guidepost

The Newsletter of

Guilford Park

Presbyterian Church

the July

2 0 1 7

“

A Note from Jo

1 A Note From Jo

2 VBS Property

3 Congregational Nurse

4 Summer Special Music

5 Youth, Birthdays

6 Stand Up & Step Out, Fellowship, Mission

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Yesterday Jane Sharpe, our Church & Financial Administrator presented with me with a little brown bag with four perfect yellow squash inside. Since I love fresh vegetables almost as much as dark chocolate, my face lit up with delight at the gift. Even as the words of thanks came out of my mouth, I began to plan the delicious fate of those veggies. That’s when Jane stopped me in my tracks. These weren’t just any lovely yellow squashes coming from the abundance of a summer garden. These squash were the first fruits of her garden.

Since it might look a little strange to put four squash in the offering plate at church, Jane and her husband Tim have a ritual of offering the first fruits of their garden to a different person each year. This year I was the recipient, and those squash which had already been a wonderful treat transformed into one of the most meaningful gifts I’ve been given. Jane and Tim gave me their first fruits—those early summer squash which are still a novelty instead of glut from overproducing squash vines. Over lunches eaten together these last months, I’ve heard about the progress of the garden. The tilling, planting, and weeding. The hours of labor, the buckets of sweat, and the weeks of hope and anticipation. And I was the recipient of their labor and more importantly, their love and faithfulness to God. Though not all of us labor over gardens producing actual fruit and vegetables, we all have first fruits. God asks that we offer back the choicest gifts, the bounty that we most wish to keep for ourselves. That is what God asks of us. It is a way to keep the commandment

7 Justice & Peacemaking

8 Personnel

9 Financial Update, Thank-you’s

10 Servers

11 Calendar

12 Staff, Attendance, Session

(continued on page 2)

The choicest of the first fruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. —Exodus 23:19

of loving God first before all else. God is not interested in the late summer zucchini that our neighbors no longer want because they’ve received plenty already. God wants those four beautiful squash. But why? Why are the first fruits important? Because we are giving back to the Giver. Where did they come from in the first place? Who brought the rain to nourish the ground, the sun to create photosynthesis, the soil to give its nutrients? God, of course. And just as any small child knows, sharing is hard. Especially if we’re asked to share something we love and treasure deeply. Have you ever tried to coax a child who loves the color blue, to give the blue cup to a friend? It’s nearly impossible. Just because of the asking, that blue cup becomes even more beloved than before. Short of a massive tantrum, the only way to make the giving of the precious blue cup to a friend okay is through practice. Through the practice of letting others use the treasured cup, the child learns that indeed it is “more blessed to give than receive.” (And we have not mastered this one in our house—the blue cup is still very much in demand!)

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VBS — July 24-27, 2017 | 2-5 pm

GEAR UP for VBS!! Vacation Bible School is July 24-27, 2-5 pm! Potty-trained preschoolers through fifth graders are invited and friends are welcomed. The theme this year is "Maker Fun Factory," where curious kids become hands-on inventors who discover they're lovingly crafted by God. We will need lots of volunteers to pull it off, so please consider joining the VBS crew this year. Calling all middle school and high school youth as well. If you or any of your friends need service hours, this is a great, and fun, way to get them. To register your child(ren), look for registration forms soon on the youth bulletin board at church, and there is online sign-up as well at www.guilfordpark.org. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please email nicole.purdie@yahoo.com. Go to these links to sign up to volunteer: Volunteers: tinyurl.com/y74jblbm Snacks: tinyurl.com/y9aoffd9 Set-up/breakdown: tinyurl.com/y8qe9c3n Thank You! Nicole Purdie, VBS Director

From the Property Committee

I would like to thank a couple of great volunteers, Joe Gray and Don Yelton, who helped Mike Bivona and myself install the new lights in the fellowship hall on June 2, 2017. These new LED lights use less energy and are much brighter, and will be a big saver for the church.

If you haven’t seen them yet, you might want to bring your sunglasses!

Thanks again guys!

