Yearly History of Guilford Park

INTRODUCTION
In 1998, Guilford Park Presbyterian Church celebrated its 50th anniversary. Many events took place including the writing of a comprehensive history by several members of the church. Copies of that history, "Growing Through Faith - A Fifty Year Journey," are in the church library.

Mary Keating, a charter member, was the church historian and compiled a wealth of information about our church. After the 50th anniversary, she asked me to continue documenting the history.

Following, is a chronology of events that have occurred since 1998. In no way does it include every activity of the church. I have tried to document representative events of the life of our church as we continue our faith journey.  

This chronology along with the "Growing Through Faith - A Fifty Year Journey," gives the history of our church from 1948-2014.

Donna Barrier
December 31, 2014


1998
January  Claire Smith began work as church secretary.
January 25  David Cameron, Interim Associate Pastor, left GPPC.
January 25  Signing of Care Cards for members of the church who are in need of prayers was initiated.  This was sponsored by the Pastoral Care Committee.
January  A gift of $36,000 was made to the Presbyterian Counseling Center in honor of Don and ‘Neal Lannon.  A room and a deck at the new PCC location were named in their honor.
February 15  The Fiftieth Anniversary of GPPC was celebrated.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Guests included past ministers and their wives; deceased ministers’ wives, charter members, guests from the Presbytery, Synod, Buffalo Presbyterian Church (the Greensboro church that sponsored the formation of GPPC).  The guest speaker was Marj Carpenter, past moderator of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church USA.  A special anthem, Now Let Us All In Hymns of Praise was commissioned of area composer Sally Ann Morris for the celebration.  A special publication entitled, Growing Through Faith: A Fifty Year Journey was written by members of the church.  A catered luncheon (provided by Jack Lamb) immediately followed the service. The GPPC Timeline was displayed through March 1 in the Fellowship Hall.
March 8   Margie Boyd was called as Associate Pastor.
May 10   Margie Boyd preached her first sermon at GPPC.
May 19  Bobbie Jackson and Margaret LeBauer received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
June 7-11  Washington DC Youth Mission Trip, a new mission trip for the youth took place.  This was in addition to the annual West Virginia Mission Trip (June 7-13).
August 1  Kyle Goodman assumed the position as part-time Youth Director.
September 27 The new Presbyterian Counseling Center, with director Dr. Robert Herron, opened on Richfield Road.
October 1  The Parish Nursing Program, a health-related ministry, began.
October 4  A music program entitled A Sacred Concert to the Glory of God was provided by David Pinnix and Marilyn Burris in memory of Hugh McLauchlin, Sr. and Louise McMahan Pinnix.
October 21  “Wednesdays Together” a dinner/Bible Study program began.
November 29  A new early worship service begins during Advent.
December 1   Chris Hickling received the Eagle Scout Award for designing, planning, and supervising the building of the outdoor classroom across the street from the church.  This was in commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of GPPC.


1999
February 28 A second early worship service began during Lent.
March 28  The middle school group had an afternoon Blessing of the Animals Service.
April 5  Pat Parham began as the secretary.
April 11 A Congregational Nursing Program of Health and Healing began with the support of the Moses Cone Health System and the GPPC Pastoral Care Committee.
May 18 Barbara Sasser received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
June  GPPC began plans to sponsor a Kosovo family in partnership with Lutheran Family Services.
June 27  Morning Prayer Service (9:00-9:30) began June 27 and went through late August.
July 29 The Mustafa family from Kosovo arrived in Greensboro and was greeted by GPPC members.
October   Pat Parham leaves as secretary.
November Led by Ellen Weiner, GPPC assisted the flood victims in Tarboro due to Hurricane Floyd.
November  Glenda Miller became our secretary.
November Margie Boyd was invited and attended The Ecumenical Theology Workshop presented by the Office of Theology and Worship of the Presbyterian Church in Geneva, Switzerland.
November Mary and Arthur M. Winstead, Jr. and Nancy A. and John A. Winstead proposed to the Session the establishment of a scholarship in memory of their sister Jan Winstead Huss.  This would be used as an award to a graduating high school senior who is a member of GPPC.


2000
January- Results of the health surveys conducted by the Moses Cone Health System Parish Nurse Program were shared with members who participated.
February 14  The GPPC Session and Salem Presbytery requested that Pastor Emeritus, the Reverend Don Lannon, take on the role of Parish Associate.
February 20  GPPC became a support church in the Interfaith Hospitality Network.
April 5-8  GPPC, along with an ecumenical group of five Greensboro churches, built Greensboro’s 154th Habitat for Humanity house.
April 15 PW Workday was held.  During this time Easter baskets for the children and mothers at Pathways Center were assembled.
April 18-21  Rocky Mount mission trip to repair flood damaged homes occurred.
May 16  Peg Lukens received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
May 18  First meeting of  the Third Agers, (which later became The Prime Timers) a newly formed group for church members who are 55 years and older.
May 21  Zachary Weiner presented plans to the Session for his Eagle Scout project which was to build a wooden playhouse in the enclosed playground area.
June  The Evangelism and Outreach Committee introduced permanent name tags for use at worship and other church events.
June 26-June 30  West Virginia mission trip to repair homes occurred.
July 23  The congregation voted to purchase the house and lot on 2110 Fernwood Dr.  After clearing the property, the church would be readily visible from Lawndale Drive.
July 26-July 21  A mission trip to urban Atlanta for middle schoolers to assist in food bank, soup kitchen, and community gardening took place.
August  Chris McGraw was the first recipient of the Jan Winstead  Memorial Scholarship.
Fall The Presbyterian Counseling Center, an arm of GPPC’s ministry to our church and community, celebrated its 25th anniversary.
October 21  PW  Horizon Study Overview:  The speaker was Frances Taylor Gench, (sister of David Taylor) author of the study: Women and the Word - Studies in the Gospel of John.
November 26  An Advent Booklet, comprised of daily thoughts and meditations submitted by members, was distributed.
December 10  The congregation voted to purchase the house and lot at the corner of Lawndale and Bluemont Dr. After clearing the property, the church would be readily visible from Lawndale Dr.


2001
February 4  An Old Fashioned Meeting was held.  This was  a special service of worship, at which time the combined choirs of the church presented a program recalling the heritage of favorite hymns and church music.
March 24-25  First GPPC Enrichment Series made possible by a gift from the estate of Ruth Lamb was held  Dr. Isabel (Izzie) Rogers was the keynote speaker and spoke on “Living the Reformed Faith in Today’s World”.
March A new van was purchased for the church.
April 7 PW Workday was held at which time Easter baskets for the guests at Pathways Center were assembled, and flannel blankets for a hospital in Africa were sewn.
April 11-15  A senior high mission trip to Urban Atlanta occurred.  The purpose was to work with homeless agencies, children’s after-school programs, and food distribution organizations.
April 12  On Maundy Thursday, The Centenary Players of Centenary Methodist Church (Mime Troupe) presented the Passion Drama.
April 22  Dr. John Wilson and his wife Nancy, charter members of GPPC, spoke and presented slides of their mission work in North Korea.  They work with the Christian Friends of Korea food program, which Dr. Wilson was instrumental in starting.
May 6  Kyle Goodman, assistant youth minister, was recognized for his service as he prepared to leave in early summer to enter Columbia Theological Seminary.
May 13  “Blessing of the Animals” which was sponsored by the Middle School and Senior High Fellowships was held.
May 15  Ann Shelton received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
June  Katie Robbins and Katy Bowman were recipients of the Jan Winstead Memorial Scholarship.
June 24-30  10th Annual Mission Trip to Webster County, WVA to repair homes occurred.
July 22-29  The Appalachian Middle School Mission Trip to participate in construction and humanitarian projects in Cooperhill, TN occurred.
September  Extended Communion (which was approved by the General Assembly) began.  This allowed GPPC elders to serve communion to home-bound individuals following a worship service when communion was served to the congregation.
September 1  Mark Dragon became the youth ministry assistant.
September 23   A Service of Wholeness, which was an opportunity to receive Christ’s healing, was held.
October 20-21  The Ties that Bind the Generations, a workshop led by Juliann Cooper-Goldenberg and sponsored by The Prime Timers was held.
November 4  All Saints Day was observed. At worship service, the congregation remembered and gave thanks for those members who had died in recent years.
 

2002
January 20  Nine churches officially celebrated an agreement (Churches Uniting In Christ) to share sacraments, work in community missions, work for racial justice, etc.  This made official the shared worship and mission interaction GPPC had already been doing with neighboring churches.  Locally, GPPC had previously shared worship and mission interaction with our Episcopal, United Methodist and Lutheran sisters and brothers.
February 3  Spiritual Renaissance Singers in Concert performed at GPPC. This group sang African-American spirituals.  The performance was followed by a covered dish supper and the 2002 Annual Meeting
March   Adult Ministry Survey sponsored by the Prime Timers was distributed to assist in developing programs that deal with aging.
April 2-5  Twenty-one senior high school students and adults spent a week in New York City participating in various ministries to the homeless population.   
April 19  Lewis Bledsoe, former GPPC pastor, died in Charlotte.
May 21  Judy Campbell received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
May 21 Presbyterian Women’s 80th birthday was observed at the annual Spring Gathering.
June 10 First GPPC Blood Drive sponsored by The Presbyterian Women was held.
June 23-29  GPPC Adults and senior high students participated in a mission trip to West Virginia.
Summer  GPPC sponsored a refugee Montagnard family of 5, resettling from Cambodia through Lutheran Family Services.
August   Mark Dragon resigned the youth ministry assistant.
August 4-8  Middle schoolers participated in a mission trip to inner city Charlotte.
September 14  Habitat Happening  (craft sale, yard sale, and bake sale) raised over $20,000 (out of a needed $25,000)  necessary to begin building our Habitat for Humanity House in 2003.  This was a joint effort between our church and the United True Holiness congregation.
October 2  ‘Neal Lannon was recognized by Salem Presbytery for her example in ministry during retirement years.
October 12-13  2002 Enrichment Series was led by John Bell, a musician and congregational song leader, based in Scotland in the Iona spiritual community.
November  The PW sponsored Operation Christmas Child during the month of November to collect and distribute shoe boxes filled with toys, hygiene supplies, school supplies, etc. to children in need.
November 17  A Sabbatical Leave Policy for the GPPC pastors was approved by the Session.


2003
January  First GPPC Pictorial Directory since 1995
February 2  At the Annual Meeting, the congregation approved that the Session’s Sabbatical Policy for both pastors be added to their Terms of Call.
February 8 and February 15  The Long Range Planning Committee of the Session began group meetings with the congregation to discuss ways to build on our strengths and add new strengths in the coming years.
February 23  GPPC approved sponsorship of Tim and Marta Carriker, missionaries to Brazil.
March 9 and March 30  Faith in Action, a new GPPC program, which aimed to show how faith can help prepare and plan for life’s later years by providing information on wills, health care, power of attorney, and other issues of later life began.  GPPC was selected to participate and receive training in a pilot program with 5 Winston-Salem churches.
March 22-23  2003 Enrichment Series was led by Rodger Nishioka, an associate professor of Christian education at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA.  He presented a variety of programs to address the issues of what our church will look like in five years.
April  Wilkes Bass was hired as the early worship music director.
May 20  Phyllis Hall received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
May 23-May 31  Margie Boyd served as a commissioner to the 215th General Assembly in Denver Co.
June 5-June 7  A “Blitz” to begin the Habitat for Humanity House began.  This was a joint effort between our church and the United True Holiness congregation.
June  Matt Pierson, a graduate of the University of Virginia, was hired as Youth Director for the middle and senior high youth programs.
June  T.J. Blanchette resigned as Financial Secretary.
June 24  Phyllis Johnson began as Secretary/Receptionist.
August 17  The Session voted to reduce the size from 28 elders to 16 elders over a 3 year period.
September 28  Dedication of the Habitat House built jointly by GPPC/United True Holiness congregations was held.
November 2-16  The PW sponsored Operation Christmas Child to collect and distribute shoe boxes filled with toys, hygiene products, school supplies, etc. to be given to children around the world suffering because of war, poverty, natural disasters or neglect.
November 15-16  First “10,000 Villages” sale at GPPC raised $6,000.00.  This project provided a fair price to third world crafts people, and they received 60% of the profits made at GPPC.


2004
March 5-7  2004  Enrichment Series.  This weekend included a wide variety of arts opportunities in which members could participate. Among the activities were hand bells, rhythm and drumming, pottery, woodcarving, fabric art, and dance.
March  Matt Pierson resigned as Youth Director for the middle and senior high youth programs.
April 12-15  Senior High Mission Trip to New York City occurred.
April 17   GPPC PW Women’s  Retreat at Carmel by the Lake was  led by Judy Herron.  The theme was “Learning to Love Ourselves as We Love Our Neighbors”.
May 1 David Sutton began GPPC’s first Sabbatical which lasted three months.
May 18  Lynn Carey received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
May 30  GPPC celebrated Marilyn Burris’ service as she retired after nine years as the Director of Children’s and Youth Music.
June 6  Full time “Year Round Early Worship (YES)” began.
June 6   A breakfast was held to support the Sandercock family as they prepared to leave for Mexico with Salem Presbytery.
June 27-July 2  Middle School mission trip to Washington, DC occurred.
July  An “Intercessory Prayer Ministry” formed for the purpose of lifting up concerns regarding the physical/spiritual/personal needs of loved ones and acquaintances as requested by the congregation.
July  Tami Fields was hired as the Associate Music Director.
August 14  GPPC  participated in the Agents of Grace Community Service Event in which dozens of other churches of all denomination in Greensboro performed several hours of community service throughout the city
September 19  Children’s Church for grades K-3 began.
September 19  Dedication ceremony for the Children’s Wing Murals was held.  The murals were made possible by a memorial gift from Laura Ratkus’ family and were painted by artist, Martha Herbolich.
December 5 After 31 years of service to seniors in the community, the Senior Citizens group ended this ministry.


2005
January  Tsunami relief effort began. This involved packing health kits to be sent to the hardest hit areas. The goal of 600+ kits was met. It was sponsored by the Service Committee and the Presbyterian Women.
January    Dee Jones began as Associate Director of Music to fill the position vacated by Tami Fields.
February 6  A reception honoring David Sutton’s Tenth Anniversary was held.
February 7  David Pinnix left for the former Soviet Republic of Belarus with a delegation from the Salem Presbytery.  Their mission was to participate in a dialogue with people from the Orthodox church about worship and church practices in the Presbyterian church.
March 6  Presbyterian Women sponsored a “Diaper Shower” to benefit mothers living at Pathway House.
April 13-17  GPPC Service Committee sponsored a mission opportunity for adults (college and beyond) to do Urban Ministry work in the  Washington, DC area.
April  GPPC became more visible and more parking was added as homes purchased on Lawndale Drive were cleared.
April 24  Mission Mania (fundraiser) at the Greensboro Children’s Museum was held to benefit GPPC’s 2005 mission opportunities to Washington DC, Mexico, and Western North Carolina.
May 17  Lillian Barnes received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
May 23 Margie Boyd began a three month Sabbatical Leave.
July 11  Kim Row was hired as Christian Educator for Children and Youth
September GPPC began exploring ways to aid in disaster relief to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
September  The Stephen Ministry program, a 12 year program at GPPC closed.
September 25 Don Lannon, pastor of GPPC for 20 years and Pastor Emeritus, died.
Fall  Adult Ministries became a new Session committee, but continued to be composed of two separate committees, “Adult Ministry” and “Older Adult Ministry”.
October 23  The first Children’s Sunday was held at GPPC and elementary aged children led the service.
October 25  Bobbe Jackson was honored as one of Salem Presbytery’s “Outstanding Older Adults”.
November 13  Organ Donor Sabbath was held.  The purpose of this observance was to raise awareness about the miracles performed everyday through organ and tissue donation.
December  The Angel Tree Network began.  It was an event for children of prisoners and was sponsored by the Worship Committee and the senior and middle school youth.  Presents were purchased by GPPC members, and a Christmas party was held for the families.
December  Advent began with a new look of new blue paraments, blue wreath candles and a blue advent banner which was made by ladies in the church.
December 4  A “Service of Healing and Wholeness" was held.
December 18  A Congregational Meeting was held to dissolve the pastoral relationship with David Sutton as of December 31. He had accepted the call to Nazareth Presbyterian Church near Spartanburg, SC.  A reception was held honoring the Suttons.
December  A Transition Team was named to conduct a search for an Interim Pastor and to prepare the process for electing a Pulpit Nominating Committee.
December 22  Glenda Miller resigned as Administrative Financial Secretary.  Phyllis Johnson assumed the position as Church Administrator.


2006
February   Refurbishing of the sanctuary began.  New carpet, pew cushions, and paint were part of the refurbishing which was the first in twenty-five years.
March 12   “Blanket Sunday” was sponsored by the Presbyterian Women.  Money was collected for Church World Service which purchased blankets for worldwide distribution.  A total of $786.00 was collected to purchase 157 blankets.
March 26  Prayer Shawl Dedication was held.  These shawls are made by members of the church and given to those who are ill or need comforting.
April 1  Gavin Meek began his ministry at GPPC as the Interim Pastor.
April 21-23  The fifth edition of the Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series was held.  Fil Anderson was the leader and the theme was, “Fuel for the Road of Life”.
May 16  Eleanor Jordan received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
May 27  This marked the 50th anniversary of the use of our sanctuary. The Reverend James McGinnis, GPPC’s first pastor, preached the sermon at that Service of Consecration in 1956.
May  Congregational Care Committee developed a new ministry of visitation to supplement pastor visits to homebound members.
June Dee Jones resigned as Associate Director of Music.
July Brian Fitts became the Director of Music for the YES Service.
July Rebecca Stevens became the Director of Music for Children and Youth.
July 30 Renewal of Wedding Vows service was held during worship.
September The large oak tree on the corner of Fairfield and Fernwood Drive was roped off to protect it.  This tree was where the first worship services of GPPC began in 1947.
September 10  A Congregational Survey was administered.
September 10  “Presbyterian 101” led by Gavin Meek began.
September 27  “Timeline Program” was held at which time a discussions took place regarding the timeline in the Fellowship Hall.  This timeline depicted highlights in GPPC’s history since the 50th anniversary in 1998 until the present.  Members were encouraged to write their own words or phrases on the timeline about the events.
October 25 and November 15  Results of the Congregational Survey were presented and discussed.  The Transition Team used this survey to develop a Mission Study to determine what the congregation wanted as their vision, mission, ministry goals and ministry activities. It was also used to determine what skills, abilities, and characteristics the congregation wanted in the new pastor.
October 29  Members of GPPC, who had belonged to the church for fifty years or longer, were recognized on Reformation Sunday with a certificate.
November 5  All Saint’s Sunday was held.  At this time, candles were lit for each church member who had died in 2005 through November 2006.
November 8, 12, and 19  A Stewardship Fair was held so that members could select committees on which to serve and assist in the ministry and mission of GPPC.
November 18  Dedication of the 2006 Presbyterian Habitat House was held.


2007
January 21  Sharing Groups, consisting of church members, began 4 consecutive weeks of meetings to share thoughts and ideas on the Vision, Mission, Ministry Goals, and Ministry Activities of GPPC.
February 25  A Lenten Sermon Series on “The Lord’s Prayer” began and continued through April 8.  Lenten banners were introduced weekly through this time and each part of “The Lord’s Prayer” was reflected in the Lenten banner.
March 6-March 20 Gavin Meek was on Study Leave exploring Paul’s first missionary journey through the Mediterranean.
March 16 The high school youth participated in an overnight homeless experience on the church grounds. They also collected donations of new socks for the homeless in Greensboro.
March 25  Pastor Nominating Committee, for the purpose of finding a new pastor, was elected.
April  A CD, Singing Our Faith, produced by the GPPC Men’s Chorus and commemorating their 10th anniversary was made available to the congregation with all proceeds going to the Greensboro Urban Ministry.
April 1  Gavin Meek completed one year as the Interim Pastor for GPPC.
April 1 Linda Fitts was recognized for ten years of service to GPPC as the wedding coordinator.
April 14  Final Chance Saturday was held to give church members a chance to review and provide feedback on The Plan which gives our vision, mission, and ministry plan for GPPC .
April 15  Easter Music Sunday and the commissioning of the Pastor Nominating Committee took place.
April 22-29  Gulf Coast Mission Trip
April 28  GPPC Presbyterian Women sponsored “A Labyrinth Prayer-Walk with God”. 
May 4  A Presbyterian Partnership for Habitat Fundraiser, with a pancake supper, crafts and baked goods, was held at Starmount Presbyterian Church.    
May 15  Catherine Owens received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
May 20  The Mission Committee sponsored a Bread for the World/Offering of Letters at Guilford Park to encourage members of Congress to strengthen the U.S. Farm Bill.
May 20  Men Singing Their Faith took place at GPPC.  In addition to our Men’s Chorus, the men’s choirs of Providence Baptist, St. James Presbyterian, and Community in Christ performed.  This first concert raised $1,672.12 for Greensboro Urban Ministry.
July 1 GPPC “Tool Men” Ministry announced. This was a new ministry of the Congregational Care Committee to assist GPPC seniors, senior couples, or single parents with minor home repairs.
July 28  Plans were announced by Abe Jones and Bob Kollar for the preparation of a booklet honoring the service of men and women of GPPC in World War II to the present.  This booklet would also serve to preserve these stories so that current and future generations might know and appreciate the time and sacrifices made to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Sixty-seven veterans are to be interviewed.
August 20-28  Gavin Meek led a group of GPPC members on a Presbyterian Heritage Tour of Scotland.
September   A new group, Almanah Women, was formed. This group of women who are widowed will gather several times a year for support and fellowship.                     
September 16  Formation of the GPPC Music Task Force was announced to develop a plan for meeting the future music ministry staffing and program needs.
September 16  A Congregational Meeting was held for the purpose of increasing the size of the Session from 16-19 members. Approval by the congregation meant that one additional elder would be elected each year until a full slate is reached in 2011.
October 1-9 Margie Boyd was on Study Leave.
October 7  To celebrate World Communion Sunday and GPPC Unity, one worship service was held. International bread was served for communion, and the service was followed by a covered dish luncheon where members brought an international food dish. 
October 28  Members of GPPC, who had belonged to the church for fifty years or longer were recognized on Reformation Sunday with a certificate.
November 4  All Saints Sunday at which time candles were lit for each church member who had died since the previous All Saints Sunday.
November 14 Prayer Service for Drought Relief was held.
December 4 Presbyterian Women sponsored their first fund raising event at Ten Thousand Villages.  PW received 15% of the sales which was distributed to local and global charities.

