SUNDAY BULLETIN

May 11, 2008Pentecost Sunday

SUNDAY WORSHIP BULLETIN

December 13, 2009 3rd Sunday of Advent

Westminster Presbyterian Church extends an enthusiastic welcome, in Christ’s name,to all who would worship here or join us in fellowship.

We affirm that there can be no exclusion within the body of Christ.We invite all children of God to join us as disciples of Christ

and participate fully in the life of our congregation.

1502 West 13th Street · Wilmington, DE 19806302-654-5214 · Fax: 302-654-5706 · www.wpc.org

Welcome to WestminsterWhether you are worshiping at Westminster for the first time or returning for a visit,

we sincerely welcome you in the name of Christ!

Following our 9:00 a.m. worship service, we invite you to meet today’s “ambassador,” Anne Gunn, at the back of the sanctuary. She will have a gift for you, and can share information regarding our many ministries for children, youth and adults. She can also guide you to the hospitality area to enjoy fellowship or lead you on a tour of the church.

Children are welcome in worship! Westminster’s Kids’ Notes and worship bags are available each Sunday from the ushers. Kids’ Notes, a weekly companion to Westminster’s morning worship, emphasizes listening and seeing during worship. The bags include storybooks for children of all ages, coloring paper and crayons, a children’s bulletin for those age three to six, and bookmarks for hymns and Scripture.

Worship Aids – You may obtain large print Presbyterian Hymnals and hearing devices from any usher.

Would you like to know more? Check out our website at www.wpc.org

This Morning at Westminster 8:45 – Noon Child Care for Cribbery (birth – toddler)

9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service with Westminster Choir and organ

After TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN, if you wish, your children may leave the Sanctuary and go to:

Godly Care — A unique opportunity for children ages 2 – 4 to get to know God through music, crafts, prayers and stories. Classes are in the Under Six Classrooms A & B.

Godly Play — Children in kindergarten through second grade gather in the Ruth Christie Room to learn the language of God’s people through sacred space, stories, parables and liturgical actions. You may pick up your children in Under Six Classroom C.

Godly Kids — Worship education for children in grades 3 and 4 in Rodney Chapel. You may pick up your children in Under Six Classroom D.

10:10 a.m. Prime Time Sunday School Classes for all ages. For a listing of Adult Education classes, see page 5.

11:15 a.m. Worship with old hymns, new songs, and creative liturgy. Children are always welcome in worship, however, childcare is available in Under Six for ages 2 – Grade 2.

Hospitality and FellowshipThe Holy Toast Café, located in Community Hall, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Coffee, tea and fellowship are free. Breakfast foods are available for one dollar per item.

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ORDER OF WORSHIP AT 9:00 A.M.

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

*PASSING OF THE PEACE

ORGAN PRELUDE Prelude on Stuttgart Malcolm Archer(Tune: Hymn #1)

CALL TO WORSHIPThe world belongs to the Lord, the earth and all its people.

How good and how lovely it is to live together in unity.Love and faith come together.

Justice and peace join hands.If the followers of Christ keep silent,

the stones of the earth will shout!Lord, open our mouths

and our lips shall proclaim your praise!

*HYMN NO. 1 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” STUTTGART

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Mighty God, you create this marvelous world,yet in the midst of your glorious creation we see sin’s shadow:

in the abuse of earth, sea and skyin the neglect of the broken, the hungry and the homeless,and deep within us the temptation to strive against your Spirit.

O Trinity of Love,Forgive us that we may forgive one another,heal us that we may be people of healing,and renew us so that we may be makers of peace. Amen.

