WaynePress Newsletter - updated Jan 31

January/February 2023

WAYNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

WAYNE PRES

www.waynepres.org

A SEASON TO CELEBRATE

For the first time since 2019, we gathered together (fully in person!) to celebrate the Advent season at Wayne Presbyterian Church. What a joyful season it was – with worship, music, decorations, crafts, food, fellowship, community outreach, and even a Christmas pageant! This robust issue of the Wayne Pres reflects the joy and community that many enjoyed as we came together to prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Advent literally means to “prepare,” and we are also extending the spirit of preparation into the new year – preparing for a new year of church

programs! This newsletter provides a glimpse of some of the programs that are in store – to bring you closer to God, stimulate your curiosity, foster important discussions, nourish your soul, and help you answer questions, serve others, and find joy, comfort and community.

We can’t fit everything into one newsletter, so please visit www.waynepres.org regularly to learn what’s happening at our church. Also visit the Member Portal or contact the church office to make any updates to your contact information to ensure that you receive WPC publications.

ADULT EDUCATION

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPEAKER SERIES –FEBRUARY 5, 12, 19

Wayne Presbyterian Church will celebrate Black History Month in February 2023 with programming centered on Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark 1954 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court held that segregation of public schools based on race was unconstitutional. Reasoning that segregated schools are inherently unequal, the Court concluded that the notion of “separate but equal,” which was prevalent at the time, had no place in public education. The Court’s legal reasoning set in motion a societal transformation with ramifications continuing to this day.

What led up to the Brown decision and why was it necessary? What did the Court’s decision really mean for public schools and other institutions? How has the Brown decision stood the test of time, and in practice what are its ramifications today? These are some of the questions that WPC’s educational series will explore on the first three Sundays in February 2023.

CHERYL BROWN HENDERSON –FEBRUARY 5, 7:00 PM IN THE SANCTUARY

The keynote speaker is Cheryl Brown Henderson, whose father, the late Rev. Oliver Brown, filed suit on behalf of his children against the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, alleging that school segregation violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Ms. Brown Henderson, who is currently the Founding President of The Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research, as well as the owner of Brown & Associates, an educational consulting firm, will speak on “Brown v. Board of Education: The Legacy Continues.”

PENNY WASHINGTON –FEBRUARY 12, 9:30 AM IN THE CHAPEL

Local historian Penny Washington will discuss the need for and the relevance of the Brown decision in our own community. A native of West Chester, Ms. Washington has studied many aspects of local African American history and published her findings in the Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society’s History Quarterly. She currently serves as a consultant for People’s Light in Malvern and on the Board of Directors of the Radnor Township Civic Association. Her presentation to WPC

is entitled “Right Here: Main Line Fight for School Integration,” and centers on the Berwyn School Fight of the 1930’s, a local precursor to the activism and legal action in Brown.

CONSTANCE MCALISTER –FEBRUARY 19, 9:30 AM IN THE CHAPEL

Our final speaker is Constance McAlister, discussing “Brown v. Board of Education: Things Change as They Remain the Same.” A prominent Philadelphia educator over three decades, Ms. McAlister served as a teacher and assistant principal before assuming the mantle of principal of John Bartram High School in 2003. Under her leadership, Bartram students made significant progress in reading and mathematics, and the school saw a significant decrease in violence. Now retired, Ms. McAlister is known for her ability to establish powerful interpersonal relationships with students, families, teachers, and staff, inspiring numerous individuals during her long career while enhancing educational opportunities in their schools. Ms. McAlister will rely on her long experience to discuss the practical effects of Brown on Philadelphia schools – and what more needs to be done to ensure all students have the opportunity to obtain a good education.

Please visit waynepres.org for more information regarding this important speaker series.

Wayne Presbyterian Church

WPC BOOK CLUB

WPC Book Club meets 4-5 times a year for small group discussions around selected books. This group is great for folks wanting to participate in a discussion of a book when it fits their interests and schedules!

This Fall we gathered in the Chapel to discuss The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel Van Der Kolk. Rev. Heather Shortlidge facilitated the discussion around trauma and the ways we can walk alongside others experiencing physical and emotional trauma complications. We also read Daniel Bergner’s Sing for Your Life: A Story of Race, Music, and Family. The truelife story of Ryan Speedo Green’s rise from a troubled teenager to an elite opera singer was inspirational and in. Ryan was mentored and encouraged by many who saw past his pain and anger.