 
2008
January 13  As a result of the activities at the PW Wintering Gathering, a new ministry was adopted.  Pillows were made by church members and given to Moses Cone Cancer Center for patients receiving chemotherapy.
January 18-19  The Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series presented An Enrichment Event for Couples entitled, Making Love Work,  led by Drs. Beverly and Tom Rodgers.
February 3  The GPPC Music Task Force announced plans to survey the congregation for its suggestions for the direction of the music program.
February 17  The Session approved supporting our Kirkwood neighbors’ motion for rezoning of the area at Cornwallis and Lawndale (which was facing commercial development) back to Moderate Residential which would prohibit the commercial usage of the property.  The neighborhood association appreciated GPPC allowing them to meet in our fellowship hall, and many indicated that this was the first time they had been in our church.  The developers eventually withdrew the rezoning request.
March 16  In celebration of Palm Sunday, GPPC joined the Enough for Everyone program of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to use eco-palms. This program promotes responsible harvesting processes to protect the palm forests throughout Central America.
April  The Property Committee applied for a grant from the presbytery’s Green Fund.  Monies  from the grant and from church member donations would enable the church to make Guilford Park more energy efficient.
April 13  Members were encouraged to participate in an outreach program with our Kirkwood neighbors to tutor students in grades K-2 in reading at Irving Park and Alderman schools.
April 21  Loretta James began as the interim organist and choir director.
April 27  Dr. David Pinnix retired after 40 years as Director of Music for Lord’s Day Worship and Organist. A reception honoring his 40th anniversary and his retirement was held.
May 13  Sarah Harrill received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering
May 18  A congregational meeting was held to recommend the purchase of the property and house at 2410 Lawndale Drive for $150,000.
May 18  Bread for the World/Offering of Letters allowed members of GPPC to encourage members of Congress to pass the Global Poverty Act. Members wrote over 450 postcards.
June 1  Take the Pastors with You on Vacation began.  Vacation bags were prepared with a picture of one of the pastors in them.  Pictures taken by members with the pastor at vacation spots were posted on the bulletin board throughout the summer.
June 15  The American Guild of Organists hosted their first Summer Organ Series at GPPC.
June 29  Gavin Meek announced to the Session that he would be leaving GPPC August 3 to accept the call as Interim Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia.
July  New green paraments were completed for the sanctuary.
July 4  Members participated in the annual Fourth of July Parade in Kirkwood by building, riding, and throwing candy from a float.
July 16  GPPC Summer Talent Show and Ice Cream Social was held.
July 20   GPPC responded to the call of the Greensboro Urban Ministry to hold a special food drive.  In addition to members bringing goods to church, volunteers distributed empty grocery bags in the Kirkwood neighborhood on July 20 and collected them on July 27.
August 3  This Sunday was Gavin Meek’s last worship service with GPPC.  A reception was held in the afternoon honoring him and celebrating his ministry among us. 
August 3  A reception was held at First Presbyterian Church by the Presbyterian Counseling Center for Dr. Robert Herron and Judy Herron. It was announced that the PCC/Herron Scholarship Fund was renamed in their honor. This fund underwrites the cost of mental health services provided by the PCC for those in financial difficulty.
August 17  A lawn party was held at GPPC for everyone in the Kirkwood neighborhood.  There was food, games, and live music.
September 6  Clady Vincent celebrated her 100th birthday.
October 5  A congregational meeting was called by the Session.  The purpose of the meeting was for the congregation to hear the report of the Pastor Nominating Committee to consider the call of a Minister of Word and Sacrament to be the Pastor of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. It was announced that the Reverend Virginia Lee Wood from the Presbyterian Church of Madison in Madison, New Jersey was the committee’s selection to be pastor at Guilford Park.  The congregation voted to accept the committee’s recommendation.
October 21  Orientation/training for church members serving as reading tutors for Reading Connections began.  This is an adult literacy agency that provides free and confidential services that help to improve basic literacy skills, self-esteem, community service and leadership skills among new adult readers.
October 26  Pablo and Jan Feliciano were welcomed to Guilford Park.  They are missionaries in Mexico whom we support financially and by sending church members on Salem Presbytery mission trips to Mexico.
November 2   This was All Saints Sunday at which time candles were lit for each church member who had died since the previous All Saints Sunday.
November 6  The Girl Scouts of Guilford Park partnered with the church to present an Escape School Workshop, an abduction prevention program, to church families and guests.
November 16  A coffee welcoming the Reverend Virginia Wood as pastor of Guilford Park was held.
November 20  The PW sponsored Operation Christmas Child to collect and distribute shoe boxes filled with toys, hygiene products, school supplies, etc. to be given to children around the world suffering because of war, poverty, natural disasters or neglect.  This year everyone in the church family was included in preparing these boxes from KidsJam children to the Prime Timers.  The goal of filling 100 shoe boxes was met.
November 30  New Advent banners were displayed.  They brought the messages of hope, peace, joy, and love and were made by members of the Fine Arts Sub-Committee and other church members.
December 14  Celebration of Margie Boyd’s 10th Anniversary as Associate Pastor at Guilford Park was held during the annual Christmas breakfast. She preached her first sermon at GPPC on May 10, 1998.
December 17  A Blue Christmas Service was held for those who had lost loved ones or were in need of comfort and healing during the holiday season. Scripture, prayers, and song acknowledged God’s love during difficult times.


2009
January  Janet Dawson joined the staff as our congregational nurse.
January 4  The installation service for the Reverend Virginia Wood as pastor of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church was held during combined worship services.  This was led by an Installation Commission of the Salem Presbytery.  Those taking part in the installation included Reverend George Carpenter, Reverend Neil Dunnavant, Reverend Lee Ellenwood, Elder Tim Peck and others.
January 25  At the PW Winter Gathering, the church women packed Care Boxes for soldiers on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, made pillows for the Moses Cone Cancer Center, made tray favors for Greensboro Mobile Meals, prepared Caring Cards for the hospitalized and homebound, made sandwiches for Greensboro Urban Ministry, and made "No-Sew” Blankets for Hospice Kids Path.
February 8  Pictorial directory picture taking began.  For the first time the directory would be available .on the GPPC website.
March   GPPC’s website was redesigned and updated.
March 15  A Lenten Journey for the whole family was held.  At this time members journeyed through interactive learning stations and explored Lenten traditions and history through prayer ribbons, candle lightings, graffiti wall, pebble writings, jelly bean prayers, story bracelets, poetry, and much more. 
March 21  GPPC Spring Men’s Rally was held.  Men were introduced to many church activities in which they could become involved.
April 12  60th Anniversary of One Great Hour of Sharing was observed.  This offering is provided to people experiencing needs around the world.
April 15  Calvin: His Life and Legacy, a five week study on John Calvin and led by Virginia Wood began.  This coincided with the 500th anniversary of Calvin’s birth.
April 19  At the Session meeting, a motion was passed to rename the Sunday 9:00 service, Contemporary, and the 11:00 service, Traditional.
April 24-25  The high school youth participated in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine project.  For this project, students fasted for 30 hours in solidarity with those who are hungry.  They raised $360.00 to send to World Vision to help fund programs caring for children.
April 26  Mitch McGee, Housing Support Team Coordinator of Family Service of the Piedmont, presented the Minute for Mission at the worship services.  He explained the “Partners Ending Homelessness” Initiative. As part of this program, during the month of May, Guilford Park’s Mission Committee collected gently used kitchen, bath, bedroom, etc. items to help people transitioning from homelessness to a home. These items were placed in housewarming gift baskets and presented to these clients.
May  The Organ Capital Campaign began. The Walcker organ which was installed in 1967 needed to be refurbished and rebuilt. The goal was to raise $80,000. The appreciated value of the GPPC rebuilt organ is estimated at $500,000. In 1967, GPPC committed $14,000 to have the organ built in the plant in Ludwigsburg, Germany. It was then disassembled and shipped to the United States to be reassembled and installed by a team of GPPC volunteers along with Dr. Harold Andrews, the organist and choir director at that time. The first worship with the new organ was July 1966. Guilford Park had the first such organ in Greensboro
May  The Support Team Network was introduced. This program promotes a team approach to helping people through times in their lives when they may need ongoing support in various ways.  This concept matches GPPC members’ talents and skills to other members’ needs.
May 3  The Lannon Society was introduced at the worship service.  This was established to recognize and honor those whose vision and generosity move them to support Guilford Park Presbyterian Church through an estate plan gift.  The society was named in honor of Don and ‘Neal Lannon whose long service to Guilford Park exemplifies the ideals of the Christian life.
May 12  Phyllis Setzer received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
May 13  The 4th GPPC Annual Mission Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner and Dessert Auction was held. Over $5000.00 was raised to support 2009 mission trips.
May 18  Bread for the World/Offering of Letters allowed members of GPPC to encourage members of Congress to support polices, programs, and conditions that would alleviate hunger in developing countries.  Members wrote 237 letters.
July 20  Christmas in July began. This was a health program to help members lose weight by Christmas, which would give them a Christmas gift to themselves.
July 30  In an effort to Go Green and due to rising mail costs, The Guilford Guidepost started being emailed to members. It was also available on the website, www.guilfordpark.org, and hard copies will be mailed upon request.
August  GPPC’s first on-line pictorial church directory nears completion.
August 15  Dr. Bill Allred assumed the position of Director of Music Ministries. His responsibilities will include coordinating the music program of the church, playing the organ, directing the Chancel Choir and Children’s Choirs, accompanying the Contemporary Worship Service, directing the Hand Bell Choir and assisting the Men’s Chorus.  Brian Fitts will continue in his position as Director of the Contemporary Worship Service.
August 16  A farewell coffee was held for James Enoch, church sexton, to honor him for his 20 years of service at GPPC.
August 23  A Recognition and Farewell was given to Loretta James for her dedication to our music ministry during her interim position at GPPC.
August 30  A reception was held welcoming our new Director of Music Ministries, Dr. Bill Allred.
August 30  During Rally Day, the youth were asked to bring their book bags for a special blessing during the Children's Message in worship.
September 13   This was Health Sunday  A health survey was offered to members of the congregation.  Responses were analyzed so that health education and programs could be specifically designed and offered to GPPC members.
September 16  A Congregational Forum was held.  This was conducted by consultants from the Center for Congregational Health, representatives from the Presbytery, and Session members.  The purpose was for providing background information for a future congregational meeting.
September 20  The Session formed a Transition Team to guide the congregation through any future transition.  The. Reverend Jim Rissmiller, Associate Presbyter for Salem Presbytery, met with the team on October 22  for initial training.
September 20  The Session formed The Forward Together Task Force, a seven member task force that guided the Session and Congregation through the months ahead by leading small group discussions.  They also held  listening visits, where individuals and couples met with two task force members to share their experiences, concerns, and hopes.  The task force was trained by the Reverend. Carl Utley.
September 27  A congregational meeting moderated by the Reverend Curtis Patterson, COM representative of Salem Presbytery, was held for the purpose of responding to Reverend Virginia Wood’s request to Salem Presbytery to dissolve her pastoral relationship with GPPC.  The request passed.
October 3  The YES Praise Ensemble presented a Contemporary Music Evening at which time they sang musical anthems written for specific times of the church calendar year, including the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Palm Sunday, Easter, Pentecost and times in between.
October 4  Worldwide Communion Sunday was observed.  To help with the international spirit of the day, the Fine Arts Sub-Committee collected from members a variety of fabrics from other countries.  These were used during the celebration of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
October 15  The Reverend. Dr. Bill Waterstradt of Montreat, NC began work as our “bridge” interim pastor.
October 26  The GPPC Men’s Fellowship chorus celebrated 13 years of singing together.
November 13-14  The Sanctuary Organ Restoration Rummage Sale was held to raise funds for restoring the organ.  A bake sale and a Florida Indian River Citrus Fruit Sale were also held in conjunction with the fundraising. Over $6000.00 was raised.
November 15  The Session concurred with the Transition Team's recommendation that Dr. Bill Waterstradt  be named as GPPC’s Interim Pastor.
December 20  The Session approved the purchase of a defibrillator, utilizing $850.00 from memorial funds to supplement the $650.00 contributed toward this purchase. The training for its use was provided by the supplier to anyone interested.  Janet Dawson, congregational nurse, oversaw this process.
December 27  The Organ Capital Campaign Committee reported that the goal of $80,000 had been met in only six months to refurbish and rebuild the pipe organ. The project will begin in early 2010.


2010
January 10   A reception for Bill & Margaret Waterstradt was held as they began their interim ministry with GPPC.
February  Janet Dawson announced that we will be celebrating National Heart Month by installing our Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the Church
March  The high school youth participated in the 30 Hour Famine during the Lenten season.  They fasted for 30 hours to show solidarity for those who do not have enough to eat.  They hoped to raise $360.00 to sponsor a child in need for one year. Nine of the youth fasted for 30 hours and prayed for children in need of food, clean water, medical attention, schooling, and economic opportunities.
March 14  The middle school youth held a Haitian Benefit to raise funds to send to Haiti after the earthquake that occurred on January 12. Originally a Lenten Project, it became a benefit.  In addition to demonstrating their musical talents, the youth also showed entrepreneurial skills by setting up a concessions stand and selling concessions. The youth raise $1000 and received coverage from WFMY-TV.
March 17, 21, and 22  The Forward Together Task Force made their report to the congregation.  The Transition Team will address the recommendations made by the FTTF.
April  The New Member Committee transformed the main entrance to the narthex as a welcome area to GPPC.  A new awning was added to the outside entrance and a quilted banner designed by Linda Wightman was hung over a handcrafted table which was made by Rick Cromer. Ernie Skillman made the brochure rack with the Presbyterian Seal at the top. The brochure rack will serve as a welcome source for information about our ministries to visitors.
April 4—(Easter Sunday)  The organ was played at the 11:00 service for the first time since renovations began.  Although there was still some work to do, the congregation appreciated the music. The Chancel Choir sang Haydn’s Little Organ Mass and was accompanied by guest instrumentalists, including David Pinnix at the organ.
April 4—(Easter Sunday) A new banner for Easter was displayed that was made by the Fine Arts Sub-Committee. The banner is divided into four parts, which represent the Christian Year shaped by the life of Christ.
May  Janet Dawson announced that Guilford Park had received recognition from the Partners in Health and Wholeness program which is sponsored by the North Carolina Council of Churches. This award is given to congregations that “have demonstrated that as people of faith they strive to live an abundant life of health and wholeness by naming a congregational health promoter, serving healthy food and beverage at church meals, and reducing the impact of smoking on themselves and their neighbors”.
May 12  A silent auction for goods and services was added to the annual Mission Fundraiser Dinner and Dessert Auction.  This fundraiser supports the church’s mission efforts and netted $4,917.25 this year.
June 18  The first annual Guilford Park Tennis Round Robin was held at Hamilton Lakes Pool and Tennis.Club
July 25  A Congregational Meeting was held to hear a report from the Nominating Committee and vote on the proposed slate of Pastor Nominating Committee members. The recommendation passed.
July 25  Bill Allred presented a recital on the newly refurbished organ. He was joined by other Guilford Park musicians.
August, 8  The Men’s Chorus celebrated 14 years of singing together by performing at the 11:00 service. Former and current members were invited to sing and celebrate their 14 years of “singing the faith” together.
August 30  The Guilford Park  Preschool Program began it's 26th year .
September 26  The dedication of the renovated Walcker Organ was celebrated with a special worship service at 11:00 AM and a recital at 4:00 PM featuring Susan Bates, organist at West Market Street United Methodist Church. These were to celebrate the rebuilding of Guilford Park’s Walcker organ.  (see May 2009 for details of the Walcker organ which was installed at Guilford Park in 1967)
October 2  The Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series (a bi-annual event) was led by Marjorie Donnelly, M.Ed.  She presented an Enneagram workshop. The Enneagram is a tool for spiritual self discovery and change.
October 18  Plans for an Columbarium wall with 40 additional niches were announced.
December  The New Member Committee created and launched a GPPC Facebook and Twitter page.
 

2011
January 2  The new addition to the Columbarium was dedicated during worship service.
February 27  This Sunday was designated as Habitat Sunday at GPPC. There was a special offering to support the Presbyterian Partnership for Habitat at which time  $1,245.00 was collected. The partnership of fifteen churches was currently constructing their 17th house.
March 13 and during the Season of Lent  A meditation center was set up in the back of the sanctuary with some visual reminders of the events of the season leading up to the days of the death and resurrection of Christ.  Members of the congregation were invited to write prayers and petitions on strips of paper which were woven into a loom and which represented the fabric of our congregation woven together as an offering to God.
May 1  The middle school youth hosted A Blessing of the Animals. 
April  The Greensboro Historical Museum invited veterans at GPPC to submit pictures, details of service, and a personal narrative to be used in a new interactive display, Service and Sacrifice: Stories of Greensboro’s Veterans.
April 1  A team of volunteers from GPPC broke a record  at the Greensboro Urban Ministry food drive at Harris Teeter on Westridge Road. The previous time the church took part in this event, they collected 1,224 pounds of groceries.  That amount was nearly doubled April 1 when 2,381 pounds were collected.
April 10   At the GPPC spring picnic, the children participated in a Kids Walk for Hunger.  Proceeds of the event went to Greensboro Urban Ministry.
April 17  A Community Garden Ministry at GPPC was approved by the Session.  This garden will be located behind the fellowship hall on the part of the lawn facing Lawndale Drive.  With this new ministry, GPPC will join other churches who have gardens and whose missions will be to give food to area agencies to distribute to those who do not have access to fresh produce. An ongoing support network among the gardening churches, as well as continuing support from the NC Agricultural Extension Agency, will support this project. The site is large enough to eventually support  8 to10 raised beds.
April 17  The Session approved a request from the Missions Committee to provide support to the Interactive Resource Center (IRC).  The IRC provides basic needs for the homeless (showers, haircuts, nursing care, training, etc.) Guilford Park’s role would be to provide a simple lunch one day a month for six months for their Lunch and Learn Program.
April 17  An Andrew Ministry team was formed and members trained to reach out to the community to attract new members to Guilford Park.
May 15  It was approved by the Session for Guilford Park to join the Volunteer Center of Greensboro.  Membership would allow GPPC to be a Service Learning Provider for Guilford County high schools. This means that our youth will be able to earn school credits when they volunteer in the nursery, participate in any of the church’s mission programs, or attend a mission trip.
May 17  At the Presbyterian Women’s Salad Supper, the PW sponsored a Boxes for Soldiers.  The women packaged articles donated by the congregation for our servicemen and women in lieu of choosing a Lifetime Membership recipient. Chris McGraw, a member of GPPC, and his unit of 24 soldiers were the beneficiaries of this project.
May 27  This was the 55th birthday of the GPPC sanctuary. It was on May 27, 1956, that the Guilford Park congregation gathered at the front of the old church and walked across the street to the new sanctuary.  The first service of worship was held that date. An open house was held in the afternoon to give members and others an opportunity to view the new facilities, especially the stained glass windows enfolding the large cross. The sanctuary was built at a cost of $123,000.
June 14  The process of removing the stained glass windows in the sanctuary to repair water damage in the chancel area began.
June 29  It was announced to the congregation that Margie Boyd would be leaving GPPC to begin a new ministry as the Pastor/Campus Minister at Cullowhee Presbyterian Church, on the campus of Western Carolina University. Her last date at GPPC was September 11.
August 20   Parents were invited to come to church and decorate a Faith Box to hold their child's church photos, certificates, Sunday school crafts, and other church mementos.
September  The Mission Committee began providing lunch once each month for the Interactive Resource Center’s Lunch and Learn program.  Church volunteers assist in packing the lunches at the church which are then transported to the Center.
September 11  This day marked the 10th anniversary of 9/11/01.  Time was taken during the worship service to reflect upon that day.
September 11  A Congregational Meeting was held to dissolve the relationship between GPPC  and the Associate Pastor, Margie Boyd.
September 11  A reception honoring Margie Boyd and her ministry at GPPC was held.
September 18  A congregational meeting was held.  The purpose of the meeting was for the congregation to hear the report of the Pastor Nominating Committee to consider the call of a Minister of Word and Sacrament to be the Pastor of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church.  It was announced that the Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Paschal, from the First Presbyterian Church of Wooster, Ohio, was the committee’s selection to be pastor at GPPC.  The congregation voted to accept the committee’s recommendation.
September 18  This was Clean Out Your Pantry Day.  Families were asked to bring a bag of non-perishable food items for distribution to Greensboro Urban Ministries.
October 16  Chris McGraw met members of the congregation to offer thanks to Guilford Park for the support given to him and to share stories and pictures from his recent deployment in Afghanistan.
October 16  Celebration of the Blessing of Our Children service was held.  All children were invited to help lead both services . 
October 22  An event entitled Forward Together: Guilford Park and Our New Pastor was held.  Dr. William Christian, an ordained pastor in the PC(USA), a counselor, and an author was the facilitator.  Dr. Christian led participants in an experience that helped prepare them for Dr. Paschal’s arrival.
October 23  This was Bill Waterstradt’s last worship service with GPPC.  A reception was held for Bill and Margaret so that the congregation could express gratitude to the Waterstradts for their service to GPPC.
October 24  The Reverend Dr. Jeff Paschal began his ministry at GPPC
October 30  Receptions were held after each worship service to welcome Jeff and Beth Paschal to GPPC.
October 30  The first annual Trunks O' Treats was held. Adults decorated their car trunks in Halloween style and brought Halloween treats for the children.  The children dressed in their Halloween costumes.
November  Janet Dawson, congregational nurse offered a Writing as a Tool workshop.  This was a two part workshop designed to help members deal with grief, loss, hurt, anger, and loneliness through writing.
November  The Presbyterian Women invited the congregation to help Build-A-Backpack for the Doris Henderson Newcomers School.  Refugee students at the school were in need of backpacks and school supplies. The PW collected items through mid-December.
November 6  Jeff Paschal’s first Consecration Sunday Celebration was held.  The Reverend Stephen McCutchan, retired pastor of Highland Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem, was the guest preacher. There was a celebratory brunch after the 9:00 service and a celebratory luncheon after the 11:00 service. 
December  For many years, Richard and Carolyn Sherrick have shared their vast collection of Nativity Scenes which they have accumulated from their travels around the world. Once again, these were displayed for the members to view at the church.
December  Levina Kollar was honorably retired as accompanist for the GPPC Men’s Chorus after 10 years of service.
December 18  The Session approved changing the name of the Adults and Older Adult Ministries Committee to Adult Education Committee.
December 18  The Session approved that Dr. Robert Herron be named as a Parish Associate for Spiritual Formation to assist Dr. Paschal in teaching, pastoral care, and occasional preaching for a one year period.  This was later officially approved by Salem Presbytery.
 

