Page 1

Peace Be With You In The Name Of The Lord Volume 16, Issue 02 January 15th, 201 6

THE WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1015 Winthrop Ave. Joliet, IL 60435

CHIMES A Church Newsletter Published For Our Members and Friends

NOTICE: The Annual Meeting of the Congregation

will be held on Sunday, January 31st .

ANNUAL REPORTS

are due in the office no later than Monday, January 18th in order to prepare for the:

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION

If you are a chairperson of a Ministry Team or Committee, lead a small group or are responsible for another group within the church, please

submit your report to the church office,

preferably by email: wpc-joliet@sbcglobal.net.

Your consideration in honoring the January 18th deadline will be greatly appreciated.

A Lunch will be provided between Church Service and the Annual Meeting. (More details will come as they are available.) Come for a nice meal and stay for the very important congrega-tional meeting. Your presence is vitally important to the decisions that will need to be made at this Annual Meeting.

Page 2

Musings from Matt . . . Another year gone by. The calendar is not only consistent - it is relentless. The New Year comes whether we are ready for it or not! The pressure of a new year with all its expectations of beginnings, fresh starts and resolutions is, once again, upon us. We’ve just managed to survive another hectic holiday season - just now catching our breath from all the decorating, entertaining, traveling, cooking, partying, worshiping, giving, etc., etc. - only to be faced with 365 fresh, new days, each with their own peculiar demands and expectations. Is it any wonder that so many New Year’s Resolutions never reach their goal?! It makes me tired just to think about it. New Year’s Resolutions rarely, if ever, succeed. I think they clearly fall into the category of “Unrealistic Expectations”. Have you ever noticed the verb we used to describe how we accomplish these resolutions? We MAKE them. We use this word in the same way that we would hear a child say, “You can’t MAKE me!” Well ... yes we can. We do it all the time. Like reluctant children, we unwillingly

drag ourselves into resolutions every year. Weight loss, exercise, and improved financial planning are but 3 of the most poplar items that get selected, especially this year. But like most resolutions, they are quickly forgotten. Sometimes, I’ve found that people use the New Year to resolve to be better church members. They think, perhaps, that the New Year will bring an opportunity for a fresh start and renewed enthusiasm.

Well, insofar as fresh starts and enthusiasm go, that’s a great idea! But, unfortunately, if “new and im-proved” church membership is just another resolution, well ... you know where that ends up: in the same place as the others.

I have an idea. What if we don’t make resolutions this year? What if, instead, we GIVE PERMIS-SIONS? Permission to live in the moment Permission to laugh (hard and long and loud) at least 3 times a day Permission to delegate Permission to take a nap Permission to take a walk Permission to praise someone (even ourselves) for a job well done Permission to care for ourselves (Notice how that sounds so much different from a “resolution to exer-

cise”? Sure both may be good for you, but the motivation is totally different - one is caring, the other is a great big “should”!)

Permission to identify your passion and pursue it. It may be guitar lessons or yoga or running or bible study or serving. It doesn’t matter. But if it’s something you’ve been putting off until later ... well ... this is later. It may be cooking or reading or working with numbers or gardening. What gets you excited? Is it painting, or crafts or fixing things? Is it making people feel welcomed or caring for someone who’s hurt or sick? Is it singing or drama or getting things and people organized? What gets you motor run-ning? GIVING PERMISSIONS. It sounds much better than MAKING resolutions, doesn’t it? “What’s the payoff?” you may ask. It’s GRACE! It’s acknowledging that God’s gift to us was not in

vain. After all, God apparently thought we were worth the trip to come here and be Emmanuel: God-With-Us! It is making Christmas last all year long!

It is treating each other and ourselves like the beautiful, precious children of God that we are! I think I know of a certain church that could grow and thrive and benefit from any or all of these. Imag-

ine what we could do together if we simply gave ourselves PERMISSION TO ... Shalom, Matt

The Reverend

Matthew T. Robinson,

Pastor

Page 3

Our Prayers For: Please take a few moments to pray for these members and friends of our church family: Family of Wayne Abbott

Bob Barcus

Jan Chandler

Maria Garcia

Rev. & Mrs. Carl Geider

Dorie Glidden

Barb Gutierrez

Joyce Hojnacki

Gladyce Kleck

Osia Lang

Doug McNabb

Mike Matay

Betsy Nurczyk

Everett Patmore

Charlton Quinn

Jessie Rees

Margaret Sebby

Amy Zbroskewich

January 3rd Marilyn and Jim Mayo - In loving memory of their daughter, Debra Mayo.

And Lois McMillin - In celebration of her sister, Nancy Dock’s birthday. January 10th Wayne and Cindy Wax - In celebration of Wayne’s birthday. January 17th Pastor Matt and Peggy Robinson - In loving memory of their fathers, Jack Robinson and Scott Peters. January 24th Sandy Alaimo - In loving memory of her parents, Brown and Ardeth Palmer. January 31st Karen Williams - To the Glory of God.

