It’s Going to be a Great New Year!
By Richard Baker
The new year begins after Labor Day—right after
Labor Day. Don’t tell me what the calendar says: to
bow to January 1 is to bow to the weight of arbitrary,
merely human convention. And don’t tell me that
schools now start the year in August: they are bowing
to the weight of standardized testing. The new year, I
tell you, begins right after Labor Day.
And at
Westminster Presbyterian Church, we honor the order
of things as God hath ordained it: Convocation
Sunday—our opening of the new year—is always the
Sunday right after Labor Day.
This year, Convocation Sunday has a particular shine
to it: we will unveil the restored Te Deum window. All
you who have grown weary of seeing scaffolding in the
front of the church, all you in the choir who have grown
weary of exile in the balcony, all of us who have grown
weary of plexiglass and plastic obscuring God’s light
and have longed to see God’s light once more
refracted through Tiffany’s glass and the great figures of faith—Convocation Sunday is the
day. Come!
And also read: There’s more in this issue of The Chimes about the process—and the
perils—of the window being restored. But most of all, come: Convocation Sunday will be
a grand day!
And after that, come also to learn: Westminster’s new Sunday School year is starting
right after Labor Day, too. This year we will be focusing on the Old Testament in the fall,
and the New Testament in the spring. Christine Roy Yoder, a professor of Professor of
Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA, and an Ordained
Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church, will be teaching on Genesis
and the Old Testament on Sunday, September 18 (the second Sunday of the new year) in
Fellowship Hall. And after that, we will have an array of learning opportunities for all ages
throughout the year.
It’s going to be a great new year!
Richard
Westminster Sunday Schedule
Beginning Sunday, September 11
8:30 to 12:30
9:00 to 9:45
Nursery and Toddler Care (Infant - age 4)
Confirmation (grades 9-12)
Room 108
Room 209
9:15 to 9:45
Westminster Choir
10:00 to 11:00
Worship
Sanctuary
10:20 to 11:00
10:20 to 11:30
10:20 to 10:55
First Lessons in Faith (ages 3-4)
Children and Worship (pre-K and Kindergarten)
Come and See (grades 1-2)
Room 106
Room 102
Room 104
10:55 to 11:30
CrossRoads: Education for the Journey (grades 1-6)
Youth Class (grades 7-12)
Narthex
Room 301
11:00 to 11:20
Coffee Hour
11:20 to 12:15
Special Presentation: The Story of the Te Deum Window:
Restored and Recovered
Julie Sloan, Consultant in Stained Glass
Choir Room
Fellowship Hall
Sanctuary
Adult Education Classes (grades 9-adult)
Term 1 Begins September 18
Class details available on our website
11:30 to 12:15
Genesis Singers (ages 4 and 5 - pre-K)
Cherub Choir (grades K-2)
Calvin Choir (grades 3-6)
Carillon Bells (grades 7-9)
Te Deum Ringers (grades 10-12)
4:30 to 5:00
Youth Music (grades 7-12)
5:00 to 6:00
Knox Choir (grades 7-12)
6:00 to 8:00
Youth Dinner and Fellowship (grades 7-12)
Fellowship Hall
Choir Room
Among Our People
Baptisms
Sophia Annanette Warwick
Daughter of Kaitlyn Warwick
August 14, 2016
Bonnie Elizabeth Shugart
Daughter of John and Beth Shugart
September 4, 2016
Daniel Ryan Blanton
Son of Doug and Allison Blanton
September 4, 2016
Weddings
July 2, 2016 - Nicole Jenkins and Andrew Aucoin
Deaths
Jane Hammon
Winifred (Winnie) Davidson
Diana (Dee) Osborn
Room 104
Theater
Choir Room
Room 301
Room 300
June 17, 2016
July 26, 2016
August 21,2016
Fellowship Hall
The Story of the Stolen Window Frame: Two Perspectives
By Richard Baker & Craig Showalter
Sunday Afternoon: The News Becomes a News Story
CRAIG SHOWALTER: Sunday morning, I got a call from Tim O'Neill (from the window restoration
company) as I was almost out the door for church. Their trailer had been stolen, and with it, the new
window frame. I asked him where it had been sitting and who was investigating the theft. His voice was
shaking. He said Cynthia Welton (also from the window restoration company) was having trouble talking
about it. It set my mind racing, too. It was hard, at first, to accept what I had been told.
