1502 W. 13th Street • Wilmington, DE 19806 • (302) …wpc.org/uploads/chimes/MayJun2016_Chimes_COLORw.pdf04 1502 W. 13th Street • Wilmington, DE 19806 • (302) 654-5214 •

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

March 2015

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

CHIMESThe Westminster

May/June 2016


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

Westminster’s lawn will be a beehive of activity as we host our third Habitat for Humanity Road Show Build. Following hugely successful events in 2007 and 2011, this promises to be a terrific opportunity for us to work together to create affordable housing for a family in our community. We’ve invited the local American Turkish Friendship Association and people who live near the church to participate and we’d love for you to invite your friends and neighbors as well.Everyone – of any age – is welcome and NO building skills are required! Adults and youth aged 16 and above can take part in the actual house construction. Youth aged 14 and up can carry wood beams. If you’re not inclined to swing a hammer, you can serve in other areas – hospitality, sign-in or refreshments. Kids ages 7 to 15 will be involved in building birdhouses that will be offered to Habitat families. Child care will be provided for children six and younger. Sign up now for a two-hour shift between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on May 21st (forms are available on the literature tables at church or online at www.wpc.org). This is a great chance for you to have a hands-on Habitat experience that visibly highlights Westminster’s mission commitment to everyone passing by on Pennsylvania Avenue. You can also volunteer to help load the completed panels onto a Habitat truck for delivery to the house construction site on Monday, May 23.The deadline for submitting your registration form is Sunday, May 8, to give us time to put together the various build teams and let you know the specifics of your assignment. Contact Fred Nelson (484-508-8416 or [email protected]) or Craig Wemmers (302-239-9698 or [email protected]) with any questions. In case of rain, we will build on Saturday, June 4.

Come be part of this wonderful project – you’ll be so very glad you did!

Get Ready – Get Set – BUILD!

Saturday, May 21

Habitat ‘Road Show Build’ 2011

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1502 W. 13th Street • Wilmington, DE 19806 • (302) 654-5214 • www.wpc.org02

Have you heard the story about the professor and the golf balls? Even if you have, it won’t hurt to hear it again. The story goes like this: A professor stood before his class with several items on a table. Without saying a word, he picked up a large empty glass jar and filled it to the lid with golf balls. He asked the students if the jar was full and they agreed it was.

Then professor picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas around the golf balls. He asked the students, “Now is it full?” They agreed that it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up the tiny spaces around the pebbles. “Now is it full?” he asked. “Yes!” they shouted.

From underneath the table, the professor pulled out two cups of coffee, and as the students laughed, he poured the coffee into the jar effectively filling all the remaining space.

The professor smiled at his students and asked them to imagine that the jar represents their life. He said, “The golf balls are the essentials – God, family, health, friends and your favorite passions. If you lost everything else, but these remained, your life would still be rich.”

He continued. “The pebbles? These are the other things that matter, such as your job, your house, your car, and your bills. The sand is everything else; the small stuff. Too much time online or watching television. Reading junk. Unnecessary errands. What would happen if you put the sand into the jar first?

The obvious answer is that there would not be enough room for all of the golf balls.”

“The same is true of your life. If you spend too much time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are most important.”

God wants you to live in ways that are rich and true and good. Occasionally, we need to be aware of how we are spending our waking hours. Are you devoting adequate time to the matters that create a joyful and meaningful life? Attend worship. Have a date with the person you love. Play with your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mentor a child. Help someone who cannot pay you back. Start your day with a prayer of gratitude. Throw yourself into a just cause. Spread peace.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr. said, “Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.”

By the way, if you are wondering about the coffee, the professor had an answer for it, too. “No matter how full your life may seem, there is always room for a cup of coffee with a friend.”

Blessings,

Greg Jones, Senior Pastor/Head of Staff

RICH AND TRUE AND GOOD

CLERGY COLUMN

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A Very Special THANK YOU

to Our Members and Staff Who Served as Teachers, Leaders,

Coordinators, and Facilitators in Christian

Education for the 2015 – 2016 Program Year

NurserySusan Sprague, Beatrice Taylor, Lizzie Sprague

Godly Care and PreschoolJeanne Checkel, Chelsea Collins, Susannah Eckman, Sue Frost, Becky Huzar, Elaine Lunardi, Kristen Marvel, Jen Máthé, Mary Lou McDowell, Lizzie Sprague, Susan Sprague, Lisa Stoddard, Beatrice Taylor, Natalia Thompson, Kali Kniel-Tolbert, Sue Weissinger, Sandra Wermus Godly Play 1Diane Chandler, Caroline Glaeseman, Carla Krupanski, Patti Ridout, Judy Stoddard, Judy Stoffer, Barbara Stratton

