SUNDAY BULLETIN

May 11, 2008Pentecost Sunday

SUNDAY WORSHIP BULLETIN

September 20, 200925th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Westminster Presbyterian Church extends an enthusiastic welcome, in Christ’s name,to all who would worship here or join us in fellowship.

We affirm that there can be no exclusion within the body of Christ.We invite all children of God to join us as disciples of Christ

and participate fully in the life of our congregation.

1502 West 13th Street · Wilmington, DE 19806302-654-5214 · Fax: 302-654-5706 · www.wpc.org

Welcome to Westminster

Whether you are worshiping at Westminster for the first time or returning for a visit, we sincerely welcome you in the name of Christ!

Following our 9:00 a.m. worship service, we invite you to meet today’s “ambassadors,” Fred and Julie Schmitt, at the back of the sanctuary. They will have a gift for you, and can share information regarding our many ministries for children, youth and adults. They can also guide you to the hospitality area to enjoy fellowship or lead you on a tour of the church.

Children are welcome in worship! Westminster’s Kids’ Notes and worship bags are available each Sunday from the ushers. Kids’ Notes, a weekly companion to Westminster’s morning worship, emphasizes listening and seeing during worship. The bags include storybooks for children of all ages, coloring paper and crayons, a children’s bulletin for those age three to six, and bookmarks for hymns and Scripture.

Worship Aids - Large print Presbyterian Hymnals and hearing devices may be obtained from any usher.

Would you like to know more? Check out our website at www.wpc.org.

This Morning at Westminster 8:45 – Noon Child Care for Cribbery (birth – toddler)

9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service with Westminster Choir and organ

After TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN, if you wish, your children may leave the Sanctuary and go to:

Godly Care-A unique opportunity for children ages 2 – 4 to get to know God through music, crafts, prayers and stories. Classes are in the Under Six Classrooms A & B.

Godly Play-Children in kindergarten through second grade gather inthe Ruth Christie Room to learn the language of God’s people throughsacred space, stories, parables and liturgical actions.

Godly Kids – Worship education for children in grades 3 and 4 in the Meeting Room. Godly Kids return to the sanctuary during the final hymn and sit together until their parents meet them following the postlude.

10:10 a.m. Prime Time Sunday School Classes for all ages. For a listing of Adult Education classes, see page 7.

11:15 a.m. Worship with old hymns, new songs, and creative liturgy. Children are always welcome in worship, however, childcare is available in Under Six for ages 2 – Grade 2.

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Hospitality and FellowshipThe Holy Toast Café, located in Community Hall, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Coffee, tea and fellowship are free. Breakfast foods are available for one dollar per item.

ORDER OF WORSHIP AT 9:00 A.M.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP (The following prayer may help you prepare for worship)As the light of dawn awakens earth's creatures and stirs into song the birds of the morning so may I be brought to life this day. Rising to see the light… to hear the wind… to smell the fragrance of what grows from the ground… to taste its fruit and touch its textures so may my inner senses be awakened to you, O God. J. Philip Newell, Celtic Benediction

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

*PASSING OF THE PEACE

ORGAN PRELUDE Praeludium in E minor Nicolaus Bruhns

CALL TO WORSHIP

We have come to worship the living God;Who creates heaven and earth.

Let us celebrate the gift of life;And give thanks for the wonders of God’s world.

*HYMN NO. 461 “God is Here” ABBOT’S LEIGH “”

Verses 1, 3 & 4

CALL TO CONFESSION

We are sons and daughters of the Creator of heaven and earth,but we often live as if we do not know our true parent.

Let us acknowledge what happenswhen we forget God’s wisdom within us.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, we confess that we often fail to become the people you call us to be. We live more in apathy born of cynicism than in passion born of hope. We are motivated more by private ambition than by social justice. We dream more of privilege and benefits than of service and sacrifice. We speak in your name without nourishing our souls or trusting your grace. Help us to peer deep within ourselves and recover the divine image within us.

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SILENT PRAYER

ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS

At the asterisk (*), please stand as you are able.Passages in bold print may be said by all.

ANTHEM “This Is the Day” James MelbyWestminster Choir

This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Oh, give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever!

TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN Susan Moseley

SCRIPTURE Mark 10:13-16 New Testament, page 40 Fred Carspecken, Westminster by Heart

SERMON “Receiving the Kingdom as a Child” Greg Jones

*HYMN NO. 304 “Jesus Loves Me!” JESUS LOVES ME

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

God created and continues to create the universe out of love. God is intimately involved with the creation to the extent that the creation affects the Creator. God urges all people to fulfill divine intentions in order that love and justice may be present throughout the world. God is revealed to us as a loving, personal Parentwho is creatively involved in our lives. God is also transcendent, existing in time and space in a way that is beyond our understanding.

