WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Do Justice • Love Kindness • Walk Humbly
January 10, 2019
Dear friends and fellow disciples, Sunday sure was fun, wasn’t it? I am so glad that we were able to reschedule our In This Issue "Advent Lessons & Carols" service from December 9 – when we had that beautiful snow – to this past Sunday. Concerns & Celebrations 2 Hearing the story told in Scripture and in song on MLK Day of Service 2 Epiphany was a wonderful way to round out the Advent DCIA News 2 and Christmas seasons, and the perfect way to begin the Families Moving Forward 2 new year. January Aperture 3 February WOW 3 With that said, I want to offer a few words of gratitude: New Junior Youth Group 3 • To the aforementioned musicians - the Chancel New Adult Study 3 Choir, many instrumentalists, and brass ensemble, under Monica Rossman’s Mission Stitches Ministry 4 direction; and the Handbell Choir, under Janet Whitaker’s direction - who shared Wedding Committee 4 their gifts in glory to God! It was a full season, and the music truly carried us. WSYC's 50th Anniversary 4 • The Flower Guild and helpers, who hung the green and the wreaths; who set up Spring Youth Calendar 5 the Advent wreath; who cleaned and replaced and watered, often before and after Opportunities to Support services at times when few noticed. As much as Advent is about the music, it is also WPC Youth 5 about the light of a candle and the smell of greenery that welcomes us in. Scouts in the News 6 Preaching Schedule 6 • Those who helped in worship – readers and lectors, acolytes and sound techs and Ekklesia in January 6 offering counters, ushers who squeezed people in and found chairs, and the many In the Library 7 volunteers who helped with the Children's Pageant. Countless details must come Finance Notes 7 together to make worship work and welcome the community with rich hospitality, 2019 VCS Dates Announced 8 and you did it all. Worship Volunteers' Schedule 8 • This Advent so many more of you stepped in and helped with Amy Humphreys’ funeral. The funeral committee and literally dozens of other friends helped offer hospitality at the visitation and funeral, parked cars, squeezed people in. In an already very busy season, you all stepped up when it mattered most. This reality is not at all surprising to me – you all are a people who step up over and over again – Spring Women's Retreat but it was still deeply moving. Thank you all so very much! New location and dates! One more note: I want to draw your attention to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service information on page 2. We did this for the first time last year, and it was a very March 29-31 really special morning. Our relationship with our friends at the Divan Center continues to grow, and it is most appropriate to build bridges of understanding and to serve Southern Charm House, our neighbors on the day in which we remember and honor Dr. King’s life and legacy West Holden Beach NC for us all. I have mentioned before my practice of reading Dr. King’s, “Letter From A Birmingham Registration coming soon! Jail,” each year at this time. King’s words continue to inspire and convict. You can find a Planning Committee: link to the letterhere , and I invite you to take the time to read (or re-read the letter), as Diane Ellenson, Alexis Franzese, we seek the Beloved Community together, in Christ’s name. Dawn Lamont, Diana Monroe, Emily Strader
Westminster Presbyterian Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). January 10, 2019 Concerns & Celebrations Charles Atwater, Sr. Judy Lamon’s friend Tali Benignus The birth of Bill and Eileen McAvoy's grandchild Linda Clack Bonnie McWilliams Don Cleaver Sue Murphy Donna Douglass Jeff Scouten's sister Brandon Garcia's friend Cathy Snider The family of Amy Humphreys Ellen Vogel’s aunt
Mission Opportunities and more Martin Luther King Jr. DAY OF SERVICE Monday, January 21
Honor Martin Luther King's legacy of serving others by serving our community alongside our friends from the Divan Center, a mosque and Turkish cultural center in Cary. We'll gather at WPC on Monday, January 21, at 7:30am for a light breakfast, then head out to serve in various locations in Durham (Habitat for Humanity, NCCU Food Pantry, Threshhold, and Hope Valley Elementary School). We'll return to the church around noon to enjoy lunch and fellowship together. If you'd like to participate, please sign up today at http://bit.ly/WPC-MLKday. Signing up in advance will help us better organize our teams and project deployment. Contact: Amy Hill ([email protected], 919-418-0078)