A.B. Kimel, Chairperson Property Committee

In the book of Exodus, the same practice is set up for us. If we always give God our first fruits, then it won’t feel quite so hard to do so. It might even turn into a joy for us. So even though it’s not stewardship season, let us all think about how we can give our first fruits to God. Can you imagine God’s great smile of delight at our offering? Blessings, Jo

A Note from Jo Continued from page 1

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From the Congregational Nurse: Summer Protection

Protect Baby When in the Sun First, avoid being in the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and stay in a shaded area as much as possible when outside. Dress baby in a hat, sunglasses, and clothing made with a tight weave. For babies 6 months and older, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 (SPF 30 and higher is even better) that offers both UVA and UVB protection. For babies younger than 6 months, if adequate shade isn't available, put sunscreen in small amounts on exposed surfaces of skin. Always apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside -- even on cloudy days -- and reapply it every two hours. Even waterproof sunscreen loses its effectiveness after about 80 minutes of swimming. How to Treat: If your child does get a sunburn, the best remedies are cold compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and aloe preparations.

Keep Kids Cool As temperatures rise, heat exhaustion becomes a concern. Symptoms include fatigue, extreme thirst, and muscle cramping. If a person doesn't cool down and rehydrate herself, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke (signs are headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and lack of sweat), which is potentially fatal.

How to Treat: If you notice heat illnesses in kids, spray them with cold water from a bottle or hose, fan them, and get them into the shade. Ice packs to the groin and armpits can speed up the cooling process even more. If you suspect heatstroke, call 911. Special Concerns: Infants are vulnerable to heat-related illness, so keep them in air-conditioned areas when possible. And never leave kids in unattended cars, even with the windows cracked.

Use Caution When in Water Sadly, drowning is among the leading causes of accidental death in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics says parents should not enroll children under age 4 in formal swimming lessons that teach water survival skills. If you want them to play in water, supervise them within arm's reach, even in shallow water. Special Concerns: When choosing a flotation device, go for a child-size life vest. Little arms are less likely to slip out than they are with water wings. And when compared with using a swim ring, there's less chance of tipping over. Also, take a CPR course (find your local American Red Cross chapter at redcross.org) so you'll

Due to the interest in learning about Guilford Park’s Automatic External Defibrilator or AED, there will be two classes offered in July for anyone who is interested. This free class is open to all adult and teenage church members and their

family, friends, and neighbors. The class will last about 30 minutes. When you have completed the class you should feel comfortable operating any AED anywhere. When: July 11 at 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be on the health bulletin board near the choir room. If you have any questions please call or text Janet Dawson at 336-554-4572. Congregational Nurse, Janet Dawson, talks to the

congregation about being a Super Hero and saving lives.

be prepared in case of a near-drowning incident.

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During the summer months while our choirs take a much-deserved break we will have special music each Sunday.

9 a.m.—Brian Fitts 11 a.m.—Bill Allred and Joyce Kemmerer

Tate and Taylor Eppinger (grandchildren of Kit and Terry Schooley), violinists

Quartet featuring Levina Kollar, Judy Heron, Dan Hopkins, Bill Allred

Taylor Owens and Mark Schumacher, duet

Chris Brandhofer (Judy Herron’s son-in-law), trombone

GPPC Jazz Quartet; Post-worship mini recital Bill Allred, Chris Brandhofer, Joyce Kemmerer

9 a.m.– Lisa Jones and Brian Fitts, duet 11 a.m.– Piano trio Bill Allred, Ben Christman-Therrell, Joyce Kemmerer

9 a.m.– Alicia Bivona 11 a.m.– Fred Beck, trumpet

TBA

YES Ensemble and Chancel Choir resume

Summer Special Music

Fred, Kit and Jo will explore scripture through the lens of music lessons all month. The first Sunday in July will be an introduction, then we’ll cover melody, harmony, form and rhythm as we learn more about God’s word in our lives.

