1502 W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302) presents. The 2015 Winter Musical Gala. Friday, March 6 8:00 p.m.

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1 March 2015 The Westminster CHIMES The Westminster 1502 W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302) Music at Westminster presents The 2015 Winter Musical Gala Greatest Hits and Hidden Gems From Church, Opera, and Musical Theatre Repertoire Featuring Soloists Diana Milburn, Malcolm Cooper, Sharon Babcock and Jerry Polman The Westminster Choir Paul Fleckenstein, organist/pianist/director Friday, March 6 8:00 p.m. Be sure to join us (and bring your friends!) for another dazzling evening of musical treats, from Italian opera to Broadway show tunes to foot-tapping gospel music. This year s program promises to be another winner! No admission charge; offering received PLUS: In conjunction with Wilmington s monthly art loop event, Art on the Town, watercolor paintings by local artist Riva Brown will be on display in our gallery. The exhibit opens at 6:30 p.m. The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color visit

2 CLERGY COLUMN LUGGAGE Randy Clayton, Interim Associate Pastor When I pack to go on a trip, my first instinct is always to pack far more than I would ever need for the journey. When I begin to put everything I ve selected into my suitcase, I typically reconsider my selections. I end up hanging back up some of the carefully folded clothes and putting books I had carefully chosen back on the shelf. Upon my return home, sometimes I discover that I have used everything I packed and other times discover that I had been weighed down by needless items in my luggage. It seems to me that the goal of packing for a journey is to take what we need, no more and no less. Packing too many things needlessly weighs me down as I travel. Packing too little or the wrong things can make the journey difficult. The time between Ash Wednesday and Holy Week is a season called Lent. This season is a time of preparation, introspection, reflection, and confession as we prepare for Holy Week, so it s a time to examine what s in our luggage. What hurts are packed inside us that we carry daily? What hopes are holding in our hearts for our lives, our church, and our world? What grudges are we hanging onto? Where in our lives is there an excess that could be shared with or used by someone else? Lent is a time to examine what is in our metaphorical luggage and ask, What do I need to become the person, and to live the life, that God calls me to live? Lent is a time to examine not just the luggage we carry, but our journey through life itself. Are we using the gifts and skills God has given us? Is the way we spend our money and our time consistent with what we say we really believe about God and ourselves and creation? How are our lives contributing to the health and well-being not just of our own households, but of the households of people who live across the globe as well? The Lenten examination of our baggage and our journey is not an examination that is without hope. We know that the cross was not the end of God s journey with us. Indeed, we live on the empty side of the tomb, and so we know that the story of God and God s gift of Jesus Christ didn t conclude on Good Friday. While Lent is a time of confession and self-examination, we are invited to engage in this knowing that nothing will ever separate us from God s love and care. As we make our journey toward Holy Week this Lent, may our luggage be filled with all that we need, may we not be weighed down by things we do not need to hold onto, and may we find our footsteps traveling along the paths God chooses. Peace, W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

3 The Westminster CHIMES Westminster Receives a Generous Donation to Establish a Benevolent Memorial Fund Many will remember the Rev. James R. Bennett III and his wife, Audrey. Audrey joined Westminster in 1966 when our church called Jim to be an Associate Pastor. He faithfully served Westminster for 26 years and retired in Jim was passionate about mission and established the Saturday Morning Breakfast Mission when he saw that there was nowhere in the city for people in need to find breakfast on a Saturday. The Mission has become an institution in Wilmington, serving thousands over the years and involving the whole community in a project of service to others. With this connection and passion in mind, Audrey and Jim will donate $50,000 to fund the Audrey M. and James R. Bennett Benevolent Memorial Fund. This fund will be invested with the other funds of Westminster and contribute 5% of a three-year quarterly average to fund benevolent needs. This helps ensure the fund s principal will be preserved for many years to come. Additional contributions can be made to any benevolent cause recommended by the Head of Staff and approved by Session. Audrey and Jim Bennett Westminster has been blessed by Jim s long dedicated service as a pastor and Audrey s active involvement as a member. We are grateful and honored that they have chosen to entrust Westminster to use their financial gift to extend the hospitality of Christ to the world. Jim and Audrey currently reside in Florida and would enjoy hearing from you. Our Online Calendar Is Back! Would you like to know what s going on at Westminster? Do you need to find out if an event has changed time or location? You can browse WPC happenings in real time. Visit our website at and click on Calendar & News to access our calendar at any time. This feature automatically synchronizes with our event management system. What you see online is what we see at the church! March

4 How blessed we are to be part of this wonderful community of faith! In good times and bad, celebrating joys or mourning losses, praising God or searching for meaning, reaching out to help others or gratefully accepting help ourselves, we know that we are not alone. Westminster is a church family dedicated to sharing our lives, our talents, our resources, and our faith in ways that express our gratitude to God as we respond to Jesus call to Follow me. Making a commitment to Westminster in the form of a pledge of financial support is a shining example of faith in action, one that exemplifies a trust in the words of Scripture that God will provide. Thank you to all those listed here who have responded to the amazing gift of God s grace with gratitude and generosity. Your faithful commitment to the life and work of Westminster for the year ahead will make such a difference in the lives of so many people, within our congregation and in the world at large. If you have not yet done so, please give prayerful consideration to making your pledge for It is never too late to share God s gifts. Please visit pick up a pledge card on the literature table at church, or call Debbie Brown at (302) , ext This year, you can use the new online giving feature on our website to make contributions toward your pledge by a funds transfer from your bank, either with recurring donations on a frequency you choose, or by submitting individual transfer requests. Visit and click on Donate Now. Every pledge matters, every pledge makes a real difference, to giver and receiver. Thank you for your generous response to God s call. With deep gratitude, The Rev. Dr. Greg Jones The Rev. Randy Clayton Craig Stabler Melissa Stabler 2015 Stewardship Team Sue Linderman Debbie Brown Bobbe Hoy Nicole Hughes Fred Iobst Jon McPheeters Steve Poole continued on page W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

