February 2014
Glorify God. Follow Christ. Transform Lives.
Special Feature: Westminster Woods Celebrates 50 Years!
The Interlude by Dr. Hank Lederle, Minister An interlude is defined as an intervening period of time. Here at Eastminster we have used the word “interim” so often that I thought we would call the period between the departure of Pastor Bob and the arrival of Pastor Stan “the interlude” instead. In the Latin it actually refers to the period of play between events. So let us approach this time with joy and playfulness! “The joy of the Lord is our strength” Nehemiah 8:10. We do need a lot of strength for this transitional time to stay the course, remain faithful and prepare ourselves for our new Senior Pastor, Dr. Stan Van Den Berg, or Pastor Stan (as he prefers to be called).
with his Ph.D. thesis at Oxford University on Reformed political theology in sixteenth century Belarus/Lithuania on Andreas Volanus. Bruce has a special interest in Belarus (White Russia) and is deeply committed to the “New Reformation” movement in Belarus, reaching young leaders with the gospel and training them for Christian service in society. Through the work of ITEN Bruce organizes theological training abroad so that indigenous leaders will be equipped to reach unengaged people groups. There are at least 10 training centers or seminaries across the globe where such teaching could take place. In his capacity of head of ITEN Rev. Anderson is actually the new boss of Pastor Bob (Hopper)! I met Bruce at a mission conference in Memphis last year and think the world of him. I am very excited that he has found the time to visit us at Eastminster. Don’t miss the services on March 2!
This interlude provides some unique opportunities. Pastor Paul preached a two-week series on First John 1 and I believe he plans to continue with expository sermons from this epistle whenever it is opportune. I followed up with two sermons on the biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit who is often considered the “neglected member of the Trinity.” I hope to teach a Sunday class series on the Spirit soon since two sermons can hardly scratch the surface of this great topic. To be truly trinitarian (and not just binitarian) we need to honor all three Persons of the Trinity. John Calvin was known as “the theologian of the Holy Spirit.” His famous handbook on theology, The Institutes of the Christian Religion consists of four parts – Book I on God the Father and the doctrine of creation, Book II on God the Son and the doctrine of redemption, and then Books III and IV on God the Holy Spirit and the doctrine of salvation in individual believers (III), and the doctrine of the Church (IV). The father of Reformed Theology certainly did not neglect the Spirit.
To dig a little deeper – the -lude part of the word interlude comes from the Latin ludere which means “to play.” Further connotations of meaning for this term are “to act,” “to dance with joy,” or “to be playful together.” I want to link this to the doctrine of the Trinity (God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit). In the sixth century in the history of Trinitarian doctrine the playful concept perichoresis was introduced to express the beautiful idea that the Persons of the Trinity shared in, “a community of being.” While distinct from one another, there was a playful mutuality that could be compared to dancing together. The theological term perichoresis is directly connected to our modern word choreography, which of course refers to the art of designing the movements of dancers! The analogy behind these ideas is the joyful dance of the Father, Son and Spirit sharing in the divine life in deep communion and loving fellowship. In more recent theological reflection the Persons of the Trinity are connected to the social community and mutuality of believers who share in eternal life together. Second Peter 1:3, 4 speaks of God’s precious promises through which we as followers of Christ, “participate in the divine nature.” In verse 3:17 the prophet Zephaniah expresses a remarkable closeness between the Lord and believers, “the Lord, your God is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.”
In February and March we will have some new faces in the pulpit – our Director of Discipleship, Ben Marquez, and our Director of Membership Development, Warren Snyder. We will also hear from Matt Jaderston, Director of Student Ministries. Pastor Paul will start off the seven Sundays of Lent on March 9. We will also welcome a guest preacher, the Rev. Bruce Anderson on March 2. Rev. Anderson is the coordinator for ITEN which is the International Theological Education Network of the EPC. In this position he plays a crucial role in the World Outreach work of our denomination. Bruce and Ellie are from Kempsville Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach. He is practically finished
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Perhaps this line of thinking can help us recapture and re-appropriate some insights from our Reformed heritage that may be neglected because they represent an intimacy with God that seems a little excessive to our more rational modern and scientific mindset. Let us not forget that the Westminster Confession itself speaks in similar vein, “the chief aim and purpose of human life is to glorify God and enjoy him forever (emphasis added).”
He continues, “leaders need to rediscover the fundamental need and genuine joy of living and leading in step with the Spirit” (p. 19). (Keeping in step with the Spirit is a reference to Galatians 5:25.)
