Alex. Westminster Presbyterian church. Inside Stories: May & Summer Education Opportunities May Mission Events Reflection

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1 Westminster Presbyterian church April 23, 2015 Issue #537 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning, there was a sound like a strong wind and no one could tell where it was coming from, it filled the entire building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them. Acts 2:1-4 Presbyterians are not quite sure what to do with the Holy Spirit. I think the Holy Spirit makes us uncomfortable for a number of reasons from our emphasis on rational theological discussion to our desire for the church to do everything decently and in order. The Holy Spirit resists theological definition and operates in a way one might describe at best as disorderly. Presbyterians have been jokingly referred to as the Frozen Chosen, and we more often view the Holy Spirit in terms of passion and emotions. As Kathleen likes to say when we try to explain the Holy Spirit to others: It s that tingly feeling. I wonder though if we equate the Holy Spirit to the emotional realm whether we are missing something more meaningful about this expression of the Trinity. The story of Pentecost contains the passions of that day, the sense of windiness and wildness that was experienced by those present. I certainly imagine they felt powerful emotions that drove them out into the streets. Yet what is central to the story is that they were enabled to speak of God s mighty works in different languages. It wasn t emotion for emotions sake, but an equipping of those present to be part of God s mission to the world. The Holy Spirit does not preclude thought or rational process but adds to them. The Spirit equips us for our ministry together as we seek to engage God s mission in the world. The Spirit gives us a passion for the work; grants us the tools to engage others in the world; and nudges us out of our safe buildings and spaces. Now we Presbyterians could use a little irrationality and disorderliness in our churches. It wouldn t kill us to make a little noise in worship or to acknowledge our feelings and emotions as important expressions of our faith experience. We need the tingly feeling at times! In the end, though, it is about being pushed out into the world to witness to God s Kingdom in the languages people can understand. Let us thank God for this purpose and meaning in our lives. To God be the glory! Alex Inside Stories: May & Summer Education Opportunities May Mission Events Reflection Also: May Calendar of Events Member Prayers and Notes Issue #537 April 23, 2015

2 9 th Hour: 9-10am Sunday mornings Our continuing Easter season classes are: What do Presbyterians Say about Marriage? This class is exploring what our denomination says about marriage, particularly around the changing definition of who can marry in both the church and culture. In May we will have two guest speakers in class: May 3 rd will feature Ruling Elder Carol Phillips from Covenant Presbyterian, who was one of our Presbytery s Commissioners to the last General Assembly gathering. She will speak to the conversations that took place at General Assembly around marriage and how Commissioners worked and prayed together to seek the will of the Holy Spirit. May 10 th will feature Teaching Elder Scott Anderson, Director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Scott also served on the The Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church from , which worked to encourage Presbyterians to listen to one another and share our stories and experiences as we make difficult decisions. He will be able to speak to the ongoing work of including all people in the church. May 17 th will be a concluding conversation particularly around what we ve learned as a congregation in this class and what areas may need further study. This conversation will be led by members of the Education Committee. Page 2 Video Lecture Series Lives of Great Christians The video lecture series will continue to meet in the library every Sunday during 9th Hour. New participants are always welcome. There will be a new video highlighting a different Christian leader each week. Featured in May are Martin Luther and John Wesley. Homelessness and Me This class is aimed at children ages 3-5 th grade and led by Joe Liverseed and Connie Evans. In May the class will be studying inequality through the lens of sharing, and discussing what makes a home a home. Confirmation Class Our confirmation program for middle school students is coming to a close. All confirmation students will meet with the Session to become full adult members on May 17 th. They will then be recognized as new members in worship that day. High School Sunday School The High School class is continuing their study of New Testament Bible Characters. In May the class will learn more about Pontius Pilate, Simon Peter, and Saul/Paul. Please Note: The last Sunday of 9 th Hour for the program year is May 17 th. We will resume 9 th Hour classes on September 13 th. Discovering the Psalms: Passion, Promise & Praise This is an opportunity for a deeper on the Psalms with readings for each week. We will be following material written by Donald Griggs and published by the Kerygma program. The study includes the various forms of Psalms, their history, and the variety of ways they are used in worship and devotion. Discussions are

