By Barbara and Lizzie Marsh

The Marsh family has been a part of Westminster Church for the past 56 years, and we want to thank you for giving us a place to worship and grow in our faith in connection with others whose faith foundation governs their lives. As grandmother and granddaughter, Barbara and Lizzie Marsh are two of our family who have been asked to write about our experiences at Westminster. Lizzie was baptized here when she was a baby. Barbara joined Westminster when her husband, Hetz, began his ministry as Westminster’s youth pastor, his first ordained position after graduating from seminary in 1968.

Barbara's Story

We came to Westminster as a young couple, believing that faith in God was the foundation of our life – our marriage, our work, our family. Westminster showed us a community of people who shared that belief. I was a young mother with a new baby (Beth), learning how to parent, how to support Hetz in his ministry, and how to find my own way in the church. As our family grew (Andrew was born a year and a half later), our children were enveloped by this loving congregation. They learned that church is an accepting, positive place to be, full of friends of all ages. We moved after 14 years, but maintained periodic contact with Westminster through Presbytery activities, teaching classes, and my work at Westminster’s Counseling Center. After retirement, we moved back to the South Hills. Beth and Andrew had grown, married, and had children of their own. Beth and her family worship at a Presbyterian church in Virginia. Andrew, Jenny, David, John, and Lizzie, living here, are active members of Westminster. David told us that we needed to join their church, and so we did. Coming back to Westminster was like coming home. We joined the choir, Bible study groups, Grace Book Group, and helped to lead the Grief Care groups. These opportunities enrich the messages of faith, encourage us to live out our faith, and remind us of God’s presence even in the midst of deep distress.

Lizzie's Story

Hi, my name is Lizzie Marsh. I have been going to Westminster Church since I was a baby. Westminster has always been a big part of my life. Growing up in our church has been a blessing, not only because my grandfather was a minister there, but because everyone I’ve met at Westminster has become like family to me. My bond with my grandparents has also deepened because of this shared connection. At the church, I have gotten involved with a lot of activities, but the activity that has affected me the most at Westminster is the youth group which we call Veritas. Not only is Veritas a wonderful youth group, but it has helped me find and grow my faith. This makes me want to share my faith with the world. This is my goal for my future career and I can thank Westminster Church for that.