However, in the Spirit’s gradual and ongoing work of sanctification in our lives we are called to cooperate and be actively involved. This entails trusting in God’s promises, resisting temptation, striving after holiness, forgiving offenses, believing, loving our neighbors and enemies, fighting for justice and peace, ripening the fruit of the Spirit, teaching and admonishing one another, praying for the sick, caring for the poor, etc., etc. Faith may be a gift, but it is also a task to which we are called! Twentieth century Dutch Reformed theologian, A.A. van Ruler, explains this in a helpful phrase: the work of the Spirit is to set us to work!
This statement by Brad Long is truly an agenda for the spiritual renewal of the Church – something close to the heart of Pastor Stan! Do not misunderstand the terminology of a “divine-human dance of cooperation” from the quotation above. We need to distinguish between the work of Christ and the work of the Spirit. Human beings do not cooperate with God in our redemption. What can we add to the merits of Christ on the cross? Not one iota! He did it all – in our place and for our sake. His saving work of justification is once-for-all, perfect and complete.
Thank you for indulging me in a bit of theological reflection. It is an occupational hazard of appointing a college teacher in the church. Please join in our “interlude” to prepare for our new senior pastor. We can do this by learning the steps to walk by faith, joining the Lord of the dance (as the old Shaker hymn invites us), stirring up the gifts of the Spirit in us … and glorifying God the Father, following Jesus the Son, and transforming lives through the power of the Spirit of the Lord.
In a book published in 2009 and titled Growing the Church in the Power of the Holy Spirit Brad Long of Presbyterian–Reformed Ministries International declares: “The kingdom of God grows numerically and in its transforming impact when churches learn to join in a divine-human dance of cooperation with the activity of the Holy Spirit.”
Be Transformed at Presbyterian Pilgrimage March 6 – 9, Canyon Camp in Hinton, Okla.; $225/person. Registration deadline: February 23 Presbyterian Pilgrimage, the weekend retreat that has been described as “a honeymoon with God,” is coming up March 6 – 9. This spiritual renewal for adult singles or couples can transform the way you engage your church, your family and your work. The weekend is both fun and inspiring, filled with uplifting talks, praise-filled music, lively fellowship and quiet moments. Some Eastminster members have already signed up to attend and group transportation can be arranged. For more information, contact Joan Bender at 644.2213. Register on Sunday mornings in Fellowship Hall or pick up a registration form at the church kiosks. Informational Meeting & Lunch: February 16, 12:30 p.m. in Room C-13/14
February Special Events
View recurring events in the Winter Guide or online at eastminster.org/calendar.
7-8 9 13 14-16
Women’s Conference 2014: Let.It.Go. Sanctuary Coffee Connection New! 10:30 – 10:45 a.m.; Fellowship Hall
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Fifth Grade Faith Journey Event 9:30 a.m.; LL-11 High School Winter Retreat Westminster Woods !
Dodgeball Danger for Boys & Dads 6:30 – 8 p.m.; Gym
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Newcomers Luncheon New 12:15 p.m.; C-13-14 No HS Youth Group tonight
Middle School Retreat Westminster Woods
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Marriage Retreat February 28 – March 2; Kansas City Eastminster Presbyterian Church
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for the love of the Woods Westminster Woods celebrates 50 years of memories, friendships and life transformations.
Westminster Woods, located in Fall River, Kan., is a place woven through the stories of many Eastminster members’ lives. Known fondly as the Woods, it has been a place of refuge, peace, learning and transformation for the past halfcentury. It has been host to retreat after retreat, with countless chapel meetings, worship sessions, quiet times and flag football games. Eastminster has long been one of the Woods’ greatest supporters, holding most of our many retreats there, financially and prayerfully supporting its work, and partnering with current camp directors, Brian and Diane Wheeler, who are members here. As the camp enters its 50th year, we want to honor and celebrate this wondrous place God has used to mold so many lives and relationships. Several of our members shared memories and stories from their time at the Woods, and we look forward to the anniversary celebration coming this October (see page 12).
Gordon MacLeod God has changed my life so much through Westminster Woods. I started attending retreats when I was in sixth grade. As a middle schooler I looked up to my counselors and mentors. They were the coolest people I knew. As a high schooler I became a counselor and continued on into my adulthood. I think that we as a church are called to enable the next generation. Without young people, the Church will die out. That is why it was always important for me to be involved at Westminster Woods. In the summer they have a Leadership Development Program that allows high school students to come for a week and participate with the counselors there and learn from them. To me it is incredibly important for kids to be given a chance in leadership and to mentor younger believers and non-believers.
