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SUNDAY BULLETIN

May 11, 2008Pentecost Sunday

SUNDAY WORSHIP BULLETIN

December 20, 2009 4th Sunday of Advent

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 WestminsterWhether 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 “ambassador,” Susan McPheeters, at the back of the sanctuary. She will have a gift for you, and can share information regarding our many ministries for children, youth and adults. She 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 – You may obtain large print Presbyterian Hymnals and hearing devices 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 in the Ruth Christie Room to learn the language of God’s people through sacred space, stories, parables and liturgical actions. You may pick up your children in Under Six Classroom C.

Godly Kids — Worship education for children in grades 3 and 4 in Rodney Chapel. You may pick up your children in Under Six Classroom D.

10:10 a.m. Prime Time Sunday School Classes for all ages. For a listing of Adult Education classes, see page 8.

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.

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.

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Christmas Eve at WestminsterThursday, December 24

4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Family ServicesChild-friendly services tell the Christmas story through carols and a live Christmas tableau. The 4:00 service includes children in our Under Six department as shepherds and angels. The 5:30 service includes participation by the Sunshine Choir, Chapel Choir, and Westminster By Heart storytellers.

8:00 p.m. Candlelight CommunionWith sermon by Dr. Jones and celebration of the Lord’s Supper, this beautiful service is enriched with music by the Westminster Choir and storytelling by Westminster By Heart. 7:30 p.m. Prelude Concert: Music for choir, harp, and organ.

10:00 p.m. Candlelight CommunionSermon by Dr. Jones, celebration of the Lord’s Supper, storytelling by Westminster By Heart and music by our Sr. High and Alumni Choir give this service its wonderful late-night flavor.

Worship next Sunday, December 27 – 10:00 a.m. One morning worship service. Under-six Sunday School and cribbery provided. There will be no Godly Kids, Godly Play, Godly Care or Sunday school classes for grades 1-12 or adults. The full Christian Education program for all ages will resume on Sunday, January 3. The Holy Toast Café will be closed as well, reopening on January 3.

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ORDER OF WORSHIP AT 9:00 A.M.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIPGod of heights and depth, grant us the courage and the faith to ask for signs that plumb our very souls and inspire our highest aspirations. Grant us the wisdom to believe the signs you offer us here, even now, that you are Emmanuel, God with us. Grant us the confidence to refuse what is evil and choose what is good so that your glorious realm will be manifest in this age. Amen.

PRELUDE Fum, Fum, Fum arr. Susan T. NelsonReverberations Handbell Choir

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

*PASSING OF THE PEACE

CALL TO WORSHIPThe people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them has the light shined.Sing to God a new song, for God is doing something marvelous.

The true light which enlightens everyone is coming into the world.

*HYMN NO. 49 “Once in Royal David’s City” IRBY

PRAYER OF PRAISEMighty God, Creator of the cosmos,You bring order out of chaos and light out of darkness.As we draw near to the day when we celebrate the birth of Christ,we pray with people of faith around the globe:O come, O come, Emmanuel.Come into our lives this day and everyday.Strengthen us in our weakness,arouse us from our apathyinspire us to be more lovingand transform us into advent peoplewho experience the joy and hope of your coming. Amen.

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Brody Grant Collins

The congregation is asked to please refrain from taking photographsor video recording during the worship service.

PRESENTATION OF THE PARENTS AND CHILD Elder: Clark Collins

OPENING WORDSChildren are the hope of a better tomorrow

and the assurance that God renews the world.Whoever welcomes a child with Christ-like love

welcomes the Creator of heaven and earth. (Mark 9:37)

At the asterisk (*), please stand as you are able.

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QUESTIONS FOR THE PARENTS AND CONGREGATIONDo you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? We do.

Relying on God’s grace, do you promise to live the Christian faithand to teach that faith to your son? We do.

Will we, the people of the church, promise to nurture and support Brodyand his parents, and will we encourage him to become a faithful Christian? We will.

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITHWe trust in God the Holy Spirit, Everywhere the giver and renewer of life.The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith,sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor,and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the church.The same Spirit who inspired prophets and apostlesrules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture,engages us through the Word proclaimed,claims us in the waters of baptism,feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation,and calls women and men to all ministries of the church.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER

THE ACT OF BAPTISM

PRAYER FOLLOWING BAPTISMEternal God, through the water of the sea you led your people Israel out of slavery and into freedom.

In the water of the Jordan, Jesus was baptized by John and anointed by your Spirit.

