DEAR WESTMINSTER FAMILY –
This Sunday I want to expose and talk about the most dangerous people in the kingdom of God. I call these people, “the inside-outsiders.” They are people who are “inside” the community of faith, but “outside” its true purpose. In our text this week (Joshua 9), the children of Israel are forced to deal with some of these people on their way to the Promised Land. I look forward to sharing this information with you on Sunday.
On another very important topic……Who are the people in your lives who deserve a word of “thanks” from you?” Wouldn’t this be a great time to express your appreciation for them and their contributions to your life? In case you don’t have a clue as to how to do this, I am including a statement from a current choir member who wanted to communicate her “thanks” to Pastor Laurey. She addresses not only Laurey’s impact on her personal life, but also his contributions to our whole church.
Thanksgiving Tribute to Pastor Laurey
I have thanked God countless times over the past twenty-five years for the many joys and blessings I’ve received through my membership in the Westminster Chapel choir, and I recently felt compelled to ask Pastor Gary for this opportunity to share about some of them. Multiple conversations I’ve had at church this fall revealed that much of our Westminster family outside the choir is completely unaware of two of the greatest blessings that we choir members enjoy: 1) the extremely encouraging and supportive “small-group” community atmosphere of the choir, and 2) the fact that Pastor Laurey—who serves as both the head and the heart of this wonderful, worshiping community—is an awesome, incredibly gifted and skilled choral director and leader, and a great delight to sing and serve alongside!
I dearly wish I had the space to describe in detail how much Pastor Laurey excels in the depth and nuance of his musical vision for each piece and in the amazing clarity with which he communicates that vision to us using word pictures, analogies, subtle gestures, and even facial expressions—all consistently conveyed with cheerful humor and patient understanding. In performance, Laurey’s vivid direction frees us to worship joyfully as he provides every reminder we need in order to sing our best and minister most effectively through our music.
Furthermore, throughout the entire process, Laurey truly shepherds his choir “flock,” feeding us with the spiritual mentoring and loving care of a Christlike pastor. He knows and appreciates each of us personally, and he prays with us and for us, leading us by example to have hearts overflowing with humble worship toward God and wise compassion for others. This Thanksgiving season, I invite you to rejoice with me in the immense gift that God has given the Westminster Chapel choir and congregation in Pastor Laurey Berteig, and also to consider signing up for even more blessings by joining his choir flock in the new year. Come and see for yourself how Pastor Laurey leads the choir in the same way that King David—another shepherd and composer—led Israel: “So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them with his skillful hands.” (Psalm 78:72, NASB)
This might be just the right time to remind you to purchase your tickets to our Christmas Pops Concert. You can do this in person or on line. I was encouraged this past week-end when one of our members asked if he could purchase tickets for his co-workers and the people who are recipients of his service. May his “tribe” multiply
See you in church and have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Pastor Gary
KCIS 630 AM – A CLOSER LOOK
Hear Pastor Gary on the radio with co-host Pete Talbott
Thursdays at 1:00-1:30 PM
Sundays at 9:00-9:30 AM
THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS: November 22-24
WESTMINSTER CHAPEL IS CLOSED on Thanksgiving and Friday.
THIS SUNDAY: November 25
WORSHIP SERVICES – 9:00 & 10:45 AM, Sanctuary
WELCOME CENTER – Visit our Welcome Center in the foyer for visitor information and warm hospitality. Limited sermon CDs and Our Daily Bread devotionals are available in the Library.
BREW – Sundays, 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Foyer: Is this your first time here? Stop by our café to enjoy a complimentary coffee. We look forward to meeting you.
CHRISTMAS FOR OUTREACH PARTNERS – Sunday, November 25, Outreach Wall, Foyer: Visit the table in front of the Outreach Wall on November 18 or 25 after services and select an Outreach Partner/Family to provide their Christmas wish list. Contact: Ron & Tina at moc.k1680024352ooltu1680024352o@era1680024352cm52016800243523r1680024352
THIS WEEK:
TUESDAY MORNING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – 9:15 AM, CLC: This year there are 6 electives from which to choose. Prices vary depending on the course you select. For details of each course, and to register, please go to www.westminster.org/woman. Children’s Program (ages birth-Pre K) Cost is $45 for 1 child, $65 for 2 or more. Questions? Contact Jenny at gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@rynn1680024352ej1680024352.