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Children and Youth

KIDSJAM

Monthly movie nights and service projects will resume in September July 24-27 Maker Fun Factory VBS Monday through Thursday 2 to 5 p.m. at church August 27 Back to Sunday School Kick-Off and Blessing of the Bookbags

For more information on these 3-5 grade fellowship activities, check the children’s bulletin board or contact Nicole Purdie (nicole.purdie@yahoo.com) to get on the email mailing.

YOUTH

Regular weekly meeting schedule will resume in September. For more information on youth fellowship grades 6-12 please check the youth bulletin board or contact Kim Row (krow@guilfordpark.org) to get on the email reminder and updates list.

NO CHILDREN’S CHURCH FOR THE SUMMER Children kindergarten age and older will remain in worship during the summer months. This gives young children some training in remaining in worship and gives the teachers a summer break. Children’s church for kindergarten through 2nd grade students will resume in September for the 11 a.m. worship service. There will be no change in the nursery care for children birth to 4 years of age offered during worship services. THERE WILL BE NO FORMAL SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN Through August 20 our 10 a.m. children’s Sunday school will be on hiatus to give our teachers a well-deserved break. Please let Kim Row (krow@guilfordpark.org) know if you need child care while you attend an adult offering Sunday mornings. TEACHERS AND ADVISORS NEEDED The Children and Youth Committee is actively recruiting Sunday School teachers and Youth Advisors for the 2017-18 school year. If you are interested in teaching or learning more about this ministry please contact Kim Row at (Krow@guilfordpark.org).

July Birthdays

2 Ken Carey 20 Ann Shelton

3 Loretta James 20 Ethan Keel

4 Frank Wyatt 21 Lily Inscore

7 Steve Drew 21 Ryan Inscore

7 Alison Shackelford 21 Judy Sandercock

7 Thomas Purdie 22 Kathy Gordon

7 Bobbie Greene 23 Tom O’Shea

8 Ed Kinard 24 Justin Spradley

8 Pat Weiner 24 Glenn Angermeier

8 Drew Gardner 24 Courtney Shore

8 Rebecca Conway 25 Jukka Kayhko

9 Charlie Thompson 26 Dottie McKinney

9 Lynn Angermeier 26 Ginger Reese

11 Madison Owen 27 Bob McClellan

12 Judy Campbell 27 Craig McGhee

12 Steve Arnett 27 Nancy Entrekin

13 Harriette Bonkemeyer 27 Connor Lacz

14 Bobbie Hall 27 Susan Thomas

14 Anna-Lea Kayhko 28 Thomas Clunan

16 Rebecca Person 29 Xander Wood

16 Preston Hawkins 29 Scott Moore

16 Nicholas Fannin 30 Keith Wood

17 Louise O’Shea 31 Levina Kollar

17 John McKenzie 31 Pete Babcock

19 Payne Stewart 31 Sara Babcock

20 Carolyn Drew

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Stand Up & Step Out: Mission Trip

Guilford Park is sending 10 members to Step Up and Step Out in Nicaragua in July! Our goal with this trip is to build a relationship with a community, through work, play, and communion. We will spend a little time cleaning up schoolyards, helping in coffee fields, and helping to build water reservoirs. We will also spend time having local parties, playing with kids, and getting to know the Nicaraguan culture, history and political climate. We will work closely with our missionary, Tracey King Ortega, who works to promote peace and understanding to an area that has dealt with civil war, and several major natural disasters.

We will spend the first few days in Nicaragua's capital, Managua, getting to understand the culture. Then we will head to the mountains to a small community to begin building our relationship with them. Our last day we will do a little touring to the nearby dormant volcano that is just gorgeous. Our dream is that we will build life-long relationships with this community, alternating sending delegates to and from Nicaragua, so the entire church can partake in this new friendship. We ask for your prayers as we prepare for this new venture.

Mission: Blood Drive

BLOOD DRIVE for Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) Thursday, July 20, 3:30 – 7 p.m.

What is CBCC, you ask? CBCC is an independent, locally-managed, non-profit community blood center. It is the primary blood supplier to the Cone Health Network.

