It’s Almost Backpacks Time Again! - Westminster Church · It’s Almost Backpacks Time Again! WPC...

The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color — visit www.wpc.org.

July/August 2013

1502 W. 13th Street • Wilmington, DE 19806 • (302) 654-5214 • www.wpc.org

ChimesThe Westminster

It’s Almost Backpacks Time Again! WPC backpack project helps students in need.Despite the fact that it’s early summer, before we know it the stores will start filling up with ruled paper, marble composition books, # 2 pencils, pink rubber erasers…evidence that the start of school is closer than we think! Buying school supplies is always fun, and making sure you have the tools you need is an energizing rite of passage. We all know that gathering these supplies is easier for some than others, so Westminster is again teaming up with two local schools to help students in need gear up for the start of their academic year. To make this happen, we need your support!

What is the project?Our Urban Mission Committee has purchased 300 backpacks that will

be donated to UrbanPromise School and EastSide Charter School. These elementary schools have a large percentage of students who qualify for reduced-cost school lunch, an economic indicator used to identify students in need. The schools have provided a list of supplies most needed by students, and it is our job to fill the backpacks and provide some much-needed classroom supplies!

How can you help?You can purchase a set of supplies to fill one (or more!) backpack(s), place the items in a bag or box, and deliver it to the church. There will be a trunk available near the reception desk for you to make your donation. You can also donate $10 to cover the cost of the backpack that will transport your

supplies to a student who will be so excited to start the school year in this way!

If shopping for school supplies is not on your to-do list, you can write a check to cover the cost of the supplies ($10), the backpack ($10), or both. Please make your check payable to WPC and write “Backpack Project” in the memo line.

When will the project start?This project will launch with our Vacation Bible School program on July 22. At that time, we will provide everyone with the specific list of school supplies needed for each backpack. Supplies will be collected over several weeks, and the packs will be filled and ready to go by August 18.

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www.wpc.org

02 1502 W. 13th Street • Wilmington, DE 19806 • (302) 654-5214 • www.wpc.org

We have instituted a new practice in our worship services. It may appear as a slight change, but I hope you will recognize it as a meaningful one. We have begun to place in our bulletin brief scriptural quotes at the time of the offering.

The passages are intended to remind us that the offering and offertory music do not signal “Intermission!” The scripture verses remind us that giving is an important act of worship. Following the reading of scripture and sermon, the offering marks a transition from hearing the Word to doing the Word, from an intellectual exercise to a physical expression.

Giving our offering is an essential part of our spiritual formation. When we give a portion of our wealth to God, we are cultivating a grateful heart. We are pausing to recall the gift of life God has given us along with the many blessings we experience daily and then saying “Thank you” to our Creator.

We say prayers of thanksgiving expressing our gratitude to God for specific blessings. When we make a personal sacrifice by giving to God what we could have spent on ourselves, our words become genuine and shape us into a generous person.

In addition to forming us into a generous person, our gifts demonstrate our faithfulness to God. In our world today, many gods vie for our attention. At the top of many people’s lists is the accumulation and enjoyment of wealth, but little regard for the needs of others. Giving a portion of our finances to God clarifies our allegiance. As Jesus said, “You cannot serve both God and wealth.”

In addition to shaping our personal character and declaring where our true commitment lies, we give our gifts to the church to support a vital institution that continually transforms people’s lives. Westminster is constantly

nurturing the spiritual lives of people from the cradle to the grave. Our financial offerings support missions, ministries, and staff that have a positive impact on countless individuals. God’s Spirit blows through our community of faith, transforming people both within and beyond our church walls.

I hope all of us will remember that when the offering is received, it is not a pause in the action, but rather an essential part of our worship. Perhaps these words of Scripture will serve as a reminder: “You shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed; all shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you.” (Deuteronomy 16:16-17)

Blessings,

it’s Not iNtermissioNGreg Jones, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff

Clergy ColumN

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What happens on August 18?On Sunday, August 18, during our worship service at 10:00 a.m., Westminster will host a Blessing of the Backpacks for all members as well as neighborhood children. Children will bring their backpacks to church that day and our clergy will bless the packs and their cargo, helping to launch the school year with God’s abundant blessings and the love and support of our

church family. We will present the filled backpacks to representatives from UrbanPromise School and EastSide Charter School, who will distribute the packs to their students.

Who can I call if I have more questions?Contact Karen Dietz (302-656-0343) or Sue Linderman (302-239-7650) if you have questions or would like

to be part of the team filling the packs in mid-August.

Thank you for joining the Backpack Team!Thanks in advance for your support of this wonderful, rewarding mission opportunity in which every member of our church family can participate.

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Studies have shown that the presence of a caring, involved adult can make a huge difference in the life of a child. Opportunities abound for us to serve as mentors and tutors for students at UrbanPromise School and EastSide Charter School. You can positively affect a child’s life with as little as one hour a week during the school day.

Want to learn more? See page 5 to read about Bill Nace’s experiences with UrbanPromise. In addition, come to the ice cream social on August 18, when you’ll be able to talk informally with current WPC volunteers and get answers to all your questions about mentoring!

