September 14, 201414th Sunday after Pentecost

400 North Shartel Avenue, Oklahoma City 73118 405.524.2204 ~ www.wpcokc.org

Presbyterian Church

PNC UPDATE

We are commanded to serve our brothers and sisters in our communityfor His kingdom. The United Way “Day of Caring” is a wonderful wayto partner our efforts with local community organizations in need ofhelp. This year, Westminster will be working at Sunbeam Family Services, A Chance to Change Foundation, Hospice of Oklahoma County, Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County, The Homeless

Alliance and The Salvation Army.

A variety of jobs, both indoor and outdoor will be available to volunteers of all ages. This is a great opportunity to bring along yourkids to show them the importance of volunteerism.

If you love to play with kids, rock babies, help in a classroom setting,read to kids, fill up a sandbox and other kid related activities, please consider signing up to help at Sunbeam Family Services. Volunteersmust be 18 years of age or older. Wear kid-friendly clothes that youdon’t mind getting messy. October 3rd, 9:00-11:30a.

If you have a green thumb or love to work outdoors, consider signingup to help clean out and plant flowers in the flower beds at A Chanceto Change Foundation. All ages are welcome and don’t forget to bringyour gardening tools and wear clothes that can get dirty. October 3rd,9:00-11:30am.

Bring your whole family to clean up a yard for a hospice family of Hospice of Oklahoma County. Wear clothing that you don’t mindgetting dirty. Date and time to be determined.

Please stop by the Garden Court today to read about all of the volunteers opportunities and to sign up. Questions? Contact MikeBass at mbassokc@yahoo.com or by phone at 557-1087.

@ednesdayWestminsterWednesdays

September 10 - November 19, 2014

5:30 - 6:15 pmDinner

Adults $5 Children $3 Family Maximum Charge $20

6:15 - 7:00 pmKids

• Nursery for children ages birth through 4 yrs• Bible Lesson for Pre-K - 6th Grade

Adults• “How Religion Affects Your World” Taught by Rev. Dr. Randall Spindle

• Enrichment Fall Series:(Sign up at the Information Desk)Sept. 17 - “Preparing for the Unexpected” - Red Cross Sept. 24 - “What is Home Care?” - Courtney Steward

7:10 - 9:00 pmChancel Choir (Nursery provided)

PastorNominatingCommittee

The PNC promised we would keep you updated regarding our progress. Given the recent departure of Steve Marsh as interim, webelieve that this would be an appropriate time to provide you with anupdate.

We would like to take part of this time to remind you about the kind ofcandidate we are seeking. Some of the more important characteristics we have identified include being a preacher, a teacher, a counselorand administrator, who is foremost, driven by a desire to serve Christ.That’s a unique combination of skills and quite honestly, it’s a prettytall order. We believe that person exists and that we will be able tobring that person to WPC. We have prepared a Minister InformationForm (MIF), which is the Presbyterian Church equivalent of a job posting. You can view and download that form on WPC’s website athttp://www.wpcokc.com/pastor-nominating-committee.

A number of you have suggested that Steve’s departure may have putadded pressure on the PNC. While we certainly understand that concern, we want you to know that our primary goal continues to be aconcerted effort to make sure that the call issued by WPC is for the person who best meets our diverse set of stated requirements andwhose call also represents God’s will for Westminster. The PNC whichyou have selected has significant ability to discern a candidate’s worldly experience and qualifications, and we are confident, based onour progress to date, that God’s will can, and will be discerned at the appropriate time, whether that be in 2 months or 12 months. When itcomes to God’s will, we’re working on God’s time.

We continue to be optimistic about the overall process and our progress. We have identified a number of qualified candidates withwhom we are engaged in various stages of dialogue. In the meantime,we have confidence that the Session’s transition plan will assure thatin the interim, Westminster is stable, healthy and welcoming to a newPastor.

This person may be unlike any other Pastor we’ve ever had. We seek aPastor who recognizes the rich diversity of opinion held by WPCcongregation members and who is committed to pastoring to all of us,regardless of our views and opinions. We seek someone who recognizes that WPC is not the active Pastor’s church, not a previousPastor’s church nor a church belonging to a narrow point of view. Weseek someone who recognizes that WPC is Christ’s church and whorecognizes that WPC’s future is not in human hands, but in Christ’shands.

