October and November Events
October and November Events
Weekly Happenings
October 9, 2024
Dear Westminster Family,

I am writing to share the news that I will be leaving my position on the Youth Staff at Westminster Presbyterian Church. I have accepted a new position downtown at Room In The Inn providing supportive services and spiritual care for our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. I will miss leading Confirmation, trips to Montreat, bagels with my small group, and games of Grog with the middle schoolers. However, I am excited about this new role, and I believe that this change is what is right for me, my family, and for Westminster.

I first came to Westminster in 2013-2014, volunteering with the youth ministry. I returned to Westminster in May 2015 to work full-time with Claire Harris Kramer, Whitney Booth Lockard, and Keith Maddin on the Youth Staff. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a number of talented faith leaders in our youth ministry setting: Sophie Maness, Margie Quinn, Katie Gossage, Kirsten Fox, Ryland Wheliss, Hannah Norris, and Adam DeVries.

I’ve been here many seasons, and God has been ever-present and steadfast through it all. I do not take for granted that you’ve been with me, too. You were with me when I became an inquirer in the ordination process and when I received my MDiv. You were with me through a pandemic. You were with me when I got engaged. And now you are with me as I head out. I’ve learned a lot from you all, and I will be taking that with me.

With the leadership of Adam and Hannah, the administrative skills of Anna, and the support of the Youth & Families Committee, it’s safe to say that the Youth Ministry is in excellent and capable hands. We will be working closely in the coming weeks to ensure a strong transition. As someone who has been through approximately 1,000 youth ministry transitions at Westminster, please remember this: even though you are in the most excellent and capable of hands, it’s still a transition. Be kind to each other, be gracious to your Youth Staff, and be ready to jump in to help.

I know it’s Fall Break (womp womp), but if you have questions or want to talk to me, I’m around in the coming days and weeks. My last Sunday at Westminster will be October 27, 2024—which is intentionally not during Fall Break—so hopefully I can see you then.

It’s been real, Westminster. I’ll see you soon.

In Peace,
T.J. Piccolo

Westminster Academy


This class has been postponed until January 2025.

Tuesday-Friday
Westminster Café
8:00 a.m. - Noon


Take a break from the heat and enjoy the air-conditioned Cafe! - Find a quiet space to work - Meet with a small group - Bring children for a cool and easy outing (high chairs available) Park in the North Parking Lot and enter by the blue outdoor umbrella.

October 11
Fleece Blanket Cutting

Wednesdays and Fridays October 2 - 18

9:00 - 11:00 a.m. • Westminster Café

Fleece Blanket fringe cutting returns! If you can cut,  we can use you! We will prepare 80 blankets for our middle school refugee friends and hope to have them ready before it gets cold!  Sign up here to let us know when you are coming! 
POP-UP – New Fall Pottery Session
Sign up today!
Fridays, Oct. 4-Nov. 22
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (can leave earlier)
$50.00 for all 8 days
Limited to 8 participants


Create your own pottery items with the help of our fabulous pottery team (pictured above).

All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced folks.
Bring your own lunch. A refrigerator and microwave are available.

October 10
Music Box Series
11:00 a.m. • Fellowship
11:15 a.m. • Program
12:00 p.m. • Lunch
Goodpasture Hall

Like hands and gloves, music and poetry complement and keep each other warm. The program On Humans Being uniquely trades on this good fortune, combining poetry by Audrey Campbell with truly beautiful music played by Jane Kirchner on flute and piccolo and Betty Polk on piano and piccolo. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience.  Come enjoy their brief charming and thought-provoking presentation. 
Please make lunch reservations with Sherri Givens. Cost $10.
October 10-13
Young Families Camping Trip
Montgomery Bell State 

Join Westminster Young Families for a fun weekend spent enjoying nature and each other at Montgomery Bell State Park. Whether you’ve backpacked your entire life or this will be your first camping trip, welcome! We will spend the weekend at Montgomery Bell State Park and car camping. We’ll have a potluck and s’mores on Friday and Westminster will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, and s’mores on Saturday evening. 

Young Families Camping
Chili Cook-Off
Who has the best-tasting Westminster chili recipe? 
 
Chili chefs: Create a fun title for your chili like Bean Me Up, Scotty, Hot Mess Express, or Jalapeño Business! 
Prefer not to cook chili?  We need folks to sign up to bring toppings and dessert! Mac and Cheese will be available for the kids.
Youth and adults: We need help setting up, and watching the children in the gym and playground!
Monday, October 14, 2024
Women’s Covenant Group
11:30 am • BYO Lunch
12:00 pm • Program
Goodpasture Hall
 
Our guest this month is Angie Henderson, Vice Mayor of Nashville and President of the Metro Council.  Angie is an advocate for making Metro Government more proactive and effective in the service of all citizens in all neighborhoods across Davidson County.  Come with questions about current issues facing our rapidly growing city.

We are so excited about this program and hope you will be able to join us!

Lisa Atkinson, Frances Baird, and Suzanne Allen 

October 22
Westminster Book Group
9:30 a.m. • Fellowship
10:00 a.m. • Discussion


Dynamite Nashville
by Betsy T. Phillips
Presented by Guy Griffith


New evidence in 'Dynamite Nashville: Unmasking the FBI, the KKK, and the Bombers Beyond their Control’ uncovers the origin of an organized group of racist terrorists committing nationwide acts of violence against integration efforts in the late 1950’s and early 1960s. The book also implicates both the FBI and local law enforcement agencies. No understanding of the violent nationwide white response to desegregation efforts then and white supremacist actions now can be complete without reading 'Dynamite Nashville.' Award winning historian Betsy Phillips not only paints a detailed picture of the social dynamic of the times, but details how a violent fringe of racists came to national prominence. In 'Dynamite Nashville,' Phillips unmasks the KKK, reveals a racist terrorist network, "The Confederate Underground," names its principle leader, J.B. Stoner, and shines a much needed historical spotlight on unsung civil rights hero and near martyr Z. Alexander Looby.
Buy a copy of the book here.
An Evening with Nadia Bolz-Weber
New York Times bestselling author Reverend Nadia Bolz-Weber has been called “a pastor for America’s outsiders” (BBC). She will be the first to attest that she doesn’t look like most people’s idea of a pastor, but the community of faith she founded in Denver, Colorado—House for All Sinners and Saints—is a haven for a diverse community seeking affirmation and acceptance.
Now a New York Times bestselling author, Nadia Bolz-Weber takes no prisoners as she reclaims the term "pastrix"(pronounced "pas-triks," a term used by some Christians who refuse to recognize female pastors) in her messy, beautiful, prayer-and-profanity laden narrative about an unconventional life of faith.
Using life stories—from living in a hopeful-but-haggard commune of slackers and her unusual but undeniable spiritual calling to her experiences pastoring people from all walks of life—and poignant honesty, Nadia portrays a woman who is both deeply faithful and deeply flawed, giving hope to the rest of us along the way.
Buy a copy of the book here.
Join us in the Sanctuary for a great night with Nadia. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. The evening starts at 7:00 p.m.
If you are bringing a group or need a discount, please contact Sophie Maness at smaness@nashvillewpc.org.
Join us and invite your friends for a wonderful evening!!
This event is made possible by the help of Westminster's Legacy Fund.
An Evening with Nadia Bolz-Weber
Contact us at info@nashvillewpc.org
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