Godly Play 2Jacob Fooks, Teisha Fooks, Laura Holmes, Rick Holmes, Kelly McCulloch, T.J. Roe, Pamela White

D.R.U.M.Mary Beth Davis, Nicole Maragus (Children’s Music Intern) and Linda Cox

Sunshine ChoirKourtney Bastianelli (Children’s Music Intern), Kali Kniel-Tolbert, Jenny Wagner, Tia Becktel, Natalia Thompson

Faith-Based Creative Classes for Children in MayMeg Burich, Kali Kniel-Tolbert, Jen Máthé, Lola Miller, Susan Moseley, Sue WeissingerMiddle Schoolers on the MoveSusan Williamson; Substitutes: Meg Burich, Walt Huzar

180° Youth MinistryJosh Cox, Mary Beth Davis, Mike Gnade, Susan Moseley, Tom Speers, Julia Stone, Nicole Fox, Alex John, Drew McPheeters, and Katherine Tabor also helped as chaperones for Midnight RunMany parents supported 180° by cooking and serving Sunday night dinners.

Adult Leaders and FacilitatorsDon Beddie, Bob Cox, Wesley Emmons, Jill Getty, Anne Gunn, Cathy Higgins, Greg Jones, Sue Linderman, Bill Moore, Bill Nace, Dick May, Dave McBride, Susan Moseley, Jane Palmer, Margo Reign, Mark Shiflett, Janet Steinwedel, Judy Stoddard, Malcom Stoddard, Tom Stout, Mary Vane, and the Godly Play 1 Storytellers We were also fortunate to have many excellent guest presenters for our adult education programs. In addition, WPC partners with Steve Steinwedel and CIL (Community for Integrative Learning) to offer exceptional programs at times other than the 10:TEN education hour.


Summer Youth Mission with Friendship House June 27 – 30, 2016

This summer, our 180° youth will be volunteering for a week with Friendship House, a non-profit, faith-based organization committed to making a difference in the lives of the homeless people of New Castle County. This 180° summer mission offers a daily mission experience for youth entering 7th through 12th grades. The kids will meet at the Westminster parking lot each morning at 8:30 and then head off to one of the Friendship House locations throughout the city to complete various work projects.

To register your teen for service, please contact Susan Moseley at [email protected].

Save the Dates!Decorating Days for Vacation Bible School 2016Saturdays, July 9 and 168:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Join us for a morning of fun and creativity. We need all the hands we can get to transform Grace Hall and the surrounding areas into a Surfer’s Paradise for Vacation Bible School. Robin Rosser and the VBS staff need YOU to help us decorate for a great week filled with faith and fun. Coffee and snacks provided.


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VBS 2016 REGISTRATION FORM – Return by Thursday, July 14

Child’s Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Birthdate _______________________________________ Grade Entering in September 2016 ______________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Parent(s) Name ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone __________________________________________ Cell/Work Phone _______________________________________ Emergency Contact and Phone __________________________________________________________________________________ Allergies/Special Needs _______________________________________________________________________________________ Email (required) ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Make registration check ($25 per child/$40 max. per family) payable to Westminster Presbyterian Church. Write “VBS” in Memo line. Send check and this form to: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 West 13th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806

Or email registrar Lisa Stoddard at [email protected]

VACAT ION B I B L E S CHOOL 2016

July 18 - 22 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 noon Age 4/Pre‐K to Grade 6

Children will experience God’s love and discover ways

to live out that love. Each day, we will look at a Bible Storythat tells of God’s Amazing Love:

PLAN NOW TO JOIN US AT WPC FOR A FUN‐FILLED VBS! Cost: $25 per child/$40 max. per family

Day 1: Creation – God Creates Day 2: Miriam Cares for Moses – God Helps Day 3: Baptism of Jesus – God Loves Day 4: Jesus Calms the Storm – God Calms Day 5: Breakfast on the Beach – God Sends



Recent Births

We welcome these children into the Westminster family.

Madison Grace WolanskiBorn on March 5, 2016She is the daughter of

Kristen and John Wolanski, sister of Will Wolanski, and granddaughter

of Susan Alexander.

Aiden Jack ReinickerBorn on March 17, 2016

He is the son of Melinda and Aaron Reinicker and grandson of Sandie and Roger Reinicker.

