************************************************
12/14/12 – Westminster Weekend Update / El Semanario de Westminster por 12/14/12
SUNDAY, Dec. 16th, Second Sunday of Advent
Rev. Chester Topple, preaching
Scripture:Baruch 6: 1-9 & Luke 1: 68-79
___________________________________________________________ Looking Ahead: Upcoming in the next Month
- This week: December 16 – Third Sunday of Advent.
- December 21 – Combined Hand-Bell Concert at First, donations to benefit the Interfaith Community Shelter.
- Next Week: December 23 – Fourth Sunday of Advent.
- December 24– Christmas Pageant at 7PM
- December 30 – First Sunday after Christmas Day
- January 6 — Epiphany
___________________________________________________________ Office Hours Tuesday thru Friday, 9-1 Contacts: Helen Newton, Office Administrator, 983-8939, [email protected] The office will be closed from December 22nd to January 2nd. Helen will be out of the office from December 19th to January 8th. Jennifer Frisch will be in the office from 10-12 next week and the week after New Years. Rev. Chester Topple, Pastor, 795-4890, [email protected] Rev. Georgia Ortiz, Parish Associate, 505-692-9599, [email protected] Rev. Richard Avery, Music Director, 983-8303, [email protected] ___________________________________________________________ OREMOS POR: The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/news/prayer-list ___________________________________________________________ Other “goings-on” of interest to all:
- Somos un Pueblo Unido, Santa Fe’s primary organization supporting immigrants and immigrant rights, will hold its 17th Annual Fundraising Dinner at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Dec 13, at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center. Events will include a mariachi, silent auction, and activities for kids. Fun time for all! For tickets call 424-7832, $15 adults, $5 children.
- Poinsettias for Christmas Sunday: Please bring a poinsettia to decorate the Sanctuary on Christmas Sunday (12/23). If you wish, you can drop off your poinsettia during office hours this coming week. If the poinsettia is in memory of a loved one, send the name(s) to Helen so that she can compile a list to be printed in next Sunday’s bulletin. Place your name on the Poinsettia if you wish to claim it later.
- Longest Night Service 5:30 PM led by Rev. Dr. James Roghair. You are invited to share in this special service of comfort, care and calm. For many of us, Christmas is a very mixed time. Some of us come with sadness or grief, pain or remorse instead of mirth and joy. Many of us are simply overwhelmed by the season and all its expectations. Whatever you bring to this service, know that you are not alone.
- The Per Capita is what each of us as communicant members of Westminster Presbyterian Church pay to the Presbyterian Church. It helps to support the ongoing operation of the greater church. We anticipate that our bill for 2012, due this month, will be $2475. As of now, we have $1,240 pledged and paid toward the 2012 per capita payment. If you have not yet made your per capita payment to $34/member, please do so before the end of the year. Clergy and children and youth who have not joined the church do not make a payment. Thank you.
- The bell choir can see! A new bank of lights has been installed behind the last viga enabling the ringers to see their music. Many thanks to Dwight Walker and Pete Aguilar of Aguilar Electric both of whom were patient and generous. Now that the little notes can be better seen, may the bells ring even more clearly!
- The combined Hand-Bell choirs of Westminster and First Presbyterian churches will present a Joint Hand-Bell Concert at 5:30 pm on Friday, December 21st, at the First Presbyterian Church, 208 Grant Ave. The concert will be a benefit for the Interfaith Community Shelter, for which freewill donations will be requested.
- We will receive the Christmas Joy Offering on December 23, the last of the four General Assembly Special Mission Offerings in 2012. This offering is divided equally between the Board of Pensions for its Assistance Programs and the denominational racial/ethnic schools. The Board of Pensions Assistance Programs aid current and retired ministers when they are overwhelmed by a family crisis. Many ministers, particularly older ones and ones who served small congregations, have small pensions. Two of the bulletin inserts you will receive in the next three weeks illustrate how these funds are used. The eight racial/ethnic schools of our denomination, including Menaul, still serve many who might not have opportunity for a secondary education that prepares them for college. A great many of the graduates devote themselves to careers of service in the church and the larger society. Again, you will find inspirational stories of some of these in the bulletin inserts, including Concha Brown of Menaul. These are both vital mission programs, meeting our commitment to faithful servants of the Church and opening opportunity to young people of racial/ethnic background who often encounter barriers to the fulfillment of their dreams. Please plan to give generously on Sunday December 23.
- Want to make your Christmas shopping really count? Buy “Alternative” gifts: This Sunday, Dec 9th, here at Westminster, Mary Graham and Donna Ormerod will assist you with the purchase of Christmas cards. Each card you purchase will enable Church World Services to send a warm blanket to someone shivering in the cold, in a New York shelter because Sandy destroyed his home, or in a refugee camp in Somalia because her family was decimated by violence. And Dec 14-17 there will be a wonderful Alternative Market at DeVargas Mall, opened at 5 p.m. on Friday by Mayor Coss and Ali McGraw. Friday night after the grand opening, Saturday and Sunday, you can purchase tax-deductible gifts in honor of loved ones or friends, to benefit local and international humanitarian organizations. Make a difference by “buying” a trip to a dentist for a child thru Santa Fe’s La Familia Medical Center, or food assistance for a homeless veteran, or a night at the shelter for a homeless person.
- There will not be an Agape Fast meal at Westminster on Sunday, 23 Dec, but the donation baskets will be available for your fasting donations at both the front and the back of the sanctuary.
- People of Faith, Advocate! Saturday, January 12, 8-11 am at First Pres. Breakfast will be served to gear us up for a new legislative session. Learn how you can make a difference through advocacy with Rev. Holly Beaumont and Ruth Hoffman. Co-sponsored by Westminster and First Presbyterian, Santa Fe; New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light; Lutheran Advocacy of New Mexico and New Mexico Interfaith Worker Justice.
- CAN YOU HELP NEW MEXICO INTERFAITH POWER AND LIGHT?
New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light is looking for a Santa Fe representative for our board who: 1. Does e-mail communication; 2. Could attend board meetings, which are about every two months via phone or skype and perhaps come to ABQ for annual retreat and annual meeting; 3. Is familiar with and concerned about climate change, sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable energy, policy, caring for the future and is rooted in a faith tradition (one or more of these); 4. Could be a point person for NMIPL in Santa Fe to pass along information electronically to others in Santa Fe; 5. Will help promote the work and programs of NMIPL; AND 6. Would have creative ideas for outreach, funding, progams. NMIPL will offer to such a board member: 1. Meaningful experience of caring for creation that is rooted in spirituality and faith; 2. Latest information in the field, resources on faith and creation care; 3. Working with wonderful people; 4. Being part of an organization that is making a difference in New Mexico; 5. Being part of a large national movement of people of faith addressing climate change in 40 states. Contact Chester ([email protected]) for more information.
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD – The Campus Cupboard is closing this week for winter break. It will reopen the second week of January. Thanks to Westminster for all the support you’ve given us. Each week, more than 60 people benefit from the food provided through Campus Cupboard. Thank you for making it possible for us to serve them! Kay Bird, SFCC Marketing & PR _________________________________________________________________
From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday at 5:30 pm, December 14 eSSO (endless Summer String Orchestra) performs.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: MorningSong service 9:45 – 10:45 am: Children’s Classes 9:45 – 10:45 am: Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as those participating knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting.
************************************************ 12/7/12 – Westminster Weekend Update / El Semanario de Westminster por 12/7/12
SUNDAY, Dec. 9th, Second Sunday of Advent
“The Blessed Seasons of Our Lives”, Rev. Robert Chesnut, preaching
Scripture:Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6
___________________________________________________________ Looking Ahead: Upcoming in the next Month
- This week, December 9 – Second Sunday of Advent and Noisy Coin Toss.
- Next week December 16 – Third Sunday of Advent.
- December 21 – Combined Hand-Bell Concert at First, donations to benefit the Interfaith Community Shelter.
- December 23 – Fourth Sunday of Advent.
- December 24– Christmas Pageant at 7PM
- December 30 – First Sunday after Christmas Day
___________________________________________________________ Office Hours Tuesday thru Friday, 9-1 Helen Newton, Office Administrator, 983-8939, wpcsantafe @gmail.com Rev. Chester Topple, Pastor, 795-4890, [email protected] Rev. Georgia Ortiz, Parish Associate, 505-692-9599, [email protected] Rev. Richard Avery, Music Director, 983-8303, [email protected] ___________________________________________________________ OREMOS POR: The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/news/prayer-list ___________________________________________________________ Queridos Todos: Rancho de Chimayó food and a generous community made for an awesome evening at the annual Boys and Girls Club del Norte this past Tuesday, where 12 of us from WPC were in attendance. Santa showed up, and Ruby and other kids were ecstatic. Kids and parents these days need healthy community involvement. And many, including this community, are helping to make that happen in Chimayó. The monthly noisy coin toss, which is this Sunday, helps raise money for the Club – bring your coins! Seamus Malin is serving on the Board, and Georgia and Charles Ortiz continue their good support. Lives are changed in the process. This Club for many kids is the difference between living a life of unhealthy choices and living a life of better choices. We effect the lives of those around us by our own living. As people of faith who long for a world of wholeness and well-being, let us model those realities as best as we are able, in our own lives and relationships to help make of the world that which we long for. Advent is a time to dream of new possibilities – and so we live into Hope. Selah, Chester _________________________________________________________________ Other “goings-on” of interest to all:
- Join the Cubs this Saturday, Dec. 8th at 10am for a Santa Fe River clean-up: They will meet in front of Gonzales School to clean up the stretch of the river right across from the school. We will have trash bags and gloves for the kids — adults please bring your own gloves.
- NOISY COIN TOSS THIS SUNDAY:Don’t let the Boys and Girls Club Del Norte go over the Fiscal Cliff !!! Or even into a shallow arroyo !! Keep the monthly din going this Sunday by bringing along all your loose change for a noisy deposit in our tin buckets. The Club is hugely appreciative, and every clinking penny makes a difference. Thanks.
- Somos un Pueblo Unido, Santa Fe’s primary organization supporting immigrants and immigrant rights, will hold its 17th Annual Fundraising Dinner at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Dec 13, at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center. Events will include a mariachi, silent auction, and activities for kids. Fun time for all! For tickets call 424-7832, $15 adults, $5 children.
- The WOW Women of Westminster will NOT MEET on Sunday afternoon December 9th. We will be meeting in January at Phoebe’s home. The date and time will be announced later. The Tablecloths looked great at the Stewardship Dinner! – Thanks to all.
- Poinsettias for Christmas Sunday: Please bring a poinsettia to decorate the Sanctuary on Christmas Sunday (12/23). If you wish, you can drop off your poinsettia during office hours this coming week. If the poinsettia is in memory of a loved one, send the name(s) to Helen so that she can compile a list to be printed in next Sunday’s bulletin. Place your name on the Poinsettia if you wish to claim it later.
- CALLING ALL ARTISTS! Have you been following the news of the Back Pew Gallery now open at First Presbyterian? The Gallery is located near the lobby as you enter, past the front desk on the right. Opening of a great photography show is this Friday, December 7 from 6-7pm. Hope to see you there. Artists at Westminster have been invited to show at the Gallery. Information and application forms are available. Phoebe Girard is part of the Back Pew Gallery committee and forms will be in her box at the church. Take the information and make an application. Questions can be directed to Phoebe at 988-5556 or [email protected]. Shows are currently being organized for the next few months. This is a great opportunity to get your work out in the world. No sales from the church gallery, but interested persons may contact you.
- The combined Hand-Bell choirs of Westminster and First Presbyterian churches will present a Joint Hand-Bell Concert at 5:30 pm on Friday, December 21st, at the First Presbyterian Church, 208 Grant Ave. The concert will be a benefit for the Interfaith Community Shelter, for which freewill donations will be requested.
- We will receive the Christmas Joy Offering on December 23, the last of the four General Assembly Special Mission Offerings in 2012. This offering is divided equally between the Board of Pensions for its Assistance Programs and the denominational racial/ethnic schools. The Board of Pensions Assistance Programs aid current and retired ministers when they are overwhelmed by a family crisis. Many ministers, particularly older ones and ones who served small congregations, have small pensions. Two of the bulletin inserts you will receive in the next three weeks illustrate how these funds are used. The eight racial/ethnic schools of our denomination, including Menaul, still serve many who might not have opportunity for a secondary education that prepares them for college. A great many of the graduates devote themselves to careers of service in the church and the larger society. Again, you will find inspirational stories of some of these in the bulletin inserts, including Concha Brown of Menaul. These are both vital mission programs, meeting our commitment to faithful servants of the Church and opening opportunity to young people of racial/ethnic background who often encounter barriers to the fulfillment of their dreams. Please plan to give generously on Sunday December 23.
- Want to make your Christmas shopping really count? Buy “Alternative” gifts: This Sunday, Dec 9th, here at Westminster, Mary Graham and Donna Ormerod will assist you with the purchase of Christmas cards. Each card you purchase will enable Church World Services to send a warm blanket to someone shivering in the cold, in a New York shelter because Sandy destroyed his home, or in a refugee camp in Somalia because her family was decimated by violence. And Dec 14-17 there will be a wonderful Alternative Market at DeVargas Mall, opened at 5 p.m. on Friday by Mayor Coss and Ali McGraw. Friday night after the grand opening, Saturday and Sunday, you can purchase tax-deductible gifts in honor of loved ones or friends, to benefit local and international humanitarian organizations. Make a difference by “buying” a trip to a dentist for a child thru Santa Fe’s La Familia Medical Center, or food assistance for a homeless veteran, or a night at the shelter for a homeless person.
- There will not be an Agape Fast meal at Westminster on Sunday, 23 Dec, but the donation baskets will be available for your fasting donations at both the front and the back of the sanctuary.
- Each year we participate in the Alternative Christmas Program at First Church. We display a couple of CWS Blankets which can be purchased for $5. These blankets are given to people in need around the world. It looks like we will not be participating this year because the box with the 2-3 blankets that is usually stored at the church, is missing. If anyone knows the whereabouts of this box, which includes cards left from last year, please call Barbara (466-1139; 670-6261)
- Policy Advocacy 101 for People of Faith, Saturday, January 12, 8-11, First Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe, 208 Grant Avenue — Come to a wonderful breakfast prepared by the men of First Presbyterian and learn how you can make a difference. Presentation of advocacy by Rev. Holly Beaumont and Ruth Hoffman. Information on getting involved in various issues, including environment and climate change. Co-sponsored by Westminster Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, Santa Fe; New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, Lutheran Advocacy of New Mexico and New Mexico Interfaith Worker Justice.
- Men of Westminster! Establish your need for a new coat for Christmas by bringing your used/serviceable coats to the big box in the Fellowship Hall. Deadline is December 6th! They’ll become Christmas presents to be distributed during the Christmas Party sponsored by the Amigos del Parquefor the day laborers who have become such a vital part of Santa Fe’s community.
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD – The Campus Cupboard is closing this week for winter break. It will reopen the second week of January. Thanks to Westminster for all the support you’ve given us. Each week, more than 60 people benefit from the food provided through Campus Cupboard. Thank you for making it possible for us to serve them! Kay Bird, SFCC Marketing & PR _________________________________________________________________
From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday at 5:30 pm, December 7 Jan Worden Lackey will play music of the season on the organ.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: MorningSong service 9:45 – 10:45 am: Children’s Classes 9:45 – 10:45 am: Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as those participating knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting.
************************************************
11/30/12 – Westminster Weekend Update/El Semanario de Westminster por 11/30/12
SUNDAY, Dec. 2nd, First Sunday of Advent
“All the Trees”, Rev. Chester Topple, preacher
Scripture:
Psalm 25: 1-10; Jeremiah 33: 14-16; Luke 21: 25-36 and 1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13
___________________________________________________________ Looking Ahead: Upcoming in the next Month
- This week, December 2 – First Sunday of Advent. Peace group will meet from 9:30-10:30 before Service.
- Next week, December 9 – Second Sunday of Advent and Noisy Coin Toss.
- December 16 – Third Sunday of Advent.
- December 21 – Combined Hand-Bell Concert at First, donations to benefit the Interfaith Community Shelter.
- December 23 – Fourth Sunday of Advent and Agape Fast.
- December 24– Christmas Pageant at 7PM
- December 30 – First Sunday after Christmas Day
___________________________________________________________ Office Hours Tuesday thru Friday, 9-1 Helen Newton, Office Administrator, 983-8939, wpcsantafe @gmail.com Rev. Chester Topple, Pastor, 795-4890, [email protected] Rev. Georgia Ortiz, Parish Associate, 505-692-9599, [email protected] Rev. Richard Avery, Music Director, 983-8303, [email protected] ___________________________________________________________ OREMOS POR: The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/news/prayer-list ___________________________________________________________ JESUS JOBS! During advent, as we prepare and look forward to the Gift of Life, we will be having a significant emphasis on our Job for Jesus in 2013. Have you signed up for a job? Each Sunday we will take a moment to emphasize various jobs, explain better the concept, and encourage each and everyone of us who is willing and able to make a commitment. We will celebrate the commitments we’ve made before God and one another early January, as we start of the new year.
Prayer: God, how may I serve you at WPC in 2013?
