Winter/Spring Education for All Ages

2015 –  2016 

Christian Education for All Ages Christian Education

For All AGes

Winter/Spring 2016

Table of Contents

Nursery and Godly Time . . . 3 10:TEN Christian Education

Children and Youth . . . 4

Adults – Winter/Spring 2016 . . . 5 – 10

Additional Adult Education Opportunities . . . 11 – 13

180° Youth Ministry (Grades 6 – 12) . . . 14

Sunday Morning Schedule . . . 15

Nursery and Godly Time

Nursery

Sundays, 8:45 a.m. – 11:15 p.m.

Childcare is provided for babies and toddlers each Sunday. Two paid caregivers provide loving care for the children in a safe environment. A special area is available for nursing mothers as well.

Godly Time

Sundays, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Families begin worship together in the sanctuary. After the Time with Our Children, children up through 5th grade may leave for their class or remain in worship.

Godly Care: Ages 2, 3 and 4 Preschool Suite: Classroom A

Children begin to develop their spiritual lives, and we teach them that they are precious children of God.

They experience simple worship rituals and learn key stories in the Bible. Each story is told in a lively fashion using bright, colorful felt figures. Children respond through crafts, songs and prayers.

Godly Play 1: Kindergarten – Grade 2

Ruth Christie Room (concludes in Preschool Classroom C for pickup after worship)

Children learn the language of God’s people through sacred space, sacred stories, parables and liturgical actions. Much more than play, this experience is highly structured and applies the Montessori Method to religious education.

Godly Play 2: Grades 3 – 5

The Meeting Room (concludes in Preschool Classroom C for pickup after worship)

Following a similar format as Godly Play 1 for younger children, the stories in Godly Play 2 are longer and the work/response time offers added variety for the interests and abilities of older children. Both Godly Play 1 and Godly Play 2 are worship experiences that focus on the sacred stories of scripture.

Godly Play 2 does not meet on the first Sunday of the month; the children remain in worship with their families in order to participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

Keeping Our Children Safe – Security Labels

Our Nursery and Godly Time programs, as well as Sunday School for Preschoolers use security labels as part of their check-in and check-out process. Labels are available in the nursery, Preschool Suite, and the sanctuary pew pockets. A parent or guardian will fill out one side of the peel-and-stick label during the announcements, stick it to their child’s back before the Time with Our Children, and retain the stub to be presented when they pick up their child. For questions about this procedure, please contact Susan Moseley, Church Educator (302- 654-5214, ext. 124 or [email protected]).

Vacation Bible School 2016 – Save the Date!

July 18 – 22, 2016

10:TEN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Sunday Mornings, 10:10 – 11:00 a.m.

Children and Youth

Sunday School for Preschoolers: Ages 2 – 4 Preschool Suite: Classroom D

Guided by the NEW Cokesbury publication Deep Blue, our preschool curriculum aims to present important biblical stories to young children in fun and accessible ways including an animated DVD. We also sing songs and make crafts, forming a playful environment in which teachers and children can explore stories of the Bible together.

Sunshine Choir: Grades K – 2 Classroom 7

Sunshine Choir provides an excellent opportunity for young children to sing, play, make friends, and practice communal worship. Sunshine Choir includes occasional worship participation. For more information, contact Susan Moseley (302-654-5214 ext. 124 or [email protected]).

D.R.U.M. (Devoting Rhythms, Uniting Melodies): Grades 3 – 6*

Youth Music Room

D.R.U.M. offers older elementary school children a unique Christian education experience through musical interaction. This program fosters energy and creativity in its participants, utilizing games, music, and movement to teach Bible stories, worship leadership, and global music. D.R.U.M. includes occasional worship participation.

For more information, contact Susan Moseley (302-654-5214 ext. 124 or [email protected]).

*6th graders may choose D.R.U.M. or Middle Schoolers on the Move (grades 6 – 9).

Middle Schoolers on the Move: Grades 6* – 9 Home Base: Classroom 8

This class will provide middle school youth an opportunity to learn biblical skills as well as an outlet for community discussion on faith questions and curiosities. Adult leaders will facilitate an ongoing class conversation, which will address the role of faith and scripture in one’s life. The program may include an occasional Sunday morning field trip.

