YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATE

Youth Sunday, Confirmation Sunday And Silent Auction April 24, 2016

Join us on Sunday, April 24 when our youth (gr. 6-12) will participate in morning worship, and one youth will be confirmed. Following worship there will be a dinner and silent auction to raise funds for our upcoming mission trip to Ronceverte, WV. Prepared by Don Rearick and Bob Engels, the meal will include Pasta Bar, salad, bread and dessert. At the silent auction, members of Westminster will have the opportunity to bid on services provided by our youth. These services might include babysitting, car washing, yard work, dog walking, baking, homework help, and many others. Since this is a community-building endeavor, we are inviting members of the congregation to support our youth by offering their gifts and talents to be auctioned as well. In addition to volunteering one’s services, members may donate items, such as gift baskets, gift certificates, baked goods, new household items, jewelry, etc. Youth who donate services to the auction will receive up to $50 to help defray the cost ($125) of the youth mission trip to Ronceverte, WV. Any remaining proceeds from the silent auction will be used for future youth mission projects. Westminster adults will have several opportunities in the coming weeks to volunteer their talents or items to be included in the silent auction. For further information, contact Pat Santelli psantelli@sbcglobal.net or 330.283.8009.

WPC Youth Event Recap: Polar Blast Snow-Tubing And Lock-In (Jan. 27-28)

On January 27, eleven WPC youth and friends fueled up on pizza after morning worship, then hit the Brandywine slopes for an afternoon of snow-tubing. Back at the church in the evening, they were joined by four latecomers. The group shared Third Sunday Dinner with WPC neighbors before beginning their lock-in with worship in the chancel led by Pastor Jon. The night continued with ice-breakers, a brain-storming session for summer and fall events, ping-pong, pool, and many rounds of the game Sardines. A midnight movie rounded out the activities. The youth were treated to breakfast the next morning by Dave and Linda Stobbs. Many thanks to the Stobbs, and the other volunteers who made the event a success: Ed and Laurel Labbe, Kevin Melver, Kacey Yates Gable, Walter Hayes, Pat Santelli, Sharlene Santelli and Third Sunday dinner cooks Anne Karney and Raphael Peoples.

Youth Mission Trip Save The Dates - July 11-16, 2016

Westminster youth are going on a mission trip this summer!! We hope lots of youth will give up a week of summer vacation to travel to Ronceverte, WV where they may be involved in mentoring young children in literacy, volunteering at the animal shelter, doing light construction, harvesting produce for local food pantries, reforestation projects and many other projects. In addition, youth will enjoy one day at ACE Adventure Park where there will be white water rafting and lots of fun at the water park. It is our vision to help our youth discover God’s heart for justice and mercy. Daily group devotions will assist our youth and leaders in processing their experiences and growing together as a supportive team, both while they are away from home and after they return. We will leave on Monday, July 11, and return on Saturday, July 16. The cost for WPC youth is $125, which includes meals, lodging, travel and recreational activities. Please keep the Youth Ministry Design Team and event planners in prayer as we organize this relevant opportunity for our youth. Families of our youth should have received a letter with detailed information about this trip. For more information, contact Sharlene Santelli at ssantelli@sbcglobal.net or 330.825.7583

Movie Afternoon And Third Sunday Dinner Helpers Sunday, March 20, 2016 following morning worship

On Sunday, March 20, WPC youth and friends (6th grade-12th grade) are invited to enjoy lunch together following morning worship. After lunch, the youth will travel to a local theater to see a movie (title TBD). The cost for youth is $5.00/person. We will return to the church in time for the youth to help with the Third Sunday Community Dinner at WPC. Parents can pick up youth at 6:30 p.m. at the church. Please RSVP to Kacey by March 13 at kyates.gable@gmail.com or 330-328-9189.

EDUCATION NEWS

Adult Education

Adults please join us on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am for one of our adult class options: Library Conversations continues! It is wonderful to be able to discuss parenting in an open, supportive and safe place. Join us in the library with other parents and let’s see what comes up. We are also presenting a parent lecture on Sunday, April 17 from 3;00-4:45 pm featuring Dr. Yvonne Gustafson discussing Raising Resilient Children. Childcare will be provided, along with an activity entitled Songs and Tails from the Woods, with Sam Sapp and Sarah Matheny, that the children should really enjoy. Register at westminsterakron.com so we know you will be joining us. We will also plan to stay and enjoy the Third Sunday Dinner as a group, join us!

