Page 1

Westminster Presbyterian Church Joliet, Illinois

A Church Newsletter Published For

Our Members and Friends.

1015 Winthrop Avenue Volume 19, Issue 7

Joliet, Illinois 60435 July 2019

815-725-6687

THE CHIMES

PC - USA PC - USA

The Reverend Matthew T. Robinson,

Pastor

Musings from Matt . . .

Wet. Wet. Wet. That’s what this Spring and beginning of Summer has been. Lately I can count on another 1/2 hour of my day being taken up with rinsing the mud off the dogs when we get home from the park. But a wet summer doesn’t slow down West Pres Joliet. I know that everybody’s busy with summer projects, camping trips and vacations. And we’re busy at the church too. We’ve got a sum-mer full of activity. Join in the fun and ministry. It’s almost time for VBS. Coming soon, July 8 - 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. we will host the VBS program Roar. Make new friends, try some amazing experiments, play creative games, share some lip-smacking snacks and learn incredible music. At Roar, kids explore God’s goodness and celebrate ferocious faith that powers them through this wild life. For kids preschool age through 7th grade, this will be a wonderful week of activity focused on God’s Creation and our purpose in it. And our 5th Annual Flea Market is near. Saturday, August 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Westminster will host our 5th Annual Flea Market. Featuring everything from garage sale items to fine handy crafts, the Flea Market is a fun day for vendors to display their wares. Come out and see what treasures there are. And we still have some open spaces if you or someone you know wants to set up a booth. And we’ll end the summer with the 5th Annual Men’s Fellowship Cookout. On Saturday evening, August 24th, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. we’ve another fun night out for the whole family. Burgers, Hot Dogs and Brats prepared by our own Grill Master, Dave Mills. We’ll have chips and drinks and desserts as well. After we eat, we’ll play a few rounds of BINGO. And all of the proceeds will go to mission. So there you have it. It’s a full summer. We hope that you’ll turn out for these exciting and spirit filled activities. And may you have a blessed summer. Shalom, Matt

Page 2

FOOTPRINTS . . . AL EVANS

B E C A U S E . . . the answer I would hear as a youngster when

asking ‘why’ to do something I didn’t care to do. Life provides one

with an array of increasing memoirs as we age. I’m smiling, think-

ing there were times the answer should have been a silent ‘boot in

the fanny!’ It’s a characteristic that has raised its head many times

over the years and resulted in a variety of responses, enough said.

And “Because of . . .” (An Extraordinary Life article about Joe Adler

in the 6-10-19 Joliet Herald News) I share his thoughts . . . if you

believe in the good Lord then you have to be of service; if you’re in

a position where God has given you the gift and talent – put them

to work; a 3 step approach: 1, Observe what’s going on around you; 2, Is it right? Is it fair? Is it

something to be addressed?; 3, Take action. He was a man of action - involved with Adler roofing

business, Spanish Community Service, Habitat for Humanity-local and national, etc. His son stated,

“It just made sense to him.” “If you believe in God, you believe in doing the rest of this stuff. He did-

n’t lecture his children, he engaged them.” Habitat Director Nicole Murray said, “Because of Joe, we

will achieve more.”

B e c a u s e . . . Jesus –

When Jesus ‘opens one’s eyes’ to see the times He stood for one and the truth to be seen, the joys

brought into life and wrongs made right, and see dreams come true is an expression of His love for

one. How can anyone with gifts of such treasures and talents in life not believe? Or not engage

with others and participate in a 1-2-3 approach in servitude of thanksgiving for the Father, who had

His Son Jesus Christ show and teach – be observers – see the needs – and be achievers for Him –

in His earthly kingdom – walking in footprints of God’s guiding love and – and – with His blessings to

share! Blessed to be a blessing – to others – for God! With a grateful heart – give thanks to God –

one can be a blessing in His earthly kingdom. Why? Because . . . Father could use the help . . .

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JULY 8th thru 12th from 5 - 8:30 p.m.

For ages 3 years - 7th grade

ROAR INTO THE FUN AT VBS!!

Registration forms and volunteer sign-up sheets

are on the congregational desk.

Page 3

~ In celebration of ~

~ In loving memory of ~

~ To the glory of God ~

July 7th - Dave & Jean Smith in loving memory of Don Smith.

July 14th - George & Nevada Wietting in celebration of 63 years of

marriage.

July 21st - Gayle Crompton in loving memory of her Mom Elasteen

Glasscock.

July 28th - Shirley Swithin in loving memory of her husband Joe.

