NEWSVol. 58, No. 5 ` Winter 2013

Home for ChristmasHopePeace

JoyLove

The Best Story Ever

Rev. Dr. Steven MarshInterim Executive Pastor

405.524.2224 ext. 275steve@wpcokc.org

From Your PastorSalvation is here. The day of salvation is now. Soon, Christians around the world will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But did you know that every day we can celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as we see him being born each day. Every time we trust Jesus Christ to meet us in any need, he is born in a new way. Every time you act on your faith, you become more like Jesus. Whether you have believed for the first time or have found a way to believe in a circumstance in which previously you could not, Jesus Christ is being born. And you are being born again. This is a great homecoming. Luke 18:27 promises that the impossible is possible. What is impossible with human is possible with God. This Christmas season, what seems impossible to you? Does your marriage need renewal? Does an addiction have power over you? Is a relationship that is important to you broken beyond repair? Is income less than expenditures? Are you disillusioned with God? What seems impossible? God turns the impossible into possible.

I believe that all things are possible with God. God gives us the grace to keep on keeping on. Marriages can be renewed. Addictions can be overcome. Relationships can be restored. Budgets can be balanced. Disillusionment with God can be vanquished. God will give you the grace to see what appears to be impossible become possible. Grace is the means to the end; a homecoming.

John 14:20 promises that Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in him and that by believing in Jesus Christ he is in us, thus we are in the Father. The Holy Spirit makes that happen. Overcoming sin is impossible in our own strength. But in Christ all things are possible. Sin is overcome in Christ. Your faith in him promises you that. The creating, redeeming and sustaining power of God resides in you through faith. What is impossible with human is possible with God. God promises many homecomings.

Jesus Christ was born in a manger to a virgin. God told Mary and Joseph that their son would be the savior of the world. The odds were stacked against this family. Society in its political and religious ways sought to destroy Jesus. In fact, Jesus’ mission seemed doomed from the beginning and consistent persecution pursued him and his ministry. Born in a manger and crucified on a cross. Salvation seemed impossible. But you know the whole story.

Home for Christmas: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love are ours in Christ. What a homecoming we have; time and time again!

On the journey together, I remain faithfully yours,

Steven M. Marsh, D.MinInterim Executive Pastor/Head of Staff

Purchase a poinsettia in the Garden Court each Sunday through November 24 for $10. Designate your poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. Poinsettias will be used to decorate the church during Advent and taken to homebound members. Proceeds benefit the WPC Women’s Ministry.

Purchase Poinsettias

Beginning the first Sunday in Advent, December 1, the pulpit at Westminster will base each preaching occasion on the assigned readings from the Revised Common Lectionary. Over a three year period, the pulpit will address most of the Bible’s texts. You can access the RCL by connecting to www.wpcokc.org and clicking the Revised Common Lectionary Link.

According to the Vanderbilt University Divinity Library website and “Feasting on the Word”:

The Revised Common Lectionary is a three-year cycle of weekly readings…The RCL provides a reading from the Old Testament, a Psalm response to that reading, a Gospel and an Epistle for each preaching occasion of the year. It is presented in a three-year cycle, with each year centered on one of the Synoptic Gospels…During most of the year, the readings are: a reading from the Old Testament, a Psalm, a reading from the Epistles, and a Gospel reading. During the season of Easter, the Old Testament Bible reading is usually replaced with one from the Acts of the Apostles.

The seasons of the Church Year reflect the life of Christ. Consequently, the gospel readings for each Sunday provide the focus for that day. The other readings for a given day generally have a thematic relationship to the gospel reading for that day, although this is not always the case. In Ordinary Time, the Revised Common Lectionary offers two sets of readings for the readings from the Old Testament. One set proceeds semi-continuously, giving the story of the Patriarchs and the Exodus in Year A, the monarchial narratives in Year B, and readings from the Prophets in Year C. The other set of readings for Ordinary Time from the Old Testament are thematically related to the gospel readings…

The gospel readings for each year come from one of the synoptic gospels according to the following pattern: Year A – Matthew, Year B – Mark and Year C – Luke. Readings from the Gospel of John can be found throughout the RCL.

