Westwood World A Publication of Westwood Baptist Church May 2015

Transcription

1 Westwood World A Publication of Westwood Baptist Church May Edition 5 Jim Abernathy A Message from Our Senior Pastor Cooperative: involving two or more people or groups working together to do something. In her wonderful book Lifelines: The Black Book of Proverbs, Ashkari Johnson Hodari includes this wonderful African proverb: If everyone helps to hold up the sky, then one person does not become tired. This old proverb speaks to the significance of working together toward a common good as well as recognizing that one person cannot accomplish alone all that can be done when the opportunity is shared. Webster s definition of cooperative, listed above, sounds a similar challenge in helping us understand the importance of working together with others. A cooperative venture draws more participants, strengthens the message, and broadens opportunity. Westwood Baptist Church has had a cooperative approach to missions giving for many years. Dating back to our days in the Southern Baptist Convention, Westwood participated in the Cooperative Program which provided a specific means of funding the work of the SBC and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. The church decided on a percentage of undesignated offerings that would be sent on to the SBC and VBMB, as well as our local association, that would go toward sharing Christ in our region, state, nation, and world. This enabled the work of missionaries, boards, agencies, seminaries, and other schools and organizations to continue the work of Christ in places we could not go. Cooperative missions was another way of carrying out the mandate of Christ to go into all the world and make disciples. Though Westwood is no longer affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, there has been a continuing theme of cooperative missions as we partner today with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, and the NorthStar Church Network. Our budget for 2015 includes 9% of budget receipts that go to the CBF and VBMB, and 3% which goes to NorthStar. Those designations last year allowed us to contribute $79, to Cooperative Missions. In a church conference earlier this year, the Vision Council was asked to review the amount we give to Cooperative Missions, considering whether the percentages should be adjusted or whether we should adopt a flat amount for these mission gifts. A team appointed by the Council is studying this issue. As part of this important topic, we will be addressing our Cooperative Giving and Partnership Ministries during worship in May. This will be a good reminder to us all of why we work together with others to share the love of Christ, and it will help us better understand the work done by Christians we cooperate with around the world. Your budget gifts do make a difference, here and around the world. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving. Together, we help hold up the sky so that no one becomes weary. WESTWOOD WORLD May

2 Westwood Member News In Our Prayers... Al Sanders; Aminata Turay s father, Alfred M. Kanu; Anne Daly; Andy Willetts; Berkley McKenzie; Bernard, Emilie, and George Bretz; Betty Helfenberger; Dave Schmitz; Dennis Hunt s father; Ed & Joan Tarlosky; Eileen Griffith; Elise Clark; Eric Williams; Faye Riley; Greisy Acosta s mother, Gregoria Hernandez; Helen Hill; Jackie Weaver; Jeanette Meyers co-worker Kim Folland; Jewel Bowers; Jim Crupper; Josh Towner; Joy Earner s neighbor David Gordon; Karen Armstrong; Kathy Boothe; Kathy Freeman s father; Landon & Christina Taylor s friends Joe Murphy and Olivia Hilton; LaVonne Boyer s daughter; Leah Balluck s mother; Lori Christensen; Lucy Kinsel s sister, Betty Gray; Lynne Storer s grandson, Bo Storer; Martha Siemering s granddaughter Olivia; Nancy D Ambrosio; Olga Teutler s father-in-law; Pam & Thomas Daly s friend and neighbor Maryann Ridge; Rick Mooney; Ruth Draper and her great-granddaughter; Ryan Balluck; Stephanie Wilson s mother, Linda Gibson; Tom & Barbara Hall s brother-in-law Joe Cook, and their friends Margaret Sutton and Kathy Eaton; Virginia Hole s sister; Wakie Paganelli; Wallace & Phyllis Brinkley s friend Skip Gallager; and Yvonne Bryant. With Sympathy We extend our Christian sympathy to Deanita Verbeck on the loss of her brother. The church office will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day Class of 2015 Looking for a way to YOUTH Sunday Westwood Baptist Church May 17 volunteer? Check out page 3 for opportuni es and contact informa on. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Westwood Member News 2 Community Involvement 3 Women s Ministry 3 Church Life 4 Page Preschool & Children s Ministry 5 Youth Ministry 6-7 Church Family Life 8 Seniors Ministry 8 WESTWOOD WORLD May

