Westminster NEWS

Westminster Presbyterian Church 1200 Marquette Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403 westminstermpls.org

DECEMBER 2016 Vol. 50 • No. 12

Christmas is the Season of Music-Making “Christmas is the time when all of our ensembles are called upon to prepare for the season,” says Melanie Ohnstad, Westminster’s Minister of Music and the Arts. “And they love it!” Those ensembles include the handbells, adult choir, five youth and children’s choirs, and several instrumental groups—all preparing in earnest for the season! “I’m definitely excited to see the joy and hope the music brings to a congregation,” says Director of Choral Ministries Tesfa Wondemagegnehu. “Everybody gets a little bit closer at this time of year. There’s just more

warmth and love, and conversations last just a little bit longer.” Here is a brief preview what is in store this Advent season.

Next Town Hall Forum

Thomas Friedman

December 13 | Noon Thriving in an Age of Accelerations

December 4 Second Sunday in Advent At 8:30 am worship, the Global Choir, under the skilled direction of Barbara Prince, reminds us of the many diverse ways Christians around the world express the hope and promise of Christmas. The Handbell Choir, directed by Mark Kieffer, joins the Global Choir for this beautiful service. Continued on page 11.

Thomas Friedman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, focusing on foreign affairs, globalization, and environmental issues. He is the author of seven bestselling books, including The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twentyfirst Century and the National Book Award-winning, From Beirut to Jerusalem. His latest book is Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations. Born and raised in St. Louis Park, he graduated from Brandeis University and earned an M.Phil degree in Middle Eastern Studies at Oxford University. Music precedes the forum and a public reception follows. The speaker’s latest book will be on sale and Mr. Friedman will be available for signing. Learn more at westminsterforum.org.

Promise of Peace, Promise to Give “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 God calls us to bring peace to the world by being generous and joyful givers of our time, talent, and resources. As the year draws to an end, please consider the many ways you can give to help Westminster create peace in the world: 1) Checks or online contributions (westminstermpls.org/ ways-to-give) are easy and may be eligible for a federal tax deduction; 2) Appreciated stock gifts can also be appealing because long-term gains are not taxed, and the gift is generally deductible from income tax; 3) IRA giving: If you’re over 70 ½, you may make a gift from your IRA without having to pay income tax on the gift. Gifts qualify for amounts up to $100,000. This action can help satisfy your required minimum distribution. Note: Please consult with your tax or financial adviser before you take action, and contact your IRA plan administrator to make a gift; 4) Legacy Gifts, such as a bequest in your will, support Westminster for future generations; 5) A no-longer needed life insurance policy can be donated, and may be eligible for a tax deduction. Contact Kienan Mick, Accounting Manager, (kmick@ wpc-mpls.org) at 612-332-3421.

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Promise of Peace Through Mission

by Kayla Heinze, Westminster Member

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s a high school junior, I believe the promise of peace means working towards a better world and finding hope in times of injustice and division. It also means finding serenity in moments of self-reflection. On mission trips to Detroit and New Orleans, I had the privilege of meeting people devastated by tragedy and hardship. They taught me to see light in the darkness and peace in the chaos. One family, whose house we repainted after significant Hurricane Katrina damage, displayed unimaginable strength despite economic disparity, contractor fraud, and slow relief from a decade-old disaster. Each day family members and neighbors would stop by to thank us, work with us, and share stories. They held onto hope and patience, but most importantly, to peace. I believe that if I live out these lessons, I can do my part in working towards a better future. Westminster plays a crucial role in shaping how I see the world. It has introduced me to social justice work and has given me outlets to engage in the topic. The priceless experiences I’ve had here have allowed me to find areas of calling. I’m at a point in my life where I am starting to make many life-changing decisions, which can be an overwhelming feeling. However, I find a great comfort and peace in knowing that God has a plan for me, that the church will be there to support me, and that I have chosen to believe in a promise of hope and peace for the future of my life and the world in general. Read additional Stewardship Moments on the Westminster website. Visit westminstermpls.org/stewardship.

