WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHDo Justice • Love Kindness • Walk Humbly

November 30, 2016

Westminster Presbyterian Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

In this IssueConcerns & Celebrations 2

Christmas Eve Offering 2Session Notes 3

One Day a Month to Help... 3Adult Church School Classes 4

Guests from the Divan Center 4In the Library 4

Wednesday Advent Study 5Lovefeast 5

WOW: First Wednesdays 5Advent Lessons & Carols Program 5

Christmas Pageant Potluck 5Blue Christmas Service 5

Christmas Caroling 5Welcome, New Members! 6

WPC Men's Basketball 8Honor a Loved One this Season 8

Year-End Contribution Guidelines 8Youth Ministry News 9

Sign Up for Wednesday Dinner 9Church Finance Overview 9

Westminster School for Children 9Preaching Schedule 10Worship Volunteers 10

Friends and fellow disciples,

Advent is just beginning, and I’m feeling a little weary.

It’s not that I’m not profoundly grateful for a little space over Thanksgiving, for the privilege of time and full tables and the gift of family. I hope you all had a wonderful time with people you love.

It's more that I happened to looked at the calendar recently. If I am reading it correctly – and your outstanding staff will be the first to tell you I may not be reading it correctly – Advent this year is as long as it can possibly be. The first Sunday of Advent occurred on November 27, and the season stretches out a full 28 days until Christmas. Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday, which will make that

week feel interminably long. By contrast, Advent begins on December 3 next year, with only 22 days of waiting until we celebrate Christ the Lord, born among us again!

This year, even though we’ve just begun, Advent feels long.

We feel it in short, overcast days.We feel it in attacks that provoke terror on college campuses.We feel it in our chaotic and divisive political conversations.We feel it as we see the poor on street corners, our community still unable to tend to those in deep need, veterans and the mentally ill, our brothers and sisters and neighbors.We feel it in the day-to-day busyness and exhaustion of our lives.

Yet, as we are reminded, we are not a people who wait without hope. Christmas is coming. More importantly, we celebrate that Jesus Christ has already broken in among us, born as a little child. His love and mercy inspire and infuse all creation, summoning us to live as a people of hope. Always, a people of hope.

I wonder what that hopeful waiting looks like for you? We can wait with small acts of compassion, of bearing witness for God’s justice for all people, in listening and in speaking with hope. We wait by being generous, by opening our hearts to others, perhaps especially folks who are different from us.

In the midst of everything else you have going on, I invite you to read this month’s Session Notes (page 3). Last month saw the culmination of a year-long process and now the approval of a welcome statement – one small way for this church to proclaim its faith in a world of painful division. The Session looks forward to continuing this conversation about welcome with you in the new year, as we seek to make sure that a statement – this one or any other – calls us to think and pray about who we are called to be, as we worship a gracious God.

Know that my prayers are with you, and with our world, as we wait. Always with hope.

In Christ,

Chris

Envisioning Our FutureYou're invited to the next “Envisioning Our Future:

A Facilities Plan Feedback Session” on Thursday, December 8,

at 1pm in Room 105.

During this one-hour session, you will hear a brief presentation about the Facilities Master Plan, followed by an open floor for your questions, comments, and ideas. Learn more

at wpcdurham.org/about/grounds/facilities-master-plan.

Come let your voice be heard!

The birth of Dottie Bartholomay's granddaughterLennie BartonGene BrannonAlice Decker

The death of the Garcia family's friendThe birth of Blair & Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman's daughter

Don & Deborah Hertzog's friend's brother

Judy Lamon's friendDavid McQuay's friend

The death of Shirley Rufty's motherThe death of Bill Starnes

The death of Bill Stokes Sr.Carol Walker's friend

November 30, 2016

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Volunteer Opportunities and more

Concerns & Celebrations Please remember the following in your prayers this week.