What more can I do?

Generosity is freely sharing what we have with others. It is being willing to offer money, help, or time when it is needed. To be generous means giving something that is valuable to us without expectation of reward or return.

Sometimes generosity requires pushing past a feeling of reluctance because we all instinctively want to keep good things for ourselves. Even so, we can structure our lives in ways that make generosity more spontaneous and fun. When we develop a personal

concept of “enough,” when we intentionally live below our means and avoid over-commitment, we cultivate a sense of abundance that makes us want to share. When we give, we reap the joy of knowing we have made someone else’s life a little better.

Generosity changes how we live when we do more than give away material goods, but also time, attention, wisdom, and energy.

How has generosity changed your life?


“I Just Saw a Shooting!” By Rob Prestowitz, UrbanPromise Executive Director

Roger burst through the doors of our lobby full of excitement. Roger, like most fifth grade boys I know, is usually full of excitement, so this didn’t draw much notice. I know Roger pretty well because he spends a lot of time in the lobby outside my office. The lobby is the unofficial penalty box for Camp Freedom kids who need to chill out and get redirected after a conversation with staff.

“Roger, how ya’ doin’?” I said casually as he stopped to get a drink of water.“Good!” he bubbled.“What a terrific day, huh? We finally got some spring weather.”“Yeah!” he agreed.“So, how’re you doing with what we talked about? Are you staying on point?” On a recent stint in the penalty box, I had invited Roger into my office for a heart to heart. I wanted to see if he was following through.“Yeah, I’m doing good!” he said, instantly followed by “I saw a shooting!”

That’s kind of a conversation changer. It was weird how the events he had just witnessed seemed normal to him and, in fact, exhilarating. Equally weird was it did not shock me either. These things happen in the city, ten year olds see it, and we work with it.

“Hmm, tell me about it.” I said.

“We were outside my house playing after school when I heard ‘pop, pop, pop’ and saw these two dudes on my block shooting down the street. Then they started running towards whoever they were shooting at. I ran here right away. It was scary.”

The shooting was on his block. It seemed odd to me that he ran to UrbanPromise instead of running home. “Why did you run here instead of running home?” I asked.

“Because I knew it would be safe here,” he said matter-of-factly, as though the answer were obvious.

“Did you tell Miss Kristin?” Kristin Walker is his Camp Freedom Director. She has worked with Roger and his family for years. Kristin and Roger have spent a lot of time in the lobby together.

“Yes, she was the first person I told.”

Kristin and staff like her, including Vanessa Church of Camp Promise at Westminster Presbyterian Church, are the frontline in a war to save our kids. Often I think this is metaphorical – in the middle of tough environments, our programs give kids hope, support their education, and provide vision. The image of bullets flying and the prospects of a short life are all too real for our

kids and families. It was amazing to me that when Roger needed safety, he ran to UrbanPromise.

Through the love of Christ, UrbanPromise is a safe place that gives kids a chance, and the kids know it. Our ability to serve these children relies on the generosity of those of us who have so much.

Your financial support to our church makes it possible for us to

• Contribute $6,000 a year to support UrbanPromise programs for city kids,

• Host Camp Promise right here at WPC – an after-school program during the school year and summer camps in June and July, and

• Provide $5,000 a year in scholarships to help UrbanPromise graduates remain in college.

Our support of UrbanPromise transforms lives – the children we help, and our own. Read Bill Nace’s story on page 5 and consider what more you can do to help save a child’s life.

Westminster is so grateful for our partnership with UrbanPromise.

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By Bill Nace, WPC Member

My father used to tell me about “how things were going to pot” and the young people were “useless in doing anything about it.” On some occasions these days, I must admit that I find myself sounding more and more like my father! However, this changed for me two years ago when I met Vanessa Church (director of Camp Promise), Jonathan (an UrbanPromise intern from Florida), and Steven (a 16-year-old UrbanPromise Street Leader from Wilmington) at Westminster during UrbanPromise’s Camp Promise in our Community Hall and Classroom 6. By becoming an academic mentor at Camp Promise, I also met Carlos, a fourth grader who, along with other siblings, lives with his grandmother. We worked on his reading skills, and he greatly improved in math. Recently he was selected to go on an UrbanPromise five-day trip to Boston and was promoted to fifth grade with improving marks. This is all good but only part of the story!

Observing Vanessa and her crew go through their daily routine of quiet and steady discipline, reading Bible stories about Jesus, assuring the kids that God loves all His children, and providing a SAFE, quiet, and supportive place to do homework became MY much-needed weekly fix of hope and encouragement. These young people are helping me avoid becoming a skeptical old guy...who sees the glass half-empty most of the time. For me, these folks are gifts from God and echoes of His love and hope for a better world.

To learn more about what UrbanPromise does for children and teenagers from the lower rungs of Wilmington’s socioeconomic ladder, visit www.urbanpromise.org. Then, call the UrbanPromise office (302-425-5502) to volunteer to tutor a child (any age you wish) for two hours a week and show up with a smile on your face, ready to go, when school starts in the fall. You’ll be so very glad you did!

