Wayne Press March 2023

WAYNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

WAYNE PRESS

“…I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU WELCOMED ME.” MATTHEW 25:35

Have you ever noticed this plaque in the vestibule at the east entrance to the sanctuary? It’s a fascinating legacy of one of our early church members who prioritized the importance of making the church a welcoming place. Many things have changed over the years – our town, our buildings, the culture in which we live – but one thing we hope to maintain at the heart of our church culture is a deep spirit of hospitality.

Mr. Askin mandated a physical representation of this hospitality – the designation of six pews for “strangers.” Today we call them “visitors,” but the intention is the same – to be purposeful in our mission

to make newcomers “feel at home in this church.” How? We are expanding our Andrew Minister program to implement new ways to make visitors feel welcome. We are enhancing our technology and protocols to follow up with visitors. We encourage members to be aware of newcomers in the pews or participating in programs and greet them with warm words of welcome.

Even as our church and our community have experienced significant change over the years, we can honor the request of the late J. Henry Askin, and follow the example Christ set for us, to help all people feel welcome and valued in our place of worship.

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 25:35

We hope you enjoy this issue of the Wayne Press, which highlights many recent events and upcoming programs., but it can’t cover everything we do! Please visit waynepres.org regularly for more information and updates. Also visit the online Member Portal or contact the church office to keep your membership records updated to make sure your receive our publications.

WinGS (WOMEN IN GOD’S SERVICE)

GENERATIONS OF WOMEN GATHER FOR POTTERY MAKING AND FELLOWSHIP

On a dreary winter Sunday, warmth and light filled the Chapel when a group of about 40 women and young ladies enjoyed a fun event including pottery painting and pizza lunch. WinGS (Women in God’s Service) sponsored Molded by God, an intergenerational fellowship event on January 22. There were women and girls of all ages, including several mother/daughter, grandmother/granddaughter, and even grandmother/ daughter/granddaughter groups, as well as individual

participants. The women and girls picked item from the choice of several general and valentine- themed pottery pieces and then express their creativity as they painted the pieces. Food was good, painting was joyful and fellowship was fantastic as we listened to music reminding us of God’s love and our status as beloved daughters of the King. Everyone had fun painting and chatting. And the pieces (which were fired and picked up the next week) showed wonderful imagination and artistic ability. WinGS plans to continue this type of intergenerational fellowship event along with the many other activities we offer for the women of Wayne Presbyterian Church. We hope all women will check out our offerings and join us for future events.

Wayne Presbyterian Church

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES 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

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

WOMEN IN THE WORD

A Study on Philippians

led by Angela Tait

Weekly, 9:30 - 11:15 AM

Beginning April 12

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

LUNCH WITH THE LORD

A Study of Psalm 23

led by Lee Pretz

Weekly, Noon - 1:00 PM

Beginning March 29

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

THURSDAYS

MOMs PARENTING DISCUSSIONS

Good Enough, 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie led by Pam Clark

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday through May

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

Women of all ages are invited to experience Holy nourishment at the beautiful St. Raphaela Retreat Center. Take time away to deepen your relationship with God, strengthen relationships and grow in faith and community. Come and explore how God is renewing you.

“Blessed is she who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. She will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.”

Jeremiah 17:7

Amy Shutt serves as a Spiritual Director/Companion and retreat leader with a heart for spiritual formation. She currently serves on the faculty at the PRC Kairos School of Spiritual Direction Program in Lancaster, PA. She attends The First Presbyterian Church in Pottstown, PA.

For more information/registration, go to waynepres.org, or use QR code.

St. Raphaela Retreat Center Haverford, PA

ADULT EDUCATION

WPC CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

In February, WPC celebrated Black History month with a speaker series centered on Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark 1954 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court held that segregation in public schools based on race was unconstitutional.

To kick off the speaker series, we were honored to host Cheryl Brown Henderson, who has had a front row seat in the Civil Rights movement for most of her life. As the daughter of Rev. Oliver Brown, one of 13 plaintiffs in Brown vs. Board of Education, she enlightened us on some of the history of the case, and she stressed her commitment to continue the legacy of this historic decision. Prior to her talk, we hosted a delicious dinner in the Chapel. Besides church members, the community was invited and welcomed to this event. All warmly received Mrs. Brown Henderson for this unique opportunity to learn first-hand about her family’s involvement in a case that altered the trajectory of U.S. history by overturning the prior doctrine of separate but equal as applied to public education.

Mrs. Brown Henderson is the youngest of Rev. Brown’s three daughters. When asked at what point she really understood that her family had made history, she wryly commented that the significance of her family’s action likely became clear upon seeing a white man with cameras on her porch as she arrived home from school one day. The man shook her hand and introduced himself as the famed journalist Charles Kuralt. Mrs. Brown Henderson also stressed that the Brown decision was the culmination of a nation-wide, decades-long struggle for school integration, involving many families who sought a proper education for their children.

