WESTMINSTER WINDOW

MARCH 2020

1520 Rickwood Rd. Florence, AL 35630 256) 766-3841

I’ve been pondering the phrase “Finishing Well”. What does finishing well

mean? There are multiple scriptures that describe this Christian life as a race to

be run and finished. We’re encouraged to “run with perseverance” and “as one

seeking a prize.” I was thinking back on some great teaching, I couldn’t get my

head around what this “finishing well” should look like on a practical level. As

I’ve been thinking and praying over this, and searching scripture, God, as He is

so faithfully prone to do, led me to this treasure: Psalm 92:12-14 - “The right-

eous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those

who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.

They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing...” There

it is. The thing I sense the Holy Spirit was nudging me to hear and understand.

“They shall still bear fruit in old age..” The Bible has much to say about fruit and

fruit bearing. From these verses, we see our attitudes, attributes and actions

addressed as “fruit”. For this thought train I’ve been riding, the verse that

stopped me in my tracks was John 15:8. Jesus says “By this My Father is glori-

fied, that you bear much fruit…” Bearing fruit brings God glory. To bring God

glory is to exhibit, to make known His character. I should still be engaged in this

fruit bearing, this making God known, even as I grow older. Especially as I grow

older. Popular culture sells an ideal of what “retirement” looks like. We’re told

that we “deserve” to relax, travel, play some golf; enjoy the “good life.” God in-

vented rest. Commanded it, even. But, the secular world and the enemy of my

soul would like for me to believe that’s all there is to the “Golden Years.” I’m

challenged to dig deeper. Rosemary Jensen was the international director of

Bible Study Fellowship when I heard her speak to hundreds of BSF leaders. It

was about 15 years ago and the one thing I remember was her admonition that

there is no retirement from serving God; “You were saved to serve and you’ll

know you’re done serving when God calls you home”. Rosemary was around 75

years old at the time. She did later step down from her leadership role in BSF,

only to continue serving God through a foundation that ministers to widows and

orphans in Africa. She celebrated her 90th birthday this past year by filming a

video to bring attention to this Jesus glorifying ministry. This beautiful lady has

her eye on the prize. Running….., racing even….., toward eternity paints a pow-

erful picture. But, for me, and my joints that respectfully request low impact

movement, the idea of finishing well is simplified by doing a regular self-check

for fruit. The fruit I bear won’t necessarily be the same as yours. God has wired

us all with varying gifts and abilities that will feel more natural to use in His ser-

vice. In God’s grace let’s finish well! Written by a beloved friend of Alonda

Crosslin’s: Bitsie Fort

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

• John Horton 1

• Ann Freeman 5

• Nancy Valentine 5

• Joe Eckl 11

• Pam Iseli 15

• Bob Brooks 25

“Beginning well is a momentary thing.

Finishing well is a lifelong thing”

Keith & Devonia participated in the “Gender Reveal” of Sam & Sandra Mimbs’ baby coming in July………….It’s a girl!!!!!!!

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SO WE CAN KNOW & SHOW OUR CARE

The family of Carol May Stafford (July 6, 1943—January 30,

2020) wishes to express sincere thanks to the congregation of

Westminster Church for prayers and support for this

sweet Christian lady. (aunt of Joe Salter)

Ode to Carol May

Behold this child of John and Pearl

Just who is this baby girl ?

Why, she’s the pretty Carol May,

Protected by her brother Jay.

She grew up fast and bye and bye;

As the prettiest girl of Tioga High.

Aside from Carol May’s good looks;

She and Aunt Doll were THE best cooks.

Soft-spoken, kind, and gracious too;

She loved her children through and through.

Yes, Craig and Donna and then Lori;

They were all sweet Carol’s glory.

To her family and friends who weep;

Rejoice! She’s now in the Savior’s keep.

Yes, we’ll miss Carol all the more,

Until we hug her on that Golden Shore.

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Immediate Needs: Jack Lewis, Hilda Anderson,

Kim Eckl, & John Horton,

At Home: Darwin Mitchell

Mitchell Hollingsworth: Sue McClure, Rm 236

We would like to express our sympathy to the

family of Gert Favenesi

Al & Gert Favenesi

Gertrude Alderden Favenesi died February 22,

2020 in Florence, AL. She was predeceased by her hus-

band, Dr. E.J. Favenesi; parents, William and Gertrude

and brothers, John, Martin and William. Survivors include

children, Renee’ Pugh, Lenore Favenesi, Jim Favenesi

(Pamela), Bill Favenesi (Gwyn) and Denise Brown plus

grandchildren, Marlin Pugh, Brian Pugh, Emma Brown,

Jake Brown, Nicholas Favenesi, Isabella Favenesi and Ga-

briella Favenesi.

