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Westminster Presbyterian Church Joliet, Illinois

A Church Newsletter Published For

Our Members and Friends.

1015 Winthrop Avenue Volume 20, Issue 4

Joliet, Illinois 60435 June 2020

815-725-6687

THE CHIMES

PC - USA PC - USA

The Reverend Matthew T. Robinson,

Pastor

Musings from Matt... Greetings West Pres Joliet, Grace and Peace to you in the name of our Lord

Jesus Christ. This is the first edition of the CHIMES since we began sheltering

in place back in March. What this means is that the church office is back open to

regular hours. We’re beginning to carefully make plans (see the recommenda-

tions further on in this issue of the CHIMES.) As we have expressed in previous

mailings, we pray that you all continue to be healthy and safe during these

somewhat chaotic times.

10 years ago we experienced the challenge of our sanctuary being destroyed by an electrical fire in

the west wall. During the church restoration I was often asked, “What is the new sanctuary going to

be like?” My typical reply was, “Everything is going to be different and everything is going to be the

same.” Well, that’s kinda how it feels now. As we resume activities in the weeks and months

ahead, we’re going to be doing a lot of things differently. But, we are the same church family. We

are a family that likes to laugh, work, feast and celebrate. We live to share God’s love. I have met

Jesus in this place often. That hasn’t changed. That’s just who West Pres Joliet is.

In addition to the evolving “new normal” that the whole world is living into, another big

change is happening at the church office. As we have known since January, our Office Manager,

Linda Bromer, is retiring at the end of this month. Linda has been supporting our mission and minis-

try for nearly 14 years now. Almost the entire length of my tenure. I know that we are all going to

miss Linda’s compassionate professionalism. I know that I am going to miss my dear friend. Now

before all these pandemic precautions, the Session had begun planning a big Farewell Party for Lin-

da. That has not been forgotten, just put on hold. Rest assured, when all is safe and sound, we’re

going to have Linda (and Bill) come back for a proper farewell. In the meantime, drop Linda a card

or a quick call in the office to bid her well.

(Continued on Page 2)

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Musings from Matt (Continued from Page 1)

It is also my pleasure to introduce to you our new Office Manager/Bookkeeper, Lynette Som-

erville. Lyn returns to the Joliet area after living in Arizona for some time. She also has experience

in church office management having served her Lutheran congregation in Tempe for over a decade.

I am looking forward to sharing ministry with Lyn as she grows into this new position we have estab-

lished. So, West Pres Joliet, let’s give Lyn a warm welcome to our church family. She’s already fa-

miliar with Lutheran hospitality (can you say “covered dish?”) Let’s show her a gracious Presbyteri-

an reception. Welcome aboard Lyn, Godspeed to you.

Shalom,

Matt

Re-Entry Guidelines for our Returning to Worship (As of June 12, 2020)

As our state begins to prepare for the next phase of reopening buildings for public occupancy, the Re-Entry Task Force has made recommendations to the Session on guidelines for how we worship together in person again. Many of these guidelines have been prepared with the help of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Black-hawk Presbytery, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Brotherhood Mutual, our insurance company. Most importantly, reopening must be done for the safety and wellbeing of all of our members.

As you know, we learn more about this virus daily, so recommendations and processes of how we conduct worship may be modified based on new information, as scientists and doctors collect more data. We appreci-ate your patience as we navigate this uncharted territory.

When we do reopen our doors, we have some guidelines that we will ask you to please follow:

• We’re asking that everybody wear a mask (except for children 2 and under, people who cannot physically

remove one, or anybody with difficulty breathing for whom a mask could be a harm rather than a help). If you do not already have a mask, we will provide a disposable one for you at the door. We have a limited supply, so please try to bring your own.

• It is very important at this time that only those who are healthy and feeling well attend service. For your health and others, please do not attend service if you have a cough, or have cold or flu-like symptoms.

• When you arrive at church, please drive up to the drop-off area at the front door. An usher will come to your car and take your temperature. If you do not have a temperature, you may then proceed to a park-ing space.

