The Link. God s Grace for Cleaning House. Westminster Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor, mi Volume 24, number 1: January 2011.

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1 The Link Westminster Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor, mi Volume 24, number 1: January 2011 God s Grace for Cleaning House Irecently read an interesting article entitled Authenticity, sincerity, honesty, How to Fake a Clean House. It identified the things humility these are just a few of the you could do with minimal effort to have the maximal things that God offers to us in salvation: appearance of a clean and organized house. The article was divided by rooms: Living Room, Kitchen, Bathroom, Home Office, Kid s Room, and Laundry Room. Presumably, if you re having someone over, these rooms are most likely to be seen in order of priority. The master bedroom and bathroom can be shuttered behind closed doors. After all, we have the privilege of setting boundaries, saying who sees what in our house. While there are times when such an approach is perhaps necessary, if we think of it as a metaphor for our lives, there s something insincere about it living in such a way that we appear all prim and proper, when in truth we re hoping no one opens the closet door. The Bible offers references to deceptions and insincerity appearing as one thing, while harboring an undisclosed mess. Jesus called the Pharisees whitewashed tombs all prettied up on the outside, but full of bleached bones and death on the inside. He called them eating bowls that were washed on the outside, but the inside, where it mattered, they were filthy. I m wondering how he d apply the idea of a fake clean house to our spiritual lives? In what ways am I faking a clean heart? This is an ageless human dilemma how to be at peace and feel fulfilled, while hiding the stuff that blocks what I so deeply desire. The answer is that there is no way to fake a clean heart and have it full of what we most need and desire. And that s the Good News of the Gospel: grace! One manifestation of God s grace is rolling up eternal life, yes, but there are so many other aspects of salvation! Paul wrote to the Galatians about the freedom we are given freedom from certain ways of bondage and freedom for the life for which we are created. Deep and complete honesty is an amazing liberation but it can fill us with fear if it were not for the grace we receive in Christ. We hide our faults, even from ourselves even we are fooled by the fake clean house of our hearts! Some, antithetically, push their faults out there even embellish their faults, flaunt them all for the same reason: fear. Yet in Christ, God frees us through a penetrating and pure love. Perfect love casts out fear, abolishes it, sends it packing with no return address. So many people are quoted as saying something like Grace takes us as we are, but doesn t leave us as we re found, that I don t know to whom credit is due. Perhaps anyone who truly experiences grace has this revelation well up from within and that s why so many are quoted as saying it. It is more than my sleeves and getting to the work of cleaning the debris true: grace takes us as we are and lifts us in this issue and clutter, not as a burdensome command, but instead up and brushes us off and let us know We appreciate your responses, 2 as a passion, an expression of gratitude, a demonstration of joy. The dust-bunnies of my relationships, the to keep us from God s love and redemp- that the mess of our lives is not enough Swing your partner, 2 Adult classes, 2 stains of status-earning efforts, the ground-in-dirt of tion. But through it, God also gives us the poor decision-making patterns, the corner-cutting of wherewithal to get to work the desire to Paul, the Heart of a Pastor, 3 religious rituals, the closet piled full of the postponed projects of personal apologies, the clutter under the sofa of my soul, judgments of others that are a massively huge, but thin screen hiding my own shortcomings. The grace we receive gives us what we need to begin dealing with these things openly and earnestly. make our hearts and lives fit for a King. I had resolved that the first newsletter of the year would not be about resolutions, but... what if, along with the New Year s resolutions, continued on page 2 Return to Nashville, 3 Brookhaven Praise and Prayer, 3 January calendar, 4 Events & announcements, 5