Thresholdwww.thresholdclubhouse.org

Threshold, located in East Durham, serves residents of Durham County with severe and persistent mental illness 365 days a year. Founded in 1985, Threshold predominately serves residents of East Durham whose limited economic resources qualify them for Medicaid. Individuals who qualify for services are members for life and participate in quality programming that includes vocational training, long and short-term employment placements, weekly educational workshops and a variety of social activities. Hot, homemade, nutritional meals are available each day for $1. Members who attend Threshold regularly report a 90% moderate to significant decrease in feelings of isolation and psychiatric symptoms. Exceptional staff work side by side with members to ensure that they are supported in their recovery. Proceeds from the offering will be used to fund critical repairs and replacements for our kitchen: a new commercial grade refrigerator, new shelving, and repairs to our gas oven and sink.

Rebound, Alternatives for Youthwww.reboundnc.org

Rebound provides Durham high school students who are on short-term suspension a safe, supportive option. Whether a suspension occurs because of a youthful poor choice or deeply rooted issue, support for students who have a discipline referral is key in improving school climate and academic achievement. Data shows that students who are suspended are likely to fall on the wrong side of the academic achievement gap: students of color, low-income students, and students with disabilities are suspended at higher rates than their peers. Rebound maintains a welcoming, non-punitive atmosphere that helps students focus on their strengths and resilience as a resource for overcoming obstacles. We assist students in developing the skills, supports, and strategies needed to reconnect with their schools, communities, and families so that they can achieve their goals. As one student stated, “It brings you back to who you want to be.”

WPC Disaster Relief Fundwww.wpcdurham.org/global

Since 1999, Westminster has actively assisted areas devastated by natural disasters: hurricanes along the Gulf and eastern NC, flooding in Tennessee. Work teams equipped with basic tools – buckets, shovels, rakes, masks, and garbage bags to clear out debris; hammers, nail belts, speed squares, tape measures, and utility knives to begin rebuilding – go on day trips or extended stays to rescue homes of people who lost everything. WPC’s Disaster Relief Fund purchases small tools and disposable supplies, food and drink for work teams on extended trips, or pays for specific items or activities approved by the Disaster Relief Subcommittee of the Global Missions Committee. Hurricane Matthew devastated many counties in NC, among them Edgecombe and Cumberland. Our first use of this fund will be to outfit WPC teams to assist these counties (see page 3), working with UMCOR and Habitat for Humanity.

2016 Westminster Christmas Eve OfferingAt Westminster, we have a tradition of giving generously to the Christmas Eve offering. The offering, supporting the agencies below, will be collected at the Christmas Pageant and both Christmas Eve services. You can give any time before Christmas in these ways:

• Drop a check off to the church office• Text "WPCDURHAM $50.00" (adjust amount if needed) to 73256 (standard text messaging rates may apply)• Give online at www.bit.ly/wpcG-CEveO

Open your heart and give generously as you come into Christ’s presence this Christmas.

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Westminster Presbyterian Church

Session Notes • November 20The Session met on November 20, and had a full agenda. In order to be better informed on the budget process, elders reviewed budget requests for 2017 from each committee with a focus on the current budget, 2017 asks, and what each committee is working toward. The draft budget will go to Finance for review and revisions as necessary, then to Ways & Means for approval before sending the suggested 2017 budget to the Session for final approval in January.

Elders also met with many members of the current class of Inquirers and unanimously approved these folks for membership. Inquirers who could not attend this Session meeting will meet with elders soon. Watch for introduction of these wonderful new members throughout Advent.

After nearly a year of study, discussions, and reflection on content and purpose for a new statement of welcome, the Welcoming Statement Committee (Sam Bryan, Mike Bunch, Holly Cullen, Alex Denson, Sally Keener, Barbara Rynerson, Jeremy Trantham, Chris Tuttle, and Doug Wellemeyer) presented a document to the Session for approval. The Session approved Westminster’s new Statement of Welcome. At the joint meeting with the Diaconate on that same day, in addition to stewardship updates, the deacons were informed about the statement, its process, and content. In January, the Session will discuss in more detail how and where this statement will be used and resources that will accompany it for deeper study. This is what was approved:

The purpose of a Statement of Welcome is both external and internal. We wish to communicate to the community, visitors, and potential members that we are a church that seeks to welcome all people. We also wish for it to challenge Westminster to live into the values we proclaim.