Looking for a Ray of Hope in This Seemingly Senseless World?

Read our “ECHOES” stories online!

Visit www.wpc.org and click “Our Stories” on the left-hand side.

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www.urbanpromise.org

www.wpc.org


VBS Decorating DaysSaturdays, July 13 and 208:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Join us each time or either time for a morning of fun and creativity. We need all the hands we can get to transform Grace Hall and the surrounding areas into an exciting and colorful “FUN FAIR” for Vacation Bible School. There will be plenty of hot coffee and some breakfast treats to get your motor going bright and early. If you can help, please contact Robin Rosser ([email protected]).

Teaching Gratitude and Generosity to Our ChildrenBy Susan Moseley, WPC Church Educator

As a child, I remember my mother paying bills at the large antique desk in our family room. She would methodically write the checks, stuff the envelopes, and lick the stamps – back when stamps were lickable. What sticks out most about that familiar ritual is that my mother wrote the weekly checks to the church first and put them in that month’s four offering envelopes before any other bill was paid. I remember this because she talked about it with me often. She also showed me how to divide up my allowance so that 10% went into my own offering envelope for church, 10% went into my piggy bank, and I could use what was left to buy the Matchbox cars I was collecting (I know…I was a bit of a tomboy).

My parents were faith-filled, generous people, and their example had a profound impact on me and on my adult values. How can Westminster equip our parents to teach their children about gratitude, generosity, and stewardship? Several new initiatives this fall will begin to address that question.

A three-part series for parents entitled “Raising Generous Children” will be offered at 10:TEN on Sundays, October 6, 13, and 20. In addition, an offering ritual will be introduced in our 9:00 a.m. children’s programs: Godly Play, Hebrew Scouts, and Pathfinders. Information will be sent to parents about the offering, and they will be encouraged to help their children

prepare their offering each week. Understanding the biblical concept of stewardship will be explored in our confirmation curriculum for ninth graders. These are but a few specific ways that the church can teach stewardship as our grateful response for God’s many blessings.

We are an active, friendly, and mission-driven church. Our children see these values modeled in our life together. We are also a generous people, and I believe we can be more conscious and intentional about the way we instill that value in our young people. In the quotation below, a high school teacher in Michigan sums up the challenge and opportunity of encouraging children and youth to give and serve.

“We’re living in a society where money has more power than God; where human life is worth less than someone’s jacket. We must teach our children about tolerance, unselfishness, and giving. We need to teach them that sometimes we need to compromise and give up something that would be good for us as an individual so that what we’re choosing instead is good for all. ”

From “Growing Up Generous: Engaging Youth in Giving and Serving,”by Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, p. 1.

mailto:[email protected]

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WPC Scholarships Bear FruitWestminster has received lovely notes of appreciation and fruitful progress reports from recent recipients of the WPC Scholarship/UrbanPromise College Retention Fund. The updates contributed to a very favorable annual reevaluation of the scholarship fund, and our Urban Mission Committee will again donate $5,000 to this fund.

Scholarship Recipient Updates

Denise Commodore, a 2012 graduate of Eastern University with a degree in elementary and special education, now teaches at the UrbanPromise School.

Shandy Perez, a 2012 graduate of the University of Delaware with a degree in community organization and development, now works in the development department of UrbanPromise.

Layshawn Hemingway, a 2012 graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a specialty in youth intervention, now helps first-time offenders at Grace Cottage, an all-girls correctional facility.

Raini Linton was able to complete her first year at Eastern University with the assistance of the WPC Scholarship and is carrying a double major – marketing and accounting!

Dakota Croxton, a 2013 graduate of Morgan State University with a degree in nutritional science, expressed sincere gratitude for the WPC Scholarship, which was particularly helpful during her senior year. Dakota is now planning for graduate school and hopes to become a physician assistant.

Bryana Evans has completed her first year of a nursing major at Delaware State University and feels blessed to have received a laptop and printer through the WPC Scholarship. When describing her college experience, Bryana exclaimed, “I am doing well here, although it is hard work!”

Michelle Holland, a psychology major at Oral Roberts University, has completed her second year and has future plans for “some sort of social work.” The scholarship helped Michelle pay for her costly textbooks.

Ryan Martin, a psychology major at Oral Roberts University, has completed his sophomore year; upon graduation, he “plans to work with at-risk children.” Ryan said, “I have a heart for the kids nobody wants to be around; I feel as though everyone deserves to be loved and to learn how to show love.”

Nichelle Holland, who is studying pre-nursing at Coppin State University, has completed her second year. Nichelle said the scholarship helped purchase textbooks and “really was a huge blessing that gave me some relief!”

Eleanor Charles, Tom Charles, and Nancy Doyle enjoying reading the

updates of our scholarship students.

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09July/August 2013


Christopher Rodriguez has completed his first year of a business management major at Wilmington University; he is “tremendously grateful” for the laptop and printer provided through the WPC Scholarship and has used them “every single day.”

