Fall holds great promise

Education, Music, and Programming

CHIMESSeptember 2014 • Westminster Presbyterian Church • westminstergr.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 Fall holds great promise 3

Worship Schedule Early fall schedule 3 Confirmation & Fall PreachingSeries Questions for a Lifetime of Faith 4

Upcoming Events Women’s Retreat, PWW, Minnie Behl 5 Meet ournew staff andstaff changes 6-7

Music Ministry Invitation to join 8

Youth Ministry Looking to fall 9

Educational Programs Fall offerings for all ages 10

Sanctuary roof project Building for the 22nd century 11

WCDC Support opportunity 11

Downtown Pantry How are things at the pantry 12 Benton Harbor Church updates 12-13

Small groups News and events 14-15

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Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 3

Fall holds great promise

IntroductIon from the senIor pastor

This summer has been exceptionally beautiful and restorative. Like the daily miracle of sleep, summer has felt like an enormous, divine gift. And, although a lot of work has gone on this summer, I feel renewed and ready to start the new program year.

We have twenty-eight already signed up to begin confirmation on September 21. As they begin their high school careers, they will also begin their discernment about church membership and a more adult faith. As usual Sunday worship will be coordinated with the confirmation curriculum, so you will all be aware of the questions they are addressing and ask them yourselves.

Many committees continued their work throughout the summer. The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee has concluded their search. The Youth Minister Search Committee is gaining momentum. And we have formed a committee to find a full-time Minister for Mission. I ask your prayers to support the work of these dedicated members, who are diligently looking for appropriate staff to join the team at Westminster. The Feasibility Study on capital improvements is just about completed, and the roof work should be done by October. And we have found co-chairs for the capital campaign planned to begin in 2015: Elder Carol Lautenbach and Elder Paul Karsten.

Rev. Katie Baker will be departing from our staff at the end of September. With our funding for her young adult position changing and her discernment for a new call evolving, we are eager to see where her manifold gifts land. Her work in mission will be picked up by the new full-time position in mission and her work with young adults will be passed on to the new minister for youth as well as the existing Emerging Westminster Committee.

Katie has been an invaluable asset to our community, having birthed and grown our young adult program into the vibrant Emerging Westminster and having strategized and implemented the new statement on mission. We will miss her energy and intelligence and her pastoral gifts. We celebrate her ministry on September 28 in worship and with a reception. Join us! It will be an exciting autumn—but I hope you don’t miss the last days of Michigan summer.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Chandler Stokes, Senior Pastor & Head of Staff

P.S.—Christian Bell has left the Westminster staff. Christian brought some great ideas and a new look to our communications—especially the Chimes. Christian served Westminster well in his 18 months with us, and we wish him well in his next endeavor. We are in the midst of restructuring our communications staff now to meet our growing needs in this area. In the meantime, if you have questions related to communications from the Chimes to the Westminster Weekly to the emailed prayer list or website, please contact Rev. Dave Baak.

Worship schedule september 2014 - 8:30 and 11:00

september 7: teaching the gospel Sacrament of The Lord’s Supper. Commissioning Church School Teachers Rev. Chandler Stokes preaching on Matthew 28:16-20 Music: Sanctuary Choir at 8:30a and 11:00a

september 14: an affirmation of faithThe Sacrament of Baptism Rev. Chandler Stokes preaching on Colossians 1:15-20 Music: Diane Helle, Violin, Lee Copenhaver, Cello, Helen Hofmeister, Harpsichord at 8:30a & 11:00a, Sanctuary Choir - 11:00a

confirmation and fall preaching series Questions for a lifetime of faith

september 21: why are we here? Commissioning WCDC Teachers. Rev. Chandler Stokes preaching on Micah 6:6-8Music: Westminster Winds at 8:30a & 11:00a, Sanctuary Choir - 11:00a

september 28: who are we?Commissioning Camp Henry Staff. Rev. Chandler Stokes preaching on I Corinthians 12 Music: Whatever 4 or More at 8:30a & 11:00a, Sanctuary Choir - 11:00a

4 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

feature

I’m sure you have heard this old quip: This is a test. This is only a test. Had this been an actual life, you would have been given more complete instructions.

When it comes to Confirmation, that quip suggests two implications. One: This is not a test. This is so not a test. Confirmation is not first of all a test that involves getting the answers right, but about how to live with incredible questions that will never have final answers. Confirmation is about growing in faith, not stopping with answers. Two: Confirmation is about your actual life; it exploring some of those “more complete instructions”—but they’re not so much instructions as they are questions.

