Coming Up:

May 24th @2pm: Rachelle Hughes Retirement Party in Boulder Hall

May 26: Church office closed for Memorial Day

May 28 @ 6pm: NEW Session date for May

For the full church calendar see here. To change or add something to the calendar, please email or call the church office (office@salemwestpres.org), 503-364-3327).

Suicide Prevention Training – Thank You & Key Takeaways

Thank you to everyone who attended last Sunday’s training. These conversations are vital—knowing how to respond with empathy and clarity can save lives.

What to Say: Supportive Responses

If someone is struggling, here are some helpful ways to communicate care and concern:

• "I didn’t realize how serious things had gotten. Let’s talk about it."
• "I don’t want you to do anything to hurt yourself. I may not have all the answers, but I know people who can help."
• "I want to hear what’s been going on. I’m here, and I’ve got time."
• "It sounds like you’re feeling completely overwhelmed. I understand why you’d feel that way, and we should talk to someone together."
• "Please don’t take your life. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem."

Immediate Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is in crisis, reach out immediately:

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 (Call or Text)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Additional Crisis Line: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
• Psychiatric Crisis Center: 1049 Oak St. SE, Salem (In-person support)

Additional Resources

For Students & Schools:

• SafeOregon.com: A confidential way for youth to report safety concerns at school.

Mental Health Support & Education:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
• Mental Health America (MHA)
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
• American Association of Suicidology
• Oregon Counseling Resources

Your words matter. Thank you for being part of a community that cares.

YOUTH:

Celebrate Rachelle Hughes' Retirement!

Join us this Saturday, May 24th, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Boulder Hall as we honor Rachelle Hughes and celebrate her retirement. All youth are invited—let's give her a memorable send-off!

Youth Room Clean-Up Party – Volunteers Needed!

On Saturday, May 31st, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, we’re sprucing up the Youth Room and need your help! Volunteers are welcome—plus, there will be doughnuts as a thank-you for pitching in. See you there!

Participate:

VACATION BIBLE CAMP

VBC needs volunteers! Even though August 18-22 seems a long way off, it's closer than you think! We are in the thick of planning now. We need station helpers, crew leaders, and people to help with registration and snack. If you are thinking about helping in any way this year, or have any questions, please contact Terri Crall and let her know.

Registration for kids is also open now. VBC will run 9:00am to noon on August 18-22. The cost is $10.00 per child or $20.00 maximum per family. Please put us on your kids' summer calendar for a fun end of summer camp! Email westpreskids@gmail.com with any questions.

Opportunities:

Want to participate in Moral Mondays at the capital with the Oregon Poor People’s Campaign? We meet every Monday, 12pm, at First Presbyterian Church. Contact Michele (michelehare25x2@gmail.com ) or Paul Negstad (pandd.negstad@gmail.com) to join or just show up! Next: Monday, May 26, 2025. Learn more: poorpeoplescampaign.org.

Heads Up: Spotting Email Scams ⚠️

A quick but important reminder: Westminster and Pastor Kelly will never unexpectedly ask for money, gift cards, or personal favors via email or text. These requests only happen through official church programs—never out of the blue!

If you get a message that feels off, don’t reply. Instead, forward it to the church office, and we’ll check it out. Staying alert helps protect our whole community.

When in doubt, reach out!

Patricia Amee Briley, a cherished mother, teacher, and friend, departed peacefully on May 4, 2025, at the age of 93, in Canyon Winds Assisted Living in Mesa, Arizona. Born on November 25, 1931, in Watseka, Illinois, Pat’s journey through life was one of adventure, dedication, and love.

Pat grew up amid the cornfields of rural Iowa, where her father practiced as a family doctor, imbibing the values of hard work and care for others. She pursued her passion for education at Iowa State University, graduating in 1953 with a degree in Home Economics. In 1970 she completed her teaching degree at Portland State University.

In 1952, she wed Gary Briley in an intimate civil ceremony, marking the beginning of their shared journey. The couple moved to Downey, California in 1954, where she embraced her role as a homemaker while Gary pursued his career as an aerospace engineer. Her life in California eventually led her to Thousand Oaks, where Pat became an avid horsewoman and an active member of the Lynn Ranch Horsemen's Association.  In 1969 she and her children moved to Scotts Mills, Oregon. There, she realized her dream of teaching, nurturing and inspiring the young minds of 5th and 8th graders at Scotts Mills Elementary School from 1971 until her retirement in 1996. Pat's dedication to her students left an indelible mark on her students and the community.

After retiring, Pat settled in Salem, Oregon, where she indulged in gardening, golfing, and enjoying her community at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Whether embarking on a golfing trip across the U.S. with a close friend or cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events, Pat’s adventurous spirit knew no bounds. Relocating to Mesa, Arizona in 2020 brought her closer to her family.

Survived by her daughters, Marti Shipman and Linda Ellis, and her son, Daniel Briley and spouse Karen, along with six cherished grandchildren, Nathan, Ryan, Greg, Eric, Lance and spouse Jenna, and Colllin and spouse Kacey, along with two great grandchildren Theo and Kira.  Pat's legacy will surely live on through her beloved family. Her adventurous nature, dedication to family, and fun-loving spirit made her truly one of a kind.

Our mother will forever be remembered for her indomitable spirit and the joy she brought into the lives of everyone she touched. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Westminster Presbyterian Church