Westminster News: March & April 2007

 

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Confirmation Classes     Sundays from 9 to 10 AM beginning February 4

 

 

Westminster youth (7th Grade and up) are invited to attend Confirmation classes, schedule to start Sunday, February 4. The group will meet with Pastor Alex from 9 to 10 AM in Room 5. Eligible youth will receive a letter with all the specifics. Don’t hesitate; this will be an important, fun and blessed time for each student.  Contact Pastor Alex or Marian Bauer if you have any questions.

 

 

Goodbye and God Bless Justine!     Sunday, March 25, after worship

 

 

On Sunday, March 25, a farewell reception will be held following worship to say goodbye to our Youth Ministry Coordinator, Justine Hollander. Please attend to wish her well and thank her for all her activities for and with our Westminster youth.

 

 

Westminster & Westmorland: Neighborhood Canvas     Sunday, March 25, 4 PM

 

 

Help spread the word about Westminster!  We will canvas the Westmorland neighborhood with door hangers on Sunday, March 25th, to describe the worship opportunities available during Holy Week and Easter as well as upcoming activities related to Earth Day.  We’ll meet at the church at 4:00. You’ll be given a map and a stack of door hangers.  All you have to do is hang a door hanger on the front door of each house on your map.  It will take about one hour, and then we’ll all meet back at the church for pizza, salad, and beverages.  Listen for announcements about when to sign up.  Plan to make it a family event! Contact Jim Jennings, Ruth Hein or Cindy Kornetzke for more information.

 

 

One Great Hour of Sharing     Palm Sunday, April 1

 

 

This offering supports ministries of compassion and justice from emergency relief to long-term development through:

Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Self-Development of People

     What do my gifts to the Presbyterian One Great Hour of Sharing offering do? Within the PC(USA), programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing have evolved over the last half century along with our understanding of how best to stand with people in their suffering and offer an authentic witness to God’s healing love. Like our ecumenical partners, we focused our early efforts on those in acute need as a result of wars or natural disasters.

     Contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing make a difference in the lives of people. Whether they take the form of immediate relief to people experiencing a time of crisis or of partnerships with communities, focused on long-term solutions to chronic problems, those gifts are a powerful, tangible witness to the healing love of Christ for all people.

 

 

Easter Sunday Breakfast and Egg Hunt     Easter Sunday, April 8, 9-10 AM

 

 

Join your church family for Easter Sunday Breakfast (Worship Services are at 8:15 and 10:15 AM). The cost is $5 adults, $2 children (age 2 & under free), and $15 maximum per family. Children up to grade 3 are invited to the Easter Egg hunt in room 4. Get your tickets on March 18, 25 and April 1 in the Narthex or during Fellowship Hour. Donations of small wrapped candy treats, to be placed in plastic Easter eggs, are greatly appreciated. Please drop them off at the office by Sunday, April 1.

 

 

Westminster's Spring Rummage Sale     Saturday, April 14, 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM

 

 

Spring is just around the corner…time to take a good look around your home and figure out what you haven’t used in the past year.  Do you really need it?  In addition to the usual things, think about CD’s, DVD’s, office supplies, garden tools, games, kitchen gadgets, anything clean and useable. Check with your friends and neighbors too.

     Drop-off & Sort on Thursday, April 12, 1:00 - 8:30 PM. Drop-off, Sort & Price on Friday April 13, 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM. The sale is from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, April 14. Clean-up on Saturday, April 14, 1:30 - 3:00 PM. Please contact Ruth Hein or Kathy and Dave Granquist  with  any questions. New volunteers are always welcome. Remember, those who help can buy early…thanks in advance for your continued support.