Westminster Presbyterian ChurchStatement of Welcome

November 2016

Westminster Presbyterian Church welcomes all to participate fully in the life of the church.

Jesus, in his life and teachings, acknowledged all persons as wonderfully made children of God, each equally worthy of God's

unconditional love.

So, striving to follow Jesus, we welcome everyone, with affirmation and celebration, praying God will draw us into deeper relationship with each other and with Christ as we

worship and serve together.

If you have known the pain of exclusion and discrimination in the church or in society, know that you are welcome here.

_______

At Westminster, ordination of church officers and member weddings are celebrated as acts of the Holy Spirit at work in the

church regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

Holly CullenClass of 2018

One Day a Month to Help Our NeighborsFriday, December 16

Seventeen years ago, Hurricane Floyd devastated Tarboro and Princeville in eastern North Carolina. A call for assistance from Rusty Holderness, brother of WPC Pastor Emeritus Haywood Holderness, to Westminster began our storied participation in Disaster Response. Westminster responded again to eastern NC in 2003, this time in Hyde County after Hurricane Isabel. From 2005-2008, teams and individuals worked in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, and in 2010 groups assisted flood ravaged Nashville, TN, from their sleeping bags in the basement of First Presbyterian Church there.

New Hope Presbytery asked for donations a few weeks ago to help with the initial disaster response to Hurricane Matthew. Now it is time to assist with disaster recovery. Westminster can once again reach out to help our neighbors right here in North Carolina.

The Disaster Relief Subcommittee of the Global Missions Committee is looking for volunteers to give one day a month to help Tarboro and Princeville recover from Hurricane Matthew. The first trip is Friday, December 16. We will begin a regular schedule of trips after the first of the year.

As with Floyd, teams of volunteers will leave Durham at 7am and drive to Tarboro/Princeville. Teams are assigned to specific tasks for the day – removing drywall, mucking out houses, removing linoleum, carting out damaged furniture, getting homes cleared out so that eventually rebuilding can take place. Teams return home the same evening.

The coordinating organization is UMCOR, the outstanding United Methodist disaster response organization, a recognized leader in almost all the NC disaster responses. They estimate it could take three years to fully recover the homes down east.

After our initial trip in December, we will publish more details on the trips – how to sign up, which days, what to bring, etc. If you would like to join us in December, contact Dorene Palermo (dorenepalermo@gmail.com), Eileen McAvoy (eileenmcavoy1@gmail.com), or Dottie Bartholomay (billanddottieb@aol.com).

As we go into this holiday season, please keep in mind those folks down east whose homes and businesses have been destroyed, and prayerfully consider how you might give one day a month to help our neighbors.

March 16, 2016November 30, 2016

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In the Library “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” and Other Conversations About Race by Beverly Daniel Tatum

Walk into any racially mixed high school and you will see black youth seated together in the cafeteria. Of course, it's not just the black kids sitting together – the white, Latino, Asian Pacific, and, in some regions, Native American youth are clustered in their own groups, too. The same phenomenon can be observed in college dining halls, faculty lounges, and corporate cafeterias. What is going on here? Is this self-segregation a problem we should try to fix, or a coping strategy we should support? How can we get past our reluctance to talk about racial issues to even discuss it? And what about all the other questions we and our children have about race? Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned authority on the psychology of racism, asserts that we do not know how to talk about our racial differences: Whites are afraid of using the wrong words and being perceived as "racist" while parents of color are afraid of exposing their children to painful racial realities too soon. Using real-life examples and the latest research, Tatum presents strong evidence that straight talk about our racial identities – whatever they may be – is essential if we are serious about facilitating communication across racial and ethnic divides.

Christian Education news Guests from the Divan Center to VisitAdvent Serving and Learning Class

This Sunday from 9:45-10:45am | Youth Suite

Each Sunday during Advent, the "Advent Serving and Learning" Church School class is learning about a particular need in our community from a special guest and then participating in “hands-on” service to address the need.