Pledge Reminder! If you haven’t already done so, become part of God’s promise of peace with your 2017 online pledge or gift: westminstermpls.org/ ways-to-give. December 2016 | westminstermpls.org

FromOurPastor Dear friends, The season of Advent is upon us. I appreciate the prominent role the Hebrew prophets play in our preparation for Christmas. They embrace a worldview that is both foreboding and hopeful. They live within the world as it is while imagining how it might be one day. The prophets wrote in times of darkness. They spoke out against injustice – decrying the treatment of the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner. They did not hold back in their critique of leaders when such a word was warranted. As I write this pre-Advent missive the nation is in turmoil over the results of the presidential election. All along the political spectrum there is anxiety and uncertainty as the transfer of power begins. There are many unknowns. In days of insecurity and fear, it helps to turn again to the Advent prophets. They specialize in speaking to such times, offering a longer view that looks beyond the current crisis. They refuse to be undone by the very real concerns of their era. Instead, they choose to hold fast to what they see as God’s intention for the human family, to proclaim that vision, and to commit themselves to pursuing it. “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,” Isaiah says to his people who have lost their way. The bitter election cycle and its tension and ugliness have drawn us into a national wilderness. We are afraid as we drift into an unpredictable future. Even as they wander through the barren regions of their time, the prophet urges the people to go to work: “Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” As people of faith in this Advent season we will need to redouble our commitment to defend the defenseless. As the nation’s political future is determined, we will need to stand firm in our support of the most vulnerable among us. “The people who walked in darkness,” Isaiah reminds us, “Have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-on them light has shined.” In this season of shortening days and growing gloom, let us bear in our hearts the hope of incarnation. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” See you in church – as we worship and sing our way into the light of Christmas. Grace and peace,

December 2016 | westminstermpls.org

Clergy & Staff Staff Leadership Rev. Dr. Timothy Hart-Andersen, Senior Pastor Rev. Meghan K. Gage-Finn, Executive Associate Pastor Janice Teliczan, Executive Assistant Rev. Daniel Vigilante, Associate Pastor, Outreach, Uptown Adult Education Rev. Dr. Sarah Henrich, Minister of Adult Education and Visitation Jill Schoen, Administrative Assistant Barbara Mauk, Librarian Congregational Care Rev. David Shinn, Associate Pastor Deb Wagner, Administrative Assistant Vanessa Uzong, Memorial Reception Coordinator Congregational Life Rev. Sarah Brouwer, Interim Associate Pastor Deb Wagner, Administrative Assistant Susan Hield, Hospitality Ministries Coordinator Kristin Kieft, Communications Coordinator Jill Schoen, Vanessa Uzong, Wedding Coordinators Lacey Jung, Vanessa Uzong, Receptionists Faith in Action Rev. Douglas Mitchell, Associate Pastor Dan Franklin, Coord. Discipleship Ministries Families, Youth, and Children Rev. Brennan Blue, Associate Pastor Marie Kruskop, Transitional Director Children’s Ministries Anne Klimisch, Coord. Nursery Barbara Prince, Admin Assistant: Children, Families Evelyn Pugh, Families, Youth & Children Intern Music and the Arts Dr. Melanie Ohnstad, Minister Music/Arts, Organist Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, Director Choral Ministries Dr. Rodney Allen Schwartz, Dir. Gallery & Archive Barbara Prince, Program Assistant; Dir Global/ Chamber Choirs Brad Ollmann, Dir. Early/Middle Childhood Music Ryan LaBoy, Director of Youth Music Mark Kieffer, Director, Handbell Choir Sandra Berthene, Music Librarian Finance & Stewardship Julie Champ, Director of Finance Kienan Mick, Accounting Manager Mary Dolan, Accounting Assistant Mary Hess, Director of Stewardship Amy Britt, Development Administrator Operations Dennis Alfton, Director of Operations Jill Schoen, Administrative Assistant Neale Holleschau, Facilities Manager Chris Brown, Todd Bushy, Ree Johnson, John Seagard, Richard Wilder, Facilities Staff Emeriti Rev. Elizabeth D. Heller Rev. Byron Thompson Rev. Katherine S. Michael Samuel G. Cooke Parish Associates (Volunteer Clergy) Rev. Dr. James Brasel, Rev. Denise Dunbar-Perkins, Rev. Judy Allen Kim, Rev. Judy Landt, Rev. David Liddle, Rev. Dr. Margaret McCray Westminster Camp Ajawah Sofia-Bella Vitale-Gill, Registrar Westminster Counseling Center Rev. Dr. Margaret McCray, LMFT, Director Sherri Dunham, MA, LPC Rev. Susan Thornton, M.A., M.Div., LP Jennifer Aden, Office Manager Westminster Town Hall Forum Susan McKenna, Director

