Chimes. Have You Met Randy Clayton? The Westminster. February The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color visit

Transcription

1 February 2014 The Westminster Chimes 1502 W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302) Have You Met Randy Clayton? The Reverend Dr. Randall Clayton began serving as our Interim Associate Pastor on January 6. The former pastor of West Presbyterian Church, Randy was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) 26 years ago and has served in several different ministries. While at Westminster, Randy will devote his time to worship leadership, pastoral care, serving as the staff resource to the Membership and Evangelism Committee and the Church in the World Committee, and other general pastoral duties. You will have the opportunity to see Randy in worship leadership most Sundays, so please take the opportunity to introduce yourself and welcome him to Westminster. The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color visit

2 Clergy Column U.S. Senate Chaplain to Speak at Westminster Greg Jones, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff When I had the privilege of opening the U.S. Senate with prayer at the invitation of Senator Tom Carper, I met a remarkable man: the Reverend Dr. Barry Black, the Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. Dr. Black has been the spiritual advisor and counselor to the senators since Serving as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy for 27 years, Dr. Black rose to the rank of Rear Admiral and ended his career as the Chief of Chaplains of the Navy. You may have seen or read about Dr. Black during the government shutdown last October. His prophetic voice echoed in the Senate chamber as he reminded the senators that the government shutdown was creating hardships for many citizens of our nation. On the third day of the shutdown, after Capitol Police had to use lethal force to stop a woman who was driving recklessly and attempting to use her car to breach federal grounds, Dr. Black reminded the senators that the officers who put their lives in danger were not being paid because of the shutdown. When news broke that the shutdown was causing a delay in paying death benefits to military families whose loved ones died in service to our country, Dr. Black prayed, It s time for our lawmakers to say enough is enough, and he asked God to cover our shame with the robe of Your righteousness. His prayers during the shutdown drew such widespread attention that he was parodied on Saturday Night Live. One of eight children, Dr. Black says, We grew up in the toxic pathology of an inner city ghetto. There were prostitutes on the corner, there were drug pushers, there was domestic violence that you could see sitting on the steps of your home. Three times during his childhood, he came home to find his family s furniture out on the street when his mother was unable to cover the month s rent and they were evicted. Dr. Black s rise from such a humble background has been meteoric. In addition to earning separate master of arts degrees in divinity, counseling, and management, he has also earned a doctor of ministry degree and a doctorate in psychology. We will have the honor of hosting Dr. Black as our Westminster Distinguished Speaker on Sunday, March 2, when he preaches at both of our morning worship services and speaks to our adults during the 10:TEN Education Hour (see page 4). I hope you will not miss this extraordinary opportunity to hear him. This is an excellent time to invite a friend to worship and our education hour. I hope you will think of someone you know who could benefit from being introduced to our community of faith. Blessings, W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

3 The Westminster Chimes Music at Westminster presents The 2014 Winter Musical Gala Friday, February 7 8:00 p.m. featuring Diana Milburn, soprano Sharon Babcock, mezzo-soprano Justin Gonzalez, tenor Jerry Polman, baritone and The Westminster Choir Paul Fleckenstein, organist/pianist Join us for our annual anything goes concert, which brings you some of our greatest hits from the church, the opera stage, and the theatre. Free admission; offering received. Extra bonus: In conjunction with Wilmington s monthly art loop event, Art on the Town, our gallery will be adorned with paintings by abstract artist Nicole Royer. The exhibit opens at 6:30 p.m. February

4 Faith and Politics With U.S. Senate Chaplain the Rev. Dr. Barry Black Sunday, March 2 10:10 a.m. in Community Hall Dr. Barry Black, current Chaplain and retired Navy Rear Admiral and former Chief of Navy Chaplains, will speak to us about the role of the Senate Chaplain and his interactions with the senators.... Parenting in the Digital Age Led by Dr. Yvonne Nass What are the effects of modern technology on the family? Internet, cell phones, and social media: what is age appropriate? How can we keep our children safe? This program is especially for parents and grandparents of school-aged children W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