The questions we explore in Confirmation are questions that can help build meaningful relationships, questions that can turn our lives inside out, questions that invite us to a greater sense of intimacy with God, and questions that can lead us into adventures we have not yet imagined.

The fall preaching series is closely linked to our Confirmation curriculum. In years past the series associated with Confirmation has been called Confirmation for the Whole Church or Confirmation for Everyone. This year I am calling it: Questions for a Lifetime of Faith.

Irvin Yalom, the psychotherapist and author, once wrote: The rational questions one can pose about meaning will always outlast the answers. Confirmation is not about answers to questions; it is about questions that form our faith. Yes, there are responses to these questions, both traditional responses and newer ones, and they are really good answers—time-tested and wise. But the answers change with our experience; they change over time. The questions persist, and they frame our lives. We do not stop asking questions, and they are an indispensable part of our faith.

Nearly everyone I know has experienced some time in their lives when questions about their faith overwhelmed them and seemed to shake their very foundations. That seems to be the nature of our journey in God. As Barbara Brown Taylor recently

said: “For many years I thought my questions and my doubt and my sense of God’s absence were all signs of my lack of faith, but now I know this is the way the life of the spirit goes.”

Our hope in the Confirmation process is to culminate it by asking the confirmands: “What questions do you have now?” And in this process we hope to prepare them for the reality that their faith will be shaken; it happens in the normal course of growing in faith. We don’t fail when we question—we can and will come back to faith—we grow. Confirmation is in part about coming to that understanding.

And part of the confirmation process is to allow our questions to change, perhaps from Who am I? to Whose am I? From Why me? to What next? From What am I supposed to get out of this? to What do I get to offer? We will also ask these kinds questions: Why are we here—here at 47 Jefferson, here as part of a church? What or who is God, and how can I learn anything about God? How does this Bible really work? I just don’t get Communion: What is that all about? What is Love trying to do here? Why is there so much pain in the world?

As the confirmands will each be writing a statement of faith, we would like to invite all those in the congregation to join in that project. Over the nine weeks of this series, I invite you also to try your hand and stating what you believe at this point in your life. I hope that you will join us and our young people, as we explore these questions for a lifetime of faith. The series begins on September 21.

- Rev. Chandler Stokes

Confirmation and Fall Preaching Series 2014 Questions for a Lifetime of Faith

“The rational questions one can pose about meaning will always outlast the answers. Confirmation is not about answers to questions; it is about questions that form our faith.”

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 5

news

presbyterian women of westminster (pww)The new Coordinating Team of the Presbyterian Women of Westminster (PWW) invite all Westminster women to join in a Mexican dinner on Wednesday, September 10 in the church dining room. We will begin gathering at 5:30p with dinner to follow at 6:00p. This informal pot-luck event offers an opportunity to build fellowship and community with other women in the church. You’re encouraged to bring a dish to pass, so consider this an opportunity to try out a new recipe, or bring your favorite Mexican dish. The hosts for this Presbyterian Women’s event are Suzanne Dezern, Barbara Goodspeed, Suzanne McCune, Linda Paul, and Bernice Rynders. Reminders will be provided in upcoming bulletins. We look forward to dining with you on September 10!

minnie behl scholarships Calling All College Bound Students Who is Minnie Behl?

In the December 2003 Chimes, our beloved Al Weenink wrote (in part) the following message entitled “The Giving of Gifts.” “Minnie and Florence Behl were members of Westminster Church over 50 years ago. They were two ladies who lived in Grand Rapids for a short time. At Westminster they found a warm welcome and received much joy and fulfillment from the gracious fellowship of the congregation. After a few years they move to Louisiana and subsequently joined the Church Triumphant, but not before writing a will that included income in perpetuity from their estate.”

One-third of this income has been designated for a scholarship to support young people (members and relatives of members) from Westminster who attend Alma College.

If you are a high school senior or adult interested in attending Alma College, please contact the church office or Mary Carrington, Board of Trustees, for more scholarship information. Completed forms for the school year 2015 must be returned to the Finance Manager, Cindy Hardy by April 1, 2015. We will keep reminding you of this wonderful opportunity over the next several months!

