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Westminster Presbyterian Church 2155 University Ave. Dubuque, IA 52001 563-583-1729 www.wpcdbq.org [email protected]
Many of you know that Becky and I are in the midst of a multi-year, slow, multi-step home renovation project. Some of you that have been to our home have been surprised to see the amount of work we’ve done or have planned, given that it is only 33 years old. Homes of that age usually don’t need the amount of work that we are putting into ours. Well, I promise you that was our expectation as well! We bought this home with the idea that we could update it as we desired, taking our time and doing the things that we wanted, when we wanted.
It hasn’t quite worked out that way. The water running down our basement walls last spring motivated us to determine that the backyard sloped into the house, instead of away from it. The best way to correct that, given the overall property layout, was to take out the existing deck and replace it with a pavestone patio. That was on the list, but it was originally scheduled some time in 2024 or so. OK, so maybe it didn’t have a date, but it was way down the list.
About the time we finished the patio, we were cooking supper one evening. We smelled something strange (like an electrical/ozone smell) and walked into the kitchen to investigate. We arrived just in time to watch the oven lock itself as it went into “Clean” mode, with our supper inside it! The oven was original to the house and was a built-in. Replacing it by itself wasn’t very cost effective, especially considering that we planned to renovate the kitchen. So, we redid the kitchen, which was originally planned for just prior to the patio. Perhaps 2022 or 2023.
About the time we finished the kitchen, we noticed that our cat had not been feeling well. We took her to the vet a couple of times and began to theorize that the carpet was making her sick. There seemed to be various smells (chemical mostly) coming from the carpet which we assumed came from years of cleaning it with various chemicals. (We’re going to stick with that opinion no matter what other theories may be developed, by the way.) So, we removed the carpet from the upstairs. We’ll be replacing it with wood floors this year. Originally, that was planned for after the patio. Perhaps 2026 or so.
Meanwhile, the project we had planned to do first, the master bathroom, continues to sit there. Not that it is working perfectly, by the way. The master shower leaks onto the ceiling below it (the newly redone kitchen) so we don’t use it. Instead, we walk down the hall to the second bathroom upstairs (first world problems there). Ironically, it appears that the last major renovation we will do was initially planned to be the first thing we were going to do. The master bathroom will, one day, be renovated. We will have a shower in our room again, but it won’t be this year.
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Youth CE 3
Mission News 2
Church News 6
Poem by Lois Pearce 4
WAM— (new groups
forming)
5
Calendar 7
Worship Scripture 8
Inside this issue:
“Building on the Sure Foundation” By Loren Shellabarger
March 2020 Volume XX, Issue 3
FROM YOUR
WESTMINSTER
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FOUNDATION:
Your will speaks for you after death.
Have you included a bequest to Westminster Presbyterian Church in your will?
I tell you all of this because sometimes looks can be deceiving. When we bought the house, it appeared to be in pretty good shape. A home inspection had been done identifying a few issues but nothing that con-cerned us. We also bought the home planning to renovate it over the years, so we were fine with some things being out of date or in need of work. However, as we’ve lived there, we’ve discovered various things that were-n’t in as good of shape as we’d hoped.
By this time, you’ve been made aware of the “Building on the Sure Foundation” capital campaign that is going on here at the church. Our church property is not yet as bad off as our home, primarily because the Session, the Property Committee and Tim Till have been doing great work with limited funds over the years to keep our property looking good. However, looks can be deceiving. It’s time that we invest in our property in order to bring it to a level that is attractive and appealing to both ourselves and to new members. Just as the previous owners of my home didn’t see issues lurking beneath the surface, there are issues lurking here as well that we don’t see. Years of keeping appearances acceptable while deferring major maintenance are beginning to catch up to us. We have an opportunity now to not only replace our roof to prevent leaks, but to renovate the overall look and feel of our church property. This will serve to both prevent future problems and also present God’s house as a cherished gift to our community. Please consider what Westminster means to you and how you can best contribute to this campaign. If we contribute now, it will avoid future problems!