5 The Westminster Chimes Souper Bowl of Caring 2014 Sunday, February 2 The Souper Bowl of Caring is a youth-led, grassroots movement of caring the result of thousands of young people joining together to fight hunger and poverty in their communities. Since 1993, more than $40 million has been raised for charities across the country. Westminster Church s 180 Youth Fellowship has participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring campaign for the past nine years and raised more than $5,500 for the Hanover Food Pantry and St. Stephen s Food Pantry. On Sunday, February 2 (Super Bowl Sunday), the whole congregation can join youth around the world working to end hunger and poverty by contributing to the Souper Bowl of Caring collection. Immediately after the Sunday morning worship services, our young people will be holding soup pots to collect your dollar donations. More than 140 million Americans watch the Super Bowl. Imagine the impact we d have on HUNGER if each of those people gave JUST ONE DOLLAR to help those in need. Mark your calendars now for the Souper Bowl of Caring on Super Bowl Sunday, and plan to be in worship that day to unleash YOUR Souper Power! Thank You to the High School and Alumni Choir The High School and Alumni Choir once again filled the choir loft at the 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service and shared three lovely anthems. Thank you to all 22 participants! 2013 High School and Alumni Choir Back row (left to right): Shelly Sprague, Anne Grae Martin, Sarah Hoopes, Josh Cox, Chris Hickey, Sara Beth Johnson, Alexis Burns, Stephi Rydgren, Mary Beth Davis (Director) Middle row (left to right): Molly Ritter, Sophie Ritter, Alex Sprague, Molly McPheeters, Brian Bowersock, Susie Hoopes, Lauren Carroll Front row (left to right): Emily Ritter, Alex Knepper, Dana Davis, Emily Knepper, Meredith Harrison, Cori Rydgren February

6 Midnight Run 2014 Is Just Around the Corner! Our last drive in preparation for our Run on Saturday, February 22, is a Toiletry Drive from Sunday, February 2, to Sunday, February 16. We need the following travel-sized (hotel size are perfect) items for our toiletry bags: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, washcloth, razor, shaving cream, deodorant, lip balm, and moisturizer. Please deposit your items in the marked containers on each level of our church building anytime between Sunday, February 2, and Sunday, February 16. Toiletries in excess of what is needed for the Midnight Run are shared with Friendship House. Thank you for your generosity! Do You Know the Most Appreciated Toiletry? 2012 and 2014 Midnight Run participant Dana Davis reflects on what it s like to hand Westminster s toiletry bags to New York City s homeless. New York City: the lights, the fashion, the stores, the people, and the energy. All I could think as we left Westminster was I m going to New York City for the first time, and I won t be experiencing any of this. You see, I was going to New York City to see the part that no one talks about or cares to see: the homeless part. Our job was to hit the streets of New York around midnight and feed, clothe, and lift the spirits of the homeless throughout the city. A little before midnight, all the vans were packed with piles of clothes, toiletries, bagged lunches, coffee, and soup. We were ready to go! Our first stop was Central Park. I do not know about you, but when I think of Central Park I think of the movie Elf, or a beautiful park, not the place where homeless people sleep at night. This stop was the beginning of the biggest eye-opening experience of my life. Stop after stop, my job was to hand out toiletries to the homeless. Each bag contained a toothbrush, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lip balm, washcloth, and maybe deodorant. Deodorant, we found, was in high demand but low supply. My friend Steph and I talked to lots of people about everything from the weather all the way to one lady giving us a lecture about how we need to wear jackets or we will get arthritis. On one of the last stops, a man walked up and asked for deodorant. Steph and I both knew we had no more men s deodorant, only women s. So I said to the man, Unfortunately, we have no more men s deodorant. We only have women s Secret deodorant left. The man said, I ll take the women s. It s called Secret, so we ll just keep it a secret! As I handed him the bag, we shared a good laugh over his hilarious comment. At 2:00 in the morning, in New York City, I was laughing on a dark street with a homeless man over deodorant. Weird or humbling? 2012 participants on the sanctuary steps of First Presbyterian Church, where the Midnight Run group stays on Saturday night and worships Sunday morning. That moment helped me realize that it s not about what kind of deodorant you use as long as it gets the job done. Well not exactly! What I learned from that moment and every moment I spent on the streets of New York City that night can be described in one phrase: be grateful for what you have. The homeless people taught me the power of gratitude and the joy of giving back, because even deodorant can put a smile on someone s face W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