The Revised Common Lectionary was produced by The Consultation on Common Texts (CCT). Those participating in the Consultation were: The Anglican Church of Canada, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Reformed Church in North America, The Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Free Methodist Church in Canada, International Commission on English in the Liturgy (an Agency of 26 Roman Catholic National or International Conferences of Bishops), The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, Pol-ish National Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), The Presbyterian Church in Canada, Reformed Church in America, Roman Catholic Church in the United States, Roman Catholic Church in Canada, Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship, The United Church of Canada, United Church of Christ and The United Methodist Church.

Do take advantage of reading the Bible texts for each preaching occasion ahead of time. You will have a leg up on what God desires you to learn and experience when you are in worship.

-Adapted from the Vanderbilt Divinity School Library website and David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, editors “Feasting on the Word” (Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010), ix.

Advent Lectionary

Urban Mission Needs Women’s Jewelry for Gingerbread Mall

The Gingerbread Mall, hosted by Urban Mission, is a free store where children can pick out Christmas presents for their parents. Women’s jewelry is needed and can be dropped off in the Christmas tub labeled “Gingerbread Mall,” located in the Garden Court. Donations needed by Friday, December 13th.

Home for ChristmasCandy Cane Auction

December 1 - 6Auction items will be on display in the Garden Court. Come by to check it out and place your bid. You will also have the op-portunity to participate during the Christmas Dinner. Funds raised will benefit the Child Development Center and Children’s Ministries. Bidding will end on December 6 at 5:00p.

Christmas @ WestminsterDecember 4

Dinner5:30p

$10-Adults $4-Children 12 & Under $25-Family MaxCranberry Glazed Chicken, Creamed Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, Bread, Dessert

Children’s Menu: Chicken Nuggets, Mac and Cheese, Fresh Fruit, Chips, Dessert

Come & Go Wreath Making5:30p

$10 per FamilyTickets sold each Sunday in the Garden Court or drop by the Information Desk Monday through Friday from 8a-5p.

Christmas Concert7:00p

The program will feature works that are new to us, as well as several Westminster favorites and opportunities to sing some our most beloved Christmas carols with our choir, organ and orchestra.

Child Development Center Christmas ProgramDecember 6

4:00p- SanctuaryThe wee ones in our CDC will proudly sing Christmas songs they have been working hard to learn. Come support this wonderful ministry at our church and check out the Candy Cane Auction after.

Service of Wholeness and RemembranceDecember 11th5:00p- Chapel

Brunch and CarolsDecember 15th

9:30- Social HallWe encourage all families to join us for a time of fellowship and caroling.

Please bring a brunch item to share.

Christmas Eve WorshipDecember 24th

5:00p- Family Christmas Worship “The Best Story Ever,” Sanctuary8:00p- Traditional Christmas Worship, Sanctuary

11:00p- Traditional Christmas Worship, Sanctuary

Josh PhelpsDirector of

Worship & Music405.524.2224 ext. 240

jphelps@wpcokc.org

Worship & Music MinistryDear Church Family,

Isn’t it hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us already? Westminster music ministry participants have been working to prepare this season since our program year began in August. I’m very excited to be sharing these upcoming events with you now, in the interest of keep-ing them on your radar screens in the midst of this very busy time of year. Here are two very rapidly approaching events that you’ll want to be sure not to miss:

November 24: Christ the King Sunday/Thanksgiving Sunday. Westminster’s Chancel Choir and the OCU Brass will premier the latest commission of the Mary Margaret Heath Choral Music Endowment, Hymns for Thanksgiving by Randol Alan Bass in our Sanctuary worship services. Preparation of this work has healthfully but sufficiently challenged us, and its premier will utilize all of our resources to their fullest potential. A mere four days before Thanksgiving, this work is sure to capture the overwhelming abundance of our blessings.

