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WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, WILMINGTON, DE NO. 583 w APRIL 2012
CHIMES
Sunday, April 22,Is Youth Sunday, Earth Day,
and JUNGLE JOHN® Day
Bring Your Friends!
Westminster’s 180° Youth Fellowship will lead worship on Earth Day, April 22, for both services. In addition, all ages will come
together in Community Hall during the 10:TEN education time for a fun encounter with some wonderful wild creatures.
John LaMedica, otherwise known as “Jungle John,” will be our guestto educate and entertain with his remarkable reptile show. We will
meet “Wally Gator,” a 5-½ foot American alligator, and “Julius Squeezer,” a 12-foot albino Burmese python, in addition
to more than a dozen other reptile and amphibian friends and a few from the insect world as well!
The theme of worship will be “CreationSpirituality” as our response to God’s
amazing grace expressed in andthrough the natural world.
About Jungle John®: After receiving a degree in zookeeping from Santa Fe College inGainesville, Florida (1982), Jungle John was a supervisor at the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington
for seven years. In addition to his animal care and supervisory responsibilities at the zoo, healso did animal shows with their “Traveling Zoo” program. He left the zoo in 1988 to begin hisown business, Jungle John Entertainment. Jungle John is a two-time Guinness World Record
Holder and has been seen on the “Guinness World Records: Primetime” television show on Fox,“The Ricki Lake Show,” and most recently on “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!” on TBS.
CLERGY COLUMNCLERGY COLUMN
RenewalRev. Dr. Gregory JonesSenior Pastor/Head of Staff
2
As we reach the end of Lent, the time for deepreflection on our lives, we move into the dramaof Palm Sunday, the solemn meal of Maundy
Thursday, the agony of Good Friday, and the glory ofEaster – an unmatched celebration of life! And cele-brate the hope-filled news of new life, we will! On East-er Sunday, April 8, we will have two identical worshipservices at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to declare Christ isRisen!
Following our tradition, we will gather in CommunityHall for our famous and delicious Easterbreakfast/brunch prepared by our deacons. You mayenjoy the meal anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Easter marks my final Sunday in the pulpit beforeembarking on my sabbatical, so regardless of when youenjoy your meal, I hope you will join me in Communi-ty Hall from 10:10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. when Fred Iobst(convener of our Personnel Committee) and I talkabout my sabbatical and the coverage at church while Iam away. Given by the Session and made possible by agrant from the Lilly Endowment’s Clergy Renewal Pro-gram, my sabbatical will extend until August.
A clergy sabbatical is designed for rest, reflection,reconnection, and renewal. My Pastor’s Column in theFebruary issue of the Chimes spelled out ways I willaccomplish these goals as well as some of the excitingtravel destinations Camilla and I will explore. (If youmissed it, please go to the home page of our churchwebsite, wpc.org, and click on “Communications.”)
Westminster will be in excellent hands during myabsence. My gifted colleague, Anne Ledbetter, will beour acting head of staff. Our pastoral care assistant, JillGetty, will double her hours to help cover pastoral careneeds. The rest of our church staff – the best in theworld! – will carry on their normal routines to ensurethat our ministry and mission continue to flourish.
Anne will preach about half of the Sundays I am away.Jill Getty and Susan Moseley will each preach one Sun-day, high school seniors from our 180° youth ministrywill preach on Youth Sunday, our Westminster byHeart storytellers will present the Sermon on theMount, and the other Sundays will be covered by guestpreachers.
Our members will assist with worship services. Someare being trained to write and deliver the Prayers of thePeople, others will give a children’s sermon, and wewill continue to have lay volunteers who read themorning Scripture lesson. I think it will be wonderfulto have some of our leaders using their gifts for min-istry in these roles. It is bound to deepen their ownspiritual lives.
I have one favor to ask of YOU. Would you pleasewrite a prayer for me to take on my sabbatical? It canbe anything from one sentence to a full page. It can be arequest for you or a prayer for our world. Yourthoughts can focus on the healing of a loved one or ahope for me during my time away. It can be whateveris on your heart and in any form you choose to say it. Iplan to use these prayers in my personal devotionaltime while I am away from Westminster.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude to each of youwho have expressed your joy and support regardingmy sabbatical. I feel very blessed to serve a lovingchurch family who understands my need to take sometime away from the stresses of ministry to refresh myspiritual life so that I can give my best to God and toour community of faith.
