CHIMESAugust 2014 • Westminster Presbyterian Church • westminstergr.org

Westminster BuildingsThrough the Years

CHIMESA publication of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

47 Jefferson Ave SE • Grand Rapids • MI • 49503 • 616-456-1456

SENIOR PASTOR LETTER Through the doors of Westminster 3

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Late Summer Preaching 3 WESTMINSTER THROUGH THE YEARS From beginning to present 4-7

WELCOME OUR NEW FRIENDS New family join’s our community 8 DOWNTOWN PANTRY Our neighbors needs 8

SANCTUARY ROOF PROJECT Updates 9

MUSIC MINISTRY Summer projects 10

YOUTH MINISTRY High School - Montreat trip 11

YOUTH MINISTRY Middle School - S. Manitou Island 12

WCDC Surprise gift 13

FAMILY CAMP Worship and picnic 13

EDUCATION Needed help for special ministry 13 SMALL GROUPS News and events 14-15

221ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY Updates insert page

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Westminster Presbyterian Church | Chimes 3

Through the doors of Westminster

INTRODUCTION FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

Grace and peace to you in the Lord Jesus Christ and God our Creator!

Dear Sisters and Brothers, greetings from Northport, Michigan.

It has been a busy and refreshing summer. Karen, my partner in ministry and life accepted a six to eight month interim position in Northport (MI), at Trinity United Church of Christ—so we spent the first weeks of July moving her in and her getting started. We enjoyed family and fireworks and small town life. Karen and I will go back to “dating” for a while—a practice we’re accustomed to and which enriches and focuses our relationship. My study leave and vacation concluded with eight days in the wilderness of Quetico, Manitoba, Canada, canoeing and fishing with a couple of preaching buddies—a great experience.

This issue of the Chimes has some wonderful material on the history of our buildings. Since the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee has been interviewing candidates and bringing them to town, I’ve had the privilege of introducing them to the facilities. There is a lot to show and a lot to say, but two places hold particular joy for me. One is the Gathering Place—an extraordinary place: full of light and air, uplifting, preserving the sense of history as well as a sense of moving forward; it is a very special architectural expression of Westminster. A second is the pulpit. If you come to worship early sometime, walk up into the pulpit and look around. When we are jammed full

with 700+ people, from that pulpit, you can still see every face. Every face. It is the most intimate worship space I have ever encountered, and it suggests why Westminster is such a “lay-led” community. No one is far from the chancel. No one is far from the center when we gather as a community. I believe it is likely much easier to feel a part of things in that sanctuary than in many, many others. And from the pulpit it is easy to feel connected, to feel close, to feel that we are in this work together.

Religious architecture is important, and generations of faithful folk at Westminster have dedicated themselves with time, talent, and treasure to make the buildings at 47 Jefferson St. SE a place that expresses our trust in God. Thanks be to those generations of women and men, whose legacy we have inherited. And thanks be to God for their amazing gifts. As we look forward to the results of the Breton Group’s feasibility study for this stage in our stewarding the physical plant, look over this issue of Chimes to learn or recall the history of these buildings.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Chandler Stokes, Senior Pastor & Head of Staff

WORSHIP SCHEDULE AUGUST 2014

AUGUST 3: THE DANGEROUS WATERS OF BAPTISM Sacraments of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. Sermon on Genesis 6:11-13, 17-18 and Romans 6:3-6 Music: The Nelson Family, strings, clarinet, and percussion.

AUGUST 10: EMBODIED FAITHSermon on Romans 10:5-15 Music: Emma and Rudy Richter, violin and oboe.

AUGUST 17: TO BE ANNOUNCED Lectionary: Genesis 45:1-15, Psalm 133; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:10-20, 21-28Music: Frank Van Haven and New Revival Jazz Band.

AUGUST 24: ROCKS AND WORDSSermon on Matthew 16:13-20 Music: Viviana Kloostra, Soprano

AUGUST 31: TO BE ANNOUNCED Lectionary: Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28 Music: Alan Exoo, Soloist

4 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

FEATURE

Hundreds of people enter through the doors of Westminster Presbyterian Church each week: Staff, volunteers, parents, children, neighbors, and congregation members. All of who have a specific destination in mind when entering the doors. Many of them know the path to take to get to their desired location, and if they don’t, they simply can stop and ask one of the gracious greeters. However, not many, if any, just know that as they walk in the door, through the lobby, up the stairs, or through the gathering place, or into the dining room, that they are walking through decades, upon decades of renovation and transformation.