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WPCHappenings

Daily Phone DEVOTIONS

612.332.7087

Advent Workshop | November 27

Join us in celebrating the first Sunday in Advent by making an Advent wreath and Christmas crafts. A light lunch will be served ($5/adult; $3/ child; $15 family maximum). Craft supplies are provided for $10/family. RSVP to Marie Kruskop at [email protected].

Third Annual Cocoa and Carols | December 4

The All-Church Ministry Team invites you to stay after worship for this annual gathering. Cocoa with toppings will be served inside, and we will gather on the courtyard with bonfires and s’more fixings, weather permitting, with choir section leaders leading us in Christmas carol singing.

Fourth Annual Caroling in the Nursery | December 11

This annual event is the highlight of Westminster’s Early Ministries program and is truly a reflection of its ministries to our youngest members. Enjoy music and readings by Rev. Brennan Blue, a special guest, intergenerational fellowship, and holiday treats!

Nicollet Square Holiday Gift Collection and Registry

A holiday party for the youth living at Nicollet Square features a gift room where tenants receive items that best suit their needs. We need your help to provide the gifts! Please visit the gift registry at Sign Up Genius http://bit.ly/2eIzCYJ to select a donation. Purchase a gift, identify it for Nicollet Square, and drop it off at the reception desk by December 4. If you have any questions, call 612-920-6886.

Upcoming College Events December 17 | 7 pm Annual White Elephant Party December 21 | noon College Student Lunch January 5 | 2 pm College Student Coffee

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December 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44 Psalm 69:1-16 2 Peter 3:3-9 Jer. 24:1-7 Isaiah 11:1-10 Ps. 72:1-7, 18-19 Roman 15:4-13 Matt. 3:1-12 Phil. 4:4-7 Zeph. 3:14-20 Luke 1:47-55 Isa. 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 James 5:7-10 Matt. 11:2-11 Luke 1:5-19 Mic. 5:2-5a Luke 1:26-38 Isa. 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Rom. 1:1-7 Matt. 1:18-25 Luke 2:1-14, 15-20 John 1:1-14 Titus 3:4-7 Isa. 63:7-9 Psalm 148 Heb. 2:10-18 Matt. 2:13-23 Prov. 3:5-6

IN MEMORY OF Ernest Woodfill October 10, 2016 James Carter October 19, 2016 Leslie Turner October 22, 2016 Glenn Olson October 24, 2016 Shirley Dunn November 3, 2016

December 2016 | westminstermpls.org

Update from Educational Ministries Search by Meghan Gage-Finn, Executive Associate Pastor

