love is patient; love is kind; - westminster church302) 239-7650 or [email protected] 6:00 pm rich...

The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color — visit www.wpc.org.

March 2015

1502 W. 13th Street • Wilmington, DE 19806 • (302) 654-5214 • www.wpc.org

CHIMESThe Westminster

October/November 2016


1502 W. 13th Street • Wilmington, DE 19806 • (302) 654-5214 • www.wpc.org

LOVE IS PATIENT; LOVE IS KIND;LOVE NEVER FAILS.

1 Corinthians: 13

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

God’s love for each of us is boundless and God’s gift to us in Jesus Christ has transformed the world. Our love for one another and our desire to follow in Christ’s footsteps are the manifestations of God’s love in our lives.

The amazing community of faith that is Westminster Presbyterian Church reaches out in love in so many ways, giving hope and strength and possibility to one another and to thousands of people, many of whom we will never know.

Your generosity in supporting the ministries and mission outreach of Westminster makes all the difference in the many ways our love is made manifest:

• Through the sacred experience of worship, with its glorious music and the proclaiming of God’s word;

• In the joy-filled faces of our children as they share in worship and music and play;

• Enabling families and individuals to find a path from homelessness to housing independence through the ministries of Friendship House, Family Promise, Sojourners’ Place, Meeting Ground and New Life Furnishings;

• Supporting one another as we deal with life’s crises, celebrate the lives of those dear to us and seek paths to peace;

• Serving as a beacon of hope to Syrian refugees as they flee unimaginable horrors seek safe space;

• Being that safe space, after school and in the summer, to children who live in violent areas of our city;

• Challenging ourselves through learning experiences that help us grow in faith and encouraging our youth to experience faith in new ways;

• Providing fresh water to families in Guatemala and educational opportunities to children in Congo;

• Helping those who are hungry find sustenance through Emmanuel Dining Room, LCS Food Pantry, Hanover Food Closet and our Saturday Breakfast Club;

• Being a vibrant faith community that is a place where we find comfort in one another and in the presence of God in our lives, continually seeking new ways to share God’s love.

As you reflect on your financial pledge to Westminster for 2017, we pray that God’s love will inspire your generosity, knowing that your giving makes a real difference in our world.

“For it is in giving that we receive”

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1502 W. 13th Street • Wilmington, DE 19806 • (302) 654-5214 • www.wpc.org02

Greg Jones, Senior Pastor

BREATH PRAYER

CLERGY COLUMN

Prayer. It is one of the most common spiritual practices, yet, many of us will confess that prayer is one of the most challenging parts of our spiritual life.

One time-tested way to pray is to simply reflect on the things for which you are grateful – your life, your loved ones, God’s creation, an act of kindness – and then thank God for each. Another way that many have found helpful is to collect prayers that speak to your soul. Have you ever discovered a prayer that hit home with you and you copied it from a book, or cut it out of a worship bulletin, or printed it off the Internet?

You might try enriching your spiritual life by adopting a discipline called a Breath Prayer. It is a method of opening our souls to God and asking to be filled by God Spirit. Here’s how it works. You choose a way of addressing God that feels right to you, such as: Gracious God or Loving Spirit or Eternal God. Then, choose a simple phrase that expresses your desire, such as: fill me with compassion or give me strength or help me to forgive. Address God as you inhale: “Gracious God.” Hold it for a couple of seconds. Then, as you exhale, say your phrase: “Fill me with compassion.”

Begin each day with a simple prayer. First, find a comfortable and quiet place to sit. Place both feet on the ground and turn your hands with palms facing up so that you are in a position that says, “I want to receive,” rather than taking a position that says, “I am closed to change!” Next, decide what your phrase will be. It can express a desire, a word of thanks, an affirmation or something else. Some days create your own phrase and other days borrow words from Scripture.

Creating a list of phrases can give you a jump start and provide you with something to pray on those mornings you are drawing a blank. Here are some examples you might find helpful. Use the ones that are on target for you and adapt others to fit you.

and hearts are healed

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INHALE EXHALE

Gracious God, fill me with compassion.

Loving Spirit take away my (short temper, self-centeredness, envy…)

Mighty God give me strength

Creator of the Cosmos I will care for the earth

Everlasting God renew my hope

Ground of Being fill me with love

God of wisdom show me your way

The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want

Energy of the Universe grant me courage

and hungry people are fed

Slowly and intentionally, repeat your phrase several times. How many times? Until you decide it is enough. Should you use a different phrase each morning or repeat the same phrase several days in a row? Yes. Do whichever is right for you. It is your path.

