November/December 2023
WAYNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
WAYNE PRESS
www.waynepres.org
A SEASON OF JOY AND GRATITUDE What joy we’ve experienced throughout the fall season as we’ve come together to celebrate many special events in the life of our church – from resuming weekly Bible studies to hosting a choral premiere – we have so much to be grateful for. Our church is filled with events related to all aspects of our vision – Worship, Learning, Serving and Caring. We glorified God at the Wayne Oratorio Society’s world premiere of CREATION with a weekend of overflowing crowds. Our other choirs resumed rehearsals, singing and ringing each week. Many groups came together for Bible studies reflecting various ages, topics, formats and locales. We supported and celebrated many mission partners, including the Galloway Scholars from Cornerstone Christian Academy. We enjoyed countless fellowship events – from the Church Picnic to the Youth Kickoff, retreats and discussion groups. We celebrated work anniversaries of dedicated staff members. We provided care for those experiencing hardship or grief. Now we look forward to Advent – our season of preparation for the arrival of Christ Jesus. Please read through this issue of the Wayne Press to review some of our recent events as well as those ahead – and please join us!
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 you receive our publications.
Wayne Presbyterian Church
STEWARDSHIP PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MINISTRIES IN 2024 Throughout the fall, we have been celebrating who WAYNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH we are as a church, where we have been, and how we STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN 2024 will continue to bring the light of Christ to the world. Leaders of our ministries have presented in worship all that we do together. We are so grateful for all of our donors, past, present and future, who enable our many ministries. This is the season when we ask you to prayerfully consider your estimates of giving for 2024 so we may establish our programs and budgets. Thank you to all those who have submitted your pledges of support. If you are still discerning your pledge, please visit our Stewardship page at waynepres.org/2024-stewardship-update/, where you will find links to our Narrative Budget, Strategic Plan, Pastor Search Updates and other resources that provide details regarding all the good work we’re doing, and the great importance of your support. We are still in need of additional pledges to fund our ministries and maintain our facilities. Please click here to submit your pledge today, or contact John Pitocchelli, Director of Operations & Finance, at john@waynepres.org with any questions. Thank you!
FRIENDS OF WAYNE PARTIES During the month of October, Nancy and John Galloway hosted a few small dinner parties to provide intimate gatherings to enable members to learn more about our church, its mission, its future and how your pledges and donations are put to work. The gatherings brought together members from different parts of our church community in a social and spiritual setting. We had a chance to listen to each other, learn more about each other and grow in our understanding of our faith and mission. On November 1, John and Nancy took the Friends of Wayne parties to Shannondell. We met with Wayne Presbyterian members after the service led by Liz Wagner.
(l to r: John Galloway, Nancy Maloney-Galloway, Marty Laird, Scott Laird)
Session members who attended the parties are Elizabeth Castleman and Scott Laird. They were available to answer questions about the Narrative Budget and many other topics. The Narrative Budget provides a visual and narrative description of how your gifts will be used in God’s service in 2024. With more funds we will do more. With fewer dollars we will do less. Through these gatherings we reaffirm as members of the Wayne Presbyterian congregation that we are the body of Christ. Through our Stewardship pledges we endeavor to bring Christ’s love and care to the world. We are planning similar gatherings during the coming weeks. If you would like to join us, please contact Nancy Galloway at maloney.galloway@gmail.com or any member of our Stewardship Committee. ALL are welcome!
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ADULT EDUCATION FALL PROGRAMMING SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY with Dr. Joseph B. Modica, Chaplain, Eastern University All are welcome at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room (and Zoom) to join Dr. Modica as he continues his 10th year teaching Sunday Bible Study at WPC. The Fall semester features a 12-week series on the Book of Genesis and will continue through December 17. We’ll be using the Genesis commentary by Joan E. Cook. The classes are designed to stand alone, so feel free to come for the last few classes of the semester. Dr. Modica will announce the Spring semester topic before the last class in December. For more information, please email Sal Ambrosio at sambrosio55@gmail.com.