Love and peace,
April 2012
April 2012 3
On Easter Sunday, April 8, at10:10 a.m. in Community Hall,we will gather in faith to wish
Greg and Camilla Jones a safe, restful,and reflective sabbatical. Greg's three-month sabbatical will include travel,study, and well-deserved family time.We hope he will return to us in Augustrenewed in spirit, mind, and body –eager to lead Westminster into thefuture. Please plan to attend our send-off and visit with Greg and Camillabetween services as we express ourgrateful appreciation to Greg for his ministry at Westminster and extend sincere bestwishes for a wonderful sabbatical. If you are unable to convey a personal message toGreg and Camilla, there will be cards or a wallboard available to give your best wish-es in writing.
Fred IobstConvener, Personnel Committee
Congratulations, Sarah Hoopes! Sarah Hoopes, daughter of Todd and Dede Hoopes, has been selected by New CastlePresbytery to be the Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD) to the 220th GeneralAssembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Sarah is a senior premed student atElon University in North Carolina.
Being a YAAD at the General Assembly is a high honor and a huge responsibility. Itis an honor because nominations are based on active church membership, apprecia-tion for the work of the church, and evidence of a reflective faith. Sarah Hoopes hasbeen active in the life of Westminster since her family joined when she was a child.She attended Youth Club, was baptized and confirmed in middle school, participat-ed faithfully in our 180° youth fellowship, helped teach children’s classes on Sundaymornings, sang in Westminster’s youth choir, and served enthusiastically as a youthdeacon. Serving as a YAAD is also a responsibility because it means joining the dele-gation of commissioners from New Castle Presbytery and being assigned to a Gener-al Assembly committee. YAADs must read, prepare, and participate in the commit-tee deliberations as an advisor. This means that Sarah will have the opportunity not only to learn about the polity of ourdenomination, but also to influence the work and outcomes regarding particular issues.
Each presbytery in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) may choose one YAAD to attend the General Assembly, which willmeet in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from June 30 to July 7. We can be extraordinarily proud that Sarah Hoopes was chosenat the March presbytery meeting to represent New Castle Presbytery. Sarah is a person of strong faith who is committedto the work of Christ as expressed through our Presbyterian denomination. Congratulations, Sarah, and God bless as youparticipate in such a significant event!
Interested in Participating inWorship DuringGreg’s Sabbatical?The Worship &Music Committeeis seeking volun-teers to help withworship duringGreg's sabbatical.If you would be willing to assist with greeting, ushering, working withchildren, or serving as alay reader or liturgist,please contact Mary Field([email protected] 302-429-9253).
Sabbatical for Greg Jones: Westminster’s Send-off
4 April 2012
Westminster Welcomes 10 New Members and Their Families
5April 2012
Movie Night Honors Earth DayFRIDAY, APRIL 20, AT 7:00 P.M.
Join us for the thought-provoking film The 11th Hour on Friday, April 20, at 7:00 p.m. inGrace Hall. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio's documentary on the global environmental crisis
paints a portrait of a planet at risk while also offering some exciting and radical solutionsfor making life on earth sustainable. Tapping the brains of leading scientists and thinkers-- including Stephen Hawking and Mikhail Gorbachev -- the film ultimately delivers ahopeful message: Our planet may be in crisis, but that doesn't mean it's too late to change.We will provide light refreshments for this 93-minute movie, and people are welcome tostay for a brief discussion not to extend past 9:00 p.m.
Movie Night Honors Earth Day
April 20126
From Midnight Run Guide:
Mary Beth, Susan, and company: You guys are the "Talk of the Town" this whole week! Thepeople who missed our stops (the ones that went lookingfor the "Super Run") are disappointed with themselves forlistening to rumors. People have told me that they haveenough toiletries to last them for a while! Thank you, Ian,Grant, and the rest of the volunteers. You guys warmed thestomachs and backs of many and lifted their spirits as well.McCauley Mission asked me to thank you guys for helpingreplenish their inventory. You guys are the quintessence ofthe Midnight Run. Until we meet again!
Fond regards to all,Billy Preston
Midnight Run Mentor and Guide
From Our Youth:
Midnight Run was beneficial to me because it helped mesee the city from a different perspective.
‐ Sara Beth Johnson
Midnight Run 2012: February 18 & 19, 2012 : NYC
Thankful
VictoriousUnique
Heartbreaking
Encouraging
Touching
The Midnight Run was such a unique experience! I was inthe back of the van caboose with Lauren serving the world’sbest soup. Some people would stay and talk while they ate,and it was really great to hear what they had to say. Theymade me realize that poverty never ever sleeps. Even whenI'm nice and warm at home, people are outside wantingthat nice hot bowl of soup. So I learned that I need to keepgiving the soup, to make at least one person’s day a littlebetter.
