CHIMES - Amazon Simple Storage Services3.amazonaws.com/WestminsterGR/Chimes PDFs/2014... · New...

16
MISSION MATTERS CHIMES February 2015 • Westminster Presbyterian Church •www.wpcgr.org

Transcript of CHIMES - Amazon Simple Storage Services3.amazonaws.com/WestminsterGR/Chimes PDFs/2014... · New...

MISSION MATTERS

CHIMES February 2015 • Westminster Presbyterian Church •www.wpcgr.org

CHIMESA publication of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

47 Jefferson Ave SE • Grand Rapids • MI • 49503 • 616-456-1456

Senior Pastor letter 3 MissionMatters

Worship Schedule 3 February schedule

Weekly Devotions for February 4

Mission Does Matter 5-6 Listen to the stories

WCDC 7 MissionMatters - WCDC benefits

Camp Henry 8 MissionMatters - Dining Hall expansion

Downtown Food Pantry 9 MissionMatters - Upgrades for the Pantry

Martin Luther King, Jr. 10 Special Day - Special poem

Educational Programming 11 Upcoming Offerings Youth Group 12 Looking Ahead - Youth Sunday Mission Trip luncheon Coat Drive

Music Schedule 13 Ahead in worship music Choir schedules

New Youth Leader 13

Small Group News & Events 14-15

Mission matters...

Last month, the Adult Education Hour spent two weeks talking about our hopes for missions at Westminster. Where have we been, as individuals and as a church? Where do we want to go? Serving is a vital part of spiritual life and learning, and this is a conversation we are eager to continue with you.

With the recent hiring of Heather Colletto as our new Minister for Mission, we are continuing a rich legacy of Westminster's mission work that stretches from within our own walls to Benton Harbor, from throughout Grand Rapids to Cuba. It is our hope to empower the great service already being done by many Westminster members, as well as help connect those who wish to serve in the areas God has gifted them.

Are you already serving somewhere? Do you have a gift you want to use, but aren't sure where to begin? Or do you maybe just want to learn what opportunities are out there and see where you fit? Heather Colletto would love to speak with you! Please contact her at 616-717-5536 or [email protected].

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 3

MissionMatters

IntroductIon from the senIor pastor

Grace and peace to you in the Lord Jesus Christ and in God our Creator.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Last month I wrote to you about our theme for 2015—Body Language. This theme describes our focus on the cycle of faith words and action. Body Language is our reflection on how we express our faith and the effect our language has on physical expressions of our faith and how, in turn, what we do affects our talk. As we begin MissionMatters, one of the newer words we are introducing is “praxis.” Praxis is the interplay of theory and practice that values both parts. And the theme for this month’s Chimes is Reflection—and clearly that is an essential part of praxis.

Reflection is a simple, yet subtle part of spiritual practice. Maybe we should call it “thinking it through” or “feeling it all the way to the bottom”—the idea is to get beneath the surface of things, to allow our assumptions to be challenged. Hannah Arendt coined the phrase “the banality of evil” to describe how those at the Nurnberg Trials following the holocaust seemed to go about their business as usual, without reflection, and ended up participating in atrocities against humanity. Reflection—feeling our way and thinking our way through what we are doing—is essential to our faithfulness.

As we approach the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday on February 18, we are invited to begin a particular focus on serious reflection, critical self-analysis, wherein we pray to be illumined by the Spirit and so be led to bear the fruits of that same Spirit.

Join us for worship and join us in MissionMatters—which indeed we pray will bear the fruit of the Spirit as well.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Chandler Stokes

worship schedule february 2015 - 8:30 and 11:00

february 1: leading from the center The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Ordination and Installation of Officers Rev. David Baak preaching Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Mark 1:21-28 Music: Westminster Men's Choir at 8:30a & 11:00a Carol Choir at 11:00a february 8: rooted and reaching The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Sacrament of the Lord's Supper Youth Sunday Music: Kirk Singers at 8:30a & 11:00a february 15: to lead what we started out watching The Transfiguration of the Lord Rev. Chandler Stokes preaching

Scripture: Mark 9:2-9 Music: Midwinter THAW Concert Westminster Winds

LENT 2015february 18: Quit whining ash wednesday at 7:00p Rev. Chandler Stokes preaching Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9 Music: Sanctuary Choir

february 22: divine heartbreak The First Sunday in Lent Rev. Chandler Stokes preaching Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17 Music: Josh Leckrone, Baritone at 8:30aCherub and Sanctuary Choir at 11:00a

body language - What has Changed Us?