From the Iona Abbey: Worship Book

ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS Lighting of the Advent Candle“Come Now, O Prince of Peace” Acolyte: Jake Prein

1st time: Choir2nd time: All

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At the asterisk (*), please stand as you are able.TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN Greg Jones

ANTHEM from Cantata 140, “Sleepers, Wake!” J. S. BachWestminster Choir

“Gloria” sing all our voices,with Angels humankind rejoices,with harp and strings in sweetest tone.Twelve bright pearls adorn thy Portals,where Thou hast gathered Thine Immortalsas Angels round Thy glorious Throne.No eye has ever seen,no ear has ever heardthe joy we know.Our praises flow,Io, Io,to God in dulci jubilo!

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Fred Carspecken, Lay Liturgist

SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 3:7-18 New Testament, page 52

SERMON “The Time is Now” Bill Perkins

*HYMN NO. 13 “Prepare the Way” BEREDEN VÄG FÖR HERRAN

OFFERINGDuring the offering, please sign your name and pass the red folders down each row.

As folders are returned to the center aisle, note the names of fellow worshippers on your pew.

OFFERTORY ANTHEM “There Shall a Star from Jacob” Felix Mendelssohn

There shall a star from Jacob come forth, and a scepter from Israel rise up. And dash in pieces princes and nations.

As bright the star of morning gleams,So Jesus sheddeth glorious beamsOf light and consolation!Thy word, O Lord,Radiance darting,Truth imparting,Gives salvation;Thine be praise and adoration!

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

*HYMN NO. 12 “People, Look East” BESANÇON

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Raymond H. Haan(Tune: Hymn #1)

*GOING FORTH

If you are visiting with us for the first time, we invite you to meet today’s ambassador, Anne Gunn,following the service at the back of the sanctuary to receive a gift and information.

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Adult Education Classes

This Morning, 10:10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Friendship House – Responding to the Times – Classroom 6Led by Bill Perkins, and again at 12:00 p.m. in Classroom 5All who are interested in hearing about Friendship House’s new programs are invited to an informal get-together. Get a cup of coffee if you wish, and join us. Bill Perkins, F. H. Executive Director and today’s preacher, and several volunteers will be there to describe how F.H. is meeting its mission for the homeless and disadvantaged persons in our community during these tough times.

Poetry, Dreams, and Reflection: Exploring our Inner Landscapes - Rodney Chapel, Led by Steve SteinwedelThis class will use poetry, dreamwork, and meditation as helpful practices embracing the sacred in our daily lives and exploring the wisdom that lies below the surface of our consciousness. We’ll be seeking a place, as the Bible notes, were we can find “the peace that passes all understanding.”

Picturing Mary - Daughtry House Classroom (next to WPC parking lot)DVD with discussionThis moving program takes viewers on an artistic journey spanning almost two thousand years and crossing four continents. Picturing Mary visits museums, chapels, and cathedrals in eight countries to view rare and sacred masterpieces by such artists as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Duccio in their original locations. From tiny personal images to giant mosaics and frescoes, these treasured artworks show how artists have expressed their personal devotion, and are an enduring testament to Mary as the sublime embodiment of the virtues, joys and sorrows of the human race.

Parenting – Ruth Christie Room Group led. Class discussion built around a powerful DVD series called Nooma. Each viewing session deals with a particular “real life” topic as seen through Jesus’ perspective, and serves as a means to generate discussion and sharing. Nooma encourages group members to search, question, and join the conversation.

Westminster By Heart – Meeting Room Led by Biblical Storytellers Shelley Gnade and Mary-beth Howard. This offers a unique opportunity to study scripture, foster a personal connection to stories of the Bible, and develop skills for telling Scripture in worship. Be a part of expanding the art of biblical storytelling, connecting to the stories of our faith, and sharing the story with the congregation. Join us whether you are simply interested in Bible study, or know that you want to develop skills in Biblical storytelling.

Thursday Evening Class

Exploring Isaiah I, II, and III – Journey into the depths of ancient prophecy. Engage the Old and New Testaments. Join us Thursday, December 17 in the Rowell Conference Room 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Beginning January 14, we will meet regularly on the second and fourth Thursday evenings at the same location.

