WESTWOOD WORLD December 2014 1 Jim Abernathy A Message from Our Senior Pastor A tree at a busy intersection in Polk City, Iowa, has been causing quite a stir of late. No, it doesn’t bear a his- torical marker, nor is it being admired for the beauty of its leaves in the autumn season. The tree is getting a lot of attention because of an image visible in its trunk that some believe to be the image of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus. Now, this isn’t the first time that such images have been claimed in the everyday places of life. From grilled cheese sandwiches to office building windows, people have built shrines around what they believe to be some manifestation of a holy image. It is as if, in looking at this tree or in the shadows cast across a window, one can capture the image of Jesus and thus feel closer to him. I won’t belittle another’s spiritual expression, and I will admit that I have encouraged others to look for God in everything, but I must say that I find holiness less in the random images of inanimate objects and more in the living examples most often expressed in personal relationship. I believe that is the message of incarna- tion…God becoming one of us in Jesus. Over the next month we will celebrate, through the seasons of Advent and Christmas, the great truth of John’s gospel that the Word has, indeed, become flesh and come to dwell among us or, as The Message translates John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” In truth, the greatest image of God’s love is one that lives and moves in observable, life-altering ways which draw one to meaningful relationship with the Creator. We also know that somehow God works through the words and ac- tions of flawed human beings, who allow themselves to be instruments in the hands of God. So, I want to challenge you, particularly over the next month or so, to be that instrument, that image of Christ that will communicate God’s great love to others. Let them see a real, living, breathing example of for- giveness, mercy, grace, and love in the way you treat them and others. No, this isn’t just a seasonal assign- ment, but I do believe that during these days we have a unique opportunity to show what incarnation, the true meaning of Christmas, is really all about. If we believe that God has come to dwell among us in that babe of Bethlehem, then let us be the image of that love to the world. That will communicate the good news of the gospel more clearly than the shadowy, muddled interpretation in the bark of a tree, the crust of a sandwich, or even the characters of a nativity scene. I believe God’s love has been on display throughout our fiftieth anniversary year. May that continue in our worship, mission endeavors, fellowships, and financial giving as we walk through these days of Advent, Christmas, and the New Year. In everything we do, may the image of Christ be visible so that the world about us and our brothers and sisters in Christ may know the true joy of the season…Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Westwood World Westwood World Westwood World Westwood World A Publication of Westwood Baptist Church December 2014 _________________________________________ 2014 Edition 12
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WESTWOOD WORLD December 2014 1
Jim Abernathy
A Message from Our Senior Pastor
A tree at a busy intersection in Polk City, Iowa, has been causing quite a stir of late. No, it doesn’t bear a his-
torical marker, nor is it being admired for the beauty of its leaves in the autumn season. The tree is getting a
lot of attention because of an image visible in its trunk that some believe to be the image of the Virgin Mary
and the baby Jesus. Now, this isn’t the first time that such images have been claimed in the everyday places
of life. From grilled cheese sandwiches to office building windows, people have built shrines around what they
believe to be some manifestation of a holy image. It is as if, in looking at this tree or in the shadows cast
across a window, one can capture the image of Jesus and thus feel closer to him.
I won’t belittle another’s spiritual expression, and I will admit that I have encouraged others to look for God in
everything, but I must say that I find holiness less in the random images of inanimate objects and more in the
living examples most often expressed in personal relationship. I believe that is the message of incarna-
tion…God becoming one of us in Jesus.
Over the next month we will celebrate, through the seasons of Advent and Christmas, the great truth of
John’s gospel that the Word has, indeed, become flesh and come to dwell among us or, as The Message
translates John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” In truth, the
greatest image of God’s love is one that lives and moves in observable, life-altering ways which draw one to
meaningful relationship with the Creator. We also know that somehow God works through the words and ac-
tions of flawed human beings, who allow themselves to be instruments in the hands of God.
So, I want to challenge you, particularly over the next month or so, to be that instrument, that image of Christ
that will communicate God’s great love to others. Let them see a real, living, breathing example of for-
giveness, mercy, grace, and love in the way you treat them and others. No, this isn’t just a seasonal assign-
ment, but I do believe that during these days we have a unique opportunity to show what incarnation, the true
meaning of Christmas, is really all about. If we believe that God has come to dwell among us in that babe of
Bethlehem, then let us be the image of that love to the world. That will communicate the good news of the
gospel more clearly than the shadowy, muddled interpretation in the bark of a tree, the crust of a sandwich, or
even the characters of a nativity scene.