2012
February 7  The Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Paschal was officially examined and received into Salem Presbytery at the First Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem.
February 13  The first Lunch with Jeff was held in the parlor.  Church members signed up to enjoy lunch and have fellowship with Jeff and other church members.
February 17  The first Guilford Perk was held. This began a monthly “coffee night” of live music, fellowship, and refreshments.
February 19  The installation service for the Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Paschal, as pastor of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church, was held at 4:00 at the church.  Those taking part in the service included: 
The Rev. Tempe Fussell, Pastor, Sedgefield Presbyterian Church
Elder Judy Herron, PNC Chairperson, Guilford Park Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Joel Long, Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Boone
The Rev. Dr. Sam Marshall, General Presbyter, Salem Presbytery
Elder Dianna Wright, Associate Presbyter and African American Advocate Salem Presbytery.
A reception followed the service.
February 28  Janet Dawson, congregational nurse, was given a Performance Excellence Award by Moses Cone Hospital.
March 11  The Middle School Youth hosted a workshop, entitled Making Crosses:  A New Way to Pray.  The purpose was to “discover how the spiritual practice of making crosses can deepen a life lived for Christ”.  A wood carver was present to provide inspiration.
March 29  The Guilford Park Preschool held a “Welcome Home Celebration”.  GPPC Vietnam Veterans were invited to attend so they and their families could be honored and thanked for their service as American Heroes.  Handmade gifts were presented to the veterans.
Season of Lent –Easter  Using the theme, Journey to the Cross, The Fine Arts Committee prepared the sanctuary for worship during this season.  Using banners (with prints of members’ footprints) and palm branches, the congregation was led through the darkening road of personal reflection and study through Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem.  Then in remembrance of Good Friday, all symbols were removed and the sanctuary prepared for the celebration of the resurrection.  Butterflies, made by all ages of the congregation, enhanced Easter Sunday .
April 8  Jeff Paschal had his first column as a News and Record Town Square Community Columnist published in the News and Record.
May 2  The Adult Education Committee sponsored an information session on Amendment One to discuss the concerns that many Christians and other citizens have regarding the amendment.  Legal, theological, and spiritual issues were addressed.
May 6  Janet Dawson, congregational nurse, was honored on May 6 for having been chosen as a Top 10 Nominee for the 2012 Nurse of Distinction Award.  She was featured in the News and Record.
May 15  Judy Herron received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual PW Salad Supper.
May 15  Loaves & Fishes & Other Good Dishes, the third cookbook published by Guilford Park Presbyterian Women, went on sale. GPPC “chefs, cooks, and culinary connoisseurs” contributed recipes. The proceeds of the sales will go to benefit Wello and the Waterwheel.  Wello is a social venture whose mission is: to effectively deliver clean water to a thirsty world.
May 20  The Finance and Property Committee launched a campaign to raise $65,000 to replace the current church van.  The new bus will have an electric wheelchair lift and will enable members of all ages to travel in comfort and safety on mission and fellowship activities.   
May 27  A community kickoff for residents of the Kirkwood area was held at GPPC. An energy program was presented by the city. This program was to help those residents learn more about a city run energy program which would assist homes in becoming more energy efficient.  Several times in the past, GPPC has offered the use of our church to the community.
June  A Congregational Planning Group was organized to lead the congregation in updating the GPPC’s mission statement and vision statement and to provide measurable goals for GPPC’s future development.
June 10  At a congregational meeting, the congregation voted unanimously to proceed with plans to hire a part-time Designated Associate Pastor for a three-year term.  This person would devote ten hours a week to Presbyterian Campus Ministries, ten hours a week to young adult ministries at GPPC (high school graduate age to early forties) and ten hours a week for GPPC membership at large (Congregational Care, Fellowship, Adult Education and Mission).  Funding for the position will be augmented with a grant from Salem Presbytery of $10,000 in the first year and $5,000 in the second year.
June 17  The Adult Education Committee announced plans to initiate a program, led by Jeff Paschal, that would encourage all members of GPPC to read through the entire Bible during 2013.
June 17-August 26  GPPC Summer “Between” Programs for all Ages was held during the regular Sunday School hour. A series of events open to all worshippers and visitors was designed to be inter-generational and novel during the summer months. This time would also allow visitation between the 9:00 and 11:00 AM worshippers. The programs were on diverse themes including music, eco-spirituality, mission trips, understanding/planning Presbyterian funerals, cultures of other countries, and Bible games.
July  The banner used during this season called Ordinary Time is meant to celebrate the Christian year which is shaped by the life of Christ.  Each quarter of the hanging banner has a white background and features different liturgical colors in the outer area and a portion of yellow and gold in the center.  When these four quadrants come together, they form the white cross which represents the resurrection of Jesus and the sunburst in the center recalls that joyous season of Easter. At Guilford Park, this banner has also been used as a symbol of our coming together as the family of God.  The colors are – blue for Advent, purple for Lent, red for Pentecost/Palm Sunday and green for Ordinary Time.  This banner was created with fabric given by members of the congregation.
July 15  A progress report on the Guilford Park Donation Garden indicated that it had produced abundantly.  The harvest of tomatoes, squash, zucchini, green peppers, etc. helped to alleviate hunger issues in our community. Vegetables were harvested twice each week and taken to drop sites for the Second Harvest Food Bank, which distributed the food to those in need.  Vegetables were also taken to GUM since there was a critical food need there. A new sign created by Maria Boulton and installed by Joe Browning was placed in the garden. Along with the name of the garden, Guilford Park Donation Garden, was the descriptor, "Planting Seeds of Hope for our Community." This expressed the goal of providing not only fresh vegetables but also a caring message for those struggling in tough economic times.
July 15  The Session passed a motion, brought by Mike Sasser, which would allow teen boys from Urban Ministries’ Partnership Village to play basketball once a week in the church’s fellowship hall. 
July 22  A Congregational Meeting was held for the purpose of electing the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee.
August 22  Companions in Christ led by Bob Herron and Martha Higgins began.  This was a small spiritual formation group that provided ways and paths for participants to grow closer to God and provided spiritual growth and renewal.  The group met for 28 weeks.
September  Janet Dawson, Congregational Nurse, continued to be available one Sunday a month to do blood pressure checks for members and answer health questions. She also continued to offer classes for members on mobility, exercise, home safety, CPR, etc.  In addition, she continued to share useful health information on the bulletin board, in the library, and other places throughout the church as well as work with homebound members and those in hospitals or other health facilities.
September 15  The youth of the church held a Car Wash to raise money for the new church bus. The youth raised $620.00 at this event.
September 23  Jeff Paschal conducted his first Blessing of the Animals service.  Church members as well as neighbors in the community were invited to bring their animals for this service and blessing.
October 7  This was World Communion/Peacemaking Offering Sunday.  Carolyn and Dick Sherrick prepared the communion bread and shared the story of the recipe.  The recipe has been traced back to Lena Venable, who was a member of the Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church, Tinkling Springs VA, until her death in the early 1900’s.  Around 1950, the recipe was brought from Virginia to Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church in Kensington, MD by an associate pastor, and it has served as that church’s communion bread ever since.  The Tinkling Springs church was one of the early churches in that area of Virginia and was founded in 1740.
October 13  The youth of the church held a Talent Show to raise money for the new church bus.  This was followed by a pizza and salad supper.  Raffle tickets were also sold.  The prize was a weekend at Ginny Taylor’s mountain home.
October 20-21   The 2012 Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series (a bi-annual event) was held.  Voices of Immigration:  Listening for Christ was led by The Reverend John Fife, Presbyterian minister, human rights activist, and former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Reverend Fife founded the group, No More Deaths which seeks to prevent deaths of immigrants along the US/Mexican border by offering them humanitarian aid.  During September and October, prior to the Enrichment Series Weekend, the topic of immigration was discussed at Wednesdays Together, at a six week adult Sunday School class on immigration, and during a study of the book Trials of Hope and Terror by Miguel A. De La Torre. In addition, pamphlets and other material were available to members.  Reverend Fife spoke Saturday evening, October 20th on A Tragic Failure:  Immigration Policy and Border Security.  There was a catered meal prior to his presentation in the sanctuary.  Members of the community were invited to attend.  On Sunday, Reverend Fife preached at both services on Searching for Jesus in all the Wrong Places. In conjunction with Reverend Fife’s visit, at the 11:00 service the chancel choir sang several Latin American songs.   
The Pennies for Thirst Offering went to the “No More Deaths Organization” that Reverend Fife founded. Members of the Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series subcommittee were Melanie Rodenbough (chairperson), E.B. Taylor, Mike Sasser, Karen Hornfeck, Emmy Biaggi and Robert Hickling. 
October 27  Members of the congregation joined Jack’s Pack at the Annual Down Syndrome Network of Greater Greensboro’s Buddy Walk.   October 29  The church was notified that Guilford Park members had contributed $727.98  to support the mission of No More Deaths, the ministry founded by The Reverend John Fife, our 2012 Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series speaker.
October 31  Janet Owen retired as Guilford Park’s Financial Secretary.  At the October Session meeting. she was recognized for her service and presented with framed pictures of Guilford Park.
November  The new church bus arrived.  It is a fourteen passenger 2012 Ford Bus and includes 1 wheelchair lift and can carry 2 wheelchairs.  It also has overhead luggage bins, footrests, and more.  As of October 21, pledges and gifts totaled $65,161 exceeding the goal of $65,000. 
November 5  Jane Sharpe was hired to replace Janet Owen as our Financial Secretary.
November 25  In preparation for the The Year of the Bible, Jeff Paschal began offering three Sunday School classes on November 25, December 2, and December 9.  In these classes, Jeff explored with participants how we got the Bible, criteria for interpreting it correctly and resources to help during the Bible study.  Additional classes will be offered in 2013 as The Year of the Bible begins.  Additional information was given to the congregation through a PowerPoint presentation, handouts, and brief presentations during several Sunday services.  Digital material will be placed on the church website.  More than 120 members have signed up for the study.
December 2  Four new Advent banners were presented during each of the Sundays in Advent.  They represented the feelings of waiting, anticipation, expectation, and the knowledge that something unknown and special was coming into our lives. The Fine Arts Committee made the banners.  
December 16  At the recommendation of the Church Planning Committee, the Session  of GPPC adopted the following motto for our congregation:  “Celebrating Christ with open minds, loving hearts, and serving hands.”
December 31  Guilford Park Presbyterian church had 476 active members.


2013
January 1  The Year of the Bible study began.  Approximately 120 church members committed to this study for 2013.  The guide used was The Year of the Bible by James E. Davison.  It included reading assignments for each day from the Old Testament and the New Testament.  At the end of the year, participants had read the entire Bible.  During the year, Jeff held Sunday School classes for discussion and questions about the week’s reading. He also preached sermons based on a number of the texts read.  There were weekly Year of the Bible questions in our church bulletins, and the complete schedule of Bible verses for The Year of the Bible was posted on the church website.
January 1  Jeff was asked by the Greensboro News & Record to continue writing his monthly column in 2013.  He asked the congregation for possible topics on which to write.
January 29  Janet Dawson conducted a home safety class for older adult members and/or caregivers.  Other classes she offered for members included those on mobility, exercise, CPR, AED, etc. She continued to work with homebound members and those in hospitals or other health facilities.  In addition, Janet shared useful health information on the bulletin board, in the library, in the Guidepost, and other places throughout the church.
February  The GPPC church directory became available for members to view on an iPhone or iPad.
February 4-17  Jeff was on study leave.  He and Beth were invited to take part in a ten-day interfaith trip to Israel.  Trip participants were racially diverse and came from various Christian denominations, and the leaders were prominent Jewish rabbis.  The congregation was invited to write a prayer for Jeff and Beth to place on the Western Wall (the Wailing Wall) in Jerusalem.
February 17  Sixty-four members of GPPC who had been members for 50 or more years were recognized during church services.
February 17  The Worship Committee thanked Ernie Skillman and Joe Browning for their construction work on the sanctuary table/cross that was used during Lent as a place of worship emphasis.
February 17  The Session formally approved a Bell Fund to maintain donations to purchase new bells for the Bell Choir.
February 20  Wednesdays Together is a bi-monthly churchwide dinner with fellowship and programs. Meals are prepared by our resident chef, Reto Biaggi. On this Wednesday, Jeff led a Taize Service in the sanctuary.  A Taize Service focuses on scripture, quiet prayer, meditation, and simple repetitive music.
March  GPPC began a church-wide goal-setting process for members to provide input and to discern God’s will for our church. There were three opportunities offered.  Each included a brief Bible study, examination of GPPC’s past and present, reflection about our community, and conversation about where God might be calling us in ministry and mission.  Ideas generated at the meetings were studied by church members and staff to help move toward SMART Goals (Goals that are Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Related to the Missions Statement, and Time-Bound).  Goals were then assigned to various committees/groups.  As goals were met by each committee, they were marked as completed.
March 10  At the early worship service, our new accompanist, Stephanie Lindley, began her service with us.
March 10  As part of GPPC’s Lenten journey, the Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant for a Congregation was celebrated.  It was not a rebaptism but a time for members to remember, celebrate, and reaffirm the promises they have made.
March 16  The PW Spring Retreat was held at Green Hill Center for NC Art and ARTQUEST, a program of Green Hill.  It focused on Art and Spirituality. The participants were facilitated through spiritual practices of making art, appreciating poetry, and studying other art forms.  Everyone created at least one piece of art to give away as part of our ministry.
March 24  The middle school youth presented a Peace Pole as their Lenten project.  It is located at the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Fernwood Drive.  At the service, the youth indicated that when a Peace Pole is planted in a community, it links people all over the world who have also planted Peace Poles. They are found on every continent, and every Peace Pole proclaims the following prayer: May Peace Prevail on Earth in the language of that country.
March 29  At the Good Friday noon service, The Day God Cried, Jesus’ final hours and his death on the cross were recalled .  After the service, members went outside to burn and place at the foot of the cross the “sins and the need for forgiveness” slips of paper that had been written during Lent.
April 21  The Session approved a motion that GPPC establish a Theological Student Education Fund to financially assist church members who are attending seminary.
May  The former Prime Timers’ trips will be known as the Guilford Travelers.        
May 5  The 2013 Confirmation Class received confirmation banners made by Lisa Whisenant and pottery crosses made by Pat Yelton.
May 19  Men Singing Their Faith was held in our sanctuary.  This consisted of our Men’s Chorus, and the men from Providence Baptist Church, Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, and the Easy Livin' Barbershop Quartet.  Donations of 128 pounds of food and $1,246.00 were collected for the Greensboro Urban Ministry.
May 19  The Session approved the Reverend Dr. Kit Schooley as a second Parish Associate to serve along with the Reverend Dr. Bob Herron.  This is a volunteer position.  Dr. Schooley has served many churches during his twenty-year career as a Presbyterian pastor, and he was recently accepted into Salem Presbytery.  Kit’s focus was congregational care and adult education.
June 2  Guilford Park Music Day was held. All GPPC music groups sang and performed on the Lawndale Drive lawn. In addition to sharing the talent of our members and providing entertainment, it also demonstrated that we were one community of faith showing hospitality to our friends and neighbors.
June 9   As part of the Salvation Army’s “Get Caught Giving” program, a Salvation Army truck was at GPPC to receive donations of clothing and household items from church members.
June 9  A reception was held for Phyllis Johnson, Church Administrator, who was retiring July 1, 2013  after serving our church for 10 years. She was also recognized during both church services.
June 18  Lisa Boxley began as GPPC’S new office administrator.
July  The liturgical banners used in the sanctuary, during this season called “Ordinary Time” illustrate “The Great Ends of the Church”.  They depict Proclamation, Shelter and Nurture, Truth, Righteousness, Worship, and the Kingdom of Heaven.
July 7  The Year of the Bible participants who had completed the first half of the study received a special bookmark.
September  In the September issue of Presbyterians Today, the Reverend Emily Odom of the Presbyterian Member Agency, wrote an article entitled, The Wounds of War.  In the article, she mentioned our Men’s Chorus.  George Setzer and Harold Shelton explained that the chorus wanted to share their Singing Our Faith CD and their Christmas CD with the troops.  The CDs were sent to military chaplains who distributed them to our servicemen and servicewomen.  Much positive feedback was received about this gesture.
September  To support military families and personnel who serve our country, the Congregational Care Committee added Military Care as a new ministry for the committee. Care packages, cards, etc. will be sent periodically to those serving in the military or in a military-related position and who are connected to Guilford Park.
September 8  Wills Emphasis Sunday was held.  As part of this day, members were asked to consider the opportunity and responsibility of creating a Christian will.
September 15  The Session finalized the SMART goals that emerged form the church-wide goal setting process that began in March. These goals centered around the following themes:  Neighborhood Outreach, Signature Service to Specific Groups in Need, Communication/Marketing Plan, Giving/Endowment/ Wills, Mission- Focused Social Justice Ministry, Building Accessibility, Music, and Increase Age Diversity at GPPC.  The goals were assigned to one or more session committees for evaluation.
September 19  Ernie Skillman and Kim Row did a presentation to the Prime Timers about the wood carvings in the sanctuary.  Eighty carvings have been done by members of the church since 1955.  Ernie wrote a book in 1998 entitled, Woodcarvings: Christian Symbols in Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. It is in the church library. 
September 22  Jeff and Beth had a congregational drop-in at their home for church members.
October 6  To celebrate World Communion Sunday, one worship service was held. The service was followed by a covered dish luncheon where members brought an international food dish and were invited to wear ethnic clothing.
November  Rick Cromer completed a handmade table for our entry area.  It will hold baskets for all the collections done by our committees as we assist in the special needs of our community and minister to others.
November  We were reminded that in the event of a disaster such as Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines on November 8, that there is a Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program, http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda,  to which GPPC members can make donations.
November 9  Hymn Festival, The Gift of Creation, was held at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.  Our chancel choir was one of the participating choirs.
November 10  A family friendly continental breakfast was served in honor of Stewardship Sunday.  Chef Reto Biaggi catered it. 
November 17  Members of the Session committed to the year-long program, Walk the Walk, that will begin in January 2014.  Every member of the congregation was asked to commit to this program.
November 22  The house at 2408 Lawndale Drive was demolished.  This was one of several properties on Lawndale Drive the church had purchased over the years. As these houses became available, the property was cleared so that the church could be more visible and could grow.
November 24  The Hanging of the Greens is annually held on the Sunday prior to the first Sunday in Advent.  In addition to decorating the church for Christmas and enjoying homemade soups with each other, several other events occurred this year. A program, “Glory to God: - Hymnal Exploration was held in the sanctuary.  Our GPPC vocal music groups received 70 copies of the new Presbyterian Hymnal "Glory to God” and shared with members and friends an afternoon service of singing hymns from this hymnal.  Dr. Mel Bringle, chair of the Presbyterian Hymnal Committee, co-led this service.  The first Theological Studies Fund Bazaar was also held that day.  Members were invited to donate handmade items for sale.  The proceeds went to the Theological Studies Fund which will financially assist any church member attending seminary.  The amount of money raised was $1803.00.
December 1  New Advent and Christmas banners, created by the members of the GPPC Liturgical Arts Ministry Sub-Committee (LAM), were hung at the beginning of Advent.  The banner on the left represented the hand of God offering down his love to us in the person of Jesus Christ. The banner on the right represented our response to God as we offer our love and our lives to him. The banners were created in the art form of batiking.  LAM is a sub-committee of the  Worship Committee.
December 8  A congregational meeting was held. The purpose of the meeting was for the congregation to hear the report of the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee to consider the call of an Associate Pastor for Guilford Park Presbyterian Church.  It was announced that the Reverend Jo Nygard Owens was the committee’s selection to be the associate pastor at GPPC.  The congregation voted unanimously to accept the committee’s recommendation.
December 31  Guilford Park Presbyterian Church had 483 active members.