This Sunday, December 4, we will be joined by members of the Divan Center, a mosque in Cary. They will tell us about the immense Syrian refugee issue in Turkey, and share with us the changes in Turkey since the attempted coup in that country earlier this year.

Please take this opportunity to share true fellowship with these people of faith. Learn about their history, culture, and the current events shaping their world and our own! They will also share Turkish tea and cookies with us.

Adult Church School Classes: Winter 2017 - Term 3

Term 3 Church School electives meet from 9:45-10:45am on Sundays beginning January 8.

Faithful Vocation: Our Greatest Joy and the World’s Greatest Need

January 8-29Location: Room 204Facilitator: JoAnn Lytle-Olson and guest speakers

faithful vocation (fāth-fəl vō-ˈkā-shən): a steadfast calling, invitation to serve.

Frederick Buechner, educator, writer, and theologian, famously said, “Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.”

During this 4-week elective, "Faithful Vocation: Our Greatest Joy and the World’s Greatest Need," members of Westminster who serve both in the church and in the greater community will share their experiences, ideas, and thoughts on how serving God in daily life is their faithful vocation, followed by questions and discussion. Together, we will consider how the things we love to do, like serving others, are actually our calling into faith vocation.

Present Over PerfectJanuary 8 – February 26

Location: Room 203Facilitators: Susan Ketch and Rachel Meyen

“Present is living with your feet firmly grounded in reality, pale and uncertain as it may seem. Present is choosing to believe that your own life is worth investing deeply in, instead of waiting for some rare miracle or fairytale. Present means we understand that the here and now is sacred, sacramental, threaded through with divinity even in its plainness. Especially in its plainness.” - Shauna Niequist, "Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living"

This 8-week elective is for adults in any stage of life wanting to reclaim their lives from a culture that stretches burdens and expects perfection. God calls us to be present, not perfect!

Westminster Presbyterian Church Westminster Presbyterian Church

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Intergenerational Christmas Caroling Wednesday, December 21, at 6:15pm

Be part of the Westminster tradition of Christmas caroling at the homes of some of the beloved members of our community. Carolers will return to Westminster afterward for warm drinks and snacks in the Parlor. All are welcome!

ll things dvent at Westminster A As we joyfully await Christ's birth this Advent season, we will study,

reflect, worship, eat, play, and serve with one another. Check the Sunday worship bulletin for a helpful overview of what's

taking place at WPC in the coming weeks.

Christmas Pageant & Potluck DinnerSunday, December 11

Westminster's Children's Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 11, at 4:30pm in the Sanctuary. Pageant practice is scheduled for Wednesdays, November 30 and December 7, from 4:30-5:30pm, with Pageant Choir rehearsal from 4-4:30pm.

Come to the Fellowship Hall immediately after the Christmas Pageant for a Celebration Potluck Dinner. The Fellowship Committee will provide ham. Folks with last names starting with:

• A - H: please bring side dishes• I - N: desserts• O - Z: main dishes

Food may be brought to the Fellowship Hall before the pageant.Please sign up to help set up and clean up after the Potluck Dinner. Contact Rebecca Joyner to volunteer or with questions (rebeccajoyner@parkerpoe.com).

~ Advent Lessons & Carols Program ~Westminster's Chancel Choir will present its annual program during the 8:30 and 11am services on Sunday, December 11. Their beautiful singing will be complemented by music from talented instrumentalists. Join us!

Lovefeast Sunday, December 4

Westminster's annual Lovefeast will be held this Sunday,

December 4, at 5pm. Join us in the Sanctuary for a service of lights, hymns, anthems, and fellowship

from the Moravian tradition. Organ preludes begin at 4:30pm.

Childcare will be available for children 5 and under.

WOW: First WednesdaysCarols by Candlelight on Wednesday, December 7

Homemade Soup & Bread Bar at 5:45pm in the Fellowship HallProgram at 6:30 in the Music Room

Join us for the next WOW: First Wednesdays on December 7.After enjoying a delicious dinner of homemade soup and bread, everyone is invited to gather in the Music Room for dessert and "Carols by Candlelight."