CBCC is a member of America's Blood Centers, a group of 67 independent blood centers that supplies 50 percent of the country's blood. They subscribe to a community-based blood banking philosophy. That means community donors know that the blood they give stays in our community first -- helping family members, friends and neighbors. Excess supply is shared with other communities when needed. If you’d like to learn more about CBCC, you can go to http://www.cbcc.us/ and read more.

There is a sign-up sheet in the hallway on the Mission board. Please sign up to give blood to help your area neighbors and friends.

Fellowship

ALMANAH WOMEN

(widow support & fellowship) Lunch: Wednesday, July 12 at 12:30 p.m. at Café Pasta. No bus; we’ll meet at the restaurant. Movie: Dream Girls, Tuesday, July 25 at 1:00 p.m.

GEEZERS’ BREAKFAST All men 55+ are invited to

join us at Oakcrest Restaurant for good food and fellowship. Get acquainted with others, and enjoy the

company of long-time friends. Wednesday, July 19 at 8:30 a.m.

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Justice & Peacemaking (continued)

Interfaith Covered Dish Supper Sunday, July 2 6:00 p.m. Guilford Park Presbyterian Church Our world needs the church to promote PEACE in these difficult times, and Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. Come and meet friends from the Islamic Center of Greensboro, enjoying dinner and fellowship together! There is no better way to get to know our Muslim neighbors than to sit with them in fellowship and share a meal! So we hope many of you will join us for this covered dish supper on July 2. Reservations due by Monday, June 26th. Sign up on the Justice & Peacemaking bulletin board or email melanie.rodenbough@gmail.com if you can join us. Childcare provided for young children; older children and youth most welcome. Guests are welcome, too!

"BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD." Matthew 5:9

Coming in the Fall of 2017: Childhood Poverty A study offered by the Justice and Peacemaking Committee "About 15 million children in the United States – 21% of all children – live in families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold, a measurement that has been shown to underestimate the needs of families. Research shows that, on average, families need an income of about twice that level to cover basic expenses. Using this standard, 43% of children live in low-income families. Most of these children have parents who work, but low wages and unstable employment leave their families struggling to make ends meet. Poverty can impede children’s ability to learn and contribute to social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Poverty also can contribute to poor health and mental health. Risks are greatest for children who experience poverty when they are young and/or experience deep and persistent poverty." — National Center for Children in Poverty. Poverty impacts many of the issues about which we as a country, community and church are concerned, as was Jesus. Come and join us as we explore various issues related to childhood poverty and seek to discern the call of Christ to us on these issues: Through an adult Sunday School series (September--October) based in an American Baptist curriculum titled

"Children, Poverty and the Bible." We will also welcome guest speakers from our own congregation who have expertise on the impact of poverty on children's education, health care and involvement with the legal system;

Through an evening book study (Monday evenings, 6-7:30, beginning September 11), of the 2015 book Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis by Robert D. Putnam. Putnam begins by asking, "What has happened to the Land of Opportunity?" and ends with the assertion that "America's poor kids do belong to us and we to them. They are our kids."

Through the Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series weekend October 21-22, with a speaker to be announced soon who will present a dinner program on Saturday evening and join us for worship and Sunday School Sunday morning. Mark your calendars now!

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From Personnel: Sabbaticals and Different Faces

Join us in July!

We are so pleased that Jeff will have an opportunity over the next three months for rest and renewal. And GPPC is very fortunate to have both paid and unpaid staff with many years of experience to ensure all the pastoral needs of the congregation are met during his absence. Associate Pastor Jo Owens and Parish Associates Fred Beck and Kit Schooley will be sharing the preaching duties for the summer. Look for one, two or even all three in the pulpit during June, July and August. Pastoral care, hospital, rehab and home visits will be covered by Jo, Kit, Fred and our parish nurse Janet Dawson. Jo will cover Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Janet will be on call for Fridays and Kit and Fred will cover Tuesdays and Thursdays on a rotating basis. Saturdays will be covered by all as needed. No, you will not need to remember whom to call! We have

one phone number which will ring to all their phones and the appropriate person on call will answer. Jo will be acting as head of staff and dealing with all the day to day activities of the church. And of course, Jane Sharpe is at the church Monday through Thursdays. We are grateful that these individuals will be working together for the GPPC family over the summer months. The phone number for the pastor on call or congregational nurse is 336-663-2660. Remember, whoever is on call will answer, so if you want Jo, Kit, Fred or Janet specifically, please call them directly.

