tours Catholic Church
201 S Frederick Ave.
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
(301) 990-3203

http://www.stmartinsweb.com/go2/socialconcerns/

Gaithersburg Help

For over 40 years, Gaithersburg HELP has provided local families in need with short-term emergency assistance in a coordinated fashion. Our vision began in 1968!

Gaithersburg HELP programs include: food, infant needs, prescription funding and transportation. We staff bilingual translators who are able to serve Spanish-speaking clients.

301 Muddy Branch Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
301-216-2510 |

http://gaithersburghelp.org/

 

GPC Employment Support Group - Guest Speaker 11/11/13

Employment Support Group Guest Speaker - November 11, 2013

Pet Peeves Ride Again

While I like a lot of things about Maryland, how people behave in public is NOT one of them. We got this reminder for train riders but basic courtesy applies not only to all travel but also the way we behave everywhere in public. Read on...

Courtesy Toward Your MARC Train Neighbor

Courtesy is contagious, but as we get caught up in our daily commute we often forget to consider the comfort of our fellow commuters. This includes cell phone usage, placing items on the seat next to you, and the use of perfumes and colognes. To ensure that everyone has a safe and pleasant trip, please be aware of the following rules:

· Passengers must allow conductors, or any authorized representative, to inspect all tickets or cash fare receipts upon request. Tickets may be inspected more than once during a trip. Tickets must be removed from any carrying case if requested by the conductor.

· No seats are reserved on MARC Trains. Please do not inconvenience others by holding or blocking seats with parcels, clothing or other items.

· Most railcars contain designated seating for senior citizens and passengers with disabilities. These seats must be provided to these persons if requested.

· Smoking is prohibited (includes electronic cigarettes) onboard MARC Trains or inside MTA owned stations, waiting areas, or on MTA-owned or leased platforms. Amtrak policies apply at Amtrak owned stations (Washington, New Carrollton, BWI Marshall Airport and Baltimore Penn Station).

· Do not stand in aisles when seats are available. Standing is never allowed on stairs or in vestibules. Please allow the conductors to walk through the cars for ticket collection, or any emergencies that may arise.

· Improper conduct, intoxication, offensive actions or language that is objectionable to other passengers and/or the train crew, or is disruptive to the safe operation of the train is not permitted.

Thank you for helping to make the MARC Train Service a pleasant experience for everyone!

Source: October 2013 On Your MARC; Fri 10/04/13 12:12 PM

Local Employment Support Group

The Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church (GPC) Employment Support Group provides a supportive Christian environment for those who are unemployed, about to be unemployed, underemployed, or seeking a career change. The group meets twice a month, second Monday and fourth Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in Room 202, is free, confidential,  and open to the public. Meetings last about an hour.

All are welcome!
 

Facilitated by lay members with support from other job seekers, the meetings begin and end with prayer and include roundtable discussions on each person’s situation, then group discussions on employment resources, job hunting techniques, networking, and interviewing. We bring Jesus into employment-related decisions to encourage each other and meet both practical and spiritual needs.

Employment Resources

• LinkedIn is the largest professional network in the world and a key networking and research tool for job seekers. Using LinkedIn as part of your networking toolkit can open doors to opportunities, by helping you leverage the professional relationships you already have - and new strategic contacts you develop! It’s not just who you know, but who those people know…and who those people know.

Sign up for the free LinkedIn 101 webinars (Wednesdays @1:00 p.m. CST).

Check out the LinkedIn’s Job Seekers Resources.

• Montgomery Works helps make connections between job seekers and employers in Montgomery County.

• Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC) is a service offered by the Maryland DLLR providing assistance to individuals who are in the professional, executive, technical, managerial, and/or scientific occupations.

• The Career Gateway offers intensive training, take-home materials, a long-term mentor and individual attention to computer-savvy jobseekers age 50+.

Meeting Location:

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church

610 S. Frederick Ave.
Room 202, North Entrance
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-1200
Church Office Phone: (301) 948-9418
Church web site: http://www.gpchurch.org

Summer 2013 Homework? Check Out This Local Activity!

