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News - News, April

Church Closed Indefinitely

At its recent meeting, the Session received word from Donegal Presbytery that all in-person worship and activities in congregations are suspended until further notice. This means Westminster will continue to remain closed AFTER the May 10 deadline we had originally approved on March 17.  We will not consider opening AT LEAST until the Presbytery allows for that to happen, but could extend our own timetable if leaders believe it prudent to do so. We are grateful for ALL who are helping us continue our ministry, mission, fellowship and worship during this season. Your phone calls to one another; ZOOM engagements; guest book signatures; Facebook comments; emails; and financial contributions are all keeping this vibrant faith community alive and at work!!!

Calling All Business Owners!

 If you have a small business, ​our Serving Our Neighbor Vision Team wants to help you. Please let us know how we can support you and we will share it with the congregation by emailing Terri Pennington. Listed below are relevant websites, advocacy groups and webinars to help you through this difficult time.

The Four Gospel Journey, a film series by Alexander J. Shaia

How do we face change? How do we move through suffering? How do we receive joy? How do we mature in service? In this six week film series Alexander J. Shaia uses the great map of the four Gospels, as did the early Christians, to guide us on the Christ journey of love, growth and transformation. Darkness isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. The series includes six conversation films with Alexander, a discernment and discussion guide, and transcripts of the conversation. The series invites us to discover that the darkness isn’t the end, but is rather the beginning of a new journey with Jesus. Please contact Jennie Clark if you would like to watch the films along with the Journey class on Sundays.

  • April 26 “Preparing Heart and Mind for the Journey”
  • May 3 “Waking and Facing Change: Climbing Matthew’s Great Mountain”
  • May 10 “Moving Through Trials: Crossing Mark’s Stormy Sea”
  • May 17 “Receiving Gifts: Resting in John’s Glorious Garden”
  • May 24 “Maturing Through Service: Walking Luke’s Road of Riches”  
  • May 31 “The Essential Practices of the Journey”

This Sunday @ 11:10 Spotify Playlist

Want to prepare for worship by listening to the songs we will sing in the 11:10 service? Every week, this playlist is updated to include songs for the upcoming Sunday (so long as they are on Spotify). Click here to follow the playlist.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update III

Dear Members and Friends of Westminster Presbyterian Church of West Chester:
In response to recommendations from health care professionals and the actions of local, state and national authorities, Westminster’s Session met by conference call last evening and approved the following responses to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community, effective today:
On Campus Gatherings and Ministries Canceled/Office Closed
All on-campus gatherings of ANY groups are canceled until further notice. If you facilitate such a group, please communicate this to all your members – especially those who may not receive the church email. The building will be closed all week and a deep cleaning by an outside firm will be done. Staff will work remotely and communicate daily by conference call or ZOOM meeting. Staff should be accessible by email as well.

How Do I Watch the Live Stream?
Need help watching the live stream on your TV? Click here for an instructional video to watch with Roku. Click here for an instructional video to watch with Apple TV. Click here for an instructional video to watch on YouTube with your Smart TV. Print out a bulletin before the service, and consider giving online this week.
Pastoral Care
If you have an emergency, and need to contact a pastor, call the church office at 610-399-3377, press 2, and follow the instructions to leave a message for the pastor on call.
We invite you to stay connected to other church members during this time. Pick up the phone. Call someone. Send an email or text. Send pictures of your household streaming worship. Be especially mindful of members and friends who might feel very isolated in this time. Continue to pray for all those affected by this virus, as well as for those who seek to reduce its spread and impact. We believe these actions, as well as our individual engagement in best practices of safety and health are an expression of Christian love for our community and acts of faithful stewardship in the world. It is our confidence in God’s sovereignty, as well as the divine gifts of heart, mind and spirit that enable us to be good stewards in this difficult season.
Blessings,
Pastor Don, on behalf of the staff and elders

 

KidsConnect Faithful Family Friday Resources

Sunday KidsConnect Lessons
Note: Lessons will be emailed to families each week from Grade Level Coordinators
For Such a Time As This - Resources to Connect You to Faith, Family & Community
The Children’s Spiritual Growth Team realizes that families' schedules are more hectic during this time of social distancing. We are feeling isolated, trying to find new rhythms and our in-box is overwhelming. Routines as we know it are changing every day. With this in mind we would like to offer Spiritual Family Resources for your families every Friday.
Looking Ahead: Large Group KidsConnect Gathering via Zoom.
Look for details to Zoom Invite in coming weeks. Feel free to pick & choose what works for you and your family, as you are able. We encourage you to do what you can do, and to let go of what is not bringing Joy. Contact Sue Spotts for more information or support.
Family Resources