Jo Nygard Owens, Associate Pastor

Fred Beck, Parish Associate

Kit Schooley, Parish Associate

Janet Dawson, Congregational Nurse

YOUR PASTORAL SABBATICAL TEAM

July is probably the quietest month in the life of the church—we all relish having a break from committee meetings! However, Sunday mornings in July won’t be quiet or boring. If you’re in town, please join us. Sermon Series: Music Lessons Fred, Kit and Jo will explore scripture through the lens of music lessons all month. The first Sunday in July will be an introduction, then we’ll cover melody, harmony, form and rhythm as we learn more about God’s word in our lives.

One Service We’ll worship together at 10 a.m. each Sunday. Special Music All month long we’ll hear from small groups of members and friends as they share their gifts of music with the congregation. Fellowship After Church Following each combined worship service at 10 a.m. everyone is invited to the Courtyard for lemonade, cookies, and conversation.

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From Presbyterian Counseling Center for a recent gift of $250, and for all GPPC has done to support PCC through the years. From Presbyterian Mission Agency for a recent gift of $166.67 for continued support of our missionary in Nicaragua, Tracey King-Ortega. From Greensboro Urban Ministry for a recent gift of $416.67 for support to come alongside those in our community impacted by poverty.

From the Finance Office Thank-you’s

WEEKLY GIVING

We Pledged To Give $205,145.85

We Actually Gave 168,354.17

Money Spent $236,149.68

Money Received 201,016.31

($35,133.37)

FINANCIAL UPDATE AS OF MAY 31

Date: 5/7/17

Pledges-General Fund $11,469.00

Non-Pledge Gift $324.50

Loose Offering $94.00

Church School $3.00

Mission Fund $5,905.00

Memorial Fund $220.00

Music Fund $25.00

Columbarium $25.00

Date: 5/14/17

Pledges-General Fund $4,245.00

Non-Pledge Gift $582.05

Loose Offering $271.38

Church School $7.50

Memorial Fund $595.00

Columbarium $60.00

Mission Fund $110.00

Date: 5/21/17

Pledges-General Fund $4,436.00

Non-Pledge Gift $700.00

Loose Offering $118.00

Church School $3.00

Memorial Fund $1,205.00

Pennies For Hunger $85.00

Mission Fund $25.00

Music Fund $100.00

Columbarium $100.00

Date: 5/28/17

Pledges-General Fund $7,601.90

Non-Pledge Gift $195.00

Deacons' Fund $140.10

Memorial Fund $210.00

Pennies For Hunger $114.77

Pentecost Offering $100.00

Music Fund $25.00

Columbarium $100.00

Pastor Jeff tells the children farewell before beginning his sabbatical.