The Westminster Hunger Outreach was a wonderful event! We served 168 families containing 481 people. Families ranged in size from 1 to 11 people. We distributed 10,017 pounds of food in partnership with St. Stephen's Branch of River Bend Food Bank. We had 80+ volunteers that helped on Friday and Saturday. 18 U.D. students helped us on Friday. 4 other churches assisted: First Baptist, Holy Trinity Lutheran, St. Peter Lutheran, Lord of Life Lutheran.
Over 100 scarves and hats were given out thanks to the WAM Knitting Group. A special thank you to the women that crocheted and knitted items for those in need. We have given out everything as of Saturday at the Hunger Outreach event. Thank you for those that have donated yarn to this group for us to make these items. We will start working again to fill the basket in the hallway with knitted/crocheted items for the next event.
Thanks to all who put their faith in action...........and thanks be to God! Tom & Linda Stovall, Chairs
Mark your calendars! The next Westminster Hunger Outreach will be on Saturday, August 22nd.
The Mission Team has mission grant money available. We would love to help support your event that serves our community we live in. Just ask if you have questions and anyone on the Mission Team can help you.
We will be doing the Red Basket this fall. This project helps women of all ages. We will let you know as soon as a date has been picked. We have a basket in the hallway that items can be put in. We do not use anything super. We do products from Junior High to adults with this project. If you have questions on how you can help with this project just ask Lisa Fast or Linda Stovall. This project is one of the many being funded by a Mission Grant. Linda M Stovall, Chair
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
Through the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering, we become the household of God. We extend shelter to those who have no place to stay, offer compassion to those who have pain - be it physical, emotional or spiritual - and we set a feast, with God, for those who lack access to enough food to eat. God’s household filled with love and everyone is welcome. Westminster will be taking this special OGHS offering from March 28th through Easter (April 12). Your support of OGHS will help our neighbors in need with natural disaster relief as well as alleviating systematic causes of poverty. This Lenten season, join with Presbyterians worldwide in answering God’s call. Please give generously to OGHS. If we all do a little, it adds up to a lot!
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Volume XX, Issue 3 Page 2
Mission News
Page 3 HOTLINE
Youth Formation News
Report of Kitchen Task Force
In January 12 WPC members joined together to deep clean the church kitchen. Over the last month we’ve continued to make improvements and standardize the care of the kitchen with the goal to increase the serving of meals as a source of fellowship and consistent with our church mission.
All cabinets were emptied and wiped out. Contents were cleaned, sorted and organized. All china was washed and the carts cleaned. The galvanized surfaces were scrubbed to a shiny surface. The floor was cleaned with elbow grease. The dishwasher was thoroughly cleaned and repaired. All surfaces were steam cleaned. Rarely used items were moved to the janitor’s closet. Unused items were donated to the Mission (five tables full!). Cabinet labels now identify where things are. Other signage has been condensed to make kitchen use easier and standardized. Bulletin boards are now on either side of the refrigerator for items of interest and care of the kitchen. Please pay attention to the signs to keep our kitchen clean and neat.
Recommendations were sent to Property Committee and Session. They included a new faucet with a sprayer and soap dispenser over the double sink, improving the appearance of the floor, and decreasing the noise of the refrigerator.
The Task Force that joined together to accomplish this big job included: Co-chairs, Neil and Lisa MacNaughton, Doug Cheever, Rich Henderson, Scott Heicken, Gini Gordon and Lisa Fast. A special thanks to Wally Brown, Jean Cheever, Carolyn Dausener, Glinda Manternach, Sally Madden and Marilyn Emmert. Everyone’s expertise made for a cooperative and Christian experience.
Please check out the kitchen. We ask that you check the signs to guide you in caring for the kitchen. The plan is to form a WAM group to maintain the kitchen on a quarterly basis.
It’s that time of year to think about VBS!
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be
hosted by St. Luke’s Methodist Church
beginning on August 3rd. We are busy
making plans for our children to have a
fun filled week . If you are interested in
helping see Lisa Fast.