7 The Westminster Chimes New Stephen Ministers Commissioned After 50 hours of intensive training, led by Jill Getty and Ellie Furry, 12 new Stephen Ministers were commissioned on January 19. The Stephen Ministry class, which began in September 2013, involved pre-class reading, in-class lectures, videos, discussion, and role playing on a variety of topics. Some of these included the art of listening, using Christian resources, assertiveness, confidentiality, dealing with depression, helping those experiencing grief, and process versus results. The new Stephen Ministers will now attend monthly supervision and continuing education meetings, where they will continue to enhance their skills and learn new ways to care. If you need someone to listen and the hand of Christian love extended to you, our Stephen Ministry can play an important role in your life. Contact Jill Getty ( ) for more information or to receive the blessing of a Stephen Minister. Back row (left to right): John Johnston, Bobbe Hoy, Vicki Jackson, Ross Getty, Suzanne Stewart-Lamb, Cathy Edge, Bill Kaye, Don Furry Front row (left to right): Sue Frost, Carol Shortlidge, Teri Weber, Jane Palmer, Sue Weissinger Not pictured: Karen Beer Westminster Celebrates Christmas Beyond Our Walls Westminster s outreach to the homeless in our community is accomplished through a range of partnerships with other local ministries and agencies, including Friendship House, Sojourners Place, Family Promise, and Meeting Ground. Throughout the year, Westminster members and friends serve as volunteers in dozens of specific programs, yet Christmas marks a special time when we reach out to celebrate the season with those on a journey to achieve independent housing. This year, Susanne and Jason Wolff, along with their daughters Sophia and Lexi, celebrated New Year s Eve here at church with three families who called our church their home for the week of December 29 to January 5 (see page 8). Beyond our walls, Westminster members hosted a holiday party for current and former residents of Burton House/Daughtry House (see page 11) and the women of Koinonia Circle hosted a Christmas party for residents at Sojourners Place (see page 12). How wonderful that we can share the spirit of Christmas in such meaningful ways with those who might otherwise have no celebration. We express deep gratitude to everyone who gives so generously of their time during this busy season to share the love of Christ with others. February

8 Welcoming the New Year With Family Promise Westminster is one of 13 host congregations that participate in the Family Promise network in New Castle County. Being a host congregation means that we transform a portion of our building from classrooms into home space bedrooms, living room, dining room, and kitchen for a week at a time, four times each year. We do this so families with children who have lost their homes and would otherwise have no place to live can experience the warmth of hospitality and support as they make their journey back to sustainable independent living. Family Promise is unique in enabling families to remain intact as they navigate this challenge in their lives. Imagine if you can what it would be like to move from church to church on a weekly basis, let alone if you couldn t have your spouse and/or your children with you... Westminster provides $5,000 from the annual operating budget in support of Family Promise operations, but far more significant is the donation of fellowship and food (a strong Presbyterian tradition!) for these families. Those who participate come to appreciate the often random nature of homelessness that it could happen to anyone and to admire the grace and fortitude of these families. The experience transforms the lives of everyone involved. It is so easy for you to participate in this amazing ministry: Bring dinner one night for 14 people and stay to share it with the families; Eat dinner, share evening fellowship time, and sleep overnight in Classroom 4 to offer hospitality and support; Show up on a Sunday morning that starts or ends our host week to transform classrooms into bedrooms or vice versa; Drive the Family Promise van at 6:00 p.m. to bring the families from the Family Promise Day Center near Kirkwood Highway and Limestone Road to their Westminster home for the night. To see how you might get involved, talk with any of us who have been blessed by these experiences. It would be great to have a larger pool of overnight hosts from which to draw! No one needs to commit to a certain number of nights, and you re always free to decline when a week is being planned. Overnight hosts who would love to share their stories include the following: Marlys & Don Kerr Mary Lou & Charlie McDowell Art Aranilla Sue & Gary Bryde Ellie Furry Jill Getty Shelley & Mike Gnade Wendy & Denison Hatch Camilla Jones Lynne & Fred Kielhorn David Klindienst Ralph Lewis Sue & Bob Linderman Sally & Dave McBride Donna & Fred Nelson Angela & Kris Ruebling-Jass Anne & Frank Waldburger Susanne & Jason Wolff, Sophia and Lexi Mary Lou McDowell coordinates the nightly dinner arrangements and Marlys Kerr coordinates the van driver schedule during our host weeks, and they would love to talk with you about how easy it is to do! W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