Empathy: A Journey Inward, A Journey Outward

Youth Director, Chris Clark will lead a Zoom conversation, Empathy: A Journey Inward, A Journey Outward at 11am Sunday, April 19 as part of our Journey Class.  What does it take to come together as humans? What does it take to come together as the Body of Christ? We will engage these questions, reflecting on our inner lives, how we move outward to encounter one another, and how following Christ invites us on the journey of greater empathy and compassion. It is a journey on which we bring our full selves and stories that we might move toward healing, wholeness and our deeper shared humanity. You can participate by joining on ZoomContact Jennie Clark for meeting ID.

Decorate an Easter Butterfly

Pastor Ann asks you to decorate a butterfly during worship today. Butterflies are a symbol of new life and resurrection. Click here to decorate yours! 

WPC College Zoom Gatherings

Join Chris Clark and Jon Frost every other Wednesday at 3:30pm beginning this Wednesday, April 15th, for a time of connection and conversation. Contact Chris Clark for more information. 

Easter Sunday Flowers and Photos

We loved seeing how you decorated and celebrated Palm Sunday in your homes. Traditionally on Easter, Westminster members take family photos at our flower cross. This year to celebrate together, we would love to see how you decorated your home for Easter, lived streamed worship or a family's Easter photo. Send photos to Lynn George to share with your church family.

Write Thank You Cards for Medical Care Givers

While most of us are staying home to keep everyone safe, some people continue to go to work each day to ensure our health and safety. Physicians, nurses, therapists, dining services, housekeeping, and many other support staff continue to care for patients. And now they do this amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
To express our gratitude to our local medical personnel and support staff, we invite you and your family to join in writing thank-you notes to them. If you are interested in participating, please click here to obtain directions. Questions? Contact Pastor Ann.

How Can I Help Others During COVID-19

The Serving Our Neighbor Vision Team has come up with a list of ways to support our community during this pandemic. We hope you will participate in one or more activities:

  • Buy gift cards to local restaurants. The funds will go to the restaurant now and you can use the gift card whenever you wish.
  • Donate Blood. Blood is in great need right now. Signup with The Red Cross.
  • Buy grocery store gift cards or make a financial contribution for the West Chester Food Cupboard
  • Fill out our congregational survey to help us discover your talents, interests and occupation of those 18 and older.
  • Make a video to put on social media (for example, making a medical mask, reading a book, teaching something) Send an email to Ken Ballinger and he will set up a time to record/edit the video.
  • Offer to shop for groceries or pick up medications for someone.
  • Help make hand sewn masks for Chester County Hospital. Call 610-431-5108 to schedule a pick up for the materials. Each sheet of fabric will make 20-30 masks. You can pick up fabric at the supply donation center inside the parking garage.
  • Anita Gordon from the Gleaning Garden is in need of volunteers to grow/harvest plants that were to be planted at church. If you are interested, please contact her at 610-620-5059 or by email.
  • Write a thank you letter of gratitude for our local medical personnel and support staff. We are hoping to have 300 letters written to distribute. If you are interested in participating, please email Ann Hatfield to obtain directions.

Westminster Makes the News!

Over the weekend The Daily Local wrote an article about Westminster and other churches turning to technology and live streaming to hold worship. Click here to read the article. 

Resources for Families During COVID-19

Resources to Connect You to Faith, Family & Community: The Children’s Spiritual Growth Team realizes that families' schedules are more hectic during this time of social distancing. We are feeling isolated, trying to find new rhythms and our in-box is overwhelming. Routines as we know it are changing every day. With this in mind we would like to offer Spiritual Family Resources for your families every Friday. 

Palm Sunday Coloring Page

While we can't wave real palms together tomorrow for Palm Sunday, celebrate byfinding a green branch in your yard and hanging it on your front door, or print out this coloring page palm to wave while you worship at home. We'd love to see how you celebrate Palm Sunday by sending a photo to Lynn George.