Dear Friends in Christ,
At the close of each year, dictionaries and news outlets coin the “word of the year.” Not sure about you, but I grew to hate the word “unprecedented” last year as the stream of events and challenges labeled “unprecedented” exhausted me.
Some fun new words emerged like “blursday,” capturing the sentiment of days running into each other as we quarantined our way from the workweek to weekend. “Doomscrolling” names the practice of consuming a large quantity of negative news online. Or “Zoombombing” – when someone descends into your Zoom space to disrupt. I had enough disruptions and dreaded yet another predator.
As I think of a word for Westminster, the first that comes to mind is “pivot.” The church did this day after day and continues to do so to proclaim the gospel in whatever media or venue possible.
Yet the reason for such "pivots" is faith. With three weeks under my belt, I choose “faith” as the word to describe Westminster. Elders, clergy, staff, and members gathered, compelled by faith to worship God. So many rolled up their sleeves and continued to serve those in need because they have faith that their actions matter. Faith is what drove so many people to dig through tedious and obscure financial records so we can put the past behind us and move forward.
The Session invites you to the annual congregational meeting this weekend. We will, with all clear-eyed honesty, present the annual report, celebrating the faithful ministry of this church in a most trying year. You will hear the Finance Commission report of actions taken in 2020, and receive the annual budget for 2021, all faithfully prepared.
Among all the words to describe the past and look towards the future, faith built this church and faith in our savior will lead us forward.
See you Sunday,
Jo
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Sunday, January 31
All are welcome to join us for livestream worship services. See below for YouTube links to the services.
9:00 a.m. Bridge Contemporary Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Called to Steward
Jo Forrest
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Congregational Meeting
Sunday, January 31
Following 11:00 a.m. worship service
Online via the 11:00 a.m. livestream worship service link found below.
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Livestream Worship Services |
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9:00 a.m. Bridge Contemporary Worship
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11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
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Giving to Westminster
While we are not currently gathering in our church building, the work of our church goes on, thanks to our members, our many volunteers, and our staff. Your giving ensures that our church remains financially healthy.
Give Online
Text Message
- Text WPCUSC to 73256. Standard text messaging rates may apply.
- Click the link you receive in your text message response.
By Mail
Mail your check payable to Westminster Presbyterian Church to Richard Mills, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2040 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241. Designate the fund in the memo line.
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Events for Sunday, January 31
Fresh Air, Fresh Faces - Getting to Know Jo Forrest, Sundays through February 21 - Read more.
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The February Spire Online
If you prefer a printable version, all previous issues of the Spire are available on our website.
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Grace Book Club
New Readers Welcome!
Mondays
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Zoom
Jon Meacham’s wonderful book, His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope, is about the struggle for civil rights in the 1960’s but it is also about the faith of John Lewis and of the author, Jon Meacham. Throughout the book there is resonance, a recognition of the faith foundation of John Lewis’s life and work, that comes from Jon Meacham’s own religious core. Join us as we delve into this story of sacrifice and determination during those challenging times.
We meet with folks from Grace Memorial Presbyterian via Zoom. To connect, email Bob Dilly for the Zoom information. To learn more about Peace and Justice at Westminster, see our website under Serving, then Peace and Justice. Or contact Bobbie Hartman for more information.
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Difficult Texts: Confronting What the Bible Really Says about Poverty, Authority, and the Status Quo
From Genesis to Revelation, The Bible proclaims justice and prosperity for the poor. The Exodus is a founding story of God being on the side of the poor and oppressed and the gospels proclaim bringing good news to the poor. Nevertheless, we often interpret the Bible in ways that justify inaction in the face of poverty, state that poverty is eternal, and claim that if God wanted to end poverty, God would do so. Rarely in our public discussion or our congregations is there reference to the truly radical economic teachings of the Bible and the call for economic justice for all. Please join us in discussion of these “difficult texts”. Read more.
The Kelso Community Conversation on Race and Faith
Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24
7:30-9:00 p.m.
Online through Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Westminster Follow-up Conversation
Thursday, February 25
7:30 p.m.
Online through Westminster Presbyterian Church
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Last Week's Worship Services
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Contact Us
Westminster Presbyterian Church
2040 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
412-835-6630
Senior Pastor, Head of Staff
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care
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