Local Community Bible Study - Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 am

An open invitation to soar spiritually:

(c) Cbs

Community Bible Studies may include the following:

(c) CBS

Individual Study – Transformation happens as individuals engage with God in His Word. Stimulating home study questions help participants apply the timeless truths of the Bible to their daily lives.

Encouraging Discussion – Participants gain additional insights and grow in their confidence with God’s Word as they discuss the passage in a safe, small group setting.

Effective Teaching – Trained teachers highlight and illustrate the central idea of the Bible passage and its practical application in each person’s life.

Insightful Commentary – Respected theologians help participants understand the historical context of the passage and how it relates to the rest of Scripture.

Caring Community – Caring leaders pray for and encourage participants to grow spiritually and connect with each other in a loving and supportive community. Discovering God is an adventure that ...flesh out over steaming cups of coffee and the friendships ... buil(t) with one another.

Source: CBS.

For more information about a Gaithersburg area community, see Pathways, Marilyn Smith:

http://www.pathwaysbc.org/site/cpage.asp?sec_id=688&cpage_id=16965

There is a cost for participation.

Course runs September through May.

Scripture: I & II Corinthians

(c) CBS

This Week's Bible Challenge - Sticky Faith Week of May 8, 2016

(c) Turczyn-Toles 2016

Located in America’s #1 most diverse city, Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church is part of a larger initiative started by the Fuller Youth Institute to work on a concept called "Sticky Faith." ("...develop a deep, growing faith in kids that “sticks” and continues to mature long-term.") It involves working to keep those youth active in church still active as they age, passing on one's faith to the next generation.  (See 2 Timothy 1:5.))

As part of the ongoing effort, this week's sticky faith challenge is to:

1. Have a family night where everyone unplugs from electronic devices (laptop, cell phone, tablet, computer, television, etc.).
2. Play a board game,  
3. Go out for ice cream.
4. Go for a hike.
5. Keep the activities simple and cost effective.

Sources:

• GPC Link for the Week of May 8, 2016.
• Fuller Youth Institute

This Week's Bible Challenge - Sticky Faith Week of May 1, 2016

(c) 2016 Turczyn-Toles

Located in America’s #1 most diverse city, Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church is part of a larger initiative started by the Fuller Youth Institute to work on a concept called "Sticky Faith." ("...develop a deep, growing faith in kids that “sticks” and continues to mature long-term.") It involves working to keep those youth active in church still active as they age, passing on one's faith to the next generation.  (See 2 Timothy 1:5.))

As part of the ongoing effort, this week's sticky faith challenge is to:

1. Spend one mealtime together as a family this week sharing a simple meal and
2. Then prepare a meal together.
3. Deliver this meal to a someone in your neighborhood.
4. Discuss as a family how simplifying your own lives gives you space, time, and resources to bless others.

Sources:

• GPC Link for the Week of May 1, 2016.
• Fuller Youth Institute

This Week's Bible Challenge - Sticky Faith Week of April 24, 2016

(c) 2016 Turczyn-Toles

Located in America’s #1 most diverse city,* Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church is part of a larger initiative started by the Fuller Youth Institute to work on a concept called "Sticky Faith." ("...develop a deep, growing faith in kids that “sticks” and continues to mature long-term.") It involves working to keep those youth active in church still active as they age, passing on one's faith to the next generation.  (See 2 Timothy 1:5.)

As part of the ongoing effort, this week's sticky faith challenge is to:

1. Read Matthew 6:25–34

2. Then together as a family and invite everyone to share one way that they have seen God provide for themselves or for someone else. 


Source: GPC Link for the Week of April 24, 2016

2016 Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School

(c) 2016 Cokesbury

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) 2016 Theme?
    Surf Shack: Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love.

When is GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
     July 11-15, 2016 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 is now open and closes on 5/30/16 or when it is full.

How do I register for GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
    Complete and submit the registration form: 2016 Registration Form

Who can attend GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
    Any child who is 4 years old by 07/01/16 up to those entering 5^th grade in Fall 2016-2017 school year.