Bless this child who is cleansed and marked by this water.Drench him in your Spirit,and help us nurture him in Christ’s love.

To you, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, be all praise and glory forever.Amen.

TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN Anne Ledbetter

ANTHEM from “Magnificat” Giovanni Battista PergolesiWestminster Choir

Magnificat anima mea Dominum. My soul magnifies the Lord.Et exultavit spiritus meus And my spirit has rejoicedin Deo salutari meo. in God my saviour.Quia respexit humilitatem For he has regarded the low estateancillae suae: of his handmaiden:ecce enim ex hoc for behold, henceforth all generationsbeatam me dicent omnes generations. shall call me blessed.Quia fecit mihi magna For he who is mightyqui potens est; has done great things to me;

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et sanctum nomen ejus. and holy is his name.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Barbara Hoover, Lay Liturgist

SCRIPTURE LESSON Isaiah 9:2, 6 and 7 Old Testament, page 598

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH“Come Now, O Prince of Peace”

1st time: Choir2nd time: All

HOMILY “A Letter from Jesus” Greg Jones

*HYMN NO. 27 “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child” TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM

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 “Ave, Ave, the Angel Sang” Robert Lau

O lowly maiden, O blessed woman,you have been chosen to bring us the king.Peace be with you, O fairest holy one,Mary, mother, child of God.

Ave, ave, ave Maria.Ave, ave the angel sang.

Fair one so gentle, filled with the Spirit,you will bear Jesus, the savior for all.Don't be afraid now, God's love surrounds you,Mary, mother, child of God.

What will you call him, O lovely maiden?Rulers and nations will bow at his name.Let all creation give thanks for the holy one:Jesus, Savior, child of God.

*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

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LITANYAmong the poor, among the proud,

among the persecuted, among the privileged,Christ is coming.

He is coming to make all things new.

In the private house, in the market place,in the wedding feast, in the judgment hall,

Christ is coming.He is coming to make all things new.

With a gentle touch, with an angry word,with a clear conscience, with burning love,

Christ is coming.He is coming to make all things new.

That the kingdom might come, that the world might believe,that the powerful might stumble, that the humble might be raised,

Christ is coming.He is coming to make all things new.

Within us, without us, among us, before us,in this place, in every place, for this time, for all time,

Open your hearts, your minds and your souls because Christ is coming!He is coming to make all things new! (Wild Goose Worship Group, Cloth for the Cradle)

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

*HYMN NO. 56 “The First Nowell” THE FIRST NOWELL

Vs. 1: All Vs. 2: Women (All join for Refrain) Vs. 3: Men (All join for Refrain) Vs. 4: All

BENEDICTION

ORGAN POSTLUDE Finale on “Joy to the World” Marc Cheban

*GOING FORTH

If you are visiting with us for the first time, we invite you to meet today’s ambassador, Susan McPheeters,following the service at the back of the sanctuary to receive a gift and information.

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Adult Education Classes

This Morning, 10:10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

O Chrismas Tree – Daughtry House Classroom (next to WPC parking lot)DVD with discussionThe custom of bringing evergreen trees indoors and decorating them with candy, tinsel, and ornaments is immortalized in the German carol “O Christmas Tree.” This charming PBS holiday special, hosted by Richard Karn, traces the history of the Christmas tree through the ages…from its origins as a pagan symbol of fertility to a Christian symbol of rebirth. Karn visits a Christmas tree farm in search of the perfect tree and meets with the farmers who balance the growth of their trees with their concern for the environment. Experts illustrate the history of the Christmas tree with funny and fascinating tree lore.

Parenting – Ruth Christie Room Led by members of the group. 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 – Meeting Room Led by Biblical Storytellers Shelley Gnade and Mary-beth Howard. This offers a unique opportunity to study scripture, foster a personal connection to stories of the Bible, and develop skills for telling Scripture 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.

Thursday Evening Class

Exploring Isaiah I, II, and III – Journey into the depths of ancient prophecy. Engage the Old and New Testaments. Beginning Thursday, January 14, we will meet regularly on the second and fourth Thursday evenings in the Rowell Conference Room from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

2010 Stewardship Update

Thank you to all who have sent in their pledge for 2010. Our goal is $1,231,319, and as of December 11, we’ve received $1,087,996 in pledges. If you haven’t pledged, please help us to reach our goal and continue God’s work by pledging online at www.wpc.org/give-to-the-church or by completing a pledge card at the front desk or in the pew pockets. An updated list of who has pledged will appear in the next Chimes (cut-off is 1/11/2010).