2 Continued from page 1 New Year s resolutions can be like a burden relieved resolution to get physically fit we resolve to do what is in our power to become spiritually fit? What if, along with the resolution to drop a few pounds, we resolve to drop some of the critical baggage we carry around? What if we resolve to open ourselves to the generous assistance God offers to face the fake-clean spiritual homes in which we abide? And when I say that, I m speaking personally and encouraging each of us to look at ourselves and not at the work we think is required in the lives of others. Let s begin with going around the home of our hearts and minds and picking up the clutter of judgments we have scattered around in regard to other people family, friends, strangers, brothers and sisters in Christ. My guess is, if we do this, then a lot of the other cleaning will be a breeze. And can you imagine what that will be like? Like a burden relieved! Because sustaining a fake clean house is a lot more effort than living in one that is truly clean. Blessings, Stephen Carl We appreciate your responses! Thank you to all who took the time to fill out our congregational survey. The results are being tallied and organized for a special presentation to be made on Wednesday evening, January 26, at 6:30 pm. Whether you filled out a survey or not, please join us at 5:45 for dinner, and then plan to stay and hear the presentation about our worship at Westminster. Youth programs and childcare will be provided. Swing your partner, do-si-do Westminster square dance, Saturday, January 8 6:30 9 pm; $5 per person Whether you re experienced or a first-timer, you ll have fun at Westminster s second annual square dance. Childcare will be available. We ll provide beverages and suggest that you bring a snack to share. Singles, couples and young people in grade five or above are invited, including friends and neighbors. Sign up in the fellowship hall entry. Questions? Contact Al Banning ( or ). Classes for adults look at scripture, American history and personal growth Wednesday evening small groups Our fall Wednesday small groups have finished with the final session of Kairos Palestine, an exploration of the current situation in the Middle East as seen through the eyes of Palestinian Christians. Starting January 5, we will offer two Wednesday small groups: God In America, How Religious Liberty Shaped America This series considers the political and spiritual journeys of important historical figures and the role of religion in public life. We are looking for a facilitator for this class. Paul, The Heart of a Pastor, Then and Now Pastor Cathi King will lead this study of the epistles of Paul and guiding of the early church through the bumpy process of becoming the body of Christ. We will look at those communities and ours today and consider the ways that Paul loved and led these new Christians. Sunday classes at 10 am Numbers Continues in room 32 using a variety of translations and resources. This study will be followed by a study of the book of Deuteronomy. All are welcome to stop in and join in the discussion. Giving That Gives Back: Life Income Gifts Sunday, January 9, Stephen Keizer of the Presbyterian Foundation will speak about an approach to charitable giving with a focus on life income gifts, which provide ways to give, as well as receive an income stream. Leadership Development Sunday, beginning January 16. This 8-week series is an expanded version of the fall men s retreat presentation based on the work of leadership guru John Maxwell. We always welcome your ideas and feedback about adult education at our meetings on the second Monday of each month at 7 PM. 2

3 Paul, the Heart of a Pastor, Then and Now... We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:2 3) Throughout the centuries, the apostle Paul, like him or not, has dramatically shaped Christian theology. He s known for his expansive rhetoric, blatant chauvinism, and at times he s even been accused of arrogance. And yet, Paul is also a humble servant of Christ, loving and beloved pastor and faithful, graceful brother in the Lord. Some years ago, while I was training to be a pastor in seminary, I began reading Paul s letters, seeking to discern his pastoral heart. In fact, I owe a great deal to him for helping to shape and form my heart for pastoral ministry. In his letters, we see evidence of servant leadership, compassionate encouragement, disappointment and frustration both with his own discipleship and that of the churches he planted, for whom he continued to pray, and to whom he continued to minister. And throughout, we see a faithful and fervent heart for Jesus Christ. Each morning, I would turn to a different section of Paul s writings, sometimes reading whole letters at a time and sometimes portions of prayers or teachings.... I