We ask for your continued patience and recognition that the pressurewe feel now, that we have always felt, is to “get it right”. This committee is working diligently through this process to do the thingsthat we can to deliver to this community of believers which we call WPC, the Pastor we deserve; a Pastor who can truly bring us together through Christ’s example and teachings.

Last, and most important, we ask for your continued prayers as wecontinue our search.

Spotlight OnWestminster Partners with

United Way Day of Caring: October 3rd & 4th

Join the Men of Westminster each Tuesday morning in room LL29 from 7:30 - 8:30a as they begin a study on the book of Hebrews. Breakfast and materials provided.

Men of Westminster Begin New Study

Mark Your Calendars For Flu & Pneumonia Shots

Visiting Nurses Association

Sunday, Sept. 219:00a-12:00pRoom 105

Flu Shot $25Flu Mist $35Pneumonia Shot $85

Will bill Medicare.

Worship@WestminsterGATHER

Time of Welcome Pastor Nominating Committee Jane Puls (8:30); Daniel Adams (10:30)

*Sharing the Peace of ChristLeader: Please turn to those around you and extend the hope and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prelude to Worship: I Know That My Redeemer Lives (Antioch) Arr. George Shearing

Call To Worship

*Hymn of Praise: #620 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Lauda Anima +(verses 1 and 4)

GROWTime of Confession Invitation to Confession Prayer of Confession

Lord of the just and unjust, we confess that your ways puzzle us and your commands are difficult. It is not easy to bless those who insult us, and to pray for those who abuse us. We so often fail to display the graciousness, the forgiveness, the mercy, and the generosity that speak of love more profoundly than any words. God, forgive us, for we have cursed those who have cursed us; we have heaped scorn on the selfish, rather than love. Deliver us from bitterness, and teach us to forgive. Lord, hear our confession and those we now offer in the silence…(A silence is kept). Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness Leader: Friends, believe the good news of God’s grace. People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

*Response to Forgiveness: #581 Glory Be to the Father Gloria Patri

++Children’s Moment: #435 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy In BabiloneAs the children come forward, the congregation shall sing (verse 1); As the children return to their seats, the congregations shall sing (verse 2)

Prayer for Illumination

Reading from the Old Testament Genesis 50:15-21, p. 48

Reading from the Psalter Psalm 103:1-13, p. 554

Reading from the Epistles Romans 14:1-12, p. 163

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. ++Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional) Hymnal p. 35 ++Anthem: Bless The Lord! Michail Ipolitoff-Ivanhoff

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all His benefits.

He is gracious and plenteous in mercy. As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that love Him, and remember His commandments and do them.

Chancel Choir

Reading from the Gospels Matthew 18:21-35, p. 20

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon: “MARKERS OF ORDINARY TIME: FORGIVENESS” Rev. Dr. Michael D. Anderson

GO

*Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed (Traditional) Hymnal p. 35

Invitation to Offering Offertory: From All That Dwell Below the Skies (Laast Uns Erfreuen) Arr. Michael Burkhardt *Doxology: #606 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow Old Hundredth++Prayer of Thanksgiving

+The Sacrament of Holy Communion *Hymn of Discipleship: #439 O My Soul, Bless Your Redeemer Stuttgart+(verses 1 and 6)

*Benediction

Postlude: Toccata on “Amazing Grace” Arr. Pardini

Hymn and scripture text printed with permission granted by CCLI License #2337964.

*This sign is an invitation, to all who are able, to stand as they offer God thanks and praise.+This sign indicates Chapel Worship Service only.++This sign indicates Sanctuary Worship Service only.

✿Sanctuary Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God and given in memory of Sherry Childers, dear friend, by the Hortons.

✿Sanctuary Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God and given in memory of Sherry Childers, dear friend, by the Cappadonas.