5 The Westminster CHIMES Rebecca S. Abel Shawn M. Alexander Susan M. Alexander Nora Andresen Richard E. & Barbara Armen Ann Ashley David E. & Janice Atadan Charles W. & Sharon K. Babcock Lisa A. & Ken Bachman Alfred E. & Elizabeth Bacon Dodson R. Barineau William B. & Nancy Barlow Kenneth & Fay D. Barnaby Jonathan & Grace Barrington Paul L. & Elizabeth Wells Bechly Tia Becktel Donald J. & Janet E. Beddie Edward H. & Iryna Bedrossian John L. Beeghley Karen Beer Audrey M. Bennett James R. Bercaw David P. & Ingrid E. Berlien Linda L. Beyer Brenda S. Bilous Charlotte W. Bispham Lewis S. Black Joseph & Mary Ann Blair Herbert S. & Nancy Boden Carol Bova M. Elizabeth & Ronald Bowersock H. Wesley Bowman John R. Bowman Charles D. & Turner Broll Sally M. Brooks Charles M. & Deborah C. Brown Gary A. & Susan Bryde Susan H. Buchanan Donald & Meg Burich Richard B. & Natalie S. Bush Sarah L. Buttner Hugh C. & Naomi Campbell Thomas & Martha Carper Ronald F. & Kimberly Carrick Peggy Carroll John C. & Signy L. Carson Frederick J. Carspecken James T. Carter & Polly E. Pyle-Carter James A. Cartmell Margaret P. Cartmell H. Beatty Chadwick Robert A. & Virginia Chagnon Joe B. Chambers Chad H. & Diane Chandler Eleanor Charles Craig S. Checkel Robert L. & Jeanne T. Checkel Winona S. Church Robert K. & Edwina Churchill James S. & Jeannice H. Clark Ellen A. Clarke Randall T. Clayton Barrett J. & Rosemary Cobb Willard H. Cobb* James N. Coker Nancy B. Colbert Arthur W. Colbourn John B. Coleman & Mary Jane Taylor-Coleman Kevin G. & Chelsea Collins P. Clarkson & Donna Collins Joan M. Connolly Robert E. & Linda B. Cox Travis L. & Emily Crawford Elizabeth B. & John Crowell Joe D. & Patricia Cunning Jean & Robert Custin Joseph E. & Tamra L. Daley Mary Davis Warren L. & Nadya Davis Helen S. DeBlieu Kristin L. DeMesse Helen Dennison Charles A. & Linda Depfer Martha DeWees Peter E. & Karen F. Dietz Linda Blanchfield Dillow Nancy L. & Art G. Diver Richard L. Diver Charles W. Donaghy Robert J. & Alice W. Donaghy John A. & Nancy L. Doyle Elizabeth A. Drennen Sara Dubberly Sean E. & Melisa P. Dulin Thomas M. Eliason Wesley & Beth W. Emmons Michael J. Enderle George E. & Sandra R. Evans Gail Everett Roy J. & Elizabeth Fahl William B. Farnham Jerry A. & Barbara M. Fedeler Mary K. Field Jean Firestone Jessica J. & Matthew Fischer Paul A. Fleckenstein Nancy A. Fleming Jacob R. & Teisha L. Fooks Thomas A. Ford Amanda Fox William A. & Rosemary C. Francis Robert W. Frelick Susan Frost Donald L. & Eleanor J. Furry William R. & Gloria O. Galloway James H. Garvin* Carl S. & Fay C. Gates John & Sara C. Gavenonis Nancy D. Gemmell Mark Gerstenschlager & Jennifer Barrington Donald L. Gerwig R. Ross & D. Jill Getty Sara H. Geuder J. Caroline Glaeseman Catharine Glober Michael B. & Shelley Gnade Sally Goodman Arthur W. & Barbara M. Gorman Hazel M. Gregory Gerald G. & Lucille M. Greth Charles A. & Linda F. Grieco Anne Gunn *Deceased March