Most of the time, God works slowly in us and respects our freedom. If you pray to God to change something about you, you must genuinely want that change and seek ways to embody it.

Begin each day this way and it will gradually bring you closer to God.

Blessings,


**********************STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE

DR. GREGORY KNOX JONESSunday, September 25, 2016

9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

HOME GATHERINGSSunday, October 16, 2016

Various times and locations

LAY STEWARDSHIP SERMONSSunday, October 23, 20169:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

HOME GATHERINGSSunday, October 30, 2016

Various times and locations

GIVING THANKSSunday, November 20, 2016

9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

LOVE GIVES ADVENT CELEBRATION

Sunday, November 27, 201610:TEN Hour

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1502 West 13th StreetWilmington, DE 19806

(302) 654-5214www.wpc.org

04

You are invited to a relaxed Westminster gathering – an opportunity

for fellowship and conversation – on either Sunday, October 16 or Sunday, October 30, 2016.

There are a number of locations and times from which you may choose. Various Westminster

members have offered their generous hospitality and look forward to welcoming you into their

home. Light refreshments will be served.

This is a great opportunity to renew old friendships and meet new people in our church family. We so hope that you can attend. You will have a wonderful time!

and lives are transformed

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Please choose a day/time/location from the options below that best suits your schedule. Hold on to this invitation, place a check mark next to your choice, and mark your calendar! Then RSVP by calling or emailing your host as listed. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Stabler ([email protected] or 610-793-6757).

12:30 PM Wendy and Denison Hatch2100 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE, [email protected] or (302) 658-4380

Sunday, October 16 Sunday, October 30

3:00 PMSusanne and Jason Wolff2002 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE, 19806(302) 463-7814 or [email protected]

4:00 PMSue and Bob Linderman202 Vernet Drive, Hockessin, DE, 19707 (302) 239-7650 or [email protected]

6:00 PMRich Diver1908 Academy Place, Wilmington, DE, [email protected] or (302) 660-7161

1:00 PMMelissa and Craig Stabler816 Hessian Circle, West Chester, PA [email protected] or (610) 793-6757

2:00 PMLynne and Fred Kielhorn322 Centennial Circle, Wilmington, DE, [email protected] or (302) 764-5157

2:00 PMJen and Dave Mathe845 N Waterford Lane, Wilmington, DE [email protected] or (302) 235-2510

2:00 PMRoger and Sandie Reinicker202 David Drive, Hockessin, DE, [email protected] or (302) 234-0331

3:00 PMNancy Fleming and Dan Weintraub2417 W 18th Street, Wilmington, DE [email protected]

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

Love Gives Advent CelebrationMark your calendars for Sunday, November 27 and join Westminster members and friends as we gather in Community Hall at the Holy Toast Café during the 10:TEN hour to welcome the Advent season. We are invited to create cards that will accompany our Christmas Boxes, to share special food and fellowship, to prepare emotionally and spiritually for the mystery of Christmas, and to celebrate the many ways that our love gives renewal and hope – to one another and to the thousands of people whose lives are transformed by our faithful generosity. See you there!

and homeless families find safe housing

mailto:[email protected]











and barriers are broken down

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Delaware Churches for Middle East Peace presents...The Rights of Children Living Under OccupationMonday, October 177:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Rodney Chapel at Westminster

Delaware Churches for Middle East Peace invites you to a presentation and discussion on “The Rights of Children Living Under Occupation” with child rights advocates, Beth Miller and Jennifer Bing. Beth Miller is an international advocacy officer with Defense for Children International – Palestine (DCIP) and Jennifer Bing has worked with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) for 25 years in its Israel-Palestine programs. DCIP and AFSC have coordinated the No Way to Treat a Child Campaign, which is committed to securing a safe, just, and viable future for Palestinian children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Delaware Churches for Middle East Peace is an ecumenical coalition that “works to encourage U.S. government policies that actively promote a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” DelNATO and Pacem In Terris are co-sponsoring this event, as we all are committed to human rights for children especially, in addition to justice, freedom, and equality for all.

Palestinian children are facing a human rights crisis.• Israel systematically prosecutes between 500 and 700 Palestinian children in military courts each year.

• Palestinian children in the West Bank are prosecuted in the Israeli military court system.