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or the past several months, a group of leaders from Adult Education and Families, Youth, and Children, has been working together to discern the future of Educational Ministries at Westminster. We have crafted and posted a position description to bring a full-time person to our congregation who will provide for the educational growth and lifelong learning of all, from infancy through adulthood. This new position will ensure Westminster continues to offer outstanding educational opportunities and programs for our congregation and community. The Director of Educational Ministries will work collaboratively with lay leaders, staff, and pastors to integrate children, youth, and adult education programs to serve all who desire to deepen their knowledge of Christianity and grow spiritually. We recognize that the scope of this new position is broad and are excited about the possibilities for collaboration across ministry areas. We are exploring how a team approach, similar to the way congregational care is offered, might be employed with Educational Ministries to support this new director. We hope to fill the position in early 2017. We are grateful to Marie Kruskop for her ongoing leadership in the area of Children’s Ministries through this time of transition, and to Sarah Henrich for her faithful service in guiding our Adult Education program. Sarah has offered compassionate pastoral care to many in our congregation and has built strong relationships in her two years with us on staff. Her time on our staff comes to a close at the end of December.

With Gratitude to Westminster by Anne Klimisch, Nursery Coordinator

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fter serving our congregation as Nursery Coordinator for more than four years, I have decided to step down from in order to spend more time with my family. My final day will be December 25. I will dearly miss working with our nursery ministries and connecting with each of your families. I have been working with Westminster’s Nursery in various capacities on and off for nearly 11 years. I’m proud of Westminster’s excellent staff and creative events. I make

December 2016 | westminstermpls.org

this personal transition feeling confident in the present and future of our nursery ministries. As always, Westminster remains committed to the love, encouragement, and support of our youngest as they learn and grow in faith. Rev. Brennan Blue and the Families, Youth and Children Council are starting the search process for a new Nursery Coordinator (westminstermpls.org/job-postings). I give thanks to God for the ministry and memories we’ve been able to share together.

Westminster Farewell

by Sarah Henrich, Associate Pastor Sarah Henrich’s last day in worship with us is Christmas Eve. Her last Sunday is December 11; we will celebrate and give thanks to God for her service to Westminster following worship.

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n a wonderful book, The Soul of a Pilgrim, author Christine Valters Paintner writes about eight practices for “the journey within.” Those practices are good signposts for our daily lived journey through life: the book has been a companion for me as I prepare to leave Westminster. I came to serve as a pastor at Westminster through the interwoven relationships of life. Something new was begun for all of us, something unpredictable, and something that for me was a gift beyond measure. I have been blessed by your love and appreciation. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me to express God’s love for you. The first step in pilgrimage is hearing the call and saying “yes.” Thanks to you, God’s calling to ministry has grown more clear and insistent to me. At the end of this calendar year, I take up the pilgrimage practice of “making the way by walking” into future ministry. While as of this writing I do not know exactly where I will serve, God will open a path for me. I’ll keep you posted. Westminster has become home in too many ways to count. Yet, as so often happens in Scripture, following God’s call pulls us away from home, at least for a while. I will miss you and the life and worship of Westminster. Yet the love and faith we have shared are at the heart of whatever calling comes next. Thank you, dear family in Christ. And blessings to each of you on your own pilgrimages.

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Creative Time: Following the Holy Spirit by Meghan Gage-Finn, Executive Associate Pastor

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ur Creative Time has certainly invited us to discern the leading of the Spirit, challenging our expectations of what God is doing in our midst. This fall we have gathered for meals and learning, singing and fellowship, at Central Lutheran on a weekly basis. We have met in one another’s homes and out in the community, and have made our way back to Westminster on occasion to reconnect with our sense of home in the city. Sundays are still bustling with joyful worship and the full complement of educational and fellowship offerings. For those of us who are in the building all week long, we miss hearing your voices outside our offices and passing you in the halls on your way to Bible study or a committee meeting. The life and energy of the building has changed, but the Spirit has led us out into our neighborhoods to connect with one another in new ways. New doors have been opened to us already through our Creative Time, and we are laying the foundation now for our open future together. We will fully return to Westminster’s new spaces a changed people. With the completion of the demolition of the 1221 building, we have a tangible representation of what the Holy Spirit is doing in our midst. The old is gone and a new life, a new beginning, is underway!