‐ Katie Johnson
We met people from all walks of life, each with his or herown story of hardship and misfortune. Despite their currentsituation, most of the people we helped had a positive out‐look and were most grateful for everything we gave them.
‐ Meredith Harrison
Midnight Run makes you realize firsthand how thankful youare to have the basic things you need.
‐ Cori Rydgren
A HUGE SUCCESSApril 2012 7
Memorable
Inspirational
Cultural
Rewa
rdin
g
Emotional
Awesome
Rivet
ing
Insightful
8 April 2012
On Wednesday, February 22, restoration donor Russell Jones, Property Committee Convener JohnMcFarland, Bill Nace, and Wendy and Denison
Hatch traveled to the Willet Hauser Studios, which haveundertaken the enormous task of restoring two stainedglass windows as a memorial gift to Russ’s parents, RoseB. and John Paul Jones.
The window in the west transept was designed by FrankSwartzlander and executed by the Henry Willet Studio,Philadelphia, and it was dedicated on February 9, 1958(our “Passion Window”). The aisle window was createdby James Powell & Sons, London, and dedicated on Octo-ber 19, 1958 (our “Children’s Window”). The three largelancets of the Passion Window illustrate the story of HolyWeek (Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on PalmSunday, a Last Supper scene, and the empty cross ofGood Friday), and the two narrower lancets contain thesymbols of Communion (bread and wine, wheat andgrapes). The Children’s Window illustrates Jesus as a boytalking with leaders in the temple, Jesus as an adult hold-ing a young child in his arms and surrounded by olderchildren, and Christ shown with his disciples setting a lit-tle child among them.
All of the members of the group (including two artistsand one civil engineer) were awestruck by the intricaterestoration under way to give an additional century of lifeto these two windows. After surprising the group withFrank Swartzlander’s original design for the Passion Win-dow, stored in the archives of the Henry Willet Studiosince the early 1950s, General Manager Jenkyn Powell leda tour through the large plant and introduced the groupto the craftsmen and craftswomen who are lovingly
restoring the well more than 10,000 pieces of glass, whichare being individually catalogued, de-leaded, cleaned,repaired, re-leaded, and remounted. The craftspersonshave varied backgrounds, including art school and archi-tecture, or have gone through at least a three-year appren-ticeship program in stained glass restoration.
Mr. Powell explained in detail the processes of makingthe full antique, norman slab, and blown sheet glass thatis either produced in a few factories, mostly in Europe, or,in the case of norman slab glass, is no longer being manu-factured anywhere in the world. By chance, at the end ofthe tour, the group met Kenny Crocker, a current WilletHauser designer who worked in the James Powell & Sonsstudio that produced Westminster’s Children’s Window.
The trip to the Willet Hauser studio was a treat for all, andwe at Westminster can be assured that when the windowsare returned this summer, they will truly be better thannew and just as beautiful as the day they were installed.
Field Trip to See Progress onStained Glass Windows
Paul Fleckenstein in Concert at Longwood GardensSUNDAY, APRIL 22, AT 1:00 P.M.
Anyone up for a Sunday afternoon stroll through beautiful gardens, with an organ concert to boot?
Paul Fleckenstein will perform in concert on the magnificent andnewly restored pipe organ in the conservatory ballroom at Longwood Gardens on Sunday, April 22, at 1:00 p.m. Theone-hour program will feature music in a wide variety of styles to exploit as fully as possible the vast tonal resourcesof this historic instrument, which consists of more than 10,000 pipes. The organ concert is free with admission to the
gardens. For more information, visit www.longwoodgardens.org.
Save the Date! University of Delaware Chorale Performs in May
On Friday, May 4, the international award-winning University of Delaware Chorale will perform at Westminsterat 8:00 p.m. Watch for more details in the Westminster Weekly Word and next month’s issue of the Chimes.
Westminster Women's Retreat 2012
P lan to enjoy a fun, relaxing, getaway weekend during this
year's women's retreat,which will take placeOctober 5-7 at the beauti-ful Pecometh Retreat Center in Centreville,Maryland. Built on 300acres that include hikingtrails and views of theChester River, it's locatedless than five miles fromshopping and quaint cafés. As we rejuvenate and meet new friends, wewill explore the theme “Fruits of the Spirit” through worship, music,small groups, storytelling, and talks by Associate Executive Presbyter theReverend Jackie Taylor. There will be plenty of free time on Saturday tohike, shop, read, or nap. Enjoy new facilities with linens provided (sheetsand towels), private bath for each room, and a 24-hour coffee/beveragebar. Cost ranges from $150 to $205 per person, depending on double,triple, or quadruple occupancy (two queen beds per room), and includesfour meals. Dinner will be on your own Friday night, with check-inbetween 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. Checkout will be by 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Space is limited, so plan to register early through the Pecometh website(www.pecometh.org); a link for our group to register will be up and run-ning soon. Give yourself the gift of retreat from life's daily routines andresponsibilities; this is guaranteed to be a laughter-inducing, spirituallyenriching weekend. Contact Jill Voss ([email protected] or 610-274-3538)or Teresa Lunardi ([email protected] or 484-947-3200) with ques-tions. Hope to see you there!