A funny memory I have was when I was a counselor and found a tick in my hair during cabin time. Being the mature counselor that I was, I quickly brought all discussion to a halt so my co-counselor could remove the tick. He was a pastor from a Presbytery of Southern Kansas church and he was also a humanitarian. He took the tick outside to let it go but while he was doing that, one of the kids found a tick on them. I removed it and flushed it before my co-counselor had returned. Ticks are unwelcome but prevalent guest at the Woods! At the Woods you get away from the fast-paced way of life. It truly is back to nature. There are so many places you can go there if you want some peace and a place to talk to God or to talk with someone about God. That was true for me many years ago and now when I go as a volunteer cook. I just feel like I leave the tensions and struggles of regular life at the gate when I get there and I just enjoy the beauty and the quiet of the Woods.
Susan Heitmann
God really grew me in my early years at the Woods. With my responsibilities as director, he stretched me and pulled me and forced me to rely on him as I never had before. I grew tremendously in my faith while I served there. I have also met some incredible people there over the years who challenged me in my faith. Now as a mom, I love to go there as a cook and participate in chapel. It thrills my heart to see all the students jumping and praising the Lord during the music time and thumbing through their Bibles and taking notes during the teaching. It is exciting to see all these students be passionate about the Lord.
My major time at the Woods was in the 1980s when I was 18 to 26. I was a camper one year, a volunteer counselor off and on over four years, and then the first paid camp director for two
It was especially exciting for me to see my son, Neal, out there as the chapel speaker for PSK camps in 2012, 24 years after I was
One of my favorite memories was on a summer retreat. I went around to all the cabins and woke everyone up with the bagpipes playing Scotland The Brave. There were some kids that weren’t very happy, but a lot woke up with a big grin on their face.
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years, so I spent a lot of time out there especially those last two summers. At the end of every camp, just minutes before we loaded the bus, we would gather in the woods in a huge circle with our arms crossed holding hands. We would have a few minutes of time to share, a prayer, and then sing the WMW camp song. Then we would turn outward without breaking the circle (if we had crossed our arms correctly) ready to go share with the world what we had learned that week. It was a very emotional and meaningful time for everyone both in the circle and as we said our farewells till we would meet again.
Eastwind Newsletter
in leadership at WMW. He attended many retreats and camps at the Woods through Eastminster when he was in middle and high school. The Woods became a special place to him as well. Our family now has two generations greatly affected and influenced by the people and the spirit of Westminster Woods.
Mary Stephens My relationship with Westminster Woods began shortly after my initial affiliation with Eastminster through Single Direction, the singles group at the time. Retreats included great times of worship in the old chapel, wonderful teaching and testimonies, long walks throughout the property, turns at kitchen duty, quiet times before the Lord surrounded by the beauty he created, late night talks – sometimes just to avoid the treacherous walk up the stairs to bed in the old chapel, and assisting with the building of a dock back in the late 80s. My husband, Stew, and I have been able to participate in many “face lifts” that have taken place at the Woods over the years. While I loved the times at Westminster as a single, it was even more meaningful to go to the Woods years later as a parent. The Woods has been a second home to our daughters and has been used as a stepping stone in their discipleship. Being able to serve and participate in the middle and high school retreats has been a privilege. Laughing along with the skits and stu-unts (clap, clap, clap), worshipping in song, hearing the message of so many speakers who have a heart for kids to know Jesus more, being part of small groups, speaking, planning afternoon alternative activities for kids, planning spas for the girls (make sure you double check whether you grab Diane’s bulk jar of cocoa or cinnamon when preparing a facial mask – one is delightful while the other burns), watching intimate moments of kids’ heads bowed in prayer under a tree, assisting with kitchen raids, leading Yoga with Yo Momma, providing first aid for night games, or cooking meals for the campers ... all of it warms my heart. Watching the kids connect with God and with each other is a joy. And the added benefit