2014
January 1  “Walk the Walk”  began. This year-long emphasis was sponsored by the Session and the Adult Education Committee.  Each member of the congregation was encouraged to commit to attending worship weekly.  In addition, members were encouraged to become involved in at least one discipleship practice in three different areas 1. Study and Spiritual Formation   2. Service to the Church  3. Service to the World. The program was developed in conjunction with the GPPC motto for our congregation:  “Celebrating Christ with open minds, loving hearts, and serving hands,” along with the passage from Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?”  In each discipleship practice, there were many activities from which a member could choose for their personal emphasis.
January  A Library Committee was formed as a sub-committee of the Adult Education Committee.  This committee’s responsibilities were to reorganize, redecorate, and redesign the library.
January 5  Receptions were held at 10:00 and at noon to welcome Jo Nygard Owens, our new associate pastor. 
January 12  Jo Nygard Owens preached her first sermon at Guilford Park.
January 26  Members who had finished the Year of the Bible study which began in January 2013 were recognized. Stained glass crosses, made by church member Jill Main, were presented to approximately 50 members during several church services.
January 26  The Presbyterian Women's annual Winter Gathering was held. Traditionally the women work on mission projects at this gathering.  This year the projects included:  “No Sew Blankets” for Kids Path at Hospice; chemo pillows for the Cone Hospital Cancer Center; card making for servicemen, servicewomen, and for shut-ins; and pillowcase dresses for the “Little Dresses for Africa” project. The women also bought and made beads from the Amani Children’s Foundation which runs an orphanage in Kenya. New and gently used stuffed animals were collected to be used by the Red Cross Disaster Relief and the Greensboro Fire Department.   Old eyeglasses and cases were also collected for distribution to the Lions Club.                   
February 3  On July 15, 2012, the session passed a motion, brought by Mike Sasser, which would allow teen boys from Urban Ministries’ Partnership Village to play basketball once a week in the church’s fellowship hall.  The young men named themselves the Guilford Park Guys (“GPGs”).The “guys” were asked if they would like to expand the program, and they were very enthusiastic. Thus, the GPGs Mentoring Program was formed as a subcommittee of the GPPC Mission Committee.  It included GPPC members, a social worker at Partnership Village, and a staff chaplain from Greensboro Urban Ministry.  It met for the first time on February 3, 2014.  Through this mentoring program, the “guys” will be offered friendship, leadership, information, connections, and support with their study habits, academics, and organization. Males at GPPC were encouraged to consider becoming a mentor.
February 9  The installation service for the Reverend Jo Nygard Owens as associate pastor of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church was held at 3:30 at the church.  Special music and liturgical dancing were part of the service. Those taking part in the service included: 
The Rev. Mindy Adams, Pastor of the Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill
Sarah Arnett, Member of the Guilford Park Search Committee
Jason Beale, Chair of the Guilford Park Associate Pastor Nominating Committee
The Rev. David Ealy, Pastor of Hawfields Presbyterian Church, Mebane
The Rev. Ginny Bain Inman, Associate Rector, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Greensboro
The Rev. Bernard J. Owens, Rector of St. Andrew’s  Episcopal Church, Greensboro
The Rev. Dr. Jeff Paschal, Pastor of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church, Greensboro
Susan Porter, Elder at Starmount Presbyterian Church, Greensboro
Nancy Schafer, Elder at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, Greensboro
A reception followed the service.
February 13  The Lenten Food Challenge began.  During Lent (Wednesday, February 13-Saturday, March 30), each church member was asked to bring one item of food for every member in their family every time he/she came to church. This food went to Greensboro Urban Ministry. During that time, we collected 1,898 pounds of food.
February 15, 2014  This date marked the 66th anniversary of the founding of Guilford Park.  Originally scheduled for February 1,1948, the organizational service was postponed because Greensboro awoke to find the ground blanketed with snow.  Therefore, our official anniversary is February 15, 1948.
February 23  A reception honoring Debbie Huneycutt, Director of the Guilford Park Presbyterian Church Preschool, was held. She was recognized for her 25 years of service at 11:00 and honored with a reception at noon.
March  The Kirkwood Neighborhood placed a Little Free Library at the corner of Fairfield and Fernwood.  A Little Free Library is a gathering place where neighbors share their favorite stories and literature. The box is filled with books.  Anyone can stop by, take a book and bring back another book to share.
March 5   Bob Herron was recognized for completing a Certificate in Christian Spiritual Formation from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta.  Over the past four years, he took classes which explored community-grounded Christian spirituality that is rooted in scripture, theology, a history of the tradition, reading in the spiritual classics, prayer and meditation, and in skills for assisting others on a spiritual journey.  For his Practicum, he co-led the Companions in Christ program, which has continued to be offered.
March 5  New Lenten banners were hung for the first Sunday in Lent.  They were created by the Liturgical Arts Ministry team.  Members of the congregation were asked to consider during the worship services in Lent the significance of the mirror-imaged banners, the fabrics and lengths of the banners, the use of the color purple, and the meaning of the footprints.
March 9  The Lenten Discipline of Repentance occurred at which time members wrote their sins on paper and brought them to the cross.
March 11  Lectionary Lunches were held at noon on Tuesdays for four weeks. Members joined Jeff to discuss the biblical text and lectionary for the following Sunday sermon.
March 15  Jo held the first Young Families/Young Adult Kickoff in the Fellowship Hall.  The goal of this gathering was to start building a community of support for young adults with families at GPPC. Activities were provided for the children, conversation took place with the adults, and food was enjoyed by everyone.
March 16  A Service of Wholeness was held at both services. Those worshiping were invited to go to one of four stations for the laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and prayer for God’s wholeness for themselves or others.
March 23  The Lenten Discipline of Forgiveness occurred at which time members wrote names of persons they needed to forgive or to be forgiven by. They brought these names to the container at the foot of the sanctuary/table cross.  The names were locked away with the sins that were collected on March 9 to be burned on Good Friday as a symbol of God’s forgiveness.
March 23  At the early service our new accompanist, Jordan Hart, began his service with us.
April  It was announced that we would continue the Lenten Food Challenge as part of our “Walk the Walk” service. The first Sunday of each month (Communion Sunday) will be “First Food” Sunday.  Food that has been brought in will be blessed on that Sunday
April  It was announced that the middle and high school Sunday School classes would “walk the walk” by sending care packages to our GPPC members serving in the military. GPPC members were asked to bring in suggested items for this project.
April  It was announced that GPPC had a blog: http://guilfordpark.wordpress.com.  It is called,  “Leaves on the Tree”.  Staff and members will be able to post thoughts and reflections that tell the story of Guilford Park.
April 13  During the Palm Sunday breakfast, a congregational meeting was held. The purpose was to unveil the congregation’s SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Related-to-mission statement, Time-bound) goals.  These goals have been written over the past 18 months by the Session, session committees, and with input from the congregation. The SMART goals were later put into booklet form.
April 18  On this Good Friday at noon, a service was held that focused on Jesus’ sacrifice for the world.  At that time, the names and sins that were collected and locked away at the Lenten services on March 9 and March 23 were burned as a symbol of God’s forgiveness.
April 27  “New Hymnal Celebration Day.”  Over 100 GPPC members contributed 245 Glory to God Hymnals in honor of or in memory of someone. These hymnals were dedicated at this service.
May  PayPal came to Guilford Park.  This payment method was offered on the website so that members could make regular pledge payments, give memorials, contributions, or any other gifts to the church.
May 4  The recycling of the blue Presbyterian hymnal began.  Each church member was encouraged to take a hymnal home for devotional use.  The hymnals were used for 21 years at GPPC. 
May 4  This was the ninth annual “Men Singing Their Faith” at First Korean Presbyterian Church.  The GPPC Men’s Chorus, Providence Baptist Men's Choir, First Korean Presbyterian - Gabriel Singers, and the Easy Livin' Quartet were involved in this program.
May 7  The Mission Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner and Dessert Auction was held for mission programs at the church.  A record $8500.00 was raised.
May 20 Jeanette Barnes received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Spring Gathering.
May 25  You Asked For It/Talk Back To The Preacher began. During the month of May, church members were invited to suggest sermon topics to Jeff and Jo. Following each of the sermons, after both services, members had the opportunity to meet with the pastors to discuss the sermon.
June  The Library Committee completed the redecorating and redesigning of the library.  Many people in the church assisted in this effort.
June 1  The Guilford Park Young Families held a Cornhole for Cans tournament.  The entry fee was cans of food that were donated to Greensboro Urban Ministry. 
June 4 Catherine Arnett requested that the congregation help her win a scholarship from www.Dosomething.org to attend the University of Edinburgh in the fall.  The request was to bring In plastic jars of peanut butter which would be donated to the Out of the Garden Project.  She collected 270 jars.
July  GPPC became involved in BackPack Beginnings, an organization which raises funds to provide needy students with school uniforms and which supports developing countries.  Our members were encouraged to donate shoes for this cause.  Approximately 300 pairs of shoes were collected.
July 13  A six-week “Blitz the Budget” campaign began to help close the budget deficit. Members were encouraged to increase their pledge, pledge for the first time, or give a one-time gift to the church. More than $52,000 in pledges and actual gifts were received.
August 3  Trombonist Chris Brandhofer, son in-law of Bob and Judy Herron, and Bill Allred, GPPC Music Director, presented a recital of music for the trombone and organ between the two worship services.
August 6  A meeting was held at the church with the Greensboro Planning and Community Development manager to receive an update regarding the “Lawndale Drive Corridor Plan” and how it may impact the church.
September 3  First Wednesdays began. This replaced the Wednesdays Together that met twice a month for dinner/fellowship.  The format was not changed but was now offered once a month on the first Wednesday.
September 3  Under the leadership of the Congregational Care Committee, GPPC began offering a bus ministry that transported residents of Friends Home and Friends Home West to Sunday worship and to First Wednesdays dinners.
September 28  Following the 9:00 service, there was a blessing of a car for the Wheels4Hope program.  This is a non-profit, faith-based car donation program that repairs donated cars and recycles them back into the community. This provides reliable and affordable vehicles for low-income families and individuals. The recipient of this car was present.  GPPC members were encouraged to consider donating vehicles and volunteering to support the work of Wheels4Hope.
October  The Presbyterian Women announced a new mission program, Freedom House, in which GPPC women could be involved. The mission of Freedom House is to rescue, restore, and redeem the lives of women and their children through a long-term Christian addiction rehabilitation program.  Three thrift stores operate in Greensboro, and GPPC women were asked to volunteer at them.
October  Madison Owen began collecting old denim jeans for the Presbyterian Youth Council. The Youth Council is working with Sole Hope to make shoes for people living in Central and South America, and sub-Saharan Africa who are dealing with chigoe flea or jigger infestations (not to be confused with chigger). One pair of jeans makes two pairs of shoes. Members were requested to donate their old jeans.
October 12  There was a blessing service of the Guilford Park Guys program, which is GPPC’s signature ministry with Partnership Village boys.
October 21  Great Reads@Guilford Park, a new book club for GPPC women, began.  It will be led by Jo Nygard Owens and will meet once a month to discuss books of the groups’ choosing.
November Jeff had two homiletical essays on Luke 23:50-56 and Luke 24:1-12 published in the Bible commentary, Feasting on the Gospels: Luke, Vol. 2.
November 16  This was Pulpit Swap Sunday.  Jeff Paschal and BJ Owens switched churches.  BJ preached at our church, and Jeff preached at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.  BJ is the husband of Jo Nygard Owens.
November 23  The second annual Theological Student Fund Bazaar was held.  More than 50 members of the congregation contributed items they had made to be sold at the bazaar. Over $4000.00 was raised to fund the TSF.  A highlight this year was a silent auction of paintings by Bob Nordbruch, Leigh Rodenbough, and Helen Shaw. In addition, Ernie Skillman donated a hand carved Presbyterian cross to support the TSF.  Donations in honor of Ernie were made to the fund.  The cross will be permanently displayed in the church library.
December 31 Guilford Park Presbyterian Church had 483 active members.

2015
January 1 “Tend the Temple” began. The Adult Education Committee and the Session sponsored this yearlong focus. It was based on 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify god in your body. Throughout the year, four areas were emphasized: worship, education, mission/justice, and fellowship. As part of those areas, opportunities in Bible study, cooking, exercise, etc. were offered to the congregation. Examples of activities included: Trail Walkers, Walking~Running~Basketball, Prayerful Yoga, Cooking Classes, Tend the Temple on a Bike, Zumba, and Pilates classes. In September, a second component, “Walk to Bethlehem”, began.
January 25 The Presbyterian Women's annual Winter Gathering was held. It was a multi-generational event. The women worked on local and world-wide mission projects at this gathering. This year the projects included: chemo pillows for the Cone Hospital Cancer Center, card making for servicemen and servicewomen, making of visitation sign-in books for visiting church members to record visits, bread making to make bread for newcomers, etc. The women also bought beads from the Amani Children’s Foundation, which runs an orphanage in Kenya.
February Revision and updating the GPPC Church Manual began. The last revision was in 2010. For this revision, each committee chair and committee were to look at the section pertaining to them. This was submitted to the Session for approval.
February The Ride-Share Program was announced. This replaced the Friends Home Transportation program (a subcommittee goal of the Congregational Care Committee) started in September 2015. The subcommittee believed that this new plan would reach more members in need of individual transportation. Church members in need of a ride to church events or personal errands would be matched with drivers based upon proximity and availability.
February 22 In keeping with our “Tend the Temple” emphasis on the body, worshipers in both services celebrated a Reaffirmation of the Baptismal. The church was not re-baptized, but members reaffirmed the baptismal covenant with words and actions.
February 22 GPPC has members who are unable to attend church regularly; however, they enjoy visits from others in the congregation. A goal this year was to increase the number of people who are visited and who visit. Jo Owens and Janet Dawson offered a session on helping members who wanted to learn more about visiting someone they know or may not have met.
March The Mission Committee sponsored March Mission Madness. The congregation was told, “that the road to the final four in March began at GPPC” with church members giving back to the community through mission work. Four of many opportunities were suggested.
The #1 Seed—Donating blood at the Red Cross Blood Drive on March 5.
The #2 Seed—Serving a meal at Hot, Dish, and Hope on March 10.
The #3 Seed—Preparing a meal and cheering the Guilford Park Guys on March
12 or March 26.
The #4 Seed—Preparing a meal for patrons of the Interactive Resource Center
on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
March 1 Guilford Park hosted its first new member luncheon. Reto Biaggi prepared the meal. All members were invited to dine with and meet members who had joined in the past year.
March 8 Intergenerational Lent Sunday School began. It was held on March 8, 15, and 22. In the Easter Garden in the Fellowship Hall, members of all ages entered and learned about the events of Holy Week through self-guided learning stations.
March 20 GPPC members joined with each other in a day of fasting to be reminded
that fasting is a traditional part of the Lenten journey and part of Jesus’ own devotion. During this time, members were asked to remember those who go without food on a regular basis.
March 20 The high school youth participated in in the national 30-Hour Famine Project.
They hoped to raise awareness of preventable hunger-related deaths and illnesses.
The goal was to raise money ($425) to support a family for one year. They also participated
in the Feeding of the 5,000 Project hosted by Muirs Chapel UMC by collecting food.
April 12 An information session and dialogue regarding Amendment 14-F (the Marriage Amendment) to the Presbyterian Church (USA) Constitution was held during Sunday school. There was a Power/Point presentation, biblical reflection, and panel conversation led by Jeff Paschal.
April 19 A pet blessing was held for church pet owners as well as for pet owners in the surrounding community.
May 6 The Mission Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner and Dessert Auction was held for mission programs at the church. More than $5000 was raised.
May 9 The First Spring Festival was held on the lawn from 11:00-3:00. Church members and the community were invited. There were games and food trucks. Entertainment was provided every 30 minutes by church members and community groups.
May 19 Linda Fitts received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Salad Supper Spring Gathering.
June The handicapped ramp which was approved by the Session was finished.
June 21 At both services, the Worship Committee acknowledged the time and talent of those who volunteered to provide music in worship throughout the year. The Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Chorus, Yes Ensemble, and Children’s Choir were recognized along with Directors, Bill Allred, Brian Fitts, and all accompanists.
June 21 The Session unanimously approved an 11th Standing Committee of the church called Justice and Peacemaking. The purpose of the committee is, “To advocate and work for justice and peace, in accordance with the principles and goals affirmed in the document,
A Social Creed for the 21st Century, approved by the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy at the 218th General Assembly of the PC(USA) in 2008”.
In July, the Session unanimously elected Melanie Rodenbough to be the first moderator.
June 28 The GPPC Men's Chorus participated in the 10th Annual Men Singing Their Faith at Providence Baptist Church. Other church participants were Providence Baptist and First Korean Presbyterian. A love offering was collected to benefit Greensboro Urban Ministry.
July In July, there was only one worship service at 10:00 a.m. The worship committee decided to combine both services to give members a chance to worship together for these four Sundays. The format alternated between traditional and contemporary.
July Members of the Liturgical Arts Ministry created a new banner to be used in the sanctuary during “ordinary time,” which in the church liturgical calendar is the time between Pentecost and Advent. A tree was the main symbol. A tree has always been part of GPPC’s history as our first members met under the oak tree at the corner of Fairfield and Fernwood in 1947. The leaves on the tree were created with different shades, textures, and shapes of green fabric given by members of the congregation. These differences represent how diverse we are as God‘s people.
July 4 Members participated in the annual Fourth of July Parade in Kirkwood which has been a long-standing tradition between GPPC and Kirkwood. Members made a “float” and decorated strollers, bikes, etc. in red, white, and blue to join in the celebration.
July 30 Stranger to Neighbor event entitled, “Body and Soul - Building Bridges Through Dance”, was held at GPPC. This was a partnership between our church and FaithAction International House. Church members gathered with approximately 60 guests for an evening of sharing food, stories, laughter, and dance. Included were the staff and board members of FaithAction International House and guests representing several different faiths and cultures.
August 6 A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Celebration of the Life of Dr. Robert W. Herron was held at Guilford Park. Bob Herron died on August 1 from injuries received in a bicycle accident. He was an ordained Presbyterian minister and the founding director and executive director of the Presbyterian Counseling Center. He was also a Parish Associate at Guilford Park.
September 1 The Walk to Bethlehem began.  This was a part of the Tend the Temple year at which time we had been honoring God with our bodies in the areas of worship, education, justice, and fellowship.  To honor our bodies with exercise, members “Walked to Bethlehem” (7500 miles from our church to Bethlehem of Galilee) September 1-December 25 arriving in time for Jesus’ birth.  Church members joined groups, and the goal was for everyone to walk five miles (10,000 steps).  In addition to walking, there was a devotion guide written by members to use each day of the “walk”.  A kick-off was held on August 23 during Sunday school to learn more about the program. Each person attending received a free GPPC pedometer.
September 20  The New to the Pew Box was introduced.  It is a box at the back of the sanctuary that holds activities young children may select to keep with them during the service.
September 23  As part of his participation with the Greensboro Police Department Faith Council, Jeff Paschal, two other clergy, and Police Chief Wayne Scott were interviewed by Channel 2 News during an ‘Ask the Chief’ segment.
September 23  The Wednesday dinners at GPPC changed format.  They were moved to the 4th Wednesday of each month and called “Wonderful Wednesdays.” The Fellowship Committee will now do the cooking, and programs for all age groups will follow the meals.
September 24  Guilford Park Presbyterian Church received the FaithAction International House's Faith Community of the Year Award.  Jeff Paschal and Melanie Rodenbough accepted the award.
September 26  A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Celebration of the Life of Edna Tyson was held at Guilford Park.  Edna died on August 29.  She was the oldest member of Guilford Park and lived to be 100 years old.  She taught many members of the church how to make chrismons, and two trees adorn our church each Christmas with these Christian symbols.
September 26  Stewardship Coffees began as part of the Count Your Blessings Stewardship Drive. This was a new idea at Guilford Park and members were encouraged to attend one of 12 “Coffees” being offered at the church or in members’ homes.  At these, members reflected on the life of Guilford Park and planned for its future.
September 28  Kim Row began a three-month Sabbatical Leave
October 4  World Communion Sunday and Mission Sunday were observed with one worship service. After the service, the Mission Committee provided a simple bag lunch and then offered opportunities for everyone to “get a taste” of helping others.  Activities included assembling “No Sew” blankets, preparing frozen dinners for Kids Path, and writing letters to homebound members. Yard work at Friends Home and taking a Homeless Awareness Walk in downtown Greensboro with Frank Dew, had to be postponed because of the weather.
October 7  Guilford Park held a bottled water drive to collect water to take to South Carolina to assist the victims of the massive flooding that had occurred.  The church Mission Committee worked with the VF Corporation and Greensboro Urban Ministry to transport the 17,000 bottles of water to Columbia SC.  Committee members personally drove the water to SC.  From Facebook, Fox News Channel 8 picked up the story, came to the church, interviewed GPPC members, and then broadcast the event.
October 10-11  The 2012 Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series (a bi-annual event) was held.
Dr. Roger Nishioka, Professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary was the speaker. On Saturday (10), he led a workshop, Passionately Engaging Faith in the 21st Century, which centered on what it means to be a faithful church now. His research-based focus was on the challenge of drawing young people into the church and embracing young adults in the church’s ministry when, unlike in the past, social needs are met outside the church.  The planning committee was Jane Lawrence, Jo Owens, and Judy Herron.   Funding for this program came from the Ruth Lamb Enrichment Fund.     On Sunday (11), he preached at both services and led the adult Sunday school classes.
October 25  On this Reformation Sunday, the names of the 45 members who have belonged to Guilford Park for 50 years or more were listed in the church bulletins, and the members were recognized during the services.
November 1  30 Days Thankful began.  Members were encouraged to count their blessings from God throughout the month of November.
November 1  On this All Saints’ Sunday, 16 members who died in the last year were remembered.  A family member or a church member lighted a candle in their memory, and the names of those 16 were listed in the church bulletins.
November 15  A Dedication of Sanctuary Renovations was held at both services.  During the fall months, planning for and completion of the renovations occurred.  These renovations included new pew cushions, new wood laminate floors, refinishing of the hardwood floors in the chancel area, new LED lighting in the chancel area and other areas, and the addition of four more inches between pews.  
November 20  A Ten Thousand Villages Community Shopping Event and fundraiser for the Deacon’s Fund was held at this Fair Trade Store.  Members spent $2144.61, and $321.69 (15%) was received from Ten Thousand Villages for the Deacons’ Fund.
November 29  Advent began. This year there were two ways to experience the season in a different way. Members posted pictures on Facebook or Instagram, which illustrated the word for that day from the Advent Journey 2015 list.   They could also read or write Advent devotions which were published on the church blog and emailed to them.
December 13  A Service of Wholeness was held in the afternoon for members who wished to worship and pray for God’s healing and wholeness in their lives. During the service, congregants could go to prayer stations and name their concerns or needs.  At that time they were prayed for and received anointing with oil and prayer.
December 20  Music Sunday was observed at both services.  At the Contemporary service, the YES Praise Ensemble presented, "Christmas in His Presence," a festive collection of music that included well-known songs and new titles. It featured multiple guest musicians, solos, and congregational singing.  At the traditional service, the Chancel Choir, soloists, and chamber orchestra presented “Part II of Heinrich Herzogenberg’s Christmas Oratorio, The Birth of Christ” which was written in 1894.  It incorporated popular carols of the day and many are still familiar now.
December 21 The new outdoor digital sign on Lawndale Drive was finished. This sign will make our church more visible in the community and easier for visitors to find.
December 31  Guilford Park held a Watchnight Service.  It was an hour of singing, praying, silence, reflection, and scripture.  It was also the official start to Called to Prayer 2016.
December 31 Guilford Park Presbyterian Church had 442 active members.