3 continued led by Pastor Kathleen on Tuesdays at 11:30am through May 26 th. New participants are always welcome. Please contact Pastor Kathleen with any questions. Parent s Night Out May 9, 3:30-8:30 Our final Parent s Night Out before the 2015 Youth Mission Trip is on Saturday, May 9 th from 3:30-8:30pm. Dinner will be served at 5:30pm. You can drop your kids off and pick them up at any time during the event. The Youth Suite door at the far end of the parking lot will be open for drop off and pick up. The theme for this Parent s Night Out is Creation. We will (weather permitting) be going outside to make some creations of our own and enjoy games and crafts inside as well. This is open to all children age 6 months -10 years. All donations go to the 2015 Youth Mission Trip to Chicago. Pass word along to your friends, we are open to all kids not just Westminster folks. VBS is Coming: G-Force: God s Love in Action June 15-18, 5:30-7:45pm All kids age 3-current 5 th grade are invited to take part in an exploration of God s love and the ways we put it in action! We ll meet Monday-Thursday night the week of June 15 th. The program starts with dinner, then we have music time, crafts, games, and a story. On Thursday, June 18 th we ll wrap up with an ice cream social and sharing about what we learned. Registrations forms are available in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall, or via . For questions, or to get an e-copy of the registration form contact Kathleen at kcookowens@gmail.com Friends are welcome; pass the word around!! Vacation Bible School Volunteers We have a great leadership team for VBS this year, but we ll need some helpers! Look at the Kiosk in the Narthex for the sign-up sheets. Helpers are needed for 1 to 4 nights of VBS. We need Shepherds (to guide the kids around to each station), Music helpers, Craft/Game helpers, Storytellers, and Kitchen assistants. Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 18 th We ll be wrapping up Vacation Bible School and kicking off our Summer Backyard Study in one fun evening. Come for dinner at 5:30 and attend VBS or the first Summer Backyard Study, or just come at 7pm for an ice cream social on the patio and presentation from the VBS kids. It will be a great evening of fellowship and fun! If you are looking for a summer break that combines education and a lot of Presbyterians there are a couple of options to consider this summer. Both of these events are reasonably priced, though there are possibilities for scholarships if needed. There are childcare and youth components available at both events as well. For more information on either event please contact Pastor Kathleen. The Big Tent: July 30-August 1, on the campus of University of Tennessee, Knoxville This is a conference that is focused on workshops. The theme this year is Living Missionally and within that there are over 100 different workshops being offered. Topics cover many aspects of church life and mission outreach, from working to end sex trafficking, to advocating to close the achievement gap, to managing church finances, to living out a theology of grace and gratitude. This event provides multiple workshops to give you a taste of the variety of Continued on next page Issue #537 April 23, 2015 Page 3

4 continued ways we are called to live out our faith. For more information check out the website: Synod School: July 26-31, on the campus of Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa If you are looking for something smaller and closer, Synod School may be a better fit. The theme this year is A Future with Hope. The speakers and leaders for worship and workshops are nationally recognized for their gifts and will provide an energizing and renewing experience. The workshops are focused on spiritual practices and practical skills for church and life. For more information check out the website: Triennium, and training events for youth ministers and leaders. The 40% of the Pentecost Offering that stays here at Westminster is dedicated for use in serving children at risk in our community. In the past we have used these funds to buy snow pants for children at Thoreau and some of our other Thoreau and Allied Drive outreach projects. As we approach Pentecost this year we ask that you consider giving generously to this important Special Offering that makes a big difference in the lives of the children we serve here, the youth in our churches nationwide, and the Young Adults who feel God s call to go out and serve in the world. You will see offering envelopes in the pews for the Pentecost Offering throughout May. For more information go to the Special Offerings website: specialofferings/ PC(USA) Special Offerings Thank you for One Great Hour of Sharing Contributions The Presbyterian Church (USA) collects four special offerings throughout the year. These are offerings that fund specific programs both at the national and local levels. In March we received the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, which funds the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program. Thank you to all who contributed this year. Westminster raised $1393 this year. Thank You!! Pentecost Offering On May 24 th we receive the Pentecost Offering. This Offering is divided with 60% going to the national level to support the Young Adult Volunteer(YAV) program, and national Youth Ministries. The YAV program is an opportunity for Young Adults (ages 18-30) to spend a full year in service and mission work in the USA or abroad. National Youth Ministries coordinates Youth events such as Page 4

5 continued Presbywheelians: Bike for Boys & Girls Club Westminster is joining with Presbyterians from all over Dane County to form one team for the Boys & Girls Club fundraising bike ride on July 18 th. We will ride with the team name, Presbywheelians. In 2014 the Presbywheelians team had 75 riders (4 from Westminster) who raised over $15,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County. We are hoping the 2015 team will have 100 people and raise more! Sandy Curran and Carl Martin will serve as Westminster s Captains for the Presbywheelians team. If you are interested in riding please contact Sandy, Carl, or Pastor Kathleen. This is a great event and an awesome way for Presbyterians to work together to raise money and awareness for the programs of the Boys & Girls Club! Book Drive for Thoreau Summer brings a break from school and for too many kids it is also a break from reading. As part of our partnership with Thoreau Elementary the Mission Committee is organizing a book drive for summer reading in May. Look for more information as summer vacation approaches. Our goal is to help Thoreau staff give books appropriate to their reading level to all the kids who need them for summer reading material. The other day I had my review at my job with the personnel committee. As the first person from the committee was arriving I was on my break spending time playing with the preschoolers from down the hall from my office. We were listening to music and running around. Yes, I looked silly. Yes, there was dancing involved. When I got back to work, I was happy, relaxed, and focused. My review was very productive and positive. We even came up with lots of great ideas. There are folks around who pride themselves on nose to the grindstone, always on the job, and never take time out. I say to those people: when you take time out to dance and play, you feed a part of yourself that grownups don t often feed. I go back to work in a much more productive and creative frame of mind than if I had not taken that break. Work is important, but life is important too, and the two are connected. Don t be afraid to look silly, take a mental break, and dance when you need to. Anna Issue #537 April 23, 2015 Page 5

