Current news at westminster
November/December Newsletter here
Game Night
All are invited to a Game Night in the REACH wing of the education building Friday November 30 from 6-8pm. There'll be card games and board games (like Risk, Monopoly, Apples to Apples), and pizza and snacks. Come check out the new digs in the former nursery school area, and enjoy an evening of fun, food and fellowship. All ages are invited and encouraged to bring a friend!
Greening of the Church
Adults are invited to the annual “Greening of the Church” this Friday, November 30 beginning at 5pm to put up trees in the sanctuary and decorations in the social room and narthex. Following the greening, all are invited to the home of Linda and Tony Gero, for adult fellowship. Please bring a hearty appetizer or side dish; Tony and Linda will provide beer, wine, and pizza. Additional beverages are also welcome, as are gluten-free options and desserts. Please join us for this traditional evening of work, fellowship, food, and fun!
Loose Change Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated toward a special cause each month. In November, the loose change in the offering plates supports the Veterans Clinic Services at Auburn Community Hospital.
Wednesday Noon Study
After Thanksgiving, starting November 28, the Wednesday Noon Study Group will reconvene with a 4-week Advent study, in which they will contemplate the Magnificat, Mary's song of praise, using a beautiful devotional from Presbyterians Today. Participants will receive a free copy.
Elder Care Conversation Circle
Are you concerned that your parents aren’t safe in their home anymore?
Are you overwhelmed with helping with meals, medicines, hygiene, appointments?
Are you confused about the services available to help you help them?
Are you “parenting your parents”?
Come talk with others who are on this same journey at the Elder Care Conversation Circle, which meets on the last Tuesday of each month for conversation, sharing, and support. The Elder Care Conversation Circle meets November 27 and December 18 at 7pm in the social room of Westminster Church. Sessions include general sharing and listening, and occasional outside speakers on topics of concern to the group.
Children's Worship Center
The Children's Worship Center offers an age appropriate worship experience for children ages 3 years old through grade 2, based on the Montessori model. Children learn to experience God's presence through hearing Bible stories and responding to them. Storyteller Noel Lardeo and a trained greeter welcome children to this unique space every Sunday morning following the pastor's time with children in the sanctuary. The Worship Center is located right outside the sanctuary doors. Worship Center parents, grandparents, guardians, and other family members are invited to lunch at the westside McDonalds with Noel Lardeo on Sunday, November 18, following worship and education hour. Enjoy a casual family-friendly meal, and conversation with Noel while the children play.
Deacons Brunch
The Deacons Brunch is next Sunday, December 2. Come and enjoy good food and fellowship in the Great Hall next Sunday immediately following worship. Guys, remember to wear a Christmas tie for the annual Christmas Tie Photo!
Sunday Worship and Sermon Previews
Join us at 9:30am Sundays:
Nov. 25: "The king who carried no sword," a sermon for Christ the King Sunday about alternative forms of power
Dec. 2: "Looking for the fig tree," an Advent sermon about searching for signs of hope
Dec. 9: Guest preacher, Rev. Jenna Heery
Dec. 16: "Removing the poison," an Advent sermon asking what needs to be cut out of our lives
Dec. 21 (7pm): "Singing in the dark," a Longest Night sermon
Dec. 23: A Modern Cantata, "The Great Light" by Eugene Butler
Dec. 24 (7pm): "Salvation from the margins," a Christmas Eve sermon
Dec. 30: Nine Lessons and Carols
December in brief: Mark your calendars!
December 2, Sunday, at 10:30am: Deacons Brunch
December 14, Friday, at 7pm, Holiday Voices in Concert (Genesee Street Voices) at Westminster
December 21, Friday, at 7pm, Longest Night Service
December 23, Sunday, at 9:30am, Worship with Christmas Cantata
December 23, Sunday, 1-4pm, Salvation Army Miracle Kitchen
December 24, Monday, at 7pm, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 24, Monday, at 11:30pm, chapel open for reflection and fellowship
December 30, Sunday, at 9:30am, Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
Westminster Choirs
On Sunday, December 23, the choir will be performing the Christmas cantata, “A Great Light” by Eugene Butler which will incorporate readings, solos, piano and handbells. As always, the vocal and handbell choirs cheerfully welcome anyone who would like to join us. Handbells rehearse Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm and vocal choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm as well as 9:00am on Sundays.