Mrs. Brown Henderson has been professionally involved in education for much of her life. She is the founder of Brown & Associates, an educational consulting firm, and of

The Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research. Under her leadership, the Foundation successfully worked with Congress to establish the Brown v. Board of Education National Park in Topeka, which opened in May of 2004.

While Mrs. Brown Henderson’s talk was both personal in its perspective and national in its scope, our two subsequent speakers focused on the history and legacy of Brown v. Board of Education in our own Philadelphia-area communities. On Sunday morning, February 12, local historian Penny Washington presented “Right Here: Main Line Fight for School Integration.”

“I want to thank the pastors of WPC and I also want to thank the congregants – those of you who are members of the church – because what you’re doing – I’ve toured the building, I’ve looked at the literature, and I’ve heard about all the programs – it is absolutely astounding – the service and outreach for the community. I mean, what you’re doing is the kind of thing that provides pathways to bringing people together, so I really do commend you for that work.”

Ms. Washington summarized the history of the “Berwyn School Fight” of 1932-34, when the Tredyffrin School Board voted to build a new elementary school – only for white children; the African-American children were to remain in the old building, segregated on the basis of race from their white classmates. African-American working-class parents objected to being compelled to send their children to poorly maintained, segregated schools. When they boycotted the public schools in protest of this discriminatory action, many were arrested and jailed. After more than 300 school days, the African-American parents prevailed in a political settlement and their children returned to integrated schools.

In explaining the broad significance of this local history, Ms. Washington emphasized that the Berwyn School Fight was a precursor to Brown, one that illustrates the need for and importance of the Brown decision here in our own community. That the Main Line African-American community prevailed in a political settlement showed not

Speakers Cheryl Brown Henderson and Penny Washington (center); organizers Pamela Jensen (left) and Susan Aggarwal (right)

Cheryl Brown Henderson

only the strength of that community’s leadership, but also the power of its vote. Finally, this local event paved the way for the 1935 Pennsylvania Equal Rights Act.

Our third and final speaker of the series was Constance McAlister, a prominent Philadelphia educator over three decades and retired principal of John Bartram High School. Under the title “Brown v. Board of Education: Things Change as They Remain the Same,” Ms. McAlister emphasized that, although nearly 60 years have passed since the Brown decision, public schools remain separate and unequal, and many children still cannot read. She focused on the need for equitable distribution of school funds to provide each school and each child the necessary resources and opportunity for success. While applauding Wayne Presbyterian’s long-term commitment to building relationships, Ms. McAlister urged us to do more – more reading to children, more engagement with state and local officials to ensure equity of resources, more courageous conversations. Inspired by Ms. McAlister’s passionate urging, a lively conversation ensued.

As we look back at this series, we reaffirm the need for WPC – a predominantly white suburban church – to celebrate Black History Month. We believe it is incumbent on us to learn as much as we can about all our brothers and sisters in Christ and to try to understand how it feels to “walk in somebody else’s shoes.” Although talks on race may be uncomfortable, we quote Ms. McAllister, who asked us to be courageous.

We thank all those who participated in our Black History Month speaker series, and we hope that each participant felt a renewed commitment to nurturing the vision of the Beloved Community for all God’s children.

THURSDAY MORNING MEN’S MINISTRY (TM3)

7:00 a.m. Fireside Room

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

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 is 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. We usually wrap up at 8 am, although the speakers often stay for a while to answer questions and chat.

Are you looking to explore the world of history, bible study, astronomy, philosophy, theology, and a host of Bible-related topics? This might be just what you are looking for. The lineup of speakers will challenge your mind and fill your spirit. Join in for a morning or two or the entire series. You will be glad you did.

OUR UPCOMING SPEAKERS:

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

From left: James Barnes, Janice Mack, Lillian Brown, her daughter, Linda Brown, and Buff Barnes. Lillian is 93 and grew up in Berwyn. She remembers when her older sister stayed home from school for the two years during the Berwyn School Fight of the 1930’s. Her sister was very smart and would hold school at her house for her siblings. If you got an answer wrong you moved up the stairs on the stair case. Lillian knew several of the people that Penny Washington talked about. Janice met Lillian and Linda when she was working at the Easttown Library and they struck up a conversation.

