The Vine November 18, 2007

"I am the vine,       you are the branches..."

                      Annual Meeting
                 of the Congregation
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation is today in the sanctuary immediately following 10:30 a.m. worship. The agenda includes nomination and election of officers, presentation of information on the working budget for 2008, and review of the pastors' compensation. The Annual Corporation Meeting is also part of the agenda. The Annual Meeting is very important in the life of our church. Every one is urged to attend.

       "Living A Life That Matters" Art Show
Westminster's small groups invite you to view their art today near the east entrance! Each art project represents each group's unique experience during our fall study, "Living a Life That Matters."

Dec. 2        5:00 p.m.    "C" is for Christmas
Dec. 9      10:30 a.m. Children's Musical- "Journey to
                                       Bethlehem"
Dec. 16    10:30 a.m. Selections from "Messiah"
                                       accompanied by Giambelli String Quartet
                     7:30 p.m.  Taizé
Dec. 24    Christmas Eve services:
                  3:00 p.m.   Worship with Christmas Bells and
                                       Instrumentalists
                  5:00 p.m.  Worship with Nebraska Brass,
                                     All Children's Choirs (Cherub, Alleluia!
                                     Amen!, Salt & Light), and Youth Bells
                  9:00 p.m.  Worship with Nebraska Brass,
                                     Westminster Brass, Westminster Choir,
                                     Westminster Carillon

          Prophetic Voices - Fellowship Hall A
During November we have a series of seminars focusing on prophecy in biblical times and modern day issues that share a prophetic voice with the past.

Today: Megan Winchell, Assistant Professor of History at
               Nebraska Wesleyan University - "Martin Luther King, Jr.
                and Malcolm X: Prophetic Voices in African American
                History."

Westminster Bible Class - 9:00 a.m.-Sundays -Parlor
                Westminster Bible Class uses the Presbyterian
                publication, The Present Word and is now studying
                how God created a people in the Old Testament book
                of Genesis. Guest presenter for the class today is
                Pastor J.P. Carlson, Eastridge Presbyterian Church.

"CROSSROADS"
Sundays - 9:00 a.m. - Library
These young adults (18-30's) invite you to join them
                  every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the library.
                  November has brought a new study addressing
                  several issues...the first being OUR PURPOSE. Best-                  seller lists, song lyrics, institutional mission       
                  statements, and movies all indicate that we
                  increasingly think about this idea of purpose. Well-
                  established traditions, cultural patterns, and social
                  routines make us think we've answered this
                  question...but every new generation must answer this
                  question for itself.   

          Thanksgiving Taizé Service in Chapel
Music, silence, scripture, prayer and candles await you at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the chapel. Prepare yourself for the week and the holiday by attending this contemplative worship experience. The liturgists will be Marilyn and Bill Palmer. The music will be provided by Darin Anderson, David Anderson, Jon Jackson, Masako Nakamura, Boyd Bacon.

"Spiritual Care for the Caregiver"                   Thursday, November 29, 7 p.m.
Caregivers find themselves torn in several directions as the world around them prepares for Christmas. Being a caregiver for someone who is ill, someone who needs daily support and care, whether family member or friend, seems overwhelming. Rev. Lowell Knauss, Interim Executive Presbyter for Homestead Presbytery will offer thoughtful support and guidance for caregivers. Anyone who longs for time for their own spiritual nurture during Advent is invited and encouraged to join others of like mind in growing spiritually as we begin our Advent journey.

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Join us for carols, crafts, cookies and chili as we celebrate the beginning of Advent December 2^nd at 5:00 p.m.

Groups, committees and ministry teams are invited to provide a pot of chili for the event. Bring your family and friends for this great time of fun and fellowship!

MUSICIANS WANTED - If you would like to share your gift of music at Westminster's Christmas gathering "C" IS FOR CHRISTMAS, please contact Masako (475-6702 or md@westminsterlincoln.org). Young performers are encouraged - any instruments or singing!

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Westminster Club, a fellowship group for our senior members, will meet Tuesday, Nov. 27^th, at 5:45 p.m. in Cole Hall for a catered dinner. Barbara McCall will present the program, "What You Don't Know about People's City Mission." Plan to join us for an evening of good food and an interesting program.

    Westminster Preschool Selling Pie Certificates
Westminster Preschool is selling Village Inn Pie Certificates today and each Sunday through December 10^th in the Garden Room. They are a great gift to give someone or to use yourself instead of baking a pie! http://www.westminsterlincoln.org

 

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          Youth Group Tonight
6:00  ® Senior High Youth meet at
                 Westminster for a scavenger hunt

           ® Middle School Youth meet at Westminster

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         Men's Tuesday Fellowship Breakfasts
All men, any age are invited to join the Westminster men each Tuesday morning as they gather for food, fellowship, and a program. Continental breakfast is at 6:45 ($2 and FREE for First Timers), and a program at 7:00. We dismiss by 8:00. This Tuesday Rev. Ellen Davis will present a Bible study.
 

