Adult Spiritual Development
It is Adult Discipleship’s goal to provide opportunities for continuing adult spiritual development while we are not able to meet in person. Some small group discussions can be at church as a choice. We do have a couple of individuals willing to be facilitators, to do both zoom and on-site meetings.
Small Groups meet twice each year
Online resources:
YouTube, along with our own streaming services, offers services and videos too numerous to mention –
Highlights include:
1. The Chosen series
2. Saddleback Church lecture series on many topics by Rick Warren and staff
3. Joni Eareckson interviews
4. Musical performances by The National Christian Choir and other artists
5. Lectures by John Piper and other well-known Christian apologists
6. Gospel for Life – Timothy Keller sermons
7. Video series such as Prodigal God and other books – videos that accompany books
Small group meeting topics could include:
1. Prayer group for our nation, church, community and individuals
2. Book study – book club with a suggested list
3. Bible studies
4. Spiritual Formation group following Renovare model
Books list
1. The Good and Beautiful God series (Good and Beautiful Life, Community) by James Bryant Smith
2. Books focused on the person of Jesus Christ: Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund (a good follow-up on Dave’s recent sermon series), Timothy Keller’s Jesus the King and his Encounters with Jesus
3. Books on the Christian Life: I know there are many, but here are some recently found –Life without Lack by Dallas Willard
–Hidden in Christ by James Bryant Smith
–Sit, Walk, Stand by Watchman Nee
–Dallas Willard trilogy (pretty heavy) Hearing God; Spirit of the Disciplines; The Divine Conspiracy
Congregational Life
The mission of the Congregational Life Committee is to enrich the lives of members by strengthening the connections between people and providing a sense of belonging within the church family. We do this by seeking and promoting intergenerational activities to gather and support each other and the greater community, sharing the love of Christ.
Committee members include Ellie Bilz, Patty Bowers, Tracy Boyer, Heather Bertelson, Debbie Farnsworth, Margo Har, Deb Kammerer, Deb Litten, Kyle Clark, Pam Phillips and Jane North and Peter North (Chair).
This was an exciting year for CL as we hosted several Fellowship events as we partnered with several other church committees and groups to provide 8 Fellowship Fun Nights at the church such as a Trivia Night, a game night, the church picnic, Lego, Pickleball, Trunk or Treat, a movie night and others. We also hosted 3 Fellowship offsite events which included a Fellowship Walk to cool off with ice cream, a trip to a minor league baseball game and a Night at the Majestic Theater. We invite you to join the fun as we continue to expand on Fellowship opportunities in the new year.
MEN’S INTERFAITH FELLOWSHIP
The MIFF Luncheon has continued to meet throughout 2024, welcoming pastors from the surrounding area churches to come in and lead us in a 30-minute worship service. The group made continues to pray about where God is leading them, and from that discernment, made the decision to eliminate the extra Lent and Advent meetings. We would love to have you join us for lunch on the first Wednesdays of the month at noon, as we eat together, sing together, and grow together in 2025.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Members of Committee are as follows: Debbie Farnsworth – Moderator, Katherine Hawkins - Co-Moderator, Margo Har – Treasurer, Amy Dietch – Minutes, Barb Roy, Leslie Casteel, Becky Stabler, Carol Gugel, Rachel Parmentier – Rep. for PW Carlisle/USA. PW committee meets monthly to plan, review, and execute activities for the year. The PW has 3 bible study groups that meet monthly.
Beginning 2024, PW updated the information board in Fellowship Hall. In January, in conjunction with Congregational life, we hosted a Game/soup and salad night. PW sold leftover soup. In February we offered a cookie decorating class to all ages. We held our annual Rummage/Bake Sale in April and will now only be offered once a year, in the spring. Our Women’s luncheon was held in June at Ann Gallon’s. We also decorated the Sanctuary in November for Christmas, directing members of the congregation to aid in this time-honored tradition. This year, members of the PW created and donated several wonderful baskets for the Christmas Mission Fair. PW is also responsible for changing the wreaths for each Season.
Objectives and goals for the upcoming year are to continue growth with committee by providing services/meeting needs of the congregation as well as community. We seek to offer different opportunities to provide fellowship, socialization, commitment, personal growth, and meeting spiritual needs.
YOUNG AT HEART (YAH)
Young at Heart (YAH) Ministry is to bring together seniors (age 50+) members of our congregation to enjoy a time of Christian fellowship. Whether they have just retired and/or recently relocated here, singles as well as couples, YAH provides an opportunity to connect with others in a leisurely, friendly atmosphere. The average attendance is 25-30 members of our congregation, but we welcome friends and relatives who would like to join us. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at noon for potluck lunch, followed by variety of half-hour programs and speakers. Co-leaders: Rachel & Randy Parmentier and Richard & Linda Hagee.
Christian Care
Faith Community Nurse, Pam Phillips, RN
What does your Faith Community Nurse (FCN) do?