For more information or to get on the email Zoom invite list please contact Tim Pretz at tpretz@eastern.edu or Sal Ambrosio at sambrosio55@gmail.com

FAITH IN ACTION

WEEKLY DONATED FOOD DELIVERY MINISTRY RESUMES

Prior to the pandemic shutdown in 2020, WPC’s members and friends donated more than 2000 pounds of food collectively to the Great Valley Food Cupboard (GVFC), the Wayne Methodist Church Food Pantry, and the Health Annex on Woodland Avenue in Philadelphia. The Local Mission Subcommittee formed a team consisting of 20 parishioners who gathered each week whatever food was donated, and they delivered it to one of those three food outlets. The need to shut down our church due to Covid-19 in March 2020 forced a hiatus of more than two years on this ministry. During the pandemic closure, WPC continued to support the GVFC financially through member donations to the Bread From Heaven program. Also, the Deacons put receptacles in WPC’s vestibule for drop-off donations though the facility remained closed to the congregation. Needy families would drive up to the GVFC, and bags of groceries would be given to them while they remained in the car. The food cupboard reopened Fall 2022.

Spiraling inflation last year resulted in shortages in the food supply and painfully higher prices. Consequently, the number of families in need increased for every food cupboard, and the amount of donated food simultaneously decreased. GVFC and Wayne Methodist appealed for more help. Therefore, The Local Mission Subcommittee of Faith In Action and the Deacons have re-formed a team of 18 to resume

weekly food collection and deliveries to GVFC and the Methodist Food Pantry.

Whenever you might need to come to the church, consider bringing some non-perishable food and sundries such as condiments and cleaning products and putting them in the food cabinet in the Connector. If the church happens to be closed, you can leave your items in the vestibule receptacles. We hope to be able to provide a steady stream of donated goods to these two community services.

Food Cabinet in the Connector

Please contact Scott Laird at hslaird@aol.com with any questions about the food donation programs.

FAMILY PROMISE OF THE MAIN LINE (FPML) HONORS SCOTT AND MARTY LAIRD

At its 2023 Spring Fundraiser, FPML will honor WPC members Marty and Scott Laird for their longstanding support and dedication to the organization. Please consider attending the fundraiser on April 30 to help recognize the important work the Lairds have done over many years for Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), recently renamed Family Promise of the Main Line, helping families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence. For information, visit fpmainline.org/.

MITCHELL SCHOOL LIBRARY REOPENS – AND NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!

Libraries and librarians in the 215 public schools of Philadelphia are an endangered species. There are fewer than ten fulltime librarians and perhaps 30 libraries staffed by volunteers. One of the Wayne Presbyterian Church (WPC) Faith in Action CityLights partners is Mitchell Elementary School (K-8) located in the Kingsessing neighborhood of Southwest Philadelphia. Mitchell School has one of those volunteer libraries because WPC members and their friends have worked hard for nearly 20 years to create and manage the 10,000-book collection.

During the pandemic the library became a warehouse for supplies. Now students are gradually finding their way back. Kindergarten through 3rd grade classes visit one Tuesday a month to find and check out good books with the help of “personal librarians.” Currently, five WPC volunteers help on Tuesdays. In addition to helping select books, volunteers sit at tables with about five students and read with them.

Mitchell School could use twice as many volunteer “personal librarians” on Tuesdays. The young students love the focused attention. The goal is to open the world of books and reading for pleasure for all K-8 students at Mitchell School.

When older students heard that the K-3 classes were coming to the library, they started asking teachers when they could come. The library is now open for business every Tuesday for visits from the upper grades. Teachers send small groups or individual students to talk about books and find good books to read and check out.

If you would like to donate funds for new books or join other WPC volunteers on a Tuesday once a month to encourage readers, please contact WPC member Rita Fisk at ritahfisk@gmail.com or 484-744-9535.

MITCHELL SCHOOL CHESS TEAM UPDATE

Chess coach and teacher Jason Bui and his young Mitchell School chess players are very appreciative of Wayne Presbyterian Church’s generous support of $5,875, which has enabled them to travel to three big chess tournaments! They have already completed the first stop at the State Championships in Harrisburg. We wish the 10 competitors great growth and success as they make their moves in the upcoming tournaments.

ABOUT THE WPC PARTNERSHIPS WITH MITCHELL SCHOOL

Twenty-three years ago, Mitchell School became a mission partner of the WPC CityLights program. CityLights is an urban ministry through which WPC partners with existing organizations in the Kingsessing area of Southwest Philadelphia. Scores of WPC members over the years have volunteered at Mitchell School as reading partners, read to large groups on Dr. Seuss Days, raised over $75,000 for playground equipment, created the Mitchell library, helped to build a violin program, raised funds for the Mitchell Chess Club, donated computers for graduation, and much more. In addition to the library, there are many other volunteer opportunities. Please contact WPC Liaisons for more information: Jane Beatty: 610.688.7529 (home), 610.220.7814 (cell) or jnbeatty@verizon.net; Rita Fisk: ritahfisk@gmail.com; or Wendy Norman: wnormanpa@yahoo.com.

AFTER SCHOOL SCHOLARS AT THE COMMON PLACE EXPLORE BLACK HISTORY AND ART

byHuanBaum,DirectorofProgramming,TheCommonPlace

2023 has brought new beginnings for the TCP scholars! We have hired a new Art Specialist, Ms. Alesha, who is also part of the general staff. She has helped the scholars create their own art portfolios. Each week they have been working on projects such as landscaping, silhouettes, and mosaic art.