DCIA News: 2019 Banquet Serve with Families Moving and Mission Opportunity Forward January 14-15 You are cordially invited to the 2019 Annual Banquet of Durham Congregations in Action on Tuesday, January 29, 6:00-8:00pm, Westminster provides dinner, dinner hosts, and childcare on at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Durham. The speaker will be Monday and Tuesday nights during our volunteer weeks with Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, PC (USA) Director of the Office of Public Families Moving Forward. Volunteers are needed to pick up, Witness. The cost is $16 per person; a Mediterranean menu deliver, and set up dinner; eat will be served (vegetarian option with the families and clean up available). Chuck Byrd will be there afterward; and play with the representing Westminster, and he’d kids while parents participate love to bring a few friends along. in life skills programming. Please email [email protected] by We partner with Immaculate January 25 to RSVP, or contact Chuck. Conception and Judea Reform on this wonderful mission. Also, DCIA is collecting gift cards to Come and help support aid the Durham Re-Entry Committee families seeking to change in its efforts to promote fresh starts their lives for the better. for those who have been incarcerated and are returning home to Durham. Sign up today at http://bit.ly/FMFJan2019. Needed are $35 gift cards to Walmart Mark your calendars for our other rotations during the first half and $40 gift cards that can be used of 2019: April 8-9 and June 24-25. for purchasing pre-paid cell phones. Contact: Rachel Chang ([email protected]) Contacts: Chuck Byrd ([email protected]) Kim Tupper ([email protected])
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Christian Education news New Year, New Study Aperture: Third Wednesdays for Monday Mornings
Celtic Spirituality in Art & Music The Monday Morning Bible Study with Kristen Leigh is beginning a new book, Inspired: Musician, Singer/Songwriter, and Artist Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, Wednesday, January 16 | 6:30pm | Music Room and Loving the Bible Again, by Rachel Held Evans, bestselling We live in a culture where mind and body, heaven and earth, author of A Year of Biblical sacred and secular are usually perceived as being radically Womanhood. distinct and separate from one another. But Celtic spirituality comes from a cosmology much closer to that of Jesus and the The new study begins on Monday, ancient Hebrews - one that is infused with a sense of God’s January 14, at 10:00am, in Room abiding presence in the material world, emphasizing the 105. We'll break for the MLK Day of interconnectedness of all things and the need to restore right Service and resume the study on January 27. All are invited! relationship between humans, the natural world, and God. By Contact: Kristina Gilbert ([email protected]) looking at some Celtic traditions in art and music - especially illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Durrow and the Book of Kells - we can learn to see and experience the presence of God all around us, even in our ordinary, everyday lives.
Kristen Leigh is a professional musician and artist, with a Master’s degree in Theology and the Arts from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University. In addition to performing as a singer/songwriter (www. kristenleighmusic.com), she is an experienced congregational song leader who specializes in oral traditions and paperless Save the Date! music from all over the world, and teaches classes and February WOW: First Wednesdays workshops on the spiritual practice of singing. She has had a Experience Haiti! lifelong fascination with Celtic music and art and has spent time on pilgrimage in Ireland and Scotland studying Celtic spiritual, February 6 l Dinner at 5:45pm l Program at 6:30pm musical, and artistic traditions. Join us for an immersion-like experience of Haiti's beauty. As Pat Dinner will be served at 5:45pm in the Fellowship Hall. Gunter put it, "It's a way to bring Haiti to the people who don't go to Haiti.” There will be something for all ages, plus delicious Menu: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls Haitian food. Don't miss it! Cost: $5 per person/$20 max per family Contact: Kristina Gilbert ([email protected]) Register by January 14: http://bit.ly/myWPCevent Contact: Kristina Gilbert ([email protected])
NEW: Junior Youth Group
We’re starting a new Junior Youth Group for fourth and fifth graders. The first gathering will be on Sunday, January 13, in the Youth Suite, following the 11:00am service. We'll meet twice per month (usually on the second and fourth Sundays), so we'll plan to meet again on January 27. Please mark your calendars and bring your fourth and fifth graders for games, service projects, and special activities. Sign up today at http://bit.ly/wpcjryouth. Contact: Kristina Gilbert ([email protected])
