Chimes. Christmas at Westminster The Westminster. December & January. December /January 2013

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1 December & January December /January 2013 The Westminster Chimes 1502 W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302) Christmas at Westminster 2012 Christmas Boxes Packing Party Friday, December 14, 6:00 8:30 p.m. (see page 8) Bring holiday joy to neighbors in need by packing boxes with food and gifts. Christmas Concert Sunday, December 16, at 4:00 p.m. (see page 19) Christmas Caroling for the Homebound Sunday, December 23, at 11:15 a.m. Share the joy of Christmas by caroling to those in our faith community who can no longer attend church. Christmas Eve Monday, December 24 Family Services 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Informal and lively 45-minute services combining the story of Jesus birth with the singing of familiar carols. Candlelight Communion Services 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. Traditional worship with choirs and communion. One-Service Sundays to Note Sunday, December 23 Worship at 10:00 a.m. (pizza lunch and Christmas caroling follows) Sunday, December 30 Worship at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, January 27 Worship at 9:00 a.m. (annual meeting follows worship) The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color visit

2 Clergy column Eyes of Faith Rev. Dr. Gregory Jones, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff I love stories. Maybe it s because they speak not only to our minds, but also to our hearts and souls. Stories seem especially suited to Advent and Christmas because our focus is on the monumental categories that make life worth living: Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love. Reason and logic often lean toward a harsh view of the world, but stories can inspire us to see the world with new eyes the eyes of faith. Stories can help us see God s Spirit at work in the events of our lives, drawing us closer to one another and giving us glimpses of God s realm in our midst. A few years ago, I heard a story about a New York City subway worker named Joe Garijola. As a long-time subway worker he has many tales to tell, but his most memorable moment was when a woman on the subway called out to him. He walked over to her and said, May I help you? She said, I m going to have a baby. With a wide smile and his booming voice he bellowed, That s wonderful news. Congratulations! Through clenched teeth she responded, No, I mean I m going to have a baby right now! Wow, now, Joe said, You re not going to have a baby right here. For heaven s sakes this is the subway! Now, take some deep breaths and everything will be just fine." No! she said, I m going to have a baby right now. And she grabbed hold of his hand. Joe tried to soothe her (and himself!) saying, You ll make it through this trip just fine. You ll be okay. Then, out of nowhere, a Jamaican woman appeared. In her heavy accent she said to Joe, You need something white to catch the baby. What? Joe said. You need something white to catch the baby, she repeated. Will this do? Joe asked as he pointed to his white polo shirt. That would be perfect, she replied. So, Joe took off his shirt, held on tight, and sure enough, here came the baby. As he says, I caught that baby like a football. Joe stood up holding the baby, someone hollered, It s a boy! and everyone on the subway started laughing and hugging each other. They were celebrating on the subway and everyone loved each other as the subway rattled down the tracks. The birth of a baby on a New York subway united in love a group of total strangers for the remainder of their trip together. Isn t that in microcosm what the birth of Jesus is intended to evoke? His birth is intended to unite us for the remainder of our trip together. I look forward to seeing you in worship during Advent and Christmas. May the blessings of this season give birth to an expansive and contagious love in you that will last into the new year. Greg W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

3 The Westminster Chimes High School & Alumni Choir: A Tradition Continues All students in grades 9 to 12, college, and beyond are invited to be part of our annual Christmas Eve tradition: the High School & Alumni Choir. The choir participates in the 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Rehearsals are in the Youth Music Room on the following dates and times: Wednesday, December 19 Thursday, December 20 Sunday, December 23 6:30 7:30 p.m. 6:30 7:30 p.m. (complimentary dinner at Grotto s following rehearsal) 6:30 7:30 p.m. High School & Alumni Choir 2011 Choir participants are highly encouraged to attend at least two of the three rehearsals. Contact Mary Beth Davis ( or marybethdavis@wpc.org) for more information. Lutheran Community Services and Westminster Partner to Help Those in Need Lutheran Community Services (LCS), with headquarters located across Rodney Street, has often been supported by Westminster, especially the LCS FAITH Center and the St. Stephen s Pantry. LCS and Westminster continue to work together to offer a hand to those in need. New Life Furnishings, a new program at Westminster, aids low-income families and individuals by providing needed furniture and household items. Clients of LCS have received a wonderful boost toward independence with items from New Life Furnishings, including twin and queen-sized beds, bedding, dressers, lamps, cribs, chairs, dishes, toys, and much more. We are grateful for this opportunity to work together with LCS to help others. December 2012/January

