MISSION MATTERS - Westminster Presbyterian Church

CHIMES
February 2015 • Westminster Presbyterian Church •www.wpcgr.org
MISSION MATTERS
CHIMES
A publication of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
47 Jefferson Ave SE • Grand Rapids • MI • 49503 • 616-456-1456
Senior Pastor letter
3
Martin Luther King, Jr.10
Worship Schedule
3
Educational Programming
11
Weekly Devotions for February
4
Youth Group 12
Music Schedule
13
MissionMatters
February schedule
Mission Does Matter
Listen to the stories
5-6
WCDC MissionMatters - WCDC benefits
Camp Henry
MissionMatters - Dining Hall expansion
Downtown Food Pantry
MissionMatters - Upgrades for the Pantry
7
8
Special Day - Special poem
Upcoming Offerings
Looking Ahead - Youth Sunday
Mission Trip luncheon
Coat Drive
Ahead in worship music
Choir schedules
New Youth Leader 13
9
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 heatherc@wpcgr.org.
Introduction from the senior pastor
MissionMatters
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.
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.
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.
Grace and peace,
Join us for worship and join us in MissionMatters—
which indeed we pray will bear the fruit of the Spirit
as well.
Rev. Chandler Stokes
Worship schedule February 2015 - 8:30 and 11:00
Body Language - What Has Changed Us?
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 2015
February 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 8:30a
Cherub and Sanctuary Choir at 11:00a
Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes
3
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.
4
Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church
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.
Father Pedro Arrupe, S.J., 29th Superior General of
the Society of Jesus.
1
Mission
Mission does matter - Listen to the stories
Why 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.
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.”
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.
Kristine Hanson, WCDC Board President
invites you down for a tour.
Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes
5
Mission
Mission does matter - stories
Giving Back
Camp Matters
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.”
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!’”
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
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Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church
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 insuite 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 amberm@wpcgr.org or give her a call at 717-5549,
(or westminstergr.org/uploads/documents/MM_caseforsupport.pdf , page 5)
Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes
7
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.
Members hearing about the proposed benefits
MissionMatters will have on Camp Henry
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.
Present Dining Hall
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
8
Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church
Dining
HallDining
expansion
Proposed
Hall
Core missions
Downtown Pantry
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
Food Pantry Director, Angie Kelley, giving a
MissionMatters tour to members.
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 Pantry
Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes
9
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.
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Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church
Education
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, beckyw@wpcgr.org,
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:
rdspafford@gmail.com.
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
Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes
11
Youth Update
Upcoming Youth happenings
WPC Night at the Movies: Selma
On 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.
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Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church
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
kylen@wpcgr.org 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 kylen@wpcgr.org.
Music Ministry at westminster and Addition to Youth Staff
February Music Schedule
♦February 1 8:30a & 11:00a - 11:00a - Westminster Men's Choir
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 -
Midwinter THAW Concert
♦ February 18
7:00p -
Ash Wednesday
♦ February 22
Westminster Winds
No education hour/ choirs meet
between services
Sanctuary Choir
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 helenh@wpcgr.org or 717-5539.
New Youth Middle School Leader
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.
Jeremy’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!
Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes
13
Small group news and events
From our sister church
1st Presbyterian, Benton Harbor
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
14
Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church
wpc fiction book group
The 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 date
Saturday, 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 jnash24@aol.com.
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.
Small group news and events
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 jmars13@comcast.net.
true north campus ministry
The 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,
nancy@truenorthonline.org, 616-821-0351.
midweek churchmen’s luncheon
Weekly 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 gallery
The 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 larbratch@msn.com
or 616-299-6246.
Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes
15
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Grand Rapids, MI
PERMIT NO. 323
The deadline for March Chimes is February 10. Please
submit any and all information for the Chimes to:
chimes@wpcgr.org or to Becky Wells at beckyw@
wpcgr.org. Thank you.
Connect with Westminster online
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information about our congregational life and ministry.
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