Visitation will be Friday, February 28th from 1-3 pm at

Westminster Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will

follow at 3 p.m. with Reverend John McKell officiating.

Born in Randolph, WI, November 15, 1932, Gert grew up in

Lansing, IL and studied nursing at Rush Medical Center

(previously Presbyterian Hospital) in Chicago, graduating

in 1953. While working as a surgical nurse she met Al, married, and moved to Florence in

1958. Gert briefly continued her nursing career in Sheffield before focusing on her grow-

ing family and assisting Al in his podiatry practice.

During 62 years in Florence, Gert had two passions aside from family: being a faithful

Christian at Westminster Presbyterian Church and traveling. At Westminster she served

as an Elder, cooked on Wednesday nights, participated in Sunday school, circle and Bible

study groups, delivered Meals on Wheels, served at the soup kitchen and was a choir

member for 62 years. Since 2006 she advocated for and was an avid supporter of West-

minster’s choir scholarship.

Gert and Al were early motorhome owners, purchasing their first motorhome in 1968.

Together they traveled to 50 states and many Canadian provinces. After Al’s death, Gert

became a world traveler. By the time she died she had visited Europe multiple times as

well as the Baltic states, Russia, South America, Panama, China, Tibet, Korea, Vietnam,

Australia, New Zealand, and, perhaps her two favorite trips, Israel and an African safari.

Gert always seemed to be on the go with Forest Hills Garden Club, Lifewise, plays, and

symphonies. Even her children knew to get on her calendar. However, while she never

became adept with technologies, not even ATM’s, if you were her family member, friend,

mailman, hair stylist, lawn service, or fellow church member, you were guaranteed a

card on birthdays and holidays. She was a loving and devoted family member and friend

to many. Her warm smile, determination, and strength will be missed.

Memorials to Westminster Presbyterian Church choir scholarship fund (1520 Rickwood

Road, Florence, AL 35630) are welcome in lieu of flowers.

It was Palm Sunday but because of a sore

throat, 5-year-old Johnny stayed home from

church with a sitter. When the family returned

home, they were carrying several palm fronds.

Johnny asked them what they were for. ''People

held them over Jesus' head as he walked by,''

his father told him.' 'Wouldn't you know it,''

Johnny fumed, ''the one Sunday I don't go and

he shows up.''

Westminster Reaches Out

Romans 12:13 says “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.” Throughout the year Westminster re-

sponds to those in our community that are in need. During 2019 we shared our love and caring in a num-

ber of ways. Here is a list of the ways we reached out to help others.

Safeplace…needed items and monetary donation

Meals on Wheels…monetary donations and volunteers to deliver meals for 9 weeks

Help Center…volunteers, needed items, and monetary donation

Crop Garden…monetary donation

Room at the Table…provided the money food, volunteers prepared and served meals 7 times

Salvation Army Teens…a special offering was used to purchase, prepare, and distribute Christmas gift bags

for 230 teens

Minister’s Discretionary Fund…2 special offerings

Presbyterian Children’ Home…Special Offering

One Great Hour of Sharing, Pentecost, Peacemaking, and Joy Offerings are used by the Presbytery to help

with needs of others

Many member of Westminster independently volunteer and donate to needs dear to their hearts.

Thanks you for all you do to share with those who are in need.

“The Little Church that Does”!

HAPPY 54TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO NICK & SUE WINN

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From Randy Terry

As I sit in the office at church after 10pm on Saturday, February 22, I

realize with sadness that I am completing the last assignment sug-

gested by one of the most dedicated volunteer musicians I have

known in my now 30+ year career in church music ministry. During

my time here at Westminster, Gert Favenesi has become more than a

valued voice in the choir. She is my friend. As I attempt to celebrate and honor my friend’s life, I re-

alize I will feel the loss of her presence among us for a long time. I cannot explain why, but I just

can’t see the choir in my mind’s eye without her there. She wanted me to make sure the congregation

knew “her” young people’s names and something about each of them. Because Gert was one of the

originators of the choral scholar program, I can’t do these biographical sketches without thanking her

for her support, not only of me personally, but for the many young people who have been blessed

with financial assistance and musical opportunity because of her vision, and we have certainly been

equally blessed, not only with beautiful music, but the energy and friendship these people have given

us. So I give thanks for everything Gert taught me, and ask God’s blessings upon her as she enters

eternal life. –R.T.