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Volunteer Opportunities and more Say “I DO” to the Wedding Committee If you're looking to join a fun, low-commitment committee, then Mission Stitches say “I do" to the Wedding Committee! The Wedding Committee is a joyful ministry at Westminster in Sewing Days which committee members help brides and grooms and their families during a happy time in their lives. The committee's January 18-19 goals are to ensure that all goes according to plan so that the 10:00am-4:00pm ceremony is dignified and joyous, and to help reduce stress on the couple's special day. Mission Stitches is Westminster’s sewing At the Rehearsal: Committee members assist the couple and guild that's currently wedding party with the procession, the timing of respective working on: responsibilities, and advise on nuptial etiquette, if needed. The committee members are on hand to answer questions and to • Assembling dresses for the Haiti Mission team to deliver on proxy for missing wedding party members. In essence, we do their trip this Spring, and whatever is needed! • Constructing handsewn pillowcases for the pediatric units at On the Big Day: Committee members arrive one to two hours both Duke and UNC hospitals. early to coordinate the arrivals of the bridal parties and greet The dresses and pillowcases have been assembled into kits and any guests that may arrive early. In addition, committee are ready to be stitched together. Please join us and witness members orchestrate all "behind-the-scenes“ logistics, from turning these kits into finished products! Drop by anytime on the wedding party line-up and the procession, to assisting with January 18-19, from 10:00am-4:00pm in Rooms 203 and 209, limited clean-up after the ceremony. Bring your sewing machine or use one of ours. Sewing skills and Weddings go so well here because our Wedding Committee experience aren't necessary - our sewers will be happy to help sees to it! Please consider becoming a part of this wonderful and mentor you. Westminster tradition. If you think you might be interested, Contacts: Helen Harrison ([email protected]) drop by the Wedding Committee meeting on Saturday, February Emily Strader ([email protected]) 16, at 10:00am in the Sanctuary to help plan for two spring weddings. Contact: Jami Howell ([email protected], 919-638-5576)
Celebrate Westminster School's 50th Birthday on Saturday, February 23 Office Volunteers
Mark calendars for Westminster School's annual Pancake Needed for 2019 Breakfast fundraiser. This year, we celebrate the 50th birthday of Thanks to all who answered the call to this wonderful preschool! volunteer in the church office over the past few Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, February 23, from months! You have been a huge help to our staff 8:30-10:30am for all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice, and our church. and coffee. Lots of games and creative activities are planned for Now it's time to make the schedule for the the children. We will sell tickets for the games, and they will be new year. Volunteers are needed on Tuesday held in the school classrooms. and Thursday afternoons to answer the The breakfast is both a social event and a fundraiser for the phone, welcome and assist visitors, collate school. Proceeds from the breakfast will be used to maintain and the bulletins, prepare mailings, and other light improve our playground, to enhance our classroom resources, administrative tasks. and provide for other school necessities. Training is provided, and no experience is Information about our amazing basket raffle and silent auction necessary. Sign up at http://bit.ly/WPCoffice. will be coming soon. Plan to join us on February 23 for food, Contact: Barb Schmidt fellowship, and fundraising! ([email protected]) Contact: Kathy Stickley, WSYC Director ([email protected]) Westminster School has spaces available for toddlers, two-year-olds, and three-year-olds for next school year. Help us spread the word!
- 4 - WestminsterWestminster Presbyterian Presbyterian Church youth ministry news