OFFERING

During the offering, please sign your name and pass the red folders down each row. As folders are returned to the center aisle, note the names of fellow worshippers on your pew.

OFFERTORY “Suffer the Little Children” Ruth L. HausmanRuth Bailis, mezzo-soprano

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Justin Gonzalez, tenor

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Hymn No. 591)Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;Praise Christ, all people here below;Praise Holy Spirit evermore;Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

LORD’S PRAYER (page 16 in The Presbyterian Hymnal, using “debts” and “debtors”)

*HYMN NO. 162 “O Lord, Our God, How Excellent” WINCHESTER OLD“ ”

Verses 1-5BENEDICTION

CHORAL POSTLUDE

Children of the heav’nly FatherSafely in His bosom gather;Nestling bird nor star in heavenSuch a refuge e’er was given.

*GOING FORTH

If you are visiting with us for the first time, we invite you to meet today’s ambassadors, Fred and Julie Schmitt,following the service at the rear of the sanctuary to receive a gift and information.

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WESTMINSTER MISSION FAIR TODAY! Come to Community Hall this morning as we honor Chad Miller’s ministry with us. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the many ways that our church reaches out to serve those in need. You will see how your financial contributions to Westminster make this outreach possible and you will have a chance to talk with many of the people in our congregation who give so generously of their time and talent to service opportunities that touch their hearts.

Chad felt strongly that we are all called to serve others and, in that service, are ourselves transformed. In his clergy column in November 2007, Chad wrote:

“The most significant and transformational experiences in my life have been in mission. I have been on or led mission trips to reservations in New Mexico and South Dakota, the mountains of central Mexico, Zacapa Guatemala, the inner-city of Chicago and eastern Kentucky. Whether I was half way around the world or not more than a mile from home, my eyes have always been opened, my mind has always been renewed and my priorities have always been challenged and reordered.

In all my experiences of mission, God always seems closer and more real. Life, itself, seems more real. I believe this is the case because it is exceedingly difficult to take life for granted when looking into the beautiful face of an eight year old girl who was born in a garbage dump and will very likely live there all the days of her life. In addition, I believe one feels more alive when involved in mission because in garbage dumps outside Guatemala City or in rotting homes in Appalachia, the way of Jesus really begins to make sense.

In the Gospel according to Luke, Jesus rather cryptically says, “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.” While this statement might not make any sense to some, it makes perfect sense to anyone who has given up time, talents and resources for the sake of Christ in reaching out to the world. The more life that is lost in proclaiming the Good News in word and deed, the more life comes to life. The great paradoxical mystery of Christianity is this very idea: the more we let go, the better life becomes.

But letting go can be very difficult.

Fear not! We have opportunities for every level of self-sacrifice from beginners to well traveled experts. For beginners I invite you to give Saturday Morning Breakfast at West Presbyterian Church a try. For those looking for more of a challenge, we have mission trips to New Orleans planned. In fact, at Westminster we have well over 30 different mission opportunities with innumerable ways for you to be involved. No matter your abilities, interests or even time constraints, there is a place for you in mission.

Jesus came so that we may have life, and have it abundantly. The only question now is: What on earth are you waiting for?!”

Be sure to take one of the multi-color supplements from the ushers – during the week you can read more about Westminster’s service to our community and our world, and perhaps find a new way that you can respond to Chad’s question.

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ADULT EDUCATION CLASSESBeginning Today, 10:10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome - Classroom 6 - Leader, Dr. Greg Jones, today through October 25. Paul’s Letter to the Romans is the longest of Paul’s letters and is widely acclaimed to be his masterpiece. This letter, more than any other, spells out Paul’s understanding of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Further, it has had a major impact on the doctrines of the church since early times. However, there is by no means a consensus on the interpretation of Paul’s thinking. This class is a combination of lecture and discussion as we wrestle with Paul’s message and what it means for our lives today.

Enough – Discovering Joy Through Simplicity & Generosity – Daughtry House Classroom A DVD-series with presenter Rev. Adam Hamilton, Pastor of Church of the Resurrection (UMC) in Leawood, Kansas. Led by class participants through October 18. Enough is an invitation to rediscover the bible’s wisdom on prudent financial practices. Find the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. This program could change your life by changing your relationship with money.

