Westminster Presbyterian Church
Let the doors of this church be a way to service.
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Worship Service
Sunday, September 19, 2021 2022 Stewardship Campaign Begins The Rev. Christian K. Choi "I Have Called You Friends" The sermon "I Have Called You Friends" is based on Mark 9:33-37 and John 15:9-17 and will be presented by the Rev. Christian K. Choi. Music will be provided by Westminster Choir, Lyle VanDeventer, bass, and Dale Rogers, organist.
I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS is the 2022 Stewardship theme, selected by Pete VanGieson who is chairing this year’s committee. I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS springs from an understanding of giving as a time to respond to God’s grace. Stewardship is celebrated with joy. It becomes the expression of a Christ-centered community that intends to be a compassionate, courageous witness to the world. Serving on the 2022 Stewardship Campaign with Pete are Meleah Berkowitz, Robyn Hovey, Tom Massey, Julie McDonough, Pat Moore, Bill Schlosser, Gregg Swanson, Brinton Wilkey, and Bob Zerfas. The campaign will be introduced in worship on Sunday, September 19 and the Stewardship Dedication will be Sunday, October 24. The Stewardship letter will be mailed the week of September 19 following the Session’s approval of the 2022 budget. Message from WPC COVID-19 Task Force
September 15, 2021 To stem the transmission of the highly contagious Delta variant, Governor Pritzker recently mandated the wearing of masks in public indoor spaces in Illinois for all residents over age two, independent of vaccination status. Westminster is doing its part to protect the most vulnerable of our congregation -- masks are to be worn inside the public areas of the church building. This includes church services, formal meetings, and informal gatherings. Masks may be removed to publicly speak when appropriately socially distanced. Individuals should use appropriate caution when eating in groups, as this is likely the time of greatest risk of transmission. At our most recent meeting on September 13, the CVTF discussed aspects of our church service, including the passing of offering plates and communion elements. Virus transmission does not significantly occur by the touching of common objects – it simply doesn’t transmit in that manner and instead infects via respiratory droplet, as is the case with some other viruses. Therefore, we feel it is safe to continue these practices. Of course, you are also welcome to bring communion elements with you to church or to use our online option. Please remember that hand sanitizer is available at many stations throughout the building. These measures are in place and are effective because we have a community that has embraced vaccination, the wearing of masks, and other appropriate guidelines. What a blessing that is, as it means we can continue to gather safely. Your willingness to embrace these actions is very much appreciated. As a reminder, the vaccines are very effective at decreasing the severity of an infection. However, being fully vaccinated does not mean you can’t contract the virus. While the risk of transmission is decreased, it is not eliminated, resulting in the so-called breakthrough infections. Therefore, we wear masks to decrease the risk of transmission. It’s a two-pronged approach, masks and vaccination, that works only in combination. Doing one or the other alone leaves a person vulnerable. We again recommend that those who are at risk for a severe course of COVID or are not feeling well stay home and enjoy our church services via YouTube. Lastly, while masks and social distancing serve as effective protective measures, they are not the solution to the pandemic. We thankfully do have a clear way out – herd immunity through vaccinations. This is the only solution available to us, and we strongly encourage vaccinations for all who do not have true medical contraindications. Ellen Carpenter, RN Virginia Dolan, MD Peter Kieffer, MD Todd Knox, MD Michael Nenaber, MD Marilyn Rigney, RN Cara Vasconcelles, MD 
Church Mice Begins Saturday, September 18
11:00 a.m. in Second Floor Classroom Church Mice is for infants through age 4 and begins Saturday, September 18, at 11:00 a.m. in the Second Floor Classroom. Led by Dale Rogers, this experience is for young children and their parents. Follow the cheese once you enter the West Narthex. Click here to sign your child(ren) up weekly for this class. Place Adult names in the comments only. The class size is limited to 10, due to COVID 19 precautions and limited space. Spots will fill up fast. 
Each September and October, Westminster receives the Peace & Global Witness Offering. It draws Presbyterians together and provides education and exposure to those who show us how to do peacemaking well. It allows us to create resources for dealing with conflict, provide nurturing reconciliation, and stand in support of our global sisters and brothers, because the peace of Christ belongs to people everywhere.
Please consider supporting this fund by making a donation for the Peace and Global Witness Offering. If paying by check, please indicate PGW on the memo line. Online donations can be made by clicking here. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for Haiti and Hurricane IDA On August 14, 2021 Haiti was hit with a catastrophic 7.2 earthquake. PDA is providing relief and short-term recovery in the impacted areas of Haiti through its local partners and established partnerships throughout the entire recovery process. PDA is responding to the needs of people that have been affected by Hurricane IDA. If you choose to donate to this, please indicate Hurricane Relief on the check memo or online giving. If you would like to contribute to both on one check, please indicate Haiti/Hurricane PDA. 
The Women of Westminster
are invited to The Seventh Annual Westminster Women’s Salad Supper Wednesday, September 22 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Parish Hall Enjoy an evening with your Westminster sisters and bring your favorite salad. The evening’s program “The Ways Women Build Together” will be presented by Colleen Stone, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Springfield. Sign up online by clicking here or contact Jennie Alt in the church office. 