*6th graders may choose to participate in Middle Schoolers on the Move or D.R.U.M. (grades 3 – 6).

Senior Highs: Grades 10 – 12

Older teens are engaged on Sunday mornings by helping out with our children’s programs: Nursery, Preschool, Sunshine Choir, and D.R.U.M. Children enjoy and respond well to the individual attention of teenagers. For information about how you can become involved, contact Susan Moseley ([email protected] or 302-654-5214, ext. 124).

Intergenerational Events in Community Hall

Easter Breakfast in Community Hall:

March 27 An Earth Care Event:

April 24

Adults – Winter/Spring 2016

See pages 11-13 for additional adult education opportunities not on Sunday mornings.

JANUARY 3 – MAY 8, 2016 (Drop-ins are always welcome.)

Revelation: A DVD series using the lectures of Professor Craig R. Koester from Luther Seminary Classroom 3

Facilitators – Jill Getty, Bob Cox, and Margo Reign

Exiled to the island of Patmos over 1,900 years ago, a prophet named John wrote a remarkable letter to fellow Christians. That letter is the Apocalypse of John, also known as the book of Revelation. The meaning of the Greek word for apocalypse is “disclosure,” and John’s book discloses dimensions of two age-old mysteries: the character of evil and the nature of hope. Because the series is 24 sessions (classes began in the fall), the facilitators will establish a way to make notes from each session available to participants.

JANUARY 3, 10, AND 17

Three Conversations on the Christian Doctrine of Sin Classroom 6

Presenter – Alden Josey, Ph.D.

January 3 – Origins and Early History: How Did We Get Here?

In this introduction to the topic, we will discuss the beginnings of, and early actors in, Christian preoccupation with the idea of universal sin. We will also review the necessity for a theology consistent with the central ideas of redemption and salvation through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.

January 10 – Evolution of the Doctrine over Two Millennia: Where Are We Now?

What has happened to the doctrine of Original Sin in the two millennia since its inception as a fundamental tenet of Christian faith? How do contemporary believers reconcile these central assertions with an increasingly dominant rational, objective mindedness, especially in Western culture?

January 17 – Prospects for Transformation in the Concept/Doctrine of Sin: Where Do We Go From Here?

A series of questions confronts us: How might modern Christians re-vision the idea of Sin, original and otherwise, in a world of archetypal opposites where good and evil co-exist in a timeless, dynamic dance? Is contemporary Christianity open to transformative changes in its central understandings, or is the very idea just another Pelagian heresy to put down? And, anyway, what is a Quaker (former Baptist) depth psychoanalyst doing in posing such questions? COME AND SEE!

Dr. Josey is a Jungian Analyst practicing in Wilmington since 1990.

Adults ^continued

JANUARY 17

Can Mutual Trust and Respect be developed between the Wilmington Police and Black Young Men/Teenagers?

Classroom 5

Presenters/Facilitators – Bill Nace with guests, Malcom Stoddard and Ty Perry

A role play between "teenagers" and "police" will high-light recent efforts by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware to equip black teenagers with strategies and language to positively interact with Wilmington law enforcement officers. Following the role play, Malcolm Stoddard and Ty Perry will lead a discussion on this challenging issue which takes place daily on our city streets.

Ty Perry, born and raised in Newport News, VA, was recruited to play basketball at the University of Delaware by then coach, Mike Brey. After an outstanding playing career (1995-1999), Ty coached basketball at U of D and Mount Saint Mary's College until 2007. Currently, he is Executive Director of the Dream Chasers Program, a partnership program with the Boys and Girls Clubs. The Dream Chasers Program enhances the academic, athletic, and social development of at-risk youth...ensuring that members take an educational step beyond high school.

Malcolm Stoddard was born in Wilmington to his proud parents, Bob and Judy Stoddard. He graduated from LaSalle University in 1997 and joined the Wilmington Police Department in 2000. He has been a part of the SWAT team since 2009 and the Marine Unit since 2007. From 2006 to 2013, Malcolm was assigned as a Detective. In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and is currently serving as a Street Supervisor for Sector 3 (everything west of I-95)...which obviously includes Westminster. Malcolm, Lisa, and their family have been members of Westminster since 2009.