ChaeQuan Anderson will begin his senior year in the fall as a music education major at Westminster Choir College of Rider University and is already looking ahead to graduate school. ChaeQuan exclaimed, “The scholarship money has really been a huge blessing! I have been able to purchase books and materials for class…this scholarship also helps with living expenses…and professional conferences. I am truly grateful!”

James Russell, the director of the StreetLeader Program for UrbanPromise – a program that promotes education and character development for at-risk teens, who later qualify for our scholarships – expressed his appreciation for the WPC Scholarship donations with the following words: “Your gifts over the years have gone far

beyond the individuals listed…your kind

donations are continuing to reach lives of Wilmington residents through the work of those students you have funded. This is

your fruit; fruit that lasts. Taste it and

see that it is good…very, very good.”


For more information or to get involved,

contact Nancy Doyle at 302-636-9061.

180° Youth Ministry: What’s the Scoop?Did you know that Westminster’s Youth Ministry was officially named 180° Youth Ministry in 2006? Since then, the program has continued to grow and evolve with our youth. Here’s the scoop:

• During the month of June, 180° was engaged in two mission opportunities – an international mission trip to Zacapa, Guatemala, and a local three-day event with UrbanPromise. Hear more about our experiences in the September issue of the Chimes.

• This fall, we will welcome sixth graders to 180° as we initiate new programming for youth in middle school. A highlight will be our monthly TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Friday) events on the first Friday of each month. Our first TGIF event will be on Friday, October 4! Get the scoop at the 180° Orientation on Sunday, September 8.

• Drew McPheeters has joined Susan Moseley, Mike Gnade Jr., and Mary Beth Davis as a fourth member of the Youth Ministry Team. Drew has

been a Youth Ministry Advisor since 2011, and we welcome him in this new role.

• We’re returning to Camp Tockwogh! All youth in grades 6 – 12 are invited to our 24-hour fall retreat, which starts at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, and ends at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 22. Get the scoop at the 180° Orientation on Sunday, September 8.

• Get the ultimate scoop (learn everything you want to know about 180°) on Sunday, September 8 at our Launch Night:

◦ 5:00 – 6:15 p.m.: Games & dinner for youth in grades 6 – 12

◦ 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Meeting & dessert for youth & parents in Classroom 6


Congratulations and Best Wishes to the Class of 2013!High School Graduates:

Callie Mae Bowen (daughter of Bill and Kimberly Bowen) Woodstown High School, Woodstown, NJ; will attend the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT

Caitlyn Carrick (daughter of Ron and Kim Carrick) Charter School of Wilmington; will attend the University of Delaware

Kelsey Carrick (daughter of Ron and Kim Carrick)Thomas McKean High School; will attend the University of Delaware

Chris Daley (son of Joe and Tammy Daley) A.I. DuPont High School; will attend Mount Union University in Alliance, OH

Christopher L. Diver (son of Rich and Debi Diver) Bismarck, ND, High School; plans to play junior hockey next year before entering college in the fall of 2014

Jillian Eiermann (daughter of Jeff Eiermann)Unionville High School; will attend Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA

Marissa Fox (daughter of Bob and Amy Fox)Charter School of Wilmington; will attend University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL

Mariah Graham (daughter of Gary and Kathy Graham)Cab Calloway School of the Arts; will attend Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA

Meredith Harrison (daughter of Robert and Melissa Harrison) Concord High School; will attend Neumann University in Aston, PA

Ryan C. Kielhorn (son of Fred and Lynne Kielhorn)Wilmington Friends School; will attend Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA

Anne Grae Martin (daughter of Patrick and Nancy Martin)Tower Hill School; will attend the University of Delaware Honors Program

Hope Roe (daughter of TJ and Gen Wallace Roe)Ursuline Academy; will attend the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC

Rory James Cartmell Smith (grandson of Peggy Cartmell) Wilmington Friends School; will attend the University of Delaware

Michelle Sprague (daughter of Mike and Susan Sprague)Mount Pleasant High School; will attend Delaware Technical Community College in Wilmington

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College Graduates:

Daniel James Bedrossian (son of Ned Bedrossian)Haverford College, Haverford, PA; Bachelor of Arts in English, Minor in Music Adam Brown (son of Chuck and Debbie Brown)University of Maryland, College Park, MD; Bachelor of Science in Mathematics; will enter PhD program in Mathematics at the University of Utah

Elizabeth Connolly (granddaughter of Art and Joan Connolly) Smith College, Northampton, MA; Bachelor of Arts in Government and Economics

Olesya Kuchma (stepdaughter of Ned Bedrossian)Rosemont College, Rosemont, PA; Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Minor in Biology

Sarah Hoopes (daughter of Todd and Dede Hoopes)Elon University, Elon, NC; Bachelor of Science in Biology; will be a first-year medical student at Wake Forest School of Medicine

Sarah Elizabeth McBride (daughter of Dave and Sally McBride)American University, Washington, DC; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Mark Moseley (son of Jim and Susan Moseley)Brevard College, Brevard, NC; Bachelor of Arts in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education, Minor in Psychology

Emily Mosher (daughter of Mark and Carol Mosher)George Mason University, Fairfax, VA; Bachelor of Arts in History, Minor in Islamic Studies