B.R.E.A.D. is a Bible Study for our adult education class on Sunday’s at 9:30-10:15 am in Room 106. If you would like to sign up or need more information contact Rae Leonard at Leonardrae4@gmail.com or 330-256-9316. Eye-Opener Bible Study is another option for study. Join us on Thursday mornings at 8:00 am in Room 106 at the church. Come enjoy fellowship and discussion. All are welcome!

RAISING RESILIENT CHILDREN PRESENTED BY WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2016 3:00-4:45 PM WITH A COMMUNITY MEAL AT 5:00 PM WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1250 W. EXCHANGE STREET, AKRON WESTMINSTERAKRON.COM

Come join the Parenting Group at Westminster Presbyterian Church to hear Dr. Gustafson, a Parent Educator, discuss the importance of “Raising Resilient Children.”

Join us on Sunday, April 17 from 3:00-4:45 to hear the presentation. We will follow with a free community meal at 5:00 pm.

There is no fee for this event, a free-will offering will be taken.

RSVP TO WESTMINSTERAKRON.COM

CHILDCARE WILL BE PROVIDED.

Dr. Yvonne Gustafson author of “Tools for the Toddler Years” and a Parent Educator will speak at Westminster Presbyterian Church on the important topic of “Raising Resilient Children.”

Update for Children's Ministry Renovation Team (CMRT) We are meeting monthly to evaluate and plan programming for the children and families here at WPC. Each month we have focus points that were developed by Ministry Architects after their visit and study of us. With each focus there are ideal outcomes that we look at, discuss and help make happen. The focus points range from long range planning to marketing, and from volunteer recruitment to the creation of a major events notebook. Keep us all included in your prayers and ask us any questions on our work, and please let us know if there's any way you'd like to help! CMRT members: Kevin Spring, Erin Spring, Walter Hayes, Margo Works, Char Molinaro, Susan Shellito and Sheila Svoboda.

Peace~ Sheila Svoboda, Director of Children & Family Ministry

Songs and Tails From The Woods

During the parent talk by Dr. Yvonne Gustafson on Sunday, April 17 from 3:00-4:45, the children will enjoy a snack and this activity.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN GATHERING AND PROGRAMS

PW Lunch and Presentation

Please join us for lunch and a presentation by Good Neighbors on April 30, 2016. The presentation will focus on family, food and recipes for you to try. Discussion and Metanoia Circles are the hosts with lunch served at noon. Mary Circle will give Devotions. We will also be installing new officers for 2016-2017. Childcare is available and snacks provided in the nursery. Watch the bulletin in late March for additional information.

Circle Meetings And Leaders Discussion Circle: Meets 1st Tuesdays at 10:00 am Contact - Polly Fisher 330-664-1022 Martha Circle: Meets 2nd Thursday at 7:00 pm Contact - Cathy Melver 330-873-1156 Metanoia Circle: Meets 4th Thursdays at 1:00 pm Contact - Mary Lou Griffiths 330-688-7196 Evening Circle: Meets 3rd Mondays at 7:30 pm Contact – Ginny Melver 330-374-1157 Sewing Circle: Meets 3rd Wednesdays at 1:00 pm Contact - Peggy Messaros 666-9086 Mary’s Circle: Meets 1st Fridays at 9:15 am at the church. Contact Denise Howell, childcare is available.

CELTIC GARDEN AND CHANCEL FLOWER NEWS

Chancel Flowers Each week the Chancel Flowers are arranged from the Celtic Garden or from a wholesale source. The arrangers also do the arranging on Palm Sunday, Easter and Christmas. Members and friends always give generously for all the arrangements. Also, the arrangers provide flowers for the 3rd Sunday dinners, memorial receptions and church luncheons. These dedicated arrangers are: Kyra Bosnik, Kris Keller, Sook Lee, Lindy Lincicome, Inky Malone, Raphael Peoples and Kristy Yates.

Celtic Garden

The first flower catalog to arrive after the holidays is always such a treat! It takes our minds off the long, gray days of winter and transports us to the sunny, warmer days of spring when we can start planting our gardens. Now that spring is just around the corner, the gardeners are looking forward to being able to prepare the garden for the coming season as soon as the weather permits. We always welcome anyone who would like to join us - no experience necessary! The regular work schedule will come out in April. Thanks to a very generous donor, this spring we will be able to replace our old wooden rose arbor with one that is maintenance-free. Then our next project will be the annual perennial plant sale, which will be held in conjunction with the Kiwanis pancake breakfast on Saturday, May 7. We’re hoping that all of you home gardeners will have perennials that you will be able to divide and contribute to the plant sale. All proceeds go toward purchasing the plants and flowers that make our Celtic garden so beautiful.