9 The Westminster Chimes Family Promise families Denison Hatch, Jeanne Checkel, and Wendy Hatch Jeanne Checkel with Jordan and Vincent Don and Marlys Kerr The Wolff family (Susanne, Jason, Sophia, Lexi) and Jordan Those who participate come to appreciate the often random nature of homelessness that it could happen to anyone and to admire the grace and fortitude of these families. February

10 Given A Chance After Everything Was Gone My name is Kristin and I am a graduate of Family Promise. I have two children: Brad (14) and Scott (7). Family Promise gave me the confidence and the tools I needed to be a successful mother, nurse, and proud contributing member of society. I want to share what Family Promise means to me My family had a home, worked hard and saved money, had retirement plans and vehicles. Sadly, a medical condition led to frequent surgeries. Having sporadic work kicked us off our health insurance, and we had to pay medical costs out of pocket. After two years, we depleted everything. Then, things quickly spiraled. My husband and I separated. I lost my job. The children and I found ourselves in a motel with no money, food, or car. We had nothing. I have never been without work since I was 15! One of the many numbers I called was to Family Promise. They invited me in. I was hysterical. They told me no worries ; everything would be okay. I was so scared! I quickly gained employment as an RN with their support. I was still very worried about everything. They said again, no worries. Through volunteers, I was given a donated vehicle and connected to a rental property. Family Promise volunteers helped furnish our new place. We had absolutely nothing, but you would never know it to see my home! I cannot believe that this is now my life. I was very close to losing my children, my faith, and just giving up, but Family Promise came along and lifted my kids and me up. Family Promise is amazing; they take the horrible situation of finding yourself homeless and somehow make it okay. I tell anyone who will listen how wonderful Family Promise is, and I am looking forward to becoming a volunteer myself. I was very close to losing my children, my faith, and just giving up, but Family Promise came along and lifted my kids and me up W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

11 The Westminster Chimes Burton House Holiday Party Eleven members of Westminster and two spouses joined current residents and alumni of the Friendship House men s transitional housing program on December 15 for the annual holiday reception, held in the multipurpose room at Daughtry House. After an opening prayer by Marcy Perkins, the men introduced themselves and shared their stories. After a fellowship period, refreshments were served and gifts were presented to the residents. Each man received four to seven gifts, including gloves, hats, scarves, socks, and miscellaneous toiletries. These refreshments and gifts were donated by Westminster congregants. In addition, each man received a $25 gift card from Boscov s to allow him to purchase an additional clothing item. These gift cards were provided through the Helen Greene Grant Fund, which was established in 2006 as part of a generous bequest from Helen, a former Westminster member. This annual party began several years ago to provide a sense of family over the holiday season for these men, some of whom are estranged from their families after living on the streets. In addition, the Westminster attendees get to see the operation of this mission and gain an appreciation for the quality of this program in which the church invests part of the mission budget. The Westminster group included members of the Burton House Team, Urban Mission Committee, Saturday Morning Men s Fellowship, and Trustees. Many had not been in these houses before, and they were impressed with both the facilities and the teamwork exhibited by the residents. The men in the Friendship House/Burton House transitional housing program are in residence for six to nine months, after which they move to independent living. During their stay at Burton and Daughtry Houses, they work one or two part-time jobs, save a designated portion of their earnings, work their programs, attend AA/NA meetings, and receive counseling from Marcy and her staff. The success rate of the men who graduate from the full program is very high when compared with other recovery programs. Westminster is grateful for our partnership with Friendship House as together we put our Faith in Action in a way that our lives and the lives of people formerly homeless in our community are transformed. Thanks be to God! February

