westminster presbyterian church...fellowship hall to enjoy hearty soups and delicious baked goods,...
TRANSCRIPT
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHDo Justice • Love Kindness • Walk Humbly
January 31, 2019
Westminster Presbyterian Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Dear friends and fellow disciples,
Last Saturday was an important day for our church.
Your Session was on an all-day retreat at Camp New Hope. They worshiped and spent several hours in discussion and discernment about the church. As you know, it has been a season filled with change, with key staff departures and a capital campaign and lots of moving parts. The Session spent much of the Fall in discernment about our staffing structure. They have had many discussions, grouped tasks, listened to each other, and assessed the things we as a church do well and those things we’d like to do better. The deacons made
some important contributions to that conversation in November, and you all gave helpful feedback through a survey and focus groups in December.
On Saturday the Session approved a fully-funded, balanced budget for 2019, as well as a pile of job descriptions. You’ll hear more in the coming weeks about the details of the work ahead, as well as the Nominating Committee’s role in putting together search committees (they will be getting organized over the next couple of weeks). We are going to combine some temporary contracts for finance and property management and roll them into one full-time Business Manager position. The Personnel Committee will run that search process.
We’ll also begin seeking search committees for an Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families, a Director of Christian Education, and an Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Mission. How exciting it is to think of this new thing beginning - a time to discern the folks God is calling to be partners in ministry with us in this next season! I’d like to plant the seed now for you to be prayerful about how you might help. The Nominating Committee will be reaching out in the coming weeks to ask for names and to ask some of you if you would be willing to serve on these teams. The Session has done a lot of hard and important work on these issues, and I am deeply grateful to them for it.
But, that’s not all - the active ministry of our church continues! In the next few weeks alone you can:
• Attend a youth fundraiser and have fun supporting our youth and their summer trips and discipleship opportunities;
• Participate in our February WOW: Experience Haiti and learn about this beautiful, resilient county and people; and
• Come to our February Aperture and hear Dr. Damon Tweedy as he discusses his memoir, Black Man in a White Coat, and shares his experiences on race and medicine in our times.
Then, we’ll blink, and Lent will be upon us. There’s much work to do and much for which to be grateful. And, as always, I am grateful to be on the journey with you.
In This IssueConcerns & Celebrations 2
Soup-er Bowl Fun 2 Valentine's Parents' Night Out -
Youth Fundraiser 2WOW: Experience Haiti 3
Aperture in February 3Godly Play Update 3
Spring Women's Retreat 42019 VCS: Save the Dates 4Volunteer Opportunities 5
Make a Joyful Noise 5WSYC Pancake Breakfast 6
WSYC Transitions 6Preaching & Worship Schedule 6
Report from the Session 7Finance Notes 7In the Library 7
Scenes from MLK Day 8 Worship Volunteers' Schedule 8
January 31, 2019
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Concerns & Celebrations Kay Bailey's daughter, son-in-law,
and new granddaughterLennie BartonTali BenignusLinda ClackDon Cleaver
Donna DouglassBrandon Garcia's friend
Katie Hanczaryk
Ron HawkinsJudy Lamon’s friend
Lynn Leubuscher's fatherBill and Eileen McAvoy and their new grandson
Pru Meyer's friendSue Murphy
Jeff Scouten's sisterCathy Snider
Ellen Vogel’s aunt
WPC Youth's Souper Bowl Fundraiser
Sunday, February 3, 12:00-1:30pm
This Sunday after the 11:00am worship, come to the Fellowship Hall to enjoy hearty soups and delicious baked goods, all for an excellent cause: To help fund scholarships and summer trips for our youth.
The cost for lunch is $5/person and $20/family, though contributions of any amount will be gratefully accepted.
All funds raised will help support youth summer trips and scholarships to Massanetta, Montreat, Appalachian Service Project, and the Durham Mission Extravaganza.
Join us for this soup-er fun event and learn how you can support our youth!
Contact: Alex Stayer-Brewington ([email protected])
youth ministry news
A Valentine'sParents' Night Out
A Babysitting Fundraiser hosted by WPC Youth
Saturday, February 165:00-9:00pm
Leave the kids with us for an evening of pizza, games, crafts, and fun, while you enjoy a Valentine's date!
This service is being offered by donation - we invite you to pay whatever you can. All proceeds go directly toward Westminster Youth Group's summer trips and weekly activities.