Our Prayers

For:

Please include these

members and friends

in your prayers:

Helen Anderson

Tom & Ruthann Bone

Roberta Burd

Kay Collins

Jim England

Rev. & Mrs. Carl Geider

Sheila Huckins

Mike Matay

Norma Metzler

Eric Nurczyk

Everett Patmore

Ron Reece

Pastor Matt Robinson

Family & Friends of

Joe Swithin

Gordon Tatro

Diane Vidmar

Wayne Wax

The Zbroskewich Family

THANK YOU!

Dear Friends at Westminster Presbyterian Church,

Thank you for your love and continued support to feed the needs of the

hungry in our area.

We are truly blessed to have faithful friends like you sharing in our mission

to feed God’s children.

3/28/19: $212.00

3/38/19: $1,200.00 Chili Cook-Off

Peace and Joy,

St. John Lutheran Church Food Pantry Team.

Ice Cream Social Recap The Mission Team hosted an Ice Cream Social on June 22nd with a sloppy

joe meal and ice cream with toppings and pie or brownies. The proceeds

from ticket sales and donations were $432, to be split between Strong Kids

Strong City and Kids Hope USA.

Strong Kids Strong City director Elizabeth Darlin was in attendance and

thanked the group for our support the past three years and reported that

they had finally gotten their 501C3 designation. As director of our local

work with Kids Hope USA at Taft School, I also thank you for your support

and prayers.

A big shout out to all the Mission Team, their spouses and others who do-

nated their time and baked goods for all their work.

A delicious time was had by all!

Linda Evans

Page 4

A Message From Ted Glidden

Westminster Presbyterian Church. No, I shouldn’t start out that way! I’m not writing to a Building!

How about dear friends who gather at 1015 Winthrop Ave. JOLIET Illinois? No, it’s a lot more than

just a gathering. And it’s much more than just a place! Oh! What about Westpresjoliet? Or WPC?

Yes, here we go — it’s getting some feeling! It’s getting some identity! It’s getting some closeness!

Here we have a congregation of Presbyterians in the USA who rejoice as a part of the Body of

Christ. Here is an example of a lifelong friend, Ruling Elder Jim McClure of my home congregation.

Jim McClure’s Philosophy of Life

“Love of God,

Love of family,

Awareness of both the uniqueness and the contribution of every other human being,

A sense of the wholeness of life with my

religious faith,

my profession of law,

my family,

and my community service

each playing an important part and completing each other.”

I feel a unity with each of you the way that Jim so aptly expressed it. Now I’m going to give you my

standard thank you and farewell. Our relationship as a congregation and Parish Associate comes to

an end and we all have to say “farewell.” Our friendship and fellowship will continue and deepen

through the years that follow. I want you to know that I deeply cherish that friendship and fellowship

with you each and all. And I look forward to future which we will continue to know one another. Dorie

would want you to know well that she and I feel a part of the family here. To God be the glory and

God bless you in your ministry.

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5th ANNUAL FLEA MARKET

Vendor spaces available.

Saturday, August 3rd

8 a.m. till 2 p.m.

(Rain date August 10th)

Rent a 15’ x 15’ space for $30.

Registration forms are on the congregational desk.

Spread the word! Tell your friends and neighbors!

FLEA

MARKET

Page 5

Church Operating Fund Year to Date 5/31/2019: Year-to-Date 2019 Budget-to-Date Variance-to-Date Income $58,320.73 $93,036.25 -$34,715.52 Expense $84,223.65 $93,036.25 $ 8,812.60 Shortfall -$25,902.92 $ 0.00 -$25,902.92

Legacy of a Lifetime Did you know the Presbyterian Foundation has resources available to help you live forward

and give forward through creating wills and a legacy giving program? There are a variety of ways for

creating a legacy - permanent endowment funds, donor-advised funds, charitable remainder trusts,

charitable lead trusts, charitable requests, life insurance, retirement plans, real estate and pooled

income funds.

Did you know "bequeath" comes from an Old English word that means "to say, speak to, ex-

hort." Making a bequest to the church in your will is a simple, effective way to speak into the future of

your faith community and encourage growth for the long term.

You can give different kinds of gifts to the church in your will. You can give a dollar amount,

or percentage, or real estate, stocks, business interests, artwork, and copyrights or royalties.

Without a will, the distribution of your estate - no matter how small or large - is determined by

the laws of your State. The State may not include all the people you would like to benefit, and it

won't include any charities or religious organizations you wish to support.

61% of Americans don't have a will. Reasons include, "Haven't gotten around to it," "It's not

urgent," and "I don't have a lawyer." Have you made your will yet?