12 Christmas Celebrations at Sojourners Place As part of its community building and mission outreach, a group of Westminster women known as Koinonia Circle has adopted the residents of Sojourners Place by hosting monthly birthday celebrations and an annual Christmas party. This Christmas event is one of the highlights of the season for these men and women, as well as for the Westminster women who participate. Bunny Michener reflects on some of her experiences with this compassionate and celebratory outreach: One of my partners for playing games at the Christmas party at Sojourners Place was very talkative and engaging. He shared that he had had an alcohol problem but that he was doing well now and hoping to get a job and get his life back together. I responded that I had a few friends with the same issue and that it wasn t an easy task, but I was glad he was finding the support he needed to make this change in his life. He said he really appreciated the time and effort that the women from Westminster had put into the party, both for himself and for the other residents. He was most impressed by the fact that Mary Field had taken the time and put forth the effort to make more than 50 scarves. He also appreciated the time we took to make cookies, buy presents, create the crossword puzzle, and devise the guess what is in the sock game. The people at Sojourners Place are so appreciative of this celebration, and all of us have a good time. Matching us with partners for the games serves two purposes: one is just the fun of it, and the other is that sometimes we are able to really talk to one or two of them and might just say something that would be encouraging. The gifts shared by Koinonia Circle on behalf of Westminster are not only the tangible presents but also the presence of our members in celebration of the births of the residents and of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In turn, the residents of Sojourners Place give us the gift of sharing their lives and their faith W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

13 The Westminster Chimes Westminster Has a New Neighbor! Did you know that Daughtry House is the building located across 13th Street from our church, adjacent to our parking lot? Purchased from the Girl Scouts in 1990, and named in honor of former Westminster member Tom Daughtry, who died of AIDS, it has served as home to a number of outreach ministries during the intervening time. For nearly 20 years, the ground floor offices have been occupied by Brandywine Pastoral Institute (BPI), a pastoral counseling facility staffed by Tom and Donna Strachan Ledbetter. The second floor has served as transitional housing, initially for the Westminster staff when our Building in Faith construction project was under way, then as a residence for men living with HIV/AIDS, and, since 2008, as an expansion of our Burton House program, which began in 1990 in the small red brick building behind Daughtry House. The Burton House program operated in partnership with Friendship House, an effective spirit-filled ministry to the homeless in New Castle County provides transitional housing for formerly homeless men whose next step is a return to independent living. Tom and Donna recently announced their move to Lewes and the closing of BPI in Wilmington, leaving the first floor space available to house a new organization. We are delighted that it will now serve as home to the administrative staff of Friendship House! The space includes room for a central business office and three administrative offices as well as a large conference room for board meetings and other events. The location is within walking distance of eight of the 10 Friendship House housing sites and a 10-minute drive to its Clothing Bank and Wilmington Day Centers. Please welcome Bill and Marcy Perkins and their staff to the neighborhood! Reading Jonah and Ruth for All They re Worth Interested in Bible study? Beginning Tuesday, March 4, and continuing for nine weeks, Anne Gunn will lead a study of Jonah and Ruth, two main Old Testament characters that couldn t be more different. While Jonah and Ruth may seem like an odd couple, both bear witness to a God whose love will not let us go. The Horizons Bible Study Above and Beyond: Hearing God s Call in Jonah and Ruth will move us beyond our first impressions of these two biblical characters. Jonah and Ruth teach us that God s steadfast love goes above and beyond anything we ve ever imagined. God s love calls us to respond and leaves no corner of our lives untouched. In this study, we will be working with a much broader description of what it means to hear and respond to God s call. If you are interested in joining this study, please contact Anne Gunn (anne_gunn@live.com or ). Time of day will be determined. The cost of the study is $10.00 for the workbook. February