            "Simply Wait"
Cultivating Stillness in the Season of Advent
During Advent do you find yourself trying to cram some semblance of anticipation and waiting into the season with an eye on the clock? Do you spend Advent out of breath from details of a Christmas that hasn't yet taken place? You know you need to focus on the spiritual aspects of Advent to internalize the experience of the season.

Join us in the parlor Wednesdays Nov. 28^th - Dec. 19^th at 6:30 p.m. to reflect on the readings of "Simply Wait" as we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child. Or join one of the small groups during Advent or use the book at home. You'll come out of the four weeks centered, rested and spiritually renewed. Contact Kathy Collins or Ellen Davis for more information. Books are available in the Garden Room for $10 each. Make your Advent Journey one of anticipation and renewal.

College Student Care Packages Children, Youth and Families Ministry would like to remind our college students that while they may be gone they are certainly not forgotten. As finals approach and energy is low, a Care Package from Westminster might be just the thing that gets them through.

Please help us make this a reality by donating non-refrigerated foods (granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, candy, juice boxes, hot cocoa mix, etc) and gift certificates for fast food and coffee. In order to get the Care Packages out in a timely manner, all donations must be at the church by Sunday, November 25^th. Questions? Please call Sarah Boehler, 326-8360.

What does Westminster mean to you? Take that thought and remember that the Second Century Campaign is about bringing that gift to the next generation.

21^st Annual ST. NICK ProjectA WESTMINSTER ‘CHRISTMAS' TRADITION

Westminster has celebrated many traditions through its 100 years, and we're proud that the St. Nick Project has been a Westminster "Christmas" tradition for the past 20 years...2007 is our 21^st year!

Through participation in St. Nick, many of our youth (& adults) have grown up learning about less fortunate families in rural Nebraska...many whose lives have been effected by health issues, parents loss of jobs, family abuse, and so many more life changing situations. Our Westminster families are given the opportunity to sign up to purchase gifts (approx. $25.00) for one or several of these rural individuals. A brief history will be mailed to you before December 1^st, which will tell you a little about the family and provide gift choices for each individual. Over the years, Westminster has provided gifts for over 8,100 people in 157 small communities across the state. The needs are often very basic and become a reality check for those of us creating our own ‘wish list'.

Our goal this year is to purchase gifts for 500 people. Your participation can make it happen! How can you help? Here's how…

Sign up in the Garden Room through November 25^th to purchase gifts.
 

Provide a financial gift to the project. (Write your check to Westminster and memo it ‘St. Nick'.)

Drop off ‘stocking stuffers', gift wrap, ribbon, gift boxes and tape at the church office. (Be sure to put your name on them so we know who to thank!)
 

Return your purchased gifts to the church office by Sunday, December 16^th. (Again, make sure your name is on it!)
 

And by all means….be sure to join us for the -

ST. NICK GIFT WRAPPING PARTY
6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 18^th
Fellowship Hall

Thank You for your continued support! For more information, contact Teri Nelson at 423-0986 or Freda Gregg at 423-3236.

        SIGN UP TODAY IN THE GARDEN ROOM!

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TODAY Last Day to Purchase Tickets!

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Join Westminster for a private showing of this NEW family movie starring Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman and Justin Bateman. Saturday November 24^th 10:00am The Grand Theatre  $6/person in advance. Tickets are available in the Garden Room.

"C" IS FOR CHRISTMAS
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2007 5:00-7:00

Don't miss this multi-generational event!

Carols, Crafts, Cookies, and Chili! Sample up to 20 different kinds made by groups from around the church. Faith Village will submit "Children's Chili" for tasting, too! Westminster musicians will delight us with holiday selections.

Advent Art
With Jana Sesow

Saturdays December 8, 15, and 22. 9:00-10:30
In Faith Village
for 2nd-5th graders $25/child

Children will be exposed to stories of Advent and will express themselves artistically to create a truly meaningful work of art. Jana is a Lincoln native and local artist. She has worked with Westminster children at Creative Arts Camp for 2 years. Her work can be seen around town and at wwww.janasewow.com

Look for registration forms in the wall rack at the top of the east stairs or contact Betsy for more information. Betsy@westminsterlincoln.org

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Serving Today:

USHERS: Jenny Amend, Rob Baltensperger, Roberta Bergeron, Bob Dawson, Penny Ford, Dorrie Gage, Keith Garrett, Todd Peterson, Mike Rasmussen, Peggy Rasmussen.
DEACONS: Harry Wimer, Brian Lammers, Kevin Bryson
GREETERS: Bob Michaud/Eliza Sams

HOSTS: Bob and Jean Carol Murphy/Shelley Kuzma

ACOLYTES: Blythe and Charlotte Guyer

CHURCH SACRAMENTS The next communion will be November 25^th. Baptism will be December 16^th, please call Marge 475-6702, by November 21^st.

Worshipers are Invited to join in a time of hospitality and Christian fellowship before and after 10:30 a.m. worship. Coffee, juice and donut holes are provided by Food and Festivities Ministry in the Garden Room.