• Palestinian children are subject to systemic discrimination and a seemingly endless military occupation.

• Currently, 46.2% of Palestinians living in Occupied Palestinian Territory are children under 18.

• In a recent report by DCIP, 75% of Palestinian children arrested by the Israeli military, “endured some form of physical violence after arrest.” In 97% of the cases, children did not have access to legal counsel or a parent present during interrogation.

We believe it is important to present this issue to the community, as many affected by it are not able to speak out. We trust you will come to agree that we must become the voices for these voiceless children, so please join us in learning how this issue is so very relevant to Delawareans today.

This program is free, and open to the public. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

and bridges are built



The Syrian People’s Tragedy and the Healing Ministry of the ChurchSunday, November 610:10 a.m.

Dr. Mary Mikhael, the first woman to be president of a seminary in the Middle East, serving as the head of the Near East School of Theology in Beirut, Lebanon will speak. As her retirement coincided with the tragic events in Syria, she has become the liaison between the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon and partners in Europe and the US. In this role, she interprets the ministry of the Church among the displaced within Syria and with refugees in Lebanon. Her latest responsibility is to establish schools for illiterate children in refugee camps in Lebanon. Hear how Westminster is having an impact via our support of this ministry.

Westminster supported a school located in Lebanon for Syrian refugees.

‘Young at Heart’ Luncheon Coming Up! Saturday, October 811:30 a.m.Classroom 6 at WPC

Our next luncheon for Young at Heart, Westminster members and friends of ‘retirement age’, will be held on Saturday, October 8!

With time for conversation, reconnecting with friends and meeting new people, a delicious light luncheon (featuring those popular lemon squares), and a fascinating program, it promises to be another lovely event in the life of our faith community. And all this for only $10! See the Westminster Weekly Word / Sunday worship announcements for more details.

Mark your calendars for October 8 at 11:30 a.m. in Classroom 6, then call the church office (302-654-5214) or add your name to the signup sheet at the reception desk to make your reservation. And feel free to bring a friend if you’d like. We look forward to seeing you!

and people come together

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Sign Up Now!

Westminster is once again a sponsor of this annual fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County. We are organizing a team of participants, so mark your calendars for Saturday, October 22, as the ‘WPC Rocks’ team will walk or run to raise funds for the construction of affordable housing in our community. This is a great follow-up to our ‘lawn build’ in June and a wonderful activity for everyone in our congregation – to support Habitat, get some exercise (a little or a lot), and have a great time!

Sign up now at www.habitatncc.org/5k/ to register or to make a donation to support our team. If you’re not inclined to use the Internet, you can also make a donation to Westminster in support of our team – just put ‘Run the Rock’ in the memo line of your check. If you have any questions, please contact Team Captain Sara Geuder at (302) 478-2210 or [email protected].

Thanks so much for your support – we look forward to seeing you on October 22!

and communities change

http://www.habitatncc.org/5k/



Flying SoloWe are a singles group who meet to support each other through social activities and fellowship. All are welcome to join us, and we are always looking for new participants. Curious about Flying Solo and would like more information? Contact Bill Kaye at [email protected].

• Brunches – We meet on the first and third Sunday at Catherine Rooney’s for brunch at 11:15 a.m. Ask for the church group in the back. Upcoming brunch dates are October 2 and 16 and November 6 and 20.

• October 1 – River Towns Ride and Festival. This third annual event is held in the town squares of both historic New Castle and Delaware City, joined by a bike race. Festival features craft beer, vendors, music, attractions, tours, and food.

• October 9 – Trip to Milburn Orchards to pick apples. We will carpool from church, and stop for brunch. Contact Cathy Lang at [email protected].

• October 30 – Saturday Morning Breakfast club. Help serve a pancake breakfast to the low income and homeless men and women in Wilmington. Contact [email protected].

Flying Solo enjoys a Blue Rocks baseball game with fireworks.

and strangers are welcomed




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Connecting Vines Strengthen Roots of Community CommitmentThis year marks the six-year anniversary of Westminster’s Community Garden project. Interviewing several seasoned Westminsterites, the collective memory is that Anne Ledbetter introduced the community garden concept and that Jeff Kline completed construction of the raised plot beds. What neither may have anticipated was the broad community involvement and the reach and influence of what is now a mini nature education program. Just entering this area through wrought iron gates and the handsome plaque designating the gardens as a “Certified Wildlife Habitat” dignifies and perhaps sanctifies the area.

