http://www.wpcsf.org Westminster Presbyterian Church ~ Santa Fe, New Mexico Tue, 15 Jan 2013 22:06:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 Westminster Presbyterian Church ~ Santa Fe, New Mexico WPCSF.org no Westminster Presbyterian Church ~ Santa Fe, New Mexico http://www.wpcsf.org/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://www.wpcsf.org http://www.wpcsf.org/603/chill-be-still-and-know-7 http://www.wpcsf.org/603/chill-be-still-and-know-7#comments Thu, 24 May 2012 16:01:06 +0000 Mark Russell http://www.wpcsf.org/?p=603 http://www.wpcsf.org/603/chill-be-still-and-know-7/feed 0 Recorded Sunday, May 20th 2012 - Reverend Topple Preaching -   Recorded Sunday, May 20th 2012 - Reverend Topple Preaching   WPCSF.org no 27:22 http://www.wpcsf.org/451/may-farolito-2012 http://www.wpcsf.org/451/may-farolito-2012#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:10:25 +0000 Mark Russell http://www.wpcsf.org/?p=451 Continue reading →]]> http://www.wpcsf.org/451/may-farolito-2012/feed 0 VISTA DESDE EL PORTAL Som os D iscipulos Para Todas las N aciones Rev. Chester C. Topple “Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10) - How wonderful to see a number of newer faces in worship on Sund... VISTA DESDE EL PORTAL Som os D iscipulos Para Todas las N aciones Rev. Chester C. Topple “Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10) How wonderful to see a number of newer faces in worship on Sunday mornings. Average attendance in 2012 has been hovering between 70 and 80, which makes the sanctuary feel quite full. Worship has been clicking quite nicely, even in our unpredictableness. I overheard Ruth Simms--who’s been involved with this congregation to varying degrees for over 20 years--comment on a recent Sunday about the “incredible vitality” of the community. That’s awesome! Neat things are happening: God be Praised! But, with some of these realities come changes for our community. With the challenge of the apostle Paul in mind--loving one another with mutual affection and honoring one another--I want to make some suggestions to help us grow. Learn one another’s names. At recent meetings with people who have been more and longer involved with the church than many, I threw out some names of people who had been coming recently, many of whom regularly for months. I was met with a lot of blank stares. I want to challenge everyone, from the recent participant to the lifelong member, to make an effort to learn -- really learn -- the names of those with whom you’re worshipping. Nametags are a help, and a hindrance. They help us with new names, but may hinder us from really learning the name. During the passing of the peace, instead of only greeting those you usually greet, consider greeting someone whose name you do not know. You can use the line: “Hello, I don’t believe we’ve met yet, my name is Chester”-- just remember to substitute your name for mine :-). If you feel like you should know someones name, just say: “I’m so sorry, I know we’ve met, could you remind me of your name. Mine’s Chester.” A “not so good”question to ask is “Is this your first time at Westminster? Trust me, it can be really awkward if they’ve been around awhile and you have not. Consider where you sit. Do you welcome others on your pew? If you sit in the middle of the pew, that prevents someone looking for a seat from having to climb over you. It creates a space for people to feel welcomed. Invite someone to do something with you, be it church related, service related, or just to hang out. Pray about who this person or people might be; God will put someone on your heart. It’s amazing that just one shared experience may establish a bond that lasts for a lifetime. Some of us may feel like significant involvement with other church obligations limits our ability to connect with people - recent newcomers and old-timers alike. Yet, I believe, relationships in community are the reason we do church. Cutting back on other obligations to make room to grow in relationships may be necessary...and that’s okay. Consider those who aren’t around nearly as often as they once may have been. Where are they? What is happening in their lives? Maybe a phone call or a note could be all they need to be involved on a more consistent basis. See suggestion #3 above. If you’re someone who considers WPC your community of faith, but haven’t been around in a while, maybe reach out to someone you care for, just to check in. Finally, as a way of honoring one another--validate one another’s participation in the community as they choose to be involved. Avoid distinguishing: who is part of us and who is not. There are many ways people affiliate with any organization, and joining in membership is not the be all and end all in the 21st Century, even in the Presbyterian Church. Just because someone doesn’t come every (or any) Sunday morning at 11am, doesn’t mean they don’t care for and feel part of the community. Many people pray for and give money regularly to the community who are hardly ever around, even people who aren’t “members”. Some come religiously to only Thursday Taizé, WPCSF.org no http://www.wpcsf.org/433/weekend-update-april-20-2012 http://www.wpcsf.org/433/weekend-update-april-20-2012#comments Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:45:10 +0000 Bruce http://www.wpcsf.org/?p=433 http://www.wpcsf.org/433/weekend-update-april-20-2012/feed 0 Please