for those who go to serve is the privilege of receiving the blessing of the overflow of what God is doing. I remember sweet conversations and laughter during late night paddle boat rides under a full moon, or sipping chai in front of the fireplace as the cooks completed our nighttime prep for the next meal. Those moments outweigh the interactions with the occasional snake on the path or owl flying out of its hole in the tree gracing my head during a game of Secret Church. God uses Westminster Woods as a place to get away from the noise of life and to be quiet and focused before God. Stew’s and my daughters grew because of being in an environment where they could get away and be spoken to in a different way. They grew as young women as they prepared and shared their testimonies, as the young adults that mentored them poured truth into their lives and invested their time and interest in them, as the young men treated them with respect and like princesses during the all-camp dances – setting a standard to be maintained as they matured, and through the times they took their turns as leaders to those younger than them. Our youngest daughter, Maddie, has participated in the Leadership Development Program for several years and has used those skills as a counselor as she has served. The training she has received from Diane and Brian and the young adult leaders has spurred her growth and skills in serving others. Brian and Diane have not only made significant improvements in the physical aspects at the Woods but in the spiritual development of young people. They have led a team of people over the years in nurturing the seeds of faith in children. When children who attend camp choose to make a commitment to follow Jesus, they get to ring the big bell by the chapel. It is a privilege as the Director of Children’s Ministries to encourage families each year to send their kids to the PSK camps in June. Eastminster will give a $50 gift certificate this year for each child who desires to attend camp. They just need to fill out the application and bring it to the Children’s Ministries office. We want to support our Eastminster kids as they grow as disciples of Christ and believe that time at the Woods will be a stepping stone in their spiritual lives as well. Eastminster Presbyterian Church
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Maddie Bishop One of my favorite memories at the Woods was from the high school retreat this past summer. That night the convicting message was on forgiveness. The message had stirred a lot of emotions and we decided to go to the old chapel for our small group time. The old chapel is a perfectly intimate place allowing our small group to open up to each other. Emotions were high and one of our counselors asked each of us to go around the circle and share what we wanted to be prayed for us. Over the past four or five months I had been struggling with the temptations of high school and wanted my friends to be praying that I would make the right choices and to be kept accountable. After someone prayed for me I looked at the wall straight ahead of me and painted on the wall was the quote, “You find accountability in your brothers and sisters in Christ.” In that moment I felt overwhelmed with amazement of how awesome our God is. After we went around the circle we were not in good shape to go to snack time so we walked back to our cabin and our counselor grabbed her guitar and we sat on the porch singing worship songs. And my absolute favorite memory of the Woods would be from the middle school retreat this fall. On the last night after the message and small group time was over, we had a bonfire at the outdoor sanctuary where we had a time of worship around the fire. After the bonfire my 12-year-old sister came up to me, tears streaming down her face, and she told me that she had accepted Christ that night and that she loved me so much. I immediately broke into tears and hugged her. I can’t begin to explain how awesome it was to hear my sister say she wanted a relationship with Christ and accepted him as her savior. I have never been so proud to call her my sister. Westminster Woods is a different atmosphere than church. You can turn your phone off and not worry about what is going on back home. You can be yourself and not only grow in your relationship with Christ but with friends also. Through retreats our youth group has grown so much closer and I have made a lot of new friends through retreats. But the best part about the Woods is the spiritual impact on lives. I have seen so much conviction and vulnerability at the Woods, and it’s a place where people feel comfortable opening up. Whenever you go to the Woods you can expect to reach deeper levels in your faith and feel renewed.
Bailey Taylor Some of my best memories of the Woods revolve around worship in the chapel. Kids come expecting it to be like Sunday morning, but quickly find out that it is a celebration with freedom of expression. Kids are dancing, shouting, putting their arms around their friends, and allowing the Spirit to move them. Chapel is often kids’ favorite part of the day.
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The Woods is like a home to me, it will always have a piece of my heart. It gave me a safe place to grow in the knowledge of the Lord, as well as, make the greatest friendships in the whole world. Westminster Woods is where I accepted Christ and experienced benchmarks of my faith. The summer before my third retreat, I was in an Eastminster girls’ Bible study and was beginning to taste and see that the Lord is good. When I left for the retreat, I was excited for the usual fun. Yet, while I was in chapel something clicked and I decided to make Christ my Lord and Savior. My life has never been the same since.
