Westwood World A Publication of Westwood Baptist Church January 2017

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Jim Abernathy WESTWOOD WORLD January 2017 1 Westwood World A Publication of Westwood Baptist Church January 2017 2017 Edition 1 A Message from Our Senior Pastor Conclusion often brings opportunity

1 Jim Abernathy WESTWOOD WORLD January Westwood World A Publication of Westwood Baptist Church January Edition 1 A Message from Our Senior Pastor Conclusion often brings opportunity for evaluation. To pause and consider what has transpired before taking next steps is a familiar course for most of us on this life s journey. The conclusion of another year certainly provides such opportunity. As 2016 draws to a close and you look back, what do you see? Some see accomplishments in the form of family milestones such as a graduation, wedding, special anniversary, or athletic accomplishment. Some will reflect on moments of sadness in saying goodbye to an old friend who has relocated, the loss of a cherished pet, or the death of a loved one. Some might ponder transition in having started a new job or taken part in a contentious political process, or in stepping into retirement. These are but a few things that may have marked our lives over the past 12 months. The remarkable thing, however, is that conclusion here is but a gateway to something new is coming quickly and with it the initiation of the unknown: a brand new year. It might hold for you some of the events mentioned above, or there may be brand new experiences, yet unanticipated. The one constant in the known and the unknown is the promise of the Holy One whose birth we just celebrated. I will be with you always, he told his disciples as he ascended into heaven. The New Living Translation offers these words from John 14 as Jesus assures his disciples of the presence of the Holy Spirit: I am leaving you with a gift peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don t be troubled or afraid. The disciples were, in a sense, facing a beginning moment, a new day. There were many challenges before them, and it seemed as Christ returned to heaven that they would face these challenges alone. His words, however, made a difference. Assured of his presence, they stepped into the unknown with courage and purpose. The church was born, the gospel preached to all the world, and lives, as a result, were changed. Something ends something begins. I can t forecast what that will mean for you or for Westwood Baptist in this moment of conclusion and beginning during these last few days of December. I can, however, remind you of those words of assurance that empowered the disciples to step out by faith into the unknown: I will be with you always. In looking forward, that is enough. Thanks to everyone who shared in the worship and mission of our church in recent days. What a blessed and meaningful Advent and Christmas season we have had. God is at work, continuing to challenge us ever forward. Your faithfulness in attendance, inviting others to join you at Westwood, serving others through meaningful mission opportunities, and your generous financial giving do make a difference. For the blessing of 2016, we give thanks. For the promise of God s presence as we step into 2017, we wait with eager anticipation.

Chris Skalski; Chuck Young s father; Cindy Abernathy s brother; Dale Yingling and family; Dave Schmitz; Del Purkey s father; Dennis Hunt s father; Ed & Karen Armstrong; Ed Tarlosky; Eddie Maguire s

2 Westwood Member News In Our Prayers... Al & Carolyn Sanders; Aminata Jalloh and her father; Anne Daly; Andy Willetts; Berkley McKenzie; Carolyn Dickens friend Teri Furman; Cathy Hallmark s brothers Pete and Tommy Burrell; Charles Beam; Chris Skalski; Chuck Young s father; Cindy Abernathy s brother; Dale Yingling and family; Dave Schmitz; Del Purkey s father; Dennis Hunt s father; Ed & Karen Armstrong; Ed Tarlosky; Eddie Maguire s friends June & Joe Aguello and Angie Brayboy; Eileen Griffith; Elise Clark; Ellen Abernathy; Eric Williams; Ethel Mitchell; Faye Riley; Greisy Acosta s mother; Helen Hill; Jackie Weaver; Jessie Conte; Jim Crupper; John Frazier; Josh Towner*; Joy Earner s neighbor David Gordon; Kathy Boothe; Kathy Freeman s father and mother; Landon Taylor (El Salvador); LaVonne Boyer s daughter; Lee Christensen; Lynda Maguire, and her friend Annette Davis; Martha Newman s sister Mary Ellen, and her friend Susan Barr; Megan Purkey s boss John Strange, and Megan and Caryn Devine s aunt Maureen Devine; Nancy Graham; Olga Teutler s father-in-law and her friend s mother; Pam & Thomas Daly s friend and neighbor Maryann Ridge; Robert Poggio* (spouse of MDO teacher, Afghanistan); Wakie Paganelli; Wallace Brinkley, and Brinkley friend Skip Gallager; and Yvonne Bryant. *Active Duty Military We mourn the passing of longtime Westwood member Joan Tarlosky. We extend our Christian sympathies to her husband Ed and their families. We welcome Carolyn Dickens who became a member of Westwood on Dec. 11, and Dale Yingling, who joined on Dec. 18. Both joined by transfer of membership from another Baptist church. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Westwood Member News 2 Hypothermia Prevention Shelter 3 Women on a Mission 4 Community Involvement 5 Older Adult Ministry 5 Preschool & Children s Ministry 5 Church Family Night 6 Page Church Life 7 Personnel Committee 7 Music Ministry 7 Adult Education 8 Finance Committee 8 Green Team 8 Youth Ministry 9 WESTWOOD WORLD January