I believe God’s love has been on display throughout our fiftieth anniversary year. May that continue in our
worship, mission endeavors, fellowships, and financial giving as we walk through these days of Advent,
Christmas, and the New Year. In everything we do, may the image of Christ be visible so that the world about
us and our brothers and sisters in Christ may know the true joy of the season…Joy to the world, the Lord is
come!
Westwood WorldWestwood WorldWestwood WorldWestwood World A Publication of Westwood Baptist Church
December 2014 _________________________________________ 2014 Edition 12
WESTWOOD WORLD December 2014 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Page
Westwood Member News 2 Westwood Celebrates Advent & Christmas 3 Service of Remembrance 3 50th Anniversary 4-6 Music Ministry 6 Stewardship 7
Community Involvement 8 Women’s Ministry 9 Church Family Night 10 Youth Ministry 10 Preschool & Children’s Ministry 11 www.GO Senior Adults 12
With SympathyWith SympathyWith SympathyWith Sympathy
We extend our Christian to sympathy to Brenda Horne and her family on the loss of her father,
to Clay Nettles on the loss of his nephew, and to Wakie Paganelli on the loss of her son-in-law.
Westwood Member NewsWestwood Member NewsWestwood Member NewsWestwood Member News
In Our Prayers . . .
Al Sanders; Aminata Turay’s father, Alfred M. Kanu; Anne Daly; Andy Willetts; Berkley McKenzie; Betty Helfen-
berger; Bobby Royce; Cathy Hallmark’s brother-in-law; Cathy Moody’s father; Chris Skalski; Claire Hix; Dave
Schmitz; Dennis Hunt’s father; Ed & Karen Armstrong; Ed & Joan Tarlosky; Eileen Griffith; Elise Clark; Emilie
Bretz; Eric Williams; Faye Riley; Gary Gillespie; Gary Long; George Stone; Greisy Acosta’s mother, Gregoria Her-
nandez; Helen Hill; Jackie Weaver; Jewel Bowers; Jim Abernathy; Jim Crupper; Joshua Brown; Kathy Boothe;
Kathy Thurston; Kevin & Nancy Kersh; Landon & Christina Taylor’s friends Joe Murphy and Olivia Hilton; Lee
Christensen; Lori Christensen; Lucy Kinsel’s sister, Betty Gray; Lynda Mooney; Lynne Storer’s grandson, Bo
Thank you for your many expressions of love at the passing of our son Ed. Your prayers, cards, visits, flowers and food
were a great comfort to us. Ed’s death was a great loss for us as he was a wonderful son. Ed’s separation from us makes
us mourn, but not as the world mourns, because our Lord will be coming and resurrect his children. This is more than a
hope; it is an assurance in His Word.
In Christian love,
Emilie and Bernard Bretz
WESTWOOD WORLD December 2014 3
Sunday, November 30Sunday, November 30Sunday, November 30Sunday, November 30 Organ and Piano Duets by Olga Teutler and Cindy Abernathy
at the 11 a.m. Worship Service
Sunday, December 7Sunday, December 7Sunday, December 7Sunday, December 7 Family Service with Preschool and Children’s Choirs and Youth Singers
at the 11 a.m. Worship Service
Sunday, December 14Sunday, December 14Sunday, December 14Sunday, December 14 Sanctuary Choir Performance of Once Upon a Night by Choplin
with Orchestra at the 11 a.m. Worship Service
Sunday, December 21Sunday, December 21Sunday, December 21Sunday, December 21 Handbell Choir Music Selections at the 11 a.m. Worship Service
Global Missions Ingathering
Wednesday, December 24Wednesday, December 24Wednesday, December 24Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Worship Service at 5 p.m.
Service of RemembranceService of RemembranceService of RemembranceService of Remembrance A Service of Remembrance will be held Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary. This annual ob-
servance offers an opportunity in the busyness of the holiday season to pause and remember family
members and friends no longer with us. Through music, scripture, prayer, and other remembrances, we
honor their memories and find comfort in the eternal promises of God. All are welcome to attend and en-
couraged to invite a friend or family member to share in this special service.