“To the glory of God.”

“In loving memory.”

“In celebration of.”

The 2016 Flower Calendar has been hung in the hallway off the narthex. There are still some dates available. If you would like to donate flowers, please add your name to the list Bouquets are $15.00 each. You can take them home with you after worship or desig-nate them to be delivered to a shut-in. Thank you !

FLOWERS IN THE SANCTUARY FOR JANUARY

Page 4

FOOTPRINTS . . . AL EVANS Trinity Services Art Dykstra’s dog story in Fri-day’s paper was a ‘gotcha’ for me. He had read “The Positive Dog: A Story About the Power of Positivity,” a premise that inside each of us there is a positive and a negative dog. One hopeful and optimistic, the other negative and pessimis-tic, always fighting, with the winner being – the one you feed the most! A book he ‘loved so

much he shared it with his children and grandchildren.’ What a ‘tail of a story’ it must be. He stated, “One of the things they talk about is the difference it makes when we think about the phrases, ‘have to’ verses ‘get to.’ It changes the understanding when you say I ‘get to’ go to work today, not I ‘have to’ go.” So, he “wants to view life this year in respect of all the things he ‘gets to’ do. “Get to do,” got me, leading me to these following thoughts. I – “Get to” awaken as “Morning is Broken” like the first morning, systems a ‘working as God has designed,’ then enjoying my ‘food from the harvests He provides,’ and “Give Thanks” with a grateful heart with “Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me.” “Get to” give thanks for blessings of family, loved ones and friends, ‘His goodness’ shinning a path to follow, His answering prayers, His forgiving errors, His accepting “Just as I Am, without One Plea.” “Get to” attend Westminster Sunday Church Service, being ‘part of the family blessed’ to share in its care – for You God – the community where we are – and Your world. We are given a choice – positive or negative? For me and my family Lord “Thank you that you’re “Goodness Shone” the positive light for our journey. Thank you, for the gift “Get To.” HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL – AND MAY THE NEW YEAR BLESS YOU WITH MANY A “GET TO.”

MARK YOUR CALENAR FOR OUR TENTH ANNUAL SOUP & SANDWICH DAY

Friday, January 22, 2015

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We will be serving:

Cream of Broccoli Soup

Hearty Beef and Wild Rice Soup

Homemade Chili

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Italian Beef Sandwich

Apple Pie Squares

Cherry Pie Squares

Page 5

FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST

SO OTHERS MAY EAT EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Westminster Presbyterian Church 1015 Winthrop Avenue

Joliet, Illinois 60435 815-725-6687

Served from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Next date: January 16th, 2016.

Breakfast is usually at

8 o’clock and then we have

Bible Study from 9:15 till

10:30 in the library at the

church. All men of the

church are always invited

to join us!

The food and fellowship are always great and the bible study can be a challenge.

Our Schedule for Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr.

Jan. 16th Pancake Breakfast

Feb. 6th Matty's Grill and Pancake House Feb. 20th Pancake Breakfast

March 5th Old Fashioned Pancake House March 19th Pancake Breakfast

April 2nd Southern Belle’s Pancake House April 16th Pancake Breakfast

If you, or someone you know, are in need of food, the St. John Lutheran Church Food Pantry is open to the community on Tues-days 12:30-2:30 p.m., Thursdays 9-11 a.m., and Saturdays 9-11 a.m. at 2650 Plainfield Road in Joliet.

Donations of non-perishable food items, as well as monetary dona-tions, are needed.

All donations are given to St. John Lutheran Church in Joliet.

Thank you for your support of this important ministry

The Food Pantry is in need of plastic gro-cery bags. If you have extra bags at home,

please bring them and place them in the Food Pantry basket. Thank you!

If you, or someone you know, are in need of food, the St. John Lutheran Church Food Pantry is open to the community on Tues-days 12:30-2:30 p.m., Thursdays 9-11 a.m., and Saturdays 9-11 a.m. at 2650 Plainfield Road in Joliet.

The Food Pantry is in need of plastic gro-cery bags. If you have extra bags at home,

please bring them and place them in the Food Pantry basket. Thank you!

Page 6

Logos Themes for 2016 Jan. 13 Mexican Fiesta Night Wear bright colors Tacos, chips, meat, lettuce, cheese, dessert and milk Jan. 20 Tie Dye Night Wear tie dye clothes Sub sandwiches, chips, veggies and dip, dessert and milk Jan. 27 Crazy Hat Night Wear a funny hat Grilled cheese, chips, veggies and dip, dessert and milk Feb. 3 Chinese New Year Wear red Chicken nuggets, sweet and sour sauce, fried rice, dessert and milk Feb. 10 Ash Wednesday Wear purple Ham, cheesy potatoes, corn, rolls, dessert and milk Feb. 17 Presidents Day Wear red, white or blue Spaghetti, green beans, rolls, dessert and milk Feb. 24 Pirate Night Dress or talk like a pirate Chicken nuggets, veggies and dip,

dessert and milk

If your child will not eat this meal, you may send something from home but, no fast food or pop, please!