December Contemplative Hike
Join us for a time of renewal in the beauty of God's creation as we reconnect, in prayerful silence and conversation, with our spirits and the Spirit of our Maker. Saturday, December 22, from 1-3pm, we will hike at the Cayuga Community College Nature Trail. CCC is an easy trail, but please wear boots as the trail may be snowy or muddy. RSVP with Patrick at pastor@westminsterauburn.org or 315-253-3331.
Salvation Army Miracle Kitchen
On December 23 from 1-4 pm, Westminster will host a Pre-Christmas Eve Dinner at the Salvation Army. Decoration makers, table setters, cooks, servers, dish washers, gift givers and other fun roles are open to congregation members and their friends and family. There will also gift "shop" for our guests. Please let Susan Marteney know if you will be joining the dinner crew no later than Sunday, December 16.
See and Do
The theme of this year's stewardship is "See and Do: Being a Matthew 25 Church," calling us to look around and see the needs in our community, and respond by serving others. The symbol of this year's theme are Mexican "Ojos de Dios" (God's eyes) which represent "the power to see and understand things unknown." You'll see these "God's Eyes" around the church. Your pledge to Westminster for 2019 will help us be the church God calls us to be.
Sunday School
Children in grades K through 3, and 4 through 7 meets in the new REACH wing during the education hour. First, following worship and fellowship, kids meet with Lori Rhodes Pettit and Audrey McNally in the choir room for 15 minutes of music (singing and ringing). Then they join teachers Chris Patch (grades 4-7) and Andrea and Aaron Creighton (grades K-3) in the Sunday School room on the first floor of the Education Building. Childcare for infants and toddlers during the education hour is in the new toddler room of the REACH wing.
LGBTQ+ Support
The Q Center/ACR Health is partnering with Westminster Presbyterian Church to bring their support services to Cayuga County. The Q Center is in Auburn every 2nd and 4th Monday from 3pm – 7pm. There is also a parent group on the 4th Monday from 5pm -7pm. Snacks, games, fun and a dinner are provided. The Q Center is a reputable organization with experience counseling the LGBTQ+ youth population. These facilitated support groups are potentially life saving services that, up until now, have not been provided in Cayuga County. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org. The group meets in the REACH wing of Westminster's education building (enter from the parking lot).
Coat Tree
Winter snow and cold are here, increasing the need for warm outerwear for many people in Auburn. Westminster has a coat rack in the education building offering coats, gloves, hats, and scarves free to walk-ins. If you have any gently used cold weather items to donate to this local mission, please bring them in to the church office. They will be put to good use and will be much appreciated.
Meet Chris Patch!
Christopher Patch is our new Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator. He says, “I am very excited to begin serving in this newly created position. My wife Kim and I moved to Auburn along with our three daughters a little over 11 years ago from the Binghamton area. We began attending Westminster about a year and a half ago and officially became members recently. We knew, however, from the very first service we attended that we had found a new church home and family. Professionally, I have worked as a restaurant manager and chef, but since moving to Auburn I have primarily worked in education and project management. Educationally, I have a Masters degree in Theology from Northeastern Seminary in Rochester. I have also led many formal and informal small groups and workshops for both adults and youth. My goal is to help create new opportunities for the children and youth of Westminster that offer fellowship, spiritual growth, and theological education. I look forward to serving the children and youth in our congregation, as well as their parents in anyway I can be of assistance.”
Children and Worship
All ages are welcome in worship, and we also provide options for young children in nearby locations to the sanctuary. Older children (grade 3 and up) worship with their families in the sanctuary; there are lectionary-related worksheets, books, and other resources available at the back of the sanctuary to engage children in worship. Elena Thomas and Chelsea Cater provide loving care for infants and toddlers in the social room. We also have a Baby Corner in the sanctuary with rocking chairs to provide a cozy spot for parents to cuddle with their infants and be in worship together.
