My Friends,
There’s a scene near the end of the movie “Shrek” when Princess Fiona’s true identity is revealed, and a rough-and-tumble scuffle ensues between Shrek and Lord Farquaad’s soldiers. All of a sudden Donkey shows up and says, “All right, nobody move. I’ve got a dragon, and I’m not afraid to use it. I’m a donkey on edge!”
Scuffle might be a mild word for our world: Fires in California, hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, wind storms in the Midwest, questions and worries about schools reopening, medical emergencies in the midst of COVID-19, and all that comes with COVID itself.
I don’t know whether you have a dragon or not, but I know a lot of people on edge. We react, we rant, we rage.
Yet if we allow our true identity to be revealed, like Princess Fiona, it is born of true love. We at Westminster - Session, Deacons, Staff, and Members - care for each other, share a responsibility for each other born of our true love as disciples of Jesus Christ. That principle of church life has guided every decision that has been made for the past five months, and I would dare say, every decision since this church was started.
We do have a decision to make for in-person worship. The Session has agreed to follow the trends of two standard public health metrics being recommended by the Department of Health and Education: Four weeks trend of 100 or less cases per day in Allegheny County, and four weeks trend of 5% or less positivity rate for cases in Allegheny County.
Plans are in place for in-person worship for when those metrics are met. Let me remind you those plans include: 1. Masks are required. 2. Designated seating that is socially distant. 3. Reservations are requested. 4. Hand sanitizers will be available. 5. If you are ill, please stay at home and worship by live-streaming.
But until that day comes, please join us for worship on Sunday morning, live streaming at 9:00 a.m. for our Contemporary Worship Service and 11:00 a.m. for our Traditional Worship Service. You can find us on our website, www.westminster-church.org, and connect with us there.
The peace of God be with you.
Bruce Lancaster
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Forward in Faith Update
Your Forward in Faith dollars are being put to good use! You will soon hear more about several other projects, but one that we want to talk about this week affects the health and wellness of the congregation.
We are making indoor air quality improvements by installing a state-of-the-art air ionizer on several HVAC units to help provide a safe indoor environment. This technology has been laboratory tested and can kill COVID-19 and other viruses at a rate of 99.4% rate of reduction. It purifies the air by eliminating airborne particles, odors, and pathogens.
Several areas of the church will have improved air quality including the Sanctuary, the Chapel and the WROC, and so will help with our efforts to reopen the church for in-person worship. There are currently no plans to install ionizers in the window units of offices and classrooms.
We thank you for your continued commitment to the church as we continue to move Forward in Faith together!
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Back to School Blessing
Sunday, August 30
During both livestream worship services
Join us online for a special blessing over all children, families, teachers, administrators, and staff returning to school.
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30 Days in the Gospel of Mark
Beginning Tuesday, September 1
Let's come together as a church community and read the 30 Days in the Gospel of Mark reading plan from www.bible.com or on the YouVersion Holy Bible app. Click the link below to get started in this enlightening Bible reading plan. No need to register; just follow each day’s reading.
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Coffee and Discussion with Pastor Louise
Thursdays, September 3 - 24
9:30 a.m.
Join Pastor Louise on Zoom to discuss 30 Days in the Gospel of Mark.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 862 1358 4110
Passcode: Vr7XZx
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JAM Begins - Youth Group for 5th and 6th Grade
Wednesday, September 2
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
North Courtyard
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Students in the 5th and 6th grades are invited to join us for JAM on Wednesdays evenings. JAM offers opportunities for fun, fellowship, and faith as students participate in Bible study, discussion, games, activities, mission projects, and more.
Annual registration is required. Contact Natalie Brown with questions.
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Veritas Kickoff - Youth Group for 7th through 12th Grade
Wednesday, September 2
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
South Parking Lot - WROC if weather prohibits outside
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We're back! Join us for an hour of fun to kick off the new year and start diving into the new theme.
We will meet in the south parking (weather permitting, otherwise we will be in the WROC) and socially distant. Please bring your face mask! We will still have all of your favorite Veritas activities - games, music, fellowship, and friends!
Annual registration is required.
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Volunteer Opportunity
Elders and Deacons
Do you know someone who is passionate about Westminster and our mission and is a faithful member of this congregation? The Nominating Committee is responsible for nominating elders and deacons for election by the congregation. If you would like to know more about the role and expectations of serving as an elder or deacon, or wish to nominate a church member, read more here or contact Jan Baumann no later than September 7.
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Westminster Early Childhood Education Programs (WECEP)
The Westminster Child Development Center (WCDC) is now open. If you would like information on enrollment for your child please call 412-835-9450 or contact Megan Baumgartner, Interim WCDC Coordinator.
Westminster Nursery School and Kindergarten (WNSK) is accepting registrations for the fall. For more information please call 412-835-2906 or contact Liz Heslin, WNSK Coordinator.
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Farmers Market
Join your neighbors at the Farmers Market on Thursdays, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the south parking lot. A variety of vendors have grown and prepared delectable food items to purchase.
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While we are not currently gathering in our church building, the work of our church goes on, thanks to our members, our many volunteers, and our staff. Your giving ensures that our church remains financially healthy.
There are many ways to give to Westminster, all of which are secure through our online giving partner, ACS Technologies. Choose the method with which you feel most comfortable. Read more.
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Livestream Worship on Sunday, August 30
Visit the links below to watch the livestream of our two worship services in the sanctuary. Contemporary worship will livestream at 9:00 a.m. and traditional worship at 11:00 a.m. Both livestreams will be available to watch anytime afterwards on our YouTube channel.
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Bridge Worship Livestream
Sunday, August 30
9:00 a.m.
Prayer
Ed Sutter
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Traditional Worship Livestream
Sunday, August 30
11:00 a.m.
Redemption
Bruce Lancaster
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Last Week's Worship Services
Click on the image below to view the service.
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9:00 a.m Contemporary Worship |
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11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship |
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Contact Us
Church Schedule
The church office will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please enter through the gallery entrance and sign in. All visitors must wear a mask and we ask that you do not visit if you are not feeling well. If you are coming to visit a particular staff person, please call first at 412-835-6630 to ensure they are in the office on the day you wish to visit.
Westminster Presbyterian Church
2040 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
412-835-6630
Interim Senior Pastor, Head of Staff
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care
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