Reflecting on the mystery and wonder of the season, we will sing classic Christmas carols and beautiful hymns that are made even more special by candlelight. Designed to include all ages, this gathering is sure to stir the Spirit of Christmas in our midst!

Please sign up at www.bit.ly/myWPCevent by Monday, December 5, for dinner, program, and/or childcare (age 4 and under) to help the planning team be prepared.

Community Blue Christmas ServiceSunday, December 18, at 4pm

St. Paul's Lutheran Church

In the midst of an often overwhelming holiday season, you are invited to a service of silence and contemplation, hope and peace at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on December 18 at 4pm. Westminster will join together with Epworth United Methodist, St. Paul's Lutheran, and Pilgrim United Church of Christ in holding one another in collective Light.

Wednesday Advent Study: Names for the Messiah

The "Names for the Messiah" class offered as a Church School elective on Sunday mornings will also be held on Wednesdays during Advent. It will gather November 30

through December 21, from 12-1pm in the Parlor. Betty Berghaus and Natalie Wolf will facilitate the class.

Feel free to bring a bag lunch.

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welcome, new members!Tracy & Charlie Atwater live in Durham with their 7-month-old, Sydney. Charlie is a Durham native and grew up as a youth member of Westminster. Tracy is also a North Carolina native, having grown up in Oxford. Charlie works for Hydro Service and Supply, and Tracy is an elementary teacher in Wake County. They are transferring their membership from Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh. They enjoy traveling, and watching football and basketball games.

Hannah Criswell is a recent graduate of UNC-Asheville who has moved back home to Durham. She became a Christian during her time at college, and when she was thinking of a place where she could grow spiritually, Westminster was her first choice. Hannah already feels at home here because she's been running around these halls since 2003, when her mother, Elaine Criswell, became the Cool Cat teacher. Don’t be surprised if you see her feeding the fish in the Cool Cat room, singing in the choir, helping in the nursery, or substitute teaching in the preschool. Hannah looks forward to being part of this community in this new stage of her life.

Greg & Cammie Dale are happy to officially be members of WPC! They have four wonderful kids, Abbey (21), Graham (18), Jacob (14), and Luke (11). Cammie grew up in Chapel Hill, NC, while Greg hails from Troy, Texas. They love living in Durham, NC. Greg has been Director of Sport Psychology and Leadership for Duke Athletics for the last 16 years. He also teaches Sport Psychology and Sports Ethics. Go Duke! Cammie has been a preschool teacher for the last six years at Epworth Preschool and enjoys spending her time with little ones. They keep busy attending athletic events for their own kids as well as the Duke athletes. Jacob has enjoyed attending youth group, and the family looks forward to the many wonderful opportunities WPC offers.

Mark & Amy Humphreys are transferring their church membership from University Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. They have both lived in Durham for most of their lives. Amy's family moved to Durham from Maryland in 1983 and Mark's family moved here from Georgia in 1973. Mark went to UNC-Chapel Hill and works in healthcare software sales. Amy went to Appalachian State and is a special education teacher. The Humphreys have three children, twins Emma and Kate (13), and Luke (10). They are all very active in multiple sports and activities and love doing anything outdoors.

Kyle Phinney grew up in Michigan and moved to Durham four years ago via New York City, where his wife, Kirsten, was in grad school. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and currently a civil engineer for the City of Durham. He and his wife have two children: Jane who is five years old and enjoying kindergarten this fall, and Hudson who is two and enjoying all that toddlerhood has to offer. Kyle enjoys traveling around visiting amusement parks and riding roller coasters. He is attracted to WPC for its sense of community and strong youth program for his children.

Nancy & Bill Roberts are both retired with a blended family consisting of four daughters, six granddaughters, and two grandsons. Nancy was involved in the educational field for 32 years, and 17 of those years were as a preschool teacher at Westminster Kindergarten. Bill grew up in Ohio in the retail business which helped him in banking, importing, and home decor. They have both lived in Durham for over 25 years. They enjoy visiting the grandchildren in Asheville, Cary, Charlotte, and Washington, DC. They enjoy traveling and especially finding new gardens to explore.