ALSO ON JANUARY 17 Farewell to Mary Beth Davis Community Hall

During the 10:TEN hour in the Holy Toast Café, families of the children and youth who have been touched by Mary Beth’s creative programs and her enthusiastic leadership will have a special opportunity to say “thank you”

and to wish her well as she leaves Westminster to pursue a Master’s degree in Pastoral, Clinical Mental Health Counseling. All are welcome to participate in the celebration of Mary Beth’s ministry at WPC.

JANUARY 24

A Sharing/Listening Session for Parents of Children and Youth Grace Hall

Greg Jones (Pastor), Susan Moseley (Educator), and Carol Hogue (Chair of Personnel Committee), invite all

parents to participate in a guided discussion about future programming for children and youth. With Mary Beth’s

departure, we have an opportunity to think anew about the music programs and our Sunday evening program

and to discern the direction that will guide the Personnel Committee as they prepare to search for a new staff

person.

Adults ^continued

FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21, AND 28

Economic Inequality: The Facts, Causes, Effects and Morality Classroom 6

Presenter – Dave McBride

Justice is a critical attribute of the Christian God and is a dominant theme in both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. And there is no aspect of justice that evokes a more passionate response than that of economic justice, because we are pulled between two competing visions that are difficult to reconcile: providing rewards proportionate to the contributions made and sharing the benefits of economic progress. Dave McBride will moderate a four week discussion of this topic including a discussion of the facts concerning the distribution of income and wealth, the various factors identified as contributing to inequality, the political, social and economic effects of inequality and the morality of the current situation and suggested means for lessening inequality.

FEBRUARY 14 What is Healing Touch?

Classroom 5

Presenter – Judy Stoddard, RN, BS Ed, CHTP

Healing Touch is a centuries old, holistic energy therapy in which practitioners use their hands in a heart- centered and intentional way to support, balance and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

It is a complementary modality used with traditional medical care. Judy is a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and has had a practice in her home since 2006.

FEBRUARY 21, 28 AND MARCH 6, 13 Bible 101: An Overview of the New Testament Classroom 5

Presenter – The Rev. Tom Stout

This class is especially for adults who have – or fear they have – little or no Bible knowledge. Participants will

be introduced to the main genres in the New Testament: gospel, history, letter, and apocalyptic writing and will

begin to discover the unique and transformative purpose of each.

Adults ^continued

MARCH 6 AND 13

New Dynamics in the Quest for Peace and Justice in Palestine/Israel Classroom 6

Presenters/Facilitators – Bill Nace, Rosita Michael Abel (aka “Mike”) and Rob Abel, M.D.

After a brief introduction about DelNATO (Delaware Neighbors Against the Occupation) and an update on the challenges in this troubled region, emerging strategies for peace and justice will be discussed. The presentations will include a series of video clips presented in context, a slide show presentation, and a panel discussion featuring a diverse group of people including Palestinian and Jewish community members.

Mike Abel is a Palestinian-American who worked in healthcare for most of her life. Her family originated in the West Bank. She now works as a human rights activist and is the co-founder of DelNATO and is on the board of Delaware Churches for Middle East Peace.

Rob Abel is a Jewish-American ophthalmologist who has worked in both Israel and the Arab world. He participated in a diplomatic mission to five Middle Eastern countries, Gaza and the West Bank, in May of 2009.

He recently worked in Palestine on a medical mission with the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund performing and teaching cataract surgery.

MARCH 20

Helping Adults Understand the Purpose and Power of Godly Play Classroom 5

Presenter – WPC Godly Play Storytellers

Godly Play is a worship experience for children that is offered immediately after “Time with Children,” during the 9:00 a.m. worship service. Godly Play, based on the Montessori educational model, is a way of sharing the biblical story using hands-on, concrete materials that help focus attention and assist memory. Godly Play recognizes and honors the mystery of God and the wonder of worship and does not attempt to explain away that mystery. A deeper understanding of the stories, symbols, and rites of the faith leads immediately to a more meaningful and appropriate participation in congregational worship.

