The great command issued from the ancient of days to love God and built upon by Jesus to love God and neighbor echoes throughout our faith and calls us forward. Westminster embraced Jesus’ twofold command at her inception and each successive generation brings these lofty ideals to life through concrete ministries. Westminster has and will continue to thrive when focused on spiritual growth in this community.

Having weathered financial distress in the past and the uncertainty of the pandemic, this congregation proved its strength by relying on the promises of Jesus Christ, one another, and lots of patience with technology. Although many churches struggled to engage people and crumbled from so much change, Westminster became nimble and re-imagined ministry. We look to 2022 with clear priorities.

First and fundamental to all ministry areas is to accept everyone with love. Because of your openness, new members and visitors remark on the refreshing and inclusive reception at worship and in classes. I marvel at the deep affection I witness among members and the sense of belonging to one another and God through Westminster. Unlike so many other congregations and organizations over the last several years, we find a way to sit together in common faith despite the wide ranging bipartisan political views.

At the heart of our work is to inspire wonder and meaning. This soul-stirring ranges from the vibrant music offered in worship, hearing Jesus’ stories with an open heart, the tender children’s message during the Bridge, to the mundane tasks of packing food bags and working together on behalf of someone who is hungry. As the prophets cried and Jesus lived, we pick up the ever-present call to seek justice, without exception. Our work in Volunteer ministries, Outreach, and the Peace and Justice Committee is motivated by the desire to salve the wounds where people hurt. All ages discover ways to courageously seek the change that will make our community stronger.

Throughout each of these areas, but deserving special notice, is the call to energize the next generation so the gospel thrives. As so many churches stumble trying to attract youth and remain relevant, Westminster becomes the safe harbor to explore the gospel. Honest conversations, silly games, and constant care encourage a little one’s imagination feel Jesus’ love.

All of the programs organized within these priorities rely upon the generosity of members who give. As God has blessed so many with resources of wisdom, money, and time, those who return a portion to further this work participate in the privilege of Christian discipleship. We are investing in people, in projects, in tools for ministry for the sake of making earth a little more like heaven. Thank you for your commitment to Westminster.

In faith,

Jo Forrest