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A Message from Gregory Knox Jones |
Living Mosaics worship returns! Our 11:15 a.m. Sunday service resumes November 28 – the first Sunday of Advent. If you find it difficult to make it to church by 9:00 a.m., or if you prefer the more casual style of our Living Mosaics service, we hope to see you beginning the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
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TONIGHT: The Free Exercise of Religion – When Can the Government Act to Prevent It?
Thursday, November 18, 7 p.m. on Zoom
With Judge Thomas Ambro, United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit; and David McBride
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The First Amendment of the United States Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” What happens when the government requires conduct that a religion prohibits or prohibits conduct that is part of the practice of one’s religion? Most recently on June 21, 2021, in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, the United States Supreme Court addressed that issue in another collision between religious liberty and LGBTQ rights. This class will explore the holding and implications of that decision. Hosted by Westminster’s Peace & Justice Work Group.
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Zoom Meeting ID: 860 2752 1655 |
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We are delighted to have formed a new relationship with the Philadelphia Brass, one of America’s finest brass ensembles. The group will be playing at Westminster three times this program year. This Sunday, November 21, Philadelphia Brass will play in worship for Christ the King Sunday. Mark your calendar for their return on Sunday, January 19, for a brass and organ concert at 3 p.m. Then on Easter Sunday, April 17, we will enjoy their artistry again as we celebrate the Resurrection. Visit philadelphiabrass.com for more information about the group.
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Climate Crisis, the UN, and the Episcopal Church
Sunday, November 21, 12 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM), 719 N. Shipley Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
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UN Climate talks in Scotland (known as “COP26”) recently concluded with the hope of maintaining a realistic shot at saving the world from catastrophic climate change. Canon Martha Kirkpatrick, who was part of the Episcopal Church’s official delegation, will make a presentation on what happened at the climate talks, why this matters for Episcopalians, and some thoughts on what happens next. The event will be held in Crypt Hall (in person only). |
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No 180 this Sunday
See you on Sunday, November 28!
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Happy almost Thanksgiving! Westminster’s 180 youth group will not meet this Sunday, November 21. We'll see you on November 28 for our 180 Friendsgiving Party! For more information about 180 for grades 6 through 12, contact Tommy Neilson (tommyjneilson@gmail.com).
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One Book, One Church
It’s not too late to join a discussion group!
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Are you participating in our all-church read of The Sum of Us? Have you found yourself writing notes in the margins, Googling the events Heather McGhee references, or sharing with others something you learned from the book? Now’s your chance to talk about The Sum of Us with others in our church family. There is still space in the discussion group that meets on Tuesday, November 23, at 5:30 p.m. on the heated, outdoor patio at Red Fire Grill in Hockessin. Since this is an in-person offering, we ask that participants be fully-vaccinated against COVID-19. To RSVP, email Sandie Reinicker (reinickskw@aol.com).
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Living Mosaics Worship Returns!
Sunday, November 28, 11:15 a.m.
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Our 11:15 a.m. Sunday service resumes November 28 – the first Sunday of Advent. If you find it difficult to make it to church by 9:00 a.m., or if you prefer the more casual style of our Living Mosaics service, we hope to see you beginning November 28. As before, this service will be held in Rodney Chapel.
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2022 Presbyterian Youth Triennium
Strong interest sign-up form due December 1
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Plans are underway to send our New Castle Presbytery youth to Triennium 2022 from July 24 – 27, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana, where they will join thousands of others for a life-changing, faith-enhancing experience like no other. Based on Matthew 25, teachings will focus on Christian awareness, discipleship, and compassion.
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Holiday Cereal Sunday
Sunday, December 5, 8:30–10:00 a.m. in the church parking lot
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Happy Holidays! Yes, it is hard to believe that Christmas will only be 20 short days after our last Cereal Sunday of the year on December 5. You helped make some folks Thanksgiving a true time of thanks. Three loads of food and personal items were delivered to Hanover Food Pantry for the Thanksgiving collection. Now – will you help us provide an overflowing table for Christmas? Cereal as always; nonperishable food items; personal and household items – all are always needed and welcome. What a gift we can offer. Thank you for all your gifts throughout the year.
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Oh Come, All Ye Faithful! Help Make This Christmas Wish Come True!
Deadline for donations: Sunday, December 12
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With your generous donation of $20 or more by December 12, payable online or by check to Westminster Presbyterian Church (memo: Christmas Boxes), our Christmas Box project will be able to buy ShopRite and Walmart gift cards for 120 families in need this Christmas. Your children can join in the spirit of Christmas giving, too. Just pick up youth advent banks at the reception desk and return them by December 12. We need cookie bakers, too! For all the details, please read our October/November newsletter.
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Christmas Poinsettias
Deadline: Wednesday, December 15
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You are welcome to make a contribution toward the decoration of the church for the Christmas season in memory of, or in honor of, loved ones. Click here to download and print the form. The form is also available on the main literature table next to the reception desk at church. The deadline is Wednesday, December 15. For any form received after that date, the names will be listed in the December 26 bulletin.