• After you park, proceed to the door, using physical distancing, and please provide your name to the ush-er. (Remember, the masks might make it challenging to tell who you are without being able to see your beautiful smile!)

• Please bring sanitizer from home to clean your hands often. We will also provide sanitizer throughout the building for your safety and protection.

• Pews will be marked for physical distancing.

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Re-Entry Guidelines (Continued from Page 2)

• Maintain physical distancing. Current recommendation is 6 to 9 feet from people not in your household.

• Restrooms will be limited to use by one person at a time (unless a helper is needed). Disinfecting wipes will be available to wipe down toilets, handles, sinks, etc., before/after use. Do not, however, flush those

disinfecting wipes. Dispose of the wipes in the trash can so we don’t end up having clogged toilets.

• Please bring your own water bottle from home. For your safety, the water fountains will be taped off and unavailable for use.

• Services will be shortened to decrease amount of time we are in the sanctuary.

• Bulletins will be fanned out on a table under the loft for you to pick up.

• Music will be included in the service, but we will not be singing together as a congregation. Per CDC and medical experts, the deep breathing required for singing can cause droplets to spread farther than 6 feet and possibly up to 25 feet.

• Communion will not be shared for now.

• We will also be removing hymnals for the time being to avoid multiple people touching the same one, and to provide one less thing to sanitize each week.

• Offering will be received before and after the service in the offering plate on the round table placed in the middle of the first row under the loft (balcony). You may continue to mail checks or give online.

• Ushers will dismiss people by rows. Please exit the building as soon as possible, maintaining physical dis-tance.

• There won’t be any fellowship time after the service. Our kitchen and fellowship hall will not be available

for use at this time.

• If you become ill after attending a service and are diagnosed with COVID-19, please notify the church office. We are requesting that you please do this out of compassion for your fellow church members and in an abundance of caution.

To some, this may seem like an over-reaction, but these are the steps we feel necessary to keep our congre-gation and our community healthy during this pandemic. We have based our decisions on science, facts, and with compassion and caring for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember, sometimes people who never show symptoms are contagious and spread the virus. Further, we must remember that these changes are temporary and will not last forever.

Even so, we recognize that with or without all these changes, some people will choose to stay home and err on the side of caution. And we want you to know that staying home is a choice that we will respect, and a choice that should not lead to any feelings of guilt or shame. So, in order to welcome those who stay home, and in order to keep the whole congregation connected, we will continue to provide some form of online worship, even after our return to in-person services.

In order to provide the current virtual services, Peggy Robinson has been filming a dedicated worship team on her iPhone and iPad. In order to provide good audio and visual quality, she has been filming at the front of the sanctuary in the aisle. Once we have people in attendance again, this will no longer be a viable option. Therefore, we are consulting with an audio-visual company that helps churches establish a permanent audio-visual solution. As you can imagine, the investment in an iMac, cameras, and peripherals, as well as software and a potential upgrade in bandwidth of our internet, will provide a financial challenge. However, we do feel this step is necessary in continuing to provide a quality worship experience for everyone.

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Our Prayers

For:

Please include these

members and friends

in your prayers:

Terry Berg

Tom & Ruthann Bone

Frank Chandler

Kay Collins

Karen DeWitt

Jim England

George Gonzalez

Lynn Harman

Fred Henize

Mike Matay

Norma Metzler

Charlton Quinn

Ron Reece

George Wietting

The Zbroskewich Family

6th Annual Flea Market

Saturday, August 1st

(Rain date Saturday, August 8th)

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Rent a 15’ x 15’ space for $30.

Registration forms are on the congregational desk.

No guns, ammunition, adult materials

or ready-to-eat food

Spread the word! Tell your friends and neighbors!

FLEA

MARKET

A message of thanks to Diane’s Church Family,

Thank you for your kind expression of sympathy, and for all the

kind words, thoughts and prayers for her. Your hard work to make her Service and luncheon was much appreciated and I’m sure she was watching and would have been thrilled with the wonderful food

and the number of family and friends who came to say goodbye.