The Seventh Biennial Health Fair
Sunday, September 26 Following Worship in Parish Hall Come learn about good health practices at interactive stations in Parish Hall and receive your Flu Vaccine. Information on many topics will be presented, and several personal screenings and assessments will be available. We are grateful to Parish Nurse Ellen Carpenter who is coordinating the fair and the many other health professionals from our congregation and elsewhere for contributing their time and expertise. Please keep in mind that all participants will need to wear a mask and be aware of social distancing as best as possible. Stations will include:
The week of August 2-6 over 70 members gathered for a devotion and music before arriving at our neighborhood sites. Projects included power washing, painting, landscape improvements, repairing front porches and fences. Lunches were prepared by Pat Hymans’ Hospitality Team and served at 12 noon in Parish Hall. Following lunch Monday - Thursday the teams returned to their sites to complete the day’s work. The team gathered for a celebratory lunch and awards presentation on Friday. A report to the congregation was presented Sunday, August 8. Click here to see more photos of Service Week.
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Featured Hunger Missions at Westminster
Westminster's Little Pantry
Our Little Pantry is located on Cook Street on the south side of Graham Elementary (near the main entrance of the school).
To ensure it is visited regularly per week and kept clean and well-stocked, we are maintaining a signup list for checking on the pantry. Sign up below by clicking the link. Members may also contribute ingredients to make "meal kits" to put in the Little Pantry. Click here to see the meal kit ingredients. Reimbursement is available for items purchased, and a supply of items is kept at the church.
Sign up to help stock Westminster's Little Pantry
Our Little Pantry is located on Cook Street on the south side of Graham Elementary (near the main entrance of the school).
To ensure it is visited regularly per week and kept clean and well-stocked, we are maintaining a signup list for checking on the pantry. Sign up below by clicking the link. Members may also contribute ingredients to make "meal kits" to put in the Little Pantry. Click here to see the meal kit ingredients. Reimbursement is available for items purchased, and a supply of items is kept at the church.
Sign up to help stock Westminster's Little Pantry
Helping Hands Meals
Every second Friday of the month, Westminster members prepare meals to feed 50 hungry men at Helping Hands Shelter at 1023 E. Washington St. Currently, meals are covered through the end of 2021.
This is a great project for friends or several families to do together. Volunteers may cook food in their own homes or use the church kitchen. Many thanks Dee Dee Duffy and Nancy Canady for preparing the August 13 meal.
Please consider taking one or more dates (the 2nd Friday of each month) to prepare and deliver a much-needed dinner for the men at the Helping Hands Shelter. Dates in 2022 are available. Reimbursement is available.
Learn more details and sign up to help!
This is a great project for friends or several families to do together. Volunteers may cook food in their own homes or use the church kitchen. Many thanks Dee Dee Duffy and Nancy Canady for preparing the August 13 meal.
Please consider taking one or more dates (the 2nd Friday of each month) to prepare and deliver a much-needed dinner for the men at the Helping Hands Shelter. Dates in 2022 are available. Reimbursement is available.
Learn more details and sign up to help!
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Give-A-Meal-A-Month
August Menu |
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Beef Stew, applesauce, pancake mix, syrup, dry cereal,
disposable razors, hygiene products, and diapers (size 3 or above).
Thank you to all who place items in the West Narthex for the Central Illinois Foodbank.
disposable razors, hygiene products, and diapers (size 3 or above).
Thank you to all who place items in the West Narthex for the Central Illinois Foodbank.
Mission Statement
With each new day, we reaffirm our common purpose
to join in the worshipful praise of God,
to teach children, to lead and inspire the young,
and to call everyone to life-long learning in the church,
to be influential participants in society by being accountable to the Gospel,to show the love and compassion of Jesus Christ toward each other,and toward those who are hurting,
to be a caring community welcoming both friends and strangers
to own our Presbyterian heritage, reformed and always reforming, to be prayerfully open to the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.
With each new day, we reaffirm our common purpose
to join in the worshipful praise of God,
to teach children, to lead and inspire the young,
and to call everyone to life-long learning in the church,
to be influential participants in society by being accountable to the Gospel,to show the love and compassion of Jesus Christ toward each other,and toward those who are hurting,
to be a caring community welcoming both friends and strangers
to own our Presbyterian heritage, reformed and always reforming, to be prayerfully open to the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.
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Westminster Presbyterian Church is an Earth Care Congregation of the PC (U.S.A.), committed to caring for God's earth in worship, education, facilities, and outreach, promoting environmental stewardship in property decisions, administrative practices, and teaching. Click here to read the latest Earth Care tip. Westminster Presbyterian Church has been certified as an Hunger Action Congregation of the PC (U.S.A.), committed to (1) acknowledging and celebrating the faithful work of Presbyterians working around the country to alleviate hunger and end its causes, and (2) encouraging these ministries to be even more holistic and justice-oriented. Click here to see how Westminster is helping fight hunger in our community. |
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Westminster Weekly Email.
Westminster Weekly Email.