Parenting – Ruth Christie Room Group led, with regular guess Yvonne Nass, Parenting Consultant on the first Sunday of the month. Class discussion built around a powerful DVD series called Nooma. Each viewing session deals with a particular “real life” topic as seen through Jesus’ perspective, and serves as a means to generate discussion and sharing. Nooma encourages group members to search, question, and join the conversation.

Westminster By Heart – Rodney Chapel Meeting Room Led by Biblical Storytellers Shelley Gnade and Mary-beth Howard. This new class offers a unique opportunity to study scripture, foster a deeper personal connection to stories of the Bible, and develop skills for telling Scripture on a regular basis in worship. Be a part of expanding the art of biblical storytelling, connecting to the stories of our faith, and sharing the story with the congregation. Join us whether you are simply interested in Bible study, or know that you want to develop skills in Biblical storytelling.

Living Fully Dying Well – Classroom 5 Led by Dr. Anne Ledbetter today through November 15. Our best decisions about life’s most important events are seldom made in a time of crisis. This study for all ages inspires us to talk openly about faith and mortality. What does our faith say about death? What are the opportunities and challenges of aging? How may we recreate our lives to live fully, joyfully, productively, as long as this life lasts?Cost of course book is $10.

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ADULT EDUCATION CLASSESBeginning Today, 10:10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome – Classroom 6 - Leader, Dr. Greg Jones, today through October 25. Paul’s Letter to the Romans is the longest of Paul’s letters and is widely acclaimed to be his masterpiece. This letter, more than any other, spells out Paul’s understanding of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Further, it has had a major impact on the doctrines of the church since early times. However, there is by no means a consensus on the interpretation of Paul’s thinking. This class is a combination of lecture and discussion as we wrestle with Paul’s message and what it means for our lives today.

Enough – Discovering Joy Through Simplicity & Generosity – Daughtry House Classroom Led by class participants through October 18. Enough is DVD-series with presenter Rev. Adam Hamilton, Pastor of Church of the Resurrection (UMC) in Leawood, Kansas. Enough is an invitation to rediscover the Bible’s wisdom on prudent financial practices. Find the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. This program could change your life by changing your relationship with money.

Parenting – Ruth Christie Room Group led, with regular guest Yvonne Nass, Parenting Consultant on the first Sunday of the month. Class discussion built around a powerful DVD series called Nooma. Each viewing session deals with a particular “real life” topic as seen through Jesus’ perspective, and serves as a means to generate discussion and sharing. Nooma encourages group members to search, question, and join the conversation.

Westminster By Heart – Rodney Chapel Meeting Room Led by Biblical Storytellers Shelley Gnade and Mary-beth Howard. This new class offers a unique opportunity to study scripture, foster a deeper personal connection to stories of the Bible, and develop skills for telling Scripture on a regular basis in worship. Be a part of expanding the art of biblical storytelling, connecting to the stories of our faith, and sharing the story with the congregation. Join us whether you are simply interested in Bible study, or know that you want to develop skills in Biblical storytelling.

Living Fully Dying Well – Classroom 5 Led by Dr. Anne Ledbetter today through November 15. Our best decisions about life’s most important events are seldom made in a time of crisis. This study for all ages inspires us to talk openly about faith and mortality. What does our faith say about death? What are the opportunities and challenges of aging? How may we recreate our lives to live fully, joyfully, productively, as long as this life lasts?Cost of course book is $10.

ORDER OF WORSHIP AT 11:15 A.M.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIPWe have come to worship the living God;

Who creates heaven and earth.Let us celebrate the gift of life;

And give thanks for the wonders of God’s world.

PROCESSION OF GOD’S LIGHT Acolyte: Ryan FischerAs the acolyte lights the candle, we remember that Christ is the Light of the world.

*OPENING SONG “Give Thanks”

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CALL TO CONFESSION

We are sons and daughters of the Creator of heaven and earth,but we often live as if we do not know our true parent.

Let us acknowledge what happensWhen we forget God’s wisdom within us.

SILENT PRAYER

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, we confess that we often fail to become the people you call us to be. We live more in apathy born of cynicism than in passion born of hope. We are motivated more by private ambition than by social justice. We dream more of privilege and benefits than of service and sacrifice. We speak in your name without nourishing our souls or trusting your grace. Help us to peer deep within ourselves and recover the divine image within us.

RESPONSE “Change My Heart O God”

ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS

God forgives us and sets before us the promise of a rich life.We embrace God’s forgiveness with faith and joy.

TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN Susan Moseley

SCRIPTURE Mark 10:13-16 New Testament, page 40 Fred Carspecken, Westminster by Heart

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RESPONSE TO SCRIPTURE (next page)

RESPONSE “Where Children Belong”

SERMON “Receiving the Kingdom as a Child” Greg Jones

OFFERINGDuring the offering, please sign your name and pass the red folders down each row.