~ Flying Solo ~ APRIL EVENTS
Spring is definitelyin the air and allsingles are invitedto join Flying Solo, Westminster’s singlesfellowship, for any or all of these events:
Sunday, April 1 – brunch at 11:30 a.m.•at Catherine Rooney’s in TrolleySquare. No RSVP necessary.Thursday, April 5 – dinner and wor-•ship. We’ll meet at Catherine Rooney’sat 5:30 p.m. for dinner and then wor-ship together at Westminster’s Maun-dy Thursday service. To RSVP, contactAnne Gunn ([email protected]).Saturday, April 14 – spring hike led by•Sara Geuder. We’ll meet at 10:00 a.m.in the parking lot at the Blue Ball Barnjust off Routes 202/141 in Alapocas.Wear appropriate clothing and shoes,and bring water and a sandwich forlunch. For questions, contact SaraGeuder ([email protected]).Sunday, April 15 – brunch at 11:30•a.m. at Catherine Rooney’s in TrolleySquare. No RSVP necessary.
Want to know more about Flying Solo?Please contact Margo Reign ([email protected]).
9April 2012
Don’t Keep Us a Secret!Members often say “Westminster is the best kept secret around!” Well, friends, ours isa secret to be shared. Surely each of us knows people who need the support of a faithcommunity – a person facing a health crisis, a friend who has been laid off at work, aneighbor with a family issue, a coworker struggling with depressionor addiction. Maybe you know someone recently divorced, aparent looking for spiritual nurture for his children, orsomeone simply new to the Wilmington area. Share thegood news by inviting them to join you for
The Lent Event in Community Hall on Palm Sunday at•10:TEN a.m. – to view art by our members and reflecton a Protestant version of the Stations of the CrossEaster breakfast (8:00 – 11:00 a.m.) and worship•(9:00 or 11:00 a.m.)Movie night on Friday, April 20, at 7:00 p.m.•A Habitat work day – building homes for •low-income families – on Saturday, April 21The Jungle John presentation with fascinating•wildlife at 10:TEN a.m. on Earth Day, April 22Dining for Donations (if your friend is female)•at the home of Carrie Saathoff on Thursday,April 26Support and friendship (if your friend is male) at•the men’s fellowship group on Saturday morningsat 7:00 a.m.Brunch with the Flying Solo group•An adult education class•Yoga on Saturday morning in Rodney Chapel •
Although worship is the central activity of our church fami-ly, there are many entries into the life of the Westminster com-munity – through service, fellowship, education, hobbies, exer-cise, and support groups. Don’t keep Westminster a secret! Sharethe good news of the life and activities of our vibrant church commu-nity.
10 April 2012
Riders & ChauffeursSought
Jack Coleman is coordinating those whoneed a ride to church for our Sunday services with those who can provide a lift. Ifyou or someone you know needs transportation, or you can provide it, pleasecontact Jack ([email protected] 302-425-0859).
Recent Member Deaths
Helen Bobula IannottaJune 22, 1911 – February 14, 2012
Edward S. BloomAugust 19, 1913 – March 8, 2012
Marjorie M. SnaveNovember 29, 1928 – March 13, 2012
Irmadel G. WardOctober 16, 1914 – March 14, 2012
Please remember these individuals and keep their families inyour thoughts and prayers.
11April 2012
There is still room for 10 volunteers for Westminster’s next Habitat forHumanity build on Saturday, April 21, as we construct homes in the MillStone area. Youth must be at least 16 years old to work on the job site, and persons of any age mayhelp by providing lunch to the workers. To sign up, contact Craig Wemmers ([email protected] or 302-239-9698) or Anne Ledbetter ([email protected] or 302-654-5214, ext. 124).
Next Habitat Build - Saturday, April 21
Habitat in Motion - Saturday, June 23 Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 23, as we walk, run, or ride toraise funds for Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County. This event
is an expanded version of the highly successful “Bike to Build” events in which we participated in 2011 and 2012.