Westminster Nursery School Closes
It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of Westminster Nursery School, due to decreased enrollment. This was not an easy decision for the Westminster Nursery School Board, but was necessary due to financial reasons. This decision was made in full appreciation of the long history of Westminster Nursery School, its impact on the community, the great work and loving devotion of the staff, and the responsibility of the board to fulfill its duties and responsibilities. A full explanation can be read here in the letter that was sent to Westminster members in July. You can also read about the September 30 special worship service which celebrated the school's legacy: A New Thing: Westminster Nursery School Remembered
Traffic and Parking
The new Equal Rights Heritage Center is open across the street from the church, but work continues on the sidewalks and roads. Please be aware of the changes around the church, including the temporary closure of the William St exit of the church driveway. Until the work is completed, please enter and exit the church parking lot from Court Street. The church parking lot is for church staff, people on church business, and Merry-Go-Round staff. Church members may use the church parking lot during the week when attending a church program or on church business. Permits are available from Melanie.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Jill Fandrich's November 4 column: "The ordinary holy lives of saints"
Patrick Heery's October 7 column: "How paternity leave made me a better father"
Jill Fandrich's Sept 9 column: "How storytelling helps us believe"
Jill Fandrich's August 12 column: "The good side of evangelism"
Jill Fandrich's July 15 column: "The Radical history of Sunday School"
Patrick Heery's June 17 column: "What would Jesus say about school shootings?"
Jill Fandrich's May 20 column: "How families can pass faith on to children"
Patrick Heery's April 22 column "When God calls your name"
Jill Fandrich's March 25 column "Telling the Holy Week stories to children"
Patrick Heery's Feb 25 column "Lent: The time is now"
Jill Fandrich's Jan 28 column "Westminster grant supports show based on neo-Nazi rally"
Audrey McNally's Dec 31 column "How sacred music has shaped my faith"
Patrick Heery's Dec 3 column "Where you'll find God this Christmas Eve"
Jill Fandrich's Nov 5 column "What comes after 'thoughts and prayers'?"
Patrick Heery's October 15 column "Finding the strength to fix our democracy"
Jill Fandrich's September 10 column "Church starting new caregivers group"
Patrick Heery's August 13 column "New Hiking Ministry Offers Renewal"
Jill Fandrich's July 16 column "The Redefinition of Missionaries"
Patrick Heery's June 18 column "Sabbath: a bus pass to paradise"
Patrick Heery's May 21 column "How does a pastor grieve?"
Jill Fandrich's April 23 column "The Gospel According to Flatland"
Audrey McNally's March 26 column "Discovering the Psalms"
Patrick Heery's Feb 26 column "Lenten Journey: Death and Beyond"
Jill Fandrich's Jan 29 column "Are We Ready For Another Reformation?"
Patrick Heery's Jan 1 column "When the Holidays Hurt"
Jill Fandrich's Dec 4 column "Need for Community and Conversation"
Annette Bell's Nov 6 column "Saints Among Us"
Patrick Heery's Oct 9 column "Does Auburn need a hero? No, it needs you"
Patrick Heery's Sept 11 column "Seeing Beyond Doom" (15th anniversary of 9-11)
Jill Fandrich's August 14 column "Auburn Youth Reflect on Triennium"
Patrick Heery's July 17 column "Where is God in times of violence?"
Jill Fandrich's June 19 column "Ordinary Time"
Patrick Heery's May 15 column "Why I Have Come to Auburn"
Jilll Fandrich's April 24 column "Church Doors Open Out,"
Dwain Lee's March 27 column "Saying Goodbye to Westminster."
Church App!
Check out Westminster's “app” to access events, calendar information, photos, lectionary readings, Facebook and Twitter posts, and more on your smartphone or tablet. To get the church app, search for Church App Tithe.ly in the App Store on your phone or tablet. Download the app (it’s free!), and then search for Westminster by zip code 13021.