To assist with our planning, we ask that parents please sign up by Thursday, February 14, and indicate how many kids you'll be bringing.
Sign up today at http://bit.ly/WPCyouthValentine.
Contact: Alex Stayer-Brewington ([email protected])
2 great opportunities to Support WPC Youth!
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Westminster Presbyterian Church
Christian Education news
Aperture: Third WednesdaysDamon Tweedy, MDNew York Times Bestselling Author ofBlack Man in a White Coat: A Doctor's Reflections on Race and MedicineWednesday, February 20, 6:30 pmDr. Tweedy will read from his passionate, profound memoir and discuss his experiences grappling with race, bias, and the unique health problems of black Americans.
Dinner will be served at 5:45pm in the Fellowship Hall (Menu: Baked chicken with sides). Cost is $5 per person, $3 per child (under 12), and $20 max per family. Register by February 18, 12:00pm: http://bit.ly/myWPCevent.
Contact: Kristina Gilbert ([email protected])
Big Changes for Our Godly Play Program
The Godly Play room has been updated with new shelves, a new rug, and updated story materials.
The Godly Play room is designed to allow children time and space to worship. It is a special place to “be with God, to listen to God, and talk to God.”
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been making room for younger children to experience Godly Play. Last Sunday 12 children participated!
Interested in learning more or becoming a Godly Play leader?
Contact: Cindy Soloe ([email protected])
March 16, 2016January 31, 2019
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Spr ing Women ' s RetreatFriday, March 29 - Saturday, March 31
Southern Charm House, West Holden Beach, NC w i t h R e v . M a r y A n n M c K i b b e n D a n a
P r o g r a mFrom Ruth to Jesus, the Bible is full of people boldly saying “yes, and…” as they accept what life throws their way and build upon it. Our program will blend Scripture, theology, psychology, literature, pop culture, music, and more, as we dream, discuss, and develop tools for thriving in the midst of chaotic, often unpredictable lives...and have fun, too!
C o s t s
Program $80 per person includes program, speaker, and meals (3 on Saturday, 1 on Sunday)
Lodging* Covers two nights' lodging Single room - $331 per person Room with 2 people: $166 per person (2 queens or 1 king bed) Room with 3 people: $110 per person (bunk beds) * Lower cost options available upon request
Retreat participants will contribute snacks or salads. Carpooling is encouraged. See the registration form for full details. Registration forms are available in the Mission Center.
Please register by Sunday, February 17; payment must be received by Sunday, February 24 (make check payable to WPC, memo line: Spring Women's Retreat).
Contacts: Program and Food - Dawn Lamont ([email protected]) Registration and Lodging - Diana Monroe ([email protected]) Scholarships - Kristina Gilbert ([email protected])
A b o u t R e v. M a r y A n n
The Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana is a writer, free-range pastor, speaker, improviser, and professional coach living in the Washington, DC area. She is author of God, Improv, and the Art of Living, and Sabbath in the Suburbs, a Chalice Press bestseller and a "must read" by Ministry Matters. Her writing has appeared in TIME.com, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, Religion Dispatches, Journal for Preachers, and The Christian Century, and in a monthly column for Presbyterians Today for three years. She served as co-chair for NEXT Church and is a sought-after speaker, preacher, and conference leader. MaryAnn is a graduate of Rice University in Houston, Texas and received her M.Div. in 2003 from Columbia Theological Seminary. She is a mother of three, an avid muffin-maker, and an occasional marathoner.
Save the Dates!
Vacation Church School for EveryoneJune 16 - 20 • 5:30-8:00pm
Dinner served each evening
Invite your friends!
Westminster Presbyterian Church Westminster Presbyterian Church
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Make a Joyful Noise in 2019!Now is a great time of year to join Westminster’s Chancel Choir. Except for the colder weather, this month is just like September – the start of a whole new choir season.
Now that Christmas is over, we begin the new year with a clean slate, and we’ll soon be preparing music for two of the most spiritually meaningful seasons of the church year: Lent and Easter. We will also begin work on our spring choral program, to be presented the evening of Sunday, May 5. A choral retreat focusing on the music for our spring program is planned for Saturday morning, March 23.
This year’s theme – The Church Year in American Music – will serve as a framework for some wonderful and inspiring singing. Don’t miss the opportunity to get involved in Westminster’s choral program. You are welcome to try us – with no obligation to join – by coming to any of our rehearsals. The Chancel Choir meets in the beautiful Music Room (upper level of the Mission Center) on Thursdays at 7:30pm and on Sunday mornings at 10am. Mark your calendars and join us!
