Friday Newsletter

URGENT!

Men's Night out has been moved to April 28th at 6pm due to an event at Thompsons brewery on the 21st.

John Dalen

Westminster is seeing an increase in building use which is good news. The additional activities mean additional processes need to be built. A couple initiatives that are in the works include: Adding a Monday touch-base with office staff; adding cleaning schedules in the restrooms; and creating a streamlined digital reservation form for all groups & requests. Questions or Ideas? Contact Building & Grounds. 

Hey everyone! 👋

You’ll notice a table set up next to the mailboxes in the office with a few items on it. If any of those belong to your committee, please swing by and claim them by May 8th. After that date, we’ll be donating whatever’s left.

Thanks so much for helping us keep things tidy!

Questions? Just email us at office@salemwestpres.org. 😊

Yoga will be held in Eastminster from 3-4 pm weekly. Please join us! questions? Contact Nancy Crawford - nmcnarycrawford@gmail.com

Wednesday May 6th will be the final day to bring in diapers.

CALLING ALL CHURCH MEMBERS:

Recycle your retired electronic items in April and May celebrating Caring for Creation Months

The Salem Environmental Faith Network (SEFN) is encouraging all residents to recycle their retired electronic devices. On Sunday May 3 9:00-1:00 and Monday 4 before noon, you can bring your devices to Westminster. From here they will be picked up by church members with pickups and delivered to Garten Services on May 4.

But, don’t hesitate as individual households to take your 7 or less items directly to Garten, tell them it is part of SEFN project and ask for a poundage receipt. 

Key details regarding the Oregon E-Cycles program:

What is covered (Free): TVs, monitors, computers (desktop/laptop), tablets, and in some cases, peripherals like keyboards/mice, no medical equipment..

The Limit: The free, convenient, year-round program is designed for consumers bringing seven or fewer items at one time.

Exceptions: Households and small businesses can bring more than seven items to many locations, but it is highly recommended to call ahead to the collection site and we will be notifying Garten about this for our May 3rd delivery.

Locations: Over 200 sites exist; you can locate them at EcycleOregon.org.

Garten Recycling at

500 Hawthorne Ave SE 

Salem, OR 97301

(503) 581-1984

Disposal Ban: It is illegal in Oregon to put TVs, computers, and monitors in the trash.

Garten Foundation mission: 

Since 1970, our mission at Garten Services is to support people with disabilities in their effort to contribute to the community through employment, career, and retirement opportunities. We hope that our impact increases society’s awareness on human potential. 

Vernadene - deanieha51@gmail.com

Would you like to help keep our church building sparkling clean?The Building & Grounds Committee welcomes your volunteer time. Opportunities abound.

Consider trying out one of the following:

• Monthly Kitchen projects such as cleaning the oven, microwave and refrigerator
• Biweekly - vacuum carpets in the sanctuary, Russel Hall and church entry hallway on Friday afternoon
• Damp mop Boulder Hall floor on Friday afternoon every two weeks

Consider making a volunteer commitment for one month or longer.

Contact the church office to sign up. Questions? Contact Ted Burney or Bill Faust

The Children’s Ministry is seeking additional volunteers to assist Teacher Heberlyn in Sunday School.

Membership and Attendance Requirement:

According to Westminster’s Children and Youth Protection Policy, anyone who wishes to work with our children must have been a member or regular attender of the church for at least 12 months.

Next Steps While You Wait:

During this waiting period, you may request that the church conduct your background check. You are also encouraged to attend the CYPP (Child and Youth Protection Polilcy) class, where you can learn more about the policy and its requirements.

How to Begin the Process:

Please speak with our office manager Katie to initiate the background check process. Let her know that you are interested in attending the next CYPP class. The next class will be held in June. 

Questions? Email office@salemwestpres.org for more info.

Thank you to all the representatives who attended the Russell Hall Re-Imagining meeting on 4/19. There is now large paper in the room for on going ideas and feedback.

4/19-5/19: Electronics Repurposing and Recycling project- both as individuals and at church; drop off Sunday May 3rd; see info on Social Justice bulletin board for details . Sponsored by Salem Environmental Faith Network and Building and Grounds

4/25: Join Blessed Tomorrowon Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9-1:00, free for the National Faith + Climate Forum, a powerful national gathering uniting people of faith to lead on climate solutions grounded in justice, hope, and spiritual courage. See posters on restroom doors and Social Justice Bulletin Board. Local church and on line 

5/17: Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon Earth Summit-  1-3 p.m. live in Salem and on zoom .

Registration will open on April 16 at emoregon.org/events. Hub locations to date include Bend, Dallas, Eugene, La Grande, Pendleton, Portland, Salem and Tigard,

April and May: Family home activity-

Help protect local waterways! Visit www.cleanstreamssalem.org for more information. The Clean Streams program is funded through utility fees and helps the City meet outreach and education requirements under its stormwater permit.

April and May: Family Home Activity-go to YouTube and type in The Future of Recycling for the People of Oregon for the 4 minute video. 

Questions? Contact Deanie A. deanieha51@gmail.com

People of Faith Rising Together in Salem

St. Mark Lutheran Church

790 Marion St NE, Salem, Oregon

Friday, May 1st

10am - 12pm

Communities across Oregon will gather at the Salem capitol under the leadership of PCUN (Oregon Farm Workers) and SEIU to demand an end to mass deportations and to stand in solidarity for workers' rights. 

Enjoy light refreshments there before heading to the festival, rally, and march one block away.

More information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hErloYdVH8413avV8HEp1o0RRmxiuexiE4uscHAonRo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ervzgpl7j03b