Other “goings-on” of interest to all:
- Calling all actors for this year’s Christmas Pageant. It will be performed at the Christmas Eve service, 7pm on Dec. 24th. This year’s pageant will be from the shepherds’ viewpoint, so we need lots of shepherds and a few angels, as well as the holy family. We always have a good time rehearsing and preparing for the special day. Call or email Cindy Piatt if you want to be involved. 983-6554 or [email protected]
- Poinsettias for Christmas Sunday: Please bring a poinsettia to decorate the Sanctuary on Christmas Sunday (12/23). If you wish, you can drop off your poinsettia during office hours this coming week. If the poinsettia is in memory of a loved one, send the name(s) to Helen so that she can compile a list to be printed in next Sunday’s bulletin. Place your name on the Poinsettia if you wish to claim it later.
- The combined Hand-Bell choirs of Westminster and First Presbyterian churches will present a Joint Hand-Bell Concert at 5:30 pm on Friday, December 21st, at the First Presbyterian Church, 208 Grant Ave. The concert will be a benefit for the Interfaith Community Shelter, for which freewill donations will be requested.
- Each year we participate in the Alternative Christmas Program at First Church. We display a couple of CWS Blankets which can be purchased for $5. These blankets are given to people in need around the world. It looks like we will not be participating this year because the box with the 2-3 blankets that is usually stored at the church, is missing. If anyone knows the whereabouts of this box, which includes cards left from last year, please call Barbara. 466-1139; 670-6261
- Policy Advocacy 101 for People of Faith, Saturday, January 12, 8-11, First Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe, 208 Grant Avenue — Come to a wonderful breakfast prepared by the men of First Presbyterian and learn how you can make a difference. Presentation of advocacy by Rev. Holly Beaumont and Ruth Hoffman. Information on getting involved in various issues, including environment and climate change. Co-sponsored by Westminster Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, Santa Fe; New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, Lutheran Advocacy of New Mexico and New Mexico Interfaith Worker Justice.
- Men of Westminster! Establish your need for a new coat for Christmas by bringing your used/serviceable coats to the big box in the Fellowship Hall. Deadline is December 6th! They’ll become Christmas presents to be distributed during the Christmas Party sponsored by the Amigos del Parquefor the day laborers who have become such a vital part of Santa Fe’s community.
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD
“Campus Cupboard thanks all of the members of Westminster Church who donated food to it. The second box was picked up on November 20. You all donated almost 100 pounds of food that was eagerly taken by SFCC community members. Each week, new members sign up for help. They are so appreciative of the help we can give them. And we, in turn, are appreciative of the help you gave us! Together, we’re feeding students’ success at SFCC!” — Kay Bird Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.” There is a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce. There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors. _____________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday at 5:30 pm, November 30 the High Desert Harp Ensemble and the Chancel Bell Choir will play music of the season.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: MorningSong service
9:45 – 10:45 am: Children’s Classes
9:45 – 10:45 am: Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as those participating knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting.
************************************************ 11/23/12 – Westminster Weekend Update /
El Semanario de Westminster por 11/23/12
SUNDAY, Nov. 25th, Christ the King Sunday
“What Good is Gratitude?”, Pat Slentz, guest preacher
Scripture:Colossians 3: 12-17
___________________________________________________________ From Sallie Watson, Regional Presbyter We have all been troubled in recent days with the news emanating from Israel and Gaza. PC(USA)’s Stated Clerk, Gradye Parsons, who has issued the following statement on our behalf: “We join with the Secretary General of the United Nations and others who have called for a de-escalation of the violence involving Israel and Hamas in Gaza and southern Israel. The combination of attacks on Israeli patrols, the launching of rockets against Israeli communities, and the violent response of the Israeli Defense Force all have contributed to a dangerous escalation of violence which is counterproductive for all parties. “Our General Assembly and our leaders have often and unequivocally condemned the launching of rockets from Gaza against Israeli citizens in the surrounding areas. There can be no justification for the terror and injury that these attacks have produced; and every such act has produced counter violence on the part of Israel, often resulting in greater loss of life. The reverse is also true. On occasion, the Israelis have initiated attacks on Gaza producing similar terror and injury, and resulting in rockets being fired by Palestinians in retaliation. “Our General Assemblies have called over and over again for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, with its daily humiliation of Palestinian citizens and continual encroachment on Palestinian territory. It should be clear to anyone with eyes to see, that the occupation, with its oppression of the Palestinian population, is a form of systemic violence which remains a barrier to peace which must be removed. “Retaliation always bears bitter fruit, and pushes the hope for peace farther away from fruition. We urge all parties to cease this cycle of violence and sit down together in the cause of peace, not revenge.” Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers. For the sake of my kindred and companions, I pray for your prosperity. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek to do you good.” (Psalm 122:6-9, from the Book of Common Worship) ___________________________________________________________ The guest preacher on Sunday isPat Slentz, a certified lay pastor with the Presbytery of Santa Fe. She lives in Los Alamos and serves as chaplain at Los Alamos Medical Center and chaplain for Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service Hospice. Chester returns from vacation on November 29th. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact the church office or Rev. Richard Avery (983-8303). ___________________________________________________________ Office Hours Tuesday thru Friday, 9-1 Helen Newton, Office Administrator, 983-8939, wpcsantafe @gmail.com Rev. Chester Topple, Pastor, 795-4890, [email protected] Rev. Georgia Ortiz, Parish Associate, 505-692-9599, [email protected] Rev. Richard Avery, Music Director, 983-8303, [email protected] ___________________________________________________________ OREMOS POR: The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/news/prayer-list ___________________________________________________________
2012 WESTMINSTER ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
Saturday, November 24, 9-4 AND Sunday, November 25, noon – 3
Artfully creative Members and Friends will have their crafts for sale.
Shop for wonderful gifts for the Holidays!
___________________________________________________________ Looking Ahead: Upcoming in the next 4 Sundays
- This week, November 25 – Christ the King Sunday and Agape Fast.
Pat Slentz, preaching
- Next week, December 2 – First Sunday of Advent. Peace group will meet before Service.
- December 9 – Second Sunday of Advent and Noisy Coin Toss.
- December 16 – Third Sunday of Advent.
___________________________________________________________ JESUS JOBS! Desiree Burnett told me (Chester) Sunday she would take Nursery Manager. If you were thinking of that one for yourself, you can ask her if she would like some help, but how great to have her signing up for that job for 2013. Have you signed up for a Jesus Job yet? There are plenty of spaces yet to fill. The board needs to be updated a bit (which, I’ll work on when I’m back from Georgia), but until then, be praying about what you may want to do. Consider being part of the Pastoral Care team: Working together with the Pastor (Chester) you would be part of a group who would help to provide care for those who are experiencing a crisis, or who are homebound, including serving communion. We are seeking 3-4 people to be part of this group. This is where faith is deepened in a very profound way, through a ministry of compassion. Missio Dei, Chair – This group seeks to lead the congregation in participating in God’s mission in the world and has been responsible for raising and allocating funds for various mission projects. It also seeks ways to engage the congregation in service. Lead the church in being disciples of Christ; is God calling you to chair this group! (The group would need to confirm your leadership). The group would be working in conjunction with a Service Project Coordinator, and the Peacemaking group. Sanctuary Set-up person: Arrive a little before 11 on Sundays, and before special worship services, and make sure the place is picked up, hymns, bibles, and offering envelops are in place, and that the sound system and mics are on and functioning well. Be willing to help set up other equipment (such as the projector) on occasion as needed. This would be a HUGE help!
Other “goings-on” of interest to all:
- At Westminster’s Agape Fast this Sunday, Nov 25th, following the church service, there will be a discussion on the Dream Act, led by Victoria Ferrara, a prominent immigration lawyer and immigrant-rights activist, and several of Santa Fe’s “undocumented” students who would be affected by passage of the Dream Act. Not to be missed, neither for the presentation nor for Barbara & Donna’s homemade soups!
- Any child wishing to have a role in the WPC/ First Christmas Pageant, please contact Cindy Piatt, 983-6554 or [email protected]. The pageant will be December 24th at 4pm at WPC.
- The handbell choirs of Westminster and First Presbyterian churches will present a Joint Handbell Concert at 5:30 pm on Friday, December 21st, with free-will donations to benefit the Interfaith Community Shelter
- Policy Advocacy 101 for People of Faith, Saturday, January 12, 8-11, First Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe, 208 Grant Avenue — Come to a wonderful breakfast prepared by the men of First Presbyterian and learn how you can make a difference. Presentation of advocacy by Rev. Holly Beaumont and Ruth Hoffman. Information on getting involved in various issues, including environment and climate change. Co-sponsored by Westminster Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, Santa Fe; New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, Lutheran Advocacy of New Mexico and New Mexico Interfaith Worker Justice.
- Kudos to WPC family & friends: Once again, Westminster stepped up to take the first week of the opening of the Interfaith Shelter, October 28 – November 2. Hats off to Coordinators Milee Rotunno, Louise Singleton, Dick Fallis, David Anderson, Liz Ethelbah, Dwight Walker and Steve Brugger. They recruited 66 WPC family members and friends to donate their time and money to serve the guests that week. Combined with their volunteers and the time they gave, that is a total of 73 WPC family members and friends! What a tribute to our little church with a big heart! Many thanks to all 73 WPC family members and friends.
- Men of Westminster! Establish your need for a new coat for Christmas by bringing your used/serviceable coats to the big box in the Fellowship Hall. Deadline is December 6th! They’ll become Christmas presents to be distributed during the Christmas Party sponsored by the Amigos del Parque for the day laborers who have become such a vital part of Santa Fe’s community.
- From Barbara Medina -– Needed for Shelter Shower Program: large bottles of shampoo, body wash (or all in one), foot powder and razors. You can drop them off at the shelter or bring to Barbara (670-6261).
- The combined handbell choirs of Westminster and First Presbyterian churches will be giving a joint concert on Friday, 21 December, at 5:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 208 Grant Ave. The concert will be a benefit for the Interfaith Community Shelter, for which freewill donations will be requested.
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD
“Campus Cupboard thanks all of the members of Westminster Church who donated food to it. The second box was picked up on November 20. You all donated almost 100 pounds of food that was eagerly taken by SFCC community members. Each week, new members sign up for help. They are so appreciative of the help we can give them. And we, in turn, are appreciative of the help you gave us! Together, we’re feeding students’ success at SFCC!” — Kay Bird Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.” There is a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce. There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors. _____________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday at 5:30 pm, November 23rd features Vickie Hudimac on piano, playing music of Debussy.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: MorningSong service 9:45 – 10:45 am: Children’s Classes 9:45 – 10:45 am: Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as those participating knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting.
************************************************ 11/16/12 – Westminster Weekend Update / El Semanario de Westminster por 11/16/12
SUNDAY, Nov. 18th, Joint Worship Service with the Korean Congregation, followed by an international pot-luck.
All are welcome, bring your favorite dish.
Scripture: Micah 6:6-8
___________________________________________________________ Queridos Todos: This Sunday we celebrate our lives together with the Korean congregation. The service will be at least tri-lingual: perhaps more languages will be spoken – the gift of tongues. The Korean congregation and the WPC congregation have been in relationship for nearly 20 years. We will worship together – preaching on Micah 6:6-8, including communion, and then, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we will share in a pot-luck. Please bring one of your favorite dishes to share. If you aren’t sure what to bring consider if your last name begins with the following letters: A-F – Beverage G-L – Side or Salad M-R – Bread or Dessert S-Z – Main Always nice to have vegetarian/vegan/gluten free options if you are so inclined. Feel free to bring something with an international flare, as it’s fun to celebrate our multicultural reality. As always, we need people to help set up and to clean up. In case you haven’t realized it, I’m not such a good organizer, and, by default, I’m attempting to organize this … so any and all help will be much appreciated by all. If you can help set up, please show up at 10 am. And if you can help clean up, plan to do so. After two weeks of stewardship, we move to two weeks of gratitude, this Sunday and the next. Gratitude for all that God is in our lives. Sometimes, gratitude isn’t the first thing we think of when we look at our current reality. There are many things that just don’t seem to be the way we should. But, what happens if, as suggested/recommended by Paul, we give thanks to God in all circumstances. Put that into practice; how does it frame our outlook. Even now as I write, as I think about this and some of the things I’ve been worrying about … my brow is becoming unfurrowed … my frown is turning upside-down – I’m for-real ! Peace be with us all, Chester ___________________________________________________________ Chester, Trasie and the girls will be in Georgia over Thanksgiving, Nov 21-28. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact the church office or Rev. Richard Avery (983-8303). ___________________________________________________________ Office Hours Tuesday thru Friday, 9-1 (NOTE: Office Closed 11/22 & 23) Helen Newton, Office Administrator, 505-983-8939, wpcsantafe @gmail.com Rev. Chester Topple, Pastor, 505-795-4890, [email protected] Rev. Georgia Ortiz, Parish Associate, 505-692-9599, [email protected] ___________________________________________________________ OREMOS POR: The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/news/prayer-list An update: We received this note from Keri Brinegar regarding her mother, Karole Felts. “Thank you all for your prayers on my mom’s behalf these last couple of months. Yesterday, my mom was able to have the trach-tube removed. This now means that all will go back to “normal” & that she can go home once she’s done with rehab. We are praying that can take place by Christmas. WPC is our extended family & we love you so very much! ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Looking Ahead: Upcoming in the next 4 Sundays
- This week, November 18 – Joint worship service with the Korean congregation and international pot-luck. Please bring a dish to share for this time of Thanksgiving celebration.
- Next week, November 25 – Christ the King Sunday and Agape Fast.
Pat Slentz preaching and playing the organ.
- December 2 – First Sunday of Advent.
- December 9 – Second Sunday of Advent and Noisy Coin Toss.
___________________________________________________________ JESUS JOBS! Micah Frish, who is 10, came up to me after church last week and said he wanted to sign up for two jobs: Usher and Money Counter. Jim Muirhead spoke with me later in the week and when speaking about Jobs for Jesus he did a fist pump…saying Great! That’s what I’m talking about. Enthusiasm to serve. Many opportunities are available, some jobs have yet to be identified, but are in your heart and mind. How is God calling you to serve the church next year? Here are some ideas: Special Events Coordinator - Speaking of my not so great organizing skills when it comes to the pot-luck dinner with the Koreans, this person would help to coordinate those kinds of events. He/She would have a number of people to go to when an event is coming up. Some of the events, in addition to the Korean pot-luck, may be a Thanksgiving Dinner, snacks and punch after the Christmas Eve service, 4th of July cook out. There aren’t a ton of special events, but it certainly is an important role (as are all the Jobs). Stage Manager – Ever since arriving at WPC, two phrases have been thrown out many times: “Have you checked the stage?” and “Store it on the stage.” That place can get OVERRUN, but not if someone is able to manage it…organize it, keep it cleaned up. It could even be where books from the library are kept in order for us to have more space in the social hall (and put an additional heater down there).
Social Projects Coordinator: How cool would it be to to help the community get plugged into some neat service opportunities in our community and beyond? This job would be one in which opportunities that are happening in the community are identified and advertised, but also, one in which a few projects could be planned for the community during the year, such as an adobes in action adobe making day. Also, this person would identify the types of service being done by individuals and groups in the community and brag about them…because no one really wants to brag about themselves
.
Other “goings-on” of interest to all:
- Tonight, Friday Nov 16th, join the 7:00 p.m. presentation and discussion on “The True Cost of Coal,” at the Santa Fe Center of Art & Design, 1600 St Michael’s, Thaw Art Center, Room 509.
- Thanksgiving Dinner is a “Go” – Lois Morton needs to have your firm commitment no later than this Sunday (11/18), so that there is enough Turkey for all. Guests are cordially welcome. Call Lois (982-5882) or sign up in the Social Hall after church.
- At Westminster’s Agape Fast next Sunday, Nov 25th, following the church service, there will be a discussion on the Dream Act, led by Victoria Ferrara, a prominent immigration lawyer and immigrant-rights activist, and several of Santa Fe’s “undocumented” students who would be affected by passage of the Dream Act. Not to be missed, neither for the presentation nor for Barbara & Donna’s homemade soups!
- Men of Westminster! Establish your need for a new coat for Christmas by bringing your used/serviceable coats to the big box in the Fellowship Hall. Deadline is December 6th! They’ll become Christmas presents to be distributed during the Christmas Party sponsored by the Amigos del Parque for the day laborers who have become such a vital part of Santa Fe’s community.
- From Barbara Medina -– Needed for Shelter Shower Program:large bottles of shampoo, body wash, (or all in one ), foot powder,and razors. You can drop them off at the shelter or bring to Barbara. For questions call Barbara (670-6261).
- The combined handbell choirs of Westminster and First Presbyterian churches will be giving a joint concert on Friday, 21 December, at 5:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 208 Grant Ave. The concert will be a benefit for the Interfaith Community Shelter, for which freewill donations will be requested.
- Railyard Park Flyer -- This week, the office received an interesting flyer about the Railyard Park. You can read it at:
mehttp://hosted.verticalresponse.com/1204083/e088663c24/542568031/c375700faa/eting this coming week.