“My children, our love must not be simply words or mere talk - it must be true love which shows itself in action and truth,” 1 John 3:18.

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ORDER OF WORSHIP AT 11:15 A.M.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

God of heights and depth, grant us the courage and the faith to ask for signs that plumb our very souls and inspire our highest aspirations. Grant us the wisdom to believe the signs you offer us here, even now, that you are Emmanuel, God with us. Grant us the confidence to refuse what is evil and choose what is good so that your glorious realm will be manifest in this age. Amen.

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

*PASSING OF THE PEACE CALL TO WORSHIP

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them has the light shined.

Sing to God a new song, for God is doing something marvelous.The true light which enlightens everyone is coming into the world.

*HYMN NO. 23 “Angels We Have Heard on High” GLORIA

PRAYER OF PRAISE

Mighty God, Creator of the cosmos,You bring order out of chaos and light out of darkness.As we draw near to the day when we celebrate the birth of Christ,we pray with people of faith around the globe:O come, O come, Emmanuel.Come into our lives this day and everyday.Strengthen us in our weakness,arouse us from our apathyinspire us to be more lovingand transform us into advent peoplewho experience the joy and hope of your coming. Amen.

TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN Anne Ledbetter

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Barbara Jobe, Lay Liturgist

SCRIPTURE LESSON Isaiah 9:2, 6 and 7 Old Testament, page 598

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At the asterisk (*), please stand as you are able.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Acolyte: Jill Eiermann

“Come Now, O Prince of Peace”1st time: Solo2nd time: All

HOMILY “A Letter from Jesus” Greg Jones

*HYMN NO. 27 “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child” TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM

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 from “Magnificat” Giovanni Battista PergolesiVocal Ensemble

Magnificat anima mea Dominum. My soul magnifies the Lord.Et exultavit spiritus meus And my spirit has rejoicedin Deo salutari meo. in God my saviour.Quia respexit humilitatem For he has regarded the low estateancillae suae: of his handmaiden:ecce enim ex hoc for behold, henceforth all generationsbeatam me dicent omnes generations. shall call me blessed.Quia fecit mihi magna For he who is mightyqui potens est; has done great things to me;et sanctum nomen ejus. and holy is his name.

LITANYAmong the poor, among the proud,

among the persecuted, among the privileged,Christ is coming.

He is coming to make all things new.

In the private house, in the market place,in the wedding feast, in the judgment hall,

Christ is coming.He is coming to make all things new.

With a gentle touch, with an angry word,

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with a clear conscience, with burning love,Christ is coming.

He is coming to make all things new.

That the kingdom might come, that the world might believe,that the powerful might stumble, that the humble might be raised,

Christ is coming.He is coming to make all things new.

Within us, without us, among us, before us,in this place, in every place, for this time, for all time,

Open your hearts, your minds and your souls because Christ is coming!He is coming to make all things new! (Wild Goose Worship Group, Cloth for the Cradle)

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

*HYMN NO. 28 “Good Christian Friends Rejoice” IN DULCI JUBILO

*BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE “The First Nowell”

2009 CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING

Each year Westminster receives a special offering dedicated to helping those in need in our community and around the globe. The Christmas Eve offering this year will be distributed:

50% to local food programs (Emmanuel Dining Rooms, Hanover Food Closet, Lutheran Community Services Food Pantry, Saturday Breakfast) in response to the overwhelming hunger need, especially among children in our community;

25% to Family Promise, our newest ministry to homeless families, when we will house up to 14 people for a week at a time, four times a year, in partnership with other congregations in New Castle County;

25% to projects in Congo and Guatemala, along with support to Peacemaking efforts around the globe.

Christmas Eve Offering envelopes are in the pew pockets, or simply note “Christmas Eve Offering” in

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the memo line of your check. Please give generously as we seek to “Share Our Plenty” with those less fortunate than we.

CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

Sunday, December 20 Location 8:00 a.m. Reverberations Bell Choir Warm Up Sanctuary 8:15 a.m. Choir Warm-up Adult Music Room 8:30 a.m. Holy Toast Café Community Hall 8:45 a.m. Child Care Cribbery 9:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary 9:00 a.m. Godly Play Ruth Christie Room 9:00 a.m. Godly Care for Ages 2, 3 and 4 Under 6 - Classroom A 9:00 a.m. Godly Kids for Grades 3 and 4 Under 6 - Classroom D 9:00 a.m. Baptism~Brody Grant Collins Sanctuary10:10 a.m. Prime Time for Grades 6 thru 8 Classroom 710:10 a.m. Workshop Rotation for Grades 1 - 5 Grace Hall10:10 a.m. Workshop Rotation for Grades 1 - 5 Classrooms 1-410:10 a.m. Confirmation Class Classroom 810:10 a.m. Adult Ed: Westminster By Heart Meeting Room10:10 a.m. Adult Ed: Parenting Ruth Christie Room10:10 a.m. Adult Ed: O Christmas Tree Daughtry House Conference Room10:10 a.m. Senior High Gathering Library10:10 a.m. Under Six Sunday School Under 6 Classroom - ABCD10:30 a.m. Vocal Ensemble Rehearsal Adult Music Room11:15 a.m. Worship Sanctuary12:15 p.m. High School/Alumni Choir Rehearsal Youth Music Room 3:30 p.m. Christmas Caroling Classroom 6 6:00 p.m. Clean But Not Straight-NA Club Room 8:00 p.m. AA Club Room

Monday, December 21 7:00 a.m. Christmas Box Distribution Community Hall & Classroom 610:30 a.m. Close Knit Ruth Christie Room10:30 a.m. Worship Planning Rowell Conference Room 6:30 p.m. High School/Alumni Choir Rehearsal Youth Music Room 7:00 p.m. AA Club Room

Tuesday, December 22 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting Meeting Room10:00 a.m. Mental Health Support Group Club Room 4:00 p.m. Chapel Choir Youth Music Room 4:30 p.m. Sunshine Choir Adult Music Room 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Rehearsal Sanctuary 5:30 p.m. BPI Daughtry House Conference Room 6:30 p.m. High School/Alumni Choir Rehearsal Youth Music Room

Wednesday, December 23 6:00 p.m. Instrumental Rehearsal Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Westminster Choir Rehearsal Adult Music Room and Sanctuary

Thursday, December 2412:00 p.m. Offices Closed

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12:00 p.m. Centering Prayer Ruth Christie Room 4:00 p.m. Family Service Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. Chapel Choir Warm Up Youth Music Room 5:00 p.m. Sunshine Choir Warm Up Adult Music Room 5:30 p.m. Family Service Sanctuary 7:00 p.m. Choir Warm-Up Adult Music Room 7:30 p.m. Prelude Concert Sanctuary 8:00 p.m. Candlelight with Communion Worship Sanctuary

Service 8:00 p.m. AA Club Room 9:15 p.m. High School/Alumni Choir Rehearsal Youth Music Room10:00 p.m. Candlelight with Communion Worship Sanctuary

Service

Friday, December 25 – Offices Closed 6:00 p.m. Recovery on the West Side Club Room

Saturday, December 26 7:30 a.m. Men's Bible Study Club Room 4:00 p.m. Clean But Not Straight - NA Club Room

The flowers in the Sanctuary are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ann from Frank Pickering.

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 January 3, 10, 17, and 31.

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.

Please remember in your prayers:

Those recently hospitalized: Trina Hogan and Vera Walker.

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 Edie Lennox, Apt. 3969 and Grace Austin, Apt. 3613, both of Methodist Country House, 4830 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807.

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTSWORSHIP NOTES

CONGREGATIONAL CARE AND PRAYER

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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: Edward Maloney, Chris Martin, Neal Moody and Daniel ReinsenbergerIraq: Ken Bachman

The families of those from the U.S. who have died most recently: Sergeant Elijah Rao, age 26, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, December 6Staff Sergeant Dennis Hansen, age 31, of Panama City, Florida, December 7Sergeant Ralph Frietas, age 23, of Detroit, Michigan, December 8Corporal Xhacob Latorre, age 21, of Waterbury, Connecticut, December 8Private Jhanner Tello, age 29, of Los Angeles, California, December 10Private First Class Jaiciae Pauley, age 29, of Austell, Georgia, December 11

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

180° IMAGO DEI: YOUTH MINISTRY AT WPC

180° Youth Ministry will resume on Sunday, January 10 from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.  Watch your inbox for information about 180° in 2010!!