2016
January 1  “Called to Prayer” began. The 2015 Companions in Christ study/fellowship class offered this yearlong theme, which began a year of prayer emphasis among GPPC members. There was Sunday “Prayer in the Parlor” during Sunday School hours, and various open times were offered for individual weekday prayer in the sanctuary. In addition, there were monthly themes emphasizing prayer motivators, techniques, and group or individual ways to deepen prayer time.  Columns/devotions were written monthly in the Guidepost and in the church bulletins to guide church members in their daily prayer life. 
January  As indicated in the 2015 history, (see June 21, 2015), the Session unanimously approved an 11th Standing Committee of the church called Justice and Peacemaking.  The purpose of the committee is, “to advocate and work for justice and peace.”  In July 2015, the Session unanimously elected Melanie Rodenbough to be the first moderator.  This committee was active throughout 2016. Melanie wrote a monthly article in the Guidepost sharing activities of the committee, suggested readings, and community activities in which the congregation was invited to participate. Book studies, Sunday School classes, and other programs were offered during 2016. Many in the congregation participated in these activities.  Some will be highlighted in this 2016 history.
January 17  Tim and Marta Carriker, missionaries GPPC supports in Brazil, joined us in worship.  Tim gave the sermon at both services.  During the Sunday School hour, a presentation was given by the Carrikers of their work in Brazil.  They were presented with Guilford Park gifts including a Christmas ornament, cookbook, magnet, and prayer shawl.
January 17  The Session approved the Reverend Dr. Fred Beck as a second Parish Associate to serve along with the Reverend Dr. Kit Schooley.  Dr. Beck is a retired second-career Presbyterian minister as well as an accomplished jazz/classical trumpet player.  He has served as a pastor in churches in West Virginia, Indiana, and North Carolina.
February 7  The Presbyterian Women's Annual Winter Gathering was held. It was a multi-generational event. The women worked on local and worldwide mission projects at this gathering, including making no-sew blankets and chemo pillows, designing notecards for our shut-ins, and creating visitor packets.
February 21  During worship leadership, our high school seniors introduced “Faith Webs” to the congregation.  In cooperation with the confirmation class, the youth named the people who were instrumental in their faith formation: family, friends, confirmation mentors, and Kim Row who for ten years had been their partner in faith. The congregation was challenged to think about their own faith webs and to expand their webs to include the youth at Guilford Park.
February 28  Peter and Leslie Isakoff and Tara Sandercock collected prayers written on slips of paper from the congregation, which they would place in the cracks of the Western Wall in Jerusalem in March when they traveled to Israel with the Greensboro Interfaith Study Mission Trip. They explained that the background of this tradition is that the Western Wall is the closest public prayer space to the old Temple Mount where the original Temple was located.
March  In the last year a committee has worked on redoing the Gathering Area outside the office.  Portraits of Jeff Paschal and Jo Owens were put on display and a canvas photograph (taken by Jo Owens) of the oak tree on Fairfield and Fernwood, where Guilford Park began meeting in 1947, was hung over the beautiful walnut sideboard handcrafted by Rick Cromer. To further carry out the tree symbolism, which has always been prevalent in GPPC’s history, a solid oak tree, handcrafted by a craftsman in England, was ordered.  This also coordinated with the beautiful hand-carved wood throughout the church. The generosity of an anonymous donor made the purchase of the tree possible. The Bicentennial Quilt made in 1989 by women of the church to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church was removed, cleaned, and prepared for exhibit at future special events of the church. The Gathering Area Tree (“Growing in Faith”) can be used by any group to depict events happening at GPPC that fosters our faith, commitment, and understanding of God’s love. During 2016, it was used to depict or highlight Earth Day, Easter, VBS, College Bound students, Stewardship, and Advent. Library books were showcased as well.
March 6  College students from Central Michigan University stayed at Guilford Park during their Alternative Spring Break trip.  They spent the week at the Civil Rights Museum helping with exhibit maintenance and learning about this pivotal time in US history.
March 6  Clarence Darrow: A One-Man Play was presented by local teacher and actor John Robinson in honor and memory of Bob Herron, who died on August 1, 2015.  Darrow worked on some of the most celebrated cases of social justice in American history. This program inspired attendees to contemplate the meaning of justice in the past, present, and future. A love offering of $1406.00 for Bread for the World was collected to honor Bob who devoted his time and energy caring, volunteering, and advocating for the poor in his work with Bread for the World.  The Justice and Peacemaking Committee sponsored the play with Melanie Rodenbough, Judy Herron, and Jeff Paschal.
March 13  In preparation for the lectionary reading for Sunday, March 13 (John 12:1-8) when Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with oil, the congregation was invited to participate in Visio Divina (Latin for Divine Seeing) which is a method of connecting with scripture through art by gazing at it or creating it. Crayons, brushes, and other art supplies were made available to members to create artwork to connect with the scripture reading.
March 20  Holy Week began and “Holy Week” booklets were made available to children and adults with stickers to mark each worship service attended during the week (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday).  Information about each of the special days was included as were descriptions of special Easter symbols.  Children who attended all the services in Holy Week were recognized in church, and their names were printed in the church bulletins.
April 9  PW Retreat “Still Called: Women in the 21st Century Church” was held at GPPC.  The guest preacher was the Reverend Julie Peeples from Congregational Church of Christ in Greensboro.  The emphasis was on the changing - yet continuing - role of women in the church. The PW Retreat Mission Project was to collect donated food and assemble bags to help fill the weekend food gap for children in need through BackPack Beginnings.
April 17  On the recommendation of the Justice and Peacemaking Committee, the Session voted to join the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, which among other things meant that GPPC would be a congregation that welcomes and includes members of the LGBTQ community.
May 1  The Finance and Stewardship Committee presented “Wills Emphasis Sunday.” Keith Wood, Esquire, conducted “A GPPC Workshop on Wills and Other Planned Charitable Giving.”
May 4  Mission “Dinnarr” and “Dessarrt” Auction (“pirate spelling” of dinner and dessert) was held.
May 8  The Justice and Peacemaking Committee sponsored Bread for the World’s 2016 Offering of Letters. Members continued their longstanding tradition of writing letters to Congress to influence funding of food programs and to create pathways out of hunger and poverty.  Nancy Rhodes, Vice President of Finance and Administration for Bread for the World, gave a special Sunday School "Bread" presentation.
May 11  The Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership for 2016 was awarded in loving memory of Mary Ellen Hull at the PW Salad Supper. For many years, Mary Ellen dedicated her life in service and witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ at GPPC, the Greensboro community, and in the world at large. Her two daughters, Emmy Biaggi and Julie Linkous, accepted this award on her behalf.  
May 14  GPPC's 2nd Annual Spring Festival was held. Food trucks, entertainment, games, and pony rides were part of the festival.  Church members as well as the public were invited.
May 16  A panel of four Muslim guests joined 28 Guilford Park members to explore our two faiths in a dialogue called “Ask a Muslim Anything.” The Justice and Peacemaking committee sponsored this learning event.
May 17  Lindsey Altvater-Clifton, a GPPC member, graduated from Wake Forest Divinity School.
June 13  As an outgrowth of the peacemaking efforts that have been taking place at GPPC with Muslim friends led by the Justice and Peacemaking Committee, members received a special invitation to join the Muslim community for their daily breaking of the Ramadan fast at sunset at the Islamic Center.  Two gifts were given: a prayer shawl made by a member of Guilford Park and an offering to the mosque. Approximately 30 members attended.
July  The GPPC Jazz Quartet (Fred Beck, Brian Fitts, Jordan Hart, and Tom O'Shea) was formed and provided special music several times during 2016.
July  Individual church members provided special music at the July summer services.  In addition, Chris Brandhofer, son-in-law of Judy Herron, and Libby Rodenbough, daughter of Bo and Melanie Rodenbough, shared their talents on the trombone and violin respectively.  
July 10  The Justice and Peacemaking Committee hosted a "Brunch & Learn" and a showing of an Emmy Award-winning episode from the Showtime documentary series titled: "Years of Living Dangerously - Ice and Brimstone.”  Afterwards, Steve Drew and David Hamilton led the group in a conversation on climate change.  The environmental impact, the science, religious beliefs, and the PCUSA’s position on climate change were discussed along with how we as church members can serve as stewards of our environment.
August  The Liturgical Arts Ministry added green silk enhancements to the sanctuary windows for the Liturgical Season of Ordinary Time between Pentecost and Advent. Many shades of green were used to represent the diversity in our world and in our church family.
August 6  Members of GPPC visited the Islamic Center for an educational presentation. We met our Muslim neighbors, ate, and learned about the basics of the Islam religion.  A question and answer session was very informative.
August 7  There was a blessing for the journey for any high school student who just graduated and was headed to college or to work. Each student participated in the laying on of hands, prayer, and a blessing.
August 8  GPPC hosted an anti-racism workshop put on by the Partnership Project and the Racial Equity Institute. It was an in-depth look at institutional racism, its history, and legacy.
August 14  A night of “spirit filled singing and fun” was held at Gibbs Brewing Company.  GPPC along with several other area churches participated in an ecumenical gathering of hymn singing.  An offering was collected to support the Interactive Resource Center. Several of these events took place after this, and a love offering was taken at each for an area organization.
August 15  A Koinonia group information meeting was held. Koinonia means “Christian fellowship or communion with God or more commonly with fellow Christians.”  Members who joined a group would set their own schedules and meet in each other’s homes for a brief gathering meeting, discussion of a Bible study, sharing of joys and concerns, and dessert.
August 21  There was a “blessing of the house keys” at both services for members who had recently moved or who wished prayer for their own long-time home.
October 9  This was Mission Sunday, and the Reverend Frank Dew, Head of Chaplains at Greensboro Urban Ministry and founding pastor of New Creation Community Presbyterian Church, was the guest minister.  A pancake breakfast fundraiser was held during Sunday School to raise money for the 2017 summer Nicaragua Mission Trip.
October 13-16  North Carolina Presbyterian Pilgrimage #143 was held at Camp Hanes. Over the years many GPPC members have participated.  This year Teresa McGraw served as the rector.
October 16  In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, church members were encouraged to bring bottled water to church to be taken to eastern NC by the Reverend Frank Dew.  In addition, Martha and David Higgins coordinated collections of water and new and gently used items to be sent to the area through Kayser-Roth.
October 18  The first information meeting about the International Mission Trip to Nicaragua in the summer of 2017 was held. Anyone interested in being a part of this trip was urged to attend.
October 27  Lisa Boxley resigned as Church Administrator. Jane Sharpe was named the new Church Administrator.
October 30  On this Reformation Sunday, five members who have belonged to GPPC for fifty years were recognized during the church services and presented with a certificate.
November 6  On this All Saints’ Sunday, 14 members who died in the last year were remembered.  A family member or a church member lighted a candle in their memory and the names of those 14 were listed in the church bulletins.  Special music by the GPPC Jazz Quartet was part of the service.
November 20  There was a “Blessing of the Bedrolls.”  The Youth Sunday School class made bedrolls for the City of Greensboro’s Operation Bed Roll out of plastic bags contributed by church members.  The bags were cut into strips (plarn) and crocheted into bedrolls.  Each bedroll required 500+ plastic bags.
November 20  The session approved Guilford Park’s 2017 theme: “Stand up and Step Out.”  This is the primary purpose of two session committees (Justice and Peacemaking Committee and Mission Committee) The congregation will be challenged to stand up to advocate for those in need in the community and at the same time step out to serve those in need. Over the years Guilford Park has consistently been involved in activities that speak to the theme but will be challenged to do more in 2017.
November 27 The observance of Las Posadas began at GPPC and ended on Christmas Eve. This is a Mexican tradition and means “The Lodgings.”  It remembers Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and their search for shelter.  At Guilford Park it was observed in two ways.  First, Mary and Joseph traveled from a member’s home to a member’s home in the congregation as they made their journey throughout Advent. On Christmas Eve, the final part was enacted (see December 24).
December 2  The second Ten Thousand Villages Community Shopping Event and fundraiser for the Deacon’s Fund was held at this Fair Trade Store.  Members spent $1894.62, and $284.23 was received from Ten Thousand Villages for the Deacons’ Fund. 
December 20  Music Sunday was observed at both services.  At the contemporary service, the YES Praise Ensemble presented “Almost There” which invited the congregation to experience Christmas as Mary had. It featured soloists, guest musicians, and congregational singing.  At the traditional service, the Chancel Choir, soloists, organ, and string orchestra presented “The First Nowell” which was a retelling of the Christmas story through carols.
December 24 On Christmas Eve at the 4:00 service, the final portion of Las Posadas (see November 27) was enacted as the children moved around the sanctuary knocking on doors and seeking shelter. The congregation participated by singing the part of the innkeepers. Members donated baby gifts (diapers, onesies, blankets, etc.), which were placed in the manger as offerings. 
December 25  Special music was provided by The Market Street Brass at one service on Christmas Day. This quintet was founded in 1974, and Fred Beck was a founding member.
December 31  Guilford Park Presbyterian Church had 441 active members.
 

2017
January 1 Guilford Park’s 2017 theme, “Stand Up and Step Out,” began.
In November 2016, the session approved this theme, which was the primary purpose of two session committees (Justice and Peacemaking Committee and Mission Committee). Throughout the year, the congregation was challenged to stand up to advocate for those in need in our community, and at the same time step out to serve those in need. Although GPPC has consistently been involved in activities that speak to the theme, it was challenged to do more in 2017. There were many opportunities during the year to advocate and serve (special speakers, mission trips, letter-writing, service to the needy, etc.). These will be highlighted in this history as they occurred.
January 1 The Burlington Boys Choir provided musical leadership during worship services. Bill Allred, GPPC’s Director of Music Ministries, directs this choir. The 56-year old choir has sung at the White House four times.
January A 17-week journey of faith exploration for the 2017 Confirmation Class began. The high school students visited saints of the GPPC family, learned about the history of the church, visited other churches, served the hungry, professed their faith, and much more during this time.
January 22 The Mission Committee invited the congregation to Skype with Tracy King-Ortega who is the missionary that GPPC supports in Nicaragua. She offered important details about the trip to Nicaragua for those interested in going in the summer.
January 27 Our Christian Educator, Kim Row, was a workshop leader at the annual international meeting, “The Event,” held by the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators in Denver, Colorado. Her workshop was entitled, “Controlled Chaos: Self-directed Programs, Stations, and Activities for Families!”
February Through GPPC’s Congolese Family Initiative and African Services Coalition, we helped in the resettlement of two families from Congo. The congregation assisted the families by helping with errands, providing household items, and befriending them.
February 5 The “Souper Bowl of Caring” has been held for many years at GPPC. On this Super Bowl Sunday, 62 food items and $408.61 were collected for Greensboro Urban Ministries by the confirmation class.
February 19 The Presbyterian Women held their Winter Gathering with the emphasis being on local and international missions. The items made included  chemo pillows, fleece scarves (which went to GUM), fleece blankets (which went to KidsPath, and notes and cards created by the children, which were sent to our homebound members. Barney Hale, a member of the Kirk of Kildaire in Cary, NC brought scarves made by Mayan women in Pala, Guatemala. These were available for purchase, and scarves and bags were sold to benefit the women in Guatemala. The PW also sponsored a Nicaraguan Care Box for donations of items to take to Nicaragua on the church’s mission trip.
February 19 The Justice and Peacemaking Committee sponsored a “Service of Inspiration” which was based upon a reading of The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr's "Letter From Birmingham Jail" by Dr. Joseph Graves. Musical offerings by local artists Laurelyn Dossett and Nishah DiMeo were part of the service. About 200 people from GPPC and the community attended the afternoon service.
February 19 The session unanimously approved a “Proclamation of Friendship with our Muslim Brothers and Sisters.”  The proclamation included the themes of love, friendship, hospitality, and neighborliness to our Muslim neighbors 
February 26 The congregation wrote notes of encouragement, hope, and support for our Muslim neighbors. These were presented to the Islamic Center of Greensboro along with a framing of the “Proclamation of Friendship with our Muslim Brothers and Sisters” which was adopted by the session on February 19.
February 26 The Justice and Peacemaking Committee hosted a “Lunch and Learn” conversation about immigration. The Reverend David Fraccaro, the Executive Director of FaithAction International House, was the guest speaker. He updated attendees on immigration, detention, and deportation based on the current 2017 laws. Question and answers followed, and ways that GPPC can respond as a faith community were discussed.
February 26 The annual Chili Cook-off was held with more than 100 people attending. At this time the congregation met one of the two Congolese families GPPC is sponsoring.
March An update was given on the library. A new checkout system has been started which will use a computerized system to list our materials. One member whose mother is an author donated copies of her books. Two members donated money to broaden our holdings of LGBTQ books.
March 7 At GPPC, John Batchelor, a retired teacher and educator, presented a program based on his book, Race and Education in Guilford County and North Carolina. The Guilford Anti-Racism Alliance and the Justice and Peacemaking Committee of GPPC sponsored this program. In his presentation, Batchelor drew from case laws, interviews with policy makers, civil rights leaders, and attorneys who were involved in school desegregation. He explained the history of the political and legal factors that cleared the way for desegregation in the North Carolina public school system.
March 18 D-Now (Discipleship Now) was the youth Lenten project this year. GPPC’s youth joined other youth around the country to live a day like Jesus. It was a day of serving, worshiping, prayer, and fellowship at The Church Under the Bridge on Spring Garden Street. The youth cooked, served dinner, and led the worship. They also distributed 75 toiletry bags of soap, shampoo, and dental items that had been collected at Guilford Park.
April 1 The Presbyterian Women’s Spring Retreat was held at GPPC. The guest speaker and leader was Lee Hull Moses, pastor of First Christian Church in Greensboro. The worship and discussion theme was taken from Lee's new book, More than Enough: Living Abundantly in a Culture of Excess. Worship, small group discussions, and fellowship during lunch were highlights of the retreat. Many women in our congregation helped lead the groups.
April 16 A new Easter banner, Alleluia, was displayed. As we recalled the events of the past Holy Week, the cross was a reminder of the suffering and death of Jesus. The empty cross was a reminder that Jesus’ death was not the end of the story and that the joy of Easter was the good news of the resurrection and its promise to us. The butterflies and other symbols also expressed the joy of Easter.
May 3 The annual Mission Spaghetti Fundraiser Dinner and Dessert was held. This is the only fundraiser GPPC does for Youth and Adult Missions. As a result of the auctioning of the desserts, $5500.00 was raised.
May 10 Kathy Gaines received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Salad Supper Spring Gathering.
May 14 The Justice and Peacemaking Committee sponsored Bread for the World’s 2017 Offering of Letters. Members continued their longstanding tradition of writing letters to Congress to influence funding of food programs and to create pathways out of hunger and poverty.
May 28 At worship, a “Commissioning of Sabbatical” was held for Jeff Paschal as he began his three-month Sabbatical journey starting June 1 and ending August 31. A reception was held for Jeff between services to wish him well on his Sabbatical. The Sabbatical Leave Policy for pastors was adopted by the session November 17, 2002.
June It was announced in the Guidepost that Prime Timers would change their meetings/programs from monthly to two-three times a year. Prime Timers at GPPC began after the Guilford Park Senior Citizens, which began in 1973, program ended in 1998. For 17 years, church members who were senior citizens were treated to a monthly meal and a program or entertainment. However, due to society changes, attendance declined. A survey was sent to church members asking for input as to the future of Prime Timers. As a result of this input, it was decided to meet two-three times a year for a meal and fellowship. Over the years many church members cooked, organized, and planned the monthly programs and their work was much appreciated.
June 4 The Children and Youth Committee sponsored a “Lunch and Learn” session. The topic was “This is Your Brain on Adolescence”, and it addressed the blessings and challenges of brain development. Beth Paschal, who is on staff at the Presbyterian Counseling Centered, led the session.
June 18 This was Choir Appreciation Sunday. Many people help to provide music at our services. On this day, these groups and their leaders were recognized with appreciation for the time and talent they give to GPPC. Recognized were the Chancel Choir, Yes Ensemble, Children’s Choir, Handbell Choir, Youth Handbell Choir, and Men’s Chorus.
July Beginning July 2 through July 30, one service (Blended Service) was held at 10:00. The services each Sunday combined aspects of the Contemporary Worship Service with the Traditional Worship Service. The theme for July was exploring scripture through the lens of music lessons. Fred Beck, Jo Owens, and Kit Schooley covered melody, harmony, form, and rhythm as they helped us learn more about God’s word in our lives. In addition while the choirs took a break, church members, relatives of church members, and staff provided music through singing and various musical instruments.
July 2 At GPPC, members shared an interfaith covered dish supper and fellowship with our Muslim Friends from the Islamic Center. The Justice and Peacemaking Committee sponsored this.
July 16 The Commissioning of 10 Nicaragua Missionaries from GPPC was held as part of the Stand Up and Step Out goal of the Justice and Peacemaking Committee. These members left on July 23 and returned on July 29. While in Nicaragua, they built relationships with the community through work, play, and communion. They cleaned up schoolyards, helped in coffee fields, and helped to build water reservoirs. They played with the children and learned about the Nicaraguan culture, history, and political climate. The missionaries worked closely with Tracey–King Ortega who is the missionary in Nicaragua sponsored by GPPC. Upon their return, the members shared their experiences in the Guidepost, church services, and informal conversations.
July 24-27 Vacation Bible School was held. The theme was “Maker Fun Factory:
Created by God; Built for a Purpose.”  Eighty-six children attended and became hands-on inventors who discovered that God lovingly created them. Adults, middle schoolers, and high schoolers volunteered during the week and helped make VBS a success. The VBS mission project raised money to help provide fresh water to children of Peru.
September 1 Jeff Paschal returned from his 3-month sabbatical. He shared that this time was spent reflecting, reading, doing mission work, writing, and reconnecting with family and friends. He indicated that the sabbatical also was helpful in preparing him for his future years in the ministry.
September 3 “A Sabbatical Return Litany” for Jeff was part of the September 3 Worship Services.
September 15 The music staff of GPPC presented “An Evening of Music.”  Secular and sacred music were offered, and guest musicians presented for us. A love offering was collected in support of the music program at GPPC.
September 24 At a called session meeting, the personnel committee reported that Jo Owens had requested that her pastoral relationship with GPPC be dissolved effective October 17, 2017. She indicated she wished to spend more time with her family and that she was also planning to pursue ministry and service in the field of Church Communications. Her resignation was accepted, and the letter of resignation that she presented was sent to all church members by email and the Guidepost.
October 1 At a congregational meeting, the congregation voted to accept Jo Owen’s resignation and dissolve the associate pastoral relationship.
October 15 At the worship services there was a liturgy entitled, “Dissolution of a Pastoral Call” as Jo was released from her service as the associate pastor at GPPC. A reception was held to honor Jo between the two worship services. Food and fellowship along with gifts and tributes to Jo were part of the reception. In addition, a “Journal for Jo” was to be presented to her on her final day (October 16) filled with thanks, blessings, and hope from the congregation.
October 21-22 The 2017 Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series (a bi-annual event) was held. This Enrichment Series is made possible by a gift from the estate of Ruth Lamb. The program this year was sponsored by the Justice and Peacemaking Committee and was on Childhood Poverty. The speaker was Gene Nichol from the UNC Law School who has expertise in childhood poverty in NC. Nichol is the author of many writings on the subject. His presentation on Saturday evening was entitled, “Poor and Hungry Kids in the Richest Nation on Earth.”  He also preached at the Sunday worship services on “Poverty, Hunger, and the Sermon on the Mount.”  Between the two worship services, Nichols held a conversation on childhood hunger in the Fellowship Hall. GPPC members, as well as people from the community, attended these sessions. Prior to Gene Nichol’s presentation at the Enrichment Series event, a book study was offered in September on “Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis” by Robert Putham. An Adult Sunday School class also began in September and featured discussions using an American Baptist curriculum, “Children Poverty, and the Bible.” Also, during this class, there were presentations by three of our members who have professional expertise in the area of childhood poverty. Another project, which correlated with this, included inviting members to write a brief entry about personal experiences with poverty and what helped them thrive and escape. The stories were collected for future publication.
October 22 Lindsey Altvater Clifton, a GPPC member, who our church sponsored through seminary, accepted the call to be co-pastor at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church in High Point.
October 29 On this Reformation Sunday, five members who have belonged to Guilford Park for 50 years were listed in the church bulletins, and the members were recognized and given a certificate during the services.
October 29 A 6-week Sunday School class began for our congregation which focused on making decisions for the last third of life. There were several important topics discussed. Church members and outside speakers led these discussions.
November 4 As part of GPPC’s Peacemaking Initiative, the Justice and Peacemaking Committee and our Muslim neighbors from the Islamic Center of Greensboro held a picnic at Bur Mill Park. There were games, walks, and visiting with each other prior to lunch which was prepared by members of the Islamic Center. Several city leaders also attended which enabled us to share with the broader community our peacemaking efforts.
November 5 On this All Saints’ Sunday, 14 members who died in the last year were remembered. A family member, a church member, or an acolyte lit a candle in their memory, and the names of those 14 were listed in the church bulletins.
November 11-12 “Gifts That Give,” an International Fair Trade Market was held at the church. Items for sale in the Fair Trade booths included art, jewelry, toys, housewares, and accessories from 15 countries around the world. Members of GPPC and the community visited the market. More than $15,000 was raised with proceeds going directly to support the artisans and organizations that promote human dignity and social justice in those countries. Church members volunteered before, during, and after the event.
November 19 The Session approved an application by the Justice and Peacemaking Committee on behalf of GPPC for the church to be certified as an Earth Care Congregation, which would verify that we were part of the “Call to Restore the Creation.” Steve Drew led the process to this point. On April 23, an exploratory meeting was held to determine if church members wanted to purse this certification. Earth Care Congregations commit to the “Earth Care Pledge” and complete actions in the four categories identified in the pledge: worship, education, facilities, and outreach. An environmental audit was done in each of the four categories listed above. In the audit it was determined that we were doing many things, and if GPPC is approved, we will be tasked with increasing these activities each year. The application will be sent to PC(USA) Environmental Ministries in 2018.
November 30 GPPC's peacemaking ministry was featured in the latest issue of our denomination's national magazine, Presbyterians Today in an article entitled, “A North Carolina Congregation Extends an Unwavering Welcome to Muslim Neighbors.” The article featured the activities that our church has done, under the leadership of Jeff Paschal and Melanie Rodenbough, with the two faith communities in getting to know each other and building friendships in light of threats of violence directed at immigrants in the community. 
December 2-24 Advent banners were displayed which brought the messages of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love as we prepared our hearts and minds to celebrate once again the coming of Christ into our world. These cut paper banners were the first ones made by the Liturgical Arts Ministry and other church members nearly ten years ago.
December 3 "Music Sunday" was observed at the traditional service with the Chancel Choir singing Bach's Cantata 140, “Sleepers, Awake! A Voice Astounds Us.” This was an Advent Cantata and featured the choir, soloists, and instrumentalists.
December 17 “Music Sunday” was observed at the contemporary service. The YES Praise Ensemble presented, “Let There Be Light,” a Christmas celebration created by Bradley Knight and Johnathan Crumpton.
December 17 The Men’s Chorus did a two-hour caroling trip. As in past years, the Chorus visited and sang to individual members who are homebound. They also visited several retirement centers where some of our members live.
December 31 Guilford Park Presbyterian Church had 444 active members.