4 Shop Early for ECHO Gifts and Global Gifts Shop early for ECHO Gifts and Global Gifts for Christmas giving! For those not familiar with these programs, they are alternative giftgiving opportunities that will be meaningful to those you remember at Christmas while benefiting Westminster-supported missions in Wilmington and beyond. For ECHO Gifts, we invite you to pick up a blue shopping list from the literature tables throughout the church. Read both sides, make your choices, and follow the directions to receive gift cards explaining your gift to present to your friends and family. In this time of so much need right here in our city, this is one way you can help others and relieve your burden of shopping! For Global Gifts, please contact Mary Field (marykfield@comcast.net or ). Please consider the blessings you have and remember those who have so little by selecting ECHO Gifts and Global Gifts this year. Christmas Boxes Project HURRY! Have you chosen any stars from the Wish Trees yet? (Remember to sign in the nearby notebook.) You have only until December 9 to bring your wrapped star gift from the Wish Tree and your food donations to church for the Christmas Boxes (check the inventory listings to learn what s still needed). Help make Christmas Day a joy for 125 families in need W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

5 The Westminster Chimes Welcome, Lauren Cardillo! In October, Westminster welcomed Lauren Cardillo as the new Director of Preschool Ministries. Lauren is a member of Westminster and a native Delawarean. She and her husband, Bryan, have three children: Courtney (10), Jac (8), and Madison (6). Lauren graduated from Archmere Academy and the University of Delaware and received her doctor of pharmacy degree from the Medical College of Virginia in She was a pharmacist at Happy Harry s on Union Street for many years before retiring in 2010 as Walgreens Pharmacy Manager. The Cardillo family resides in Alapocas with their two dogs, a golden retriever and a bichon. In her spare time, Lauren is active at the YMCA and volunteers at her children s school (IHM). Bryan works for JPMorgan Chase in the IT Department and is an adjunct professor at Wilmington College. The position of Director of Preschool Ministries, formerly known as the Director of Under Six, requires strong leadership and organizational skills. As director, Lauren will have primary staff responsibility for the preschool programs on Sunday mornings. This program was previously directed by Jeanne Checkel, whose service to Westminster and the children of this church, year after year, has been extraordinary and for which we are grateful. Lauren has the enthusiasm and people skills that will continue the high standards of these important programs for our young families. She will be present and available for an average of three Sundays a month and will arrange for volunteer oversight in her absence. Welcome, Lauren! Are You Ready for Your Christmas Guests? December 8 and 9 Conrad and Martha are, but Rhonda s not! These characters in this year s 180 dinner theatre production The Night Before Christmas: Radically Changed will help you prepare! Tickets for the performances on December 8 and 9 can still be purchased online at Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. The ticket price includes a catered lunch/dinner by Gallagher Caterers of Wilmington. All profits from the production will benefit the Chad Miller Youth Mission Fund. Will Conrad and Martha s guest arrive? Will Rhonda be ready for Christmas? Come find out and witness a radical change! December 2012/January