December 4: Christmas at Westminster: Westminster’s annual Christmas dinner always turns out to be the highlights of our Advent/ Christmas season. This year, our Christmas Dinner festivities will culminate in a service of music and the spoken word that will feature our choirs, orchestra and soloists. This unique service will begin at 7pm in the Westminster Sanctuary. The program will feature works that are new to us, as well as several Westminster favorites and opportunities to sing some our most beloved Christmas carols with our choir, organ and orchestra. I’m confident that those who attend will find this service to undoubtedly be one of the highlights of their holiday season. Please be sure to put this event on your calendar and help us start a new Westminster tradition. This service will be filmed as our Christmas Eve television broadcast.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of myself and the rest of the music staff, our interns, and mu-sic ministry participants for your continuous outpouring of appreciation and support of our ministry. We are truly blessed to be able to glorify our Creator by using our gifts this holiday season. As we head in to this most busy time of our year, we’re working hard to keep Christ in the focus of our endeavors, and it is our sincerest prayer that you are, too. Happy Holidays!

Yours in Christ’s Service,

Josh Phelps, Director of Worship and Music

Can you believe its almost Christmas?! Wow how time flies! We have lots of fun things going on the next couple of months so be sure to mark your calendar and keep an eye out for more details.

November 22nd is our last Chill and Real Chill Friday for the semester. If your child is in 3rd-6th grade, we would love for you to join us for a time of games, lessons, and hanging out on Friday at 3:30p.

December 4th will be the Christmas dinner and family advent wreath making. You can come and go during the Christmas dinner to make your wreath starting at 5:30 in the social hall. Cost is $10.00.

On December 14th, we will host “Drop & Shop” from 9a-Noon. It’s a great opportu-nity to get Christmas shopping done or for some down time. Email me to rsvp.

December 15th we will have the Brunch and Carols in the social hall at 9:30. We

Children’s Ministry

Heather SelementDirector of

Children’s Ministry405.524.2224 ext. 248

Heather@wpcokc.org

encourage all families to join us for a time of fellowship and caroling. Please bring a brunch item to share.

December 24th at the 5:00 Christmas Eve service we will be handing out the book, “The Best Story Ever.” The book will be written and illustrated by the children of WPC. We encourage you and your family to join us for this special time of celebrating the birth of Christ. January 12th is First Communion for 2nd grade. The workshop will be during Sunday school and communion will be received at the 11:00 service. Please email heather@wpcokc.org to sign up.

Save the date! February 9th will be our 3rd annual Father and Daughter Dinner! More details to come!

Stewardship UpdateWe need your help to continue the ministries and missions at Westminster. Prayerfully consider your gift for 2014 and turn in your pledge card soon.

Goal : $1,900,000Received: $870,352

We Still Need: $1,029,648

Decided to give in 2014 and need to turn in your pledge? Here’s how.Place your Pledge Card in the offering plate or in the safe on Sunday.

ORCall the Business Office at 524.2224 ext. 234 to set up recurring monthly payments.

Ready to make a payment? Go to www.wpcokc.org/giving to give online.

Heart & Home Every Member MattersWestminster Presbyterian Church Stewardship 2014

Character Counts!As I am writing this it happens to be a few days before that weekend when a majority of the kids and families I know will not be at church. It is that combination of fall break and some football game in Dallas that seems to interfere with church. Then I remember, parents are the first and best youth leaders in their kids’ lives. When it comes to raising kids to become mature, Christian adults it is what we as parents model that will impact our children the most. Maybe some of you will attend a church in Dallas, or there could be conversations in the car which could be better than any Sunday School lesson I will ever teach. With all the competing demands on your time as a parent it is easy to lose sight of what really matters. If I could ask you to focus on one thing this fall, it is character! One of the tensions in a limited time/resource universe is developing skills versus developing character. While it’s important to do both, it’s clear me to which one matters most: it’s character, hands down. Who you are ultimately impacts everything that you do. It determines the kind of person, Christ-follower, friend, neighbor, employee, boss and – ultimately – husband/wife and even parent you will be. Do whatever you can to help shape the person your child is becoming. It matters far more than you think.

