Westminster Presbyterian Church
1515 Helen Avenue
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 344-3966
e-mail address – [email protected]
Web Address – www.wpcportage.org
NEWSLETTER
Mailed Monthly
Address Service requested
Vol. 132 November 2014
Welcome Statement
We open our doors to all persons to join in worship,
fellowship, educational programs and service.
We welcome into membership all who profess faith in
Jesus Christ without regard to gender, age, race,
ethnic origin, socio-economic status, sexual orientation,
disability, or any other human condition.
We elect and ordain as leaders in the church persons
who are called by God and committed to serving the
Lord Jesus Christ in the Church.
adopted by the Session, May 18, 2009
Marty King and Helen Rodee, Editors
Westminster Staff
November 8
Serving lunch at MWC
Second Saturday Social Group
November 14 Third Age
12:45 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
November 17 Session
7:00 p.m.
November 24 Deacons
6:30 p.m.
To my church family,
Thank you so much for the expressions of kindness in the form of hugs, cards, prayers and a
love note from you on the recent death of Mom, Madeline Berster. On October 18th my whole
family gathered in Pittsburgh to remember a life well lived.
A special thank you to Marie Kerstetter, with help from Chris Rohwer, for creating a special cd
with music from the 30's and 40's, which Mom especially loved to take with me. We enjoyed it
at the luncheon following the service and played it for the family later in the hotel.
You are all truly a blessing.
Barb Knickerbocker
Blessings on you all, Jerry and Janet and Kurt Kremlick included,
for all you have done for us while I have been ill. Prayers, cards
and calls are much appreciated.
Bob and Jean Cox
Join us on November 21, (3rd Friday) at 8:00 a.m.
We will meet at East Egg on Sears Drive in
Portage for breakfast and fellowship.
Any questions, contact Mike Evans.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY… Please read, pray, and consider how you can help!
We have a number of folks who would love to attend programs or activities at
church , but who aren’t able to drive themselves. We want this opportunity to be
available to everyone who would benefit from it, but we need some help. Are
you occasionally or regularly free mid-day during the week? Could you consider
being a driver? It’s a simple ministry but would mean a lot to someone.
If you would like to consider this important ministry, please talk with Eileen Best
or Janet Duggins.
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Pastors—Reverends Jerry and Janet Duggins…[email protected]
Parish Associate— Rev. Kurt J. Kremlick, Jr. ……[email protected]
Parish Associate— Rev. Theda McBryde…[email protected]
Pastor Emeritus—Rev. Richard Jackson
Connections Coordinator—Eileen Best...….. [email protected]
Sunday School Coordinator—Leslie Ashbaugh..…[email protected]
Director of Music/Pianist—Marie Kerstetter…[email protected]
Choir Director—Jason [email protected]
Administrative Assistant—Susan Vincent…[email protected]
Nursery Care—Kris Senholtz
Westminster’s Web Site—www.wpcportage.org
Session Members
Eileen Best
Jim Gluys
Malcolm McBryde
David Teugh
Amy Capelli
Nancy Husk
Martin Schultz, clerk
Tom Cook
Mike Jungel
Lindsay South
Deacons
Emily Dood, Moderator
Stan Rop, Parish 1
Jayme Ruimveld, Parish 2
Mary Anderson, Parish 3
Laurie Bushnell, Parish 4
Audrey Curry, Parish 5
Pat Kurtz, Parish 6
Marlin Gerber, Parish 7
Lynn McFarlen, Parish 8
For information on…
Contact…
Administration (including finance & personnel)…………………. Mike Jungel, Malcolm McBryde
Adult Education ......................................................................................Linda DeYoung
Building & Grounds................................................................... Paul Bushnell, Jim Gluys
Children and Worship ................................................................................. Nancy Husk
Christian Education (Children & Youth) ................................................... Leslie Ashbaugh
Coffee Plus ............................................................................................ Glenda Farrell
Family Fun ................................................................................................. Barb Poliak
Congregational Life & Evangelism .................... Eileen Best, John Chapman, Lindsay South