2018
January 1 Guilford Park began its 2018 theme, “Commitment in the 21st Century Church.”  During the year, we reflected on culture and the church in the 21st century and, also, on how members and their families could recommit themselves to God through the church.
January 22 Bill Allred traveled to York, PA, to pick up a rank of pipes for our Walcker Pipe Organ, which was installed in 1968. These additional pipes will enhance the sounds of the organ. The proposal was presented to the session November 19, 2017, and was approved with the funds coming from the Memorial Fund and the remaining funds in the Organ Fund. During the year, Bill gave an update on the lengthy installation process. The estimated completion date is 2019.
January 24 Guilford Park hosted a “Doing Our Work” presentation sponsored by the Guilford Anti-Racism Alliance (GARA) featuring the Tim Wise documentary: White Like Me: Reflection on Race from a Privileged Son.
January 27 The first Contra Dance (a social dance, which has mixed origins from several dance styles) was sponsored by the Fellowship Committee.
February Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Environmental Ministries certified Guilford Park as an Earth Care Congregation (ECC). This was a culmination of the work begun on the certification process in November 2017. (See entry: November 19, 2017 in 2017 GPPC History) Steve Drew, who chaired the Stewards of Creation committee of the church, headed the process. The application was completed and sent to PC (USA) Environmental Ministries in 2017. Guilford Park was officially notified of the certification in February 2018. Certification is renewed each year as the church increases environmental stewardship activities.
February 8 A press conference, attended by numerous community faith leaders and GPPC members, gathered at the church. The conference was in support of a clean Dream Act or similar legislation to protect the young people who were brought as children to this country without documentation. About 100 people attended. News outlets covered the event.
February 14 The Youth Lenten Project began. The youth packed care bags of toiletries donated by church members. These were given to school nurses, guidance counselors, and social workers to pass on to children in need. 
February 14 The Banners for Lent were refigured from the original ones hung during Lent in 2014. Those banners were made from five panels of purple cloth using various textures, shades of purple, and differing lengths, which represented the diversity of the members of GPPC. This year the panels were refigured to represent the church as being together as one family as we praise and worship God.
February 15 Guilford Park‘s 70th anniversary was officially February 15, 1948; however, it was celebrated in April.
February 25 A “Lunch and Learn” in celebration of Black History Month was held. The event included a viewing of the documentary More than a Month followed by a group discussion. The Justice and Peacemaking Committee sponsored the event.
March The Liturgical Arts Ministry reported that the Bicentennial Quilt made in 1989 had been redesigned by Kathy Gaines and Barbara Gainer. The original quilt was made by women of GPPC and presented on Bicentennial Sunday, November 6, 1989 at a service that celebrated the 200th anniversary of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA. Over the years it became evident that it needed a facelift. The quilt was reworked by the ladies and then professionally quilted. A new look was given to an older treasure. It will be displayed in various places in the church.
March 11 The Children and Youth Committee hosted “Tacos N’ Talents” in partnership with the Fellowship Committee to raise money to remodel the Youth Lounge. Staff and church members participated in a talent show, and tacos were served. Donations went to the remodeling. A total of $1854.00 was raised which was the amount needed to replace the four appliances (purchased in 1991) in the lounge.
April 7 PW Retreat “Loving Ourselves” was held at GPPC. Small groups, led by our church women, highlighted ways we could take care of ourselves.
April 8 The Justice and Peacemaking Committee sponsored a “Lunch & Learn” at church. Ginny Hultquist and Sue Stinson, who were two members of the teams that were organized by FaithAction to visit detainees at the Stewart Detention center in Georgia, shared their experiences. They also presented “The Detention of Undocumented Immigrants: Why should it matter to the rest of us?”
April 8 The third “Ten Thousand Villages Community Shopping Event” and fundraiser for the Deacons’ Fund was held at this Fair Trade store. Members spent $784.44 and $117.67 was received from Ten Thousand Villages for the Deacons’ Fund.  
April 14 GPPC was represented at the Earth Day celebration at Kathleen Clay Edwards library. At a booth, the community had an opportunity to learn about recycling by participating in a game with prizes organized by GPPC members.
April 15 A tornado hit Greensboro destroying several schools and homes. Guilford Park provided help in many ways including donating books and school supplies to damaged schools. The youth, with donations from the church, began a “Healthy Hands & Hearts” project in which they completed more than 75 toiletry kits which were delivered to school children affected by the tornado.
April 21 Guilford Park’s Spring Celebration was held on the lawn. It was called the “Then and Now” celebration, and it celebrated our past meeting our present. Activities included food vendors, horse riding, musical presentations, a bounce house, face painting, art projects, games, and much more. Members and families, and neighbors were invited to attend. We recognized Guilford Park’s 70th anniversary (February 15, 1948) during this week, and at this event, we looked to our past with mementoes of our history. In the church, items from the past were displayed, reflecting our beginnings under the large oak tree at the corner of Fernwood Dr. and Fairfield Ave.
April 22 The recognition of Guilford Park’s 70th anniversary (actual date February 15) continued. During both services, long-handled burgundy collection pouches were used for the offering. These were first used at Guilford Park on July 4,1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. They were also used at a Bicentennial Service at GPPC on November 5, 1989 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church in the USA (1789-1989). At the traditional service, the anthem Now Let Us All in Hymns of Praise was played. It was written by Sally Morris in 1998 to commemorate Guilford Park’s 50th anniversary. Anniversary cake was served after church services.
April 29 Congolese refugee Felix Ndayisenga was the guest speaker. He works as an interpreter with African Services Coalition. He also gives the sermons for the Swahili services at First Presbyterian. The church members skyped with our Missionary in Nicaragua, Traci King Ortega, between services.
May 6 At Bur-mil Park, Guilford Park reunited with the Islamic Center of Greensboro for a joint picnic, fellowship, and fun with our Muslim friends.   
May 9 Donna Barrier received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Salad Supper Spring Gathering.
May 13 Janet Dawson, our congregational nurse, retired on April 30. However, her retirement was officially recognized at both services on May 13. Janet joined the staff of GPPC on January 1, 2009. A giant card, with notes from church members, was presented to her. In addition, the July Guidepost had a tribute to Janet listing all the ways she had contributed to our church and members.
May 16 The Mission Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner and Dessert Auction was held for mission programs at the church, and $6007.00 was raised.
May 18 The Fellowship Committee and the Congregational Care Committee joined together to offer the first Game Night (Bunco, Whist, and other games). Several more of these events were held during the year.
June 10 The Burlington Boys Choir, led by Bill Allred, gave a concert in our sanctuary.
July The Personnel Committee announced that last spring Jeff Paschal received the first place award in the Hosanna Preaching Seminar for his sermon titled “God of the Underdog.” The Israel-Palestine network sponsored the seminar.  The sermon was submitted for publication in a preaching journal and can be read at: http:// new.israelpalestinemissionnetwork.org/?id=362
July 9 The Justice and Peacemaking committee led a conversation based on the book Waking up White by Debby Irving which recollects Debby's experiences being an American white woman and coming to terms with the complexity of race in the United States. On September 17, many of our members attended a speech given by her at First Presbyterian Church.
July 14 FaithAction held an ID event at GPPC. In addition to being able to receive or renew a veritable form of ID, a free health clinic was held. Congregants were invited to get ID cards to support our immigrant neighbors.
August 16-17 A Racial Equality Training Workshop, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, was held at GPPC. It was designed to understand and eliminate racial inequalities in our society.
August 23 Members were invited to walk across the street to the Peace Pole and new Prayer Path made by the youth. GPPC members, neighborhood children, and adults are using the path. Future signs will encourage and explain the stopping places for contemplative prayer along the path for those who use it.
August 24-26 Festival of Faith was held. This event highlighted back to school and back to church activities for the fall. Family fun, an intergenerational workshop, and a church-wide service project were some of the activities. On Sunday, the “Sunday School Kick-Off” and “Meet Your Teacher” occurred as well as the “Blessing of the Backpacks.”
September Thank Offering collection sponsored by the PW began. This offering is dedicated to ministries throughout the country (and several international ones) that support education, clean water programs, safe housing, justice for women, health care, etc. In the past, contributions at the PW Fall Luncheon were the primary donations. This year PW decided to open this to all circles as well as the entire congregation. The total amount received was $1577.00, which was three times the amount received in 2017.
September 8-9 GPCC high school youth were invited to help with the children’s activity area at the NC Folk Festival.
September 10 Sarah Seaton-Todd began her ministry as a pastoral intern at GPPC. She assisted in worship, preached several sermons, worked with the Mission Committee and Justice and Peacemaking Committee, and did pastoral visits with Jeff. Jeff was her mentor during the time she was with us.
September 10-November 5 The Justice and Peacemaking Committee led a book study on Faithful Resistance by Rick Ufford-Chase. The book focuses on the changing church and how GPPC can face the challenge with a renewed commitment to Jesus.
October 14-November 18 A Sunday school class, “Art of the Faith” began. The class viewed 14th and 15th century biblical art. Anne Kiefaber, a local painter with an extensive background in art history, and Kit Schooley (parish associate at GPPC) led the class. Anne interpreted the art of classical masters, while Kit discussed the biblical context of the paintings.
October 21 GPPC had a welcoming booth at the Greensboro Pride Festival. Supporting Pride events is one way that we show our commitment to our genuine welcome as a congregation. As stated on our website: Welcome to Guilford Park Presbyterian Church! Seeking unity in divisive times, we open our doors and our arms to all: The culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse; young and old; gay and straight; believers and seekers.
October 23 GPPC hosted a choral concert by the Weaver Center Academy Choir. Sacred and secular works were presented.
October 30 Many church members attended the “Guilford County Rally against Hate and Violence,” at Temple Emanuel. This was in response to the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018, and was a time to show support and heal together as a community.
November Rick Cromer handcrafted a table that he donated to GPPC to be used at the entrance to the Fellowship Hall. 
November 2 An Evening of Music 2 was presented by our music staff and visiting musicians. A wide variety of styles (both sacred and secular) were offered.
November 3-4 GPPC hosted an on-site Ten Thousand Villages Fair Trade sale. Artisans in developing countries, who were paid a fair trade price, handcrafted all items. GPPC raised $2091.00 for Ten Thousand Villages.
November 4 Dr. Brian Blount, President of Union Presbytery Seminary, preached at GPPC. He is the first African American to serve as president and professor of New Testament at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA, and Charlotte, NC.
November 11 A Lunch and Learn on Suicide Awareness was held for parents, grandparents, mentors, etc. It was a time to share resources, statistics, and stories in an effort to shed light on this subject.
November 13 Jeff led a book study on Changing the Conversation: A Third Way For Congregations by Anthony Robinson. The book offers useful suggestions for church renewal and how the church fits into today’s society. The session and staff also studied the book.
December For 20 years Carolyn and Dick Sherrick shared the Nativities they collected during their travels all over the world. Each year they set up a display at GPPC with various nativities from their 600-item collection. No items were ever displayed twice. This year they decided to donate the nativities to an appropriate non-profit organization. Appreciation was expressed to the Sherricks. Their displays will be missed.
December The Presbyterian Women began a Holiday Food Box project, which helped feed hungry families during the holiday season. PW purchased Food Lion Food Boxes ($50.00 each) that were distributed to Greensboro Urban Ministry. Through donations from the circles, 88 food boxes were purchased ($440.00) and a monetary donation of $200.00 was give to GUM. Guilford Park members gave in many other ways during Christmas through the Angel Tree, Faith Action Toy Drive, and filling gift bags which were distributed at Hot Dish and Hope. Through the purchase of Honor Cards, $1300.00 was raised to help support various organizations.
December 5 Guilford Park Guys Alumnus, Steven Daley, had the honor of guarding President George H. W. Bush at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas as people paid their respects to the president. Steven is now a Ceremonial Guard in the US Navy. In that role, he greets dignitaries visiting the United States and participates in the burials at Arlington National Cemetery. Steve participated in the Guilford Park Guys program started by Mike Sasser in 2015. (See entry: February 3, 2014, in 2014 GPPC History).
December 16 On Music Sunday, The YES Choir presented, Breath of Heaven and the Chancel Choir presented the Cantata, From Heaven I Come. 
December 31 Guilford Park Presbyterian Church had 388 active members. 

2019
January Changing the Conversation: a Third Way for Congregations, by Anthony B. Robinson, continued to be a book that the Guilford Park congregation was encouraged to read and study. In 2018, the session and staff studied the book, and Jeff Paschal also offered a book study on it. It offers suggestions for church renewal and how the church fits into today’s society. As we moved further into 2019, the session and congregation engaged in some spiritual discernment, study, dialogue, and planning as we sought to find the path God wants us to take as a church in this time and place.                               
January Guilford Park partnered with A Simple Gesture for a food drive during the month of January. Members were encouraged to get a green bag and return it filled with food each Sunday during the month. In this food drive, families from GPPC gave 628 pounds of food, providing 785 meals for families in Greensboro. 
January 20 Guilford Park Preschool director, Debbie Honeycutt, was recognized for having worked in the Preschool for 30 years. Ten of those years were as a teacher and 20 years as the director. The GPPC Preschool is recognized as having an outstanding program.                                                  
January 20 Kim Row announced that Worship Bags for children were ready for their use in worship each Sunday. Each child will have one with his/her name on it. The bags contained items a child was working on from Sunday to Sunday or items the child wanted to bring from home to work on during worship.   
January 27 Jeff and Beth Paschal led a “Lunch and Learn” on “Building Stronger Relationships.” The class focused on communication techniques and ways to strengthen relationships. 
January 27 Sarah Seaton-Todd, Guilford Park’s pastoral intern, returned to share her ministry with us through May 5. On May 5, a reception was held between the two worship services to honor her.
February 12 Guilford Park hosted Salem Presbytery. Approximately 240 people attended, the largest Salem Presbytery meeting in a long time. Church members helped with parking/shuttling, greeting, registering, organizing the worship service, preparing breakfast and lunch, setting up, cleaning up, making table decorations along with other tasks. 
February 17 At its February meeting, the session approved GPPC becoming a Salem Presbytery Peace and Justice Church. Prior to this meeting, the Presbytery's Peace and Justice Task Force acknowledged that Guilford Park met requirements for a Peace and Justice Church. The session approval, therefore, publicly affirmed the work of the church.  
February 17 At the February session meeting, it was decided to expand the Guilford Guys program to include girls. Mike Sasser originally started the program in June 2012. He started working with teens from Partnership Village and had 10 to 15 boys playing basketball every week in the Guilford Park gym. Later mentors helped the teens with homework, and provided guidance, while serving as positive role models to them. Many have attended college or joined the military. The Guilford Girls will follow a similar mentoring program, and their program is scheduled to begin this fall.
February 23 Salem Presbytery Women’s Spiritual Enrichment Day was held in Winston-Salem at Grace Presbyterian Church. Mary Kirkpatrick spoke about Guilford Park being an Earth Care Congregation. Our church is the only one in Salem Presbytery that has achieved that designation.
February 27 The Justice and Peacemaking Committee hosted a discussion on relations between the police and African Americans entitled, “Community Conversation: Police and African Americans.”  Guest speakers included GPPC member Sgt. Korey Johnson of the Greensboro Police Department, the Reverend Frank Dew, former pastor of New Creation Community Presbyterian Church, and Anna Fesmire, former president of the League of Women Voters. The event was open to the public, and audience members added their perspectives and questions.
March The Congregational Care Committee collected items (snacks, games, magazines, puzzles, personal care items, etc.) to send to church family members deployed overseas. Cards were also available for the congregation to sign.
March 6-April 21 For Lent, the Justice and Peacemaking Committee challenged the congregation to observe Lent with #Plasticfast - a "fast" on single-use plastics instead of focusing on food or alcohol. Many ideas for doing this were shared through the Guidepost, Guilford Park’s Facebook page, and other social media pages. We were reminded that as an Earth Care Congregation, raising our consciousness about reducing and reusing plastics was a faithful way to observe the 40 days of Lent. 
March 10 The Liturgical Arts Ministry, a sub-committee of the Worship Committee, created a new banner for the Liturgical season of Lent. The banner was to enhance our journey to the cross. It reminded us that there is promise and hope to come as we remember not only the death of Christ on the cross but also the everlasting light which comes into fullness each Easter as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
March 22 An intergenerational Country Line Dancing activity was held in the Fellowship Hall. An instructor from Pyramids Fitness Club taught the participants basic steps. Food and fellowship were part of the evening.
March 22-23 The high school youth Lenten project was 30 hours of fasting, service, and fundraising. The fasting was in solidarity with the hungry. The goal was to raise awareness of hunger and also to raise $480.00 to sponsor a child in a developing country for a year. The youth raised $540.00. The youth also helped at the 3.21 Dash for Down Syndrome on March 23. They ended the day by breaking their fast with our neighbors without homes by serving at Church Under the Bridge.
March 24 At both church services, a congregational renewal of baptismal vows was celebrated.
March 24 The Islamic Center of Greensboro invited Guilford Park members to gather at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum for a community prayer for the victims of the Christchurch mosque shooting in New Zealand on March 15.                                                    
April 6 The second annual Spring Fling was held. Gifts for Easter, Mother’s Day, weddings, etc. were available for purchase. Part of the sales benefitted youth mission work.                                           
April 7 For their Lenten project, the middle school youth held a Pet Blessing at the church. GPPC members, neighbors, and all pets were welcomed.  Remembering and reflecting on animals no longer with us was also part of the service.                       
April 13 The Presbyterian Spring Retreat was held at Guilford Park. Zulfiya Tursunova, Assistant Professor and Department Chair for Peace and Conflict Studies at Guilford College, facilitated the event. Examining how to be at peace in the world, exploring ways to bridge divides in families and communities, and practicing peace by serving others were topics that were explored. Kim Row involved the children as they did activities that reflected what the women were doing. The children also participated in the service activities by helping to sort supplies for the Children’s Hope Alliance and making no-sew blankets.       
April 28 Lunch and Learn: Connecting the Pursuit of Justice to Scripture was held. The Reverend Frank Dew gave a presentation on applying the principles contained in the verse Micah 6:8 to the life of Guilford Park.                     
May 4 Community Day was held on the Lawndale/Fernwood lawn. The event was for Guilford Park members and their families as well as participants throughout Greensboro. Food trucks, inflatable games, horseback rides, and a visit to a fire truck were part of the day’s events. It was well attended by church members and the neighborhood, and it gave our church the opportunity to extend Christian hospitality to our visitors.                                        
May 8 Louise O’Shea received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at the annual Salad Supper Spring Gathering. The Birthday offering of $804.00 was collected.
May 21 The Trajectory of Hope, by Jeff Paschal, was published by Parson’s Porch Books. It is a book of sermons, which he has preached to his congregations over the years. Profits from sales of the books will be donated to the Guilford Park Guys, a program that provides basketball and mentoring for at-risk boys.                                                     
June Stewards of Creation committee members began working on the Community Garden to prepare it for planting and harvesting. This Community Garden Ministry at GPPC was originally approved by the session on April 17, 2011. With this new ministry, GPPC joined other churches who had gardens and whose mission was to give food to area agencies to distribute to those who do not have access to fresh produce. For many years, Levina Kollar maintained the garden. During that time many tons of food were grown and distributed. In June, members of the Stewards of Creation committee assumed the task of maintaining the garden with the help of the GPPC Preschool. Harvested food will continue to be contributed to area food banks during summer and fall months.
June 9 Guilford Park hosted a Lunch and Learn with guest speakers Deputy Police Chief James Hinson from the Greensboro Police Department and Sara Smith from North Carolinians Against Gun Violence. The program provided information about gun violence as well as responsible gun ownership and gun safety. It also focused on current and recent legislation aimed at reducing gun violence. Diverse views were welcomed. 
June 16 Members of the Organists Guild and guest instrumentalists, including Bill Allred and members of our handbell choir, gave a concert in our sanctuary. Jasmine Ismail (a church member) returned from her studies in Boston to perform before going to the Manhattan School of Music in NYC in the fall to work on a master's degree. 
July-August Guilford Park worshipped together at one service at 10:00. The worship styles alternated each week. The Chancel Choir and the Yes Choir were on vacation so special music was provided each week by church members and relatives of members.                                           
July Jeff Paschal led a weekly book study during July on the New York Times bestseller, The Uninhabitable Earth. 
July 22 Katherlee Gordon celebrated her 100th birthday. She is the last living charter member at Guilford Park. GPPC was chartered on February 15, 1948.      
July 22-July 25 Vacation Bible School’s theme was To Mars and Beyond. It helped the children discover the wonders of God's universe.                                         
July 28 The Membership Committee coordinated a Kirkwood neighborhood walk. The purpose was intentional observation of Guilford Park’s surroundings and our neighbors to see and assess if there were opportunities for GPPC to become better neighbors.                                             
August 15 Dr. Bill Allred, Organist and Director of Music Ministries, celebrated 10 years of service at Guilford Park. Members wrote special notes to him in a hymnal. Notes were written on the fly-leaves or on a favorite hymn. This was presented to him in worship on August 25.
August 28 Martha Higgins led a class on making and using prayer beads. Each participant made his/her own set of prayer beads and learned ways to incorporate their use in daily prayer time.
September The Justice and Peacemaking Committee offered several opportunities for the congregation to grow in understanding of the LGBTQ community. These included: a book study of “God and the Gay Christian”, an invitation to visit the GPPC booth at the Greensboro Pride celebration in downtown Greensboro, Lunch and Learn with Melvy Shaw of the Guilford Green Foundation who discussed the transgender experience, and the viewing and discussion of the documentary film “Gen Silent.”
September 5 A new eNews format was introduced. In order to streamline the news and make it easier to use, links to the church website will be cited to give detailed information about church news.
September 22 A single Sunday church bulletin, combining the contemporary and traditional services, was introduced. Since GPPC has been designated an Earth Care Congregation because of our environmental stewardship activities, this is another way that the church can help the environment by reducing the amount of paper. Bulletins continue to be recycled each Sunday.
October 26-27 The Gifts That Give Fair Trade Gift Market was held. Unique handmade gifts from 15 countries were available for purchase. Fair trade gives support for artisans through organizations promoting human dignity and social justice. In conjunction with the event, the PW held a bake sale. The proceeds went to the Thank Offering sponsored by the Presbyterian Women's Creative Ministries Offering Committee. It grants requests from ministries serving those in need, both at home and abroad. The bake sale raised $375.00 for the Thank Offering.
October 30 Guests from “Counterpoint,” the small mixed chorus from Triad Pride Performing Arts, performed a repertoire, which included show tunes and popular music under the direction of William Sutherland. Prior to the performance a covered dish dinner was served. A love offering of $421.00 was collected.
November Don Olson presented the church with a beautiful display desk he had crafted. This gift of love and talent is now in the library and holds our GPPC memory books.
November The Presbyterian Women held their second Holiday Food Box project, which helped feed hungry families during the holiday season. The project raised $955.00 exceeding the amount raised in 2018 of $690.00. PW purchased 100 Food Lion Food Boxes ($5.00 each) With the surplus, the PW gave Christmas gifts of $40.00 each to the Guilford Guys. Working with DSS, PW also gifted two teen mothers with Visa gift cards.
December The project of adding a new rank of bass pipes to the Walcker organ, which began in 2018, was completed. In addition, other work was also completed, including the installation of a new facade on the lectern side of the chancel above the choir. Bill Allred oversaw the installation and refurbishing.
December During the Christmas season, Guilford Park members continued to support many organizations including: A Simple Gesture, Greensboro Urban Ministry, Interactive Resource Center, Piedmont Land Conservancy, Sanctuary House, Habitat For Humanity, FaithAction International House, and the Angel Tree.
December 1 The Military Ministry of the Congregational Care Committee made Christmas Cards available for church members to sign for friends and family of members currently in active service.
December 1 As has been done for many years, The Home Ministry of the Congregational Care Committee delivered Christmas Care bags to individuals on the congregational care list. This continues to be a very important part of our outreach to those members.
December 15 On Music Sunday, the YES Choir presented, Celebrating the Light of the World and The Giver of Life and the Chancel Choir presented, The Birth of Christ Part III (Heinrich von Herzogenberg). Guest musicians were part of both presentations.
December 15 The Fine Art of Christmas, a special two-week Sunday school class, led by Kit Schooley began. Christmas art was viewed and discussed.
December 17 Susan Smith, Guilford Park’s new congregation nurse, began working.
December 21 The Membership Committee hosted a carol sing for our members and our church neighbors. This took place in the Fernwood Drive parking lot under the oak tree. Bill Allred led the singing with the assistance of the GPPC Men’s Choir. Warm beverages were served, and several people from the surrounding neighborhood joined in the caroling.
December 28 A GPPC Youth Alumni Reunion was held in the newly renovated youth lounge. All former Guilford Park youth were invited.
December 31 Guilford Park had 382 active members.