My first solid thought was to call Richard; I called his cell and left a message for him to call me.
RICHARD BAKER: I saw the call and message was from Craig, and I knew Craig wouldn’t call on a
Sunday morning unless it was important. But worship was about to start—and I knew that, whatever the
situation, Craig would do the right thing. I grabbed my sermon—I was preaching on the Knox Choir’s
Scotland trip—I had to go.
CRAIG: I was preaching on the parable of the bigger barns, and I threw this news into my
illustrations. This real and close example helped bring the topic of investing in a church building alive
again for them.
I finished the pastoral prayer and noticed Cynthia had texted me, asking for news agency contacts.
During the offering, I ran to my office for my address book and texted her the phone numbers during the
next hymn.
After church, I texted Richard. We talked shortly after.
RICHARD: Craig’s text said only that Westminster might be on the evening news. I thought, “Oh, that’s
good, probably a little free publicity: I bet it’s about the window.” Then, I talked to him.
As Craig was telling me that the frame had been stolen . . . well, as often happens when you get bad
news, your mind races ahead: Would we get it back? (Unlikely, but Craig and I agreed: we should wait,
pray, and hope). If we didn’t, would it delay putting the window back in? (Yes—wait, hope, and pray).
People were going to be so disappointed (Nothing to do now but wait, hope, and pray). We were
planning to unveil the restored window on September 11—Convocation Sunday—and I was going to
preach on “God’s Light Refracted to Us and Through Us.” WHAT on earth was I going to preach on
NOW?!?! (Wait, hope, and pray.) The best thought was Craig’s: we should bring news media and social
media in on the story—they might help find it. And then, after I thanked Craig and said good-bye, I had to
laugh—if only a little. “This is going to be a story,” I thought to myself. Little did I know.
Sunday Afternoon: The News Becomes a News Story
CRAIG: Sunday after worship is always lunch with a group of my parishioners. In the middle of
that, WHIO (Channel 7) got my number from Tim and called to get access to the church and for an
interview. I texted this to Richard, and we met them there at 2:00 p.m.
The 45-minute drive gave me the time I needed to process the news and articulate a response to it. This
was not going to break us. The thieves did not target us. At worst, this was only a minor setback. But—
yuck!—we might have to tear apart the choir loft again next summer. What a pain! But, that will be next
year's problem. We have enough things to finish right now. Those things are still on track. There is still
much to celebrate.
Tim also called me just before I got to the church to fill me in on the progress of the investigation.
He wasn't offered a lot of hope, but was told multiple agencies had been alerted to be on the lookout.
The cameraman was nice. The interview went well.
The Story of the Stolen Window Frame: Two Perspectives Continued...
RICHARD: I chatted with the cameraman. He liked the
story; he thought we might still find the trailer and the
frame. I told him that Craig could provide pictures of the
trailer, the window, the frame, and the church, inside and
out. I watched his eyes light up—we were making this
easy for him. He would have all the pictures he needed to
tell the story. I listened in while he interviewed Craig.
Craig said all the right things: “Yes, it’s unfortunate, but the
church would handle it; the church is strong and faithful; it
is a minor setback, but there is still much to celebrate.” I
sent up a silent prayer: “Thank you, Lord, for Craig.”
Sunday Afternoon: The News Spreads to the Church
and to the World Via Social Media
CRAIG: After, I used the time there to send an e-mail to
the church leadership to inform them of the news. Better, I
thought, that they learn it this way than to just hear it from
the TV. Then, with a photo of the missing trailer, I posted it
on Westminster's Facebook page. The response from the
e-mail and the post was immediate. People were shocked,
dismayed, angry, and distraught. At least one shared
some harsh words for the perpetrators. They also had
questions, and offered theories and suggestions.
RICHARD: At last count, the Facebook post
announcing that the trailer and frame had been stolen
received 6752 hits; the post announcing (warning: plot
spoiler directly ahead!) that they had been found, 4626.