6 J. Richard & Mary Kay Haden Edward R. Hagopian Jane Arthur E. Hamlin Richard Hankel H. Theodore & Virginia Harcke Carol N. Harris Robert C. & Janis Harrison Edwin J. & Susan Harron Denison H. & Wendy Hatch Richard & Audrey Hatfield Dorothy L. Heldt Nancy Henderer David C. & Constance H. Henke Joan E. Henke Jonathan R. & Jamie Hickey Barbara & James K. Higgins Helen C. Higgins Rodney B. Higgins* James R. & Margaret Hodges Kathrine B. & John Hogan Thomas E. & Carol E. Hogue Merris A. Hollingsworth Kim & Tamara A. Holm Richard A. & Laura A. Holmes Gertrude T. Hood H. Todd & Dorothy S. Hoopes Judith Hoopes Matthew M. & Tara Hoopes Conrad L. & Barbara A. Hoover Louis A. & Kristine A. Horton Susan Horty Richard J. & Mary-beth Howard Barbara M. Hoy Sarah F. Hurlock Walter E. & Rebecca Huzar Richard J. & Stacie Immesberger Charles L. Ingersoll Frederick W. Iobst Emmett S. & Ann Jacobs Ann W. Jarrett John P. & Melissa O. Jessup Brock W. & Barbara Jobe Kathryn R. Johnson Steven C. & Janice B. Johnson Steven R. & Carol L. Johnson J. Patrick & Sandra K. Johnston John F. & Dede Johnston Richard T. Jolly Camilla Cofer & Gregory Knox Jones Ruth A. Joslin William Kaye Beatrice Kelley Helen H. Kelley Don M. & Marlys M. Kerr F. Frederick & Lynne A. Kielhorn Kathryn G. Kiley Fletcher A. & Alexandra W. King Hillary King Tee Jay King Robert C. Kline Sylvia B. Kniel Kalmia Kniel-Tolbert Betsy C. Knox Johannes R. Krahmer Kevin L. Krick John Krill George & Carla S. Krupanski Cynthia H. Kuespert Gayle P. Lafferty Jane B. Laird Catharine F. Lang Mary Laskaris Frederick B. Law Mitzi Kiser Law Arch H. & Melody J. Layman Tara J. Lee Virginia D. Lee Gordon H. Lewis Ralph L. Lewis Suzanne R. & Robert C. Linderman J. Patrick Little Harriette T. Long Mary Longenecker Jeanette Lonia Margaret P. Lounsbury Robert H. & Cynthia D. Love Robert Hugh Love Rachel K. Lowthian* Dennie T. & Marsha M. Mah Olga Manners Anne D. Marsh D. Patrick & Nancy Martin Kristen W. & Scott M. Marvel David A. & Jennifer Mathe Marilynn R. Mathews Jeannie Mattson Richard H. & Jean M. May Phyllis R. Maynard-Stanton William T. & Deanna G. Mays David C. & Sally McBride Janet W. McClelland Kelly McCulloch Debra E. McCullough Charles S. & Mary Lou McDowell Herman H. & Nancy McFadden John D. & Penny McFarland Paul G. & Linda McGregor Kevin R. & Jessica L. McKeown Robert A. McKeown Jon R. & Susan McPheeters Brian Mead David V. Michener & Nancy E. Reilly John H. & Eleanor Michener Suzanne W. Milazzo Clark A. Miller Frank C. & Barbara Miller Lola Miller Barbara F. Mitchell Andrew G. T. Moore Robert A. Moore William R. Moore & Jane E. Palmer Calvert A. & Gaye W. Morgan Alice H. Morse Edmon & Alexandra F. Morton Susan D. & James Moseley Mark & Carol Mosher William K. & Ruth M. Nace Wheeler K. & Carol D. Neff Frederic F. & Donna M. Nelson Margaret S. Odiorne Lindsay Orr *Deceased W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

7 The Westminster CHIMES Roland C. & Mary Lu Pamm Janet C. Patrick Lynne M. Perkins Beth A. Peterson Sonja W. Pfautz Charles D. Pfleegor Frank M. Pickering Bonita W. & Raymond J. Piekarski D. Keith Pierce & Mary K. Vane Todd & Paula Piercy Cassandra L. Piovoso Stephen C. & Elizabeth H. Poole Mary B. Post Thomas P. Preston & Laura Scanlan Jeffrey A. & Carla Pyle Kristine S. Qualls Kent H. Quisel Elinor W. Ranck Charles F. & Linda Reinhardt Roger A. & Sandra W. Reinicker Jean H. Reynard Patricia G. & Robert R. Ridout Patricia A. Rittenhouse Jennings G. Ritter Paul R. & Sally Robinson Theron J. Roe & D. Genevieve Wallace-Roe Carolyn Roland Robin L. Rosser Janet S. Rucker Kristin D. & Angela S. Ruebling-Jass Linda B. & Eric Ruoss Joyce K. Ruston Christina & Robert Rydgren Shawn E. & Carrie M. Saathoff George A. & Barbara B. Scanlan Gayle Schadle Christine P. & Todd Schiltz Frederick E. & Julia M. Schmitt Sue Scofield Ann Shadduck W. Thomas & Donna V. Shaw C. Russell H. Shearer Ronald V. & Carol M. Shelly Mark B. & Lori A. Shiflett Carol T. Shortlidge Christian J. & Beth Singewald Constance M. Smith Kim W. & Kathleen Snyder P. M. & Martha V. Snyder Caroline M. Sparks Wayne & Cora Sparling Jerrold P. & Susan Spilecki David & Jane Stabler R. Craig & Melissa Stabler Steven & Lynnette Stallone Barbara A. Steen Steve & Janet S. Steinwedel Glenn I. & Marion Stelzer Zora R. Stevens Suzanne V. Stewart-Lamb Judith L. & Robert D. Stoddard Malcolm H. & Lisa M. Stoddard Judith & Paul R. Stoffer Gordon & Julia Stone Thomas R. Stout Barbara H. Stratton & E. Martin Knepper Jane C. Suiter Henry R. & Martha J. T. Tatnall Jonathan B. & Leslie Taylor Richard J. & Sally Bittel Thomas J. Stark & Sandra W. Thompson Philip Timon Sandra R. Tisdall Reade Y. Tompson Jennifer K. & John Trickey Charles W. & Elizabeth Uhlinger Erik A. Underhill & Claudia M. Van Lenten Lowell T. & Lois B. Underhill Jan A. T. & Kathryn A. van Amerongen Leucia B. Venable Vaughn P. Victor James G. & Janet H. Waddell Karl J. & Jennifer Wagner Chris M. Waisanen Frank J. & Anne O. Waldburger Helen C. Walker Esther M. Ward Deborah S. Wat Linda & Melvin Watson Dorothy Wauhop Hannah Wayne LaVerne Weaver Thomas B. & Charlene Weaver Bruce W. & Teresa Weber Daniel P. S. Weber Paul R. Weber Carol & Verne Weidman John Weikart Susan W. Weissinger Barbara Gravely Welch Kerry G. Welsh Aaron P. & Teresa M. Wemhoff Vincent J. & Mary R. Wemlinger Craig D. Wemmers Tenney H. Wheatley Marilin M. White Pamela G. White James E. Williams W. Randall & Susan S. Williamson James L. & Pamela J. Wilson Donald G. & Dolores C. Windsor Jason M. & Susanne Wolff Kathleen C. & J. Cameron Yorkston David C. & Mary W. Young Linda Youngerman Jill & Zachary Zehner Fredrick C. & Helen M. Zumsteg March