MONDAY MORNING BIBLE FELLOWSHIP All are welcome to The Monday Morning Bible Fellowship. This is a member-led Bible study/ discussion group that meets weekly except holidays in the Fireside Room (and Zoom) from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mary Nicol and Scott Laird facilitate the weekly scripture study, and the group shares their personal insights and reflections on the week’s selection. This Fall the group is studying the Letters of John (1,2,3 John) using the commentaries of N.T. Wright (WJK Press), Scott M. Lewis (New Collegeville Bible Commentary) and C. Clifton Black (New Interpreter’s Bible). Members are welcome to volunteer dates to lead the discussion. We plan to finish 1,2,3 John by Christmas. The group is informal and the sessions can be interesting and enjoyable on a stand-alone basis. Come for one session or the series. For more information, please email Scott Laird at hslaird@aol.com.
Wayne Presbyterian Church
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 men that meets each Thursday morning in the Fireside Room and on Zoom. It is a wonderful opportunity for relationships, prayer and learning. The morning begins with prayer and fellowship, followed by learning time: a 30-minute presentation typically from professors from Eastern University. We usually wrap up at 8 a.m., 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. 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. PRELIMINARY SPEAKER SCHEDULE November Dr. David Bronkema, PhD., Professor; Templeton Chair for Christian Service through Entrepreneurship (no class November 23) December Dr. Michael Lee, PhD., Chair; Associate Professor of History & Grace F. Kea, Chair of American History; Eastern University January Dr. Manfred T. Brauch, PhD., Professor Emeritus of Biblical Theology, Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University 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
FELLOWSHIP OF THE BEAN
(Who are those people in the Library and what are they doing?) Fellowship of the Bean, a relaxed faith-based discussion group, celebrated its one-year anniversary in October! Meeting in the Library on Sunday mornings at 9:30, a group gathers as a community for conversation, fellowship and good coffee! Each week an inspiring topic, reading, video or Bible verse results in the group’s reflections about how we strive to live Christian lives more fully. This fall “The Bean” has discussed a variety of topics: • Second Chances after viewing a video of an inmate serving a life sentence rehabilitated through his work training dogs • Forgiveness inspired by a Ted Lasso episode and Nadia Bolz Weber’s reflections on compassion • Brene Brown’s thoughts on relationships • A TED talk about reimagining the church • We also had an interesting time reflecting on how to complete the statements “I am Christian because…” and “Because I am Christian, I…”. It’s been a fun, uplifting time on Sunday mornings living into the title of fellowship while enjoying the fruit of the bean – some good Farmers Market coffee! We look forward to hosting Tanisha Agrawal, a Conestoga High School student, who will join us to debut her documentary about the Berwyn School Fight on November 19. We heard about the Berwyn School Fight last year when Penny Washington joined us for Black History Month, and we will be able to view Tanisha’s research and passion around the subject, and discuss her motivation around her research. Stop in… follow the smell of freshly brewed coffee into the Library and join us on Sunday mornings! If you have questions or ideas for discussion, contact Rick Davis at rlidavis@comcast.net or Janice Mack at gardengirl65@gmail.com.
ONE BOOK, ONE CHURCH One Book, One Church started in 2014 with The Other Wes Moore, by Wes Moore, who is now the Governor of Maryland! Over these past nine years, we have read fiction, non-fiction, memoirs and even mysteries. Some have had obvious faith components, others have just been so compelling that we wanted to be able to discuss them through a lens of faith. Beyond just learning and exploring topics deeply, another goal of One Book, One Church is to strengthen relationships within the church. Whether it is through small group conversations, facilitated discussions with guest speakers or even excursions outside of the church, One Book, One Church provides opportunities to form community. We will announce the One Book, One Church selection for 2024 on December 3, and books will be for sale in the Connector for $15. Programming will be in February in connection with our Black History Month commemoration. Even if you can’t participate in the programming, we still hope you will read the selection! It makes a wonderful Christmas gift too!