Sunday Afternoon: More News Stations
CRAIG: As I was leaving the church to go home, I saw a cameraman from WDTN (Channel 2)
videoing the front of the church. I offered to let him inside, where he got more footage. I went home
and was ready to settle down with a sampling from my collection of bourbon, when a FOX45 reporter
called for an interview. So, back in my car and back to Westminster. The reporter grabbed a camera
and shot some interior scenes and an interview of me. I wanted to get back home to watch the
6:00 p.m. news.
I locked up the church again and got in my car. There, across the street was the WDTN cameraman,
sitting in his car. He asked if I wouldn't mind doing a quick interview. Resigned to this new normal, I
agreed.
I got home in time to catch the 6:00 p.m. news. Hmm, I thought, I do look a little thinner from losing
weight. I like it. Later that night, we managed to catch the other interviews as they were broadcast.
My family kidded me on my new celebrity status. I checked e-mails and Facebook frequently the whole
afternoon and evening, answering as much as I could.
RICHARD: Sunday evening, I was with all the advisors from the Scotland trip. Of course,
everyone had heard at least some of the story and wanted to hear more. We kept flipping back and
forth among the newscasts, hushing whenever our story came on. In between, much of the talk was
about how unlikely it was that the trailer or frame would ever be seen again; someone talked about how
ubiquitous and efficient “chop shops” were. I looked up at the news: the Reds had won their game that
afternoon; miracles can happen; wait, hope, and pray.
The Story of the Stolen Window Frame: Two Perspectives Continued...
Monday: Good News
CRAIG: Monday, I was at the church at 6:30 a.m. to open up. All the different contractors had
heard the story on the news, and they had their own similar stories to tell of other job sites and
equipment thefts. I talked to the volunteers who were here to work at MADD Camp. They expressed
their sympathy and offered their theories. From everyone, it was supportive, and appreciated.
Cynthia and Tim, and the two workers they had picked up at the airport the night before, walked in later
in the morning and were greeted by many who saw them in the building. They were distraught, but
ready to face the hard work of considering their options. We sat down together and discussed what we
knew about the loss, what might yet happen if the police were successful in recovering all of it, or just
part of it, and what we had to do if we got to a point when we did not expect to ever see it again.
About noon, Cynthia got a call from Tim, who was out in the parking lot: the police had found the trailer,
and they had to go right now to identify it. I hurried them out the door without asking them any more
questions about this news. Then, I just ran up and down the hall yelling, “They found the trailer!!
They found the trailer!!” It was the most elated I have felt in a long time.
I posted an update on Facebook, and sent an e-mail to the church leaders to share the good news.
RICHARD: John Neely was the first to text me with the good news. I shouted to Graham (my
13-year-old son), “They found the trailer!! They found the trailer!!” He was grinning at me, and I
could tell that he recognized this as an opportune moment, “Now can we go out Pokémon hunting?”
Monday Afternoon: The Frame Comes to—and Then Leaves!—the Church
CRAIG: One of the helpers, Tim's son, Shawn, called me. The trailer had been parked by an
abandoned house. It was in good shape. All their tools were missing. But the frame was still all there,
undisturbed. A while later, Tim called to let me know they would be driving it back to the church. I
called the three TV news rooms. Two of them would be sending photographers. I went out to the
parking lot to secure a good space for them, and watched for their arrival.
The familiar black truck and silver trailer came
down the road, escorted by two unmarked
Dayton police cars. Shawn was driving the
truck. I directed him to a front space they could
back the trailer into. The others got out of the
truck to direct him.
“They found the trailer! They found
the trailer!” It was the most elated I
have felt in a long time.
-Craig Showalter
The detective opened his window and introduced himself. In the car behind him was Jeff Thomas, with
a big smile on his face. Everyone was happy and saying how amazing this was. I asked the officers if
they could tell me how they found it. They had received a phone tip.
We reveled in the details. The thieves busted the light connector, and tore out the security alarm. They
had attempted to scrape off the lettering and logo, but stopped halfway through. They damaged a
fender, but made no attempt to take the expensive tires. They grabbed all the portable boxes of tools
and equipment and ignored the heavy window frame pieces. We speculated about their motives and
what might happen to what they took.