Along with the general art projects, scholars have been introduced to and become involved with the 1619 Project, which launched in August 2019 with a special issue of The New York Times Magazine. It includes essays and creative works by journalists, historians, and artists illuminating the legacy of slavery in the contemporary United States and highlighting the contributions of Black Americans to every aspect of American society. Our scholars created the “What America Means to Me” project to express their ideas of American society.

Along with the 1619 Project, scholars participated in Black History Month, learning about the contributions of African Americans such as George Crum, who invented the potato chip. Scholars engaged in making their own chips from peeled potatoes under the supervision of the staff.

The Common Place After School Scholars Program began in the fall of 2014. Today there are forty scholars enrolled in the program, which runs Monday through Friday from 2:30 - 6:00 p.m. The scholars come from three different neighborhood schools – Mitchell Elementary, Independence Charter School West and Cornerstone Christian Academy. The program serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

HELP HOST LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED OF SUPPORT – RIGHT HERE AT WPC!

Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer right here at Wayne Pres? Please consider helping out with one of WPC’s longstanding mission initiatives, Family Promise of the Main Line. Every few weeks, families who are homeless and receiving help through the Family Promise program reside each evening at various churches and synagogues along the main line. WPC and St. Katharine’s partner to provide volunteers who help during their week stay at WPC. Volunteer help includes setting up rooms for families to stay in, joining the families for dinner and fellowship, staying overnight in a private room, preparing and delivering dinner one evening, doing laundry after their stay, and so much more. Please consider joining us in this fabulous and meaningful mission of WPC.

Our next host week is scheduled for May 14 -21. We can always use new volunteers! It’s an easy couple of hours when friends can gather, families can volunteer together, and teens can earn service hours, all while knowing you are doing a good thing. Please contact one of the coordinators directly or email WPCIHN@ gmail.com for further information or to get on the distribution list.

Families can help make warm beds, serve dinner, play with kids and help make them feel supported while they are experiencing homelessness

Coordinators:

Leslie Dudt 610-256-2301

Susan Hirshman 610-563-4235

Nancy Monahan 610-248-6405

(from left Program coordinators and volunteers Nancy Monahan, Sue Ellen Larkin, Debbie Reiner and Susan Hirshman)

Wayne Presbyterian Church

LO LOCAL MISSI CAL MISSION:ON:WPC AND WPC BAKER IND BAKER INDUUSTRIES SUPPO STRIES SUPPORRT T

GEMMA SER GEMMA SERVIVICES CES

Gemma Services’ (formerly Rosemont Presbyterian Village) Faith-In-Action

Council of supporting churches, which includes Wayne Presbyterian, learned that Gemma needed “stress relief putty” for the children and youth in all their programs. It just so happened that another of WPC’s local mission partners, Baker Industries, a nonprofit workforce development program serving hard-to-employ adults in our community (founded in 1980 by WPC members Charles and Weezie Baker to provide fulfilling work for their son Justin) has had a client relationship since 2011 with Aaron Muderick, CEO of Norristown firm Crazy Aaron’s Puttyworld (crazyaarons.com) that makes “Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty.” They make Thinking Putty® and “other creative, innovative products to inspire curiosity and wonder and to educate and delight our customers all over the world.”

So our local mission committee arranged to supply Gemma Services with 300 small tins of Thinking Putty. The putty was purchased at a discount, and we arranged for Baker Industries to print labels saying “Gemma Services” and apply heat seals on all the tins. This is the type of service Baker has provided Putty World in the past. The putty was delivered in July—in time for the start of classes at the Martin Luther School in Plymouth Meeting as well as for use in programs at the Preheim Center in southwest Philadelphia. The staff at Gemma especially liked the smaller tins because they are pocket-sized and the putty can be squeezed without being obvious and interfering with their concentration to the important tasks at hand.

Both Baker Industries and Gemma Services have opportunities to serve as volunteers in ways they welcome.

With locations in Malvern and Kensington, Baker Industries (bakerindustries.org) participants perform a variety of assembly, packaging, fulfillment and other services for business customers while participating in programs to build skills and find meaningful work providing a living wage. The organization welcomes groups or individuals to work alongside their workers on the job, providing positive interaction and teamwork. Baker is also always looking for businesses that need the services they provide.

Gemma Services (gemmaservices.org) operates the Martin Luther School in Plymouth Meeting where both residential and daytime students get academic and behavioral teaching because they were referred there for this help by their home school districts. Opportunities to volunteer include organizing a Sunday afternoon party for residential students, doing garden work on campus, and Thanksgiving and Christmas support.

For more information about these and other opportunities, contact Scott Laird (hslaird@aol.com).