Women’s Ministries Christmas Lunch | December 7 Women (and men!) of Westminster, the Women’s Ministries Committee invites you to our second annual Christmas Luncheon on December 7. We will gather with church staff at 11:30 am for Christmas carols, a catered lunch, and presentation of the Presbyterian Women Honorary Lifetime Membership Award. This year, Marion Etzwiler, Karen Gasche, and Sally Stinson will be presented the award. We will also make an offering, which Presbyterian Women across the country give annually to support specific ministries. There is a suggested $10 cost for the lunch. Parking is available for free at Central Lutheran- bring your ticket to Westminster for validation. Let us know if you need a ride from Central. RSVPs can be made to Deb Wagner at [email protected], or by calling the church.

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Houses of Hospitality by Rev. Gretchen Rode, Westminster Member

It’s Sunday night before Halloween and we are gathered in the quiet after dinner, each taking a turn describing an altar we have made for our “saint,” a dear friend or family member or beloved hero who has died recently. The altars are simple; most contain a picture, some a poem, a drawing. As we each tell the story of the person we are remembering, tears are shed and laughter is shared. One of our residents suggested we explore various faith rituals this year. This allowed us to share about the people who have shaped our lives and explore how our faith is formed by these “saints” we carry with us. Reflecting on All Saints Day, a new community member who grew up in Mexico taught the group about Dia de los Muertos and his own family’s celebration. Discussing death, sharing about faith, and telling stories are just some of the things that come up during a weekly community night of the Twin Cities Houses of Hospitality (TCHH). In our third year, TCHH is an intentional community for young adults working in service in the Twin Cities. This year, we expanded to three houses with the capacity for ten residents total. Funded by Westminster, along with other Presbyterian congregations and bodies, TCHH provides low cost housing and weekly community time for young adults to reflect on their service, to explore their spirituality, to develop their sense of vocation, and to grow as a community. Thank you for your support! Interested in learning more? Email Program Coordinator, Gretchen Rode ([email protected]). December 2016 | westminstermpls.org

Advent Angels

by Rodney Allen Schwartz, Director, Westminster Gallery & Archive

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ine hundred people from 20 countries, and only eight of us from the USA. I recently attended the international crèche congress, held every four years, this time in Bergamo, Italy. We discussed the unique American problem that prevents the public display of crèches in many cities (this is not a problem for most other countries). Fifteen busses carrying 60 people each kept busy transferring us to nearby towns to view large collections of prespios (elaborate nativity dioramas). We enjoyed meeting some of the people who created these complex exhibitions. I was lucky to secure a rare ticket to see Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco of the Last Supper in Milan. Traveling on to Florence allowed me five days of leisure to relive Renaissance art. Visiting historic churches and museums that house some of the great treasures from the history of art brought me face to face with some of my favorite images and sculptures and recharged my batteries. The ideas that are generated from conferences and travel fuel the exhibitions that I create for the Westminster Gallery.

The Annunciation (detail), John C. Cunningham, acrylic on printed fabric, 2016 This year’s Advent and Christmas exhibition, Advent Angels, opens November 27. Several unusual new crèches will have their debut, including a contemporary Italian one acquired with funds provided by Ron Hovda. Something vintage appears in the form of 1950s German figures collected and given by Al and Fran Siftar, complemented by a stable made for them by Jack Barkla who designed sets for the Guthrie Theater

and some of the Dayton’s Auditorium Christmas Shows. It comes complete with bells that play Christmas music. Arriving directly from the Minnesota State Fair’s Fine Arts exhibition is John Cunningham’s Annunciation painting that depicts the announcement to Mary as if it were happening today. His unorthodox representation will give us all something to ponder as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child.

WestConnect Christmas Dinner | December 9 Young adults, join WestConnect for dinner on Friday December 9th at 6:30 at Westminster. We will share a nice Christmasy meal together, sponsored by the Stewardship Committee. Afterward, we will walk or drive a few blocks to the downtown home of one of our young adults and use their apartment party room for our annual party! There will be dessert, drinks, a White Elephant gift exchange, and ornament-making. RSVP to Sarah Brouwer at [email protected].

