From Your Session
The Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church met on Wednesday, September 20 in Russell Hall. There was a 5:15 pre-session video: “What’s Really Causing Church Decline and What Can We Do About It?” featuring Dwight Zscheile, the author of The Agile Church which both the Session and the staff are reading this fall.
The regular meeting began at 6:00. The elders received the current draft of the Strategic Plan and acknowledged the dedicated work of the Strategic Planning team members: Shawna Clowser, Wendy Crane, Bill Faust, Michael Goodenberger and Betsy Romeo. Nancy MacMorris-Adix was the session liaison. The session sends their sincere thanks. A copy will be made available to all of the ministry areas later this fall with a final plan rolling out at the 2024 Annual Meeting in February. The elders also began looking at the 2024 budget and how to best position Westminster for robust ministry and operations in the year ahead. Session also reviewed next steps with the scouts and the possibility of a future building use agreement. Presentations from Gifts, Endowments and Memorials (GEM) plus the Events Committee were scheduled for October.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandy McClean
Clerk of Session
Participate
The Photo Directory Committee would like to thank all the people who have gotten their photo taken over the last month or so. We will be editing the photos and getting them ready to put in the updated directory. If you missed your opportunity, not to worry! We are planning to be available immediately after worship this Sunday, September 24, to take your photo. Please head back to the Eastminster Room on Sunday if you are able. We will be available until about 1:00 pm. It is also an option to submit your own photo: send it to westpresphotos@gmail.com. Please include the name of the person(s) in the subject line of the email. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Nelson: 503-580-5631 nelsonkatieallstar@gmail.com.
Volunteers needed for Westminster Festival of Fine Arts. The Festival will be held October 12-15, but set-up begins October 8. Several types of roles and many hands go into making this wonderful community event a reality. Sign up in the narthex or here.
Come join the Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30am. We will be reading through the Narrative Lectionary Year 2. Everyone is welcome.
Go Deeper
Considering becoming a member at Westminster or interested in learning more about being Presbyterian? Join the new members' class meeting October 8 and 15, 11:30-1:00. RSVP to the church office (office@salemwestpres.org) or talk to Pastor Kelly or Katie Nelson.
Want to contribute musically at WestPres? If you are a vocalist or instrumentalist and are interested in being on the worship team, please reach out to Ariana Recher (ariana@salemwestpres.org) or Jeffrey Larkin (music@salemwestpres.org) for more details on rehearsals and Sunday service!
The Outreach Committee is looking for a few more volunteers to be on the Greeter/Welcome Desk Team. If you enjoy smiling and being the first friendly face that welcomes others as they enter our narthex Sunday morning, then this opportunity is for you! Most greeters sign up monthly on a rotation basis. Training provided. Please contact Katie Nelson, 503-580-5631 (text) or nelsonkatieallstar@gmail.com.
Leadership Corner
Check out this article from the Presbyterian Mission Agency for elders. This month's edition is called "Studying Scripture and the Issues of Christian Faith and Life."
Save the Date
October 12-15: Fine Arts Festival
October 18: Salem's 34th Annual Peace Lecture
October 22: Stewardship Pancake Breakfast
October 25: Trunk or Treat
November 8: Leadership Lab
November 12: Stewardship Hoedown Luncheon
In the Community
Meet our new (Eugene) neighbor! Rev. Maggie Lewis is a Presbyterian minister and is the new Campus Pastor at the University of Oregon. She is eager to meet fellow Presbyterians on campus and is available to reach out to U of O students that may be interested in the Koinonia Center. Read more here: Who We Are – The Koinonia Center.
Moms Demand Action is hosting a Regional Suicide Prevention Awareness Virtual Event on Wednesday, September 27, 7-8 pm. The price of easy access to firearms for someone in crisis is high. Join us for a discussion about suicide prevention and ways we can all take action, including some new, original research. RSVP to get the Zoom Information.
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