Nancy Mau

Everett Patmore and Art

As of this printing (June 16), Men’s Fellowship will not

meet in July. Stay tuned for further notice.

Our monthly free Pancake Breakfast

has been cancelled until further notice.

Covid 19 Masks

Our Project Day ladies and others from the church have made over 300 Covid 19 masks which were donated to Hospice, Our Lady of Angels home, members, family and friends. Those who contributed their talents toward the project were Gayla Audia, Drue Ballard, Linda Henize, Osia Lang, Lois McMillan, Ruth McMillan, Diane Smith, Kay Swithin, Shirley Swithin, Karen Williams, Peggy Yurkovich, and Linda Evans. Thank you all!

Linus Blankets/ Fidget Pads We continue to make Linus Blankets which are distributed to local organizations which deal with children and youth in distressed situations. We recently delivered 36 blankets to one of their drop-off sights. We can always use donations of fleece or quilt batting or monetary donations to purchase these items. We are also beginning to make “fidget pads” for Alzheimers patients. Please see Linda Evans if you want to help.

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Session Highlights via Zoom.com - 21 May 2020 Session Members Present: Moderator the Reverend Matthew T. Robinson; Clerk of Session Dale T. Evans; Sandy Alaimo, Gayla Audia, Mark Ballard, Fred Henize, Sheila Huckins, Marlene Jones, Sean Matay and David Smith. Guests Present: Church Treasurer Cindy Wax The meeting opened with prayer led by the Moderator at 6:32 PM. Clerk's Report: Approved the 16 April 2020 Regular Session Meeting Minutes as written. Approved the 7 May 2020 Special Session Meeting Minutes as written. Treasurer Wax reviewed the 30 April 2020 Financial Statements noting: 1) There is a cash shortfall in the General Church Operating Fund account #1.100.100 in the amount of ($65,237.15) which when combined with the other surpluses in other church funds' balances reconciled within the same Busey Bank checking account balance of $14,318.13. She noted this $14,318 was the lowest it has been in her tenure as Treasurer. (Elder Henize also affirmed it relative to his tenure as long-time elder in the congregation). 2) The YTD Total Receipts through 4/30/2020 is stated at $45,300.38; with the YTD Total Expense at $69,285.45; leaving a YTD shortfall of ($24,602.68). The Session had fortunately transferred 2019 4th Quar-ter available and spendable Endowment funds in the amount of $13,900 in late February/early March. This transfer is not reflected in the YTD shortfall of ($24,602.68). When doing so, the ($24,602.68) shortfall is reduced to ($10,702.68). 3) Cindy provided a recap of the 2020 First Quarter Endowment Funds invested in the New Covenant Funds with the Presbyterian Foundation. The market valuation of the portfolio is stated at $412,915. 4) It was moved, seconded and passed to place the 4/30/2020 Financial Statements on file. Christian Education Ministry Team Report: Elder Huckins informed the Session of the Zoom.com meeting she had on Tuesday, with the Stronghold Camps & Conference Center's Jennifer regarding our tentative plans for hosting their traveling week-long day camp "Vacation Bible School" for the third week in July. During the meeting everyone was brought up to speed with the following: Stronghold employs temporary staff during the summer to coordinate their activities and due to current COVID-19 restrictions as well as those placed on for-eign workers allowed into the USA, Stronghold is therefore unable to commit to the 2020 traveling day camp. And due to the geographical location of Westminster in Will County, the present governmental guidelines have yet to be lifted in time to properly advertise such and undertaking on our part. Therefore, it was mutually agreed to tentatively reschedule this summer's VBS day camp to some mutually agreeable time in 2021. Stronghold is tentatively planning a "family-type" day camp opportunity during one of this autumn's long-weekend school holidays. Westminster has offered to promote this fall activity on its website and FaceBook pages. Sheila will keep the Session informed of any further activities offered through Stronghold. Personnel Committee Report: Elder Audia informed the Session that the Committee had met via Zoom.com several times in May to process over one hundred dossiers submitted by interested persons responding to a job notice seeking a replacement for our retiring Administrative Assistant, Linda Bromer (6/30/2020). The Com-mittee has reduced the number of considerations to fifteen before selecting six for further consideration. Three have been selected for one-on-one interviews while practicing recommended social distancing during the week of 24 May 2020. Ad Hoc Re-entry Task Force has met two times on Zoom.com while reviewing suggested guidelines for re-suming church activities on a limited basis. These were their recommendations to the Session: (Continued on Page 6)

