The Vine October 7, 2007

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


     Bread and Juice
    for Communion
On the plate with the communion bread is a paper cup with bitesize crackers. These rice crackers are for people with allergies to wheat, corn or have gluten intolerance issues so they too may participate in the sacraments. The juice served during communion is made with natural fruit juice with no sugar added.


Commitment Sunday
Today is Commitment Sunday. Thank you to all who have turned in your 2008 pledge cards or are turning them in today.

As we continue to celebrate our stewardship theme, "Walking in the Light of God," Westminster Deacons are offering brunch in Fellowship Hall at 9:00 a.m. for the 8 o'clock worshipers. Please enter Fellowship Hall through the northwest door and use the serving line provided at that entrance.

Following 10:30 worship, lunch will be offered along with the Children's Music Fest. Children and parents are asked to enter Fellowship Hall through the northwest door and proceed through that serving line. Others are asked to please enter the serving lines in the Garden Room, then proceed into Fellowship Hall. There will be a free will offering. Everyone is welcome!

 
On the Calendar
Today      
World Communion, Commitment Sunday
            9:00 a.m.  
Brunch for 8:00 a.m. worshipers
         10:30 a.m.   
Communion,
         11:45 a.m.   
Children's Choir Fest/Luncheon
           6:00 p.m.
Youth Group

Oct. 14
      Pumpkinfest
         10:30 a.m.
Kindergarten Bibles, Preschool sings
                             Commissioning of Lohmen travelers
         11:45 a.m.
Lohmen luncheon, games
         12:30 p.m.
Senior High Youth-UNL Ropes Course
           6:00 p.m.
Middle School Youth Group
   

We welcome Jeff Richmond as our trumpet soloist this morning. He is the Emerson Doctoral Fellow in composition at UNL. His music has been heard at the 2005 North American Saxophone Alliance regional conference, the MasterCard Alamo Bowl half-time show, various DCI Shows, and at Cornhusker football games. His music has been played by the Florida Orchestra, professional jazz groups, and many high school bands.

As a trumpet player, Jeff has played lead trumpet for big bands around the country as well as on the recently released CD Minimal Effort by UNL's Jazz Ensemble 1.

Youth to Sell Holiday Greens
Holiday Greens go on sale in the Garden Room today and each Sunday in October. Plan now to order your holiday greens from the Senior High Youth Group. They will be available for pick up the weekend of November 25.
 
2007 Church Budget Pledge Report
2007 Paid to Date 2007 Total Pledged % of Pledged
Paid to Date
$544,210 $777,608 69.99%

Adult Education
Sunday Mornings

Understanding Torture
Adult Education is tackling the issue of torture in October. We will seek to understand the history and definitions of torture, how the Presbyterian church views torture, the experiences of the tortured and the rationale of the torturer. In investigating we will read Elie Wiesel's Dawn, a book that follows his Night and seeks to understand the role of torturer.

Today - History of Torture - 9:00 a.m. in the Lounge
         
In this seminar, Dr. Ari Kohen, Assistant Professor of
          Political Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and
          author of In Defense of Human Rights, will provide an
          introduction to torture. We will investigate the history of
          torture as well as the definitions of torture and explain the
          complexities of this political and social issue.

Oct 14 - The FIRST Project-9:00 a.m. in the Lounge
         
FIRST project is an organization dedicated to the recovery
          of torture victims. Please join director Dr. Maria Prendes-
          Lintel
who will help us understand the emotional trauma of
          a torture victim.

Oct 21-Torture in the Church-9:00 a.m.,Fellowship Hall A
         
Incidents of torture are frequent in the Bible from David's
          torture of the Hittites to the crucifixion of Jesus to the
          suffering of Paul and Stephen. Yet the modern church
          condemns incidents of torture, and the United States
          believes torture is necessary to insure its security. Join Mr.
          Jake Hoy-Elswick
as we try to grasp this very complex
          history.

Oct. 28 - Dawn -9:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall A
         
In this final class of the month, join Jerry Johnston for an
          in depth discussion of Elie Wiesel's Dawn where he
          fictionalizes his character from Night and places him in the
          role of a torturer. How can a person suffer the horrors of the
          Holocaust and turn into a political torturer?

Westminster Bible Class - 9:00 a.m.-Sundays -Parlor
          Westminster Bible Class follows the weekly Bible Study
          series, THE PRESENT WORD. We welcome visitors and
          new members. Leading the study today is Dr. John
          Richmond.

