As the Rev. Sandra Hanna told our congregation on Sunday, September 16, all our times are in God’s hands.  God will lead us through this experience of sorrow together.  In the Psalms we can take comfort in these words of testimony.

Psalm 23

     The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

     Even though I walk through the  valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

     Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 121

     I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From whence does my help come?  My help

comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

     He will not let your foot be moved, he who keeps you will not slumber.  Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

     The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.  The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.

     The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.  The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

      A committee headed by Peter McKee, who was appointed by the Session,  is recommending changes in our church organization  to meet the needs of Westminster Presbyterian Church as it exists today, and to encourage us to become more spiritually-based.

 The recommendations include:

• Reduce the number of members of Session and Trustees

• Boards meet on a “need to know” basis–not necessarily once a month

• All boards and groups within the church be empowered to carry out their service to the church within set boundaries but without detailed guidance or approval from other boards

•  Creation of small groups to focus on a single purpose. Move away from central control to a more flexible organization

• Fold the Board of Stewards into one of the small groups

 • Continue the ReVision program to further define the direction the church      should take.

     After some discussion of the steering committee’s report at  its September meeting, the Session voted to accept the report, and asked the committee to propose a revised organizational church structure at the next meeting.

     Other members of the committee are Anne Older, Allan Tedrow, and Sarah Williams.

From the Church Records

Baptism: 9/9/01 Paige Sinclair Crowther, daughter of Alicia and Gregory Crowther.

Lectionary for Lord's Day

October 2001

 7    27^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Lam. 1:1-6;Lam. 3:19-26 or Ps. 137

    2 Tim. 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10

 14   28^th  Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Jer. 29:1, 4-7; Ps. 66:1-12

    2 Tim. 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19

 21   29^th  Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Jer. 31:27-34; Ps. 119:97-104

    2 Tim. 3:14-4:5; Luke 18:1-8

 28   30^th  Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Joel 2:23-32; Ps. 65

    2 Tim. 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14

Fellowship Dinner

Set for Oct. 25

     Lee and Jean Waldron will host another  fellowship dinner on Thursday, Oct. 25, in the Welles Room. They have planned for two seatings, at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

     They invite you to call the church office at 436-8544 for reservations, and will try to accommodate all who wish to come. The fellowship dinners have been very popular in the past, due to delicious food and good company, so early reservations are recommended.

Tour of Cemetery Art

Scheduled for Oct. 7

     All Westminster members are invited to take a tour of Albany Rural Cemetery led by Norman Rice, former director of the Albany Institute of History and Art,  from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7.  Mr. Rice has led many such tours in the past, and is an expert on the cemetery’s unique artworks.

     The event will be hosted by Richard and Carol Miller, and is limited to 50 people.  It will be preceded by a light lunch.  Please call the church office by Wednesday, Oct. 3, to sign up.

Make Your Own

Window Ornament

     By popular demand, a second stained glass workshop will be offered at Westminster on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 1 to 3:30 p.m.  Like the first one held in July, this workshop will be led by Peter Leue and will be a basic introduction to the art and craft of stained glass.  It will include hands-on training, and each participant will be able to make a window ornament using pieces of surplus glass from Westminster’s old windows.

     The workshop is open to the public, and persons may register by calling the church office at 436-8544.  Walk-ins will also be welcome, but advance registration will ensure that sufficient tools and materials are available. A fee of $5 per person is being charged.

Upcoming Events...

     Other special events taking place in October include:

     Sunday, Oct. 21, following morning worship–The Annual Meeting of Westminster will take place, after a light lunch.  The proposed budget for 2002 will be presented, along with information on different ways to make donations to the church and the organ fund.

     Sunday, Oct. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. (rescheduled)  – A Year of the Child celebration sponsored by the Presbytery of Albany will be held at Westminster.  It will feature a children’s art exhibit and ways to experience the Bible through storytelling, art, music, and worship.

     Saturday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.–A potluck supper and storytelling program will be hosted by the Christian Education Committee.

In the Church House...

     A more efficient telephone system was installed last month, making it easier for callers to reach staff members directly.

       The administration committee is seeking a $2,000 grant to be used to purchase a computer for mission purposes.

     Information on General Assembly actions is available in a publication in the church library, and can also be obtained from our web site, wpcalbany.org, which has a link to the PCUSA web site.

Westminster Honoree

     Barbara McCarty is one of 35 area residents aged 85 or over who will be recognized at a 4^th annual recognition ceremony sponsored by the Task Force on Senior Issues on Oct. 17 at Congregation Beth Emeth.

