March 17, 2011

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.