3 Community Involvement Women s Ministry Burke Lake Gardens Social Wednesday, May 6 at 12 p.m Old Keene Mill Road, Burke, VA Letter Carriers Food Drive May 9 Stamp Out Hunger, the US Postal Service Letter Carriers food drive, will be held on Saturday, May 9, and local donations will benefit ECHO. Letter carriers from the four post offices serving Burke and Springfield will collect donated food on that date, so please support the food drive by placing your donation of non-perishable food and personal care items (in non-breakable containers) by your mailbox that Saturday morning. Help the letter carriers in their effort to Stamp Out Hunger! ECHO Needed items For its client families, ECHO especially needs: boys jeans men s jeans up to size 38 sneakers (girls sizes 1-6, and boys sizes 1-7) toasters and microwaves children s books card games small stuffed animals If you have new or used donations for ECHO, please take them to the Donation Door at 7205 Old Keene Mill Road on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings at 7 to 9 p.m., or place them in the large ECHO bin across from the church office. ECHO Yard Sale The ECHO yard sale on April 11 netted $22,656. Thank you for your support. For more information, speak to Westwood s ECHO Board member, Dick Marvin. Burke Lake Gardens is a housing community for low-income, independent seniors which is owned by the Arlington Assembly of God Church. Residents live in apartments within the complex. Every year WOM hosts an afternoon social event to thank the ladies at Burke Lake Gardens who crochet baby afghans which they donate to our November layette project. All Burke Lake Gardens residents are invited, and usually attend. All Westwood women are invited to come and spend some quality time with the residents of Burke Lake Gardens. Setup will start at 12 p.m., and the residents will join us at 1 p.m. Help is especially needed with donations of food for our social. Anything you would like to donate in the way of finger sandwiches, fruit trays, cookies, and cookie bars would be welcome. Please sign up to donate food at the Welcome Center. Please join us for the final WOM event of the year. This event is held in lieu of a WOM meeting in May. To learn more about WOM, contact Judi Kern at or Joy Earner at Judi Kern and Joy Earner HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! WESTWOOD WORLD May

4 Church Life May 2015 is Global Missions Offering Month In May, prayerfully consider giving to the Global Missions Offering. You will find offering envelopes in the pews, in the offering envelopes set that was mailed to you, and at the Welcome Center. This special offering addresses needs throughout our world and in our community. The Global Missions Offering breakdown is as follows: CBF Global Missions 75%, Baptist World Alliance 5%, State Missions (Alma Hunt) 4%, NorthStar (Local Association) 4%, Earners (Japan) 4%, ECHO 4%, and ServeTrust (India) 4%. Mama Mia s DVDs DVDs of the Mama Mia s performance in March will be available at the Welcome Center on three Sundays: May 3, 10, and 17. Scholarship Deadline The Don Forester Scholarship was established last year to assist Westwood youth with college expenses. Dr. Forester was known for his encouragement of young people at Westwood, and this scholarship continues that legacy. Scholarship applications and information are available through the church website and the church office, and must be returned no later than Friday, May 15. U.S. Navy Band Chamber Ensembles Concert Saturday, May 30, at 3 p.m. Invite your neighbors to attend this special performance here at Westwood. Westwood Night at The Washington Nationals Friday, June 19 at 7:05 p.m. Get your tickets now to see the Washington Nationals take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Our outfield reserved seats in Section 101 are $30 each and are available from Rev. Gray. Save the Date! Women s Retreat October 2-4, 2015 Men s Retreat October 24-25, 2015 WESTWOOD WORLD May