Greeters .................................................................................................... Cindy Green
Interpretive Arts ...................................................................................... Bobbie Gerber
Memorial Garden ....................................................................................... Amy Capelli
Mission Opportunities ................................................................................. Nancy Husk
Nominating Committee ............................................................................... Dave Teugh
Nursery ....................................................................................................... Marta Best
Ushers/Sound Person ................................................................................ Kelly Schultz
Worship ....................................................................................... Pastors, Kelly Schultz
Youth Program .......................................................................... Pastors, Mary Anderson
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2014
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
“PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER”
Thu
Fri
Centsability Collection is
the first Sunday of each
month
1 SET YOUR
CLOCKS
BACK 1 HOUR
2 All Saint’s Day—
Communion
Special Music:
Proclamation Brass
9:30 am Worship
Coffee Plus; No C & W
10:45 am CE
No Youth Group
3
7:00 pm
Dance Club
4
5
9:00 am Gamb Anon
9:30 am Bible Study
12:00 pm Read Aloud
5:30 pm
Worship Planning
7:00 pm Adult Choir
7:30 pm Volleyball
6
11:00 a.m. Mission
Team
4:00 pm Knitting &
Prayer
9 Stewardship Dedication
9:30 am Blended Service
C & W; Coffee Plus
10:45 am CE
10:45 am Usher/Host Training
11:45 am Adv Wkshp Planning
12:00 pm Lunch Together
5:00 pm Youth Group
16 Harvest Sunday
9:30 am Worship
C & W; Coffee Plus
10:45 am CE
5:00 p.m. Youth Group
10
7:00 pm
Dance Club
7:00 pm
Presbyterian
Pilgrimage Training
11
3:30 pm
CROP Walk Team
7:00 pm
Faith Book Club
12
9:00 am Gamb Anon
9:30 am Bible Study
12:00 pm Read Aloud
7:00 pm Adult Choir
7:30 pm Volleyball
13
7
8
Office closed at
noon
9:30 am Presbytery—
Muskegon
12:45 pm Serving at
Ministry with Community
Second Saturday
Chili Cook-off X 6:00pm
17
7:00 pm Session
7:00 pm
Dance club
18
Newsletter Deadline
10:00 am
Adult Ed Team
12:00 pm Cong. Life
& Evang. Team
19 9:00 am Gamb An
9:30 am Bible Study
12:00 pm Read Aloud
4-9:00 pm NOODLES
7:00 pm Adult Choir
7:30 pm Volleyball
20
23 Christ the King Sunday
9:30 am Worship
C & W; Coffee Plus
10:45 am CE
11:45 pm Green Team
5:00 pm Youth Group
24
7:00 pm Deacons
7:00 pm
Dance club
25
10:00 am
Committee On
Ministry
26
9:00 am Gamb Anon
No Bible Study
12:00 pm Read Aloud
No Choir
7:30 pm Volleyball
27
28
Church Office Closed
Church Office
Closed
14
12:30 pm
Third Age
Office closed at
noon
…………..…………….….Susan on vacation……………….………………...
21
8:00 am
Men’s Breakfast
15
At Transformation
Spirituality Center 8:30
am—3:00 pm
22
Office closed at
noon
29
10:00 am Decorating
the church for
Advent ~ Christmas
30 First Sunday of Advent
9:30 am Worship
C & W; Coffee Plus
10:45 am CE
No Youth Group
1 Jeff Poliak
2 Joanne Watson
Sara Stuut
4 Fatch Chapeyama
5 Rob Boven
6 Steve Hessen
7 Anne Deming
Meg Wonser
9 Nancy Husk
11 Suzanne Rop
- James 5:16
Sat
In prayer we find we want to know God more deeply, to enjoy and engage with the
mystery more, through the scriptures, reflection, and silence, allowing more of God
to become present to us. As we do so, prayer gives us deeper knowledge of our
own mystery and our role in the world.
Christian tradition tells us that we need time for private prayer and time for prayer together, just as
we need time for work, food, sleep and relaxation.
~ Rosemary Power, in Like Leaves to the Sun, ed. Neil Paynter
Please remember in prayer: John Kuchta and his family on the death of his father, Chester
Kuchta, Hank Hamilton, Merry Hamilton, Jean Cox, Aileen & Walter Rist, Glenda Farrell, Kettie
Chapeyama, Dottie & Harry Eberts, Virginia Rhinesmith, Pat Leavens, Vickie Iverson, Agnes
McColley, Bill Eberhart, Joyce LeBrecht, Martie Leak, Paul Schuring, Jan Walter, Jackie
Martinez, Don & Sally Cubbison, Olly Visser, Helen Rineholt, Ellen Armstrong, Phil Lyon,
Mitchell Rossen, Michael Luanda, Randy Osborne, Gabi Cochran, Margaret Charron, Mary
Kay Trompeter, Jimmy Utley, and Nancy Glass.