As folders are returned to the center aisle, note the names of fellow worshippers on your pew.

OFFERTORY ANTHEM “This Is the Day” James Melby

Vocal EnsemblePRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

PRAYER REFRAIN “Lord Listen to Your Children Praying”

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LORD’S PRAYER (page 16 in The Presbyterian Hymnal, using “debts” and “debtors”)

*CLOSING HYMN “Go, My Children, with My Blessing”

*BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE “Jesus Loves the Little Children”

Jesus loves the little children,All the children of the world.

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Red and yellow, black and white,They are precious in His sight-Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Words: C.H. Woolston and Joseph BarloweMusic: George F. Root

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CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

Sunday, September 20 Location 8:15 a.m. Choir Warm-Up Adult Music Room 8:30 a.m. Holy Toast Café Community Hall 8:30 a.m. Mission Fair Community Hall 8:45 a.m. Child Care Cribbery 9:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary 9:00 a.m. Godly Care for ages 2, 3 and 4 Under 6 - Classroom A 9:00 a.m. Godly Play for ages 5, 6, and 7 Ruth Christie Room 9:00 a.m. Godly Kids for grades three and four Meeting Room10:10 a.m. Adult Ed: Living Fully Classroom 510:10 a.m. Adult Ed: Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome Classroom 610:10 a.m. Adult Ed: Discovering Joy… Daughtry House Conference Room10:10 a.m. Adult Ed: Parenting Ruth Christie Room10:10 a.m. Adult Ed: Westminster by Heart Meeting Room10:10 a.m. Christian Ed: Prime Time for Grades 6-8 Classroom 710:10 a.m. Christian Ed: Workshop Rotation for Grades 1-5 Classrooms 1-410:10 a.m. Christian Ed: Workshop Rotation for Grades 1-5 Grace Hall10:10 a.m. Confirmation Class Classroom 810:30 a.m. Vocal Ensemble Rehearsal Adult Music Room11:15 a.m. Worship Sanctuary12:15 p.m. Guatemala Shareholders Luncheon Community Hall 5:00 p.m. Understanding Your Grief Ruth Christie Room 5:30 p.m. 180° Dinner Theater “All Call” Community Hall & Classroom 6

Monday, September 21 Location.

9:00 a.m. Eunice Circle Classroom 510:30 a.m. Congregational Life - Close Knit Ruth Christie Room 1:00 p.m. Mission – Christmas Box Planning Classroom 5 1:15 p.m. Program Staff Rowell Conference Room 5:30 p.m. Rainbow Chorale Music Dept. 6:00 p.m. Dining for Donations Bunny Michener’s Home

Tuesday, September 22 Location 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting Meeting Room10:00 a.m. Mental Health Support Group Club Room10:30 a.m. Worship Planning Rowell Conference Room12:00 p.m. Listening to the Lessons Rowell Conference Room 4:00 p.m. Presbytery Meeting Trinity PC 4:30 p.m. Chapel Club Chapel Club 4:30 p.m. Sunshine Choir Adult Music Room 5:30 p.m. BPI Daughtry House Conference Room

Wednesday, September 23 Location6:30 p.m. Nominating Committee Ruth Christie Room 7:30 p.m. Westminster Choir Rehearsal Adult Music Room

Thursday, September 24 Location 9:00 a.m. Phix-it Corps Rowell Conference Room12:00 p.m. Centering Prayer Ruth Christie Room

12:00 p.m. Women’s Depression Support Group Classroom 5 2:00 p.m. Instrumental Rehearsal Sanctuary 5:30 p.m. Yoga Rodney Chapel 6:00 p.m. Adult Ed: Alan Fox Classroom 6 7:00 p.m. Adult Ed: Isaiah Class Rowell Conference Room

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7:00 p.m. Girl Talk Anne Ledbetter’s Home 7:00 p.m. Pacem in Terris Classroom 5

Friday, September 24 8:30 a.m. Ursuline Academy Classroom 7 8:30 a.m. Ursuline Academy Classroom 8 8:30 a.m. Ursuline Academy Grace Hall 6:30 p.m. 180° Youth Retreat Camp Tockwogh 7:00 pm. Movie Night Grace Hall

Saturday, September 25 Location 7:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study Club Room 9:00 a.m. Yoga Grace Hall 2:00 p.m. Tim Whitney Memorial Service Rodney Chapel 5:00 p.m. 180° Youth Retreat Camp Tockwogh

Chad Max MillerAugust 12, 1974 – June 9, 2009

On Tuesday September 15, the Westminster staff held a private committal service to celebrate Chad’s ministry with us and to say our goodbyes. According to his wishes, he was cremated. Some of his ashes were interred in a family plot in Iowa and some were given to us so that we might place them in the Westminster Memorial Garden.