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Session Highlights (Continued from Page 6)

1) Cancel the pending 2nd Hand Sale (originally scheduled for March) and the Ice Cream Social scheduled for June. Instead refer them back to their respective church organizations (PW & Mission Team) for consideration in the future at a time when it would be prudent to undertake those activities when social gatherings like those are permissible within COVID-19 pronouncements. 2) It was moved, seconded and passed to waive the April and May 2020 rent payments from Iglesia Christiana Nueva Esperanza as that congregation has not been permitted to use our church property during the suspension of all church activities at our facility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 3) The AdHoc Re-entry Task Force is considering all steps necessary in order to plan for the slow re-sumption of certain church activities when it is wise and permitted to do so. At this moment, Westminster may be considering at the most a very late June or early July limited resumption of church activities. Until then, all church activities are postponed. Stewardship/Finance & Memorial/Endowment Committee shared with the Session the following: 1) Two hypothetical scenarios were sought from the Presbyterian Foundation regarding our Endow-ment Funds investment portfolio historical performance from July 2019 through 31 March 2020. a) The first scenario assumed we had NOT rebalanced the $462,015 portfolio keeping the investments had been held previously since their inception. This amount was tracked using the historical ups and downs of the investment market for those quarters. The assumption was also that there was no withdrawals of any available and spendable funds. The ending market valuation is stated at $412,915. The total downturn is calculated at $49,100 ($462,015 - $412,915). b) The second scenario is actually how the rebalanced portfolio performed with the same beginning investment balance as in scenario one of $462,015. The YTD actual ending market value without any with-drawals of available and spendable earnings as of 31 March 2020 is stated at $437,806. Therefore the re-balanced total downturn is calculated at $24,209 ($462,015 - $437,806). The rebalancing effort of the Session worked in our favor by reducing the hypothetical downturn by $24,891 ($49,100 - $24,209). 2) In mid-April Westminster successfully applied to the Federal Government's Small Business Admin-istration and received $24,300 on 4/29/2020 under the CARES Act Payroll Protection Loan Program. There have been and continue to be an increasing enumerated listing of frequently asked questions and the SBA's response as to how they shall rule on how to use said funds and to document them properly within the fifty-six day timeframe allotted. Elder Evans will be meeting with the Treasurer to garner additional data for complet-ing the PPPL Program reporting. The PPP funds are segregated into a separate checking account and will drawn upon in batches with the appropriate paperwork attached to support the transfer of funds to the General Church Operating Fund. 3) The Committee developed a weekly cash receipts worksheet illustrating how COVID-19 has im-pacted Sunday offerings. The weekly cash flow illustrates 3/1 - 3/15 offerings prior to the suspension of church activities as well as subsequent weeks where worship services are conducted online. 4) The Committee thanked Elders Ballard, Henize and Jones for their online Stewardship Moments and encouraged others to consider taping a short message as well. There has been a positive feedback regard-ing such by the folks watching the online services. 5) The Presbyterian Church (USA) Board of Pensions is allowing its member congregations of 300 or less members to seek a maximum three months of dues relief in response to COVID-19. The Committee sought the Session's approval to begin the relief on 1 July through 30 September 2020. It was moved, second-ed and passed to respectfully request of the PC(USA) Board of Pensions three months of dues relief beginning 1 July and extending through 30 September 2020 while giving full authority to the Reverend Matthew T. Rob-inson to act on the Session's behalf with the Board of Pensions in this matter. Property Ministry Team Report: Elder Henize and Smith thanked the many volunteers that have performed regular inspections of our church property, taking care of what needs to be addressed with the physical plant, etc. Fred and Dave were very appreciative for the landscaping maintenance being conducted without having to initiate the work to be done. The meeting was closed with sharing of joys, concerns and prayer led by the Moderator at 7:40 PM.