14 Flying Solo Activities for February 2014 Flying Solo is a singles group offering fellowship and support for singles of any age in our area. There is no need to be a member to join us, and we especially welcome newcomers! Come connect with friends and make new ones at some or all of these activities. Sunday, February 2 Brunch after church at 11:30 a.m. at Catherine Rooney s in Trolley Square Sunday, February 2 Super Bowl party from 5:30 p.m. to the end of the game, hosted by Cathy Lang. Come enjoy the game and have dinner with fellow soloer s. RSVP to Cathy (cathylang36@yahoo.com) by Wednesday, January 29. Location: Brandywine Hundred Apartments, 400 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE Bring a snack or dessert to share. Friday, February 14 Don t be alone on Valentine s Day! Instead, enjoy dinner and companionship with us at Nancy Colbert s home. Bring a side dish and plan to arrive at 6:00 p.m. RSVP to Nancy (colbert055@comcast.net). Sunday, February 16 Brunch after church at 11:30 a.m. at Catherine Rooney s in Trolley Square Sunday, February 9 Potluck brunch and games, hosted by Bill Kaye and Cathy Edge. Location: Cathy Edge s home, 218 Village Road, Wilmington, DE Folks are welcome to stop in from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. RSVP to Cathy (cedge08@comcast.net) by Wednesday, February 5. Feel free to bring a game and a snack! W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

15 The Westminster Chimes The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus by Adam Hamilton Join Adam Hamilton in the Holy Land as he explores the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in this seven-session DVD study. Using video shot on location, Hamilton takes us to the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized and the wilderness where he was tempted. You ll see ruins of ancient Capernaum, where Jesus healed the sick, and ascend the mountain where he gave his most famous sermon. We will travel across the Sea of Galilee, where he calmed the wind and waves, and we will visit the last remaining community of Samaritans in the world. Then we will visit Jerusalem, where Jesus spent his final days. This adult education media class will be facilitated by Jill Getty and Margo Reign and offered on the following Sundays at 10:10 a.m.: February 16; March 9, 16, and 23; April 27; and May 4 and 11. Young at Heart Annual Luncheon Our fourth annual Young at Heart luncheon for members and friends of retirement age will take place on Saturday, February 15, at 11:30 a.m. in Community Hall. Our snow date will be March 1, but we hope a postponement won t be necessary we ve certainly had more than enough snow already! Come join us for a festive luncheon that will feature a delicious meal, warm fellowship, music, photos, and entertainment. We will enjoy a fascinating presentation by Dr. Anne Wedemeyer about her development of pediatric cardiology at Kanti Hospital in Kathmandu. She worked there for several winters and saw much progress in the ability of the hospital to both treat and prevent cardiac problems in Nepalese children. One winter, Dr. Wedemeyer was chosen as the Professor Abroad and funded by the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh, but her work in all other years was accomplished solely as a volunteer cardiologist. Many of you will recall Dr. Wedemeyer s captivating discussion of her work in Tibet at our luncheon in October It promises to be a wonderful event, and the cost is only $10.00! Please contact the church office ( ) to make your reservation. We look forward to seeing you! February