Upcoming Eventswomen’s retreat

BARA: WOMEN CONNECTING THROUGH CREATION

Fri. & Sat. October 10—11, 2014(late Friday afternoon through 4:00p Saturday)

Friday/Saturday fee -- $51Saturday only -- $24

Partial Scholarship Help Available As Needed

Please contact Susan Jennings regarding registration or with questions! susanj@wpcgr.org, 717-5542

The Hebrew word bara suggests the idea of shaping or creating. It names the way in which we are invited into partnership with God in the shaping of our own lives and those around us. During our retreat time this year Rev. Katie Baker will help us explore the biblical foundation of that invitation and some of the many ways that we embody that creative agency. We may not be poets or painters, singers or actors but there are, in fact, countless ways that we see, process and then respond creatively to our world, to one another and to our God. Come share your own experience and try out a new form! There will be a number of workshop opportunities to learn and practice creativity via cooking, mandala-making, choral reading, knitting/quilting, photography and yes—painting and writing! These will be led by members and friends of WPC. Registrations are available NOW in the Gathering Place, by download on the website, or by calling the church office.

6 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

news

Meet our new staff membersChris Bronson began working with Westminster in February of this year as our new Facility Manager. He joins us after having worked for 3 years in the Athletics & Wellness departments at Grand Rapids Community College. Chris considers himself to be a lifelong learner, and has recently completed his Master of Management degree at Aquinas College. Together with his wife Natalie, their two dogs, Charlie & Zeus, he spends his free time traveling, swimming and being outdoors. An avid sports fan, Chris enjoys taking in as many Griffins, Red Wings & Lions games as possible.

Bernardo Martin, evening custodian, joins the Westminster staff by way of our refugee resettlement program. After having arrived a short while ago from Cuba, Bernardo began his employment at Westminster and continues to become accustomed to his new place of residence. Currently enrolled in English classes, Bernardo also has plans to complete a drivers training course in the near future. He is currently residing in Grand Rapids with his wife and two children.

Wes Rushing, evening greeter, is a fitness guru. Wes is excited to join the Westminster staff as an evening greeter. He is a native of Cadillac, Michigan and is currently studying at Grand Valley State University with plans to become a physical trainer. Aside from school and work, Wes is an accomplished drummer and frequently attends concerts.

New Finance Manager, Cindy Hardy’s role includes managing the financial side of the Westminster Church. This includes, contributions, accounts payables and receivables, monthly reporting, budgets, and various activities throughout the year as needed. Cindy has worked in the non-profit field since graduating from Davenport University. Cindy is married with two adult married children and one grandchild.

“What a Blessing it has been to be a part of the team here at Westminster. I admire the compassion and dedication of those with whom I have worked and look forward to the coming months and years together.”

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 7

news

...and changes

Rev. Katherine Baker will be leaving our staff at the end of September. The funding for her young adult position runs out then, and she is discerning a new call to which she can apply her gifts. Her work in mission will be picked up by the new full-time position in mission, which we will fill soon. Katie has been an invaluable asset to our community, having birthed and grown our young adult program into the vibrant Emerging Westminster. We will miss her energy and intelligence and her pastoral gifts.

Rev. David Baak’s new role as Executive Minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church is a three-quarter time contract staff appointment reporting to the Senior Pastor with primary responsibility for the adminstrative, communication, and support comonents of the Church’s life.

The Personnel Committee has created this position in response to the increased numbers, participation and complexity of the ministry of Westminster and the need to restructure our communications functions. The Personnel Committee and Rev. David Baak have agreed to a three-year contract for this appointment.

Rev. Jen Porter, called to be our Associate Pastor, will preach at both services on September 14, and a congregational meeting will be held after the 11:00a service. She comes to us from Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, a 500-member congregation in our Presbytery, where she has served as Associate Pastor. In that role, she has served as a generalist, with significant experience in both pastoral care and mission. She is a graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary.

“The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee did an amazing job finding and luring great ministers to interview for this position. So, I had the privilege of interviewing fine candidates from all over the country--and talking to them about their gifts and the ministry of Westminster. In the end we found a terrific match. In Jen we have someone with great experience in both pastoral care and mission, but I think almost more importantly someone we have a pastor who really is eager to grow in ministry and develop her gifts for the sake of the Church.” -Rev. Chandler Stokes

8 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

musIc

an invitation to join the music pr0gramsMusical groups at Westminster are open and welcoming to everyone—no audition is required. There are a variety of musical ensembles for all ages:

The CANTUS CHOIR, CHERUB CHOIR, and CAROL CHOIR begin rehearsals on Sunday, September 14. The Cantus Choir will meet downstairs in the preschool room. The Cherub and Carol choirs will meet upstairs in the music room. These young children’s choirs have fun in rehearsals, playing games and singing about the love God has for each of us.

