A Word From The Pastor THE SCRIPT The unfolding story between God and God s people at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Everyone has a part to play. December 2010/January 2011 THE NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS Your Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) had their first meeting this month, which means the next chapter in our church s life has officially begun. The Session is committed to and excited about the hiring of a full-time associate pastor. They believe, and I concur, that a full-time pastor is the best way to grow our church, both in faith and in numbers. A full-time associate will add capacity to our staff by allowing us to: Offer even more pastoral care to those in need. Recruit and empower more of you to do God s work. Ensure that disciples of all ages are connected with what God is doing. Expand and enhance our worship experience. Give greater attention to the needs of our children, students, and their families. Plan, implement, and staff more mission projects and trips. As the APNC discerns who God is calling to serve Westminster as a full-time Associate Pastor for Discipleship please keep them in your prayers. They will be updating you of their work through the website and the newsletter. The members of the committee are Moderator Lisa Canterbury, Secretary Denise Howell, members Louis Curlee, Lindy Lincicome, Marge Rearick, Jim Shriner, and Doug Whittington. In the meantime be sure to take full advantage of all the church currently offers to help you encounter God and grow in faith. Serve. Sing. Worship. Study. Pray. Together, with God s help, we can be a place where all of God s children experience the love and grace of the God who comes to us, as one of us. Merry Christmas! Pastor Derek GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS As we wrap up the 2011 Stewardship Campaign there is much to celebrate. More than half of the pledges received have been increases over last year. Many of you, who were able, responded to the call to give 10% more. Many of you also maintained your pledge or gave as much as you were able. To all those members who have pledged, thank you. Making a pledge to the church is a spiritual commitment to be a part of God s work in the world. There are still, however, many members who have not yet pledged this year who pledged last year. As of December 6, 2010, the total dollar amount pledged is still behind the previous year s total. We are still regaining ground from the impact of the recession. Your help is needed. Every one of you matters. Every member working together enables the church, the body of Christ, to do God s work. If you are able, please turn in a pledge for 2011. Every gift, no matter the size, empowers us to do God s work in this place.
INTRODUCING NEW MEMBERS It is with joy we introduce the following new members to our church family They were received into membership by Session on Sunday, November 14, 2010, and were recognized at the worship service that same day. Leo Allen Cunnngham was received into membership by Profession of Faith. He resides at 2313 Lynnwood Drive, Stow, Ohio 442224; phone 330-688-0833. Leo is a store manager for Jacos Too. Daun W. and Thomas C. Gates were received into membership by Reaffirmation of Faith. They reside at 930 Sturbridge Drive, Akron, Ohio 44313; phone 330-836-5974. Their email is tgates1@neo.rr.com. They were previous members of Westminster from 1967 to 1972. Daun and Tom are retired and they have 3 grown children. Virgina L. MacIntosh was received into membership by Reaffirmation of Faith. She resides at 1148 W. Market Street, Apt. 116, Akron, Ohio 44313; phone 330-835-1201. Ginny was a previous member of Christ Presbyterian church in Edina, Minnesota where she was an elder. She has 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Helen L. and Mark F. Preebe were received into membership by Profession of Faith. They reside at 5255 Brockton Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224; phone 330-650-6839. Helen s email is hpreebe@msn.com. Mark is retired from the City of Akron where he was an electrician. Daun is employed as Deputy Clerk of Council for the City of Stow. They have two grown children, Linda Preebe and Lisa Canterbury, who are members of Westminster. Edith L. Willoughby was received into membership by Letter of Transfer from Park Central Presbyterian Church where she was an elder and a deacon. She resides at 186 Court Drive, #306, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333; phone 330-576-6886. Her email is EdieW@aol.com. Edie has been a librarian, archivist, and museum curator and is now retired. She has 3 grown children.
