Westminster Presbyterian Church

Music for May 20th

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:28:12 -2100

Morning has Broken is certainly a delightful way to open worship on a beautiful May morning. The beloved Gaelic melody Bunessan was first published in. . .

May 20, 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:30:00 -2100

May 20, 2012 Bulletin

May 16, 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:35:27 -2100

May 16, 2012 Newsletter

Corrections
Page 4
A number of hardworking Sunday School teachers and MP2 volunteers were accidentally left out of the Teacher Appreciation article. Our sincere apologies for the omission. We've attempted to list them all in document below. Please let us know if we've missed anyone!

2011-2012 Sunday School and MP2 Teachers

In this Issue: Concerns & Celebrations, Volunteer Opportunities & More (IHN's Hamburgers, Hops & Hope for the Homeless; Caring House Volunteers; Nursery Volunteers; VCS Carpool Drivers Needed), Youth Ministry, Upcoming Congregational Meetings, Teacher Appreciation Sunday, Westminster School For Children, Library Alert, You Are Invited..., Thank Yous, Summer Worship Schedule, Community Opportunities (Sweet Potato Double Drop; Beloved Community Fair), Preaching Schedule, and Congregational Responsibilities

Summer Worship Schedule 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:48:07 -2100

On May 27, WPC will begin holding one worship service at 10am for the summer months. Summer Choir begins June 3 at 9am and summer Sunday School will start on June 10 at 9am. The 8:30 and 11am services will resume on September 9.

Abiding In God's Love

Sun, 13 May 2012 16:40:00 -2100

Psalm 98
John 15:9-17

It always amazes me how a committee of people working together can be an avenue of the Holy Spirit. There is a committee of people who put together the calendar of Scriptures that we often use for sermons. Sometimes we pause for series that are not in this lectionary, as it is called, as we did in Lent when we concentrated on Mark's version of Holy Week throughout Lent, or as we will do with the Psalms this summer. But most of the time, we follow the Scriptures long ago decided by a committee. The miracle is how often these Scriptures seem to fit what is going on in the world or the congregation. For instance, I remember that on the Sunday after 9/11/2001, the Old Testament scripture talked of God weeping for the hurting people.

May 13, 2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:43:39 -2100

May 13, 2012 Bulletin

Music for May 13th

Tue, 08 May 2012 20:42:23 -2100

Ring praise to the glory of God!

On May 13th, the Westminster Handbell Choir, under the direction of Kathryn Bunch, provides preludes, offertory, and postlude for both morning worship services. Bells are a delight for the eyes as well as for the ears. You are sure to enjoy watching the finely coordinated movements of our dedicated ringers as they hoist those beautiful, shiny bells, ringing praises to God in this special way.

Many thanks to these dedicated handbell ringers and their director, Kathryn Bunch, for their labor of love in service to the church!

A special word of thanks to Janet Whitaker for playing congregational hymns and responses during both services this morning. Janet is an experienced church musician, and we are fortunate to have her in our midst, actively participating in our music programs. She not only rings with the handbell choir, but she and her husband Phil are regulars in our Chancel Choir too. Thanks, Janet!

On Abiding and Bearing Fruit

Sun, 06 May 2012 13:50:00 -2100

John 15:1-13
Psalm 22:25-31

How do we stay connected to what matters - to each other, and to God?

Sherry Turkle is a psychologist and the author a couple of really interesting books on technology and the brain. In a recent article in the New York Times -I will have a link in my sermon on the website - she argues that "We live in a technological universe in which we are always communicating. And yet we have sacrificed conversation for mere connection."¹ Turkle has been researching the way technology effects how we function, and her conclusions are difficult, but not surprising. "At home, families sit together, texting and reading e-mail. At work executives text during board meetings [it happens in church meetings, too]. We text (and shop and go on Facebook) during classes and when we're on dates. My students tell me about an important new skill: it involves maintaining eye contact with someone while you text someone else; it's hard, but it can be done." Over 15 years of research, she writes, "I've learned that the little devices most of us carry around are so powerful that they change not only what we do, but also who we are." It seems like we are losing something in our ability to communicate effectively: how often have you seen conflicts erupt because a friend or coworker sent an email that should have been routine without the proper care? We are listening less well to each other, focusing less on the God-created person we may have in front of us. Turkle mentions a 16 year old who relies on texting for almost everything saying wistfully to her, "Someday, someday, but certainly not now, I'd like to learn how to have a conversation."

Music for May 6th

Fri, 04 May 2012 18:44:26 -2100

On Music Recognition Sunday, it's time to pay tribute to all the wonderful volunteers who dedicate their time to Westminster's music programs. Please join me in thanking the members of our choirs, our brass ensemble, and our handbell ringers. These musicians bring worship to life in such amazing ways throughout the year as they continue to share their musical gifts with the church. We should never underestimate their contributions. . .

May 6, 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 18:57:00 -2100

May 6, 2012 Bulletin