The CHAPEL SINGERS and KIRK SINGERS begin rehearsals on Sunday, September 7. The Chapel Singers ensemble includes ringing handbells and the opportunity to be in a musical in the spring. The Kirk Singers work on a variety of music throughout the year, and will share their music in other states during its summer trip in June. Beyond music, the choirs offer a good way for youth to get to know each other better.

The SANCTUARY CHOIR provides an environment to learn quality music as well as an opportunity to get to know other people in the congregation. The Sanctuary Choir sings every Sunday at the 11:00a worship service.

The WESTMINSTER WINDS is a multi-generational group of instrumentalists, 6th grade and up. No audition is required; all who play an instrument are welcome.

For more information on the opportunity to praise God through the gift of music, contact Helen Hofmeister at helenh@westminstergr.org or 616-717-5539.

Music - invitation to join

WEEKLY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

CANTUS CHOIR: Sundays 10:15–10:40a, ages 3–5 Director: Cara Hyink Begins September 14

CHERUB CHOIR: Sundays 10:10–10:40a, grades 1–2 Director: Luanne K. Barnes, begins September 14

CAROL CHOIR: Sundays 9:30–10:05a, grades 3–5 Director: Luanne K. Barnes, begins September 14

CHAPEL SINGERS: Sundays at 6:00p, grades 6–8 Director: Helen Hofmeister, begins September 7

KIRK SINGERS: Sundays at 4:00p, grades 9–12 Director: Helen Hofmeister, begins September 7

SANCTUARY CHOIR: Thursdays at 7:30p, college age and up. Director: Helen Hofmeister, begins August 28

WESTMINSTER WINDS: select Sundays at 12:15p, grade 6 and up. Director: Lee Copenhaver, begins Septembder 7

Chapel Singers and Carol Choir in “Jonah Man-Jazz”

For September music chimes article

Kirk Singers singing their Montreat Trip music.

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 9

Youth news

As we wrap up this summer and enter into our next season of youth ministry, we reflect on how lucky we are to be a part of this growing, thriving ministry! This past year was full of transition for the youth ministry team, but we can honestly say, we have a stronger, more cohesive team because of it, and through these transitions the youth remained our constant. It is truly a privilege to walk along side these young people through their faith experiences. By the way, “we” means the amazing youth ministry team of volunteers and staff that give so much of their time and expertise.

As you read about the upcoming program year, know that before any decision is made in youth ministry, we ask the question, “What is best for the youth of our church?”

This fall we will explore and extend the theme of “Rooted and Reaching,” while adding a mystery component to our programming. We will find ways we are “rooted” in God’s love and acceptance, and ask questions like, “Where is our faith rooted and why does that matter?” If you are a gardener, you know well a garden can be overtaken with weeds without diligent attention. We will look at our ‘garden’ and explore what it means to be created, planted, tended, and rooted in the grace of God through Jesus Christ. We will also look to extend God’s grace to others by “reaching” beyond Westminster’s doors to be the church in the world.

This year we also hope to encounter God in unexpected ways, and go on to do amazing, mysterious, and miraculous things! Quite often people refer to “God’s plan” when talking about their life, which of course means they don’t know what God has laid out for us. God’s plan is not a mystery, God’s plan is love—constant and real and with us at all times. We will explore this understanding of God’s love and how it roots us in faith. We’re also really excited to give the youth several opportunities this year to not know “the plan,” yet still show up and have faith that everything will be alright.