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The flowers in the sanctuary today are given to the glory of God from yesterday’s wedding of Stefanie Stewart and Thomas Harmon.

Sanctuary Flowers - Consider giving the sanctuary flowers for Sunday worship. Your gift of God’s natural beauty to remember or honor loved ones, or to celebrate an event, expresses praise and thanksgiving to God. Please contact Linda Watson during business hours at 302-571-6719 or lwatson@ycst.com. Available dates for flowers are October 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Are you wearing a nametag? Whether you are a longtime member or new to the church, wearing a nametag provides others the opportunity to meet you, greet you by name, and for you to become more familiar with others at church. Nametags and markers are in baskets at all major entrances. Extend hospitality, kindness and friendship by wearing a nametag every Sunday.

“Westminster to Go” Audio tapes and DVD’s of recent Westminster worship services are available. Please use the sign-out sheet when you borrow them from the front desk. Printed sermons are available on the literature tables the following week and on our website at www.wpc.org.

Concert and art exhibit coming up: Friday, October 2, will be a great day for the arts at Westminster Church!

At 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, fireworks will abound as Festive Brass (brass quintet, led by trumpeter Barbara Prugh), performs a lively and varied program, joined for a number of selections by organist Paul Fleckenstein.  Bask in the splendor of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, tap your toes to some ragtime, and enjoy everything in-between as well.

Prior to the concert (beginning at 5:30 p.m.), in our "gallery," will be the opening of an exhibit of paintings by local artist Patricia Dawson.  Ms. Dawson's works are pastels, mostly landscapes, with inspirations coming from scenes in Delaware, nearby Pennsylvania and Maryland, and Southwest Florida.  The artist will be present for the opening, and paintings will be available for purchase.   The exhibit will remain until October 22nd.

Please remember in your prayers:

Those recently hospitalized: Virginia Reichert.

Westminster’s homebound family who can no longer attend worship with us. Send a card, say a prayer, visit! This week we ask you to remember Erma Bowen, Carillon Crossing – Unit 204, 1515 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 and Peg Hanby, Foulk Manor North, Unit 215A, 1212 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.

Our brothers and sisters in worldwide ministry (see back page.)

Westminster’s Covenant Prayer Group is committed to praying weekly for specific needs of the faith community. Anyone with prayer requests may leave a confidential message on 302-654-5848, ext. 335, or fill out a prayer request card (in the pew pocket) and place it in the offering plate.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WORSHIP NOTES

MUSIC

CONGREGATIONAL CARE AND PRAYER

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A Centering Prayer time occurs every Thursday at noon in the Ruth Christie Room. Anyone is welcome to participate. Basically, those who come spend thirty minutes in silence. Silence allows us time and space to empty our minds, quiet our brains’ chatter, and be still and attentive to God.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan often seem far away, and we may neglect to realize that Americans, as well as Iraqis, Afghans, and members of coalition forces, continue to die each day. As Christians, we are called to pray for the spreading of peace and justice and an end to violence. If someone in your family is serving in these wars, we ask that you let us know, so that we may include that person on our prayer list. (Contact Colleen Falasco: 302-654-5214 ext. 131, or cfalasco@wpc.org.)

This week we pray for Those known to the WPC Community presently serving in the Middle East:

Afghanistan: Neal Moody, Andy Stoffer and Daniel ReinsenbergerIraq: Ken Bachman and Beau Biden

The families of those from the U.S. who have died most recently: Sergeant Randy Haney, age 27, of Orlando Florida, September 6Staff Sergeant Shannon Smith, age 31, of Marion, Ohio, September 8Private 1st Class Thomas Lyons, age 20, of Fernley, Nevada, September 8Private 1st Class Zachary Myers, age 21, of Delaware, Ohio, September 8Staff Sergeant Aaron Kenefick, age 30, of Roswell, Georgia, September 81st Lieutenant Michael Johnson, age 25, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, September 8Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Johnson, Jr., age 31, of Columbus, Georgia, September 8Petty Officer 3rd Class James Layton, age 22, of Riverbank, California, September 81st Lieutenant Tyler Parten, age 24, of Arkansas, September 10Lance Corporal Christopher Fowlkes, age 20, of Gaffney, South Carolina, September 10Private 1st Class Matthew Martinek, age 20, of DeKalb Illinois, September 11Sergeant 1st Class Duane Thornsbury, age 30, of Brideport, West Virginia, September 12Staff Sergeant Nekl Allen, age 29, of Rochester, New York, September 12Specialist Daniel Cox, age 23, of Parsons Kansas, September 12Sergeant Tyler Juden, age 23, of Winfield Kansas, September 12Staff Sergeant Bryan Berky, age 25, of Melrose, Florida, September 12Sergeant Andrew McConnell, age 24, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, September 141st Lieutenant David Wright II, age 26, of Moore, Oklahoma, September 14Specialist Demetrius Void, age 20, of Orangeburg, South Carolina, September 15