8 Holy Week at Westminster March 29 Palm/Passion Sunday Worship 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. Rejoice with a procession of palms to greet Jesus as we begin Holy Week. April 2 Maundy Thursday Worship including the Lord s Supper 7:30 p.m. At this year s Maundy Thursday service, in addition to the celebration of the Lord s Supper, our biblical storytellers, Westminster by Heart, will lead us in scripture passages recounting Jesus death on the cross, as the Westminster Choir offers music by late American composer Dale Wood, A Service of Darkness: Choral Meditations on the Last Words of Christ. Nursery care will be provided from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. April 3 Good Friday 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Reflect on the crucifixion through silent prayer and meditation in the sanctuary or walk the Labyrinth in the Meeting Room (adjacent to Rodney Chapel). April 5 Easter Sunday 8:00 11:00 a.m. Easter breakfast in Community Hall ($5/person, $25 maximum/family) 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. Festive worship services to celebrate Christ s resurrection and the promise of our eternal life, with music by the Westminster Choir, brass, percussion, and organ 10:15 a.m. Easter egg hunt (parents and children meet in Grace Hall) W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

9 The Westminster CHIMES Memorial Easter Lily ORDER FORM You are invited to place lilies in our sanctuary on Easter Sunday in memory of, or in honor of, loved ones. Each plant costs $20. Please complete the form below, make checks payable to Westminster Presbyterian Church and return to Susan Alexander at the front desk by 12:00 noon on Monday, March 23. For any order received after this deadline, the names will be listed in the April 12th bulletin. Number of $20 each 2015 MEMORIAL EASTER LILY ORDER FORM Return by 12:00 noon on Monday, March 23 Deliver my lily to a homebound member. I will pick up my lily at 12:00 p.m. Easter Sunday. Please neatly print the information below. In Memory Of: (FOR THE DECEASED) Deceased Person s Name In Honor Of: (FOR THE LIVING) Living Person s Name Given By: Donor s Name and Telephone Number Westminster Presbyterian Church 1502 West 13 th Street Wilmington, DE March

10 Easter Breakfast Sunday, April 5 8:00 11:00 a.m. Nurture your body as well as your spirit and soul on Christianity s most glorious day of the year...easter Sunday! The deacons are busy planning the annual Easter Breakfast. Join us starting at 8:00 a.m. Breakfast will be served continuously until 11:00 a.m. in Community Hall, so you can enjoy this hearty meal before, during, or after the 9:00 a.m. service or before the 11:15 a.m. service. Remember that the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services are identical on Easter Sunday. Tickets are $5 per person, up to a $25 maximum for families. You can purchase tickets at the Holy Toast Café on Sunday mornings or at the reception desk on weekdays. Look for more details in the Westminster Weekly Word and the Sunday Bulletin or contact Deacon Steve Stallone (sstallone@comcast.net or ). Flying Solo Lenten Study and Other March Activities Join Flying Solo for a short Lenten study based on Luke s parable of The Prodigal Son. We will gather on Sunday evenings, March 8 and 22, at 5:00 p.m. in the church library. We ll delve into this parable that reminds us God s reckless grace is indeed our greatest hope. Please bring your Bible and curiosity. For those interested, we ll go to a nearby restaurant for a light supper after the Bible study. For more information, contact Anne Gunn (anne_gunn@live.com or ). Sunday, March 1, 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 15, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21 Sunday, March 29, 11:30 a.m. Brunch at Catherine Rooney s in Trolley Square Brunch at Catherine Rooney s in Trolley Square Movie night; we ll pick one of the Oscar-winning movies Brunch at Washington Street Ale House (1206 North Washington Street, Wilmington) Westminster Challenge Gift At the annual meeting on Sunday, January 25, Dr. Jones announced that an anonymous donor has generously offered to donate 50% or $26,000 of the $52,000 balance remaining to be funded for the window project if the congregation will match the $26,000. Prayerfully consider if you are able to make an offering for this project in addition to your annual pledge. If yes, please indicate Window Project in the memo line item of your check. If you are interested in donating a specific window(s) with a designated plaque, please contact Debbie Brown, Church Administrator, at , ext See the September 2014 issue of the Chimes for more information about the project W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

