Prayer List

Happy New Year ✨

As we begin a new year, may these words from late Irish poet John O'Donohue guide our reflections and inspire us to embrace this beginning fully.

"A beginning is ultimately an invitation to open toward the gifts and growth that are stored up for us. To refuse to begin can be an act of great self-neglect...

Perhaps the art of harvesting the secret riches of our lives is best achieved when we place profound trust in the act of beginning. Risk might be our greatest ally. To live a truly creative life, we always need to cast a critical look at where we presently are, attempting always to discern where we have become stagnant and where new beginning might be ripening.

There can be no growth if we do not remain open and vulnerable to what is new and different.

I have never seen anyone take a risk for growth that was not rewarded a thousand times over."

***

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,

Where your thoughts never think to wander,

This beginning has been quietly forming,

Waiting until you were ready to emerge... 

Though your destination is not yet clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is at one with your life’s desire. 

Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

—from Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue

This week we pray for:

Dave Noble

Continued prayers for peace and strength as Dave continues the experimental cancer treatment.

Kathleen Paul, Linda Barbu's sister

Continued prayers for strength and peace as Kathleen continues her cancer treatment.

Gillian, Erica Ewing's friend

Continued prayers for Gillian as they are trying to be present with compassion to their father, who is struggling with addiction.

John Dryer

Continued prayers for John as he is undergoing testing regarding his heart arrhythmia in the coming weeks.

Deb Hostettler

Continued prayers for Deb, who is still experiencing fatigue - a side effect from her medication.

Barbara Mykkanen

Continued prayers for Barb as she participates in a study to help others with similar cancer diagnosis.

We pray for

• openness so like the Magi, we may follow our dreams; may God's light and wisdom guide us in this new year;
• those who are dealing with illness and ongoing health worries;
• those navigating difficult decisions and changing life circumstances;
• migrant sisters and brothers caught up political power-plays at our Southern border, on the streets of Chicago, and in other cities in our country;
• all who lost their lives and whose livelihoods were destroyed by the earthquake in Japan;
• the end of violence and destruction in Gaza, Iran, and in other places around the world; we pray for all long for peace and justice and a hopeful future for their children;
• wisdom for leaders in our communities to use their skills and resources for the common good;
• our Westminster community as we plan our 150th anniversary celebration next May.

Friends, may we embody God's light, love, compassion, and hope to all we encounter.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, January 7 - Epiphany/Baptism of the Lord Sunday

• Worship service with Communion - 10:00 am - Mackey Hall
• Wooster Friends Meeting - 10:30 am - The Meeting Place
• 150th Anniversary Planning Committee - 11:15 am - The Lounge

Monday, January 8

• Scout Troup 61 - 6:30 pm - Mackey Hall

Tuesday, January 9

• Worship Committee Meeting - 1:00 pm - The Lounge

Wednesday, January 10

• Benevolence Committee Meeting - 5:15 pm - The Lounge

Thursday, January 11

• Dance and Exercise - 8:30 am - The Meeting Place

Sunday, January 14 - Epiphany 2

• Worship service - 10:00 am - Mackey Hall
• Wooster Friends Meeting - 10:30 am - The Meeting Place

People to People Donations

In an effort to increase donations to the food pantry at People to People during the holiday season, the Benevolences Committee invited us to build a peanut butter and jelly tree.  If you'd like to still contribute, please bring your gifts to Mackey through Epiphany Sunday. 

We'd love to collect enough 16 oz. jars of peanut butter and jars of jelly (approximately that size as well) in different flavors to create a colorful display. 

Keeping Our Community Warm

Another way to embody being present to our community with hope, peace, joy, and love is to keep our community warm. We are collecting heats, gloves and socks to be donated to People to People.

Please join us in contributing to these endeavors through Epiphany! 

Annual Hearty Italian Soup Sale Continues

Choose regular with Italian sausage or vegan for $8 a quart or with Sue-min’s homemade bread for $9. (Same price as in past years.) Pick up after church on Sunday or call 330-263-2398 to pick up during the week.

Thanks for your continued support!

Your Benevolence Committee—

Linda Barbu, Shelley Peterson, Heather Hettick, Candy Relle, Lemoine Peart

From the Final Worship of 2023

Following our tradition of many years, we closed out 2023 with a joint worship with our siblings in Christ from First Presbyterian.

It was great to see so many of you, Westminster friends smile at me from the pews, and to have our communities join our hearts, and voices in prayer and reflection and song.

I will share the recording of my sermon from last Sunday when available.

Sunday Morning Hospitality & Liturgist

January

Westminster's worship and fellowship time is an important way to build relationships among all attending.

We invite you to participate as a liturgist, assistant, provide flowers to decorate our alter or supply treats for our after worship fellowship time.

If you are able to fill one of these areas,

please click here to sign up.

Thank you for your contribution to our worship service.