The Vine May 11, 2008

Today: A Pearlington Update -  Come learn about the current
          state of Pearlington and the most recent experiences of
          our mission team. 

May 18: First Response  - Learn about the role of The
           American Red Cross (first responders to natural
           disaster since 1881) in aiding victims of current disasters.

May 25: Reducing Risk through Hazardous Waste: 
          Hazardous Materials from Management to Disaster
          A forgotten component of disaster recovery is the clean-up
          of hazardous waste materials. Dan King will provide us
          with an overview of how these materials hurt clean-up
         efforts and threaten our health. 

First Aid Class - Westminster is offering a First Aid class Wednesday, May 14^th at 6:30 p.m. in Cole Hall, following the WOW dinner. You may sign up at the Adult Education table in the garden room, or in the church office. Please pay for the course ($30) when you sign-up.

    Humanitarian Rights in Tibet - Wed., May 21^st
Since the lighting of the Olympic torch in Greece on March 24, this year's Olympic Games have been fraught with controversy. Crowds have swarmed the routes, some shouting China-centric slogans as a reminder of Tibet's long struggle for freedom from the People's Republic of China. Concern has been expressed over what the controversy will mean for this year's Olympic Games.

Join us for this class May 21 at 6:30 p.m. as we look at the history of Tibet and China and the struggle of Tibetans for more freedom. We'll also discuss the issue of whether focusing on the human rights record of the host country of an international sports event meant to bring people of the world together is appropriate or not.

Attention Runners -
Join the Westminster Team and Run for Charity This year Westminster would like to form teams to run in the 30th Annual Havelock Charity Run, Saturday, June 7th starting at 8:00 a.m. We would like to form a 10K (6.2 miles) and/or a 3 K (1.86 miles) team. Each team consists of at least 5 members. We can use your help to raise $50.00 for a charity, or if we beat the Havelock Team, they will donate $75.00 to our favorite charity. The Havelock Charity Run is the 3rd event of the Kid's Grand Prix.The entry fee is $15.00 and registration needs to be postmarked by May 17th. There will be a sign up in the Garden Room or contact Bob Michaud at 423-7046 or bmich4@neb.rr.com.

          We're Going on a Picnic!
Pack your lunch, your sense of wonder, maybe a few children, and don't tell the ants! On Sunday June 8th we'll be caravanning to Spring Creek Prairie to picnic and share some family-friendly activities in the great outdoors. Spring Creek offers the convenience of a picnic area, restrooms, and a gift shop, with the beauty of native tallgrass prairie. Watch for more details and a chance to sign up in the Garden Room on May 25th and June 1^st.

      2^nd Annual Book Sale
It's Spring at last (I hope!) Has the Spring cleaning bug bitten you? August and Genesis Sunday will be here before you know it, which means the 2^nd Annual Book Sale for the Westminster Library. While you're cleaning (or not, as the case may be) keep an eye out for any items you might like to donate - bring them in, leave them in the library, and I'll do the rest. Questions? Call Martha Kingsbury at 304-7052.