For our first book club this year, Pastor Katy Shevel facilitated a discussion on January 15th around the book, The Power ofRitual,Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices, by Casper Der Kuile. This book presents an exciting perspective as it explores how and where people are looking for connection and spirituality beyond the church doors in our postCovid world.

For more information please email Janice Mack at gardengirl65@gmail.com.

THURSDAY MORNING MEN’S MINISTRY (TM3)

7:00 a.m. Fireside Room

Your word is a lamp to my feet andalighttomypath.–Psalm119:105

TM3 is an informal group of Wayne Presbyterian Church that meets at 7:00 am each Thursday in the Fireside Room and on Zoom. It’s a wonderful opportunity for relationships, prayer, and learning. The program year runs from September through June.

The morning begins with prayer & fellowship. This is followed by learning time: a 30-minute presentation typically from professors from Eastern University. Our goal is to wrap up at 8:00 AM, although the speakers often stay for a while to answer questions and chat.

Are you looking to expand your understanding of the history of our religion and others, explore the Bible, gain new perspectives on astronomy, philosophy, theology, and a host of other topics that are brought to the table during the year? If yes, this men’s fellowship might be just what you’re looking for. The lineup of speakers will challenge your mind and fill your spirit. Please join in for a morning, or two, or for the entire series. You’ll be glad you did!

January:

Wayne Presbyterian Church Pastor Month

5: Austin Ricketts, Director Youth Ministry

12: Rev. Katy Shevel, Associate Pastor for Congregational Life

19: Rev. Katy Shevel, Associate Pastor for Congregational Life

26: Rev. Heather Shortlidge, Transitional Pastor

February:

Dr. Stephen Boyer, PhD., Professor of Theology; Eastern University

March

Rev. Cean R. James; Senior Pastor, Salt & Light Rev. Christopher J. Holland II; Executive Director, The Common Place

April

Dr. Phil Cary, PhD., Chair; Professor of Philosophy; Eastern University

May

Dr. Joseph B. Modica, PhD; University Chaplain; Associate Professor of Biblical Studies; Eastern University and Scholar-in-Residence at WPC

June

Dr. Walter Huddell, PhD; Professor of Mathematics; Engineering Adviser; Eastern University

For more information or to get on the email Zoom invite list please contact

WinGS (WOMEN IN GOD’S SERVICE)

WinGS CHRISTMAS TEA WITH FEATURED SPEAKER SARAH HOSTETTER

WinGS broke a long-standing tradition of holding its annual Christmas Tea on the first Saturday of December by moving it to Saturday, December 10. Fifty-eight women gathered for festive holiday fellowship featuring traditional fare of sweet and savory treats, and tea and coffee served from vintage silver services. Kirsten Santos Rutschman’s piano playing filled the Chapel with seasonal music and led the women in traditional carols.

Our featured speaker was our own Sarah Hostetter. Sarah spoke passionately about her ministry, God’s Precious Children, an organization which works to help Liberian children attend school, stay in school, and graduate. She introduced us to three of the children, taking us on their educational journey from childhood to college. She also brought her six-week-old son, Preston, whom Nana Kelli cradled throughout the event.

In lieu of the traditional Christmas Tea collection from a donation supplies list, WinGS encouraged all participants to prayerfully consider supporting God’s Precious Children directly. Visit godspreciouschildren.com to learn more about Sarah’s ministry.

Wayne Presbyterian Church

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES Winter/Spring Classes

Fireside Room with hybrid option

WEDNESDAYS WORD BEFORE WORK

Studies in Exodus and the Book of Jonah led by the Rev. Katy Shevel Biweekly, 7:00 – 8:00 AM

Beginning January 18, 2023

Contact Nancy Dever at nancydever@comcast.net for class information and Zoom invitation

WOMEN IN THE WORD

God’s Promises – I AM with You led by Angela Tait

Weekly, 9:30 -11:15 AM

Beginning January 18, 2023

Contact Angela at maryangelatait333@gmail.com for class information and Zoom invitation

LUNCH WITH THE LORD A Study of the Lord’s Prayer led by Lee Pretz

Weekly, Noon – 1:00 PM

Beginning January 18, 2023

Contact Lee at lpretz@verizon.net for class information and Zoom invitation

THURSDAYS MOMs PARENTING DISCUSSIONS (Part II)

RaisingConfidentHumans, AMindfulGuideofReactiveParenting andRaisingKind,ConfidentKids by Hunter Clark-Fields, MASE led by Pam Clark

Every Fourth Thursday, 9:30 – 11:15

Beginning January 26, 2023

Contact Pam at pammyclark@gmail.com for class information and Zoom invitation

FELLOWSHIP OF THE BEAN Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Library

Have you smelled the freshly ground coffee brewing in the library? Are you yearning to connect with a small group for conversation? Have you read something or watched a video you think you’d like to share for discussion?