A PRAYER: O Lord, we look for your help.
May we live positively;
May we find love to strengthen us and free us from fear.
Give us your blessing
for all that may be required of us,
that love may drive out fear,
that we may be more perfectly abandoned to the will of God,
and that peace and contentment
may reign in our hearts,
O Giver of life, Bearer of pain, Maker of love,
Creator and Sustainer, Liberator and Redeemer, Healer and Sanctifier
Be with us and all we love and all who are in need
this day and all days. Amen.
~ adapted from a prayer by Vincent Manning, in Like Leaves to the Sun, ed. Neil Paynter
12 Lizz Cardwell
Samantha Poliak
17 Tom Hamilton
18 Bud Toornman
19 Mary Carlson
Sharon Brouwer
20 Meg Truesdell
25 Zachary Hamilton
26 Amy Ruimveld
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If you’d like to be on an email list to receive prayer requests, please contact Susan or Janet.
5 Bernie & Helen Rodee
11 Ted & Lynn McFarlen
13 Tom & Peggy Depper
22 Bob & Jean Cox
25 Harry & Carol Madison
27 Bill & Frances Potts
2
FUNDRAISING AND FELLOWSHIP
WORSHIP in November
at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday
Our worship theme for 2014-15 is “Strange Scenes and Familiar Territory: Journeying Through Scripture.” This fall we are following the twists and turns and recurring themes of the Old Testament story.
Put Wednesday, November 19 on your calendars and join
other Westminster folks at the Noodles and Company Restaurant
on Westnedge Avenue for dinner. Between the hours of 4:00 and 9:00 p.m.,
Noodles and Company will give 25% of the sales to our church. Be sure to mention Westminster
when you order!
November 2
A flyer will be available to take to the restaurant that night to participate. Invite your friends, too!
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
Special musical guests: PROCLAMATION BRASS
Communion
Today our worship will include a time of remembrance for those of our
church community and loved ones who have died during the past year.
scripture: Exodus 14 & 32, selected verses
November 9
No Children & Worship today
STEWARDSHIP DEDICATION SUNDAY
scripture: Numbers 13 & 14, selected verses
November 19
Children & Worship
HARVEST SUNDAY
scripture: Judges 6:11-27
November 23
Children & Worship
CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY
scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-22; 16:1-13
November 30
GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER… ESTHER WICKERT
Children & Worship
FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
scripture: Isaiah 42:18-43:7
Join us throughout Advent, as we “Journey to the Manger,” reflecting as we go on
themes of Pardon, Power, Peace and Presence. You won’t want to miss the lighting of
the Advent Candles, the choir cantata, and all the special traditions of the season!
Advent devotional booklets will be available at church. We will have choices available
for adults, families & children, and youth/young adults. Taking a few minutes each
day to light a candle, read, reflect and pray, can bring a special peace into your home
this Advent.
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Esther was born a few years ago in Holland, Michigan. She graduated from Hope College in
1944, then continued her education earning a Masters in Education. She taught school several
places throughout Michigan.
She met Jack in Holland, married him, and followed him to Kalamazoo where he worked in the
Kalamazoo Public School system as an administrator. They parented two daughters, Jane
(Werner) now living in Portage, and Mary (Deppe) now residing in Kent.
Together they’ve provided the Wickerts with four grandchildren and one great grand child.
Jack passed on in 2000. With pride, Esther shared that her eldest grandson just graduated from
Western Theological seminary and is about to be ordained into the Reformed church in Granville.
After having attended First Presbyterian in Kalamazoo, they became charter members of Westminster. Both she and Jack have served as elders here and contributed in numerous ways to the
life of the church community. “Community” is the term Esther focuses on when talking about her
life with this church, saying it is the ‘people’ who make a church what it is.
After living by herself for several years, she chose to move to Friendship Village where five
other Westminster members now call home. Looking west through Esther’s living room window,
the fall colors painted a brilliant picture. She remarked that here she feels cared for and happy
meeting her friends and greeting new ones on a daily basis.
Interviewed by Marlin Gerber
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Make some plans for
th
th
Our WPC Youth Group is for kids in 6 -12 grade. We get together most Sundays
from mid-September through mid-May for a meal, an outing, fun, conversation, a
creative project, prayer, service to others…
… or all of the above!