6 To Combat Hunger Locally, Bring Food Directly to Church and Serve in the Community During December, our mission emphasis is alleviating hunger. In our greater community, Westminster is very involved in providing meals and food to those who are in need. Here are several ways you can help feed hungry families: Family Promise Provide a meal and hospitality to the families who will be living at Westminster from November 25 to December 2. For more information, contact Mary Lou McDowell ( ). Hanover Food Closet/Lutheran Community Services Food Pantry Bring food to Westminster every Sunday. Canned or boxed food items are needed, especially highprotein foods such as canned meats and tuna, beans, and peanut butter. Canned vegetables, fruits, rice, and cereal are also important. Every Wednesday, Susan Alexander screens and refers families to these food banks. Please place your donations in the large gray plastic cans found near the entrances to our church and in Community Hall. For more information, contact Jim Carter ( ). Preparing and Serving Meals to Hungry People Members of Westminster are very involved in the preparation and serving of food to those in need. This provides a wonderful opportunity to not only feed the stomach, but also the souls of those who are less fortunate. Contact one of the members listed below to get involved, and have a powerful, positive impact on our community! Emmanuel Dining Room West Serve lunch on the 4th of each month (Camilla Jones) Emmanuel Dining Room East Serve lunch on the 17th of each month (Patty Rittenhouse) You can also help sort or deliver food to Hanover Food Closet one hour per month (contact Susan Williamson at ) and Lutheran Community Services Food Pantry one day per month, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. weekdays (contact Steve Tindall at ). Christmas Boxes This great Westminster tradition provides food and Christmas gifts for 125 families (approximately 450 people). Please look for brightly wrapped boxes around the church during December and bring canned cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, and fruit and boxes of cereal. Plan to attend the fabulous Christmas Boxes Packing Party on December 14 (see page 8)! W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

7 The Westminster Chimes Saturday Breakfast Club Serve breakfast every Saturday at the former West Presbyterian Church (Tenney Wheatley, Sue Weissinger) Sunday Breakfast Club Serve breakfast four weekends a year at Saints Andrew and Matthew Episcopal Church (Frank Waldburger) Family Promise Provide a meal and hospitality for those staying at Westminster (Mary Lou McDowell) Sojourner s Place Birthday Project Provide dessert and hospitality monthly (Jeanne Checkel) Will We Cancel Sun Worship in Inclemen In Loving Memory Andrew s Place Prepare and share dinner with elderly men at St. Andrew s Episcopal Church (John Doyle) Epiphany House Prepare and share dinner with women on the second Wednesday of each month (Dede Johnston) Code Purple Prepare soups for use as needed during winter (Beth Bowersock) In addition, there are opportunities to help sort and/or deliver food: Food Bank of Delaware Per arrangement (TJ Roe) Recent Member Death Please remember Jack Bowling and keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. John (Jack) F. Bowling January 16, 1919 October 12, 2012 December 2012/January

8 Will We Cancel Sunday Worship in Inclement Weather? Weekly worship is essential to our well-being, so we try not to cancel Sunday worship due to inclement weather. One advantage Westminster has in snowy conditions is that we are located on a main artery in Wilmington and the city generally does a good job of cleaning Pennsylvania Avenue. In addition, we can have our parking lot plowed and our entrances cleared. However, we are concerned about your safety and do not want you to slip on the ice or have an accident due to slippery roads. Some live near main streets that are plowed, but some have great difficulty getting to a main road. Therefore, if we have a snowstorm but do not cancel worship, please use your own judgment. If you are comfortable driving in the snow and will not put yourself in jeopardy, we welcome you to attend worship. If you stay at home, please set aside 30 to 60 minutes to read and reflect on Scripture and to pray. Also, you may go to our website at and click on Worship & Music from the main menu on the left. Then click on Sermons & Bulletins to read and reflect on a past sermon and to pull up a worship bulletin. If worship is cancelled, a message will be on the church telephone ( ) and the home page of our website ( Come and Join the Westminster Party Elves Friday, December 14, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. You are invited to join the Party Elves at Westminster s annual Christmas Boxes Packing Party and Potluck Dinner on Friday, December 14, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Please bring a covered dish to serve 12 people (last names beginning with A-L bring desserts, M-R bring sides/salads, and S-Z bring main dishes), a roll or two of wrapping paper, scissors, and tape. It is important to contact the church to let us know how many of you to expect for dinner so we can have enough tables set up in advance. Please label your dish when you get to Community Hall so everyone will know what it is, especially those with food allergies. We will provide 3 5 cards for this purpose. This is a wonderful multi-generational event and will surely get everyone into the holiday spirit! Questions? Contact Robin Rosser at rlrosser@aol.com. Christmas Boxes Packing Party W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