5 Preschool & Children s Ministry The Worship Experience for Westwood s Children At Westwood, we strive to provide a meaningful worship experience even for our youngest congregants. Our program is designed to help children transition to full participation in our worship services. Preschoolers As early as age two, children are brought into the worship service to sit in the front row. This allows them to hear the opening music and prayers and participate in the Preschool Choir and the Children s Sermon. The preschoolers and kindergartners leave for Extended Session immediately following the Children s Sermon. First Through Third Grade As they graduate past kindergarten, our younger members expand their participation in worship. During the service, they remain seated with parents or grandparents. To deepen their understanding of meaningful traditions, they attend the full service on special Sundays like Easter and on the first Sunday of each month when communion is served. On the second, third, and fourth Sundays of each month, young elementary students leave after the Offertory to attend Children s Church. Fourth Grade and Up By fourth grade, children are better able to sit through the hourlong service and can remain with their parents during the service. By seventh grade, our youth typically sit as a group. If you are unable to sit with your child due to choir or other obligations, please let me know. We have many folks who are happy to share the worship experience with your child. Child Protection Training Completion of Child Protection Training is required once every two years for any individual who volunteers with Westwood s children, including at VBS. See page 7 for details. Rebecca Larson Westwood Mother s Day Out MDO has openings for fall classes. We take children ages 3 months through 4 years. We meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or to register, call Gail Shelton at or Vacation Bible School Everest Conquering Challenges with God s Mighty Power! July 6-10, 2015 Online registration begins on May 18 at for Ages 4 (by Sept. 30, 2015) through 6th Grade (in June 2015). Free of charge. WESTWOOD WORLD May

6 Youth Ministry Youth Advisory Committee Saturday, May 16 at 9 a.m. The Youth Advisory Committee (adults) will meet to plan, organize, and evaluate Youth Ministry activities. All parents, guardians, and volunteers associated with the Youth Ministry are encouraged to attend. Mission Madness Success! Thanks to everyone who helped make our weekend mission trip such a resounding success! Last month seven youth and four adults traveled to Charlottesville, VA to participate in Mission Madness, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia s annual weekend mission. During the weekend, one team performed yard work and prepared meals at the local Ronald McDonald House. Another team replaced stairs, cleaned siding, and performed yard work for a local couple. The final team organized supplies and cleaned for a Salvation Army Service Unit. Upcoming Events Mission Possible Sunday, May 3 at 5-8:15 p.m. Westwood will host youth groups from approximately eight NorthStar congregations for an evening of worship, preparing weekend food packs, and fellowship. The food packs will be used to help feed local elementary school children during weekends. Zip Line Obstacle Course Saturday, May 16 Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course is an outdoor experience that provides participants 2-3 hours of outdoor fun and exercise. The course allows participants to explore Maryland s Rock Creek Park from an otherwise unobtainable vantage point while navigating through the treetops using zip lines, obstacles, and Tarzan swings. Cost $15. Youth Sunday May 17 The youth will help our congregation experience God from a slightly different vantage point as we lead worship. Expect the unexpected! Youth and Young Adult Ministry Forum Monday-Tuesday, May This forum is sponsored by the Virginia Baptist Mission Board (VBMB) and is a high-quality, low-cost opportunity to receive great youth ministry training while meeting youth workers from other Virginia Baptist churches. You can register or get more information on the VBMB website or by contacting Andre Towner. Are You Graduating? We will recognize all graduates in worship on June 14. Please let us know your plans if you are graduating from high school, college, or graduate school. Please send your name, school graduated from, and any plans for school in the fall. Please contact the church office by June 1. Impact Virginia Training Sessions #1 Sunday, June 7 #2 Sunday, June 14 #3 Sunday, June 28 (Con nued on page 7) WESTWOOD WORLD May