     (Ed. note: This is the second in a series of three articles about the 2002 budget/canvas campaign.  The cul-mination of the campaign will be Pledge Sunday on November 11.)

By Susan Filipp

     Last month we discussed God’s gifts to us.  Indeed, despite the calamitous events of September 11, there is no question that we as humans, as Americans, as Presbyterians, inherit the gifts of faith.  No, it is not fathomable, much less explainable, how such horrible things could happen.  But we have seen how people of faith could, did, and will continue to respond.  And that is also the theme of this month’s budget/canvas message.

     Later this month, members of Westminster will receive copies of the budget presented in the traditional form.  Since for many people a page with columns of numbers is cause for instant glazing over of eyes, in this article the goals and specific plans (which ultimately result in the budget numbers) of Westminster groups are described.

     Presbyterians are familiar with the concept of the Trinity, three distinct but related entities.  It is also possible to look at our budget needs in three separate but intertwined groups: the Program, the Personnel, and the Place.  Obviously such divisions are somewhat artificial (for instance, do you place the Music Director/Organist in Personnel or Program?), but the divisions do provide a way to discuss and delineate needs.

     The PROGRAM of Westminster is central to our Christian mission:

     The Worship Committee exists to facilitate the worship and praise of God, preaching the Word of God,

celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and  praying as a community.  Expenses include special worship events such as the Kirkin’, Christmas and Easter.  Also covered are pulpit supply (preachers during the pastor’s absence), Communion supplies, candles, hearing assistance equipment, purchase and maintenance of liturgical banners and antependia, and support for the Taizé services on Sunday evenings.  Changes in budgetary needs result from going to a 12-month church year with no shared FOCUS morning services in the summer.

     The Music and Arts Ministry provides leadership (by the choir) in congregational singing, and enhances worship and praise by other musical and artistic offerings.  Their motto is “Music is prayer.”  To carry out their charge, they support paid choir leadership.  In addition, they must cover special music at holidays, maintain equipment and supplies (tune pianos, buy choir music, etc.), and cover the addition of summer music including substitute leadership.  In this time of the reconstruction of the Skinner Organ, they must also plan for alternate music while the present organ is removed.

     The Christian Education Committee’s mission is to increase the understanding of what it means to be a Christian and a Presbyterian for both children and adults.  Specifically, they run the Church School and special programs for the whole church family to increase our knowledge of the Bible, our church history, and our basic beliefs.  In addition, they provide opportunities to demonstrate and experience our faith in action.  Of course, all this requires many kinds of supplies—from paper and crayons to study guides.

     The Mission Committee defines its role as, first, to educate the congregation on needs of people beyond our walls, whether next door or around the world.  Second, they respond to those needs.  Some of their funds go to local, regional and national contributions defined and fixed by the Presbyterian Church.  Other funds, determined by the committee, go toward support of FOCUS, ARISE, and other shared projects.  Third, they recruit new people for mission projects.  And fourth, with discretionary funds they are able to initiate quick response for disasters, other unanticipated needs and new projects.

     The Outreach Team has the job of publicizing who we are, what we do and when we do it at Westminster. Ultimately the goal is to draw new people to our church, with the hope they will eventually join our fellowship.  They accomplish this task in various ways.  They publish the monthly Messenger, and they send press releases to local media for special events.  They have helped obtain a large Westminster sign for the front of the church, and they have embarked on keeping updated schedules of church events on enclosed signboards near both the State Street and Chestnut Street entrances.  Strategies this year include producing a new church brochure and, playing on Westminster’s strength in music and the arts, advertising in a number of local performing arts program books.

     The PERSONNEL of Westminster, the Pastor, the Minister and Associate Minister of Music and Arts, the Administrative Secretary, the Sextons, the Comptroller and the Treasurer, are the professionals who support and implement the plans of the committees with their skills and talents.  Of course, we rely on the volunteers who devote countless hours to their church duties/obligations.  But the fine staff of Westminster provides the leadership that makes it all work.

     The PLACE, our beautiful, historic church and our spacious church house, is where all the mission of Westminster begins.  Some people see our old (and therefore, expensive) building as a real problem.  True, the first Christians made do with a hill on a lakeside and, true, the Christian mission can be carried out perfectly well from a concrete block structure. 

     But we have inherited this building and, like the eccentric relative most of us have cared for, we are called to care for and cherish this place.  We are in the unique position of having a lovely sanctuary, many fine support facilities, and a large parking lot located in the

heart of the city.  We have the opportunity, and the duty, to use our property to further God’s mission.