2020
January GPPC was re-certified as an Earth Care Congregation for 2020.
January 20 The United States reported its first case of the coronavirus to the World Health Organization. The first death occurred in Washington state on February 6. Further information as to how this impacted Guilford Park will be explained in detail in the March 11 entry and in later entries.
January 28 Susan Smith, GPPC congregational nurse, offered a Lunch and Learn class on Normal Aging: Forgetfulness vs. Dementia.
February 9 The Justice and Peacemaking Committee had a Lunch and Learn event for the showing of the film, I Am Not your Negro by James Baldwin.
February 9 Jeff Paschal resigned as Pastor/Head of Staff of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church effective March 22, 2020.
February 15 The Justice and Peacemaking Committee organized a group viewing of the movie, Just Mercy, at the Grande Theater. The movie is based on the book with the same title by Bryan Stevenson.
February 19 Fred Beck and Kit Schooley announce their resignations as “Parish Associates” effective March 22. The Parish Associate, as defined in the Book of Order, is responsible to the head of staff as needed without remuneration. This agreement ends if the pulpit becomes vacant.
February 23 At the Annual Meeting, part of the agenda included Dissolution of the Pastoral Relationship with Jeff Paschal effective March 22, 2020.
February 24 The Justice and Peacemaking Committee sponsored a book discussion on the book, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.
March 1 At a Called Session meeting, the Session approved the Transition Team. The team began work on March 22 and was tasked with the search and call for the Transition/Interim Pastor (to be referred to as Transition Pastor in the rest of the document) as well as to make provisions for regular worship, pastoral care for the congregation, and support of the staff during the transitional period.
March 11 The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. By December 31, 2020, in the United States 342,000 persons had died; 6,748 North Carolinians had died; and in Guilford County 312 people had died.
March 15 The Confirmation Class of 2020 attended and observed the Session meeting as part of their confirmation requirements. They finished their classes by Zoom in May; however, the confirmands asked to wait to join the church until the church returned to in-person worship.
March 18 By virtual E-vote, (a first for the Guilford Park Session), the Session approved a policy recommended by the Transition Team regarding Covid-19 and church activities. Utilizing the Center for Disease Control guidelines, Presbytery guidelines, White House advice, and acting on orders from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, the Covid-19 policy included the following: all church activities were suspended, pastoral care was to be provided by phone calls, notes or other means not involving physical contact, church staff were directed to work from home, etc. This secession of activities was to continue until April 30, 2020.  As the virus continued to spread, the Session changed this to indefinitely.
The Covid-19 virus greatly impacted Guilford Park throughout 2020. However, even though the church building was closed, many church activities were continued or initiated virtually or in other ways during Covid-19. Using Facebook, eNews, emails, car parades, or other unique ways that avoided face-to-face contact, our church stayed open even when the building was closed. GPPC committees, staff, and "church members-to-church members" stayed connected in creative and innovative ways during the pandemic.
Along with church members and all committees, the GPPC staff was intricately involved with the planning, organization, and implementation of these activities. Church staff: David Cagle, Kim Row, Bill Allred, Brian Fitts, Jane Sharpe, Susan Smith, Debbie Huneycutt, Jordan Hart, and Mark Gordon, as well as Fred Beck and Kit Schooley, were vital in keeping the church and members connected.
In March, following the adoption of the "Church Activities and COVID-19 Policy" by the Session on March 18, Sunday services were available each week on YouTube and the GPPC website for the rest of 2020. These services alternated between Traditional and Casual styles. All Covid- 19 guidelines were followed in the preparation of the services.
March 22 This was Jeff Paschal’s last Sunday at Guilford Park. Plans had to be revised for this service due to the Covid-19 virus. Instead of the worship service which would include the Dissolution Service and a farewell reception afterwards, an abbreviated worship service was held in Jeff’s office and via Facebook. It included a short sermon and the Dissolution of Pastoral Call Service (modified for Covid-19).  Three other church members and Jeff were part of this service, and social distancing was practiced during this time. At the conclusion of the service, Jeff and Beth were presented two gifts from the congregation: a prayer shawl made by a church member and a painting by Bill Mangum (Greensboro artist).
March 23 Fred Beck and Kit Schooley entered into a contract to be Temporary Supply Pastors until a transition pastor was hired. They were referred to as our “Bridge Pastors.”  Both are retired Presbyterian ministers, and both had served Guilford Park as Parish Associates. The Parish Associate Positions ended at the conclusion of Jeff’s ministry at Guilford Park.
March 29 Zoom Sunday School began for children and youth and continued every Sunday, even through the summer when traditionally Guilford Park does not have Sunday school.
April The church leadership authorized keeping Guilford Park’s Donation garden in operation this year provided all safety and social distancing practices were followed. Volunteers tended the garden throughout the summer and yielded approximately 100 pounds of vegetables through September. Vegetables were harvested regularly and taken to drop sites in the community to be distributed to food banks. 
April An “angel band” of mask-makers at Guilford Park had made face masks since the beginning of the pandemic. Over 500 masks were made and delivered. Many of the masks went to church members and members of their families. In addition, masks in batches of up to 50 went to Greensboro Urban Ministry, Blumenthal’s, the IRC, Backpack Beginnings, Friends Homes, medical facilities, and businesses.
April Thomas Shackelford, son of John and Suzi Shackelford and grandson of Becky Holt, completed a variety of park improvement projects at the church. He built two picnic tables and a bike rack, installed a path to the Peace Pole, and repainted the Prayer Path. Thomas is a member of Troop 101.
April 12 The banner used for the season of Easter was originally created and hung in the sanctuary for Easter 2010 as noted in the 2010 history. It represented the Liturgical year which is shaped by the life of Christ. Church members donated pieces of colored fabric in blue for Advent and Christmas, red for Pentecost, purple for Lent, and green for Ordinary Time. Yellow and gold fabric was used to depict Easter sunrise and celebration. The large and round banner is alternated with other banners throughout the church year. Last year, the banner was heavily damaged during a water problem in the basement. However, the members of the Liturgical Arts Ministry took the banner apart, created a new backing, cleaned the fabric, and reattached it to its frame. The banner hung again in the sanctuary this Easter season.
April 12 Since the church building was closed Easter Sunday due to Covid-19, church members were encouraged to submit pictures of their families posing with the cross from past years. These photographs were placed on the church’s Facebook page Easter morning. The first resurrection cross for the Easter season was placed on the church lawn on Good Friday, March 24, 1989. In an annual tradition, each Easter morning live flowers replace the black wrapping. This year was the first year that flowers were not placed on the cross.
April 22 Jane Sharpe, church administrator, was honored on Administrative Professionals Day with remembrances for the excellent way she has always performed in her role. This year was extremely challenging, but she maintained the business of Guilford Park working remotely from home for much of 2020 during the pandemic without a pastor or transition pastor.
May 1 Bridge Pastor Fred Beck presented a virtual communion on Sunday, May 1. This was approved by the Session and was Guilford Park’s first virtual communion. It was done in accordance with the most recent ruling and guidance from the PC(USA) regarding virtual communion.  All communions for the rest of 2020 ware done virtually.
May 3 Kim Row began a Zoom fellowship time on Sunday morning. Members were urged to attend via Zoom with their favorite beverage and say hello to fellow church members. This group continued to meet by Zoom for the rest of the year.
May 9 A Called Session Meeting was held by Zoom which was the first Zoom meeting that the Session held during the Pandemic.
May 9 The Session unanimously voted to endorse the recommendation of the Transition Team to hire the Reverend Dr. David Cagle as the Transitional Pastor at Guilford Park effective July 1, 2020. David completed his Master of Divinity at Columbia Theological Seminary and the Doctor of Ministry in Preaching at McCormick Theological Seminary. He is a trained and certified transitional pastor. David served 22 years as an installed pastor, serving churches in South Carolina and Tennessee, and as an associate pastor in North Carolina. He served four years as a transitional pastor at two churches in Virginia and currently at Guilford Park.
May 9 The Session approved the formation of a Plan Ahead Team. This team, composed of church staff and committee representatives, would make decisions about the ministry of GPPC in the time of Covid-19, including the future of reopening the church building. The committee met regularly throughout the remainder of 2020. It utilized data from the Center for Disease Control, the Presbytery, the White House, the North Carolina Department of Health, and Governor Roy Cooper. Through the eNews and Guidepost, the team communicated regularly to the members regarding the functioning of the church during this time. Plans for a modified reopening changed several times depending on the data. Many church activities were adjusted, changed, or created as Guilford Park members and staff were committed to remaining in contact with each other. Details of these events will be cited later in this history.
May 10 This was "Offering of Letters Sunday for Bread for the World" sponsored by the Justice and Peacemaking Committee. Traditionally, Guilford Park members wrote letters to their representatives on this Sunday. However this year, due to Covid-19, members were asked to send handwritten letters to the committee and the letters would be mailed to the appropriate representative(s) in Washington.  Another option this year was to use website links to send an email directly to elected representatives.
June 8 The Session approved a motion from the Worship Committee to purchase equipment that would allow GPPC to upgrade the video capabilities in the sanctuary to allow for live-streaming of our worship services.
July 1 David Cagle joined us as our Transition Pastor which marked the beginning of the next chapter in the history of GPPC. David shared his ideas of how he wished to meet the needs of the congregation during this transition time and Covid-19 time. He planned to communicate with members in a variety of ways (Zoom/FaceTime/Skype meetings, individual telephone conversations, etc.) while still adhering to the Covid-19 Policy written by the Transition Team and approved by the Session on March 18, 2020.
July 3 Katherlee Gordan died at the age of 100. She was the last living charter member of Guilford Park. Katherlee and her husband, Max, were two of the 61 worshipers who became charter members on February 15, 1948. In addition to their long membership, Max and Katherlee were involved in the formative years of our church. In December 1946, they sold to Orange Presbytery one of four lots at the southeast corner of Fernwood Drive and Fairfield Avenue. Prospective members worshiped under the old oak tree that still stands in the parking lot until McGinnis Hall was completed on October 7, 1947 on the property.
July 6 Guilford Park joined with Westminster Presbyterian Church in the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge. Thirty-three GPPC members participated. The purpose of the challenge was to seek and to better understand systematic racism and injustice and how we can act to bring equity and healing to our nation. Members chose to read, listen, watch, or do one thing each day from a list of suggested resources.
July 7 The Transition Team planned a "Meet the Pastor Parade" from 6:00-7:30. It was a “wave and greet the pastor” event through the church parking lot. Members were encouraged to make posters for their cars with their last names to introduce their family as they welcomed David and his wife, Zoe Anne, to Guilford Park. Members stayed in their cars, wearing masks; all other Covid-19 guidelines were strictly followed as well.
July 7 After the "Meet the Pastor Parade," there was a drop-off for non-perishable food donations that were delivered to Greensboro Urban Ministry, A Simple Gesture, and FaithAction. This was sponsored by the Justice and Peacemaking Committee and the Mission Committee. More than 300 pounds of food were donated.
July 31 Backpacks filled with school supplies for 20 elementary, middle, and senior high students were delivered to FaithAction by Guilford Park.
August Car Parades for faith formation and fellowship as well as a variety of church activities began. These were in place of normal non-pandemic church activities held by church committees. Often the church committees worked together on themes for the parades. These will be described throughout the rest of the 2020 history. Strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines was observed.
August 16 A Sunday School Kick-Off Car Parade was held in the church parking lot. "Blessing of the Backpacks and Devices" was held. Blessing tags or stickers, a sweet treat, children’s choir CD, a calendar of fall events, and a mask were distributed. Covid-19 guidelines were strictly followed as well.
August 16 The Session approved a gift of woodcarving to the church from Ted Oliver. Ted is the son of Sam Oliver who was one of the men who made many of the wood carvings in our sanctuary. This carving by Sam Oliver is of St. Bartholomew and is displayed in the church library.
August 16 The Session approved a motion from the Worship Committee on behalf of the Liturgical Arts Ministry (a sub-Committee of the Worship Committee). This was a church-wide project to design a Tree of Hands. The tree was created by using cut colored paper handprints of members. These were placed on the tree to become the leaves of the tree. The Tree of Hands remained in the Chancel behind the Lord’s Table during the time of social distancing and online worship services. Although we were unable to be present sitting in the congregation, the tree represents our unity and presence in worship when seen online.
August 23 GPPC held its first virtual Congregational meeting on Zoom for the purpose of electing the At-Large members of the 2020 Nominating Committee.
September-October The Flu Shot Challenge was issued to the staff and members of Guilford Park. After they received their shots, they were encouraged to send a picture to the church to be posted on the Guilford Park Facebook page. Members were also encouraged to challenge someone else in the church to get their shot.
September 13 The "S’more Love/Fall Fun Car Parade" was held. Members dropped off Pennies for Hunger and received S'More prayer and encouragement from staff and church members as well as fun activities for the youth.
October Fellowship in the Park was held on October 10, 11, 17, and 18. Members wishing to visit in the park signed up online. Bringing chairs and blankets, they visited at a socially distanced spot under the oak tree. All Covid-19 guidelines were followed.
October 4 This was the 40th year GPPC has been involved with Church World Service’s Greensboro Crop Walk. Greensboro Urban Ministry received 25% of the funds raised for GUM’s Potter's House Community Kitchen. This year the walk was a virtual one.
October 11 Korey Hickling delivered the message, “It’s Not About You,” on Laity Sunday. Korey, an ICU nurse at Cone Hospital, worked during the Covid-19 pandemic as an intensive care nurse at the Cone Green Valley Covid-19 Hospital. She described in her message how she had witnessed much about the human spirit and the need to have complete faith in God for oneself and for others. Korey was one of many essential workers at Guilford Park who served the community during Covid-19. Appreciation was given to all of these workers throughout the pandemic.
October 12 "Monday Sunday School" began. Members met by Zoom on Monday evenings to study the messages and scriptural references found in our Glory to God Hymnal or other favorite hymnals.
October 18 The 2021 Stewardship Campaign began. "Hope Grows Here" at GPPC was the theme for the campaign. From October 18 through November 15 each member was asked about their hopes for Guilford Park. In addition to asking for pledge cards, Hope Callers contacted all members for a simple statement of their hopes. Those hopes were to be used as part of the mission study in early 2021.
October 25 Trunks O’ Treats was held. Children through 5th grade and their families were invited to a trick-or-treat car parade. Costumes were worn and candy was distributed to the trick-or treaters. Covid-19 guidelines were followed
November The Thank Offering collection sponsored by the Presbyterian Women began. This offering is dedicated to ministries throughout the country (and several international ones) that support education, clean water programs, safe housing, justice for women, health care, etc. This year the PW raised $876.00 for the Thank Offering.
November Members of Guilford Park received a letter and a Covid-19 Promise developed by the Plan-Ahead Team. The team asked every church member to sign this commitment to engage in safe practices for all church events. The signed promises were kept on file in the church office.
November-December During the Christmas season, Guilford Park members continued to support many organizations by purchasing needed items or by giving financially. The purchase of Honor Cards benefitted A Simple Gesture, Greensboro Urban Ministry, and Habitat for Humanity. Support of the Angel Tree, a gift-giving ministry, sponsored by Virginia-based Prison Fellowship for local children who have a parent in prison, continued. In addition, members were asked to support the Tree of Warmth by donating mittens, scarves, socks, hats, and gloves for children who are in need of additional warmth. Guilford Park, once again, supported the children of FaithAction International by participating in the annual Toy Drive. Covid-19 precautions changed the way that donations were made. Members could give during the car parades or online.
November 8 A Stewardship Car Parade was held. Members brought their 2021 pledge card to the church parking lot and received a Hope Rock. This rock was a pledge from the church to support members during the coming year. In addition, if a member wished to record a "Message for Hope" to be seen as part of the Stewardship Campaign on Sundays in November for Minute for Mission, this was arranged.
November 16 The Presbyterian Women (PW) adopted a refugee family from Sudan and a refugee family from the Congo for the PW Christmas mission project. Church circles purchased requested items for the adults and children or gave Walmart/Visa/Sheetz gift cards to the family.
November 22 For this Sunday Worship Service, the Middle School Youth provided a Candlelight Service of Thanksgiving through scripture and song. Even though there was a pandemic, the youth worked diligently to present the service expressing their thankfulness to God and to the supportive faith family they have at Guilford Park.
November 22 An Advent Car Parade was held. This was in place of the annual Advent activities held each year during the Hanging of the Greens and the Soup Supper. The Fellowship Committee prepared and distributed soup at the church. Donations for community organizations were accepted.
November 29 This was the beginning of Advent. The Advent and Christmas banners used this year were based on the Christmas Cantata, Love Came Down. The banner on the pulpit side of the sanctuary depicts the hand of God offering down God’s love to us in the person of Jesus Christ. The banner on the lectern side of the sanctuary represents our response to God as we offer up to God our love and our lives. These banners were made by the Liturgical Arts Ministry (a sub-committee of the Worship Committee).
December 7 Jan Heywood received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership. Normally, this is presented at the PW annual Salad Supper Spring Gathering in May. However, the event was canceled this year because of the pandemic. Instead to recognize and surprise Jan, a PW Car Parade with 21 cars went to Jan’s home to honor her and present her with a certificate and pin.
December 9 Members of the Congregational Care Committee delivered Christmas gift bags and poinsettias to members on the Congregational Care List. These are church members who need congregational care in their home or other place of residence. Delivery of the Christmas remembrances is an annual event; however, it was challenging in the year of Covid-19. During this time, the CCC continued to maintain contact with these members through phone calls, cards, and other remembrances.
December 12 Christmas Music in the Park was held in the park. Special music was provided with vocalists and the bell choir. Candles were provided; and wassail and hot chocolate were served as members joined together in this event. Covid-19 precautions were strictly followed as well.
December 13 The Christmas Pageant Car Parade, which showcased the children’s Christmas Pageant, was held. There were stations for each part of the Christmas story as it was told through the angels, shepherds, kings, Mary, and Joseph. Photo opportunities were available, and the Fellowship Committee provided homemade cookies to members. Members were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for Greensboro Urban Ministry. The Pennies for Hunger bucket for donations was available as well. Covid-19 precautions were strictly followed.
December 20 The Mission Study Committee was approved by the Session. This team will assess the needs, wants, and visions of Guilford Park by gathering information from members. The team will then create a Mission Study Report which will guide the Pastor Nominating Committee in finding the next pastor of Guilford Park. 
December 24 A Christmas Eve Lessons and Carol Service was planned for the park. The plans were for each family to gather around a luminary for the service. However, the service was canceled due to Governor Cooper asking North Carolinians to only gather in small groups for the Christmas Season because of rising Covid-19 cases. In addition, inclement weather was forecast. Instead, the Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Service was recorded and uploaded to YouTube. At the end of the recorded service, there was a candle lighting for families to participate in at home.
December 31 Guilford Park had 364 active members.