The detective then asked me if I knew someone who could secure the trailer indoors. The news
coverage that had been our success could now bring an unintended negative consequence.
Fortunately, I had a place in mind: a person had reached out to me with an offer of assistance the day
before, so I called him. The detective asked for directions to this person, then said he'd be back. As he
left, he gave me a stern warning not to disclose where the trailer might be stored.
RICHARD: Craig told me that the trailer and window frame had been taken to a special, secret
location. I knew better than to ask where. If nothing else, I’ve learned this much as a pastor: some
things are best left to the mysterious providence of God.
The Story of the Stolen Window Frame: Two Perspectives Continued...
Aftermath: The Story Continues
CRAIG: Tuesday was quiet. Tim and Cynthia, and their helpers, spent the day shopping for
new tools. Cynthia copied me on an e-mail to the detective with an inventory of the stolen tools. I
called a pawn shop that had asked to know what to look out for, then transcribed the list to post on
Facebook.
Wednesday morning, the truck and trailer parked in front of the church. Four day laborers had been
hired to do the heavy lifting. As we stood by and watched the trailer being unloaded, people driving by
would recognize the trailer and roll down their windows to talk to us. They congratulated us on our
success, and assured us they had hoped this would turn out right in the end. We've also had other
people come to the church, asking to look in the Sanctuary. One man has even offered to film the installed window with his drone.
RICHARD: On Thursday afternoon, after MADD camp, Nancy, Brent, and I had a Skype
conversation with Cristhian Gomez, the new pastor of our sister church, the First Presbyterian Church
of Barranquilla, in Colombia, South America. The first thing he told us was how happy he was that we
had found the trailer and the frame. He had been following the story on Facebook.
CRAIG: In a quiet moment, as the sections of the window were being hauled up into the
scaffolding, Tim leaned over to me and said that this has actually been a good thing for this project.
Yes, his company has taken the hit for the loss of the tools, and he laughed. But, he said, people have
just been so kind. The people in our community have reached out to help in so many ways.
RICHARD: By the mysterious providence of God, God’s light is refracted to us and through us in
many ways, and especially through many people. Thanks be to God.
Celebrate the return of
the Te Deum window
in worship
Sunday, September 11.
“Created in God’s Image” was the theme
for the third annual MADD Days at
Westminster Day Camp held the week of
August 1-5.
Forty-four campers and 65
volunteers enjoyed 5 days filled with Music, Art,
Dance, Drama, and Christian Education.
Each day in Christian Education we read scripture and
discussed what it means to be “Created in God’s Image.”
Each day had its own theme:
Monday: Created to Respect Others (Ruth: Chapters 1 and 2)
Tuesday: Created to Forgive (Luke 15:11-32, Ephesians 4:32)
Wednesday: Created to Care for the Earth (Genesis 1:24-31,
Psalm 104)
Thursday: Created to Be Like Jesus (John 13:1-15, John 15: 12-17)
Friday: Created to Praise God (Psalm 139:14)
In the afternoon, campers created art at the K-12 Gallery and Marsha
Pippenger’s studio. In addition, campers enjoyed a tour of downtown Dayton
landmarks and a ballet workshop. We also spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying God’s
creation at Island MetroPark.
Our week concluded with a dinner and Celebration Concert attended by over 140
members, campers, parents, grandparents, and siblings. At the Closing Celebration,
held in Fellowship Hall, campers rang handbells, presented dramas telling the stories of
Ruth and Naomi and the Lost Son, danced to “Awesome God,” and sang original music
composed by Kathy Clark, Beth Hill, and Dan Hill. Campers also shared their music in
worship on August 7.
We were blessed to have two volunteers from Colombia! Brigitte and Jair spent three
weeks visiting from the Presbytery of the North Coast in Colombia. In addition to all of
our planned activities, campers had the opportunity to learn about
Colombia from our sister and brother.
Planning for MADD Days 2017 is already underway. The dates will be July 31- August 4.
Plan now for your children and grandchildren to attend. Continue to invite friends and
neighbors (we know many of you invited friends this year). As always, we will need lots
of volunteers. We hope you will consider sharing your time and talents.
