Friday Newsletter

Bible study this Sunday morning at 9:00am before 10:00 Service. Meet in the Eastminster room and we will be continuing on in the Gospel by Mark 10:17 -31 " The Young Rich Man.

Our theme this year is: "We Are All Part of God's Story" All women are invited to share a time of fellowship, renewal, and spiritual growth at the beautiful Oregon coast May 1st-3rd. You may choose to attend from Friday through Sunday, or just come for the day on Saturday. Our topic this year will explore our own faith journeys and relationship with God. You'll enjoy discussion, self reflection, prayer, music, and free time, all with a view of the ocean and good food. Please contact office@salemwestpres.org with any questions.

Cost is on a sliding scale. In order to be able to cover the cost of the retreat, we expect to need an average of $170 for the weekend or $75 per person for Saturday only. Look for a registration form and more information near the front doors before or after church, this Sunday only. Payment is by cash, check, or online here. Registration ends this Sunday, March 22nd.

Children are invited to participate in the Palm Sunday Kid’s Liturgy on March 29. Pick up more information in Sunday school on March 15 and 22. Contact the office (office@salemwestpres.org) or the Worship elder Angie (awillough@gmail.com) with any questions.

The Westminster Session met for their monthly stated meeting on Wednesday, March 18, at 6:30 in Russell Hall. Angie Willoughby and Maggie Sather were absent. They approved a motion for Communion to be given at the Women’s Retreat on May 1-3, 2026. The elders also approved a motion for a congregational meeting to be held on April 19, 2026 for the election of new elders, deacons and nominating committee members and an updated Memorandum of Understanding between Westminster and Salem 4 Refugees regarding the use of Winola House.  

The elders also spent time collating their answers for the Presbytery of the Cascades Mission Study. The study identifies current and future needs of churches and ministers, as well as clarifies our purpose, values, vision and priorities for the future. The next monthly meeting will be held on April 15, 2026.

Sandy McLean, Clerk of Session

Last fall, we alerted you that Westminster was among the institutions sued by former Boy Scouts who said sexual abuse had occurred during Scouting-related activities. The plaintiffs included a former member of Troop 108, which Westminster sponsored at the time.

The case has now been dismissed as part of the Boy Scouts of America’s national bankruptcy andsexual abuse settlement. Our insurance company paid our lawyer’s fees.

Regardless of the lawsuit’s dismissal, we as Christians and members of Westminster have a moral and ethical obligation to recognize that abuse can happen anywhere, to constantly be vigilant to prevent abuse, and to promptly report any suspected abuse.

WPC Session

On March 29th OSJ will be conducting a supply drive to support the Rainbow Youth. The Rainbow Youth is a 501c3 non-profit that creates safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth ans their friends to find connection, support, and friendship. We affirm the right to free Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) through weekly gatherings, social activities, and individual support.

We are looking for snacks with individual wrappings including ones like rice krispies, chips (Doritors, Cheetos, etc), Juice boxes, trailmix, Cheez-Its, beef jerky, and fruit leather. Please bring all donation to church and drop them off in the wagon in the narthex. Please contact Michele Hare if you have any questions - michelehare25x2@gmail.com

On March 29th at 4:00 PM, join us at Westminster Presbyterian Church for an evening of music that remembers, bears witness, and looks toward hope. Featuring the Westminster Chancel Choir and String Orchestra, Requiem for the Voiceless offers a powerful choral and orchestral journey honoring stories that must not be forgotten.

When Voices Fell, we mourn the lives and voices lost too soon. Stories Not Lost gathers memory, resilience, and the enduring echoes of truth. And A Shared Tomorrow turns our gaze forward—toward healing, compassion, and the promise of a more just world.

Through music, we remember. Through memory, voices rise again. Join us for this unforgettable experience.

Join us Saturday April 4th at 9:30am for the annual easter egg hunt! Questions? Contact Rachelle Hughes - wsbandmom@comcast.net

Please bring donations to the basket outside the church office.

From the Festival of Fine Arts Committee, Scholarship applications for graduating seniors will be available in the church office after March 23rd and need to be submitted by April 30th. Scholarships will be awarded on Senior Sunday, June 8th.

Sandy and Steve were lonesome sitting at our designated listening table as constituents were busy socializing and sharing information. Folks started to interact when the Elders circulated to the other fellowship tables and conversations. Issues and comments identified:

• Listening Session scheduling conflicts with other after-Worship programs.  

• There was a draft template form shared for bringing proposals forward to Session. The draft was an example of a specific example project. It did show that our committee leadership, and constituents in general, need to know how to bring initiatives forward so that these ideas are addressed. Brings to question what tools currently exist, how do we use them, and do we need to educate folks on process and protocols.

Dear Friends,

The Congregational Vitality team would like to invite frequent visitors and friends to a series of classes on Presbyterian Beliefs. The class is designed for people who are interested in learning more about what Presbyterians believe, why, and how it is evolving. The four sessions will be led by Pastor Kelly and will include history, theology and the popular aliens-physics-AI-oh my. This will be the third time that we have offered this popular and informative opportunity. The classes will be held April 19, 26 and May 3 from 11:30am-1:00pm in Russell Hall. Attendees will be encouraged to bring a lunch if desired. If you have any questions and/or want to sign up for the class, please contact the church office: office@salemwestpres.org. 

Please mark your calendars for the semi-annual new members class, which will be held May 17 and 24 from 11:30am-1pm, following worship and coffee hour. please contact the church office: office@salemwestpres.org. 

Meal Assistance Needed

Barb and Mike Friday’s niece, Heather, is in need of a few meals to help her through a difficult time. They have no church family. Her husband, age 43, passed away suddenly. Heather has a 15 year old daughter and her father (Barb’s brother-in-law) is in hospice in Washington State. If you are able to help with a meal this coming week or next week, please contact Barb Friday: ewokfriday@aol.com; 503-689-4217.