6 Be a rainbow in someone else s cloud. Maya Angelou Please remember these Members and Friends in prayer. Family of Darwin Carpenter Gabe Braucht Vern Forsberg Ed & Liba Daub Betty Fox Jim Gainey May Peters Linda Schultz Millie Stevens Toni Vial Mayme Williams Pamela Quin Joyce Buseman Sally Forsberg Petie Rudy Session Meeting Mar 23, 2015 Revised by-laws were distributed for review and will be discussed at the April Meeting Approved communion to be served to homebound members and at Avalon Assisted Living Next Session meeting will be Monday, April 27 at 7:00 PM There will be a congregational meeting following worship May 17 to approve members of the nominating committee On May 24 worship time will move to 9:30 AM for the summer May 24 please wear red in honor of Pentecost Office will be closed on Monday, May 25 The new format of Westminster Stories features stories from members around a different topic each month. This monthly mailing will focus on spiritual development and reflection, providing an opportunity to celebrate where the Holy Spirit is working in our midst. To submit your themed story for an issue, contact church staff. NEXT THEME: God in daily life Stories due by May 20, 2015 Page 6

7 May 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat John Knox Presbytery Meeting Food Pantry Sunday 9:00 AM 9th Hour Education 10:15AM Worship 11:30 AM Mission Committee 4 John Knox Presbytery Meeting 5 11:30 AM Psalms 6 7 PM AA meeting 7:30PM Choir rehearsal 7 9:30AM Thursday study group 8 1:00 PM Madinah Awards Day 9 10:00AM Madinah Board Meeting 3:30 PM Parent s Night Out Alex out of office 10 9AM 9th Hour Education 9:15 Session Meets with Confirmation 10:15AM Worship 11:30 AM Congregational Care 11 9:30AM Knitwits at Peg Zimmer s 1PM Staff meeting 6:30 PM Stewardship Committee 7 PM Education Committee 7 PM Worship Committee 12 8:30 AM Men s 11:30 AM Psalms 6:00 PM Pres House VIP Dinner and presentations 13 9:00 AM Thoreau Teachers 1:30 PM Worship at Oakwood 7 PM AA meeting 6:30PM Choir rehearsal 14 9:30AM Thursday study group AM 9th Hour Education 10:15AM Worship 11:30 AM Congregational Meeting 8 1PM Staff meeting 19 8:30 AM Men s 9:30 AM Abigail Dorcas Circle 11:30 AM Psalms 1 PM Esther Naomi Circle 20 7 PM AA meeting 7:30PM Choir rehearsal 21 9:30AM Thursday study group 6 PM Mary Elizabeth Circle :30 PM Wedding 24 Pentecost 9:30 AM Worship 25 Memorial Day Office Closed 9:30AM Knitwits 1PM Staff meeting 26 8:30 AM Men s 11:30 AM Psalms 27 7 PM AA meeting 7:30PM Choir rehearsal 28 9:30AM Thursday study group 29 7:00 PM Doin R Thing Dance 30 8:00 AM Madinah Party/Fundraiser Issue #537 April 23, 2015 Page 7

8 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Westminster Presbyterian Church 4100 Nakoma Road Madison WI Call: Fax: Westminster Mission Ever seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, we strive to follow Jesus Christ by being Attentive to the Word, Faithful to our covenant with God and each other, and Diligent in ministering to the needs of the world. Facebook: Westminster Presbyterian Church-Madison, WI Web: westminstermadison.org Office open Monday through Thursday 8AM-4PM Rev. Alex Thornburg Office hours: Mon through Thurs. 7am to 3pm Cell: Home: Rev. Kathleen Owens, Associate Pastor Office hours: Monday & Thursday: 9am to 1pm; Tuesday & Wednesday: 11am to 3pm (cell) Joe Chrisman Minister of Music Home: Anna Eherenman Office Mgr. Office hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-3:30pm John Tarr -Administrator Office hours: Monday Thurs. 12noon to 4pm Dorothy Blotz -Accompanist Vern Forsberg -Pastor Emeritus Helpful Online Resource s: Presbyterian Church U.S.A. John Knox Presbytery, Richland Center Education Classes for All: 9am Sunday Worship Service for All: 10:15am Sunday ~Child Care all morning~ Toward a church as generous and just as God s grace. Westminster is a member of the Covenant Network, welcoming & honoring all! Visit: covnetpres.org