9 The Westminster Chimes Youth Mission Update Ten Westminster youth and four adults will travel to Zacapa, Guatemala, from June 21 to 30, While there, the group will complete a variety of mission projects under the direction of Hearts in Motion. To learn more, visit and watch for updates in future issues of The Chimes. Christmas Eve Offering Each year our Christmas Eve offering is dedicated to furthering the mission of Jesus Christ in our world. This year, your gifts will be distributed to the following groups: Neighborhood Food Pantries specifically Hanover Food Closet and Lutheran Community Services Food Pantry, recognizing that one in four Delawareans will apply for emergency food assistance this year. Urban Promise ministries that enable children and youth living in the most dangerous parts of our city to develop the skills necessary for academic achievement, personal growth, and life management. Church in the World Projects to support the education of girls and women in Congo and Guatemala. Churches for Middle East Peace the national faith coalition working in support of a comprehensive solution to bring peace and justice to the region and supported by Westminster s Peacemaking Committee. Thank you for your generous support to further peace in our world. December 2012/January

10 How YOU Are Helping to Alleviate Hunger Hunger is called the world s greatest solvable problem. Hunger is called an invisible epidemic by those who feel it and those who work to eliminate it. Hunger keeps children from reaching their potential and leads to more frequent illnesses. In Delaware, 23% of children live in poverty, the chief cause of hunger. Seniors are also greatly affected by lack of proper nutrition. SNAP (the federal food stamp program) allows for $2 per day per person. Seventy-five percent of families using food stamps have children, and onethird of recipients are the elderly and those with disabilities. In a recent Gallup poll, Delaware placed third behind Mississippi and Alabama in the percentage of residents who struggle to afford food. One in four Delawareans receive emergency food assistance though food pantries, soup kitchens, school lunches, and meals supplied through other institutions. Westminster takes seriously the command of Jesus to feed the hungry. The Urban Mission Committee, though your pledges and donations, distributes financial gifts to many organizations that feed men, women, and children. Our policy is to give only to those programs that we also support with our volunteers, so that means Westminster volunteers can be found in many sites that give food directly to the hungry. This is where you will find Westminster s food donations, dollars, and money: Christmas Boxes ($5200) members prepare boxes with gifts and donated cans and boxes of food for a Christmas meal for 125 families. Emmanuel Dining Rooms ($4000) volunteers prepare lunches on the 4th and 17th of each month. EDR serves 550 meals a day to men, women, and children. Food Bank of Delaware ($1000) the Food Bank of Delaware serves 241,000 people each year. Volunteers serve on the board and sort donated food. Hanover Food Closet ($5104) volunteers distribute food to 45 families every Thursday. Westminster members bring boxes and cans of food each Sunday, and the donations are taken to Hanover and LCS Food Pantry. LCS Food Pantry ($6557) Members donate food and can help distribute food to 50 families a day (Monday to Friday). Saturday Morning Breakfast ($13,500) volunteers prepare breakfast and serve more than 200 people each week. Saints Andrew and Matthew volunteers bake quiches for Sunday breakfast for the residents; donate peanut butter and jelly, bread, coffee, tea, and sugar for other programs; and prepare and serve soup and sandwiches during the bitter winter nights of Code Purple. Family Promise ($11,155) volunteers prepare guest rooms and serve breakfast and dinner to families four weeks a year. Epiphany House volunteers prepare a meal to share with the women residents. If hunger and doing something about it is important to you, the Urban Mission Committee will help you become involved and welcomes your ideas and your energy W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

11 The Westminster Chimes Planned Giving by Suzanne Crouch, CFRE Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 A student in one of my stewardship classes once said to me, I can give generously or joyfully, but it s hard to do both at the same time. I think that s true for many of us. Yet, in Deuteronomy 15, God asks us for both. God wants our giving to be both generous and joyful. Why is that? One reason is that giving should benefit the gift giver as well as the gift receiver. If someone receives a gift from someone with a grudging heart, they gain nothing. When, however, we give with joyful hearts, both the giver and the receiver are blessed. In our gift giving, we have the opportunity to teach the next generation about Christian stewardship. For this reason, it s good for gift givers to share what motivated their generosity. As you prepare to give, ask yourself, What ministry of my congregation do I value most? What example will my stewardship set for the children of my congregation? What seeds will they watch me plant today and harvest in the years to come? These types of questions can and should inspire us to become grateful givers and faithful stewards of all God has provided. To learn more about including the church in your estate plans and how your legacy can support its ministry, please contact the church office at December 2012/January