The FCN works for you, the parishioners, and supports the well-being of the GPC membership and community members, providing one-on-one care.
The FCN promotes health and wholeness in the name of Jesus and provides spiritual, social, and emotional care.
How does the Faith Community Nurse (FCN) assist the parishioners of GPC?
Health Counselor: Pam listens and speaks with persons regarding their health issues. She is available to visit in the hospital, in nursing facilities, and in homes, as needed. She also offers her presence and prayer during times of crisis and celebration.
Advocate: Pam assists parishioners with any health-related needs and interests. She can accompany you to your doctors’ appointments (to be your eyes and ears) and help you to understand any test results, medications, and so forth so that you can make informed decisions. Confidentially, Pam can review your discharge instructions, medication lists, etc., to ensure you have a good understanding of your post-care or continuing care needs.
Health Educator: Pam provides health information and awareness about chronic conditions or diseases. She will be emphasizing preventative care through educational opportunities, screenings, and more (for example, blood pressure screening Sundays, keeping up first aid kits, etc.)
Spiritual Presence: As an FCN, Pam works with the GPC pastoral care team in the caregiving ministry of GPC by listening, praying, supporting, and encouraging through personal visits, telephone calls, and other forms of communication.
Resources: Pam works to link the GPC congregation members to community/spiritual resources. She works alongside the Stephen Ministry and Deacon Ministry at GPC.
COVID 19 – Here are two links to help you deal with the stress and self-care suggestions:
Sanitizing Hints:
Stress Release:
DIY Hand Sanitizer and Wipes:
Personal Health Booklet:
Advanced Directive Information:
To contact Pam, call 410-596-0777 or email gpcfcn@gettysburgpresbyterian.org
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers are laypeople — Christian men and women — trained to provide one-to-one care of people experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation or separation due to military deployment. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life. Their commonality? A passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need. Since 1976, more than 600,000 people from more than 12,000 congregations and other organizations have been trained as Stephen Ministers. For more information call the church office at 717-334-1235.
Support Groups
Support groups for bereavement, divorce recovery and cancer recovery are held periodically as interest warrants.
Christian Education Ministry
Children
Sunday School
Preschool (3 and 4 year olds) through Kindergarten
First, Second and Third Graders
Fourth and Fifth Graders
Youth Club, for children and grades 3 – 5, is our youth program held at the church on Sunday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:00pm during the school year. This year we will be offering dinner. There will be an informational night on Sept 10th at 6:30pm. Youth Club Registration Form
Vacation Bible School, held for one week during the summer offers an interactive Christian learning experience for children, ages 3 (potty trained) through grade 5. Dates for 2025 TBD.
Youth
The Upper Room – a combined Sunday School class for Middle and High School will be meeting in person at 9:45am in the Youth Room on the 3rd floor. If you have any questions, please contact Kyle Clark – kyle@gettysburgpresbyterian.org
Work camp, a one-week long summer mission trip to repair homes of low-income people somewhere in the US, is the annual mission trip of High School Ministries.
Adults
Adult Sunday School Class meets in the MacAskill Room downstairs at 9:45am. Topics and teachers vary through-out the year.
Middle School Ministry
Middle School Ministry (called MID-SHIP)
Welcome to our Mid-Ship Youth Ministry
The Mid-Ship group at GPC has had a year of transition. In the spring the group was led by Libby Crowe, with help from Emma Sanders. During the weekly meetings they enjoyed fellowship and exploring their faith. Pastors Caleb and Peter had a Q&A session with the middle schoolers with some interesting questions regarding faith development. Joint events with the youth group and SHIP included a CAR CHASE, hikes, and bowling. With Libby’s retirement and Emma’s entrance in medical school, Pastor Peter has taken the lead roll with MidSHIP. With limited numbers and many other commitments our Middle School Students have, MidSHIP has often connected with the Youth and SHIP groups for programs. We again participated in the Rise Against Hunger and GPC Christmas Fair. We also were involved with the first GPC Trunk or Treat! Fellowship time has fostered friendships between youth that attend different schools, which has been meaningful. We look forward to new ways of experiencing our faith and service of this group of middle school youth in the coming year. Peace, Pastor Peter
If you have any questions or suggestions about the Middle School Fellowship, please contact Rev. Peter Roy at (717) 334-1325 or peter@gettysburgpresbyterian.org
High School Ministry
High School Ministry (Called SHIP)
Meeting from 5:30pm to 7:00pm most Sundays, we seek to be a safe place where we will grow together in faith, friendship and fellowship with God and one another. We hope to see you some evening!
Questions regarding the high school ministry contact the church.
Summer Mission Trip
Workcamp, a one week long summer mission trip to repair homes of low income people somewhere in the US, is the annual climax of the High School year.