The nuts and bolts of the project require gardeners to sign a contract committing to either a half or whole raised bed, agree to certain responsibilities and pay an annual $25 plot maintenance fee. The gardeners also make a contribution at the end to the year back to the church.

Last year, Debbie Brown suggested involving Camp Promise children (from Urban Promise) for organic gardening education. Two Westminster members worked with Camp Promise weekly to plant, weed, water and then harvest their bounty. As those who have ever grown zucchini know, “bounty” does truly apply. The Camp Promise gardeners were able to harvest enough zucchini to make zucchini bread in the church kitchen to treat all 80 children! What a terrific success.

Recent crops included: green beans, tomatoes, spinach, squash, cabbage, onions, lettuce, eggplant, beets, and carrots. Herbs (bordering the front lawn) and cutting flowers as well as marigolds for pest control have been popular. Surplus produce has been donated to community food closets when possible.

Our two new composting bins also allow for hands on composting education. Anyone may bring in their compostables to add to the magic of nature’s process.

Another 2016 innovation was our irrigation system which allows controlled watering at times to minimize evaporation. All estimates agree that both cost and human energy savings from the irrigation system will be enjoyed by our church.

Connecting both children and adults to the soil alone is a wonderful goal. Learning teamwork, reverence for nature’s gifts and the joy of sharing make this six-year anniversary a proud one.

and hope is renewed


How to Make a Christmas Wish Come TrueGet ready to make your Christmas season more meaningful this year! Mark your calendars today to select a Christmas “wish star” from our special Christmas trees (appearing November 13, 2016) and help Westminster make “everything nice” for more than 125 families who need our love and generosity. Yes, Christmas is coming! WPC elves are eagerly planning and preparing for your participation in WPC’s annual Christmas Box Program this year.

But first, Chief Christmas Box Elf Marlys Kerr would like to thank the elves for all that’s been completed behind the scenes so far! Referral elves have reached out to our community agencies and prepared recipient lists and their gift wishes. By November 13, Westminster’s Phix-It Corp elves will be installing Wish Star Trees (one tree in the Pavilion and another near Rodney Chapel). These are the special Christmas trees decorated with paper “Wish Stars” that have a special gift wish written on each of them for your selection. Each star was carefully coded and hung by our Wish Star elves! To “make our list and check it twice”, other elves have prepared log books for you to sign out each Wish Star you generously take. Thank you!

From these initial steps, Westminster’s program will cascade into 125 Christmas boxes to be filled with your donated food and small gifts to share the love of Christ on Christmas with those most in need in our community. Take a look at this short YouTube video story produced by our PR Elf Louise Eliason: http://bit.ly/WPCXmasBox

How can you participate in WPC’s Christmas Box mission? Here are some GREAT things you, your friends and family can do to make this Christmas, oh! so bright (and please watch for updates and any schedule changes in our Weekly Word and worship announcements).

and shattered lives are mended

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Starting November 13, pick one or more Wish Stars from a WPC Christmas tree.• Head for the trees! Find them near Rodney Chapel and the Pavilion.• Please sign out every star that you kindly take into the log book by each tree!

This step is so important. What would elves do without an accurate Wish List?• Buy a $10 - $20 gift for the child or adult indicated on each star you take. Unsure of

what to buy? Pick up a tri-fold Christmas Box brochure by each tree to find great gift suggestions and buying guidelines. (The range of $10-$20 per gift is suggested to ensure that children within each family are treated in a similar manner.) Please buy gifts that will fit into our 16-inch packing boxes. Oh! How the elves think all this through.

• Wrap and bring the gift(s) with each star attached to the outside of the wrapped package to church no later than Sunday, December 11.

• Have a question? Ask an Answer Elf! Each Sunday, an Answer Elf is located at each tree (or email PR Elf at [email protected] to connect you).

Donate any of these Christmas dinner food items by Sunday, December 11.(Foodie Elf tip: Shop at ShopRite’s Can Can sale to buy and save on a tray of these!)• Boxed cereal and stuffing mix• Canned sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, and fruit• Place donations in any one of the boxes at various locations around the church.

Write a check to WPC for the purchase of food certificates.• Write “Christmas Box Project” on the memo line of your check.• These donations will buy ShopRite gift certificates so that families can

buy a turkey or other main course for Christmas dinner.