Youth Ministry

Mac McCoyDirector of

Youth Ministry405.524.2224 ext. 226Mac@wpcokc.org

The youth ministry here at Westminster strives to serve our families through the programs we offer. Additionally, we also emphasize a goal to be present in the weekly events of your kids. It is through relational ministry that the gospel is best shared. Visit our website for a complete list of time and events.

CURRENTLY SCHEDULED SUMMER TRIPS-Jamaica Mission Trip (High School) June 9-17 -Great Escape, Gunnison, Colorado (Middle School) June 21-28-*Fun in the Son South Padre Island (High School) July 12-19 (*Several students have expressed an interest in this trip—your feedback will determine if we take a group.)

Wednesdays, January 15th - April 305:30 - 6:15 pm - Dinner

Adults $5 Children $3 Family Maximum Charge $20

6:15 - 7:00 pmKids

• Nursery for children ages birth through 4 yrs • Children’s Choir & Bible Lesson for Pre-K - 6th Grade

Adults•”The Abrahamic Religions: A Comparative Study” with Rev. Dr. Steven Marsh

•Enrichment Spring Series-Cooking with Jenny and Marc Dunham -Photography -Art & More

• Hand Bell Choir

7:30 - 9:00 pm•Chancel Choir (Nursery provided)

@ednesdayWestminster

Join Us 02.08.14

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

BE THE MIRACLE ~ A DAY FOR WOMEN

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Experience a day of worship, rejuvenation and spiritual nurture featuring award winning journalist, New York Best Selling author, and two time Pulitzer Prize finalist, Regina Brett. Tickets, books, and event details available soon.

Arrangement for the appearance of Regina Brett made through Hachette Speaker’s

Bureau, New York, NY.

Join Us 02.08.14

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

BE THE MIRACLE ~ A DAY FOR WOMEN

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Experience a day of worship, rejuvenation and spiritual nurture featuring award winning journalist, New York Best Selling author, and two time Pulitzer Prize finalist, Regina Brett. Tickets, books, and event details available soon.

Arrangement for the appearance of Regina Brett made through Hachette Speaker’s

Bureau, New York, NY.

5Come reflect being the miracle to others and get inspired to live out our Christian calling on being a blessing to others.

A special day set aside for women of WPC, their friends, and also other Presbyterian Women from our Pres-bytery are invited to come enjoy a day of rejuvenation, spiritual nurture, fellowship, respite and renewal. The day for women will include time for worship, a keynote presentation, a Q&A with the author, a book signing opportunity with the author, luncheon, help with a mission project and much more! Childcare provided with reservations. Tickets are $60.00 per person and will be available for purchase at the Information Desk..

Our speaker, Regina Brett, is an award winning journalist. She was a newspaper columnist for eighteen years, with over ten of them for Cleveland's Plain Dealer. She was a finalist in 2008 and 2009 for the Pulitzer Prize in Commentary. Her last book, God Never Blinks, was a New York Times bestseller. She also hosts the call-in talk show, The Regina Brett Show, on WKSU, the Northeast Ohio NPR affiliate.

Arrangement for the appearance of Regina Brett made through Hachette Speaker’s Bureau, New York, NY.

Join UsBe the Miracle ~ A Day for Women

02.08.148:30 am - 4:00 pm

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Get FIT Class for Women!Why wait to make a New Year’s resolution? Let’s start getting healthy and fit before the holidays with free Thursday exercise class. Church member, Stephanie Gourley is a certified instructor who will be leading the Thursday exercise class from 9:30 to 10:30a. Childcare will be provided. Class will meet Nov. 21 and Dec. 5th. Class is be-ing offered free of charge, instead participants are encouraged to bring items for Infant Crisis Services.

