February 19, 2020
Friends and fellow disciples,
Lent approaches.
One week from today, we will gather on Ash Wednesday to begin this journey together, being reminded of our mortality and how we all stand in deep need of God’s grace. Then, for the 40 days leading up to Easter, we’ll carve out some space to listen so carefully to God. It is a challenging time, but also a tremendous opportunity. I very much look forward to sharing it with you. There are a lot of rich resources below that I hope you’ll take time to use, in your reflection and prayer, in this crucial season. God has much for you to do!
Tonight we have an extraordinary opportunity. The Rev. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove is a gifted and important voice in these times, and I promise you’ll benefit from being in conversation with him. His talk tonight will also frame up our Lenten reflections on how bridges can be crossed around issues of race, and how we are all called to be agents of Christ’s reconciling love throughout our communities. Racism and the divides among us are rooted in deep sin, and we must be about the work of reaching for the beloved community in our neighborhoods and beyond. I am really excited about welcoming Jonathan again to WPC and hope to see you tonight.
Blessings on these days, as we listen for Jesus together.
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TONIGHT at 6:30pm: "Learning from the Witness of Ann Atwater," with Rev. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
The 2019 documentary, “The Best of Enemies.” tells the story of how Ann Atwater, a civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local leader of the Klu Klux Klan in Durham, ended up co-chairing a committee in 1971 to help desegregate Durham’s local schools. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove will share his experiences of “Learning from the Witness of Ann Atwater,” drawing from the documentary and his deeply personal relationship with this remarkable woman who transformed this city. This Aperture event introduces WPC to
our 2020 Lenten series
.
Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
is a celebrated spiritual writer and sought-after speaker. A native of North Carolina, he is a graduate of Eastern University and Duke Divinity School. In 2003 he co-founded Rutba House, a Christian intentional community in Durham’s Walltown neighborhood. In 2006, he founded the School for Conversion, a popular education center committed to "making surprising friendships possible." He taught workshops there alongside his mentor and freedom teacher, Ann Atwater, until her death in 2016.
Listen to a recent interview with Jonathan.
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LENT at WESTMINSTER
Ash Wednesday, February 26
Join us for an evening of fellowship, reflection, and preparation for Lent:
- 5:30 - 6:15pm Faith Experience for Children (Kindergarten - 5th gr) with a Parent or Grandparent: “Dirt, Water, and Ashes - What’s Ash Wednesday All About?” This event begins in the Parlor and moves to various other locations on our campus.
- 5:45pm Pancake Dinner - Youth Suite - Please RSVP by Monday, 12:00 noon
- 7:00pm Ash Wednesday Service with the imposition of ashes - Sanctuary
Our 2020 Lenten Series
You are invited to take part in a variety of spiritual practices and challenging social justice conversations during Lent this year. What spiritual practice might you take on? Perhaps it will be one of
the four “quiet” practices
explored in our Church School elective: Breathing, journaling, silence, and meditation. Perhaps you will commit to attending all four sessions of our Tuesday Conversations challenging us to join Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove in “learning from the witness of Ann Atwater.” Take a look at all the offerings below, and
make your commitment today
.
SUNDAYS in LENT: Supporting Each Other on the Journey of Being a Quiet Christian
Sundays, March 8 - March 29, 9:45 - 10:45, Room 204
Join others to check in about how your Lenten journey is going, support one another, and pray for one another throughout the season of Lent.
TUESDAYS IN LENT: Continuing the Conversation - “Learning from the Witness of Ann Atwater”
What can we learn from the life and faith of Ann Atwater? How then shall we live?
On the first Tuesday in March, we will show the powerful documentary, “The Best of Enemies.” The following four Tuesdays, a different member of Westminster’s staff will lead conversations using the Lenten curriculum “Reconstructing the Bible with the Best of Enemies” developed by Jonathon Wilson-Hargrove. If you are interested in going deeper, a limited number of
The Best of Enemies
books are available to purchase for $15 near the Welcome Area.
Movie Viewing: “The Best of Enemies”
- March 2, 6:30pm, at the home of Cherrie Barton Henry. Cherrie can host 10 people in her home. If you’d like to join this movie showing, please RSVP.
- March 3, 6:30 - 8:45pm, in the Music Room. The movie will begin at 6:45; No sign-up needed.
- Can’t make either date? Consider hosting a movie night at your house. The movie can also be rented through RedBox or borrowed after March 3 by contacting Marietta.
Tuesday Conversations
- March 10, 7:00pm: Recognizing Racial Habits, facilitated by Marietta Wynands
- March 17, 7:00pm: Encountering the Wisdom of Ann Atwater, facilitated by Alex Stayer-Brewington
- March 24, 7:00pm: Practicing Fusion Politics, facilitated by Cherrie Barton Henry
- March 31, 7:00pm: Holy Disruption, facilitated by Chris Tuttle
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