November 2
No Youth Group
November 9 5-7 p.m.
Baking!
We’ll eat dinner together then bake some goodies to serve for Coffee Plus
November 16 12-2:15 p.m. Lunch and Leaf Raking
dress for the weather and bring your rake and gloves!
November 23 5-7:30 p.m. Cooking Dinner & Sharing with Confirmation Mentors
November 30
No Youth Group. Enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend!
For questions about our youth group, talk with one of our adult leaders: Leslie Ashbaugh, Jeanne
Trompeter, Janet and Jerry Duggins. To sign up to provide a meal for a youth group activity,
contact Theresa Cook.
Everybody: Don’t forget our ongoing project to facilitate recycling of items
like electronics, compact fluorescent bulbs and such. We have bins available at
church (in the narthex the first two Sundays of each month) so you can bring your
items and we will get them to the recycling center.
The 10th Annual Chili Cook Off is upon us.
Are you ready for another hot time at the Currys’
or do you have a mellower pallet? Either way, join
us at Ed & Audrey Currys’ house on Saturday,
November 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Feel free to submit a chili to be judged by all (prizes awarded) or just attend and sample
several chilies. After the meal feel free to stay and play games...cards...pool table...whatever
you bring as well. Sign up in the Narthex on the bulletin board. Looking forward to seeing
you all!
December: Fieldstone Grill; Hosts - Mike & Carole Evans, Bill & Frances Potts
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Our “Longest Night” service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, at 7 p.m. This is a quiet time
of worship, music, and prayer, which we offer because we recognize that not everyone feels jolly
at Christmas time. However, we also believe that Christ was born into our troubled world to speak
to our need, our sorrow and our pain. This service is for anyone, but especially appropriate for
those who are grieving, struggling, or feeling depressed. Last year’s Longest Night service was very
meaningful to those who attended. Please consider attending this year, and perhaps inviting a
friend to join you. If you would like to help with plans for this year’s Longest Night service, please
speak to Pastor Janet.
ADVENT IS COMING
Everyone in the congregation is
invited to join Interpretive Arts
Team on Saturday, November
29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to
decorate the church for Advent
and Christmas. We will install our
theme arrangement for Advent
then, too. Lunch will be provided.
ADVENT WORKSHOP
Being together is on always a joy but
especially at Christmas time. Join the
Westminster family for an Advent
Workshop on Sunday, December 7
from noon to 2:00 p.m. There will be
crafts to make for all ages, interests,
and ability levels. Lunch and all materials provided. Contact Eileen Best if
you would like to help.
CHRISTMAS CARDS AND GIFTS
Now you can support the Special Offerings of the Presbyterian Church (One Great Hour
of Sharing, Pentecost, Peacemaking, and Christmas Joy) in two new ways. Beautiful
Christmas cards with the words love, joy, hope, and peace are available to buy.
Information is on the bulletin board in the narthex or go to marketplace.mimeo.com/pcusa#name=13 to order. Also in the narthex are copies of the
Giving Catalog. Here you can “buy” animals, seeds, water purification systems,
school supplies, scholarships, support for Young Adult Volunteers, and many
other mission projects as gifts to honor someone special. All gifts and proceeds from the cards go to the mission of the Special Offerings.
4
Celebrate Our Abundant Journey
Harvest Sunday - November 16
Let’s join together to celebrate our abundant life by sharing it and God’s
kingdom with the hungry in our community. On Harvest Sunday bring a
bag of groceries to church OR give a special gift to Loaves and Fishes
(checks to WPC with “L & F” on the memo line). While the food collected does not go into
“Thanksgiving Baskets,” it does sustain those who count on Loaves and Fishes to see them
through this stressful time of year. Talk to one of the dozen Westminster members who work at
the Food Pantry at Ministry with Community. The stories we hear are of perseverance, caring, and
courage . . . someone picking up food for a disabled mother, someone getting groceries while
they’re looking for a place to live, someone choosing food for the grandchildren who live with
them.
