Friday Newsletter

Let's get our tea station stocked and cozy! We're calling on all tea lovers to share a little comfort by donating your favorite herbal, regular and decaf teas. Imagine all the wonderful blends we can discover together! Bring in a box of your go-to brew and let's share the warmth.

Don't miss the beautiful sounds of the Triennial Handbell Festival this Sunday, November 2nd, at 4:00 PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Come support talented local and regional handbell choirs and enjoy a special performance by our very own Westminster Chimes. It's a free, family-friendly concert you won't want to miss!

Our friends at Salem Mennonite Church invite Westminster to their next Speaker Series Event:

Nov 1 @ 10:30am

Shawn and Jon Newswanger have been autism parents (initially unwittingly) since 2005 when their daughter, Kathryn (Kate), was born. Their son, Dillon, was born in 2006. Dillon received his autism diagnosis in 2013. Kate was diagnosed as autistic in 2019. With Dillon’s diagnosis, Shawn and Jon found themselves needing to be advocates for neurodivergence acceptance and awareness.

In addition to being autism parents, Shawn works as Dillon’s direct support provider while Jon has had several professional and volunteer roles working with individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Kate attends Western Oregon University where she is majoring in English and minoring in history. She enjoys writing poetry and fiction.

Dillon attends Summit Community Transition Program. He enjoys running.

Shawn, Jon, Kate, and Dillon attend Salem Mennonite Church.

Sign up to be a helper in Sunday School! You don't need to plan or lead 

a lesson, just be ready to help out our new teacher and have fun with 

the kids. Sign up on the children's bulletin board near the water 

fountain, or talk to Lynnea Lyman if you have any questions before you 

put your name down.

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, November 3, 2025. Learn more: poorpeoplescampaign.org.

Watch more about Rev. Barber and the Poor People’s Campaign here: https://open.substack.com/pub/ourmoralmoment/p/moral-movements-expose-evil?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&timestamp=8.0