Friday Newsletter

January 9, 2026

This weeks bulletin

January 11 @10am

This Sunday

10 am: Worship Service

11:15 am: Coffee Hour

View Live Stream Here

Upcoming Events

January 11 @11:30: Our Stories in Russel Hall

January 12 @4:30: Staff Meeting

January 13 @10:30: Pastor's Bible Study in Russel Hall

January 13 @3:30: Building and Grounds Meeting in Boulder Hall

January 13 @3:30: Yoga in Eastminster

January 14 @5:30: Personnel Committee Meeting in Russel Hall

January 14 @5:30: Worship Team Rehearsal in Sanctuary

January 15 @5: Music Rehearsals in Sanctuary

January 18 @11:30: Outreach for Social Justice Committee Workshop in Russel Hall

January 20 @10:30: Pastor's Bible Study in Russel Hall

January 20 @3:30: Yoga in Eastminster

January 21 @10: Tai Chi in Boulder Hall

January 21 @5:30: Worship Team Rehearsal in Sanctuary

January 22 @5: Music Rehearsal in Sanctuary

January 24 @10am: League of Women Voters Marion Polk Counties in Boulder Hall

January 26 @10: Tai Chi in Boulder Hall

January 27@10:30: Pastor's Bible Study in Russel Hall

January 27 @3:30: Yoga in Eastminster

January 28 @10am: Tai Chi in Boulder Hall

January 28 @5:30: Worship Team Rehearsal in Sanctuary

January 29 @5: Music Rehearsals in Sanctuary

From Pastor Kelly

Thank you to everyone who was in worship on Jan 4 as the congregation engaged in an important conversation about childhood sexual abuse (csa). In light of Westminster’s historical relationship with the Boy Scouts, we will revisit this topic throughout the year as we consider and clarify our highest calling to the most vulnerable among us. CSA affects so many individuals, families and loved ones and I know it was not an easy topic on Sunday and I am grateful for the emotional and spiritual investment you all gave one another and the congregation. Each time Westminster engages in transparency, embraces truth-telling, and examines our own beliefs, we not only let survivors know that we stand with them but children are actually safer in our presence each time we do so.

This week we turn our attention toward the 6 Great Ends of the Church, a foundational understanding of the Presbyterian church which includes:

the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind
the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God
the maintenance of divine worship
the preservation of the truth
the promotion of social righteousness
the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world

You can read more about how these 6 Great Ends look in our modern lives here or take a peek at the Green Hill Presbyterian Church stained glass windows:

https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/2023/3/22/presbyterians-today-looks-living-out-great-ends-church

https://greenhillpc.wordpress.com/about-green-hill/roots-of-green-hill-presbyterian-church/stained-glass-windows/

Ever onward,

Pastor Kelly

From the Office

It is once again time to prepare our annual reports for the upcoming annual meeting. Please submit your current report as a Word document to office@salemwestpres.org no later than February 6th. Thank you for your help in making this process smooth and timely.

A HUGE thank you to the volunteers who served in the office, in worship, and in de-decorating while the staff took time with their families last week after a busy December. Thank you for everything you do.

Happy New Year!

Session is Listening!

Sunday’s Listening Session with elders Maggie Sather and Angie Willoughby will be in Boulder Hall after worship.

We welcome your suggestions, questions, comments or concerns about Westminster. We’re here to listen, answer questions, and ensure your ideas or concerns reach the right people.

In 2026, the Listening Sessions will continue on the second Sunday of the month, beginning Jan. 11.

--WPC Session

Women's Night Out

Women's Night Out will be held on Monday, January 12, at 6pm, at The Flight Deck Restaurant, 2680 Aerial Way SE, Salem. Contact Chris Duval to sign up.

Our Stories

Our Stories: Science and Religion

January 11th at 11:30 in the Russel Hall

Speakers: Gene Ice, Jim Nishimura, and Bernie Woody.

Come hear two physicists and an engineer talk about their careers and gain insights into the compatibility between science and religion.

Lost & Found

Missing large round cake platter with lily of the valley in the center. It was left here with spumoni bundt cake on it at Darrell Tallman's memorial reception on Saturday, December 6th. "Made in Sweden" Label on the back.

Thanks for looking,

Rachelle

Tai Chi is back!

Tai Chi will officially start back up on January 21, 2026 at 10am. (previously stated to start on January 7th)

An Invitation from CANOPY!

Presbyterians for Earth Care is inviting young adults ages 18-35 to join the Creation Action Network of Presbyterian Young Adults - CANOPY! Together, this group is connecting, educating, learning, and taking action in solidarity with creation and with one another. To learn more, visit their Instagram (@canopy_pec), complete their interest form, or email Emma Marshall, CANOPY’s organizer, at pecyaorganizer@gmail.com. Join us, and share with a friend!

Click here for interest form

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