January 2012
Dinners of 7, 8 or 9 bring together friends old and new
We often wish we knew more about those sitting near us week after week on Sunday mornings – and now there’s an easy way to do just that.
Dinners of 7, 8 or 9 are a great opportunity to spend time with others from Westminster. On Saturdays, February 25, March 24 and April 21, you’ll eat with a different group in the home of one from that group, sharing a delicious “planned potluck” dinner.
Please sign up in the fellowship hall entry by January 22. Options abound for signup: regulars, substitutes, hosting date choices. Singles, couples, new folks, those who’ve not participated in a few years - all are welcome and encouraged to be part of this chance not to just meet and greet but to really get to know some fellow worshipers.
Everyday Extraordinary Life film series continues
Our Everyday Extraordinary Life film series highlights how, in the course of everyday ordinary life, people often encounter the extraordinary. Their stories give us hope, renew our faith and inspire us to live oureveryday lives with great expectation that each day has the potential to become extraordinary.
On Saturday, January 14, beginning at 7 pm, we’ll watch Taking Chance, and discuss it afterward over potluck desserts. Taking Chance is the remarkable true story of one soldier’s death in battle, another soldier’s journey of discovery and a nation’s reverence and gratitude toward its war dead. After hearing of the heroic death of a young Marine in Iraq, veteran officer Lt. Colonel Michael Strobl (Kevin Bacon) volunteers to escort the remains of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps back to his hometown in Wyoming. Now, on a trip across America’s heartland, Strobl will find himself on an unexpectedly emotional sojourn into the soul of a country mourning not only Phelps, but all of our country's fallen heroes.
Our last film showing will be February 12: Something the Lord Made.
Do you love books and libraries? Here’s your chance to help refine our collection of books to keep it relevant to the life of our church and help create a welcoming space for browsing and reading. A newly-forming library advisory committee–following an initial meeting or two–will meet 3–4 times per year. To help with this important endeavor, please contact Westminster librarian Richard LeSueur.
Children’s Ministry costumes and educational materials are being inventoried, repaired and replaced as needed. You can help by cutting simple felt shapes, or by working on costume stock-taking and repair. Please contact Tina Shaw.
One last Christmas hurrah: Saturday, January 7, starting at 9 am, we’ll take down and pack Christmas decorations for next year. Please sign up in the fellowship hall entry – or just show up. Questions? Please contact Richard LeSueur.
Solar power explained
Men’s Breakfast, Saturday, January 14, 8 am
Come and learn about solar-generated electrical energy, from a local expert in the field. Dave Strenski of SolarYpsi, will give a presentation on solar power in Michigan and the advantages of tying solar installation into the local electricity grid.
SolarYpsi was launched in 2005 when the Ypsilanti Food Co-operative won a grant from the State of Michigan to install a small demonstration solar photovoltaic system on their roof. With the help of DTE Energy, the Ypsi Food Coop completed the installation of all the necessary hardware to connect its system to the electrical grid, and was among the first solar power generators in Michigan with a net-metering arrangement.
Books can be powerful encouragers
Sixty Plus Club, Friday, January 27 (one week later than normal)
Lunch and program beginning at noon
Former Westminster Parish Associate Larry Woodruff will tells us “How Three Timeless Books Have Encouraged Me.” All are welcome. Please call Bonnie Terpstra for reservations.
Adult class to probe “repairing the breach”
Repairers of the Breach. We will explore Isaiah 58 and the idea of "repairing the breach." We want to "delight in God's ways" and show proper reverence and love in our worship and actions. What is the "fast" that God demands and what do these words mean to us today? All are welcome to drop in any Sunday at 10 am to ponder and discuss.
Bible study: Judges. Dig into the dramatic stories of Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah and Samson as you hear again the experiences of the Israelites who turn from God and suffer at the hands of their enemies. God, ever eager to forgive the repentant, sends judges to defeat the enemy and lead Israel. Sundays at 10 am; room 32 on the lower level.
Theology and Faith: Christian Doctrine, by Shirley Guthrie. Come for an in depth look into the core beliefs of Christianity. We'll systematically cover such topics as the Trinity, evil, sin, atonement, resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the Church, Reformed tradition, reading and interpreting Scripture, Christian hope and more. For new or lifelong Christians – you won't believe how much we'll learn together. Led by Pastor Cathi King; room 30 on the lower level;
Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm.
Youth activities, January 2012
Sun, Jan 1 |
Happy New Year! |
Fri, Jan 6 |
Omegas Epiphany Dinner, 6–8 pm, at Westminster |
Sun, Jan 8 |
Alphas bowling at Bel-Mark Lanes, 1–2:30 pm; $10 per person; sack lunch provided; drivers needed; pick up at Bel-Mark |
Sun, Jan 15 |
Omegas movie and lunch, 12:30–2:30 pm, at Westminster |
Fri–Sun, Jan 20–22 |
Alpha retreat; make your reservation today! |
Current finances are presented (November 2011)
Income |
Budget |
Actual |
Pledges |
44,383 |
37,636 |
Other income |
9,562 |
5,979 |
Expenses |
54,035 |
49,593 |
Receipts minus expenses (deficit) |
|
<$5,978> |
Year-to-date balance (deficit) |
|
<$20,063> |
Please contact Jeff Kennedy, Treasurer, or David Hammond, Financial Secretary, with questions or concerns.