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News - News, November

California Wildfire Response Efforts

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been present since the beginning of the wildfire disasters in California to deliver immediate support. In addition to the destruction of land and forests, the cost to lives and communities has been unprecedented. Our financial gifts are needed to assist the thousands of people who have been affected. Click here to support the work of PDA. For updates on response efforts click here. 

Welcome Nancy Brink!

Join us in welcoming Nancy Brink as she steps into the role of Childcare Coordinator in January 2019! Longtime member and faithful supporter of many of Westminster’s children and youth ministries, Nancy has been a warm and welcoming face to children and families for years. Current coordinator Patrice Stilley will be transitioning out of this position to pursue other ministry opportunities within WPC. Helping hands are always needed in childcare, so please prayerfully consider volunteering your time.

New for Advent: The Journey to Bethlehem Group

Beginning the first Sunday of Advent, December 2, you’re invited to participate in a new Westminster Journey to Bethlehem Group on Facebook. Check in each day for the prompt, then share your response with the group. We can read and discuss what others share as well. Let’s share this journey to Bethlehem together!

 
Journey to Bethlehem
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Beginning the first Sunday of Advent, December 2, you’re invited to participate in a new Westminster Journey to Bethlehem Group on Facebook. Check in ...
 

KidsConnect Wreath Making

9:45 & 11:10am December 2
No children's message in worship during the 9:45 and 11am services this Sunday. Children will go directly to KidsConnect Sunday School to make Advent wreaths with their class. They will join us in worship near the end of the service with their wreaths as we light the Advent candles. Questions? Contact Sue Spotts.

Help WCU College Students

Hunger and food insecurity exists among college students and continues to increase at an alarming rate. We are partnering with West Chester University to address this issue. The Resource Pantry on campus provides nonperishable food and personal care items to students in need. It began its third year of operation this fall following a 462% increase in growth its second year on campus. For more info about this ministry or how to help our college neighbors, contact Dawn Dietrich.

Living Waters for the World

We are planning a water purification system installation in Honduras for the summer of 2019, and we are looking for volunteers. You can be part of the install team, a back home support team, and even receive training from Living Waters as a trip leader. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Jon Frost.

Save the Date: Women's Retreat

March 29-31, 2019
Women of Westminster, mark your calendars for the Women's Retreat. Join us at Chubb Hotel & Conference Center for a weekend of fellowship and spiritual growth. This year's theme, Ripple Effect: Living Our Legacy. Questions? Contact Ann Hatfield or Jennie Clark.

Save the Date: Men's Retreat

April 26-28, 2019
Men of Westminster, join us for a weekend of spiritual growth and fellowship at our second annual men’s retreat! This year’s theme is Become the Man God Created You to Be at Sandy Cove Retreat Center in Maryland. More information to come. Questions? Contact Gerry McShane.

Coat Drive Ends Next Week

November 4-30 in the Sanctuary
This is the last Sunday to bring a new or gently used winter coats for men, women, and children. This year we are specifically targeting donations to West Chester University students. Please make sure coats are clean and on hangers. Donations accepted until November 30. They will go to eight different partner agencies. Questions? Contact Laureen Smith.

Congratulations to Our Baptism Families!

We had of joy to baptizing seven children on Sunday. Congratulations to the Battiste, Murray, Gay/Read, and Zahn families on the baptisms of their children!

Annual Giving Tree

November 18 & 25 in the Narthex
The Giving Tree is an opportunity to fulfill holiday gift requests for those in need from Pocopson Home, Domestic Violence Center, Migrant Ministries, and Family Promise. Visit the tree to select a gift request ornament, and register your selection. Gifts are due back to the church on December 2Questions? Contact Angela Emrich or Debbie Zakarian.

Men: Join a New Book Study

7-8:30pm Wednesdays Nov. 28-Jan. 9 in Room 413
The Gathering of Men started a 6-week study on Wednesday led by Gerry McShane. They are reading If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat by John OrtbergJoin them for the last five sessions starting November 28. Buy the book and read the first two chapters before the next session. Questions? Contact Gerry McShane.

A Turkey Ton Challenge Success!

A huge thank you to our entire congregation, we donated 100 turkeys, $730 in cash, and $1,420 in Giant gift cards for the West Chester Food Cupboard! Because of your overwhelming generositymany people will enjoy a holiday dinner!

This Sunday: Turkey Challenge

Support our annual turkey drive! Our goal is to collect over 2,000 pounds of turkeys, turkey breasts, and whole chickens. All must be frozen. A Chester County Food Bank truck will collect turkeys and will distribute them to families in our community for Thanksgiving. Giant gift cards are welcomed. Questions? Contact John Grillo.

Welcome Folks to Westminster

As part of the Vision Team's initiatives we are adding nametag kiosks around the building to make Westminster friendlier and a more welcoming church. We are looking for volunteers to stand by the kiosks before Sunday worship, welcome folks, and help them print a nametag. Don't worry if you aren't tech savvy. We will train you on how to use the kiosks. Questions or to volunteer, contact Lynn George

Only 4% to Go, Help Us Reach Our Annual Giving Goal!

Thank you to everyone who has pledged to help our mission and ministry in 2019! Help us finalize our budget and reach 100% by pledging online or by bringing a pledge card to the church office. Church leaders are following up on outstanding pledges. Questions? Contact Donna Harrison.

Last Week for Dental Hygiene Items for CVIM

We partner with CVIM to stock their bins with cold medicine that to distribute to patients. We need your help to collect donations of toothbrushes (soft bristles), toothpaste with fluoride, dental floss, mouthwash (alcohol free), Nyquil capsules, Delsym, Mucinex, Robitussin, Robitussin DM, Diabetic tussin, and Dayquil capsules. Donations collected in bins around the church. Questions? Contact  Karen Goldsborough or Chris McCool.

Live Stream Technical Difficulties

Did you try to watch the live stream on Sunday, and had no audio? You were not alone. Due to a Saturday power outage, part of our soundboard failed, causing no audio for the live stream, hearing loop, and recording the service. We expect to replace the part in time for this Sunday, November 4. We apologize for any frustration this caused. Next time we will post on the stream if we are having technical difficulties. Maris Grove adapted during the situation. Hear their story with this short video.