7 Youth Ministry (Con nued from page 6) Child Protection Training All volunteers who work with children and youth who did not train in 2014 must attend one training session this year. Training will be held on: Sunday, June 14 at 9 a.m.; Tuesday, June 30 at 9:30 a.m.; and Sunday, July 5 during the Sunday School hour. Completion of Child Protection Training is required once every two years for any individual who volunteers with Westwood s children, including at VBS. KingsFest at Kings Dominion Saturday, June 27 Youth will travel to Kings Dominion to attend KingsFest where we will spend the day on rides and the evening at a concert featuring several national and local Christian bands. Impact Virginia! Mission Trip Sunday to Saturday, July Youth and adult volunteers will participate in a transformative week of mission work in Fluvanna, VA. Cost is $150. Contact Andre Towner or Tom Kern to register. Israel Archeological Dig May 24-June 28 Andre will travel to Israel to participate in an archeological expedition to search for remains dating to the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Early Bronze, Middle Bronze, Iron Age, Roman, Medieval, and Islamic periods. Jezreel, the dig site, is the former residence of Ahab and Jezebel, whose conflict with the Prophet Elijah is recorded in 1 & 2 Kings. May 3 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 31 SNL Meals Wilson No SNL! Kern Frazier Mooney Weekly Youth Schedule Sundays Cafe & Announcements Sunday School Morning Worship Youth Dinner Sunday Night Live! Wednesdays Church Family Night Meal Youth Activities Be blessed, Andre Towner 9:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 6 p.m. 6:30-7:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m. Stay In Touch Andre (703) / andre.towner@westwood-baptist.org Westwood Baptist Church Youth Ministry Youth WESTWOOD WORLD May

8 Church Family Night ~ Older Adult Fellowship CFN Picnic Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. PICNIC Mark your calendars for the final Church Family Night event of the year. We will hold our annual CFN Family Picnic in the parking lot. There will be no children s or adult programs that evening. Adult Choir will begin at 7 p.m. The cost of the meal is $4 for everyone 5th grade and older; $2.25 for children; no charge for 2 years and under; and a $17 family maximum. The usual reservations are required. If you do not have a standing CFN reservation, fill out a gold slip and place it in the offering plate, or call or the church office (church.office@westwood-baptist.org), or go to the church website and make a reservation online. All are invited. Bring lawn chairs and family games to play! In case of rain the picnic will move into Whitten Hall. Appreciation Dinner Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. CHURCHWIDE Our annual Appreciation Dinner for our Church Family Night workers and Sunday School teachers will be catered. Family members are invited, but there will not be a separate children s menu. An e-vite has been sent out to the workers and teachers. If you have not already replied, please reply as soon as possible. If you should have received an invitation and did not, please Stephen with your RSVP at stephen.gray@westwood-baptist.org. Canasta 2 nd & 4 th Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. Greenspring Village Towne Center Craft Room Join us on May 12 and 26 for fun and fellowship. Canasta is a great game that s fun and easy to learn. Longwood Gardens Wednesday, June 3 (all-day trip) to Kennett Square, PA Board the bus for an early departure from Westwood to arrive at Longwood Gardens for a 60- minute guided tour. Enjoy a box lunch and time in the afternoon to wander the grounds and gardens. $35 for admission and lunch. Dinner en route home on your own. Please RSVP to Rita at or rita.roberts@verizon.net BY MAY 24. Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Strathmore Music Center Thursday, June 25 Hailed as America s Choir, this famed ensemble includes 360 singers and a superb orchestra, and shares a proud 150-year history that includes performances for ten U.S. Presidents, at World Fairs, and in concert halls around the world. We have a few tickets to the 2 p.m. show at Strathmore Music Center. Depart Westwood at 12:15 p.m. The cost is $50. Please RSVP to Rita at or rita.roberts@verizon.net. For further information or to RSVP, please contact Rita Roberts at or rita.roberts@ verizon.net. If signup deadlines are not specified, RSVP at least five days before the event so we may plan appropriately. Rita Roberts Items for the June 2015 issue of Westwood World are due by Friday, May 15, and should be sent to Martha Newman at martha.newman@westwood-baptist.org. Westwood Baptist Church, 8200 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA WESTWOOD WORLD May