Advent DevotionalsAdvent DevotionalsAdvent DevotionalsAdvent Devotionals Again this year, Dr. Abernathy will send daily Advent Devotionals by email, beginning Saturday evening,
November 29. Each evening thereafter a devotional will be sent for the next day through December 24. If
you would like to receive a hard copy of these online devotionals, please contact the church office.
So often the person who leads a group gets more credit than is deserved while the folks who did most of the
work do not receive the appreciation so well earned. With that in mind, I want to say thanks to the 50th Anniver-
sary Planning Committee, who began meeting on a regular basis in the summer of 2013. Members were:
TOM LOVELACE (Charter Member of Westwood) worked long hours putting together 50 years of church
history. Tom also added his wisdom in many other areas of the planning process.
JOHN FREEMAN organized the Wally and Wendy project which was enjoyed by many children and
adults alike, resulting in correspondence from many former members. John also developed the program on Sat-
urday evening, Nov. 8, along with his partner in creativity, Dr. Abernathy.
MARTHA LEE FUGATE served as secretary for the group, taking minutes of each meeting, handling all
correspondence, and keeping us on track. She also helped greatly with the dinner planning, setup, cleanup, and
any other tasks that needed attention.
VIRGINIA HOLE was responsible for planning the Saturday evening meal, feeding 5000 — oops, 310
people. She also planned and helped with the setup and cleanup after the Sunday morning refreshments. Virgin-
ia also did much of the work on the Jeri Sager and Army Chorus concerts.
CHET and EVA LEE GRIFFIN teamed up to help in the discussion and planning of many events. Chet
sorted through almost 2000 images and put together the video presentations on Saturday evening. Eva Lee add-
ed her great ideas every step of the way and brought homemade goodies to each committee meeting, which led
to great attendance! They both were ready to help with anything that needed to be done.
JOY MEYER was the outreach person for the committee. She was responsible for acquiring contact in-
formation, assembling the list of former members and staff, sending invitations, and recording responses. Joy
also did several displays which were enjoyed throughout the year and put together the scrapbook of correspond-
ence received from former members.
JOYCE MOODY helped plan the evening program and the worship service on Nov. 8-9. Being gainfully
employed, she gave up her lunch hour several times to meet for planning.
ELLEN YOUNG provided many good ideas to the committee and helped with historical research that was
used by the “star performers” on Saturday evening. (Con�nued on page 5)
WESTWOOD WORLD December 2014 5
Others who provided valuable assistance to the committee:
DR. JIM ABERNATHY met with us regularly until fate (feet) intervened. He continued to advise while also
developing the Saturday night program with John Freeman. Dr. Abernathy also helped plan the worship service
for Sunday along with staff and committee members.
DR. ROBERT WHITTEN met with the committee and provided us with an overview of Westwood’s histo-
ry. He was an invaluable advisor throughout the planning process.
PAT CLOSE, OLGA TEUTLER, CINDY ABERNATHY, and all vocal, bell choir, and instrumental per-
formers provided the beautiful music for our celebration.
REV. DONNA HILL volunteered to handle incoming reservations and keep up with donations, providing
invaluable assistance with her frequent updates.
BOB FUGATE made nametags, seating charts, and table assignment cards, and offered printing and
other technical assistance.
RICH HAWK provided sound for the Jeri Sager concert and throughout the anniversary weekend. He
also recorded the organ/piano duets for the CD given to each family attending.
MARK SCHIFFNER arranged for the production of CDs and also designed the CD cover. Mark recorded
the weekend events along with KATY YOUNG and will be making copies available. GINGER SCHIFFNER
helped Mark register guests for dinner.
CATHY HALLMARK designed and made (with assistance from her garden club members) the beautiful
flower arrangements that adorned the tables and the sanctuary.
DENNIS MILAM installed the outdoor banner, which was designed and produced by MARK PRICE.
SANDY MILAM helped in many areas including menu, flowers arrangements, and cleanup.
THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS TEAM worked diligently to make our building ready for “company.”
Members of this team are Dennis Milam, Clay Nettles, Gordon Sloat, Pam Bryson, Terry Beavers, Tom Kern,
Phil Roberts, Jack Hix, and Al Meyer. There were also a host of volunteers who helped on cleanup days in Sep-
tember and October. Thanks also to Al Meyer for making arrangements to borrow and transport tables from St.
Mark’s Lutheran Church for the dinner.