WPC BOOK CLUB WPC Book Club gathered together in early October to discuss The Book of Joy, by the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams. The book covers a week of conversation between two international spiritual leaders looking back on their long lives of struggles and hardships while still holding on to a life of joy. The wisdom gained from their experiences and the desire to extend compassion to others has led them to long-lasting feelings of joy, even in times of sorrow. WPC Book Club will pause as we get ready for the One Book, One Church announcement December 3!
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MISSION THE MITCHELL SCHOOL IS UP & RUNNING ONCE AGAIN – SEEKING VOLUNTEERS!
covers a broad variety of school clubs and activities, as well as on Mitchell’s accomplished chess team.
Mitchell Elementary School, Wayne’s twenty-four year mission partner in Southwest Philadelphia, is up and running once again after two recent but separate shutdowns; the first was due to Covid, and the second, last spring, was for removal of asbestos. This year, a new principal, Ms. Tisha Dunn, greeted students in freshly-painted and newly-lit classrooms and hallways.
In the past, Mitchell has occasionally sought Wayne’s support for special activities. Sometimes these requests are small, and other times they are larger. Last year, the request was larger. Wayne raised approximately $6,000 to enable the talented chess team to attend and participate in state and national tournaments. It is hoped that WPC’s Alternative Gifts will cover some of the chess team’s expenses this year so the team can again travel to tournaments.
Principal Dunn is very excited that Wayne volunteers are willing to work in the library twice a month and tutor individual students once a week. Last year, Wayne’s volunteers enabled Kindergarten through 3rd grade classes to visit the library once a month, helping students find and check out good books, and sitting at tables and reading with about five students. This year, Principal Dunn is hoping these students will be able to visit the library twice a month. For students to be able to do this, Mitchell will need twice as many “personal librarians.” Wayne’s tutoring program at Mitchell, where volunteers work oneon-one with students, is also back on track. With learning having been done remotely for so much of the past few years, students are in need of, and eager for, tutoring to help boost their skills. Wayne volunteers typically spend one morning per week in three to four 45-minute sessions, reviewing teacher-provided lessons with students. As always, but especially this year, we are looking for more tutors. WPC’s Alternative Gift Program also helps support Mitchell students. This year, the focus will be on the Student Activities Fund, which
WPC HELPS AFGHAN REFUGEE TO RECEIVE OFFICIAL ASYLUM Fitrat Khaliqi arrived in America in September 2021 as a humanitarian parolee, together with his sister Marwa and her two children, Safa and Rostam, by the emergency evacuation from Kabul, Afghanistan when the Taliban took control. Their parents and siblings were unable to escape with them and have been in hiding ever since. When Marwa moved to California to live with her husband’s sister, Fitrat (whose peers call him Sultan) remained in Radnor alone. Faith In Action’s Local Mission team has been a steering member of the multi-church Main Line Refugee Resettlement Committee (MLRRC) since 2016. Prior to Fitrat, refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Honduras, Guinea and another from Afghanistan have been resettled by co-sponsoring with agencies representing the US government (Bethany Christian Services and Nationalities Service Center) to help them assimilate on the Main Line. Fitrat was still high school-age, so MLRRC helped him with housing, education and language, finances and taxes, transportation and employment. WPC member Kevin O’Nell helped him with a part-time paid internship until he graduated from Radnor High in 2022 and obtained a driver’s license. Steve Bajus helped him with housing and employment at the Radnor Hotel where he currently works. During this time, MLRRC worked with Anthony Vale, Senior Attorney at Troutman Pepper, to help Fitrat prepare his application for asylum which was submitted in January 2023. Happily, he was granted asylum this October, qualifying him to apply for a Green Card, which would
Wayne Presbyterian Church
Finally, in what has become a tradition enjoyed by all, Wayne youth and other volunteers have baked and decorated festive cookies, which are packaged in holiday bags and distributed to every single member of the Mitchell staff. If you would like to learn more, donate funds for new books, join other WPC volunteers to encourage readers twice a month or tutor willing learners once a week, please contact WPC liaisons Jane Beatty: jnbeatty@verizon.net; Rita Fisk: ritahfisk@gmail.com; or Wendy Norman: wnormanpa@yahoo.com. Thank you! allow for the future possibility that he might bring family members out of Afghanistan to safety. Fitrat is thinking he would like to move to Virginia where his friend has moved. The MLRRC is committed to assist him with the moving cost. His current used car needs major transmission repair or replacement, and he can’t afford to buy another car now. The committee has been able to find donated autos for its previous refugees, and are happy to entertain offers for Fitrat’s situation. Nevertheless, we celebrated his achievement at Glenmorgan this month as the photo shows. Congratulations, Fitrat, it has been quite a journey so far!