Battle for the BarriersSunday, May 110:10 a.m. in Community HallPresenter: Tom Evans

We will watch the brief film, “Battle for the Barriers” that captures the beauty and fragility of the coastal barrier, the looming sea level rise, and our need to adapt to this certainty. Produced by former US Congressman Tom Evans, coauthor along with Senator John Chafee of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, the film explores the role the barrier has in preserving over one million acres along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.

Tom Evans headed Economic Development in the State of Delaware, and is an honorary life member of the Negro College Fund and the Red Cross, and has stayed involved in many issues of conservation and the environment.

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The Hizmet Movement Global citizens serving humanity inspired by Fethullah Gulen

Sunday, May 810:10 a.m. in Community HallSpeaker: Rashid Telbisoglu

The program will review the history and philosophical background of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish Muslim thinker and scholar who has inspired three generations of selfless, faith-inspired people to serve their fellow human beings. The movement that has evolved, Hizmet, meaning ‘service’ in Turkish now reaches people in more than 160 countries through schools, universities, hospitals, media and publishing, relief organizations, business organizations and numerous other types of NGOs.

Our speaker from Washington, DC is Rashid Telbisoglu, the Director of the Rumi Forum, an organization which promotes interfaith dialogue, intercultural understanding, and peace building.

Rashid Telbisoglu, a native of Turkey, is responsible for programming and managing academic and international affairs. Prior to this, he was program director at TUSKON’s DC office working on Turkish-American trade relations. TUSKON is the largest business association in Turkey. Mr. Telbisoglu holds a Master of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Virginia. He graduated from Bogazici University, which was initially established as the first American missionary school abroad.

Rumi Forum was founded in 1999 with the mission to foster intercultural dialogue, stimulate thinking and exchange of opinions on supporting and fostering democracy and peace and to provide a common platform for education and information exchange. The Forum contributes to this by means of conferences, panel discussions, community engagement, luncheons, and publications. Rumi Forum has an interest in pluralism, peace building and conflict resolution, intercultural and interfaith dialogue, social harmony and justice, civil rights and community cohesion.

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The Secret War CrimeFebruary 2016 – PC(USA) Congo Travel-Study Seminar Team

Rape in war is as common as war itself. Two decades of war in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where rape is cheaper than a bullet, have left a legacy of :

Violent rape as a weapon of war leaves women and girls physically damaged and psychologically traumatized. Rape victims are rejected by both their husbands and communities and left with no means of support. The New York Times only this month asked if these women aren’t tragically today’s modern day lepers? The children of rape victims are outcast, resulting in few options

other than becoming child soldiers.

The next step being taken in, of all unlikely places, is in Eastern Congo, a country whose grim history has dubbed it both “the rape capital of the world” and “the world’s worst place to be a woman” by high ranking UN officials. Our very own Bill Moore and Jane Palmer traveled last month to the epicenter of an accidental lab for some of the most progressive work on rape recovery. Bill and Jane were among twelve, six being PC(USA) officials, traveling to East Congo to study the root causes of sexual violence and to learn of the programs and methods creating rising hope for healing. Currently 60 Protestant churches are involved in this critical mission work in East Congo.

Bill explained, “We have been amazed by the incredible language skills of the women of East Congo, who speak to us in French, Swahili, English and occasionally Lingala or other local languages. Our hosts have been consistently gracious and tolerant about the more

Broken Communities Traumatized Women Fractured Families Anguished Husbands Children with Uncertain Futures

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limited fluency (and unintentional gaffes) of some members of our team of ambassadors.” The team was repeatedly met with flowers and serenaded by songs that incorporated the visitors’ names.

Bukavu, in South Kivu and Goma, in North Kivu, areas of Eastern Congo most devastated by war are home to programs Bill and Jane visited. Sitting in the “listening rooms” they heard the women’s stories of violence and resultant shame. Reminiscent of the Mayan women of the Highlands of Guatemala sharing stories with our Westminster team about “The Disappeared,” such compassionate listening uplifts women towards healing. Speaking of unspeakably violent rape means the silence is ending.

There is one mental hospital in East Congo to deal with trauma induced psychological disorders and numerous camps of “internally displaced” persons, mostly women and children. Both were visited by the Congo travel-study seminar group.

Bill and Jane visited women coffee farmers at one co-operative supported by the Presbyterian Coffee Project. From their coffee sales they plan to support animal husbandry and micro loan programs. This will allow the women to feed their children, but further efforts to heal the damaged and re-educate men on acceptable civilized behavior remain.