Every week our youth group settings vary. Some weeks we might center on scripture, prayer, and discussion while other weeks could be focused on singing, service, or small groups. But every week we have FUN! Youth group is full of new relationships, new experiences, and also learning new and old practices. It’s a time to pick up where we left off building our community, and a time to welcome and embrace new members to our group. We hope to see you on Kick Off Sunday, September 7! - Shelly Boeve, Youth Ministry Coordinator

YOUTH MINISTRY SCHEDULE - STARTING SEPTEMBER 7

9:45-10:45a Middle School Church School for 6-8th grade 4:00-6:00p Middle School Youth Group 4:00-5:00p Kirk Singers 5:00-7:00p High School Youth Group 6:00-7:00p Chapel Singers

Suggested weekly dinner donations: $5

Youth ministry - looking to fall

10 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

educatIon

Educational programs offered for all ages

education hour returns—and there’s good stuff so read this!! As we begin the fall we return to the Sunday morning format that offers two services 8:30a and 11:00a with Education time between at 9:30-10:45a. There is class time and choir time for children (preschool through 5th grade), church school class time for Middle Schoolers and opportunities for learning and processing through discussion for adults and High School students. BUT on September 7 we will all join together for breakfast.

september 7 ---breaKfast together—all ages. all church. the beginning of the journey of this yearCome to breakfast at 9:30a. Chat with old friends and new ones at your tables. Take part in some activities that will have us thinking about Moses, maps, journeying and friends along the way.

children’s education and choir

September 14: —Age level classes begin: Education and Choir

“Downstairs” Groups — Preschool and Kindergarten We’ll begin with Creation and think about how there is a time for everything. Choir rehearsal at 10:15a

“Upstairs” Groups: — First through 5th grades Our theme this year is Witnesses to God’s Presence and we will begin with Moses and the Burning Bush.

How this works! 1st /2nd graders have class time; 3rd-5th have choir time—then we switch.

Pre-k and Kindergarteners have class until 10:10 and then join together for choir. Parents pick them up at 10:40 and then can get older children at 10:45.

Middle School students (6th-8th) meet in the Middle School Room upstairs.

conversations in faith—Chapel, 9:40-10:45 (the slightly later time gives parents time to settle children with their groups)

Adults gather to explore the ways in which our faith informs/intersects our daily living. Sometimes we explore biblical texts. Sometimes we learn about an issue of concern in our community or our world from someone with special knowledge. Always we have an opportunity to share ideas, experiences and questions as we all seek to live as people of faith and disciples of Christ.

Please read the following information from Spiritual Life and Learning (the committee that organizes adult learning opportunities) for information about fall themes and discussions. High School students are most welcome to attend and participate!

the spiritual life and learning committee has chosen “Creating and Nourishing Community” as its 2014-2015 theme.

We will begin the fall season by deepening our understanding of the current pressures and resistances related to the inclusion of immigrants from south of the United States’ border.

September 7: Join us for breakfast in the dining room at 9:30a.

September 14: Laura Lampersad from Justice for Our Neighbors, a community agency having responsibility for facilitating the arrival of new immigrants into the Grand Rapids community, will help us understand the experience of immigration from a local perspective.

September 21: Abe Huyser-Hoenig, a Grand Rapids native who has been living and working in Honduras, will present the culture and social context within that country. His personal experience and understanding of Honduran parents’ decisions to send minor children north will broaden our awareness of their experience.

September 28: We will look more specifically at the Biblical narrative and its instruction for us in this area.

Come and join us for what we hope will be a series of stimulating adult learning experiences.

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 11

news

Sanctuary roof project end in sight

WCDC support opportunityWestminster Child Development Center (WCDC) has been operating since 1969. We provide quality-based, curriculum-centered programming in a Christian-environment for families. As we continue to strive toward our goal of providing high quality programing to all families regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds, we ask for your support. Currently WCDC has 50% families utilizing our lower tier tuition. This style of tuition is a blessing for families who would otherwise not be able to attend WCDC. In order to meet our mission we impart on the generosity of individuals and businesses. One way you may be able to donate is through United Way. Many companies and individuals already participate with the Heart of West Michigan United Way program. This year’s United Way campaign begins on Friday, September 12. If you or your company currently participate in United Way giving, you may designate your donations to: Westminster Child Development Center.

Your company may use designation codes, but be sure to ask your Campaign coordinator for the Westminster Child Development Centers specific code, since each company’s code may vary. If you or your employer are not currently participating in the United Way campaigns and this sounds like something you would like to do, check out their website http://www.hwmuw.org/. All United Way donations are tax deductible. Please be sure to print your United Way receipt or a copy of your pledge for when donating through United Way.

BUILDING FOR THE 22nd CENTURY The summer days have flown by and it looked like the roof was almost done – thousands of slate tiles were in place, the snow guard system twinkled in the sunlight, only one small patch of ice and water shield around the cupola was still showing – it was exciting!!