December 2016 | westminstermpls.org

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Beacon Secures Funding for Great River Landing

Sub-zero in a Tent? by Steve Snyder, Eco Justice Team

by Kris Berggren, Beacon Interfaith Housing

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eacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative has been awarded tax credit financing worth $14.1 million to build Great River Landing. The development is the fourth resulting from the Housing 150 collaboration among Westminster Presbyterian Church, Plymouth Congregational Church and Beacon, created several years ago in honor of the congregations’ sesquicentennial anniversaries. The building will be located at 813 North 5th Street in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis near the Target Field transit station. It is to include single room occupancy and efficiency apartments for 72 adults, primarily AfricanAmerican men who have experienced incarceration, unemployment, and homelessness. “We are pleased that the City of Minneapolis and Minnesota Housing have prioritized funding to build Great River Landing. We’re grateful to Westminster and Plymouth for their moral leadership and financial support to create housing that will help to address some of the persistent racial inequities in our city,” said Beacon Executive Director Lee Blons.

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The supportive housing will be staffed by Better Futures Minnesota, an experienced service provider specializing in helping men find work, establish rental history and reconnect with their families. Each tenant will participate in onsite supportive services offered by Better Futures including job training, counseling and life coaching,s and health and wellness training. Better Futures CEO and President Dr. Thomas Adams said such programs benefit the community in several ways. “By implementing best practices for supportive housing for people who have been in prison, we will disrupt cycles of generational poverty, homelessness, unemployment and incarceration,” Adams said. Fundraising for the $1 million cost of providing annual supportive services at Great River Landing is ongoing. Advocates hope to advance a bill called “Unlocking Opportunities” during the legislative session that would create dedicated funding for programs and services to support those facing barriers to housing and job access after incarceration.

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ver wondered what it would be like to spend an entire year in Minnesota’s canoe country wilderness with just one other companion? And not just on balmy summer days, but through blizzards, visiting wolf packs, and the hazardous freezeup and thaw of fall and spring? Wilderness explorers Dave and Amy Freeman will join us December 1 to share their story. Come for light refreshments at 6:30 before the 7:00 pm presentation in the Meisel Room. Many followed the Freemans via their daily postings of stunning photographs and inspiring text. Now we have an opportunity to meet them and view the beautiful film “Bear Witness” that captures the wonders of our Boundary Waters. Dave and Amy decided to spend one year in the BWCA to alert citizens across the country to the dangers posed from proposals to mine copper in sulfide-bearing ores in the watershed. For many, traveling the BWCA is a spiritual journey that reminds us of our true role within this Creation. The Freemans remind us that we need to speak out to save this special place.

December 2016 | westminstermpls.org

Service of Remembrance

by David Shinn, Associate Pastor

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)

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esus’ invitation to give rest to all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens is at the heart of the Service of Remembrance. For those who have been grieving the death of a loved one, this is a sacred time and space for the weary soul.

marriage and change of employment. Grief doesn’t end; it stretches and contracts with time. Yet the good news is that we are never alone on this path of grief, for God knows and meets us, regardless of our physical, spiritual, and emotional state of being. So let us come to Jesus to face those long nights of grief. The Psalmist reminds us, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5) We invite all who have experienced life tragedies and losses to join us for this candelight service on December 6 at 6 pm. After the service, a team of Prayer Companions will remain in the chancel area for a personal time of intercessory prayer. A dinner and fellowship time follows in the Meisel Room. Join us as we hold one another with the strength of the Lord.

Grief is overwhelming, unbearable, and often comes in waves. It is unpredictable in its depth and enormity. Death can also occur in

Parking is available at Orchestra Hall. RSVP to Deb Wagner ([email protected]).

Winter Coat Collection for Our Guests Every Saturday morning, approximately 30 men and women come to Westminster for coffee, conversation, and a respite from the weather. A dedicated team of volunteers, led by Bob Leick and including Dan Strom, Sam Folin, and Walt Melin, provides hospitality and resources on jobs, housing, and more. As cold weather approaches, Westminster will again collect winter coats for our Saturday morning guests. Last year we received 140 coats from members of our congregation as well as financial donations directed to this program.