Leading in WorshipPastor Emeritus: Rev. Dr. Michael D. AndersonInterim Associate Pastor: Rev. Michelle Junkin

Teaching Minister: Rev. Dr. Randall SpindleElder Liturgist: Jim Robinson

Organ: Steve Thompson, Principal OrganistCarillon: Lisa Hart

Worship@Westminster

Kids@West

Heather SelementDirector of

Children’s Ministry405.524.2224 ext. 248heather@wpcokc.org

Youth@West

AnnouncementsSTEPHEN MINISTERS aremembers of our congregation wholisten, care, encourage and provideemotional and spiritual support topeople who are facing a crisis orgoing through tough times. The care you receive is confidential, free and very helpful. To learn howyou, a friend, a neighbor or relativecan receive care, call Susan Seely(242-2992) or Richard Darnell(317-3401), or staff member Rev.Dr. Randall Spindle. For more information about Stephen Minis-try, please visit wpcokc.org.

WPC FOUNDATION Prayerfullyconsider the Westminster Presbyterian Church Foundation in your Estate Planning. You cancontact the Business Office at 405.524.2204 or the followingFoundation Trustees. Mark Schlegel, Hal Brown, Alison Taylor, John Frick, Jim Richard, Tim Cheek, Cliff Hudson or SarahFrank.

MOMMIES & THEIR BABIES- Understanding AttachmentFridays beginning Sept. 12 throughOct. 31 from 9:30-10:30a. This8-week class, taught by Kay Ludwig, LCSW, would best bedescribed as an informal, interactivegroup with new mothers of babiesup to one year old. The purposeis to inform, educate, support andincrease understanding of mother/baby attachment processes in thefirst year of life. Kay is a WPCmember and can be contacted atkmlmsw@cox.net or (405) 630-0963.

RUTH CIRCLE Meets for study, prayer and service at 10:00am thethird Tuesday of the month beginning Sept. 16th, in Room 104. Current Study-Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2nd Corinthians by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty. Books are available at theInformation Desk or at the first meeting for $8.00. Questions?Contact Patti Leeman at 470-2050.

HYMNAL FUND We hope you are enjoying the new hymnals and wewant to thank you for your generosity to fund this project. Wehave a few more hymnals left to dedicate in memory or honor of a loved one. You can dedicate ahymnal for $35 each. Please contact Director of Worship & Music, JoshPhelps at 524.2224 ext. 240 to placeyour order.

GIRLS OF GRACE Fall study “The Family of Jesus” meets Wednesdays 9:30-11:15am Sept. 10through Oct. 22. To register contact Rev. Michelle Junkin at mjunkin@wpcokc.org or 524.2224 ext. 222.

NEW SECURITY MEASURESaimed at ensuring the safety of ourgrowing number of children whoare entrusted to our care here atWestminster. The church doorsare secured Monday through Saturday except for Wednesdays@Westminster, weddings, me-morial services and other large

events. To enter, go to the northentrance, press the button on theintercom to speak with the receptionist who will buzz you in.A code will be required to enterthe building after 6:00pm Mondaythrough Friday. Contact yourgroup leader for the access code.Thank you for your cooperation inmaking Westminster a safer placefor us all.

WED@WEST ENRICHMENTSERIES: Each Enrichment Seriesclass meets from 6:15-7:00pm inRoom LL28.

Sept. 17-Preparing for the Unexpected, Mario Medrano

Sept. 24-What is Home Care?Courtny Steward

Oct. 1-When Someone is Thirsty,Jim Stewart

Sign up for all Enrichment Series classes at the table in the GardenCourt.

As we get deeper into the new semester and things get busier in all areas in life, it is super important to remember that God is in control and to rely on Himalone for peace and comfort. It is easy and even normalto begin to feel overwhelmed, but I would encourage everyone to read Psalm 23:1-6 as a beautiful reminderto rest in the Lord’s presence and to seek joy in His planfor our life as He never leaves our side:

“The Lord is my shelter, I shall not be in want. Hemakes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Eventhough I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod andyour staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table beforeme in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell inthe house of The Lord forever.” (NIV)This passage is filled with SO much beautiful Truth thatbrings so much peace to my restless mind and comfortto my anxious heart. His love is boundless and relentless like no other. Rest in His Truth.