Congregational Forum on Skinner Organ
For more than two years, Westminster's Organ Work Team has researched and discussed options for our beloved Skinner organ, which is nearing the end of its lifetime. On January 13, following worship, that work team and the Session will present the findings of their research and share their recommendations. The entire congregation is invited to participate in this vital dialogue about the future of our worship and music together. Your input is necessary before any decision can be made; we want to hear your ideas, hopes, worries, and questions. Options under exploration include, but may not be limited to, (1) an expensive but long-term restoration of the organ, (2) cheaper, incremental repairs, or (3) the eventual choice of an alternative musical instrument. Information will be presented on the pros and cons of each of these options. We will also hear about the history and value of our current organ, mission opportunities and priorities, as well as possible grants, capital campaigns, and other sources of funding. This will be a time of prayer, open discussion, and transparent, inclusive input gathering. We hope you will join us!
Game Night
All are invited to a Game Night in the REACH wing of the education building Friday November 30 from 6-8pm. There'll be card games and board games (like Risk, Monopoly, Apples to Apples), and pizza and snacks. Come check out the new digs in the former nursery school area, and enjoy an evening of fun, food and fellowship. All ages are invited and encouraged to bring a friend!
Greening of the Church
Adults are invited to the annual “Greening of the Church” this Friday, November 30 beginning at 5pm to put up trees in the sanctuary and decorations in the social room and narthex. Following the greening, all are invited to the home of Linda and Tony Gero, for adult fellowship. Please bring a hearty appetizer or side dish; Tony and Linda will provide beer, wine, and pizza. Additional beverages are also welcome, as are gluten-free options and desserts. Please join us for this traditional evening of work, fellowship, food, and fun!
Loose Change Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated toward a special cause each month. In November, the loose change in the offering plates supports the Veterans Clinic Services at Auburn Community Hospital.
Wednesday Noon Study
After Thanksgiving, starting November 28, the Wednesday Noon Study Group will reconvene with a 4-week Advent study, in which they will contemplate the Magnificat, Mary's song of praise, using a beautiful devotional from Presbyterians Today. Participants will receive a free copy.
Elder Care Conversation Circle
Are you concerned that your parents aren’t safe in their home anymore?
Are you overwhelmed with helping with meals, medicines, hygiene, appointments?
Are you confused about the services available to help you help them?
Are you “parenting your parents”?
Come talk with others who are on this same journey at the Elder Care Conversation Circle, which meets on the last Tuesday of each month for conversation, sharing, and support. The Elder Care Conversation Circle meets November 27 and December 18 at 7pm in the social room of Westminster Church. Sessions include general sharing and listening, and occasional outside speakers on topics of concern to the group.
Children's Worship Center
The Children's Worship Center offers an age appropriate worship experience for children ages 3 years old through grade 2, based on the Montessori model. Children learn to experience God's presence through hearing Bible stories and responding to them. Storyteller Noel Lardeo and a trained greeter welcome children to this unique space every Sunday morning following the pastor's time with children in the sanctuary. The Worship Center is located right outside the sanctuary doors. Worship Center parents, grandparents, guardians, and other family members are invited to lunch at the westside McDonalds with Noel Lardeo on Sunday, November 18, following worship and education hour. Enjoy a casual family-friendly meal, and conversation with Noel while the children play.
Deacons Brunch
The Deacons Brunch is next Sunday, December 2. Come and enjoy good food and fellowship in the Great Hall next Sunday immediately following worship. Guys, remember to wear a Christmas tie for the annual Christmas Tie Photo!
Sunday Worship and Sermon Previews
Join us at 9:30am Sundays:
Nov. 25: "The king who carried no sword," a sermon for Christ the King Sunday about alternative forms of power
Dec. 2: "Looking for the fig tree," an Advent sermon about searching for signs of hope
Dec. 9: Guest preacher, Rev. Jenna Heery
Dec. 16: "Removing the poison," an Advent sermon asking what needs to be cut out of our lives
Dec. 21 (7pm): "Singing in the dark," a Longest Night sermon
Dec. 23: A Modern Cantata, "The Great Light" by Eugene Butler
Dec. 24 (7pm): "Salvation from the margins," a Christmas Eve sermon
Dec. 30: Nine Lessons and Carols
December in brief: Mark your calendars!