We sat down with a few of the Westminster Members to see if we could paint a picture for the congregation of how everything all came together.

THE BEGINNING In 1861 25 people from the west side of the city felt the need to build a church on the east side of the river. After some hesitation from the Presbytery, they finally were granted permission, and on July 17, 1861 Westminster came to be.

They rented the Swedenborgian church at the northwest corner of Lyon and Division. They paid $100 a year for their first worship space. With their founding minister, Rev. Courtney Smith began the Westminster Presbyterian ministry in 1861.

Though the Civil War was raging on, they still found enough monetary resources to buy the site of the first Westminster Church building in 1866. It cost $1,400 for the property at the corner of Lyon and Division.

The red brick building measuring 50 by 70 feet could hold 300 people and was joyously dedicated in March of 1867. The government purchased the building for $14,075 for their Post Office, but Westminster was able to remain in the building for two more years.

In order to meet the needs of the growing congregation, Westminster purchased three lots on the present location in 1875. While the sanctuary was being built, members worshipped in a small chapel on site. After 10 years of construction, the sanctuary

was finally ready for worship. This sanctuary is the one in which you can find yourself on any Sunday morning.

Sunday school classes were held in the balcony, choir loft, and all throughout the sanctuary. But plans were soon in place to build the Christian Education building, which was finally completed in 1922.

Through the next few decades, a few families would make contributions for stained glass windows in the sanctuary; The Birdsall window behind the chancel was installed in 1939, and the manger scene on the east wall was installed in 1959. Another major addition was the Skinner organ in 1937.

Also, during these early years of the church, some of its current core missions came to fruition. Offsite, an important core mission for Westminster was founded: Camp Henry on Kimball Lake in Newaygo, MI. The Reverend Edward Downey wished to reach the children and youth of the church more effectively. Henry Idema pledged money toward building a church camp. At its start, the camp was set up to host girls for four weeks, then boys for four weeks. It became co-educational in 1966.

Westminster the beginning...

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FEATURE

through the years...The Westminster Child Development Center (WCDC) got its start in the 1960s after the need was perceived to provide children with activities to do while not in school. The center used the lower floor of the Christian Education building, and it provided, and still does, a safe place and community for families in the Heartside area. It helps aid those who could not normally afford care for their children while they made a living.

Porter Hills Presbyterian Village opened their doors in 1970, with a gift of land from Donald and Ruth Porter. The beautiful facility is home to hundreds of residents, many of whom are active in the life of Westminster. Over the decades Porter Hills has expanded their ministry to include multiple campuses and partnerships.

THE CAMPAIGNS Architecture remained fairly quiet until the Century II campaign in 1976. Before this campaign the current gathering place was an open alley. People had to cross this alley to get from the offices to the Sanctuary, and to the dining room, and living in Michigan that meant really only four good months in which to enjoy that crossing. The campaign laid out the plans to combine the buildings into one larger facility by ways of adding connectors.

In 1986 Dr. John Stewart published a booklet celebrating the 125 years of Westminster ministry. In it he states “…with more than half a million dollars, [the Century II Campaign] rebuilt the office building, upgraded the dining room, kitchen, and offices, added an art gallery space, and connected it all to the sanctuary and christian education building. No more rainy and snowy passages for children and adults. No more dressing of brides in a curtained corner of the Narthex. No more church suppers in a factory-type room.”

Because of the major renovations and changes of the Century II campaign, the Pilgrimage ’80 campaign was enacted to provide Westminster with a type of ‘facility face-lift.’ The Sanctuary was painted, windows were covered, and some of the roofing received an update, to name some of the projects.

A few years later, Covenant ’84 was enacted. This campaign gave the facility a longed for chapel, expanded the social area between the buildings,

gave a remodel to the Christian Education Building, enlarged the dining room, and refurbished the sanctuary and parlor.

Westminster member Kent Riddle recalls the Covenant 84’ campaign plan, “[It] gave us the chapel, parking lot, dining room expansion, sanctuary carpet and pews, added all of the infrastructure in between and left us with a courtyard. It had a double glass wall all around the courtyard. A glass walkway about 8 ft wide. Going from the narthex along the street, kind of along the gathering space, going along the bathrooms.”

In 1990, Westminster began the Mission 90’s campaign and, according to Riddle, “it was probably the biggest project we’ve done.” One of the many projects with this campaign was enclosing the courtyard, which meant building, as you know it now, the gathering place. “Larry Bratschie had said to me, ‘What if we were to enclose this courtyard?’ I remember how the conversation happened. We’re in the middle of the courtyard, it’s like a starry night, we’re eating dinner, candlelight and Larry’s pumping me with all the reasons we should enclose this space, and you know it was absolutely the right thing to do,” recalled Riddle.

