August 27, 2020
Dear friends,
Jesus’ ministry began with an invitation to two curious young adults: “Come and see.” Soon, a small circle of men and a few women followed Jesus, leaving behind their old ways of life and learning about and living into the Kingdom of God. Through this small group, lives far beyond its members were healed and transformed and the good and subversive message was spread.
Jesus’ followers today are also invited to “Come and see.” It is through deep, often challenging relationships that we experience the living Christ, that lives are upended, and the very world we inhabit is made new. Forming bonds of kinship, however, is difficult in normal times, even more so in this age of physical and social distancing. But it is clear that connection and supportive fellowship is more important than ever.
That’s why Westminster’s Christian Education teams for Adults, Children, and Youth decided that a primary goal for this fall needed to focus on nurturing faith in CommUNITY - together/apart. Key to this effort will be a new initiative that offers the opportunity to join a small group. These groups are for older and newer members of the congregation. They are for those well-connected and those struggling to make connections. In other words, these groups are for anyone willing to go on a new adventure in relationship-building here at WPC.
We are even creating space on Sunday mornings for our new CommUNITY groups to meet once a month! See below for all the details and online sign-up, and please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. We trust the Spirit of God is at work and will lead us and this endeavor so that we can form bonds even in this together/apart time.
May God bless you and make you a blessing this week!
Marietta
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Westminster This Week - Quick Links
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NEW: Introducing CommUNITY Groups!
Nurturing Faith in CommUNITY Together/Apart
What are CommUNITY Groups?
CommUNITY Groups strengthen the bonds of Christian connection and support in the Westminster congregation. CommUNITY Groups connect two to four households around a shared topic or study. These groups will be limited to 8 to 12 members so that they may meet in person or online as the group chooses.
What is CommUNITY Sunday?
CommUNITY Sundays will typically fall on the first Sunday of the month coinciding with Communion in worship. Groups may choose to meet during the Church School hour. To make room, children’s classes and some of our youth classes will not meet on CommUNITY Sundays. The first CommUNITY Sunday is October 4.
Who should sign up for CommUNITY Groups?
Everyone! On the form, you will have the option to request joining with one or more individuals and/ or with one or more families while keeping the group size small.
Who are the leaders?
Each group will be self-led. Resources and a general format will be offered, and groups can decide how they will conduct their gatherings.
When will groups meet?
Groups meet at least once a month and may choose to meet on CommUNITY Sunday. Groups may meet during the Church School hour, but may also choose to meet at time that is convenient to the group. Groups will commit to meeting for the 2020-2021 year.
Will there still be Sunday School?
WPC classes for adults will continue to be available on CommUNITY Sundays. If you want to be a part of a Sunday School Class, but also wish to join a CommUNITY group, indicate that on the sign-up form. (Please note: Classes for children and youth through 7th grade will not meet on these Sundays. Confirmation will meet online and High School Church School will meet in person outdoors at WPC.)
Where will CommUNITY groups meet?
Group size will be kept small so they may choose to meet online or in person, if they feel comfortable. In an abundance of caution, we request that all groups follow the WPC Regathering Operating Guidelines, even when meeting off campus. For those that want to meet at WPC, they will need to complete the WPC Activity Request Form. Guidelines for Attendees provides some assistance in following state and local recommendations to reduce the likelihood of spreading COVID-19. Hosts for each meeting will send an Attendee List - Outdoor Event to the church office within 24 hours of the gathering, to help with contact tracing should that become necessary.
What will CommUNITY groups do?
Types of groups may include Connection groups that meet mostly for fellowship, groups that focus on one or more spiritual practices, or groups that focus on a Bible study or topic such as racial equity. Resource options will be offered, but groups may also choose their own materials.
How do you I join a CommUNITY group?
Sign up here by September 27. A group design team will prayerfully create the groups, taking into consideration group size, interest, and other preferences and needs. We may not be able to accommodate all preferences, but we will do our best.
What Types of Groups Are There?
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Connection groups (for fellowship, devotions + prayer). Use a resource such as “Taking Faith Home” to have a brief time of devotions. Get to know one another and enjoy fellowship. Groups may also choose simple outings such as going for a walk together/apart.
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Spiritual Practices Group: Choose one or explore a variety of Christian practices such as Lectio Divina or Centering Prayer.
- Bible Study:
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With the Yale Bible Study, The Gospel of Matthew, individuals work on their own through the study and then discuss during small group time. Or, Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi by Amy-Jill Levine. Select a chapter to read on your own and then discuss.
- Discuss upcoming or previous sermon and Scripture
- Topical or Book Study
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Racial Equity: Getting started by taking the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge and discuss what you’re learning together. Or, go deeper and read and discuss a book such as White Fragility, by Robin DiAngelo
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Parenting Topics: Parent Cue Live is a podcast featuring parenting experts designed to help parents do family better. Listen ahead and discuss together.
