The Ministers of Westminster

One of the bedrock beliefs of Presbyterians dating back not only to the Protestant Reformation of the 16^th 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

October 29^th Designated High Attendance Sunday

Plan to come and bring a friend.

PW NEWS

The 06-07 Presbyterian Women’s Year Book is under production and will be available soon.

Circle Meetings

The Guild Circle met Tuesday, October 3^rd. at Fazoli’s for Lunch 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, October 10th, 6:00 P.M. Supper will be provided by Jean B. and Jeanne

S. Bible Study will be lead by Lay Minister Sharon Fessmire. It would be a great time to come and join the circle.

FALL GATHERING

The PW Fall Gathering was held September 25, 2006 from 10-2 at First Presbyterian Church in Owensboro. This year’s theme is “Fall into PW”

This gathering was a great event information on missions and other issues will be shared by the four Westminster women who were able to attend. Three quilts were donated to the Bellwood Quilt Project and a donation of $50.00 was submitted for the Least Coin offering.

Prebyterian WOMENS IN-DOOR Picknic

This event was a great success! Thirteen women shared a lovely meal, great fellowship and a focus on mission. Donations of $200.00 were accepted for the “06” Birthday offering. A heartfelt thank you goes to Betty and Phyllis and all those who helped.

Remember: October is Pastor appreciation Month.

The PW Christmas Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday December 2^nd. 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 27^th.

Church Family News

The Westminster Church Family sends our best wishes and Prayers to Ruby Frost on her move to Florida. You will be greatly missed.

Andy and Selena Heider are expecting. Congratulations to the happy couple and to Grandparents Pattie and

Michael Cromwell and to the Great Grandmother Shirley Bailey.

MISSION opportunities

“Reports”

“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 The offering collected recently totaled $200.00

“Barbeque on the river” Wow! What a learning experience. “Lots and lots” of the church family were involved. We had a great time. We earned $1,200.00 less some expenses. Thanks to Nate for leading the project. Thanks to all those at Westminster who put in their time, energy, and resources.

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.

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.

Paducah Cooperative Ministry is grateful for the member congregations and individuals who have been very intentional this summer in their efforts to assist the food pantry. Thank you very much. In the months June – August PCM has assisted households with food 1242 times.

YOGA for food

Introductory YOGA class on Monday and Thursday Evening at 5:30 At United Church of Paducah

Cost: a food donation for PCM. Contact Tim Whittaker of True North YOGA at 444-6584 or tim@truenorthyoga.com

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. The church goal is to obtain financial participation by 100% of the congregation.

Rev. Dick Bridges will be a guest speaker on October 22^nd. Rev. Bridges is a member of the Presbytery Finance Committee.

A challenge budget for 2007 will be submitted showing the financial needs for the church. Pledges will be dedicated in the Sunday Morning Service on October 29^th.Please be in prayer for our stewardship campaign.

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 is 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”

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.

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 concentrate on 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.

The Ministers of Westminster

“Reports”

October 2006 issue