4 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

devotIons from rev. stokes

The week of february 1 —Via Negativa (by R.S. Thomas) Why no! I never thought other than That God is that great absence In our lives, the empty silence Within, the place where we go Seeking, not in hope to Arrive or find. He keeps the interstices In our knowledge, the darkness Between stars. His are the echoes We follow, the footprints he has just Left. We put our hand in His side hoping to find It warm. We look at people And places as though he had looked At them, too; but miss the reflection. I pray, Lord, teach me to trust you in the absence. Amen.

The week of february 8 —Blessings (Ronald Walace) occur. Some days I find myself putting my foot in the same stream twice; leading a horse to water and making him drink. I have a clue. I can see the forest for the trees. All around me people are making silk purses out of sows' ears, getting blood from turnips, building Rome in a day. There's a business like show business. There's something new under the sun. Some days misery no longer loves company; it puts itself out of its. There's rest for the weary. There's turning back. There are guarantees. I can be serious. I can mean that. You can quite put your finger on it. Some days I know I am long for this world. I can go home again. And when I go I can take it with me. I pray, Let me trust the grace that turns the shadow of death into daybreak. Amen.

The week of february 15—Camas Lilies (Lynn Unger) Consider the lilies of the field, the blue banks of camas opening into acres of sky along the road. Would the longing to lie down and be washed by that beauty abate if you knew their usefulness, how the native ground their bulbs for flour, how the settler' hogs uprooted them, grunting in gleeful oblivion as the flowers fell? And you —what of your rushed and useful life? Imagine settling it all down— papers, plans, appointments, everything — leaving only a note: "Gone to the fields to be lovely. Be back when I'm through blooming." Even now, unneeded and uneaten, the camas lilies gaze out above the grass from their gender blue eyes. Make no mistake. Of course your work will always matter. Yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of thee. I pray, Lord, let me blossom and be lovely. Amen.

The week of february 22— Falling in Love Nothing is more practical Than finding God, That is, than falling in love In a quite absolute and final way. What you are in love with, What seizes your imagination Will affect everything. It will decide what will get you Out of bed in the morning, What you will do with your evenings; How you will spend your weekends; What you read What you know; What breaks your heart, And amazes you with Joy and Gratitude. Fall in love Stay in love And it will decide everything!1 I pray, O God may I fall and fall again in love with you. Amen. 1Father Pedro Arrupe, S.J., 29th Superior General of the Society of Jesus.

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 5

mIssIon

Mission does matter - Listen to the storiesWhy I support WCDC

Forty two years ago I found myself as a single Mom, facing the reality of supporting my 3 year old daughter and myself, keeping a roof over our heads, food, clothing, health insurance, etc., and the closest family/support group I had was over 150 miles away. I knew I had to make some quick decisions to keep my head above water, and body and soul together. I had a dream for my life and that of my daughter, could I fulfill it? Securing a good job was foremost, but I also had a daughter that needed competent day care. Hence my discovery of Westminster Child Development Center.

My prayers were answered; the Center became my daughter's home away from home. I was confident she was getting quality care, and the sliding fee scale made it all possible for her to attend. I could drop her off before work early in the morning, and pick her up after work. Under the able leadership of Janet Emery at that time, and her staff, my daughter looked forward to going to the Center everyday. She was nurtured and loved, and I was confident in her well being.

Now 42 years later my goal is to give back to the Center in a large measure of what they so generously gave to me when I so desperately needed it. May the generosity of those of us who were able to fulfill their dreams with the help of the center continue for future generations. —Sharon Stiansen

Thank you Latesha, a WCDC parent recently wrote this to explain her need for tuition assistance for her son. The Board granted her request using the Scholarship Fund, to which the Westminster congregation contributes.

Her federally funded position was terminated recently because of governmental cutbacks and she had not yet been able to find another position.