     Now, please take a minute to look at the two charts, shown above.  You will note that about one-third of Expenditures is covered by pledge income.  In the past, a number of people, myself included, have looked askance at the disparity of income to expense.  “All those people who built Westminster’s sizeable endowment didn’t have in mind paying for our heat and lights,” we said.

     Well, on second thought, maybe they did.  The monies they willed to the church for stained glass windows, or wood carvings, or whatever, have grown substantially.  In effect, their greatly appreciated funds in fact do underwrite the costs of maintaining this historic place.  Our benefactors may not have specifically designated funds for maintenance, but their generosity and appreciation of the beauty and significance of Westminster Church speaks for itself.

     Keeping this in mind, the balance of income and expense and pledge income and endowment income comes

into better perspective.  For those who feel there should be a greater pledge income to support current expenditures, there are several solutions.  The most obvious, and perhaps most difficult, but also most important, is to attract more members who can join in the financial support of our church and its mission.  Many plans are in place to make our church grow—but we know it won’t happen overnight.

     Already this budget reflects a  5 percent increase in pledge income.  We are counting on all members being willing to contribute a bit more this year.  And we would be delighted to have you make a significant increase!

     Now, hopefully, you feel better informed on the outline of the budget.  Soon you will be receiving a formal church budget.  The Congregational meeting will provide a time to ask questions about details of the church program.  Please come to it on October  21 prepared to be a part of this vital process. 

     Next, you need to think about what your personal response will be.  But that is the topic for November….

Racism Project Planned

     Beginning in mid-October, FOCUS will sponsor study circles to examine and discuss racism.  Here's how it will work:  A diverse group of people will meet for five two-hour sessions over a five- week period.  These sessions will be held at various times of the day and evening, according to your availability. The circles will offer a format for people to get to know one another, consider different points of view, explore disagreements, and find common ground.  Trained facilitators will help each group have productive and respectful discussions.

     You can take part in this important project by contacting your pastor or FOCUS representative. Let them know the best time and day for your participation. We hope to have many people from each FOCUS congregation and from the larger community sign up for a session.

     Why participate?  These are some of the goals of the project:  gain greater understanding and awareness of how race impacts on all of us, find new interracial friendships and networks, see new perceptions of community problems, and experience collaborative approaches to solving those problems. For more information, please contact the Rev. Deb Jameson.

Combined Service Scheduled

     A FOCUS worship service will be held on Sunday, November 18, at 10 a.m., hosted by the Metropolitan Community Church of the Hudson Valley, located at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 275 State Street.  A combined choir will sing, directed by Michael Clement, Director of Music at Emmanuel Baptist.  The Rev. Dr. Gywnne Guilbord, Ecumenical Officer for  the  Universal  Fellowship  of Metropolitan Community Churches, will preach.

Breakfast Program to Continue

     The FOCUS winter breakfast program will resume on November 1.

We are in need of volunteers for weekly pickups at the food bank, cooking, serving, making lunches, dishwashing and “gofer” duty.  It takes a crew of 10 people each morning to keep the program in operation.

     Helpers are needed from 6:30 to 9:15 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays,

and Thursdays, at Westminster, through the month of April. If you can help, please contact Deb Jameson.

Thanks to FOCUS Helpers!

     The Session voted in September to extend special commendations to Eve Ryan, for her daily volunteer help at this summer’s Project Love breakfast program, and to Lynne McKee and Mary Jean Tedrow, for preparing more than 150 back-to-school supply packets for children whose families use the interfaith food pantry.

Spreading the Gospel

     Jack Knighton is hoping to organize a “tell-around,” with volunteers from Westminster doing Biblical storytelling of the good news from Mark’s gospel.  Anyone interested in participating may call him.

     Westminster’s Intergenerational program on Ghana held on September 15 drew 65 persons for an African dinner (prepared by Marie McClumpha, Doris Creegan, Valerie Shanley and Carolyn Smith), and a report on Ghana today by Associate Presbyter Linda Crawford, two Ghanaians (Helena Obeng-Asamoah and Esther Yomoah), and two summer visitors to Ghana (University at Albany School of Social Work Assistant Dean Oscar Best and Mount Holyoke junior Rachel Otty).

     Attending the program were 38 members of the Westminster family and 27 guests.  Diane Bossung and Alexandra Frye coordinated activities for the children who participated.

     These follow-up steps were discussed at the meeting: