PASTOR’S PEN . . .
by Pastor Dave Templin

The story is told of a man who died and went to heaven. 

St. Peter greeted him at the gate and assigned one of the archangels to escort him on a tour of heaven. 

A huge mansion dominated the landscape.  Upon entering, the man discovered many hallways with countless rooms that had doorways, but no doors. 

As they passed each room they would peek in to see who was there. 

 (continued)

Welcome Kurt!  We are excited to announce that beginning May 1st,  Kurt Imbach joins the staff of WPC in this new part time position to help us continue the momentum of adult fellowship ministry begun in the 40 Days of Purpose. 

Specifically, Kurt will be supporting and further developing a network of adult fellowship and educational groups and helping us build on the Purpose Driven^® model of ministry for this congregation. 

He will also be assisting the pastor with pastoral care and some vacation preaching.

Kurt will be working 20-25 hours per week, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays being set times and the remainder on Sunday and another day as needed. 

Be sure to check with him or with the office manager to schedule appointments.

Please welcome Kurt and volunteer your time and efforts to help grow our ministry together!
 

Celebration Sunday.  Our journey together through this Campaign has been marvelous.

We have seen our people getting plugged in through a variety of ways: they have plugged into our church by joining it; they have plugged into fellowship by joining a small group; they have plugged into service by joining a ministry; and they have plugged into missions by trying an outreach!

What a joy it is to experience the Purpose Driven Life together.

On Sunday, May 1st at 10:00am in the Sanctuary, we take a look back and celebrate together the God-moments of this Campaign, then we look forward to what God has in store for the future of Whidbey Presbyterian Church.

 

Judy comes to us with extensive experience working in Presbyterian Churches and the like.

She most recently worked at University Presbyterian in Seattle before her husband retired and they chose to move out our way to beautiful Whidbey! Before that she was employed at Trinity Presbyterian in Enumclaw.

She will be a great asset to our staff so please make a point to stop on in the office, introduce yourself and give her a warm welcome.

 

Adult Education Classes.  The Adult Education classes  will be having various speakers for their Sunday morning classes during the months of May and June in the Blue House.

Plan to join them for some informative and interesting topics in various areas of the Mission field:

On May 8th - Bob and Joan B. will be speaking about “Operation World - to Sri Lanka”

May 15th - B.J Daniels will be here speaking about “Building for God’s Kingdom”

May 22nd - Lora B. will give accounts of her trek to Central America, “The Greatest Class I Ever Took”

May 29th - Guest Missionaries at both services—NO CLASSES THAT DAY.

June 5th - Norm M. will be talking about “The Saints Go Marching Out” (Short term missions)

On June 12th - Ray and Sandra V. will be here and speaking about “15 Years in Haiti”
 

Session Report.

1.  Approved an invitation to North Puget Sound Presbytery to host  the February 2006 Presbytery Meeting at Whidbey Presbyterian Church.

2. Approved a special session meeting on June 4, 2005 for the examination of new elders and deacons.

3. Approved the ordination and installation of new elders and deacons at worship on June 12, 2005 and receiving the One Great Hour of Sharing offering at that service.

4. Approved the annual planning retreat for elders and deacons for August 19 (evening) and 20 (day).

5.  Heard an update on the flooring and cabinetry plans for the new kitchen.

6.  Discussed and approved employing Kurt Imbach as part time Director of Adult Fellowship, effective May 1, 2005.  Stewardship Team will meet to secure needed funds for the position.

 7.  Received a report from the Personnel Team that we are very near to hiring a new office manager to fill the position being vacated as Heather Rhoade leaves.

 8. Approved Elders Betsy Knight, Gerry Mathis, and Joan Bell (alternate) as commissioners to the NPS presbytery meeting on May 18th at the Mukilteo Presbyterian Church.

     —Gerry M., Clerk of Session
 

Stephen Ministry. 

10 times to hold your tongue

It’s nearly always best to remain silent in the following situations:

1.  When you’re tempted to say, “I told you so.”

2. When you’re criticized.  A response may be called for, but it is usually best not to give it in the heat of the moment.

3. When you have information that makes someone look bad.

4.  When someone is upset about a problem and you’ve had a similar experience.  Relate what you went through only if your objective is to pass on something you learned – be sure you’re not shifting the focus to yourself.

5.  When you’re tempted to judge or criticize someone.

6. When a friend’s situation would make a great point in the conversation, but you don’t have permission to share with others.  Even if you don’t use names, you’re treading on dangerous ground.

7. When you’re tempted to correct someone on a minor point as they relate a story or experience.

8. When you think someone made a poor decision, but it’s too late for them to change their mind.  Also be silent when people haven’t asked your opinion on what they should do.

9. When you’re tempted to tell something about yourself for the purpose of impressing someone.

10. When you have information that might discourage someone.  Don’t tell labor horror stories to a woman who’s pregnant for the first time, and don’t mention someone you know who died from the disease your friend’s family member just contracted.

 - Susan M.–

Stephen Ministers have received over 50 hours of training in listening.   They offer confidential, nonjudgmental support for those going through troubling times. 

If you or someone you know would like a Stephen Minister, please call Anita J. or talk to Pastor Dave.
 

Please bring enough of your favorite salad to serve 5 or 6 ladies.

On May 19th, besides eating, we will install new officers, plan for next year and collect the Birthday Offering.

The Evening Bible Study is moving along and still meeting on the 2nd Wednesday evening, May 11th, at 7:00pm.

The Morning Bible Study has completed the study of Yancey’s “What So Amazing About Grace?” We feel forgiven, forgiving and very loved by God. I believe all of us who studied the book would recommend it.

Think about Christmas just a bit, please. We will be starting our boutique workshops in May. The first one will be May 12th. Come with lots of ideas and a sack lunch; we work and chat from 10:00am to about 2:00pm in Heritage Hall.

We all want to be more hospitable, so pray for our new kitchen and all those involved in it’s completion.
 

Making a change to your will or trust is a simple process. A codicil is a simple form that can be used to add a bequest, while reconfirming the other bequests already in the will.

An amendment to a trust is also usually a one-page or two-page document that addresses the bequest in question.

This May 22nd is “Wills & Endowments” Sunday. Look for a bulletin insert that day for more thoughts and suggestions as to ways you can help our church in your estate planning.

When reviewing your estate plan, consider that it is helpful to your loved ones if you have a list of your assets, bank accounts, etc. with your other papers describing what you have and where your assets are located.

If something were to happen to you, such a list would help to eliminate confusion and overlooked assets.

Contact one of our committee members or the church office if you would like to have an inventory form for that purpose.
 

We need help with activity centers (snacks, Bible exploration, crafts, video), leading crews of children, and registration. Can you lend African décor?

                          Call Anita J. or the church office with offers and questions.
 

Inter-Church Spring Golf  Tour.

The date has been set!

Time:  Saturday, May 14th at 1:00pm - SHOTGUN-

Place:  Whidbey Golf & Country Club

Green Fees: non-member - $35.00    WGCC members - N/C

Cart Rental:  $25.00

Entry Fee:  $6.50 - includes coupon for 1 hotdog, soda & chips.

Please contact the church office so that we will know how many foursomes to reserve time for. We must have early registrations to get the SHOTGUN  start.