Kathy Killingsworth Favorite memories from being cook and nurse at the Woods... 1. Being the head cook was a lot of work. I would spend a month preparing for the summer retreat, and days preparing for the weekend ones. But even with all the work, I was blessed more than I was a blessing. I can honestly say that I was growing right along with the kids. I got a chance to listen to the speakers and hear God’s Word from many viewpoints. Some told stories, some shared personal examples, but I’m convinced that the message was what the kids needed to hear at that particular moment. The bonfires were a highlight – the culmination of the retreat – and I was blessed time and time again. I was honored to serve in Communion. Having the kids come up and dip their bread in the juice was an overwhelming experience for me that I will never forget. 2. To say that it would get hot in the old kitchen would be an understatement! You could literally feel sweat rolling down your body while cooking. Lily Chacon was cooking with me once in the heat of the summer and we were almost ready to eat dinner. It was so hot she passed out in front of the sinks and hit the back of her head on the concrete floor. I ran to her and put my hand under head only to feel blood. Lots of it! I thought she had split her head open, but quickly discovered that it was a cut on her scalp from a large plastic clip that she had used to hold her hair up. It wasn’t long afterwards that they started working on the new kitchen…with air conditioning! 3. The kids always did the dishes after the meals, and the dishwasher used chemicals mixed with the high pressure water spray to clean everything. We were NEVER supposed to have a bottle of liquid soap anywhere near the dishwasher; it was only used at the regular sink across the room. Apparently we forgot to pass that info on to a group of high school boys once, because the cooks suddenly heard a commotion at the dishwasher and looked up to see a volcano of soap suds billowing out of the dishwasher. 4. Being a cook held many advantages - we got to stand on our folding chairs at the back of chapel and sing praise songs while the kids stood in front…seeing rows and rows of kids with their arms around each other swaying to the music was a beautiful sight to see!
Care + Support = Deacons Eastminster’s deacons reach out to a military family in the church by Evelyn Cirignota
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y husband, David, and I moved to Wichita in 2011 due to his military career (he is a pilot at McConnell AFB). We are new parents and are absolutely loving it; our son, Truman, is now 8 months old! We started attending Eastminster Church during the fall of 2012. Eastminster has been such a blessing in our lives over the last year and a half, particularly during this past Christmas season when two of the deacons at our church showed my family such amazing kindness. My husband was deployed in November, but we planned on celebrating a belated Christmas once he returned at the end of January. My goal was to make the house as festive as possible, not only for David’s return home, but also to help keep my spirits up during this deployment! During a visit with fellow Sunday school member Abby Bevan, I mentioned my desire to hang Christmas lights outside and was hoping she might know someone I could pay to do this for me. Less than four days later I received her text saying that her husband, Cory Bevan, and another deacon from the church wanted to help. Later that week Vic Lawrence and Corey spent their evening putting up our Christmas lights. To come home that night and see our house lit up truly brought tears to my eyes. The sadness of missing my husband was somewhat lifted through the selfless actions of Vic and Corey. The fact that they made serving our family a priority meant so much to me. I had never even met Vic before, and despite having never met me or my husband he sacrificed his time and energy for my family. It can be difficult while David is deployed, and knowing that I have such an amazing support when something comes up (even something as insignificant as Christmas lights) has been the most wonderful gift. I have felt blessed again and again because of Eastminster Church, but none more than when Corey and Vic showed such love by the giving of their time. I believe that the deacons of our church are so important because of how fully they take on their responsibility as witnesses of Christ. The many ways in which they serve our church members as well as those in the community demonstrates the commitment that this church has towards following God’s
commands of love and compassion. The welcoming character of this church is evident through its deacons’ actions. I have personally been a witness to this and feel blessed by their presence in our church.
Here to Help Our deacons’ primary role is the care and support of the congregation. Their six teams each serve a unique need among our members. For information on any of these teams, or if you would like the deacons’ support, contact Ginger Cox at 634.0337, ext. 200, or gcox@eastminster.org.
Hospital Visitation Visits and prays with those in the hospital. Want to join the team? Training is scheduled Tuesday, March 4. Contact Ginger Cox for details.
Homebound Visitation Cares for and visits those who are unable to attend church • Assists with transportation to appointments (If you or a loved one would like to be visited by this team, contact Ginger Cox. Thank you for understanding that this team is specifically for those who are completely unable to attend church.)