Interfaith Works is committed to helping children in need go back to school ready to learn with all of the supplies they need for a successful year.

http://bit.ly/13j4h0z


(c) Interfaith Works

TOP FIVE NEEDED ITEMS:

1. Backpacks (grades K-12)
2. Packages of lined filler paper
3. Tab Dividers
4. 2-pocket Folders
5. Pencil pouches

OTHER ITEMS:

• 1-subject notebooks
• Composition books
• Erasers, large pink
• Packages of big markers
• Pens (red and black)
• Scissors (blunt tip and pointed tip)
• Rulers
• Pencil boxes
• Boxes of colored pencils

HOW TO HELP:

• Deliver new items to: Interfaith Clothing Center, 751 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20851
• Organize a drive with your congregation, camp, group, or company. Share this flyer with your friends and neighbors.
• Sponsor a child ($50), a family with three children ($150), or a classroom ($1500)
  (Select “School Supplies Drive” as the Program Designation)

Have questions? Contact Erin Kauffman by email or at 301.424.3796.

Source:
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3777788141394576689#editor/target=post;postID=6156643742677190356

Latest Scientific Research on Genes & Treatment

Researchers find genetic variant that could improve drug dosing in African Americans

By John Easton

June 5, 2013

A multi-institutional team of researchers has identified a common genetic variation that can help physicians estimate the correct dose of the widely used blood-thinning drug warfarin, the first genome-wide association study to focus on warfarin dose requirement in African Americans.

See more

Reminder: Joseph M. Martin Free Concert Saturday, 5/18/13 @7:30 PM

Employment Support Group

What?
The Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church (GPC) Employment Support Group provides a supportive Christian environment for those who are unemployed, about to be unemployed, underemployed, or seeking a career change. The group meets twice a month (second Monday and fourth Tuesday) is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

Facilitated by lay members with support from other job seekers, the meetings begin and end with prayer and include roundtable discussions on each person’s situation, then group discussions on employment resources, job hunting techniques, networking, and interviewing. We bring Jesus into employment-related decisions to encourage each other and meet both practical and spiritual needs.

When?
Second Monday, May 13, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Fourth Tuesday, May 28, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where?
Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church
Room 202 (North entrance)
610 S. Frederick Ave.
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Cost Info:
Free.

Parking Info:
Ample Free Parking in both north and south lots.

Contact:
GPC Office: 301-948-9418

Sources:
http://www.gpchurch.org

 

The Visiting Artist Series – Contemporary Christian Music

What?
The Visiting Artist Series begin in 2003 with an idea from Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church’s music director, Ann Y. Schmidt, to bring the best church musicians living today to our area for all to enjoy. This year Joseph M. Martin will lead the choir in joyful song!

“Recognized throughout the United States for his many choral compositions, both sacred and secular, Joseph's music is published by numerous publishing houses. Over twelve hundred compositions are currently in print and the list continues to grow.”

(c) GPC

When?
Saturday, May 18, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Where?
Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church
Sanctuary (South entrance)
610 S. Frederick Ave.
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Cost Info:
A Free Will offering will be accepted.

Parking Info:
Ample Free Parking in both north and south lots.

Contact:
GPC Office: 301-948-9418

Sources:
http://www.martin88.com/aboutme.aspx

http://www.gpchurch.org

National Day of Prayer

First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing.”

Since 1952, “… millions of believers across our great nation join together to worship and pray on the National Day of Prayer.”

America’s founding fathers left their homelands so they could freely practice their religion.

The 1775 Continental Congress began with a petition to God for “wisdom in forming a nation”. They made prayer a formal part of the American dream by guaranteeing that right as part of our Constitution.

However, it took 176 years for the US Congress, under President Truman, to enact a law designating an annual day of observance to petition for God’s “watchfulness in every hour of national prosperity and national peril.”

Our nation started in part because of a struggle to practice religion and that struggle continues today.

Ironically, lawsuits were filed in 2011 challenging the National Day of Prayer’s constitutionality.

See today's  National Day of Prayer Presidential Proclammation by Barck Obama.

