Good Afternoon Westminster,
I want to update you on some events being held during the Lenten season:
WEDNESDAY EVENING LENTEN SERIES
Join us at 5:45 p.m. each Wednesday evening during Lent for a simple meal of soup and bread, followed by a service of evening prayers in the sanctuary. This reflective time focuses on scripture, song and prayer as we prepare ourselves for Easter.
THE BREATH OF LIFE: A SIMPLE WAY TO PRAY
“The Breath Prayer is a short prayer of praise and petition that is meant to help us become aware of the presence of God. ‘It is a way to have on our lips what is always in our heart.’” This five week study on breath prayer, led by Ginny Baker, continues Wednesday, March 23 and conclude on Wednesday, April 13. We meet in the McKinnon Room for about an hour immediately following the Lenten service in the Sanctuary. Those interested are asked to contact Ginny Baker. Books are $10.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LENTEN STUDY (McKinnon Room) “Learning Forgiveness”
This six-week study from The Thoughtful Christian continues Sunday. Some of the topics to be discussed include, “Who needs forgiveness?,” “God’s Love and Judgment,” “The Call to Forgive” and “Forgiveness and Reconciliation.” Copies of the lesson are available in the Narthex of the Sanctuary and in the church office. Join us each week during Lent for this unique journey.
THE ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING
OGHS will be collected through the season of Lent. The offering is used to support those whose lives have been impacted by disaster, as well as those made vulnerable by hunger, disease, unemployment and environmental degradation. Our gifts are divided among the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
FLOWER GUILD
Please help the Flower Guild this Easter as they adorn the sanctuary in celebration of our Lord’s glorious ascension from the tomb. Checks of any amount are welcome and can be made out to Westminster Flower Guild in honor or memory of loved ones. These names will be included in the Easter Sunday bulletin and Abbey. Easter lilies will be available after the service to deliver to those who are unable to join us or to recycle into your garden. Thank you for supporting this annual tradition.
WESTMINSTER PLAYERS PRESENT “GOD’S FAVORITE” by Neil Simon
Who knew misery could be so funny? God’s Favorite, Neil Simon’s comical retelling of the Bible’s Book of Job will be presented April 8-10 at Westminster. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. After wealthy Long Island businessman, Joe Benjamin is visited by God’s eccentric messenger from Queens, his life takes a drastic turn for the worse. Destruction, devastation and divine comedy rain down on Joe to test his faith. With a pair of simple-minded twins underfoot, a rebellious, carousing son and wife Rose’s kvetching, you’ll be laughing to keep from crying. Will Joe put an end to his family’s suffering by renouncing God, or will he hold fast to his faith come what may? The admission price is a $10 donation at the door. A nursery will be provided for young children.
I love teaching 3rd and 4th grade Sunday school. I find it is an age where children are beginning to have the ability to discuss topics and form their own opinions. I love watching children discover what the world looks like through their eyes.
Hello, my name is Debbie Babelay. This year I have the wonderful opportunity of teaching the 2-3 year olds in our Sunday School program. They are all precious to me. We have fun learning about God’s love and how each of us is a special child of God. I look forward to their smiling faces each Sunday morning. This is my 3rd year teaching in the Sunday School program. I have also worked with vacation bible school.
I have known Westminster my entire life! I grew up in the church since birth. My faith is rooted in so many wonderful experiences at Westminster such as going on trips with Choristers, Montreat, and a Mission experience to Mexico. I went to college in Alabama at Birmingham-Southern. After college, I lived in Birmingham where I worked in sales. I met and married my husband Wiley there. Jim Carter (former Westminster minister) married us at Independent Presbyterian in Birmingham. Wiley’s career has taken us to New Mexico and Arkansas, and now back to Knoxville. We have been here since 2011. We have 3 children, Ella (11), Grant (7), and Walker (5). I work as the Assistant Director of the preschool at Central Baptist which allows me to have a similar schedule to my children. My favorite job is being their Mom!
Bio: Junior at the University of Tennessee 
I am a senior at UTK majoring in Global Studies with a focus in Economics. I am currently in the process of apply to graduate school for CSP. I love to be outdoors and travel. I also work as an Resident Assistant at Volunteer Hall on campus and enjoy babysitting and baking.
My name is Malena D’Alessandro and I’m a junior studying marketing at the University of Tennessee. I’m originally from south east Michigan where I attended high school at Oxford High School. I am currently part of Spring Sports Ambassadors, Volunteer Team and Best Buddies at UT.