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD
“Campus Cupboard thanks all of the members of Westminster Church who donated food to it. The first box was picked up on August 22. You all donated 62.25 pounds of food that was eagerly taken by SFCC community members. Each week, new members sign up for help. They are so appreciative of the help we can give them. And we, in turn, are appreciative of the help you gave us! Together, we’re feeding students’ success at SFCC!” — Kay Bird Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.” There is a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce. There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors. _____________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday at 5:30 pm, November 16 features duo pianists Lauryn Bomse and David Bolotin.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: MorningSong service 9:45 – 10:45 am: Children’s Classes 9:45 – 10:45 am: Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as those participating knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting.
************************************************ 11/2/12 – Westminster weekend / El Semanario de Westminster por 11/2/12 SUNDAY, November 4th, Pre-Stewardship Sunday, Sermon Title: “Water”, Rev. Chester Topple, preaching Scripture: Amos 5: 21-24 ___________________________________________________________ Queridos Todos: On Tuesday evening, I was driving to the shelter around 6:30 pm. When I pulled into the right turn lane, my car lights shined on a man who was practically passed out in the middle of that lane. Had I not seen him, I would have had a terrible run in. The car that was to my immediate left stopped at the same time I did, having also seen the man. We all got out. Someone in that party called 911. Two empty beer cans were the trail between the man, Thomas G., who has been around the church, and the curb where he presumably consumed them. After taking him off the street, and things settled down a bit, I drove my car to the parking lot, parked in front of the building, and this time my lights shown on another man humped over. When I got out of the car, I went to speak with him, and recognized him to be another person who has spent a lot of time around the church building. In slurred, but kind, words he spoke to me. I spent a little time with him, before going inside to be greeted by Keith F. and Jim M. at the door. They introduced me to a few guests they had just gotten to know. I saw some familiar faces from years past among the guests. They were happy to be back “home” for the winter. Dick F. greeted me in the kitchen and served me some amazing Pozole, which he and Kevin H. had prepared earlier. I waved to Krista P. who was washing dishes. I grabbed my bowl and sat to eat. Soon, I was joined by Bruce W, Erik M, Dick, Paul F., and two guests, an older long grey bearded man, whose name I didn’t catch, and later Andrew, a younger Hopi man, who shared with me common joys we experience at parents. This week, 10/27-11/3, WPC has been hosting the just-in-the-nick-of-time opened Winter Shelter (at Pete’s Pets). It is amazing to see our community of Santa Fe come together in this unique encounter – a blend of suffering and joy, struggle and relief – a spectrum on which we all find ourselves. Would it be that God would just alleviate all trials experienced in life? How, then, would people come together in such a raw, yet, authentic space. The shelter experience can be called a thin place, where we encounter the Divine – encounter Jesus – again and again, which is why we keep coming back, even while we work to alleviate the suffering we experience and witness in this world. Thanks be to God for this beloved community. Peace, Chester ___________________________________________________________ Office Hours Tuesday thru Friday, 9-1 Helen Newton, Office Administrator, 505-983-8939, wpcsantafe @gmail.com Rev. Chester Topple, Pastor, 505-795-4890, [email protected] Rev. Georgia Ortiz, Parish Associate, 505-692-9599, [email protected] ___________________________________________________________ OREMOS POR: OREMOS POR: The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/news/prayer-list ___________________________________________________________ Looking Ahead: Upcoming in the next 4 Sundays
- This Sunday, Nov 4, during the Prayers of the People, there will be an opportunity pray for “todos los muertos/ santos”: the saints and loved ones who have gone before us. If you would like for Chester to pray for someone in particular, email him ([email protected]) or pass him a note Sunday morning.
- Next week, November 11, is stewardship pledge Sunday and luncheon. Please remember to bring your pledge card to church or send it to the church office. And please RSVP to the luncheon to Helen by Wednesday, November 7.
- November 18 – Joint worship service with the Korean congregation and international pot-luck. Please bring a dish to share for this time of Thanksgiving celebration.
- November 25 – Christ the King Sunday and continued thanksgiving. A Thanksgiving Celebration filled with music and songs giving thanks for our lives in Christ.
___________________________________________________________
A TIME TO THINK ABOUT OUR LIFE TOGETHER
November 4, the first Stewardship Sunday, we think together and individually about Giving God of our Time – an opportunity to think about our internal life as a congregation and what we can each do to make it joyful and spirit filled. This Sunday, together, we will look at: Small group 2013 budget feedback — Where do you think WPC should be spending its resources? Where would you put the emphasis? What do you think is being neglected? After church on Sunday, small groups will gather in the social hall to hear and discuss your thinking. Come, and let your ideas be part of the decision making process. Jobs for Jesus. Year in and year out the many tasks of the church are done by the faithful. How do we better acknowledge the work of those who do so much? How do we open up space for as many as are willing to participate in the work that is so essential to church vitality? Various groups (Session, Nominating Committee, Deacons) and individuals have been gathering up all the jobs and responsibilities that make our church go. We are a “do it ourselves” congregation! This week a wall of “job” opportunities has been put up on the sanctuary (yes the sanctuary) wall – It’s the big Jobs for Jesus board. Over the next few weeks, probably until the end of the year, each of us will be asked to consider how God may be calling any and all of us to serve in a unique way. Where are you led to contribute your interest, time, and talent in 2013? Take on a task, and be responsible for it an entire year. Many jobs are included, but there are some that may not be there. What ideas do you have about ways you can contribute, be part of, live into your God given gifts, that aren’t on the big board? Name your job, is an option!! If you have questions about a responsibility, ask someone who has done it in the past, or ask an elder or deacon, or ask Chester. If you think someone is already doing it, sign up anyway; if there are multiple names for a task that doesn’t need more than one person, maybe you can partner up, or you can rock paper scissors for it (this is biblical by the way- it was called casting lots back in the day). Let the community know you’re interested, and your interest! If you are not sure what you would like to do, please add your name to the cluster that interests you (you’ll see the clusters on the big board). There will be a marker and name cards you can use to put your name on the Jobs for Jesus wall as part of the service. Pray about where God is nudging you to give of your time, and let’s see how God continues to do amazing things with, through, and among this community of beloved disciples. Everyone (from the youngest to the oldest) has something they can offer! May the Holy Spirit fill our lives and this community of faith in the month in which we give thanks to God for all that we are. ___________________________________________________________ Other “goings-on” of interest to all:
- From Andrew Black -– Join the “Get Out the Vote” campaign on Saturday, 3rd. Volunteers will train at 9:00 a.m. at 1420 Cerrillos Road on how to encourage voter turn-out.
- From Keri Brinegar: “A quick update on my mom … I was able to be with her all day last Wednesday. She had a great day!! She was 100% off the ventilator for 6 hours. And she accomplished physical therapy while off the vent, too. Thank you so much for the prayers & keep them a comin’!! Paz – Keri”
- God Spead – After a wonderful two and a half month visit, Terrie and Larry Adams, Trasie’s parents are heading back to Georgia. Trasie, Chester and girls will see them off with a trip to Carlsbad, Nov. 5-8. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact Rev. Georgia Ortiz or Rev. Richard Avery.
- WoW news: The women had a wonderful time at the NM History on Saturday. The St. John’s Bible Exhibit is really a work of love, great art and calligraphy. The story is close to home since the leader of the project spend time at “Christ in the Desert” monastery out from Abiquiu. The video tells the story. Everyone should make it a point to visit. Sundays are free!
- Thanksgiving Dinner Anyone? – Lois Morton would like to know if there are people interested in having Thanksgiving Dinner at the church. She will provide the turkey and will coordinate the remainder of the fixin’s. Guests are cordially welcome. Call Lois (982-5882) or sign up in the Social Hall after church.
- “2012 marks significant anniversaries in Tucson: 30th Anniversary of the Sanctuary Movement, 25th Anniversary of BorderLinks, and 10th Anniversary of Samaritans. As we celebrate this history of resistance and struggle in our borderlands, we also need to discover new ways of responding to the injustices that continue to plague our communities because La Luche Sigue! November 30 – Dec 1. Join us for two days of conversation and organizing because the struggle must continue!” We already have 4 people from WPC planning to attend. Will you join us? Contacts: Theresa Garcia (757-3357) or Barbara Medina (670-6261). Let’s get another car full.
- Cafe Justo Delegation to Chiapas Mexico, Nov 9-18. A full scholarship is available to join a delegation visiting Chiapas, MX, where the coffee that is Justo, is grown. Please contact Chester if you are interested. All you have to do is get to and from Agua Prieta, MX, the rest is covered.
- Support girls’ authenticity — spread the word about Storytellers! Openings in Storytellers narrative growth groups for girls (age 12 and up) and women are now available, with the first groups starting early next year in Santa Fe. Storytellers provides for participants the opportunity to accept and love their life stories and, ultimately, themselves. Through ceremony, transformational tools, interactive exercises, and development of trust with other group members, girls and women can learn to use their authentic voices and hopefully avoid harmful issues that often show up in adolescence. Here’s a link to a radio interview I did about Storytellers that was aired here on October 20, 2012 on Humanity: The Experience on 1260AM (Santa Fe) – http://www.santafe.com/podcasts/listen/humanity-the-experience-oct.-20-2012. Please be free to call Ellen Antell (505.577.3930, [email protected]) with your specific questions about the Storytellers process.
- RILKE PRESENTATION AND BOOKSIGNING AT UNITED CHURCH OF SANTA FE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 5 – 6:30 PM — Join poet, scholar, and translator Prof. Mark S. Burrows, who will speak on the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke at the United Church of Santa Fe on Saturday, November 10, from 5 – 6:30. Free and open to the public. For more information, call the church office at 988-3295 or seewww.unitedchurchofsantafe.org. Dr. Burrows’ talk, “I Believe in Nights: Rainer Maria Rilke and the Spiritual Search,” explores the startling voice released in these poems, which remain a startling bearer of insight for contemporary seekers. For more information on Dr. Burrows, see www.msburrows.com.
- REGIONAL PONDERINGS for November 1, 2012 – Sallie Watson’s most recent mailing concerning happenings in New Mexico and the wider world can be found by clicking here:http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=l4g57icab&v=001bNaaDsMZRRdqGh0_QcHQZIZo7Y7UWj1tQRTJg-H4ky_5SCDu1Lmd3_-D8HjiLXvqI6iCac5lNZbfqwdJMnJBISAzLeWmn2S3gcPcDznL4_Z1UIyHTYuepDLiUOPHnR__xWGnKOVGdmU8FN-4Gdx0z7unAeyU_Oy6GyEniuhwAnJhtvBq7blzyAyK0fvT2Q_-kFs0V1DtZPUS5JH6T8qj-Y76bczDjb_6ACzOUTKszId8L0UCxZ5HtsYYHI_kgOmRbrHw_X-ym3l5XYc7w00SPpzjdLeT9goI_vuSKeWc1FdZg_W-p6oU-VGkMUXJikgUB1-TOM4yS9Wh3RrfrMPquY8a74lYdMVHhYLbQswFG9320h0xdaXOLg%3D%3D
- MEN’S COATS GREATLY NEEDED to be given as gifts at the annual Christmas party held by Amigos del Parque for the day laborers and their families on Dec 6th. New or serviceable. Let’s fill the big box in the Fellowship Hall!
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD
“Campus Cupboard thanks all of the members of Westminster Church who donated food to it. The first box was picked up on August 22. You all donated 62.25 pounds of food that was eagerly taken by SFCC community members. Each week, new members sign up for help. They are so appreciative of the help we can give them. And we, in turn, are appreciative of the help you gave us! Together, we’re feeding students’ success at SFCC!” — Kay Bird Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.” There is a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce. There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors. _____________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, October 26th, at 5:30 pm, Duo pianists Linda Mack and C. Scott Hagler.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: MorningSong service 9:45 – 10:45 am: Children’s Classes 9:45 – 10:45 am: Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
************************************************ WEEKEND UPDATE for October 26, 2012 SUNDAY, October 28th— “False Dichotomies”, Rev. Dr. Georgia Ortiz, preaching Scripture: John 13: 1-17, 33-35 “The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the
most vital and artistic of human actions” … Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! Queridos Todos: The Rev. Georgia Ortiz will be preaching this weekend on service. Jesus demonstrates service by washing his disciples stanky calloused feet. He says, disciples will be known through their service. Do you think every morning, how might I serve others today?! Do you look forward to unexpected opportunities to serve? I don’t. But, I wonder what would happen if I did. When my JV soccer boys do a poor job picking up equipment after practice, and I find I’m there searching for stray balls and cones, do I thank God for the opportunity to serve, or think “those lazy good-for-nothings” . Which would be the better choice? When there is a pile of dishes in the sink and I’ve washed the previous two piles, do I resent that I have to do it again, or see it as a chance to serve? We often think of real christian service as that we will be doing at the homeless shelter beginning Sunday, or some other work when there is a significant power differential in the relationship. But, Jesus encouraged disciples to not just serve those who were “more lowly” but to serve everyone – don’t consider the power differential. Think about family, co-workers, co-residents, friends, strangers, anyone as people we could look forward to serving when given an opportunity – a gift from God. I look forward to many of you serving me, and me serving many of you this Sunday! Peace, Chester ___________________________________________________________ Office Hours Tuesday thru Friday, 9-1 Helen Newton, Office Administrator, 505-983-8939, wpcsantafe @gmail.com Rev. Chester Topple, Pastor, 505-795-4890, [email protected] Rev. Georgia Ortiz, Parish Associate, 505-692-9599, [email protected] ___________________________________________________________ OREMOS POR: OREMOS POR: The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/news/prayer-list ___________________________________________________________ Upcoming in the next 4 Sundays and other days: Oct 28-Nov 3 – WPC hosts the first week of the winter shelter. If you would like to help out, contact Donna O ([email protected]) or Barbara M ([email protected]). Nov 4 – PRE-stewardship Sunday (Post All Saints day: If you would like the name of a deceased loved one to be spoken this Sunday, please email that name to Chester: [email protected]). Be sure to plan to stay after church to be part of table discussions about what YOU want WPC to be. These discussions are vital to the budget planning process currently underway. Nov 11 – Stewardship Sunday followed by a celebration dinner in the social hall. Nov 18 – joint worship with the Korean church, followed by a pot-luck. Other “goings-on” of interest to all:
- Bread for the World — LET’S WRITE 150 LETTERS! On Sunday, October 28th Westminster will give our Offering of Letters. At our Agape Fast that day, Bread for the Worldinvites us to write personal letters to Congress in support of anti-hunger programs. This year we will urge Representative Lujan and Senators Bingaman and Udall to maintain the “Circle of Protection” around Federal anti-hunger programs. Personal letters from an entire congregation really do alert our legislators to a major concern. The members of Missio Dei hope that every Westminster member and friend will come to Agape Fast on October 28th and write a personal letter to each of our three representatives and senators. Model letters, stationery, pens and Bead for the World brochures will be abundant. 150 letters is our goal. You will also learn more about Bread for the World’s effective Christian advocacy program to end hunger in our country and throughout the world.
- The New Mexico History Museum has lined up a tour guide for us for next Saturday October 27 to view the exhibit ILLUMINATING THE WORD: THE SAINT JOHN BIBLE. This is a beautiful exhibit. “The exhibitions wind around a central meditation space that has built a sense of calmness—one that visitors say they deeply enjoy.” People are traveling from around the country to see this exhibit. It includes pages from the Wisdom Books and the prophets and shows how the artists worked over many years to produce the Bible. We need 10 women to make the tour a go. I hope we can make it a women’s day out – maybe have lunch at the café afterwards. Cost is $9, $6 admission (free to members) and $3 for the tour. RSVP to me ASAP (988-5556 or [email protected])! We can invite the women from First Presbyterian also. It’s a busy time in the life of the church, but this could be a time of refreshment!
- WPC Hosting the Interfaith Community Shelter starts this Sunday, October 28 through Saturday, November 3. If you are not scheduled to help one night this week, and would like to do so, please call Donna Ormerod – 570-0965
- Jesus Jobs 2013 – The community of Westminster is seeking to explore a new model of service to one another in 2013. We’re calling it Jesus Jobs. The work of the church is to glorify God, and one way we do this is through service to one another. There are many aspects of keeping church life functioning well. How might as many of us as are able and willing be able to give to the community through service? Soon a board will appear in the sanctuary with some of the jobs and people will be asked to put their name by one they feel they are willing to be responsible for doing in 2013. Anyone can have a job, and give in a particular way as they feel called. There may be some jobs that aren’t up on the board that you can put up there. We hope to fill the board with jobs and names up to the end of the year, and celebrate at the beginning of the year the commitment we are making to one another and this community through particular service. Let’s give it a shot, have fun, and thank God for an opportunity to serve one another.
- Support girls’ authenticity — spread the word about Storytellers! Openings in Storytellers narrative growth groups for girls (age 12 and up) and women are now available, with the first groups starting early next year in Santa Fe. Storytellers provides for participants the opportunity to accept and love their life stories and, ultimately, themselves. Through ceremony, transformational tools, interactive exercises, and development of trust with other group members, girls and women can learn to use their authentic voices and hopefully avoid harmful issues that often show up in adolescence. Here’s a link to a radio interview I did about Storytellers that was aired here on October 20, 2012 on Humanity: The Experience on 1260AM (Santa Fe) – http://www.santafe.com/podcasts/listen/humanity-the-experience-oct.-20-2012. Please be free to call Ellen Antell (505.577.3930, [email protected]) with your specific questions about the Storytellers process.
