Worship Calendar November 7, 2021 — Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost All Saints Day November 14, 2021 — Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost November 21, 2021 — Christ the King/Reign of Christ November 28, 2021 — First Sunday of Advent

A Word from the Pastor Friends, The transition from Fall to Winter is hard on me. Every year! I do find beauty in the rust-colored leaves and even in the crisp air of mornings this season. The shortening of the days, the long hours of gloom, however, fill me with longing. I know this is part of the natural cycle of seasons, of life, still I long for the balmy air of Spring, for sunshine, for the air to be filled with birds chirping joyfully again… for the visible signs of life springing up all around. As I was reflecting on these longings, it struck me that Advent, which begins on November 28 this year, is in many ways a season of anticipation, of longing. We long for God-in-Christ to be born again in our lives. We long to feel, to experience God’s presence tangibly in our midst… to be made whole again… for the brokenness of the world to be healed. We yearn for a sense of home—to be at home with ourselves, with each other and God.  During this Advent journey we will explore the “already but not yet” tension of our faith. We have the promise that God is with us, and yet, we recognize that God’s promised day—our being fully at home with God has not been realized yet.  The Advent Scriptures are rich with home metaphors and imagery. The prophets speak about the One who is to come but remind us that we are still wandering far from God’s promised day. The pandemic has laid bare, and widened, economic disparity locally and globally. During this 4-week journey, we will name the pain that many in our communities carry into this season—the loss of loved ones, our loneliness, loss of livelihoods, and of a sense of safety due to poor living conditions or harmful family dynamics. Guided by stories like that of Mary who ran to her cousin Elizabeth for support, or the Magi who traveled from afar to witness the birth of God in the midst of the ordinary, we will explore how can our church community, our lives become houses where the Holy will be born anew? How can we offer respite, sustenance, and care, creating a welcome space to those seeking shelter from the onslaught of life? Devotions, poetry and artwork created by The Sanctified Art group for this season will guide our reflections and practice to become “houses” where the Holy can be born anew. You will be able to pick up a devotional booklet on Sunday, November 21, a week prior to the First Sunday of Advent. There will also be copies available in the church office for you to pick up later. To practice “being at home with each other,” we are planning to host small group potluck dinners (6-8 people) once a week on Tuesdays at 6:30pm during Advent to share a meal and further reflect on our Advent theme for the week. If you are interested in participating, please complete this survey. Please also indicate if you are willing to host a dinner at your house. We would appreciate your response by Tuesday, November 23 so we can create the small groups. If you cannot make it to all four, you are still welcome.  This is a wonderful opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor along! Here is the schedule for the small group dinners: First Week of Advent – Tuesday, November 30, 6:30pm Second Week of Advent – Tuesday, December 7, 6:30pm Third Week of Advent – Tuesday, December 14, 6:30pm Fourth Week of Advent – Tuesday, December 21, 6:30pm This Advent, may we be comforted by the One who dwells intimately with us. May we expand safety and sanctuary for everyone wandering far from home. May we come home, wherever home is found—to live fully with joy, hope, and courage. Grace and peace, Pastor Enikő

Highlights From This Month's Session Meeting The Westminster Session met in the Lounge at Westminster Church House on October 27, 2021 at 6:30pm. The following are highlights from the meeting: Pastor’s report – Continuing Education: “Journey to Freedom” Civil Rights Travel Seminar – organized by Union Presbyterian Seminary (Charlotte, NC Campus) December 28 – January 5 (Atlanta – Selma – Montgomery – New Orleans – Jackson – Memphis – Nashville). Vacation January 6-10 (Memphis, TN) Worship Committee – Communion will be moved from January 2 to January 9, 2022.   Congregational Care – Continuing to support the needs of the congregation and planning for the holiday season. Immigration Justice - Members of Westminster's Immigration Justice group participated in and supported the Open Arms Hispanic Ministries fall "Songs and Salsa" event on October 10th at Salem Mennonite Church in Kidron, Ohio. A donation of $500.00 from our group's budget line to Open Arms Hispanic Ministries was made in support of their ongoing "Compassion Fund" efforts for Hispanic families in our area continuing to suffer the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic through illness, job loss and family disruption.  Benevolence Committee - Soup and bread are being prepared and the soup sale will begin in November. Salvation Army Bell Ringing is being organized.  Westminster will be supporting the “Hot Supper Night” at the Severe Weather Shelter operated by the Salvation Army for the homeless population beginning in December. Food Committee – Working on defining Westminster’s funeral policy and looking at providing healthy choices for after church fellowship. New Business –  Westminster will be hosting a Vegan Dinner for COW students monthly. The next Vegan Dinner planning is underway.  We will host the dinners inside as the weather gets colder. According to the updated safety protocol, when we are not actively eating or drinking, masks will be worn.   Fellowship after services will continue inside as the weather gets colder. Refreshments will be served appropriately. We will wear masks when we are not actively eating or drinking. The next Session Meeting will be Wednesday, December 1 at 6:30p in the Lounge. Respectfully submitted, Josie Drushal, Clerk of Session Sunday, November 7 is All Saints Day. On this special day each year we take a moment to pause and remember all the saints we have lost in the last year. We will have a special moment in our worship service to honor members of our Westminster community who have died since last November. We also want to make space to remember any friends or family you have lost this year.  If you have someone whose name you would like to be read as a part of our All Saints Sunday prayer, please send their name(s) to the Westminster church office. You are welcome to call at (330) 263-2398 or email us at wpcwooster@gmail.com.

Daylight Savings Time Ends Don't forget to turn your clocks back November 7.

Volunteers for Severe Weather Shelter Needed! The severe weather shelter will be opening up to anyone who needs a warm, safe space when the temperature "feels like" it has dropped below 20 degrees. Volunteers will be needed from 6:00 to 10:00 pm on the days when the shelter is open. Responsibilities as a volunteer: Helping as a "Host" Meal Distribution Supervising Shelter Guests Assisting Shelter Guests' Needs Volunteer Training November 1 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm November 9 - Time TBD Where Wooster Salvation Army @ 437 S. Market St., Wooster Contact Major Connie Higgins @ 330-264-4704 or Constance.Higgins@USE.Salvationarmy.org Find more information about this service opportunity here

Contemplative Prayer Join us for our first contemplative prayer session. When: Sunday, November 14 Time: 8:00 AM Place: Mackey Hall From November 14 until Spring, we'll be meeting  for contemplative prayer  every second Sunday of the month in Mackey Hall at 8:00am. Contact Joel Chupp with questions.

Benevolence Committee's Hearty Italian Soup Sale

This is our 12th year making Jean Brazee's soup recipe, with the help of Career Center’s Aspire students who attend classes at Central Christian Church in Wooster. The $1000 raised each year has been donated to Aspire or to The Counseling Center’s Employment Program and used for GED Test Scholarships, transportation and work-related expenses for their students or clients. This year's proceeds will support our local homeless and immigrant projects. Our annual Hearty Italian Soup Sale will begin the first Sunday in November with your choice of regular or vegan soup and new this year is a homemade bread option. Thanks to Sue-min Lee and Joe Hartzler who volunteered to make it. Soup by the quart is $8 - with homemade bread, $10. Thank you for your help!

Olive Oil Soap and Olive Oil Available

As colder and drier air sets in, remember to purchase hydrating and gentle olive oil soap, either for personal use or gift-giving. The bars can be purchased plain or wrapped in "cellophane" with a ribbon for $3.50 each.

Pure, mechanically pressed, fair trade consumable olive oil is the healthiest way to consume this food found in Mediterranean regions. Priced at $20 for 750 ml. It is also a wonderful alternative to a bottle of wine!

These are always available before or after worship, by contacting Linda Barbu or conacingt the church office at wpcwooster@gmail.com

Booksgiving

The College of Wooster Libraries’ 24th annual holiday book drive is in full gear. They are collecting new and like-new books for children and young adults to be donated to People to People Ministries' holiday toy distribution project. While all donations are welcomed, books that include themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion are especially appreciated. Visit theirr Booksgiving Amazon wish list for a list of books that were identified for your consideration to donate: bit.ly/cowbooksgiving   Donation boxes may be found at the Libraries' circulation desks and the Research Help Desk until November 23 and again, we will start a collection in our church office for your convenience and deliver them November 23. Thank you for your support of the Wooster Libraries collection event.

Church Office Hours Tuesday - Friday, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm

Westminster offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on November 25 and 26. We wish all a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving.

Need a Ride to Church? Now that we are meeting again in person for Sunday services in Mackey Hall, please let the Church House know if you would like transportation to and from the 10:00 service. You may contact the Church House at (330) 263-2398 and we will be happy to make transportation arrangements for you. We look forward to worshipping with you!

Sunday Morning Hospitality Westminster's fellowship time is an important way to build relationships with one another. We invite you to join us after worship for light refreshments and conversation! If you would like to provide these refreshments, decorate our alter with flowers or serve as our Sunday morning assistant, please visit the SignUpGenius link.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities Click the links below to learn more about Westminster's ongoing volunteering projects. Local Missions Immigration Justice World Peace and Justice Ongoing Fellowship Opportunities Click the links below for more information on Westminster's ongoing fellowship opportunities. Please note some of them have paused or moved online due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Men's Breakfast Group (Paused) Fellowship and Community (Virtual) Westminster Dance Group (Ongoing)

Stay Connected ‌ ‌ If you know someone who would like to receive our newsletters, they can now text WESTMINSTERPRES to 22828. They will receive a response asking for their email and that's it! Calling the Office still works too!