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Ways to Give To Westminster

Presbyterian Church

1. Online at westpresjoliet.org by clicking on the online giving link. Give one time or automate a systematic gift.

2. Write a check payable to Westminster Presbyterian Church and place in the of-fering plate on Sunday or mail to 1015 Winthrop Ave., Joliet, IL 60435.

3. Donate appreciated securities from your brokerage account to pass on long-term capital gains.**

4. Donate your RMD (required minimum distribution) as a QCD (qualified charita-ble donation) to reduce adjusted gross income**

5. Leave a legacy by naming Westmin-ster Presbyterian Church as a beneficiary in your will or life insurance policy.

6. Shop at smile.amazon.com and select Westminster Pres as your charity of choice.

Securities donations are processed through The Presbyterian Foundation. For more info, contact the church office at 815.725.6687 or see the Ways to Give tab on westpresjoliet.org.

**The above information is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal. or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

When and what time? Did you know you can stay up-to-date with activities and events at our church by adding our Google calen-dar to your phone? Go to westpresjoliet.org/calendar/ and scroll to the bottom right and hit the + button. You can also add birthdays and anniversaries on the cal-endar menu drop-down at the URL westpresjoliet.org/birthdays-and-anniversaries. Save yourself a phone call to the church office and check there first. We are fortunate to have an amazing Office Manager who keeps things up-to-date! We also list events on our Facebook page. Please help us spread the word by sharing these events on your personal page. If you want something listed on Facebook or the website, please email peggy@westpresjoliet.org. To add some-thing to the church calendar, please contact Lyn Somer-ville at office@westpresjoliet.org. Thank you! Peggy Robinson

A Message From Church Property…

We are not accepting donations of 2nd

Hand Sale items at this time! We have a room

downstairs that is overflowing with items. When

the PW announce their fall sale date, drop off

dates will also be announced. In the meantime,

please hold onto your items until that time.

Thank you!

Fred Henize

Property Chair

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Twelve Things We Wish You Knew From Individuals Living with Mental Illness to Pastors and Churches

This piece was compiled by Dan Milford, Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, TX by crowdsourcing ideas

from people with mental illness. Covenant Presbyterian Church started what they call a ‘Beautiful Minds Coalition’ following two

deaths by suicide of people in the congregation. Dan’s passion for mental health ministry is currently focused on the launch of the

churchwide Presbyterian Mental Health Network called for by the 223rd General Assembly.

1. Mental illness is a medical issue, a disease like cancer/diabetes. Anyone can have a mental illness. It is not a sign of weakness or failure. Nor is it the fault of the parents or ill person.

2. Mental Illness is treatable. Early detection and treatment are essential to improving the chances for

recovery. Mental illness is not cured; recovery is an ongoing process unique to each person, which

allows the person to carry on in daily living and learn to cope with the illness in a way that makes

possible a fulfilling life.

Mental Illness cannot be prayed away. That message must be understood and adopted by pastors and

communicated in congregations. Bad information on this can alienate people with mental illness for-

ever and cause irreparable harm to them and their loved ones.

4. Substance use disorder is a mental illness, not a moral failing.

5. Suicide rates in teens and older adults, in particular, have risen steadily over the last decade. Veterans

have one of highest rates of suicide of all demographics. Suicide is not a sign of weakness or moral

deficiency. Basic education is vitally important. Suicide ‘literacy’ must include information on stigma

and the danger of silence, matters of faith and questions about losing faith, and how to recognize and

respond when someone may be suicidal.

6. While most mental illness is diagnosable before age 24, brain disorders can commonly have their initial

onset later in adulthood, particularly in older adults. Depression and a variety of types of dementia

(which can include paranoia and delusions) are illnesses that commonly appear for the first time in

senior citizens.