- RILKE PRESENTATION AND BOOKSIGNING AT UNITED CHURCH OF SANTA FE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 5 – 6:30 PM — Join poet, scholar, and translator Prof. Mark S. Burrows, who will speak on the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke at the United Church of Santa Fe on Saturday, November 10, from 5 – 6:30. Free and open to the public. For more information, call the church office at 988-3295 or seewww.unitedchurchofsantafe.org. Dr. Burrows’ talk, “I Believe in Nights: Rainer Maria Rilke and the Spiritual Search,” explores the startling voice released in these poems, which remain a startling bearer of insight for contemporary seekers. For more information on Dr. Burrows, see www.msburrows.com.
- Finally from Chester … Please let him know you read this, so we can get a “feel” for who pays attention to these mailings and actually read this far down (in red to draw your attention): Politically speaking: As we get geared up to vote and prepare for the results, I find it fascinating to hear from other voices that aren’t part of the two major national parties who would ask for our vote, including that of former NM Gov. Gary Johnson. These people have been excluded from the major debates and are ignored by the media. The Presbyterian Brief Statement of Faith encourages us as people of faith to speak for those who have been silenced…in light of that, I (Chester) encourage you to watch a third party debate, moderated by Larry King, which can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoNPO4h2quk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
___________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, October 26th, at 5:30 pm, Duo pianists Linda Mack and C. Scott Hagler.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: MorningSong service 9:45 – 10:45 am: Children’s Classes 9:45 – 10:45 am: Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
************************************************ WEEKEND UPDATE for October 19, 2012 SUNDAY, October 21st— “The Twenty-Third Psalm“, a sermon by Rev. Dr. Robert W. Miles, preached on February 5, 1950 Scripture: Psalm 23 Continuing the Fall series: “Familiar, Frightening, & ‘Far Out’ Hebrew Scripture Passages” BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! FIX UP WESTMINSTER WORKDAY – TOMORROW … SEE BELOW Queridos Todos: What does “gospel” mean to you? Now, that you’ve said what you think of it: How do you live it? Who is someone with whom you can model healthy relationship? Where is one place where you can give and receive love? There’s a story of a man who went to visit Mother Teresa because he felt that there in Calcutta the gospel was truly being lived in community. He was amazed at the grace displayed by the sisters and the residents toward one another, and wondered how he could experience that kind of life in community. When he asked Mother Teresa about this she responded, “There are Calcuttas everywhere, find your Calcutta and make a difference there.” This is what he did. Sunday was such a special day for me last week. The ordination of Claudia Aguilar to the ministry of Word and Sacrament was a testament to this community of faith’s commitment to nurturing one another in the faith. Claudia began the process of ordination three years ago, and now she will be serving the church in a new and life giving way through student services at Columbia Theological Seminary. After the ordination the gathering in the social hall was filled with joy, laughter, good conversation, beautiful Spanish guitar music played by Nick Cordova, and amazing food. I ate three plates! At one point I looked up and thought to my self, here I have a vision of the kingdom. What a gift to be able to get such glimpses from time to time. We aren’t doing the same work of Mother Teresa and the sisters of Calcutta, but we are doing the work of the kingdom…and we continue to do so as we model a community where love can be given and received. Thanks be to God. OREMOS POR: OREMOS POR: The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/news/prayer-list Spanish Supper a Great Success! The hard work–and the amazing generosity of many of our members and friends–resulted in an evening that was not only great fellowship but also a great financial success, garnering $1,475 toward scholarships for participation in next Spring’s trip to Cuba. There were no food costs to be reimbursed because of folks like Margaret Sandoval, who purchased all those tamales sabrosos from Pecos, Kathy Ytuarte and Milee Griego-Rotunno who provided the enchiladas tan ricas and Terry Garcia who spent many hours on the frijoles y posole delicioso. Carol Lujan, JoAnn Padilla & Esther Griego’s chili remains an important part of Westminster’s heritage. Even the lesser ingredients like flour and cooking oil and honey for the sopaipillas, and shortening for Terry and Sonja Padilla’s biscochitos, were donated. The beautiful weather enabled Orlando Garcia to set up the sopaipilla pot in the patio, so he wasn’t in the way of all those many cocineras in the kitchen. There were so many guests that there was no room for a ticket table, so Charles Ortiz stood for almost two hours selling and collecting tickets. The cooks in the kitchen, servers, dishwashers, setters-up, cleaners-up, are too many to list, except for expressing our gratitude to “the kids” who aren’t kids anymore–Gigi Garcia and Dira Brugger in the kitchen, and Gabe & James Rotunno who moved all the heavy furniture in the Fellowship Hall and set up/took down all the tables and chairs. A delightful addition to the supper was this year’s classical guitar by Nicky Cordova, with microphone support by Holly Roach! Muchisimas Gracias todos!! What’s going on in the next few days/weeks/months:
- Work Day will be Saturday, October 20 from 9 – NOON. There are lots of tasks available … help fix-up/spruce-up Westminster before winter. Lunch may be provided.
- This from Andrew Black -– Not up to Westminster’s Work Day manana, Saturday, 20th? Then join the “Get Out the Vote” campaign on Saturday, 20th, which is the first day of state-wide early voting. Volunteers will train at 9:00 a.m. at 1420 Cerrillos Road on how to encourage voter turn-out.
- Bread for the World — LET’S WRITE 150 LETTERS! On Sunday, October 28th Westminster will give our Offering of Letters. At our Agape Fast that day, Bread for the Worldinvites us to write personal letters to Congress in support of anti-hunger programs. This year we will urge Representative Lujan and Senators Bingaman and Udall to maintain the “Circle of Protection” around Federal anti-hunger programs. Personal letters from an entire congregation really do alert our legislators to a major concern. The members of Missio Dei hope that every Westminster member and friend will come to Agape Fast on October 28th and write a personal letter to each of our three representatives and senators. Model letters, stationery, pens and Bead for the World brochures will be abundant. 150 letters is our goal. You will also learn more about Bread for the World’s effective Christian advocacy program to end hunger in our country and throughout the world.
- Working Mothers’ Group: A new group is forming for working mothers with children through college age. The purpose is to support one another in the unique challenges of balancing work and family and spiritual life. There will be an gathering at First Presbyterian after their MorningSong service THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, to determine interest, how often and to meet. For further questions please contact Jenny Harland at [email protected]. If you are interested but can’t make it this Sunday please let Jenny know along with any ideas you might have.
- The New Mexico History Museum has lined up a tour guide for us for next Saturday October 27 to view the exhibit ILLUMINATING THE WORD: THE SAINT JOHN BIBLE. This is a beautiful exhibit. “The exhibitions wind around a central meditation space that has built a sense of calmness—one that visitors say they deeply enjoy.” People are traveling from around the country to see this exhibit. It includes pages from the Wisdom Books and the prophets and shows how the artists worked over many years to produce the Bible. We need 10 women to make the tour a go. I hope we can make it a women’s day out – maybe have lunch at the café afterwards. Cost is $9, $6 admission (free to members) and $3 for the tour. RSVP to me ASAP (988-5556 or [email protected])! We can invite the women from First Presbyterian also. It’s a busy time in the life of the church, but this could be a time of refreshment!
- WPC Hosting the Interfaith Community Shelter: October 28 – November 3 IMPORTANT TRAINING for all WPC volunteers-at the Shelter, Monday October 15, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Please plan on attending this training. Our Church has never served at the shelter so this training is extremely important and has been scheduled especially for us. If you have not been contacted to help out the week of October 28, please call Donna Ormerod – 570-0965.
- Jesus Jobs 2013 – The community of Westminster is seeking to explore a new model of service to one another in 2013. We’re calling it Jesus Jobs. The work of the church is to glorify God, and one way we do this is through service to one another. There are many aspects of keeping church life functioning well. How might as many of us as are able and willing be able to give to the community through service? Soon a board will appear in the sanctuary with some of the jobs and people will be asked to put their name by one they feel they are willing to be responsible for doing in 2013. Anyone can have a job, and give in a particular way as they feel called. There may be some jobs that aren’t up on the board that you can put up there. We hope to fill the board with jobs and names up to the end of the year, and celebrate at the beginning of the year the commitment we are making to one another and this community through particular service. Let’s give it a shot, have fun, and thank God for an opportunity to serve one another.
- Are you interested in raising money to help those who have muscular dystrophy? If so, there is a fund raising “lock-up” event on Nov 15 from 11-2. The goal is to raise $1600 to be freed from jail. For more information call Heather from the program at 816-7362.
- Sunday Mornings @ First: MorningSong,the 8:30-9:30 family friendly, worshipservice at First is continuing. Children leave part way through the service with Cindy Piatt for Worship Workshop (about 9- 9:30 or until the service is over). Sunday School for age 3 yo’s – 5th grade will revert to the education time they had been used to (9:45-10:45). Adult enrichment (9:45-10:45) in October will feature Imam, Abdur’Rauf of TaHa Mosque in Santa Fe.
- SOA Scholarship! $500 is available to support a vehicle taking a carload of Westminster folk to the School of the Americas Protest 16-18 Nov at Ft Benning, GA. Talk to Erik or Barbara.
- MEN’S COATS GREATLY NEEDED to be given as gifts at the annual Christmas party held by Amigos del Parque for the day laborers and their families on Dec 6th. New or serviceable. Let’s fill the big box in the Fellowship Hall!
- Chester’s JV Soccer Schedule Games – For those of you who want to “support the team”, here is the Santa Fe High School JV Soccer Schedule for this fall:
Date Opponent Where/When 10/27 Capital Capital – 3 pm
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD
“Campus Cupboard thanks all of the members of Westminster Church who donated food to it. The first box was picked up on August 22. You all donated 62.25 pounds of food that was eagerly taken by SFCC community members. Each week, new members sign up for help. They are so appreciative of the help we can give them. And we, in turn, are appreciative of the help you gave us! Together, we’re feeding students’ success at SFCC!” — Kay Bird Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.”
- There is a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce.
- There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors.
_____________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on TGIF, October 19, Andre Garcia Nuthmann (tenor) and Linda King (piano) will be performing.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: MorningSong service 9:45 – 10:45 am: Children’s Classes 9:45 – 10:45 am: Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
************************************************ WEEKEND UPDATE for October 11, 2012 SUNDAY, October 14th—Rev. Linda Eastwood:
“ Wrestling with God “
Scripture: Genesis 32: 22-32 BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! Queridos Todos: Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rev. Claudia Aguilar! WOAH! This Sunday is a HUGE day in the life of this congregation, and in the life of Claudia. When I first met her a university student riding around Mexico City everywhere on her bicycle – a radical ready to change the world – who would have known how God would lead her to this step, in this place and time? What a gift that we are part of one another’s lives – that WPC is the congregation with whom Claudia has been able to discern and live into her calling. We give thanks to God in anticipation of a wonderful celebration this weekend. Her ordination service is at 4 pm, and following that will be the Spanish Supper! Teresa Garcia and Sonya Padilla are working in the kitchen as I type! Sunday morning’s worship should be very inspiring and challenging. Colombia has been a troubled place for some time, so much so that many people of faith, including WPC participants, have gone for months at a time to accompany church leaders whose lives have been threatened. The coordinator of this Accompaniment Program, the Rev. Linda Eastwood, is our guest preacher at 11 am! Want more to do on Sunday morning (a day of rest)? Consider the Adult Forum at First Pres with Imam Abdur Rauf of TaHa Mosque in Santa Fe from 9:45-10:45. It’s a good chance to meet him and learn more about the Muslim faith. Prayers are with Elizabeth Ortega, who has inpatient surgery scheduled for Friday at 12:30. Peace be with you this weekend! What’s going on in the next few days/weeks/months:
- Cuba Trip Planning Meeting – TONIGHT – October 11, 6:30 pm in the Social Hall. People interested in knowing more about the trip should plan to attend.
- NOISY COIN TOSS – Are you fed up with political campaign “noise”? Thought so! Why not drown it out with some spirited noise of your own!! THIS SUNDAY is the occasion for October’s Noisy Coin toss. A perfect opportunity to make a Church approved racket and in so doing contribute meaningfully to the programs of the Boys and Girls Club Del Norte, serving children in Chimayo and Abiquiu. Bring all the coins you can muster in the noisiest can or glass jar you can unearth and offer them all up in the Sunday service Oct.14. Over $1000 has already been donated since we started last Spring. Bravo and keep the bedlam going!!
- Ordination and Spanish Supper – October 14. Member and former intern, Claudia Aguilar, will be ordained at 4pm. This will be followed by Westminster’s Spanish Supper, a fundraiser for an upcoming trip to Cuba. All are welcome to this festive celebration.
- WPC Hosting the Interfaith Community Shelter: October 28 – November 3 IMPORTANT TRAINING for all WPC volunteers-at the Shelter, Monday October 15, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Please plan on attending this training. Our Church has never served at the shelter so this training is extremely important and has been scheduled especially for us. If you have not been contacted to help out the week of October 28, please call Donna Ormerod – 570-0965.
- During Bible Study on October 16th: Gifts from the Horn of Africa: Presbyterians have a long history of showing up when the going gets tough. In 1919, amidst a terrible world-wide flu epidemic, Presbyterians showed up in Dembi Dollo, Ethiopia to assist in combating that outbreak of influenza. Now, nearly 100 years later Presbyterians are still present in the Horn of Africa, seeking reconciliation, building grassroots health systems and sharing the Good News with the people of that region. Michael and Rachel Weller of Gambella, Ethiopia, will be at Westminster Church October 16th at noon to share of their ministries. Michael is the PC(USA)’s Regional Liaison for the Horn of Africa working with partner churches in Ethiopia, Sudan and the newly formed country of South Sudan. Rachel is the health coordinator for the East and West Gambella Synods in western Ethiopia. A simple meal will be served.
- Work Day will be Saturday, October 20 from 9 – NOON. There are lots of tasks available … help fix-up/spruce-up Westminster before winter. Lunch may be provided.
- Film on Kitchen Angels: Mark Fallis has produced a film on the Kitchen Angels here in Santa Fe. You can view it on Youtube at: www.itzthon.com.
- Sunday Mornings @ First: MorningSong,the 8:30-9:30 family friendly, worshipservice at First is continuing. Children leave part way through the service with Cindy Piatt for Worship Workshop (about 9- 9:30 or until the service is over). Sunday School for age 3 yo’s – 5th grade will revert to the education time they had been used to (9:45-10:45). Adult enrichment (9:45-10:45) in October will feature Imam, Abdur’Rauf of TaHa Mosque in Santa Fe.
- SOA Scholarship! $500 is available to support a vehicle taking a carload of Westminster folk to the School of the Americas Protest 16-18 Nov at Ft Benning, GA. Talk to Erik or Barbara.
- MEN’S COATS GREATLY NEEDED to be given as gifts at the annual Christmas party held by Amigos del Parque for the day laborers and their families on Dec 6th. New or serviceable. Let’s fill the big box in the Fellowship Hall!
- OREMOS POR: The current prayer list is at: http://www.wpcsf.org/805/prayer-list-oremos-por
- Chester’s JV Soccer Schedule Games – For those of you who want to “support the team”, here is the Santa Fe High School JV Soccer Schedule for this fall:
Date Opponent Where/When 10/18 Monte SFHS – 4 pm 10/27 Capital Capital – 3 pm
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD
“Campus Cupboard thanks all of the members of Westminster Church who donated food to it. The first box was picked up on August 22. You all donated 62.25 pounds of food that was eagerly taken by SFCC community members. Each week, new members sign up for help. They are so appreciative of the help we can give them. And we, in turn, are appreciative of the help you gave us! Together, we’re feeding students’ success at SFCC!” — Kay Bird Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.”
- There is a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce.
- There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors.
_____________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, October 12th, at 5:30 pm, the EPIK Artists concert features talented musicians age 10-17 from the Santa Fe Concert Association.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: MorningSong service 9:45 – 10:45 am: Children’s Classes 9:45 – 10:45 am: Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
************************************************ WEEKEND UPDATE for October 5, 2012 SUNDAY, October 7th—Rev. Chester Topple:
“Run, Abraham, Run!”
World Communion Sunday/Domingo de Comunión Mundial Scripture: Genesis 18: 1-8
BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! Queridos Todos: Winners and Losers. Which are you? Sometimes it seems life is all about winning; which implies if someone wins another has lost. My soccer team – The Demons of Santa Fe High – is playing four games over the next 6 days (see schedule below). We want to win, which means the other teams would lose. Many of us saw the debate, and many came away thinking someone had won (Romney) and someone had lost (Obama). At one point when speaking of supporting certain businesses, Romney accused Obama of picking all losers. Is this a zero sum game we’re playing? When WE play it, who wins and who loses? Interestingly, Jesus wanted to show how vain the winners-losers game is. He turned the table on those who thought they were winners by telling stories about a rich man and poor Lazarus, and by contrasting the prayers of a self-righteous religious person with that of a repentant sinner. Jesus wanted to play a game in which all could win, and the only ones who lost were those who insisted on winning over and against others. In the end, Jesus lost – he was hung on a cross with other losers. Isn’t it interesting how God’s love was demonstrated by a loser, who in no way wanted to come back for revenge upon his Resurrection; but rather to remind us again and again: we can all be winners, by losing ourselves. What’s going on in the next few days/weeks/months:
- The Peacemaking Group will begin meeting again during the Adult Forum time 9:30-10:30 am on the first Sunday of each month. Their first meeting will be this Sunday, Oct 7th.