Fotos for Fellowship
By Sue Hamilton
For seventeen days this summer, Westminster had its own specially designed photo studio in Creation
Station! Spearheaded by Sharon Norton and the Fellowship Committee and supported by the
administrative staff, the purpose of Fotos for Fellowship is to help members and friends of Westminster
put a face to a name. To date, nearly 300 individuals, couples and families, a total of over 545 people,
have had their picture taken, along with several furry friends! We look forward to adding new faces to
this directory in the future. Additional appointments have already been added for Sunday, September
25. Registration is still available online at westminsterdayton.org, or by calling Kate in the church office.
Special thanks to photographer Jennifer Taylor Clarke who made this project possible!
There are behind-the-scene stories that also added meaning. Great effort was made to include
homebound members in this directory by traveling with backdrop and camera to various residences. A
Sunday morning Bethany bus driver drove a special weekday route to bring a full load of Bethany
members to Westminster to have their pictures taken. Other kindnesses included members individually
bringing friends who needed assistance to Creation Station so that their pictures could be included.
There were pictures of beloved pets with their owners, and first-time directory pictures of families with
young children—including one snapshot with five-week-old twins! And, there was the touching effort of
members battling illness coming to church so that they might be included with their loved ones.
To each individual, couple, and family who participated in this new directory, and all who helped to make
this project possible, thank you.
Knox Choir Trip to Scotland
By Jonathan Vicarel
Thirty-four youth, twelve adults, nine days. This was the task, the adventure, and the opportunity at hand
on July 4, 2016, for everyone going on the Scotland trip. Everyone was to be at the church ready to go
on the bus at eight o’clock sharp, as was told to me directly by Nancy (punctuality is not always a strong
suit for the Vicarels). However, everyone arrived promptly and enthusiastically, including me, and, after
saying goodbye, praying as a group, and consoling our parents—telling them that our passports and
wallets were safely secured to our bodies—we were off.
The next twenty hours were a blur… we
had driven to Chicago, flown from O’Hare
International Airport to Amsterdam for our
layover, and then flew to Scotland. The
flight over the Atlantic was especially interesting and strange to me. I, like so many
others with me on the trip, had never been
to another country, unless of course you
count Canada. I had never flown over an
ocean, I had never been on a two-leveled
plane, and I had never watched the
sunrise over the ocean at what was
4:00 a.m. in Dayton.
But after all that traveling was in our past and we made it through customs alive, with all of our passports,
and without losing anyone (which was very beneficial in keeping Nancy’s sanity) our entire group
immediately recognized the cool freshness of Scotland’s atmosphere upon exiting Glasgow’s airport. It
was so open and peaceful, and the climate was perfect. There was a palpable freeness and simplicity in
the air, which was felt the entire trip.
We quickly met our legendary guides, Pauline and Colin, whom I had heard so much about from my
brother, who had accompanied them both on previous Scotland trips. We got right on the luxurious tour
bus, known colloquially as “Colin’s Coach,” and headed off to explore Scotland. We ended up seeing the
cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, multiple castles—some beautifully kept, some in ruin—and the
jaw-dropping countryside including the majestic highlands, and of course the spectacular and historic
island of Iona.
Seeing the depth of culture and its mixture across
“There isn't a way for me to
centuries of time and people, and across miles of very
truly share the powerful effects
different terrain, Scotland was very clearly different
from America. Its old, religious, and complicated
that Scotland had on me or
history resulted in a rich identity, and the embrace of
anyone else who went.”
that identity from the Scottish people, including our
-Jonathan Vicarel
nationalistic bus driver Colin, was so striking to me.
I could tell you about all the superficial experiences, the jokes, the comfortable—and sometimes very
uncomfortable—naps on the long bus rides through mystic and foggy landscapes, and the joy everyone
experienced traveling… but I want to try and convey, rather, the meaning behind all of those
experiences. I have been waiting, like a few others who went to Scotland with me, as long as I can
remember to go on this trip, and I was so amazed and excited with the memories I made all those
thousands of miles away. The pride and honor the Knox Choir felt singing to people so different from us
and yet so similar in faith was inspiring and more motivating to us to continue to do well at each church
than the thought of finally getting to sleep that night, which is a bold statement.
