June 17, 2021

Dear friends,

Recently, I've been thinking of how our time going into and coming out of COVID is like a labyrinth walk. Full of twists and turns – some predictable, most not! Paths dark and frightening, but also some bright and some surprisingly joyful. Again and again, we witnessed how, just as we were headed one way, others were heading another. And finally, as vaccines came into view, each of us - from the oldest to the youngest, from the most frontline of workers to the least - found ourselves each taking our turn to begin the road back to normal (whatever that was or will be).

A labyrinth is intended to remind us that as we walk through life, we always have the Spirit's invitation to ponder, reflect, and pray, to listen for God. And so it is that we are now asking ourselves and each other:
What were your struggles during COVID?
What are your struggles today?
What did you rejoice about during COVID?
What are you rejoicing about today?

As we come out of COVID and begin our journey towards worship and life together with more physical proximity, how will you answer these questions?

As you come to worship each Sunday this summer, you will find two large "Coming Out of COVID" Reflection Boards by the Sanctuary's entrance. They're designed to help you to answer these questions. Take some time each Sunday to add your reflections to the board, and look also at others' reflections as the boards gather their colorful responses. Then, come back to the boards over the weeks and add to them as you reflect more with each passing week. Repeat reflections are welcomed, as they tell their own story of just how universal some experiences were and are. Persons of every age are invited to add their reflections to the board. Our hope is that these boards will become a visual representation of us as a congregation, where we've been and where we are now.  

On every labyrinth walk, Jesus walks with us and speaks with us along our way about our hurts, about healing, about our angers and our love, about the needed steps toward forgiveness and the promise of wholeness. So, what have we heard? What do we need to hear from each other?
I look forward to seeing what the Spirit through the vehicle of our reflection boards tells us.

Courage and faith,
Cherrie 
Westminster This Week – Quick Links

Worship at Westminster on June 20 & 27
Committal Service for Ann Dancy
Saturday, June 26, 1:00pm, Westminster Memorial Garden

All are invited to join us to bear witness to God’s promises and surround the family with care. There will be a brief reception on the Fellowship Hall Terrace afterward to greet the family.
Ushers, Lectors, and Greeters, Oh My!
Worship Volunteers Needed

It takes an impressively large group of folks to make worship happen each Sunday. Won’t you be a part of it? We are currently in need of volunteers to fill a number of roles. Come, use your skills and give your time to serve your church family on Sunday mornings this summer. Newcomers welcomed and encouraged - training will be provided. Sign up now!
God’s Good Creation, Summer Mission eXperience for Children, June 28 - July 2, 9:00am -12:00pm, at WPC
Hurry, registration closes soon!

All children ages rising K–rising 6th grade are invited to an exciting week on Westminster’s expansive outdoor campus as we learn how God calls us to join with God’s good creation in ending hunger! We’ll celebrate the gifts that God has created – gifts that can help build a world where all are fed. Through fun skits, Bible stories, crafts, simulation, and recreation stations, campers will grow in faith as they play, learn, and work toward ending hunger in their community and around the world. God’s Good Creation is about hunger and hope.
Serving Opportunity: Help Organize a School Supply Drive

The Local Missions Committee is searching for an individual to help coordinate the collection of school supplies for students in our local schools. This role will involve contacting the local elementary, middle, and high schools; preparing notices for church bulletin and newsletter to encourage supply donations; and securing volunteers to deliver the supplies to the schools. This project will take place in late August/early September. Please contact Elsa Woods if you are interested.
Westminster's Finance Office has received a donation from a Fidelity 401K to the Kathy Stickley Scholarship Fund, but there was no name associated with the check, and Fidelity will not disclose the sender. If it was you, please contact Sharon Morgan so we can properly credit you for the generous gift.