MARCH 20

Church in the World: An Update on Mission in the Congo Classroom 6

Presenter – Bill Moore and Jane Palmer

WPC members Bill and Jane will be returning from the Congo in March and will share first-hand experiences

from their trip. They will also bring us up to date on mission activities in that region.

Adults ^continued

APRIL 3

The Age of Great Dreams: America in the 1960s Classroom 6

Presenters – Don Beddie, Dick May, and Tom Stout

Inspired by the book by David Farber, The Age of Great Dreams: America in the 1960s, our presenters will give an overview of the cultural, political, and religious landscape of the 1960s. The presentation will be a promotional teaser for a three-part series to be offered in the fall of 2016.

APRIL 10

The Christian Mystics Community Hall

2016 Distinguished Speaker – Matthew Fox (will also preach for both 9:00 and 11:15 worship)

The visionary work of Meister Eckhart has had a profound influence on major voices of the 20th Century, and his creation-centered cosmology overlaps profoundly with the writings of Zen Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hahn and Dr. D. J. Suzuki who influenced Thomas Merton. We will also explore Hildegard’s deep teachings about the Divine Feminine but also about standing up to church corruption and patriarchal excess wherever it is found.

Matthew Fox will be speaking at Westminster on Friday evening, April 8, and Saturday morning, April 9. For a description of those first two sessions, please see (below) programs co-sponsored with CIL. Sunday’s 10:TEN session will be a continuation of the Friday and Saturday talks.

APRIL 17

Peace Drums Are Coming!

Community Hall

Middle School children of the three Abrahamic faiths in Israel have been brought together through the music of steel drums. The project, supported by Westminster and members of the Jewish community, is a peacemaking effort in Wilmington and Israel. Learn more about this exciting interfaith project from the school administrator of the Palestinian school.

APRIL 24

An Earth Care Celebration for All Ages Community Hall

WPC’s Earth Care Task Force will host an informative and engaging event on the Sunday closest to Earth Day 2016. Adults and children will enjoy interactive stations provided by such organizations as Delaware Nature Society, Delaware Center for Horticulture, Tri

State bird Rescue, Delaware Interfaith Power and Light, and more.

Adults ^continued

MAY 1

Battle for the Barriers Community Hall

Presenter – Tom Evans

We will watch the brief film, “Battle for the Barriers” that captures the beauty and fragility of the coastal barrier, the looming sea level rise, and our need to adapt to this certainty. Produced by former US Congressman Tom Evans, coauthor along with Senator John Chafee of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, the film explores the role the barrier has in preserving over one million acres along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.

Tom Evans headed Economic Development in the State of Delaware, and is an honorary life member of the Negro College Fund and the Red Cross, and has stayed involved in many issues of conservation and the environment.

MAY 8

Hizmet or "The Service" Movement – What It Is and How It Was Started Community Hall

Presenter – Emre Celik, President of the Rumi Forum in Washington, DC

The Hizmet, or "The Service" in Turkish, is a faith inspired movement to educate individuals to be selfless and

committed to the service of their fellow human being regardless of their race or religion. It began with Fethullah

Gulen, a Turkish citizen who wanted to educate the poor citizens of his country. The movement grew and

expanded to establish schools, universities and hospitals in 160 countries including the United States. Come hear

about the history and philosophical background of Fethullah Gulen, the Muslim scholar who inspired the

movement. The Rumi Forum in Washington, DC is an organization formed to foster interfaith dialogue.

Adult Education Programs Co-Sponsored with COMMUNITY FOR INTEGRATIVE LEARNING (CIL)

CIL builds understanding and community through an exchange of learning among diverse groups and individuals. See pages 12 and 13 for upcoming events, and

please register for each event at www.cil-de.org.

Dark Selves: Why Good People Do Bad Things

JAMES HOLLIS, PH.D.

