Year: 2024

Help to make this holiday season special for those in need by hare God’s love at Christmas! The need for gift donations is even greater this year. Click the name of the organization to see the gifts needed: Pocopson Nursing Home,Migrant Ministries, Domestic Violence Center, Family Promise, and Bridge of Hope. Simply click the link, sign up for the gifts you wish to purchase, and follow the directions provided. Drop off your gifts in the Narthex on Sunday, December 1 or 8. We will deliver the gifts on December 11. If you need to make other arrangements for drop off, just let us know. Questions or assistance with gift delivery, contact Angela Emrich or Debbie Zakarian.

Sunday Worship, October 20 
This Sunday is Consecration Sunday. This new stewardship model we believe will help draw us all closer to God by asking 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. Here is the process:

1. Discern Your Level of Giving
   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. You can use the Westminster’s giving breakdown & step up chart or calculate a percentage of your income to help you think about what is God calling you to do? 
2. Attend Consecration Sunday Worship
   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. 
3. Make your commitment DURING worship
   Instead of sending you a card in the mail, this year during worship, we as a congregation will prayerfully commit to what is God calling us to do by filling out an Estimate of Giving Card together in worship. Those present in the Sanctuary will be asked to come forward to dedicate their commitment. Those online can submit an electronic Estimate of Giving Card.
4. Gather at the Celebration Brunch
   Following each service Chef Matt Stone will cater a delicious brunch. Enjoy French toast, frittata, sausage, salad (and more!) and time of fellowship.

If you or someone you know is experiencing stress, anxiety, grief, health issues, separation, or loneliness, Westminster’s trained Stephen Ministers are ready to offer support via telephone calls, virtual technology, or one-on-one, in-person visits.  If life feels out of control, you may find it beneficial to speak and pray with a Stephen Minister.  We are here for you, and you do not have to walk alone.  If you are interested in learning more about the Christ-centered, compassionate care available through Westminster’s Stephen Ministry program, contact Ann Hatfield.

We’re very grateful for the 266 households who filled out an Estimate of Giving card on Consecration Sunday. Your commitment manifests as a promise for the future. If you missed Commitment Sunday, you can still fill out an Estimate of Giving card to support Westminster’s mission and ministry in 2025. Questions? Contact Sandy Kurek. 

10:45 am Sundays, November 10, 17 & 24 • Spellman Jr. and Zoom
Led by Betsy Ballantyne, we will reflect on Christian history regarding indigenous people and the Christians’ role in that history, and also explore our Christian responsibility today when it comes to indigenous people. Attend via Zoom.

4:00 pm Saturday, November 9 • Sanctuary
Tim Evers and Kirsten Santos Rutschman will perform a concert in honor of the 50th anniversary of Westminster’s organ. Consisting of 3 manuals, 41 ranks and 2,358 pipes, the organ was initially installed in the old church and was moved here in 1993. The program includes works by Bach and his contemporaries through composers alive today. Highlights include a rarely heard chorale written by Samuel Barber specifically for Westminster (have you ever noticed the copy of the score hanging in the hallway near the main office?), as well as a duet for four hands and four feet. We will take a free-will offering to benefit the Music Ministry and a reception will follow the concert.

This year we’re designating the Christmas tree in Spellman Jr as our family tree. During our November 17 gratitude vesper service at 5:00 pm we will bless the tree. Afterwords and throughout the Advent season, bring in an ornament that you have made, purchased, or brought from home and add it to the tree. There will be hanging labels to add to the ornament if you’d like to label them. Questions? Contact Gail Lee.