Flapjacks and Flowers

This annual event is sponsored by the West Akron Kiwanis to benefit the Akron Youth Symphony, and our own Celtic Garden holds their annual plant sale in conjunction with this event. Please plan to join us on Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tickets are $7.00 for adults, $3.50 for children under 10. Check the poster in Wright-Herberich Hall for further details and plan to join us!

EDUCATION CLASS INFORMATION

Children’s Ministry Major Events Calendar

March 2016-May 2016

Sunday School meets every Sunday at 9:30 am

Infants’ Nursery (Infants through age 4) 9:00 am to Noon Nursery- Pre-K (Ages 3-5) - Room 105, Bible Story Room Grades Kindergarten through 3rd - Room 202, Godly Play Grades 4 through 6 - Room 210/211, Tween Room Choir Rehearsal 11 am - Children’s - Kindergarten - 3rd Grade - Ms. Franzmann Youth Choir - 4th-8th Grade - Ms. Howell

2016 Sunday, March 27 10:00 am Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 17 3:00-4:45 pm Parenting Talk/Raising Resilient Children Children’s Program/Songs and Tails from the Woods Sunday, May 22 9:30 am Last day of church school/Teacher Appreciation Sunday, May 29 11:30* Memorial Day Picnic after church *or when church ends

Confirmation Classes/Confirmation Sunday

Confirmation classes are continuing with Pastor Jon meeting with the candidate. Plan to attend worship on Sunday, April 24 where we will celebrate and confirm our newest member.

FIVE AT FIVE Season Seventeen 2015/2016 Programs Remaining

Sunday, March 13, 2016 University of Akron Steel Drum Band Sunday, May 8, 2016 Mother's Day Opera/Broadway Gala Doors open at 4:00 pm and professional childcare is available. There is no cost for the FIVE AT FIVE events but a free-will offering will be taken.

GROW

Eberts’ Endowment Brings The Reverend Dr. George Murphy For Lecture Series, June 5-6, 2016

Reverend Harry Eberts’ Preach and Teach Series will continue June 5-6 with an outstanding theological scholar sharing his insights with us. The Reverend Dr. George L. Murphy served nine years at Akron’s St. Paul Episcopal Church, other Evangelical Lutheran churches, and taught in a number of Lutheran seminaries.

Reverend Murphy has authored six books and many articles on theology. His

latest book is entitled Models of Atonement. He is known to present his theology in understandable and clear terms. The series schedule is:

Sunday, June 5, 2016 Monday, June 6, 2016 10:30 am Service Sermon 5:30 pm Dessert 5:00 pm Church Dinner 6:00-7:30 pm Teach and Preach 6:00-7:30 pm Teach and Preach

SERVE

Third Sunday Dinners WPC members will host our friends and neighbors from the community for dinner on Sunday, March 20 and April 17 in Wright-Herberich Hall. Dinner is served at 5 pm. Check with Anne Karney, meal coordinator, or Betsy Melick, volunteer coordinator, to see if your services are needed. Or come to serve as table hosts and share a fine meal with our church family and guests. All are welcome!

OTHER NEWS

New Members Class Would you like to learn more about becoming a member of this congregation? Our pastor, Jon Hauerwas, will be leading a New Member's class on Saturday, April 2 from 9:00 - 10:15 am and Sunday, April 10 from 9 - 10:15 am. Those desiring to join WPC can then do so during the 10:30 am worship service on April 10. If you are interested, please contact our pastor at 330-836-2226.

Contribution Statements First quarter contribution statements will be distributed in April. If you do not receive a statement by email or mail, please contact Eileen Martinez in the Finance Office at 330-836-2226, ext. 5.

Christian Formation Retreat Ministry Architects are returning for a special Christian Formation Retreat in May. This event will build clarity and consensus on what we hope our students will know, feel and do because of their experience at Westminster. They will be on-site leading a fun, interactive process to involve stakeholders in the Christian Education of our children and youth. We will come away with a 9-year formation plan which includes a one-year detailed teaching template. They will share their vision during the worship service on Sunday May 15 and also host a full weekend retreat. The schedule is as follows: Friday, May 13 6:30-9:00 pm Christian Formation Meeting #1 Saturday, May 14 8:30-11:00 am Christian Formation Meeting #2 short lunch break 11:30-2:00 pm Christian Formation Meeting #3 2:30-4:00 pm Youth Design Team/Children’s Renovation Team meetings Sunday, May 15 12:oo-2:30 pm Christian Formation Meeting #4 We are inviting teachers, committee members, and those who have showed a strong interest in this topic. But if you'd like to come and haven't received an invitation, please call Sheila Svoboda 330-836-2226 ext. 105.

