Westminster Presbyterian Church, Alexandria Va

As we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Dr. Bruce Douglass, Director, Reformed Institute of Metropolitan Washington and Associate Professor, Georgetown University, returns to look at those 16th Century reformations. What is its enduring legacy? How does it impact us and the world we live in today? Second in a four-part series.

Following a tradition that began in 1982, Westminster remembers those who have given their lives in service to our nation. Several choral anthems, were offered to mark this Remembrance Sunday, with Dr. Larry Hayward offering reflections on each.

As we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Dr. Bruce Douglass, Director, Reformed Institute of Metropolitan Washington and Associate Professor, Georgetown University, returns to look at those 16th Century reformations. What is its enduring legacy? How does it impact us and the world we live in today? First in a four-part series.

I wish I could say that every wave returns to the sea before it does damage, that every storm is stilled before it becomes destructive, that every disease is stopped short before it claims its first victim. I wish I could say that that every international crisis will end before the words are spoken that cannot be taken back, before the first sword is drawn, the first bomb dropped. But you know that I cannot make that promise. And neither does the psalmist. But in a psalm that is both eloquent and realistic about the heights and depths we experience as human beings, the psalmist closes with these words: Let those who are wise give heed to these things; And consider the steadfast love of the Lord. Larry Hayward preaches on Psalm 107.

Hear a panel of voices presenting our shared work and ministry providing shelter and opportunity to vulnerable children in Moi’s Bridge, Kenya. Rev. Patrick Hunnicutt and others talk about their recent trip and specifics of how we can further support our Kenyan brothers and sisters and to grow in faith through our work with them.

Like many Protestant congregations around the world, we at Westminster are acknowledging the 500th anniversary of the Reformation today. In this sermon, Larry Hayward shares what the Reformation has come to mean to him, a Presbyterian pastor in the twenty-first century. “I hope what you glean from this sermon will help you understand our church, our Reformed tradition, and most of all, where your own faith fits or lives in tension with our heritage.” The Scripture lesson is Romans 12:1-4, 9-15. The sermon title is a reference to Karl Barth’s commentary on The Epistle to the Romans.

John Lewis, U.S. Representative & Civil Rights Activist, is one of the “Big Six” leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. He was a Freedom Rider, spoke at the 1963 March on Washington, and led the walk that became known as “Bloody Sunday.” John has continued to fight for people’s rights since joining Congress in 1987 and received the Medal of Freedom in 2011. Fred Upton, U.S. Representative, joined Congress in 1987, and became friends with John through their joint work on the Faith & Politics Institute. John and Fred have known one another over thirty years and have been able to respect their differences and yet learn from each other through humility and respect. How have these two public servants tried to understand the views and values of people who don’t share their party affiliation? How has their faith informed their public service? How has their work been driven by their belief in something greater than themselves?

Is there a place for a church like Westminster: with worship rooted in tradition centuries old, with thoughtful preaching and teaching, with acceptance of and respect for a variety of people’s individual religious experiences and the differing moral viewpoints which grow out of those experiences? Will there be a place in the world for the values and practices we at Westminster hold dear and have embodied since our founding in 1940 as we move ever so quickly toward 2040? Larry Hayward expands on his recent talks with Adult Education and the Men of Westminster. The Scripture lesson is Acts 17:16-34 (selected verses).

Dr. Sally Satel is an American Enterprise Institute resident scholar, a psychiatrist and a lecturer whose research areas include domestic drug policy, psychological impact of war & disasters, political trends in medicine and transplant policy. Her outstanding speaking style conveys the essential facts and stories of those caught in the web of addiction.

"The Israelites serve as simply people--flawed and forgetful people. They remind me that God has long been in the business of loving people who are either completely a hot mess or, at best, more or less ok." Whitney Fauntleroy preaches on Exodus 32:1-14.

Being present with a friend or family member who has dementia comes with special challenges. As part of their ongoing training, the Deacons host guest speaker Christi Clark, Assistant Director of the Insight Memory Care Center in Fairfax. Christi offers practical advice on engaging with individuals who have dementia, understanding common behaviors and communicating effectively.

"In 37 years of preaching, I have never given a sermon on the Ten Commandments. But they are central to our faith; many of us were exposed to them or even memorized them as children; and they are our Old Testament passage from the lectionary today. So I think it’s about time." Larry Hayward preaches on Exodus 20:1-18.

Dr. Dyer is the James Maxwell Professor of Christian Education & Pastoral Theology at Virginia Theological Seminary. She lost her spouse suddenly and will offer insights from her journey of loss. What experiences might you go through adjusting to life without the person they loved? What are some physical, emotional and spiritual ways to help yourself and others to heal from painful loss?

For Jesus, the political is pastoral and the pastoral is political. Casey FitzGerald preaches from Matthew 21:23-32.

In the midst of the history we are living, God is living with us. God provides. But God’s provision also places a call upon us: a responsibility to know who we are, and to know where we have been as a prelude to knowing where we will go. Larry Hayward preaches on Exodus 16:1-5, 10-15.

With Doris A. Fuller, Chief of Research & Public Affairs, Treatment Advocacy Center Doris’ story is remarkable. Following the loss of her daughter to mental illness, she has become an international advocate for those dealing with chronic mental illness. Learn from someone who deals with brain diseases about making a difference for someone, somewhere and somehow.

Dry land or no dry land, the people of Israel take a leap of faith and step into the waters. Larry Hayward preaches on Exodus 14:19-31.

Given the changes in culture, and how such changes have impacted Christianity, what does all this tell us about our ministry here at Westminster? How might we move toward fuller faith and service to God in just such a context? Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward kicks off our 2017-2018 adult ed series. This year’s adult formation theme, "Towards Fuller Faith and Service," is meant to guide us toward praising and serving God more fully and serving our neighbors.

What is it about God—the God who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Christ in whose name we gather, who is the Spirit whose presence we invoke—that compels us to one simple and positive four-letter word? Larry R. Hayward preaches on Romans 13:8-10.

Perhaps God will remain within the burning bush until he finds someone willing to join him in the effort of setting his people free. Larry R. Hayward preaches today on Exodus 3:1-15.