Table Talk
WPC's Weekly E-Newsletter (May 3, 2024 Edition)
Update on Monthly Paper Newsletter
The MAY 2024 paper newsletter has experienced a delay in mailing. Thanks to a vacation, an illness, and jury duty, a perfect storm has been created affecting the church office staff's ability to get the newsletter printed, prepped, and delivered to the post office. We apologize for the delay and expect it to be shipped Monday, May 6.
Sunday Worship Time
8:15AM Chapel
10:30AM Sanctuary & Online
The Israel-Hamas Conflict and Student Protests
I’m taking a break this week from my e-newsletter series on hospitality to share a commentary from one of my PC(USA) colleagues Rev. Chris Shelton, who serves as the pastor of Broadway Presbyterian Church, less than one block from the heart of the student protest movement at Columbia University in New York City. Our televisions and social media news feeds have been awash with stories and commentaries on the student protests taking place across college campuses, but I thought you might appreciate hearing the perspective of a pastor who interacts with and serves the very students being both praised and criticized throughout news media outlets.
I’m sure all of you carry varied opinions about the Israel-Hamas conflict, the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, and the student protests on college campuses…and the reason for sharing my colleague's words isn’t to change your opinion. But we are called to love God with all our heart, being, and mind, so it is our Christian responsibility to engage God and culture with our minds by being as informed as possible about current events happening around us. God is not glorified by ignorance. To that end, I hope you find Rev. Chris Shelton’s description of what’s happening at Columbia University to be an added layer of helpful information and perspective. (His words were originally shared on a private Facebook group last Friday, April 26, and I share them publicly with the author’s permission.)
And…may our prayers to the Prince of Peace continue to include, “Let peace prevail upon the earth.”
A word from Columbia University (written by Rev. Chris Shelton)
Dear Friends, I am the pastor at the Broadway Presbyterian Church, less than a block from the heart of the student protest movement at Columbia. This last week has been a lively one in our neighborhood, and then some.
I have had outreach from several colleagues, so I thought it might be worth sharing a perspective from our community. Here at Broadway, we are ready and open to support our student neighbors -- but we have also been clear-eyed that this is a student movement. I underline this from the start because it has been very apparent to us that outside voices are absolutely not what the students are needing or wanting. In the past week, outsiders to the student movement have created far more trouble for their cause than not. From politicians vying for photo-ops to violent voices on either extreme -- outside organizations and individuals have been getting in the way.
Here at BPC, we have done some very basic things. We have scheduled with professors to hold classes in our building so that suspended students can participate. We're in touch with local professors who are supporting students. We've gathered some supportive items...blankets, etc.
But -- I'll also tell you that the students are being well supported. Indeed, just 20 minutes ago, student leaders sent boxes of pizza to us to share with our Soup Kitchen because they had an overabundance for the encampment. (Whoever heard of college students having too much pizza?)
The best thing we can do is wait and watch and let the student leaders lead. They are doing an excellent job.
Our campus ministry will be hosting a 'Midnight Pancakes' event on Monday, as is our Finals Week tradition. We are hoping that there may be significant moves toward reconciliation this weekend. (Please join us in praying that outside influencers do not derail the slow but meaningful progress the students are seeing in their negotiations with the Administration. There are counter/protests that are scheduled in the neighborhood today.) If the protest work goes on into next week, we'll be sending our late-night pancakes out to the camp.
I will tell you -- I feel incredibly awkward...as if I/we should be doing more. But we are doing what we are asked to do.
I will also mention that we have another calling during this time, too. Here at Broadway, we operate a Shelter that serves 19 guests each night and a Soup Kitchen that routinely serves around 225 guests on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Our guests -- many of whom have had difficult altercations with the police in the past -- have been very unsettled during all this. We are also working to continue to be a place of steady hospitality and safety for them while our streets are overrun with police and NYPD vehicles.