Westminster Presbyterian Church Westminster Presbyterian Church

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Scott Simon & Allison Costa moved from the Washington, DC, area to Durham last year. Scott grew up in Cortland, NY; attended Northeastern University in Boston, MA; and is a Program Manager for a Virginia-based IT defense contractor. Allison is from Raleigh; attended Wake Forest University and Johns Hopkins University; and is an environmental engineer with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They have been married for three years and are expecting their first child in January. They enjoy many outdoor activities, from golf to gardening to watching baseball. After visiting several area churches, they were drawn to Westminster for its welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.

Allen & Lydia Smith, along with their son Allen III, live in Hope Valley. Allen grew up in Hope Valley. Lydia is from Willow Springs, NC, a small community outside of Raleigh. They have resided in Hope Valley for the past 10 years with a short stint in Atlanta. Allen is with First Bank as EVP of Wealth Management. Lydia is with Insurance People of NC marketing Commercial New Business. Allen III is a high school senior. Allen and Allen III spend their spare time playing golf, and Lydia chases the family dogs, Deacon and Dash. The Smiths have been members of First Presbyterian Church in downtown Durham.

Bryan Taylor was born in Denver, CO, raised in Lexington, KY, and works as an independent business consultant. Shannon Taylor is from Hickory, NC, and works as a Clinical Psychologist at the Durham VA. They met while attending Furman University in Greenville, SC, and were married there in 2012. After spending five years in Phoenix, AZ, for Shannon's graduate training they moved to the area in 2014.

When not spending time with their dog, Boss, they enjoy skiing, traveling, golfing (Bryan), and cooking (Shannon).

Don & Kim Tupper have lived in Durham for nearly 15 years. Both grew up on the gulf coast of Florida and were married in Durham at Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church in 2000. They decided to make Durham their official home after living the fast-paced life of Washington, DC, for nearly five years. They have three wonderful children: Jackson (14), Bryson (12), and Emerson (5). Like most active families, the Tuppers are always running between ballet recitals, basketball games, and tennis matches. They are thrilled to be a part of the WPC family and look forward to becoming involved in the church.

Nina Weber has lived in Durham with her family for the past six years. She worked in marketing until her first child was born in 2009, and has enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom to her two active boys ever since. Nina was drawn to Westminster because of its wide range of youth-oriented activities, and she looks forward to becoming an involved new member.

David & Dawn Wilcox have three girls, Emma (10), Hannah (8), and Sarah (5). David is a Durham native and Dawn grew up in Pooler, GA, a small town outside of Savannah. They met when they were students at Wofford College. Dawn works as a teaching assistant at Epworth Preschool a couple days a week, and spends the rest of her time taking the girls to their activities. David works in the pharmaceutical industry developing inhaled drugs. The Wilcox family was drawn to Westminster for the wonderful children and youth programs, and looks forward to getting involved in the many activities.

Our remaining new members will be introduced in later newsletters.

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Type of Contribution

Checks written in Dec. 2016 and put in the church offering in Jan. 2017 x

Checks written and put in the church offering in Jan. 2017, but “backdated” to Dec. 2016 x

Checks written and put in the church offering in Dec. 2016 but “postdated” to Jan. 2017 x

Checks written, mailed, and postmarked in Dec. 2016, but received by the church in Jan. 2017 x

Checks written, and mailed in Dec. 2016, and postmarked and received in Jan. 2017 x

Documented as 2016 Contribution

Documented as 2017 Contribution

Year-End Contribution GuidelinesAs you prayerfully consider end-of-year gifts, know that your consistent support is essential for ministry here and throughout Durham. Please contact Elizabeth Takla with questions about payment on your 2016 pledge or additional year-end gifts (elizabeth@wpcdurham.org; 919-489-4974, ext. 122).