11 The Westminster CHIMES Helping Out at Sojourners Place Since 1991, Sojourners Place has provided a home for homeless men and women, helping them on their journey to self-sufficiency through a case managed residential program. Fifty residents are provided with assistance, including drug/ alcohol counseling, mental health therapy, educational training, and access to job training. The residents leave with a job, a savings account, and a place to live. At Westminster, the Koinonia Circle has adopted Sojourners Place as their service project. Every month, two women provide a large birthday cake and ice cream for the 50 residents. In December, the women buy gift cards, bake cookies, and provide extra goodies for a happy Christmas celebration with games and music. Mary Field knits scarves all through the year so each resident has a warm scarf for the winter. The members of Koinonia Circle thank Westminster for including Sojourners Place in the Christmas Eve mission collection. Did You Know About the Daughtry and Burton Houses? Did you know that the buildings adjacent to our parking lot are the residences for nine men who are part of Friendship House s men s program? These men have jobs and are in the final stage of getting their life together with the help of Marcy Perkins and her staff, who provide 24-hour assistance and care. Our church provides the homes for these men, and the Urban Mission Committee has a small group of members who provide four dinners or picnics during the year. We are always hoping that more people in our church will be interested in this program and would like to be a mentor or help us entertain these residents. New Life Furnishings, another Westminster ministry, has helped many of these men furnish their apartments when they graduate from this program. Westminster Trustee Lynne Kielhorn enjoys dinner with Daughtry House residents March

12 Marriage and the Bible Thursdays, March 12, 18, and 26 6:30 8:00 p.m. Rodney Chapel Marriage between two people of the same gender is a significant issue both in the church and in society at large. As state and federal laws have changed quickly, our denomination is considering a proposal to refine our description of marriage. Join us on these Thursday evenings as we continue to explore what the Bible really says about marriage, especially as it relates to marriage between people of the same gender. Daisies + Diplomas = SWIG Pots full of Gerber daisies and exotic bird of paradise blooms adorned the head table. The women had been cooking their traditional specialties for days. The mood was so festive that breaking into dance seemed only natural. Thankfulness rained down with hallelujahs all around. This was the December 16, 2014, scene of rejoicing at Rosario Diaz s church in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. You may recall that Rosario is the dynamic (some say super-charged) Guatemalan coordinator who directs the health clinic in San Juan Ostuncalco as well as three other major activities education, health care, and micro loan programs of the 500-strong Association of Mam Christian Women for Development. With frequent visits from both Westminster Presbyterian Church members and Cindie Moore, our Women s Association liaison, our SWIG (Safe Water In Guatemala) project was born. Water filters cast from raw materials from Guatemala by Guatemalans, installed by Guatemalans, and serviced by Guatemalans were designed to offer safe water for hundreds of Guatemalans. Each extended family (often consisting of 17 or so individuals) contributes $25 toward a filter, and we at Westminster donate $100 continued on page W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

13 The Westminster CHIMES per filter. Currently, 248 filters have been financed and are operational. More than 200 more families have saved their $25 and await a filter. Rosario organizes the deposits and keeps the list in order of receipt of deposit. Back to the church hall and party in progress Although nearing Christmas, this was not a Christmas party. This party was a celebration of people now freed from gastrointestinal distress who are enjoying safe water daily. As seen in the photo, the focus of this celebration, after a ribboncutting ceremony, was the presentation of a Diploma to Westminster Presbyterian Church, received in person by Cindie Moore. Standing with Cindie are the board members of the Women s Association of Mam Christian Women for Development and Vincente, the cosupervisor of the filter manufacturing site in Totonicopan, Guatemala. Guatemalans love diplomas, and the text of this one should be shared: The Association of Mam Christian Women for Development awards this diploma of recognition to the Westminster Presbyterian Church to express its profound and sincere appreciation for the economic support of water filters that have been installed for the benefit of users in the communities. Presented in San Juan Ostuncalco on December 16, 2014 SIGNATORS: Elena Méndez, President; Felipa Méndez, Vice-President; Cirila Gonzalez, Secretary; Benita Vicente, Deputy Secretary; Juana Morales, Treasurer; Leona Méndez, At Large; Nolberta Alonzo, At Large; Rosario Díaz, Coordinator. Families have stretched and sacrificed their meager resources to place their names on the waiting list for a filter. To participate in this highly successful world mission or other of our many local mission programs, contributions through Echo Giving in the World may be made through echo@wpc.org, by calling Susan McPheeters directly at , or through a check made out to Westminster Presbyterian Church with SWIG marked on the memo line. Faith in action transforms lives. v Recent Births We welcome these children into the Westminster family. Harper Ellyse Inkell Born November 21, 2014 Griffin Richard Wemhoff Born January 2, 2015 She is the daughter of Deanne and Josh Inkell and sister to Addison. He is the son of Teresa Lunardi Wemhoff and Aaron Wemhoff. March