She wrote: “The staff and management team at WCDC has been awesome….

My son has grown leaps and bounds since being in your care at WCDC. His teachers have been top-notch in the monkey room and provide me with a sense of comfortability, I know I won’t find anywhere else. And there really aren’t words to describe the care, concern and compassion that I have found in the staff. They have literally made me feel as if I

am a part of the Westminster FAMILY. Never judging me, always welcoming me with open arms, dealing promptly and wonderfully with any issues I have as a parent, and always being willing to laugh with me and love on me whenever I need it. I am certain that my son wouldn’t have such a diverse and awesome learning experience anywhere else.

….As a single mom, who is very educated and just experiencing a hardship at this time, my son’s early childhood development and education is of the utmost importance to me [and my son for whom] “these are the years that matter most.”

Kristine Hanson, WCDC Board President invites you down for a tour.

6 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

mIssIon

Camp Matters Karyll Russell is a Westminster member; she also works as a counselor at Sparta Middle School. Karyll knows that mission matters because she has seen how lives have been changed through Camp Henry, a place where, as Karyll says, “children (and adults) can spend time in God’s creation.” Her own daughter was dealing with anxiety when she started attending Camp Henry. “I saw how Camp helped her stretch herself in a safe environment. They encouraged her in every new experience—the zip line, serving in the dining hall, and interacting with her cabin mates.” Karyll has also been able to take two large groups of students from Sparta Middle School to Camp Henry for day trips. “Many of these students live in poverty,” she says, “and never have an opportunity to get away from their routine.” Seeing them sharing meals together at Camp and taking part in outdoor activities where they can appreciate God’s creation, Karyll knows that their lives are being changed. “One of my students said to me after a day at Camp Henry, ‘I wish everybody was like they were at Camp. Everyone was so nice to me!’”

Giving Back After putting in a hard week’s work at a local supermarket, Margaret Werderits spends her Tuesdays off as a volunteer at the Downtown Food Pantry, helping Heartside neighbors stock up on what they need. She volunteers because mission matters to her. Several years ago, Margaret had knee-replacement surgery and had to go on disability while she recovered. She began to visit the Food Pantry to supplement what she was able to buy through disability payments until she was back on her feet. Now she gives back as a volunteer because, as Margaret says, “mission is our job as Christian examples. We are obligated to do what Jesus did and help others. We are here on earth for a purpose, and maybe helping clients at the pantry is my purpose.” Margaret adds, “I recognize our clients out on the streets and around the neighborhood, and it gives me a chance to say, ‘We’re all in the same place.’ A while back, the pantry helped me, and now I am helping others.”

Mission does matter - stories

The February Chimes features MissionMatters— the campaign “roll out” and focus on the activity of the core missions. We’ve asked those submiting articles to use the “lens” of reflecting on how their own area of program or interest will be changed by MissionMatters. It’s not just the physical space of the WCDC, the Pantry and the CH Dining Hall; it’s also about how your own activity is “mission” and is an expression of how our (mission/vision) matters... —David Baak www.westminstergr.org/missionmatters

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 7

core mIssIons

WCDC excited to be a part of MissionMatters

Westminster Child Development Center (WCDC) is honored to be a part of the MissionMatters Campaign. WCDC originally opened its doors to the pubic in 1969. WCDC has offered families sliding fee tuition since the beginning, and was the first center to offer the sliding scale tuition in the Grand Rapids area. This structure allowed families and children from varying socio-economic levels to obtain the same high quality care and education regardless of their financial circumstances. WCDC can proudly say that our mission is making a tremendous difference in our community.

Now that we have the important mission piece of our program rolling steady and strong, it is time to make some much-needed improvements to our operating space. The MissionMatters campaign will allow us to do just that. This campaign will allow for higher levels of security for our children and families, it will also help WCDC to meet current licensing standards and regulations. Currently, WCDC staff members have to maintain a balancing act to keep their classrooms within licensing ratios due to restroom placement. Once the renovation is complete, this obstacle will be a thing of the past. The new design allows for in-suite restrooms for each classroom, meaning fewer transitions throughout the day, and more time for planned educational curriculum. At the present time we are on two levels of the church. The infant/toddler classrooms are located near the Gathering Place and

church nursery. The new design of WCDC will relocate all of the students to the lower level of the building. This will help to ensure safety and security for families, as they will be grouped together on one level of the building.