Erin Christiansen at Crazy Aaron’s Putty World supplied the stress relief putty

Rich Bevan, President of Baker Industries with Kim, who labeled and sealed the putty tins

Amanda Bryant of Gemma Services receives the stress relief putty

MUSIC

SUNDAY MUSIC AT WAYNE PRES

Let “sweet hosannas” ring! The Children’s Choir is returning! Children in grades 1-5 will process with palm fronds and sing in the 9:30 worship service on Palm Sunday, April 2.

The Chancel choir sings nearly every Sunday. During Lent, we also enjoy sharing music at Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday services, as well as preparing for Easter, April 9, when we invite you – the congregation – to join us in singing the mighty “Hallelujah” Chorus. Looking for fellowship on Thursday nights? Even after a long day, singing in choir can boost your mood and open your eyes to God’s beauty all around us.

Youth in the Westminster Choir (grades 6-12) are currently preparing for Youth Sunday, April 16 – don’t miss it! If you’re not already part of Westminster, come join us for singing, fun, faith, and fellowship. And bring a friend! We rehearse Sundays from 5-6pm.

Our instrumental ensembles regularly share gifts of music in worship. Handbells ring on March 19 and on Easter Sunday, April 9. The Orchestra plays on March 26 and April 30. Stay tuned for more on Bell Sunday (June 4) and Orchestra Sunday (June 11).

Want to be on the email list for upcoming Music Transforms concerts? Email kirsten@waynepres.org.

Meet Paul Fleckenstein: Paul is assisting with organ music and choral accompanying from mid-January through mid-May. Recently retired from a long and distinguished career as Organist and Director of Music, Paul now enjoys assisting other churches in the Wilmington-Philadelphia area as interim/ substitute organist.

New members are welcome in our Sunday ensembles. Please contact Kirsten at kirsten@waynepres.org or (610)688-8700,x227formoreinformationonour vocal choirs, orchestra, and handbell choirs.

THE WAYNE ORATORIO SOCIETY PRESENTS

BEETHOVEN: MASS IN C & WILL TODD: MASS IN BLUE

APRIL 22 AND 23, 7:30PM

Please join us for a special concert that blends the interpretation of one sacred text by two gifted composers from different centuries and musical genres into a one glorious and intriguing musical event.

These two works for choir, orchestra, and jazz ensemble, use the same text, the Mass Ordinary (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei) but fashion the music in completely different and intriguing ways. The first work is Beethoven’s revolutionary Mass in C, composed in 1803. This was his first attempt to write a piece of sacred music and one of his most dynamic and inspiring compositions. The second work for this concert is Will Todd’s Mass in Blue composed in 2003. Todd seamlessly weaves together the musical duality of his world – he’s an accomplished jazz pianist/composer but also writes using a post-modern classical choral language. While the instrumentation and choral writing are rooted in jazz harmony and rhythm, the choir and soprano soloist perform largely with traditional classical tone. This pairing allows both musicians and audiences to discover how these two very different settings of the same text equate to parallel expressions/ feelings of reverence, joy, and spirituality for both the performers and listeners.

Between them, Todd and Beethoven have delighted hundreds of thousands of concert goers. They are sure to do the same once again, April 22 and 23, 2023 with John Grecia conducting the 100+ member Choir, Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. Put this on your calendar now. You don’t want to miss it! The concert is free. Your donations and free will offering benefit this concert and future concerts by The Wayne Oratorio Society. Scan and give here.

Wayne Presbyterian Church

T he Wayne Or atorio Society

A Ministry of Wayne Presbyterian Church

Beethoven

Will Todd in C John Grecia, Conductor

MASS

in Blue

Saturday, April 22

Sunday, April 23rd

7:30pm

100+ Voice Choir, Professional Soloists, Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble.

WORSHIP

WORSHIP AT WAYNE

“Worship is at the very heart of the church’s life. All that the church is and does is rooted in its worship. The community of faith, gathered in response to God’s call, is formed in its worship.” (fromourBook of Common Worship.)

Being in our beautiful sacred space on Sundays is the one time all of us are with another, and we treasure our time together.

We have Music news! The Session has appointed Elder John Kauffman to lead a search for a permanent Director of Music. The committee is working hard on refining the job description. We thank Kirsten Santos Rutschman and her stellar team for their leadership during the interim.

Your Session members want to hear from you. Please reach out with any comments, questions, suggestions, concerns or compliments, especially on how we can make Wayne a welcoming place for all.

Elder Becky Greenhow rebeccagreenhow@gmail.com

THANK YOU FOR EASTER LILY DEDICATIONS

Many thanks to everyone who participated in the annual Easter Lilies program honoring or memorializing their loved ones. This program helps create the beautiful Easter displays in the Sanctuary for all to enjoy!

