Upcoming Events - May, 2024

Join the Lunch Bunch for a time of fellowship and a delicious relaxing informal lunch at Osteria Ama near 202 & Street Rd. They meet on the 4th Thursday each month. RSVP to Carol Olver or Carol Edwards if you wish to attend so we can reserve a spot for you!

Looking for new plants in your garden this year? Needing to divide your perennials? Check out Westminster's plant share! Drop off a plant or seeds to share on Saturday, May 18, under the front portico and then stop by Sunday morning to pick up a new plant.  Even if you don't share seeds or a plant, you may pick up a new plant! All plant donations should be labeled and indicate what type of light the plant requires (full sun, partial or shade). Please be conscious of bringing non-invasive plants to the plant share. Click here to see a list of PA's invasive species. Questions? Contact Rick Griste.

Join us for a fun end of year picnic at Tyson Park! Play games in the open space or on the playground before we enjoy a picnic dinner together. The church will provide burgers/dogs/buns as well as plates/utensils/cups. Please sign up to indicate what you can bring. There are a few picnic tables but pack a blanket and/or some lawn chairs to make sure everyone has a seat. Bring some outdoor games/activities for all to enjoy. RSVP • Questions? Contact Jon Frost or Jill Reichert.

Art Exhibit: 9:00 am-12:15 pm Sunday, May 19 • Spellman Hall
Partnering with Justice Restored 3.0, a collaboration between AHHAH and Chester County Futures, we will host an art exhibit which celebrates the writing and drawings of young people from inside and outside the Chester County Juvenile Detention Center. On every page their fears and hopes shout out in strong language and vibrant illustration. This is an invitation to witness and listen to the youth of our communities, finding a way to connect to their lives and needs. 

Pentecost Special Offering: This year's recipient of Westminster's local portion (40%) of the Pentecost Special Offering will go to Hearts Holding Hands (AHHAH). Learn more about AHHAH at our Pentecost Journey Class. Donate to our Pentecost Special Offering.

Journey Class: 10:45 am Sunday, May 19 • Spellman Jr & Zoom
Jan Michner, the Founder and Executive Director of Arts and Hearts Holding Hands (AHHAH), will lead our Journey Class about her work around justice and equity for youth in under-resourced communities. You will learn about the restorative work AHHAH does in Chester County and interact with the reflections of young people in our area.

Dine at PJ Whelihans next week to supplement funds raised for the 5K. PJ Whelihans will donate 15% of your entire bill when you eat at the restaurant or order take out. Just present this flyer to your server (note different flyers based on locations). If you forget a flyer, just mention you are associated with Westminster's dine and donate. Questions? Contact Jon Frost.

Dine at PJ Whelihans next week to supplement funds raised for the 5K. PJ Whelihans will donate 15% of your entire bill when you eat at the restaurant or order take out. Just present this flyer to your server (note different flyers based on locations). If you forget a flyer, just mention you are associated with Westminster's dine and donate. Questions? Contact Jon Frost.

10:45 am Sundays May 5 & 12 • Spellman Jr & Zoom
This two week series is led by Dr. Manfred Brauch, Ph.D., a native of Germany, came to the United States in 1953 and became a U.S. citizen in 1959. Dr. Brauch taught New Testament Interpretation for 8 years at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. Over 26 years at Eastern Baptist/Palmer Theological Seminary he held the positions of Academic Dean, Professor of Biblical Theology, and President. Click here to attend via Zoom.

Part 1: What is Christian Nationalism? (and the ideology of White Supremacy, which often walks hand in hand with White Christian Nationalism)

Part 2: Tracing the Historical Roots of Christian Nationalism and its various manifestations across the centuries, from the 4th Christian century to the present: "Christian Nationalism Across the Centuries and its Tragic Consequences"

Part 3: Christian Nationalism in Biblical Perspective: We will explore how "Christian Nationalism" is a contradiction in terms, in light of the central teachings of the earliest Christian texts. This is true especially from the perspective of the life, ministry and teaching of Jesus, in which human understandings and uses of power – to control, restrict, oppress, exclude and manipulate -- are decidedly  rejected as contrary to the divine purposes for human-life-in-community. 

We will reflect on how abusive uses of biblical texts in support of Christian Nationalism (and "white supremacy”) results in a "Christian Heresy" -- namely a violation of core values and beliefs of the Christian faith.

Join our monthly book group in discussing Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral by Kris Radish. From Pulitzer Prize–winning author Elizabeth Strout comes a poignant, pitch-perfect novel about a divorced couple stuck together during lockdown — and the love, loss, despair, and hope that animate us even as the world seems to be falling apart. To join or questions, contact Linda Davis.

Hosted by The Mental Health & Addiction Awareness Team, the Wellness Fair provides opportunities to better understand substance abuse, addiction, and other related health issues. Drop off unwanted or expired prescription drugs at a Mobile Medication. Join us for NARCAN training. Other community resources will be available. Look for other ways to improve your physical and mental wellbeing by reading the April Wellness Newsletter. Questions? Contact Pastor Ann Hatfield.

Join us for a Community Naloxone Training presented by Chester County’s Overdose Prevention Task Force. This life saving training will briefly review what opioids are, what naloxone is, how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, and lastly how to access drug and alcohol services in Chester County among other resources. Questions? Contact Brenda Schivito.

You won't want to miss this concert! Under the direction of Ron Bellamy, the Philadelphia Handbell Ensemble is comprised of auditioned, advanced-level handbell ringers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Their repertoire spans original compositions, transcriptions of classical literature, and arrangements from a wide array of musical genres. No tickets, free-will offering. Join us for this joyful concert! Questions? Contact Ron Bellamy.