16 Guatemala Update 2013 Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which He looks compassion on this world. Teresa of Avila ( ) Christian outreach in the Third World can rarely be credited with more success than seen in the mountainous Western Highlands of Guatemala. In the 1920s, relatives of our current Presbyterian Women s Association liaison, Cindie Moore, conceived and grew programming by Guatemalan women for Guatemalan women. Today, nearly 500 women from the Mam indigenous group are actively committed. Their dynamic Guatemalan coordinator, Rosario Diaz, directs the health clinic in San Juan Ostuncalco as well as three major activities of the women s association. WPC s grassroots involvement, a model of community-based empowerment, is as follows. Microloan Program As women apply for interestfree loans, they are given a hand up, not a hand out. Successful businesses include raising livestock and chickens, growing vegetables, weaving artisan quality textiles, and producing chocolate. Thirty-four groups of women are participating with micro business loans. Our own WPC Ebenezer Group raises egglaying chickens, exotic birds, and livestock. Health Outreach This three-pronged approach includes two-year training of community health workers to go to the remote villages, installing water filters (our Safe Water in Guatemala [SWIG] campaign), and conducting health workshops. WPC funds go directly toward paying instructors salaries and classroom rental. SWIG Update: To date, WPC has raised funds for 179 water filters at $100 per filter, with each family contributing an additional $25. The concrete filters are made from Guatemalan materials in Guatemala. Several other smaller churches, inspired by this model outreach project, have joined fundraising for SWIG. Health Workshops: This year s annual health workshop was on HIV/AIDS and domestic violence, topics chosen by the women s association. Sponsorship of Schools, Intercambio Program, and Scholarships Saturday School: Fifty-four students received diplomas this year, marking completion of grades 6, 7, 8, and 9. This reflects a tremendous growth in awareness of the world surrounding their remote villages. Eggs from their own chickens Ebenezer group in prayer Weaving and crops W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

17 The Westminster Chimes Intercambio Program: This is a language exchange program via Skype. High school students from Berea, Ohio, and the youth group at First Presbyterian Church in Albany, New York, who are studying Spanish chat online with young Guatemalan English learners. Sewing School: Forty-six women completed programs from the sewing school this year. Twenty-five received diplomas in tailoring and 14 in embroidery. These are marketable skills that provide family income and thereby empower women. Praying over rebuilt house Scholarships: The José Valera Memorial Scholarship memorializing José s passion for mission has made funds available for Saturday school, sewing school, and/or vocational school. Graduate of health worker training A total of 110 people, and indirectly their families, were touched by one or more of these educational programs in Temporary Earthquake Relief The 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Guatemala in November 2012 devastated humble housing. The Guatemalan government provides building materials that must then be delivered to local labor. The generosity of Westminster has contributed to the completion of 10 houses, with 15 still under construction. Sewing school A total of 110 people, and indirectly their families, were touched by one or more of these educational programs in Learning to suture wounds February

18 Holiday Echo Giving Nears $10,000 Thank you for making a difference! A warm thank you to our congregational family and friends who supported WPC mission partners through Echo Giving in the World this holiday season. Thanks to you, Echo raised nearly $10,000 for local programs to fight poverty, hunger, and homelessness as well as for global initiatives that educate young women in Congo and bring clean water to villages in Guatemala. In Loving Memory If you are a member of Westminster, your tax-deductible contributions will be acknowledged via your quarterly statement from WPC. Non-members may use their cancelled check as acknowledgment for tax purposes. Echo Giving has a rich history, and we are proud to be guiding it into its next phase. We are also proud of our generous, compassionate church family and friends, who continue to walk the walk. Look for the Echo Giving order forms on the literature tables and our display during coffee hour on Sundays during gift-giving seasons all year long. (Valentine s Day is next!) If you wish to participate at any other time, contact Liz Bacon, Susan McPheeters, or Susie Spilecki at echo@wpc.org. Once again, thanks for being an agent of change for a stronger, healthier world. Recent Member Death Please remember this individual and keep her family in your thoughts and prayers. Janet S. Meyer June 23, 1919 November 10, 2013 Welcome a New Member! Betsy Carpenter We welcome Betsy Carpenter to our church family. After graduating from the University of Delaware, Betsy taught physical education to young children. She remains very athletic, and you may see her running, swimming, biking, and hiking! She has four adult children, Melissa, Timothy, Allison, and Laura, and a granddaughter, Riley. In November 2013, she made a commitment to find a new church home. Betsy said, From the moment I walked into Westminster, it felt right. Please welcome her W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