Those who have returned from service, possibly suffering from wounds or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, whose scars may by deep and long-lasting.

NEWS TO NOTE

Transformational Stewardship Campaign to Begin Early This YearWhere your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:21

Our annual stewardship campaign for the 2010 operating budget will kick-off early this year.  Our goal is that all pledge cards will be returned by Sunday, November 15.  With our reduced office staff, this is one of the ways we can run the church office more efficiently.  Having the pledge cards mailed, returned and accounted for before the holiday season begins also will be of tremendous help to our Session as it plans for 2010.   Please begin now to prayerfully consider how you will financially support Westminster in 2010.  Look for your Pledge Card mailing to arrive late September.

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The Westminster group of walkers that will participate in the Delaware AIDS Walk 2009 is growing.  We have close to 30 people registered and we need more walkers.  Please register online <http://www.aidswalkdelaware.org/> or, if you cannot walk, please support one of our walkers online or send a check to AIDS Delaware, Attn. José G. Varela: 100 W. 10th St. Suite 315. Wilmington, DE 19801.  Please help us in this fight against HIV/AIDS! Our team will meet in front of the tower at Rockford Park. Thanks so much for all your cooperation.

Walkday: Sunday September 27, 2009Time: 1:30 p.m. Place: Rockford Park

What Is ‘Listening To The Lessons’? Each Tuesday at noon, a group gathers in the Rowell Conference Room with the pastor who will be preaching the following Sunday. The pastor leads a discussion of the upcoming sermon text and the group shares their ideas. Those who participate are never sure how the sermon will sound on Sunday, but they are always certain to find it more meaningful. “Lessons” are over in a fast-paced hour and you are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch. Each week stands on its own, so you do not have to attend every week.

Please give some thought and prayer as to whom among our church family would be good nominations for Deacon, Elder and Trustee. You may email or call your suggestions to Bunny Michener at bunnymichener@comcast.net, 302-478-4224 or Dick Haden at jrhaden@msn.com, 610-459-0270.

Hear and experience the Bible stories in our children's Sunday Workshop Rotation, featuring By Heart with Mary-beth Howard and Shelley Gnade. The retreat will be held at beautiful Oberod, former DuPont estate in Greenville on Saturday, October 3, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The cost of $15 per person includes continental breakfast and catered lunch. This morning retreat is designed for parents, grandparents, senior highs, teachers, Session members, and anyone who would like to become familiar with four of the scripture stories to be presented this year. Contact Susan Alexander at the front desk to register. 

FELLOWSHIP

WPC Movie Night Returns! On Friday, September 25th 7:00 – 9:15 p.m. everyone is invited to everyone is invited to Grace Hall for a viewing of “Emmanuel’s Gift” A movie for all ages 80 minutes in length. Narrated by Oprah Winfrey, this inspiring documentary tells about a Ghanaian boy, born with one leg, who becomes an inspiring athlete, encouraging thousands of other handicapped people in Africa and over the world. NOTE: Westminster has invited members of New Castle Presbytery’s Ghanaian Presbyterian Fellowship to join us for this film night to share in discussion and fellowship.

Parents of Little Ones: Families with young children are invited to Brandywine Creek State Park on Sunday, October 4th, from 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m.  Bring a picnic blanket, snacks, drinks and your favorite form of outdoor fun (games, sporting equipment, etc).  Entrance to the park is $3 per DE vehicle, $6 per out of state vehicle.  We will meet at the picnic tables near the Nature Center/Park Office:  41 Adams Dam Road.  See http://www.destateparks.com/ park/brandywine-creek/directions/index.asp for more information and directions.  Please RSVP to Julia Stone at julia.stone@comcast.net or 610.444.1713.

Westminster’s Fall Harvest Festival! Celebrate the arrival of fall with a special picnic on the church front lawn, Sunday, October 18th from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. There will be pumpkin-painting, moonbounce, picnic lunch, and Halloween crafts - a good time for all ages. Food and drinks will be provided. Bring a side dish or salad to share. Cost is $3 per person or $10 per family. For more information contact Julia Stone at 610.444.1713 or julia.stone@comcast.net.

