March 2010 Opportunities
Special events and once-monthly events appear first by date. On-going weekly events follow by day of the week.
Thursday, March 4
In 1952, the U.S. Congress designated the first Thursday in May as National Day of Prayer, a day for Americans to join together to pray, especially for their country. Unite in Prayer continues this group-prayer effort throughout the year and focuses on the Coronado community. Our own Pastor David and several of our church family members often join this interdenominational opportunity to call upon God’s guidance corporately.
| Schedule | first Thursday monthly 5:30–6:30pm |
|---|---|
| Location | Living Waters Fellowship Calvary Chapel Ministry 1224 Tenth Street, Suite 103, Coronado |
| Invitation | open to the community men and women of all ages |
| Purpose | interdenominational community prayer |
| Child Care | provided on the premises |
| Contact | (619) 435-8233 |
| More Details | National Day of Prayer |
Thursday, March 11
Female friendship, fellowship, fun, and philanthropy. Committees rotate responsibility for refreshments, devotional, and program for each meeting.
| Schedule | second Thursday monthly Sep–May |
|---|---|
| Time | 9:20–10:00am social 10:00–11:00am business |
| Location | Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Parish Hall 975 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to the community, women 20 years of age and older |
| Purpose | fellowship and prayer |
| Refreshments | complimentary |
| Contact | Email Wilma Mack (619) 435-5901/td> |
Thursday, March 18
What began in 1987 as a Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church pledge drive mail campaign later developed into a ministry whose purpose is to communicate God’s love via note cards and ink. Once a month, a group of verbal volunteers composes and handwrites heartfelt sentiments on behalf of our church. The church supplies the stationery, and the Board of Deacons underwrites the postage. In 2009, the Church Note Writers mailed 479 notes, an average of 40 each month. The Church Note Writers welcome all volunteers and especially appreciate those willing to share their gifts of calligraphy or a winsome way with words.
Recipients of this correspondence include the ill and homebound, members grieving the loss of loved ones, members celebrating momentous occasions, visitors to our worship services, tithing members and financial donors to our endowment fund.
| Schedule | third Thursday monthly year round |
|---|---|
| Time | 9:30–10:30am |
| Location | private Coronado residence |
| Invitation | all women of the church |
| Purpose | church good will ambassadorship |
| Contact | Peg Luedtke (619) 435-6344 |
Sunday, March 21
Formed in 1958 to provide young-family fellowship activities, the Crown City Mariners also charted a steady course of church-campus renovation service through the years. Now in retirement, they focus on strengthening their friendships and extending fellowship to newcomers to the group.
| Schedule | third Sunday monthly Sep–May |
|---|---|
| Time | 5:30–6:00pm social 6:00–7:00pm dinner |
| Location | Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Parish Hall 975 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to all men and women, typically 55 years of age and older |
| Purpose | fellowship guest speakers and special topics |
| Food Service | some catered dinners, some potlucks |
| Cost | annual dues $5/person catered dinners no more than $10/person |
| Contact | Bob and Helon Oder (619) 435-3937 Peg Luedtke (619) 435-6344 |
Tuesday, March 23
Some friends of Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church will make a special Middle East presentation, pre-empting Tuesday Bible study this week only. Sanctuary seating limited to the first 250.
| Schedule | one evening only, Tuesday, March 23 |
|---|---|
| Time | 7:00–8:30pm |
| Location | Graham Memorial Presbyterian
Church sanctuary
975 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | all welcome |
| Refreshments | no |
| Cost | no admission fee |
Saturday, March 27
Ship ahoy! Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church members have a unique opportunity to tour one of the U.S. Navy's most advanced destroyers. The USS Stockdale will host a guided private tour of the ship for an hour on Saturday, March 27. All interested in participating must register no later than Saturday, March 20. Details follow.