Notes:

NDP Timeline Highlights

In 1775, the Continental Congress’s first call to prayer was for “wisdom in forming a nation”.

In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer.”

In 1952, President Truman and Congress enacted a law designating an annual day of observance to petition for God’s “watchfulness in every hour of national prosperity and national peril.”

In 1988, President Reagan designated the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer.

In 2011, a group called “Freedom From Religion Foundation” filed a suit saying the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional.

 

Sources:

1.       Community to observe National Day of Prayer, (April 27, 2013); http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/2013/04/27/community-to-observe-national-day-of-prayer/
2.       History of the National Day of Prayer (05/14/12); http://nationaldayofprayer.org/about/history

 3.       National Day of Prayer (05/14/12); http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day_of_Prayer

 4.       Proclamation 2978 - National Day of Prayer, 1952 (04/26/13); http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/

Today's Inspiration - Cheering for the Home Town

Facebook image (c)

Today's Inspiration - The Donkey in the Well

I don't know the original source of this but take no credit. A dear friend posted it on Facebook and given all the tragedies around the world the past week, it's a heartwarming reminder there is always hope and you can turn lemons into lemonade!
 

 
 
"One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
...
As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up."
 
 
And her advice:
 
"Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less from people but more from yourself.

You have two choices... smile and close this page,  or pass this along to someone else to share the lesson ."
 

FYI: Tip Line Info for Boston Marathon Bombings

Remembering the Home Town

I was born and raised just outside Boston so it was with great pain I watched the Boston Marathon Bombings reporting unfold.

Just a few simple thoughts:

 

 

 

Series – Losing Our Moral Compass (Pushing & Shoving)

In the Our Daily Bread daily devotion for March 6, 2013, Joe Stowell observes “Life is a lot like “bumper cars” at an amusement park.” In describing the typical playground response of push and push back harder, he hits home with many negative experiences I’ve had since moving to Maryland. The latest one was this Sunday at the Flower Hill Giant.
 

Even after twenty years of living here, I still do not understand what is “wrong” with these people. And, what they do is “wrong” when it involves their failure to yield the right-of-way by shoving their shopping cart into the other person’s. This is not the first time or even the first time this year I was hit by one of these loony’s.

 
Where did their physically violent and grossly inappropriate response come from? Why didn’t their mothers teach them to “wait their turn”? And when it's not their turn, then they need to wait, not shove the other person!

I don’t know the answers to my questions but as a Christian, Mr. Stowell reminds me that God wants me to forgive them as he has forgiven me. Why? Because “When you get bumped in life, bumping back only escalates matters and in the end everyone suffers damage.”

One lady at my church made this insightful remark “it’s another forgiveness opportunity.” Barb, I am still trying. Amen.

Read Why Social Security Is NOT an Entitlement

I had my fill of pundits saying things that are not only incorrect but downright

irresponsible. So, I wrote to the Editor of the Washington Examiner.

 

Read on...then tell Mr. Core what you think....

(c) Chris Core

 

Social Security is not an entitlement
Re: "Core Values," March 27

I am not always sure if I should laugh or pull out what's left of my hair when a member of the media writes something ludicrous such as when Chris Core accuses those complaining about Social Security cuts of having a sense of "entitlement."

Mr. Core, I paid over $100,000 of my hard-earned salary into Social Security during the last 30 years. Expecting to see it on the other end is not entitlement, it's quid pro quo.

The bigger problem is that I likely won't see any of it because of the failures of Wall Street and the Republican-led government.

My response mimics Senate Insurance's ad: "Kiss my bumper!"

Doreen Turczyn-Toles
Gaithersburg

 

GPC’s Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is an interactive program where children learn about the Christian Faith through Bible stories, crafts, games, songs, puppet shows, and skits.

What is Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church's (GPC’s) Vacation Bible School  (VBS) 2013 Theme?

International Fun Fair: God Welcomes Neighbors from All Around the World including their own neighborhoods.

When is GPC’s Vacation Bible School?

July 15-19, 2013 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Where is GPC’s Vacation Bible School?