Congratulations to

Kayla Zbroskewich

on her 8th grade graduation!

School: Chaney Monge School

Parent: Amy Zbroskewich

Page 6

Session Highlights : Opened the meeting with prayer and the lighting of the Christ candle by the Moderator at 6:29 PM.

Approved the 5/16/2019 regular meeting minutes.

Clerk apologized for not having prepared for the Session's approval the 6/9/2019 minutes of the Meeting of the Congregation and promised to deliver at the next regular meeting of the Session.

Clerk informed the Session of the dissolution of the Parish Associate position by the Reverend Charles E. "Ted" Glidden due to his relocation to Pennsylvania. A Fond Farewell was held during the Social Hour on Pentecost Sunday, 6/9/2019 and a monetary gift of $700 was presented to Ted.

Clerk informed the Session of the death of Joseph Donald Swithin on 6/6/2019 with funeral services held at Westminster on 6/17/2019 and burial in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet, IL.

Clerk informed the Session of correspondence received from the Presbyterian Historical Society en-couraging us to consider making a donation or becoming a member and increasing our support to more than the $25 last received 11/27/2017.

Treasurer reviewed the May 31, 2019 Church Operating Fund financial statements, indicating the overall shortfall in the operating account is $44,542.88, and she is very concerned about it being that high.

Placed the 5/31/2019 Church Operating Financial Statements on file.

Learned about the 6/3 & 4/2019 Blackhawk Presbytery meeting and learning event concerning a presentation from the Reverend Katy Steinberg and the denomination's 1001 Worshipping Com-munities’ efforts and their criteria for further consideration.

Pastor Matt met with the PC(USA) Stated Clerk, the Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II on 5/29/2019

Received the 6/13/2019 Board of Deacons report and placed it on file.

Learned from the Property Ministry Team that the estimate for converting the Sanctuary lighting in-struments to LED instruments increased by $700/each fixture due to a mistake made by the light-ing house. Installation is estimated at $2,500. Property will be reviewing other options.

Elder Mark Ballard is considering donating a newer used Craftsman riding lawnmower presently in Springfield, IL to replace the Church's current older Craftsman.

Approved of disposing of the older Craftsman riding lawn mower upon receipt of the newer Crafts-man lawnmower.

Approved work days in the evenings on Wed 6/26 and Tuesday, 7/2 from 6 PM until dark or done.

Approved offering for sale during the August Flea Market the portable basketball hoop.

Elder Thomson reminded the members preparing the elements for communion for the months of July and August, as Elder Sean Matay was on vacation on an Italian tour.

Elder Thomson reminded the responsible hosts for Coffee Hours for the months of July and August.

Learned of the installation and the networking of a new computer in the Sanctuary that coordinates the lighting and sound system for the audio/visual presentations as well as the ability to integrate with the world-wide web.

Elder Marlene Jones reminded those present of the upcoming Mission Team's 3rd annual ice cream social on Saturday, 6/21/2019.

Reminded that "ROAR" Vacation Bible School is slated for 7/8 - 7/12/2019 and leader orientation is scheduled for Monday, 7/1/2019.

Learned that our present investment strategy concerning our endowment funds will be in a new strategy mix of 65% held in New Covenant Balanced Growth and 35% held in New Covenant Bal-anced Income Funds, allowing for future development of an official Investment Policy and strategy governing all the fourteen various funds, where two are donor restricted and the remaining twelve are Session directed.

(Continued on pg. 7)

Page 7

(Session Highlights - Continued from pg. 6) Learned that to-date there has been virtually no interest in purchasing the vacant lot in the Ozark

Acres development near the Lake Vagabond in Sharp County, Arkansas.

Designated November 2019 for the annual Stewardship Campaign.

Revised the Pastor's vacation and Study Leave - Vacation: 7/22-29, 8/5-12, and 8/19-26; Study Leave: 9/30 - 10/2 with the pulpit being filled by Elders Audia, Matay, Ballard and CLP Carrie Kapral.

Learned that the approximate attendance at Letter from the Birmingham Jail workshop slated for 6/29/2019 and led by the Reverend J. Shannon Webster is presently at twenty-five.

Approved Presbyterian Men's Group to host Family Fun Night/Potluck Dinner/Bingo on Saturday, 8/24.

Approved an annual membership in the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce which includes a web-link to our church website at $175.

Shared joys and concerns prior to closing the meeting and extinguishing the Christ candle at 8:43 PM.

Men’s Fellowship All men of the church are always invited to join us!

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.