As senior pastor, Chandler Stokes mentioned in his cover letter, the Gathering Place is a bright, welcoming environment for all who pass through. It is quite literally a bridge between original and modern architecture at Westminster. Because of its character, they carefully planned to enclose the courtyard in a way that will preserve the history and flavor. They did this by adding landscaping, adding a skylight above the stained glass window, and keeping the brick exposed.

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FEATURE

Another major part of the Mission 90’s campaign was reconfiguring the layout of the nursery. The nursery was too small and located in the basement. With careful planning they moved the nursery up to the main floor. According to Riddle, the idea was to get all of the kids upstairs together; “I remember Bill Evertsburg saying ‘Team: To attract people to the church you have to have the nursery close to the sanctuary. Parents of the future are going to be hovering around their kids,’ and he was correct, wasn’t he?”

The Christian Education classrooms and space were expanded. The rooms were remodeled to allow for the ever-growing number of children participating in Childrens’ worship.

Most of this campaign was spent on the interior of the building, however, the exterior received a few upgrades. The canopy connecting the Jefferson parking lot and the entrance to the church was constructed. Workers refinished and repainted the outside brick, replaced yellowed plexiglass over the stained glass windows, and constructed a more current playground barrier.

With some allotted monetary resources from the campaign, the Food Pantry began in the basement. The church wanted to be a community and help assist its neighbors. The Westminster Downtown Food Pantry opened almost 25 years ago to help make this a reality. Since then this important ministry of Westminster has given thousands of clients assistance and respect.

Vision 2000 was all about building bridges, in our local community and through outreach and mission. One way of building a bridge to the future was by way of expanding the nursery, Christian Education, and office areas. Westminster continued to see growth in attendance and felt the need to refinish unused space to accommodate more classrooms, more offices, and more nursery space.

The parlor and library space was converted to what is now the pastoral suite. The parlor was moved to its current location, which used to be two inadequate nursery rooms, and the library moved to its current location, alongside the newly built prayer room.

To better provide for the growing educational needs, they made use of unused space on the third floor. The space next to the gymnasium was converted to a multi-purpose and art room. The gymnasium and other classrooms were slightly renovated to give it a more updated, and modern look and function.

The offices were moved from the east side of the dining room to their current location to better accommodate office needs. As you can see, by current use of these facilities, these ‘bridges’ needed to be built.

The Renew campaign began in 2005, and the name can speak for the work done through this campaign. The campaign listed repairing the Sanctuary floor and basement, restoring the stained glass, renovating the exterior, rebuilding the organ, updating the heating ventilation and air conditioning unit, building a roof replacement fund, and convert the Ritter’s Carburetor shop into parking as their main objectives.

Westminster member Marcie Beck helps recall the stained glass project: “We took every stained glass window out, and they took them to the workshop, took them apart and cleaned each and every single piece of glass and put them back together again. And they did all the framing and brought one window back at a time and put them back in.” The frames also had to be rebuilt because the frames were weather stripped and had deteriorated through time.

Other stained glass windows were uncovered and restored. Glass canopies were built over the windows for aesthetics, protection, and preservation. Westminster member Al TenHoor recalls the process: “They took out the ceiling in the narthex and upon taking it out, they uncovered the bottom half of the beautiful

through more years...

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FEATURE

...into the present

stained glass window. They wanted to uncover the window. And the only way they were going to do it is if they cut a hole in the narthex ceiling and built a glass canopy in the ceiling.”

The steeple also received a structural facelift. The campaign was designed to include a long term building maintenance fund but that money had to go towards the steeple. “The last thing to decide about the steeple was which way to have the cross. So we asked [Rev. Chandler Stokes], ‘which way do you want the cross to face, do you want it to face to the east or to the north?’ Well he said, ‘just leave it the way the fathers had it on here when it was built,’” said TenHoor.

The original campaign allocated part of its budget to rebuilding the organ, but thanks to Bob VanSprange, the organ received quite an amazing and beautiful restoration. He donated a lot of time and resources to adding pipes, taking off the screens and overall upgrading the system.

The last acquisition Westminster made for the building from the city block was Ritter’s Carburetor shop. Al happily remarked that he remembers the pastors parking in there as it was the perfect set up for indoor parking. It was torn down in 2006 to make space for the addition of more parking and our current storage shed.