If you would like to see the diagram of our proposed renovations to the WCDC classrooms, please feel free to contact Amber Marz-Momany at [email protected] or give her a call at 717-5549, (or westminstergr.org/uploads/documents/MM_caseforsupport.pdf , page 5)

Mission does matter - stories

8 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

core mIssIons

Camp Henry

Transforming Camp Henry

The Dining Hall, built in 1936, is the oldest building at Camp Henry. Every camper or guest that has come to the Shores of Old Lake Kimball over the past

78 years has utilized this same building. The Dining Hall has provided over 4 million meals to campers, families, and guests and has always been at the core of Camp Henry. We are thrilled to still be utilizing this wonderful, traditional, and iconic building.

Yet, one of our current challenges is that we are still using a Dining Hall that was built in 1936. Over the years we have added onto all 4 sides of this building and it is now time to undertake a major renovation.

While maintaining the current structure, as well as the look and feel of our traditional camp Dining Hall, we will be investing close to $1 million to construct a significant addition. With this new addition we will be adding a new commercial kitchen, replacing all of the doors and windows, replacing the floor, significantly expanding our storage space, and increasing the capacity so we can accommodate all of our campers and guests.

Nearly each week during the summer we have campers and staff that are forced to eat outside, praying for good weather. During meals they can be found peering in the windows – trying to feel included with the songs, announcements, and activities that contribute to a sense of community that takes place inside. With our newly renovated Dining Hall we will be able to have everyone under one roof for meals – and we will be better equipped to serve and provide for campers and guests for years to come.

We look forward with great anticipation and excitement to this incredible and transformational project being completed prior to the summer of 2016 – and also to still hearing the ring of the old Dining Hall bell – letting absolutely everyone know that they are welcome inside and welcomed into Camp Henry. www.westminster.org/uploads/documents/mm_caseforsupport.pdf, page 6

Members hearing about the proposed benefits MissionMatters will have on Camp Henry

Present Dining Hall

Proposed Dining Hall Dining Hall expansion

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 9

core mIssIons

The numbers, dollars, and facts from 2014 The Westminster Food Pantry served 6,820 individuals in 2014. That is an 11.3% increase over 2013! Why the increase? Supposition only…we serve a defined geographical area: I-196 to the north, Wealthy to the south, the river to the west, and a couple of blocks above the top of the hill to the east. As a result, residency is largely constant. The treasurer’s opinion is that there is an increased need among our clients.

Part of the 11.3% increase was a 14.1% increase in children. A guess…this is likely attributed to grandparents caring for grandchildren – a trend we are seeing.

We experienced a 30% increase in “One-Time-Only” services. These are clients who are primarily first-time pantry visitors, and see Westminster pop up first on search engines, or are referred to us after calling 211 for assistance. We serve these folks and send them to their neighborhood pantry for future needs. The need is growing.

We ended the year with a small surplus...great news. It wasn’t easy, and it was tense. A family foundation reduced its contribution from $20,000 to $ 10,000. At

Downtown Pantry

the same time Meijer came through with $15,000 due mostly to the contributions from Westminster. Finally, the year-end contributions from our congregation was very generous. A beauty of our Church is that we embrace mission.

The pantry received $19,968 from “in-kind” contributions. That’s enormous. All those cans of soup, boxes of Mac and Cheese, cans of fruit and veggies, and everything else really adds up. We couldn’t do it without those gifts.

A summary: Your pantry did an excellent job of carrying out its mission: Providing Dignity, Respect, and Food to those in need. We are excited to be able to do that even better in 2015 because of the MissionMatters renovations. (www.westminster.org/uploads/documents/mm_caseforsupport.pdf, page 8.) The pantry also did an excellent job in stewardship by spending less while serving more.

Thank you Westminster for your dedication to carry out God’s call to care for the poor and feed the hungry. This is a mission that is vital to our neighbors.

Remember Souper Bowl Sunday….Change, Checks, and Cans.