ADULT EDUCATION in DECEMBER and JANUARY Sundays, December 12 and 19 Sundays, January 2, 9, 16, and 23 9:30 a.m. Gillespie Student Center Reel and Relevant Come learn more about the BIble passage of the day using video clips and contemporary music to stir discussion. Prior attendance is never required. Students and adults are both encouraged to attend. Sunday, January 9, 16, and 23 9:30 a.m. in Room 106 What s So Amazing About Grace Using the book written by Phillip Yancey with the same title as a springboard for discussion, Pastor Derek will explore the radical nature of God s grace. Is everyone saved? Is grace really free? Are some sins worse than others? How do we forgive that one person we find it hard to forgive? ANDERSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY NEWS Wow! We have lots of people to thank this month. Stacy Franzmann has donated three gorgeously illustrated children s books: Kitten s First Full Moon, Mortimer s Christmas Manger, and Bedtime for Little Bears! Someone has anonymously given two Bible concordances including the NRSV Exhaustive Concordance. Other donors have been Sharlene Santelli and Pastor Derek. Thanks to the Louise Jacobs fund, we also have added two more new VeggieTales DVDs: It s a Meaningful Life and Josh and the Big Wall. We have purchased a picture book version of Three Cups of Tea called Listen to the Wind, which tells the story of the girls schools constructed in Pakistan and Afghanistan by the efforts of Greg Mortenson. We have also purchased a third version of this same story for older children and teens called Three Cups of Tea. Three other books which have been added lately include: Prayer: A History; From the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Forbidden Book: A Brief History of the Bible Told Through Ancient Manuscripts & Early Printed Bibles; and Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. Thank you everyone for your generosity!! We would like to acknowledge all of our donors but sometimes donations appear without a name. Please include your name if you want to be acknowledged.
December and January @ WESTMINSTER Opportunities for ENCOUNTER JANUARY BIRTHDAYS will be celebrated on January 2, the first Sunday of the month, in Wright-Herberich Hall. Come enjoy cake and fellowship. DINNER BRIDGE CLUB - Saturday, January 8 6:00 p.m. in Wright-Herberich Hall Bring a dish, enjoy a pot luck dinner, and then play bridge for a couple of hours. December winners were Dodi Meade, Ed Seliga, Betty Johnson and Carol Ramey. Partners are provided, and all levels of players are welcome. Join us for an enjoyable social evening. For reservations, call Sally and Monte York, 330-836-5725. MEN OF WESTMINSTER - Monday, January 10 12:30 p.m. in Wright-Herberich Hall Come and join in fellowship with Westminster men. Lunch is $6.00. For reservations, call Bill Rogers, 330-864-6492. BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP - Monday, January 10 7:00 p.m. in Anderson Library Harriet Cutler will lead the discussion of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson. All are welcome to read the books and to join our discussions. MONDAY SUPPER CLUB - Monday, January 24 6:00 p.m. in Wright-Herberich Hall Bring a salad, vegetable, or dessert and your own place setting. Call Neil and Mary Carpenter, 330-864-0707, for reservations. CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING on CHRISTMAS EVE For over seventy years, Presbyterians have given generously at Christmas to support the unmet needs of families who have devoted their lives to the mission of the PC(USA). Today this offering is shared equally by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides critical assistance to Presbyterian Church workers and their families, and Presbyterian-affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling. In this season when we celebrate the child born in Bethlehem, we also realize that the birth of Jesus ushered in a new realm of God s love at work in the world. Presbyterians can respond to that love by giving generously to the Christmas Joy Offering, which will be taken on Christmas Eve. There will be envelopes in the pews for your convenience. CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Sunday December 19, during 10:30 a.m. worship service Ways to GROW REEL/RELEVANT Sundays, December 12, 19, January 2, 9, 16, 23 9:30 a.m. in Gillespie Student Center Come learn more about the BIble passage of the day using video clips and contemporary music to stir discussion. Prior attendance is never required. Students and adults are both encouraged to attend. WHAT S SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE Sundays, January 9, 16, 23 9:30 a.m. in Room 106 Using the book written by Phillip Yancey with the same title as a springboard for discussion, Pastor Derek will explore the radical nature of God s grace. Is everyone saved? Is grace really free? Are some sins worse than others? How do we forgive that one person we find it hard to forgive? PARENTING GROUP - Sunday, January 9 5:00 p.m. in Wright-Herberich Hall Once a month families gather for fellowship and a discussion on parenting. After a meal together, the children head off to childcare and parents engage in a thoughtful, lively discussion. Please call the church office with questions. WORKING MEN S FAITH BREAKFAST Thursday, December 16 & January 20 at 6:45 a.m. Room 106 This group of men meets once a month for fellowship and Bible study. If you have an interest in joining them for bagels and coffee as the sun rises, contact Pastor Derek. THE MAIN EVENT FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays in Gillespie Student Center We will take off over Christmas on December 22 & 29 and will meet all the Wednesdays in January starting on January 5. It would be awesome if students would make the Main Event a part of their New Year s Resolutions. Call or email Carl during Christmas break to hang out. Sunday, January 30, there is an incredible concert at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. A number of great bands will be there. This is an opportunity to bring friends. Tickets are only $10.00. We re looking for some parental help for transportation. Please let Carl know if you are interested. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 5:00 p.m. on December 24, 2010 All are invited to this service of carols, candles and wonderful music. The Christmas Joy Offering will be taken. Infant and toddler care is available. Childcare for infants and toddlers. Getting the Word Out. The deadline for announcements and articles for the February Script is Friday, January 14, 2010.