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Our Mission Emphasis for September is “Serving Others.”

Donate “gently used” shoes for the poor of Guatemala! Member Susan Baddorf will be working with Hearts in Motion in Guatemala this fall. She is collecting “gently used” children shoes for children who live in a garbage dump. If you have shoes to donate, there will be a donation box outside of Community Hall September 27 through October 4.

The Gulf Coast still needs us to help in the rebuilding. Join your fellow Westminster members in New Orleans for a week of fulfilling Habitat work and fellowship. We will be hosted again by St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church through their RHINO projects. Accommodations are a bit more posh than past trips, as participants will be staying at Brent House, a residence hotel. Act now – there are openings in the next trip which will be November 16-22. Contact Liz Bacon at (302) 658-8419 or elizabeth.bacon@comcast.net to reserve your spot.

SMALL GROUPSBeginning tonight, Rev. Anne Ledbetter will be leading a grief education and support group using the resource Understanding Your Grief. Through reading, journaling, and group discussion participants will take steps in learning about the grief process, understanding their personal experience of grief, and supporting one another on the journey. The registration fee for this group is $25 to cover materials. Please contact Anne ( 654-5214, ext. 124; or anne@wpc.org ) if you are interested in participating in this group which will meet in the Ruth Christie Room on Sunday afternoons, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., through December 6.

The next Dining for Donations gathering will be tomorrow evening, September 21st, 6:00 p.m., at the home of Bunny Michener, 615 Kilburn Rd., Tavistock. At this bi-monthly potluck, women bring a dish to share, and $20 for a mission project of the group’s selection. RSVP to Liz Bacon 658-8419 or Peggy Carroll 429-6690. We will also be meeting Wednesday, November 4, and Sunday, January 10. With the generous contributions donated by the group we were able to refurbish a second room at the Wayfarers House this past April.

'Girl Talk' Continues: Our summer reading program was a great success! All involved would like to continue these gatherings and discussions now that autumn is near. We are working on the details for the full program year, but wanted to be sure you mark your calendar for Thursday, September 24, when we will gather at 7:00 p.m. at Anne Ledbetter's home for a discussion of Olive Kitteridge. Please RSVP to Anne (654-5214, ext. 124 or anne@wpc.org) if you plan to attend - and feel free to bring a snack to share.

180°Dinner Theatre “ALL – CALL” tonight! All youth in grades 7 – 12 who would like to part of our 4 th Annual Dinner Theatre Production are invited. Auditions will be held for those who wish to be onstage and a meeting will take place for those who wish to be part of the stage crew. Youth should attend at the following times:

5:30 – 6:15 p.m. – Grades 7 & 8 ******** 6:15 – 7:30 p.m. – Grades 9 – 12Questions? See Mary Beth Davis

YOGA IN RODNEY CHAPELEnjoy an hour of mindfulness as participants are led in breathing and stretching exercises to nurture the connection of mind, body, and spirit. There is no fee, but a $5-$10 donation is appreciated.

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Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. with Christopher SimsSaturdays, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. with Mia Muratori

Is There Life After Death? – led by Dr. Alan Fox, Professor at UDThursdays, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and 87:00 – 9:00 p.m.Classroom 6Cost - $5 per session for WPC members

This class will explore the various cultural views of the afterlife with emphasis on the Tibetan Buddhist model. Dr. Fox will also discuss the importance of creating a good death. If the moment of death is the most critical moment of the afterlife, then a good life is understood to be a life that prepares us for that moment, a life that ends in a good death.

Long-term Exploration of Isaiah I, II, and III – Bible Study convened by Babs HarrisTwo Thursday evenings per month, 7 – 8 p.m., beginning September 24Rowell Conference Room

The Isaiah I, II, III journey begins September 24 with a presentation by Dr. Schenker from Beth Emeth Synagogue who will share the contextual cultural foundation for our study. The class will meet Thursday, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Rowell conference room. Future sessions will meet October 8 and October 29 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. Sign-up is helpful, but not required.

Invitation to the New Testament – led by Bob CoxThursdays, Oct. 15 – Dec. 17; 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.Meeting RoomCost - $25 for materials

Developed by Disciple Bible Studies, this short-term 8-week class uses in-depth study of the biblical text, weekly preparation, video mini-lectures, and small group discussion to nurture personal discipleship. Using Matthew’s Gospel as a starting point, this study examines how New Testament writers and the early Christian community wrestled with the implications of the story of Jesus for their lives and their communities of faith.