Items that are always in demand at the food pantries:
Canned –
main dishes such as stew, ravioli, spaghetti
meat such as tuna and chicken
pasta sauce (no glass)
vegetables
Fruit
Pasta in boxes or bags
Juice in plastic bottles or cans (no glass)
Peanut butter
Boxed cereal
Cake mixes and canned frostings (for families
having a birthday within a short time of food
pickup)
Items which are NOT in demand: Dry milk, Macaroni and cheese, Dried beans, Rice
Watch for Fair Trade Opportunities
In the next week you’ll receive an electronic brochure with information about
ordering fair trade Christmas gifts online. Paper copies will be available in the
narthex. Take one for a friend to illustrate Westminster’s core values. In place
of an Alternative Christmas Fair, the Mission Team is offering this opportunity to
continue shopping which supports justice for farmers and craftspeople throughout the world.
FAIR TRADE FOOD
A new shipment has arrived with delicious things to try—new kinds of coffee, new
flavors of chocolate, fruit and nut bars (mango cashew and apricot cashew), and
dark chocolate chips. Check out the display in the narthex. Place the money for the
items you would like in an envelope and put it in Susan’s mailbox in the
office. Fair Trade items support small farmers around the world.
5
On Friday, November 14 the Third Age group will gather for a
potluck lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the narthex. Bring a dish to share
and your table service. Everyone is welcome!
Come to celebrate Game Day. Bring a game to share or come to
learn a new game: Simple Rummy. We’ll begin at 1:00 p.m.
Please contact Eileen at the church office if you need a ride to Third Age or can offer a ride to
someone.
We will meet to discuss When Crickets Cry by
Charles Martin on Tuesday, November 11,
2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the church library.
I'm sure we will have an interesting discussion
since we usually do. Come, join in whether
you have read the book or not.
If you have any questions contact Lorie Leak.
If you have a question regarding finances, contact Mike
Jungel or Janet Duggins.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday mornings come on a
journey with us through the
books of Acts. We gather at
9:30 a.m. for coffee, study and fellowship.
Questions, contact Pastor Jerry.
SEPT Income - $21,653
YTD Income - $239,849
SEPT Expense - $21,082
YTD Expense - $223,043
Lunch Together
MEALS ON WHEELS FOR WPC:
November 3, December 15.
Questions? Contact Kay Haas
or Carol Madison.
Our informal “no sign up” lunches together
after worship have resulted in great conversations and times of fellowship.
We’ll plan to do it again on
Sunday, November 9. Look
for Eileen Best after worship to
participate. We’ll go for lunch
at noon, after adult education
class.
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UPDATE ON CUBAN SOCIETY
From Izett Sama, Vice Moderator of the Iglesia Presbiteriana-Reformada en Cuba
The members of the Young Adult group here at
Westminster Presbyterian Church have a passion for
social justice and activism in the world. We have
been researching various organizations and their
missions in a hope to bring a worthwhile cause to the congregation's attention as we near the
Advent/Christmas season. Rahab's Rope is an impressive organization that works to help
women and girls who have been victims of human trafficking in India.
"Rahab's Rope is a 501(c)(3) that exists to give hope and opportunity to women and girls who
are at risk or have been forced into the commercial sex trade of India. By creating a safe and
loving environment, they are enabled to grow and develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our work provides basic education and vocational training for each girl and woman who
come through our centers, ultimately, allowing them to integrate into their communities in a
positive and constructive manner." For more information visit
www.rahabsrope.com.
To help support their important work, we are hosting an event to sell beautiful items made by the women in India striving to start a new life. We will be
selling a wide variety of hand made, fair trade merchandise after the church
service 10:30-12:00 Nov. 23 through Dec. 14. Please join us and do a little
Christmas shopping while making a difference in the world.
Speaking to the Cuba Partners Network meeting October 1 through 4, Diana Rosa's dear friend
Izett outlined three possible scenarios for Cuba's economic future as the government tries to mobilize an economy stagnant for 50 years.
1) The government controls everything but allows small business development and foreign
investment under strong central control with less social and political participation by the people.
2) The government relinquishes economic control to municipalities and provinces which
decide how to develop their own resources. Private businesses would be empowered to make more
decisions, involving more people in the process. The Communist Party would control politics more
than the economy. This model promotes more solidarity among people and collective businesses.
Churches would be more active locally promoting collective economic activity.
3) The country would make a total transition from socialism to capitalism with aggressive
foreign investment and, more importantly, a loss of guaranteed resources (education, pensions,
salaries, health care) for the people.
The questions facing the Cuban church are:
1) Which model to advocate for?
2) How to envision a future for Cuba in which people will participate rather than leaving?
3) How to raise a commitment among Cubans to work for their country?
4) How to prepare pastors and lay leaders for this mission?