was inspired, awed, and tremendously encouraged. He became for me, a contemporary brother. The shelves of Christian bookstores are filled with books on leadership, spiritual formation, and community life, yet, for me, Paul s pastoral teachings remain the richest. They are, for church communities, timeless wisdom, because in many ways, our issues are not dissimilar from those faced in his early churches. People are people, after all, and that applies inside and outside the Church. Starting in January, I will facilitate a small group on the letters of Paul, working through them chronologically so that we can see the development of church life and thought as the distance from the earthly ministry of Christ grew. Although we ll certainly talk about the community context of the letters, this group will not pick at theology and doctrine, but rather, seek to hear the heart of the pastor Paul... the brother Paul... the Christ-follower Paul... essential words for Christian community. The group will meet Wednesday nights after the meal, but I also hope to engage an online community through the posting of Paul s prayers and teachings and the invitation to dialogue. Likely, you ll hear echoes of Paul s spirituality in worship liturgy too in the coming months. If you re looking to begin the New Year with a Bible study, join me. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! Cathi King Westminster returns to Nashville Short term mission, April 2 9, 2011 Westminster members and friends have the opportunity to help with rebuilding efforts in Nashville, Tennessee, following major flooding there nearly a year ago. The trip is organized in partnership with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. The group will accommodate fifteen members. Please sign up in the fellowship hall entry. For more information, please speak with Jack Collins. Bring joy to Brookhaven residents Friday, January 21, 7:15 pm Join us later in January at Brookhaven Manor to bring praise, prayer and conversation to residents there. Please sign up in the entry to the fellowship hall. For more informations, please contact Barb Greschaw ( or ). 3

4 January 2011 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 Worship with 3 Church office closed :30 am Morning communion at 10 am 2 pm Link mailing 4:45 pm Riverside 9:15 am Small group prayer Community Gathering 7 pm Bell Choir and 6 pm Friday Feast music ensembles (teens) 7:30 pm Westminster Choir Worship at 8:45 and 11:15 am; classes for all ages at 10 am Worship at 8:45 and 11:15 am; classes for all ages at 10 am Worship at 8:45 and 11:15 am; classes for all ages at 10 am Worship at 8:45 and 11:15 am; classes for all ages at 10 am 10 am Bake sale to benefit Hope Clinic` 9 am Small group 6:30 pm Missional Monday* committee meetings 7 pm Small group 9 am Small group noon Sarah Circle 7 pm Session meeting 1 pm Ladies Bible Study 4:45 pm Riverside Community Gathering 7:30 pm Westm. Choir 1 pm Needlecrafters 4:45 pm Riverside Community Gathering 7:30 pm Westm. Choir 1 pm Ladies Bible Study 4:45 pm Riverside Community Gathering 6:30 pm Survey results 7:30 pm Westm. Choir 9:15 am Small group 7 pm Bell Choir and music ensembles 9:15 am Small group 7 pm Bell Choir and music ensembles; Property Committee; Deacons 9:15 am Small group 7 pm Bell Choir and music ensembles 8:30 am Morning prayer :30 am Morning prayer Alphas retreat (Skyline Conference Center) through Sunday 7:15 pm Prayer and Praise at Brookhaven Manor * Missional Monday committee meetings include Administration, Adult Education, Children, Endowment, Fellowship, Membership, Mission, Stewardship and Finance, Worship, and Youth and Young Adults. A few committees meet at other times. Meeting locations and times are online at See also Today s Meetings on the church media center. 8:30 am Morning prayer noon Sixty Plus Club 8 NEW YEARS DAY 1 9 am New elder and deacon orientation 6:30 pm Westminster Square Dance Deadline for February issue of The Link 8 am Men s Breakfast Please note: The official church calendar is maintained in the church office by Office and Facilities Manager Karen Neilson. All event dates and room assignments in our building must be cleared with her. Dinner, choir rehearsals and classes for all ages. All are welcome! 5:45 6:30 pm Dinner (fellowship hall; $5 per person; $15 per family) 6:00 7:30 pm Childcare for infants age 5 (nursery) 6:30 7:25 pm Children s Choir (grades 1 6) Adult classes and small groups 7:30 9 pm Westminster Choir (sanctuary) On our web site Our web site includes links to a myriad of Bible and denominational resources. Check these out: (bottom of page) has links to the Presbyterian Church (usa) lectionary readings, the pc (usa) mission yearbook, a pc (usa) daily catechism question, daily meditations from The Upper Room, and links to many translations of the Bible (bottom of page) has links to news about our denomination from the magazine Presbyterians Today, from the Presbyterian News Service, and from pc (usa) mission workers newsletters. 4

