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Home / Posts by Kate Brinkley

With Gladness and Sorrow

January 4, 2017 by Kate Brinkley

As I begin writing this e-News article, it is with a heavy heart. I suppose, with the dawning of a new year, I should be more optimistic and full of vigor in light of the challenges of 2017.  But yesterday, after getting word that Peter Ham had passed away, I felt like a balloon rapidly deflating, losing its air, the hiss of escaping breath.  So, as I enter into 2017, my feelings are a mixture of gladness and sorrow.  After all, in my two pastoral visits to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital to visit with Peter and Karen, I discovered a kindred spirit. Peter and I talked about the places we both visited in Alaska, the movies we loved, and music we listened to in our growing up years.  On my second visit, I brought my guitar and sang a few songs. Peter told me the music helped him forget where he was. I sang some Kenny Loggins tune while doctors, nurses, family, and technicians filled the small room.  We said a prayer together and I left hoping to see Peter again . . .  and some day, I will. As I reflect on my all too brief relationship with Peter Ham, the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1-9 come to mind:

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

As we embark on this new year, crafting our resolutions and plans, let’s not overlook or forget the contributions of people who have touched our lives.  Remember, we are who we are because someone listened, nurtured, and encouraged us to follow our dreams.  We can never underestimate how another person’s actions and words shaped and molded us.  Peter Ham was one of those guiding lights.  But there are others who have also “fought the good fight and finished their race” (see 2 Tim. 4:7).  Certainly, Martin Luther King Jr. left a legacy for us to follow.  Who gave you the strength to carry on?  Who inspired you to love and care for those around you?  Who helped you find God?  As we enter into this new year, give thanks to God for that special person and be glad.  For like the wise words of Ecc. 3 ff. state clearly:  “there is a time to weep and time to laugh; a time to mourn and time to dance.”      Thank you, Peter. Thank you for giving us your time.            Ken

Filed Under: Mission and Outreach

Student Graffiti in a UVA Study Carrel

December 6, 2016 by Kate Brinkley

Last week, as I was tapping out my sermon, I lifted my head and noticed where I was.  I was in a student study carrel over in Alderman Library.  But when I took note of my environment more carefully, I began reading all the student graffiti scrawled around me.  Several anxiety-ridden UVA students had sat where I now sat.  Writing papers and studying for exams, he or she had written (in pen and pencil and carved into wood and cinder block) existential musings.  So, I composed this student psalm using their words:

Student Graffiti in a UVA Study Carrel

I need drugs.
I want nachos.
Why hast thou forsaken me?
Get busy living or get busy dying that why I’m busy studying.
I’m tired.
God, I love physics.
I just want to graduate.
I’m here more than any other place.
Next year will be better, I hope.
Dear future UVA students who seek hope
Within the premise of this seat-
Good luck.  You are going to need it.

Don’t forget to pray for our college students as they take exams and prepare for life.

Rev. Ken

Filed Under: Notes from Ken

A New Message and a Song from Ken!

October 4, 2015 by Kate Brinkley

The Latest: A Song from Ken

The latest offering from Ken is a song for Sunday! Click here to listen.

A Video Message and a Prayer from Ken

Watch this video message, in which Ken uses the image of “grounding wires,” and “electrical current,” to give his pastoral perspective on living through these days of endless news stories and updates on the Coronavirus. This second link will take you to a video of Ken reading a prayer by Floyd Thompkins, vice president of San Francisco Theological Seminary and a friend to Westminster.
Through a series of messages like these, we hope to keep you connected to — and nurtured by — the Westminster community. We’ll send out another message tomorrow from Lynne on how to make the most of our time with family at home.
On Sunday, we’ll send out a link to a worship service in which you can participate from home — complete with a downloadable bulletin and a devotional to use throughout the week.
All these messages will be available at www.westminsterva.org , too.
Peace be with you.

Gathering for Worship Suspended

Services Available Online for March 22, 29, and April 5
In lieu of gathering for worship on March 22, 29, and April 5, Westminster will have services available online. But there will be no corporate worship (except in cyberspace!) on those Sundays. Visit www.westminsterva.org to participate in our online worship, starting at 11 a.m. each of these Sundays (also available throughout the week).
When you engage in worship from home, you’ll find a video recording of the service, as well as a worship bulletin. You can participate in worship by reading the prayers and scripture. There will also be a short devotional following the order of worship to guide you in prayer beyond the service.
To listen to Ken’s message from March 15, click here.
In keeping with these precautions, all committee meetings and other gatherings are canceled through April 5. Although the office will be closed, you can leave a message at 434-293-3133 or .
Remember to practice faith, not fear, while following the practical recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention: social distancing, hand washing, avoid large gatherings, etc. especially those with underlying health concerns and seniors (or any of us who love those folks!).
Blessings,
Ken,
Lynne,
Dorothy,
Megan and Jonathan,

 

Westminster is a fully welcoming and inclusive Christian faith community serving the University of Virginia and the greater Charlottesville and Albemarle areas.   [Read more…]

Filed Under: Sermons

2016 Lectureship

August 4, 2013 by Kate Brinkley

Walter Brueggemann is surely one of the most influential Bible interpreters of our time.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Lectureship

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Welcome

Summer at Westminster

March 1, 2022 By Westminster Presbyterian Church

This summer as the weather warms up and schedules relax, you are invited to connect with friends old and new at Westminster. Offerings include opportunities for fellowship, education, food, games, music, and time spent outdoors. Take a look at all of the options and post the calendar nearby, so you can find meaningful ways to engage in […]

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“So faith, hope, and love abide, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.”
−1 Corinthians 13:13

Our Mission

Sustained by grace, we are called to serve Christ, share God’s love, and work for justice in a complex world.

Our Values

With faith, hope, and love as bedrock Christian values, we also cherish the following:
  • Thinking and Learning
  • Inclusiveness
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Westminster follows the Presbyterian Book of Confession and is a confessional church. You can view/read the Book of Confession at the PC(USA) website by clicking on the following link: https://www.pcusa.org/resource/book-confessions/.

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