Hypothermia Prevention Shelter 2017 Shelter Dates: January 22-29 Having to sleep outside in brutal temperatures is unimaginable to most of us, but over 1,000 people in our Fairfax County community

A short -term solution is the Hypothermia Prevention & Response Program: A collaborative effort between Fairfax County, the non-profit FACETS, and over 40 faith communities who take turns opening

Facts and Figures from last year s program: Program Participants: 386 guests were provided shelter from the winter cold. Gender/Age Breakdown: 80% men and 20% women.

3 Hypothermia Prevention Shelter 2017 Shelter Dates: January Having to sleep outside in brutal temperatures is unimaginable to most of us, but over 1,000 people in our Fairfax County community face this every night. A short -term solution is the Hypothermia Prevention & Response Program: A collaborative effort between Fairfax County, the non-profit FACETS, and over 40 faith communities who take turns opening their doors each night during the winter months. A warm welcome, a hot meal, and a safe place to sleep provided to single adults who are homeless. Facts and Figures from last year s program: Program Participants: 386 guests were provided shelter from the winter cold. Gender/Age Breakdown: 80% men and 20% women. Over 2,000 community members contributed over 22,000 hours of volunteer service last year. In 2017, Westwood invites you to be one of the 2,000 county residents again participating in this program as we welcome guests through our doors during the week of January We expect to be at maximum capacity this year, around 40 guests each night. Westwood will once again be working with Burke Presbyterian Church, as well as our Iglesia Bautista Remanente De Dios congregation. We need both cooks and servers for breakfast and dinner teams, greeters, game players, and overnight security. We also need folks to come in the mornings to clean mats and help re-set the church for our daily use. Different skills are needed, but everyone should come with an open heart for welcoming our guests to our church building. Signups have already begun. Check the volunteer boards in the Narthex to find the open spots that need to be filled. If you are interested in any of these positions or have questions, please contact one of the persons listed below. We will again be collecting specific items and money. (Checks should be made payable to Westwood Baptist Church and should be designated to the Hypothermia Fund.) Funds will be used to purchase supplies such as food, beverages, paper goods, bus passes, and other items our guests may need. More details will be sent via the Westwood Express, special s, and announcements. The planning team is looking forward to working with so many of you again this year as we open our doors to the most vulnerable of our community. This is a busy time of year, but please take a few moments to ponder how you can help in this effort. We are eager to answer your questions and to sign you up for the place that you feel led to serve in our Hypothermia Ministry. Lucinda Marvin Sandy Milam WESTWOOD WORLD January

Women on a Mission Women on a Mission The Westwood and Friends Women on a Mission want to thank everyone for their fantastic support of our November layette project in which we assembled 200 layettes

4 Women on a Mission Women on a Mission The Westwood and Friends Women on a Mission want to thank everyone for their fantastic support of our November layette project in which we assembled 200 layettes for needy new moms! You provided the essential baby afghans, blankets, and receiving blankets that are combined with sleepers and onesies from consignment sales to make this project a success. We were able to deliver 50 layettes to each of the Inova Fairfax, Fair Oaks, and Alexandria Hospitals, as well as many layettes sent to Healthy Families and Springfield Gardens. In November we also delivered tied fleece blankets to the residents of Braddock Glen Assisted Living Facility. We saw many familiar faces from years past and were a blessing to 33 residents. They are always so appreciative of our gifts to them! At our December meeting we began a two-month project for ladies in the Appalachian Mountains. A CBF missionary serving there requested table runners for the women she works with to add something special to their homes. We will complete them at our January meeting, which will be held the second Wednesday of January rather than the first. Even if you weren t present to begin making a table runner in December, there is still plenty to do. So plan to join us on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. for a great beginning to the new year. Bring a friend. They ll be glad you did! Judi Kern and Joy Earner The church office is closed from Monday, Dec. 26 through Monday, Jan. 2 for Christmas. It will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 for Mar n Luther King Jr. Day. A Letter of Thanks for Little Dresses for Liberia We returned to Liberia with eight suitcases...eight! Besides clothes and shoes and supplies for us personally (two suitcases each), the other four had gifts of books, toys (wooden cars and beanie babies), hygiene kits, new clothes and new shoes for both adults and children. We were especially thrilled for those gifts for the children and want to extend our profound thanks on behalf of all of those who have been blessed by your gifts. As we continue to distribute, we will send more photos! We must make special mention of: GBC Toys for God s Kids Westwood WOM Debbie C. Linda H. Grace Harvest Team As it is written, He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, His righteousness endures forever. (2 Corinthians 9:9, NKJV) Dr. Coril Curtis-Warmington Faith and Deeds Ministry, Liberia WESTWOOD WORLD January