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

Whom do I contact for more GPC Vacation Bible School information?
    Jeanette Shields at 301-948-9418

Safety Measures
     GPC asks about food allergies and prohibits any snacks with peanuts.

Sources:
http://www.abingtonfbc.com/VBS/vbs.htm
http://www.fumcpalatine.org/ministries/childrens/vacation-bible-school.html
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5136079_vacation-bible-school.html
http://virginialynne.hubpages.com/video/What-is-Vacation-Bible-School

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

 

What Would You Write If...

Presbyterian publication These Days for 12/25/12 is written by Roger J. Gench of Washington, DC. His commentary is on John 1:1-14. He says he discovered that the postal service in Britain offers discounts "for unsealed greeting cards containing no more than five words in addition to the sender's name."

 

Mr. Gench challenges us to figure out what five words we would write.

 

I thought for several minutes before I read his choice. First I thought "Peace be with you." That's four so I had one to spare. Then I thought "Child of God" or C.O.G, but that was only three now leaving me with two to spare. "Jesus is born on Christmas" well I couldn't get the word "day" in there or that's six. I finally settled on "Jesus born on Christmas day." Ta da.

 

Mr. Gench's choice was "And the Word became flesh." Wow. How simple. How profound.

 

In modern times we too often ignore religion in favor of fantasy. It disturbs me greatly that the youth trend is to believe in vampires and werewolves but not God. I can't understand what is wrong with these folks. My family were not big believers but with time and many spiritual and miraculous experiences, I know God exists. I struggle to make my life and beliefs visible to all in my daily walk with humanity. But, my good news is that I continue.

Thought For The Day - Habakkuk 3:1

At one of my Bible study classes, the instructor handed out a devotional by Charles Spurgeon. Few things in my life impacted me the way these Morning and Evening devotions did.

This fall has been a challenge and the past 10 days in particular. So, today's devotion based on Habakkuk 3:6 hit home:

He stopped and shook the earth; he looked and made the nations tremble. The eternal mountains were shattered; along his ancient pathways the everlasting hills sank low. (NRSV)

 

Spurgeon’s observation is:

"Human action is frequently the hasty result of passion, or fear, and is followed by regret and alteration; but nothing can take the Almighty by surprise, or happen otherwise than he has foreseen." (CHS, Morning, December 12).

How To Exceed in Life

• First, believe in God and that He has good things planned for you.
• Second, lose your negative attitude.
• Third, look at all trials and tribulations as learning experiences – for you to grow and to share with others.
• Fourth, share what you have with others, no matter how little it is.
• Fifth, admit your mistakes, make amends, and move on.
• Sixth, ask for forgiveness from God and humankind.
• Seventh, don’t automatically assume the other person meant harm to you.
• Eighth, forgive those who hurt you. This helps you, not them.
• Ninth, politely stand up for what you believe but don’t look for trouble.
• Tenth, don’t give up.

How Many Paths Are There To God?

This being the 2011 Christmas season our pastors are preaching on Advent topics. On December 4^th, Rev. Ted Wright posed the question: “Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven?”

The short answer is ‘Yes’, for Christians that is. If so, then why did Rev. Ted preach this sermon? Over the summer, our pastors asked us for sermon topics and this question was raised by several submitters because several parishioners feel there were other paths to Heaven. This idea of anything goes is reinforced by TV. I like the TV show Royal Pains especially the character Divya Katdare played by Reshma Shetty. When USA Network ran its “Characters Unite” commercials in December 2009, Reshma said among other things that she believes “in all paths to God.” As a Christian, I was not happy to hear this because I know there is only one path to God: Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ.

In America we have many freedoms and many religious beliefs. But, for some reason, in recent decades, the two are hitting heads. I respect Reshma’s right to say what she believes but I was concerned that less staunch Christians would take this as confirmation that the margin to enter Heaven is wider than they are taught. It is not. John 14:6 says it simply and clearly:

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…” (NIV)

“Jesus is a present Saviour, and the way to Him is short; it is but a simple renunciation of our own merit, and a laying hold of Jesus, to be our all in all.” (CH Spurgeon, 2/4 PM).