December and January @ WESTMINSTER Ways to SERVE STEWARDSHIP SEASON COMING TO A CLOSE As the leadership of the church wraps up the year, they are busy planning for an exciting 2011. If you have yet to make a pledge in support of the ministry and mission of the church in the coming year, please do so soon so they can plan accordingly. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference! The leadership of the church also invites you to consider Westminster in your end of year giving. The church counts on your generosity this time of the year to ensure ending the year in the black. Thank you for all the ways you give to Westminster and to God s work in this place! CHRISTMAS BASKET DELIVERY -Saturday, December 18 9:00 a.m. in Wright-Herberich Hall Bring your family and help deliver 250 baskets of food to the needy. FOOD COLLECTION ON FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH Please bring non-perishable food items to worship on the first Sunday of the month. You can also drop off food during the month in the blue box located in the coat room off Wright-Herberich Hall. The food is given to Good Neighbors to help feed the hungry in Akron. PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN - ACME TAPES The Acme Tape Community Cash Back program runs from September 25, 2010, and ends February 19, 2011. Everyone in the congregation is asked to save Acme tapes. There are boxes for them in Wright-Herberich Hall and in the narthex. The money PW receives from this program goes toward Mission giving. THE GIVING TREE Thank you for bringing new or slightly used hats and mittens to church for the children of Access, a shelter here in Akron for the women and children of Summit County. Sunday, December 12, was the last day the children of the church could bring hats and mittens forward during worship, but all can place new or slightly used mittens under the Giving Tree anytime up through Christmas Eve! SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS Sunday, January 23 11:30 a.m. in Room 211 We will evaluate how we are doing half way through the school year. Come with questions and comments. Anyone interested in teaching God s word to our children or being a substitute is invited to attend to hear from those who are teaching our new program. Other News The CHURCH OFFICES will be closed Monday, December 27, and Monday, January 3. GOING GREEN AT WESTMINSTER To save money on paper products, we are using coffee mugs instead of paper cups during fellowship hour on Sunday mornings and during small group gatherings throughout the week. After you finish your coffee or tea please return the mugs to the table. Special thanks to Elder Bruce Stebner for designing the mugs. Also, as you recycle your paper products, please consider using the green recycle bin located in the church parking lot adjacent to Rockynol. The church receives proceeds from the collection. HOMEBOUND COMMUNION Pastor Derek is eager to bring communion to the home, hospital or nursing home of those who are unable to come to church. Please call Homebound Communion Coordinator Mary Mild, 330-664-1037, to make arrangements. FAMILY-FRIENDLY AREA While families with young children are always welcome to sit anywhere in the sanctuary, to help them adapt to the new worship format, the Worship Committee has designated the front, right transept, located near the entrance into Wright-Herberich Hall, as the family-friendly area. The pews in this area will be equipped with activity boxes with crayons and other small items to occupy small children. FIVE AT FIVE CONCERT Sunday, January 23 5:00 p.m. in sanctuary The Burning River Brass will present an enjoyable concert. Free to all through the support of many. Childcare will be provided. ANNUAL MEETING AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST Sunday, January 30, in Wright-Herberich Hall 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Pancake Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Annual Meeting All are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, to join others for a short Bible Study exploring the mission of the church, to learn more about the ministries and missions of Westminster from the leadership, to hear the State of the Church from Pastor Derek, and to approve the Pastor s terms of call for 2011. Prior to the meeting there will be a pancake breakfast for all in Wright-Herberich Hall! There will be no education for children or adults, so all can attend.