Page 7

Dear Members & Friends of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thank you for your kindness and assistance with the memorial service for Harold Phillips. It was very much appreciated. Sincerely yours, The family of Harold Phillips

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To all my Church Family, This Christmas may you be blessed with the joy of His presence and the quiet peace of the season. May God bless you all in 2016 and have a good new year. Much love, Margaret Seasly

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"May your season be touched with the simple grace of His love. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Peace on Earth" The Jennie Lee Circle of the King's Daughters & Sons want to thank you for allowing us to use your beautiful facility for our Christmas Party. Just walking in the front door set the mood for a lovely luncheon. Thanks so much! Jennie Lee Circle of the King's Daughters & Sons Judy Buell, Secretary

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I wish all my dear friends at Westminster a Very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year. John 3:16 tells us why we have this special day. Much love to you all. Marge Bisset

Page 8

We s t m i n s t e r P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h

1 0 1 5 W i n t h r o p Av e n u e

J o l i e t , I l l i n o i s 2 n d A n n u a l

C h i l i S u p r e m e C o o k - O f f & Silent Auction

Friday, February 26th, 2016 Chili Tasting 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Silent Auction Bidding Ends @ 7:30 p.m. (Winners Announced @ 7:45 p.m.)

Voting for the best Chili ends @ 7:45 p.m.

$7.00 for early ticket purchase or $8.00 for tickets purchased at the door. Ticket price for kids under 12 will be $4.00.

We have 4 chefs serving their special recipes. We are looking for 2 more. If interested, see Fred or Pastor Matt.

Items for the silent auction will be announced later. If you have a nice item and

you would like to donate it for the auction, please contact Fred or Ron.

For tickets, see or call Ron Ballard @ 815-741-9060, or Linda Bromer in the church office @ 815-725-6687.

Tickets will go on sale Sunday, January 17th.

This event is sponsored by the Men’s Fellowship Group with the proceeds going to the church for a couple of projects. These will be announced in the next issue of

The Chimes.

Page 9

Envelopes Offering envelopes for 2016 can be picked up in Room 7. If you don’t see envelopes with your name, and would like to have them, please see Doug Webb. Pledge cards for 2016 are still available. You can request one from an usher or from the church office. Thank you!

Church Work Day

Saturday, January 23rd, starting at 9 a.m.

Let’s all roll up our sleeves for a big church work day. There is work for everyone and we hope that everyone will come out to help.

2nd Hand Sale Help Wanted AD Our "Help Wanted Ad" for a Coordinator for the Sec-ond Hand Sale has been answered. Kathy Webb and Karen Williams have volunteered to be our New Co-ordinators. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Our Spring Second Hand Sale will be held on March 17 & 18. Watch the Chimes for info from Kathy and Karen.

Per Capita ~ for 2016: $35.66

GA: $7.12

Synod: $3.81

Presbytery: $24.73

By contributing your portion of per capita, you will free up dollars in our regular budget for the

work of our congregation in this community. Thank you to all who pay your share!

Church Mouse Who is that guy that opens the church every Sunday Morning? That guy is Al Evans. Thank you, Al!

B.Y.K.O.T.A. Will meet on January 20th. Weather permitting. Meeting will start at 1:00 p.m. and we will be doing Lesson 5. Doris will be calling later.

Page 10

If you have faith, you will have peace.

Article Due Date

Sunday, January 24th

Sunday, February 7th

Sunday, February 21st

Sunday, March 13th

Sunday, March 27th

Sunday, April 10th

Sunday, April 17th

Newsletter Dates Volume & Issue

Volume 16, Issue 03

Volume 16, Issue 04

Volume 16, Issue 05

Volume 16, Issue 06

Volume 16, Issue 07

Volume 16, Issue 08

Volume 16, Issue 09

Mail Date

Wednesday, January 27th

Wednesday, February 10th

Wednesday, February 24th

Wednesday, March 16th

Wednesday. March 30th

Wednesday, April 13th

Wednesday, April 20th

Westminster Chimes USPS 022648 is published semi-monthly, except July, by Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1015 Winthrop Avenue, Joliet, IL 60435.

Periodicals postage paid at Joliet, IL. Postmaster: Send address changes to:

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1015 Winthrop Avenue, Joliet, IL 60435. Volume 16, Issue 02, January 15th, 2016.

We thank God for:

** Please deliver promptly,**

dated material enclosed.

Mailed: 01/06/2016

PERIODICALS

POSTAGE PAID

AT JOLIET, IL

USPS 022648

Westminster Presbyterian Church 1015 Winthrop Avenue Joliet, Illinois 60435 Phone: 815-725-6687 Fax: 815-725-7866

Contact Us At Westminster Presbyterian

Church 1015 Winthrop Avenue

Joliet, IL 60435 815-725-6687

wpc-joliet@sbcglobal.net Visit us on the web at : http://wpc-joliet.com

http:/www.facebook.com/www.westpresjoliet