| Schedule | Saturday, March 27 |
|---|---|
| Time | 10:00–11:00am |
| Location | Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado |
| Ship Details | USS Stockdale» |
| Tour Leader | USS Stockdale crew |
| Invitation | open to all church members |
| Cost | no admission fee |
| Dress Code | comfortable slacks, closed-toe shoes, sneakers are good |
| Requirements | photo identification steep stair climbing without special assistance |
| Reservations | Register Now by Email, deadline Saturday, March 20 all tour guests must be registered in order to gain base access |
| Base Access | non-military tour registrants will receive day passes and directions to the USS Stockdale as they enter the base at the Third Street main gate |
Monday, March 29
This group tailored itself to career women and empty-nesters whose frequent flying interrupts ability to attend weekly meetings. At their convenience for three weeks, these intellectually ambitious members read eloquent and often-humorous works by savvy contemporary authors. At month’s end, the group convenes to exchange new insight over dinner. The 2009-10 season interactive book study is The Remarkable Women of the Bible: And Their Message for Your Life Today by Elizabeth George.
| Schedule | last Monday monthly Sep–May |
|---|---|
| Time | 5:30–6:00pm dinner 6:00–7:00pm discussion |
| Location | Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Parish Hall 975 C Avenue, Coronado occasionally the group meets at a member's residence— call to confirm location Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to the community, women 20 years of age and older |
| Purpose | interactive book study fellowship prayer |
| Refreshments | communal dinner salad everyone brings something to add to the salad |
| Contact | Sherry Manion (619) 435-4744 |
Every Sunday
Fast, friendly, informative, and fun in the comfy surroundings of the Kirk House parlor. This lively multi-generational, mixed-gender group has something for everyone.Each week members approach a new relevant-to-life topic through the words of Scripture, assigned during the previous week's meeting. New and developing believers gain from the perspective of mature believers as everyone participates in open discussion and friendly fellowship. Then during the following week, members process the fresh new insight and apply it to their lives.
| Schedule | Sundays 9:00–10:00am year round |
|---|---|
| Location | Kirk House parlor 959 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to men and women in the community 20 years of age and older |
| Purpose | fellowship Old and New Testament Bible study spiritual growth prayer |
| Refreshments | complimentary coffee |
| Contact | Email Brian Bernados (619) 559–8999 or (619) 429–0159 |
Every Sunday
A comfortable environment that students themselves help to arrange, Sunday AM offers both middle school and high school students a collective co-ed opportunity to hang out, build friendships, support one another, worship their own way with their own music, and grow stronger in their faith. Attitude and dress casual.
At 10:00am, members often visit Coffee Connection to pick up a light snack before attending the 10:30am blended worship service in the sanctuary with adult family members.
| Schedule | Sundays 9:00–10:00am year round |
|---|---|
| Location | Center for Christian Education, Youth Room 949 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to youth in the community grades 7–12, ages 12–18 |
| Purpose | fellowship, entry-level Bible study prayer, and musical worship |
| Format | youth-director delivered sermon fellowship among youth Youth Band performance group songs of praise |
| Group Size | averages about 40 |
| Cost | free-will offering |
| Contact |
(619) 435-6860 x 13 |
Every Tuesday
Many sixteenth-century cathedrals had tower bells, some as many as six, to ring in different sequences to signal times of day or the starting of events. To provide convenient practice for those responsible for ringing the patterns—called bell changes—churches employed use of small hand-held bells.
So successful was this method and so pleasing to the ear was the music produced during these hand-bell practice sessions that someone, unrecorded by history, decided to tune the handbells to the musical scale. Thus was the birth of handbell choirs that toured throughout Europe in the 1500s.
Although the single bell in the Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church belfry doesn't require bell change practice, we have a beautiful set of handbells and a talented group of players who confess to having a ball ringing bells to glorify God during special worship services each year.