12 Heartfelt Appreciation and Loads of Love for Jeanne Checkel If you, your child, or your grandchildren grew up at Westminster, undoubtedly Mrs. Checkel played a very significant role in your and their Christian nurture. In fact, most of us cannot remember Westminster and the Under Six Department before Mrs. Checkel. After decades of volunteer service as director of the Under Six (now Preschool) Department, Jeanne Checkel has decided to retire. Jeanne ran an outstanding program in Under Six for more than 25 years. Such rare dedication is the result of her passionate love for children and for Westminster. In fact, Jeanne s commitment to our children and children s programs extended far beyond the Under Six walls into such program areas as Chapel Club, Christmas Eve services, Wonderful Weekdays, and Vacation Bible School. One grandmother recalls her grandchildren, when in first grade, expressing their eagerness to be old enough to attend Checkel Club (ie, Chapel Club) at church. It takes a minimum of 32 volunteers to staff Westminster s Sunday morning preschool programs. Jeanne recruited each one every year, plus summer Sunday school volunteers. In addition, she kept the Under Six supply closets stocked, made coffee every Sunday for her teachers, sent birthday cards to children and notices to parents, led preschool music time, substituted when a teacher had an emergency, and coordinated all the little angels and shepherds for the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Jeanne knew how to engage parents and support her teachers. Her gifts are many, but Jeanne s leadership in Under Six has been exceptional. Believing that Christian nurture for our youngest disciples is foundational to the church s entire Christian education ministry, Jeanne also served on the Christian Education Committee, advocating consistently for the needs of young children and their families. The Christian Education Committee joins with the Session and the church staff in expressing our sincere appreciation to Jeanne Checkel for her many years of dedicated Christian service in the Under Six Department. The good news is that although Jeanne is retiring from Under Six, she is not leaving Westminster. Look for her on Sunday mornings, sitting in worship with her husband, Bob, for the first time in more than a quarter of a century. Thank you, Jeanne, from the bottom of every little heart that was touched by you! W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

13 The Westminster Chimes Welcome New Members Session recently received four new members: John and Signy Carson, Debbie McCullough, and Judy Stoddard. John and Signy have been attending Westminster on and off for the past five years. Both are retired and divide their time between Wilmington and Canada. They are excited about joining our church family. Debbie has three children, works in the home health care field for St. Francis Hospital, and joined Westminster because she found us to be a warm and welcoming church family. Judy and her husband, Bob (a retired Presbyterian minister), have two children (Malcolm and Carrie are both members of Westminster) and four wonderful grandchildren: Ella, Ian, Evelyn, and Baden. In her free time, Judy ranks playing with her grandchildren as one of her great joys. Please welcome them as you meet them in worship, in the Holy Toast Café, in an adult education class, or serving in one of the many ministries supported by Westminster. Call for Annual Meeting Sunday, January 27, 2013, at 10:10 a.m The annual congregational and corporate meetings of Westminster Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2013, at 10:10 a.m. for the purpose of conducting the following business: 1. To receive the report of the Church Officer Nominating Committee and to elect elders, deacons, and trustees; 2. To elect congregational at-large members to the Church Officer Nominating Committee; 3. To receive the financial report of 2012; 4. To receive the budget report for 2013; 5. To consider changes to the calls of the pastors; and 6. To consider any other business which may properly come before the meeting. By order of Session: Gregory Knox Jones, Moderator Ellie Furry, Clerk of Session December 2012/January