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ORDER OF WORSHIP AT 11:15 A.M.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

*PASSING OF THE PEACE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Acolyte: Magnus Murray

“Come Now, O Prince of Peace”1st time: Solo2nd time: All

CALL TO WORSHIPThe world belongs to the Lord, the earth and all its people.

How good and how lovely it is to live together in unity.Love and faith come together.

Justice and peace join hands.

*OPENING SONG “Jesus, Name above All Names”

*HYMN NO. 1 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” STUTTGART

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At the asterisk (*), please stand as you are able.

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Mighty God, you create this marvelous world,yet in the midst of your glorious creation we see sin’s shadow:

in the abuse of earth, sea and skyin the neglect of the broken, the hungry and the homeless,and deep within us the temptation to strive against your Spirit.

O Trinity of Love,Forgive us that we may forgive one another,heal us that we may be people of healing,and renew us so that we may be makers of peace. Amen.

From the Iona Abbey: Worship Book

ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Hayes Patrick Burnside

The congregation is asked to please refrain from taking photographsor video recording during the worship service.

PRESENTATION OF THE PARENTS AND CHILD Elder: Dede Johnston

OPENING WORDS

Every birth is a moment of blessing and wonder,         and every child is cherished by God.God blesses all children with a potential for good,        and shows them the beauty of a life of love.

QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS

Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? We do.

Relying on God’s grace, do you promise to live the Christian faithand to teach that faith to your son? We do.

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We believe that in baptism the Spirit demonstrates and confirms God’s promise to include us, and our children, in the divine covenant, cleansing us from sin, and giving us newness of life, as participants in Christ’s death and resurrection. Baptism sets us in the invisible community of Christ’s people

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and joins us to all other believers by a powerful bond. A Declaration of Faith

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER

THE ACT OF BAPTISM

PRAYER FOLLOWING BAPTISM

ANTHEM A Joyful Advent Song Words: Nancy Byrd TurnerSunshine Choir Music: Carol Lapo Kunkel

Mariah Graham, fluteShelly Sprague, tambourine

The little King of the world came down He comes again and he still is King

(and never a King so softly came!) (and never a King so gladly comes)He humbly lodged in a careless town We will make ready His welcoming,Where nobody even knew His name, both here in our hearts and in our homes, Where nobody knew His name. both here in our hearts and homes.

Sing Joyfully, sing joyfully, O sing now His Advent song,Sing Joyfully, sing joyfully, O sing now His Advent song.

TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN Greg Jones

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Alex Sprague, Lay Liturgist

SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 3:7-18 New Testament, page 52

SERMON “The Time is Now” Bill Perkins

OFFERINGDuring the offering, please sign your name and pass the red folders down each row.

As folders are returned to the center aisle, note the names of fellow worshippers on your pew.

OFFERTORY ANTHEM “Somebody’s Knocking” James E. ClemensChapel Choir

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

PRAYER REFRAIN “Prepare the Way”

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*CLOSING SONG “Star Child”Verse 1-4: Ensemble

Refrain: All

Words by Shirley Erena MurrayMusic by Carlton R. Young

© 1994, Hope Publishing CompanyUsed with permission OneLicense.net #A-715702

*BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE “Star Child”Verse 5 and Refrain: All

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CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

