Mobile Food Pantry Supports Local Families
On Tuesday Oct 21st, Westminster Presbyterian MOC helped Georgetown Presbyterian with their Mobile Food Pantry distribution. 167 families were served. Food was also shared with Crisis House, Discover Church youth group, The Shepherd's Office, and Unique Minds Changing Lives.
October 19, 2025
CAMP Rehoboth Block Party Reflections
(CAMP = Create A More Positive)
It has been a goal of the Mission Outreach Committee to partner more with the CAMP Rehoboth community. On Sunday, October 19th we supported CAMP Rehoboth by representing WPC at our booth at the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party. There we shared who we are as a church and explained our various activities. We emphasized how we welcome all of God’s children and how active we are in our mission work. We hope to see many of those interested in our “Little Church by The Sea” in the future. (Jim Miller)
This was Mission Outreach’s first year to have a booth at the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party so there was a learning curve, but once that was overcome it was pure JOY and CONNECTION and FUN! Offering a plate of freshly baked chocolate covered pretzels and a gift bag were the entry points to conversations that led people to share their need to belong and be welcomed. It was a memorable day filled with friendly vibes and acceptance regardless of color, sexual orientation or gender expression. WPC will return next year! (Deb Norton)
There were so many people who stopped to chat with us – some were interested in what we were giving away, some said they were looking for a church home, some just wanted to talk about why they left the church. One thing I noticed is so many people are craving connection and hoping that maybe they might find it at WPC. I felt that our presence there was needed and valued. I’m really looking forward to next year’s event! (Gail Stevens)
I didn't want the event to end. Everyone there - patrons, vendors, sponsors - seemed so happy! It was a great opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community to feel the love and support that perhaps many of them didn't know existed. (Karen Palermo)
The CAMP Rehoboth Block Party felt like a good old fashioned "block party" where everyone who lives on the block was invited- neighbors being together, eating together, laughing together, sharing together. Many in the LGBTQIA+ community are hungering for authentic fellowship- where everyone is welcomed, respected and heard. No questions asked. Just joyful acceptance and love. It was so much fun! (Pam Jusino)
A beautiful display of creating community and harmonious relationships. (Pastor Eddie Jusino)
We enjoyed each other the way God has made us. My heart is full of joy how this year’s Block Party turned out with an incredible spirit. Kindness and unity were felt by all. (Silvia Ritchie)
NOTE: WPC’s vision calls for a welcoming and loving congregation where everyone matters and belongs, including the LGBTQIA+ community. Session has accepted the recommendations and is implementing them through MOC, which coordinates these outreach opportunities.
This was Mission Outreach’s first year to have a booth at the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party so there was a learning curve, but once that was overcome it was pure JOY and CONNECTION and FUN! Offering a plate of freshly baked chocolate covered pretzels and a gift bag were the entry points to conversations that led people to share their need to belong and be welcomed. It was a memorable day filled with friendly vibes and acceptance regardless of color, sexual orientation or gender expression. WPC will return next year! (Deb Norton)
There were so many people who stopped to chat with us – some were interested in what we were giving away, some said they were looking for a church home, some just wanted to talk about why they left the church. One thing I noticed is so many people are craving connection and hoping that maybe they might find it at WPC. I felt that our presence there was needed and valued. I’m really looking forward to next year’s event! (Gail Stevens)
I didn't want the event to end. Everyone there - patrons, vendors, sponsors - seemed so happy! It was a great opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community to feel the love and support that perhaps many of them didn't know existed. (Karen Palermo)
The CAMP Rehoboth Block Party felt like a good old fashioned "block party" where everyone who lives on the block was invited- neighbors being together, eating together, laughing together, sharing together. Many in the LGBTQIA+ community are hungering for authentic fellowship- where everyone is welcomed, respected and heard. No questions asked. Just joyful acceptance and love. It was so much fun! (Pam Jusino)
A beautiful display of creating community and harmonious relationships. (Pastor Eddie Jusino)
We enjoyed each other the way God has made us. My heart is full of joy how this year’s Block Party turned out with an incredible spirit. Kindness and unity were felt by all. (Silvia Ritchie)
NOTE: WPC’s vision calls for a welcoming and loving congregation where everyone matters and belongs, including the LGBTQIA+ community. Session has accepted the recommendations and is implementing them through MOC, which coordinates these outreach opportunities.