14 10:TEN Adult Education Classes in December 2012 Westminster by Heart December 2, 9, and 16 Led by Biblical storytellers Mary-beth Howard and Shelley Gnade Sanctuary and/or Ruth Christie Room Westminster by Heart is a group of lay members committed to learning the scripture by heart and bringing it to our congregation in worship services throughout the year. The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem An Advent Series by Adam Hamilton December 2, 9, 16, and 23 Discussion Leader: Jill Getty Classroom 3 In this DVD series, Adam Hamilton offers a fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ as he travels on location from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Each session contains 10- to 15-minute video vignettes of Adam Hamilton. Guided discussion follows. Adam Hamilton s The Journey will add a new depth and joy to your Christmas season. Adult Education Booklet for Winter 2012 Spring 2013 For a more complete listing of adult education opportunities from January to May 2013, please pick up an Adult Education Booklet starting Sunday, December 16. Copies will be available on the information table and will be distributed in the adult education classes that morning W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

15 The Westminster Chimes The Exotic and Mystical Poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins December 2 and 9 Facilitator: Steve Steinwedel Ruth Christie Room Jesuit priest and poet Gerard Manley Hopkins (July 28, 1844 June 8, 1889) is regarded as one of the Victorian era s greatest poets. His unique and wonderful style says simple things in a strange way and thus makes them exotic and fabulous. His love of nature and Christ are clear throughout his work. This class will help participants gain a deeper understanding of both Hopkins and his poetry. Talking to Kids About Sexuality December 2, 9, and 16 Presenter: Yvonne Nass Classroom 6 The issue of children and sexuality is intimidating for many parents, yet Yvonne Nass is able to help parents discern when and how to talk to their children. Ms. Nass is a certified parent educator and consultant with more than 35 years of professional experience. Pilgrimage Into the Last Third of Life December 9 Presenter: Sue Linderman Classroom 5 To Baby Boomers and those Young at Heart What does the future hold for us? How will our faith enable us to experience the abundant life that Jesus promises even unto old-old age with its probable limitations? We will seek to explore these and other questions over a period of eight weeks starting in January If you d like to learn more, please stop by Classroom 5 on Sunday, December 9, and share your thoughts or contact Sue Linderman ( or srlinder@dca.net). December 2012/January

16 10:TEN Adult Education Classes in January 2013 Westminster by Heart Continuing on Sunday mornings at 10:TEN Led by Biblical storytellers Mary-beth Howard and Shelley Gnade Sanctuary and/or Ruth Christie Room Westminster by Heart is a group of lay members committed to learning the scripture by heart and bringing it to our congregation in worship services throughout the year. Experiencing God: Meet the Creator Who Is Flesh and Spirit for You January 6, 13, and 20 (and continuing through February) Facilitator: Jill Getty Classroom 3 Enter into an authentic encounter with a God who enters human history and transforms our destiny from death to life. This six-session series features 10 Luther Seminary scholars and teachers of the church who will connect us with the God who is present as Creator, Savior, and Spirit. The faculty participating are Frederick Gaiser, Sarah Henrich, Mary Hess, Diane Jacobson, David Lose, Lois Malcolm, Alan Padgett, Steve Paulson, Matthew Skinner, and Richard Wallace. What Money Can t Buy: A Discussion of Social and Personal Values January 6, 13, and 20 Presenter: Dave McBride Classroom 6 The role of money and wealth in our society and in our personal lives has been a perpetual question. This class will explore those questions based on three recently published books and a 1956 book and movie. Parents of Little Ones (POLO): Reconnecting for Fellowship and Discussions About Faith and Family January 6: Informal gathering at 10:TEN in Classroom 5. Reconnect with friends after the holidays. Susan Moseley will also facilitate a discussion about future topics and opportunities specifically designed for parents. January 13: Discipleship in the home. Susan Moseley will facilitate a discussion about faith and family life. January 20: A guest speaker (to be announced in December) will introduce ways for parents to care for themselves when the demands of job, children, and home leave them feeling inadequate and overwhelmed W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