December and January Worship @ WPC Sunday, December 12, 2010 Third Sunday in Advent Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11 Education at 9:30 a.m. for adults and children Greeters: Betty and Dick Young Sunday, December 19, 2010 - Children s Pageant and Communion Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 No Children s Education (Pageant Practice at 8:45 a.m.) Greeters: Ann and Jack Cousins Friday, December 24, 2010 at 5 p.m. - Christmas Eve Service Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 Infant and toddler care available. Sunday, December 26, 2010 - Christmas Carol Sing Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23 No education hour for adults or children Sunday, January 2 - Non-perishable Food Collection Scripture: John 1:1-18 No education hour for children Sunday, January 9, 2011 - Baptism of the Lord Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 Full schedule of education for children and adults resumes. Flowers: Given by Westminster Dinner Bridge Club in memory of members of the club who have passed away. Flower Arranger: Sook Lee Sunday, January 16, 2011 Ordination & Installation of Officers Scripture: John 1:29-42 Flowers: Given in loving memory of Wayne F. Nelson by his wife, Esther, and family. Flower Arranger: Anna Marie Wilton Sunday, January 23, 2011 Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23 Flowers: Given by Monday Supper Club in memory of members of the club who have passed away this year. Flower Arranger: Holli Limbach Sunday, January 30 - Pancake Breakfast and Annual Meeting No education hour for adults or children Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12 Flowers: NO DONOR. Please call the office if you would like to donate flowers. Flower Arranger: Lindy Lincicome Ushers for December are Ed Stover, head usher; Stephen Burt, Lynn D Avello, Steve Harp, Bob Pulling. Ushers for January are David Stobbs, head usher; Ellen Daugherty, Jon Daugherty, Kacey Yates Gable, Earl Pierson. **Correction: There will be no Longest Night Service offered this year on December 21 as part of our Advent and Christmas worship offerings. We apologize for any confusion.
OFFICERS ELECTED AT CONGREGATIONAL MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2010 All, along with elders and deacons elected at previous congregational meeting, will be installed on Sunday, January 16, 2011. ELDERS Class of 2013 ENDOWMENT TRUSTEES CLASS OF 2013 Virginia Melver John Childs James Gray Phillip Keller 2011 AT-LARGE NOMINATING COMMITTEE Kate Clark Nancy Keogh Mike Hale Sunshine Roberts TBD ASSOCIATE PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE Lisa Canterbury Lindy Lincicome Jim Shriner Louis Curlee Marge Rearick Doug Whittington Denise Howell The staff of Westminster wishes you and your family peace and happiness at Christmastime and throughout the New Year. CHURCH FAMILY STORIES @WPC WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS are extended to Nicholas D. Gray and Sabrina A. Hall who were married November 6, 2010, in Dallas Texas. Nicholas is a former member of Westminster and his parents, James and Deloris Gray are members of our congregation. WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS are extended to Rebecca Jane Silver and Michael Preston Amonett who were married November 27, 2010, at Westminster. Rev. Melissa Shaughnessy performed the ceremony. Becky is the daughter of Charles and Susan Silver, members of our congregation. SINCERE SYMPATHY is extended to James Spindler and family in the death of Jim s twin brother, Dean A. Spindler, on December 5, 2010, in Des Plaines, Illinois.
The Post Script... CHILDREN S MINISTRIES There will be a short meeting for all Sunday School Teachers on Sunday, January 23, after worship in Room 211 to evaluate how we are doing half way through the Sunday School year. If you are interested in teaching God s word to our children or being a substitute, I encourage you to also attend to hear from those who are teaching our new program. It s hard to believe we are half way through this Sunday School year. The children are having fun in their classes learning about the same things as their parents. Their spirits are building with the Christmas season getting closer with anticipation of what s to come---the birth of the baby Jesus and of course, Santa Claus. We have some great lessons coming up with activities to peak their interest. If you haven t been to Sunday School yet give it a try at 9:30 a.m. Your children are sure to have fun while learning the stories about Jesus and his friends. Joy came down on Christmas Day as angels came to earth heralding the miracle of our Messiah s birth. Merry Christmas to all and a very Happy New Year! Sharon Easterling, Director of Children s Ministries Westminster Presbyterian Church (USA) 1250 W Exchange St. Akron, OH 44313 www.westminsterakron.com 330-836-2226 DIRECTIONS: Westminster is located just one mile east off Interstate 77, using the Mull Ave./White Pond exit. Parking is located across from the church. All are welcome! COME ENCOUNTER GROW SERVE Pastor, Derek Starr Redwine derekstarrwine@gmail.com Director of Music/Organist, James Mismas jamismas@gmail.com Dir of Children s Ministries, Sharon Easterling sharonleasterling@gmail.com Director of Student Ministries, Carl Anderson baldguycarl@gmail.com Parish Secretary, Marge Beatty marge.beatty@gmail.com Financial Secretary, Robin Bennett rbennettsings@gmail.com