Sunday, December 13 Location 8:15 a.m. Choir Warm-up Adult Music Room 8:30 a.m. Holy Toast Café Community Hall 8:45 a.m. Child Care Cribbery 9:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary 9:00 a.m. Godly Care for Ages 2, 3 and 4 Under 6 - Classroom A 9:00 a.m. Godly Play Ruth Christie Room 9:00 a.m. Godly Kids for Grades 3 and 4 Under 6 - Classroom D10:10 a.m. Women of Westminster Cookie Walk Community Hall10:10 a.m. Prime Time for Grades 6 thru 8 Classroom 710:10 a.m. Workshop Rotation for Grades 1 - 5 Grace Hall10:10 a.m. Workshop Rotation for Grades 1 - 5 Classrooms 1-410:10 a.m. Confirmation Class Classroom 810:10 a.m. Senior High Gathering Library10:10 a.m. Under Six Sunday School Under 6 Classroom - ABCD10:10 a.m. Adult Ed: Westminster By Heart Meeting Room10:10 a.m. Adult Ed: Parenting Ruth Christie Room10:10 a.m. Adult Ed: Picturing Mary Daughtry House Conference Room10:10 a.m. Adult Ed: Poetry, Dreams, and Reflection Rodney Chapel10:10 a.m. New Friendship House Programs Classroom 610:30 a.m. Vocal Ensemble Rehearsal Sanctuary10:45 a.m. Chapel Choir Warm Up Youth Music Room10:45 a.m. Sunshine Choir Warm Up Adult Music Room11:15 a.m. Worship Sanctuary11:15 a.m. Baptism~Hayes Patrick Burnside Sanctuary12:00 p.m. New Friendship House Programs Classroom 512:15 p.m. Dr. DeSweemer Luncheon Classroom 6/Kitchen 3:00 p.m. Choir Warm-Up Adult Music Room 3:00 p.m. Reverberations Bell Choir Warm Up Sanctuary 3:00 p.m. Instrumentalists Gathering Ruth Christie Room 4:00 p.m. Christmas Concert Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. Clean But Not Straight-NA Club Room 8:00 p.m. AA Club Room

Monday, December 14 9:00 a.m. Eunice Circle Ruth Christie Room 1:15 p.m. Program Staff Rowell Conference Room 3:30 p.m. Collegium Dr. Jones Office 7:00 p.m. Session Meeting Classroom 6 7:00 p.m. AA Club Room

Tuesday, December 15 9:00 a.m. Staff Worship Rodney Chapel 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting Meeting Room10:00 a.m. Mental Health Support Group Club Room10:30 a.m. Worship Planning Rowell Conference Room 4:30 p.m. Chapel Club and Caroling Chapel Club 4:30 p.m. Sunshine Choir Adult Music Room 5:30 p.m. BPI Daughtry House Conference Room

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Wednesday, December 16 8:30 a.m. Property Committee Rowell Conference Room 6:00 p.m. Share and Prayer Ruth Christie Room 6:15 p.m. Reverberations Bell Choir Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Westminster Choir Rehearsal Adult Music Room

Thursday, December 17 9:00 a.m. Phix-it Corps Rowell Conference Room 11:00 a.m. Delaware HIV Consortium Classroom 6/Kitchen12:00 p.m. Women's Support Group Classroom 712:00 p.m. Centering Prayer Ruth Christie Room 5:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry Supervision Classroom 7 5:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry Supervision Classroom 6 5:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry Supervision Grace Hall 6:30 p.m. Parenting Class Daughtry House Conference Room 6:30 p.m. Adult Ed.~Invitation to the New Testament Meeting Room 6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry Supper Classroom 6 7:00 p.m. Adult Ed ~ Isaiah Class Rowell Conference Room 7:30 p.m. Extended Devotions "Longest Night" Ruth Christie Room 8:00 p.m. AA Club Room

Friday, December 18 6:00 p.m. Recovery on the West Side Club Room 6:00 p.m. Christmas Box Assembly Community Hall, Classroom 6 & Kitchen 7:30 p.m. Explorers Rodney Chapel & Meeting Room

Saturday, December 19 7:30 a.m. Men's Bible Study Club Room 9:00 a.m. Yoga Rodney Chapel 4:00 p.m. Clean But Not Straight - NA Club Room

CHRISTMAS 2009 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS

You are invited to place poinsettias in our Sanctuary in memory of loved ones, or in honor of someone, for services on Christmas Eve. Cost is $20 per plant. Please complete the form below, make checks payable to Westminster Presbyterian Church, and return to Susan Alexander at the front desk by this Tuesday, December 15.