Sit in on any rehearsal session. We're pretty certain you won't be able to resist chiming in!
| Rehearsal Schedule | Tuesdays 8:30–9:30am Sep–Jun Sundays 8:00–8:30am before worship service performance |
|---|---|
| Performance Schedule | Sundays 9:00–10:00am traditional worship service Sundays 10:30–11:00am blended worship service Christian and select other holidays |
| Location | Center for Christian Education 949 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to the community men and women, 18 years of age and older no auditions no prior choir experience |
| Purpose | provide alternative worship music |
| Advantages | good ear for pitch ability to read musical notation |
| Training | Get Started class available |
| Cost | sheet music and choir robes provided at no cost |
| Contact | Teres Byrne, Director of Music Ministries Email or (619) 435–6860 x 17 |
Every Tuesday
The Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church youth ministry mission is to share the good news of Jesus and to teach Coronado youth to follow Christ and share Christian faith with others. Vibrant and growing, our Big Five youth group offers middle school students an ever-evolving event schedule that keeps pace with the quick-change interests of its members.
Big Five also offers leadership opportunities to qualified high school juniors and seniors. These junior staff positions require an application and training to prepare the leaders for helping to share the love of Christ with members of Big Five.
| Schedule | Tuesdays 5:00–6:30pm Sep–May Tuesdays 5:00–6:15pm Jun–Aug |
|---|---|
| Location | Center for Christian Education, Youth Room 949 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to youth in the community middle school grades 7–8, ages 12–14 |
| Purpose | fellowship, prayer, and entry-level biblical study |
| Group Size | averages around 30 |
| Refreshments | sit-down dinner in Parish Hall |
| Cost | no admission fee |
| Contact |
(619) 435-6860 x 13 |
Every Tuesday
"Then he said to them all: 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" Luke 9:23 (NIV)
Attempting to follow the words of Luke, Crosswalk harnesses the high energy level of senior high school students to power growing relationships with Jesus Christ in safe and friendly environments where students feel free to connect with their friends, influence their peers positively, serve the community, and experience the reward of personal ministry.
| Schedule | Tuesdays 7:00–8:30pm year round |
|---|---|
| Location | Center for Christian Education, Youth Room 949 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to youth in the community senior high school grades 9–12, ages 14–18 |
| Purpose | community service, contests, games, prayer, Scripture lessons, worship bands |
| Group Size | averages around 30 |
| Refreshments | snack |
| Contact |
(619) 435-6860 x 13 |
Every Tuesday
Dress casually, bring friends, and prepare for a quick-paced joy ride as Pastor David “unplugged” drives home Scriptural lessons, applies them to today’s life in the fast lane, and invites passengers to rock the rumble seat with challenging questions. Every meeting covers way more territory than you’d expect in just 90 minutes. Test drive this multi-passenger educational vehicle, and get your faith in gear. Seat belts recommended.
| Schedule | Tuesdays 7:00–8:30pm year round |
|---|---|
| Location | Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Parish Hall 975 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to men and women in the community 20 years of age and older |
| Purpose | fellowship New Testament Bible study prayer |
| Refreshments | complimentary coffee, dessert |
| Child Care | available with 48-hour advance request |
| Leader | The Reverend Dr. David H. McElrath, Pastor |
| Contact | Email or (619) 435–6860 |
Every Wednesday
The Lord spoke through the prophet Ezekiel, seeking men of character, integrity, and commitment to stand and pray for their nation. A small group of men has answered the call at Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church. The Men's Prayer Group gathers in the quiet of the church sanctuary each Wednesday morning before business hours to focus prayer on the nation, community, church, and themselves. Are you a man of character? Join MPG!
| Schedule | Wednesdays 6:00–7:00am year round |
|---|---|
| Location | Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church sanctuary 975 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to the community, men 20 years of age and older |
| Purpose | fellowship and prayer |
| Refreshments | none |
| Contact | The Reverend Dr. David H. McElrath, Pastor Email or (619) 435–6860 |
Every Wednesday
Now entering its seventh year in Coronado, Community Bible Study enables a wide variety of interdenominational Coronado women to gather together each week to dig into God’s Word and grow in faith via in-depth study of Scripture, answering study questions at home, engaging in small-group discussion and fellowship, and sitting in on large-group lecture.
