Worship Calendar
All services will be held virtually until further notice. Click here to access all virtual services.
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Lately, I have found myself drawn to Isaiah 40:31 “…but they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
I’ve been reflecting on this verse because we at Westminster Church have been living through a long season of waiting. For we had waited for 15 long months for my work visa to come through so that we can begin our ministry together. Who would have thought that the beginning of that journey would commence during a pandemic? Now together, we still await longer. We continue to wait for the infection rates to subside… waiting for a next, more responsibly handled phase of a so-called “reopening process,” for jobs and livelihoods to no longer be threatened, to see family and friends uninhibited by worry for our health, to worship together in person again… we wait for our everyday lives to gain some sense of normalcy.
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Isaiah is speaking to those held captive in Babylon, reminding them that their prospect for hope and deliverance was to be found in God. While we are not captives in the same sense, the pandemic, the incredible polarization within our communities, a renewed awareness of the deep inequities that shackle especially the lives of our neighbors of color—all these disturbing realities unsettle us. The plight of Babylonian captives resonates with us, as we too are facing unfamiliar circumstances of danger, uncertainty and want. It is good to be reminded that, although this year we have faced a plethora of disruptions, there is a reality that has not changed, that remains true still: our hope lies in God’s faithfulness to God’s people.
We know this to be true. We have experienced it during our long season of waiting for my visa. We persevered. We held on to hope, continued to worship, to nurture and care for our church family, to remain faithful in ministry with our partners in the wider community. We have persevered in holding on to hope during this pandemic season too, as we have continued to build community when in-person gatherings cannot happen, as we have sought to worship, fellowship and serve in new, creative ways.
Friends, I think we are finding that this time of waiting is indeed a season rich with opportunities for learning and growth. During the course of the next month, in the period between All Saints Day Sunday and Thanksgiving Sunday, I invite you to join me on what I call a journey of Growing in Joyful Generosity. We will explore how to remain grounded in the reality of God’s faithfulness, deepen our relationship with God, and grow in our faithfulness to live according to God’s ways; how can we continue to be good stewards of all of God’s gifts entrusted into our care.
Yes, the current realities have changed much of the world we took for granted. Even as we acknowledge what is gone, as we lament the losses we have suffered, let us not stop there. Let us focus on the world that is here today. Despite its challenges, it is still a pretty awesome place. In this world, we still serve an awesome God that can do amazing things. In this world, we still have the promise of hope. In this world, we still have the light that no pandemic can ever extinguish – the light of God’s love and hope, poured into our hearts by the Spirit, as Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans (5:5). May this be a season where we discover anew these potent realities and are filled with deep joy and gratitude.
Peace,
Pastor Enikő
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Highlights from This Month's Session Meeting |
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Session met on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 in The Meeting Place and by Zoom.
- Congregational Life Cohort continues to work on when we may be able to start having people participate in live worship services
- Mission Cohort:
- The Benevolence Committee announced the following projects: supporting the Presbyterian Gift Market, Salvation Army Bell Ringing on Wednesday, December 2.
- Immigration Justice Committee is sponsoring the Friendship Fiesta on November 14 (see details below)
- Property and Finance (Personnel) Cohort
- The Building Committee is finalizing the COVID Building Use Policy. Contact the Church Office for details.
- The Finance Committee is working with each Cohort to prepare their 2021 budgets keeping in mind the COVID pandemic and its impact on all budget items.
- The Personnel Committee approved Gracie working from home for the time being, appropriate measures have been taken to cover the needs of the church. If you have questions please contact the Church Office.
- Old Business: Westminster will be supporting the Black Lives Matter protest on the Square on Sunday, November 1. (See details below)
The next Session meeting has been set for Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 6:30pm in The Meeting Place and over Zoom as appropriate.
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Zoom Worship at 10am on Sunday |
Please use the link below to join our Zoom worship service and fellowship time. If you would like to dial in by phone, please use the phone number listed below. If you need help using Zoom, there are instructions linked to the button that says "Click Here." If you have trouble the day of, please email Jack Veney.
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Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 853 5983 3772 To join by phone dial +1 929 436 2866
Password: wpcworship
Click below for instructions on using Zoom.
