Westminster Presbyterian Church on William Street in Auburn has many upcoming activities planned for spring. Special thanks to Jill Fandrich for sharing the news.

Students in kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to an evening of games, food and fun activities focused on Earth Day and “Living in God's Creation” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9. Jackie Darquea is the program leader, Judi Stephens will provide the meal and Megan Church will supervise recreation.

Faith and Film nights return at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 17, on the “large screen” with a free showing of “The Kite Runner” in the comfort of the church's social room. This evening will include free soda and movie treats as well as discussion time following the movie.

Jon Nakamatsu returns to Auburn for an encore performance at the Adams Foundation Piano Series seventh season spring concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 20, in the Westminster sanctuary. He will perform works by Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin and Schumann on a Steinway concert grand piano. Intermission refreshments will be provided. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and are available by calling 253-3331.

“A Gift of Water - A Gift of Life: Protecting Owasco Lake” is the subject of a spring luncheon program to be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at the church. The guest speaker will be Jessica Miles, Owasco watershed inspector, and her presentation will focus on facts about Owasco Lake; especially as a drinking water source, the dynamics of a watershed and ways that people can improve their water quality. As people around the country recognize and celebrate Earth Day on April 22, Christians are reminded that God calls us to be wise and faithful stewards of the earth and all of its natural resources 365 days a year, every year. The cost for this catered luncheon is $7. Reservations may be made by calling 253-3331 by Monday, April 21.

The Spring Gathering for Presbyterian Women will be held Saturday, April 26, at Skaneateles Presbyterian Church. Jodi Gallagher, Christian educator at Northminster Presbyterian Church, will speak on “Seeing Ourselves Through God's Eyes.” Registration is at 9:30 a.m., with lunch at $5 per person, followed by an afternoon workshop.

Carolyn Hiza and Jane Lumb are organizing this event.

The Westminster Book Club will discuss “The Year of Living Biblically” at 7 p.m. Monday April 28, in the Social Room. Copies of this book are available in Seymour Library. Journalist A.J. Jacobs sets out on a quest to follow the Bible as literally as possible for one year, and finds his life is changed by his “year of living biblically.”

Plans are underway for a spring rummage sale, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3. Exact hours are to be announced. This sale will include clothing, household items and more. For more information, contact Pat at 252-5870 or Sally at 253-3524.

A spiritual retreat for women, “I Wish I Had More Time with God,” will be held May 2 to 4, at Christ the King Retreat House, a secluded mansion nestled atop six acres of rolling hills in Syracuse.

Barbara Johnson is the retreat leader. Registration is required by April 18 by calling 253-3331.

“Relay for Life” is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate cancer survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. Westminster Church, led by George and Carolyn Hiza, is forming a team for this event, which will be held at Auburn High School June 6 and 7. Their goal is to raise $1,000; $240 of which has already been raised with their Daffodil Days sales.

Have a great week everyone, and remember, God loves you so very much. Draw near to him.

“There is no substitute for home.”

- Joseph Smith

Denise Bennett is a parishioner at Holy Family Church in Auburn. She can be reached at deniseb132@yahoo.com