 

 

Children's Participation in Celebrating God's Good Creation     HELP NEEDED

 

 

The workshop rotation children (k-grade 3, Sundays from 9:15-10:00 AM) need help for the special ‘Celebrating God’s Good Creation’ series beginning Sunday, April 15. We are looking for people to help with art/crafts and making puppets. On the morning of May 5 we will bake special breads to look like animals. The bread will be served at the Stone Soup meal May 6th at 5:30 PM.  If you are willing to help, please contact Marian Bauer at 238-3121 or marianbauer@westminstermadison.org as soon as possible! Thank you.

 

 

Youth Programs     HELP NEEDED

 

 

The WPC Personnel Committee is working diligently to find a new Youth Coordinator. Until they fill the position, we will need your help with several projects during the spring and perhaps into the summer. Will you help the youth prepare sub sandwiches for Earth Day lunch on April 22 or help with Youth Sunday on April 29? Please contact Marian Bauer, as soon as possible.

 

 

Earth Day Every Day     Sundays, April 15 to May 13 at 9 AM and other times

 

 

Caring for God's Good Creation, an intergenerational mini series offered in spring 2007 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, will study the book “Earth-Wise: A Biblical Response to Environmental Issues”  by Cal DeWitt. Co-facilitators Sue Bridson and Doug Rouse have planned many other events. Sign-up for some Earth Day events by April 8th.

 

 

Earth Day Decorations Preparation

 

 

Sue Bridson needs about 3-4 creative folks to learn how to make special fruit/vegetable table decorations. An advance practice session will be held at Sue's house, then you can make your decorations at home and bring to the Earth Day Sunday evening celebration supper, 4:00-5:30 PM in Fellowship Hall.

 

 

Youth Grades 5-12 and Their Parents Meet with Pastor Alex     April 15 after worship

 

 

Pastor Alex will discuss Westminster's plans for this summer and beyond with youth grades 5-12 and their parents on Sunday April 15th after worship. A meal will be served in room 3, downstairs. Please make every effort to be there!

 

 

Submit a Nomination for Deacon or Elder     Monday April 16

 

 

The nominating committee is soliciting nominations for Deacons and Elders. Self-nominations are encouraged. Please submit your nomination(s) by April 16 (the form is available in the church office and the April Newsletter).

 

 

Youth Sunday     April 29 worship service

 

 

The children and youth of Westminster Presbyterian Church will lead the congregation in worship on April 29.  The theme for the morning is God’s amazing love and how we can all connect to it.  Come and worship God as they lead in word, prayer, scripture and song.

 

 

Allied Drive Parent's Day     Monday, May 7, 1 - 5 PM

 

 

Ruth Hein is again coordinating a parent's day at Allied with the After School Program.  On Monday May 7, about 80 children will have a chance to pick a gift for their Mom and Dad or the Person Who Cares for them and then wrap it so they can give it to them that week of Mother's Day. At this point, we need individuals who can help with the set-up, wrapping, and cleanup on Monday May 7th.  We will set up around 1 PM, the kids will shop from 2 to 5 PM, and then there will be pack-up. Contact Ruth at if you can help.  We am short of gifts for men, and looking for item or money donations. We also could use wrapping paper and bows.  Please place donations in the box across from the chapel marked "Allied".

 

 

 

 

Pres House Celebrates 100 years!  1907-2007     Saturday, May 12, 2 PM

 

 

Alumni Reunion and Concert of Sacred Music featuring "The Spirit That Sets Us Free" by Stephen Paulus for choir, organ, and orchestra. Presented by the choirs of Christ Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow at Pres House, 731 State Street Mall, Madison, WI 53703. For more information, call 608-257-1030, email info@preshouse.org, or go to http://www.preshouse.org.

 

 

Rouse Farm and Potluck Supper Picnic     Saturday, May 19, 2 PM 'til evening

 

 

Judi and Doug Rouse have again extended an invite for us to spend a special time at their farm in the Spring Green/ Muscoda area. Consider carpooling or head out by yourself. You might also want to stop in Muscoda on your way as they have their 25th Annual Morel Festival going on that day from 10 AM to 5 PM.