Music Ministry
Ministry
The Music Program of the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church
We currently have opportunities for a brass quintet, women’s choir, flute choir, youth orchestra, instrumental soloists who are needed for anthem and hymn accompaniments, piano/organ duets and hand bell duet/trio/quartet. God has given us many talents and we rejoice in sharing them with the congregation and with our concert audiences. If you would like to use your talents at Gettysburg Presbyterian Church, please contact me. Jamie Bowman can be reached at gpcmusic@gettysburgpresbyterian.org. I look forward to hearing from you!
Choir Opportunities for Adults
Adult Choir
This choir presents the anthem at the 11:00 Sunday service. It rehearses in the balcony of the sanctuary from 7:00-8:30 on Wednesday evening, September through June. Major works and instrumental accompaniments are a part of program. The director is David Conklin.
Early Choir
This choir is responsible for quick learning! It rehearses in the Music Room at 7:40 am on Sunday, then sings at the 8:15 service. This is the choir for you if have limited rehearsal time in your schedule. The Director is David Conklin.
Adult Hand Bell Choir
This group rehearses at 6.00 pm on Wednesday evening in the Music Room. They play at the 8:15 or 11:00 service once a month. Sometimes smaller groups are used for hymn or anthem accompaniment. Director: Jamie Bowman.
Choir Opportunities for Children
Kids Choir
The Kids Choir is for students in Pre-K through 5 grade meets every other Sunday morning for fun group activities, singing, and movement with some involvement with instruments. The Kids Choir will sing for the congregation several times throughout the year. Director: Krystal Nolte. For more information contact the church office.
We had another successful year with our music department here at GPC, with many gifted musicians leading the way. We mourn the loss of Bonnie Wright to cancer this year. As director of the Chapel Choir, Omega Praise Band and a loyal Adult Choir member, her leadership and faith in God has inspired us all. This year we purchased a Yamaha Electric Keyboard for the church in Bonnie’s name and it was dedicated to her, as was this year’s Children’s Pageant, on December 22, at the 11:00 a.m. service. We are grateful to Dr. David Bowman, who has taken over the duties of Omega Praise Band Director beginning September of 2024. Many thanks also to the rest of our music staff who have provided us with wonderful and inspiring music throughout 2024, including Jamie Bowman (Organist & Choir Accompanist), Carrie Conklin (Adult Bell Choir Director & Youth Choir Director), and Krystal Nolte (Chapel Choir Director & Pageant Director). This past year we performed two collaborations: one with Adult Handbells, Adult Choir & Chapel Choir, and one with Adult & Chapel Choirs. For Easter the Adult Choir performed 4 sections from Handel’s Messiah, and in December the Adult Choir performed Vivaldi’s Gloria with an 8-piece orchestra. Thanks to the Youth Choir, Adult Handbell Choir, Chapel Choir, Adult Choir, Alpha & Omega Praise Band members, brass, woodwind and string players who have blessed our congregation this year with their talents, to God’s glory. I look forward to 2025 and what worshipful and musical experiences it will bring. Respectfully Submitted, David E. Conklin, Director of Music
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School
While the theme of our 4 day Vacation Bible School is still being decided, children while learn about the Bible by adventuring through creative activities, drama, singing, snacks, and Scripture.
Dates for 2025 TBA.
The program is open to all children ages 3 (potty trained) through Grade 5 (completed). Dates to be determined but each day will run from 9:00 am- 12:15 pm.
Youth Club
YOUTH CLUB WEEKLY UPDATES
Youth Club meets most Sundays from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. It is an afternoon of games, crafts, snacks and of course, Scripture and Jesus.
If your 3rd through 5th grader would like to join us, please fill out a permission form and return it to Kyle in the church office.
Write From The Heart
The mission of the Write From The Heart ministry is to send notes to members of our Church family for a variety of reasons. We send ‘thank you’ notes to members for things they have done for our Church or helping out other members of our Church family. We send notes to those who provide special music during our services to thank them for their talents. We send ‘congratulatory notes’ for special birthdays and special anniversaries, birth of a child or the birth of a grandchild. We do notes for new members joining our Church and to the Confirmation Class when they join the Church. We send notes to members who have graduated from high school and College. We do ‘thinking of you’ notes for those who are unable to attend Church regularly to let them know we are thinking of them. We send sympathy notes, get well notes and notes of encouragement.
During the 2024 year we sent a total of 245 notes. The WFTH ministry currently has a total of 10 dedicated writers. Our writers are: Tracy Boyer, Nancy Cook, Nancy Coombs, Cathy Gardner, Gale Pollock, Mary Ann Remaley, Barb Roy, Leslie Smarsh, Christa Williams and Deb Wolf. We would gladly welcome any new writers and if anyone is interested, please contact the Church Office or either of the Co-Directors of this ministry. If you enjoy writing, this is the ministry for you!
Mary Ann Remaley and Tracy Boyer, Co-Directors