In Memory Of: _______________________________________________________________________ Deceased Name

In Honor Of: _________________________________________________________________________

Given By: __________________________________________________________________________

Donor’s Name and Telephone Number

Number of Plants _________ $20.00 each

_____ I will pick up my poinsettia after the Christmas Eve service I attend.

_____ Please deliver my poinsettia to a homebound member.

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The flowers in the Sanctuary are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ann, Jay and Jane Kline from the Kline family.

Sanctuary Flowers - Consider giving the sanctuary flowers for Sunday worship. Your gift of God’s natural beauty to remember or honor loved ones, or to celebrate an event, expresses praise and thanksgiving to God. Please contact Linda Watson during business hours at 302-571-6719 or lwatson@ycst.com. Available dates for flowers are January 3, 10, 17, and 31.

Are you wearing a nametag? Whether you are a longtime member or new to the church, wearing a nametag provides others the opportunity to meet you, greet you by name, and for you to become more familiar with others at church. Nametags and markers are in baskets at all major entrances. Extend hospitality, kindness and friendship by wearing a nametag every Sunday.

“Westminster to Go” Audio tapes and DVD’s of recent Westminster worship services are available. Please use the sign-out sheet when you borrow them from the front desk. Printed sermons are available on the literature tables the following week and on our website at www.wpc.org.

Please remember in your prayers:

Westminster’s homebound family who can no longer attend worship with us. Send a card, say a prayer, visit! This week we ask you to remember Inez Cobb, HC, Cokesbury Village 726 Loveville Road, Hockessin, DE 19707 and Bob Tiews, Stonegates, Apt. 171, 4031 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807.

Our brothers and sisters in worldwide ministry (see back page.)

Westminster’s Covenant Prayer Group is committed to praying weekly for specific needs of the faith community. Anyone with prayer requests may leave a confidential message on 302-654-5848, ext. 335, or fill out a prayer request card (in the pew pocket) and place it in the offering plate.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan often seem far away, and we may neglect to realize that Americans, as well as Iraqis, Afghans, and members of coalition forces, continue to die each day. As Christians, we are called to pray for the spreading of peace and justice and an end to violence. If someone in your family is serving in these wars, we ask that you let us know, so that we may include that person on our prayer list. (Contact Colleen Falasco: 302-654-5214 ext. 131, or cfalasco@wpc.org.)

This week we pray for Those known to the WPC Community presently serving in the Middle East:

Afghanistan: Edward Maloney, Neal Moody and Daniel ReinsenbergerIraq: Ken Bachman

The families of those from the U.S. who have died most recently: Petty Officer 3rd Class David Mudge, age 22, of Sutherlin, Oregon, November 28Private 1st Class Derrick Gwaltney, age 21, of Cape Coral, Florida, November 29Sergeant Kenneth Nichols, Jr., age 28, of Chrisman, Illinois, December 1Lance Corporal Jonathan Taylor, age 22, of Jacksonville, Florida, December 1

Those who have returned from service, possibly suffering from wounds or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, whose scars may by deep and long-lasting.

ANNOUNCEMENTSWORSHIP NOTES

CONGREGATIONAL CARE AND PRAYER

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180° IMAGO DEI: YOUTH MINISTRY AT WPC

180° Youth Ministry will resume on Sunday, January 10 from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.  Watch your inbox for information about 180° in 2010!!

NEWS TO NOTE

Cookie Walk in Community Hall, today at 10:00 a.m.  Purchase a wrapped coffee can for $5.00.  Circle round the tables filled with cookies and fill your can with your personal selections.  Genesis Circle organizes the Cookie Walk, and all proceeds are distributed as part of Women of Westminster's end of year benevolence giving. 