The beautiful building in which we currently worship, serve, work, and volunteer has had its share of changes and upgrades through the years. The major emphasis from all of these changes and campaigns is that we have always, and will always be experiencing continual growth and improvement. With those continual improvements comes the support, love, grace, and generosity of a fierce and mighty community that is Westminster.

“One of the themes has been the lack of funding for long-term maintenance. And now we have a chance to do that,” says Marcie Beck. Westminster needs to plan and build for the twenty-second century. With that comes the careful planning and course-charting of its core missions: Camp Henry, Downtown Food Pantry, and the Westminster Child Development Center. The feasibility study is currently charting a map to better serve our community through aiding these core missions through much needed renovations. “We’ve tried to do program first then develop the facilities, instead of the ‘if you build it they will come’ mentality,” says TenHoor. As we look to the twenty-second century for both our facilities and programs, let us keep spreading Christ’s love to absolutely everyone.

Sanctuary 1913 Sanctuary 2013

8 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

NEWS

The Armenteros/Martin family, our Cuban refugee family, is busy getting used to the Grand Rapids community by riding the bus to English classes 4 days a week and keeping appointments with Social Security Services, Kent County Dept. of Health, the Secretary of State office, and Bethany Christian Services.

They meet weekly with volunteer tutors Pete Rynders, Sharon Slager, Leslie Dennis and Marilyn Lawrence. They also take drivers training and job skills classes. None of them have previously driven a car. As soon as they receive a work permit and Michigan Identification card they hope to become employed.

Welcoming our new friends

The Armenteros/Martin family being greeted on May 21, 2014 at Gerald R. Ford airport by Westminster members.

Cira and Bernardos enjoying life in Grand Rapids. Deneb and Raiko enjoying an outing to the Downtown Market.

The family of four is enjoying learning about their new city and country. They have visited Westminster, the Farmers’ Market, Meijer Gardens and the beach. If you would like to host the family for a meal or an outing, please contact Heidi Larr at heidi.larr@gmail.com or 616-322-5505. Welcome Bernardos, Cira, Raiko, and Deneb!

For the College of Elders of Westminster, the next stated meeting and retreat for the Presbytery of Lake Michigan is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, September 15-16 at Camp Geneva. The retreat keynote speaker is Ray Jones, Coordinator of Evangelism for the Presbyterian Church. If you are interested in being a commissioner for part or all of the retreat, please contact Chris Dugan, Elder for Presbytery Relations, at cgdugan14@gmail.com or 245-7147.

Downtown Food Pantry notes As a way of understanding our neighbors who use the pantry, we regularly conduct surveys—in June we asked about employment. Over 280 persons completed the survey and of those more than 60% were unemployed and nearly that many were disabled. Some 27% said that they were seeking employment, some of whom were looking for a second or better job.

Additionally, of the 103 employed neighbors, only 2 persons work more than 30 hours per week and more than half work less than 10 hours per week. Two-thirds of those responding said that they earn less than $9.00 an hour; no one stated that they earned more than $15.00 per hour.

The numbers confirm that the pantry serves those who are materially poor. The numbers also reflect the huge problem of joblessness among the marginalized of our society and the inability of the less-advantaged to earn a living wage.

The pantry continues to experience an increase in the number of neighbors served. That has been a common pattern for the 25 years of the pantry’s existence, in spite of the same geographical boundaries and a relatively stable population. Thank you Westminster for your commitment, care and support of the Downtown Food Pantry.

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NEWS

There is a little bit of bad news, but mostly lots of progress.

The little bit of Bad news: Grand River Builders uncovered another section of rotted wood. This one was located near the SW corner of the sanctuary roof where it adjoins the flat roof of the 1920s “Parish House” addition. This was NOT a “surprise”. The junction between a pitched roof and a flat roof is often a problem. It is easy for water to collect there, eventually seeping under the shingles and rotting the wooden deck boards below. GR Builders simply found more damage there than they (and we) had anticipated. This area had to be fixed and the work has been completed; it will add a cost of $19,000 to the total project. All the rotted wood has been replaced and the gutters have been redone to improve the drainage.

Now, on to lots of progress! The end is in sight! No date certain, but it should be weeks – not months – until all the work is finished.

The “structural rehabilitation” phase of the roof project is complete. Working with the structural engineers, Grand River Builders was able to find a way to work from the outside in to repair the rotted end of truss #3 and the crumbling masonry upon which it rested. That eliminated the need to erect a second tower of scaffolding in the sanctuary and saved us $4,200 (and A LOT of mess!).

