Published by:
Westminster Presbyterian
Church
2732 Broadway
Paducah, KY 42001
Phone:
270-443-2919
The Ministers of Westminster
One of the bedrock beliefs of Presbyterians dating back not only to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th Century, but also to the words of Holy Scripture where the Apostle Paul speaks of “a royal priesthood”, is the concept of the “priesthood of all believers.”
The idea is that all the members of the church are ministers with the ability and the responsibility to do Christian ministry.
When I was growing up in the First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethtown, KY, I remember that on the back of the Sunday morning worship bulletin the church staff was listed--pastor, director of music, etc.--and then, under the heading of Ministers, it said “All the members of the church.” Everyone was a minister. That is the priesthood of all believers.
In my 17 years as pastor of Westminster, there has been a wonderful shared ministry between me and all you ministers of the church. But, in the last several months, about the time that I announced my retirement, effective at the end of this year, I have seen evidence of tremendous growth in the ministers of Westminster. Part of this growth has been out of necessity. The church has adopted a “tentmaking” model of ministry where the pastor takes on another job in addition to his pastoral duties--becoming bi-vocational--and the church members take on additional responsibilities at the church.
The “priesthood of the believers” at Westminster has been critically important as I have needed to devote time, initially, to work as a chaplain through Marketplace Chaplains, and, then, more recently, a change in my tentmaking ministry work to serving as a Spanish teacher at Marshall County High School.
But, the fact is, the “ministers of Westminster” are, and will continue to be, an important part of the good cause of Jesus Christ.
Look around. See our ministers of Westminster visiting the sick, making house calls, doing office work, setting up a church web site, leading fundraisers for vital church ministries and missions, feeding the hungry, teaching, preaching, doing church repairs and renovations, hosting our fellowships, leading Bible studies and prayer groups…
Westminster ministers--all of you--you are a wonderful priesthood, called by God to do this good work!
Rev. Larry Walker
WESTMINSTER
YOUTH CAPTURE SPIRIT TROPHY
A group of 13 Westminster Youth captured the spirit trophy at the 50th “ Telethon of Stars” following an all night event from 10:p.m. Saturday until 6:00 a.m. Sunday where the kids and their sponsors encouraged and supported the multitude of local, regional and national talent as they performed and raised money to support the regions work for children and adults with disabilities. The youth wore coordinated hand crafted t-shirts identifying their Westminster affiliation and danced, cheered, screamed and out spirited the other groups to win. The group was often spotted on the TV broadcast of the event and all the kids were seen as they donated the $250.00 dollar donation made from the proceeds of the Soup and Desert benefit held earlier in the month. Kitmo allowed the group to also make their corporate donation and provided the Westminster kids with a room for rest and refreshments. A big thank you goes out to Kitmo and to Rob and Francie. The spirit trophy will be displayed at the Church. Please see the church Web site for pictures of the fun. .
A prayer for Veteran's Day
God of the ages, we thank you for all who have served in the armed forces of this country. Comfort those who grieve for those who gave the last full measure of devotion. Strengthen those who bear physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. Stand with those who provide care to them. Move us to reach out to sisters and brothers. Guide us to work for the day when no one needs to serve in the military. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. |
Church Family News
Ruby's address
> 840 Glen Abby White Melbourne, Fl
32940 Phone 321 752 9042
PW NEWS
The 06-07 Presbyterian Women’s Year Book is now available
contact the office if you did not get a copy.
Circle Meetings
The Guild Circle
Meets Dec. 5th Lunch then return to church to make fruit baskets for shut ins.
The Evening Circle
Will meet for Dinner then Christmas Caroling on Tuesday night Dec. 5th. Replaces meeting on Dec. 12th.
The
PW Christmas Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday December 2nd. At B-Russell’s
Restaurant in Paducah. Please be thinking about who you might like to invite to
share this wonderful “kick-off “to the Holiday season. The cost will be $13.00 per
person and will include tax and tip. Desert will be provided back at the
Westminster Parlor. Reservations will be taken until November 27th.
MISSION opportunities
MIssion OPPORTUNITIES “SOS” All types of household items are needed. Especially needed Bunk beds, king size bed frame and bed sheets, washers and dryers, dressers/chests and gas/electric stoves. If you have items to share call the church office or e-mail the church.
ON-going PCM food drive. Bring your food items each Sunday and drop them off in the basket by the door.
CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS ARE HERE. Please take one and fill it for needy children in our area. Please return the filled stockings
WESTMINSTER WEDNESDAYS
An informal fellowship and Christian Education night for adults and children. Bring a dish and join the fun. We are saving a place for you! We start at 6:00.
The adult study is “Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt”
Westminster women are joining PW in the “07” mission,
Together In Service” We are collecting sheets to send to hospitals in
third world countries. Please donate if possible new white twin or full flat
sheets Budget sheets are wonderful! Please leave sheets by the Parlor Door.
We will ship donations in Mid-November.
600 sheets equip a one hundred bed hospital for three years!! Thanks P Brown and N Dattoli.
HAPPY Thanksgiving
to everyone
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
The church has many challenges facing it in 2007. The
search for a new pastor is our most urgent and important task. However, we must
also undertake some minor repairs to the church property.
Thanks to all who participated in the blessing of
estimates of giving for 07. The campaign is on going.
. Please be in prayer for
our stewardship campaign.
Christmas Music
Westminster Christmas Cantata Let Heaven and Nature Sing GLORIA! Will be performed by the Chancel Choir Sunday December 17th during the worship hour. Please come and invite others to attend as well!
Reception
Reception to Honor Rev. Walker and family will be held immediately following the Cantata on Sunday Dec. 17th. Rev. Walker has served this church for 181/2 years. Let’s celebrate them for all they have done and wish them God’s speed as they move forward.
Christmas in the
Park
Westminster will be manning the Light display in Bob Noble Park on Dec. 28th Youth and adults are needed to help. Leave your name at the office. Thanks
Youth Christmas
Pageant
The Westminster Youth will present “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” on Sunday afternoon December 10th just prior to the Mission Dinner. Please make every effort to support the activities of our youth.
Mission Dinner
December 10 is the date for the annual Mission Dinner to brighten up the Christmas of men, women and Families at River City Mission and to share a fun time with the folks from Four Rivers. Members will be needed to bring good basic side dishes and deserts to share with our guests.
Hanging of the
Green
The church will need to be decorated for the Christmas Season. Many happy hands will be needed. Date to be announced.
Christmas Eve
Service
Please include this very special service in your Holiday plans. Our Christmas Eve service has become a community tradition and is a moving and joyful experience for all. Dec. 24th at 6:00p.m.
November 28th Morning Prayers at 7:30 followed
by breakfast 8:15
Please remember all those at Westminster who are ill, troubled or suffering. An up-to-date list is published in the bulletin each week. Perhaps during this most joyful season there is a way you can put a smile on their face, or help to ease their pain or suffering.