(L to R): Rose Phipps, Scott Laird, Marty Laird, Rena Counsellor, Craig Stock and Fitrat Sultan Khaliqi. Not shown: Helen Standen, Kevin O’Nell, Carol Klauss and Stephen Bajus
WPC HELPS SW PHILADELPHIA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (SWCDC) INITIATIVE TRANSFORM ABANDONED RESIDENCES INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING Poor housing quality is the strongest predictor of emotional and behavioral problems in low income children. In Southwest Philadelphia, 45% of more than 24,000 households rent their homes. With gentrification rapidly accelerating in the Kingsessing neighborhood, SWCDC conceived a project whose purpose is to acquire abandoned homes in its neighborhood, rehabilitate them and market them to qualified low-income families. In 2018, the Session approved using $50,000 of a bequest to WPC Faith in Action from Dr. Marty Shalitta to support CityLights partner SWCDC’s bold housing initiative. After years of planning with lots of ups and downs, SWCDC completed renovating their first house in July of 2022. The house was large for a Southwest Philadelphia rowhouse and a woman who works for Philabundance bought the house for $165,000. The house now has three bedrooms, a small, enclosed porch, a powder room on the first floor, an ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom and another second floor hall bathroom. The house has central air and an open floor plan. The kitchen has granite countertops. The entire process took years. Finding and keeping a contractor was difficult due to the demands on contractors during the pandemic. The houses were being donated by the Philadelphia Housing Authority and had to be approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developement (HUD). When the paperwork
was finally submitted to HUD, the presidential election was underway and work at HUD slowed significantly due to the change in administrations. Construction was finally underway on the house on the 5700 block of Springfield Avenue in late 2021. The grant from WPC allowed SWCDC to have a smaller construction loan. They were able to pay the contractor in stages for his work and was then repaid when the house was completed and sold, enabling work to proceed on the second house on 58th Street early this year. The house is due to be completed soon. There was no need for a construction loan, thanks to the WPC grant plus proceeds from selling the house. A third house on Lindenwood Street has been acquired and construction will begin this coming winter. The success of this bold initiative is a testament to how a bequest can help our church’s life and work give shape and substance to the mission of God in Christ. Please consider a bequest through our Good Shepherd Society. (pictured above: before and after kitchen photos)
WinGS (WOMEN IN GOD’S SERVICE)
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DEACONS CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE – DEACONS TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY The Transportation Ministry arranges rides to church services for church members who are temporarily or permanently unable to drive and who have no family members available to help with rides. The guidelines for this service are as follows: • A member requesting a ride must be able to get in and out of the car safely and walk into the church safely with little or no assistance. Canes and walkers are acceptable as long as the member is able to navigate with minimal assistance, including to the restroom. • Rides should be requested with at least five days’ advance notice. • Volunteer drivers will be sought from a list of church members who live as near as possible to the member requesting the ride. • A member may request a ride by calling or emailing Jack Crosby, Deacon Transportation Coordinator, at jackcrosby1@comcast.net. He will inform the member each week who will be driving him/her. • Every effort will be made to find a ride for the member, but in some cases this may not be possible. Can you help in this ministry? The Transportation Ministry is recruiting drivers from the congregation whom we can call when a member requests a ride. Please contact Jack Crosby if you would like to be added to our list of drivers. Thank you!