ECHO Needs Your Help We are now in the period between the major food drives by the Boy Scouts, postal workers and the schools, but the need for food by ECHO s clients does not stop.

Community Involvement Food items spaghetti sauce, canned meat, canned pasta, pancake syrup, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise), canned tomatoes, Jello/pudding, jelly, flour/sugar (2# size) and

5 ECHO Needs Your Help We are now in the period between the major food drives by the Boy Scouts, postal workers and the schools, but the need for food by ECHO s clients does not stop. When you are out shopping, here are some items you might consider picking up and donating to ECHO. Just bring them to church and place them in the large gray bin outside the church office. Community Involvement Food items spaghetti sauce, canned meat, canned pasta, pancake syrup, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise), canned tomatoes, Jello/pudding, jelly, flour/sugar (2# size) and juice (large cans or bottles). Non-food items laundry detergent, deodorant, toilet tissue, shaving cream, razors, shampoo, and adult and children pain/cold/flu medicines. Dick Marvin Caring Tree Thank You The Caring Tree which once held cards filled with wishes and needs of children living in Springfield Gardens now has been decorated with gold ornaments and splashes of small red poinsettias. The brightly wrapped packages which you purchased and wrapped were placed under the trees of 33 families in these nearby apartments. Thank you for sharing the gift of God s love which we all received in the birth of the Christ child. And although it was not the motivating force in your participation, reflect on how the words of St. Francis of Assisi were realized as a result of your activity: It is in giving that you receive. An unanticipated blessing for each of you. Thanks for helping. Wishing you a continuing joyful Christmas season, Pam Seay Martha Lee Fugate Older Adults Ministry Canasta 2 nd & 4 th Tuesdays at 1-3 p.m. in Greenspring Village Towne Center Join us Jan. 10 and 24 for fun and fellowship. Canasta is a great game that s fun and easy to learn. Preschool & Children s Ministry Happy New Year! After a lovely holiday break, Westwood children s activities soon will be back in full swing. Our January FunDay School lesson is focused on the Woman at the Well. On Jan. 11, Church Family Night activities will resume for both our Preschoolers and Elementary students. As in past years, children will complete a mission activity related to our Hypothermia week. As we head into February, be on the lookout for announcements for some social activities and Bring-A-Friend-to-Church Sunday. Thank You for helping us fill out our FunDay School teaching schedule through March. We appreciate Westwood s commitment to our children! Rebecca Larson Director of Preschool & Children s Ministry WESTWOOD WORLD January

Church Family Night The Wednesday Weekly Schedule 5:30 pm Dinner 6:15 pm Preschool, Children & Youth Activities 6:30 pm Adult Seminar 7:15 pm Sanctuary Choir Making Reservations Deadline is Monday at

6 Church Family Night The Wednesday Weekly Schedule 5:30 pm Dinner 6:15 pm Preschool, Children & Youth Activities 6:30 pm Adult Seminar 7:15 pm Sanctuary Choir Making Reservations Deadline is Monday at noon! Online at Communication Card in Sunday bulletin Call Church Office at No reservations for potlucks! Dinner Prices Adults/5th grade and older: $5 Children: $2.25 Age 2 and under: Free Family Maximum: $17 Adult Seminar On Jan. 11 we will return to our Hazardous Saints: Christians Risking All, Changing Everything seminar. On this night, we ll join the Rev. Dr. C.K. Robertson as we look at the life of Sojourner Truth and see how her life can challenge us to reflect on how we can relay the love of Christ in creative and intentional ways. Join us at 6:30 p.m. in Room 204. On Jan. 18 we will enjoy a potluck fellowship night. Bring a dish or two to share and come enjoy a night of good food and fellowship. We will spend time together in prayer and preparation for our week hosting our homeless friends as part of the Hypothermia Prevention & Response Program. There will be no Church Family Night activities on Jan. 25 due to the Hypothermia Program. The Weekly Schedule Our regular Wednesday schedule begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m. (reservations required), followed by preschool, children s and youth activities at 6:15, and an adult seminar at 6:30. Sanctuary Choir rehearsal begins at 7:15. Preschoolers enjoy puppet fun with Dina and Theo, choir with Mr. Ariel and Mrs. Wanda, and a story, craft, and playtime with volunteer leaders. Elementary children split their time between music and missions education. Youth meet with leaders for activities after dinner. Important CFN dates upcoming: Jan. 4 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 25 New Year s break First CFN of the New Year Potluck Dinner No CFN-Hypothermia Shelter Week Potluck Fellowship Meals (no reservations) January 18 March 1 April 5 WESTWOOD WORLD January