Contact: Monica Rossman ([email protected])
Volunteer Opportunities and more
Church Office Help Needed
Volunteers are needed on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to answer the phone, welcome and assist visitors, collate the bulletins, prepare mailings, and other light administrative tasks.
Training is provided, and no experience is necessary. Sign up at http://bit.ly/WPCoffice.
Contact: Barb Schmidt ([email protected])
Community News & Opportunities
Attention, Committee leaders! Do you have a one-time volunteer need or a quickie to-do item? Got an upcoming event or project that requires a few extra hands? Email us the details so we can include it in the newsletter and bulletin's weekly update. We want to help connect your team's needs and our congregation's willing hearts and hands.
Contact: Joye Douthart ([email protected])
March 16, 2016January 31, 2019
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WORSHIP news
Sunday Morning Preaching ScheduleFebruary 3Communion SundayRev. Carrie Tuttle, Chaplain, Glenaire Retirement Community
February 10Alex Stayer-Brewington
February 17Rev. Chris Tuttle
February 24Birthday Sunday Rev. Ashley-Anne Masters, Campus MinisterPresbyterian Campus Ministry Raleigh
March 3Communion, Transfiguration of the LordRev. Paul Ransford, WPC's Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry, 1997-2007
ekklesiaa worship service @ westminster
Contemplative. Contemporary. Peaceful. Participatory.
A Sunday afternoon retreat for weary souls eager to find connection with our Creator
and one another.
Sunday, February 24, 4:00pm
Fellowship Hall
Celebrate Westminster School's 50th Birthday on Saturday, February 23
Please come and celebrate with us at our Annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser! We have a long, long history of enjoying a morning of pancakes and fun to raise money for Westminster School for Young Children. We would love for you to join us for breakfast, games for children, and exciting raffle and silent auction items.
We will gather in the Fellowship Hall at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 23, from 8:30-10:30am. Stop by for a quick breakfast or stay for all the festivities!
Breakfast tickets are $5 per person. You do not need to be present to win the raffle or silent auction items. We appreciate your support in raising funds that will benefit this wonderful school in many ways!
Contact: Kathy Stickley, WSYC Director ([email protected])
Transitions: Carol Van Hise Announces Retirement The wonderful Carol Van Hise came to Westminster in 1969 to help start the Westminster School for Young Children. She became director in 1972 and has served well and faithfully for the last 50 years, having worked with several hundred staff members and over 3,000 children and their families. Now Carol is ready to - as she told us - “grow up and graduate from preschool” and enjoy retirement. Celebrations are being planned to honor Carol (details coming soon), as we give God thanks and praise for her presence and ministry among us.
Contact: Kathy Stickley ([email protected])
Westminster Presbyterian Church Westminster Presbyterian Church
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Year-End Contribution Statements2018 contribution statements have been mailed (by January 31). When you receive your statement, please review it carefully. This has been a year of new beginnings with our capital campaign and a year of change in our staff and business office.
Gifts of StockDo you give to WPC via stock? Please note that we have several gifts of securities (stock gifts included) for which we have been unable to identify the donor. If such a gift is missing on your statement, please advise us immediately so we can make the correction and reissue your statement.
Learn about all the ways you can give to WPC at www.wpcdurham.org/give.
Contact: Burke Raper ([email protected])
thank YOU!Thank you for your generosity throughout the year. Your gifts to Westminster in 2018 for the operating fund, capital campaign, and restricted gifts far exceeded the giving in recent years, and we are grateful for your continued support.
Report from the 2019 Session Retreatby Bill Fine, Class of 2021
The Westminster Session held a working retreat at Camp New Hope Saturday, January 26. A great deal was accomplished at this full-day meeting, in addition to worship and reflection.
A balanced budget was reviewed and passed. It was noted that revenues continue to be close to flat, while costs continue to increase. We were reminded that we will be faced with a significant amount of interest payment in 2020 and need to be aware of that going forward.
The Session approved five job descriptions and instructed the Nominating Committee to form three search committees. Positions include a full-time Business Manager/Administrator.
This position will manage all aspects of church business, from finance to property, human resources to technology. The Personnel Committee has formed a search committee to handle this as an immediate priority. Once the Business Manager is hired, they will then hire a part-time financial assistant to handle day-to-day accounting functions.
