Come enjoy a traditional service of Lessons & Carols led by the Choristers and Singers choirs. Readings and carols retell the story of Christ’s birth, with candlelit singing of Silent Night. Gather for a potluck meal and carol singing in fellowship hall afterward.
Advent & Christmas at Westminster!
Join us to prepare the way through Advent — and celebrate Christmas: from the Advent Workshop on the First Sunday of Advent, all the way to Christmas Eve with a child-friendly service at 5 p.m. and a traditional candlelit service at 8:30 p.m.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 1
First Sunday of Advent
Worship at 11 a.m.
Advent Workshop, 9:45 to 10:40 a.m.
Wednesday, December 4
Fellowship on Tap, 5:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
Second Sunday of Advent Worship, 11 a.m.
Session Meeting, 12:30 p.m.
Christmas Kick-Back, 1 p.m.
Open Study Hours begin, 2 to 10 p.m., and run through December 16
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
Tuesday Evening Study Group, 7 p.m.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 15
Third Sunday of Advent Worship, 11 a.m.
All-Youth Brunch, 9:30 a.m. Common Grounds
Lessons & Carols, 5 p.m.
Come and enjoy a traditional service of Lessons and Carols led by the Choristers and Singers choirs. Readings and carols retell the story of Christ’s birth, with candlelit singing of Silent Night. Gather for a potluck meal and carol singing in Fellowship Hall afterward.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
Christmas Eve Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
Youth Christmas Party, 6:30 p.m. Common Grounds
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
Fourth Sunday of Advent Worship, 11 a.m.
No classes for adults, youth, or children.
Christmas Eve Choir Rehearsal, 9:30 a.m.
Caroling, 3 p.m. All are welcome to join in song and share carols with those in our congregation in need of Christmas cheer. Directions and song sheets available when we gather in fellowship hall.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve Worship, 5 p.m. This child-friendly service includes carols and candlelight.
Christmas Eve Worship, 8:30 p.m. Share the joy of the season in a communion service with carols and candlelight on this holiest of nights. Organ prelude begins at 8 p.m.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER, December 29
First Sunday of Christmas Worship, 11 a.m.
Guest preacher, Colleen Earp
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5
Epiphany of the Lord Worship, 11 a.m.
Pick up a star word to guide your spiritual practice this year!
Cider, S’mores and Songs!
Youth and their families are invited to join other families to sing songs, eat s’mores and drink cider! Questions? Contact Lynne Clements, .
Autumn at Westminster means many things: the university begins its school year (and we have a new associate pastor for that ministry!), our regular worship schedule returns with Sunday services at 8:30 and 11 a.m., the church school year begins with classes for adults, youth and children at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, and the full choir gets back to its joyful work of bringing beautiful music to worship. On September 8 at 9:30, we’ll enjoy breakfast, information about many of our ministries; games for kids who will meet their teachers; plus photos and reflections from youth pilgrimage to the Tetons. Join us!
With Gladness and Sorrow
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