Widows Ministry (WINGS) Provides fellowship groups and special events for widows/widowers • Maintains a list of trustworthy resources for home help • Offers bereavement care after the loss of a spouse
Military Care and Support Cares for those on active duty and veterans • Offers prayer, support, care packages, service and special events for military members and their families
Meals Ministry Delivers meals to members following medical events, births, deaths and other occasions
Bereavement Ministry Assists with funerals and receptions at the church Eastminster Presbyterian Church
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Women’s Conference Speaker Karen Ehman shares about how to walk in faith. I am a control freak. This fact is evident every time I wander into my local coffee house. In fact, if you and I went out for a cup of something hot one afternoon, you’d hear me step up to the counter and utter these words, “I’d like a tall, decaf, skim milk mocha latte with one and a half pumps coconut syrup, one and a half pumps almond syrup, light whip cream with a slight drizzle of chocolate, extra hot and doubled cupped please.” Then, I’d step aside so the businessman behind me could give his order, “I’ll take a coffee. Black. Just the way God made it.” Being in control begins early for us women. It’s almost as if we emerge from the womb ready to plan, arrange, situate and order—not only things but actual living, breathing people! My friend Lysa’s daughter Brooke is a sweet, Southern pre-teen. Always polite with a “Yes, ma’am,” or “No, sir,” she also knows just what she wants and is not shy about getting it by utilizing her words and her actions. While introducing her to some friends recently, I placed my hand on her shoulder and describing her declared, “Sweet Brookie here….well, she could run a small country!” Without missing a beat, she looked up at me and replied, “Ummm….no, Miss Karen. A large one”! Combine being wired to be in charge with the oodles of duties we must juggle as women and it can produce a control freak. We prefer to think of ourselves as pursuing excellence, being conscientious, working diligently and teaching our kids—or prompting our husbands—to do the same. Or perhaps we are trying to get our point across to someone at work or in a
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community situation. Or explain ourselves to our boss. Or the woman at the check out counter at the grocery store. However, there exists a miniscule line between being conscientious and being controlling. A marker so fine, we women often cross it without even noticing that it’s stretched out right there in front of us, waiting to trip us up. And when we do cross the line, often bad behavior emerges due to frustration. Then, after words are hurled and feelings hurt, we feel guilt and remorse and have a relationship to repair. This might be with a family member, a co-worker, neighbor, or even a brother or sister-in-Christ at church! What’s a micro-managing gal to do? Let’s take a cue from the unnamed-yetfamous woman in Proverbs 31. Verse 26 declares, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (ESV) Teaching with kindness isn’t barking. Or belittling. Or badgering. Yes,
we need to train and guide our kids to be responsible, respectful and punctual. But we must do it with wisdom and kindness not by slinging harsh words at our loved ones in an attempt to control. Yes, there are times we must explain ourselves to another adult, but do we always have to get our own way in every situation? So let’s back up the barking words and learn to ask ourselves a few questions when we encounter others with whom we could clash. Questions like: • Does this matter right now? • Will it matter tomorrow? • Will it effect eternity? • Is God trying to teach me something and if so what? (patience, grace, not to major on minors, to speak kindly?) • Can I pause and praise rather than interrupt and instigate? • Is there really an issue here that needs to be addressed (sometimes there is) or am I just trying to be a control freak and I need to let it go? Let’s purpose to not let our strength of being a conscientious morph into a weakness of being a combative control freak. Yes, we can speak our minds, but always it must be seasoned with grace, tempered with tenderness. Our hubbies, kiddos, friends and coworkers will thank us for it. Why, they might even buy us a highmaintenance latte!
About Karen Karen Ehman is the communications coordinator for Proverbs 31 Ministries and a six-time author. Her latest book is “Everyday Confetti” which offers over 200 ideas for celebrating holidays, holy days and the everyday. She is also the author of the best-selling book and Bible study curriculum LET. IT. GO. How to Stop Running the Show & Start Walking in Faith.
LET. IT. GO. Women are wired to control. We make sure the house is clean, the meals are prepared, the beds are made, the children are dressed, and everyone gets to where they’re going on time. But sometimes our strength of being conscientious can morph into the weakness of being a slight—or all out—control freak! This humorous, yet spiritually practical conference will help you learn how to control what you should, trust God with what you can’t, and more importantly, decide which one is which! Join us as Karen Ehman, a recovering control freak, helps us learn to influence instead of manipulate, pursue God and more! WHEN Friday, February 7 Welcome/check-in: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Last session ends at 9 p.m. Saturday, February 8 Continental Breakfast/check-in: 8 – 9 a.m. Last session ends at 1:30 p.m. COST
Prices as of January 28 Entire weekend: $55 Friday evening: $25 Saturday: $30
*Fee includes welcome reception and dinner on Friday and light breakfast and lunch on Saturday, as well as all materials.
REGISTER NOW! Register after Sunday services in Fellowship Hall, the reception desk during the week or online at eastminster.org/letitgo.
She has been the guest on national media outlets such as Focus on the Family, Moody Mid-day Connection, Family Life Today and The 700 Club. Married to her college sweetheart, Todd, for 27 years, together they are raising their three sometimes-quarrelsome-butmostly-charming children in the boondocks of central Michigan. Though hopelessly craft-challenged with pitiful, partially finished scrapbooks, she has won several blue-ribbon rosettes at the county fair for her cookies, pies, preserves and breads. Connect with her at karenehman.com where daily she helps women to live their priorities and love their lives.
