Coming Up:

June 7th @3pm: Juan Lopez Student Recital

June 8th: Pentecost and recognition of Education and Music

June 9th @6pm: Women's Night Out @ Los Arcos in South Salem

June 13th @6pm: Bluebells Musical in the Sanctuary

June 17th @6pm: Men's Night Out

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).

A note from Pastor Kelly:

It’s celebration time on June 8! Pentecost is casually referred to as the “birthday of the church” and is an annual holiday when we mark the Spirit’s new presence among the first disciples as retold in Acts 2. This is the week to WEAR RED to worship to honor the fire that took root among them. It is also Recognition Sunday and we will have special music from both the Westminster bells and the choir before they break for the summer. In addition, we will recognize the multitude of ways that volunteers have nurtured the children, youth, and music programs throughout the year. But that’s not it – the Worship Team is debuting a new song called “We Welcome, We Serve, We Grow” which was composed by Westminster’s very own, Chris Duval. It’s a packed Sunday, hope to see you there!

Ever onward,

Pastor Kelly

Westminster welcomes Rick Cobb to the church staff. Rick has extensive experience working in Oregon’s shipyards with their electrical systems and repairs. He is just wrapping up his first week of work and will generally be in 8a-12p M/T/Th/F. Please feel free to swing by the church during the week and welcome him or send him an email note: facilitycaretaker@salemwestpres.org.

The Congregational Vitality Committee (CVC) is pleased to announce that we will be once again updating the Westminster Photo Directory this summer. The first directory was published in December, 2023, and the plan

is to provide an updated version for the congregation twice a year.

There are three reasons why you might be interested:

1. You missed getting your name, contact information, and/or photo submitted last fall, or
2. You need to correct or update your contact information, or
3. You want your photo updated or added.

There will be a “Seasonal Photo Selfie Spot” set up in Boulder Hall beginning this Sunday, June 8, just in time for Pentecost. It will be available each Sunday for the remainder of the summer. Here are the guidelines:

1. Use your own camera/cell phone (there should be lots of folks to help out during coffee hour)
2. Submit your photo to office@westpres.org; include your name in the subject line.
3. You may also submit your name/contact info/photo at anytime during the months of June, July and August to office@westpres.org.

This is for anyone who wants to update any information already in the directory or for anyone who has not had their name included before.

The newest version of the Westminster Church Photo Directory will be published in late September, so any information to be included needs to be sent to the church office email address (office@westpres.org) on or before August 31, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Nelson, nelsonkatieallstar@gmail.com or 503-580-5631 (text or call)

Participate:

Summer Bible Study:

Tuesday, 6/10 from 10 am to noon. The Chosen, Episodes 1 to 4 will be shown in Russell Hall.

This is the acclaimed series about Jesus, beginning in his early ministry. 

This dramatization is the most successful crowdfunded show and is an international hit.

Bring a snack and something to drink we will be discussing afterward.

Contact Jim Nishimura for any questions at (408)646-1316

Women's Night out:

Women’s Night Out for June 9th @6pm will be at Los Arcos on south Commercial. Please RSVP to Betty Fennell at 503-851-5333 or betty@fennells.net.

Floral Designers Needed!

The deacons are currently looking for a couple of people who would be willing to occasionally make bouquets of flowers for memorial receptions in Boulder Hall. If you have experience designing bouquets and would be willing to join our current Floral Designer team, please contact Lori Dalen.

Red Cross Blood Drive:

I would just like to say a huge thank-you to the donors who signed up at the last Westminster R.C. blood drive to donate at the July 14 drive. It is so great that folks can look that far ahead for something that is so important to the recipients.  Folks that signed up will get a reminder email, hopefully to check their calendars! There are still a lot of appointments available. You can sign up online at  or send me an e-mail, text or telephone call at the number below. 

For the general congregation I would just like to remind all that there will be a Red Cross Blood drive on July 14, 2025 and that all are invited to sign up for an appointment!  Most folks are eligible to give blood, with a few exceptions. Exclusions/exceptions are listed at the following web site:

https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html

We certainly hope to see you at the July 14 R.C. blood drive this year!  

Kind Regards,

Bill Nelson and the rest of the team that supports the Westminster Red Cross blood drives.

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, June 9, 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!

Do you know of anyone who has a fear of falling? A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based 8 week program to help reshape thoughts about falling to keep seniors active and moving. We have an in-person class at Salem Hospital starting 6/17 from 2-4 p.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church