     Arrive 2 to 3 PM so you have time to take a walk and look for morels, wild flowers and birds. Visit the farm animals - donkeys, sheep, baby lambs and go on a hayride! At 5:30 PM we will have a potluck supper. Bring a dish to share and something to grill if you would like.  There will be a grill going.  Beverages and paper plates, plastic ware and cups will be provided. 

     Listen for reminders in church and sign up on the Fellowship Bulletin Board in Fellowship Hall to help us plan numbers.  Phone Ruth Hein with any other questions or to sign-up.

 

 

Vacation Bible School     June 24 to 28

 

 

Westminster's Vacation Bible School will be held on June 25 to 28, with a sampler on June 24.  Help is also needed preparing and serving supper, storytelling, crafts, seawater experiments, music, decorating before hand, helpers (youth grade 5 and older), child-care for helpers, registration, and wherever else help is needed! Susan Bush will be in the Fellowship Hall after Sunday worship to answer your questions and sign you up!

 

 

Church Camp Wyoming for children and youth in grades K through graduating seniors     June 10 - August 5

 

 

Programs are held at Camp Wyoming in Wyoming, Iowa  (about 60 miles from Dubuque). Choose the week that best fits your schedule, from June 10-July 28 (ending Aug. 5);   Prices range from $100-290 depending on the length of the camp.

     “On Our Way” is the theme for this summer. Activities include swimming, hiking, arts, crafts, games, campfires and Bible stories, cookouts, cave exploration, archery, canoeing and creek stomping! (Some age-limits apply on some activities.) There are short-weeks for those in K-grade 2 and weeklong times for those from grade 2 through seniors.  Each camp time has the children and youth separated into age groups. Check out the brochures outside of the church office.  Some scholarship help is available.  Online registration can be found at campwyoming.net

 

 

Lakes and Prairies Synod School     July 22–27

 

 

Why do they keep returning to Synod School?

• Christian fellowship

• Inspiring worship and song

• Growth in knowledge and faith

• Personal and spiritual renewal

• Fun for families and singles of all ages

The school meets on the campus of Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa. The theme this year is “Five Smooth Stones: Biblical Themes for Life and Ministry,” with convocation speaker Carol Bechtel, who has written the 2007-08 Presbyterian Women's Bible study on Jonah and Ruth.  There are activities for the WHOLE FAMILY….and special classes for the children and for youth.

     Pastor Alex Thornburg is a workshop leader this year. In addition to Bible study, other workshops include kite-making, stained glass, hand bells, marriage enrichment, pottery, spirituality, writing and much, much more! See the Synod School Brochure in the church office for more details…or visit http://www.lakesandprairies.org/ and click on the 'Synod School' link, or phone 1-800-328-1880, ext. 207.  Some scholarship help is available. Please register as soon as possible.

 

 

Your Change Creates Change!

 

 

We remind you that the loose change you put in the Sunday offering plate goes to support our ‘adopted’ child, Alex Ortiz, who lives in El Salvador. Now, another child at has come under the wing and hearts of Westminster from Harvesting in Spanish!  She is  three-year old Adriana ‘Arely’ Campos Orantes.  She and her four brothers came to Shalom Children’s Home in El Salvador when their father abandoned the family.  Their mother could not take care of them in such a dangerous area with drug trafficking and gangs.  ‘Arely’ is receiving much loving care and learning that Jesus loves her.  Arely is a sweet, happy little girl who always wears a big smile.  Check the bulletin board (near the chapel) to see the beautiful picture of Arely along with her story and information.

     So remember that all your loose change placed into the offering plate on Sundays helps support both Alex and Arely!

 

 

Westminster's Child Protection and Sexual Misconduct Covenant

 

 

On August 28, 2006, in a proactive spirit, the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church adopted a Child Protection and Sexual Misconduct Covenant. The covenant is available on this website and in the office for review. In addition, you may sign a document showing you concur with this new covenant. All those who plan to work with our children and youth - both volunteers and paid staff - during any time of the year are now asked to sign this document.