Christmas Joy Offering by Doug Mitchell, Associate Pastor

During this season, we hear “the good news of great joy” that transformed the shepherds’ fear to joy. We live with the anticipation that once again the spirit of Christmas will be born in our hearts, that the love of God made known to us in the child of Bethlehem will be a reality in our lives and in our world. Because Advent and Christmas shine a light on our world’s greatest hope, the PC(USA) provides this timely opportunity for congregations to support causes that shine the One True Light of Christ’s love on those in need. The Christmas Joy Offering will be received on Westminster’s Christmas Festival Sunday, December 18. Half is distributed to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs that provide support to retired and active church workers and their spouses and families. The other half supports through scholarships and operating costs at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges. An envelope is in your packet for this offering. Please be generous in your support.

We need men’s coats in large sizes and new knit hats, gloves, and scarves. Look for the collection area in Heller Commons or near the main desk. Last year’s collection exceeded all expectations and was a testament to Westminster as a caring community. December 2016 | westminstermpls.org

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Stable Project to Benefit Nicollet Square Residents

by Marie Kruskop, Transitional Director of Children’s Ministries

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his year’s FYC Stable collection will benefit one of Westminster’s Community Partners. Nicollet Square has 42 studio apartments with supportive services designed for youth ages 16-21 who have experienced homelessness or who are exiting the foster care system. Residents are in need of a variety of items when setting

up their first apartment, ranging from bedding to kitchen items. When they arrive, they are able to “shop,” choosing items from the supply available. What can you give? For a list of specific items needed, visit the Stable during Advent or contact Marie Kruskop at mkrsukop@wpc-mpls. org. Collection will continue through Christmas Eve.

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Christmas Pageant by Wendy Ott, Church School Teacher

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hristmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, and it’s never too early to begin thinking about the Westminster Christmas Pageant! Once again, we will put our hearts and souls into our fabulous children’s production to carry on this wonderful, worshipful tradition. We are looking to hear from parents of kids of any age who would like to participate. We are actively casting roles for the production. We need angels, shepherds, sheep, wiseman, scholars and a king.  Please encourage your kids, both those who have participated in the past and those who have not yet joined in the fun!

followed by a carol sing. Promises to be a festive and fun evening for all! Adult leaders are also welcome to help corral the shepherds and sheep, the angels, the scholars, leading our younger actors and helping direct their “down time” between scenes. If this sounds like something you could help with, please let us know as soon as possible. This year promises to be fun!  All are welcome – sign up soon by e-mailing Wendy Ott at [email protected] or by phone at (612) 387-6408.

How are we going to rehearse during “Creative Time?” We will provide a light lunch for the kids in the production right after Sunday School on December 11th and 18th, allowing for a rehearsal from 11:45-1:45.  We will do a onetime read-through without costumes at Central Lutheran on Wednesday, December 21st at 6:30 pm December 2016 | westminstermpls.org

Continued from front page.

At 10:30 am worship, the Westminster Choir debuts a new arrangement of Amazing Grace by Latvian composer Eriks Esenvalds. “The melodies weave effortlessly through all the voice parts,” Tesfa explains. “It’s truly genius, this wonderful, shimmering veil of sound.” Esenvalds came to town this fall to conduct a workshop with the choir. Amazing Grace is complemented by Jacob Handl’s O Magnum Mysterium. December 11 Third Sunday in Advent Youth lead worship with lessons and carols, exploring the question “What did Mary sing?” This celebration with the children and youth choirs, and two instrumental ensembles—the Recorder Choir and Psalmists—promises to be a delight for all ages.

