II Corinthians 9:6-15. I love this passage in the Bible. When I read it today – it so reminded me of the generosity of the Westminster family of faith. Whether there is work to be done at the FISH Pantry, or building a Habitat house, or painting in the Library, or weeding the gardens, or serving a hot meal at Volunteer Ministry Center – etc. etc. – I am continually amazed how easy our members step up to the plate to give of their time.  Seriously, over these past 11+ years that I’ve have the privilege to work in the office – never have I seen a community outreach event been canceled because of lack of volunteers. This is something you should be very proud of Westminster! All Sandra and I have to do is send out an email asking for volunteers – and poof – the work gets done! Praise the Lord!!! Not only your time – but you give so freely of your talents. Just in this year alone, Westminster has given through these special offerings:

$5,250 to Heifer International

-works toward the mission of ending world hunger and poverty and caring for the earth

$1,261 to Joy Gift Offering

-supports retired church workers through the Board of Pensions and support Racial ethnic education

$1,086 to Rice Bowl International

-provides food for the body and spirit of orphans in the name of Christ

$3,813 to One Great Hour of Sharing

-gifts are divided among the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance through the General Assembly

$1,031 to Pentecost Offering

- supports children at risk and to nurture the faith of youth and young adults

 $200 to Volunteer Ministry Center

-This is the average monthly expense for one breakfast and one lunch and is funded 100% through our Two Cents a Meal offering which is collected on the first Sunday of each month

You are amazing Westminster!

Hugs and more hugs,

Renee Wiesehuegel

Good Morning Westminster,

Happy Wednesday! Can you believe it is already the 19th of May?

• I want to remind you that there is one worship service this coming Sunday at 11:00 a.m. There is special music and involvement of the kids during the opening hymn as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. Sunday School will be held at 10:00 a.m.
• I want to congratulate all the graduates. We will miss your presence around here. I hope you have a safe and happy graduation experience.
• I want to wish the parents good luck with getting through this transitional period – Westminster is an awesome place to lean on when you go through this unique journey. Nothing like being in the presence of people who have traveled it ahead of you!
• I want to encourage you to sign up in the Schilling Gallery to volunteer hours at the FISH Pantry. June is our month to restock the pantry and WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! Dates to volunteer are: May 27, May 30, June 7, June 13, June 20. I appreciate all the volunteers that help with this much needed ministry!
• Our Habitat project will begin on July 24th. Mark your calendars! We are joining up forces with Central Baptist Church of Bearden this year. Be on the lookout for details.
• A sign up sheet is also posted in the Schilling Gallery for volunteers to serve Lemonade throughout the summer months. I love this fellowship time with one another after the 10:00 Summer Worship Schedule (May 30 – September 5)
• I want to remind you that even during your travels this summer, you can check our church calendar on our website for all the events happening here at Westminster. You can also review editions of the Abbey and read the church bulletins.

Hugs,

Renee Wiesehuegel

It was a sunny and cool Mother’s Day for the annual all-church picnic honoring graduating senior high school students and new youth confirmands.

Please join us this coming Sunday, May 9th, as we celebrate our 2010 Confirmation Class as well as Senior Sunday. Immediately after the 11:00 a.m. worship service, we will all gather in the Schilling Gallery and the courtyard for our annual church picnic. The chicken, mashed potatoes, and all the fixins’ will be catered by Take OutThyme. RSVP’s will be accepted through Tuesday night. You can either email the church office (westminsterpres@comcast.net) or call the church office (584-3958). We hope that you will join us!