DEACONS EMERGENCY SUPPORT – MEALS Join the Deacons in preparing and delivering a homecooked meal or sending a meal to a church member who is in need. Sign up as your time permits using Take Them a Meal. Requests go out by email to the team when a need arises. Please contact Mary Bollinger at mme_bollinger@verizon.net to join the team of meal providers.
Wayne Presbyterian Church
CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE – MEMORIAL/FUNERAL SERVICE RECEPTIONS The mission of the Memorial/Funeral Service Ministry is to provide a caring environment in the church where a bereaved family is able to receive their family and friends after a funeral or memorial service. This ministry, which the Deacons provide, bears the responsibility to serve with love and compassion. The pastoral staff notifies the Deacons that a bereaved family member has asked for a reception. The Memorial/Funeral Service chairperson is informed of the date, time and the approximate number of people who are expected to attend the reception. The type of reception is also discussed with the family who may want to hire a caterer to provide all the food, or have the Deacons provide tea sandwiches, desserts and/or fruit. For all the receptions, the Deacons usually provide the beverages. The church custodial staff assists with the room arrangement. The tablecloths are provided by the church. Flower arrangements are made for the tables by the Deacons. Families appreciate it when the table décor is personalized to the interests and hobbies of the deceased. The families have opportunities to display photos and memorabilia. Technology is in place if the family wants to present a slideshow in the Connector and/or Chapel. Although it is the responsibility of the Deacons to carry out this important ministry, the congregation at large is always welcome to help by providing food and/or assisting with the set-up, serving and clean up. The Memorial Reception Committee maintains a list of the Deacons and others who are willing to serve. Won’t you help with this ministry? By sharing the redeeming love of Christ during these receptions, we have been able to assist 16 families this year in celebrating the life of their loved ones. Please contact Jan Eberlein at eberleinjanet@gmail.com if you would like to join the Deacons in this important ministry.
NEW BABY? The tradition at Wayne Presbyterian is to honor new arrivals with a rose on the altar. Parents and grandparents please call Kate in the church office at 610-688-8700, x212 to let us know the name and birthdate of your newest family member. The Deacons would also like to support you with meals during the early weeks with your new baby.
HELP SUPPO SUPPOR RT THE D DEA EAC CON CHRISTMA CHRISTMAS S ANGELS ANGELS PROJE PROJECT CT THIS H HO OLIDA LIDAY SEA SEASO SON N Please support the Deacon Christmas Angels program by providing a meal and small gifts to a family in need this holiday season. For information or to select a family, click here or stop by the table in the Connector on Sundays through December 10. Drop off day is December 16. Thank you for your generous support of this important Deacon ministry!
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MUSIC OUR WORLD PREMIERE CREATION BY DAN FORREST: A SMASHING SUCCESS! CREATION by Dan Forrest, the Wayne Oratorio Society’s first commissioned piece and first World Premiere, was incredibly well received. Two nights of standing room only in the sanctuary, a full simulcast room in the Chapel, a receiving line both nights and a reception on Saturday encouraged many of our audience members, and many who had never been to WPC until this, to stay for a while and interact with WOS Leadership Team members, soloists, John Grecia and Dan Forrest, the composer. Accolades were spoken loudly and with great enthusiasm. People asked about joining the church! Some of the comments shared with me personally were these: • “I’ve been quite ill lately but decided to come anyway (holding back tears). I told my son who brought me – if I die tonight, I will die in peace.” • “This was the best thing in the world to bring my husband to because he hasn’t been in a church for 22 years (tearfully). We were both so inspired. THANK YOU!” • “God was certainly in that room.” • “Tell the singers that I felt like they were speaking right into my heart.” • “I was never hugged by so many friends and strangers as I was on those two nights!” A heartfelt THANKS TO ALL WHO SHARED IN MAKING THIS CONCERT HAPPEN. From the donor who made this possible, to the person who arranged the commission, to the composer, Dan Forrest, to the conductor, the choirs, the soloists, the orchestra and the WOS Leadership Team. Finally, and most important (because we couldn’t do this without our partnership) to Wayne Presbyterian Church, the home of this music ministry. We hope to see you all at our Messiah concert, December 2nd and 3rd. Start your Advent season off right and bring a friend – or 10! BettieAnn Brigham Chair, WOS Leadership Team Interim Manager, Wayne Oratorio Society