December 18 Fourth Sunday in Advent Festival Sunday offers two beloved pieces: Vivaldi’s Gloria, with a chamber orchestra anchored by Michael Sutton, and Clarence Dickinson’s What a Wonder, a longstanding Westminster tradition that has been sung every Advent season since 1939. December 24 | Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve, our children and youth, under the guidance of Brad Ollman and Ryan LaBoy, present their moving and memorable pageant at 4 pm, with the assistance of instrumental ensembles. Guitarist Jeffrey Van returns for Christmas Eve services at 8 and 10 pm.

December 25 |Christmas Christmas falls on a Sunday this year so Westminster will be open for business! Seminarian Madeline Hart-Andersen will lead worship, with many opportunities to sing the carols we love so much. “Westminster is fortunate beyond words to have so much talent and depth in its musical staff,” says Melanie. “Tesfa brings daily inspiration and great energy to his position. After ten years, Brad Ollman continues to amaze us with what he is able to do with and for so many children. Ryan LaBoy is building the thriving Abbies and intergenerational Psalmists groups. Add to that Barbara Prince and Mark Kieffer and you can understand why music is thriving at Westminster.”

Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather Coming to Westminster by Douglas Mitchell, Associate Pastor On December 11, Shelvis and Nancy will speak at 11:45 am in the Meisel Room about the current state of the Education and Peacebuilding Project in South Sudan. We will also have a chance to celebrate the birth of their new daughter, Nicole Kristi. We hear a lot about the violence of the war over political control in South Sudan, and this will be a chance to hear an update and ask questions you may have. This Project has been supported by the Mission Component of the Open Doors Open Futures Capital campaign.

December 2016 | westminstermpls.org

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January All-Church Book Read by Trish Van Pilsum, Adult Education Council

When Vivian Jenkins Nelsen and Doug Mitchell stood in the pulpit in August and called on us to join the urgent discussion surrounding race relations and white privilege we knew we must choose The Underground Railroad for this year’s all-church book read. The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead, is one of the most widely acclaimed books of the year. An imaginative and devastating exploration of the human costs of slavery, it challenges our comfortable misperception that those costs do not remain with us today. It is the story of Cora, who escapes from a Georgia cotton plantation via the Underground Railroad. This is not an easy book. Its content is challenging, even painful. But where better than in our church community to tackle it? Where else can we safely face and talk about this? We’re selling the book for $16.50 in the Heller Commons. I hope you’ll read it and join your Westminster friends in January for a time of learning, discussion and, ultimately, hope and healing.

Breathing Air to See the Sky by Margaret McCray, Westminster Counseling Center When I started seminary nearly 40 years ago I was drawn to many facets of ministry, except preaching. Speaking in public had always been a deeply terrifying experience for me. Then I found these lines from a poem by Marge Piercy that still to this day help calm my anxiety.

We live in an anxious world. Over the last ten years, I have watched the major complaint of most clients shift from depression to anxiety. During the same time, brain science has become a helpful tool in countering the debilitating symptoms of anxiety and trauma.

Hands unclench to touch you and the mind’s good sky will clear.

Simply taking a conscious breath can be a first line of defense against any emotional unease, breathing deeply in the through the nose and out through the mouth, then focusing attention on the breath for a minute or two. This triggers the brain’s amygdala to turn off the physiological defenses of fight or flight. The frontal lobe of the brain is then activated to think more positive thoughts and find the best way to address the situation.

(Marge Piercy, What to Chant Under my Breath, 1969)

Breathing is the most basic function of life, so it is not surprising

I will draw air deeply till my lungs unfold. My spine stands rippling like grass.

that these are the first words of the Hebrew (Old) Testament: “In the beginning…darkness covered the face of the deep and a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.” The Hebrew word for wind is ruach, which means breath, wind, spirit, and curiously, womb. Thus, the ”wind from God” carries implications of breathing, inspiring, and birthing – the necessities of creation. Winter calls us, even in our celebrations, to slow down. We have time, if we will take it, to breathe deeply, think creatively, and feel competent, compassionate, and connected. Whether we imagine the wind of God blowing over us, or the neurons of calm soothing us, we are breathing in the breath of hope, love and renewal.