Wayne Presbyterian Church

JOIN US FOR HOLY WEEK

Full to the Brim: An Expansive Lent

April 2

Palm Sunday 9:30am (Children’s Choir) and 11:00am

April 6

Maundy Thursday 7:00pm

April 7

Good Friday

Community Worship Service

11:45am Processional of the Cross at Wayne Presbyterian Church

12:00pm Community Worship Service at St. Katharine of Siena Catholic Church

April 9

Easter Sunday 9:30am and 11:00am

All Sunday services live streamed at 9:30am

DEACONS SENIOR OUTREACH INITIATIVE PROGRAM SUMMARY AND RESULTS

In October 2022, the Deacons launched a project to reconnect with members over 70 who have not been attending worship. This project grew out of conversations with several members who have felt disconnected from the church as a result of Covid-19 or even before the pandemic.

Objectives

The Deacons Senior Outreach Initiative, under the leadership of Mary Bollinger, aimed to reach out to our senior members, let them know we care, and encourage them to return to in-person services if they are able. We also sought to refer urgent needs to the pastors and to inquire whether the Deacons could provide additional services, such as rides to church, regular visits, and senior activities.

The project also sought to correct invalid contact information and identify members who are no longer active. Our church pays $30 to the Philadelphia Presbytery for each member on our rolls.

Process

Each Deacon was asked to contact about eight members over 70 using a suggested script. Deacons called and wrote emails and notes to members whom they were unable to reach by telephone. They noted any telephone numbers, emails, or home addresses that were not valid and provided updates when possible. They checked the Internet for information regarding members who did not respond after multiple contact attempts.

Results

Most Deacons reported that members who answered the telephone appreciated the outreach. Many said they had been watching the live stream but hoped to return to in-person worship in the near future. Some members expressed concern about the changes in church staff.

The Deacons Senior Initiative highlighted the need for Deacons and pastors to regularly contact our senior members.

Keeping church membership records current is vital. Wayne Presbyterian office staff, assisted by Mark Fabere, will be updating records in ShelbyNext and doing further research on the “No response” members.

If you think your member records may be out of date, please visit the Member Portal at waynepres.org/member-portal/ or scan the QR code to the right and review your contact information.

Thank you for your help in making sure we stay connected!

DEACONS LOVE TO PROVIDE RIDES TO THE CHURCH!

The Deacons are updating the procedures used to provide rides to worship services and special church events. If you would like to be on the list of those requesting a ride, even if only for a short time, or if you know of anyone who could benefit from this service, please contact Bill Pentz at willpentz@gmail.com.

The Deacons are also looking for people willing to be drivers. This would mean being available to pick up someone living near you and transporting them to and from worship every month or six weeks.

If you’re interested, please contact Bill.

SESSION AND DEACONS GATHER FOR DINNER AND ANNUAL MEETING

The members of Session and the Board of Deacons gathered on January 24 for the annual Deacon report to Session. This year, we also enjoyed a wonderful dinner and fellowship before the meeting. The energy in the Chapel reflected the joy of being together for fellowship and to discuss the important work of the Deacons. We heard story after story from Deacon leaders about all they do throughout the year as they provide “caring hands in joyful service.” Moderator John Larkin kicked off the meeting with welcoming remarks, Craig Stock reported on the solid Deacon finances, Steve Fakharzadeh reported on the work of the Community Service team, Lee Pretz gave an update about the Congregational Services Committee, Mary Bollinger described her Care & Compassion Committee’s work reaching out to members we haven’t seen in a while, among other activities to support our members. Anne McCrary will continue in her role as Secretary, and Carolyn Lolli will become Moderator when John’s term ends. When Deacons and Elders are ordained, we promise to serve with energy, intelligence, imagination and love. Our Deacons model that every day.

If you are interested in joining a Deacon committee to become “the hands and feet of Jesus” in our community, please contact John Larkin at larkinjj6@gmail.com.

SESSION UPDATE

Grace to you and Peace from the Session of WPC. We are grateful for God’s steadfast love and guidance as we conduct our work. Following is a summary of our focus during the first quarter of 2023.

1. Strategic Planning Planning: We retained the Center for Healthy Churches (CLC) to lead several retreats and workshops to conduct strategic planning and staff development. Our CLC consultant was on site for the following events:

·Session retreat – February 4

·Staff workshop – February 24

·Session retreat – February 25

Church leaders and staff are now refining strategic planning frameworks, governance goals, organizational design, and operational tactics. We will soon organize Visioning Sessions with the congregation to present the results of our work and gather feedback and input for strategic planning.

2. Senior Pastor Search Senior Pastor Search: The Nominating Committee accepted nominations through March 31 for the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC), and Session has assigned teams to complete the steps needed to receive COM approval to form the PNC and begin the search for a permanent senior pastor. Those steps include updating the Mission Study and evaluating pastoral staffing needs. PNC updates will be shared regularly with the congregation and posted on the WPC website under Resources.