The Adult Education Committee began a new discussion group in October that has been well-attended and resulted in stimulating conversation for those who have attended. We have discussed inspiring and diverse topics ranging from “What am I looking for at Church?” based on a video sermon by Brene Brown, to awareness of Anti-Semitism from a conversation on Late Night with Stephen Colbert, to a reflection on Communion by Rachel Held Evans and much more. Engaging, thought-provoking, and sometimes challenging, each week features a different topic and is led by a variety of WPC members. The format is “drop-in” when you can. So if you’re looking to build more meaningful fellowships, please join us on Sunday mornings!

Questions? Contact Rick Davis at rlidavis@comcast.net or Janice Mack at gardengirl65@gmail.com.

JOIN US TO HEAR AWARDWINNING AUTHOR AND PREACHER DIANA BUTLER BASS

We are pleased to welcome Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D., to the pulpit at WPC on Sunday March 26. Diana is an award-winning author, popular speaker, inspiring preacher, and one of America’s most trusted commentators on religion and contemporary spirituality.

Diana has a passion for challenging conventional narratives about religious practice, informing the public about spiritual trends, entering the fray of social media with spiritual wisdom and smart theology, and writing books to help readers see themselves, their place in history, and God differently. She does this with intelligence, joy, and a good dose of humor.

She holds a doctorate in religious studies from Duke University and is the author of eleven books. She writes and comments extensively for major media publications and global news outlets that seek her trusted and informed perspective. Visit dianabutlerbass.com to learn more about her work.

Please plan to join us in March for worship to hear Ms. Bass’s fascinating and thought-provoking message.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

FAMILY ADVENT CELEBRATION

Children’s Ministry stepped into Advent with a glorious family event on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 27. Twenty-three families came together to create precious Nativity scenes. Several families had three generations present. What a delight to watch grandparents making sweet memories and keepsake crafts with their grandchildren. Craft making was followed by carol singing in the Sanctuary. Many thanks to Kirsten Santos Rutschman for leading us in festive song. We rounded out the evening with a delicious pasta and pizza dinner. What a delightful way to usher in the Advent season!

Wayne Presbyterian Church

It was a dream come true for your Director of Children’s Ministry Kelli Masters!! A children’s Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve!! 43 children came together to tell the amazing story of Jesus’ birth. We had the help of two high school seniors, Samantha Armstrong and Adam Bernholdt, who were perfect as the narrator and the ‘big angel’. Baby Jesus was newborn, Christian Woytowich, lovingly held by his big sister Ellie, who played the part of Mary. Naomi Conard was a wonderful Joseph, and Ellis Herbert brought them safely to Bethlehem as the faithful donkey. Our cast was rounded out by adorable Wise Ones, very excited angels, a host of shepherds and their rambunctious sheep, an enthusiastic innkeeper, and a show-stopping STAR. Many, many thanks to the parents who worked diligently on costumes and sets, and to Sarah and Heidi Berholdt for helping to keep track of the shepherds and angels.

Perhaps the greatest joy is in knowing that these children have experienced the greatest story in an unforgettable way. Our prayer is that the truth of God’s Great Gift is written on their hearts.

If you missed the pageant and would like to view the recording, please reach out to kelli@waynepres.org for the link. Also contact Kelli if you would like more information about Children’s Ministries, or to join her team or help with an upcoming event!

THE COMMON PLACE ORCHESTRA

byDr.JosephKauffman, Artistic Director of Music Transforms and TCPO

Almost ten years ago, Wayne Presbyterian Church said ‘yes’ to revitalizing and restoring the historic building housing New Spirit Presbyterian Church (Now Salt & Light Church) in Southwest Philadelphia and began planting seeds that have continued to blossom at The Common Place.