People with a mental illness need to be referred to appropriate resources for professional counseling and

medical help. A pastoral referral does not mean letting someone go, though, but rather following up

and staying engaged to provide spiritual care and support.

8. Support for people with mental illness also involves the network of their loved ones, congregation, and

doctors and counselors.

9. People living with mental illness vary in the level of confidentiality they desire. They should always be

consulted before their diagnosis is shared with others, whether with an individual or on the church

prayer chain. Never publish diagnoses in a newsletter or bulletin if that document will be placed on

the church’s website.

10. Many people living with mental illness and their loved ones want to be able to talk about mental illness

While most church members will not openly express their problems, a significant number will ap-

proach the pastor and others in the church to share mental illness-related issues when trust has been earned.

11. Living with a mental illness can be incredibly isolating and lonely—for both the individual with the illness

and their loved ones/caregivers.

It would be helpful for pastors to be more proactive in offering information about church activities that might

interest individuals living with mental illness. Better yet, to offer an invitation to join in. Oftentimes, anxiety

or mood instability may keep someone from accepting the invitation. As one person put it, “being thought

of specifically and being invited in the first place helps me feel that I am deemed worthy and acceptable to

join in. And know that the declining of the invitation doesn't mean we never want to be includ-

ed, we just can't bring ourselves to join in this time.”

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Westminster

Presbyterian

Church

Minister - Every Member

of the Church

Pastor - The Reverend

Matthew T. Robinson

Music Director -

Paul Kraus

Organist -

Durene Cartelli

A/V Tech Crew -

Sean Matay

Rob Arbuthnot

Sarah Arbuthnot

Peggy Robinson

Office Manager/

Bookkeeper

- Lyn Somerville

Custodian - Mike Riley

Church Building ~

815-725-6686

Church Office ~

815-725-6687

FAX ~ 815-725-7866

Office Hours ~

Mon. thru Thurs. 9-4:30

Fri. 9-Noon

Website:

www.westpresjoliet.org

Email:

office@westpresjoliet.org

www.facebook.com/

westpresjoliet

Please Read!! We no longer receive courtesy calls from the hospitals to notify us when our members have been hospitalized. If you are hospitalized, or know of a church member who has been admitted, please notify Pastor Matt or the church office. We want to be sure that you are visited and added to our prayer list!

If you, or someone you know, are in need of food,

the St. John Lutheran Church Food Pantry

is open to the community on:

Currently, food distribution is Saturdays only

beginning at 9 a.m.

at 2650 Plainfield Road in Joliet.

The St. John Lutheran Church Food Pantry serves ALL HUNGRY

clients regardless of their zip code, school district or county.

Visit StJohnFood.org for volunteer opportunities.

Thank you for supporting this important ministry!

STEPHEN M INISTRIES

When you pray to God, sometimes he sends a human. . .

Our Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you!! If you or someone you

know is going through a difficult time, please contact our Stephen Ministry.*

Let us help!!

Linda Evans 815-725-6218

Linda Henize 815-467-2705

Pastor Matt 815-725-6687

*Confidential lay caring ministry. Stephen Ministers are caring Christians

who are trained to offer a listening ear.

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Westminster Chimes USPS 022648 is published monthly

by Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1015 Winthrop Avenue, Joliet, IL 60435.

Periodicals postage paid at Joliet, IL.

Postmaster: Send address changes to:

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1015 Winthrop Avenue, Joliet, IL 60435.

Volume 20, Issue 4. June 2020.

We thank God for:

** Please deliver promptly,**

dated material enclosed.

Mailed: June 16, 2020

PERIODICALS

POSTAGE PAID

AT JOLIET, IL

USPS 022648

Westminster Presbyterian Church

1015 Winthrop Avenue

Joliet, Illinois 60435

ARTICLE DUE DATE

JUNE 22, 2020

VOLUME & ISSUE

VOLUME 20

ISSUE 5

Contact Us:

Westminster Presbyterian Church

1015 Winthrop Ave.

Joliet, IL 60435

815-725-6687

Email:

office@westpresjoliet.org

Website:

www.westpresjoliet.org

NEWSLETTER DATES