Christopher W. Ochs (grandson of Wayne Warner)University of Delaware; Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and Statistics

Polly Katharine Reinicker (daughter of Roger and Sandie Reinicker)University of Delaware; Bachelor of Science in Human Services and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; will pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore

Leah Scott Way (daughter of Christopher and Denise Way)Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; will pursue a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology at Marymount University, Arlington, VA


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Spring Mission Trip to GuatemalaFor the second time this year, a group of WPC mission travelers journeyed to Guatemala and experienced an inspirational visit. Prayer partners from WPC who were previously matched with members of the Ebeneezer Women’s Group had only pictures to focus their prayer, but this past March, Judy Stoffer was among those who experienced the thrill of meeting her prayer partner face to face. Such initiatives create a wonderful platform for spiritual transformation.

Visiting various programs supported by WPC microloans is a central objective of these trips. One such example is the Ebeneezer Women’s Group, which is now raising livestock and chickens and selling birds and cosmetics. The results have been so positive that this group plays to repay their seed grant by November 2013.

Through another program, Rosario, the Guatemalan midwife dynamo, runs a highly successful health clinic. She is also now training health promoters for remote villages. This past spring, her clinic was presented with donated blood pressure cuffs and an ultrasound Doppler machine.

In addition, the Guatemalan women in Rosario’s sewing school have learned to charge for their sewn products and thus have been able to fund more sewing instruction. This sustainable economic model has improved the women’s relationships within their families; the women are able to provide supplementary income to take pressure off their husbands, allow their families to eat better, and grow in self-respect. This is a perfect example of our efforts to be a catalyst for positive restructuring

rather than just providing a charitable gift.

Amanda Craft, our missionary, and Rosario continue to encourage funding of our water filtration project. Many of these filters were damaged in the fall earthquake, but efforts are under way for both repair and funding of additional water filters. One filter serves the needs of an entire intergenerational family.

The development work Westminster has targeted in Guatemala is a long-term project, and the objective is to improve the standard of living in sustainable and holistic ways. We look to the communities to tell us what they want, such as their desire for water filters. After years of our involvement in this nation, it is deeply gratifying to see the current success.

WPC members Liz Bacon, Cathy Edge, Peggy Carroll, Judy Stoffer, and Cindy from Ohio stand in front of Rosario's medical clinic.

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Sunday, July 14 11:15 a.m. in Community Hall

SHAREHOLDER’S BRUNCH

Join us to share a meal together, hear our s tor ies and

v iew our v ideos and p ictures.

Time to Collect

Guatemala Mission Trip 2013

If you invested in our miss ion t r ip now is the t ime to

co l lect a return on your investment !

Westminster Presbyterian Church 1502 W. 13th Street Wilmington, Delaware 19806 www.wpc.org

To a Dedicated Friend, Member, and Volunteer: Thank You!Over the past four years, we have been blessed to have WPC member Anne Gunn serve as our Visitor and New Member Liaison, using tireless time and energy to shepherd numerous visitors into membership. What a valuable ministry to our church she chose to serve!

Among her many tasks, she reviewed the “friendship pads” where members and visitors sign their names, updated our database with visitor information, created visitor reports for the pastors, sent custom note cards welcoming them to Westminster and for worshipping with

us, sent e-mails, replenished the visitor mugs, and made sure that visitors receive our communications and information about our ministries and programs.

In April, Anne announced that she would be retiring from this role as she shifts her time and talents. But don’t worry! She will continue as convener of the Membership and Evangelism Committee, a faithful member of Westminster, and a dear friend to all.

We are grateful for Anne’s many gifts in the life of our church and our community.

Shareholder’s Brunch


Heartfelt GratitudeBy Anne Ledbetter

Dear Friends in Christ,

Words fall short in expressing my deep gratitude for the many ways you showed your love and appreciation as I departed Westminster. The luncheon planned by Martha Tatnall, Liz Bacon, and their committee was beautiful, celebratory, affirming, and delightful. While I had initially rejected the idea of such an event, you proved how important it is to recognize and give thanks for the work of God’s Spirit among us.

Lingering at various tables that day, I felt not only your loving faith and friendship, but also the palpable presence of Westminster saints who have gone before us – spouses, parents, children, and friends whose lives continue to inspire us all. The skit and song led by Mary-beth Howard and Shelley Gnade generated irrepressible smiles and welcomed laughter on a day of inevitable tears. I will treasure Greg’s eloquent tribute and the years we shared as colleagues. It has been a rich blessing to work with such a marvelous Westminster staff, and I will miss these co-workers whom I consider dear friends.

Thank you for the lovely gifts of Wendy Hatch’s inspired watercolor of the church and the generous check to support what Keith and I are now calling our YOGA (Year Of Grand Adventure) as we travel and seek to discern our next calling.

I was touched by the sanctuary flowers given in my honor by staff and members on three Sundays. The deacons were wonderful to host the reception in Community Hall on my last Sunday and to send me off with an iPod Touch and speakers for my future yoga sessions. What will always echo in my mind and remain in my heart are the words of love and appreciation you offered in person and in my remembrance book, sentiments I will cherish.