5 please save your plastic bottle caps for a mural project to be undertaken by our first through fifth graders on Wednesday evenings. Westminster finances are reported November 2010 Budget Actual Pledges received 46,697 34,916 Other income 9,244 +6,078 Expenses 55,941 50,321 Receipts minus expenses = <$9,327> (Nov. deficit) Year-to-date balance: $1,560 Recent donations Hope Clinic (Thanksgiving Eve worship) $ Youth dinner rolls fund raiser $ Questions or concerns? Please contact Jeff Kennedy, Treasurer or David Hammond, Financial Secretary. Naval carrier history presented Men s Breakfast, Saturday, January 15, 8 am Join us for breakfast and a dvd recounting the history of us naval carriers. The cost is a mere $3 per person. Please sign up in the entry to the fellowship hall. White elephants will appear Sixty Plus Club, Friday, January 28, noon Sixty Plus Club members will enjoy a white elephant gift exchange at their January lunch and meeting. RSVP to Bonnie Terpstra ( ) or Phoebe Vance ( ). Dinners of 7, 8 or 9 brighten winter February 19, March 19, April 16 Have you ever wished you knew the people sitting around you at church better? Dinners of 7, 8 or 9 are just the opportunity you ve been waiting for. Please sign up in the entry to the fellowship hall. Need more information? Please contact Al Banning ( or ). thank you to all who contributed to the success of the deacon Christmas project. With your help we provided wonderful presents and food to eight Washtenaw County families this year. The family members appreciated the generous gifts and experienced the spirit of Christmas conveyed in those gifts. Westminster Presbyterian Church We believe those who claim Jesus is Lord are the church called by the Holy Spirit as a demonstration and instrument of God s mission in the world. KNOW GROW SHOW SOW We are a caring community of Christians devoted in joyful worship and service to Jesus Christ, called by Him to reach out to all people so together we may: Know God s saving grace and call on our lives Grow in devoted discipleship Show our faithful thanksgiving Sow Gospel seeds of hope and love Westminster staff: All staff members may be contacted by calling the church office ( ) or by . The Rev. Stephen R. Carl, Pastor, Head of Staff The Rev. Catherine King, Associate Pastor Tina Shaw, Interim Director of Children s Ministries Leslie Picken, Director of Youth Ministries Shawn McDonald, Minister of Music Linda Lang, Director of Sacred Dance Karen Neilson, Office and Facilities Manager April Wright, Bookkeeper/Assistant Financial Secretary Marti Burbeck, Director of Media and Communications Isaias Celestino, Custodian Florence Westrum, Organist Emerita Officers: David Hammond, Financial Secretary Marla Johnston, Moderator, Board of Deacons Jeff Kennedy, Treasurer Margaret Klammer, Clerk of Session The Link is published at the beginning of each month. The deadline for each issue is the 15 th of the prior month. The editor is Marti Burbeck, or The Link is also on the world wide web at sign up there to receive notification of web posting of each issue. Print copies are available in the church entry, or to receive print copies by mail, please call the church office. 5

6 Westminster Presbyterian Church 1500 Scio Church Road Ann Arbor, Michigan Non Profit Organization us Postage Paid Ann Arbor, mi Permit #677 Sunday worship, 8:45 and 11:15 am; Classes for all ages, 10 am Dinner, classes, choir rehearsals for all ages beginning at 5:45 pm The Link Providing Shelter from the Cold The Ann Arbor Shelter Association offers shelter during the night for homeless individuals. The Rotating Shelter, a collaborative effort between the Shelter Association and local congregations, provides emergency shelter for up to 25 additional individuals per night. February 7 14, we at Westminster will host this group, giving us opportunity to practice hospitality: giving, receiving, sharing, caring, connecting, listening, praying, worshiping and seeking together with our guests. Please sign up in the entry to the fellowship hall to spend one night (7 PM 7 AM) as a host, along with 2 4 other Westminster members. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on since you have come to your servant. (Genesis 18:5)