Posts

One of the many blessings of church life is fostering intergenerational relationships. Because of this we encourage you if you haven’t already done so, to get your background clearances or renew your clearances if they are out of date.

Get your clearances on your own and submit them to Jennie Moffitt: 

1. Pennsylvania Criminal History report from the Pennsylvania State Police
2. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
3. Sign this residency waiver stating that you have lived in the state of PA for the past 10 years.  Volunteers that have not lived in PA for the past 10 years must submit to fingerprinting. 

If navigating this process is stopping you from getting your clearances, our staff wants to help you! Our staff is reserving times in their schedules to help you through the process. Click here to reserve a time with a staff member at a convenient time for you. We offer different options between 8:30 am – 9:00 pm Sundays – Fridays. Questions? Contact Jennie Moffitt.

“Either we’re not effective budgeters or the Spirit is doing some magical things. I caution excessive optimism as we have had a record number of pledges paid in full. Our non-pledged giving is 46% ahead of First Quarter, 2023. We set an aggressive goal of $300k for the year and are already at 29% of the budget for the year. One area that has not performed is our per capita income. These are the dues our members pay to Donegal Presbytery for all the good work they and the larger church do to support our congregation. The per capita is $38 per member this year, and we’re 28% below budget YTD. Our annual revenue budget for this category is $25k, so if you haven’t already paid your share, we encourage you to help make up this shortfall.
 
While expenses have been held in check, we expect increases in the coming months for HVAC and Personnel. We must invest in a new HVAC controls system. The Personnel budget will be stressed in the second half of the year as we look to add a PT Finance Assistant, a position we held off hiring to save money. Jennie Moffitt graciously agreed to take on that role in addition to her normal duties in the front office. The office responsibilities however have increased considerably which has impacted on her ability to perform the finance office needs.” – Gerry McShane, Church Administrator
 

Do you have a son or daughter graduating from high school, college, or the military? Let us know so we can recognize them at the church.  Send us a picture (8×10 or 5×7 please) and a brief write up including the proud parents’ names, the grad’s full name, where they are graduating from and where they will pursue their education (college/major) or the job they will be taking on! We would also love to include if they were involved in any programs, activities, trips, or groups within the church too. Please drop off a picture (which we will return, so include your address) and write up at the church office by Friday, May 10.  Questions? Contact Susanne Perkins.

Monday-Friday June 24 – 28 (8:00 am – 12:00 pm with optional afternoon component from 12:00 – 4:00 pm)
This summer we’re launching a new summer camp for kids, Camp Spark. We need adult and youth volunteers to help share the worship, ministry, and mission of Westminster with our community. Volunteer as your schedule and talents allow Monday-Friday, June 24-28 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

• Register to volunteer for Full Day Camp SPARK
• Register to volunteer for Morning Only Camp SPARK
• Register to help with Pre-K

There is a comment section for you to share your availability. All adults must have background clearances completed. We can help you get your clearances. Questions? Contact Jill Reichert. 

Want to register your child for Camp Spark? Click here for more info and registration. 

We are deeply grateful for your contributions to the One Great Hour of Sharing!  During Lent, we collected close to $16,400 for this special offering.  Your financial gifts will make a difference in people’s lives by directly addressing issues of hunger, thirst, refugee assistance, education, and disaster recovery efforts throughout the world.  Thank you so much for making this possible through your generous donations!

Monday-Friday June 24 – 28 (8:00 am – 12:00 pm with optional afternoon component from 12:00 – 4:00 pm)
Camp SPARK is a NEW 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!

Did you know that our great Sanctuary cross was made by a member of Westminster? This work of art and devotion, as well as other pieces around the church building, were made by longtime member Bob Sumner. Find Bob and Pauline Sumner in Spellman for a special time of “Meet the Woodworker” between services this Sunday, April 14. Enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with Bob, who so generously shares his love of woodworking and the Great Carpenter Jesus Christ.

We are in desperate need of help in our nursery on Mother’s Day. We encourage Westminster men to step up and volunteer for a two hour shift in the nursery on Sunday, May 11. Help young moms celebrate Mother’s Day and give them a few hours to worship without having to watch their children. For more information or to signup, contact Mary Maina. 

Westminster is an Earth Care Congregation, and our Care of Creation Team helps us look for ways to use less of the earth’s resources in our life together. We print a LOT of worship bulletins every week, and many of these pieces of paper go in recycling after one use (or no use!)

In an effort to use fewer trees, ink, and energy each week, we want to hear from you! If you or your household are willing to receive most of your information about worship order via screens or email only, please submit this form to reduce our printing count by one or more. Thank you! 

Looking for more ways to care for creation? Try the 30 Days for our Planet challenge. Click here to view the challenge with links to resources.