New friendships and insights are yours in
"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 for Bible study,
            great discussions, and Christian fellowship!
            "Crossroads" is now studying Living A Life That Matters,
            by Harold S. Kushner. We invite you to join us
            and become part of
"Crossroads."

Join Us for WOW
Join us for dinner on Wednesday nights from 5:50 - 6:30 p.m. in
Cole Hall. Cost is $2.50 per person or $10.00 maximum per family. Then plan to attend choir rehearsal, a small group meeting, the Knit Together class or our Wednesday Adult Education class.

The Adult Education class scheduled for October 10th is "Recipe for a Happy Marriage." On October 17th and 24th the class will be, "Hackers, Crackers, and Worms...Oh my." Everyone is welcome to attend!

Giving often requires sacrifice and
determination. Stay determined to stay on
track to fulfill your Second Century pledge.
God is determined to bless Westminster for
the gifts we bestow upon God.

November Newsletter Deadline
It's time to submit your articles for the November newsletter, The Second Century Messenger. Please email your articles to jean@westminsterlincoln.org by Monday, October 15th.
 
Journeying Together:
Westminster's New Member Class

If you are interested in becoming a member of Westminster and would like to attend the next new member class, please mark the ritual of friendship pad during worship, speak to Dr. McDonald or Rev. Dingman, or call Marge at 475-6702. The next 3 week class begins October 28th at 9:00 a.m.

Men's Tuesday Fellowship Breakfasts
Each Tuesday a group of Westminster men gather for food, fellowship and a program. A Continental breakfast is at 6:45 a.m., followed by a program at 7:00. We dismiss by 8:00. This week the program, "Lake Restoration in Nebraska," will be presented by Paul Brakhage, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. All men, any age are welcome!

                        Pumpkinfest
On October 14th the Lohmen group and CYF invite you to activities, lunch and an opportunity to purchase fall decorations. (Including Penny Ford's smashing painted pumpkins!) Start thinking about baked goods, gourds, cattails, bittersweet or other items you might be able to contribute. Look for more information on the Branch insert today.

NEBRASKA BRASS CONCERT
October 14, 3 p.m. at Westminster
"AMERICAN TRIBUTE"
Nebraska Brass will perform a program of all American works, featuring a new composition, "Purcell Changes" by UNL's dynamic composer-in-residence, Randy Snayder. Discount coupons for $2 are available at the receptionist's desk for Westminster's congregation. (or contact Boyd or Masako, 475-6702x111 or md@westminsterlincoln.org) Children and students are free. Take advantage and enjoy the great brass concert!

Serving Today:
USHERS:
Matt Bergmeyer, John Hergert, Cliff Holletelle, Marcia Hollestelle, Lesley Jaggers, Jenny Larson, Steve Larson, Alyssa McBride, Gage Parker, Sarah Parker, George Schell, Mary Lois Schell.
DEACONS:
Kevin Bryson, Brian Lammers, Harry Wimer
GREETERS:
Rich Nolte/Kay Ballard
HOSTS:
Larry and Judy Ehlers/Jane Allman
ACOLYTES:
Quinn Van Dyke-Ries/Jordyn Champoux


CHURCH SACRAMENTS
The next communion will be
November 7th. Baptism will be November 11th, please call
Marge 475-6702, by October 10th.

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

Westminster Presbyterian Church
2110 Sheridan Blvd. Lincoln, Nebraska
Ph. 402-475-6702; Fax: 475-3148
www.westminsterlincoln.org
Pastor Reverend Dr. Andrew L. McDonald, x 110
Associate Pastor Reverend Sara Dingman, x 116
Parish Associate Reverend Ellen Davis, x117
Business Administrator Cheryl Rennick, x 105
Director of Fine Arts Boyd Bacon, x 111
Associate Director of Music and Fine Arts  Dr. Masako Nakamura, x 111
Preschool Director JoEllen Beil, x 103
Director of Children's Ministries Betsy Guyer, x 104
Director of Middle School Youth Jessica Reid, x 107
Administrative Secretary Marge Tomlinson, x 102
Receptionist/Secretary Jean Kutscher, x 101
Custodians/Maintenance Edina Bilic, Richard Gruenemeyer, Mehmedalija Plicanic