January 9, 2020  
Westminster Presbyterian Church. The Westminster Weekly Word
1502 W. 13th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806. (302) 654-5214. www.wpc.org Like us on Facebook
Next Seven Days
Pacem in Terris: Vigil for Peace
Saturday, January 11, 10:00 a.m.
at Concord Square
Join Pacem in Terris for a special "Vigil For Peace With Iran" this Saturday, January 11, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Concord Square (Giant-Marshalls), Route 202/Concord Pike, in front of La Tolteca. Pacem in Terris thanks you for your support and for spreading the word.
Adult Education This Sunday
Sunday, January 12, 10:10 a.m.
Check out one of two very different classes this week!
  • Classroom 6: Jake Blacksten wraps up a two-week series on Cybersecurity
     
  • Classroom 5: Chesna Hinkley continues a three-week series on Challenging Passages on Women in the Bible. This week's class will discuss sexual violence. Please use discretion with young attendees or if this is likely to cause distress.
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Helping Hands Glove Collection Reminder
Sundays, January 12 and 19, between services in Community Hall
A reminder that our glove and mitten collection will take place between services on Sunday, January 12 and 19 in Community Hall. As you shop the after-Christmas sales, please pick up some practical/no-frills gloves for men, women and children. These gloves and mittens will be distributed to individuals and families served by Friendship House and its ministries. Thanks in advance for helping provide the gift of warmth.
Welcome Back to 180!
Sunday evenings, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Community Hall
The 180 youth ministry kick-off was a success! We hope you'll join us this Sunday as we begin learning about the Nicene Creed. Things will look a little bit different, but we'll still have games, dinner, worship and discussion for youth in grades 6 to 12. Friends are always welcome!
New Bible Study
Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. OR Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in the WPC Library
Eat and exegete! A new Bible study has begun! This is a drop-in, low-commitment way to read, discuss, and learn from the Bible together. We will read out loud and see where the conversation goes - from start to finish! Join us when you can. Bring a bag dinner or lunch, if you like.
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Coming Up
Dinner, David and the DSO: WPC Dutch Treat Night Out
Friday, January 17, 2020
Westminster members and friends are invited to join us for a private, Dutch-treat dinner at Chelsea Tavern, 821 N. Market Street, Wilmington, at 5:00 PM and a 7:30 PM Delaware Symphony Orchestra concert at The Grand on Friday, January 17. The orchestra will be playing Borodin's Prince Igor Overture, Elgar's Cello Concerto with Camille Thomas, and Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 1. Music Director David Amado and Ms. Thomas will give a pre-concert talk at 6:30. Tickets are $49 and checks made out to the "DSO" can be given to Charlie Babcock or Bob Stoddard or mailed to Bob at 20 Centerville Terrace, Wilmington, DE 19808 by Wednesday, January 15. Limited dinner seating will be reserved on a first come/first served basis. Please join us for great food, music Beyond Words, and good fun with friends!
"Just Mercy" Opening in Wilmington Area Theaters This Weekend
After graduating from Harvard, Delaware native Bryan Stevenson heads to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned or those not afforded proper representation. One of his first cases is that of Walter McMillian, who is sentenced to die in 1987 for the murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite evidence proving his innocence. In the years that follow, Stevenson encounters racism and legal and political maneuverings as he tirelessly fights for McMillian's life. If you would like to join with members and friends of Westminster to see this powerful film this weekend, please contact Sue Linderman (302-239-7650 or [email protected]).
Let's Talk About It - A Periodic Series
Sunday, January 19, 10:10 a.m. in the Ruth Christie Room
Facilitated by Sue Linderman
We need opportunities to experience the challenges and benefits that come from bringing racial issues into the light of day. All are welcome to join us in these dialogues as we continue the journey of exploring our national history and our beliefs about race, with openness to differing opinions and respect for one another. Join us on January 19 as we discuss the issues embodied in "Just Mercy," the book and now the film about Delaware native Bryan Stevenson's life-saving search for justice. Come join us even if you haven't yet read the book or seen the movie!
Climate Risk
Sunday, January 19, 10:10 a.m.
in Classroom 6
We daily evaluate or learn of many mundane and potentially catastrophic risks. We live in an unstable world in which we attempt to establish order. What is your thought process in distinguishing among different sources of risk? What attitudes and beliefs inform your thinking? Join us on Sunday, January 19, during the 10:TEN education hour, when Clem Dinsmore facilitates a discussion on climate risk. Clem has 20 years of experience as a financial advisor focused on companies' environmental, social and corporate governance behaviors, and five years as an environmental advocate and graduate school teacher.
Sanctuary Flowers
Dates available in January and February
Consider giving the flowers for Sunday worship to remember or honor loved ones or to celebrate an event, while expressing praise and thanksgiving to God. Please contact Linda Watson during business hours at (302) 571-6719 or [email protected]. The next available dates are January 19; and February 2, 9, 16 and 23.
Scripture in the City: Transforming Scripture's Stories From the Past Into Road Maps for Today
Tuesday, January 21, 7:00 p.m. at Saints Andrew & Matthew Church
(719 N. Shipley Street, Wilmington, DE)
One initiative of Westminster's Peace & Justice Work Group is to build a church partnership within Wilmington that would expand our mutual horizons in dealing with issues of peace and justice in our city. Join us as SsAM hosts our next discussion, which features theological reflections around a specific Scripture story to facilitate sharing of personal experiences based upon our individual traditions and culture. This is an open forum for all interested people from both churches. Come join us as we learn together! Questions? Contact Mike Gnade at [email protected] or (302) 562-4464.
Westminster Women's Luncheon - All Are Welcome!
Sunday, February 16, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. (snow date: February 23)
This luncheon, facilitated by Janet Steinwedel, is a time to gather and explore ideas on how we can strengthen relationships and support each other on our spiritual journeys. ALL WOMEN ARE WELCOME! Lunch includes spinach and meat lasagnas, salad, bread and dessert. Please register with Chesna Hinkley, Director of Christian Education, at [email protected]. Include your name, email address, phone number, check payment ($15.00 per person), and any food allergies. Please also tell Chesna by February 1 if you have a need for child care. Write checks out to Westminster Presbyterian Church with "Women's Luncheon" on the memo line and include with your registration. The deadline to register for the luncheon is Thursday, February 13. General questions? Contact Judy Stoddard at [email protected] or (302) 397-8867.
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go_to_featured_photo_section Featured Photo
An adorable (future) deacon helps out in the Westminster kitchen last Sunday.