High School/Alumni Choir – the tradition continues!  All youth in grades 9 – 12 and young adults, college age and beyond, are invited to be part of the choir.  The choir will sing at the 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Service and prepare for worship during the following rehearsals:

Sunday, December 20   12:15 – 1:30 p.m.Monday, December 21   6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (Dinner at Grotto’s pizza following Monday’s rehearsal)Tuesday, December 22  6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Rehearsals will take place in the Youth Music Room and participants are highly encouraged to attend at least two of the three rehearsals!  For more information contact Mary Beth Davis at marybethdavis@wpc.org or 302-654-5214.

Pledge envelopes may be picked up in Classroom 6.

If you are interested in helping decorate the Sanctuary with poinsettias this Saturday, December 19, please call Linda Watson at 302-571-6719.

Holiday Gifts? Why Not Echo Gifts? Echo Gifts offer an alternative that takes the guesswork out of buying gifts.  No trips to the Mall, no shipping charges.  Simply make your selections from the shopping list and voila!  While giving a meaningful gift to God's children in need, you avoided the gift-buying frenzy.  100% of your money goes to the mission you choose.  Gift cards are available to present to your friends and family describing your thoughtful gift.  Why not try it this Christmas?  Pick up a shopping list from the literature tables!

Stephen Ministers will have their monthly supervision group meeting this Thursday, December 17 th, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., followed by supper (bring your own) in Classroom 6, and a Longest Night Devotional Service led by Rev. Anne Ledbetter in the Ruth Christie Room at 7:00 p.m.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas! Whatever your age, and whether or not you have a choir quality voice, you are invited to join in the annual Christmas Caroling to our homebound members. Gather next Sunday afternoon, December 20th, at 3:30 p.m. in Grace Hall, and we will send out groups of carolers (with sites and directions) to bring good cheer to those who can no longer attend worship. Many say that this Caroling Event is their favorite Christmas activity. Groups will return to church at 6:00 p.m. for a pizza supper and fellowship.

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MUSIC

Joy to the World: New Westminster Choir CD now available! In answer to popular request, we recently made a professional recording of some of our favorite carols and anthems for the Christmas season. The CD selections include music from Handel’s Messiah, anthems by John Rutter, traditional carols, and possibly the most powerful rendition of “O Holy Night” you’ll hear anywhere. Selling price is $15, and proceeds will help finance the choir’s upcoming tour to Germany. Also available is our 2003 hit recording, All Hail the Power, as well as some live concert recordings from recent years. Look for the blue-robed Westminster Choir sales representatives between services this morning!

Please welcome our three newest members.Better yet, invite them to join you in something you are doing!

Jerry and Lucille Greth – Jerry, a retired chemist, teaches computer at the Academy of Life Long Learning. Lucille, a retired nurse, is an avid gardener and member of the Jr. Board of Christiana Hospital. Jerry and Lucille, who were high school sweethearts, have lived in the Wilmington area for 52 years. They have two children. They feel at home at Westminster, as they know many of our members including Dolly and Don Windsor and Jerry and Barbara Fedeler are the Greth’s parish partners.

Dr. Jill Biden, an educator for the past 29 years, continues to teach English classes at a DC-area community college. She is a mother of three, grandmother of five and wife of Vice President, Joe Biden. In her service to the nation, Jill visits and speaks on the importance of community colleges. She has been very dedicated to military families and established the Biden Breast Health Initiative to support early detection. Jill is a life-long Presbyterian.

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December Mission Emphasis: “Sharing Our Plenty”

The Christmas season is filled with wonderful traditions. At Westminster, we emphasize “Sharing Our Plenty” with those less fortunate than we. Perhaps you donate food for the Christmas Boxes that will feed 135 neighboring families. Perhaps you take a star from the tree and purchase a gift for someone who might not otherwise receive one. Another significant way that you can reach out as an essential part of our community of faith is to make a financial contribution to our Christmas Eve Offering, taken up each year and dedicated to outreach ministries for those in need.

