Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by God’s power at work within us; glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
On January 6 the Session received news of the Reverend Dr. Jo Forrest’s desire to retire in the Spring of 2026. Planning this far in advance will ensure Westminster’s ongoing growth and stability.
In the past, a Presbyterian church would wait until an installed pastor left before calling an interim pastor. This model works well when the prior senior pastor has served the congregation for a long period of time, when the financial structure or membership rolls need to be refreshed, or ministry programs improved.
None of these conditions exist at Westminster.
Since calling Dr. Forrest, Westminster continued the courageous work to realign financial practices, established a sound foundation, and increased controls and transparency. Each successive year earned fiscal and operational health.
During the same time, Westminster launched new ministry programs, offered new forms of hands-on service, and evolved worship, education, and fellowship. New members joined and programs continue to strengthen with new participants.
To guard against any natural paralysis from ministry gaps or excessive transition, with the support of the Reverend Jessica McClure Archer, General Minister of the Pittsburgh Presbytery, the Session voted for the congregation to call and install its senior pastor. The following describes the process Westminster will employ to call a Pastor Nominating Committee and be positioned to vote to approve a candidate by spring of 2026 or sooner.
Laurence Christian and his wife, Anne Marie, along with their three children—Preston, Harrison, and Roslyn—became members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in November 2024 and deeply appreciate its welcoming, family-oriented community. A retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, Laurence now works as a local government consultant and previously served as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Columbus, GA. With their children actively involved in youth groups and church activities, the Christian family is grateful to call Westminster their spiritual home.
Upon retirement from a teaching career, Sue Davis moved to the Canonsburg area and, along with my husband, became a member of Westminster nine years ago. They have two married sons and five grandchildren. Sue is currently the moderator of the Deacons, facilitates a women’s morning study group and is a member of the Community Engagement Commission. Sue enjoys the various opportunities for study and hands on service projects, as well as being able to worship with our younger son’s family at Westminster.
Dave Heilman grew up in Westminster, first joining in the sixties. He has served on the board of WECEP, as an Elder and currently serves as the Treasurer of the church. Dave finds joy in serving and participating in local mission opportunities and wants to ensure that Westminster continues to be a large part of the faith community in the South Hills. He has held several senior executive positions in finance and administration in a variety of companies and have served as a board member of St. Clair Hospital for over 20 years.
Tom Page is a long-time member (55 years) who grew up and raised his family at Westminster. Tom is currently an elder and the Chairman of the Property Commission and was previously a deacon. Tom is a Project Manager/Biologist for Arcadis U.S., Inc., a large international engineering consulting firm. Tom loves that Westminster is a welcoming community of faith/church that serves people in need locally, nationally, and internationally, and we also have great programs for our youth!
Mark Rhoa and his wife, Laura, started attending Westminster about five years ago, and have since welcomed two children (Eleanor, three and a half and Everett, two) with a third on the way in June. Mark and Laura love the community of Westminster for young families and the ability for their children to attend the school. Mark works in sales for Chiz Bros, his family business, that supplies high temperature insulation for the steel and other industries.
Sarah Roode and her family began attending Westminster in the Spring of 2023 and quickly grew to love the welcoming, inclusive, and casual atmosphere at The Bridge service on Sunday Mornings, especially with young kiddos. Sarah and her husband, Luke, have two girls, Caroline (four) and Alexandra (two) who can typically be found dancing their hearts out in the corner of the gym, browsing the snack table(s), learning in Sunday School, and/or making friends in the Wiggle Room during the Bridge. Sarah and Luke had attended a number of churches over the years in various geographic locations throughout college, graduate school, and their early careers and have found Westminster to be so refreshingly unique in the vibrancy and connection within the church community; Sarah especially appreciates the fellowship in the LIFT women’s group and Bridge Ladies Night. Sarah is a veterinarian and works remotely in research and development for Zoetis, a veterinary pharmaceutical company.
Roberta Sarraf has been a member of Westminster for eight years. Mission and music drew her to this church. She sings in the Chancel Choir, has served as Deacon, is currently serving as Elder and is Chair of the Worship Commission, is a very active member of the Refugee Resettlement Team, enjoys the book groups and can be found in the kitchen for any mission opportunity involving food! She also volunteers at Meals on Wheels at the Crossroads.
Roberta is retired from her consulting practice which provided professional planning services to municipalities and developers in the field of land development and its regulation.
Roberta is a widow who resides in the Canonsburg area with her beloved cat, Cricket. She is blessed to be surrounded by dear friends and her Westminster family.
Dee Waters has been attending Westminster since 2018 and is involved with Children’s and Family Ministry, The Bridge, and the Stewardship commission. She absolutely loves the truly welcoming and friendly atmosphere that Westminster extends to everyone and she’s looking forward to the search for our new senior pastor. Dee is a middle school teacher who attends Westminster with her wife, Meghan, and daughter, Grace.