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Due to the upcoming holiday season, the Church Office will be closed the following dates:
November 24–27
December 23–January 3
If any changes or updates are made to this list, you will be notified via email.
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Thank you to those who voted in our adopt-a-Sunday poll! This is a reminder that Westminster has "adopted" the Sunday protest in solidarity with Black Lives Matter at the Wooster Square on Sunday, November 1, from noon to 1pm. You are welcome to make your own signs, but signs will also be provided. We will be working to create a simple litany to read together during the protest. Masks are required. See you there!
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Friendship Fiesta to Benefit IWP Amigas |
The Westminster Presbyterian Church Immigration Justice Committee has organized a fundraiser for the Immigrant Worker Project Amigas Co-op, on Saturday, November 14, 2020. The Amigas are Mexican and Central American women seeking asylum in the United States. IWP supports the Amigas' right to life without fear as they flee violence in their home countries. The Amigas are denied work authorization in the United States and participate in projects like this Friendship Fiesta to support their families.
The Friendship Fiesta will be a drive-up event at the WPC parking lot, where you may pick up a delicious boxed meal prepared by the Amigas in exchange for a free will offering (suggested donation of $10 per meal). 100% of donations will go to the Amigas co-op. The event is from 5:00–6:30pm.
Please RSVP to the Church Office with the number of vegan/meat boxes you would like by Wednesday, November 11.
Meal options:
Arroz con Pollo: cilantro, garlic, and onion infused green rice, topped with braised chicken, served with pico de Gallo and flan.
Chuchito (vegan): steamed corn masa with black bean filling wrapped in a corn husk, served with Guatemalan black beans and tomato-onion rice, pico de Gallo, and vegan flan.
Please spread the word to your friends and family!
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Reminder: Wooster Head Start |
The Benevolence Committee is taking a break this fall/winter from producing and selling soup. In the past, the proceeds from the sale of soup have assisted with the Aspire Program and the Employment Resource Fund. |
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Starting now, the Benevolence Committee is redirecting their focus to the Head Start Program and their current needs. Our local Head Start Program is located on Pittsburgh Avenue in the Community Action Building.
Dawn Kridel visited their facility last fall to drop off the knitted hats donated by our church members. They were immensely grateful, and during the conversation Dawn learned that there were other needs that could not be purchased with the federal grant monies they receive. Here is a list of those items:
Underwear, new and in packaging, sizes 2T–6
Socks, new, sizes 2T–6
Hats, scarves, and gloves, new — sizes 2T–6 (will include the knitted items)
Coats, new or gently used, sizes 2T–6
Shoes and boots, new or gently used, use your best judgement for sizing — children ages 2–6
There is a tote in the Narthex labeled Head Start that you can place items in, or call/text Dawn Kridel at (330) 465–0166 and she will pick up donations from your porch at your convenience.
Thank you to the Benevolence Committee for your continued generosity to all our efforts!
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A few Westminster folks have started again to volunteer at CAMO (Central American Medical Outreach) the last Wednesday of each month, from 9:30am to 11:30 am, in a safe manner (driving separately and wearing masks during the two hours of volunteering). |
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If you are interested in being added to the monthly email reminder, please email Sherry Hatter-Miller, or call at 330-317-0566. If you are interested in volunteering but do not feel comfortable driving, please let Sherry know.
Lastly, if there is anyone currently on the email thread for CAMO volunteering who does not want to continue receiving monthly CAMO volunteering communications, please let Sherry know.
** Please note that with the increase in COVID-19 cases in Ohio, volunteering with CAMO could potentially be put on hold again. **
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Community Hazardous Waste Disposal |
On Wednesday, November 18, from noon to 6pm, there is an opportunity to dispose of any hazardous waste you may have in your home. Click here for an enlarged version of the flyer for more information on the types of waste accepted and how to reserve your appointment.
You must make an appointment in advance by calling the Wayne County Health Department on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday only from 8:00am–4:30pm at (330) 264-2426 ext. 215, or by clicking here.
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Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities |
Click the links below for more information on Westminster's ongoing volunteering projects.
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Ongoing Fellowship Opportunities |
Click the links below for more information on Westminster's ongoing fellowship opportunities.
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