Worship
Sunday, September 20, 9:15 a.m.  
Online Streaming Only
www.westpres.org
  • 16th Sunday after Pentecost

  • Scripture Readings are Jeremiah 11:18-20 and Matthew 20:1-16. 

  • Pastor Jan’s Sermon is titled “The Usual Daily Wage.”

  • Blessing of the Animals Service via Zoom at 10:30 a.m.

Information
Westminster’s Annual 
Blessing of the Animals Service
Sunday, September 20

You are invited to bring your animal companions to our special virtual “Blessing of the Animals” service. Pastor Ken Arentson will host this service via Zoom. Every creature is important.

The love we give to and receive from our animal companions can draw us more deeply into the larger circle of life, and into the wonder of our common relationship to our Creator. Invite family and friends, everyone is welcome to join us!
Peace & Global Witness Offering – September 13-20

By giving to the Peace and Global Witness Offering, we work to share Christ’s peace with one another, beyond our doors, beyond our community and across boundaries. Together we are building God’s house where everyone is welcome; where all can find compassion, peace and justice. Donations may be made at westpres.org/donate.
Election of Church Officers

Election of Church Officers
Due to our inability to meet this year, in consultation with the Presbytery, we are going to hold our election of Elders, Deacons and Nominating Committee by electronic survey and paper mail-in ballot.  
 
Nominations
On Thursday, September 17, we will mail and e-mail out the slate of nominees from the Nominating Committee to our congregation. Church members will have one week to make nominations “from the floor.” If you have someone you wish to nominate, please fill out and return the Nominating Form to the church office or call 274-1534 by Friday, September 25.  If there are nominations, our staff will verify that the nominees are eligible and willing to serve.  
 
Voting
On Monday, September 28, we will begin the vote for the officers. We will mail out ballots to those who normally receive the weekly blast by mail, and e-mail an electronic survey to those who normally receive our e-mail blast. Votes by electronic survey or by mail-in paper ballot will be accepted until Friday, October 2, when our polls close. Once the ballots have been received and reviewed we will announce the election of our officers and nominating committee.
 
A big “thank you” goes to the Nominating Committee for their efforts in securing the nominees to serve as Elders, Deacons and members of the Nominating Committee. 

International Day of Peace, 
Monday, September 21, 2020 
VIRTUAL OBSERVANCE

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

Because of the pandemic, there will be no public gathering. The Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace invites you to a live-streamed interfaith prayer service for peace at 6:30 p.m. on September 21.
Westminster Presbyterian Church is a 
21-Day Equity Challenge Supporter
October 5 – November 2

Westminster Presbyterian Church is proud to support the 21-Day Equity Challenge. It is a great way for each of us to unite and learn to grow together. This is a free program and all you need is an e-mail to participate. 
Book Club’s October 7 Choice

The Westminster Book Club will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. for a discussion of the book, "Small Great Things," by Jodi Picoult.

While supplies last, books from the public library’s book discussion set are available for check-out. If you would like to pick up a book (with appropriate social distancing) and join in the Zoom discussion on October 7, please contact Jan Davison (janpolk@msn.com).
Sanctuary Visits

During this time of COVID-19, while we do not feel comfortable having in-person worship services yet, we understand that many of you miss time in the Sanctuary. In order to maintain social distancing rules, times will be scheduled throughout the week to manage the number of people visiting the Sanctuary at one time. Sign ups will begin next week!  

  • Masks are required the entire time you are in the building, including halls, the office and the Sanctuary.

  • Check in and out at the Office before and after your visit to the Sanctuary. 

  • A special Guided Meditation with prayers and Scriptures, written by our Director of Music and Fine Arts Aaron Schultz, will be available for your use. 

  • Pews will be designated where you can sit, to help with disinfecting the area after your visit.


WPC Youth - Grades 6-12

Westminster Presbyterian Church provides a welcoming youth ministry where high school students are encouraged to be themselves, to ask questions, and to be appreciated for who they are and where they are in their faith life. WPC Youth will be meeting virtually Wednesdays and Sundays. 

