Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
– Joshua 1:9
In early January snow blanketed the ground and most of us isolated in our homes as the virus raged. I learned to preach to “Stand Lee,” a music stand adorned with a smiley face, and an empty building. Ugh. I could write more of the emptiness but imagine you were as frustrated.
Month by month we monitored the safety and practicality of gathering, balancing the gnawing desire with risks. This congregation must be commended for the respect you showed one another in complying with safety protocols as you returned to worship at the WROC and sanctuary. In person attendance and online engagement via YouTube remain strong and use of social media tells us that Westminster is reaching beyond the building and Sunday mornings to a broad community.
Looking back on the ways the warmth melted snow, Westminster took strides forward. You persisted in serving despite the constraints. Indulge me with a few highlights.
At the Annual Meeting, I stated how much I admire this staff’s creativity and dedication as workloads increased and pivoting seemed the weekly dance move. The staff’s expertise and marvelous esprit de corps continue to bless Westminster.
Each expense dollar undergoes intense scrutiny: is it budgeted and prudent? Even though the building remained closed to groups for many months, like any home, we continued to maintain this precious structure.
Although we are being frugal, it is essential for us to invest in children and family ministry. Stay tuned as we hope to make announcements this summer.
Your generosity fuels us. In late February, a member offered to match, dollar-for-dollar, any funds raised to pay off a loan from PNC. Quietly, other generous donors provided funds over and above their pledged offerings and this $108,000 debt no longer burdens our balance sheet or requires monthly payments.
The Finance Commission and Internal Audit Committees have made significant progress in documenting processes, sorting through records, and preparing for an external audit. Their critical review, countless hours, and passion for Westminster are putting in place durable practices.
The projects funded by the endowment in April hum along with visible results in fresh paint to welcome, and new communications equipment stabilizes our online work.
Despite the many constraints of the pandemic and budget, music continues to bless us in worship. Amazing.
Volunteers, Outreach, Youth, Deacons, Children’s Ministry, WECEP, Adult Spiritual Development, Membership, the WROC…vital ministries overcame obstacles in unique ways. If this was possible in five months of a pandemic, imagine what else will blossom in 2021.
In humble service,
Jo