Posted on 28 Mar 2011 . 2 comments
Although it started with just a few individuals taking an hour before or after school to provide a “Safe Corridor” to and from Germantown High School (GHS), the Germantown Clergy Initiative (GCI) has become an influential voice for reform in the school and the district as a whole.
The latest example of the respect the organization has garnered occurred in February as Rev. Porter and others from GCI were involved in the principal selection of the school as it makes the transition to becoming a Promise Academy.
Under this new designation, GHS will have the opportunity to have greater control of faculty selection and more resources available to it for the academic enrichment and career-readiness of its students. GCI can use your gifts in everything from mentoring, advocacy,
fund-raising, or even just being a friendly adult presence on the corner.
Contact Rev. Porter to see how you can make a positive difference in Germantown’s present and future through GCI.
Posted on 07 Feb 2011 . 10 comments
Feb 13th: Gathering to End Gun Violence
Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. -Matthew 5:9
I write this just days following the horrific and senseless shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and nineteen other people in Tucson, Arizona. I am numb! It seems that we are hearing about these types of terrible tragedies more and more frequently. What can we do?
As people of faith, we condemn violence and hatred. We grieve with the families of those whose lives are lost. We pray for victims who have been wounded. We sympathize with the family of the perpetrator and even try to understand why someone would take such violent action against another.
As people of faith we also need to do more. Recently a new organization has been founded in our northwest section of Philadelphia. The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown is one of among various faith organizations who have come together to form Neighborhood Partners To End Gun Violence. The purpose of this group is not about eliminating guns or even seeking legislative action but about reducing gun violence.
Read more
Posted on 24 Jan 2011 . 6 comments
One Week Left to support the Drill Team!
During the month of January, Germantown Xclusive Drill Team and Drum Corp will be holding a $5.00 Snack Favorites Sale to raise money for new uniforms and upcoming competitions. Some of the items included are walnut fudge clusters, nonpareils, gourmet caramel popcorn, red raspberry gummies, fruit jelly slices, and sweet berry mix. Please see a GX Drill Team Member during coffee hour or speak to Contina Lundy.
We are still looking for new members to join our Pee Wee, Intermediate, and Drum. Our practices days are Monday and Fridays from 6:30 8:30. For more information, please speak to Tara Payne, 267 784 2485, Contina Lundy 215 512 8824 or Regina Carter 215 681 9299.
Posted on 10 Jan 2011 . 11 comments
by Chris Scott
The game of basketball has always been a passion for me. There is nothing more enjoyable to watch a group of people play as one and paint a masterpiece of a good basketball game.
It was in 2005 when I decided I wanted to create my own masterpiece. With the help of Director of Christian Ed, Christian Heyer-Rivera, we decided to form the Disciples Basketball team a team for players 18 and under.
In the first season, we had 8 players and finished the season 2-7. One of the victories came via forfeit. I was a young coach and we were a young team but the foundation was set for a successful program.
Fast forward to today. The Disciples are preparing for another season.
Read More
Posted on 03 Jan 2011 . 6 comments
By Rev. Nancy Muth
Recently I was visiting my Dad in Florida and he shared with me an article from the St. Petersburg Times with the headline Congregations Remain Stable in an Unstable World.
I read the article and said, “This is about the study in which The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown participated last year.” What did this newspaper story say?
First, congregations have become more technologically savvy. It was reported, ”In 2001, about four in 10 used a website. By 2008, 77 percent had websites.” First Church has had a website for more than ten years, but indeed our web presence has become more engaging and informative over the years. Be sure to check it out at www.fpcgermantown.org.
Another finding of the study was ”the typical worshiper is female, 54, employed, well-educated, married and white.” While this may be true for most churches participating in the study, the numbers from those respondents to the study from First Church show our typical worshiper is female, 65 and older, well-educated, single and black. As one who weekly looks out at our congregation I want to add that it is continually growing with young families.
Page 4 of 10 pages « First < 2 3 4 5 6 > Last »