Vacation Bible School Mark your calendars for this years exciting Bible School with the theme Under Construction supporting Habitat for Humanity. Join us Tuesday, July 5-Friday, July 8 from 9:15 am to 12:00 pm for children 4-years-old through 6th grade.

OTHER NEWS CONTINUED…

Good Neighbors/First Sunday Food Collection The demand for food at Good Neighbors remains high. Please be mindful of their need by bringing food to church on April 3 and May 1. They also can use your paper and plastic grocery bags. Place them in the box marked Good Neighbors that is in the coatroom.

Sewing Group The group is in need of adult size bath towels to make bibs for local nursing homes. A box for your donated towels is in the coatroom. Thank you for your support.

Greeting Card Ministry Please contact the church office if you feel anyone needs to be contacted by this ministry. If you have any cards to donate please drop them in the library in the box provided.

Befrienders Contact the church office if you or someone else would enjoy a friendly visit!

Handicap Parking We are making an effort to have plenty of parking for those with handicap permits behind the church. Please observe the parking spots as marked for handicapped. Those without permits are asked to park across the street.

Sermons/Bulletins Sermons and bulletins are posted on our website westminsterakron.com under the bulletin/sermon tab. Printed sermons are on the literature racks.

Church Database We are updating our church records. Please email new information to Germaine Wilson at gwilson1250@gmail.com.

Pastor Jon’s Office Hours Pastor Jon will be out of the office during daytime hours on Wednesdays but will continue to attend evening meetings on Wednesdays, as scheduled. In case of an emergency, he can always be reached by cell phone at 360-510-1750.

COME

The Men's Club of Westminster Presbyterian Church The Men's Club will meet at the Olive Garden in Montrose on Monday, March 14 and on Monday, April 11. We meet at 11:30 am. Our numbers continue to grow, and all men of Westminster are welcome. If you would like to be added to the reminder list, please call Art Schooley (330-666-3816) or Joe Henninger (330-867-5938).

Monday Night Supper Club Monday Supper Club will meet on March 28, 2016. All are welcome to join us for dinner at 6:00 pm. Bring a casserole, vegetable, salad, or dessert to share and your own place setting. Beverages are provided. Our program for the evening will be Mark Price, historical writer for the Akron Beacon Journal. His topic will be "Lost Akron". For reservations, please call Art and Jean Schooley at 330-666-3816. Monday Supper Club will meet on April 25 when the program will be "A tour of Lighthouses in California from the Queen Mary in Long Beach to the Oregon Border" presented by Roger Nelson. Martha and Roger Nelson have toured all the available Light Stations in California as part of two United States Lighthouse tours in 2013 and 2015. This included a climb/walk to the Big Sur Light (where the Goodyear-built Navy Dirigible USS Macon went down off its rocky precipice) as well as a cruise from San Francisco out 12 miles in the Pacific to the inactive Faralon Island Light station, and a climb to the top of Alcatraz Light. For reservations, please call Bob and Rae Leonard at 330-848-1170.

ENCOUNTER

Book Discussion Meeting Our intrepid group of bookworms continues to read an eclectic range of books, from historical fiction to fantasy, mystery and classic literature. Come join us in the Anderson Library on 2nd Mondays from 7 - 8:30 pm. Completing the book is preferred, but not mandatory to enjoy the discussion. Our upcoming books are:

Tuesday, March 7 Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline led by Margaret Quirk.

Tuesday, April 11 The Martian by Andy Weir led by Harriet Cutler.

Lenten Activities Continue

Easter Memorial Flowers If you would like to dedicate Easter flowers please send requests to the church office by Monday, March 14, 2016 or use the bulletin insert. Additional forms are in the literature racks at the church doors.

Lenten Yoga Each Saturday in Lent ending March 19 we will gather downstairs in the ILP dance studio from 9:00-10:00 am for yoga. There is no fee, but you will be able to give a free-will offering for the instructor. Join us!