As part of stabilizing the structure, GR Builders inserted tie-rods in both transepts. They are in the attic (obviously, not visible from the interior of the sanctuary) and will tie together the ends of the scissor trusses that form the transepts. Those trusses had splayed considerably over the years and should now be strong and more stable for many years to come.

During the first week of June, GR Builders actually began installing slate tiles on the roof! Take a few minutes to walk around the block and you will see lots of progress. Both transepts have been completed, and the east side of the sanctuary is more than one half done (working from the bottom up). On the west side, work began on the north end, and now that side of the roof is about one half covered. The little gold polka dots are the copper cups of the snow guard system. This system will prevent the build-up of a solid sheet of snow that could create a dangerous avalanche when it slides off the roof.

Several people have asked about the possible impact of the weather on the progress of the project. Work can continue in the rain – not in thunderstorms or hail – but, a steady gentle rain presents no problem. Heat is more of a challenge. Fortunately, we have so far been spared really HOT weather. When it has been “warm”, the craftsmen have put on their “cooling vests” (filled with ice!). These vest help to maintain a safe body temperature, and the work continues.

There is still work to be done. 1) The permanent hatch, which will provide easier access to the attic, still has to be cut and finished in the northeast corner of the balcony. The cost of this was part of the original bid.

2) The Facilities Committee needs to decide on the type of insulation and select a contractor to install it. Bids have been solicited and this add-on to the project is under discussion. The cost of adding/ improving the insulation was not included in the original bid.

3) And last, but not least … soon we will have a beautiful new sanctuary roof. One that will last into the 22nd Century. Now, we need to pay for it.

Stay tuned for more information about plans to accomplish that. - Marcie Beck

Roofing project moves forward

10 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

MUSIC HAPPENINGS

Summer time is a time for planning, and a time for projects which need to be completed before the fall rehearsals begin. Here are some things that occur in the summer:

included seven performances in five venues this summer.

and Mary Carrington. Which piece needs more copies?

September 2014 through May 2015. With six singing choirs, one instrumental ensemble, and various other groups, this is a huge task!

Singers robes.

summer such as weddings and Porter Hills services.

ensembles for Sunday mornings. The selections include music already in the Westminster library plus new purchases. The selections are also chosen with collaboration with the preachers so that the message all fits together.

including the Christmas concert and the spring musical.

provide music for our summer services at Westminster. Thanks to everyone who have donated their time and talents to be part of this!

crosses and the rosters ready for next year’s choristers. For example, who is in second grade and who has moved up to third grade?

On Sunday, August 24th, we will honor Jackie Schoon. Jackie is stepping down after eight years as director of the Westminster children’s choirs. Jackie has lovingly and cheerfully taught our children how to be better singers and how to be worship leaders. In addition to wanting to spend more time with her family, Jackie has taken on more teaching duties in the public school system. We will honor Jackie in the service and will have a reception for her in the dining room afterwards.

However, the children’s choirs will not miss a beat! We are excited to announce that Luanne K. Barnes will be taking over the leadership of the Cherub and Carol Choirs. Luanne is a long-time member of Westminster and has been involved with the music program in many ways over the past years. Luanne is a K-8 music teacher at Cross Creek Charter Academy. We look forward to having Luanne on the music staff at Westminster! Cara Hyink will continue as director of the Cantus Choir, and we are grateful to her for her gifts!

Music - summer projects in motion

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YOUTH MINISTRY

Youth ministry - high schoolLess than 24 hours after (most) schools let out for summer break, 34 slightly tired youth and 11 slightly more tired leaders arrived at Westminster at 6:00 AM to load a bus bound for Montreat, NC for a week of service, adventure, learning, worship and bonding.

Along the way we stopped for the Kirk Singers to perform at several elder care facilities and join in worship. The youth (whether they are in Kirk Singers or not) provide an atmosphere of joy and excitement as they sing praises and visit with the residents of these facilities. With each stop, you can see the difference that these visits make, both on the faces of the residents, the staff and our youth. Combining the choir tour with our trip to Montreat allows for a beautiful balance between service and spiritual development in a variety of settings.

Set in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, Montreat is known as a place where the space between Heaven and Earth is a bit thinner, not because of the higher altitudes, but because God’s presence is evident in the beauty of the landscape and in the hearts of all who come to worship and grow closer to God! This year’s theme was “Rooted and Reaching.” Throughout the week, we explored the many ways that God plants and roots us in Christ. One of the highlights was hearing our own Chandler Stokes preach every evening to the 1200 teenages in residence there.

