Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, Nebraska http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress Spiritually Alive, Broadly Inclusive, and Growing In Mission Mon, 14 May 2012 14:40:44 +0000 en hourly 1 Classic Car Show http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/05/classic-car-show/ http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/05/classic-car-show/#comments Sun, 13 May 2012 13:33:38 +0000 Marge http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/?p=871 The Annual Westminster Classic Car Show will be held in Antelope Park, Sunday, June 24, while we celebrate Presbyterians in the Park. Come to see all forms of mechanical transportation from bicycles to trucks from the 19th to the 21st century.

 

]]> http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/05/classic-car-show/feed/ 0 Mission Trip to Joplin, Mo. http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/mission-trip-to-joplin-mo/ http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/mission-trip-to-joplin-mo/#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:30:42 +0000 Rae http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/?p=1971 Ken Govaerts and Steve Hughes spent the week of April 16-21 in Joplin, Mo., working on rebuilding and repairing some of the damage from last year’s destructive tornado.  Check out the daily reports of this mission trip at http://www.missiontrips.rsomuchfun.com/.

]]> http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/mission-trip-to-joplin-mo/feed/ 0 Faith Seeking Understanding, Part III http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/faith-seeking-understanding-part-iii/ http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/faith-seeking-understanding-part-iii/#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:46:57 +0000 Marge http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/?p=1968 In two previous series, a hearty group of faithful souls joined in the timeless theological quest that seeks to order both authentically as well as intelligibly our words about God, which they did by gathering together on Sunday mornings to read and discuss William Placher’s eminently readable A History of Christian Theology. In Part I, we made it through Augustine. In Part II, we continued through the Middle Ages. Now in Part III, we will journey from the Reformation into the present. Part III begins Sunday, May 6. Participation earlier is not a prerequisite for participation now; all are welcome. Bob Snell leads our discussion in the Lounge. Additional books will be available at our first session

]]> http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/faith-seeking-understanding-part-iii/feed/ 0 Faith at the Movies – Back by Popular Demand! http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/faith-at-the-movies-back-by-popular-demand/ http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/faith-at-the-movies-back-by-popular-demand/#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:45:19 +0000 Marge http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/?p=1966 According to minister and film critic Edward McNulty, when faith goes to the movies, God might just turn them into visual parables. Join us as we open ourselves to that possibility when “Faith at the Movies” returns on Wednesday evenings, May 9-23, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (following the WOW meal). Bob Snell will lead discussion of The Mission (May 9), Chocolat (May 16), and A River Runs Through It (May 23). Since we will only have time for a clip or two each week, please watch the film beforehand, perhaps with friends. DVD copies of each film will be available at the reception desk for a 2-day checkout, one at a time.

]]> http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/faith-at-the-movies-back-by-popular-demand/feed/ 0 May Ladies’ Night Out http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/may-ladies-night-out/ http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/may-ladies-night-out/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:07:15 +0000 Marge http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/?p=1951 Let’s celebrate the start of summer with another Ladies’ Night Out!  We’ll save a seat for you!

Thursday, May 31, 2012
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Marz, 1140 O Street 

All ladies of all ages are invited to Ladies’ Night Out, and you don’t have to be a Westminster member!  Please pass the word!  Invite your friends, your neighbors, your daughters, your sisters, your Mom, your coworkers…anyone!  No need to RSVP!  This event has been organized by the Westminster Small Groups Ministry.  Questions?  Talk to Maggie Stuckey at magjostu@gmail.com

 

]]> http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/may-ladies-night-out/feed/ 0 Scottish Heritage Sunday – As seen on TV! http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/scottish-heritage-sunday-as-seen-on-tv/ http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/scottish-heritage-sunday-as-seen-on-tv/#comments Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:26:19 +0000 Chris http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/?p=1935
Local CBS affiliate 10/11 invited Pastors Andy & Bob to talk about our upcoming Scottish Heritage Sunday!

LOOKING GOOD in those kilts, fellows!

Sunday, April 22nd

  • 10:15 Bagpipe Parade

  • 10:30 Worship & Kirkin’ O The Tartan Ceremony

  • 11:30 Scottish Foods & Music
    and the Mini Highland Games

    • Mini Caber Toss
    • St. Andrews Putting
    • Animal Herding
    • Wellie Toss
    • Face Painting
    • THE BOUNCY CASTLE!