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

a rewarding challenge. Please join us.

Our Breakfast Schedule:

July 6th - Old Fashioned Pancake House

July 20th - Pancake Breakfast at Church

S o m e Good Pancakes

Free Pancake Breakfast.

SO OTHERS MAY EAT

Served from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

The next Pancake Breakfast date is July 20th.

Help will be needed to set up on Friday, July 19th

at 10:30 a.m. All help will be greatly appreciated!

Page 8

2019 Church World Service Kits Challenge

CWS School Kits - Our goal is 100 kits.

When you assemble a school kit, you’re making sure children have a chance to succeed in school,

even if they are recovering from a disaster or living in other tough circumstances.

Supplies needed:

One pair of blunt scissors removed from the package (rounded tip, only)

Three 70-count bound notebooks or notebooks totaling 200-210 pages (no loose-leaf or filler

paper)

One 30-centimeter, 12” ruler

One hand-held pencil sharpener removed from the package.

One large eraser (no pencil cap erasers)

Six new, unsharpened pencils with erasers, removed from the package

One box of 24 crayons

One 12” x 14” to 14” x 17” finished size cotton or lightweight canvas bag with handles (solid color

or kid-friendly fabric, no logos, reusable shopping bags or backpacks)

$2.00 per kit to cover the cost of processing

CWS Hygiene Kits - Our goal is 75 Kits!

These kits are jam-packed with supplies to help keep people clean and healthy.

Supplies needed:

One hand towel measuring approximately 15”x28” to 16”x32” (no fingertip, bath, dish towel or

microfiber

One washcloth

One wide-tooth comb removed from the package (found at discount dealers like sallybeauty.com)

One fingernail or toenail clipper removed from the package (either one is acceptable)

One bath size bar of soap in the original wrapper

One toothbrush in the original package

Ten standard size Band-Aids

$2.00 per kit to cover the cost of processing

All items need to fit inside a one-gallon Ziploc type bag. Do not add any extra items or toothpaste.

A tube of extended expiration date toothpaste will be added to each Hygiene Kit just prior to its

journey.

Page 9

Westminster

Presbyterian

Church

Minister - Every Member

of the Church

Pastor - The Reverend

Matthew T. Robinson

Music Director -

Paul Kraus

Administrative Assistant

- Linda Bromer

Custodian - Mike Riley

Church Building ~

815-725-6686

Church Office ~

815-725-6687

FAX ~ 815-725-7866

Office Hours ~

Mon. thru Thurs. 9-4:30

Fri. 9-Noon

Website:

www.westpresjoliet.org

Email:

office@westpresjoliet.org

www.facebook.com/

westpresjoliet

Please Read!! We no longer receive courtesy calls from the hospitals to notify us when our members have been hospitalized. If you are hospitalized, or know of a church member who has been admitted, please notify Pastor Matt or the church office. We want to be sure that you are visited and added to our prayer list!

If you, or someone you know, are in need of food,

the St. John Lutheran Church Food Pantry

is open to the community on:

Tuesdays 12:30-2:30 p.m.,

Thursdays and Saturdays 9-11 a.m.

at 2650 Plainfield Road in Joliet.

The St. John Lutheran Church Food Pantry serves ALL HUNGRY

clients regardless of their zip code, school district or county.

Visit StJohnFood.org for volunteer opportunities.

Thank you for supporting this important ministry!

STEPHEN M INISTRIES

When you pray to God, sometimes he sends a human. . .

Our Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you!! If you or someone you

know is going through a difficult time, please contact our Stephen Ministry.*

Let us help!!

Linda Evans 815-725-6218

Linda Henize 815-467-2705

Pastor Matt 815-725-6687

*Confidential lay caring ministry. Stephen Ministers are caring Christians

who are trained to offer a listening ear.

Page 10

Westminster Chimes USPS 022648 is published monthly

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 19, Issue 7. July 2019.

We thank God for:

** Please deliver promptly,**

dated material enclosed.

Mailed: June 26, 2019

PERIODICALS

POSTAGE PAID

AT JOLIET, IL

USPS 022648

Westminster Presbyterian Church

1015 Winthrop Avenue

Joliet, Illinois 60435

ARTICLE DUE DATE

9 A.M.

MONDAY

JULY 22, 2019

VOLUME & ISSUE

VOLUME 19

ISSUE 8

Contact Us:

Westminster Presbyterian Church

1015 Winthrop Ave.

Joliet, IL 60435

815-725-6687

Email:

office@westpresjoliet.org

Website:

www.westpresjoliet.org

NEWSLETTER DATES