Email photos to [email protected].
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News to Note
Word of Thanks from Paul Fleckenstein
To my Westminster family,
Serving as your organist and music director at Westminster Presbyterian Church these past 27 years has been an honor and a privilege. My beloved choir, my dear staff colleagues, and probably everyone reading this: you have all been a beautiful presence in my life, and you will be dear to my heart for years to come. I was overwhelmed by the extraordinary monetary gift presented to me on my last Sunday. Thank you so much! I will always treasure my years of making music with you.
Peace and blessings,
Paul Fleckenstein
Be a Census Taker!
The United States Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years; the first census was taken in 1790! The results of the census have real-world impacts and consequences for communities across our country. From determining the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives to the planning and funding of roads, schools and hospitals, an accurate count is critical. For information on ways you can help ensure the 2020 census is effective, please visit 2020census.gov/jobs.
Expungement Fair
Many thanks to Susan Baddorf, Jane Palmer, Lucy Peebles and Sue Linderman for their volunteer efforts at the Expungement Fair hosted by Delaware Senator Darius Brown at the New Destiny on Saturday, December 28, 2019. More than 200 people registered to determine if they might qualify to expunge their criminal records based on the new law that went into effect on December 27. This initiative enables people to find fresh opportunities for jobs, housing and credit. We are so grateful for the opportunity to help our fellow citizens find new pathways to opportunity and hope.
God's Vision Starts With You!
Our 2020 Stewardship Campaign is wrapping up. However, we still need the support of everyone to meet our 2020 budgetary needs. It is challenging to adequately plan a budget without having a sense of confidence it what the potential financial support might be. For those of you who have made your pledge - THANK YOU! If you have not yet done so, please consider doing so today at www.wpc.org/pledge. Our church offers meaningful support to our members as well as our local and worldwide community. If you have not yet heard what some of our members have to say on what this means to them, be sure to check out the video. You will find it inspiring! We are living God's vision with our church's ministry and mission.
Do You Make Recurring Online Pledge Payments?
Are you one of our faithful who gives regular donations online? Please remember to update your periodic payment amount to reflect your 2020 pledge. You should do this between December 16, 2019 and January 10, 2020. Go to www.wpc.org and click "Donate Now" to login. Under "My Scheduled Transactions," click Edit and update the dollar amount only if necessary. Please do not add a transaction (unless you have deleted the existing transaction). Contact Colleen Falasco ( [email protected] or 302-654-5214 ext. 131) if you have any questions.
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Recent Life Events
Member Deaths - Those Who Have Joined the Church Triumphant
Please remember in prayer those who are grieving the loss of their loved one.
  • James A. Cartmell (obituary)
    June 24, 1959 - December 12, 2019
    A memorial service will be held at Westminster on Saturday, January 11, at 10:00 a.m.
     
  • Pauline "Polly" Chenery McPheeters (obituary)
    November 14, 1927 - December 25, 2019
    A memorial service will be held at Westminster on Friday, January 10, at 2:00 p.m. with a tea reception immediately following.
     
  • Janet Snelling Rucker (obituary)
    July 1, 1932 - December 31, 2019
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go_to_photo_prayer_section Photo Prayer
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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1502 West 13th Street  |  Wilmington, DE 19806  |  (302) 654-5214  |  www.wpc.org