| Schedule | Wednesdays 9:50–11:45am Sep–May |
|---|---|
| Location | Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Sanctuary 975 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to the community women 20 years of age and older |
| Purpose | discipleship through interdenominational studies of Old and New Testaments |
| Format | 30-week home reading and study, small-group study, large-group lecture |
| Cost | $25 for course study book |
| Child Care | currently at capacity |
| Registration | Beth West (619) 435-4658 |
| Contact | Jody McElrath, Leader Email or (619) 435–5157 |
| More Details | Community Bible Study |
Every Thursday through April 15
Confirmation is an opportunity for students to discover and come to terms with their own commitment of faith and personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Classes navigate the contours of the Reformed Protestant tradition, following the adopted creeds as a guide to help students to
• clarify what they have learned and experienced about faith
• reinforce understanding of creation, redemption, salvation, sanctification, and sin
• develop the metanarrative of God’s Word
| Date | Thursdays Jan 21 through Apr 15 |
|---|---|
| Time | 7:00–8:15pm |
| Invitation | open to the youth in the community, grades 7–12 |
| Purpose | clarify commitment to faith reinforce understanding of essential Christian terms develop the metanarrative of God's Word |
| Location | Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Center for Christian Education 949 C Avenue, Coronado, CA Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Cost | no admission fee |
| Contact | Email Lisa Creech (619) 435-6860 x 24 |
Every Thursday
Always lauded, frequently applauded, the Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir guarantees its members 100% spiritual return on investment. If you can hum a lullaby or sing the national anthem, you're capable of filling the sanctuary with audible joy each Sunday morning.
Our director of music ministries is a master of innovation and coaxes musical magic from every Chancel Choir member. And our fabulous state-of-the-art audio/visual system enhances Chancel Choir sound and records the worship music for everyone to sample online.
Convinced? Then show up at any rehearsal session, and voice your interest!
| Rehearsal Schedule | Thursdays 7:00–8:30pm Sep–Jun Sundays 8:00–8:30am before worship service performance |
|---|---|
| Performance Schedule | Sundays 9:00–10:00am traditional worship service Sundays 10:30–11:00am blended worship service Christian and select other holidays |
| Location | Center for Christian Education 949 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to the community men and women, 15 years of age and older no auditions no prior choir experience |
| Purpose | lead the congregation in musical worship |
| Advantages | good ear for pitch ability to read musical notation |
| Training | Get Started class available |
| Cost | sheet music and choir robes provided at no cost |
| Contact | Teres Byrne, Director of Music Ministries Email or (619) 435–6860 x 17 |
Every Friday
It’s a guy thing. Once a week, men meet over coffee and bagels to explore God’s Word and, occasionally, solve world problems as Pastor David facilitates the often-rousing discussion. At the session’s end, the men pray for one another, seeking to be men of integrity and holding one another accountable during the next week. From wise guys to wise men in a flash of 90 minutes. A great opportunity for male bonding and an all-around good time of fellowship.
| Schedule | Fridays 6:30–8:00am year round |
|---|---|
| Location | Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Parish Hall 975 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to the community, men 20 years of age and older |
| Purpose | fellowship Old Testament exploration prayer |
| Refreshments | complimentary bagels, coffee |
| Contact | The Reverend Dr. David H. McElrath, Pastor Email or (619) 435–6860 |
Every Friday
Originally formed to meet the needs of mothers with young children, this group holds appeal for and welcomes women of all ages who want to discover how God reveals himself through his Word. Here, women learn practical ways to apply biblical truths to daily life through interactive study of the Bible, supplementary academic resources, and books with Christian authors. Frequent guest speakers broaden perspective.
| Schedule | Fridays 9:15–11:15am Sep–May |
|---|---|
| Location | Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Parish Hall 975 C Avenue, Coronado Downloadable Campus Map PDF» |
| Invitation | open to the community, women 20 years of age and older |
| Purpose | discipleship through Bible study fellowship prayer |
| Refreshments | complimentary coffee |
| Child Care | usually available with 48-hour advance notice Noah's Nursery at Kirk Cottage |
| Contact | Barbara Bartroff (619) 435–3646 |