With much joy,

ClaireDear Parents,

Thank you for continuing this journey of TheGospel Project® for Kids. Over the next sixweeks, kids will learn about some of Jesus’ miracles that helped people believe that Jesusis God’s Son, the Messiah. Today’s Biblestory took place in Cana, where Jesus had performed His first miracle of turning waterinto wine. News spread of Jesus’ whereabouts,and an official hurried to find Him. The official’s son was sick in Capernaum, about20 miles away. The boy was so sick, he woulddie if he didn’t get help. Imagine the urgencyin the official’s voice when he pleaded for Jesus to come heal his son. But Jesus didn’t rush away to Capernaum. Instead, He challenged the official and the Galileans: “You people must see miracles and signs before you believe in Me.”

It was true, many people who saw Jesus’ miracles followed Him and believed in Him.(See John 2:11,23; 3:2; 6:2,14; 12:11,18.)Jesus was willing to help people, but He didn’t want them to miss the point. The miracles were signs that pointed to who Jesus is: the Son of God who offers eternal life. The official pleaded again, “Sir, come down before my boy dies!” Jesus answered, “Go. Your son will live.” The official believed whatJesus said. He headed home, and his servants confirmed the truth: His son was well. The fever had left him at the same time Jesus said, “Your son will live.” So the official and everyone in his household believed in Jesus.Jesus’ miracles are one of the main ways God brought people to faith in Him. The officialwanted Jesus to save his son from death, andit was not until Jesus did so that he understoodwho Jesus is: the promised Messiah. It tookfaith for the official to believe Jesus’ words—that his son was healed. In healing the official’s son, Jesus showed His authority andpower as God’s Son. John concludes his Gospel by explaining that Jesus did more miracles than what are written but “these are written so that you may believe Jesus is theMessiah, the Son of God, and by believing ou may have life in His name” (John 20:31).Partnering with you, Heather

Jesus Healed anOfficial’s Son

John 4:46-54®

005630804_v9_Kid_Cards.indd 11 3/12/14 8:57 AM

Big Picture Question for Kids: What happened when Jesus performed miracles?

Big Picture Answer for Kids: Jesus’ miracles helped people believe in Him.

Christ Connection: The official wanted Jesus to save his son from death, and it was not until Jesus did so that he understood who Jesus is: the promised Messiah. It took faith for the official to believe Jesus’ words—that his son was healed. In healing the official’s son, Jesus showed His authority and power as God’s Son.

Key Passage: John 20:30-31

Jesus Healed anOfficial’s Son

John 4:46-54®

005630804_v9_Kid_Cards.indd 12 3/12/14 8:57 AM

Claire BeldenPrograms and Communications

Coordinator

Youth Ministry405.524.2224 ext. 233cbelden@wpcokc.org

Jesus Performed MiraclesUnit 26 • Session 1 • Younger Kids Activity Pages

Instructions: Help the five sick

faces find their perfect matches.

KEY:

Upcoming Events:

Mid-High Back to School Party*Sunday, September 14, 3:30-TBD pmElevation Trampoline Park (Edmond)

7th & 8th grades*all participants’ parents must sign waiver at

Elevation and WPC waiver; Church will not provide transportation

High School Back to School Party*Saturday, September 20, 6:30-8:30pm

Laser Tag in the WPC Social Hall!9th-12th grades

*all participants must sign Mobile Laser Force Co waiver and WPC waiver

Senior DinnerSunday, September 21, 5:30pm

Louie’s (by Lake Hefner)Seniors

Dinner to talk about upcoming year, fellowship, picture taking by the lake;

wear something “less-casual”

Coffee, Christ & Cupcakes with Claire!Wednesdays 7:00-8:30pm

Cuppies & Joe10th-12th Grade Girls Small Group

Small Group with Nicole Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm

Sept. 16 at Hideaway Pizza on Western7th-9th Grade Girls

Small Group with Jessica GreeneWednesdays 7-7:35am (before school)

Panera on WesternALL Freshman Girls

Upcoming Events:

Mother/Son Bowling October 5th 4pm-6pm

$10Register online at:www.wpkcokc.org

Deadline October 4th

Friday Friends September 12th and 26th,

October 3rd, 17th, and 24th

Date NightsSeptember 12th October 10th 5:30pm-8pm

$5RSVP to Raquel at:

redmondson@wpcokc.orgDeadline 1:00pm October 10th

Find REST in Him

Remember to silence all cell phones. No food or drinks are allowedin the Chapel or Sanctuary.

