Year: 2024
Did you know that October is Church Staff Appreciation Month?
The Personnel Committee invites you to join us in showing our appreciation for our pastors and staff. If you’d like to share your words of gratitude or encouragement, you can click here to email them directly or stop by the Information Booth or Cafe 10 West to write or drop off a “thank you” card which we will deliver for you.
A Letter from Pastor Ann Hatfield
December 1, 2024Dear members and friends of Westminster,
With much appreciation tinged with sadness, last Tuesday the Session of Westminster received Rev. Ann Hatfield’s plans for retirement in early 2025. We collectively offered to God our great thanks for Ann’s 14 years of faithful pastoral ministry among us at Westminster as she has guided our outreach, congregational care, and served as a faithful pastor and friend among us.
In the time to come before Ann’s retirement from installed ministry in February 2025, we will have opportunities to celebrate her ministry, thank her for her leadership and service at Westminster, and pray with Ann as she moves toward this milestone. Please read Ann’s message below.
In Christ,
Leah Hrachovec
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dear Westminster Members and Friends,
After much prayer and reflection, I have made the decision to retire in early 2025. It has been my great privilege to serve in ministry with you all for the past 14 years.
When I accepted the call to Westminster in January 2011, little did I imagine the amazing experiences I would share with you as an associate pastor with this congregation. During our years together, I have had the honor of leading weekly worship, praying by bedsides, serving the community, and officiating at weddings and funerals. We laughed and cried together. Some of my favorite moments have been celebrating communion and baptizing babies – such sacred and joyful moments in the life of this faith community!
It has been a great joy and blessing in my life to serve as a pastor of this incredible church. As I say goodbye, please know that I do so with a heart full of deep gratitude to the staff and congregation. Thank you for the opportunity to serve alongside you in so many ways. I will always cherish the memories and friendships I have made during these years.
Isaiah 43:19 says, “I am about to do a new thing.” I believe this verse is true for both Westminster and me. In 2025, I will be joining the ranks of the retired, along with my husband, Jim, who begins the sixth year of his retirement. Together, Jim and I look forward to welcoming our first grandchild in early March; so, an exciting “new thing” in my life is being a grandmother!
And I trust God also will continue to do new and wonderful things in and through Westminster next year and beyond. As I embark on a new chapter of my life, I pray this congregation continues to be a vibrant and active expression of Christ’s body.
Thank you again for your expressions of love, support, and prayers throughout the years. May God’s grace and peace be with you all!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ann Hatfield
Peace & Global Witness Offering
August 29, 2024Throughout September we’re collecting The Peace & Global Witness Offering which is used to promote peacemaking efforts throughout the world. Please prayerfully consider how your financial support can provide the resources needed to transform areas of desperate need into communities of peace and healing. Click here to donate.
Westminster Launches a New Website!
We’re thrilled to share with you the good news that Westminster launched a refreshed website! Here’s a screenshot of the new home page. Our hope is that it is more user friendly and easier to navigate especially for those viewing worship at home. You’ll also find time sensitive notifications like snow closings on the top blue banner. Take a look around and let Director of Communications, Lynn George know if you have any questions.
New Journey Class: Traveling with God
10:45 am Sundays, September 8-29 • Spellman Jr & Zoom
The Bible offers countless examples of ordinary people who set out on journeys with God. Sometimes, it happens after a divine invitation and sometimes when the individual has no idea they are following God’s path. Thankfully, God leads and comes along for both! Led by John Willingham a retired Presbyterian Pastor, this 4-week class will draw from Scriptural examples of everyday individuals who set out with God as a way of encouragement and inspiration for us when we do the same. Click here to attend via Zoom.