Wayne Presbyterian Church
Melanie Sarakatsannis, lyric soprano; Mark Hightower, baritone/bass (l to r:) John Grecia, Interim Director, Wayne Oratorio Society and Incoming WPC Director of Music Ministries; Tim Evers, Former Director of Music Ministries; Bettie Ann Brigham, WOS Leadership Team and Interim Manager; Dan Forrest, CREATION composer; Tim Zaro, WOS Leadership Team
O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL Marking the beginning of a new liturgical year, Advent is a season of expectation as Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. But sounds of Advent and Christmas have already been filling the air during music rehearsals since mid-October. The season starts with sing-along caroling for all ages during the Advent Family Celebration (November 26). Then, the Wayne Oratorio Society presents Handel’s Messiah (December 2 & 3, 7:30 p.m.). Throughout Advent, Sunday morning worship services feature a variety of ensembles in addition to the Chancel Choir, Choir Quartet and Choral Scholars Scholars: Westminster Youth Choir (12/3, 9:30), Wayne Presbyterian Chamber Orchestra (12/10, both services), and Te Deum (12/17, 9:30) and Selah (12/17, 11:00) handbell ensembles.
CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas Eve afternoon begins with a service especially for Children and Families at 4:00 pm. pm Festive organ music starts at 3:45 p.m. A single Traditional Evening Service at 8:00 p.m. (note the new time!) is filled with music by the Chancel Choir Choir, Westminster Youth Choir (with alumni) and Brass Quintet Quintet, and the singing of carols, from O Come, All Ye Faithful to O Holy Night. Pre-service music starts at 7:30 p.m.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2024 Many thanks to Matt Lista for directing the Chancel Choir these past fifteen months. With new Director of Music Ministries John Grecia starting in January, we begin a new chapter in the musical life of our church. John’s decades of experience as a church music director, his extraordinary musical abilities, management skills and love of people come together as he looks forward to continuing the great tradition of music at WPC and rejuvenating the music program at all levels and with all generations. As the Twelve Days of Christmas lead into the New Year 2024, why not make a resolution to join a choir or ensemble? ensemble
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CHILDREN’S & YOUTH MINISTRIES Children’s Ministries has had a busy fall with all our favorite activities, including Sunday school (of course!), Dinner & a Movie, Sundae Sunday and the Family Advent Celebration. Now we’re looking forward to the Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve! Last year, 43 children came together to tell the amazing story of Jesus’ birth. It was a beautiful, fun and meaningful event for everyone. Please check the News & Views or website for information about how to get involved this year! Also mark your calendars for Santa’s visit in our courtyard on December 2. We’re partnering with the Wayne Business Association to host Santa when he arrives on a fire engine after his parade down Lancaster Avenue! Youth Ministries started the school year with lots of energy and reconnecting with awesome youth and their families! We had a fantastic Youth Kick-off event on September 17, where 30 youth and their parents had dinner, got acquainted, played games, learned about our programs and just had fun! The Dziedziaks hosted a Fall Fest at their home alongside a Christmas tree farm, complete with a corn maze, pumpkin painting and s’mores. We spent an afternoon hitting balls at Topgolf. Middle schoolers and high schoolers enjoyed retreats in the Poconos. Through all of our Bible studies, activities, outings and conversations, we explore God’s presence and grace in our lives. As a reminder, Youth group is every Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. We have some exciting events coming up; follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. For information about any Youth programs, please send an email to Evelyn at youthassist@waynepres.org.