WPC CARES: Members in Need of Care. In order to care for ourmembers who are hospitalized, homebound or simply needing prayer, please notify the church by email at wpccares@wpcokc.orgor by phone at 524-2224 ext. 249. Doing so helps our ministers and care team members know whom to visit. Without your help our ability to know who is in the hospital or in need is limited.

Deacon of the Week: Amy Smith - Please contact her forcongregational care needs at 254-5033.

Happy Birthday! The following Westminster members are celebrating their birthdays this week. Please remember them in yourprayers, that they may experience God’s grace in the coming year.

September 14: Mary Kelly; Homer Paul; Evan Price;

September 15: Judy Blackburn; Steven Clark; Joe Clement; BrookeCohn; Betty Davis; Richard Duncan; Aly Mott; Tim Rasmussen;

September 16: Pat Hill; Mary Vaughn Smiser; Roger Smith;

September 17: Judy Barnett; Mike Bass; Joan Cromwell; Sterling Cryder; Bill Moore; Leslie Nelson; Mindy Nix; Robbie Tittle;

September 18: DeDe Benham; Nick Bentley; R. Darryl Fisher; ElyseHatcher; Martha Jo Jordan; Mary Lee Smiser;

September 19: Jeb Boatman; Sarah Northwood; Marilyn Van Hoose;

September 20: Betty Benham; Katie Davis; Zane Fleming; Marcus Mears; Brett Robinson; Kathy Shipley; Mary Ann Thomas; Neta Wilson.

Flowers in the Sanctuary may be purchased to honor a loved one orspecial occasion and will be mentioned in the bulletin. Please sign up in the book at the reception desk. Cost is $60/vase and there are2 vases each week.

Children’s Worship Bags can be found at the entrancesto the Sanctuary. The bags contain activities that coordinate with the weekly worship theme. There are also some fun quiet games to enhance their worship experience. Questions? Contact HeatherSelement at 405.524.2224 ext. 248 or heather@wpcokc.org.

If You Are Interested in scheduling a baptism or wedding, or need to notify the church of a death in order to coordinate a funeral or memorial service, please contact Lori Jirousek, Executive Assistant to Steve Marsh at 524-2224 ext. 228 or lori@wpcokc.org.

Westminster Presbyterian Church4400 North Shartel ~ Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118-6442 ~ (405) 524-2204 ~ www.wpcokc.org

Ministry Staff: Josh Phelps, Worship and Music; Heather Selement, Children’s MinistriesAdministrative Staff: Jo Ann McFarlin, Executive Director; Sarah Adams-Cornell, Communications

Mom's Morning will meet on Wednesdays, beginning Septem-ber 10th, 2014. This fall we will be reading and discussing the book, “Desperate – Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe” by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson. This book honestly explores how motherhood can turn you inside out and at times overwhelm by how tired you feel. If you have ever felt like all the "experts" have clearly never had a child like yours; if you have ever longed for help and mentoring or if you have ever felt lost and alone in motherhood, this book promises to give you honest

answers in its dialog between one young mother's honest account of the desperate feelings experienced in motherhood and one experienced mentor's realistic and gentle exhortations that were forged in the trenches of raising her own four children. Who we are:Mom’s Morning is dedicated to building Christian community among mothers of young children through Bible Study, Prayer and Fellowship. Things to know:Bring a journal/notebook and pen to each class.$15.00 toward bookChildcare – no costBring your own diapers and sippy cups, label everything. Light snacks for kids provided. Have questions? Contact the church office or Michelle at 405-524-2204 ext. 222. mjunkin@wpcokc.org

Mom’s MorningWednesday morning from 9:30-11:30a