Prayer List

Blessed are we who wait with bated breath.

who wait for something new to be born —

for new hope or new joy or new life.

Blessed are we

whose patience grows thinner by the day.

We who are tired of the world as it is

—in all of its heartache and loss and hopelessness.

We who want more.

More hope. More joy. More life.



Blessed are we who sit here,

waiting

at the still point between desire and expectation.

We who are making room for more of you,

oh God, this Christmas.



Surprise us with joy in the midst of the mundane,

abundance in the midst of so much scarcity,

presence in the midst of the Christmas chaos.

“May the God of hope fill you

with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

—Romans 15:13 (NIV)

We have quieted our souls to listen,

to wait for you, oh God,

for your Word-Made-Flesh is life to us.

Amen.

—Kate Bowler: Bless the Advent We Actually Have, p.43

This week we pray for:

Sue-min and Joe Lee

Continued prayers for safe travels in Japan and Taiwan.

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

• those grappling with illness;
• those navigating difficult decisions and changing life circumstances;
• those who are struggling with addiction; especially those who do not have support and access to adequate healthcare;
• 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;
• for justice and peace to guide the hearts of leaders in our communities and around the world;

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 6

• Second Advent Study with Dinner - 6:30 pm - Miller's home

Thursday, December 7

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

Sunday, December 10 - Advent 3 Celebration

• Worship service with Open Arms Hispanic Ministries followed by soup&bread lunch - 10 am - Mackey Hall
• Wooster Friends Meeting - 10:30 am - The Meeting Place

Monday, December 11

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

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

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

Tonight 2nd Advent Study with Dinner

Second Advent Small Group - TONIGHT, December 6, 6:30pm - Miller's home

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.

As we continue our Advent journey, I invite you to bring a friend to our worship. This a wonderful opportunity to share the gift of Love-Among-Us with others!

Grocery Cards for

Open Arms Hispanic Ministries

Please join us after the service this Sunday, December 10^th for a light soup and bread lunch and time to visit with Pablo and our immigrant guests. Pastor Eniko will lead the service with Pablo Delgado, Open Arms Hispanic Ministries Director, and immigrants Open Arms works with. The Immigration Justice Committee will provide the meal.

Your help: When necessary, Open Arms provides immigrants in need with grocery cards such as gift cards from Aldi’s, WalMart, Save-A-Lot, or Marcs. If you would like, you can bring a card from the store (a card or cards of $20 value) on the 10^th during the lunch. If you prefer, you may write a check to Open Arms Hispanic Ministries (“compassion fund” in memo line) or donate cash for Open Arms to purchase the cards or for non-grocery needs. These cards are a big help to immigrants when they face tough times.

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.