Prayer List

“Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” —Matthew 11:3, ESV

God, we are waiting for love,

not the simple kind

or the sweep-you-off-your-feet kind, 

but the absurd kind.

The kind wrapped in rags,

resting in a bucket of animal feed.

Love enough to save us all.

Blessed are we who look for Love

deeper, fuller, truer—than we have ever known,

than we could have ever hoped for.

Blessed are we who seek you,

the light that dawned so long ago in that dark stable.

Love given.

Love received.

Receive this gift, dear one. Love has come for you.

—Kate Bowler: Bless the Advent We Actually Have, p.59

This week we pray for:

Sue-min and Joe Lee

Continued prayers for safe travels in Taiwan, attending the 120th anniversary of Sue-min's high school.

Gillian, Erica Ewing's friend

Continued prayers for Gillian as they are trying to be present with compassion to their father, who is struggling with addiction.

Kathleen Paul, Linda Barbu's sister

Continued prayers for Kathleen who is undergoing treatment for lymphatic cancer. We pray for strength and peace, and that her body responds well to the treatment.

John Dryer

Continued prayers for John as he is undergoing testing regarding his heart arrhythmia in the coming weeks.

Deb Hostettler

Continued prayers for Deb, who is still experiencing fatigue - a side effect from her medication.

Barbara Mykkanen

Continued prayers for Barb as she participates in a study to help others with similar cancer diagnosis.

We pray for

• all who find this season tender and wearing;
• those who are dealing with illness and ongoing health worries;
• those navigating difficult decisions and changing life circumstances;
• those facing the Christmas season having recently lost a loved one;
• Israel/Palestine, Sudan, Ukraine, Russia, and all who live under threat and fear across the world;
• justice and peace to guide the hearts of leaders in our communities and around the world;
• in gratitude for our mission partners; this week we offer prayers of gratitude for the longtime partnership we have shared with Open Arms Hispanic ministries, and ask for wisdom and blessing on their new season of ministry in our county;
• our Westminster community as we plan our 150th anniversary celebration next May.

Friends, may we share authentically the hope, peace, and joy that we encounter 

in the mysterious and expansive love of God.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, December 13

• Final Advent Study with Dinner - 6:30 pm - Mackey Hall

Thursday, December 14

• Dance and Exercise - 8:30 am -The Meeting Place

Sunday, December 17 - Advent 4 Celebration - Commitment Sunday

• Please bring your pledge cards
• Worship service - 10 am - Mackey Hall
• Wooster Friends Meeting - 10:30 am - The Meeting Place

Monday, December 18

• Scout Troop 61 - 6:30 pm - Mackey Hall

Thursday, December 19

• Dance and Exercise - 8:30 am -The Meeting Place

Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve

• Worship service - 7 pm - Mackey Hall
• Wooster Friends Meeting - 10:30 am - The Meeting Place

Tonight Final Advent Study with Dinner

Final Advent Small Group - Wednesday, December 13, 6:30pm - Mackey Hall

Similarly to last year, we are offering an opportunity to deepen our learning and practice through Advent small group experiences. We will join for a potluck meal and conversation. If you'd be interested in joining, please let me know.

Advent can be filled with worry about finding the perfect Christmas gifts. Deep down we want people in our lives to know they are special and that we love them. But sometimes we overlook the greatest gift of all... our very presence.

Our spiritual ancestors were also worried — often about survival in the midst of political occupation. And the response of the scriptures is “the Holy Living One is with you.” Like a shepherd who never leaves the flock, we are held close.

This season, we are invited to embrace this gift of God-within-us, and to be the gift of presence for our loved ones, for our communities, for those who need it most. During each of the 4 weeks of Advent, we will be reflect on: 1. How our biblical ancestors found hope in God during difficult times; 2. What it meant to be a non-anxious presence in the midst of change; 3. How to be present with joy in the work of bringing about "great things" - a better world for all; and 4. Inspired and formed by the story of birth of Love Among Us, how to be present with love to those who need it most.

In our study, we'll draw insights from author Amy Oden's book Right Here, Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness. Oden introduces us to the history, scriptural foundations and practice of mindfulness in the Christian tradition. I'll have readings copied for those interested.

This a wonderful opportunity to share the gift of Love-Among-Us with others!

Here is a taste of the first two gatherings:

Advent Worship with Open Arms Hispanic Ministries

We had a wonderful time of worshipping and sharing a meal with friends from Open Arms Hispanic Ministries this past Sunday. It was a joy to welcome Open Arms' new Director, the Rev. Pablo Delgado and his family as well as our immigrant neighbors, whom Open Arms accompanies as they establish life in our county. (In the photo you see Moises Hernandez sharing some thoughts during worship - translated by Rev. Delgado.)

A big thank you for the Immigration Justice Committee who organized the event and prepared the meal. We are also grateful to you Westminster and Wooster Friends. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $1,000 in gift cards and cash donations.

Your friendship and financial support is a big help to our immigrant neighbors when they face tough times - a wonderful way to embody love in our community.

Westminster Advent - Christmas Services

People to People Donations

In an effort to increase donations to the food pantry at People to People during the holiday season, the Benevolences Committee would like to try something a little different! We are choosing 2 specific items from the newest list provided by P to P to emphasize - specifically peanut butter and jelly.  We have set up the round plastic “tree” that has been used in the past couple of years to create a festive peanut butter and jelly tree. 

We'd love to collect enough 16 oz. jars of peanut butter and jars of jelly (approximately that size as well) in different flavors to create a colorful display. 

Keeping Our Community Warm

Another way to embody being present to our community with hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent season is to keep our community warm. Throughout the season we are collecting heats, gloves and socks to be donated to People to People.

Please join us in contributing to these endeavors throughout Advent! 

Annual Hearty Italian Soup Sale Continues

Our annual “Soup Sale” has started on Sunday, November 5—just in time for holiday

celebrations and gift giving.

Choose regular with Italian sausage or vegan for $8 a quart or with Sue-min’s homemade bread for $9. (Same price as in past years.) Pick up after church on Sunday or call 330-263-2398 to pick up during the week.

Thanks for your continued support!

Your Benevolence Committee—

Linda Barbu, Shelley Peterson, Heather Hettick, Candy Relle, Lemoine Peart

Sunday Morning Hospitality & Liturgist

December

Westminster's worship and fellowship time is an important way to build relationships among all attending.

We invite you to participate as a liturgist, assistant, provide flowers to decorate our alter or supply treats for our after worship fellowship time.

If you are able to fill one of these areas,

please click here to sign up.

Thank you for your contribution to our worship service.