3. Operations & Finance Operations & Finance: We are pleased to report that our new Director of Finance and Operations, John Pitocchelli, started his new position on March 6. John is an important new leader who will manage the operating framework of the church, including finance, facilities, IT and administrative staff.

4. Music Music: Our Director of Music Search Committee, led by John Kauffman, has developed a comprehensive job description and initiated the search for a permanent Director of Music Ministries. We are pleased to have an extraordinary team of professionals leading our music programs during this interim period.

5. Church Census Census: The Census Task Force is conducting two major initiatives: Our Deacons are conducting an outreach effort to contact members we haven’t seen in a while. In addition, we are making efforts to better track visitor/member attendance. These are important efforts to improve our baseline database quality and leverage our information systems to more effectively support and engage members and visitors going forward.

For more information, please see the Monthly Session Reports posted on the WPC website under Resources. As always, please contact Clerk of Session Frone Crawford at fcrawford@fcrawfordlaw.com with any thoughts, concerns or questions.

Wayne Presbyterian Church

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

The next Blood Drive at WPC is scheduled for April 12 from 1:30 - 6:30 p.m. Based on its track record, the WPC Blood Drive program has been recognized by the American Red Cross as a Premier Partner.

Please consider donating blood if you are able and willing. To learn more or register to become a donor, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: waynepres.

WPC CAREER NETWORKING GROUP

Facilitated meetings of the WPC Career Networking Group occur virtually in the evening of the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to help people navigate towards new jobs and new career opportunities. All are welcome, whether one is just starting out on a career path or looking to make a change and explore new opportunities. Information on WPC Career Networking Group meetings can be found in the Events List section of the Calendar tab on the WPC website. You may also contact James Barnes at barnesj1966@gmail.com for more information.

COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP

MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD

The joy was palpable as church members gathered for brunch after the Annual Meeting on January 29 to celebrate finally being back together. The tantalizing smells of pancakes and sausages wafted from the kitchen through the connector into the Narthex, causing the Rev. Heather Shortlidge to take a minute to enjoy before preaching.

Gathering after the annual meeting is a long tradition at our church – for many years we have enjoyed potlucks, chili cookoffs and pizza at a time of church wide fellowship. Sadly, such gatherings have not been possible for the past few years, which only served to underscore the pure energy created by friends greeting friends. The chapel was abuzz with laughter – a delight to witness and experience.

A shout out to the members of the Community Fellowship Committee and all of the folks who pitched in to prepare and serve a magnificent brunch to a full house. We even used the church’s china, silverware and glassware to support WPC’s efforts to be greener. There was a great spread of breads, sandwiches and fruits. A special cheers to our leader, Elder Dave Robinson, who brought his Boy Scout chops to the event. His homemade egg and cheese casseroles were the hit of the day.

CHILDREN’S & YOUTH MINISTRIES

FLIP, FLIP, HOORAY!! CHILDREN’S & YOUTH MINISTRIES TEAM UP TO HOST PANCAKE BREAKFAST

What a glorious morning we had on February 26, when the 4th through 7th graders and their Sunday school teachers prepared a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast for the whole congregation! 19 students and 12 adults came together as an amazing hospitality team. The kids were excited to bring back this longstanding tradition after its Covid hiatus. We lost count of the number of guests we served, but several of the tables needed to be reset, so it was well over 150! Table fellowship is such an important part of our life together. Combine a meal with an opportunity for our young ones to learn to serve with grace and gratitude and you have a winner all around.

Wayne Presbyterian Church

Mrs. M trains the serving crew.

The line cooks made pancakes and sausage for over 150

Luke and Liam cooked mountains of sausage to perfection.

Tables were set and decorated for the feast.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: REGISTER NOW!

Pssst…are you there, summer? It’s us, WPC Kids! Registration for VBS 2023 is LIVE on April 1. Shine up your space boots and get ready to ‘Shine Jesus’ Light’ June 26-30. VBS is from 9 a.m. - noon each day and is available for space rangers 4 years old through 4th grade. Register at www.waynepres.org. Email Kelli Masters at kelli@waynepres.org with questions or volunteer interest.

Our youth learned that fun and fellowship are a big part of hospitality.

Pancake flippers could be found in every corner of the kitchen.

STEWARDSHIP

Good Shepherd Society sustains our work for the next generations

Wayne Presbyterian Church is blessed with a rich heritage of Christian worship, music, service and fellowship. We are also blessed with a beautiful and historic physical campus that enriches our faith and community. We have inherited this community and campus from the brothers and sisters who came before us, and we seek to enrich the lives and faith of those who come after us, all in service and glory to God.