We began the week looking at God as the gardener and focused on the verses from Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23. Our youth began to ask questions and wrestle with what Jesus meant in the parable of the sower. Are we the seeds that the sower (or farmer) throws? Are we the various types of soil on which the seeds land? How does our role (and God’s role in our lives) change based on these different scenarios? It was discovered that not knowing all these answers is alright; after all, the

disciples and people speaking with Jesus also wrestled with the meaning of this parable.

We also explored the meaning of “family,” learning that “family” extends far beyond our immediate family (ie. brothers, sisters, moms, dads, cousins, etc.). As Christians, our family extends to all those around us as our brothers and sisters in Christ. We talked about how there are a lot of people in this world that will tear us down, but as a WPC family and members of God’s family, it is our job to build one another up and support each other.

We asked questions like these: How do we know when God is speaking to us? What does God’s voice sound like? How do we know if we are hearing God’s voice, or if the world (ie. peer pressure, culture norms, etc.) is just trying to throw us off? By looking at Jonah’s story, we discovered that sometimes, our plans look nothing like the ones that God has for us and that sometimes even when we hear God’s voice, we don’t always want to listen.

In addition to the structured learning during the daily sessions, our group grew in unstructured ways as well. We woke up early to hike the mountain and learned about teamwork and perseverance. We stood in awe of God’s creation atop the mountain and sang praises as the sun rose. We set up hammocks and hung around (literally) with one another. Decks of cards and thread for bracelets were always in view. Rocks were hopped, Frisbees and footballs flew freely, and new friendships were made while old ones strengthened.

I could not have asked for a better week or a better group with whom to share my first Montreat experience! “Thank you” to all the youth of Westminster and to those that have been and continue to be involved in their lives! Sarah Workman, High School Youth Director

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YOUTH MINISTRY

On June 19, twenty fearless and adventurous middle school youth of Westminster made their trek to South Manitou Island for the first time ever and ended with an unforgettable experience.

The first stop of the trip was on the shores of Camp Henry where everyone took part in an evening of canoeing, swimming and kickball. At our evening campfire we participated in a dedication to highlight the year we shared together. In this dedication time, we heard from the 8th graders who left us with their words of wisdom and wishes for those youth in grades below them. A majority of the responses involved an encouragement for everyone to remain a strong support to one another and to take advantage of every opportunity extended to them in youth group. This was a very heartfelt way to begin our trip.

Arriving on South Manitou Island the following day, the crew encountered several rain storms which led to some great bonding time inside the tents. Though conditions were wet and the mosquitos were showing their unwanted affection, spirits remained highly positive amongst the group.

As the weather cleared, we explored the island from hiking through the old white cedar trees, viewing the ship wreck of the Francisco Morazanon, mastering our rock skipping skills and even climbing the unique sand dune formations. The most exhilarating moment, in our opinion, was taking a Lake Michigan bath- brrr!

Every evening, we would wind down and enjoy dinner together followed by small group discussions. We used this time to reflect on each day. As their leader, I am always amazed by the level of maturity and growth seen in our discussions.

Youth ministry - middle schoolA particular moment of epiphany occurred for me on Day 2 as we hiked among the 500 year old white cedar trees. It seems to me that these white cedars give us the following advice: stand tall and proud, go out on a limb, remember your roots, drink plenty of water, be content with your natural beauty, and enjoy the view.

My challenge for all of the youth and everyone else is to take another look at ‘that tree’ today. What lessons do you need to be reminded of? Are you living out the version of yourself you love most? Are you pursuing God as much as He is pursuing you? Are you staying connected to this Westminster community?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” I am so proud of the middle schoolers and all that they have accomplished this past year. Such a strong sense of community has been formed, and I know that it will continue to grow strong, just like those white cedars.

A big thank you to the youth for making this experience an unforgettable one.

Adam Swenson, Middle School Director

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NEWS

Recently the Women Who Care of Kent County, a philanthropic group, donated approximately $12,000 to the Westminster Child Development Center. Women Who Care was founded in 2006 by Karen Dunnigan who was the former mayor of Jackson, Michigan. Now there are well over 100 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The group meets once a quarter at Blythfield Country Club. Membership is open to ALL women, and each member commits to $400 a year or $100 a quarter. The meetings last for one hour only 5:30-6:30p, and then if you choose to stay, Blythfield serves a wonderful meal afterwards. At the meeting women can put the name of their favorite charitable organization into a box. Three names are drawn, and then each of the 3 presenters are given 5 minutes to talk about their charity with a 3 minute question and answer from the group. At the end of the 3 presentations, all of the women present vote and the organization that gets the top vote, is the winner for the evening. Each woman writes a check to that organization. It is such a simple way to raise money for so many deserving organizations.