Church Life Services for Pat Nelson and Joan Tarlosky Arrangements for the committal service of Pat Nelson and the memorial service for Joan Tarlosky have been set.

The memorial service for Joan Tarlosky will be held at the Chapel at Greenspring on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m. Please keep these families in your prayers.

7 Church Life Services for Pat Nelson and Joan Tarlosky Arrangements for the committal service of Pat Nelson and the memorial service for Joan Tarlosky have been set. A committal service for Pat Nelson has been scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. at Arlington Cemetery. All who wish to attend are encouraged to be at the Visitor s Center at Arlington by 10:30. The memorial service for Joan Tarlosky will be held at the Chapel at Greenspring on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m. Please keep these families in your prayers. Personnel Committee Personnel Committee The Personnel Committee continues to evaluate options and is preparing a recommendation to the Visioning Council and then to the church for an interim process that will follow Dr. Abernathy s retirement at the end of April. We recently had productive meetings with the Executive Director of the NorthStar Church Network as well as the Center for Congregational Health. Please keep the Personnel Committee in your prayers as we prepare to make a recommendation about the interim process. John Freeman Chair of Personnel Committee Music Ministry Thank You, Westwood Musicians Throughout Advent the choirs of Westwood have provided the congregation with special music to enrich our worship celebration of Jesus birth. This called for months of preparation and commitment, not only on the part of the musicians but especially for our young performers their families as well. Thanks to all the singers, ringers, instrumentalists, and families of: Sanctuary Choir and Youth Singers Children s Choir Handbell Choir Organ and Piano Duets by Olga and Cindy Upcoming Events Please join us on March 26 for March Music when the Sanctuary Choir and Youth Singers will present a program of music in a variety of styles. They will be accompanied by players from the U.S. Army Band. On April 23 the Children s Choir presents the Spring Fling Thing anything musical can happen! Work on this special worship music begins in just a couple weeks, and Westwood s choirs are always looking for new musicians. For more information on the Youth Singers, Sanctuary Choir, and Children s Choir, speak to Pat Close; for the Handbell Choir, speak to John League. Pat Close, Minister of Music LEFT: At the CFN Christmas celebration, Santa told these three mischief makers to have a Merry Christmas! RIGHT: Hundreds of Caring Tree gifts were collected and delivered to nearby families. WESTWOOD WORLD January

Adult Education Day/Night Study Starting in January Our next Day/Night Bible Study will be a four-session study on the Psalms, beginning on Monday, Jan. 30, and Tu

8 Adult Education Day/Night Study Starting in January Our next Day/Night Bible Study will be a four-session study on the Psalms, beginning on Monday, Jan. 30, and Tuesday, Jan. 31. We ll be using N.T. Wright s The Case for the Psalms as our study guide. Wright explores why the Psalms are essential, arguing for a rediscovery of the Psalms as the hymnbook of the Bible and the daily lifeblood of Christian life. The Monday morning sessions will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. in Whitten Hall and will be led by Dr. Abernathy. The Tuesday evening sessions will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 17/19 and will be led by Rev. Gray. Sign up at the Welcome Center; beginning Jan. 8 books will be available for $5. Finance Committee The end of 2016 is rapidly approaching and we have just celebrated the greatest gift ever given, Jesus the Christ. We are also three quarters through the Westwood Fiscal Year and we continue to experience a shortfall in our offerings compared to our budget. As of December 11, our offerings were approximately $43,000 less than our budget plan. Our offerings, gifts and other income sources are covering our expenses, which through November have been less than budgeted. The decrease in expenses is partially due to a staff vacancy, as well as decreased contributions to Missions, which are a percentage of our budget offerings. Please join us in prayerfully considering how each of us can help in closing this gap between our budget giving and budget plan. Also, please note that all gifts to Westwood must be received or postmarked no later than Dec. 31 to be included on your 2016 giving statement. Your Brothers and Sisters in Christ The Finance Committee Dennis Hunt, Chair; Erik Larson, Paul Hagen, Sonja Beavers, Fred Milburn Resolutions for a New Year Too early to think about next year s Christmas? I suggest it isn t, especially if you want to be better stewards (there s always room for improvement!) of God s creation next year and share this enthusiasm with your children and grandchildren; they are the ones that will live with the decisions we make today. From a Washington Post article by Markowitz and Zaval, 63% of Americans are concerned about climate change, but only 47% think the government should do anything about it. However, studies have shown that personally contributing to environmental conservation efforts is seen as one way to build a positive legacy. We can t all sign environmental protections into law or create new regulations, but we can make small changes in our lifestyle every day that will help the planet. Please take time to understand what is happening to the earth, and share that information with your family. Tell them, for example, that you are cutting back on driving because the average American driver emits 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide every year, and that stays in the atmosphere for 160 years! What will be your legacy? Dave Schmitz Westwood Green Team Green Team Spring 2017 Supper Club Signups As we finish celebrating Christmas, the time to spring forward to Spring is just around the corner! That means it is almost time to start signups for the next season of Supper Club. From Sunday, Jan. 8 to Sunday, Jan. 22 you may sign up at the Welcome Center. If you prefer, you may or call me to sign-up and I will be happy to add your name to the list. This is an excellent opportunity to have fun, food, and fellowship and a great way to meet other people in the church. Think Spring! Elizabeth Colley WESTWOOD WORLD January