Knox Choir Trip to Scotland Continued...
Scotland was so impactful to me as a young man, as a friend, as a Christian, as a follower, and as a
leader. I know that all of the youth would agree with me in saying that the trip to Scotland changed our
lives, and the lives of every single one of the adults. Not enough thanks can be given to everyone who
donated money to the church to allow us to go on this life-changing experience, and, equally, not
enough praise can be given to all of the adults who constantly looked after, talked to, led, and dealt with
so many loud kids on the bus, early in the morning, and staying in rooms right next to them in the hotels.
On the last night, our seniors shared about their journey through church, and, as it happens every year
on our summer trips, massive amounts of crying, laughing, reminiscing, and hugging all broke out during
the few hours of sharing. Just thinking about that gives my friends and me chills, as we will have to face
those very same goodbyes next year. I will never be able to relive my time in Scotland with so many of
my closest friends, and with the multitude of new ones that I made, but I don't think that I will need to
because the memories I made in Scotland gazing up at cloud-covered mountains, across wide-open
firths and seas, and out at crowds of people in churches looking at us to bring them joy or to show them
God were unforgettable. Having about eight hundred pictures of everything on my phone doesn’t hurt
either.
The fact that three pastors came with us, along for the ride, was also very impactful. John kept us
focused so that we could perform our important concerts. Nancy led us kids and the adults safely
through all of our activities and got us home. And last but definitely not least, Richard was always the
wise leader who gave a very moving sermon to us on Sunday evening after our last full-length concert.
Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible financially, logistically, and spiritually. There isn't a way
for me to truly share the powerful effects that Scotland had on me or anyone else who went, but I
certainly hope this provided a glimpse into one of our best and prolific traditions at Westminster. Thank
you to all.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PROJECTS UPDATE
By Craig Showalter
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The wall strengthening project around the Te Deum window is finished, and the plaster
surface of the wall has been replaced.
The new frame and the fully restored stained glass Te Deum window are now installed.
The replacement of the lower flat roofs is complete.
The Fellowship Hall has been painted and the new carpet has been installed.
Restoration of the damaged plaster walls, columns, and arches in the Sanctuary is complete.
The new bus is here.
The electrical upgrades to the stage are done.
New smoke detectors in the Sanctuary will be installed this fall.
THE CELEBRATION OF THE RETURN OF THE TE DEUM WINDOW
WILL BE IN WORSHIP ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11.
Please plan to attend and watch the drop of the curtain at the beginning of service
to reveal the window’s return.
Following worship on September 11, the stained glass consultant, Julie Sloan, will talk about the
significance of the Te Deum window as a Tiffany window.
A New Day for Mission
By Brent Manley
New things are happening in Mission at Westminster. God’s promises “I am about to do a new
thing” (Isaiah 43:19), and “See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5) are at work among us. As
directed by the Session, and guided by the Mission Committee, new relationships are being developed
with DECA Middle School and Eastmont Elementary School.
On July 28, a group of volunteers from Westminster worked at DECA Middle School, painting inspirational
sayings on the walls. School Principal, Charlie Bull, reached out to Westminster and we responded. We
join the entire DECA school community as we look forward to the school grand opening on September 14.
At the same time, we have reached out to Eastmont School Principal, Celeste Hoerner. Plans are
underway to build relationships with and support the staff. Celeste has given us a list of ways we can be
of assistance to the staff and students at Eastmont.
We are at the beginning stages of building these relationships. While there may be some similarities with
our past relationship with Edwin Joel Brown, there are also many new possibilities in these new
relationships.
We are building these relationships in anticipation of hiring our new Mission Associate. As directed by
Session, a search committee has been formed, and a job description prepared. Interviews will be held in
September. If the committee finds the person with the right gifts, a new Mission Associate could be in
place by October. The search committee consists of Kay Berg, Sally Dyer, Brent Manley (Mission
Committee), Jennifer DeVries (Personnel Committee), The Reverend Nancy Hodgkins, and The Reverend
Dr. Richard Baker.
Please join in prayer as we build these new school/church relationships. Celebrate with us the new work
to which God is calling.
Young Children's End-ofthe-Year Picnic Fun at
Orchardly Park on June
12, 2016.
