MESSAGE FROM REV. WALKER

Dear Westminster Presbyterian Church Session and Beloved Congregation, and the Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Western Kentucky,

I write this letter to announce my retirement as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Paducah, KY, and as a Minister of Word and Sacrament of the Presbyterian Church (USA), effective Jan. 1, 2007.

I have been blessed to have served God and God's people at Westminster for 17 years, and the PCUSA for a total of 21 years as an ordained minister. It has been a labor of love!

We have been able to accomplish great things together on this Christian journey: the worship service has been modernized in keeping with the tenet of the Reformed Tradition to keep reforming; the church has been integrated with a rich diversity of folks from various racial-ethnic backgrounds and age groups; Westminster has grown mightily in its mission work in the United States, and the world; important ministries for youth and retirees have been given birth and nourishment; the church has established a thriving mid-week program; many people have grown in discipleship and spirituality, becoming true ambassadors of Jesus Christ.

Of course, as for all churches, there is more to do. Keep the faith; God will show you the way. I write this letter of my intent to retire with this ample notice so that you can plan adequately for the transition, and focus on the future that God has in mind for Westminster.

I expect to have an active retirement. I will continue to serve the Lord in chaplaincy work, among other things. I am currently in pray with God, and in conversation with others, where I might serve best. I will continue to give Westminster my best efforts until Jan. 1, 2007, and my prayers always.

My family and I feel blessed to have been among you, for your friendship, and for your thousand acts of love and kindness.

In Christ,

Rev. Larry Walker, pastor

PW NEWS

The PW coordinating team met on Wednesday August 30, in Bunce Hall to plan the Presbyterian Women’s activities for the 06-07 year. Please watch for details in the “ PW Year Book” to be published in late September early October.

Circle Meetings

The Guild Circle met Tuesday, September 5^th. Lunch at B Russell’s at 11:45 then returned to the Church at 1:00p.m. For Bible Study. The Guild welcomes any woman of the church who does not belong to a circle to join us in our fellowship, work and study.

The Evening Circle will meet Tuesday, September 12^th, 6:00 P.M. Please bring a sack supper. Bible Study will be lead by Lay Minister Sharon Fessmire.

FALL GATHERING

The PW Fall Gathering will be held Monday September 25,2006 from 10-2 at First Presbyterian Church in Owensboro. This year’s theme is “Fall into PW” Reservations need to be made by the 19^th. Call the church office if you would like to attend.

Debbie McCoy the PW in WKP Moderator encourages as many as possible to attend this important meeting. A number of interesting workshops are planned.

Prebyterian WOMENS IN-DOOR Picknic Tuesday September 19, at 5:30 p.m. in Bunce Hall

Please bring yourself the food is furnished. We will take up money for the Presbyterian “Birthday Offering”. Call Betty at 443-5074 or Phyllis at 554-8331 so we can get a head count. Thanks

Church Family News

The Westminster Church Family sends our heartfelt condolences to the Family of Miguou Thompson.

We also ask that you remember Ophelia and Leonard Rickman on the death of their Sister / Sister-in-law.

Our deep condolences and our daily prayers go out to all the Hurley family and especially to Shirley on the sudden death of her beloved Mother.

Please pray for each of these families as they deal with fresh grief.

Birth Announcement:

Robert, Alex, Eliza and William Echols are happy to welcome their new baby sister, Katherine (Kate) Grace Echols. Congratulations to the Proud Parents: Rob & Lisa Echols and to the Proud Grandparents: Bob & Jo Echols

50^th Wedding Anniversary Party for Vernon and Jean Brown will be Saturday, September 23,from 2-4 P.M. in Bunce Hall. Everyone is welcome.!

MISSION opportunities

“Living Waters for the world” in Early 2007 (March) the Presbytery of Western Kentucky will send a group of 10 people to Guatemala where they will install a water purification system and train/teach people how and why to use it. Help by providing prayerful and financial support to the project. _FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO HELP OR TO BE INVOLVED CALL THE PRESBYTERY OFFICE AT 1-800-811-9170

“Barbeque on the river” September 23-26th Get involved in the church fund raising effort. The first group meeting was held August 30^th. All those present were able to sample the “Beignets” that will be sold at the church booth. There are many opportunities for the church family to be involved. Call the church for more information. Nate Heider is heading up this project

Harvestfest 2006: 1^st Presbyterian Church of Hopkinsville will host “ Harvestfest 2006 Life-Long Learning” Sunday September 17^th, 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. with registration at 2:30. The whole church is encouraged to attend. Workshops are being offered for all ages. For more information or to sign up for transportation call the church office.

FEED THE HUNGRY Sunday September 9^th Westminster will again be responsible for serving the meal at Saint Luke- Aldersgate . Julie Golightly is the lead on this project. Food and volunteers are welcomed. This mission is always a blessing to both those who give and those who receive.

“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.

NEW MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

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I am a bowler, I do cross-stitch and crochet. I love yard work and gardening and I like children. Do you know who I am?

The church family has recently grown with the addition of a number of new members. Please make a special effort to get to know each one of our blessed new members by heart! Pictures of all our new members are on the bulletin board as you come in the back door of the church.

Note: Casey Williams from Ledbetter died in a car crash in late August. 15-year-old Casey was a classmate to several of the girls in our youth group. Please remember Casey’s family and friends in your prayers.

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 there is a way you can put a smile on their face, or help to ease their pain or suffering.

WESTMINSTER WEDNESDAYS

an in-formal 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”

The Chancel Choir is looking for a few good men and women if you can sing or enjoy making a joyful noise talk to Ms Debbie Gray. We have started working on the Christmas music and would welcome you to join us with open arms.

THANK YOU to all of those who work so hard to keep the church running, who conduct the business, decorate the building, teach the children and the adults and to those who say yes when it is so much easier to say no. May God bless and keep you and give you strength and wisdom to continue with God’s work here at Westminster.

STEWARTSHIP CAMPAIGN BEGINS

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.

Over the next six weeks, our members are challenged to think about their estimate of giving for 2007 and are encouraged to pledge their best. Our goal is to obtain financial participation by 100% of the congregation.

MESSAGE FROM REV. WALKER

August/September 2006 issue