19 The Westminster Chimes Your 2014 Pledge to Westminster Westminster is a church family, a community of faith, dedicated to sharing our lives, our talents, our resources, and our faith in ways that express our gratitude to God for the many blessings in our lives. 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 everyone who has made this faithful commitment to the life and work of our church for the year ahead. Your generosity makes a real difference in the lives of so many, within our congregation and beyond our walls. If you have not yet done so, please give prayerful consideration to making your pledge for Your support will strengthen Westminster s programs and ministries, enabling us to grow in our ability to become the church God is calling us to be. Please visit or call Debbie Brown at (302) , ext The act of giving generously, in whatever circumstance, creates a spirit of joy in giver and receiver. We will acknowledge with gratitude in the March issue of The Chimes all those who have expressed their faith in this tangible and meaningful way. With thanks, 2014 Stewardship Team Greg Jones Sue Linderman Craig & Melissa Stabler Debbie Brown Nicole Hughes Fred Iobst Bob McKeown Jon McPheeters Fred Nelson Christine Schiltz February

20 A Note of Thanks From Friendship House W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

21 The Westminster Chimes A Perfect Picture of Generosity Compare the 2013 Christmas Box Program to a 5,000-piece puzzle. Any missing or lost piece would mean an incomplete picture. That means each elf s piece contributed to the whole picture of this successful mission. While all pieces were essential, some elves filled large sections of the final picture. These Big Part of the Puzzle Elves returned again this year, bringing the experience of past years with them: Mary Young, Database and Packing Dinner Dynamo ; Fred Schmitt, Excel Spreadsheet Designer Extraordinaire ; Sara Geuder, Wish Star Wonder ; Carol Mosher, Magnificent Food Collection Manager ; Sandie Reinicker, Wonder Woman Wrapping Wizard ; Gen Roe, Superior Wish Gift Sorter ; Paula Piercy, Skillful Christmas Card Crafter ; Jimmy Carter, Barnstorming Cookie Baker ; Joyce Ruston, Conscientious Calendar Collector ; Jane Suiter, Remarkable Roll Elf ; Judy Stoffer, Fantastic Food Gift Card Facilitator (thanks to ShopRite for the discount); and Jeff Lippincott and Phix-It Corps, Magnificent Men of Many Tasks. These new Big Part of the Puzzle Elves graciously put essential pieces into the Christmas Boxes Picture: Linda McGregor and Carol Johnson, Shining Shopping Shepherdesses ; Jill Voss, Publicity Perfectionist ; Charlie and Linda Reinhardt, Kendal Candy Coordinators ; and David and Jennifer Máthé and Debbie McCullough, Perfect Packing Party Planners. The 2013 Christmas Boxes Program finished with joyous generosity, and every one of you deserves credit for that success. All of the Wish Stars quickly disappeared, leaving the empty trees as a tribute to the spirit of Christmas giving. In addition, you exceeded the goals of food items to fill all the boxes! As a result, WPC was able to provide a significant donation of food to both St. Stephen s Food Pantry and Hanover Food Pantry. In this year of increasing need, that is truly a blessing! With overwhelming gratitude, thank you for a picture of Christmas generosity! February

22 A Note of Thanks From UrbanPromise W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

23 The Westminster Chimes WPC Bazaar 2013 Westminster s annual bazaar is an experience of extraordinary generosity! More than $10,000 (the net profit from the bazaar) will be used to support programs helping a vast number of people in our local and global communities. Recipients are carefully chosen by our Urban Mission and Church in the World Committees. Hundreds of people in our congregation and others in our community make this event an amazing festival of time, talent, and treasure so generously given. Sincere appreciation is extended to each and every one. The joys of working together for a common cause and getting acquainted with so many people are just two reactions often heard about the bazaar. February

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. Dr. 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, February 3, at 11:00 a.m. For the March 2014 Issue Submissions can be made at U.S. Senate Chaplain to Speak at Westminster on March 2 See page 2 for details. The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color visit