14 Getting to Know Our New Members Iryna Bedrossian was born in Western Ukraine. She resides in Springfield, Pennsylvania with her husband Ned, also a member of Westminster. Iryna has one daughter and one stepson. She enjoys skiing and traveling. Iryna and Ned recently traveled to Israel with other members and friends of Westminster in the fall of Adam and Rachel Cianfichi both grew up in south central Pennsylvania and met as students at the University of Delaware. After college, they moved to Baltimore, where they started their careers and were married. They returned to Delaware four years ago, and they are now looking forward to the arrival of their first child in June. Adam currently works as an IT professional for a mobile technology startup that he helped found nearly three years ago. Rachel works as a claims examiner for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Wilmington. Adam and Rachel both enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking and barbecuing, DIY projects, watching sports, and traveling. Cathy and Ty Burns moved to the Wilmington area in August 2013 and have been attending Westminster since that fall. Ty was born and raised in Arizona, and Cathy was born and raised in Maine. They have three adult children: Troy, John, and Brit. Also, they have two children living at home: Alexis (15) and Maia (11). Ty is retired, and Cathy is the president of the Produce Marketing Association. Ty is a cyclist and tennis player, and Cathy enjoys photography. They both play golf and enjoy travel time with family. Beth and Wesley Emmons moved back to Delaware in 2001 and have attended Westminster since October. Beth was born and raised in Lebanon, Pennsylvania (and has been Lutheran almost all of her life), and Wesley was born and raised in Philadelphia (attending Sunday school at 10th Presbyterian). They have been married for 29 years and have two adult children (Gwen and Natalie), a grandson, and two dogs. Beth works as a part-time nurse at an urgent care unit, has many hobbies, and has been active as a volunteer at the Flower Market, AIDS Delaware, and Delaware Hospice s Festival of Trees. Wesley is an infectious diseases physician at Infectious Diseases Consultants, LLC. His hobbies are outdoor and athletic activities (individual and professional), and he enjoys good food and music. Brian and Natalie Ferry dated through high school and college and were married in Natalie was born in Florida and, as a part of a military family, moved around quite a bit growing up, while Brian was raised in North Wilmington. Their first child, Benjamin, was born this past summer and baptized in January. They have three dogs and one cat. Natalie works as an eighth grade science teacher in the Colonial School District and enjoys the challenge that comes with middle school children. Brian is an attorney in Wilmington, and he counts cars, motorcycles, and home improvement among his hobbies. They have been attending Westminster since October. continued on page W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

15 The Westminster CHIMES William Marsh is a lifelong Delaware resident who attended Westminster in the 1970s and 1980s. When he recently moved back to Wilmington, he began looking for a church with strong mission outreach and adult Bible study and found it in Westminster. His mother, Anne Marsh, is also a member of Westminster. He has two adult children, Heather and Madalyn. He is the owner of IVS Associates, Inc., a business that provides independent tabulation and inspection of election services in connection with corporate annual shareholder meetings. His interests include photography, literature, running half marathons, classical guitar, all sorts of music, writing short stories, Bible study, and mission trips. Beth Peterson was raised in Baltimore and has lived in Wilmington for the past 18 months. She first visited Westminster because she loved the building and saw on the website the many ways she could learn, grow, and serve the local and global community. She has two adult children, Tiffany and Casey. She loves her job coordinating an HIV research lab in Philadelphia and was recently accepted into a master of public health program. She enjoys reading and long walks and has done missionary work in Nigeria. She is excited to get involved in the global mission programs at Westminster. Bob Ridout was born in the mountains in Clifton Forge, Virginia, attended high school in Richmond, and graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. He is married to Patti Ridout, who is active at Westminster, and has attended with her for the past 10 years. He worked for DuPont, first in cellophane manufacturing and then primarily in information technology, and retired in 2008 after 39 years of service. He maintains a fairly heavy travel schedule by consulting and serving on boards of directors. He and Patti have three adult children (Louis, Lynn, and Justine) and five grandchildren. He enjoys small home repair or improvement projects, has a small vegetable garden, and is a fan of the Phillies and the Miami Dolphins. Sandra White was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey. She graduated from Beaver College in Glenside, Pennsylvania (now known as Arcadia University) and got her first full-time job teaching seventh and eighth grade English in Elsmere, Delaware. Sandie then moved to Boston and worked in adult education for the Massachusetts Department of Education for 10 years. When she returned to Bridgeton, she was employed by the Cumberland County Board of Social Services and retired 10 years ago. Eight years ago, she moved to Wilmington to be closer to her daughter, Pam, and grandson, Reuben. Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church, Sandie was raised in a Baptist family and began attending Westminster because her daughter spoke so highly of it. She is looking forward to taking advantage of the many opportunities to volunteer in our community. We are glad that they have united with our church family, and we pray that this church will be a blessing in their lives. We are confident they will be a blessing to our community of faith. March

16 Name Tags and New Members In a church as large and as active as Westminster, it is important that members and guests wear a name tag. If you do not have a permanent name tag, or have one but forget to bring it with you, we hope that you will fill out a temporary name tag as you enter the building and wear it while you are at church. As a way of helping us be more welcoming of our newest members, we are now attaching a blue ribbon to their name tags. The ribbon says New Member. When you see someone wearing one of these name tags, please make a special effort to introduce yourself, invite them to activities, grab a cup of coffee with them at the Holy Toast Café, and ask if they need help finding a particular classroom or space in the building. New members will remove the New Member ribbon from their name tag when they no longer feel like they wish to be identified as new to our church family. Exploring Westminster and Membership Sundays, March 15 and 22 10:10 a.m. Considering uniting with Westminster? Interested in learning more about the Presbyterian Church in general and Westminster in particular? Please come to our Membership Exploration Classes on March 15 and 22 at 10:10 a.m. We would love to tell you about our wonderful church family! Welcome, Paul Crothamel We are happy to announce that Paul Crothamel has joined Westminster as the Director of Facilities and Security. Most recently, Paul was the facilities manager at Gilpin Hall Nursing Home in Wilmington. He will work closely with the Property Committee and the newly formed Security Committee. If you see Paul, please welcome him to Westminster. Meet Our New Ruling Elders Ruling elders, together with teaching elders (also called Ministers of the Word and Sacrament), exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relations. (Book of Order, G-2.03) continued on page W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