WPC Youth Spring Calendar SUN | 1/6/19 | 5:30pm - 7pm | @ WPC SUN | 3/3/19 | 5:30pm - 7pm | @ WPC Youth Group Youth Group SUN | 1/13/19 | 5:30pm - 7pm | @ WPC SUN | 3/10/19 | Time TBD | @ WPC Youth Group Flour War SUN | 1/20/19 | 5pm - 7pm | Iceskating SUN | 3/17/19 | 5:30pm - 7pm | @ WPC @ Hillsborough Sportsplex Youth Group MON | 1/21/19 | 7:30am l Meet @ WPC SUN | 3/24/19 | 5pm - 7pm | @ WPC MLK Memorial Day of Service Youth Group SUN | 1/27/19 | 5:30pm - 7pm | @ WPC SUN | 3/31/19 | 5:30pm - 7pm | @ WPC Youth Group Youth Sunday Practice SUN | 2/3/19 | 12:15pm - 2pm | @ WPC SUN | 4/7/19 | 5:30pm - 7pm | @ WPC Souper Bowl Fundraiser Youth Sunday Practice SUN | 2/10/19 | 5:30pm - 7pm | @ WPC SUN | 4/14/19 | Time TBD | @ WPC Youth Group CROP Walk + Youth Sunday Practice SAT | 2/16/19 | 5:00-9:00pm | @ WPC SUN | 4/21/18 | Easter — No Youth Group Valentine's Babysitting Fundraiser SUN | 4/28/19 | Morning worship & 5:30pm - 7pm SUN | 2/17/19 | 5:30pm - 7pm | @ WPC Youth Sunday, Final Youth Group & Senior Send-Off Youth Group SUN | 2/24/18 | 5:30pm - 7pm | @ WPC Youth Group Summer Experiences APPALACHIAN SERVICE PROJECT MANDATORY* PRE-TRIP MEETINGS June 16 - 22, 2019 || Cost — $300 May 29 @ 6:30pm — ASP (Deposit—$200) June 5 @ 6:30pm — Massanetta June 12 @ 6:30pm — Montreat MASSANETTA: MASSANETTA SPRINGS, VA Junior High — June 25 - 28, 2019 || Cost — $300 * Attendance by participating youth and one parent/ (Deposit — $200) guardian is required. If you cannot make the date/time of a required meeting, please arrange with Alex MONTREAT: MONTREAT, NC to meet another time. Senior High — July 14 - 20, 2019 || Cost — $375 (Deposit — $275) BALANCES DUE: 2/15/19 MISSION EXTRAVAGANZA: DURHAM, NC Junior High — August 1 - 3, 2019 || Cost — $25
Opportunities to Support WPC Youth WPC youth is raising money for summer trips and scholarships. You can help by joining us for one of these upcoming events: • February 3 - "Souper Bowl" Fundraiser and Bake Sale, in the Fellowship Hall after 11:00am worship. Calling all soup-chefs, bakers, and hungry people! • February 16 - Valentine's Day babysitting fundraiser, 5:00-9:00pm. Leave the kids with us, and enjoy a Valentine's date! Contact: Alex Stayer-Brewington ([email protected])
- 5 - MarchJanuary 16, 10, 2016 2019
Two WPC Members Earn Eagle Scout Distinction David Lapp and Harrison Truscott have earned the rank of Eagle Scout through Boy Scout Troop 451, which is chartered by Westminster. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest level of achievement in BSA Scouting. David Lapp is a senior at Woods Charter School in Chapel Hill. David’s Eagle Service project was building an outdoor concrete Ping Pong table for his school. Harrison Truscott is a sophomore at Cary Academy. His project was the installation of a drainage system and retaining bed to combat erosion around the Calhoon Cabin. Both boys have been involved in scouting since Cub Scouts, starting in first grade. Congratulations, David and Harrison!
January 27 is Scout Sunday at Westminster!* Scouts from the Troops chartered at Westminster will help serve as worship volunteers, and we'll hear more about the impact of scouting during the Sharing Our Mission. All are invited to a reception in the Parlor after the 11:00am service for refreshments. * If you are a youth or adult member of a scouting group, wear your uniform to church that day.
WORSHIP news
Preaching Schedule January 13 Baptism of the Lord, Communion Sunday Alex Stayer-Brewington January 20 ekklesia Rev. Joe Harvard, Pastor Emeritus First Presbyterian Church, Durham a worship service @ westminster January 27 Scout Sunday Sunday, January 27, 4:00pm Rev. Chris Tuttle Guest Liturgist: Paul Ransford in the Fellowship Hall February 3 Combining contemporary and traditional Communion Sunday elements of worship to create a place of welcome Rev. Carrie Tuttle, Chaplain, Glenaire Retirement Community and celebration for all ages February 10 Alex Stayer-Brewington February 17 Rev. Chris Tuttle
- 6 - WestminsterWestminster Presbyterian Presbyterian Church In the Library In honor of and appreciation for all of Westminster’s wonderful teachers, the Children and Youth Christian Education Committee last year donated the books below to the church library. These books reflect lifelong learning from childhood to adulthood.
The Marvelous Mustard Seed By Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso Call number: Early ED Lev A child plants a mustard seed in an empty garden. It is an itty-bitty seed. It isn’t anything very special yet. Discover the surprising potential of one small seed in The Marvelous Mustard Seed. Based on Jesus' parable of the mustard seed, this inspiring children' book shows young readers that one tiny seed - just like one small child - carries a world of potential. The Marvelous Mustard Seed features ethnically diverse characters and is ideal for children ages 4-8.
Hello, Universe By Erin Entrada Kelly Call Number: ELEM KEL Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly’s Hello, Universe is a funny and poignant neighborhood story about unexpected friendships. Told from four intertwining points of view - two boys and two girls - the novel celebrates bravery, being different, and finding your inner bayani (hero). Readers will be instantly engrossed in this relatable neighborhood adventure and its eclectic cast of misfits.