Rise Youth Group mark
your calendars. We will
be overnighting at
Camp Wyoming on April 24th.
Look for more information in
early April.
Rise and Shine youth don’t miss out on
summer camp! Camp Wyoming offers many
options throughout the summer. Check
out their website https://campwyoming.net
to view camp schedules and register.
Families that need camp scholarships
should see Lisa Fast
The nursery will be open but not
staffed on Sunday, March 22nd.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
We are now collecting mini hotel shampoo,
conditioner, lotion and soap bottles for
Opening Doors. Drop off in the Narthex.
Volume XX, Issue 3 Page 4
GOD BLESS OUR BELOVED HOUSE ON THE HILL!
GOD BLESS WESTMINSTER!
Poem by Lois Pearce, 2/23/20
This old House was young and eager As it came to life upon this hill Its steeple reached toward heaven And its walls stood strong as steel
Its copper roof shone brightly All the people found their way To this beautiful new House of God To sing, to hope, to pray
So many loved this House of God With sprawling lawns and trees, God’s people came to worship And thanked Him on their knees
Preaching and praying drew the faithful here As the music and singing rang loud Little children learned their lessons Of God, his Son and the gathering crowds
Now God’s House upon this hill Has aged throughout its years Bandage work has helped to fix it But it holds many unknown fears
And this old House is saddened As the hands of time move on What once was new and shiny Is dull and weak and worn
God’s children still come to worship But they don’t see her many pains Her boiler stopped its heating And the flat roof let in the rain
Equipment needs replacing Other aging needs are felt The years roll by, many old friends die How can we get some HELP
Behold! Dear House of God You have not been forsaken God has sent his message - clear And our ears have been awakened
Oh, House of God, we love you dearly Tired and worn though you may be We need you as our place of worship A place of love and unity
So, let’s all give from our plentiful harvest And work hard to discern God’s will Let’s fix and mend these aches and pains Of God’s beautiful old House on the hill
So give it your best as God has prepared YOU to do Give joyfully and gladly when you hear YOUR call God has a plan for this old House on the hill And if we listen softly and prayerfully, he’ll share it with us all.
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THIS OLD HOUSE – THE HOUSE OF GOD
Volume XX, Issue 3 Page 5
GROUPS & Contacts (see binder in narthex for more info)
Group Contact Activity__________________
Conversations & Yarn Lisa Fast Knitting for all! 2nd & 4th Tue. @ 1:00
Woodworkers Loren Shellabarger Woodworking with a greater purpose
Game Night Jean Cheever/Marsha Wilfong Socializing & Competition
Caregivers Support Group Lisa MacNaughton Speakers, Share Stories and Resources
Supper Group Sue Huff—March Going out to eat.
Sustainable Landscaping Lisa MacNaughton/Doug Cheever Plan/Implement Projects
NEW! Carving Les Sonksen Learn the Skills to Carve
NEW! Brain Health Dan Emmert Lenten Brain Health Study
NEW! Brewing Community Allie Hinga Conversations, Fellowship and Pints
WAM Supper Group will be going to the House of China at 6:00 p.m. Thurs., March 12th. Please call
Sue Huff at 583-8733. ALL are welcome. Join us!
WAM— LEARN THE SKILLS T0 CARVING We will meet monthly to make
8-pointed stars that can be sold prior to Christmas. The funds will be used to buy presents on the Angel Giving Tree. Call Les at 720-365-7112.
WAM CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP will be meeting March 15 in the Board Room
after worship. If you are a caregiver to anyone, parent, spouse, adult child or friend, you may find support here. Facilitated by Lisa MacNaughton RN, BSN.
Brain Health WAM Educational Events during Lent in Fellowship Hall
On March 1st our monthly WAM fellowship meal will include a “Faith Net” presentation by guest speaker, Britini Farber, President of the Dubuque chapter of NAMI. Come at 5 P.M. for the presentation and stay for a catered meal at 6 P.M.
On March 8th Sue Whitty, President of Mental Health America, will help us understand suicide and stigmatization and myths about mental health.
