Update from your Session
On Wednesday, March, 15, 2023, the session met for its monthly meeting. A pre-session was held at 5:30 to have pictures taken for the bulletin board in the hallway. (Thank you, Ted Burney.) Members also took tours of the educational wing with Vik to view our spaces for a possible day care. The session approved April 16 and May 14 for the election and installation of new deacons and elders. The meeting ended at 8:00 with prayer requests and blessings.
Sandy McLean, Clerk of Session
Update from Childcare Task Force
In conjunction with session, the childcare taskforce is shifting from “exploring” to “pursuing.” Over the past three months, the taskforce has cast the net wide in how Westminster might partner with the Salem community to meet critical needs of families in this post-pandemic world. We have learned about areas of high need such as infants/toddlers, the ways Employment Related Daycare, Preschool Promise, and private pay work together to serve families, as well as meeting some of the providers who are in South Salem and engaged in providing high quality care to children. Want to learn more about the state of childcare? Read here.
We anticipate the next couple of months to be marked by a number of moving pieces, some predictable and some not. The taskforce will update the congregation regularly in this Friday newsletter so stay tuned. The members of the taskforce and the elders on session are available to hear your questions, ideas, hopes and concerns. We ask for your patience as we synthesize the wisdom and work of the many committees involved – building & grounds, budget & finance, children & youth, childcare taskforce, session and Creative Discoveries preschool which is currently housed in the lower floor of the education wing. Here are a couple things coming up this week that the childcare taskforce is tackling:
- Submit interest form for Oregon state childcare capacity funds.
- Connect with Cascades Presbytery regarding grant funds for Westminster’s building use permit costs.
The taskforce meets on Thursdays at 3:30pm and the meetings are open to members and friends. Please come join us in Russell Hall if you are interested in working on this exciting project.
Childcare taskforce point of contact: Cheryl Lugenbill, clugenbill@gmail.com
Session point of contact: Clerk Sandy McLean, clerk@salemwestpres.org
Staff point of contact: Pastor Kelly, pastorkelly@salemwestpres.org
Sincerely,
Childcare Task Force: Vik Schaaf, Jill Whitney, Ted Burney, Lynnea Lyman, Lucy Foster, Bill Foster, Suzanne Taylor, Teri Mohney, Maggie Sather, Luanne Barnes, Cheryl Lugenbill, Nancy MacMorris-Adix, and Pastor Kelly Wadsworth
Participate
Vacation Bible Camp plans are underway. We would love for anyone with a heart for children, the Bible, and activities that engage children in knowing God's love to join us in our planning. We will meet April 6 at 9:30 and invite you to join us. If you have questions, please contact Terri Crall, Teri Mohney, or Carole Brewer. We welcome your input to make this the best VBC ever! This is not a commitment to be part of the VBC staff, just to help us plan!
Men's Night Out is March 21 at 6 pm at The Ram.
Women's Night Out is April 10 at 6 pm at Epilogue Kitchen/Cocktails (corner of State and High Streets) on Trivia Night! Downtown parking only. The deadline for RSVP is April 2--no exceptions (call Michele Hare at 408-402-2396)!
Easter is coming, and you are invited to purchase flowers for the sanctuary on Easter Sunday. This year we have chosen white Martha Washington Geraniums from Egan's Gardens, and we are asking for $12 for each. After worship on April 9, you may designate it to be taken to a shut-in or take it home yourself. Special envelopes are available by the offering box in the sanctuary. We ALL want a lovely sanctuary to celebrate the Risen Lord, and you can be part of it! The deadline for purchasing this is March 30.
In preparation for the annual Easter egg hunt, we are welcoming candy donations in the narthex from 3/12-4/2. Donations should be individually wrapped and sized for stuffing into eggs. Small stuffable trinkets are also welcome!
The youth geranium fundraiser is happy to offer you Egan Garden's BEAUTIFUL Geraniums for pre-order!!! Flowers are $6 each and hanging baskets are $30 each. Flowers can be picked up on Sunday morning, May 7th from 9-11:30 AM. Delivery is available for $10 if necessary. Pre-Orders are due by April 12th. We will have a limited amount for sale out front at Westminster on Sunday, May 7th. Please make checks payable to Westminster Presbyterian Church with "Youth Missions" on the memo. All proceeds will benefit City Camp and the Puerto Rico Mission Trip. Order here.
Holy Week
April 2 Palm Sunday: 10 am Processional Worship Service with Communion
One Great Hour of Sharing offering
April 2-April 7: Labyrinth available in Boulder Hall (self-guided)
April 7 Good Friday: 7 pm Worship Service with Communion
April 8: 9 am Easter Egg Hunt
April 9: Easter Sunday: 10 am Worship Service
Save the Date
Pick Up Sticks: Annual Grounds Clean Up: 4/15 9am-12pm
Blessing of the Animals: 4/29 10 am
New Member Class: 4/30 and 5/7 following Sunday service
Vacation Bible Camp: 6/26-6/30 for incoming 1st-5th graders
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