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We had a nice turnout on Sunday for our Blessing of the Animals service on the church lawn. The dogs that came were thrilled to meet new friends and seemed happy to be blessed. Thumper – the one cat that attended – held on tight to her owner (Dan Weber). At times, she disappeared inside his jacket, but completely at ease when blessed.
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Photos taken by Camilla Jones |
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Mattresses, Box Springs, and Tables … Oh My! |
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New Life Furnishings (NLF) has been very busy recently and needs a couple of twin and double/full mattresses and box springs in good condition. Due to space considerations, we cannot accept headboards or queen or king sized beds. We could also use a few small tables. If you have any of the above, please leave a message for the NLF Coordinators at (302) 654-5848 ext. 313 and they will contact you. Thank you for your support of this important mission which helps individuals begin a new life after being homeless. To learn more about NLF, download this information card or pick one up from the literature table at church.
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Kingswood Community Center – The Next Chapter |
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In 1946, the Kingswood United Methodist Church opened its doors to local youth and laid the foundation for today’s Kingswood Community Center, which currently serves as an educational sanctuary for Wilmington’s children as well as a place to build lasting community. The WRK Group has launched a campaign to raise $41 million to build a new, state-of-the-art facility to give infants and children a great start, support youth with a place to learn and connect after school, provide opportunities for fitness and fun for all, offer a health resource center, and provide community meeting space. Click here for a virtual walk-through of this new space!
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The WRK Group: Teen Warehouse | Reach Riverside | Kingswood Community Center |
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Join DEVOAD Flood Recovery
DEVOAD recruiting volunteers for Flood Relief
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In September, Category 4 Hurricane Ida barreled into Wilmington, causing the Brandywine Creek to flood to historic levels and wreak havoc on East Side neighborhoods, displacing hundreds of people living in high-poverty communities. Many continue to struggle as support ends. Westminster provided support for Hurricane Ida relief through Teen Warehouse and the WRK Group, and some of our members have been donating household items for distribution there. The DE Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD) continues to coordinate volunteer groups to come to the 11th Street Bridge Community to assist in clean-up/clean-out measures. If you can assist, contact the DEVOAD coordinators to make arrangements:
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Please Remember to Pledge |
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Autumn brings cooler temperatures, falling leaves, pumpkin pie — and Westminster’s annual Stewardship Campaign. All are essential elements of the season. If you have already submitted a pledge for 2022, THANK YOU! Your generosity truly makes a difference. If your pledge card remains in the “to-do” pile, please fill it out and return it. Or you may submit your pledge online at www.wpc.org/pledge. The past 18 months have filled our lives with challenges, yet the church has remained a beacon of inspiration and hope. Your contribution ensures Westminster’s future to continue doing God’s work. So this year, skip the pumpkin pie if you want, but please don’t skip the process of pledging.
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Because many stocks have increased in value, you may hold stocks with substantial appreciation. Fulfilling a pledge or pre-paying your 2022 pledge by gifting stock to Westminster provides you with two major benefits. You receive a charitable deduction for the value of the stock and you pay no capital gains tax on the appreciated stock. We recommend that you consult with your tax advisor about this. If you want to learn more about how to make a stock donation, contact Colleen Falasco, Director of Financial Operations, at cfalasco@wpc.org or (302) 654-5214 ext. 131.
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Westminster Purchases Drone for Mission Partner |
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This year, CEDEPCA is celebrating its 35th anniversary. To honor the incredible work of this partner organization in Guatemala, Westminster's Church in the World Committee wanted to send a special gift. Traditionally, a gift of coral is given for a 35th anniversary, symbolizing longevity and success. But Westminster thought they'd go with something a bit more practical...a drone! This new drone will be used primarily by CEDEPCA's Disaster Ministry team as a critical tool in emergency response efforts. Check out the photos and the full article!
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Please Check Back!
There is nothing to report this week, but please check this section regularly for information on important life events of our members.
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The Westminster Weekly Word features a new Photo Prayer once a month. You may browse all Photo Prayers by Danny Schweers at any time by visiting www.photoprayer.com.
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Sunday Service - November 14, 2021 |
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Time With Our Children - All God's Creatures |
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Environmental Justice, Race, and the Future of America - November 4, 2021 |
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Combating Violence in Wilmington - October 28, 2021 |
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Thank you to our dedicated volunteers and staff who work hard to provide these videos. If you have a Google/YouTube account, please sign in and give them a "thumbs up" on YouTube! |
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Current Church Office Hours:
Tuesday – Friday
9 AM – 4 PM
Sunday Worship:
9 AM
Parking:
Lot located at N. Rodney and W. 13th Streets
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Westminster Presbyterian Church
Pennsylvania Avenue and N. Rodney Street
1502 West 13th Street | Wilmington, DE, 19806
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