Eileen Best, Nancy Husk, and Beth Myer attended the Cuba Partners Network meeting. Ask them to
share their stories.
IDLE FREE BROCHURES
The Bible is filled with stories not intended for children. These
stories challenge our simple understandings of God and God's
people. Some make us wonder how the Bible could ever have
been called "holy." While shocking, even offending us, these
parts of scripture reflect the complexities of life then while
speaking powerfully to the ambiguities of life today. Join Jerry
and Janet as we wrestle together with some troubling texts.
November 9 - Hagar and Ishmael
November 16 - The Levite's Concubine
November 23 - David and Bathsheba
9
Do you get frustrated when you see other drivers sitting with
their cars running in drive up lanes at the bank, or while waiting
to pick up children at school? Our cars are so hard on the environment. Why have them idling without going anywhere? Westminster’s
Green Team has put together a
brochure that outlines this problem
and encourages people to change
their behavior. Pick up a copy (or
several copies) at the bulletin board
display in the narthex.
6
… hugs, love notes, birthday cards, encouragement
… your concern and prayers for Jerry during his recent adventures with cardiac care
In this month of giving and giving thanks, it seems
like a good time to reflect on some of the things that
make me grateful to be a part of Westminster:
… the many folks who have cared about and communicated the love of God to our daughters
over the years (believe me, it did not go unnoticed!)
… the sunshine that pours through the windows of our office
… the trust that you all place in us as your pastors
… the musicians whose practice I’m often privileged to overhear whilst preparing the bulletin or
writing a newsletter column (you know who you are!)
… insurance that protected us from financial catastrophe in the wake of storm damage to the
church roof
… the people who make sure our youth have snacks and meals to fortify them for our activities
… the deacons who cheerfully, creatively, and compassionately convey our shared concern and
God’s love to those in our church community who are hurting
… the grace and good humor of this congregation, that allows us to laugh at little mistakes and
keep things in perspective
… the passion for art and beauty which expresses itself in so many ways here at Westminster
… the many people who, quietly, faithfully, year-in and year-out, devote themselves to the
countless unsung tasks that keep the church’s ministries humming along
… computers that make so much of our preparation and communication easier (and John K
who helps us make them work right)
…our leaders, especially our elders and our staff, who care deeply and thoughtfully about the
quality of our congregation’s ministry
… those who’ve been around a long time, giving our church a solid foundation of faithfulness,
and for those who have recently joined us, bringing us fresh ideas and energy
… our partnership with the Iglesia Presbiteriano en Perico, Cuba
… the church members whose generosity and forward-thinking created endowment funds to
support aspects of ministry we couldn’t otherwise do
… the Buildings and Grounds folks who fix stuff that needs to be fixed in our facility
… all the members of our church who practice their faith not just within the walls of the church
but beyond our walls – in work, in family, and in the community
… the opportunity to create sermons that explore scripture, theology,
and issues in diverse ways
... sermon feedback and discussion
7
These are just some of the things about Westminster that I am
thankful for… just some of the reasons Jerry and I are glad to
support Westminster with financial stewardship as well as our
ministry skills and energy. I’ll bet you can come up with a list
just as long.
Peace, Janet
Journey in the Work of the Lord
I have been on a journey with the Lord all my life… from baptism as an infant to now and
hopefully many more days.
My journey has been part of this congregation now for 18 years. And, quite a journey it has
been.
I have seen this church family give comfort like no other. When one of us is hurting...we
gather… with prayer, hugs, food and much more.
I have seen this church provide a safe environment for our youth—to explore their faith,
grow in their faith and have fun. I have seen this first hand with my son as well as many of
your children.
This church family helps others who cannot help themselves… evident every second Saturday when we are sure to have enough volunteers at MwC to serve lunch, so folks don’t have to
wait in line. It is evident in so many other ways… like Open Door, Habitat, Meals on Wheels,
etc.
I am speaking to you today about the stewardship part of this journey. It is a critical component to all the parts of the journey I already mentioned.
We live in a world that has evil. It is real. Several weeks ago, Pastor Jerry told us, “how do
we live in a world with evil? Faithfulness is ALWAYS the answer.” I believe that.
This Church, this congregation is where I grow in faith. This
place allows my faith to be strong so I have something to hold on
to when evil rears its ugly head.
Please join me in giving prayerful consideration to your pledge
this year. Thank you.
Minute for Mission, Sunday. October 26—Judy Paget
8