In addition, job descriptions were approved for the Associate Pastors for Youth and Their Families and for Congregational Care and Mission, as was a job description for the position of Director of Christian Education (DCE). The Nominating Committee was tasked with establishing search committees for the two Associate Pastors and the DCE. The slates for the two Associate Pastor search committees will be brought before the congregation for approval on March 3. The Session will approve the slate for the nominating committee for DCE.
In the Library
Two Dogs and a Parrot: What Our Animal Friends Can Teach Us About Lifeby Joan ChittisterCall number: BIO CHI
Joan Chittister, one of our leading inspirational writers, invites us to embrace and celebrate the deep bond between humans and animals. Two Dogs and a Parrot offers both heart-warming stories
and thought-provoking reflections about sharing life with an animal companion.
The relationships we form with animals—with dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, and other pets—are full of joys and rewards. Our companion animals draw us out of ourselves and show us what it truly means to be alive. They teach us to accept life’s struggles and to cherish its pleasures and the importance of being able to accept ourselves and respect others. They help us to find purpose and meaning in what we do, and to overcome challenges and setbacks. In our treasured animals we observe varying degrees of excitement and play, of love and fear. And we realize their beautiful uniqueness, their sensitivities, and strong sense of purpose.
Whether we have an animal companion, long to have a pet or love someone who does, or cherish animals and nature, Two Dogs and a Parrot will speak to us all. It illuminates the significance of sharing our lives with a pet and celebrates the great gift of animals in our world.
Finance Notes
Next WPC newsletter: February 21Deadline for submissions: February 14 Send material to: Joye Douthart, [email protected]
WPC's newsletter is emailed and shared on our website. To receive a copy via US Mail, please contact the church office.
January 31, 2019
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH3639 Old Chapel Hill RdDurham, NC 27707Phone: 919-489-4974westminster@wpcdurham.orgwww.wpcdurham.orgwww.facebook.com/wpcdurham
Please find a sub if you're unable to serve on your scheduled Sunday. Sign up at www.bit.ly/wpcServe. Thank you!
WORSHIP VOLUNTEER SCHEDULENursery VolunteersEvery Sunday - Infants, Toddlers, 8:30am 2-5 yr. olds: WPC Nursery Staff Feb 3 Sophie Califano, Lee and Lucy PattersonFeb 10 Betsy Gentry-Bumm, Kyle Phinney, Megan TheilingFeb 17 Katie Donoway, Lindsay King, Sarah YarbroughFeb 24 Rachel and Elise Chang, Cindy Soloe
Acolytes (11:00am only)Feb 3 Peter and Charlie SoloeFeb 10 Ty and Will AllenFeb 17 CeCe Meath, Katherine McFallFeb 24 Rachel Lamont
Lectors Feb 3 8:30am Bonnie Derr 11:00am Jack WalkerFeb 10 8:30am Richard Watson 11:00am Jeremy TranthamFeb 17 8:30am Kay Wellemeyer 11:00am Pat GunterFeb 24 8:30am Linda Van Gombos 11:00am Mark Hill
Sound Technicians Feb 8:30am Derek Leadbetter 11:00am Lee Katrincic
Ushers Feb 3 8:30am Christopher Bean, Kenzie Brannon, Bo Ferguson, Grace Ferguson 11:00am Jackie Fryt, McElroy family, Brendan TurnerFeb 10 8:30am Eric and Andy Dunk, Jackie Fryt, Linda Van Gombos 11:00am Stanley family, Tupper family Feb 17 8:30am Eric and Andy Dunk, John and Suzanne Graham 11:00am Shelley Bainter, Kevin and Ashley Barnes, Eleanor Hill, Thomas Hill, Ella Brooks Tuttle, Heath Tuttle Feb 24 8:30am Volunteers needed 11:00am McIntyre family, Vaughn family
Offering CountersFeb 3 8:30am Carl and Adella Boxberger 11:00am Jeremy and Laurel TranthamFeb 10 8:30am John High, Bill Whitt 11:00am Bill and Barb BurigFeb 17 8:30am Marge Enberg, Mike Meyen 11:00am Barbara Rynerson, Jules Taylor, Feb 24 8:30am Jeff and Marsha Scouten 11:00am Alex and Mary Denson
Westminster Presbyterian Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Scenes from...MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Day of Service