A very first picnic for the
toddlers and babies in
attendance.
GO! Into the World and Make Disciples
By Anne Paquette
“Go!” was the theme this summer for the Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT) at Purdue University in
West Lafayette, Indiana. PYT is a conference held every three years for youth who have completed
grades 8 through 12, adult advisors, and global partners who are hosted by a delegation from a
presbytery. This year, PYT hosted 5,000 people including global partners from 74 countries. The
Presbytery of the Miami Valley sent a delegation of 13, including 8 youth, 2 global partners from
Colombia, 2 adult advisors, and 1 youth worker.
During this conference youth and adults alike affirmed their faith, grew with God, explored how God
works through people around our country and the world, and were advised to GO into the world and
make disciples. Through discernment and God’s guidance, all people can find their purpose and be the
change they seek in the world. PYT and events like this provide a place to see, do, discern, advocate,
and GO to make a difference in our church and world.
Presbytery Welcomes Colombian Young Adults
This summer the Colombia Partnership Network of the
Presbytery of the Miami Valley welcomed two young
adults from our sister presbytery, The Presbytery of
the North Coast in Barranquilla, Colombia. Brigitte
Nuñez Olaciregui and Jair Navaja Galindo arrived, on
Sunday, July 17, after an unexpected overnight stay at
the Charlotte Airport. During their time here, Brigitte
and Jair were extremely busy attending Presbyterian
Youth Triennium at Purdue University as Global
Partners, worshiping with College Hill Presbyterian
Church, attending a presentation about their sister
church trip to Colombia earlier this spring, helping with
their evening Vacation Bible School (VBS), helping with Springboro Covenant's VBS, participating at
Kirkmont Adventure Camp for a day and a night, going to King's Island and worshiping with
Springboro Covenant. During their final week they provided leadership for Westminster’s MADD
Camp.
Camping Interest Group
By Julie Drumheller
Seventeen happy campers enjoyed Rocky Fork State Park in Hillsboro, Ohio for a very relaxing weekend
July 7-10. This was the third trip of the 2016 camping season, with other trips to Winton Woods
Campground in Cincinnati and Kandel’s Camping and RV Park in Millersburg. The remaining camping
trips will take us to Lake Loramie State Park, Mohican State Park, and River Trail Campground in
Mendon. We are always looking for interested people who love the outdoors, sharing stories, roasting
marshmallows around a campfire, and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. If you are interested,
contact Julie Drumheller ([email protected]).
Ice Cream Social
An annual event, eagerly welcomed on a warm
summer Sunday, this year’s Ice Cream Social was
held following worship on August 7. Climaxing a
wonderful end to MADD camp, children, youth, and
adults enjoyed hot dogs and ice cream with all the
trimmings. Table decorations and lots of balloons
added to the festivity, as all ages enjoyed
conversation and fellowship.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
By Melody McCallister
On Saturday, July 16, Westminster members and friends enjoyed a group outing to the
Dayton Dragons game. The weather was perfect and the fellowship was fun! We
cheered on the team and were thrilled by the homerun with the Dragon horns blaring
and the smoke rising. A night at Fifth Third Field is much more than just a baseball
game. There is plenty of entertainment for all ages. We yelled for the t-shirt toss and
Roofman. We laughed at the skits between innings and saw the acts up close on the
big screen. We enjoyed all of this while wearing our new Dragons hats and spending
our Dragons Bucks that were all included in our event. Although the team didn’t win
that night, we all had a great time and plan on making this an annual event! Over 60
people of all ages attended this year, and we hope even more of you will be able to join
us next year. Watch for a “save the date” for our second annual Dragons event next
year!
Looking Ahead...

9/11 Interfaith CommUNITY-Wide Prayers for Peace, September 11

Christine Ray Yoder, Theologian in Residence, September 17, 18

Done in a Day, September 24

Golf Outing, October 2

Taizé Services, October 5,12,19,26

Noon Day Recitals, October 6,13,20,27

Memorial Organ Recital October 9

Blessing of the Animals October 23
Westminster Presbyterian Church
125 N. Wilkinson St.
Dayton, OH 45402