2021
Covid-19 and its subsequent variants (Delta and Omicron) continued to impact Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. However, the church, its staff, and members found ways to keep church activities occurring even though the building was closed for much of 2021. Names are usually not mentioned in the history at the risk of omitting someone. However, an exception will be made this year as several groups must be recognized for their leadership and steadfastness in the wake of the pandemic.
THE GPCC STAFF: Even though the church building was closed or limited visitors for much of 2021, the staff was involved with the planning, organization, and implementation of all church activities, and at the same time assured members were kept safe.
Church Staff: David Cagle, Kim Row, Bill Allred, Brian Fitts, Jane Sharpe, Susan Smith, Debbie Huneycutt, Rebecca Willoughby, Jordan Hart, and Mark Gordon were vital in keeping the church and members connected.
THE PLAN AHEAD TEAM: The Session approved the formation of a Plan Ahead Team on May 9, 2020. This team, composed of church staff and church members, continued to make decisions about the ministry of GPPC in the time of Covid-19, including the future reopening of the church building. The committee met regularly throughout 2020-2021. It utilized data from the Centers for Disease Control, the Presbytery, the White House, the North Carolina Department of Health, and Governor Roy Cooper. Through the eNews and Guidepost, the team communicated regularly to the members regarding the functioning of the church during this time. Plans for a modified reopening changed several times depending on the data. Many church activities were adjusted, changed, or created as Guilford Park members and staff were committed to remaining in contact with each other. Details of these events will be cited later in this history.
Plan Ahead Team: Bill Allred, David Cagle, Judy Campbell, Ed Cheshire, Judy Herron-Lasley, Bill Hickling, Martha Higgins, Rita Jennings (Chair), Kim Row, and Susan Smith
VISION PLANNING TEAM: This team was elected by the Session in December 2020. Its task was to assess the needs, wants, and visions of Guilford Park by gathering information from members. A final report from the team would guide the Pastor Nominating Committee in finding the next pastor for Guilford Park. The activities of the team will be cited throughout this history.
Vision Planning Team: David Cagle (ex officio), Marge Cromer, Keith Harrington, Jan Heywood, Jill Moore, Terry Schooley, David Taylor (Chair), and Emily Thompson.
January- “Worship by Phone” began. The Worship Committee added a new way for homebound members to participate in the weekly worship service. "Worship by Phone" allows those without smartphones or computers to hear the weekly Sunday worship from prelude to postlude.  
January 4-The GPPC Preschool reopened. Strict Covid precautions were followed.                            
January 9-The first Covid-19 vaccines became available in Guilford County. The Plan Ahead Team, through the eNews and Guidepost, communicated the latest research and data about the vaccine to church members so informed decisions could be made about receiving the vaccine.                                 
January 24-A car parade Food Drive was sponsored by the Mission Committee and the Justice and Peacemaking Committee.
February 14-There was a car parade at which time food was collected for “Souper Bowl of Caring.” Prayer Beads, Lenten devotionals, and Valentine cookies were given to the participants.  Donations of $140.00 and 147 canned food items were given to A Simple Gesture.           
February 17- An Ash Wednesday car parade was held. There were four stations at which participants received words of prayer, devotions, prayer beads with assembly instructions, prayer swatches, and the legend of the pretzel. Ash Wednesday kits, with liturgy and ashes to mark members with the sign of the cross, were distributed. A preaching schedule for David Cagle’s sermons and Bible readings for each sermon during Lent on “The Great Ends of the Church” was also distributed.
February 21-March 21-The liturgical banners used in the sanctuary during this season illustrate “The Great Ends of the Church.” They depict Proclamation, Shelter and Nurture, Truth, Righteousness, Worship, and the Kingdom of Heaven. These banners were created by church members in July 2013.
February 28-The Justice and Peacemaking Committee offered a book study during Black History Month on Michael Eric Dyson’s book Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America.
March 14-A church-wide survey created by The Hartford Institute for Religious Research to assist churches in their search for a pastor was made available to members to complete. The Vision Planning Team used the results of the survey as the beginning point in preparing the GPPC Mission Study Report.
March 28-Palm Sunday car parade was held in the parking lot. Many committees participated at the stations. There was a Holy Week Schedule from the Worship Committee, prayer candles for the Day of Prayer from the Adult Education Committee, a survey reminder from the Vision Planning Team, Symbols of Holy Week/Easter eggs/cascarones from the Children and Youth Committee, and a Pennies for Hunger/One Great Hour of Sharing/Deacon’s Fund collection station. Palm branches were also distributed. Prior to Palm Sunday, members were asked to email pictures of themselves holding a branch. These branches would represent the branches that were cut and laid on the road for Jesus when he entered Jerusalem.
April 1-Maundy Thursday-Members were offered a recorded service for Maundy Thursday. Holy Week stories of scripture were read, and Easter hymns and anthems were sung. The service also included communion in the members’ homes.
April 3-Holy Saturday Prayer Vigil was observed. A church-wide day of prayer, sponsored by the Adult Education Committee, occurred from 7:00 a.m. until midnight. It was a day of prayers focused on our lives. We were asked to pray for Guilford Park, Guilford Park’s future, and the vision for what lies ahead as we seek a new pastor. Members were asked to sign up for a 30-minute time slot for prayer.
April 4-Easter Sunday-An in-person Easter Morning Worship Service in the Park approved by the Session and the Plan Ahead Team was held. It was the first gathering of the congregation since March 2020. Covid precautions were followed. The Park is the place where the founders of GPPC met until McGinnis Hall was completed in 1947. Worshipers brought flowers to add to the flower resurrection cross. The first resurrection cross for the Easter season was placed on the church lawn on Good Friday, March 24, 1989. In an annual tradition, each Easter morning live flowers placed by members replace the black wrapping.
April 4-Easter Sunday-In addition to the in-person, outdoor service on Easter Sunday, there was a special worship video, available on YouTube and through the church website. The video was a full Sunday morning service with sermon, hymns, and special music, including a Prelude sung by Brian Fitts with Jordan Hart playing piano, and service music by Mozart, sung by our Chancel Choir section leaders, and accompanied by strings, trumpet, and Bill Allred on the organ.
April 9-Bill Allred appeared in the Music for a Great Space Virtual Organ Festival (2021). This was an organ series featuring five prominent organists. The organ on which he performed was the Walker at St. Francis Episcopal Church. MGS closed the 30th Anniversary season with this celebration that goes back to its roots. 
April 10-Several members of the Justice and Peacemaking Committee attended the New Year’s Celebration at the Wat Greensboro Temple.
April 18-Earth Care Sunday- David Cagle focused the worship service on Earth Care with an Earth Care sermon thanking God for the wonderful gifts of creation and learning how to be better stewards of our world. He reminded the congregation that GPPC is an Earth Care Congregation. After completing actions in four categories in the Earth Care Pledge: worship, education, facilities, and outreach, we were approved for this certification on November 19, 2017. GPPC continues to monitor and address activities in each of the categories.
April 18-The Children and Youth Ministries Committee sponsored an Earth Day car parade. Families parked and walked through stations to make bird feeders and houses, seed paper to plant, cupcake paper flowers, and dried flower bookmarks to take home.
May 2-In-person worship services began in the park. There was one service. All Covid precautions outlined by the Plan Ahead Team were followed. 
May 16-The Session met in person in the Fellowship Hall to examine the Class of 2020 Confirmands. This was the first time that David Cagle had met face to face (mask to mask) with the Session since he became our Transitional Pastor. May 23-The Class of 2020 Confirmands were accepted into active membership of the church on profession of faith on this Pentecost Sunday. The confirmands had asked to postpone this service until the church was able to meet together in person.                                                                                                                                                                                               
May 23-Members of the Wat Greensboro Cambodian Buddhist Center visited Guilford Park at the outdoor worship service. A wat is a Buddhist sacred precinct with a vihara (quarters for bhikkhus), a temple, an edifice housing a large image of Buddha, and a facility for lessons. As part of GPPC’s Stranger-to-Neighbor initiative with FaithAction, this marked the first of multiple opportunities to get to know some of our Cambodian Buddhist neighbors by sharing experiences and learning from each other.    
June 13-Debbie Huneycutt was recognized and honored at worship for her 33 years of service with the Guilford Park Preschool. She had served as a teacher for eight years, and upon her retirement, she had completed 25 years as the preschool director. That afternoon there was a car parade in Debbie’s honor.
June 20-After nearly 15 months of worshiping virtually, or more recently outdoors in the park, the sanctuary doors of Guilford Park opened to in-person worship at 9:30. All Covid precautions outlined by the Plan Ahead Team were followed. 
July-Brian Fitts has served Guilford Park for 15 years as the Director of Music for the YES Service (Casual Worship Service).
July 4-Kim Row, who was approved by Session to preach, gave the sermon, “A Whole New World.”
August 1-The congregation received an overview of the results of the church-wide survey completed by church members in the spring. Throughout August, small groups met to discuss how GPPC sees itself and what we hoped for in the future.
August 7-A Question/Answer session was held in the Fellowship Hall with members of WAT Greensboro Buddhist temple. This session provided an educational opportunity to learn more about our respective faiths and practices. In addition, it allowed us to see what both groups have in common along with some of the features that are unique to each group.    
August 13-A Vacation Bible School preview cookout was held in the evening. Hamburgers and hotdogs were served while participants learned about the Super Saturday VBS that would occur the next day.                          
August 14-Due to no registrants, VBS was not held.  
August 22-Two Sunday worship services were reinstated. After reviewing all CDC data, the Plan Ahead Team believed this was safe if Covid precautions continued to be followed inside the church.   
September 5-Labor Day-The Reverend David Sutton preached while David Cagle was on vacation. David Sutton served as pastor of GPPC from 1995-2005. He and Finley greeted members in the courtyard after the services.
September 12-Fred Beck began a Sunday School class, Lies My Preacher Told Me: An Honest Look at the Old Testament.
October 1-The Mission Committee requested from the Session that GPPC sponsor one Afghan refugee family resettling in Greensboro. The request passed. The Mission Committee developed a plan for designating and raising funds and organizing volunteers. Church members provided food, driving lessons, transportation, furniture, access to pro bono dental and medical care, clothes, shopping trips, etc.  Plans were made to move the family in early 2022 into the home on Lawndale Drive that Guilford Park was in the process of buying.  
September-A Lego Club was started and lasted through December. Youth built Lego Bible stories during Sunday School.
October 10- On this Laity Sunday, Dr. Bill Hickling was the Lay Preacher. His sermon was entitled “Looking Backward, Looking Forward.” His sermon emphasized where GPPC has come from and where God is leading us.
October 15-A churchwide picnic sponsored by the Fellowship, Congregational Care, Membership, and Children and Youth committees was held at Country Park. Members packed a picnic and enjoyed fellowship, games, and a scavenger hunt with each other.
October 24-Rebecca Willoughby was welcomed at both church services as the new Preschool Director at GPPC. Rebecca assumed the role in June following the retirement of Debbie Huneycutt. She has worked with the GPPC Preschool as a teacher for 15 years.
November 21-The Vision Planning Team presented to the Session the GPPC Mission Study Report. The report was completed after input from the congregation through various means. It included a vision for the future of GPPC and the challenges the church will face and address together with the new pastor. A motion was made and passed to approve the report. A congregational meeting was scheduled for December 5 so the report could be received by the congregation.
November 21-In the Mission Study Report approved by the Session, a new Vision statement was also approved: United in Christ, growing in faith and love, welcoming all, serving one another and our community.
November 21-Kit Schooley began a four-week series of adult Sunday School classes on Advent. Advent hymns and art as well as the history of Advent were discussed.
November 21-The Fellowship Committee held a soup pickup. Containers of homemade soup were distributed to church members to take home.
November 28-Honor Cards went on sale. Church members supported Greensboro Urban Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, A Simple Gesture, Sanctuary House, and Piedmont Land Conservancy through the purchase of the cards.
December 5-At a Congregational meeting, members received the Mission Study Report from the Vision Planning Team. After the presentation, questions were posed and answered. After the Congregation received the report, it was immediately emailed to the church membership. The VPT was praised for their work.
December 5-At the same Congregational meeting, the congregation approved the purchase of the house at 2412 Lawndale Drive. This completes the purchase of all houses on the block. In the early 1990s, the session set a goal to acquire all of the houses on the block between the sanctuary and Lawndale Drive. The houses were rented and most eventually demolished to make GPPC more visible from Lawndale. The two still standing are rental. This one will be rented to the Afghan family that GPPC is sponsoring.
December 8-The Impromptu Christmas Pageant was held. The youth could participate by selecting a costume and assuming a role in the pageant. Others could watch and enjoy the pageant. Afterward, taco dinner kits were available for members to take home.
December 9-As part of GPPC’s commitment to being an Earth Care Congregation, the church requested, and the City of Greensboro provided three recycling bins for glass. The drop-off site is located in the gravel parking lot.
December 12-The Christmas breakfast prepared by the Fellowship Committee returned this year after being canceled in previous years due to the pandemic. Covid precautions were taken as families and friends gathered for this traditional event.
December 18-An annual Caroling in the Park was scheduled, but due to inclement weather, it was canceled.
December 19-The Angel Tree party was held in the Fellowship Hall. Guilford Park has taken part in this ministry for many years. It is a gift-giving ministry sponsored by Virginia-based Prison Fellowship for local children who have a parent in prison. This year Guilford Park served 41 children and distributed the gifts at the party. Church members supported the program with donations and gifts.
December 24-Christmas Eve-Two services were held. There was a Family-friendly Service at 4:00 p.m. at which time children rang bells. They also brought “items of warmth” and children’s snacks for Family Services of the Piedmont and FaithAction. The service at 7:00 p.m. was a Communion Service of Worship as well as a candlelight service. At both services, peg people nativity scenes were distributed to church families. Congregants had helped paint the peg characters.  
December 31-Guilford Park Presbyterian Church had 365 active members.
 
2022
Covid and its variants continued to affect the life of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. Our Plan Ahead Team monitored all data and conveyed to the church any change in procedures and modifications. As the year progressed, lessening of restrictions occurred. The overall data suggested a decline in cases as more people received the Covid vaccine and subsequent boosters. By late 2022, life at Guilford Park had almost returned to pre-pandemic normal. Many in-person fellowship events returned, committees were able to resume face-to-face meetings, and the activities of the church increased. However, the work of Guilford Park had never stopped. It was done differently and creatively to assure that the Vision of Guilford Park was always at the forefront of our church. United in Christ, growing in faith and love, welcoming all, serving one another and our community.January Glass recycling began at Guilford Park. In December 2021, the Session approved, and the church requested that the City of Greensboro place recycling bins for glass in the gravel parking lot. This was to help our members and neighbors conveniently recycle glass, as we at Guilford Park continued our commitment to being an Earth Care Congregation. This was done on a trial basis of three months. On March 20, the Session approved GPPC’s ongoing support for and participation in this program.
January 22 The Stranger-To-Neighbor initiative with “WAT Greensboro Buddhist Center” continued with a joint food collection drive. Members of both groups dropped off donations at GPPC through February 12. The donations went to the "Out of the Garden Project.”
January 27 The Ruth Lamb Enrichment Series is made possible by a gift from the estate of Ruth Lamb who died in 1997. Ruth and her husband Jack (who died in 2016) were long-time members of Guilford Park. The gift has provided a variety of faith programs for GPPC as well as our community. The 2020 event was scheduled for the fall of 2020; however, Covid forced its cancellation. It was rescheduled, but due to more conflicts and Covid precautions, the Adult Education Committee announced postponing this one and planning one for 2023 or 2024.
January 29 The Rahimis, the refugee family from Afghanistan that GPPC is sponsoring, moved into their new home in Greensboro. This was a culmination of many events and special efforts by Guilford Park beginning in October 2021. On October 1, 2021, the Mission Committee requested from the Session that GPPC sponsor one Afghan refugee family resettling in Greensboro. The request passed. The Rahimi family was the family we sponsored. The Mission Committee developed a plan for designating and raising funds and organizing volunteers. Plans were made to move the family in early 2022 into the home at 2014 Lawndale Drive that Guilford Park was in the process of buying. The purchase became final in January. Church members and other volunteers helped the Rahimis on moving day. Furniture was donated, food was provided, and cabinets were stocked with supplies. In the following days,
church members continued to provide food, driving lessons, transportation, and more furniture. Also, access to pro bono dental and medical care, clothes, shopping trips, etc. were made available to the family. An immigration attorney worked pro bono for the Rahimis in helping prepare immigration papers. Many at GPPC, as well as others in the community contacted by our members, were involved in making this family a part of the Greensboro community. Church committees, the youth groups, PW circles, as well as individual members helped the Rahimis. As several people said, “It takes a village,” and GPPC was the village. Names are not being listed as there is always the possibility of omitting someone. The family will continue to be followed and assisted by our church.
February For Black History Month, the Justice and Peacemaking Committee celebrated the contributions of African Americans in the February eNews. The individuals highlighted were Carter Woodson, Dr. Patricia E. Bath, Leon Sullivan, and Bessie Coleman.
February 13 On ”Souper Bowl Sunday,” the youth collected cans of soup, crackers, and money to help those members of our local community who may be hungry. GPPC collected $641.00 and 72 food items. All of this offering stayed in our area.
February 17 In the vestibule by the Columbarium, a Puzzle Exchange, began. Members were encouraged to bring a puzzle to share with someone and take a puzzle for their family.
March The Congregational Care, Fellowship, and Mission Committees, as well as other church members, provided breakfast or lunch to medical staff in area hospitals. Many of our church members work in these hospitals and have worked diligently throughout the Covid crisis. Homemade treats and fresh fruit were taken to the departments where our church members serve, citing members by name, and thanking them for caring for our community.
March 27 Pastor Nominating Committee Election: The following members were elected to serve on the Pastor Nominating Committee: Emmy Biaggi, Ed Cheshire, Keith Harrington, Martha Higgins (chair), Leslie Loyd, and Bo Rodenbough. The committee met weekly and gave their report to the Session on August 7 at which time it was approved.
April 3 The Session discussed and supported the decision of the Worship Committee to begin serving communion by intinction, beginning on Sunday, April 3. This was another sign of our congregation retuning to pre-pandemic practices.
March 6-April 3 Lent-David Cagle led a Sunday School Series each Sunday during Lent on “Healthy Congregations”. Relationships within healthy congregations were explored.
March 6 The Lenten Banner that was displayed during Lent was made by the Liturgical Arts Ministry. It depicted Lent as a time of introspection, reflection, and repentance. As the colors moved from dark to light, we were remined that there was hope at Easter as we celebrated Christ’s resurrection.
April 10 Palm Sunday-The congregation worshipped together at Bur-Mil Park. Members of Lindley Park Baptist Church joined us. The 10:30 a.m. service opened with the parade of palms and the singing of familiar Palm Sunday hymns. Following worship there was an Easter egg hunt for the children. The activities culminated in a potluck picnic as members of both congregations visited with each other.
April 17 Easter Sunday-Members worshipped at one of two services. This was the first time in two years that Guilford Park had celebrated Easter in the sanctuary.
April 22 Earth Day-The Justice and Peacemaking Committee announced that GPPC was certified as an Earth Care Congregation for the fifth consecutive year. (See November 19, 2017). The members were thanked for the contributions and support they had been made to achieve this milestone.
May 1 Jame’ SanGeorge spoke at the Sunday School class. She works at the agency, NC African Services Coalition, that GPPC worked with in bringing the Rahimi family to Greensboro. 
May 8 Trent Walton, a member of GPPC and a principal in the Guilford County School System, presented information on a bond referendum for Guilford County Schools. It was a question-and-answer forum only and not a pro-or-con presentation. Based on information received by the Vision Planning Team in the summer of 2021, members had indicated a desire to have conversations about relevant issues in our community.
May 16 The Guilford Park Guys held a reunion of the original group that the church supported starting in June 2012. Under the guidance, mentorship, and leadership of Mike Sasser, GPPC helped to support young guys in transition from homelessness. Many have attended college or joined the military. Tim Peck has stated working with Mike and the Guilford Guys.
May 18 The PW (Presbyterian Women) Salad Supper was held for the first time since 2019. Kim Row and Jane Sharpe received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at this Spring Gathering.
May 22 The Burlington Boys Choir directed by Bill Allred performed during Sunday School in the sanctuary. A love offering was collected.
June 5 Day of Pentecost. Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit gave life, power, and vison to the Christian Church. Symbols of Pentecost include wind, fire, and a dove, and the liturgical color for Pentecost Sunday is red. The Liturgical Arts Ministry created a new banner using shades of red, orange, and yellow to represent the tongues of fire. The white dove on the banner represents the Holy Spirit who came among the different groups of people gathered on the day of Pentecost. This banner will remain up reminding us that that the season of Pentecost continues until the season of Advent.
June 12 The summertime worship service began with one service at 10:00 a.m.
August 21 The session approved a motion to continue with one blended worship service which began on June 12. Normally the summer schedule goes through Labor Day. However, it was decided that until there was an average of 150 congregants each Sunday, we would continue a blended service using elements from the Casual service and the Traditional service. The Session will revisit the decision in 2023.
June 12-August 14 Lunches on the Lawn On the second Sunday of each month (June 12, July 10, August 14) the Membership and Fellowship Committees planned for a gathering of food and fellowship after worship on the Lawndale green space.                                                  
June 12 The Annual Offering of Letters for Bread for the World occurred. Letters were sent to our nation’s leaders urging them to address hunger issues and their root causes.
July As part of the summer musical program, the following recitals were presented:                            

• July 3 Alicia Bivona, GPPC member and rising sophomore at the North Carolina School of the Arts, presented a voice recital following worship.                                                                             
• July 24 Bryn Schaeffer presented a recital following worship.                                            
• August 7 Libby Rodenbough, a GPPC member and professional musician, presented a recital following worship.   

July 25-28 Vacation Bible School was held. The theme was “Knights of North Castle.”
August 21 The Session approved an Ad Hoc Committee to plan the 75th Anniversary of GPPC which is February 15, 2023.
August 21 The Session received a gift from Don Olson of two specially designed wooden communion plates to be used when intinction is used to deliver communion. Don created the plates of twelve wedges of wood representing the twelve disciples with a center purple wooden cross representing Christ. Hours of Don's efforts went into creating these communion plates.
August 28 A congregational meeting was held. The purpose of the meeting was for the congregation to hear the report of the Pastor Nominating Committee to consider the call of a Minister of Word and Sacrament to be the Pastor of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. The PNC report had been approved by the Session on August 7. At the Congregational meeting, it was announced that the Reverend Stephen Fearing from Beaumont Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Kentucky had accepted the call.
A video of Reverend Fearing addressing the congregation and introducing his family was shown. The congregation voted to accept the committee’s recommendation of Reverend Stephen Fearing to be the next head of staff at Guilford Park Presbyterian church. Pastor Fearing is married to Tricia Fearing, and they have two daughters, Winnie and Hazel Grace. His first day at GPPC was November 1, and he delivered his first sermon on November 6.
September Kim Row began making plans for our youth to become part of a new program initiative begun by Presbyterian Churches in Greensboro. The name is YoCo (Greensboro Youth Collective). Ten churches have committed to meet once a month in a large gathering for fellowship, food, and devotions.
September 6 Preschool students returned to class on a normal schedule since Covid restrictions ended. 
September 11 A Lunch and Learn was presented by the Justice and Peacemaking Committee on the LGBTQ community. Melvy Shaw and Nathan Crabtree from Guilford Green Foundation shared their experiences as LGBTQ persons and brought a Presbyterian perspective to LGBTQ issues. After the presentation, there was time for questions and open discussion.
September 16-18. The GPPC Presbyterian Women’s retreat took place at Montreat. Although this has always been an annual trip, due to Covid this was the first time since 2019 it was held.
September 18 The Greensboro Pride Festival was held in downtown Greensboro. GPPC’s involvement, again this year, indicates our support for the LGBTQ community and reflects our Mission Statement adopted November 21, 2021: United in Christ, growing in faith and love, welcoming all, serving one another and our community.
September 18 The session approved a motion from the Mission Committee to allow the nonprofit organization, “Village Mentors,” to meet every other month at the church. This program allows for young men in high school from the Greensboro area to be matched with a mentor from Village Mentors. They meet to work on motivation, development of communication skills, and professionalism, as well as address issues young people face today.
September 25 Growing in Grace, a music opportunity for children, (ages 3-11) was started by Bill Allred. Children learned about music and how it enriched their faith through various music mediums.
October 1-October 30. The Stewardship Committee held the stewardship campaign. The theme was “The Best is Yet to Come” with an underlying theme of how Guilford Park makes a difference in our city and our church community. Sunday, October 30 was Stewardship Dedication.
October The Thank Offering sponsored by the Presbyterian Women began. The theme this year was, “Pass It On.” This offering is dedicated to ministries throughout the country (and several international ones) that support education, clean water programs, safe housing, justice for women, health care, etc. This year the PW raised over $1700.00.
October 2 A farewell reception with food and beverages was held for David Cagle. Members thanked him for his ministry and presented him with gifts and cards.
October 13 Pastor Pablo Feliciano died. He and his wife Jan are missionaries in Chiapas Mexico. Guilford Park, through the Mission Committee, has supported their work for many years. An interment will be held in January 2023 in the town of Yaxoquintelá, in the state of Chiapas, Mexico.  
October 16 GPPC celebrated the blessing of children in worship service as they led in reading scripture, praying, ushering, and greeting.
November 1 The Reverend Stephen Fearing began his ministry at GPPC and preached his first sermon on November 6.
November 13 A reception was held after worship service to welcome Stephen, Tricia, and their daughters, Hazel Grace, and Winnie to Guilford Park.
November 20 A Wheels4Hope car blessing was held prior to the worship service. Members and other community visitors gathered in front of the church as Pastor Fearing blessed a family and car which was donated by an area resident and restored to sound mechanical condition. The mission of Wheels4Hope is to “provide safe reliable affordable vehicles to people who need them.”
November 20 “Hanging of the Greens” was held followed by the traditional Soup Supper. This was the first time the soup supper was held without Covid restrictions since 2019. It was also the first session meeting that Pastor Fearing moderated.                                                
November 17 On this first Sunday of Advent, as the church began anticipating the birth of Christ, Pastor Fearing introduced the Advent/Christmas theme “From Generation to Generation.” In his sermon he discussed the genealogy of Jesus, and in keeping with the theme, members of the congregation were encouraged to bring in photos of those who were important in their faith journey. Members could share genealogies with one another. These were displayed on a poster in the Gathering Area. Pastor Stephen used a worship series from A Sanctified Art, a liturgical art collective based in North Carolina. It emerged as a ministry to support churches in integrating art and creativity into worship The series comes with original artwork that pairs with the weekly texts and themes, a liturgical art project for the congregation, liturgy, an Advent devotional for the congregation, and many other artistic resources.
November 28 Pastor Fearing began a weekly The Word This Week. On Mondays, he explored the lectionary texts for the upcoming week with church members in an informal time of sharing and reflection.  
November 30 Sarah Scott, along with members of the Congregational Care Committee, had a luncheon at her home for the Almanah Women. This group was formed in 2007 for widowed women. Before the pandemic they met several times a year for fellowship and support. Five ladies (90-98 years old) from the original group attended as well as Pastor Stephen.
November 27-December 24 Reverse Advent (sponsored by the Mission Committee) began at GPPC. Members were encouraged to give something each day of Advent as preparations were made for the return of Jesus. Suggestions included: Angel Tree (Buy a gift on behalf of an imprisoned parent); Faith Action Gift Exchange (provide a gift for a refugee or immigrant child); Tree of Warmth (collect hats, scarves, socks, mittens, gloves, etc. for those in need); Greensboro Urban Ministries Food Collection (donate food items as recommended by GUM); Handmade Christmas Cards (bring to church for distribution by the Congregational Care Committee); Make Christmas Treats (provide to the Guilford Guys and Village Mentors); Hot Dish and Hope (prepare gift bags to be distributed at Hot Dish and Hope) and Honor Cards. Honor Cards were purchased by church members in honor of a friend or loved one to Greensboro Urban Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, Interactive Resource Center, Piedmont Land Conservancy, Sanctuary House, and A Simple Gesture)                                                 
December 1 The first of four Midweek Noon Advent Worship Services on Thursdays prior to Christmas led by Pastor Fearing began. The services were contemplative, casual, and brief. Congregants were encouraged to gather, sing, pray, and await Advent.                                         
December 3 Caroling took place in the Park at 5:00 p.m. Participants enjoyed singing Christmas carols, fellowship, and hot beverages.                                                          
December 7 The Christmas Pageant and a taco dinner was held.                                            
December 11 Christmas breakfast was held before the 10:00 service.                                         
December 11 Martha Higgins and Maria Boulton, on behalf of the liturgical arts committee, made a banner for the “From Generation to Generation” theme, and it was dedicated during worship. 
December 18 Lessons and Carols Worship Service was presented by the YES Choir, Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, and Children's Choir using “The Service of Nine Lessons with Carols.” This was first created for use at Truro Cathedral, England and later modified for use in King's College Chapel, Cambridge, England. The service has been an annual tradition there since 1918.
December 24 On Christmas Eve, two services were held at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.           
December 25 Since Christmas Day was on Sunday the worship service was casual and held in the Fellowship Hall. Those attending enjoyed singing, a creative prayer exercise, and refreshments. Christmas Day will not fall on Sunday again until 2033.
December 31 Guilford Park Presbyterian Church had 364 active members. 
 
2023