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
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The Eastminster Connections Path The vision of Membership Development is expanding as we intentionally welcome guests by Warren Snyder, Director of Membership Development Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Eastminster Church has made it a priority to develop a heart of hospitality. We want to welcome new people, all people for that matter, into our midst so that they can experience the love of God as we know it. In fact the Membership Development Council was formed just for that purpose. We have the exciting opportunity to work in the Eastminster community to assimilate both guests and members into the Eastminster family. Our goal is to accept anyone new into our midst and bring them along a path of connection and then service by using the gifts God has given them. We believe it’s our job to seek people out when they are new to the church. This is a new environment to them, and if they are anything like me, they feel somewhat overwhelmed being in a new place with new faces and an unfamiliar building. So it’s up to us – we have to seek them out. We have to find them.
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Connect Cards & Sanctuary Spotters
There are several steps the Council has developed to put a name with our guests. First is the Connect Card in the worship bulletin, which gives a new person the opportunity to tell us who they are and gives us the information to contact them by written note or phone call. However, people may not get to the worship service on time to find out about the card or they just may not fill it out. Because of this, God has laid it on the hearts of one couple, Bruce and Pam Van Bebber, to develop a team called Sanctuary Spotters. These are people who are strategically placed around the Sanctuary and looking out for any guests sitting within a sevenpew area around them. They are making it a point to introduce themselves to our guests immediately before or after the worship service. If they can get the guest’s contact information, they’ll email it to me at wsnyder@eastminster.org. Actually, anyone can be a Sanctuary Spotter. All it takes is a desire to engage new people who are sitting close to you. At any of our services, be sure to glance around and see if there is someone you don’t recognize, then go and introduce yourself!
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10-Minute Welcome
Beginning this month the pastors will welcome guests to our service and ask them to stop by the Reception Desk on the way out of worship where they will meet one of the designated elders, deacons or leaders there to greet them. There are always plenty of people in the lobby milling about so it’s not too conspicuous for a guest. At that point the elder/deacon/greeter can
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meet them, hand them a Coffee Connection card and then invite them to the next point of connection, the Coffee Connection.
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Coffee Connection
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Newcomers Luncheon
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Membership Path
On the second Sunday of every month, immediately after the 9:30 service, a team will be in Fellowship Hall with pastries, fruit, juice and coffee to meet any guests who have been invited to the Coffee Connection, or those just looking to connect. The Coffee Connection is a relatively quick (15 minute) time to meet and greet with the added benefit of food and drink and a gift. There they will meet different people from Eastminster who will say hello, get to know them, and gather their contact information. The guest will also be given a gift from the church along with an invitation to the next point of connection. Hopefully by this point we have connected with this person more than once over a period of a couple of weeks, and have introduced them to several different people, at several points (Connect Card, 10-Minute Welcome after the worship service, and the Coffee Connection). At the Coffee Connection, our guest will be handed an invitation to the next point, the Newcomers Luncheon.
This will be a luncheon hosted by a small group in the church, whether it is a Sunday school class or another one of the many groups that meet throughout the week here at Eastminster. Our Lessons in Genesis class hosted the first luncheon on January 26 and the newcomers really appreciated the time together. At the luncheon they have further opportunity to meet others over a well-prepared meal. They may also be treated to a testimony from a member and an opportunity to meet the pastoral staff. At that time they are invited to the next membership class.
As you know, our Eastminster 101, 102 and 103 classes cover who our church is, information on our denomination, an overview of leadership and our Councils and Teams, and how to begin serving. We hope this “road map” and key connection points will enable a person to eventually realize his or her potential as God intended, both in our church and in the community. It is a process over time, with many different stops and people involved, all designed to provide a foundation of love and hospitality at Eastminster that can make a real difference in the lives of our guests. We have it on good authority that, from time to time, we at Eastminster may have angels in our midst. Be on the lookout! Next Membership Class: Saturday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Louisa Markley at 634.0337 or lmarkley@eastminster.org.
