Westminster Weekly Word

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A Message from Gregory Knox Jones

The days of Lent are winding down and coming to a close. Jesus has made the turn southward toward Jerusalem and the events of the final week are looming large. Although the rhythm of Holy Week is fixed in our minds, the Spirit urges us to make the journey each year.

CONTINUE

Next Seven Days

TONIGHT: Speak Out Against Hate

Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m. on Zoom

With Allan Slan, Patty Maloney, and Charlotte King

In 2023, a small working group, comprised of members of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice and the Social Justice Committee of Seaside Jewish Community, was formed. The group’s goal was to encourage elected officials and public leaders throughout the State to proactively speak out against the hatred that has become normalized and increasingly palpable. The initiative Speak Out Against Hate (SOAH) has been formed, creating five Action Groups to meet with leaders and officials in our community to encourage them to join in this effort. Join us to learn more! Hosted by Westminster’s Peace & Justice Work Group. See “Fighting Hate Downstate” by Jordan Howell.

JOIN US ON ZOOM

Zoom Meeting ID: 860 2752 1655

Calling All Kids in Kindergarten Through 5th Grade!

Sunday, March 24, 10:10 a.m.

Emmanuel Dining Room (EDR) needs our help! EDR serves hundreds of meals per day to hungry guests, and they have an ongoing need for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. During the Kids Zone hour on March 24, Westminster kids will make as many sandwiches as we can. We'll learn a little bit about EDR, and then we'll get to work! Meet us at 10:10 a.m. in Classroom 2. For questions or more information, contact Kara Francis (karalee.francis@gmail.com) or Teresa Wemhoff (teresalunardi@gmail.com).

“Picturing Scripture” A Bible Study

Tuesday, March 26, 12 noon via Zoom (virtual only event)

Presented by Alan Keohane

Picturing Scripture is an interactive, visual tour of the Bible that integrates geographical, historical, literary, scientific, philosophical, socio-economic, and other information to provide context that can be vital in gaining a deeper understanding of Bible passages. Each episode begins with three “inappropriate” things for a Bible study that are surprisingly connected to the passages being discussed. Think of it as “a provocateur-guide to the Bible”! For the Zoom link, contact Steve Steinwedel at steve@leadersinsight.com. For more information about this class and the speaker, see our event page.

Peace & Justice Thursday Evening Education Event (Update)

Thursday, March 28

On March 28, we will not host our regular weekly education event. Instead, we invite you to Westminster’s Maundy Thursday worship service at 7 p.m. (see information below). Join us for our next peace and justice education event on April 4!

Holy Week at Westminster

March 24–31, 2024

Join us for the high point of the Christian year, the time when we relive the final days of Jesus and celebrate his resurrection and our hope in eternal life.

Palm/Passion Sunday, March 24

9 a.m. (Sanctuary) and 11:15 a.m. (Rodney Chapel)

Palm Sunday begins the final week in the life of Jesus. At the 9 a.m. service, all children are invited to process into the sanctuary waving their palms to herald Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The 9 a.m. service will also feature our children’s choir, who can’t wait to share their voices with you! Palms will be available for the congregation at both services. Nursery care will be provided from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Maundy Thursday, March 28

7 p.m. (Sanctuary)

The service includes scripture passages recounting the Passion and death of Christ, told by our Biblical Storytellers, stirring music by the Westminster Choir, and communion. Nursery care will be provided from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m.

Easter Vigil, March 30

5 p.m. (begins on Westminster's front lawn)*

Join us for a family-friendly worship service on this Saturday evening as we tell the story of God’s love for us, welcome our Confirmation Class, and celebrate communion. The Easter Vigil is a traveling service and includes opportunities for participation, so comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended!

Easter Sunday, March 31

Worship: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. (Sanctuary)

Christ is risen! Join us for festive worship services celebrating Christ's triumphant resurrection. Both services will include an inspirational sermon by the Rev. Dr. Gregory Knox Jones and joyful music, including Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus by the Westminster Choir, Philadelphia Brass, and percussion. Arrive early to enjoy Easter hymns played on the tower chime. Nursery care will be provided from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Easter Breakfast: 10–11 a.m. (Walton Community Hall)

All are invited to enjoy fellowship and a complimentary Easter Breakfast after the 9 a.m. service or before the 11 a.m. service. This hearty meal will include delicious egg and hashbrown casseroles, fruit, and pastries. No reservation needed!

Easter Egg Hunt: 10:15 a.m. (Front Lawn)

All children aged 11 and under are invited to the front lawn between worship services. Children will be divided into three age groups. Bring your own basket or use a bag provided. Rain location: Grace Hall (lower level).

Join us in person or online! All services in the Sanctuary (except Easter 11 a.m.) will be livestreamed/recorded at wpc.org/watch and directly on our YouTube channel.

*The livestream of the Easter Vigil service will begin when the congregation enters the Sanctuary (approximately 5:10 p.m.).

Coming Up

Cereal Sunday

Sunday, April 7, 8:30–9:00 a.m. in the church parking lot (or containers inside entrance)

“To what purpose, April, do you return again? Beauty is not enough.” – Edna St Vincent Millay

We do have a purpose for April – to resupply Hanover Food Closet and assist them in meeting the needs of those who, through no fault of their own, are desperate for help with cereal, nonperishable foods, or personal items. We will be in the church parking lot – April showers or not – on Sunday, April 7, from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. waiting for you to shower us with your generosity. (You can also leave items in the containers inside the church entrance anytime.)

Sanctuary Flowers

Dates available in April, May, and June

Consider giving the flowers for Sunday worship to remember or honor loved ones or to celebrate an event, while expressing praise and thanksgiving to God. Please contact Linda Watson at (302) 571-6719 or lwatson@ycst.com. Flower donation available dates are April 7, April 21, May 26, June 2, and June 30.

Featured Photo

On March 17, Westminster hosted an Iftar dinner with our Muslim friends in the community. What an impressive spread of delicious food from our guests and church members!

Photo taken by Dave Brinkley.

News to Note

Westminster Recertified as an Earth Care Congregation!

Westminster has been recertified as an Earth Care Congregation! We were originally certified in 2011 and have been certified every year since—this is our 14th year. The certification reflects our continuing commitment to caring for Creation. Congratulations and thank you for your contributions!

Heat Pumps for Heating, Cooling, and Hot Water

From Earth Care Task Force

We can reduce our carbon footprints dramatically by replacing gas fired furnaces and hot water heaters with heat pumps for cooling, heating, and hot water. Natural gas is mostly methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Heat pumps, by contrast, transfer heat from outside to inside in winter, and the other way around in summer, and work even in cold climates. They use electricity which is getting steadily cleaner. Often the need to replace these appliances arises suddenly. By investigating heat pump alternatives now, we can be ready to make informed decisions when the need arises.

Member Deaths

Please remember in prayer those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. To read the obituary, click on the orange link.

Ruth A. Joslin

Died February 19, 2024

Photo Prayer

The Westminster Weekly Word features a new Photo Prayer once a month. You may browse all Photo Prayers by Danny Schweers at any time by visiting photoprayer.com.