- We will receive the Peacemaking Offering this Sunday. World Communion Sunday is a fitting day to emphasize the quest for peace as we celebrate our unity with believers around the world. At the denominational level, the Peacemaking Offering supports the itineration of International Peacemakers from all parts of the world, such as the Rev. Dora Arce who has visited Westminster. Westminster also retains 25% of the funds for peacemaking endeavors here at home. This year, Missio Dei has voted to support a very important project, Creativity for Peace, that brings Israeli and Palestinian girls together in Santa Fe each summer. They return home to add their advocacy to those Israelis and Palestinians who are speaking and acting for a non-violent end to the Israeli occupation and a future of peace and reconciliation between Arabs and Jews in that Holy Land. There will be special envelopes for your contribution. Please remember to write “Peacemaking Offering” in the memo line of your check. The need for peace has never been more urgent. Please be generous.
- Ordination and Spanish Supper – October 14. Member and former intern, Claudia Aguilar, will be ordained at 4pm. This will be followed by Westminster’s Spanish Supper, a fundraiser for an upcoming trip to Cuba. All are welcome to this festive celebration.
- Cuba Trip Planning Meeting – October 11, 6:30 pm in the Social Hall. People interested in knowing more about the trip should plan to attend.
- During Bible Study on October 16th: Gifts from the Horn of Africa: Presbyterians have a long history of showing up when the going gets tough. In 1919, amidst a terrible world-wide flu epidemic, Presbyterians showed up in Dembi Dollo, Ethiopia to assist in combating that outbreak of influenza. Now, nearly 100 years later Presbyterians are still present in the Horn of Africa, seeking reconciliation, building grassroots health systems and sharing the Good News with the people of that region. Michael and Rachel Weller of Gambella, Ethiopia, will be at Westminster Church October 16th at noon to share of their ministries. Michael is the PC(USA)’s Regional Liaison for the Horn of Africa working with partner churches in Ethiopia, Sudan and the newly formed country of South Sudan. Rachel is the health coordinator for the East and West Gambella Synods in western Ethiopia. A simple meal will be served.
- Work Day will be Saturday, October 20 from 9 – NOON. There are lots of tasks available … help fix-up/spruce-up Westminster before winter. Lunch may be provided.
- Sunday Mornings @ First: MorningSong,the 8:30-9:30 family friendly, worshipservice at First is continuing. Children leave part way through the service with Cindy Piatt for Worship Workshop (about 9- 9:30 or until the service is over). Sunday School for age 3 yo’s – 5th grade will revert to the education time they had been used to (9:45-10:45). Adult enrichment (9:45-10:45) in October will feature Imam, Abdur’Rauf of TaHa Mosque in Santa Fe.
- Breakfast this coming Friday! Interested in Colombia? Interested in learning more about the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship’s Colombia Accompaniment Program and/or becoming an accompanier like Britt Johnson, Danna Larson, Malissa Haslim, Erik Mason, Barbara Medina, Tomas Sandoval, Doug & Eileen Hughes from Las Vegas? Ordained Presbyterian Minister Linda Eastwood, currently PPF’s Colombia Accompaniment Coordinator, will be our guest at breakfast at Westminster on Friday Oct 12th at 8:30 a.m. Please RSVP to Erik at 982-1258 or [email protected] so we can be certain of having sufficient eats. Linda will also be addressing the Men’s Breakfast at First on Saturday 13th at 8 am and preaching at WPC on Sunday, October 14th.
- Can you help??? Lyndsey Dougherty, who attends our services writes: I work with Casa Familia, transitional homeless shelter, and have a resident who is desperately needs someone to take in her 2 dogs and cat while she is getting back on her feet. Dogs- both very sweet- are a German shepherd and a Redsetter. Please call 505-983-2042 if you can help!
- We would like to invite you and your communities to the Santa Fe Premiere Screening of our interfaith documentary about global oneness, “Globalized Soul,” on Wednesday, October 10, 7:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe. Information can be found at www.globalizedsoul.org or on the flyer on the bulletin board for more details.
“Globalized Soul” was chosen as the Featured Film for the UN International Day of Peace last year, and since then we have presented it at the World Peace Festival in Berlin and the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) Conference in Phoenix, as well as at interfaith conferences and gatherings across the U.S. Now we would like to share it with our own Santa Fe interfaith community for the first time! For more information and to register go to www.fosna.org and find the Albuquerque meeting. Hotel information is also available. Phoebe Girard and David Anderson among others at WPC will be attending. If you need a ride please call at 988-5556.
- SOA Scholarship! $500 is available to support a vehicle taking a carload of Westminster folk to the School of the Americas Protest 16-18 Nov at Ft Benning, GA. Talk to Erik or Barbara.
- The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/805/prayer-list-oremos-por
- SOA Scholarship! A $500 scholarship is available to support a vehicle taking a carload of Westminster folk to the School of the Americas Protest 16-18 Nov at Ft Benning, GA. Talk to Erik or Barbara.
- Chester’s JV Soccer Schedule Games – For those of you who want to “support the team”, here is the Santa Fe High School JV Soccer Schedule for this fall:
Date Opponent Where/When 10/5 Monte SFHS – 4 pm 10/8 SF Prep Prep – 4 pm 10/9 Capital SFHS – 4 pm 10/10 Taos SFHS – 4 pm 10/18 Monte SFHS – 4 pm 10/27 Capital Capital – 3 pm
- KEEP COLLECTING YOUR COINS FOR THE “NOISY COIN TOSS” – Every 2nd Sunday of the month WPC has a 2nd Offering, a “Noisy Coin Toss”. Keep saving your change and remember to bring it on the appropriate date. So far this year (March – August) we have collected over $1000 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club del Norte, which serves children in Chimayó and Abiquiú. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD
“Campus Cupboard thanks all of the members of Westminster Church who donated food to it. The first box was picked up on August 22. You all donated 62.25 pounds of food that was eagerly taken by SFCC community members. Each week, new members sign up for help. They are so appreciative of the help we can give them. And we, in turn, are appreciative of the help you gave us! Together, we’re feeding students’ success at SFCC!” — Kay Bird Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.”
- There is a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce.
- There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors.
_____________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, October 5th, at 5:30 pm, will feature an Extended Organ Recital with James David Christie.
- Presbyterian Men’s Breakfast, Saturday, October 13, at 8 am in Pope Hall of FPC: Our guest speaker will be Presbyterian Peace Fellowship (PPF) Colombia Accompaniment Coordinator Linda Eastwood, who will talk about Colombia Accompaniment, Solidarity with Victims of Violence. Executive Director Rick Ufford-Chase describes the essence of PPF as, “The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship isn’t about talk, it’s about action. If you’re interested in living your faith to be a nonviolent peacemaker and to stand against violence, militarism and war, this is the place for you.” All are invited to participate; $2 suggested donation for breakfast. Please contact John Whitcomb by phone at 982-3921 or e-mail at [email protected] if you plan to attend.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: MorningSong service 9:45 – 10:45 am: Children’s Classes 9:45 – 10:45 am: Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
************************************************ WEEKEND UPDATE for September 28, 2012 SUNDAY, September 28th—Rev. Chester Topple:
“Burj Khalifa”
Scripture: Genesis 11: 1-9 BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! What’s going on at Westminster in the next few days/weeks/months:
- YOUTH COOK-OUT/HANG OUT ON SEPT. 30! All Middle School and High School Youth are invited on Sunday, September 30 to get together for a barbecue, hanging out, and fun games at Hyde Park. We’ll meet at Westminster Presbyterian Church parking lot (841 W. Manhattan) at 12:45 and we’ll provide the transportation to head up to the mountains, returning by 4pm. Friends are more than welcome and parents can enjoy the afternoon off. RSVP with Chester (txt 795-4890) or Harry (txt 670-0636).
- The Peacemaking Group will begin meeting during the Adult Forum time 9:30-10:30 am on the first Sunday of each month. Their first meeting will be Oct. 7th.
- The Peacemaking Special Offering will be received on World Communion Sunday, October 7. This offering supports peace-seeking and reconciliation efforts here in Northern New Mexico, in our state, and around the world. The offering is shared three ways: 25% is retained by Westminster to support local efforts; 25% is sent to the Presbytery of Santa Fe for peacemaking efforts; and 50% goes to the Peacemaking Program of the Presbyterian Church (USA). There will be bulletin inserts for the next two Sundays to highlight some of the creative uses of this offering. The need for peacemaking and reconciliation seems ever more urgent – we must do what we can to meet that need. Please plan to be generous.
- Ordination and Spanish Supper – October 14. Member and former intern, Claudia Aguilar, will be ordained at 4pm. This will be followed by Westminster’s Spanish Supper, a fundraiser for an upcoming trip to Cuba. All are welcome to this festive celebration.
- SAVE THE DATE: Westminster Presbyterian Church WORK DAY, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20TH 9-NOON —maybe lunch.
- TUTOR NEEDED … We have received this request from the Interfaith Leaders Alliance: A second grade boy is in need of reading help. Is there someone in your congregation who would be willing to tutor him?” Please contact either Suzanne Breslauer ([email protected]) or Ellen Biderman ([email protected]).
- 505-474-0922We would like to invite you and your communities to the Santa Fe Premiere Screening of our interfaith documentary about global oneness, “Globalized Soul,” on Wednesday, October 10, 7:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe. Information can be found at www.globalizedsoul.org or on the flyer on the bulletin board for more details.
“Globalized Soul” was chosen as the Featured Film for the UN International Day of Peace last year, and since then we have presented it at the World Peace Festival in Berlin and the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) Conference in Phoenix, as well as at interfaith conferences and gatherings across the U.S. Now we would like to share it with our own Santa Fe interfaith community for the first time! For more information and to register go to www.fosna.org and find the Albuquerque meeting. Hotel information is also available. Phoebe Girard and David Anderson among others at WPC will be attending. If you need a ride please call at 988-5556.
- SOA Scholarship! $500 is available to support a vehicle taking a carload of Westminster folk to the School of the Americas Protest 16-18 Nov at Ft Benning, GA. Talk to Erik or Barbara.
- NEW BOOK! – Dr. Larry Rasmussen, a leading faith advocate in the caring for creation movement, is proud to announce the publication of his new book with Oxford University Press, EARTH-HONORING FAITH: Religious Ethics in a New Key. (Nov. 1). An e-book and paperback edition will follow the hardcover. I was privileged to work with Dr. Rasmussen last year to discuss his draft with him in a small group. It should prove to be a very valuable contribution to fostering a faith position that encourages us to care for God’s good earth. You can find the book at: http://www.elabs3.com/content/18690/html/EFlyer_Earth-honoringFaith.html
- The Interfaith Shelter Summer Shower Program has only two months left of daytime operation. Volunteers are needed for September and October. The time is 9 am – 11:30 am on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you can find time in your schedule to volunteer one time, you help will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Barbara @ 466-1139 or 670-6261. Many thanks!
- A request for assistance from the WPC Session: Ms Mary Jane Roybal, the assistant director of the Child Development Center (Pre-school) at First Presbyterian has been undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. This is a single individual dealing not only with a devastating medical problem, but also with the financial burden attendant with treatment and travel to Houston, Texas.
First Church has provided significant help through a “fundraiser dinner”and individual contributions. The Westminster Presbyterian Session would like to ask your help in providing financial aid in this tragic situation. Pew envelopes are provided. Please be in prayer for Mary Jane Roybal.
- The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/805/prayer-list-oremos-por
- SOA Scholarship! A $500 scholarship is available to support a vehicle taking a carload of Westminster folk to the School of the Americas Protest 16-18 Nov at Ft Benning GA. Talk to Erik or Barbara.
- Want apples? Wonderful apples, and lots of them. Crime to let them go to waste. Talk to Erik, 982-1258
- I wanna be WPC! If you’re interested in joining WPC as a member or want to know how to proceed, don’t hesitate to speak with Chester or Milee.
- Chester’s JV Soccer Schedule Games – For those of you who want to “support the team”, here is the Santa Fe High School JV Soccer Schedule for this fall:
Date Opponent Where/When 9/29 St. Mikes St. Mikes – 11 am 10/5 Monte SFHS – 4 pm 10/8 SF Prep Prep – 4 pm 10/18 Monte SFHS – 4 pm
- KEEP COLLECTING YOUR COINS FOR THE “NOISY COIN TOSS” – Every 2nd Sunday of the month WPC has a 2nd Offering, a “Noisy Coin Toss”. Keep saving your change and remember to bring it on the appropriate date. So far this year (March – August) we have collected over $1000 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club del Norte, which serves children in Chimayó and Abiquiú. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD
“Campus Cupboard thanks all of the members of Westminster Church who donated food to it. The first box was picked up on August 22. You all donated 62.25 pounds of food that was eagerly taken by SFCC community members. Each week, new members sign up for help. They are so appreciative of the help we can give them. And we, in turn, are appreciative of the help you gave us! Together, we’re feeding students’ success at SFCC!” — Kay Bird Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.”
- There is a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce.
- There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors.
_____________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, September 28th, at 5:30 pm, will feature Edmund Connolly, baritone and Maxine Thevenot, piano and organ.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: Morning Song service 11:00 am: Familiar Service 9:15 – 10 am: Children’s Classes 9:30 – 10:30 am: Peace Jamming (for ages 6th to 12th grade) 9:45 – 10:45am: Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
***************************************************************************************** *********************************************************************************************************** WEEKEND UPDATE for September 21, 2012 SUNDAY, September 23th—Rev. Chester Topple:
“Naked”
Scripture: Genesis 2:25-3:13; 3:21-24 Also Agape Fast this Sunday ********************************************** BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! ********************************************** What’s going on at Westminster in the next few days/weeks/months:
- Agape Fast for Imagine No Hunger again this Sunday, September 23, following the worship service. We have invited a representative of the Peñasco Food Bank, which has been supported by Imagine No Hunger, to tell us about hunger in the high-mountain Peñasco area and the response of the Peñasco Food Bank. The Imagine No Hunger project asks Westminster members and friends to fast one meal each week and contribute $5 to the Imagine No Hunger Fund. Many make their contribution each week; some prefer to make one contribution for the month at the time of the Agape Fast each fourth Sunday. There is a poster in the Fellowship Hall on which you can sign up if you have already done so.
- The Women of Westminster will meet this Sunday afternoon, 9/23/12, right after church at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Lois Morton. Bring a salad, side dish or desert. Lois will provide ribs. We will have a program, a meditation and a discussion of church decor. All women are welcome!
- October/November Farolito DEADLINE is this Tuesday morning. Please send articles to [email protected]
- Sabeel Conference, Albuquerque Sept 28 and Sept 29. JUSTICE: The Path to Peace in Palestine-Israel. You are still able to register for either day or for the full conference. Internationally recognized speakers will lead this important discussion on peace in the Middle East.
“The way forward if through non-violence and education.” Many local groups are co sponsors and supporters of this meeting and we hope to have a good representation from Santa Fe.
- YOUTH COOK-OUT/HANG OUT ON SEPT. 30! All Middle School and High School Youth are invited on Sunday, September 30 to get together for a barbecue, hanging out, and fun games at Hyde Park. We’ll meet at Westminster Presbyterian Church parking lot (841 W. Manhattan) at 12:45 and we’ll provide the transportation to head up to the mountains, returning by 4pm. Friends are more than welcome and parents can enjoy the afternoon off. RSVP with Chester (txt 795-4890) or Harry (txt 670-0636).
- We would like to invite you and your communities to the Santa Fe Premiere Screening of our interfaith documentary about global oneness, “Globalized Soul,” on Wednesday, October 10, 7:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe. Information can be found at www.globalizedsoul.org or on the flyer on the bulletin board for more details.
“Globalized Soul” was chosen as the Featured Film for the UN International Day of Peace last year, and since then we have presented it at the World Peace Festival in Berlin and the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) Conference in Phoenix, as well as at interfaith conferences and gatherings across the U.S. Now we would like to share it with our own Santa Fe interfaith community for the first time! For more information and to register go to www.fosna.org and find the Albuquerque meeting. Hotel information is also available. Phoebe Girard and David Anderson among others at WPC will be attending. If you need a ride please call at 988-5556.
- Ordination and Spanish Supper – October 14. Member and former intern, Claudia Aguilar, will be ordained at 4pm. This will be followed by Westminster’s Spanish Supper, a fundraiser for an upcoming trip to Cuba. All are welcome to this festive celebration.
- Our Cuban “Pastor”, Daniel Izquierdo, is being installed this Sunday as the pastor of the Luyanó congregation in Havana. He had served in San Antonio de los Baños for many, many years, first as a lay pastor while working as an architect and then as the installed pastor after finishing Seminary. The decision by the San Antonio congregation to release him was a wrenching one. They will now begin their search for a new pastor, which, given the shortage of pastors in the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba, will mean that another church will lose its current pastor. Daniel asks for the prayers of all his friends for himself and María as they undertake this new ministry, for the congregation of Luyanó, and for the congregation of San Antonio.