I thank God for the nearly 19 years I was so privileged to serve as one of your pastors. Accept these borrowed words of the apostle Paul who wrote this letter to what some suspect was his favorite congregation: “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart.” (Philippians 1:3-7a)

With constant faith and abiding love,

P.S. My new e-mail is [email protected], and for those who want to follow us into the next year, our blog is keithandanne.blogspot.com.

Anne Ledbetter enjoys time with family and Westminster friends at her farewell luncheon at

the Wilmington Country Club on Sunday, April 28. Pictured left to right: Anne Ledbetter, husband

Keith McGowan, and children Lea, Mary, and Evans.


keithandanne.blogspot.com

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Recent Member Deaths

Please remember these individuals and keep their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Ruth Fitz-Randolph TaylorNovember 9, 1931 – April 22, 2013

Carolyn E. MendenhallJuly 28, 1933 – April 30, 2013

Frank H. FullerOctober 15, 1924 – June 15, 2013

In Loving Memory

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Seeing More of Tom and JillBy Greg Jones

Have you welcomed the Reverend Tom Stout into our church family? Tom began serving as our “Interim-Interim” at the beginning of June. An ordained Presbyterian minister for 44 years, Tom is assisting with pastoral duties until a full-time interim associate pastor is hired.

Although Tom has retired from full-time ministry, he is working 20 hours per week for us. He is serving as a worship leader, conducting pastoral visits, officiating at weddings and funerals, and helping with other pastoral duties. Before retiring, Tom served six Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Delaware.

To ensure adequate pastoral coverage until the interim associate pastor can be hired, the Reverend Jill Getty is also working 20 hours per week. Jill is coordinating our pastoral care, supporting the work of our deacons, updating the prayer request list weekly, officiating at funerals and weddings, and helping with other pastoral duties.

A small committee appointed by our Session is searching for our full-time interim associate pastor. We hope to have this person here this fall. She/he will serve until we call our permanent associate pastor. In the meantime, our church will elect an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee to search for our permanent associate pastor. This search will likely take at least a year.

Although our pastoral staff will undergo changes, we will continue to work hard to ensure that Westminster’s vital ministry continues and we remain faithful to God’s calling to touch the world with God’s love, joy, and hope.

You Have Access to Westminster’s CalendarWant to know what’s going on at Westminster? Need to find out if an event or class has changed time or location? You can browse WPC happenings in real time wherever you are! Our online calendar automatically synchronizes with our event management system. Go to our website at www.wpc.org and click on “Calendar & News” from the menu on the left. What you see here is what we see at the church office!

www.wpc.org


Paul Fleckenstein and Ruth Nace

Concert poster –

St. Nicholas Church,

Old Town Square, Prague

Jack Michener tries to look European.

See little “Flat Stanley?”

Cora Sparling at the Charles Bridge, Prague

Westminster Choir’s Fifth European TourPrague (Czech Republic) and Salzburg (Austria)May 21 – 28, 2013

Ross and Zora Stevens,

Salzburg

Justin Gonzalez and Carol Shelly

goofing off at the

Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg

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Shelley Gnade tries to distract a guard at the castle in Prague.

Mike Enderle and friends take a break in Prague.

St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague. Can Paul get up there?

Impromptu singing at the Cathedral in Mondsee,

where the wedding scene in

The Sound of Music was filmed.

Sunday morning Mass at the

Salzburg Cathedral. Singing

together with Sussex Festival Choir

from England.

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In concert at Basilica of Maria Plain


Music for Summer WorshipOur recent tradition of the August Month of Musical Masterworks takes a break this year, but rest assured that we will still have a number of

inspired musical offerings at our 10:00 a.m. worship services for the remainder of the summer, including some by students and faculty

members from the University of Delaware Music Department. Keep an eye on our e-newsletter, the Westminster Weekly Word, for details.

Westminster Choir Gears Up for a New Season Want to be a part of the fun-loving, blue-robed, musically thrilling experience known as the Westminster Choir? Our first rehearsal for the 2013 – 2014 season is Wednesday, August 28. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings each week during the season and participates in the 9:00 a.m. worship service by leading the congregational singing and providing a diverse repertoire of choral offerings, in addition to presenting a number of special

musical programs at various times throughout the year.

We always welcome new singers to our “family,” and we would love to hear from YOU! Be brave; take the leap. (What’s the worst that could happen?) Contact WPC Director of Music Paul Fleckenstein (302-654-5214, ext. 121, or [email protected]).

The Riverview Retreat Center provides scenic, peaceful views!

WPC Women’s Retreat 2013October 11 – 13

Even though it is still summer, it is time to get ready for our Women’s Retreat in October! We are returning to the beautiful and serene Riverview Retreat Center in Pecometh, Maryland, from October 11 to 13. Information and

registration materials can be found on the main literature table at church (next to the reception desk). This event is a real highlight of the year for women of all ages. You won’t want to miss it! Be sure to sign up no later than Monday, July 8.


