Serving Our World
Through our World Service Ministry team, WPC is involved in mission opportunities and challenges in impoverished areas outside of Knox County and throughout the world. We are involved in numerous activities both at Westminster and in cooperation with other organizations designed to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities. We provide the congregation with the opportunity to participate in regional and international mission trips. More specifically, this ministry offers a mechanism for members of Westminster to combat world hunger, provide drinkable water, improve the eyesight of individuals living in remote areas, and present health, hygiene and spiritual education to communities in need.
Bread for the World
Bread for the World (www.bread.org) is a Christian voice for ending hunger. A nonpartisan citizens' movement that includes about 2,000 churches, Bread for the World helps hungry people by lobbying our nation's decision makers on legislation that addresses the root causes of hunger, poverty and disease around the world. As individuals, we may volunteer in social ministries and give much-needed donations directly to local organizations. A single decision by Congress, however, can outweigh or multiply our individual contributions.
The Offering of Letters
Most years Westminster participates in the annual Bread for the World "Offering of Letters." In this event, we write letters to our representatives in Congress in support of legislation that will reduce hunger, poverty, and disease, including HIV/AIDS in the developing world. These letters can be written at church or from home. When we participate in this event, we provide sample letters for assistance.
Heifer Project International
Heifer International (www.heifer.org) provides long-term solutions to hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. Since 1944, Heifer has helped 8.5 million families toward greater self-reliance through the gift of livestock, honey bees, and plants, as well as training in environmentally sound agriculture. The impact of each initial gift is multiplied as recipients agree to "pass on the gift" by giving one or more of their animal's offspring to another family in need. Each year in November, the members of Westminster have the opportunity to support this international program.
Regional Mission Trip
Periodically, a group from Westminster participates in a regional mission trip, such as a work camp in rural Appalachia. Participants range in age from high school youth to retirees. As described by a past participant, this is a wonderful opportunity for both service and fellowship: "Every mission trip in which I participate is unique in its own way. The location, the work group, the work itself, the people we serve, and the intangibles all shape a truly unforgettable experience. Every time I leave familiar surroundings and routines and submerge myself in another environment, even if only for a week, I find myself much more open to God's voice and guidance.”
International Mission Trip
Westminster sponsors one international mission trip each year to a remote or impoverished area. We have staffed numerous vision clinics in conjunction with optometrists from VOSH (www.vosh.org), and we have installed several water purification systems with Living Waters for the World (www.livingwatersfortheworld.org). Trips to a medical clinic in Peru have included a day trip to Machu Picchu. Trips to the Dominican Republic have been coordinated through local communities and service organizations, whose members graciously open their homes to the Westminster congregation. This hospitality fosters cross-cultural appreciation and lifelong friendships.
Special Offerings
The World Service Ministry provides the congregation with the opportunity to support special programs sponsored by the Presbyterian Church. The Peacemaking Offering supports General Assembly and Synod’s peacemaking efforts and the World Service Ministry uses 25% of this offering to support a special cause. The Christmas Joy Offering supports missionaries, low income and retired church personnel. The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering supports people in need due to a variety of reasons, including refugees, disaster assistance, hunger and displaced individuals.
Theological Education
The World Service Ministry supports the ongoing education of future ministers, Christian educators, and church personnel by providing financial support to Presbyterian seminaries.