To be included on text messages please send “WPCYOUTH” to 474747. When you get the response message please reply with your first and last name. 
Daily Devotion from Pastor Scott
Did you know that Pastor Scott writes a devotion every week day and sends it out by e-mail? Go to westpres.org/devotion-sign-up/ to sign up!


The Spirituality of Babysitting

Jill and I just spent the last three days with the grandsons, so we know suffering. It was wonderful and exhausting all at the same time. I love getting a smile from four-month-old Brooks and making two-year-old Gordie laugh as I throw him across the sectional. Yet, the non-stop need for attention gets tough.
Worship with us Online
We are blessed to be able to broadcast our worship services live every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. While the Coronavirus is preventing us from worshipping together in person, we can still connect with each other as we engage in worship from our screens.

Join us for worship!
  • Go to westpres.org at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays.
  • Sign in on the attendance form.
  • Download a bulletin.
  • Submit a prayer request.

If you miss the service or would like to watch it, or past services, later, they are available here.

If you have any questions, please email Laura at lsherlock@westpres.org.

Please note, any member or visitor who enters Westminster Church is now required to wear a face mask.  

Personal Notes
Prayer Requests
Prayer Requests for the week of September 6

We pray for our homebound members and those in care facilities.

We pray for the needs of our members and friends.
  • Terry & Caroline Barzen requested prayers of thanks for Caroline’s son who survived a bad auto accident. He had neck injuries; is wearing a neck brace and will continue wearing it for three months. John and Caroline are so grateful he is recovering. 

  • Patricia Freeland requested prayers for the family of Kay Matchell regarding the death of her husband, Jeff. 

  • Archie & Ginny Rohden requested continued prayers for Ginny. 

  • Phillip & Linda Hestbech requested prayers for Christine Hollister, who is undergoing radiation for breast cancer.

  • Gwen Page would appreciate prayers for a peaceful resolution of difficult, stressful business issues.

  • Gary & Nancy Hartsock requested prayers for safety in our schools!
 
  • Joe & Renae Jones requested prayers for the Des Moines Public Schools and State of Iowa to come to safe agreement in educating our children. 

  • Becky Miller requested prayers for all on the West Coast who have been impacted by these fires; praying those fighting the fires will stay strong and succeed in their task. 

  • Dan & Karen Hanson requested prayers for the people that have suffered loss in the wildfires in the U.S. including loss of life, buildings, businesses, and houses. 

  • Polk & Jan Davison requested prayers for all who are suffering from the effects of the forest fires and extreme heat out west.  

  • Diane Kirk requested prayers for those who are dealing with the fires throughout the West and Northwest, including several members of Westminster.  

  • Maggy Miller requested prayers for those on the West Coast who are fighting fires....so terrifying. 

  • Betty Williams sends a thank you - your prayers are so appreciated for her sister. 

  • Dick and Ruth Carey and daughters send a thousand thank yous and a ton of hugs for all the prayers, cards, notes, telephone calls, walk-bys, toys, and love with which you showered them. What a morale-booster and spirit-lifter they were! Will, 2, and Jack, now 1, - great-grandsons - have both had surgery and now are catching up to where they should be. Thanks be to God for all of you and for answered prayers.

  • Faith and Norman Huitt’s daughter, Amanda Reedy, is recovering from successful open heart surgery. They’d like to thank pastors and church friends who brought comfort to them, and offered prayers for their daughter.

  • Jan Abendroth requested prayers concerning employment and good health. 


We pray for those known only to God who are in need of prayers.

How Can I Contribute My Offering or Pay My Pledge?
Thank you for your continued tithing to Westminster, as together we support one another and bring the love of God to the Des Moines area, and the rest of the world.

  • Mail - Westminster Church, 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310-3398

  • Text - WPCDSM to 73256


  • Call the Church Office - 515-274-1534, for credit card or ACH contribution, ask for Ruth Bloxham, accountant.