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Choose a book such as "The Story of God, the Story of Us" by Sean Gladding (a “Doorways” Study Group selection). Read on your own and discuss together.
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Listen to a podcast such as the On Being Podcast on your own, and then discuss in your small group time.
- Other: Maybe none of these seem quite right? You are open, but want to decide within your group. You can sign up for this option, too!
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All About the WPC Prayers & Cares List
Prayers come in many different forms. They can be said with heads bowed and hands folded. They can be sung (St. Augustine said that when we sing we pray twice!). They can be enacted through cards sent, food delivered, policies of justice advocated for, votes made, or a service rendered.
As you read the WPC Prayers & Cares List, remember there are many ways to offer a prayer. This list provides a way for you to say, sing, or carry out a prayer for those in our congregation, our community, our world. It is an opportunity to spiritually grow your compassion and work to knit our community together in love. Our prayers are a way to be faithful disciples of Jesus by weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice.
We’ve added a new section to the Prayers & Cares list for schools, students, faculty, and staff. Let us take time to remember in prayer those working to maintain the safety of students, teachers, and school staff amidst this pandemic. If you would like to add a school or persons to this list, or have any other prayer needs to share (concerns, condolences, prayers for our times, or celebrations), please email them to prayersandcares@wpcdurham.org. Emails sent to this address will be automatically received by all of Westminster’s staff and Congregational Care Committee. To receive access to Westminster's Prayers & Cares List, please contact Cherrie Barton Henry.
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Growing Through Grief
Growing Through Grief provides a weekly gathering (via Zoom) for persons who have lost a loved one. Attendees listen to a 10-20 minute presentation on Zoom, then break out into small groups for discussions led by facilitators. Upcoming programs include:
- September 1: Betsy Barton, “Practicing Radical Acceptance as We Face Our Fear”
- September 8: Evelyn Reed, “Resilience”
- September 15: Dr. Justin Yopp, “Connecting with Others to Reimagine Life”
- Also offered: A six-week “Introduction to Grief” program a few times each year
Growing Through Grief is now seeking volunteers to help with presentations. If you or someone you know would be interested in giving one of the 10-20 minute presentations, please contact Cherrie.
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Girl Scouts Open Enrollment - New and Renewal Registration
For girls in (rising to) grades 1 through 5, Daisy/Brownie/Junior Girl Scout Troop 1806 will hold its annual enrollment for new girls, and renewal registration for current members, on Saturday, August 29, 11:00am-2:00pm, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Durham. This event will be an outdoor, drive-through event (on the "Cornwallis Road side" of St. Paul's). Please contact Chip Reinhardt for more information on the registration process.
New girls joining at this time will be conditionally enrolled - that is, before making an enrollment permanent, GS Troop 1806 has to make sure there is a patrol in the right grade level with room to take new girls, or enough new girls and adults at that grade level to form a new patrol. New Troop 1806 patrols require a minimum of four girls and two adult co-leaders. This year, for girls rising to first grade this fall, we already have two leaders, and only need four girls to form the patrol.
For more information about Girl Scout Troop 1806, including how to join, visit www.gstroop1806.org. The Joining Girl Scouts page has information specific to joining Troop 1806, as well as finding and joining other Girl Scout troops in Durham.
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News from Mission Stitches
Mission Stitches sewists are continuing to stitch dresses to be sent to Haiti and pillowcases for the children’s hospitals at Duke and UNC. Kits are available and can be picked up from Helen Harrison’s porch. Please contact her first to let her know you’re coming. Online instructions are available.
Please complete and return finished projects to Helen’s porch by early September. A shipment of Mission Stitches’ clothes to Haiti and distribution of the pillowcases to the hospitals is planned for this fall. However, sewing continues year-round so you’re welcome to work when you can and return completed projects when it is convenient.
The Mission Stitches team will be making new kits soon and are requesting donations of:
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Girl’s t-shirts or knit tops with sleeves, new or gently used (no tanks or spaghetti straps)
- Dress fabric, trim, and notions - Fabric should be at least 18”x40”
- Sheets and pillowcases suitable for making dresses, new or gently used
Donations can be dropped off at Helen’s house. Please do not take donations or finished projects to the church while campus is closed. Interested in joining Mission Stitches or learning more about this ministry? Please contact Helen Harrison or Emily Strader.
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PLEASE REMEMBER: Westminster’s campus is CLOSED. Only church staff and essential facilities personnel are permitted on campus and inside the buildings at this time. Utilize emails and phone calls to conduct any church business you may have. For safety reasons, please avoid “stopping by” and/or entering the buildings. Thanks for understanding, and stay safe! |
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