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church
610 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Church Office: 301-948-9418
Web: http://www.gpchurch.org/

When is GPC’s Vacation Bible School Registration Period?
Registration begins on 3/11/13 and closes on 5/30/13 or when we are full.

How do I register for GPC’s Vacation Bible School?

Complete and submit the registration form: 2013 Registration Form
Registration forms are also available at GPC’s Welcome Desk and Church Office.
You may also register online using PayPal: GPC PayPal Option     

Who can attend GPC’s Vacation Bible School?

Any child who is 4 years old by 7/30/13 up to those entering 5^th grade in Fall 2013.

Can non-Christians attend GPC’s Vacation Bible School?

Yes. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about others.

How much does it cost to attend GPC’s Vacation Bible School?

A voluntary contribution to assist with costs of materials is much appreciated:
    1 child=$30; 2 children=$40; 3 or more children= $50

Can I volunteer for GPC’s Vacation Bible School?

Yes. Complete and submit the Adult and/or Teen Registration form:
         2013 Adult Volunteer Form
         2013 Teen Volunteer Form

Whom do I contact for more GPC Vacation Bible School information?

Gayle Luckenbaugh at luckenbear@yahoo.com
Diane Franetzki at dfranetzki@gpchurch.org   

Safety Measures

We ask about food allergies and we prohibit any snacks with peanuts.

Sources:

http://www.abingtonfbc.com/VBS/vbs.htm
http://www.fumcpalatine.org/ministries/childrens/vacation-bible-school.html
http://www.gpchurch.org/Children/VBS2013/tabid/47895/Default.aspx
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5136079_vacation-bible-school.html
http://virginialynne.hubpages.com/video/What-is-Vacation-Bible-School

 

Help Prevent Child Abuse – APRIL Focus

The Deputy CEO where I work sent a note advising us April is National ChildAbuse Awareness Month. This topic is near and dear to me for many reasons. Just like thousands of others, my family “has” issues. As an adult, I can cope better with them, but family will always be family.

I looked for some online information and amid the volume of information, one particular web site, the American Humane Association, reminded me of my first negative Montgomery County experience. Their page entitled “Stop Child Abuse” lists three situations one may encounter. The second one is “At the grocery store, you see a parent strike a child having a tantrum.”

I flashed back to the now closed F&M Distributors on Rockville Pike. An Hispanic male was pushing his son around in a cart talking quietly. For no sane reason, he pulled the boy’s hair hard enough to make him cry! Then, the father proceeded to make a big deal about getting the kid to “shut up.”

Keep in mind that abuse can also be verbal. In Williamsburg, this jerk was telling his young son he was stupid, etc. Words cannot describe the hurt look in his son’s eyes – he was too young to understand exactly what his dad was saying but old enough to know his father was putting him down.

Folks, these are two examples of how the cycle of abuse starts! Here is some information on getting help and giving help:

 

For help with reporting child abuse and neglect or to speak with a counselor, contact Childhelp^® at 800-422-4453.

Sources: Child Welfare Information Gateway ; Resource Guide ; Protective Factors ; Tip Sheets

FACTSHEET Child Physical Abuse

FACTSHEET Emotional Abuse

FACTSHEET Cyber Bullying Prevention and Intervention

FACTSHEET Child Discipline

FACTSHEET Child Neglect

FACTSHEET Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

FACTSHEET Guidelines for Helping Children Experiencing Abuse or Neglect

 

Sources: American Humane Association 

18th Annual Exhibition of Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Painting

The City of Gaithersburg presents the 18th Annual Exhibition of Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Painting by the Harmonious Art Group:

When: March 22 through May 19, 2013

Where: Activity Center at Bohrer Park

506 South Frederick Avenue

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m



Amy Quach, Peony (c)



Zhao Yong Wu, San-Sui (c)

An eight-week Chinese Art summer camp for adults and youth ages 11 and older will be held at the 159 Studio in Gaithersburg. For details, please e-mail info.harmoniousArt@gmail.com.

Please note that some artwork is for sale, and all images are copyrighted by the artist.

For more information please contact Andi Rosati at 301-258-6394or e-mail arosati@gaithersburgmd.gov.

Source: City of Gaithersburg