Since the group’s inception in June 2013, they have given away over $57,000 to God’s Kitchen, The Baby Pantry, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Child’s Assessment Center, Arts in Motion (which was founded by Delight Lester, daughter of former pastor Don Lester and wife Elaine), and now in June 2014, our very own Westminster Child Development Center.

Several Westminster women are part of this growing group. Please consider joining us at our next meeting on September 4, 5:30p at Blythfield Country Club. You can check us out on Facebook at Women Who Care of Kent County. - Sharon Stianson

WCDC receives surprise gift

Tanya Gilbert, WCDC, assistant director, and Amber Marz-Momany, Director, receive the check from Sharon Stianson and Westminster members of Women Who Care group.

SUMMER’S END - AND PICNIC AT CAMP HENRYWe’ll conclude the Camp Henry summer season with worship at Camp Henry on Sunday, August 31. Our Westminster choir and worship leaders will be on hand for the 10:00a service and Family Campers will serve as liturgists. Westminster family and friends are invited to join us! A cook out will follow the service and the waterfront will be staffed and open in the afternoon so that we can enjoy the kayaks and swimming. It will be a lovely way to enjoy a last Sunday of summer. Please sign up in the Gathering Place or call the church office by August 20 so that we can plan for food.

“ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE IS WELCOME” - HELP FOR A SPECIAL MINISTRY We strive to be a place where “absolutely everyone is welcome.” In our Westminster community we have two children with rather particular needs for care and

keeping. Both boys have special learning needs and are part of small, specialized classes at school. They are not able to manage the larger group situations that characterize our Children’s Ministry programs here. Sarah Faasse, our Associate for Children’s Ministries, is working this summer to adapt stories and curriculum pieces to fit their needs, but we would also like to hire two people to serve as consistent teachers and care providers on Sunday mornings. Experience or training in Special Education is needed although a current upper level college student with a focus in Special Ed or psych/education would work.If you know of someone who would be interested in this ministry, please contact Sherrill Vore, Minister for Christian Education for details, at 717-5541 or sherrillv@westminstergr.org.

14 Chimes | Westminster Presbyterian Church

SMALL GROUPS

Small group news and eventsWOMEN’S RETREAT The Westminster Women’s Retreat at Camp Henry is just around the corner. Dates for this year’s retreat are Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11. When fall arrives you can spend some time at beautiful Camp Henry as we focus on God’s creative work in the world. Registration information will be available in September.Also, we need your gifts and talents if you are a woman who enjoys creating using words, fabric, nature, food, music, plants - or any other material. Are you interested in sharing your talents with a small group of women? The organizers of the retreat are interested in hearing from you! While the list below is not intended to limit your ideas, it may help inspire you to share your creative gifts and talents.

Calligraphy Cooking/Baking Gardening Painting Memorizing/Reciting Scripture Meditation Music Pottery Photography Yoga/Tai Chi Writing If you have a skill or talent that you would be willing to share in a 60-90 minute interactive format at the retreat, please contact Chris Dugan at cudugan14@gmail.com or call 245-7147 for more information.

FASD (FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER) WPC has been a supporting environment for those with special needs, particularly those within the FASD community. Raising awareness and creating a space of welcome, there are two groups that meet at Westminster: an FASD support group for those diagnosed with or passionate about the FASD community and an FASD parent(s)’ support group for those who have children with FASD.The group was present in its entirety in June and they welcomed a new member to the activities! Time was spent on introductions and relationship building, which included members making connections and initiating plans for get-togethers outside of the monthly meeting. Then, the group relocated to the art room to paint and add details to the ceramic pieces they created during April’s meeting. Acrylic and watercolor paints, as well as chalk and shimmer sealant, were used to make the already bisqued (kiln fired) pieces colorful and shiny! The FASD support group will meet regularly (on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7:00-8:30pm) in the youth space of the church. The FASD parent(s)’ support group will meet at the same time in the conference room.

Please contact Michele Yaquinto with any questions or interest in the FASD support group! Phone: (770) 329-9563, Email: seachele47@gmail.com. *Parents are free to contact Barb Wybrecht directly. Phone: (616) 241-9126, Email: bmwybrecht@gmail.com.