*** Infant Crisis Services is in great need of winter clothes for babies!***

”And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” -Luke 6:31

Rev. Michelle JunkinInterim Associate Pastor

405.524.2224 ext. 222mjunkin@wpcokc.org

Women’s Ministry

Girls of Grace is moving to Wednesday

All generations of women are welcome for a time of study and fellowship. Last year we read Regina Brett’s book, “God Never Blinks” and this year we will focus on her next book in anticipation of her keynote presentation sponsored by the Women’s Ministry Team on Feb. 8th, 2014 at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Rev. Michelle Junkin will guide us through a four-week journey to explore Regina Brett’s book, “Be the Miracle: 50 Lessons for Making the Impossible Possible." The class will meet on Wednesdays from Jan 15th - Feb 5th. Class begins at 9:30a and ends at 11:00a. Please do assigned readings ahead of class time. Note that these are short chapters and go fast. Books can be purchased at front desk or at class. Have questions? Contact Rev Michelle Junkin, michelle@wpcokc.org Class schedule:-Jan 15th – Lessons 1 – 12 -Jan 22nd – Lessons 12 - 24 -Jan 29th - Lessons 25-36 -Feb 5th - Lessons 37 – 50Feb. 8th - Regina Brett to speak at Women’s Ministry Team Event for Women at WPC.

Mom's Morning

Dec. 2nd – Mom’s Morning Drop and Shop; reserve your spot by RSVPing to Heather at heather@wpcokc.org. Dec. 12th - Couples Christmas Party hosted by Chandler Walters. 5:30p, RSVP to heather@wpcokc.org for childcare. Dec. 9th – Service Project and/or Annual Gingerbread House activity. Dec. 16th – Christmas “Favorite Things” Exchange party. Join us in LL28 for a fun social event and a “favorite things” exchange. $15.00 gift limit. Light breakfast provided. Jan 13th - Mom’s Morning Class resumes. Jan. 20th – No Class. Church closed on Monday but we will have a play date at member’s house.

Jan 27th – Six-week study begins, “In The Midst of Chaos: Caring for Children as Spiritual Practice.” Do you feel God’s presence in the living complexity of every day? Life as a parent is a fast-paced life filled with dirty diapers, sleepless nights, endless to-do lists, constant intentional discipline and a roller coaster of emotions, as you wade through the trenches of motherhood. Caring for children in our fast-paced, stress-filled, technology-driven, postindustrial, postmodern society is perhaps one of the most intrusive, disorienting occupations around. The book, “In the Midst of Chaos: Caring for Children as Spiritual Practice”, the author Bonnie Miller-McLemore invites us to find and explore the spiritual side to this unique vocation and calling that is parenthood. Through wisdom and humor nestled in the pages of her book, she will lead us in discovering new spiritual depth in the midst of the chaos of our lives with children.

What is Mom’s Morning?“Building Christian Community among mothers of young children through Bible study, prayer and fellowship.”Mom’s Morning started in the spring of 2006. At the time, there was not a ministry for mothers with young children at WPC. We decided that our group would be a place for mothers of infants and pre-school aged children that would consist of a mix of book studies, sharing time and most importantly, a time for prayer. We study books focused on parenting and marriage. We have around 25-30 moms who are stay-at-home moms and who also work part time. This is a place where Moms can come and pour out their concerns, desires, worries, hurts, hopes, praises about our children and our families. If you ask any of the moms in the group they will tell you that the best thing about this group is the support system of the other moms.

Julie Oseland

Preston & Shelia Stinson

Lynne Henneke

Ed & Peggy Hoag

Robert & Becky MannelMark & Beth Godwin

Patrick & Helen Dailey

Welcome Our New Members= =

Westminster Presbyterian Church

andy aneCCAuction

December 1-6, 2013

• OU Basketball Tickets• OSU Basketball Tickets• Thunder Tickets• Spa Gift Certificates• Wine Basket

• Pet Lovers Basket• Chocoholic Basket• Date Night Basket• Kids Book Basket• Much More!

Support our award-winning

Child Development Centerand Children’s Ministry!

Stop by the Garden Court on Sunday, December 1st or check out room 103 December 2nd-6th to see all the items up for auction. Place your bid anytime during this week. The auction will close December 6th at 5:00p. Here is a sample of what you can expect to see.

Westminster Family Announcements

June WhiteChurch Records

405.524.2224 ext. 249june@wpcokc.org

REMEMBRANCES The following members who have lost a loved one are remembered with prayer and concern: Virginia Scott, whose brother, and former WPC mem-ber, J. Kendall Johnston, died July 17 in Norman; Lillian Boland, whose brother James Canon, died July 26; Mike Seikel and Emily Seikel, whose mother and grandmother, Dorie Seikle Barrett, died August 28; and Yvonne Jacqueline Jones whose father, Aaron Jones, died September 17.

BAPTISMSBaptized August 11: Keely Carol and Colton Russell Cope (5/13/13) twins of Kelly and Jamie Cope and grand-children of Carol and Gary Sander.Baptized September 8: Andrew Philip Ranne (10/1/12), son of Jason and

Katie Ranne; and Thomas Goodwin Stinson (2/18/13), son of Preston and Sheila Stinson.

CONGRATULATIONS! John and Kristin Simpsen named their son, born February 25, Porter Wil-liam Simpsen. Proud grandmother is Robyn Simpsen.Rob and Sarah Northwood named their son, born April 9, Robert Harold Northwood, IV. Proud grandparents are Robert and Sara Northwood.Ean and Tyler Ray named their son, born July 26, Blake Ray.Jimmy and Kate Pike named their daughter, born September 10 in Tulsa, Georgette May Pike. Proud grand-mother is Susan Pike.J.J. and Stephanie Gourley named their daughter, born September 20,

Gwyneth Yvonne Rose Gourley. Proud grandmother is Cindy Ballard.Brian and Karis Gensch named their daughter, born September 22, Tevy Anne Gensch. Proud grandparents are Steve and Janet Marsh, proud great-grandfather is George Marsh.

MARRIAGES-Mark Ellis and Cara Goedecke, were married July 29 in Dallas, TX. They reside in Dallas.-James Michael East and Kathryn Anne Hodge were married August 10.-Matt Burton and Megan Melin were married August 24 in Albuquerque, NM. They will reside in England.-Jesse Bennetts and Mallory Black, daughter of Klee and Sally Black, were married August 31.

DEACON OF THE WEEKNovember 17- Christiane Faris, 524-6445November 24-David Ferguson, 471-6781December 1-Paige Frenzel, 214-502-4725 December 8-Rick Godfrey, 524-0996December 15-Patty Harper, 842-7654December 22-Hank Johnson, 524-0825December 29-Kathleen Johnson, 751-3842 January 5-Gayle Jones, 720-8480January 12-Jane Krizer, 302-0150January 19-Sandra Mayfield, 341-8970January 26-Marla McBryde, 525-9143

IN MEMORIAM of WESTMINSTER MEMBERS Condolences go to the family and friends of Don Wetherell who died July 17.Prayers go to the family and friends of Stan Muenzler who died August 27.Deepest sympathy goes to the family and friends of Art MacHugh who died Septem-ber 13 in New Jersey.Condolences go to the family and friends of Whit Edwards, who died September 13.

Send announcements concerning births, baptisms, marriages, deaths and hospitalizations to June White at the information to the right.

2013 BudgetAs the year comes to a close, please remember to pay your 2013 pledge commitment. If you are unsure of your pledged amount, want to make a payment or have questions, please contact the business office at 524.2204 ext. 234.

Thank you for your dedication to Westminster and His service.

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