17 The Westminster Chimes Upcoming Flying Solo Events Listed below are the upcoming Flying Solo events. More details will be in the Westminster Weekly Word, or contact Margo Reign or Anne Gunn for more information. 180 Dinner Theatre December 8 and 9 Look for a group of Flying Solo friends at either the Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon youth dinner theatre. Purchase your own ticket and we will sit together. For more information on the dinner theatre, see page 5. Christmas Concert December 16 Also look for Flying Solo folks at the Christmas Concert on December 16 (see page 19). We will do something together afterwards. Saturday Morning Breakfast December 29 Flying Solo will help serve breakfast to the homeless at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 29. Please let Tenney Wheatley ( ) know if you will attend. New Year s Day Celebration January 1 On New Year s Day, we will gather at the home of Cathy Glober from approximately 2:00 p.m. to whenever! Details will be provided in the Westminster Weekly Word or contact Cathy at Game Night January 26 Join us at Karen Beer s home around 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, to play various board games. An evening of many laughs and much fun is guaranteed! Please bring a snack to share. December 2012/January

18 Update: Living Mosaics Have you attended the Living Mosaics worship service, which is held in Rodney Chapel on Sunday mornings at 11:15 a.m.? If not, please plan to experience this new and creative worship service, which is focused on congregational participation and the use of images and sound. It is proving to be a well-received and meaningful experience for those who have attended. The Worship and Music Committee hopes that as the service continues to develop, members of the church and visitors will find the more intimate setting, the beauty of the space, the outstanding music, and the leadership of our pastors to be conducive to spiritual growth and inspirational worship. Please plan to join us! Westminster by Heart Storytellers Take It on the Road Sixteen storytellers from Westminster by Heart presented the Sermon on the Mount in a worship service in June. The feedback from this service was so overwhelmingly encouraging that this group of lay tellers from our own congregation decided to stretch and offer their gifts to some of our members and friends in retirement communities. On October 28, they gathered at Cokesbury s evening worship service to present highlights of the Sermon on the Mount. The group was warmly welcomed by a very appreciative group of listeners and rejoiced in reuniting with some best-loved friends who are no longer able to get to church so often. Participants in the Cokesbury service were Jill Getty, Shelley Gnade, Mary-beth Howard, Teresa Lunardi, and Jon McPheeters, who presented a selection of Jesus oft-quoted and honored sermon. As always, the storytellers received more than they gave and were honored to have been invited. Many thanks to Jill Getty, who worked closely with Westminster s storytellers and with Cokesbury s chaplain, Deb Ebling, to design and coordinate the worship service. If you have an interest in exploring the rich spiritual gifts that come from committing to telling a story, please contact Mary-beth Howard (m-b@comcast.net) or Shelley Gnade (shelley.gnade@gmail.com). We d love to have you join us in spreading the story W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

19 The Westminster Chimes Music at Westminster presents our 2012 Christmas Musical Celebration Sunday, December 16 4:00 p.m. This year s featured work is a most delightful one by American composer Conrad Susa: Carols and Lullabies ~ Christmas in the Southwest Based on a collection of Spanish carols, the work features our Westminster Choir and soloists, accompanied by a unique ensemble of harp, marimba, vibraphone, and guitar. Guest instrumentalists include Philadelphia harpist Kimberly Rowe, with Christiaan Taggart on guitar and Harvey Price on percussion. Free admission (offering received) and child care provided. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From the Westminster Staff! The church offices will close at 12:00 noon on Monday, December 24, and will reopen on Wednesday, January 2, We are also closed on Monday, January 21. PLEASE NOTE: All contributions postmarked on or before December 31, 2012, will be considered received in December 2012/January

20 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Wilmington, DE Permit No West 13th Street Wilmington, DE Pastors The Rev. Dr. Gregory Jones The Rev. Dr. Anne Ledbetter The Rev. Jill Getty WPC Director of Communications & Database Management Nicole Hughes Graphic Design by Trellist Marketing & Technology Next Chimes Deadline: Monday, January 7 at 11:00 a.m. For the February 2013 Issue Submissions can be made at Hold the Date for Our Next Concert at Westminster Our annual Winter Musical Gala on Friday, February 1, at 8:00 p.m. will feature our Westminster soloists and choir in hit selections from the worlds of sacred music, opera, and musical theatre and even a bit more! The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color visit