WESTMINSTER WORKSWestminster Works in partnership with EaRN Round Table discussion group, meets every Thursday from 9:00a to 11:00a in the WPC Conference Room. Persons seeking assistance in re-employment are welcome without any previous registration. Discussions are led by Ken Soper, a nationally recognized re-employment counselor, and teacher. Participation is free though a $5.00 donation for materials is welcome, but not mandatory. Regular attendance has led several participants to new meaningful jobs. Westminster membership is not required to participate. Any WPC members who may know of any job openings or persons who may want more information may call Larry Bratschie at 616-299-6246 or e-mail, larbratch@msn.com. For more information about EaRN, contact Ken at ksoper@earn-network.org . All are welcome!

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SMALL GROUPS

MIDWEEK CHURCHMEN’S LUNCHEONWeekly buffet luncheon Wednesdays at 11:30a, followed by fellowship and meditation, led by Rev. Don Gordon. Westminster Dining Room. August 6: Judge Sara Smolenski, Chief Judge in the 63rd District Court, Grand Rapids. “Humor in the Court.” August 13: Leslie Lewis, attorney and partner in the Dickinson Wright Law Firm, Grand Rapids. “Environment and Energy-saving the Earth.” August 20: Rev. Brian Vos, Senior pastor of Trinity Reformed Church, Grand Rapids. “Confession, Direction, Cross.” August 27: Rev. Scott Hoezee, Professor of teaching and preaching, Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids. “To be announced.”

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN ADULTS WPA is a group of vibrant adults 55 and up. We will be taking a break from our regular monthly luncheons and outings during the summer months, but look forward to our September regathering. You are invited to join us for a luncheon in the church dining room on Thursday, September 11 at 11:30a for punch bowl and fellowship. Lunch will be served at 12 noon. Please make a reservation by contacting Jan Dildine by phone at 866-9281 or janet.dildine@comcast.net.

EVERGREEN CIRCLE We would like to welcome women of all ages to join us on Wednesday nights beginning September 10 for our Bible study. This fall’s session runs from September 10 through November 12. We will then meet again after Christmas until Lent to study a book, yet to be selected. Join us for lively discussions and new perspectives on Biblical teachings and thoughts about how the Bible affects us in our daily lives. We begin our September Horizons book study with Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians. For a book, please contact Marilyn Lawrence at 454-1723.

WPC FICTION BOOK GROUPThe book group meets the third Sunday evening of each month September to May. All men and women who love to read fiction and enjoy thoughtful discussion, please join. Everything from classics to bestsellers, poetry, short stories, literacy fiction to page-turner mysteries. At our September 21, 7:00p meeting we will choose our books for October and November. New readers and different perspectives are always welcome.

Small group news and eventsTRUE NORTH CAMPUS MINISTRY is gathering a team of people to be part of a new initiative for downtown college students. The Listening Post is a ministry of presence with college students. We are looking for people who are willing to offer 90 minutes of their time every week or two to be on the GRCC campus to listen to what is on students’ hearts and minds. Please consider if God might be calling you to be part of this new initiative. Questions? Please contact Nancy Janisch, nancy@truenorthonline.org, 616-821-0351. Here is the link to The Listening Post page on the True North website where there is information and sign up links. http://truenorthonline.org/listening-post/.

ELISABETH CIRCLEThe circle’s first fall meeting is Tuesday, September 16 at 1:00p in the church parlor. We will be using Soul Survivor, by author, Philip Yancey for our discussions. Prior to the meeting, we will enjoy a potluck luncheon at 11:45a in the Parlor. Please bring a dish to share. Visitors and new members are always welcome. If you have questions please contact Lois Waldecker at 784-0900.

PWW Calling all Presbyterian Women of Westminster to -save the date- of Wednesday, September 10 for an early evening of fellowship, fun, and food in the church dining room. Watch for further details on the evenings time and happenings in the late August bulletins, September Chimes, and the Westminster Weekly. MARY MARTHA CIRCLE Mark your calendars for the fall session of Mary Martha Circle. We will meet weekly on Thursdays beginning on September 25 with a potluck luncheon starting at 12:00 in the dining room. Those with last names starting with A-L please bring a salad to share. Our remaining meetings will be from 1:00-2:30 in the parlor and will conclude on Thursday, October 30. Our book this fall is Practicing our Faith, A Way of Life for a Searching People by Dorothy C. Bass. We will cover chapters 1 and 2 during our first meeting. You may purchase this book at Schuler Books on 28th St. Mention Mary Martha Circle and you will receive a 20% discount. Questions? Call Carolyn Morse (890-3802) or Doris Worthington (949-1185). Please join us. All are welcome.

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The deadline for September Chimes is August 10. Please submit any and all information for the Chimes to: chimes@westminstergr.org or to Becky Wells at beckyw@westminstergr.org. Thank you.