AWANA – Wednesdays, through May 8, 6:30-8:00 PM: Awana reaches kids for Christ through fun, Scripture-rich experiences that lead them to know, love and serve Him. Join us for exciting games, Scripture-based memory work, thrilling stories and awesome awards that help kids develop lifelong faith in Christ. Join us Wednesday nights during the school year from 6:30-8 PM. Our clubs include Cubbies, Sparks and T&T which are for ages pre-school – 5th grade. Questions? Contact Kay Bonikowsky at moc.l1680024352iamg@1680024352ykswo1680024352kinob1680024352k1680024352. Reserve Your Spot at www.westminster.org/EVENTS.
WEDNESDAY EVENING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – 6:45 PM, CLC: 3 choices for Wednesday night studies! Pricing is for the year and varies depending on the study you select. For details go to Westminster.org/women. No childcare available. Contact Jenny at gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@rynn1680024352ej1680024352.
THE GAP (FOR MEN) – Thursdays, 6:30 AM, Fireside Room: This is a weekly bible study available to all men at Westminster. Pastor Gary will be sharing each week from a book entitled, NOT BY SIGHT – A FRESH LOOK AT OLD STORIES OF WALKING BY FAITH. Questions? Contact LuAnne at gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@zenn1680024352aul1680024352.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
MS/HS OPEN HOUSE PARENT MEETING – Sunday, December 2, 9:00-10:15 AM, High School Room: Middle and High School parents are invited to join us for our Youth programming from 9-10:15 on December 2nd in the High School Room. You will participate in worship, our teaching time and a small group set up just for you. Questions? Contact Ceri at gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@fire1680024352c1680024352
WHY CHRISTMAS? – Sunday, December 9, 6:00 – 7:45 PM, Atrium: Celebrate your first Christmas party of the season with us! Everyone is welcome. Share dinner and a warm conversation. Listen to a short talk and openly discuss what you think or feel about Christmas. For more information, contact Noelle at gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@rell1680024352eon1680024352
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CHRISTMAS PARTY (Potluck) – Sunday, December 2 from 12:15 – 1:30 PM in the High School Room: JOIN US FOR A POTLUCK LUNCH CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS! Families with children birth – 5th grade are invited to come celebrate Christmas together. We will gather for lunch and fellowship. The Children’s Choir will be performing for us. It is a short time and a great opportunity to meet other families. Bring a main dish, salad or dessert to serve 10 to 12 people. Your whole family is welcome.We are looking for volunteers to help with set up, decorations, and clean up. Want to volunteer or have questions? Contact Martha at gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@caht1680024352ram1680024352 or Kjirsten at gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@dnet1680024352srijk1680024352.
GRIEFSHARE – Starts January 3, 6:30 PM, Room 307: All those who have lost a loved one to death are welcome to join us for a 13-week course. Our goal is to provide a safe, comforting place to gain the tools to help you navigate through your grief. Cost: $20. Questions? Contact Kathy at moc.s1680024352ngise1680024352dtdk@1680024352yhtak1680024352
DIVORCE CARE – Wednesdays, January 9 – April 3, 6:30PM, Room 304: If you are experiencing divorce past or present and want a safe, caring place join us for the 13 week course. The group is led by people who have been through divorce and successfully rebuilt their lives. Cost: $20. Questions? Contact Jenny at gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@rynn1680024352ej1680024352
WINTERBLAST – January 19-21: MS and HS Students are invited to spend the MLK weekend at Tierra Retreat Center in Leavenworth. We will play in the snow, hangout with friends and grow in our relationships with God and each other. Sign up at Westminster.org/events.
Questions? Contact Ceri at gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@fire1680024352c1680024352.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
TALKTIME: AN EASY WAY TO REACH BEYOND – Thursday, 6:30 PM, Atrium: Serve as an ambassador to our intercultural community. Help guests from around the world practice speaking English over dinner and guided conversation. Questions? Contact Mark Pedrin at gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@pkra1680024352m1680024352.
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@fire1680024352c1680024352.
RESOURCES/OPPORTUNITIES:
GROW GROUPS – Various times & locations throughout the week: These groups meet in many sites and aim to be places where you can GROW with others. No matter where you are, there is a Grow Group that can help you take your next step in community. Visit www.westminster.org/grow-groups for more information.
BAPTISM – If you would like more information on what it means to be baptized, or about the course itself, you can email Pastor Matt at gro.r1680024352etsni1680024352mtsew1680024352@ctta1680024352m1680024352.
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 11/20/18
Expectation for the Week $54,100
General Giving for the Week* $50,678
Expectation to Date $1,324,800
General Giving to Date* $1,283,828
Annual Expectation $3,600,000
*General giving includes weekly and non-designated special gifts.
NEXT CHAPTER GIVING:
Original Project Cost $22,000,000
Payments to Date $18,762,900
Current Mortgage Balance $3,237,100