19July/August 2013


Soaring Into SummerFlying Solo is a singles group offering fellowship and support for singles of any age in our area. There is no need to be a member to attend our functions, and we especially welcome newcomers! Come make new friends and enhance your summer with these activities:

• Thursday, July 4 – Independence Day fireworks; location to be determined. Contact Cathy Lang at [email protected].

• Sunday, July 7 – Brunch after church at 11:30 a.m. at Catherine Rooney’s in Trolley Square.

• Wednesday, July 10 – Concert at 7:00 p.m. at Battery Park in New Castle, DE. Meet at Margo Reign’s house at 6:00 p.m. with your picnic dinner and a lawn chair. Contact [email protected] for information.

• Saturday, July 13 – The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) – Free Theater in the Vineyard presented by the Commonwealth Classic Theater Company at Auburn Road Winery in Pilesgrove, NJ (Will himself will be not live). Performance from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Contact [email protected] for information.

• Sunday, July 21 – Brunch after church at 11:30 a.m. at Catherine Rooney’s in Trolley Square.

• Friday, July 26 – Blue Rocks game at 7:05 p.m. Contact Bill Kaye at [email protected] for information and tickets. Plus, there are fireworks after the game, the Blue Rocks dance team, and Christmas in July!

• Sunday, August 4 – Brunch after church at 11:30 a.m. at Catherine Rooney’s in Trolley Square.

• Wednesday, August 7 – Concert at 6:30 p.m. at Battery Park in New Castle, DE. Meet at Margo Reign’s house at 6:00 p.m. with your picnic dinner and a lawn chair. Contact [email protected] for information.

• Sunday, August 18 – Brunch after church at 11:30 a.m. at Catherine Rooney’s in Trolley Square.

Interested in seeing the University of Delaware play Navy on September 14? Contact Margo Reign ([email protected]) as soon as possible about tickets, because they must be ordered soon.








The Listening Ear By Jill Getty

When I was a teenager, I had one special youth minister – Doug Kauffmann. Doug had the ability to listen to each one of us in the youth group without judging us. Of course Doug listened to all the major problems we had, but he also listened to our petty youth problems as well. He loved us no matter what, and we always knew that. He was an intelligent Duke graduate who was extremely athletic, had the ability to communicate important ideas, was devoted to Jesus, loved his wife and children, and believed that unconditional love was truly the greatest gift a person could give. I could go on and on about his honesty, integrity, humbleness, and great sense of humor.

I suppose what I most want you to know is that his ability to listen made all the difference in my life and in the lives of my church youth friends. I have never met anyone who was willing to listen like he did. I cannot remember one Bible study that Doug did – and I attended them all because I loved going to his studies. What I remember is the way he treated us and the way he listened to us. As far as I am concerned, he was as close to Jesus as I could ever on this earth. My heart was saddened by many circumstances as a teenager, but I truly believe that due to Doug’s willingness to listen to me, I survived adolescence without doing myself in.

Some of you have been or presently are Stephen Ministers in our church. Thank you for blessing the lives of hurting individuals in our church who have gone through grief or other crisis situations.

We are currently recruiting members in our church with the gifts of mercy and compassion and the ability to listen to join the training program for new Stephen Ministers this fall. If you have these gifts or know of someone in the church with these gifts, I hope you will be encouraged to take this class or encourage others to take the class.

Stephen Ministry trains people to listen to the pain and hurt of others. At some point, we have all needed a special listening ear – sometimes we may have found one and sometimes not. It makes all the difference when a person is willing to give you unconditional acceptance and their time to listen to your problem. It certainly has for me.

If you are interested in joining our Stephen Ministry program or would like to speak with a Stephen Minister, please contact me (302-656-4930 or [email protected]).


21July/August 2013


Radically Changed… …was the theme for the 2012 – 2013 program year for Westminster youth in grades 7 – 12 and for the amazing Youth Sunday on February 24. Youth Sunday featured sermons by WPC high school seniors Callie Bowen, Meredith Harrison, Marisa Karpinski, Ryan Kielhorn, and Shelly Sprague. Each person’s message was created individually, with a little editing assistance from Church Educator Susan Moseley. All five seniors have been active in 180° since middle school.

Sermon by 180° Senior Ryan Kielhorn

What would it be like if everyone in the world was Christian? If everyone could agree on religion and have faith in the same moral code? Imagine how much more peaceful and simple everything would be. As an 8 year old at Westminster Presbyterian, coming to church each Sunday was something I assumed everyone did. All of my friends were Christian, and all of my family was Christian. The idea that somebody might not believe what I did just never occurred to me.

I went on happily ignorant in this way until one day in seventh grade one of the schoolteachers accidentally asked the class if they believed in God. The answer from the class shocked me. Not only were many students adamant in their disbelief of God, but also many were disturbed and frustrated by the world’s injustice for which they blamed God. In the midst of the atheist majority, many of the other kids began making excuses for their religion, saying

they only went to church because their parents made them. I was shocked and silent. The illusion had shattered, and I was left to reflect on the reality of real conflict in the world.