Wayne Presbyterian Church
MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT BIBLE STUDY, SUNNY SIDE UP, WITH A SIDE OF BACON, PLEASE! Fifteen years ago, a small group of sleepy-eyed souls regularly gathered at 6:30 a.m. for a mid-week Bible study at Minella’s Diner. Many of these men were unfamiliar with Bible study, let alone sharing personal information or praying aloud. That did not deter Interim Senior Pastor Rev. Ron Fritz. Over the next two and a half years, the former military chaplain was able to use his gifts to enable his “students” to become vested partners in Bible study, to value their fellowship and shared faith experiences and to understand what it means to be a Christian. One of the most impactful experiences for several members of this group was their retreat in Eagles Mere, PA. These men were now able to take what they learned and pass it along to new members of the group. Following Ron’s departure, the Wednesday Men’s Bible Study kept growing. They didn’t advertise. The invitation was by word of mouth. They relocated to EmJ’s Café in Berwyn. The Café’s small back room offered a more private setting for the shared fellowship, prayer concerns and scripture discussions. Ted Behr took on the role as primary facilitator for the discussions. The topics switch between the Old and the New Testament. The class format is very informal – fellowship, order breakfast and prayer concerns for twenty minutes, Bible discussion and eat for forty minutes. Members came as their schedules allowed.
Covid shut down in person gathering at EmJ’s but did not stop Wednesday Men’s from meeting. Frank Tait, Buzz Mossholder and James Barnes coordinated efforts to get all attendees up on Zoom. (Ron Fritz even joined in from Montana via Zoom from time to time.) When EmJ’s didn’t reopen, Wednesday Men’s moved to Nudy’s. The group tried a hybrid option, with Frank Tait balancing technology on the ketchup bottles to improve the sound quality. The group also has a long history of Mission participation. After settling the bill and leaving a generous tip, any leftover monies left on the table are put in a kitty. When the kitty reaches one thousand dollars or more, the funds are donated to one of the church’s Mission Partners, like the Common Place Williamson Trade Camp. Wednesday Men’s Bible Study currently meets at Nudy’s Café on Swedesford in Berwyn at 7:00 a.m. They have an official membership of nineteen but on any given Wednesday, between six to eight sit around the table. If you want the opportunity to study scripture in a small group setting and enjoy fellowship with the men of your church, check out Wednesday Men’s Bible Study. The coffee’s hot, the company’s good, and the discussions are enlightening!
Left to right around the table: Vijay Aggarwal, Buzz Mossholder, Bill Staples, Whit Beverly, Larry Berglund, Ted Behr, Frank Tait
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PASTOR SEARCH The Pastor Nominating Committee has been hard at work, meeting every Sunday morning to make progress toward calling our new senior pastor. The PNC and Clerk of Session Jim Galasso have worked with the Presbytery to complete several steps in the search process. The Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) is now posted on the Church Leadership Connection, the Internet-based matching and referral system of the PC (USA). Prospective candidates can now review the opportunity and express their interest and many have done so already. The PNC is also reaching out through our own clergy networks to find top candidates. Visit waynepres.org/pastor-search-update/ to view the interactive search update with links to further detail, and contact the PNC at PNC@waynepres.org with any questions or candidate referrals.
STEP 2 CONGREGATION ELECTS PNC STEP 3 MISSION STUDY REFRESH APPROVED BY SESSION AND PRESBYTERY COMMISSION ON MINISTRY (COM) STEP 6 MDP APPROVED BY SESSION AND COM
STEP 1 PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE (PNC) NOMINATIONS
STEP 4 PRESBYTERY’S COM TRAINS PNC STEP 5 PNC COMPLETES MINISTRY DISCERNMENT PROFILE (MDP) STEP 7
STEP 8 PNC RECEIVES PERSONAL DISCERNMENT PROFILES (PDPS) THROUGH CLC, REFERRALS AND SELF-NOMINATIONS STEP 10 VISITS TO HEAR TOP CANDIDATES PREACH
STEP 12 PRESBYTERY APPROVES FINALISTS
STEP 14 TERMS OF CALL NEGOTIATED WITH CANDIDATE AND APPROVED BY COM STEP 16 CONGREGATIONAL VOTE TO EXTEND CALL
Wayne Presbyterian Church
MDP ENTERED INTO CLC (CHURCH LEADERSHIP CONNECTION), BROADLY DISTRIBUTED TO PC(USA) NETWORK STEP 9 PDPS REVIEWED BY PNC; CANDIDATE RESEARCH AND INTERVIEWS STEP 11 FINALISTS VISIT WPC AND COMMUNITY STEP 13 PNC SELECTS TOP CANDIDATE STEP 15 CANDIDATE ACCEPTS THE CALL
FELLOWSHIP Our End-of-Summer Picnic in September was a blast – when everyone returned from their summer travels and came together for food and fellowship after worship. Although the rain kept us away from the moon bounces outside, we still had fun inside playing tons of games, eating lunch and desserts, visiting the ice cream truck, making crafts and visiting the face painter. Huge thanks to Jennie Hagin, John Lindsay, the fellowship team and staff who planned the event for months, making sure it was a huge success, rain or shine! To get involved with the fun work of the Fellowship Committee, contact John Lindsay at johnlindsay22@gmail.com or Marian Hollingsworth at mhholling@gmail.com.