- The Peacemaking Special Offering will be received on World Communion Sunday, October 7. This offering supports peace-seeking and reconciliation efforts here in Northern New Mexico, in our state, and around the world. The offering is shared three ways: 25% is retained by Westminster to support local efforts; 25% is sent to the Presbytery of Santa Fe for peacemaking efforts; and 50% goes to the Peacemaking Program of the Presbyterian Church (USA). There will be bulletin inserts for the next two Sundays to highlight some of the creative uses of this offering. The need for peacemaking and reconciliation seems ever more urgent – we must do what we can to meet that need. Please plan to be generous.
- SOA Scholarship! $500 is available to support a vehicle taking a carload of Westminster folk to the School of the Americas Protest 16-18 Nov at Ft Benning, GA. Talk to Erik or Barbara.
- Want Apples?? Lots of wonderful apples! Crime to let them go to waste. Talk to Erik, 982-1258.
- The Interfaith Shelter Summer Shower Program has only two months left of daytime operation. Volunteers are needed for September and October. The time is 9 am – 11:30 am on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you can find time in your schedule to volunteer one time, you help will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Barbara @ 466-1139 or 670-6261. Many thanks!
- A request for assistance from the WPC Session: Ms Mary Jane Roybal, the assistant director of the Child Development Center (Pre-school) at First Presbyterian has been undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. This is a single individual dealing not only with a devastating medical problem, but also with the financial burden attendant with treatment and travel to Houston, Texas.
First Church has provided significant help through a “fundraiser dinner”and individual contributions. The Westminster Presbyterian Session would like to ask your help in providing financial aid in this tragic situation. Pew envelopes are provided. Please be in prayer for Mary Jane Roybal.
- The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/805/prayer-list-oremos-por
- SOA Scholarship! A $500 scholarship is available to support a vehicle taking a carload of Westminster folk to the School of the Americas Protest 16-18 Nov at Ft Benning GA. Talk to Erik or Barbara.
- Want apples? Wonderful apples, and lots of them. Crime to let them go to waste. Talk to Erik, 982-1258
- I wanna be WPC! If you’re interested in joining WPC as a member or want to know how to proceed, don’t hesitate to speak with Chester or Milee.
- Chester’s JV Soccer Schedule Games – For those of you who want to “support the team”, here is the Santa Fe High School JV Soccer Schedule for this fall:
Date Opponent Where/When 9/22 Aztec SFHS – 11 am 9/27 Los Alamos SFHS – 4 pm 9/29 St. Mikes St. Mikes – 11 am 10/5 Monte SFHS – 4 pm 10/8 SF Prep Prep – 4 pm 10/18 Monte SFHS – 4 pm
- KEEP COLLECTING YOUR COINS FOR THE “NOISY COIN TOSS” – Every 2nd Sunday of the month WPC has a 2nd Offering, a “Noisy Coin Toss”. Keep saving your change and remember to bring it on the appropriate date. So far this year (March – August) we have collected over $1000 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club del Norte, which serves children in Chimayó and Abiquiú. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
- Diana Butler Bass visits Santa Fe - St. John’s United Methodist Church (1200 Old Pecos Trail) is sponsoring Diana Butler Bass on September 22, 8:30 a.m. to2:00 p.m. Dr. Bass will speak on her latest book, Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. The cost of $25 includes lunch. For more information call (505) 982-5397. Dr. Bass’ website is www.DianaButlerBass.com
- A Storytellers informational gathering for parents and girls/young women who want to learn more about the Storytellers process will be held in Santa Fe on Sunday, September 23, at 4pm at the Center for Inner Truth, 826 Camino de Monte Rey, Suite A-1. RSVP by Sept 17, and/or to obtain more details, contact Ellen Antill ([email protected] or 505-577-3930). Ellen Antill is the director of Storytellers, an organization that exists to provide a safe space in which girls and young women, ages 12-22, can learn to love and embrace their whole life story. The hope is that this can lead the way for them to love and embrace themselves as well . . . and learn to live authentically.
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD — Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The program will begin officially the week of August 20, but supplies are being collected now. The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.”
- There is a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce.
- There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors.
______________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, September 21st, at 5:30 pm, will feature Tara Khozein, soprano, a Santa Fe newcomer, who will sing a lovely repertoire of French vocal music accompanied by Bill Epstein.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: Morning Song service 11:00 am: Familiar Service 9:15 – 10 am: Children’s Classes 9:30 – 10:30 am: Peace Jamming (for ages 6th to 12th grade) 9:45 – 10:45am : Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
WEEKEND UPDATE for September 14, 2012 SUNDAY, September 16th—Rev. Georgia Ortiz:
“Sarah Laughed, Too/Don’t Give Up on God”
Scripture: Genesis 17:1-9; 17:15-22; 18:1-15
Queridos Todos: I found it frighteningly and tragically ironic that just a few days after trying to articulate a meaningful and helpful way for those of us who are of the same household of Abraham in a sermon – a US embassy was bombed in Libya as a response to a film, produced in the US, which was found offensive to many Muslims; and very bellicose speech was delivered by Israeli President Netanyahu who understandably feels threatened by nuclear developments in Iran … and all of this the same week we remembered 9/1. Is another war imminent? Let us pray for peace…please may there be peace and understanding. May God work through us to help bring this about. Clearly, we, of the household of Abraham have a long way to go to understanding and peaceable living; much reconciliation work to be done. Think of ways you may be part of this peace effort. Pray. Refuse (even in your mind and especially in your heart) to take sides when pressured; instead demonstrate a loving third way. Become or reach out to friends who are Muslim or Jewish; ask to visit their places of worship and pray with them. Ask Phoebe Girard ([email protected]) about ways she is involved in peacemaking efforts – like Creativity for Peace – and ask how you can help out. We can make a difference; we can turn swords into plowshares. By God’s grace, and at Jesus command we can be peacemakers in this world. Chester Events/Happenings which may be of interest to you:
- Slide Show and discussion: “Israeli Displacement of Palestinians from East Jerusalem and the West Bank,” Saturday Sept 15, 7 p.m., Unitarian Church, 107 E. Barcelona. $5-10 donations if you are able.
- Science and Faith
|
| “Is religion relevant in our post modern world?” Steven Hawkings says, “Heaven is nothing more than a bedtime story for those afraid of the dark.” Albert Einstein said, “Science explains how, religion explains why.” William Shakespeare’s Hamlet says, “There are more things in heaven and on earth than can be explained by your philosophy.” Come to share your stories, but even more importantly, come to listen, as we discover together whether our “convictions” can be brought into coherence with our “reason.” Discussion facilitator: Mike Magee, MD, MDiv, MBA Saturday, September 15, 6:30 pm (snacks) Presentation at 7:00 pm, followed by Q and A around 7:35. Immanuel Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall 114 Carlisle Blvd SE, Nob Hill, Albuquerque |
- For any child or teen, home is where faith begins—and where it’s best cultivated. To support and equip parents (and grandparents!) in this crucial task, Sandia Presbyterian Church is putting on a Growing Faith at Home conference on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 15, 5-8pm. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Karen-Marie Yust, professor of Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA, and author of Real Kids, Real Faith. Among other things, she will guide us through a “practice family dinner” (included). Special activities for children and teens. Cost is $25/family (of any size). To register or ask questions, please call Sandia at 856-5040, x120.
- Kenyan Potluck Dinner … This Sunday afternoon there will be a potluck dinner at the Enclave Apartments to raise funds for a young Kenyan woman to have much needed surgery. For information see the flyer on our bulletin board or contact Simon Sawe (505-467-8763, [email protected]) or Patrick Kiptum (405-269-6155, [email protected]).
- The Women of Westminster will meet next Sunday afternoon 9/23/12 right after church at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Lois Morton. Bring a salad, side dish or desert. Lois will provide ribs. We will have a program, a meditation and a discussion about selection of curtains for the social hall. Everyone is welcome!
- Sabeel Conference, Albuquerque Sept 28 and Sept 29. JUSTICE: The Path to Peace in Palestine-Israel. You are still able to register for either day or for the full conference. Internationally recognized speakers will lead this important discussion on peace in the Middle East.
“The way forward if through non-violence and education.” Many local groups are co sponsors and supporters of this meeting and we hope to have a good representation from Santa Fe.
- YOUTH COOK-OUT/HANG OUT ON SEPT. 30! All Middle School and High School Youth are invited on Sunday, September 30 to get together for a barbecue, hanging out, and fun games at Hyde Park. We’ll meet at Westminster Presbyterian Church parking lot (841 W. Manhattan) at 12:45 and we’ll provide the transportation to head up to the mountains, returning by 4pm. Friends are more than welcome and parents can enjoy the afternoon off. RSVP with Chester (txt 795-4890) or Harry (txt 670-0636).
- We would like to invite you and your communities to the Santa Fe Premiere Screening of our interfaith documentary about global oneness, “Globalized Soul,” on Wednesday, October 10, 7:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe. Information can be found at www.globalizedsoul.org or on the flyer on the bulletin board for more details.
“Globalized Soul” was chosen as the Featured Film for the UN International Day of Peace last year, and since then we have presented it at the World Peace Festival in Berlin and the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) Conference in Phoenix, as well as at interfaith conferences and gatherings across the U.S. Now we would like to share it with our own Santa Fe interfaith community for the first time!
- For more information and to register go to www.fosna.org and find the Albuquerque meeting. Hotel information is also available. Phoebe Girard and David Anderson among others at WPC will be attending. If you need a ride please call at 988-5556. Youth! Middle and High School aged that is. Let’s get together for a cook out and hang out in Hyde Park on Sunday, Sept 30. We’ll meet at WPC a little before 1pm and head up to the mountains. We’ll plan to return around 4. RSVP with Chester (txt 795-4890) or Harry (txt 670-0636), so we can get the right amount of food. Friends are more than welcome, parents take the afternoon off.
- Save the Date: Westminster is having their “Traditional Spanish Supper” as a fundraiser to be able to provide scholarships for an upcoming trip to Cuba. This will be held on Sunday, October 14th at 5:30 pm. Please join for fellowship and delicious northern NM Spanish food.
- The October/November Farolito will be published later this month. First Call for Articles! Please email/call the office to reserve your space.
- The Interfaith Shelter Summer Shower Program has only two months left of daytime operation. Volunteers are needed for September and October. The time is 9 am – 11:30 am on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you can find time in your schedule to volunteer one time, you help will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Barbara @ 466-1139 or 670-6261. Many thanks!
- A request for assistance from the WPC Session: Ms Mary Jane Roybal, the assistant director of the Child Development Center (Pre-school) at First Presbyterian has been undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. This is a single individual dealing not only with a devastating medical problem, but also with the financial burden attendant with treatment and travel to Houston, Texas.
First Church has provided significant help through a “fundraiser dinner”and individual contributions. The Westminster Presbyterian Session would like to ask your help in providing financial aid in this tragic situation. Pew envelopes are provided. Please be in prayer for Mary Jane Roybal.
- The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/805/prayer-list-oremos-por
- SOA Scholarship! A $500 scholarship is available to support a vehicle taking a carload of Westminster folk to the School of the Americas Protest 16-18 Nov at Ft Benning GA. Talk to Erik or Barbara.
- Want apples? Wonderful apples, and lots of them. Crime to let them go to waste. Talk to Erik, 982-1258
- Notice! The Barbara Medina in the news media recently, as having been arrested in Albuquerque, is not Westminster’s Barbara Medina. Our Barbara Medina hasn’t been arrested, yet.
- Westminster’s Refugee Task Force has unanimously decided to assist with funding the participation of Cipriana Jurado with the Caravan for Peace, led by poet/novelist Javier Sicilia whose 24-year-old son is among the many tens of thousands of innocent victims of the drug wars in Mexico. The caravan with Sicilia, members of the Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity, and other supporting organizations, will visit 25 cities between San Diego and Washington, D.C. They were in Santa Fe weekend before last with a presentation at Westminster, an encuentro at Guadalupe Church, and a rally on the plaza last Monday.
Cipriana, whose activities for human rights brought her into conflict with the drug cartels, joined the Caravan in Chicago and will travel with it to Washington, arriving on Sep 12. If you would like to assist with her travel expenses, checks may be made out to Westminster Presbyterian Church, annotated “Refugee Sept Fund-Caravan,” and mailed to the church 841 W. Manhattan, SFNM 87501.
- Chester’s JV Soccer Schedule Games – For those of you who want to “support the team”, here is the Santa Fe High School JV Soccer Schedule for this fall:
Date Opponent Where/When 9/20 Del Norte SFHS – 4:30pm 9/22 Aztec SFHS – 11 am 9/27 Los Alamos SFHS – 4 pm 9/29 St. Mikes St. Mikes – 11 am 10/5 Monte SFHS – 4 pm 10/8 SF Prep Prep – 4 pm 10/18 Monte SFHS – 4 pm
- KEEP COLLECTING YOUR COINS FOR THE “NOISY COIN TOSS” – Every 2nd Sunday of the month WPC has a 2nd Offering, a “Noisy Coin Toss”. Keep saving your change and remember to bring it on the appropriate date. So far this year (March – August) we have collected over $1000 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club del Norte, which serves children in Chimayó and Abiquiú. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
- From the Presbytery: It is time to order the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study. Helen will send in our order on September 24th. By ordering through the Presbytery we qualify for a quantity discount. Please respond asap by phoning the office (983-8939 – leave a message or email [email protected]) if you wish to order a Mission Yearbook.
- Diana Butler Bass visits Santa Fe - St. John’s United Methodist Church (1200 Old Pecos Trail) is sponsoring Diana Butler Bass on September 22, 8:30 a.m. to2:00 p.m. Dr. Bass will speak on her latest book, Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. The cost of $25 includes lunch. For more information call (505) 982-5397. Dr. Bass’ website is www.DianaButlerBass.com
- A Storytellers informational gathering for parents and girls/young women who want to learn more about the Storytellers process will be held in Santa Fe on Sunday, September 23, at 4pm at the Center for Inner Truth, 826 Camino de Monte Rey, Suite A-1. RSVP by Sept 17, and/or to obtain more details, contact Ellen Antill ([email protected] or 505-577-3930). Ellen Antill is the director of Storytellers, an organization that exists to provide a safe space in which girls and young women, ages 12-22, can learn to love and embrace their whole life story. The hope is that this can lead the way for them to love and embrace themselves as well . . . and learn to live authentically.
BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! ______________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, September 14th, at 5:30 pm, EPIK Artists of the Santa Fe Concert Association
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: Morning Song service 11:00 am: Familiar Service 9:15 – 9:45 am: Children’s Classes 9:30 – 10:30 am: Peace Jamming (for ages 6th to 12th grade) 9:45 – 10:45am : Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- Religion and Science: 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm – This group meets to discuss faith and science. All are welcome.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
WEEKEND UPDATE for September 7, 2012 THIS SUNDAY September 9th—First Sunday of the 2012 Fall Series:
Familiar, Frightening, and Far Out
Hebrew Scripture Passages
Scripture: Génesis/Genesis 16:1-13
Sermon Title: “Bucking Broncos”
Rev. Chester Topple, preacher
with the Noisy Coin Toss
to benefit the Boys/Girls Club del Norte
Queridos Todos: ¡Qué viva la fiesta! It’s time to celebrate fiestas! And the fiestas this week and weekend are of a different sort from the parties thrown by the political parties over the past few weeks. I don’t know if anyone noticed (or was watching) when during Obama’s speech last night, he talked about the Dream Act and doing the right thing for immigrant students, the camera showed a group of New Mexicans in their Zia T-shirts jumping up and down cheering. I guess we’ll forever be the “Immigrant” State. Which is okay. It’s a good reminder of many things. From a faith perspective, it reminds us: We’re always on the move, migrating into deeper relationship with our Creator. In this deeper relationship, we recognize that our citizenship, our loyalty, resides with that of the Kingdom of God, and we follow the ways of the Master Jesus. With this understanding, we are able to transcend any kinds of hard-wired political party allegiances and seek good for the world, no matter the rhetoric of the powers that be. And as immigrants, we can draw upon our own experience of journey and seek to be merciful to others who are journeying as well, spiritually or literally. Let’s celebrate the heritage all of us residents of New Mexico have this week/end throughout fiestas, and celebrate the deeper heritage we share of God’s work in the world through Kingdom citizens. ¡Qué viva la fiesta! Your response?
- Fall Worship: Choirs are already making great preparations for Fall worship. Seeking scripture as our guide, we move from the book of Acts to the Old Testament. The Tuesday noon bible study group has offered up some wonderful passages from the Hebrew Scriptures, which Harry and Chester are putting together in a way that (kind of) makes sense. Let’s call the fall series: Familiar, Frightening, and Far Out Hebrew Scriptures. Looking forward to the first one being from Genesis 16:1-13 – the story of the birth of Ishmael.
- Youth! Middle and High School aged that is. Let’s get together for a cook out and hang out in Hyde Park on Sunday, Sept 30. We’ll meet at WPC a little before 1pm and head up to the mountains. We’ll plan to return around 4. RSVP with Chester (txt 795-4890) or Harry (txt 670-0636), so we can get the right amount of food. Friends are more than welcome, parents take the afternoon off.