MARILYN SKAGGS painted the beautiful watercolor of the courtyard which was presented on a notecard
to each family on Sunday, and along with her husband, John, she had the painting framed.
AUDREY BABER made more than 300 delicious cupcakes for Saturday night's dinner! (Yum! Yum!)
MARTHA NEWMAN gave assistance whenever needed through the church office.
THE ENTIRE WESTWOOD FAMILY gave us your encouragement, assistance, and participation
throughout the anniversary year. THANK YOU ALL! THANKS BE TO GOD!
Sheena Forester
(Con�nued from page 4)
(Con�nued on page 6)
Westwood Celebrates 50 Years (cont’d) Westwood Celebrates 50 Years (cont’d) Westwood Celebrates 50 Years (cont’d) Westwood Celebrates 50 Years (cont’d)
WESTWOOD WORLD December 2014 6
Thanks from Joy Meyer It was just great seeing all those familiar faces at our 50th Anniversary homecoming weekend. I want to thank all of
you Westwoodians who provided addresses of former members to me so that we could include these friends in
our invitation to join us. We were able to contact families in 25 states and 3 foreign countries. The invitations went
out to 268 families of former members and 205 local current member families of Westwood. That meant that we
invited 741 families in all.
Many thanks to the 15 people who wrote the monthly articles for the Westwood World, describing in detail many of
our special ministries over the years. I also had help from two members who got the word out to our local newspa-
pers. Many of you sent wonderful pictures of yourselves with Wally and Wendy. All of those pictures are in a 3-ring
binder on the Welcome Center in the narthex.
Joy Meyer, 50th Anniversary Committee Member
For More Celebration
Visit the Westwood website at www.westwood-baptist.org where you’ll find much, much more on the 50th Anniver-
sary celebrations, including photographs of the dinner on Nov. 8, the bulletin and videos of former staff speaking in
the worship celebration on Nov. 9, and a history of Westwood Baptist Church which was distributed to worship
attendees. Also, you will find videos of all the 50th Anniversary Moments that were shared in worship over the past
12 months.
(Con�nued from page 5)
Westwood Celebrates 50 Years (cont’d) Westwood Celebrates 50 Years (cont’d) Westwood Celebrates 50 Years (cont’d) Westwood Celebrates 50 Years (cont’d)
Come Worship We hope you will be here to enjoy the special music we have prepared for worship during Advent. On page
3 of this newsletter you will find a “menu” of all the delectable offerings Westwood’s choirs have prepared
for worship. Bring a friend to enjoy! Let your spirit be renewed by music that celebrates the newborn King!
Thank You! Christmas at Westwood is enriched by the contributions of so many individuals who are a part of the music
ministry. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.
The Handbell Choir will not rehearse on Dec. 21 or 28. Rehearsals will resume in mid-
January.
The Youth Choir will not rehearse in December. There will be no Adult Choir rehearsals
on Dec. 17, 24 and 31.
Music MinistryMusic MinistryMusic MinistryMusic Ministry
WESTWOOD WORLD December 2014 7
Contributions for 2014 Contributions for 2014 must be
received or postmarked no later
than Dec. 31 in order to be report-
ed on your year-end giving state-
ment.
Consider setting up a recurring payment to the
church through your bank’s online bill pay. Your
check is delivered when you are not in town and
when snow is on the ground.
Consider giving stock to the church. Special tax
benefits exist. For appreciated stock that you have
owned for more than one year, do not sell the stock
– give it to the church. You can deduct the fair mar-
ket value of the stock, and you do not have to report
the gain. Sounds too good to be true – but it is true.
(NOTE: We are setting up a discount brokerage ac-
count. Since Charlie Shuman retired, Smith Barney
has charged us $275 per stock trade. The discount
broker will charge us less than $10. We will send
details once the new account is set up.)
We anticipate the U.S. Senate to pass legislation
this month that was passed in the U.S. House of
Representatives in April 2014. For those over 70 ½
StewardshipStewardshipStewardshipStewardship
who are required to take a minimum distribution from
your IRA, this legislation would allow you to make
the distribution directly from your IRA to the
church. You do not have to claim the income and the
church gets your contribution. (Note: you do NOT get
the tax deduction on this type of transaction.)
The church has set up an endowment fund. Please
consider naming Westwood in your will or naming
the church as the beneficiary of your IRA. This can