Youth Ministry Weekly Youth Schedule in January Sundays Cafe 9:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 11 am Youth Dinner 6 pm Sunday Night Live! 6:30-7:45 pm SNL Meals Jan. 1 No SNL Jan. 8 Beecher Jan.

com/ WestwoodYouth http://www. westwood-baptist. org/#/youth Will.Clapp@west wood-baptist.org From Will It is that time of year again.

9 Youth Ministry Weekly Youth Schedule in January Sundays Cafe 9:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 11 am Youth Dinner 6 pm Sunday Night Live! 6:30-7:45 pm SNL Meals Jan. 1 No SNL Jan. 8 Beecher Jan. 15 Frazier Jan. 22 No SNL Jan. 29 Church Stay In Touch westwood-baptistchurch-youth-ministry book.com/ Westwood Youth WestwoodYouth westwood-baptist. org/#/youth Will.Clapp@west wood-baptist.org From Will It is that time of year again. The one where we regret how much we have eaten over the last month and swear we will never do it again. I know, personally, that the youth progressive dinner was when I reached my breaking point, and I swear, I will never eat that much again. Hopefully, your holiday was filled with equal parts memory-making as well as good food. But right now, it is that time of year we sing about, but rarely recognize. If you are someone who knows all twelve days of Christmas, then you know that we are in the midst of "Christmastide." Growing up in church, I had no clue that such a time existed. From this day to Epiphany on January 6th, we are called to reflect on what it means to have the Christ, the Son of God, in our midst. On January 1, the Lectionary text comes from the Gospel of Matthew, and in its words we are called into a life that does more than just hope for a better future. As we begin a New Year, my prayer is that we will all hear that call and lean into the New life we are called to by the Holy Spirit. As we begin the transition away from Christmas and towards Lent we will be taking a good bit of time to begin planning for the Spring. On the 14th of January, the Youth Planning Committee will meet at 9:30 a.m. In the coming weeks, there will be more announcements about time and location in the bulletin, as well as the Westwood Express. Planning meetings are a great opportunity to share ideas and offer your creativity as we try to plan the future of youth ministry here at Westwood. As the life and experience of church continue to change, it will require the work of all of us in order to continue breathing life into our ministries. What that future will look like depends a great deal on who comes to participate in the work the Holy Spirit is already doing amongst our youth. As that future unfolds, it may be your spirit, working in concert with God, that helps bring a new wrinkle to our work together. This Christmas, as we celebrate the life Jesus has called us into, the youth invite you to come and express your gifts with us. May the power of the Holy Spirit, the love of Jesus Christ, and the courage of God Our Father fill you with warmth and joy this Christmas. May they also inspire you to find your feet and step out in faith during this New Year. May we then live into the proclamation that the Body of Christ is the hope for the World. Rev. Will Clapp Interim Minister with Youth WESTWOOD WORLD January

Westwood World. A Message from Our Senior Pastor. Jim Abernathy

Westwood World. A Message from Our Senior Pastor. Jim Abernathy Westwood World Jim Abernathy WESTWOOD WORLD December 2016 1 A Publication of Westwood Baptist Church December 2016 2016 Edition 12 A Message from Our Senior Pastor The way forward it s a phrase that marks