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Serving in Worship

July 2 10:00 Ushers: Gary Parker & Kay Cheshire, John Parker, Ryan Morgan, Kit Schooley, John Shackelford 10:00 Liturgist: Melanie Rodenbough 10:00 Sound System: Steve Drew/Steve Lacz 10:00 Communion Preparer: Mary Bruce 10:00 Communion Servers: Mary Bruce, Ed & Jaime Hendricks, Bob McClellan Home Communion Server: Mary Bruce (Peggy Lukens) Opening/Closing: Michael Bivona/Mark Schumacher Bread Delivery: Open for volunteer July 9 10:00 Ushers: Doug Campbell, Bo Rodenbough, Steve Dixon, Ed Bonkemeyer 10:00 Liturgist: Debbie Leach 10:00 Sound System: Bob Nordbruch/Rick Cromer Opening/Closing: Brandon Inscore/Harold Shelton Bread Delivery: Tim & Laura Peck Flower Visitation: Julie Watkins July 16 10:00 Ushers: Frank & Afendra Wyatt 10:00 Liturgist: Phyllis Setzer 10:00 Sound System: Gray Amick/Dylan Lewellyn Opening/Closing: Bob Ewalt/Paul Aycock Bread Delivery: Pris & Bob Ewalt Flower Visitation: Betty Peraldo July 23 10:00 Ushers: Scott Moore, Jukka Kayhko, Kenny Thompson, Ralph & Jane Lawrence 10:00 Liturgist: Sarah Carroll 10:00 Sound System: Don Yelton/Gene Campbell Opening/Closing: Gray Amick/A.B. Kimel Bread Delivery: Carolyn & Dick Sherrick Flower Visitation: Eleanor Jordan July 30 10:00 Ushers: Joe & Marianne Browning 10:00 Liturgist: Donna Barrier 10:00 Sound System: Michael Boulton/Steve Sandercock Opening/Closing: Kregg Kinnear/Tim Peck Bread Delivery: Betty Peraldo & Rak Kreager Flower Visitation: Linda Fitts

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July 2017 Calendar

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Pastor: Jeff Paschal (on sabbatical until September 1) jpaschal@guilfordpark.org Associate Pastor: Jo Nygard Owens jnowens@guilfordpark.org Parish Associate: Kit Schooley christopher.schooley@mac.com Parish Associate: Fred Beck fbeck7346@gmail.com Children & Youth Educator: Kim Row krow@guilfordpark.org Organist & Director of Music Ministries: Bill Allred ballred@guilfordpark.org Contemporary Music Director: Brian Fitts bltfitts@triad.rr.com Church Administrator: Jane Sharpe churchadmin@guilfordpark.org Finance office: jsharpe@guilfordpark.org Congregational Nurse: Janet Dawson janetydawson@gmail.com Preschool Director: Debbie Huneycutt dhuneycutt@guilfordpark.org YES Accompanist: Jordan Hart thatfridaynightthing@gmail.com Webmaster: Mark Gordon zosimov21@gmail.com Missionaries: Pablo & Jan Feliciano in Mexico Tracey King Ortega in Nicaragua

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

The AUGUST Guidepost deadline is MONDAY, JULY 17. Please submit articles to Jane Sharpe at churchadmin@guilfordpark.org.

GPPC Staff

Session Highlights: June 25, 2017

9:00 11:00 May 28 93 ? June 4 88 106 June 11 104 80 June 18 122 70

ATTENDANCE

GUILFORD PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2100 Fernwood Drive | Greensboro, NC 27408 | 336.288.5452

www.guilfordpark.org | guilfordpark.wordpress.com | Find us on Facebook

Instant Church Directory App

Any member of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church can

download, print, and/or view the membership directory

at the touch of a button! The GPPC church photo and

information directory (Church Directory) may now be

accessed more securely from your computer by going to

the following website: INSTANT CHURCH DIRECTORY.

Once at this site, you will be instructed to enter your email

address (as listed in the church’s directory) and create your

own password. You will continue to use your email address

as your user name and your chosen password for future

access to our Church Directory. If you forget your

password, just click on the “Forgot password?” link and

instructions will be sent to you via email.

You may download and view the current directory from an

iPhone, iPad, Android or Kindle Fire. You must have your

email listed with the church directory. If you do not have

your email listed or are unsure if your email is listed, please

contact Jane Sharpe at 336-288-5452.

To download the app, search for “Instant Church Directory” in the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon App Store, or click on this link: http://www.instantchurchdirectory.com/app Tap on the app to open it. You will be prompted to enter the email address listed with GPPC directory. Instant Church Directory will email you a password (at the email address registered with the GPPC directory that you enter into the app prompt) once the app is opened. Enter password you received from Instant Church Directory

via email. The directory will appear. After you are finished

viewing the app and close it, you should not need to

reenter the password again. The next time you open the

app, it should automatically display the current directory.

June’s Session meeting is scheduled for June 25, after publication of the Guidepost. Watch this space for June Session Highlights.