Just Mercy: A True Story of the Fight for Justice (Adapted for young adults) by Bryan Stevenson Call Number: YA 340.092 STE In this young adult adaptation of the acclaimed bestselling Just Mercy, which the New York Times calls "as compelling as To Kill a Mockingbird, and in some ways more so," Bryan Stevenson delves deep into the broken U.S. justice system, detailing from his personal experience his many challenges and efforts as a lawyer and social advocate, especially on behalf of America's most rejected and marginalized people.
A Gospel of Hope by Walter Brueggemann Call Number: 248.4 BRU Beloved and respected by scholars, preachers, and laity alike, Walter Brueggemann offers penetrating insights on Scripture and prophetic diagnoses of our culture. Instead of maintaining what is safe and routine, A Gospel of Hope encourages readers to embrace the audacity required to live out one’s faith. This must-have book volume gathers Brueggemann’s wisdom on topics ranging from anxiety and abundance to partisanship and the role of faith in public life.
Finance Notes thank YOU! Gifts of Stock to WPC Deep thanks to all who contributed to the Christmas Eve offering. You donated $16,948.36! Your generosity Do you give to WPC via stock? If so, please be sure to contact the is making a profound impact on the efforts of: finance office with the details of your stock gift so that we can properly account for and attribute your contribution. We have received a few generous year-end stock gifts for which we cannot identify the donors. If you have recently contributed a gift of stock, please contact Burke Raper (finance@wpcdurham. org) to ensure your gift is correctly identified and credited. Learn about ways you can give at www.wpcdurham.org/give.
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Save the Dates! Vacation Church School for Everyone June 16 - 20 • 5:30-8:00pm Dinner served each evening Invite your friends!
WORSHIP VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
Nursery Volunteers Ushers Every Sunday - Infants, Toddlers, 8:30am 2-5 yr. olds: Jan 13 8:30am Logan and Lynn Toms, Bill and Jackie Whitt WPC Nursery Staff 11:00am Nichols family, Chang family Jan 13 Robert Brame, Katie Walker Jan 20 8:30am Andy and Shirley Collins, Dailey and Bonnie Derr Jan 20 Quinn or Billy McFall, Volunteers needed 11:00am John and Ruth Caccavale, Lamont family, Jan 27 Volunteers needed Brendan Turner Feb 3 Sophie Califano, Lee and Lucy Patterson Jan 27 8:30am and 11:00am Scouts Feb 3 8:30am Christopher Bean, Kenzie Brannon, Acolytes (11:00am only) Bo and Grace Ferguson Jan 13 Abby and Sarah Simonson 11:00am Jackie Fryt, McElroy family, Brendan Turner Jan 20 Volunteers needed Jan 27 Scouts Offering Counters Feb 3 Peter and Charlie Soloe Jan 13 8:30am Jeff and Martha Scouten 11:00am Harriette Frank, Kay Rosenmarkle Lectors Jan 20 8:30am Laura and Millicent Loehr Jan 13 8:30am Chuck Byrd 11:00am Davis Bingham 11:00am Harriette Frank, Tali Benignus Jan 20 8:30am Eric Wolf 11:00am Judy Lamon Jan 27 8:30am Lois Bender, Gary Carr Jan 27 8:30am Lee Murphy 11:00am Dana Lange 11:00am Harriette Frank, Tali Benignus Feb 3 8:30am Bonnie Derr 11:00am Jack Walker Feb 3 8:30am Carl and Adella Boxberger 11:00am Jeremy and Laurel Trantham Sound Technicians Jan 8:30am Doug Wellemeyer 11:00am Blair Chesnut Feb 8:30am Derek Ledbetter 11:00am Lee Katrincic
Please find a sub if you're unable to serve on your scheduled Sunday. Sign up at www.bit.ly/wpcServe. Thank you!
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 3639 Old Chapel Hill Rd Durham, NC 27707 Phone: 919-489-4974 [email protected] www.wpcdurham.org www.facebook.com/wpcdurham
The next newsletter will be published on January 24. Please send material for publication byJanuary 16 to Joye Douthart, Communications Coordinator, [email protected] . WPC's newsletter is emailed and shared on our website. To receive a paper copy via US Mail, please contact the church office.
Westminster Presbyterian Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).