By Kathy Peelor
Westminster Gardener and Weed Puller

For years I would drive by Westminster Presbyterian Church and wonder if I would "fit in" with the people of such a beautiful and very big church. Would that be the place for me? I was Methodist all my life but on the recommendation of my friend, Ellie Pigman, I visited Westminster off and on for several months. During those visits I could feel the comfort of warm, friendly people. 

And then I wondered what this church had to offer. I soon found out that Westminster was a busy church with lots of activities that reached out to its members and the community as well. Great sermons, lovely music, thought-provoking seminars, Wednesday night dinners, preschools, exercise classes, Bible studies and youth groups, just to name a few. And a church that accepts and loves everyone! So, I took the plunge and joined in the summer of 2010.

And then the question was, "What do I have to offer the church?" When I retired in 2012, I called Jan Baumann and asked if there was help needed with pulling weeds (yes, there was), planting flowers (yes), and so on. I met with the "landscaping guys" on Thursday mornings and when I proved that I could get down on my knees to plant flowers, and then get up again, I was in! Getting more involved, I began ushering, answering the phone at the reception desk in the office, and then becoming an elder. And as a result, I still serve on the Property Commission. All while meeting more members and making lovely new friends and realizing I had a church family right here.

Having lived in Salt Lake City, I am familiar with the statue of Brigham Young. After a long trek with other pilgrims across this land, he is reported to have said, "This is the place." And now I am saying that this church is the place – this is the right place for me. This is my church. Thanks be to God!