Dear friends and fellow disciples,

I'm away with my preaching group in central Pennsylvania this week. This treasured group of colleagues and friends gather each year at this time to write papers and preach to each other, and to reflect on the life of ministry and the church. One of the themes that has struck me in our conversations is a pervasive culture of loneliness. Even those of us who are around people all the time can both be and feel deeply lonely. It makes all the more important what we do here - we gather, connect, and pray. We do our best to listen carefully to each other. Might the work below, and much work beyond it, help truly connect us to each other more fully, in the name of the Christ who came to earth to walk alongside us here. Spending simple time together isn't “an extra,” it is holy.
TONIGHT: BBQ & Campfire Fellowship at WOW
We’re celebrating spring at tonight’s WOW. Come at 5:45pm to enjoy a tasty barbecue supper and campfire songs and s'mores, along with great fellowship. Contact : Kristina Gilbert
THURSDAY & FRIDAY: Pillowcase Palooza
Our Mission Stitches sewing ministry has set a goal of making 100 pillowcases for Duke and UNC pediatric hospitals. Drop by WPC for Pillowcase Palooza, this Thursday and Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm . They tell me anyone can do this - the pillowcase kits are easy to assemble, and sewing mentors will be on hand to help.  Contact : Helen Harrison
SATURDAY: Farewell Celebration for Carol Van Hise
You are invited to a celebration of the amazing Carol Van Hise on Saturday, 2:00-5:00pm , as she retires from 50 years of faithful service to Westminster School for Young Children. A scholarship fund has been established in Carol’s honor. To give, please send a check payable to Westminster School with “Scholarship Fund” on the memo line.  Contact : Kathy Stickley
SATURDAY NIGHT: Iglesia Emanuel Fellowship Dinner
Through tutoring, music classes, and a food pantry ministry, Iglesia Emanuel offers the love of Jesus to Durham in awesome ways. I would love for you to join me there on Saturday, at 6:00pm , to enjoy wonderful food and music and support this congregation's mission. Please contact me or Nancye Bryan if you’d like to attend.
SUNDAY: Music Recognition Sunday & Chancel Choir’s Spring Program
This Sunday at worship we will recognize the talented folks who make Westminster’s music wonderful and enjoy preaching by the Rev. Libby Boehne, Presbyterian Campus Minister at Duke. On Sunday evening, you're invited to the Chancel Choir’s Spring Program at 7:00pm , in the Music Room. You’re sure to be moved and inspired by the incredible music they’ve selected. Stick around for the reception afterward and be sure to let our choir members know how much we appreciate them. (Child care is available upon request only - please notify us by close of business today).  Contact : Monica Rossman
As I write to you now, news is coming out about a shooting at UNC-Charlotte and a campus on lockdown. â€śHow long, O Lord?” we cry with the psalmist. How long will this kind of grief overwhelm communities? How long until we learn to live together in peace? Might we join our Charlotte sisters and brothers in prayer, and continue to do our best to be part of the ways Jesus is healing them and our world.
 
Peace to you, friends.