17 The Westminster CHIMES Chad Chandler and his family have lived in Wilmington for six generations. Born on the day President Dwight Eisenhower was elected to office, Chad attended schools locally until he spent his high school years at Mercersberg Academy in Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Delaware and Cincinnati Mortuary Science College and joined the family business (Chandler Funeral Homes) in Married for 15 years to Diane, they joined Westminster in They are blessed with a blended family of six children and two grandchildren. Chad enjoys gardening and volunteers one afternoon a week at Sojourners Place. He is also still involved in the family business and works part-time. He has served on the Delaware State Board of Funeral Practitioners for 12 years. Art Colbourn has been a longstanding member of Westminster. He and his wife Mary were married here in 1970, Mary having been a member since childhood. Art was raised in north Wilmington, graduating from Mt. Pleasant High School and the University of Delaware. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College and returned to practice cardiology in Wilmington in His son David works in the non-profit sector in Washington, D.C., and his daughter Deborah is employed in real estate in Wilmington. His grandson Jack is in the fourth grade. Art is currently employed as the Associate Chief of Cardiology for the Wilmington Division of the Christiana Care Healthcare System. Rich Diver is a Wilmington native and has been a member of Westminster for more than 40 years. Westminster s balcony has a special place in Rich s heart because it was where he and his grandfather, Richard Lowe, spent many Sundays together when Rich was a child. Rich is a graduate of Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts, and Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where he majored in economics. He is the very proud father of three sons: George, Chris, and Trevor. Rich currently serves as the president of Diver Chevrolet, a third-generation family business that celebrates its centennial in 2015 and has long been recognized for their community support and commitment. Carol Hogue has been a member of Westminster since she was in junior high school. The Rev. C. Frederick Mathias married her and her husband Tom, and their children attended Sunday school. Carol has enjoyed being a Sunday school teacher, an elder, clerk of Session, and choir member. Education has been her passion and profession for more than 30 years as a teacher and an administrator. She and her husband have two children and two grandchildren. Carol loves to be outdoors, hiking and gardening. She also enjoys reading and yoga. Roger Reinicker was born and raised in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh with a degree in chemical engineering and went on to earn a master s degree at the University of Delaware. His career in industry started in Wilmington and led him to upstate New York and then back to Wilmington in He retired in Roger is married to Sandie, who he met in New York, and they have three children: Julie, Aaron, and Polly. Roger and Sandie have been members of Westminster since Looking ahead: The April 2015 issue of the Chimes will include a full listing of all our current church officers. March

18 Kudos to Debbie Brown, Church Administrator As church administrator, Debbie is an integral member of Westminster s staff. Many of you may think of Debbie as the person to call if you have a question about your pledge, but she does far more than that to manage the operations of our church. Debbie supports the trustees and the treasurer as well as the committees on Stewardship, Property, Investments, Insurance, Joint Finance, Audit, and Personnel. She ensures the church maintains the property tax exemption with the City of Wilmington and files the annual franchise corporate tax report with the State of Delaware. Debbie supervises the communications, property, financial, and operations staff and is the human resource staff for 24 employees, which includes administrating all benefits and payroll, responding to annual workman s compensation audits, fulfilling the church s liability for pensioners, and keeping the employee handbook current. It is obvious that Debbie has broad oversight and significant responsibility within our church. Debbie felt called to join the Westminster staff in 2008, just as the impact of the Great Recession was taking its toll. The timing could not have been better, because she brought us her skills as a certified public accountant, business valuator, and former deputy auditor for JP Morgan and navigates the many challenges at Westminster with grace. Church administrator is a broad title that encompasses everything and anything, as Debbie likes to say. She also says she is always challenged because she never knows what the day will bring, and she enjoys working with the dedicated, talented staff and volunteers that we at Westminster are blessed to have in our midst. continued on page W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

19 The Westminster CHIMES Did you know? Debbie determined the need for Westminster to file tax returns for health care rebates with the IRS, providing the church with more than $12,000 in reimbursements (including responding successfully to an audit by the IRS). Debbie reached out to Friendship House and successfully negotiated a lease for Daughtry House when the former tenant vacated, enabling the church to operate the building at break even. Debbie was the critical point person for the issue with the boiler this past fall. With no director of facilities in place, she facilitated not only the emergency response but also the cleanup, insurance claim, and installation of the new boiler. She also negotiated with the City of Wilmington to open the building after it was condemned by Licenses and Inspection due to the boiler fire. This meant we were able to worship in our sanctuary the following Sunday instead of having to find a place to relocate or to cancel worship. She was instrumental, along with Trustee John McFarland, in the identification and remediation of the moisture issues that became evident after the boiler incident. Westminster is blessed to have Debbie on staff. When you see Debbie, please thank her for her service to Westminster! Debbie is devoted to Westminster and possesses a wonderful work ethic that motivates her to do whatever is needed to get the job accomplished. She is especially good at analyzing a situation and figuring out what is needed to solve the problem and move forward. Greg Jones March