The income tax regulations specify that a check dated December 31, 2016, but physically delivered in January 2017 is deductible only on the donor’s 2017 federal tax return. Even if a donor backdates a check to read “December 31, 2016,” but gives it to the church on or after January 1, 2017, it will be considered a 2017 donation.

The only exception to this rule is the case of a check that is dated, mailed, and postmarked in December 2016. The rules are summarized in the table below.

Honor a Loved One this Season You can make a donation in honor of, in memory of, or in celebration of your loved ones this Christmas season. These donations are used to purchase Christmas greenery and wreaths from TROSA to decorate our church. TROSA is a residential program that enables substance abusers to be productive, recovering individuals by providing treatment, vocational training, education, and continuing care.

Visit www.bit.ly/myWPCevent to donate and provide your information online OR pick up a form in the Mission Center and donate by check. Donations may be made in increments of $10. Please make your check payable to Westminster with “Christmas Greenery” in the memo line, and submit your form and donation by Monday, December 12. Call the church office at 919-489-4974 with questions.

WPC Men's BasketballInterested in fun, fellowship, and good exercise? Try joining the Westminster basketball team!

WPC has played in the Hope Valley Baptist Church Basketball League for over 10 years. The league offers fun, competitive action in an atmosphere appropriate for church groups.

Starting in early January, we play 1-2 nights a week for about two months. Anyone at least 16 years old is eligible – basketball skill or experience is far from mandatory.

Contact Darren Skeen (dmskeen@nc.rr.com) with questions or to sign up before December 31.

Join Westminster School in Helping Make "Megan's Wish" Come True! Now Through Friday, December 16

My name is Megan Brinkman, and I am a graduate of Westminster School for Young Children. My mom is Julie Brinkman, one of the teachers in the Turtle Class. My biggest wish for the Christmas holidays is to help the homeless. You may have seen me in a commercial for the Durham Rescue Mission.

For the past seven years, with the help of many generous friends and neighbors, I have been able to help many people at the Rescue Mission. I would like to invite the entire Westminster community to join with me this year. We can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

You may help by donating food or money to the Durham Rescue Mission. Cash or check donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Checks should be made directly to the Durham Rescue Mission and may be placed in the envelope in the Westminster School Office. The donation is tax deductible (the Rescue Mission will send you a receipt). There is a bin for food donations in the school hallway. My family and I plan to deliver all donations to the Rescue Mission the week before Christmas.

I promise your donations WILL make a difference! Thank you to each Westminster family for your generosity and willingness to once again make my holiday wish come true.

Sincerely,Megan Brinkman

Church Finance OverviewWestminster shares an overview of its finances in the newsletter each month.

October Financials YTD Actual YTD BudgetIncome: $883,421 $960,981 Expense: $924,364 $960,946

This time of year, there is generally a gap between the budgeted and actual income. Please help WPC be good stewards of our resources by paying your 2016 pledges by December 31. Contact Elizabeth Takla with questions (elizabeth@wpcdurham.org; 919-489-4974, ext. 122).

12/4 Lovefeast, Participants come to Fellowship Hall at 3pm; service starts at 5pm12/11 No Youth Group12/17 Senior High Cookie Making Party, 8pm, Nichols Home12/18 Youth Group: Christmas Party, 5:30-7:30pm, Junior High: Cullen Home, Senior High: Page Home

YOUTH MINISTRY CALENDAR

Sign Up for Wednesday Dinner by Monday!

Don't miss the delicious dinners we have planned for upcoming Wednesdays. Please sign up for dinner by the Monday night before at www.bit.ly/myWPCevent so we can assist our preparers and be good stewards of the food.

December 7: Homemade Soup and Bread BarDecember 14: Cheddar, Chicken, and Rice Casserole (gluten free

and FODMAP friendly), spaghetti squash, salad

Dinner is $5 per person; $20 max per family. Sign up to volunteer on a food set-up crew at www.bit.ly/myWPCserve or email Jennifer Feiler (jafeiler@yahoo.com).

youth ministry news

LovefeastSunday, December 4

Lovefeast will take place this Sunday, December 4. The service begins at 5pm, but all participants need to arrive in the Fellowship Hall at 3pm. If you have any questions, please contact Leigh Furman (lrfurman05@gmail.com) or Courtney Mangum (cmyersmangum@gmail.com). Youth Christmas Party

Sunday, December 18 | 5:30-7:30pm

Junior High: Cullen Home

Senior High: Page Home

Bring one wrapped ornament to exchange!