- The Interfaith Shelter Summer Shower Program has only two months left of daytime operation. Volunteers are needed for September and October. The time is 9 am – 11:30 am on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you can find time in your schedule to volunteer one time, you help will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Barbara @ 466-1139 or 670-6261. Many thanks!
- A request for assistance from the WPC Session: Ms Mary Jane Roybal, the assistant director of the Child Development Center (Pre-school) at First Presbyterian has been undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. This is a single individual dealing not only with a devastating medical problem, but also with the financial burden attendant with treatment and travel to Houston, Texas.
First Church has provided significant help through a “fundraiser dinner”and individual contributions. The Westminster Presbyterian Session would like to ask your help in providing financial aid in this tragic situation. Pew envelopes will be provided. Please be in prayer for Mary Jane Roybal.
- The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/805/prayer-list-oremos-por
- Great Volunteer Opportunity Tomorrow! A new school for the arts, La Tierra Montessori, will open Monday north of Espanola, the result of years of planning by Roger Montoya and Sal Ruiz. There will be a workday this Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. to help with some last-minute details, yard cleanup, staining of playground equipment, etc. Very worthy cause! Call JQ Whitcomb 505-920-5490 for more info and carpool info.
- Also tomorrow: FPC Men’s Breakfast — This Saturday (9/8) Breakfast Talk in Pope Hall FPC 208 Grant Ave.
Navajo Blankets for Navajos
by philosopher, author, and collector Dr. Grant Luckhardt,
8:00 AM (before Pet Parade)
$2 breakfast donation. All welcome including children!
- Also, Also tomorrow: Santa Fe Pet Parade – Santa Fe Presbyterians in the Pet Parade: Meet the Topples, Jenny and Atticus, and others at the line-up location New Mexico School for the Arts, 275 East Alameda Street, around 8:45 a.m. tomorrow, September 8. Children and pets are welcome to wear their favorite costumes.
- Westminster’s Refugee Task Force has unanimously decided to assist with funding the participation of Cipriana Jurado with the Caravan for Peace, led by poet/novelist Javier Sicilia whose 24-year-old son is among the many tens of thousands of innocent victims of the drug wars in Mexico. The caravan with Sicilia, members of the Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity, and other supporting organizations, will visit 25 cities between San Diego and Washington, D.C. They were in Santa Fe weekend before last with a presentation at Westminster, an encuentro at Guadalupe Church, and a rally on the plaza last Monday.
Cipriana, whose activities for human rights brought her into conflict with the drug cartels, joined the Caravan in Chicago and will travel with it to Washington, arriving on Sep 12. If you would like to assist with her travel expenses, checks may be made out to Westminster Presbyterian Church, annotated “Refugee Spt Fund-Caravan,” and mailed to the church 841 W. Manhattan, SFNM 87501.
- KEEP COLLECTING YOUR COINS FOR THE “NOISY COIN TOSS” – Every 2nd Sunday of the month WPC has a 2nd Offering, a “Noisy Coin Toss”. Keep saving your change and remember to bring it on the appropriate date. So far this year (March – August) we have collected over $1000 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club del Norte, which serves children in Chimayó and Abiquiú. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
- ¡RUN REV, RUN! I went, I ran, I came away SORE! I finished and it was a terribly wonderful thrill. It ain’t no joke to run 26.2 miles. “Was this my first and last?” asked Antonio Lopez, a no-joke marathoner. Definitely, my first … already another one is in the works. Many thanks to all of you who supported me through prayer and encouragement, and to those who supported the Community Farm in this effort. My time was 3:11:14, and I finished 21st of 399 runners. You can see me spent as I approach the finish line for a limited time here. See you at the “Buffalo Thunder Half” on Sept 16.
- From the Presbytery: It is time to order the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study. Helen will send in our order on September 24th. By ordering through the Presbytery we qualify for a quantity discount. Please respond asap by phoning the office (983-8939 – leave a message or email [email protected]) if you wish to order a Mission Yearbook.
- Science and Faith
|
|
“Is religion relevant in our post modern world?”
Steven Hawkings says, “Heaven is nothing more than a bedtime story for those afraid of the dark.” Albert Einstein said, “Science explains how, religion explains why.” William Shakespeare’s Hamlet says, “There are more things in heaven and on earth than can be explained by your philosophy.” Come to share your stories, but even more importantly, come to listen, as we discover together whether our “convictions” can be brought into coherence with our “reason.”
Discussion facilitator: Mike Magee, MD, MDiv, MBA
Saturday, September 15, 6:30 pm (snacks)
Presentation at 7:00 pm, followed by Q and A around 7:35.
Immanuel Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 114 Carlisle Blvd SE, Nob Hill, Albuquerque
|
- For any child or teen, home is where faith begins—and where it’s best cultivated. To support and equip parents (and grandparents!) in this crucial task, Sandia Presbyterian Church is putting on a Growing Faith at Home conference on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 15, 5-8pm. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Karen-Marie Yust, professor of Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA, and author of Real Kids, Real Faith. Among other things, she will guide us through a “practice family dinner” (included). Special activities for children and teens. Cost is $25/family (of any size). To register or ask questions, please call Sandia at 856-5040, x120.
- Diana Butler Bass visits Santa Fe - St. John’s United Methodist Church (1200 Old Pecos Trail) is sponsoring Diana Butler Bass on September 22, 8:30 a.m. to2:00 p.m. Dr. Bass will speak on her latest book, Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. The cost of $25 includes lunch. For more information call (505) 982-5397. Dr. Bass’ website is www.DianaButlerBass.com
- A Storytellers informational gathering for parents and girls/young women who want to learn more about the Storytellers process will be held in Santa Fe on Sunday, September 23, at 4pm at the Center for Inner Truth, 826 Camino de Monte Rey, Suite A-1. RSVP by Sept 17, and/or to obtain more details, contact Ellen Antill ([email protected] or 505-577-3930). Ellen Antill is the director of Storytellers, an organization that exists to provide a safe space in which girls and young women, ages 12-22, can learn to love and embrace their whole life story. The hope is that this can lead the way for them to love and embrace themselves as well . . . and learn to live authentically.
BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! ______________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, September 7th, at 5:30 pm, Jan Worden-Lackey, organ.
- Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: Morning Song service 11:00 am: Familiar Service 9:15 – 9:45 am: Children’s Classes 9:30 – 10:30 am: Peace Jamming (for ages 6th to 12th grade) 9:45 – 10:45am : Adult Enrichment
- Morning Prayer: Wednesday’s at 7 am.
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
*******************************************************************************
WEEKEND UPDATE for August 31, 2012
THIS SUNDAY September 2nd—Rev. Chester Topple’s sermon topic is “It Must Be His Angel”, with scripture from Acts 12: 1-17 .
This Sunday Westminster welcomes Faith Amour, soloist
_____________________________________________
- Voter Registration: After worship on Sunday, Peter Westen will have a table set up to register voters.
- Youth! Mid and Senior Highs! Parents! and Adult Volunteers! … Dream session (round 2) … this Sunday morning at 9:30 (Sept 2nd) in the WPC Social Hall. Dream topic: a youth group combining youth from both First Presbyterian and Westminster churches. Great things will happen – to God be the glory! All are welcome!
- The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/805/prayer-list-oremos-por
- Remember: Bible Study every Tuesday at noon in the WPC Social Hall
- Taizé services resume weekly next week … Thursday at 5:30 in the WPC Sancutuary.
- KEEP COLLECTING YOUR COINS FOR THE “NOISY COIN TOSS” – Every 2nd Sunday of the month WPC has a 2nd Offering, a “Noisy Coin Toss”. Keep saving your change and remember to bring it on the appropriate date. So far this year (March – August) we have collected over $1000 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club del Norte, which serves children in Chimayó and Abiquiú. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
- ¡RUN REV, RUN! Rev. CHESTER TOPPLE, Pastor of Wesminster Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe, is running in his FIRST marathon on Monday, Sept 3! His race is The American Discovery Trail Marathon in Colorado Springs (http://www.adtmarathon.com) which benefits non-profit organizations. Inspired to have this endeavor be more than him just running 26.2 miles, Chester hopes it can be an opportunity to invite the community to help him run for a good cause – The Santa Fe Community Farm. The Farm has been an important part of life in Santa Fe for many years by creating food awareness, and by giving food away to the local food bank. CHEER CHESTER ON by supporting the Farm! All donations are tax deductible and may be given directly to the Farm by sending checks payable to theCommunity Farm. Please mail them to: Santa Fe Community Farm, 1829 San Ysidro Crossing, Agua Fria Village, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507. You may indicate Run Rev Run in the memo.
MY PLEDGE: I want to support both the Farm and Run Rev Run, therefore, I pledge: ___ .25 per mile = $6.50 ___ .50 per mile = $13 ___ $1 per mile = $26 ___ $2 per mile = $52 ___ $5 per mile = $130 ___ other per mile = ____ Want to provide Chester more incentive? In addition to finishing, Chester’s time goals are: 3:15 or better – good 3:10 or better – fantastic 3:05 or better – dream goal ___ I’ll double my pledge amount if Chester does ‘fantastic’ ___ I’ll triple my pledge amount if Chester realizes his dream goal. Thank you and God bless the farm and all those who are part of the community!
- All are invited to attend … Envision Santa Fe is a project of the Interfaith Leadership Alliance of Santa Fe Joyfully Invites You To Celebrate the First Three Families To Complete our 2-Year Program on Monday, September 10, 2012, 5:00-7:00 pm. Join us for Dinner! (no charge) at Temple Beth Shalom 205 East Barcelona. Please let us know if you are coming and how many will be attending by emailing Deborah at [email protected] Or Phone or text Sue at 505-699-6049.
* Envision Santa Fe is a coalition of Faith Communities & Social Services Agencies working to address family homelessness in our community.
- For any child or teen, home is where faith begins—and where it’s best cultivated. To support and equip parents (and grandparents!) in this crucial task, Sandia Presbyterian Church is putting on a Growing Faith at Home conference on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 15, 5-8pm. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Karen-Marie Yust, professor of Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA, and author of Real Kids, Real Faith. Among other things, she will guide us through a “practice family dinner” (included). Special activities for children and teens. Cost is $25/family (of any size). To register or ask questions, please call Sandia at 856-5040, x120.
- Diana Butler Bass visits Santa Fe - St. John’s United Methodist Church(1200 Old Pecos Trail) is sponsoring Diana Butler Bass on September 22, 8:30 a.m. to2:00 p.m. Dr. Bass will speak on her latest book, Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. The cost of $25 includes lunch. For more information call (505) 982-5397. Dr. Bass’ website is www.DianaButlerBass.com
- A Storytellers informational gathering for parents and girls/young women who want to learn more about the Storytellers process will be held in Santa Fe on Sunday, September 23, at 4pm at the Center for Inner Truth, 826 Camino de Monte Rey, Suite A-1. RSVP by Sept 17, and/or to obtain more details, contact Ellen Antill ([email protected] or 505-577-3930). Ellen Antill is the director of Storytellers, an organization that exists to provide a safe space in which girls and young women, ages 12-22, can learn to love and embrace their whole life story. The hope is that this can lead the way for them to love and embrace themselves as well . . . and learn to live authentically.
- The New York Times, which publishes the names of our servicemen and women who have died in the war in Afghanistan as the deaths occur, has published on line the entire roster of 2000 men and women so far lost. The format provides a photograph and the service branch, rank, age and hometown of each casualty. How does the creature say peace? Here is the link to the NY Times listing:
Faces of the Dead Lord in your mercy…. David Anderson
- The Interfaith Shelter is offering a Summer Shower Program. This is a daytime program, Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30 – 11:30AM (actually, with preparation and cleanup, volunteer time is actually about 2 ½ hours) Volunteers are needed for August – October – 1 time or repeat times — Tuesdays or Fridays. Or, if anyone would like to be responsible for one Tuesday each month and recruit volunteers to work with you, that would be wonderful. For more information or sign-up, please contact Barbara Medina – [email protected] Phone: 466-1139 or 670-6261 Many THANKS for your generosity.
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD — Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The program will begin officially the week of August 20, but supplies are being collected now. The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.
- ”There will be a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce.
- There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors.
BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! ___________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, August 31, at 5:30 p.m., Jan Worden-Lackey, organ.
- Summer Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: Morning Song (roof-top garden) – a “child-friendly” service 9:30 am: Worship Services in the Sanctuary 10:45 am: Adult Education
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
______________________________________________________________________ WEEKEND UPDATE for August 24, 2012 THIS SUNDAY August 26th—Rev. Chester Topple’s sermon topic is “First Named Christians”, with scripture from Acts 11: 19-26.
This Sunday Westminster also welcomes
The Westminster Bell Choir “Quartet”
Krista Peterson, Barbara Medina, Cindy Piatt, Steve Kinnett & Erik Mason
And (more special music)
“Come Sunday!” By Duke Ellington
Elizabeth Roghair, soprano, with David Anderson, sax, and Grace Nadell, piano
____________________________________________________
- This Sunday, August 26, Jan and Bob Chesnut invite you to a lunch following church on to Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bob’s ordination to the ministry. (Yes, that is the very day!) If you plan to come, please email Jan ASAP at [email protected]. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Imagine No Hunger Fund.
- End of summer POOL PARTY FOR KIDS ages 0 to 5th grade and their families. Saturday, August 25 from 10 – 2 pm at Mary Ann Bumgarner’s heated pool and hot-tub. Mary Ann will provide drinks and we can do pot luck style with snacks and lunch food. Meet at WPC at 10 am to carpool or you can request directions. RSVP with Cindy Piatt: [email protected]
- Youth! Mid and Senior Highs, parents, and adult volunteers! Let’s get together on Sunday, August 26th, at 4 pm in Pope Hall of First Presbyterian Church to dream about a youth group with both First Presbyterian and Westminster churches. Great things will happen – to God be the glory. RSVP with Pastors Chester Topple (txt or call: 505-795-4890) or Harry Eberts ([email protected]).
- Faith Amor (www.wix.com/faithamour/music) writes: Hope to see you out for this unique Santa Fe event at the Lensic this weekend! It’s 50 of our local musicians volunteering their time to raise money for the children of Santa Fe who need it the most, through Wings for Hope/Toys 4 Tots. I’m honored to be part of a lineup that includes some of our brightest stars – My set, between 7 – 7:30 … I can’t wait to be on that Lensic stage for the first time…!! Join us! Info at: http://www.facebook.com/events/105801892901161/
- Added attraction … Faith Amour, is scheduled to sing for Westminster’s Worship Service on Sunday, Sept. 2.
- The current prayer list can be found at: http://www.wpcsf.org/805/prayer-list-oremos-por
- For any child or teen, home is where faith begins—and where it’s best cultivated. To support and equip parents (and grandparents!) in this crucial task, Sandia Presbyterian Church is putting on a Growing Faith at Home conference on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 15, 5-8pm. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Karen-Marie Yust, professor of Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA, and author of Real Kids, Real Faith. Among other things, she will guide us through a “practice family dinner” (included). Special activities for children and teens. Cost is $25/family (of any size). To register or ask questions, please call Sandia at 856-5040, x120.
- The New York Times, which publishes the names of our servicemen and women who have died in the war in Afghanistan as the deaths occur, has published on line the entire roster of 2000 men and women so far lost. The format provides a photograph and the service branch, rank, age and hometown of each casualty. How does the creature say peace? Here is the link to the NY Times listing:
Faces of the Dead Lord in your mercy…. David Anderson
- Seeking A.M. Volunteers
- The Interfaith Shelter is offering a Summer Shower Program. This is a daytime program, Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30 – 11:30AM (actually, with preparation and cleanup, volunteer time is actually about 2 ½ hours)
Volunteers are needed for August – October – 1 time or repeat times — Tuesdays or Fridays. Or, if anyone would like to be responsible for one Tuesday each month and recruit volunteers to work with you, that would be wonderful.
- For more information or sign-up, please contact Barbara Medina – [email protected]
- Phone: 466-1139 or 670-6261
- Many THANKS for your generosity.
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD — Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The program will begin officially the week of August 20, but supplies are being collected now. The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.”
- There will be a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce.
- There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors.
- KEEP COLLECTING YOUR COINS FOR THE “NOISY COIN TOSS” – Every 2nd Sunday of the month WPC has a 2nd Offering, a “Noisy Coin Toss”. Keep saving your change and remember to bring it on the appropriate date. So far this year (March – July) we have collected over $700 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club del Norte, which serves children in Chimayó and Abiquiú. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! ______________________________________________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, August 24, at 5:30 p.m., Jan Worden-Lackey, organ.
- Summer Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: Morning Song (roof-top garden) – a “child-friendly”service 9:30 am: Worship Services in the Sanctuary 10:45 am: Adult Education
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 4th. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
**************** WEEKEND UPDATE for August 17, 2012 THIS SUNDAY August 19th—Rev. Chester Topple’s sermon topic is “Even the Gentiles”, with scripture from Acts 11: 1-18. This Sunday Westminster is also privileged to welcome L. V. West as our guest pianist. L. V.’s talents are well known to many in our congregation.