Jonathan Vince, American Bass/Baritone, is our senior choral scholar. He is working in the vo-

cal performance program at UNA, and wants to show others that autistic people can follow their

dreams and gain recognition. He works towards fighting against the stigma of high functioning au-

tism by planning to pursue further education in the music therapy, displaying to his peers and chil-

dren, that even if no one else believes in you, if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. There

will always be opportunities and outlets through the arts, and he wishes to show that. Jonathan is

from the voice studio of Professor Grace Ashley.

Dylan Bales is one of our choral scholars. He lives in

Florence and works at Helen Keller Hospital. He loves

his family and friends, sunshine, warm weather, and

Dolly Parton! He has a passion for performing, includ-

ing singing, acting, and dancing. Dylan grew up sign-

ing in church, grade school, and up into his college

choir. He graduated from NWSCC with an Associate of

Arts in Music degree. He has performed in numerous

theatre productions locally, and continues to do so.

Claire & Cate Burroughs are freshmen at UNA,

from Tupelo.

Claire Burroughs is serving as soprano sec-

tion leader in the WPC choir. Music is an im-

portant part of Claire’s life. From the choirs at her

home church in Tupelo, First Baptist, the elite

choir during all four years of high school, UNA’s

Collegiate Singers, and now our own choir here at

Westminster. She obviously loves singing! Claire

is majoring in nursing at UNA and minoring in

Spanish.

Cate Burroughs holds the alto section leader

position in the WPC Choir. Like her sister, music

and signing have always been a bi part of her life.

Starting with the choirs at First Baptist, and con-

tinuing with the show choir, Madrigals, and vocal

jazz in high school, she has continued her musical

pursuits at UNA, singing in the Collegiate Singers,

and Cate is now a part of our choir too! She is also

majoring in nursing with a Spanish minor.

Salina Fugate has joined us temporarily to

help during Lent and on Easter Sunday. She is a

Theatre Major at UNA with a passion for the Per-

forming Arts. She loves all aspects and genres of

music including contemporary, classical, musical

theatre, opera, and jazz. Salina finds herself

drawn to the stage, captivated as both a performer

and audience member. Her hopes are to work as a

professional performing artist after graduation.

Salina is from the voice studio of Dr. Gretchen

Windt.

Rebecca Hall is hav-

ing a great senior

year. Her Flag Corp

has been doing great

in competitions and

she is in the top 10%

of her graduating

class. We are proud

of you Rebecca!

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David Jeans was honored to take his prin-

cess Miller to the Daddy/Daughter Dance

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Sterling Mimbs enjoyed

the recent dusting of

snowfall!

Soren & Eli Blaylock

having fun in Universal

Studios!

Happy 1st Birthday to Weston Heinitz!

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Wyatt Mimbs

recently

turned 6 Mos!

Happy 4th Birthday

Sterling Mimbs!

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MQ & Sally

Parker’s youngest

granddaughter

had quite the fan

club at her bas-

ketball game!

Palm Sunday presentation will be April 5th during

11:00 worship hour

Bob Moody is showing off his “catch” with grandson, David Jeans. (Alonda thinks this looks like Brad Moody with his neph-ew Mack !)

4 GENERATIONS

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Dot Solomon is

pictured here with

her daughter,

granddaughter & 2

greatgrandchil-

dren! Grand-

daughter, Laina is

4 years old.

Grandson, Robert

is 4 months old.

There was once a group of women studying the book of Malachi in the Old Testament. As they were

studying chapter three, they came across verse three, which says: “He will sit as a refiner and puri-

fier of silver.” This verse puzzled the women, and they wondered what this statement meant about

the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining

silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study.

That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work.

She didn’t mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the pro-

cess of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let

it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the

fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot – then she thought again about

the verse, that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that

he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered “Yes”, and explained that he not only had to sit there holding the silver,

but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a

moment too long in the flames, it would be damaged.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, “How do you know when

the silver is fully refined?”

He smiled at her and answered, “Oh, that’s easy. When I see my image in it.” If today you are feel-

ing the heat of this world’s fire, just remember that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ are

refining you. "You are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ."

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256) 710-8662