Steve Pastoor, Treasurer, Westminster Food PantryFood Pantry Director, Angie Kelley, giving a

MissionMatters tour to members.

10 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

mIssIon

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration On Monday, January 19 we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. day with our neighbors through music, poetry, art,

and worship. Della Wilson, who lives in our neighborhood with her son, read this poem that she wrote.

In My Mirror

Every enemy begs forgiveness trapped in prisons of hatred and fear, glaring through glass with remembrance of offense, glimpses of shame and bitter tear,

scars rehearsing battles lost, enslaved and chained to ghosts of past, stealing reflection in tell-all glass, year after aging year.

Bayonet tongue positioned for defense, arrows of wise-cracks, paybacks intolerance, unforgiveness, indifference, and just cause for vengeance, All innocence lost,

armed and aiming judgment and grudge. I've come undone in fires of wrath, my soul stripped bare in nakedness,

my filthy rags falling guilty black as any sin ever judged. Every hatred as ugly as injustice, Every rage as cruel as prejudice,

Every foe I crucified, wasn't mine to justify, my own conflict to rectify; the way the light catches the mirror just right,

unveiling pretense and self righteous pride, trying to earn the merit of God, unkind walls and insecure masks of boasting good deed and self imposed task.

I open my war-torn grip at last, my palms crimson stained from stones I've cruel cast. Heavens Rose seeps undeniably crushed, sweeping over my imperfection, my stench,

with cardinal fragrance and broken sweat, with undying love, He helps me un-grip, every hurt I've swung mad in clenched up fists,

lose every tactic, every stance born of fear, release my broken soul with total surrender, into seas of forgiveness that remember no sinner,

I'm washed by the Master in bottled tear, pounded to gold, refined in fires, sanded and pressed into tested pearl.

I am His perfect image; every friend embraced, every enemy kissed, my reflection mere mortal, as God forming dust.

I am no greater, no less than anyone else, facing my worst, my best, creation, Creator in reflections in mirrors of tell-all glass that whisper truth when I listen.

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 11

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Educational programs offered for all ages

conversations for adults about life and faith - meets sundays 9:40 - 10:40a

Join us in the chapel for most sessions

February 1 In the Chapel We will follow-up on our fall discussion regarding how we talk together with family and friends about end of life concerns and plans. This time we'll look at the very practical issue of written directives regarding medical intervention. A representative from Spectrum Hospital will be on hand to facilitate our discussion.

February 1 In the Dining Room Round table conversation about the movie, Selma. Try to see the film prior to this Sunday and join us—youth and adults—for an opportunity to explore together both the history of this story and its relevance to continued concerns for our time and place. Staff will provide some introductory focus and questions for table groups to consider. Then we’ll debrief again as a large group.

February 8, 15,22 - March 1 MISSIONMATTERS: TELLING OUR STORIES!

We will explore the very idea of telling stories about our lives and experiences as a spiritual practice on February 8. On February 15, 22, and March 1 we will explore the stories of our three Core Ministries (WCDC, Camp Henry, and the Food Pantry) and the personal stories of some of the people involved in those ministries—both as leaders and participants. This will be learning for both the head and the heart! Join us!

want to be reminded of the adult classes each week? Sign up on Sunday morning for the e-mail reminder, or call or email Becky Wells, 717-5532, [email protected], to put your e-mail on the list.

the “no eXperience needed” bible study!

A new Bible study will be starting in February, meeting at WPC twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30. This is a very approachable Bible study in that there is no required reading between meetings, and the group reads and discusses a short section of Scripture, with the discussion revolving around three questions:

♦ What are these verses saying? What is the “Who, What, Where, When” shown in these verses?

♦ What deeper meaning or important idea can we discover from the verses? What is the How and the Why?

♦ How might we apply what we are told in these verses to our lives?