Join a Music Ensemble this Fall
August 29, 2024- NEW! Cherub Choir (Grades K & 1)
4:15-5:00 pm Wednesdays starting September 11 (Sept.-May)
The Cherub Choir is newly restarting this fall. Young children will sing & play with rhythms and instruments. Cherubs sing occasionally in worship and other church events, including a short Christmas program and Christmas Eve. Register your child. Questions? Contact Kirsten Santos Rutschman. - Children’s Choir (Grades 2-5)
4:45-6:00 pm Wednesdays starting September 11 (Sept.-May)
In Children’s Choir, older elementary-schoolers sing, pray, play music games, play percussion and other instruments, and learn the basics of how to read music. The Children’s Choir sings in worship about once a month and occasionally at other church events, including a short Christmas program and Christmas Eve. Stay tuned for a musical in the spring! Register your child. Questions? Contact Kirsten Santos Rutschman. - Youth Choir (Grades 6-12)
5:00-6:00 pm Sundays starting September 8 (Sept.-May)
In Youth Choir, middle- and high-schoolers sing music in a variety of styles. Whether you’re a beginner, or you sing in a choir at school, or you take voice lessons, there’s a place for you here. The Youth Choir sings in worship about once a month and sometimes on other occasions, including a concert at Maris Grove in December. Click here to register. Questions? Contact Kirsten Santos Rutschman. - Chancel Choir (Adult)
7:00-9:00 pm Thursdays starting September 5
The Chancel Choir provides choral music in the Traditional service throughout the year. Larger projects include Christmas Concerts in December and a Requiem concert in the spring. During Summer 2025, the choir will perform on tour in Scotland. During the summer months, feel free to drop in for Summer Choir on any or all Sundays as your schedule permits, without the commitment of regular Thursday night rehearsals. Questions? Contact Tim Evers. - Chancel Ringers (Youth & Adult)
7:00-8:30 pm Wednesdays starting September 4
Handbells is a wonderful ensemble that builds community spirit. Each person contributes a few notes towards creating beautiful, full-sounding music. Chancel Ringers ring about once a month in worship, as well as occasional other events. Experience reading rhythms and/or pitches is helpful, but not required; reach out if you are interested, and opportunities for beginners will be forthcoming. Questions? Contact Kirsten Santos Rutschman.
An Update from the Strategic Visioning Team
October 3, 2024The Visioning Team wants to thank everyone who participated in our information gatherings over the last six weeks. You provided thoughtful observations and ideas. We are deeply grateful for the invaluable insights you provided us!
In total, 114 individuals participated in the process! 89 individuals attended 11 focus groups. In addition, there were 25 individual conversations with online worshipers, individuals who are former worshipers and outside community members.
The second phase of our process began on September 24 which will continue through November. This includes reviewing all the information collected, identify common themes, and begin developing plans to address the future of our church. In the upcoming weeks you will have opportunity to hear and react to what we discern.
Thank you Bella!
Did you know you don’t have to attend our Stitch Unto Others Knitting & Crochet gatherings to participate in our knitting ministry? Bella is at school during their gatherings but still made over 40 hats for them at home which will go to Spanish Health Ministry! Contact Carol Edwards to learn more about Stitch Unto Others.
Last Week to Register for Camp Spark!
Monday-Friday June 24 – 28 (8:00 am – 12:00 pm with optional afternoon 12:00 – 4:00 pm)
Camp SPARK is our summer children’s program! This camp will share the worship, ministry, and mission of Westminster with our community. The morning activities will focus on Worship Arts while the afternoon will focus on Westminster’s ministry and mission, plus recreation and fun! Click here for more info, pricing and registration. Questions or for more info, contact Jill Reichert.
We also need volunteers! Click here to see some roles needed. Adults will need background clearances; we are glad to help you through the clearance process!
Make Your Reservation for Consecration Sunday
October 8, 2024Sunday Worship, October 20 • Brunch in Spellman after Worship
What is God calling you to do? This question illuminates a new perspective on financial generosity, one of growing spiritually in our relationship with God. Join us on Sunday, October 20 for Consecration Sunday, when Rev. Dr. Glen Bell will share his talents with us as he preaches. With over 30 years of experience as a pastor at PCUSA churches across the country, Glen currently serves as Senior Vice President at the Presbyterian Foundation. We ask for your discernment as an act of worship when you answer what God is calling you to do to support Westminster’s mission of Knowing Christ and Making Christ Known with your financial commitment. Immediately following both worship services enjoy a Celebration Brunch. RSVP to let us know which brunch you’ll attend.