PERSONNEL CELEBRATING CATHY CHANDLER AND KELLI MASTERS – AND MORE! On Sunday, October 29, we celebrated Cathy Chandler who has been on staff at Wayne Presbyterian Church for 25 years and Kelli Masters who has been on staff for 15 years! All enjoyed cake and conversation in the Connector as we honored and thanked these two amazing individuals. We cannot thank them enough for all their contributions to the Wayne Presbyterian Church community. The Following is a full list of those celebrating anniversaries with us prior to year-end. Please be sure to let them know how much we appreciate all that they do for us next time you see them. • Cathy Chandler: Head Housekeeper and Sunday Morning Facility Coordinator: 25 Years • Kelli Masters: Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries: 15 Years • Dana Arranz: Director of Wayne Presbyterian Nursery School: 5 Years • Rev. Katy Shevel: Shevel Associate Pastor of Congregational Life: 3 Years • Rev. Liz Wagner: Bridge Associate Pastor and Acting Head of Staff: 2 Years • Sara Goldberg: Church Accountant: 1 Year • Christina Sacco: Events and Publications Coordinator: 1 Year • Dr. Kirsten Santos Rutschman: Rutschman Interim Director of Music: 1 Year
November/December 2023 | 15
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STAY CONNECTED! • Rev. Katy Shevel, Associate Pastor for Congregational Life Katy@waynepres.org,, x219 Katy@waynepres.org • Rev. Liz Wagner, Bridge Associate Pastor LWagner@waynepres.org,, x226 LWagner@waynepres.org • Dr. Kirsten Santos Rutschman, Interim Director of Music Kirsten@waynepres.org,, x227 Kirsten@waynepres.org • John Pitocchelli, Director of Operations and Finance Operations@waynepres.org,, x216 Operations@waynepres.org • Kate Liguori, Executive Assistant to the Pastors Kate@waynepres.org,, x212 Kate@waynepres.org • Christina Sacco, Events and Publications Coordinator Christina@waynepres.org,, x225 Christina@waynepres.org • Nicole Veith, Digital Marketing & Technology Coordinator Nicole@waynepres.org,, x220 Nicole@waynepres.org • Kelli Masters, Director of Children’s & Youth Ministries Kelli@waynepres.org,, x222 Kelli@waynepres.org • Sara Goldberg, Finance Assistant Sara@waynepres.org,, x241 Sara@waynepres.org • John Grecia, Interim Director, Wayne Oratorio Society John@waynepres.org • Matt Lista, Interim Director, Chancel Choir Matt@waynepres.org • Mike Burnham, Broadcast Specialist, Broadcast@waynepres.org • Cathy Chandler, Head Housekeeper & Sunday Morning Facility Coordinator, Cathy@waynepres.org Cathy@waynepres.org,, x245 • Dana Arranz, Director of Nursery School • Evelyn Widham, Youth Director Evelyn@waynepres.org,, x237 Evelyn@waynepres.org • Julia Thompson, Children’s Ministry Assistant, x237