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THURSDAY evening Adult Education Classes begin soon!

WELCOME NewMembers!Travis Boyd – Travis lives in Trolley Square and found Westminster through a Google search that led him to Greg’s 2008 sermon series on Faith and Science. Travis, who is from Minneapolis and works for ING Bank, has attended for a year and decided to join because of our diverse membership.

Beatty Chadwick – Beatty attended Westminster many years ago and came back when he returned to Wilmington He has two grown sons. A lawyer by profession, Beatty is an ordained Elder. He is looking forward to getting involved and has indicated an interest in Habitat for Humanity.

Margaret Goodall – Margaret, who is the mother of two adult sons, was born in Troon, Scotland, and came to the US in 1993. She lives in Bear and teaches in New Jersey. Margaret enjoys reading, cooking, travel, and the arts.

Jim and Pam Wilson – Jim and Pam have lived in Delaware since May 2008, when Pam accepted a transfer with DuPont. Jim is retired. Both are ordained as Elders and come to us from another Presbyterian church in Ohio. Jim collects piggy banks and Pam enjoys bicycling. Both are avid Pittsburgh Steeler fans.

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Please welcome these new members as you see them in worship, the Holy Toast Café, or in a class. Better yet, invite them to join you in something you are doing!

PASTORAL STAFFGregory K. Jones, Head of Staff

Anne R. Ledbetter, Associate Pastor for Congregational Life

PASTORAL CARE ASSISTANT: Jill Getty

CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR: Debbie Brown

CHURCH EDUCATOR: Susan Moseley

MUSIC STAFFPaul Fleckenstein, Organist/Director of Music

Mary Beth Davis, Director of Music for Children, Youth and HandbellsSandie Reinicker, Director of Sunshine Choir

Section Leader/Soloists: Diana Milburn, Ruth Bailis, Justin Gonzalez, Brian Carter

YOUTH MINISTRY TEAMSusan Moseley and Mary Beth Davis

SUPPORT STAFFSusan Alexander, Receptionist

Colleen Falasco, Operations AssistantJerry Hunter, Financial Assistant

Suzie Hurlock, Administrative SecretaryNicole Hughes, Director of Communication and Database Management

Jerry Reed, Facilities ManagerSextons: Roger W. Atkins, Robert King, Kevin Krick, Joan Truitt

EDITOR OF WEEKLY WORD AND CHIMES: Nikki Thorn

WORLDWIDE MINISTRYMalawi – Sue Makin, M.D.

Guatemala – Roger and Gloria Mariott, Dennis and Maribel Smith and the Mam PresbyteryCongo – Timothee Kalonji Matadi, Cecilé de Sweemer, MD, Pastor Jean-Marc Katujudi Nkuna and

Members of the Kamulumba-Ditalala ParishKenya-Rev. Dr. Lyle and Terry Dykstra, PCUSA Mission Volunteers

SESSIONLiz Bacon, Meg Burich, Martha Carper, Jim Carter, Clark Collins, Charlie Depfer,

Mark Gerstenschlager, Ross Getty, Shelley Gnade, Dick Haden, Denison Hatch, Mary-beth Howard, Fred Iobst,Barbara Jobe, Don Kuespert, Sue Linderman, Bunny Michener, Jan Patrick, Bruce Petrovick,

Margo Reign, Jerry Spilecki, Alex Sprague, Kathryn van Amerongen, Frank Waldburger

BOARD OF DEACONS

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Ken Barnaby, Beth Bowersock, Kim Carrick, Jack Coleman, Peggy Carroll, Ginnie Chagnon, Craig Checkel,Bob Cox, Eadie Churchill, Tammy Daley, Kris DeMesse, Cathy Edge, Eric Etshman, Barbara Fedeler, Todd Gray,

Carol Noggle Harris, Carol Hopkins, Carla Krupanski, Ralph Lewis, David Mathe, Carolyn McKeown, Carol Mosher, Ruth Nace, Donna Nelson, Polly Pyle-Carter, Teri Richmond, Patti Ridout, Robin Rosser, Ann Shadduck,

Ellen Slade, Cora Sparling, Mike Sprague, Melissa Stabler, Judy Stoffer, Julia Stone, Sally Thomas

DEACON TEAM OF THE MONTHCarol Mosher, Kim Carrick, Melissa Stabler, Carla Krupanski

TRUSTEESBob Chagnon, Don Furry, Sara Geuder, John Johnston, George Krupanski,

Bob McKeown, Bill Nace, John Richmond, Christine Schiltz, Stan Stevenson, Philip Timon, Helen Walker

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