The Common Place Orchestra (TCPO) is one of those seeds that is beginning to bear fruit. TCPO provides free string lessons and the string orchestra experience to the talented youth in Southwest Philadelphia. We believe an expressive musical spirit lives inside everyone, and we aim to help our students discover and liberate theirs through TCPO’s programming. Private string lessons are given to students during and after school, and the orchestra rehearses on Saturday mornings, but not before enjoying a delicious hot breakfast prepared in Carl’s Kitchen! On December 18th, after weeks of practicing

and rehearsing, TCPO performed “Silent Night” during Salt & Light’s Christmas program, “Miracles on 58th Street.” At the conclusion of the performance, the sanctuary vibrated in thunderous applause. TCPO is certainly one of the miracles happening on 58th Street!

We were very proud of our students’ many accomplishments this past year. The ultimate measure of our work comes not only when we see our students perform, but also as we watch them grow intellectually, academically, and emotionally. If you would like to get involved or donate an instrument, please contact TCPO’s Operations Director, Nellie Kauffman, at elenasmith@thecommonplacephilly.org. If you would like to contribute financially, you may do so by supporting Music Transforms at WPC.

https://www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/wayne.

We are thankful to the Holy Spirit for blessing our program, and to the generous members of WPC for their prayers, instrument donations, and financial support.

Wayne Presbyterian Church

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT GROW BUSTLETON ESL MINISTRY

GROW Bustleton is an English as a second language (ESL) ministry that serves the immigrant and refugee communities in NE Philadelphia. Once a month GROW has conversation cafes, which are opportunities for 1-3 ESL students to talk with a native English-speaker (you!) in casual conversation. WPC members have been volunteering at GROW conversation cafes since Spring 2022 and have enjoyed the time getting to know refugees from Brazil, Albania, Ukraine, Russia, China and Turkey. If you like to meet new people, this is the perfect way to serve!

Winter Café Dates:

Monday January 16 – 11 a.m. - 12p.m. – MLK Jr. Day!

Tuesday January 17 – 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday February 15 – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Thursday February 16 - 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Monday March 13 – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Tuesday March 14 - 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Time commitment: 1 hour

Experience required: None. All you need is curiosity and a love for people. Training: None. GROW provides conversation prompts

Address: GROW ESL Bustleton, Seven Mile Road Church, 525 Welsh Road, Phila, PA 19115

If you would like to volunteer on any of these dates, please email Seena Raj, Assistant Director - GROW Bustleton, bustleton@growesl.org. If you are interested in carpooling from the Wayne area, please copy WPC Mission team member Carol Diehl, ccdiehl8@verizon.net on your email to Seena.

Another volunteer opportunity also exists at GROW - GROW Bustleton is looking for a volunteer to teach Level 4 (advanced level). This would begin in January or ASAP and would be a commitment of one and a half hours a week, either Monday or Wednesday, 10:30-12:00pm. Training is provided, as is the curriculum. If interested in learning more or applying, email Seena Raj, Assistant Director – GROW Bustleton, bustleton@growesl.org or find more information at Volunteer – GROW (growesl.org). Make sure to let Seena know you are from Wayne Presbyterian Church.

HELP SEND MITCHELL SCHOOL’S CHESS TEAM TO NATIONALS

During the month of February, please visit a table in the connector to learn about the inspiring chess team at Mitchell Elementary, Wayne’s long-time partner in southwest Philadelphia. These students have worked hard to become strong chess players and they have earned opportunities to compete at the national level, however, they need support to cover travel expenses.

Chess builds many important skills, including concentration, confidence and resilience. Because of this, every student at Mitchell takes a chess-based class called Critical Thinking. It is taught by Jason Bui, who also coaches Mitchell’s chess team. As of November 22, 2022, Mitchell’s chess team was in first place in the Philadelphia School District Elementary Division. Coach Bui seeks $6,000 to fund trips this spring to the High School Nationals in Washington, DC and the Elementary Nationals in Baltimore.

Commentsfromacurrent7thgradestudent:

WhenIwasin5thgrade,myteacherstoldmethatwhenIstartedplayingchessmygradesstartedtogetbetteragain,andI believedthem.IthinkitwasbecauseIwasabletofocusmore.IthelpsmeimprovemyconfidencebecausewhenIplayhigh schoolplayersIfeellikeIcanbeatthem,andwhenIfeellikeIcanbeatthem,IfeellikeIcanbeatanyone.

For more information, stop by the City Lights table between services, visit waynepres.org, or contact Wendy Norman (wnoprmanpa@yahoo.com, 610-608-2572) or Jane Beatty (jnbeatty@verizon.net, 610-688-7529). Donations can be made online at waynepres.org/giving and select Mitchell School from the Fund dropdown or send a check to the church office with “Mitchell School – Chess” in the memo line.