Please bring your lawn chair and plan to stay for the Food, Music and Games

]]> http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/scottish-heritage-sunday-as-seen-on-tv/feed/ 0 Hostamania Set for Mother’s Day http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/hostamania-set-for-mothers-day/ http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/hostamania-set-for-mothers-day/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:06:12 +0000 Marge http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/?p=1921 Hostamania is sooner than you think! Westminster’s mammoth plant sale (hostas plus other varieties from ajuga to zinnias) will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 13, Mother’s Day, in the WPC parking lot, so you should start thinking about the ways it impacts your life.

 You can buy lovely items for your yard and garden for a fair price.

  • You can split and contribute “bonus” items from your yard or garden.
  • You can find a good use for those unused plant pots in your garage.
  • You can feel happy that the funds generated by Hostamania advanced Westminster’s relationship with the Lohmen church.

 Do you have pots or need help digging out the plants you want to contribute? Call Tom Pappas, 402-202-4454.

 

]]> http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/04/hostamania-set-for-mothers-day/feed/ 0 From Adam to Abraham – March 11-April 29 http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/03/from-adam-to-abraham-march-11-april-29/ http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/03/from-adam-to-abraham-march-11-april-29/#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:38:25 +0000 Marge http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/?p=1810 We all know the stories of Adam and Even, Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, the tower of Babel, the call of Abram, and the sacrifice of Isaac. But what about the stories behind the stories? This series on the first 25 chapters of Genesis explores its literary structure. Ancient Near East parallels, archeological background, conjectured sources, and ancient and modern interpretations, both Christian and Jewish. Ernie Hines, Adult Education moderator, will be the presenter.

]]> http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/03/from-adam-to-abraham-march-11-april-29/feed/ 0 God’s Medicine – February 28-April 4 http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/02/gods-medicine-february-28-april-4/ http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/02/gods-medicine-february-28-april-4/#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:09:52 +0000 Marge http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/?p=1745 Art historian Andree Hayum says of the Isenheim Altarpiece, “this monument, once noticed, becomes an active presence in one’s life.” This sixteenth century twelve panel multi-stage polyptych from the hand of Matthias Grunewald surely represents one of the most powerful expressions of Christian faith ever painted. Literally and figuratively, it also corresponds perfectly to our forty day Lenten journey from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday to Easter. As guide and inspiration for that journey, on Wednesday evenings (except for March 14) we will explore why Hayum calls this masterpiece “God’s medicine.” Following the WOW dinner we will meet in the Lounge. Bob Snell will lead our reflections.

 

]]> http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/02/gods-medicine-february-28-april-4/feed/ 0 On the Journey http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/01/on-the-journey/ http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/2012/01/on-the-journey/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:02:53 +0000 Marge http://westminsterlincoln.org/wordpress/?p=1738              Jesus took some time off. Hiking up in the mountains. His road trip buddies include three close friends, taking some time to pray. As the old song goes, “get in touch with God.” 
 
             We know what is supposed to happen.  Read a couple Bible passages.  Do some personal sharing.  Say a little prayer.  Break for coffee and bagels.  Have a nice warm feeling in their hearts, and go home a little earlier than planned.  But that is not what happens at all.

On the mountain, Jesus is transfigured.  He starts to shine.  Dazzling white, so bright, no color at the paint store comes even close.  Then  Elijah – who, by the way, is supposed to be dead — comes to consult with him!  Moses – dead even longer – shows up right in front of their noses, listening to Jesus! Out of a cloud comes the voice of God, speaking to them!

Theologians have a term: mysterium et tremendum.  It is an experience of God:  mysterious and attractive yet overwhelming and terrifying, all wrapped up in the same event.  It is about the love and fear of God.  While we are attracted to God’s love, this overwhelming love is also terrifying in the lengths to which it will go for us.  That is their experience of Jesus.

As quickly as it came, the cloud dissipates.  The two visitors disappear.  Jesus clothes go back to normal.  And it is time for the return trip down the mountain. Time to pull up their socks, clean up from lunch, pick up their packs and head back home.  It looks like everything is back to normal.

But it will never be the same again.  The voice of God echoes in their memory: “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”

I believe this story.  I believe this story, in different experiences, can happen to us.  We do not know when. You cannot force God’s hand. The mystery of God is free to speak when and where it will.

Our experience may be more subtle than this story, but it happens.  We recognize it when all of a sudden, a new dimension of who Jesus is, and what he means, opens up to us. A glimpse of God’s wonderful and terrifying love shines through.

What matters is not how we had an experience of Jesus.  What matters is that the words of God echo in our minds and hearts: “This is my beloved Son.  Listen to him.”   He leads us to a new life  – filled with the mysterium et tremendum of God. It is symbolized at the center of our sanctuary.  The mystery is symbolized in the cross.

Andrew McDonald
Senior Pastor

 

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