March 15th – Dan Emmert will help Westminster become a more compassionate community in accepting people with mental health challenges.
March 22nd – Chris Corken will tell us about the effort to develop more effective “community based services”
in support of people with brain health challenges in Dubuque County.
WAM Brewing Community is a new WAM group focused on helping us get to know our Westminster family while enjoying local brews. We will meet at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at Jubeck New World Brewing, 115 W. 11th St. for conversations, fellowship and pints (of beer or root beer or water or whatever you would like). Our first meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 19.
Page 6
Westminster Vital Statistics
Average Sunday Worship Attendance for February
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
*125 116 134 160 147 139 158
*We had icy and snowy weather conditions the second Sunday service in February.
Financial Stewardship through February 24th
(numbers rounded to the nearest 1,000)
Year-to-Date Operating Budget $65,000 2020 Expenses 54,000 2020 Income 105,000* Income over Expenses 51,000
*Y-T-D income includes more than $46,525 of "pre-paid" pledges, at least some of which is presumably related to recent tax law changes approved by the Federal Gov.
The Sympathy of the Congregation is extended to
the family and friends of:
• Jerry Chase, husband of member, Julie Woodyard
• Frederic L. Taylor, father of Susan Taylor, member Thank you for the love from Westminster Presbyterian Church at the death of my father. The cards and hugs were heartfelt at this time of loss to my family. Susan Taylor, Mary Ann Taylor and Sarah and Andy Beal.
Church News
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR SPRING RUMMAGE SALE
Thurs., Fri. & Sat., April 2, 3 & 4
Please mark your calendars, as we will be needing lots of volunteers! Plus, please save your discarded treas-ures to share with us for the sale! Any questions, please call Sue Case at 563-599-5289, Chairperson. Thank you.
WESTMINSTER BOOK EXCHANGE
3/22nd to 3/29th
This winter is long and dreary. It’s time to find new books to read by the fireplace. Please bring books to trade from Sunday, March 22 to Friday, March 27. You can take home your new books on Sunday, March 29th. Books not snatched up to go to WPC’s Rummage Sale and Rescue Mission.
NO TEXT BOOKS PLEASE! Westminster Office Hours (lunch times vary)
Monday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Friday No covered office hours
Saturday No covered office hours
Sunday No covered office hours
• Occasionally Mary Kay will be out of the office &
other staff will attempt to cover to the best of their
ability.
• Mary Kay will be out the first week of March. Session met after publication deadline and actions will be in next month's newsletter.
Session News
A beautiful Communion set was presented by Mike and Betty Jozefowicz in memory of their grandson, Marques Jozefowicz, who died October 14, 2019, to be used for this purpose. We thank Mike & Betty for this beautiful memorial. At our Ash Wednesday Service… Communion was by intinction...and we used this set for the first time. It will also be used at the Maundy Thursday service and many other special worship opportunities.
—go to website for a larger version
Volume XX, Issue 3 Page 7 March Calendar
March 1 1st Sunday in Lent Rev. Dr. Loren Shellabarger Sermon: How to be a Good Neighbor
March 8 — Daylight Savings Time begins: Turn clocks ahead! 2nd Sunday in Lent Rev. Dr. Loren Shellabarger Sermon: There We Wept
March 15 3rd Sunday in Lent Rev. Dan Emmert, Guest Preacher Sermon: If One Member is Honored
March 22 4th Sunday in Lent Rev. Dr. Loren Shellabarger Sermon: Inherit the Kingdom
March 29 5th Sunday in Lent Rev. Dr. Loren Shellabarger Sermon: God’s Comfort
Scripture: 2 Cor. 12:1-10
Join Us for Worship at Westminster
9:30 a.m. Sundays We are saving a seat for you!
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
DUBUQUE, IA
PERMIT NO. 577
Westminster Presbyterian Church
2155 University Ave
Dubuque, IA 52001
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Contact Information:
2155 University Ave. Dubuque, IA 52001 563-583-1729
Join us for
Communion at
Bethany Home
March 15th at 1:30 p.m.