NEWS TO NOTE

High School/Alumni Choir – the tradition continues!  All youth in grades 9 – 12 and young adults, college age and beyond, are invited to be part of the choir.  The choir will sing at the 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Service and prepare for worship during the following rehearsals:

Today, December 20   12:15 – 1:30 p.m.Monday, December 21   6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (Dinner at Grotto’s pizza following Monday’s rehearsal)Tuesday, December 22  6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Rehearsals will take place in the Youth Music Room and participants are highly encouraged to attend at least two of the three rehearsals!  For more information contact Mary Beth Davis at marybethdavis@wpc.org or 302-654-5214.

The office will be closed Thursday, December 24, at 12 noon, and Friday, December 25.

Pledge envelopes are on the literature table in the main hallway.

Holiday Gifts? Why Not Echo Gifts? Echo Gifts offer an alternative that takes the guesswork out of buying gifts.  No trips to the Mall, no shipping charges.  Simply make your selections from the shopping list and voila!  While giving a meaningful gift to God's children in need, you avoided the gift-buying frenzy.  100% of your money goes to the mission you choose.  Gift cards are available to present to your friends and family describing your thoughtful gift.  Why not try it this Christmas?  Pick up a shopping list from the literature tables!

Christmas Caroling today! You do not need a choir quality voice to join us for intergenerational caroling to our homebound members this afternoon. Meet in Grace Hall at 3:30 p.m., and we will caravan in small groups (of 14-16 people) to members’ homes and retirement facilities. Wear warm, comfortable holiday gear and a bright smile. We will re-convene around 6:00 p.m. in Community Hall for a pizza supper.

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Listening to the Lessons will resume on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. in the Rowell Conference Room.

Phix-it Corps will resume meeting on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month beginning in January. They are held in the Rowell Conference Room from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

MUSICWhat listeners are saying about the Westminster Choir’s new Christmas CD recording:

“Fantastic!”“Outstanding!”“I’ve already worn mine out.”“That’s our choir? No way!”

(Director isn’t sure how to take that one…)Christmas is drawing near; buy your copies of our choir’s latest recording, “Joy to the World,” between services this morning. Look for the blue-robed sales reps and special display posters. The price is $15, and several other recordings are available. Proceeds will help to send your choir on their 4 th

European tour (Germany, May 2010), to share their gift of music with another part of the world.

December Mission Emphasis: “Sharing Our Plenty”

People give thanks in Congo: A letter from our sister church in Congo reveals that their food crisis has persisted for longer than one year. Times are very difficult for the people but they are thankful for Westminster’s recent gift of $1500 which provided a month of food for 82 families. To read the entire story, pick up the yellow sheet entitled An Advent Story -- A Thanks-Giving in Congo, on the literature tables in the main hall or the pavilion.

Christmas Boxes Finale – We give thanks to many generous elves who bought a gift and/or donated canned goods to fill our 135 Christmas Boxes! Celebrate by going to the Holy Toast Café in Community Hall where the boxes await our recipients, who will pick them up on Monday, December 21. On Christmas Day give thanks for God’s many gifts to you, especially Christ!

Did you make a 3-year pledge to Westminster’s Habitat for Humanity house?In September 2006, more than 150 Westminster members and friends framed two townhomes on our church lawn for Webster Village in Wilmington. At that time Westminster committed $50,000 or “half a house” in financial support. Your generous pledges to that project enabled Linda Evans and her family to move into their new home by Christmas 2007. The final payment on our commitment to Habitat is due by year-end. If you have a balance on your Habitat pledge to Westminster, please complete it as soon as you can. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Brown (302-654-5214, x-129) or debbiebrown@wpc.org. Thank you for your generous support!

Mission Trip to Kenya with JOHABETO --Joining Hands for a Better TomorrowWe have an exciting opportunity to join with other volunteers and travel to Kitale, Kenya, to dig a well, install a water tank, construct a kitchen, and build bathrooms and dorms for AIDS orphans. Volunteer opportunities in 2010: June 28 - July 10                                                     July 12 - July 24                                                        July 26 - Aug 7                                                       Aug 9 - Aug 21Each team will work for a two week period.  All skill levels are needed: carpentry, mortar mixing, block laying, pouring floors, roofing, and painting.  Bring your hammer! Let's work together! Contact Penny McFarland if you have any questions at 302-595-4167 or jdmcfarland@comcast.net.

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PASTORAL STAFFGregory K. Jones, Head of Staff

Anne R. Ledbetter, Associate Pastor

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, Karla Koll 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 DEACONSKen 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, Melissa Stabler, Judy Stoffer, Julia Stone, Sally Thomas

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DEACON TEAM OF THE MONTHBeth Bowersock, Peggy Carroll, Teri Richmond, Kris DeMesse

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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