DEACONS

CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE PROJECT SERVES 95 FAMILIES

The Board of Deacons Community Service Committee held a very successful annual Christmas Angel Tree project providing holiday meals along with pantry food items and small gifts for 95 families. While the original goal was to help 80 families, the generosity of the WPC community enabled additional Angel Tree families to be served.

This year’s project marked the second year that the family selection process was available via the website and in-person during the coffee hour in the Connector on multiple Sundays in November and December. With the decorated Christmas Angel Tree by our side to herald this vital annual ministry, we had the opportunity to talk inperson with familiar and new worshippers at the Angel table, bringing additional joy and fellowship to the project.

In an effort to continue to improve this ministry, new this year was the option to use heavy-duty reusable/recyclable cardboard boxes provided at the Angel table. The boxes were cost effective, eco-friendly, and appreciated by those who utilized them.

The out-pouring of kindness, enthusiasm, and generosity from those who participated in the Angel Tree project was truly inspiring. It is the joy of giving to families we know need support and it is an expression of the loving care our faith asks of us. As a result, ninety-five families from three of our mission partners were surely overwhelmed with your heartfelt gifts of food and treats.

On behalf of the Deacons and the Deacon’s Community Service Committee, thanks for your exemplary support of mission outreach programs at WPC!

DEACON BLOOD DRIVES HELP THE AMERICAN RED CROSS SAVE LIVES

Six times a year the Deacons sponsor blood drives at our church. The drives are Wednesday afternoons and the dates are publicized on the Red Cross website and church calendar. Upcoming blood drives are scheduled for April 12 and June 7.

In 2022, we were proud to have facilitated the donation of 298 pints of blood, with each pint being able to assist multiple people. Despite blood being so vital, we often don’t think about its availability until we or a loved one needs it. We TRUST the supply will be there. The Deacons hope anyone who is able will sign up for the drives (myths about not being about to donate are on the Red Cross website) and/or volunteer to help us promote the drives in their social circles. Reminders re: the drives will be provided as we grow closer to the events, and can also be found at redcrossblood.org by entering sponsor code: waynepres We are grateful in advance for your support!

Top right: Blood drive leader Lynne Samson shows how easy it is to give blood! Bottom right: Connie Layman, John Larkin and Mary Bollinger are active donors and volunteers

MUSIC

ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT ALL CHRISTIANS SING, TO HEAR THE NEWS THE ANGELS BRING

The Advent-Christmas season is always a favorite for our music ensembles. The Wayne Oratorio Society closed out the year 2022 with four concerts: Faure’s exquisite Requiem and Dan Forrest’s lively Jubilate Deo on November 5 and 6, and Handel’s beloved Messiah on December 3 and 4, all under the leadership of John Grecia.

Advent activities included music of the season in Sundaymorning worship by the Te Deum and Selah bell choirs and WPC Orchestra, as well as caroling during the Family Advent Celebration and with the Youth Group. On Christmas Eve, following a carol-filled Pageant at 4pm, the Westminster Youth Choir (7:00pm) and Chancel Choir (10:00pm) filled the Sanctuary with music in praise of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, together with New City Brass.

MUSIC IN 2023 Winter/Spring Classes

The new year 2023 opens with two Music Transforms concerts: the The Arcadian Trio (January 15) and the Pyxis Piano Trio (February 12). Both concerts are at 4 p.m. and are free, with a free-will offering benefitting music education at The Common Place in Southwest Philadelphia.

Our music program welcomes new participants throughout the year. Do you like to sing? Do you play an orchestral instrument – or have you played one in the past and would like to brush up your skills? Are you interested in learning how to ring handbells? Contact Kirsten Santos Rutschman, Interim Director of Music, at kirsten@waynepres.org or (610) 688-8700, x227 for more information.