Author, Speaker, Jungian Analyst Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19, 2016

Rodney Chapel

Friday, March 18: Opening Talk – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Free (donation option on Friday evening)

One of the richest of Jung’s contributions to our understanding of psyche is the idea of the Shadow, those parts of our own being which are threatening to our ego, and which so often act independently of our wills. The Shadow is not evil, as such, though it may bring great harm to self and others, and it may also bring healing energies to bear. Shadow work is not only an invitation to further integration of our split off components, but brings our greatest contribution to our families and our society. This is a one hour lecture followed by audience discussion.

Saturday, March 19: Workshop – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

$50 ($40 for CIL members)

What is our personal Shadow, and how can we bring into greater awareness that which troubles consciousness?

This workshop will engage in discussion, exemplification, and questions designed to help participants gain a greater awareness of the personal Shadow. Please bring a notepad and pen on which to write personal responses.

Dr. James Hollis is a Zurich-trained Jungian Analyst in private practice in Washington, DC where he is also

Executive Director of the Jung Educational Center. Previously he was Executive Director and Analyst for the

Jung Center in Houston, Texas. He is also the author of 12 published books, the latest of which is Why Good

People Do Bad Things: Exploring Our Darker Selves.

The Christian Mystics

MATTHEW FOX

Author, Theologian, Speaker, Episcopal Priest Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9**, 2016

Community Hall

Friday, April 8: Christian Mystics – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

According to Bible scholar John Dominic Crossan, the Apostle Paul believed “you cannot be a Christian without being a mystic.” Are we all mystics? Carl Jung says it is to the mystics that we owe what is best in humanity and that “only the mystics bring what is creative to religion itself.” When an aging Albert Einstein was asked if he had any regrets, he replied, “I wish I had read more of the mystics earlier in my life.” The prophet who struggles for justice has been called “the mystic in action.” Matthew Fox will help us explore some of the deepest and most active mystic/prophets of the Christian tradition.

Saturday, April 9: The Mystics in Ourselves and Others – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

We will delve deeper into Meister Eckhart, Hildegard of Bingen, and Thomas Merton as well as engage in practices to bring forth our own mystic and prophet. Along the way, we will explore the intersections of social and eco-justice and the divine feminine, contemplation and letting go, cosmic awareness, the historical Jesus, and the Cosmic Christ. Both talks will include book signing.

**The Friday AND Saturday portions of the Matthew Fox event will be fee-based, but not the Sunday

adult education talk on April 10. Please register for Friday and Saturday at www.cil-de.org.

Grades 6 – 12 • www.wpcyouth.org

180° Sunday Evening Schedule

5:15 – 6:00 p.m. Dinner

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Fun and Fellowship

180° Youth Ministry Team

Mike Gnade, Jr.

302-379-9906 [email protected]

Susan Moseley 302-654-5214 ext. 124

[email protected]

180° is a comprehensive line up of

diverse, fun, and meaningful programs

reaching far beyond the Sunday evening

schedule. A program calendar, which

includes all activities, dates and times,

will be maintained on our 180° website,

www.wpcyouth.org. Check it out!

Sunday Morning Schedule Through May 15, 2016*

8:45 – 11:15 a.m. Nursery (see page 3)

9:00 – 9:55 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Godly Time (see page 3)

10:10 – 11:00 a.m. 10:TEN Christian Education (see pages 4 – 10)

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Living Mosaics Worship in Rodney Chapel The Holy Toast Café is open in Community Hall throughout the morning.

Stop in for refreshments and fellowship!

*On Sundays, January 31 and May 22, 2016, there will be ONE worship service at 9:00 a.m.

Children’s Bulletins and Worship Bags

Available at the entrances of each Sunday morning worship service.

Children’s Bulletins (Ages 7 – 12)

The Children’s Bulletins provide fun word games and activities that relate to the scripture passage for the day. Having a bulletin of their own, children can better focus their attention and feel connected to worship.

Worship Bags

The Westminster Worship Bags for children include dry erase boards with marker and eraser,

paper and crayons, and bookmarks for Bible and Hymnbook. We also include a book related to

worship, Bible stories, or Christian values. A special children’s bulletin for ages 3 – 6 is added to

the Worship Bags each week.

1502 West 13

Street  Wilmington, DE 19806  (302) 654-5214  www.wpc.org