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CROP Hunger Walk, A Response to God’s Love

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In Micah 6:8 we read “… and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”  What better way to show God’s love than to help provide for those in need?

Please consider participating in the Charlottesville‑Albemarle CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 14th. Walkers from other churches and organizations will join us with the goal of raising $30,000 to help feed the hungry and assist those suffering from disasters.

Everyone can participate.  If you are able to walk with us, please contact Taylor Beard for a Donation Envelope, route map and other information.  Ask people to sponsor you in the CROP Walk. If you are unable to walk, please be generous when approached by a walker.

By working together as people of faith, we can make significant differences in the lives of those in need. Consider the example of Marisa, a 10-month-old child from rural Indonesia whose parents brought her to the Therapeutic Feeding Center. A nurse determined that Marisa suffered from severe malnutrition. She used a CWS program to supply micronutrient (magic) powder for Marisa. After this powder was regularly added to her food, she began to get better. Now, after a couple of years of receiving the micronutrient powder, Marisa is happy and healthy.  Money raised from CROP Hunger Walks can be used to purchase this powder.

Thank you for this consideration.

Westminster Organ Concert Series

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The Westminster Organ Concert Series begins its 39th season on Friday, October 12, at 7:30 pm, with an organ recital of French baroque music by organist Matthew Hall.  The program includes music by Louis Couperin, François Couperin, Louis Marchand, and Nicolas de Grigny.  A scholar as well as performer, Mr. Hall holds degrees from Harvard University and Leeds University in England.  He is currently a doctoral student in musicology at Cornell University. The concert is free and open to the public and will be followed by a reception.

The Westminster Organ Concert Series was begun in 1980 to share the newly-installed all-mechanical baroque-style pipe organ with the community.  The organ, built by Taylor & Boody Organbuilders of Staunton, Virginia, has 18 stops and over 1100 pipes.

World Communion-Sunday, October 7

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This Sunday we celebrate the diversity of Christians throughout the world as we join together for World Communion Sunday. The communion tablecloth shown above was created at our all-church retreat just a few weeks ago, with many thanks to Marijke Durieux for organizing the project and sewing the pieces together.  The many colors and patterns in the cloths represent the diverse nature of the family of God.  World Communion Sunday began back in 1933 at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was later endorsed by the National Council of Churches in 1940. At Westminster we will begin our worship by singing the song, Uyai Mose/Come All You People, from our Hymnal Supplement. This lively opening hymn comes from Zimbabwe. The congregation will also be invited to sing songs from Singapore, South Africa, Cameroon, Latin America, and France. In addition to the diverse congregational songs, the choir will sing songs from Liberia, South Africa, and the Native American Muscogee tribe, and the organ music includes pieces from Estonia and Spain. In our many ministries of the church we strive to include and understand people of diverse backgrounds. This Sunday is a small way that we can approach different cultures by singing the music that originates in these cultures. How better to expand our understanding of other cultures than to express our shared faith in song.

From Holland to Italy: Jonathan’s Continuing Education Report

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This summer, from August 19 through August 31, I attended the Smarano Organ Academy in northern Italy. The Academy began this year in the Netherlands, at the Grote Kerk in Alkmaar, where Pieter van Dijk led masterclasses on that church’s two very famous — and fabulous — organs: the 1511 van Covelens organ and the 1636/1723 Schnitger organ. From there we flew to Smarano, a tiny village in the mountains of northern Italy, where courses were led in organ and harpsichord by Edoardo Bellotti, Sietze de Vries, Joel Speerstra, and Enrico Baiano. A special highlight was the visit of Montserrat Torrent, the 92-year-old (!) Spanish organist, who played a concert and taught a masterclass. Despite a very intense schedule (8 am to 10 pm every day, with short breaks for lunch and dinner), the high caliber of teaching combined with excellent instruments and a gorgeous location made the Academy a truly special experience. I am very grateful to the church for the time off and financial assistance that allowed me to attend the Academy.

This week’s offerings: October 14

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For history buffs and those interested in the historical, doctrinal and institutional issues between early Christians and the Jewish community, come to Room 209 and learn more about Early Christians and Their Milieu with Earle Hilgert and Dick Riley.

The group discussion on the novel The Hate U Give by Angie Taylor continues in the Library with Zanne MacDonald facilitating.

Wondering how to guide your children to the light when it’s hard for you to see it? Come to Faith and Family where together we share our hopes and fears, bolstered by fellowship and food, as we create a network of parents at WPC (Adrienne Kim Bird, Molly Peck, Elizabeth Schlipper, Derry Wade, Lounge).

Contemporary Theology Class continues its study of Constructive Theology: A Contemporary Approach to Classical Themes in the Choir Classroom.

Opening Doors welcomes all adults, especially those with mental and/or physical challenges. Music, fellowship, and sharing of biblical stories from both the Old and New Testament are the foundations of the class. Participants also have the option of sitting together during worship service. If transportation is needed, Jaunt service usually is available. If you have questions, please contact Leanna Whitmore (leannaawhitmore@gmail.com) (All year -Room 208).

 

“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
  • Fellowship
  • Stewardship
  • Courage

 

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: http://www.pcusa.org/book-confessions.

Contact

Westminster Presbyterian Church
400 Rugby Road
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903-2474
(434) 293-3133 | Email

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