WPC Attends Delaware Pride
Pastor Eddie, Gail Stevens, Karen Palermo, Pam Jusino, Ann Lewis in Dover, DE
Reflection by Pam Jusino
We thought the downpour as we traveled from Lewes and Rehoboth Beach to Dover would dampen our enjoyment of the Pride Festival. It didn't! As the sun came out, so did our shared love of all our siblings in Christ- no matter their dress, their gender presentation, or any number of tattoos or piercings. We greeted everyone who came in front of our New Castle Presbytery tent with warm hellos and encouragement to take any number of stickers or pendants that called out to them. We told them of our sister church in Dover, First Pres. of Dover, and introduced them to Pastor Mark Parsons or to Cindy Kohlmann, one of our female Presbyters with rainbow-colored hair. Someone came up to me and told me that they liked what the back of my New Castle Presbytery t-shirt said, "Sparked by grace to transform the church for the good of the world." And we wished each attendee, "Happy Pride." And it was a "Happy Pride." And we were, "transformed... for the good of the world."
Reflection by Karen Palermo
From my perspective, the gathering was a "safe space" where individuals were not afraid to dress as some may deem inappropriate, and same sex couples could walk holding hands. But it was also a reminder of the climate we live in as I spoke with a mother who was there with her trans son. She told me that her father has rejected her son, but her love for her son is unconditional and she cannot understand how any parent can turn away their child because of their sexual orientation. And on a positive note, I recognize how fortunate I am, and it reinforced the gratitude I have for my parents and family who only showed support, and for the allies in my life.
Reflection by Pastor Eddie Jusino
Delaware Pride Festival was a moment in time to pause and reflect on the transformational progress. Yet, it was also a painful reminder that progress requires vigilance more so today when so much that has been achieved is under assault. A safe place where everyone belongs. Community celebrated. Pride affirmed. Love shared.
We thought the downpour as we traveled from Lewes and Rehoboth Beach to Dover would dampen our enjoyment of the Pride Festival. It didn't! As the sun came out, so did our shared love of all our siblings in Christ- no matter their dress, their gender presentation, or any number of tattoos or piercings. We greeted everyone who came in front of our New Castle Presbytery tent with warm hellos and encouragement to take any number of stickers or pendants that called out to them. We told them of our sister church in Dover, First Pres. of Dover, and introduced them to Pastor Mark Parsons or to Cindy Kohlmann, one of our female Presbyters with rainbow-colored hair. Someone came up to me and told me that they liked what the back of my New Castle Presbytery t-shirt said, "Sparked by grace to transform the church for the good of the world." And we wished each attendee, "Happy Pride." And it was a "Happy Pride." And we were, "transformed... for the good of the world."
Reflection by Karen Palermo
From my perspective, the gathering was a "safe space" where individuals were not afraid to dress as some may deem inappropriate, and same sex couples could walk holding hands. But it was also a reminder of the climate we live in as I spoke with a mother who was there with her trans son. She told me that her father has rejected her son, but her love for her son is unconditional and she cannot understand how any parent can turn away their child because of their sexual orientation. And on a positive note, I recognize how fortunate I am, and it reinforced the gratitude I have for my parents and family who only showed support, and for the allies in my life.
Reflection by Pastor Eddie Jusino
Delaware Pride Festival was a moment in time to pause and reflect on the transformational progress. Yet, it was also a painful reminder that progress requires vigilance more so today when so much that has been achieved is under assault. A safe place where everyone belongs. Community celebrated. Pride affirmed. Love shared.