One of the ways we do this is by building and preserving an Endowment Fund, which is a permanent or perpetual fund whose purpose is to provide long-term income to continue and extend the work and ministry of

EARTH CARE

Our Pollinator Garden overcomes a common gardening mistake

Since May 2019, the grounds on the east side of the Chapel (next to the Wayne Hotel) have been the site of a pollinator garden, consistent with WPC’s mission as a PC-USA Earth Care Congregation. From spring through fall, life in the garden is readily visible and abundant. Flowering plants provide nectar for rubythroated hummingbirds as well as many butterflies and moths. Many species of bees, laden with pollen, are invariably present. All stages of the monarch life cycle have been found in the garden, from egg, to caterpillar devouring the leaves of swamp milkweed, to chrysalis hanging from a leaf or even the church stone wall, to the newly emerged mature butterfly drying her wings. Seedeating birds such as goldfinches and house finches are nourished by the seed heads of coneflowers, sunflowers, and black-eyed Susans. Robins and catbirds relish the lavender berries of the beauty berry bush, and robins scour the soft earth searching for earthworms and grubs. The garden is beautiful, not just because it is full of colorful blossoms with interesting shapes, but also because it supports so much bird and beneficial insect life.

The garden in winter may at first glance appear just brown and “dead” – but in fact plenty of life remains. Many beneficial insects overwinter in the leaf litter covering the ground and in the hollow stems of herbaceous plants whose bloom time has passed.

our church. A sufficient endowment is essential to supporting the work, resilience and future of the church.

A campaign is underway to raise awareness of the ways in which members can secure the future of our church by joining the Good Shepherd Society – a group of faithful members who have made arrangements for contributing “legacy gifts.” Such gifts can be “direct gifts” over and above annual giving, and/or “bequests,” deferred gifts made through wills or through direct payments of accounts.

A legacy gift is an opportunity to express gratitude for God’s work in your life and uphold the work of our church in our community and for future generations. Please watch for announcements in our publications and mailings, visit waynepres.org/giving, or contact Frone Crawford at fcrawford@fcrawfordlaw.com for more information.

Goldfinches and house finches who remain here for the winter continue to eat the seed heads throughout the cold season. Thus, our little garden helps to support birds and beneficial insects throughout the year.

Unfortunately, last year a new church landscape contractor did not understand the year-round services that a pollinator garden provides – and cut back all the herbaceous plants to the ground as part of a fall “cleanup.” While this is a common gardening practice, it deprives birds and beneficial insects of food and shelter during the winter months and hence is not one that we intended or will repeat. The good news: the plants have started to re-sprout with the onset of spring, and hence our pollinator garden will again soon be full of colorful blooms and the life they support. Please visit often as the season progresses to see for yourself!

Contact Pamela Jensen at jens0581@umn.edu or Rutger Boerema at rutgerboerema@yahoo.com if you would like to learn more about our Earth Care ministry or join the team!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT – THE TOOLBELT CREW

When your lights won’t blink, and your pictures fall, If there’s a stopped-up sink, or a gouge in wall, When your railings are rusty, or your shelves too tall, Who you gonna’ call?

The Toolbelt Crew!

Over the last four years, a faithful team of five volunteers work behind the scenes to keep Wayne Presbyterian Church in good repair. Dubbed the “Toolbelt Crew,” these men meet monthly to tackle a variety of projects from replacing bulbs and fixtures, hanging shelves, mirrors, and artwork, repairing office furniture, rebuild molding, installing wall-mounted TVs, painting walls and railings, and replace plumbing fixtures or tiles.

Under the supervision of Chris White and the watchful eye of the Property Committee, the Crew gets a list of projects to spec. If it is within their skill set they will happily tackle it, otherwise, the job is contracted out to the appropriate craftsman or technician.

The group initially came together after a chance conversation between Cathy Chandler and Lee Vogel. Members of the Thursday Morning Men’s Breakfast Bible Study (TM3) began doing some odd jobs for Cathy that involved heavy lifting. After realizing they all liked working with tools and seeing the amount of small projects around the building piling up, a consistent team of handymen took shape.

While each volunteer has knowledge of general maintenance, each one brings his own special talent to the group. Carl Teets repairs clocks. Next time you notice the correct time in the Chapel, thank him! Frank Tait cleaned and reorganized the maintenance storage area in the basement, saving the Church an estimated $15K. The project reminded him of his childhood job working under the table at the neighborhood hardware store. Dave Robinson takes the lead in all things painting. Dave Leidy, and Dave Robinson also do woodworking. Lee Vogel is the glue that keeps the team together.

The Toolbelt Crew meets monthly, usually after 8:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of the month. If you have the time, talent, tools, or desire to help keep our church property, school, and offices in repair, please consider joining this team. You can find all the members in the Directory in the Member Portal at waynepres.org/member-portal/ or scan the QR code to the right.

Come for the Work. Stay for the Fellowship.

Carl Teets and Frank Tait replace light fixtures in the Education Building.

Dave Robison keeps the lights on in the Connector.