click “Download” to download the PDF file. Please click “Download” to download the PDF file. WPCSF.org no http://www.wpcsf.org/428/born-to-be-wild http://www.wpcsf.org/428/born-to-be-wild#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:57:50 +0000 Mark Russell http://www.wpcsf.org/?p=428 Continue reading →]]> http://www.wpcsf.org/428/born-to-be-wild/feed 0 weekend update Friday, April 13th , 2012 - Queridos Todos: God's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God!" These words from Proverbs 3:5-7 (The Message Translation) are a reminder that Friday the 13th and all the wackiness ... Friday, April 13th , 2012 Queridos Todos: God's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God!" These words from Proverbs 3:5-7 (The Message Translation) are a reminder that Friday the 13th and all the wackiness associated with it--ain't got nothing on us! Nor do any other days for that matter which may be full of the unpredictable moments of confusion and feeling lost! What a relief that in all things we can trust in God! Think of one time this week in which something happened which left you a little baffled ... look back on it and trust in God. And this day, from the bottom of your heart, no matter what happens, listen for God's voice at all times. God's peace be with us all. -Chester El FAROLITO DEADLINE – this coming THURSDAY, APRIL 19th. Electronic Copy preferred, if possible! This Sunday, April 15th 11:00 – Worship Sermon title: “Born To Be Wild” Mark 11: 1-11 Rev. Chester Topple preaching Thursday, 11:30 am Bible Study Thursday, 5:30 pm Taizé: Worship in Song Friday, 7:30 am Centering Prayer Next Sunday, April 22nd 11:00 – Worship Rev. Chester Topple preaching Join the PEACE & JUSTICE group’s study, entitled “Steadfast Hope”. Facilitated by Phoebe Girard the last meeting is this Sunday, April 15 . The program seeks new understanding of the conflict in Israel-Palestine. th ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ BIBLE STUDY in Spanish – “El Evangelio Según Marcos” – will resume meeting on April 22 . Consuelo Walker is leading this Bible Study 9:15 AM. Participants should bring a bilingual or Spanish Bible. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ nd "Also on April, 22nd, Please join AGAPE FAST for a delicious bowl of soup as we explore ways in which we can help make life better here in Santa Fe for many Santa Feans in need." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CUBA PARTNERSHIP VISIT: The Missio Committees of Westminster and First Presbyterian are planning a partnership visit to the Presbyterian- Reformed Church in Cuba for November 1-11, 2012. Those interested in participating should contact Dean Lewis for details at [email protected]. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Interested in training to work for peace? A $500 scholarship is available (until 16 April) to attend a workshop 4/26-29 in Stony Point, NY. "Waging Peace in a Time of Empire" is sponsored by the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship. It will be a working meeting for peacemakers, organizers and activists from across the church to plan together for effective advocacy and action. The cost of $320 includes meals and lodging for 3 nights. For details and registration check www.presbypeacefellowship.org. Erik Mason ([email protected]) also has further information. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "Justice for Immigrants: Learning the Issues and Becoming Advocates" looks like a great excuse to spend a week at Ghost Ranch this summer, July 23-29. The seminar will be lead by Julia Thorne, who has worked as a foreign student advisor, college instructor, campus minister and private immigration attorney, and who is now Manager of Immigration Issues for the PC(USA) in Louisville. For additional info, check ghostranch.org or call the Registrar at (505) 685-4333, ext 4155. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SCHOLARSHIPS available for upcoming Ghost Ranch Courses. See the flyer on the bulletin board, or email the office to have it sent to you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MENAUL SCHOOL FUNDRAISER – Cinco de Mayo Prime Rib dinner and Dance! – see flyer on the bulletin board. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – Mark calendars NOW – June 11-15 th ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CAMP CORAZONES – July 26-29 at Camp Stoney Conference Center is looking for Counselor volunteers. See Chester (or the bulletin board) for more information. Oremos por: Phoebe Girard; Rev. Ray Masterson; Libby Naranjo; Marilyn Penner; Leroy Dominguez; Sherl WPCSF.org no http://www.wpcsf.org/417/the-heaven-on-earth-project http://www.wpcsf.org/417/the-heaven-on-earth-project#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:27:54 +0000 Reverend Topple http://www.wpcsf.org/?p=417 http://www.wpcsf.org/417/the-heaven-on-earth-project/feed 0 A Systemic Overhaul, pt 1 - by Reverend Topple A Systemic Overhaul, pt 1 by Reverend Topple WPCSF.org no 18:13 http://www.wpcsf.org/408/distributive-justice http://www.wpcsf.org/408/distributive-justice#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:59:13 +0000 Reverend Topple http://www.wpcsf.org/?p=408 http://www.wpcsf.org/408/distributive-justice/feed 0 justice,podcast,sermon "Distributive Justice" by Reverend Topple "Distributive Justice" by Reverend Topple WPCSF.org no 31:32