Even as I mention the police -- I will say that, by and large, the NYPD officers in our neighborhood seem to be very casual. The atmosphere that is set by the student protests is not at all violent...the media is having to work hard to create that narrative, and it is only the outside protestors that are stoking anything to the contrary. The students are convening meaningfully -- praying -- sharing Shabbat and Passover meals -- dancing -- and engaging this moment as people of peace. If anything, we need to get that narrative out there more.
I wish that I had something more to offer in the way of direction, or of ideas on how we can help in some practical sense. We are standing alongside, and listening -- and thus far, that is what is needed of us most.
UPDATE TO THE STORY: On Tuesday of this week, Rev. Shelton shared a brief follow-up post saying, “When neighborhood is in crisis: Love your neighbors. Serve pancakes. Sing some karaoke. Remember what community can do.” He included the picture (see below) of the sanctuary in Broadway Presbyterian Church, which is setup with tables, instead of pews, to feed people. And for what it's worth, the picture was taken at midnight.
For Further Reading...
During Worship
We’re going to recognize Mike Crisan who is being installed to active service as a ruling elder.
Worship Leader
Gathering Room Coffee Hour
Property Committee
Ushers/Greeters
Donna Parsons
Pete Mirich
Steven Baker
Faye Kisak
Pete Kisak
Brenda Hughes
Vivian NaomeAmy Sorvillo
Sunday's Bible Reading
Acts 3:1-10
Peter and John were going up to the temple at three o’clock in the afternoon, the established prayer time. Meanwhile, a man crippled since birth was being carried in. Every day, people would place him at the temple gate known as the Beautiful Gate so he could ask for money from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he began to ask them for a gift. Peter and John stared at him. Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gazed at them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, “I don’t have any money, but I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk!” Then he grasped the man’s right hand and raised him up. At once his feet and ankles became strong. Jumping up, he began to walk around. He entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God. They recognized him as the same one who used to sit at the temple’s Beautiful Gate asking for money. They were filled with amazement and surprise at what had happened to him.
Memorial Service for Rebecca Braun
A memorial service for Rebecca Braun has been scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, 12PM in the sanctuary at WPC. A calling hour will be held beginning at 11AM.
Free Luncheon—Sunday, May 5th, 11:30AM in Fellowship Hall.
You're welcome to join us as we break bread together. Sign up to attend this weekend, so we can properly prepare enough food.
Gather for an Informational Meeting about the Youth Mission Trip
This summer we’re planning a “keeping it local” mission trip from June 16-20. (See insert for more info) These kinds of trips always invite questions from youth and parents, so we’re hosting an informational meeting on Sunday, May 5, 11:30AM in the High School Youth Lounge. Come learn more about the trip and have your questions answered before signing up!
Bible Presentation to Students—May 12
We’ll be presenting Bibles to some of the younger folks in our congregation. If you have a child in grade 3 or older, who would like to receive a Bible, please contact Bevin:
Email to bevin.k.flaugher@gmail.com or text 330-774-0809
Recognizing our Graduates—May 19
We want to recognize and celebrate any and all students who will be graduating from all levels of education this spring. If you have a student in your family who is graduating, please send a note to Bevin Baker, so your student can be recognized during our May 19 worship service (10:30AM).
Email to bevin.k.flaugher@gmail.com or text 330-774-0809
The Sacrament of Holy Communion & Day of Pentecost—May 19
Join us as we eat and drink in union with the crucified and risen Christ on the Day of Pentecost. In observance of the holy day, you are invited to wear the color RED, which is the color most often associated with the Holy Spirit.
Want to join a small group?
Simply contact the group leader, and let them know you’re interested.
Church membership is NOT required for joining any group.
The early Church had a saying,
“unus Christianus, nullus Christianus.”
One Christian, no Christian.
The very fabric of our faith is experienced in community.
Help Sort Books—Helping with the Annual Book Sale
Volunteers are needed and appreciated as we do the ongoing work of sorting donated books for our yearly sale. All are welcome to help dust, categorize, and price books. Use the lower level parking lot and entrance doors. Sorting is done in the Multipurpose Room.
Upcoming Book Sorting Dates: May 6 & 20
Youth (Grades 5-12) Sunday Morning Small Group, 9:15AM
Meet in the Youth Room for Relaxed Conversation & Imaginative Prayer
Led by Pastor Adam, 724-893-6244 (call or text)
Youth Donuts & Fellowship--Sunday Mornings
Sunday mornings following 9:15AM Small Group in the Youth Room
Young Adult Women’s Group—Wednesday Evenings
Panera Bread (7121 South Avenue, Boardman)
Book Study/Bible Study led by Lindsay Rodgers, 724-893-6243 (call or text)
Young Adult Men’s Group—Tuesday Evenings
Starbucks (7680 Market Street, Boardman)
Book Study/Bible Study led by Pastor Adam, 724-893-6244 (call or text)
Sunday Morning Small Group, 9:15AM
Meet in the Parlor Room for Fellowship, Prayer, & Previewing the Day’s Sermon
Various Leaders. Church Office 330-758-4513
Women’s Circle of Love—3rd Tuesday of Month, 10AM, Hearth Room (UPDATE)
Fellowship, Lessons, Food, & Laughs. Led by Patti Ward, 330-398-1449 (call or text)
The May Meeting of the Circle of Love is May 21, 10AM. More info to come.
“God Talk, Guy Talk” Men’s Small Group
Fridays, 6:30AM (1st, 3rd, & 5th Fridays)
Perkins on Rt. 224 (804 Boardman-Poland Rd.)
Bible Study/Book Study led by Tim Meehan, 330-758-7535 (call or text)
Older Adult Women Small Group (MAY UPDATE)
The Smiling Singles gather each month at a local restaurant after the 10:30AM Sunday morning worship service. Both the hostesses and the restaurant may vary.
In May, the group will be meeting for lunch Sunday, May 19, 12PM at Stonebridge. Reserve your spot by contacting Karen Kalcic (330-770-5214, kkalcic@zoominternet.net) or you may sign up on the form in the church office.
Volunteer Opportunity: Our Community Kitchen UPDATE
We all love our Second Sunday Luncheons, but on the Second Monday of the month we're needed to help serve lunch to hungry people at Our Community Kitchen at 515 Mahoning Avenue. Each month we need two or three people who can help pack a sack lunch and dish up food from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It's worth the effort, for them and for you! If you're interested, please call the office. Our next dates are Monday, May 13.
Summer Small Group Opportunity—“Why Presbyterians Are Like That”
This summer you’re invited to join a small group in a series of Bible studies intended to help folks think about why Presbyterians are the way we are. Presbyterians are distinguished by the particular ways we live out our faith in Jesus. We don’t claim to be the only Christians who emphasize certain elements of Christian faith, but we do believe that certain emphases and themes mark us as distinctive in the Christian family. More info about these seasonal small groups and how to signup beginning this weekend in the church atrium.
Below is a downloadable preview of the material we'll be exploring in depth throughout the summer in two small group opportunities that will be offered on Sunday evenings and Friday mornings.
WPC Church Leadership Quick Reference Guide
At WPC, the month of May begins the season of leadership transition for ruling elders, deacons, and the committees of the church. For some areas of the church, the leadership will remain the same, while other areas will see new faces of leadership. This month, we’re providing you with an updated reference guide, highlighting the leadership of the church. Once you receive the guide, please consider which area of the church God might be calling you to engage with your gifts of time, talents, and treasure.
Chancel Choir—Thursdays, 7PM, Choir Room
Lead Congregational Singing & Special Choral Anthems
Bell Choir—Thursdays, 6PM, Choir Room
Occasional Offering of Special Bell Choir Music for Worship
Children’s Choir and Chime Choir (thru Grade 4)
2nd and 4th Sundays of the month (during 10:30AM worship services)
Occasional Offering of Special Music for Worship
Music Notes
The children will sing a special anthem on Mother’s Day. They will accompany their song with rhythm instruments from the Caribbean. Each child may take their instrument home after the service.