And then … nothing! (At least it seemed like nothing -- a couple of weeks with no visible progress.) Could it be that everyone at Grand River Builders had just put down their tools and gone on vacation? It only took a quick email to Brian Black, the company’s office manager, to answer that question. (note: Brian has had to answer MANY questions during this project! Haha!)

His response to this one is printed below.“ … Oh no, we’ve been plenty busy. Here are some photos from today of the central vent leaving our stop. There’s a crane on-site right now setting the large central vent piece, and we’ve been catching up on all of the inglorious details at the end - caulking, fitting, painting, etc. Much of what has been happening is like the end of a kitchen remodel where you’re putting on cabinet knobs and getting the garbage disposal to work right.

After the vent (a re-creation of the original cupola) left the shop, it traveled down to WPC. Then, the old cupola was removed and the crane hoisted the new one into place. Why was this “swap” necessary? When the sanctuary was constructed (1885), the cupola atop its roof was not just a decoration. It housed a series of louvered slats, which served to ventilate the sanctuary attic. Over the years, the cupola had deteriorated, and airflow through the attic has not been very good. (As all homeowners know, poor roof ventilation creates lots of problems!) Grand River Builders fashioned a new cupola -- it looks EXACTLY like the original – to serve the same function. With the additional vent screens, which were built in under the eaves, the new cupola should help to draw more air through the sanctuary attic. This improved ventilation was an important part of the entire project and will be a significant factor in enabling our new roof to last until the 22nd century.

Work on “all the inglorious details” continues. No date certain, but the end is in sight! - Marcie Beck Read more on our blog.

12 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

• Neighborhoodfamilyshopping:2ormorehouses in a neighborhood take a splecified amount of money and see how much they can purchase for the pantry.

• Blue jean Fridays. One of our lpantry board members permits staff to wear blue jeans on Fridays as long as they play $5 into a pot for the pantry.

• Eat like a client for a week. We’ll provide a shopping list for you. You buy 2 of everything, consume half and bring the rest to the pantry. BTW: you’ll save money, maybe gain weight, and have a great learning experience.

• My personal favorite: Save all your change for a year, and bring the jar(s) to the church. Souper Bowl Sunday is my change day. You’ll be amazed how much change you can save, and you’ll never miss it.

Anyway, these are suggestions that might be fun and will help provide products for our clients. Be creative and give it a try.

Pray for the day when the pantry will no longer be needed.

Steve Pastoor, Pantry Treasurer

Downtown Pantry notes

mIssIon

So how are things at the Pantry? That question gets asked of me several times each week. My best answer is “BUSY”!

The number of clients who visited the pantry through the end of June this year was 23% greater than in 2013. That is alarming and overwhelming. My own personal economic indicator tells me that things aren’t very good out there for a growing group in the poverty level and those in need.

Yet, the pantry has been able to supply food and keep up, due largely to increased awareness and giving from Westminster members and other downtown churches. Our “in kind” giving is up substantially, perhaps because of the reminders of our “product of the month” campaign.

We were recently brainstorming some promotions and suggestions to keep the pantry supplied, and I thought I would share some with you to see if anyone wants to give an idea a try.

The summer youth leadership program at First Presbyterian Church, our partner in Benton Harbor, is a class dedicated to helping and encouraging middle schoolers to stand up to peer pressure, instilling good values, and discovering God in new ways through art, new experiences and Bible lessons. It came to a close and seven bright youth stood up during worship on Sunday July 27 to be recognized for their accomplishment in graduating the course.

--Julie Brien, Resident in Mission Read more in her blog at http://westminstergr.org/blog/entry/notes-on-benton-harbors-summer

Mission update-Benton Harbor

Wanda Tillery, Julie Brien, Gentry Phillips and Cherrie Okonski - a great team of leaders, teachers and artists who led the Summer Leadership Program 2014

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 13

Mission update: Benton Harbor

August 16, 2014

Worldwide Ministry CommitteeWestminster Presbyterian Church

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A week ago today, ten excited, inspired and exhausted young people came back to Benton Harbor after spending a week at Camp Henry. What a joy to send these young people to camp, most of whom could not have gone without financial support.