For more information, please contact Rick Spafford: [email protected].

children’s education and choir meets 9:30-10:45a each sunday

“Downstairs” Groups Our Preschool and Kindergarten groups will explore several of the miracles of Jesus— events that surprised and amazed people and made them wonder: Who is this? Teachers for this month: 3 and 4-year olds: Jeanne Early and Durelle Evans Kindergarten: Katie VanHaven and Deb Larson Choir: Cara Hyink, Director, and Lisa Duitman accompanist

“Upstairs” Groups – Witnesses to God’s Presence This month we will explore the Lord's Prayer. We will make prayer pillows in the Art Room and take some time to think about the nature of prayer. What is our experience of “seeing” God in a new and deeper way as we enter into prayer—and how do we pray for direction and courage so that we may move into the world as those who witness to the presence of God by our action and our love? Teachers: Lori Mosby, Scott Weaver Choirs: Luanne Barnes, Director

educatIon

12 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

WPC Night at the Movies: SelmaOn Monday, January 19, in addition to our normal Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, a group of 31 Westminster members and youth gathered at Celebration Cinema North to watch Ava DuVernay’s film Selma. The film tells the story of the three-month struggle for the protection and enforcement of voting rights in Selma, Alabama in early 1965.

Our intergenerational group joined a sold-out theater, including a large constituent of college and high school students who were able to see the film for free in honor of the holiday. We’re excited about the conversations that this film has already begun and will certainly continue to generate about faith, race, justice, and the relationship between art and history. Join us on Sunday, February 1 during the adult education hour (9:40-10:40a) in the dining room, when we have an opportunity to reflect and discuss our understanding of this movie.

Youth Sunday, February 8

We are blessed at Westminster to have a thriving youth ministry as well as a vibrant music ministry where our youth are invited almost every Sunday to offer their gifts to God as part of the public and visible worshipping life of the Church. On one Sunday each year, however, we are further blessed as the youth are invited and empowered to plan and enact the whole drama of the Sunday liturgy together.

On Sunday, February 8, please join us in this annual celebration as our high school and middle school youth lead worship and serve communion during both our 8:30a and 11:00a services, which also includes sermons preached by the senior class of 2015.

High School Mission Lunch and Silent Auction on March 1

Our annual High School Fundraiser will take place on March 1 immediately following the 11:00a worship service. This year, we will hold a luncheon as well as a silent auction where attendees will be invited to bid on items and services provided by the youth themselves. Proceeds from this event goes to support the High School Summer “Mystery Mission Trip” that will take place June 20-25, 2015. The fundraiser has traditionally provided a large portion of the funds necessary to make trips like this one happen. Contact Kyle Nolan at [email protected] for more information, or to find out how you can help!

Coat Drive Continues through February

Throughout December and January the High School Youth Group at Westminster has been collecting jackets and coats for students at Burton Middle School. We’ve decided to continue accepting coats through the end of February in the hope that we might be able to provide more coats for more children in need. While this is a youth group project, if you’d like to join in by donating your own coats both new and used, contact Kyle Nolan at [email protected].

Upcoming Youth happenings

Youth update

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 13

♦February 1 8:30a & 11:00a - Westminster Men's Choir 11:00a - Carol Choir Chapel Singers 12:00p-1:00p meet in the Multipurpose Room Kirk Singers 1:00 - 2:00p meet in the Chapel

♦ February 8 8:30a - Kirk Singers Youth Sunday 11:00a - Kirk Singers No evening Kirk or Chapel Singers ♦February 15 8:30a & 11:00a - Westminster Winds Midwinter THAW Concert No education hour/ choirs meet between services ♦ February 18 7:00p - Sanctuary Choir Ash Wednesday ♦February 22 8:30a - Josh Leckrone, Baritone 11:00a - Cherub and Sanctuary Choirs If you are involved in a Westminster musical group, note that there are some scheduling changes in February. This is because we have several special events! On February 1, just the men will be singing in the choir loft. February 8 is Youth Sunday, and the Kirk Singers will be singing at both services. The Sanctuary Choir can sit in the congregation that day. The Westminster Winds THAW concert will be on February 15. On Sunday, February 22, we will be back to our regular schedule. Thanks to all of you who already participate, and if anyone new would like to be part of a choir or the Winds, you are invited to do so—no audition is required! Contact Helen Hofmeister at [email protected] or 717-5539.

Meet Jeremy Bork our new Middle School Youth Leader

WPC Youth is excited to announce the hiring of our new Middle School Youth Director, Jeremy Bork. A native of Iowa, Jeremy studied Youth Ministry and Christian Education at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, and is currently a Master of Divinity student at Western

Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. You may have seen Jeremy around WPC already, serving the congregation as both a Seminary Intern and a volunteer leader for the Middle School Youth Group and Middle School Church School.

New Youth Middle School LeaderJeremy’s previous work in ministry includes youth ministry internships for RCA churches in Iowa and New York, as well as serving as a leader in his college’s campus ministry, and working as a program director at Ingham Lake Bible Camp in Wallingford, Iowa. Jeremy’s responsibilities as Middle School Youth Director will include planning and running Youth Group and Middle School Church School on Sundays, as well as leading retreats and serving as a spiritual leader and mentor to the middle school youth. Jeremy has a heart for equality and justice. He longs for racial reconciliation, food and animal justice, and the welcome of all persons in the church. Jeremy is super excited to be part of Westminster’s community and is eager to dive deeper!

musIc mInIstrY at westmInster and addItIon to Youth staff

February Music Schedule

14 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

Small group news and events

wpc fiction book groupThe Book Group has chosen two very different selections for the beginning of the New Year. February 15, 2015 – Perfect for the month of Valentine’s Day, is The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. This international best-selling romantic comedy “bursting with warmth, emotional depth and … humor” follows the oddly charming, socially challenged genetics professor, Dom, as he seeks true love.March 15, 2015 – Winner of the Man Asian Literary Prize – “Please Look After Mom” by Kyung-Sook Shin.“Told through the piercing voices and urgent perspectives of a daughter, son, husband and mother, “Please …” is at once an authentic picture of contemporary life in Korea and a universal story of family love.”We meet on Sundays at 7:00p in the Youth Lounge, please join us for fellowship and lively conversation. All are welcome!

save the dateSaturday, February 28 from 4:30p - 6:30p at

Westmintser. GAMES, FOOD, FUN, FELLOWSHIP

Come join us for an fun evening with your families and friends. Hosted by the Family Ministries Committee. Watch for more details coming soon. Questions: Contact Jen Kotchenruther at [email protected].

eXploring faith On Wednesday, February 4, the Book Club will discuss The Bible: So Misunderstood It's a Sin, the feature of Newsweek magazine's double issue, January 2 to January 9, 2015. This group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, September through May. This month we will meet from 1:30 - 3:00p in the church parlor. If you have questions call Chuck at 245-6929. Join us, new members are always welcome.

Normalcy. This word can accurately describe this past month. Another regular month has gone by. Each day, the sun rises and sets. Each winter morning is predictably as unpredictable as ever- will the kids have another snow day, or will there just be a disappointing dusting of snow to wake up to? Once again, church is held each week. Once again, youth showed up at our doors. Once again, these kids made themselves feel at home singing, dancing, playing, learning, baking, sharing, and growing together. It’s just another average normal month. Nothing out of the ordinary here.

Yet, I’ve learned that for those living in a poverty stricken community, this ‘normalcy’ is a huge gift. So often families are overcome by crisis, be it an illness, a loss of a job, a failed home inspection, a broken down vehicle, or a family member going to jail. In a world where you aren’t sure if the bills will get paid this month, if an eviction notice will show up at your door, if there is enough gas in the car to get to work, it’s good to have a sense of normalcy. It’s good to be able to expect things to be consistent and unchanging. How can one make dreams for the future if one’s sole focus is spent worrying about where their next meal is coming from? How can one make plans to better themselves and their family if today is not even guaranteed? Families living from crisis to crisis are often merely surviving day by day and are unable to see, let alone plan for, anything else.

So when I see my kids dancing on top of a Twister game, when I hear them singing their hearts out in the bathroom, when I see regular attending members walk into our doors each week for worship, or even when I see our church secretary, a single mother of three, holding down three jobs just to keep the lights on, I smile. It’s those small simple moments that remind me how special this space is. I, too, cherish this normalcy. First Presbyterian Church is a consistent beacon of hope in a broken community. They have been a persistent presence on Morton Hill for a long time, and, Lord willing, will continue to do so for years to come, spreading faith, hope, and love through the little normal actions we take everyday.

— Julie Brien, Resident in Mission

From our sister church 1st Presbyterian, Benton Harbor

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 15

elisabeth circle The Elisabeth Circle will meet on Tuesday, February 17 at 1:00p in the Parlor. We will discuss “Dr. Robert Coles” in Philip Yancey's Soul Survivor. Please focus on the questions on page 325. If you wish to share lunch fellowship, bring your lunch and join us at noon. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Call Lois Waldecker at 784-0900, with any questions.

westminster presbyterian adults Westminster Presbyterian Adults is a group of vibrant adults 55 and up. We begin the new year with a luncheon on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Westminster. Punch bowl at 11:30a with lunch following at 12 noon. Our speaker will be Suzeanne Benet, Chairman of the Marketing Department at Seidman College of Business, GVSU. Dr. Benet will share with us, in her amusing manner, her expertise as a media authority and the methods used by advertisers to get us to buy their products. If you want to learn about “clusterin” and the “salad dressing line,” this is your opportunity. Does the media manipulate our buying power? Suzeanne has all the answers. Bring your questions. If you have dietary restrictions, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate them. To make reservations for the February luncheon, please email Jeanne Marshall at [email protected].

true north campus ministryThe Listening Post is a safe space for students to share unhurried conversation; a place to be heard and accepted; a place to clarify thinking, consider options, express joy or sorrow, explore ideas; a place of warmth and friendship. The Listening Post is for all GRCC students regardless of their faith (or no faith). We are taking our “Westminster Welcome” out of the church and onto the GRCC campus. Our intention is to serve the GRCC community as an outreach of the Presbyterian Churches in Grand Rapids. We hope to establish connections with students by being familiar faces at the same time and place every week. We are on campus every Tuesday of the school year from 11 am until 2 pm. For more information please contact Nancy Janisch, [email protected], 616-821-0351.

midweek churchmen’s luncheonWeekly buffet luncheon Wednesdays at 11:30a, followed by fellowship and meditation, led by Rev. Don Gordon. Westminster Dining Room. February 4: Teresa Neal, Superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools. Topic: “Transformation of Grand Rapids Public Schools.” February 11: Rev. Ken Kraft, Partner Relationship Manager at Guiding Light Mission of Grand Rapids. Topic: “It Takes A Village.” February 18: Renee Bainbridge, Area Coordinator for “Healthy Hearts Ministry,” Grand Rapids. Topic: “Binding Up the Broken Hearted.” February 25: Andy Soper, founder of Manessa Project, Wedgewood Christian Services, Grand Rapids. Topic: “All Eyes Open.”

eXhibits in the art galleryThe exhibit in the gallery during January and February features the work of Westminster members, with the exception of Charles La Rue who is a friend of Westminster, and the son of a member. Artists from our community are invited to display work and we are pleased to have 11 artists represented in the exhibition.

This is the first time that church member Jeff Tippet has displayed in our WPC member exhibition and we are pleased to welcome him. Be sure to notice his work produced with a Brownie camera. We hope you will enjoy the variety of work on display. Westminster artists are Bob Stone, Sandi Lummen, Ardath McCall, Marge Kempers, Miriam and Ron Pederson, Jeff Tippett, Richard Paschke, Doris Larson and Marilynne McCready.

westminster Works Westminster Works is in its third year as our career, re-employment, and vocational guidance mission ministry. The Westminster Works Earn Roundtable for persons in employment transition meets weekly on Thursday mornings at Westminster from 9:00 to 11:00a. Larry Bratschie, Westminster Works Ministry Coordinator, and Ken Soper, weekly Work Search Roundtable Facilitator, host the Roundtable. If you need infomation on the Westminster Works program please contact, Larry Bratschie, at [email protected] or 616-299-6246.

Small group news and events

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Grand Rapids, MI

PERMIT NO. 323

connect with westminster online

Stay connected with us online for up-to-date news and information about our congregational life and ministry.

www.westminstergr.org

facebook.com/westminstergr

twitter.com/westminstergr

The deadline for March Chimes is February 10. Please submit any and all information for the Chimes to: [email protected] or to Becky Wells at [email protected]. Thank you.