In the current political climate, Christians are not supposed to speak up and out for and in defense of our beliefs. As an American, I have the same right to say there is God as those who say there isn’t one. So, why is my freedom of speech being curtailed?

In the current political and social climate, Christians have become lax in evangelism. To be clear, evangelism is not shoving our beliefs down someone else’s throat. We are to live out our beliefs by example and avail ourselves of opportunities to tell others how great Jesus has been to us.

Mohammad and Buddha never claimed to be God (Buddha didn’t even believe in God) and did not die for our sins. Hebrews 9:22 states “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Mohammad and Buddha were not resurrected – be aware Jesus was seen by many people AFTER his death. “And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14, NRSV)     

In sum, the world’s religions do not worship the same God and all paths do not lead to Heaven, just the one.

Father, forgive those who do not understand. Amen

The Destructiveness of Gossip

Today’s morning Spurgeon devotional discusses Leviticus 19:16-17:

Leviticus 19:16-17 NIV

(16)  "'Do not go about spreading slander among your people. "'Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the LORD.

(17)  "'Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.

Spurgeon correctly notes that three are affected by gossip: the speaker, the listener, and the person being spoken about. I was reminded this past weekend that three is a sacred number in Christianity so his listed three persons had additional meaning for me.

It’s human to err and human to gossip but we don’t have to give into our baser nature. In my middle years I am more aware of my faults and put more effort into combatting them. As far as gossiping, yes, I made some big blunders in my youth. The one that changed my ways was when I was working in Chicago and a co-worker told me something crazy her husband said that she just couldn’t understand why he said that. She specifically asked me NOT to tell my husband.

I could not offer her an immediate explanation for her husband’s behavior so told her I’d think about it and get back to her. After a couple days, I still couldn’t figure out what his deal was and wondered if it was simply a “guy” thing. I then made a choice to break my promise and ask my husband what he thought foolishly assuming he would never meet either of them.

Well, as luck would have it, my boss threw a party at her home and guess what happened? Yep. Ron made a crack about the topic (to this day, I don’t remember exactly what the “it” was) and he gave his wife a look, she gave me a look, I gave Ron a look. She never spoke to me again. And, I deserved it.

So, I word of advice from someone who suffered from her own folly: keep promises and divulge nothing until death parts you from this earth.

Amen.

Creationism and Evolution

Today was our first Fall 2011 Bible study class using the FaitherWeaver curriculum.  The plan is for both parents and children study the same topic so they can discuss it later at home. While I don’t have children, I am always interested in how to start small in spreading God’s word.

Our class started with Genesis and how to explain the difference between the Bible’s description of creation and the scientific theory of evolution espoused in all public schools. BTW-I am old enough to remember when God was not a forbidden public school subject and feel we declined as a nation when the Evil one got judges to say it’s not allowed any more.

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church (GPC) is an amazing church. We have scientists and theologians and a wide diversity in members from Africa to Korea and in-between. So, we had a variety of views.

The overarching conclusion was that the two are not mutually exclusive. God is the who and science is the how. God created the world but we don’t yet know exactly how (i.e., science’s contribution).

My life’s learning brought these items to their attention:

• Time is not linear. The expanse of time that awes scientist is based on time being a straight line so they incorrectly conclude the Bible is wrong.
• A day wasn’t ‘24 hours” until the Earth was fully created and rotating on its axis.
• Humans decided what category ancient skeletal remains fit into. It was not God who said “man starts with Homo Sapiens”.
• Francis Collins, one of the decoders of the Human Genome, says that DNA evidences proves that all humans come from a single ancestor.

When all is said and done, science proves the Bible’s point of man’s origin starting with a single source. Not the opposite. I love it when turn about is fair play! Amen.

PS: Click here to see the description of the course: http://www.gpchurch.org/Adults/AdultEducation/2011AdultEducationFallCourses/tabid/47692/Default.aspx

See also the Internet Monk for a great explanation on how literal or not to take the Christian Bible: http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/my-view-of-scripture