A pick-up choir will be formed beginning June 2. All are invited to join this fun group. We will meet in the choir room Sunday mornings at 10:00 am and learn an EASY 2-part anthem to be sung that day in worship. You may sit with your family and come forward to sing.
There is a sign-up sheet on the piano for summer musicians. Please consider sharing your talents with the congregation. If you are interested in forming a small bell group to play (4-6 ringers) please indicate that as well.
Simple Gifts Choir presents "Just Praise!"
Sunday, May 19--4PM
Hubbard First Presbyterian Church
22 Westview Avenue, Hubbard, OH 44425
The hour-long program features the 55-voice choir singing contemporary Christian praise anthems accompanied by powerful orchestration. The music varies from traditional to light rock and gospel with opportunity for the audience to sing along with the choir, soloists, and guest musicians. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in Israel and Palestine. Admission is free and open to the public. All are invited for fellowship and light refreshments in the church's fellowship hall following the program.
Of note, WPC choir members Karen Kalcic and Carolyn Lorimer will be performing with the Simple Gifts Choir. See you there!
Property Committee News
- We are looking for a volunteer to help Tim Meehan with the recycle every other Tuesday afternoon or evening for the pick up on Wednesday mornings. It usually takes a little over an hour. Please contact Tim 330-720-7479
- The parking lot & driveway are getting repairs, sealed and stripped the end of May. Weather permitting the job will start on May 28 and end on May 31. On May 28 and 31 there will be limited parking and on May 29 and 30 there will be no parking available.
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Boy Scouts Work Evening--Wednesday May 8 the Boy Scouts have scheduled their annual work evening at church. They start at 7:00. We will be at church at 6:00 to start a Spring Clean Up evening outside. If you able to join us please contact the office or Tim Meehan 330-720-7479.
CCW Academy Graduation Ceremony—May 15
For the first time, CCW Academy (our preschool-in-residence) will be hosting its annual graduation ceremony in our church sanctuary. The date is Wednesday, May 15, 5:30PM. You are welcome to attend.
Paper Shredding Opportunity--Thursday, May 23
Recently there has been some spring cleaning in areas of the church that has resulted in a lot of old records that need to be disposed of properly. The Women’s Association has voted to sponsor a shredding day at the church. A truck from Protect and Shred shredding company will come to the church on Thursday, May 23rd.
This event will be open to all members of the church. We know a lot of you have shredders, but you have to take the staples out, paper clips off, spend hours shredding (if like most of us you put it off) and then you are left with bags of shreds you cannot recycle.
Unfortunately, we cannot give a specific times as they have several jobs scheduled in Boardman for that day. If you are interested, closer to the date we can give an approximate time and you can come and wait. If that doesn’t work for you, box them up, bring them to the office and we can tape them closed and store them out of sight until that day.
If you have any questions or are interested, please call or email Deb Karash at the church, (330)758-4513 or westch@zoominternet.net
Mark Your Calendars—Vacation Bible School 2024
July 8-11 this year at Bethel Lutheran Church from 10 am to 12:30 pm
Mark Your Calendars—Youth Mission Trip, June 16-20
Eastminster Presbytery Youth Mission Trip to Youngstown
“Loving God. Loving Neighbors. Loving Locally.”
Poland Presbyterian Church & Westminster Presbyterian Church (Boardman) invite all interested youth in entering grades 7-12 to join us for a week of meaningful service, worship, and fellowship in the Youngstown area.
- The host site is Poland Presbyterian Church, which will serve as our home for meals, worship, and sleeping.
- The Davis Family YMCA will provide daily shower services.
Youth will work with four different local service agencies in the Youngstown Area:
- The Way Station
- Gabba Camp
- Focus Hippotherapy (Equine Therapy)
- Goodness Grows
Cost: Only $50.00 for housing, food, and activities. (Scholarships Available)
Optional trip to Splash Lagoon (June 21) for an additional cost.
Registration Deadline--May 5th
To Register/Questions Contact:
Bevin Baker, 330-774-0809, bevin.k.flaugher@gmail.com
OR
Erika Carcelli, 330-757-1547, erika@polandpresbyterian.org
WPC partners with Community Groups by providing rooms and space for folks to gather. All Community Groups have their own unique guidelines/rules/fees for participation. Please contact the groups directly for clarifying questions about involvement.
Aerobics
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 8:30AM & Tuesdays, Thursdays, 5:30PM
Fellowship Hall, Contact Brenda Hughes, 330-402-1654 (call or text)
Balance Class
Monday & Thursday, 12:30PM & Friday, 9:30AM in Hearth Room
Contact Missey DiMattio, 330-885-2040 or Patti Ward, 330-398-1449 (call or text)
Recovery Groups
Al-Anon, Sundays, 7PM, Hearth Room or Pavilion (weather permitting)
Overeaters Anonymous (OA), Mondays, 7PM, Preschool Entrance
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Wednesdays, 7:30PM (Closed Meetings)
Fellowship Hall or Pavilion (weather permitting)
Gamblers Anonymous (GA), Fridays, 7:30PM (Closed Meetings)
Lower Level of Church or Pavilion (weather permitting)
Scouting
Scout Troop 60, Tuesdays, 7PM, Fellowship Hall
Girl Scout Troop 80224, First Wednesday of Month, 5:30PM, Hearth Room
Preschool—CCW Academy
Contact Janet Petro, Administrator, 330-755-7041, CCWAcademy@yahoo.com
CCW Academy is enrolling students for the 2024-2025 school year, offering structured classes for children aged 2.5-5 years (9am—12pm) and childcare (7am—5:30pm).
Can We Pray for You?
Have a joy? We’d love to celebrate with you. Have a concern? We’d love to encourage and support you. Don’t hesitate to share your joys and concerns with Pastor Adam OR send a note to our beloved email prayer chain: rgibbs22@zoominternet.net
Pray for Your Brothers and Sisters...
This list is an invitation for you to hold your WPC siblings & friends in prayer. Names added to this prayer list will remain on the list for one month or whenever you request it be removed, whichever comes first. After a name has been removed, we will gladly add it to the list again if such a request is made.
Alison Dobro
Pam Batt
Dave Hess
McKenzi Bea Hardwick
Larry Rodgers
Cleo Dietrich
Bill Wade
Wish Someone a Happy Birthday!
May Birthdays
May 1 Donald Blosser
May 1 Tara Ohle
May 1 Daniel Sneddon
May 2 Jenna Saltalamacchia
May 4 Marnie Holcomb
May 4 Donald Patrone
May 4 Mary Yuhas
May 5 Diane Crowe
May 5 Declan McGuire
May 5 Edwin McGuire
May 5 Shannon McGuire
May 6 Hubert Miller
May 6 Patricia Ward
May 7 Lilah Angus
May 7 Mary Baker
May 7 Colby Avalynn Carden
May 9 Robert Kohuth
May 9 Laura McEwan
May 10 Carolyn Alonso
May 10 Ian Knaus
May 11 Benjamin Gleichert
May 11 Thomas Golubic
May 11 Jeremy Vivo
May 12 William Wade
May 13 Fredrich Oyler
May 13 Philip Smith
May 14 Harriet Deeds
May 14 Aidan Swavel
May 14 Kay Woods
May 17 Diana Machel
May 17 Nadya Ann Stratton
May 19 Mollie Turner
May 22 Eleanor Miller
May 23 Beverly Gibson
May 23 Dianna Meehan
May 24 Lorana Crowe
May 24 James Hardwick
May 25 Karen Townsend
May 29 Austin Bayer
May 30 Cynthia Soller
May 31 Joseph Palumbo
Contact the Church Office
Email: westch2@zoominternet.net
Website: www.wpcboardman.com
Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Stadium Drive, Youngstown, OH, USA
Phone: 330-758-4513
Contact CCW Academy Preschool
Location: 119 Stadium Drive, Youngstown, OH, USA
Phone: 330-755-7041
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCWacademyPreschool