Christian Education

Westminster Presbyterian Church offers Christian Education classes on Sundays at 10:40 a.m. for Adults and Children.  Bible study with the Pastor is scheduled for Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.  Various other classes are offered during the year, please check our calendar for more information.

Ancient Israel's Struggle: "Book Religion" verses "Folk Religion"

Led by Howard Wallace

March 30-April 27, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.

Recent archaeological discoveries indicate that over a period of several centuries Isreal had a lively "folk religion" - much of it borrowed from the lands it occupied. This was in contrast to its "book religion." Do we have a similar situation today with our current beliefs and practices? In this class, we will explore the fascinating interplay of people called by God from a variety of backgrounds and directed by God to initiate something new and unique in the world - and those who insisted that their beliefs and practices were quite adequate. The record of this struggle is our Old Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures. Through the class, we will be referring to thes scriptures, so please bring your Bibles.

Touched by God, Part II: Appalachian & Other American Music

Led by Merrill Crawford and Tom Sutherland

May 4-May 18, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.

The series will be a spiritual and musical journey through this beautiful, haunting and hopeful music. Each class will include a Bible study and discussion o a different theme found in Appalachian hymns. The series will give glimpses of how circumstances, culture and God shaped the lives of Appalachian people and how this is reflected in the Biblical themes, musical styles, and teaching methods found in the American music which was sung in the homes and churches of Appalachia and other regions of America. This music has had a powerful and wide ranging impact on the spiritual lie of America.

In the class, we will see and hear both historical and contemporary examples (from the 1920's to the present day of this influential genre of American hymned. And together we will learn how to sing in the Singing Convention tradition using the Sacred Harp and other early hymn books. We will explore the geographic, historical, social, religious and musical background of the people.

This series is about how God touche people then and how God touches people now through this music and the culture that gave birth to it. This series is about praise, hope and worship. Please join us for a time of Bible study, lively discussion, fellowship and beautiful music.

These Days

Available at Westminster

These days magazine has been the concrete expression of the church's witness to the love of Jesus Christ to the world. The magazine, which features daily meditations and devotions wonderfully written by clergy and lay leaders, continues to be the source of comfort and hope throughout the world, and has been for thirty-five years.

Each quarterly edition of These Days features:

• Approximately 90 devotions, one for each day of three months
• Both regular and large print editions
• Suggestions for using the devotions
• "These Moments", a brief segment on contemporary issues, beginning with each issue
• "These Times", the concluding section that includes questions for reflection and discussion.

You may pick your copy of These Days up at the Westminster Office.

Parenting Class

Led by Yasyn Lee

Every Sunday, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

This class is for any adult involved in child rearing. We intend to meet through the entire school year. The format is informal discussion on topics that the class chooses. Yasyn Lee serves as a coordinator and resource person for the class. The class often finds expertise from our own experiences and consults media resources as needed. Last year, we discussed wide ranging topics and questions including: "What about Santa Claus and the meaning of Christmas?", Emotional Intelligence, Sibling Rivalry, Bedtimes, Parental Conflict, Lying, Effective Discipline, Mealtimes. There is no preparation needed and you can drop in on the class at any point. Nursery care is available during the class time and older children are in Sunday School The goal of this class is to provide support to parents as we face the challenge of nurturing our children in the church.  Please join us.

Pastor's Tuesday Morning Bible Study

Ever Tuesday, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

You are invited to come to the Pastor's Tuesday Morning Bible Study, which meets in the Board Room from 9:00-10:00. We will look at God's call to Jesus to be the messiah, Jesus' response to that call, and his crucifixion and resurrection as recorded in The Gospel of John. We always welcome newcomers to the class.

Westminster’s Nursery

Sundays during worship, 9:30-11:45 a.m.

We are glad to provide nursery service for our children up to four years old. Our Nursery Attendant, Sandra Falls, and the youth who assist, enjoy the interaction with the youngest children of the congregation. This service is provided during Sunday worship service and the Sunday School hour. Shirley White and Shelley Malone teach the 2 year olds during the first 20 minutes of Sunday School hour, and Lisa Fast and Katey Birch teach the 3-4 year olds during Sunday School.

Children's Musical: May 11

Once Upon a Parable, by Tom S. Long and Allen Pote

In this 45-minute musical, our favorite energetic story-tellers try to capture the humor and contemporary nature of some of Jesus' most familiar parables. Don't miss this great opportunity to watch our kids shine!!

Youth Sunday School:

Experiencing, Learning, Knowing our Faith

Our knowledge of God is a gift that has been given to us through God's loving Spirit-what better way to take care of that gift than by participating in a Westminster Sunday school program? Westminster offers many quality educational opportunities that assist on the journey of exploring God's word.

At Westminster, we begin teaching our youngest children at age 2 and continue to offer educational programs for every age thereafter. Members of the church and visitors alike are welcome to attend any of the classes we offer. There are no advanced sign-ups or fees, and we provide all the materials.

Children enjoy the diversity of learning that is offered at Westminster-from the small group opportunities where they learn that day's bible story, to the larger group experience that allows them to engage with children of different ages.

Westminster used the Walk With Me curriculum that offers a variety of ways to learn Scripture with our Reformed perspective. If you have any questions about any of our Sunday school programs, or would like to review the curriculum, feel free to call the church office at 583-1729. All are welcome to join and learn on Westminster's faith journey.

Vacation Bible School: Rainforest Adventure!!

June 16-20, 9 a.m.—12 p.m.

Swing right into Rainforest Adventure for a Tree-Top Bible Blast! In this year’s VBS, kids will explore God’s wondrous love while learning about the rainforest and how to live “green” in today’s world. Day 1: We Share. Boaz shares with Ruth. (Ruth 2:1-17). Day 2: We Give. Elisha gives food to 100 people. (2 Kings 4:42-44).  Day 3: We Grow. Parable of the Mustard Seed. (Mark 4:30-32). Day 4: We Love. Jesus the Vine. (John 15:1-5, 7-17).  Day 5: We Praise! Jesus Enters Jerusalem. (Mark 11:1-10).

Right now, we are looking for teachers for Kindergarten/Grade 1, Grades 2-3, and Grades 4-6, as well as a Music Leader. We also need volunteers to help set up, tear down, bring snacks, and a thousand other things! If you are interested in helping out in any way, or if you would like to start signing your kids up, please contact Gavin today at 583-1729.

Calling All High School Youth: Fast With An Impact!!!

Friday, April 18 after school through Saturday, April 19 6:00 p.m.

Did you know? The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world is well-fed, one-third is under-fed one-third is starving. Since you’ve started to read this page, at least 200 people have died of starvation. Over 4 million will die this year. This is the issue that we will address in our youth fast this year, which will take place on April 18-19. It will include fun & games, but we will also be learning about issues from hunger related issues in Africa to unfair labor issues in the food industry. Meet at the church after school-11:00 p.m. Friday & 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Saturday.  Please bring $5.00 for the evening meal. ?Questions? See Gavin’s Facebook page or call 663-2607.