20 Young at Heart Annual Luncheon Saturday, April 25 11:30 a.m. Our fifth annual Young at Heart luncheon will take place on Saturday, April 25, at 11:30 a.m. in Community Hall. Historically, this event has occurred in February or March, but our recent experiences with snow led us to move to a date when we are quite sure that snow and ice won t be an issue! Join us for a festive luncheon that will feature a delicious meal, warm fellowship, music, photos, and entertainment. Our very special program this year features husband and wife team Janet and Kevin Witman performing an Astral Harp Production. Astral Harp Productions is an exciting multimedia event combining amazing astrophotography with stellar harp playing! This husband and wife team are experts in their fields; their unique programs educate and entertain. Kevin will expound on the wonders of the universe through visual images of space using his own photography in addition to Hubble Space Telescope images and videos. Janet has arranged and composed harp music to enhance the experience with such hits as Moondance, Stairway to Heaven, and What a Wonderful World. This promises to be a wonderful event, and the cost is only $12! Please contact the church office ( ) or use the sign-up sheet at the reception desk to make your reservation. We look forward to seeing you! About Kevin and Janet Kevin is a planetarium operator/lecturer at the North Museum in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His astrophotography has been seen on BBC s Sky at Night, MSNBC, and Space Weather websites. Janet is a nationally awarded harpist whose playing has been described as poetry in motion. She is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and principal harpist with two professional orchestras; she also directs the Brandywine Harp Orchestra and is much sought after for concerts, conferences, and teaching W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

21 The Westminster CHIMES Our 180 Youth Appreciate Your Support Our youth sponsored two fundraisers for mission in January and February and raised approximately $1,600. The annual 9-Squarea-Thon raised $800 for the Chad Miller Youth Mission Fund, and the Souper Bowl of Caring event raised $400 for St. Stephen s Food Pantry and $400 for Hanover Food Closet. Thank you for supporting our youth in mission! Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat. Souper Bowl of Caring Founding Prayer Sandie Reinicker Is Retiring After 10 years of service, Sandie Reinicker is retiring from her position as Director of Sunshine Choir. Sandie has been an integral part and faithful supporter of Westminster s excellent music program for many years, serving as interim organist before the hiring of Paul Fleckenstein and interim Children s Music Director before the hiring of Mary Beth Davis. She has been the director of the Sunshine Choir since 2005 and a Vacation Bible School music leader for many years. Sandie s ability to teach vocal fundamentals to children has provided a musical foundation for many Westminster children and has been the bedrock of our children s music program. We will miss her musical expertise, smile, and enthusiasm, and we wish her and her husband Roger many years of retirement bliss. Join us on Sunday, March 29, after worship in the Holy Toast Café to celebrate Sandie s service to Westminster! March

22 Warmth and Hunger Outreach in Syria Imagine living with warfare daily in the streets of your town for four long years. The petrol that heated your home is now unaffordable, so an electric space heater is used. Sadly, your town is now reduced to three hours of electric power a day. During that time, you and your family hug the heater and boil the precious water you have bought. Your father s place of business was bombed, so he now has no work to bring in the funds for the precious water. As a Christian in Syria, you are deeply fearful. Where to go? You ve heard the stories of conditions in the refugee camps. What to do? Westminster s Church in the World Committee (CitW) works to grow and enrich our mission The exterior of a damaged church in Syria partnerships, most notably in the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Guatemala. A portion of CitW s budget, however, is annually reserved for disaster relief. In recent years, the Philippines, Haiti, and New Orleans have received such vital support. Since 2014, Westminster Presbyterian Church has supported people in Syria who see no end to their plight. These are the hard facts: 40% of the Syrian population has been displaced. Nearly one-third of displaced Syrians are now refugees in neighboring countries. Oil production in Syria is now 96% below prewar levels. Oil, which cost 15 Syrian pounds/liter before the war, is now 100 pounds/liter and higher. Terrorist attacks have destroyed electric generating facilities, reducing power service to only several hours a day in many areas. Bombings have destroyed many water pipelines should the electricity to pump it be available. Sources of safe water and food are critically short. Similar to building sustainable mission programs, disaster relief requires much research. Relief partners must be in compliance with US government policies. We are working through the Presbyterian Church, which in the region is known as the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL), to provide humanitarian support to the people of Syria. continued on page W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

23 The Westminster CHIMES Last year, through CitW, Westminster Presbyterian Church sent funds through NESSL that provided food for 200 families for one month. This year, the focus is on the most severe challenges to survival through the winter months: Fuel for heating Electricity Water Displaced persons apply to NESSL for vouchers that are awarded on the basis of greatest need, with widows, orphans, the elderly, the poor, and single mothers given priority. In a Christ-like fashion, there is no discrimination based on religion or ethnicity. NESSL will utilize its existing Presbyterian Churches within Syria as their primary distribution sites. Such assistance, in addition to fulfilling vital needs, will surely improve solidarity, community, and peace among the people who are reached. Their goal is to be a transformational ministry. For the Syrians, knowing of prayers and support from around the world gives them hope in a desperate situation. Willard H. Cobb, Jr. September 7, 1922 January 9, 2015 In Loving Memory Recent Member Deaths We remember the families of our members who recently died. We pray that the families will be comforted in their loss and be assured that their loved ones have joined God s heavenly kingdom. William H. Calkins May 28, 1918 January 24, 2015 To further support NESSL, contributions may always be earmarked on the memo line to this ministry through Echo Giving in the World contact echo@wpc.org. Rachel K. Lowthian December 18, 1915 January 21, 2015 Rodney B. Higgins August 13, 1923 January 30, 2015 March

24 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Wilmington, DE Permit No West 13th Street Wilmington, DE Pastors The Rev. Dr. Gregory K. Jones The Rev. Randall T. Clayton The Rev. Jill Getty WPC Director of Communications & Database Management Nicole Hughes Graphic Design by Trellist Marketing & Technology Next Chimes Deadline: Monday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m. For the April 2015 Issue Submissions can be made at Thank you to all those who have responded to the amazing gift of God s grace with gratitude and generosity. See page 4. The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color visit