Dr. Cecile De Sweemer from Congo Visits Westminster this afternoon.Join a small gathering in Classroom 6 from 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. for a soup ‘n sandwich discussion with Dr. Cecile De Sweemer. She will provide provocative insights about the dire conditions in Congo stemming from the extreme food crisis and decades of unhealthy and unstable living conditions. (See her recent letter in the December Chimes.) Westminster donations help support Dr. Cecile’s work combating hunger and disease, and providing for orphans and refugees -- through nutrition centers, health clinics, agricultural development, sanitation and clean water programs.

An Advent Story -- A Thanks-Giving in Congo: A letter from our sister church in Congo reveals that their food crisis has persisted for longer than one year. Times are very difficult for the people but they are thankful for Westminster’s recent gift of $1500 which provided 82 families food for a month. To read the entire story, pick up the yellow sheet entitled An Advent Story -- A Thanks-Giving in Congo, on the literature tables in the main hall or the pavilion.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone in the congregation who bought a Christmas present for a person in need. Our Christmas Boxes project couldn’t succeed without you!

Still want to support the Christmas Boxes project? You can take a contribution envelope from the pew pocket, place your donation inside, and mark “Christmas Boxes Project” on the outside. We’ll use the money raised to buy food cards for turkeys, hams or whatever is needed to complete this project. Your support is appreciated!

Did you make a 3-year pledge to Westminster’s Habitat for Humanity house?In September 2006 more than 150 Westminster members and friends framed two townhomes on our church lawn for Webster Village in Wilmington. At that time Westminster committed $50,000 or “half a house” in financial support. Your generous pledges to that project enabled Linda Evans and her family to move into their new home by Christmas 2007.The final payment on our commitment to Habitat is due by year-end. If you have a balance on your Habitat pledge to Westminster, please complete it as soon as you can. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Brown (302-654-5214, x-129) or debbiebrown@wpc.org. Thank you for your generous support!

The Advent Event invited us to enter a Place of Peace.  If you have not yet had a chance to do so, we invite you to visit Community Hall and see the Peace banners.  Most were made for Westminster by Sue Weissinger and Mary Field.  Each banner is reflected in the peace book found in our children’s worship bags. The banners offer us ideas for peacemaking.  The large green banner with the dove and the flowers is the New Castle Presbytery Peace Banner.  Each flower represents a church which has pledged to support peace.

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2009 CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING

Each year Westminster receives a special offering dedicated to helping those in need in our community and around the globe. The Christmas Eve offering this year will be distributed:

50% to local food programs (Emmanuel Dining Rooms, Hanover Food Closet, LCS Food Pantry, Saturday Breakfast) in response to the overwhelming hunger need, especially among children in our community;

25% to Family Promise, our newest ministry to homeless families, whereby we will house up to 14 people for a week at a time, four times a year, in partnership with other congregations in New Castle County;

25% to projects in Congo and Guatemala, along with support to Peacemaking efforts around the globe.

Christmas Eve Offering envelopes are available or simply note “Christmas Eve Offering” in the memo line of your check. Please give generously as we seek to “Share Our Plenty” with those less fortunate than we.

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Join us for the Best Party of the Year!

Friday, December 18th, at 6:00 p.m. Santa’s workshop will be in full swing in Community Hall! Join the Party Elves for an evening of great food, packing our Christmas boxes and singing Christmas carols. All ages are welcome! Call Susan Alexander at 302-654-5214 to let her know you’re coming. Please bring:

a roll or two of holiday wrapping paper scotch tape scissors, with your name on them, and a covered dish to serve 10-12

o A-H main disheso I-P sides or saladso Q-Z desserts

It’s a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas!

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Christmas Eve at WestminsterThursday, December 24

4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Family Services

Child-friendly services tell the Christmas story through carols and a live Christmas tableau. The 4:00 service includes children in our Under Six department as shepherds and angels. The 5:30 service includes participation by the Sunshine Choir, Chapel Choir, and Westminster By Heart storytellers.