Welcoming New Staff Nick Hofmeister Mike Jaderston Assoc. Director of Technical Ministries Assoc. Director of Student Ministries Tell us a little about yourself: When I was younger, I would tell everyone that I wanted to be an inventor. I’ve always been fascinated by the way things work, and really enjoy taking things apart just to see how they’re put together. I enjoy creating things, and will often rope friends into whatever project I’m working on. I’m also a drummer, and have played since I got my first drum set at age 3. I graduated from Southwestern College in 2013 with a B.A. in Music. Describe what you are doing in your new position: My job with Technical Ministries is really fascinating. We get to press a lot of buttons, but what I really enjoy about this position is how much we’re able to see our work impact other people. We do everything from the technical work during the services, to the production of video promotions for various events. Whether we’re fixing microphone antennas or computers, we get to work with people all over the church and community, and be in all sorts of different environments. I help people with their email or show them different ways they can use technology to save time and energy. It’s so cool to help enable people to do God’s work more efficiently through the use of technology. Why do you have a passion for Technical Ministries? Because there is such a huge need for this type of work. Technology can be a great tool for ministry, but it can also be a major distraction if it’s not working right. Technical ministries is here to make sure everything is working as well as possible, so that we can step out of the way, eliminate distractions and let people focus on God. Ministry can be tough. What do you do for fun? I’m still pretty active with my drumming, and it’s my main outlet for relaxation. I play a lot of jazz, and also teach about 15 students ranging from age 5 to 17. It’s so fun to work with other people on a shared passion, and I love watching my students grow from beginners into accomplished musicians.
Tell us a little about yourself: I grew up in the great state of Minnesota in a town called Apple Valley. I graduated from Sterling College in Sterling, Kan., last December with a degree in Christian ministries and an emphasis in youth ministry. I am married to Kelsey Jaderston, who is my favorite person in the world. We have a dog named Alfred who is scared of everything. Describe what you are doing in your new position: Put simply, my job is to love, hang out with and mentor middle school students. My job entails working with the students for youth group, Sunday school and other events. I am also here to encourage and be a resource to parents to help their children grow in faith. What are some goals or dreams you have for your ministry at Eastminster? One of my main goals is for the students that go through Eastminster Middle School Ministries to understand their worth in Christ. Society tells youth that they are valuable based on their status, popularity and achievements. This is counter to what the Bibles teaches — that we have tremendous worth in the fact that Christ died for us, we are made in the image of God and we are loved by God. What is God teaching you right now? God is continuing to teach me about faith. Having experienced a lot of “new” things in my life in the last few years (getting married, graduating college, starting a full-time job, etc.) has made me learn to trust God, that he is in control and has a plan for me. What is currently on your reading list? Becoming Human by Jean Vanier and The Reason for God by Tim Keller Eastminster Presbyterian Church
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Eastminster Presbyterian Church 1958 N. Webb Road • Wichita, Kansas 67206 316.634.0337 • www.eastminster.org
Worship Services Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
The goal of Eastwind is to support the mission of Eastminster Church: Glorify God. Follow Christ. Transform Lives. Director of Communications: Courtney Browning (cbrowning@eastminster.org). Associate Director of Communications: Meg Foreman (meg@eastminster.org).
Westminster Woods Celebrates 50 Years Mark your calendar now for these adventures at the Woods. Read the full story on page 4.
Westminster Woods Summer Camps
A Quick History of the Woods
(based on the grade being entered) Family Camp May 30 – June 1 Third & Fourth Grade Camp June 3 – 6 Fifth & Sixth Grade Camp June 9 –13 Seventh & Eighth Grade Camp June 16 – 20 High School Camp June 23 – 30
1963 Land was jointly purchased by the Wichita and Neosho Presbyteries 1964 First year for campers at Westminster Woods! It was a ninth grade summer camp from various Presbyterian churches. • An outdoor pioneer camp was established with teepees, hogans and covered wagons as shelters 1966 Construction of the Dining Hall and first two cabins 1967 Many churches started using the camp on weekends in addition to the group camps, the first churches being Eastminster and First Presbyterian Church of Newton 1968 The remaining original cabins were built 1969 Chapel in the Woods was built 1978 Camp house was built 1987 Nelsen Shelter was built and dining hall porch was added 1991 Cabins remodeled 2001 Dining hall addition and Louis Lodge built (The walls and trusses of Louis Lodge were actually prefabricated in the parking lot of Eastminster and then taken to camp and assembled.) 2003 Major kitchen remodel in dining hall/lodge 2008 New cabins 3.5 & 6 were built 2010 Chapel on the Hill was built Every year Westminster Woods is dedicated to the glory of God.
Eastminster Summer Retreats High School Summer Retreat July 6 – 11 Middle School Summer Retreat July 13 – 18
Save the Date! Westminster Woods 50th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, October 4 Get updates and details at facebook.com/WestminsterWoods50
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Eastwind Newsletter