Sexual violence was formerly taboo in traditional Congolese culture. Since the mid 1990’s, with repeated waves of ethnic and political conflict, rape has become an unconscionable weapon of war in Eastern Congo calculated to inflict maximum trauma and humiliation on entire families. Our modern electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets and laptops are a contributing piece of this societal nightmare. Eastern Congo is an important source of the ores, primarily columbite-tantalite “coltan,” needed for these devices. Conflict has endured for control over this lucrative trade by annexing mine sites or charging taxes for the movement of the minerals through controlled territory. The resulting revenues finance the rebel troops and governmental forces alike. Both the UN and U.S Congress are actively working to expand “conflict-free” supply chains and “conflict-free” mines.


From their immersion into the causes, issues and continuing challenges of sexual violence in Eastern Congo, Bill and Jane learned from the Congolese women that the areas of greatest need for training individuals to force change are:

1. Trauma healing focused on children

2. Mediation and negotiation focused on addressing the rejection of rape survivors by their husbands

3. Equipping survivors of sexual trauma to earn incomes and sustainable livelihoods

4. Educating men on preventing sexual violence

5. Prosecution of perpetrators of violence

6. Civic education to promote democratic participation

The PC(USA) participants felt blessed and humbled to share with their Congolese brothers and sisters and are committed to continuing the conversation now that they are home. In support of the advocacy efforts of our Congolese partners they want to focus on help for item (1) from the above list.

The education of trainers for Trauma Healing of Children may well be one of the most potent and achievable initiatives towards improving future life in Congo. The Congolese estimate that only $20,000 would be needed to train 30 such healers with nearly unlimited potential impact.

Financial support for this initiative is easily made through WPC’s Echo Giving. You can find forms on the literature

table at church or contact [email protected].

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11

Recent Deaths

Members Who Have Joined the Church Triumphant

We remember the families of our members who recently died.

We pray that the families will be comforted in their loss and

be assured that their loved ones have joined God’s heavenly

kingdom.

Roy J. Fahl, Jr.October 8, 1925 – March 13, 2016

Helen Snider DeBlieuJuly 22, 1924 – March 19, 2016

In Loving Memory

Stephen Ministry Training to be Offered This FallStephen Ministry training equips lay men and women to provide confidential, Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Since 1984, numerous Westminster members have been trained as Stephen Ministers.

Starting in September, a new Stephen Ministry class will be offered at Westminster. It consists of 50 hours of stimulating and useful training in Christian caring skills. The class will be led by trained Stephen Leaders and will include topics such as active listening, Christian assertiveness, maintaining boundaries, and dealing with grief. The training focuses on God as the one who cures while the Stephen Minister cares.

Stephen Ministers commit to at least two years for service, supervision, and continuing education. Many who become Stephen Ministers find this ministry so meaningful that they choose to serve beyond the two years. While being a Stephen Minister requires commitment of time and effort, it also brings much reward. In addition, the skills you learn can be used in your everyday relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

Think and pray about this opportunity. If you are interested, please contact Jill Getty ( [email protected]) or Ellie Furry ([email protected]).




Flying Solo Activities for May through October We’re planning ahead for our summer and fall activities, so please mark your calendars for these upcoming events. And we are always looking for new folks to join us so we can share the fun!

Sunday Brunch Schedule

Come meet us for brunch after church at 11:30 a.m. at Catherine Rooney’s in Trolley Square on these Sundays:

• May 1• May 15• June 5• June 19• June 26• July 17

Other Events

• Saturday, May 21 – Habitat for Humanity ‘Road Show Build’ on Westminster’s lawn. Join us from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon as we assist the church with the home building project.

• Saturday, June 11 – Fireworks at Old New Castle Day. We gather in Battery Park where we listen to live music and enjoy food and drink together. Contact Margo Reign ([email protected]) for details.

• Friday, June 24 – Wilmington Jazz Festival in Rodney Square. Carpool from church at 5:30 p.m. and we’ll sit together to listen to some great music and enjoy food from the vendors.

• Sunday, June 26 – First we’ll eat at WPC’s Summer Brunch event, and then we’ll go to the Ice Cream Festival at Rockwood Park. Always a fun event to get some great vendor food and enjoy games and fellowship.

• Summer Concerts in July and August – Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. (Wilmington Riverfront) and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. (Battery Park, New Castle). Contact any group member if you are interested (Bill Kaye, Margo Reign, Cathy Lang, or Nancy Colbert).