On behalf of the Session and congregation of First Presbyterian in Benton Harbor, I’d like to thank you for contributing to the Camp Henry Scholarship fund that helped pay their way. In addition to the scholarships they received from Camp Henry through you, each young person was expected to contribute financially in some way. Some of the youth worked at our ARTSBRIDGE events as greeters and hosts and earned support in this way. All of the young people participated in a Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser and Silent Auction. With most of the food being donated by church members and parents of youth going to camp, the fundraiser netted over $700. The young people also did a car wash. Most of their families and others in the community contributed to the Camp Henry Fund. At the end of the day, the youth raised over $1700 that covered the costs not covered by scholarships. Also, the families of campers and a church volunteer covered the expenses for traveling to and from camp. It was a joy to see the young people, their families, and the congregation take ownership of this experience. Your support was a significant “hand up,” not just a “hand out.” The youth were proud to help “earn their way” to camp.

Our Resident for Mission, Julie Brien, took the lead in organizing the fundraisers, working with the youth and their families, and teaching the young people about budgeting. She did a fabulous job. As she continues her work with us, the youth will start “earning their way” to Camp Henry for next summer this fall. They will start planning fundraisers and also exercise more leadership in the church as they contribute their gifts.

Also, Ben Thompson, a member of our church who will be a sophomore at Michigan State this fall, worked at Camp Henry this summer. He said that the experience was “life changing” for him. His presence also helped our Benton Harbor youth feel more at home and helped them transition to this new culture and environment more easily.

I rejoice that our partnership has made this possible for these young people. I can’t thank you enough for your support. God is good—all the time.

Grace and peace,Rev. Laurie HartzellPastor, First Presbyterian ChurchBenton Harbor, Michigan

mIssIon

14 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

small groups

Small group news and eventsfasd (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) One of our long-standing commitments at WPC has been supporting those with special needs, particularly those within the FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) community.

Raising awareness and creating a space of welcome, there are two groups that meet at Westminster: an FASD support group for those diagnosed with or passionate about the FASD community and an FASD parent(s)’ support group for those who have children with FASD.

July’s meeting was a great time of personal reflection activities as well as team building games. The discussion time required group members to identify and speak about personal qualities that they see as strengths in themselves. They then paired off and shared two positive qualities they identified in their partner throughout time spent with them in the FASD group. Afterwards the group, along with hula hoops and prizes, went upstairs to play team building games. Glad to report there were a lot of “warm fuzzies” and laughter this meeting!

The FASD support group will meet regularly (on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7:00-8:30pm) in the youth space of the church. The FASD parent(s)’ support group will meet at the same time in the conference room. Please contact Michele with any questions or interest in the FASD support group! Phone: (770) 329-9563, Email: seachele47@gmail.com. *Parents are free to contact Barb Wybrecht directly. Phone: (616) 241-9126, Email: bmwybrecht@gmail.com.

westminster works This month (September) Westminster Works begins its third year as our career, reemployment, and vocational guidance ministry. Larry Bratschie, Westminster Works Ministry Coordinator, and Ken Soper, weekly Work Search Roundtable Facilitator, will be reporting during the Minute for Mission in worship on September 14, sharing a new opportunity to grow this ministry.

The Thursday morning 9:00-11:00am Roundtable has 5-8 individuals weekly participating, and we have seen over 20 individuals who reported back they have landed new work, assisted by the Westminster Works ministry. September will also see a return of the NetWork 2 NewWork (www.nw2nw.org) event on Tuesday, September 23, 5:00-8:00p, in the dining room. This event has occurred in our building 6 times, averaging 50-60 participants, invites people like you to participate in “paying forward” networking to sustain your career and tell your story of God’s faithfulness and direction, encouraging those in transition between jobs or new careers to mingle, connect, and share their story as well, in the spirit of Psalms 107:2, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story”.

These two ministry events are outreach to the Westminster community and to others in Grand Rapids, affiliated with EaRN Employment and Resource Network (www.earn-network.org). While the Michigan economy has been improving, Westminster Works is serving many people who are un-employed, under-employed, unhappily-employed, or needing a re-discovery of their vocation. How about you? For more information, contact Larry Bratschie at larbratch@msn.com or 616-299-6246 for more information, or the church office, 616-456-1456.

exploring faithThe Exploring Faith book club will begin its second season with a discussion of Barbara Brown Taylor’s book Learning to Walk in the Dark. Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 3 from 1:30-3:00p, at the home of Tom Ozinga and Phong Hoang, 2781 Timberlane SW, Grandville. New members are always welcome. The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, September through May. Join us. Questions: Contact Chuck Strikwerda, 245-6929.

Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 15

small groups

mary martha circle Mark your calendars for the fall session of Mary Martha Circle. We will meet weekly on Thursdays beginning September 25 with a potluck luncheon starting at 12:00 noon in the dining room. Those with last names starting with A-L please bring a salad to share. Our remaining meetings will be from 1:00-2:30 in the parlor and will conclude on Thursday, October 30. Our book this fall is Practicing our Faith, A Way of Life for a Searching People by Dorothy C. Bass. We will cover chapters 1 and 2 during our first meeting. You may purchase this book at Schuler Books on 28th street. Mention Mary Martha Circle and you will receive a 20% discount. Questions? Call Carolyn Morse (890-3802) or Doris Worthington (949-1185). Please join us. All are welcome.

westminster presbyterian adults WPA is a group of vibrant adults 55 and up. You are invited to join us for a luncheon in the church dining room on Thursday, September 11 at 11:30a for punch bowl and fellowship. Lunch will be served at 12 noon. Our program will include recognizing our own Barbara Roelofs, and friend Linda DeYoung, co-founders of the Heritage Hill Association, for their work with saving the beautiful homes of Heritage Hills. We will also welcome Kay Courtney, real estate agent specializing in the Heritage Hills district, who will share with us what is happenign in the Hill district,Please make a reservation by contacting Jan Dildine by phone at 866-9281 or janet.dildine@comcast.net.Looking ahead: On Thursday, October 9 we will have an outing to Southern Exposure Herb Farm in Battle Creek, where we will enjoy a lunch, tour, and make a herb craft to take home. Watch for sign up soon.

evergreen circle We would like to welcome women of all ages to join us on Wednesday nights beginning September 17 at 7:00p in the church Library, for our Bible study. This fall’s session runs from September 10 through November 12. We will then meet again after Christmas until Lent to study a book, yet to be selected. Join us for lively discussions and new perspectives on Biblical teachings and thoughts about how the Bible affects us in our daily lives. We begin our September Horizons book study with Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians. For a book, please contact Marilyn Lawrence at 454-1723.

Small group news and eventswpc fiction booK groupThe book group meets the third Sunday evening of each month September to May at 7:00p. All men and women who love to read fiction and enjoy thoughtful discussion, please join. Everything from classics to bestsellers, poetry, short stories, literacy fiction to page-turner mysteries. Our selection for September 21 is recent best-seller, The Art of Fielding, by Chad Harbach. The novel centers on the Westish College Harpooners, a Division III baseball team from the Wisconsin side of Lake Michigan. The Harpooners see its fortune rise with the arrival of magical shortstop, Henry Skrimshander, scrawny but gifted. He’s chasing records and being scouted by the majors when in one horrible inning, it all goes terribly wrong. A great read! At our September 21, 7:00p meeting we will choose our books for October and November. New readers and different perspectives are always welcome.

elisabeth circleThe circle’s first fall meeting is Tuesday, September 16 at 1:00p in the church parlor. We will be using Soul Survivor, by author, Philip Yancey for our discussions. Prior to the meeting, we will enjoy a potluck luncheon at 11:45a in the Parlor. Please bring a dish to share. Visitors and new members are always welcome. If you have questions please contact Lois Waldecker at 784-0900.

midweeK churchmen’s luncheonWeekly buffet luncheon Wednesdays at 11:30a, followed by fellowship and meditation, led by Rev. Don Gordon. Westminster Dining Room. September 3: Dr. Lennox Forrest, psychologist and founder of Faith Counseling Services, Grand Rapids. Topic: “Life’s Greatest Struggles?” September 10: Randall J. Hekman former probate - juvenile judge and currently National Director of the “One Cry Movement.” Topic: “OurNations’s Greatest Need Today?” September 17: Rev. Erica Dekker, Chaplain at Spectrum Health Rehab and Nursing Center, Kalamazoo. Topic: “Living Well, Dying Well.” September 24: Dr. Clarence Menninga, Professor Emeritus, Geology Department, Calvin College, Grand Rapids. Topic: “God’s Facinating World of Meteors and Meteorites.”

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The deadline for October Chimes is September 10. Please submit any and all information for the Chimes to: chimes@westminstergr.org or to Becky Wells at beckyw@westminstergr.org. Thank you.