40 Quotes For 40 Days During Lent we will be posting quotes for Lent on Twitter: @WestPresAkron, Facebook: Westminster Presbyterian Church and via email. If you would like to be added to the email list contact us at westminsterakron@gmail.com.

One Great Hour Of Sharing Offering This offering will be received during Lent. This offering makes a difference in the world through three relief programs. Please use a pew envelope to participate. The final collection will be taken during the Palm Sunday worship service.

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday~March 20 at 10:30 am Maundy Thursday~March 24 at 7:00 pm

Good Friday~March 25 at 12:00 pm Easter Sunday Worship~8:00 am and 10:30 am

Easter Egg Hunt

On Easter morning, March 27, at 10:00 am we will meet before the 10:30 Worship Service in the front and side yard of the church for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. The youth are stuffing and hiding the eggs for the children to find. Eggs represent new life, just what we celebrate on Easter morning!

Finance Report (through January 30)

January 2016 Actual Budget YTD Actual YTD Budget

Total Revenues 70,712.97 76,465.25 70,712.97 76,465.25

Total Expenses 46,636.84 53,008.19 46,636.84 53,008.19

Net 24,076.13 23,457.06 24,076.13 23,457.06

Thank you for your generous support.

SYMPATHY for the family of Dorothy “Dottie” Eberts, the wife of The Reverend Dr. Harry Eberts, Pastor Emeritus of Westminster Presbyterian Church, who passed away February 9, 2016. SYMPATHY for the family of Sara “Sally” York, a long-time member of our church and the wife of Monte, who passed away February 10, 2016.

Weekly Sunday Morning Schedule 9:00 am-Childcare available 9:15 am-Choir Rehearsal in the Music Room 9:30 am-Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am-Worship in the Sanctuary 11:30 am-Fellowship in Wright-Herberich Hall

May/June Script deadline: Tuesday, April 13 please have your articles about activities in to the church office by 12:00 (Noon) that day.

WPC on Social Media Follow us on Facebook at Westminster Presbyterian Church and Twitter @WestPresAkron. Evotionals and Sunday Updates are posted on these social networking sites, as well as upcoming events, pictures, and information. If you would like to be added to our email list please contact gwilson1250@gmail.com.

WPC Staff:

The Rev. Jonathan S. Hauerwas, Pastor jhauerwas.wpc@gmail.com (Weekly office days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) cell phone 360-510-1750 Sheila Svoboda, Dir. of Children and Family Ministry wpcchildren1250@gmail.com (Weekly office days: Tuesday and Thursday) James Mismas, Director of Music/Organist musicdirectorwpc@gmail.com Germaine Wilson, Director of Communication gwilson1250@gmail.com (Weekly office days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) Eileen Martinez, Staff Accountant wpcfinance1250@gmail.com (Weekly office days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) Jeremiah Ward, Daytime Custodian (M-F) wpcbuilding@gmail.com Pat Schumacher, Evening Custodian (M-F) ps2ctldy@gmail.com Amanda Schumacher, Sunday Custodian schumacher.amanda@gmail.com Kayla Elefritz, Childcare Director kayla_elefritz@yahoo.com (cell phone-330-564-7580)

The Script

March-April 2016

From Our Pastor

This edition of our Script newsletter highlights the transition from Lent to Easter…from death to life…from suffering to exaltation. Certainly, these themes represent a familiar rhythm in Christian meditation and practice. But, that they are familiar does not make them any less transformational or lacking in gospel power.

At the heart of this journey from the lowly valley to the majestic peak is our own, often strained, confession. Here, we offer recognition of our brokenness. Here, we cry out for wholeness. Here, we acknowledge that we are in no position to save ourselves. Only God will do.

Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist Carl Jung once wrote: I admire Christians, because when you see someone who is hungry or thirsty, you see Jesus. When you welcome a stranger, someone who is “strange,” you welcome Jesus. What I do not understand, however, is that Christians never seem to recognize Jesus in their own poverty. You always want to do good to the poor outside you and at the same time you deny the poor person living inside you. Why can’t you see Jesus in your own poverty, in your own hunger and thirst? In all that is “strange” inside you: in the violence and anguish that are beyond your control! You are called to welcome all this, not to deny its existence, but to accept that it is there and to meet Jesus there.

This is, of course, the challenge of Lent, and the only honest way forward.

Peace, Jon

Westminster Presbyterian Church 1250 West Exchange Street, Akron, Ohio 44313 westminsterakron.com ~ 330-836-2226