Coming Up:

May 18th @10:50: Suicide Prevention Training (after service)

May 18th @6pm: Youth Group @WestPres

May 20th @6pm: Men's Night Out @Best Little Roadhouse

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

May 26 – Church office closed for Memorial Day

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).

THIS SUNDAY

Something unique is happening in worship this week – Part 1 Traditional worship followed by Part 2 All-congregation suicide prevention w/ Judy Tuttle-Zollner, co-director of Salem Pastoral Counseling, sponsored by the Westminster Deacons. Over the past 11 months, a number of folks in the church family have experienced the sudden death of a loved one, to include dying by suicide. Other Westminster members have experienced similar tragedies in the schools and workplace also in the past few months.

• Part 1 @ 10-10:45am – Worship service
• Break @ 10:45-10:50am - Intermission (coffee, restrooms, stretch)
• Part 2 @ 10:50-11:45am - All-church suicide prevention

At times like this, it helps to slow down and wonder together how we might find our way to a place of increased care and well-being. To that end, please consider staying at church on this week for Part 2 of the worship service. It is designed for both adults and youth and is open to friends, family members and colleagues. (*while not specifically designed for younger children, it is not inappropriate either.) The education the congregation receives together this week may save the next life in Westminster family.

Ever onward,

Pastor Kelly

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!

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.

YOUTH INVITES: 🎉 Youth Group – This Sunday!

📅 When: May 18th, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

📍 Where: Westminster Pres

Calling all teens—join us for fellowship, fun, and faith! See you there!

👑 Retirement Party for Rachelle Hughes

📅 When: May 24th, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

📍 Where: Boulder Hall

You know her, you love her! Let’s celebrate Rachelle’s incredible dedication with food, memories, and plenty of joy.

🎓 Graduate & New Drivers Recognition – June 1st

⏰ When: 10:00 AM Service

📍 Where: Westminster Pres

Big milestones deserve big cheers! Join us as we honor our senior graduates and newly permitted/licensed drivers. Let’s show them some love!

Questions? Reach out to Mat Worley. See you there!

📢 Exciting Summer Opportunity: Social Media Intern at Salem Westminster Presbyterian Church!

Are you a high school student interested in digital media, communications, or community engagement? Salem Westminster Presbyterian Church is looking for a Social Media Intern to help grow our online presence this summer—and it could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Position Details:

📍 Location: Salem Westminster Presbyterian Church

📅 Duration: 9 weeks (June–August)

⏳ Hours: 2–4 hours per week (flexible scheduling)

💰 Pay: $15.05/hour

What You’ll Do:

• Create engaging posts (graphics, photos, short videos, and captions) for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more.
• Schedule content and interact with our online community (likes, comments, shares).
• Capture photos/videos at church events (as needed).
• Brainstorm creative ways to expand our social media reach.
• Collaborate with church staff to ensure content reflects our mission and values.

Who We’re Looking For:

✔ Current high school student (ages 14–18).

✔ Basic familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, etc.).

✔ Creative, eager to learn, and willing to contribute ideas.

✔ Reliable and able to meet deadlines.

✔ No prior experience needed—just enthusiasm!

Why You’ll Love It:

✨ Gain hands-on experience in social media management and communications.

✨ Enjoy flexible hours that fit your summer schedule.

✨ Make a meaningful impact in the church community.

If you’re ready to build your skills while helping share the church’s mission, we’d love to hear from you!

Interested? Reach out to Mat Worley for more details or to apply click this link: https://forms.gle/hFLzbsXfesV1ECjj7

A Reminder

In this merry month of May the 18th is the 3rd Sunday --- "oh yes", you say, "That's the TABLE OF PLENTY DAY!"

DONT FORGET (the TOP boxes are waiting)

Pastor Kelly and the Worship Committee are requesting topic suggestions and ideas for summer worship that begins in July. If you have suggestions, complete one of the cards and drop it in the offering box provided on upcoming Sundays. Beginning July 6, we will meet in the sanctuary as usual, but with a different seating to accommodate a more relaxed format. Please give us your input!

Men's Night Out!

Join us for a great evening of food, drinks, and camaraderie at Best Little Roadhouse this Tuesday at 6 PM. Whether you're craving juicy burgers, cold beers, or just some solid guy time, this is the place to be. See you there—RSVP with John Dalen!

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 19, 2025. Learn more: poorpeoplescampaign.org.

Social Media:

Please take a moment to click on all our social media links listed below and give us a follow!

Dear Westminster Community,

Once again, the American Red Cross is grateful for Westminster’s incredible support. Thanks to your generosity, we collected 30 units of blood from 32 donors—an outstanding achievement! We also had a remarkably low deferral rate, reflecting the preparedness and commitment of everyone who participated.

A heartfelt thank you to all who took the time to donate, as well as to the ambassadors, snack replenishers, and volunteers who made the drive run smoothly. A special shout-out to Pamela Garland for stepping in to cover for Bobbi Clyde while she was away—your help was invaluable!

This drive’s success is a testament to the power of community. We couldn’t do this without you.

With sincere appreciation,

Bill Nelson and the entire Westminster Blood Drive Team

American Red Cross

Westminster Presbyterian Church