8:00 p.m. Candlelight CommunionWith sermon by Dr. Jones and celebration of the Lord’s Supper, this service is enriched with music by the Westminster Choir and storytelling by Westminster By Heart. 7:30 p.m. Prelude Concert: Music for choir, harp, and organ.

10:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion

Sermon by Dr. Jones, celebration of the Lord’s Supper, storytelling by Westminster By Heart and music by our Sr. High and Alumni Choir give this service its unique late-night flavor.

Sunday, December 27, our congregation worships together with one service at 10:00 a.m.

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PASTORAL STAFFGregory K. Jones, Head of Staff

Anne R. Ledbetter, Associate Pastor

PASTORAL CARE ASSISTANT: Jill Getty

CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR: Debbie Brown

CHURCH EDUCATOR: Susan Moseley

MUSIC STAFFPaul Fleckenstein, Organist/Director of Music

Mary Beth Davis, Director of Music for Children, Youth and HandbellsSandie Reinicker, Director of Sunshine Choir

Section Leader/Soloists: Diana Milburn, Ruth Bailis, Justin Gonzalez, Brian Carter

YOUTH MINISTRY TEAMSusan Moseley and Mary Beth Davis

SUPPORT STAFFSusan Alexander, Receptionist

Colleen Falasco, Operations AssistantJerry Hunter, Financial Assistant

Suzie Hurlock, Administrative SecretaryNicole Hughes, Director of Communication and Database Management

Jerry Reed, Facilities ManagerSextons: Roger W. Atkins, Robert King, Kevin Krick, Joan Truitt

EDITOR OF WEEKLY WORD AND CHIMES: Nikki Thorn

WORLDWIDE MINISTRYMalawi – Sue Makin, M.D.

Guatemala – Roger and Gloria Mariott, Dennis and Maribel Smith, Karla Koll and the Mam PresbyteryCongo – Timothee Kalonji Matadi, Cecilé de Sweemer, MD, Pastor Jean-Marc Katujudi Nkuna and

Members of the Kamulumba-Ditalala ParishKenya-Rev. Dr. Lyle and Terry Dykstra, PCUSA Mission Volunteers

SESSIONLiz Bacon, Meg Burich, Martha Carper, Jim Carter, Clark Collins, Charlie Depfer,

Mark Gerstenschlager, Ross Getty, Shelley Gnade, Dick Haden, Denison Hatch, Mary-beth Howard, Fred Iobst,Barbara Jobe, Don Kuespert, Sue Linderman, Bunny Michener, Jan Patrick, Bruce Petrovick,

Margo Reign, Jerry Spilecki, Alex Sprague, Kathryn van Amerongen, Frank Waldburger

BOARD OF DEACONSKen Barnaby, Beth Bowersock, Kim Carrick, Jack Coleman, Peggy Carroll, Ginnie Chagnon, Craig Checkel,

Bob Cox, Eadie Churchill, Tammy Daley, Kris DeMesse, Cathy Edge, Eric Etshman, Barbara Fedeler, Todd Gray,Carol Noggle Harris, Carol Hopkins, Carla Krupanski, Ralph Lewis, David Mathe, Carolyn McKeown, Carol Mosher,

Ruth Nace, Donna Nelson, Polly Pyle-Carter, Teri Richmond, Patti Ridout, Robin Rosser, Ann Shadduck, Ellen Slade, Cora Sparling, Mike Sprague, Melissa Stabler, Judy Stoffer, Julia Stone, Sally Thomas

DEACON TEAM OF THE MONTHBeth Bowersock, Peggy Carroll, Teri Richmond, Kris DeMesse

TRUSTEESBob Chagnon, Don Furry, Sara Geuder, John Johnston, George Krupanski,

Bob McKeown, Bill Nace, John Richmond, Christine Schiltz, Stan Stevenson, Philip Timon, Helen Walker

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