Write a check to WPC to buy a toy for each of the children.• In addition to the Wish Star gift, a “Santa Gift” will be purchased for each child

age 12 and under.• Make your special donation by writing a check for the Shopper elves to use to buy

these gifts. Write “CB Toys” on the memo line of your check. Checks can be placed in the collection plate on Sunday mornings or mailed to the church.

Continued on page 14and racial divisions are healed


Recent Deaths

Members Who Have Joined the Church Triumphant

We remember the families of our members who recently died. We pray

that the families will be comforted in their loss and be assured that

their loved ones have joined God’s heavenly kingdom.

Henry Evans WhiteJuly 15, 1926 –

August 22, 2016

Conrad Latimer HooverNovember 26, 1918 –

August 30, 2016

Dr. Robert Westscott FrelickFebruary 27, 1920 – September 1, 2016

Dr. Charles A. DepferJuly 19, 1935 –

September 8, 2016

In Loving Memory


Volunteer!Please join our elves in any of these upcoming tasks and activities. Or to volunteer, contact Chief Elf Marlys Kerr.• Help make Christmas cards for the boxes on Sunday,

November 27. Kids, parents and elves unite! Join in the Advent workshop on Sunday, November 27 during the education hour at 10:10 a.m. Enjoy making Christmas cards for our Christmas boxes of food and gifts and for WPC carolers to take to our shut-ins on Sunday, December 18. Watch for Weekly Word announcements and information about this workshop.

• Bake cookies for the Christmas boxes on Saturday, December 10. Cookie elves will gather in the Westminster kitchen on Saturday, December 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please sign up in advance with Master Cookie Elf Jim Carter ( [email protected]).

• Help wrap and sort gifts. Kids, teens and tweens join in and wrap with adults! Join our Giftie elves and help wrap the kid’s Santa gifts and sort the Wish Star gifts in preparation for box packing night. Contact Giftie Elf Sandie Reinicker for details ([email protected]).

• Plan to attend the Box Packing and Dinner Party on Friday, December 16. This is truly a joyous evening! Packing and wrapping elves, groups and families are needed to share Christ’s love with our neighbors by wrapping and filling the Christmas boxes full of food and gifts. Watch for announcements and more information in the Weekly Word e-newsletter and Sunday worship bulletins.

• Help out on Distribution Day, Monday December 19. Hospitality elves, Chauffeur elves, and Distribution elves are needed on this day.

• To volunteer or for more information, contact Marlys Kerr ([email protected]), or ask the Answer Elf on duty at each Wish Star Tree on Sundays.

Thank you in advance for your amazing generosity and grace.

and heaven rejoices




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Upcoming Membership Exploration ClassesSundays, October 2 and 1610:10 a.m.Meeting Room at WPC

Are you interested in learning more about Westminster? Have you been considering membership? Please join us on Sundays, October 2 and 16 in the Meeting Room during the education hour at 10:10 a.m. to explore Presbyterian values and life as a member of WPC. We look forward to sharing this time with you. See you there!

Church Office Holiday ClosingThe church office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Westminster staff give abundant thanks to all of our beloved members and friends in our community and across the globe. Many blessings to you!

Sunday, October 2311:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

in Community Hall

Please come and join in the fun. There will be hot dogs, apple cider, games, prizes, face painting and plenty of TREATS!

All ages and costumes are WELCOME. Hope to see you there!

Questions? Please contact Tammy Daley at (302) 633-0222.Hosted by the deacons

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAIDWilmington, DE Permit No. 30

1502 West 13th Street Wilmington, DE 19806 302-654-5214 www.wpc.org

The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color — visit www.wpc.org.

Pastors The Rev. Dr. Gregory K. JonesThe Rev. Sudie Niesen Thompson The Rev. Jill GettyThe Rev. Thomas R. Stout

WPC Director of Communications & Database Management Nicole Hughes

Graphic Design by Trellist Marketing & Technology

Next Chimes Deadline: Monday, November 7, at 11:00 a.m.. For the December 2016 Issue Submissions can be made at www.wpc.org/communications

Westminster Church Annual Bazaar

Friday, November 119:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Collectibles, White Elephants, Children’s Department, Books, Baked & Gourmet Specialties, Gift Boutique,

Handcrafts, Holiday Shop

Thank you everyone for donating treasures, time, & energy. Total proceeds support WPC Joint Mission

local and global outreach efforts.

Spaghetti Dinner5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Hot Dog Stand10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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love is patient; love is kind; - westminster church302) 239-7650 or [email protected] 6:00 pm rich...

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