Multiple options for participation are being offered this year, including a 5K walk and run and bike rides of vary-ing lengths (10 miles, 25 miles, or 50 miles). The 5K walk and run will take place within Bellevue State Park. Allthree bike rides will travel through the Northern Delaware Greenways, with the longer rides continuing along ascenic tour of the Brandywine Valley.
This will be a wonderful activity for everyone in our congregation – a great way tosupport affordable housing in our community, get some exercise (a little or alot), and have a great time!
More information will appear in the May/June issue of the Chimes and inupcoming issues of the Westminster Weekly Word and Sunday bulletinannouncements. Hope to see you there!
WESTMINSTER’S APRIL MISSION EMPHASIS IS
Caring for God's Creation - Earth Day is April 22ndSupport Westminster'sMissions Did you know that you can support Westminster's mis-sions through ECHO Gifts and Global Gifts? ECHO Giftcontributions support local mission, and Global Gifts sup-port our ongoing partnerships in the Democratic Republicof Congo and Guatemala. The Church in the World Com-mittee is helping to build a church in Mozambique, and italso responds to unanticipated situations such as those inHaiti and Japan in recent years. Instead of giving more“stuff” to a loved one who already has plenty, considergiving a Global Gift to honor that person and support aworthy mission for Easter, Mother's Day, birthdays, or anyspecial or ordinary occasion! Information is availableevery Sunday at the Holy Toast Café or on the literaturetables. Choose your recipients and contact Mary Field([email protected] or 302-429-9253) to purchaseyour gift.
Mozambique Work Trip Be a part of TEAM Mozambique! July 30 to September 9
Seven members of Westminster will travel toMozambique this summer and join volunteers from
Maryland, North Carolina, and South Africa to build anew church alongside members of a congregation inMacia. Please pray for all of the people who will beinvolved in this construction. In addition, efforts areunder way to raise money to buy the building materi-als. Half of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering willbe used to help buy the rebar, cement, lime, trusses,metal roofing sheets, windows, and doors, so pleasegive generously. We just celebrated Westminster’s125th anniversary; let’s join together and help build asanctuary in Mozambique so that in the next centurythey can celebrate 125 years!
Easter Breakfast
Pastors
The Rev. Dr. Gregory Jones
The Rev. Dr. Anne Ledbetter
The Rev. Jill Getty
WPC Director of Communications
& Database Management
Nicole Hughes
Graphic Design byCorner Marketing
1502 West 13th Street
Wilmington, DE 19806
302-654-5214
www.wpc.org
Next Chimes Deadline:Tuesday, April 10, at 11:00 a.m.For the May/June 2012 IssueSubmissions can be made atwww.wpc.org/communications
SEE IT IN COLOR! THE CHIMES IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE IN FULL COLOR! VISIT WWW.WPC.ORG
12 April 2012
Easter Breakfast A Westminster Tradition!Easter Breakfast is a wonderful tradition
at Westminster, and this year you havea special reason to attend – we will beextending our heartfelt wishes of love andsupport to Greg and Camilla Jones as Gregleaves on his three-month sabbatical. Helpthe deacons know how much food to pre-pare by signing up early. Menu includesegg casserole, cheese grits, fresh fruit,sticky buns, cereal, juice, and coffee. Cost is$5 per adult and $2 per child, not to exceed$20 per family. Breakfast will be servedcontinuously from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., withGreg’s recognition from 10:10 to 10:30 a.m.and the Easter egg hunt for children at10:35 a.m. Sign up at the Holy Toast Caféon Sunday morning or by calling SusanAlexander in the church office. If you payby Wednesday, April 4, you may save $1off each person ($4 adult, $1 child).
Holy Week at WestminsterHoly Week at WestminsterApril 1 – Palm Sunday
WORSHIP AT 9:00 AND 11:15 A.M.Rejoice with a procession of palms.
Don’t miss our Holy Week Art Exhibit in Community Hall with our own Protestant Stations of the Cross.
April 5 – Maundy ThursdayWORSHIP WITH COMMUNION AT 7:30 P.M.
Remember Jesus’ final days. Our storytellers will present “A Week to Remember.”
April 6 – Good FridayReflect on the crucifixion of Christ. Our sanctuary will be open from
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for prayer and meditation.
April 8 – Easter8:00 to 11:00 a.m. – Easter breakfast served by deacons in Community Hall9:00 & 11:00 a.m. – Identical worship services to celebrate the Resurrection
10:10 a.m. – Greg’s sabbatical “send-off” in Community Hall10:35 a.m. – Easter egg hunt between services