Girls:white top

white tightsblack dress shoes

white skirt, doily, apron*

*Provided by church

Guys:black pantswhite shirt

dark tiebelt

Westminster Presbyterian Church Westminster Presbyterian Church

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What to Wear

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH3639 Old Chapel Hill RdDurham, NC 27707Phone: 919-489-4974Fax: 919-493-4553westminster@wpcdurham.orgwww.wpcdurham.orgwww.facebook.com/wpcdurham

The next WPC newsletter will be published on December 14. The deadline to submit material is December 7.

To submit material for publication, contact Communication Coordinator Kara Pearce (kara@wpcdurham.org; 919-489-4974, ext. 101).

The newsletter is emailed. If you would like to receive a paper copy by mail, please contact Kara Pearce.

ACOLYTES 12/4 Maeve McClain-Huslage12/11 Stella Joyner, Ava Nichols12/18 Nora Joyner, Katherine McFall12/25 Heath Tuttle

LECTORS12/4 8:30 Jim Ketch 11:00 Lynn Leubuscher12/11 8:30 Bill Coppridge 11:00 Gene Brannon12/18 8:30 Blair Chesnut 11:00 Davis Bingham12/25 11:00 Collin Day

OFFERING COUNTERS12/4 8:30 Ryowon Kim & Peter Scilipote 11:00 Alex & Mary Denson12/11 8:30 Ryowon Kim & Peter Scilipote 11:00 Beth Eagen, Gloria Kanoy 12/18 8:30 Mike Meyen, Blair Chesnut 11:00 Bill & Barb Burig12/25 11:00 Bill & Mary Anne Pogue

Worship Volunteers for December 4, 11, 18, and 25**Please note that there will be no 8:30am worship service or Church School on Sunday, December 25;

the Chancel Choir will rehearse at 10am in the Music Room.

USHERS12/4 8:30 Kenzie Brannon, Marge Enberg, Peter Hanink, Pat Trost 11:00 Jim & Linda Clack; Lynn Leubuscher, Chris, Molly & Henry McLaughlin 12/11 8:30 David, Kathleen, David & Carter Lapp 11:00 John & Ruth Caccavale; Page, Mike, Shelby & George Page12/18 8:30 Gary Ferrell, Becky & Ron Sale, Hugh White 11:00 Jennifer, Neil & Logan McElroy; Jimmy, Mary Beth & Evan McIntyre12/25 11:00 Richard Watson; Kevin, Charlie & Anna Rosemond

NURSERY Every Sunday: Infants, Toddlers, 8:30 2-5 yr olds - WPC Nursery Staff12/4 2-3: Luis & Margaret Maes; 4-5: Melissa Katrincic, Dexter Meath12/11 2-3: Sophie Califano, Leah Oviedo-Sauls; 4-5: Carrie Tuttle, Melinda Vaughn12/18 2-3: Bekah & Forrest Perry; 4-5: Mike & Rachel Meyen 12/25 No nursery available on Christmas Day

SOUND TECHNICIANSDecember 8:30 Doug Wellemeyer 11:00 Mark Hill

Visit www.bit.ly/myWPCserve to see available dates and sign up for a 2016-2017 worship volunteer team.

Preaching ScheduleDecember 4 - Second Sunday of Advent, Communion SundayPreaching: Betty Berghaus

December 11 - Third Sunday of AdventAdvent Lessons & Carols Program: The Chancel Choir

December 18 - Fourth Sunday of AdventPreaching: Chris Tuttle

December 25 - Christmas Day, Birthday SundayPreaching: Betty Berghaus (11am service only this day; see below)

November 30, 2016

Westminster Presbyterian Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).