• Monday, July 4 – Dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Timothy’s on the Riverfront, followed by fireworks. Bring your lawn chair and join us!

• August 7• August 21• September 4• September 18• October 2• October 16

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May/June 2016 1313

• Saturday, July 16 – Delaware City Day. We’ll also take the ferry over to Pea Patch Island. More details will be available soon.

• Saturday, July 23 – Shakespeare Festival at Rockwood Park, weather permitting. For tickets, contact Margo Reign by July 6 ([email protected]).

• Sunday, August 7 – Brunch followed by an outing to the Riverfront Blues Festival. Bring your lawn chair.

• Saturday, August 13 – Tubing on the Brandywine at 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. Contact Cathy Lang if interested ([email protected]).

• Friday, August 19 – Blue Rocks fireworks and game. Contact Bill Kaye for tickets ([email protected]).

• Saturday, September 10 – Brandywine Arts Festival

• Sunday, September 11 – Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square. Contact Cathy Lang if interested.

• Saturday, October 1 – River Towns Ride and Festival





Westminster Wishes You Safe TravelsMany of our members go on vacation or visit family during the summer months. Enjoy your trips! We look forward to seeing you when you return! If you have not already done so, please consider signing up for recurring online giving to keep up with your intended offerings. It’s fast, it’s simple, and it really helps us keep the lights on and programs going during the summer months.

Simply follow these easy steps:

1. Visit the church website at www.wpc.org.

2. Click on the “Donate Now” button.

3. Click on the “Create Profile” button.

4. Then follow the onscreen instructions to create a profile and to schedule your recurring contributions.

For those members in town for part or all of the summer, remember to visit our home page under “What’s Going On?” Blessings to you and your family!

Church Members: Have You Accessed Our Online Member Directory, Yet? If the answer is “yes,” we hope you are finding it helpful in keeping touch with your fellow church members.

If the answer is “no” and you would like to have access to the Westminster online member directory, please contact Nicole Hughes, Director of Communication and Database Management ([email protected] or 302-654-5214 ext. 130) so that she can issue you a temporary password and provide instructions for logging in. You must have a valid email address on file with the church.

Once you’ve completed the setup process, you are ready to access the online member directory at any time.

The online directory is kept up-to-date regularly, so it is recommended to be your primary source of information. However, a paper copy of the directory is available to those who request one, because we understand that individual needs vary. If you have any questions or need help with the directory, please contact Nicole Hughes.

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May/June 2016 15

2016 Sunday ScheduleThrough May 15

8:45 – 11:15 a.m. Nursery9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Worship service in the sanctuary9:15 – 10:00 a.m. Children’s classes

(follows Time with Our Children)10:10 – 11:00 a.m. 10:TEN (Christian education

for children, youth, and adults)11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Living Mosaics worship service

in Rodney Chapel

The Holy Toast Café is open in Community Hall throughout the morning. Stop in for refreshments and fellowship!

May 22 8:45 – 10:15 a.m. Nursery9:00 – 10:00 a.m. ONE worship service in the sanctuary9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for preschoolers

(no 10:TEN for children, youth, or adults)

May 29 to September 4 (Summer Schedule)

8:15 – 9:15 a.m. Worship service with communion in Rodney Chapel

9:45 – 11:15 a.m. Nursery10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Children’s Sunday School

(pre-k – grade 2)10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Worship service in the sanctuary11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Summer Tea hosted by our deacons

Please note that the church office is closed on Fridays in July and August, except July 22 for Vacation Bible School.

TO EXPLORE OUR FULL CALENDAR, VISIT

CALENDAR.WPC.ORG

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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.

Pastors The Rev. Dr. Gregory K. JonesThe Rev. Sudie Niesen Thompson The Rev. Jill GettyThe Rev. Thomas R. Stout

WPC Director of Communication & Database Management Nicole Hughes

Graphic Design by Trellist Marketing & Technology

Next Chimes Deadline: Monday, June 6, at 11:00 a.m. For the July/August 2016 Issue Submissions can be made at www.wpc.org/communications

Summer Brunch 2016Sunday, June 26

Please join us in Community Hall on Sunday, June 26, 2016 following the 10:00 a.m. worship service for brunch! There will be a variety of breakfast casseroles and quiches prepared by the deacons. Members of the congregation are invited to bring salads or desserts. This is a great time for fellowship with other members and a wonderful (and delicious!) way to spend a Sunday morning. We hope to see you there!

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