- The Women of Westminster will meet at the home of Lois Morton this Sunday (8/19) at 4PM. Bring salad, dessert or bread. Lois will provide the main dish and ice tea. All women are welcome! We will have a brief program, a devotional and a great time! For more information, contact Georgia Ortiz (505-692-9599) or Lois (982-5882).
- PEACE IN MEXICO “A Call for Peace and an End to the Drug War in Mexico” The Caravan for Peace is speaking out against the violence in Mexico and will be coming through Santa Fe on August 19 and 20.
- The Adult Forum at Westminster Presbyterian will host members of the Caravan for Peace with Justice and Dignity, led by poet Javier Sicilia and the Mexican peace movement Sunday morning, August 19th at 9:30am. The Caravan of 60 Mexican human rights leaders and representatives of indigenous communities, artists, youth and churches for peace, will be in Santa Fe, traveling from San Diego to Washington DC. The Caravan addresses the U.S. role in the violence that’s afflicted so many Mexican families, including global drug consumption, gun trafficking, the denial of immigrants’ rights, and money laundering. At the heart of the Caravan will be testimonies of victims of violence, who are bearing the human cost of these policies and calling for change. Cipriana Jurado will be part of the panel to add some of her personal experiences. Please join us for this important topic.
- The Our Lady of Guadalupe is inviting us to an “encuentro” at the Guadalupe church after their 5pm mass from 6 – 7:30pm, August 19. There will also be a gathering Monday (8/20) from 11 – 1 on the Santa Fe Plaza.
- Next Sunday, August 26, Jan and Bob Chesnut invite you to a lunch following church on to Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bob’s ordination to the ministry. (Yes, that is the very day!) If you plan to come, please signup at church on this Sunday, or email Jan at [email protected] by Thursday the 23rd. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Imagine No Hunger Fund.
- End of summer POOL PARTY FOR KIDS ages 0 to 5th grade and their families. Saturday, August 25 from 10 – 2 pm at Mary Ann Bumgarner’s heated pool and hot-tub. Mary Ann will provide drinks and we can do pot luck style with snacks and lunch food. Meet at WPC at 10 am to carpool or you can request directions. RSVP with Cindy Piatt: [email protected]
- Youth! Mid and Senior Highs, parents, and adult volunteers! Let’s get together on Sunday, August 26th, at 4 pm in Pope Hall of First Presbyterian Church to dream about a youth group with both First Presbyterian and Westminster churches. Great things will happen – to God be the glory. RSVP with Pastors Chester Topple (txt or call: 505-795-4890) or Harry Eberts ([email protected]).
- Seeking A.M. Volunteers
- The Interfaith Shelter is offering a Summer Shower Program. This is a daytime program, Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30 – 11:30AM (actually, with preparation and cleanup, volunteer time is actually about 2 ½ hours)
Volunteers are needed for August – October –1 time or repeat times — Tuesdays or Fridays. Or, if anyone would like to be responsible for one Tuesday each month and recruit volunteers to work with you, that would be wonderful.
- For more information or sign-up, please contact Barbara Medina – [email protected]
- Phone: 466-1139 or 670-6261
- Many THANKS for your generosity.
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD — Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The program will begin officially the week of August 20, but supplies are being collected now. The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.”
- There will be a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce.
- There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors.
- KEEP COLLECTING YOUR COINS FOR THE “NOISY COIN TOSS” – Every 2nd Sunday of the month WPC has a 2nd Offering, a “Noisy Coin Toss”. Keep saving your change and remember to bring it on the appropriate date. So far this year (March – July) we have collected over $700 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club del Norte, which serves children in Chimayó and Abiquiú. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! _______________________________________ From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, August 17, at 5:30 p.m., Jan Worden-Lackey, organ.
- Summer Sundays at First Presbyterian:
8:30 am: Morning Song (roof-top garden) – a “child-friendly”service 9:30 am: Worship Services in the Sanctuary 10:45 am: Adult Education
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 17. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
*************************************************** WEEKEND UPDATE for August 10, 2012
THIS SUNDAY August 12th—Westminster and First Presbyterian will worship jointly in the Agape Hall at GHOST RANCH in Abiquiu, NM!
Although there will not be a worship service at Westminster this Sunday, all are welcome to join us at Ghost Ranch. There will be worship services at 8:30 and 9:30 at First Presbyterian.
Here are the details: Worship service with First Presbyterian in the Agape Center at 11 a.m. Sunday lunch and an afternoon of swimming (pool open 1-3), hiking, reading, meditating and general rest and relaxation. Costs are below and we need a head count by THURSDAY, AUGUST 9. Sign up on the sheet on the lobby desk or e-mail or call the office: 983-8939 or [email protected]. $15 Adults $10 Children and Youth (age 15 and under) We’ll collect the money at the ranch; please bring the exact amount for your group. Saturday stay at reduced room rates. On the Sunday morning before Worship (at 11:00) a guided hike to Chimney Rock and/or a waterfront experience on Lake Abiquiu. Room rates include Sunday breakfast, but not the Sunday lunch and afternoon activities. Call the Ranch to make reservations for Saturday’s stay in the place of your choosing and let them know you are getting the First Pres/Westminster Discount Rate:
- Casa del Sol for $99 per room per night (rooms hold 2-3 people)
- Corral Block for $79 per room per night (rooms hold 4-6 people)
- Camping is $10 per night, but does not include meals.
- “NOISY COIN TOSS” WILL BE THIS SUNDAY AT THE GHOST RANCH SERVICE. Remember to bring your change to participate. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
- Other things happening this Sunday:
- You are invited to join the Espanola Sikh Community for a Gurdwara (temple) service of remembrance & honoring of those recently killed in the Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin. Sunday, August 12, 11am-1pm. See details below
- Maria Naranjo’s history presentation at El Santuario de Chimayo at 2 pm
- PEACE IN MEXICO “A Call for Peace and an End to the Drug War in Mexico”The Caravan for Peace is speaking out against the violence in Mexico and will be coming through Santa Fe on August 19 and 20.
- The Adult Forum at Westminster Presbyterian will host members of the Caravan for Peace with Justice and Dignity, led by poet Javier Sicilia and the Mexican peace movement Sunday morning, August 19th at 9:30am. The Caravan of 60 Mexican human rights leaders and representatives of indigenous communities, artists, youth and churches for peace, will be in Santa Fe, traveling from San Diego to Washington DC. The Caravan addresses the U.S. role in the violence that’s afflicted so many Mexican families, including global drug consumption, gun trafficking, the denial of immigrants’ rights, and money laundering. At the heart of the Caravan will be testimonies of victims of violence, who are bearing the human cost of these policies and calling for change. Cipriana Jurado will be part of the panel to add some of her personal experiences. Please join us for this important topic.
- The Guadalupe church is inviting us to an “encuentro” at the Guadalupe church after their 5pm mass from 6 – 7:30pm, August 19. There will also be a gathering on the Santa Fe Plaza on Monday, August 20th. Keep your eyes open for more info about this and other activities in upcoming weeks.
- Seeking A.M. Volunteers
- The Interfaith Shelter is offering a Summer Shower Program. This is a daytime program, Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30 – 11:30AM (actually, with preparation and cleanup, volunteer time is actually about 2 ½ hours)
Volunteers are needed for August – October – 1 time or repeat times — Tuesdays or Fridays. Or, if anyone would like to be responsible for one Tuesday each month and recruit volunteers to work with you, that would be wonderful.
- For more information or sign-up, please contact Barbara Medina – [email protected]
- Phone: 466-1139 or 670-6261
- Many THANKS for your generosity.
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD — Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The program will begin officially the week of August 20, but supplies are being collected now. The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.”
- There will be a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce.
- There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors.
- KEEP COLLECTING YOUR COINS FOR THE “NOISY COIN TOSS” – Every 2nd Sunday of the month WPC has a 2nd Offering, a “Noisy Coin Toss”. Keep saving your change and remember to bring it on the appropriate date. So far this year (March – July) we have collected over $700 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club del Norte, which serves children in Chimayó and Abiquiú. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
- FINAL “FROM BROADWAY TO BIRDLAND” Show! Faith Amour and John Rangel will perform tomorrow (Friday) night, 6 – 9pm, at Alto (upper lounge) in Pranzo’s Italian Restaurant, Santa Fe, $2 cover charge. Promises to be A Swingin’ Good Time!!
BE SURE TO CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR ON-LINE at www.wpcsf.org FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE SCHEDULING (and possible changes) OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS! From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- The TGIF Concert on Friday, August 10, at 5:30 p.m., Santa Fe favorite, Dr. Larry Palmer, will play music of Franck, Clerambault, and a tribute to the 100th anniversary of Myron Roberts.
- Summer Sundays at First Presbyterian:
- 8:30 am: Morning Song (roof-top garden) – a “child-friendly”service
- 9:30 am: Worship Services in the Sanctuary
- 10:45 am: Adult Education
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 17. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
WEEKEND UPDATE for July 20, 2012
THIS SUNDAY AT WESTMINSTER … Scripture for this Sunday is Acts 9:1- 9. Rev. Dr. Harry Ebert, minister at First Presbyterian Santa Fe, will be preaching. His sermon topic will be “Holy Spirit”. This Sunday is part of the Summer Series, “When the Church Was NOT a Building”.
- Agape Fast this Sunday July 22. Barbara Medina will do wonders with homemade soup, plus great breads and even pint-sized bags of frozen apricots, all in exchange for free-will donations to benefit Imagine No Hunger. Check the display board on the piano to see what our Hunger program has enabled us to do thus far this year!
- PASTORAL UPDATE – July 16th thru 22nd – Rev. Topple is at Ghost Ranch for a conference led by Ali and Phillip Newell. In the event of a pastoral emergency you may contact any of the WPC Deacons (Phoebe Girard, Kevin Hart, Jan Chesnut, Keri Brinegar or Consuelo Walker), the WPC office, Rev. Dr. Georgia Ortiz (505-351-2940, 505-692-9599 or [email protected]), or Rev. Dr. Harry Eberts at First Presbyterian (505-982-8544×10).
- We Are People Here! A staged reading by Craig Barnes in which persons such as Susan B. Anthony, the Wobblies, and Chief Joseph take part, will be presented at the beautiful Institute of American Indian Arts at 7:15 p.m. Friday, July 27. The public is invited; a voluntary donation is requested.
- Working toward a Nuke-Free World This month and next–the anniversaries of the first nuclear explosions here in New Mexico and on Hiroshima and Nagasaki–numerous events will take place commemorating the tragedies and working towards elimination of nuclear weapons.
- Friday, August 3. Art show commemorating Hiroshima/Nagasaki open at the Museo Cultural. - Saturday, August 4. Speakers and panel discussions at the Center for Contemporary Arts. - Sunday, August 5. Demonstration & rally at Ashley Pond Park in Los Alamos.
- EL FAROLITO – The deadline is approaching for the mid-summer issue (August/September) of WPC’s EL FAROLITO. Congregational news articles, inspirational articles as well as “nut & bolts” upcoming happenings articles are all welcome. If you have an article to contribute, be sure Helen has it early next week. If your article isn’t quite ready, call or email the office to reserve space.
- Sunday morning, July 29th at 9:30am Westminster Presbyterian Church will host three young leaders from the Creativity for Peace organization. This is a program that brings together young Israeli and Palestinian women for 3 weeks each summer to live in community and share their lives, hoping for transformation in their lives as they return to living amidst the conflict in their country. These young woman will be sharing experiences and information about their lives living in conflict, why they choose to work on peace, their hopes and dreams for the future, and the transformations they’ve undergone in the years that they’ve been involved with the organization. There will also be a time for Q & A. Please join us for this important offering by our Adult Forums.
- ADULT FORUM on Sunday, August 5th, at 9:30am will feature Curtis Sollohub, a Quaker and advocate for non-violence, who has been interested in the peoples and conflicts in Israel-Palestine since before he worked on a kibbutz back in 1972. More recently, in 2007 he spent two months in the West Bank under the auspices of Holy Land Trust, a Palestinian organization based in Bethlehem committed to the principles of non-violence. He spent last October in Nablus, Palestine where he volunteered both as a teacher of English and as a grant writer for an NGO in a refugee camp seeking to establish alternatives to violence, especially for youth. He brings to the table the stories and voices of the common people of Palestine, both Muslim and Christians. Presently he is writing a book on those stories and voices.
- From Faith Amor – Friday, 7/20 (tonight) at 8PM. Once again, James Westbay and I will be playing your favorite Lovesongs for Summer Nights at Osteria d’Assisi. If you haven’t made it out yet, this is the duo night to catch. We may even play your favorite requests
THIS JUST IN: At our last show at El Meson, Santa Fe Music Videos recorded a video of my song “Ou est-tu?”, which is now posted to YouTube.com and SantaFe.com – check it out!
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gnm0moAcBqM
Note from the youth group who visited WPC last month on their way to Ghost Ranch (picture below) … Dear Chester, We are back home in Raleigh and have had a week to settle back in. I just wanted to follow-up with you and thank you so very much for your generous hospitality– welcoming us into your worship service. It was a treat to be a part of the baptism of baby Leilahni Lexi and to get to meet so many from your congregation during the delicious lunch afterwards! The youth were impressed that it was okay for a little girl (your daughter?) to run up to you and grab your leg during the baptism and later dance in the aisle. That seemed very right to us! One of my favorite moments of the worship service was when Dick Avery acted as cantor to lead the congregation through the singing of the Psalm. What an awesome way to live the power of the word of God! The commissioning was just another level of your welcome to us and willingness to let us be a part of your service! We went off to have a great experience at Ghost Ranch and were privileged to work at the El Rito Library and at the Abiquiu Northern Project. We also painted the Ghost Ranch stable and jumped into the mud pit to make adobe bricks! So, it was a wonderful mission experience for us and you and your congregation will always be a part of it for us! Thanks again, and if you (or members from your congregation) are ever in the Raleigh area, please come be a part of our worship at West Raleigh Presbyterian! I’ve attached some pictures from week. :) Blessings and Peace, Betsy Eder
- FOOD FOR THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD — Members of the Westminster Church Family have an opportunity to donate food and baby items for a new hunger project at the Santa Fe Community College. Called the Campus Cupboard, it “will support students when food insecurity threatens their progression toward a certificate or degree.” The program will begin officially the week of August 20, but supplies are being collected now. The Missio Dei CARE group voted to approve our participation in this project as an extension of the Imagine No Hunger Project, believing that it is very important to help those struggling to improve their life chances through education. The organizers of the Campus Cupboard put it this way: “Often, students ‘stop out’ of college to work so they can free themselves and meet the basic necessities of life. When students leave SFCC, we all lose.”
There will be a box at the back of the sanctuary to receive your contributions of canned and boxed and bagged goods. The list of wanted items includes canned beans, chile, vegetables, tuna, soup, fruit. Wanted boxed and bagged items include dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, nuts. Plastic bottles and jars include peanut butter, applesauce, spaghetti sauce. There is a brochure about the Campus Cupboard on the bulletin board in the hall which includes a fuller list of these items plus needed baby items. Our contribution box will be available each Sunday. Please be as generous as you can to help our neighbors.
- KEEP COLLECTING YOUR COINS FOR THE “NOISY COIN TOSS” – Every 2nd Sunday of the month WPC has a 2nd Offering, a “Noisy Coin Toss”. Keep saving your change and remember to bring it on the appropriate date. So far this year (March – July) we have collected over $700 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club del Norte, which serves children in Chimayó and Abiquiú. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
- OFFICERS NEEDED: Consider serving WPC as an officer – Becoming an elder or deacon is challenging, rewarding, meaningful, and a servant’s task. It is what has sustained the church since the beginning of the Jesus movement. Prayerfully consider if God is calling you to serve the church in this way next year! Questions? Ask Chester or Milee.
- Need housecleaning or babysitting? Cipriana Jurado is often available! Call her at 505-204-1628, or contact Barbara, Consuelo or Erik if you think you need help with translating.
From our friends at First Presbyterian:
- TGIF Concert this Friday, July 20, the String Orchestra of Santa Fe, directed by Tom O’Connor, plays music of Mendelssohn, Handel and Vivaldi.
- Host Families Needed: The United World College in Montezuma, New Mexico, is looking for 10 host families for youth enrolled in their Global Leadership Forum. The Santa Fe part of the forum takes place from August 5-9. You can read more about the forum at www.uwc-usa.org/glf. Contact Josh Holland, Director, 512-293-9594, [email protected] if you are interested in hosting.
- Half Price Opera Tickets: Anne Maglisceau shares this information that on the day before a performance you want to see, you can purchase any unsold ticket for half price if you are a senior, student or active military. You pick them up at will call like anyone else when you go to the performance. You can go on the internet site to see what tickets are available.
- Summer Sundays at First Presbyterian:
- 8:30 am: Morning Song (roof-top garden) – a “child-friendly”service
- 9:30 am: Worship Services in the Sanctuary
- 10:45 am: Adult Education
- The Prayer Shawl Gathering meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 am. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 17. The gathering involves meditation, prayer and community, as participants knit or crochet shawls for our members, friends and neighbors going through the hard places in life. All are invited and if you would like to learn to knit you will find many helpers. Call Betty Kersting at 982‑4548 or Gay Hill at 983-7279 for more information and to find out where they are meeting this coming week.