Christmas Eve: Westminster Choir

Christmas Eve: Chancel Choir

Christmas Eve: New City Brass

The Arcadian Trio

Pyxis Piano Trio

SANTA VISITS WPC DURING “CHRISTMAS IN WAYNE”

On a cold, rainy day in December, WPC opened its doors to welcome Santa and Wayne families into the warm connector for hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas cheer! Santa arrived on a fire engine after the Santa Parade through Wayne, and children lined up to sit on his lap and chat. Given the Covid restrictions in recent years, this was the first time some young ones had met Santa, and they had time to warm up to the idea of having a conversation with Santa in the festive and welcoming Connector. The Wayne Business Association (WBA) coordinated the event, bringing decorated Christmas trees donated by Braxton’s, wrapped boxes to put underneath them, and balloons to give to the kids. Mad Anthony’s Café donated the hot chocolate and cookies, and WPC provided Advent Coloring Calendars, Advent Devotionals and ornaments for families to take home. We also had 14 energetic volunteers to help welcome the community into our church. Visitors expressed appreciation for the event, with some noting it was the first time they had been in our church. It was a wonderful opportunity to partner with the WBA to support a community event and engage with our neighbors.

If you would like to join the Church Growth & Evangelism Task Force to help organize similar opportunities to connect with the community, please contact Elizabeth Castleman at epcastleman@earthlink.net.

Wayne Presbyterian Church

POINSETTIA TREE SET UP

Your Chancel Committee and its elves were very busy decorating our church for the holiday season. Two hundred six thirsty poinsettia plants arrived on the scene the week before Christmas. After a drink and inspection they were off to the Sanctuary for placement in the poinsettia “trees,” staff offices, Connector, and Chapel. The “trees” were carefully assembled with lights and potholders. From that day through the New Year, a member of the Chancel Committee watered and pruned the poinsettias to keep them healthy and attractive. Many thanks to those pictured – Ellie and Janice Mack, Pearson and Susi Bruhns, and Angela Tait. Also other Chancel Committee members Clara Meyers, Joan Spillman, Judie Elliott, Georgia Hogeland, Beth Brake, June Hamilton and Marian Hollinsworth; and committee leaders Angela Tait and Lani Fabere. And big thanks to Bill Gillespie and his team for their annual installation of the spectacular Christmas tree in the Connector! Please contact Angela at taitmaryangela333@gmail.com or Lani at lanifabere@gmail.com if you’d like to help with future decorating efforts.

PASTOR SPOTLIGHT

MEET OUR BRIDGE ASSOCIATE PASTOR – REV. LIZ WAGNER

The Session voted unanimously in December to hire Rev. Liz Wagner to serve as a bridge associate pastor. (Bridge is the presbytery language for a temporary pastor hired by the Session). Liz currently serves as our Director of Finance, and she is also ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She will spend the next several months transitioning between financial work and her new pastoral role, which will include overseeing pastoral care, Faith in Action (Mission), and the Board of Deacons. Liz officially began her duties as an associate pastor on Sunday January 8, when she preached at both services. We celebrated her new role at a reception during coffee hour. She will serve as an associate pastor until at least December 31, 2023. We are delighted for Liz to join the pastoral team – we hope you will find an opportunity to welcome her to this new call.

Session is currently acting upon a plan and timeline for hiring a replacement director of finance. Until the position is filled, Liz will be wearing both her pastoral and financial hats, so please be patient and gracious as she manages these two important roles. Rev. Heather Shortlidge and Katy Shevel are also responsible for providing pastoral care, so there will not be gaps in pastoral presence during the coming months of transition.

Wayne Presbyterian Church

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

THE UNSUNG HEROES BEHIND WPC LIVE STREAM PRODUCTION

WPC members and visitors often ask how we offer such a high-quality live stream of worship services, wedding, funerals and other events in our sanctuary. It’s certainly not easy, but we are blessed to have a dedicated technology team with the skills and equipment to get the job done week after week without fail. They worked throughout the pandemic to bring worship to our homes and have continued to improve the audio and video production technology to ensure a reliable and beautiful remote worship experience.

Mike Burnham is the backbone of the team. He not only does the video production but also creates countless slides providing text and graphics to make the live stream easy to follow for remote viewers. His wife, Carol, often joins him in the production booth as audio engineer. Frank Caruthers and Frank Tait round out the team of audio engineers.

Over the past five years, Mark Fabere and Eric Ziegler have directed investments in the software, computers, cameras, microphones, and production booth that support the robust yet discreet operations that we have today. All 11:00 a.m. worship services are live streamed, recorded and archived on the WPC YouTube channel. Scan the QR code to the right to visit our channel.

If you see any members of our tech team, please thank them for all their work! If you would like to learn more about the production process or join the team, please reach out to Mike at mikebsxm@yahoo.com. He would love to show you around!

From left to right: Frank Caruthers, Carol Burnham, Mike Burnham