That isn’t to say that I doubted my own faith for one second. I may have been confused, but it wasn’t about my faith. I was grappling with the significance of faith instead. When I got home that day from school, I had a long talk with my parents about the meaning of religion and its importance in our lives. We talked about what it meant for people to have different points of view and whether that was right or wrong.

Westminster Presbyterian provided the foundation for my faith, and until that moment I had taken it for granted. After that day in the seventh grade, I realized that there were people without that inner support encouraging them on. I realized that there were people like my classmates who didn’t get

the joy of knowing that God loves them while I was privileged to live with that every day.

Although it shook me to realize how many people were missing what I had, it didn’t diminish its importance. Instead, I decided to show people how great it is to belong to a church and believe in Jesus. I engaged in polite discussions with atheist groups at my school and began doing church youth mission trips to spread the message of Christianity and its community. I am radically changed. I don’t want to be like those seventh-grade students who made excuses. I don’t want to live out my faith in private. Now I have a greater respect for the Christian faith and want to share it.


Join the Burton House Team! In 1990, when the Rev. Jon Walton and the Westminster Session started the men’s ministry with Friendship House by establishing Burton House in the apartment above the garage on our property, a dedicated group of WPC men formed a mission team, called the Burton House Committee, which offered support to the residents. At that time, its mission included the following:

1. Mentoring the men passing through the system, such as helping with budgeting, because they would be soon be graduating from the system and learning to live on their own; and

2. Sponsoring two or three annual events to create a sense of family, because most of the men had severed their family relationships during their period of addiction and homelessness.

In 2005, when the first Helen Greene grant was received, the Burton House Committee created a process to offer grants to upcoming graduates

if they had a worthwhile need to better prepare themselves for the next step of independent living. A subgroup would interview each candidate and make a recommendation to the committee. If the majority of the committee agreed, the grant would be given to Friendship House, which would in turn award it to the candidate.

There have been many changes since 2005.

1. The original Burton House Committee volunteers have either “retired” or moved on to support other mission programs.

2. Friendship House now has an experienced staff that provides mentoring services.

3. The Burton House program now includes residents of both Burton House and Daughtry House facilities.

4. We have received two additional distributions from the Helen Greene estate.

The present work of the Burton House Committee consists of a summer lunch with the residents and available alumni, a holiday celebration with the residents in December or January, and participation in the grant program. The grant program involves 15-minute interviews scheduled as needed on a Sunday during the 10:TEN education time, with grant approval via e-mail.

Total volunteer time is only three to five hours per year! This is a wonderful opportunity to experience God’s saving grace and to take part in transforming the lives of men who are working hard for another chance. It would take so little of your time and return so much. Please contact John Doyle ( [email protected]) for more information.


23July/August 2013


WPC Grounds Certified as “Backyard Wildlife Habitat”We are proud to announce that the church grounds have just been certified by the National Wildlife Foundation and the Delaware Nature Society as a “Backyard Wildlife Habitat”! This means that our property meets the four basic habitat elements needed for wildlife to thrive: food, water, cover, and places to raise young. By creating a sustainable, habitat-friendly environment, using native plants, limiting the use of lawn chemicals, and reducing consumption of water and runoff, our property is helping to ensure clean, safe drinking water for people and wildlife while improving the biodiversity of our community.

For food sources, we have a diversity of trees, shrubs, and plants that offer berries, fruits, nuts, seeds, nectar, and pollen. We added more native flowering plants to attract butterflies and promote more pollination. We were deficient in a water

source, so we added a shallow dish that we will refill and clean as we are watering the garden. The dish intentionally has a couple of rocks in it so if young flounder in the water, they will have an aid to rescue themselves. In addition, wildlife need shelter from bad weather and hiding places, and we have places for cover that include the ground cover in the Memorial Garden, dense shrubs, evergreens, and the compost pile. Lastly, animals need places to raise their young, and we have mature trees, host plants for caterpillars, and a variety of shrubs.

In addition, we have recently installed a drip irrigation system that will save water and money. The compost pile is building, and please feel free to add to it so we will have our own fertilizer next year. When you come to church, check out the Clayton Street Community Garden, which is thriving while using only organic practices!

A gardener helps install a drip irrigation system to conserve

water and save money.

A “Backyard Wildlife Habitat” sign will be posted on our property.

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAIDWilmington, DE Permit No. 30

1502 West 13th Street Wilmington, DE 19806 302-654-5214 www.wpc.org

The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color — visit www.wpc.org.The Westminster CHIMES is also available online in full color — visit www.wpc.org.

Church Office ClosingsThe church office is closed on the following days in July and August:• Thursday, July 4• Fridays in July (except July 26 for Vacation Bible School)• Fridays in August

Pastors The Rev. Dr. Gregory K. Jones The Rev. Thomas R. Stout The Rev. Jill Getty

WPC Director of Communications & Database Management Nicole Hughes

Graphic Design by Trellist Marketing & Technology

Next Chimes Deadline: Monday, August 5, at 11:00 a.m. For the September 2013 Issue Submissions can be made at www.wpc.org/communications

www.wpc.org

www.wpc.org

www.wpc.org

www.wpc.org/communications

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