December 2, Sunday, at 10:30am: Deacons Brunch
December 14, Friday, at 7pm, Holiday Voices in Concert (Genesee Street Voices) at Westminster
December 21, Friday, at 7pm, Longest Night Service
December 23, Sunday, at 9:30am, Worship with Christmas Cantata
December 23, Sunday, 1-4pm, Salvation Army Miracle Kitchen
December 24, Monday, at 7pm, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 24, Monday, at 11:30pm, chapel open for reflection and fellowship
December 30, Sunday, at 9:30am, Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
Westminster Choirs
On Sunday, December 23, the choir will be performing the Christmas cantata, “A Great Light” by Eugene Butler which will incorporate readings, solos, piano and handbells. As always, the vocal and handbell choirs cheerfully welcome anyone who would like to join us. Handbells rehearse Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm and vocal choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm as well as 9:00am on Sundays.
December Contemplative Hike
Join us for a time of renewal in the beauty of God's creation as we reconnect, in prayerful silence and conversation, with our spirits and the Spirit of our Maker. Saturday, December 22, from 1-3pm, we will hike at the Cayuga Community College Nature Trail. CCC is an easy trail, but please wear boots as the trail may be snowy or muddy. RSVP with Patrick at pastor@westminsterauburn.org or 315-253-3331.
Salvation Army Miracle Kitchen
On December 23 from 1-4 pm, Westminster will host a Pre-Christmas Eve Dinner at the Salvation Army. Decoration makers, table setters, cooks, servers, dish washers, gift givers and other fun roles are open to congregation members and their friends and family. There will also gift "shop" for our guests. Please let Susan Marteney know if you will be joining the dinner crew no later than Sunday, December 16.
See and Do
The theme of this year's stewardship is "See and Do: Being a Matthew 25 Church," calling us to look around and see the needs in our community, and respond by serving others. The symbol of this year's theme are Mexican "Ojos de Dios" (God's eyes) which represent "the power to see and understand things unknown." You'll see these "God's Eyes" around the church. Your pledge to Westminster for 2019 will help us be the church God calls us to be.
Sunday School
Children in grades K through 3, and 4 through 7 meets in the new REACH wing during the education hour. First, following worship and fellowship, kids meet with Lori Rhodes Pettit and Audrey McNally in the choir room for 15 minutes of music (singing and ringing). Then they join teachers Chris Patch (grades 4-7) and Andrea and Aaron Creighton (grades K-3) in the Sunday School room on the first floor of the Education Building. Childcare for infants and toddlers during the education hour is in the new toddler room of the REACH wing.
LGBTQ+ Support
The Q Center/ACR Health is partnering with Westminster Presbyterian Church to bring their support services to Cayuga County. The Q Center is in Auburn every 2nd and 4th Monday from 3pm – 7pm. There is also a parent group on the 4th Monday from 5pm -7pm. Snacks, games, fun and a dinner are provided. The Q Center is a reputable organization with experience counseling the LGBTQ+ youth population. These facilitated support groups are potentially life saving services that, up until now, have not been provided in Cayuga County. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org. The group meets in the REACH wing of Westminster's education building (enter from the parking lot).
Coat Tree
Winter snow and cold are here, increasing the need for warm outerwear for many people in Auburn. Westminster has a coat rack in the education building offering coats, gloves, hats, and scarves free to walk-ins. If you have any gently used cold weather items to donate to this local mission, please bring them in to the church office. They will be put to good use and will be much appreciated.
Meet Chris Patch!
Christopher Patch is our new Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator. He says, “I am very excited to begin serving in this newly created position. My wife Kim and I moved to Auburn along with our three daughters a little over 11 years ago from the Binghamton area. We began attending Westminster about a year and a half ago and officially became members recently. We knew, however, from the very first service we attended that we had found a new church home and family. Professionally, I have worked as a restaurant manager and chef, but since moving to Auburn I have primarily worked in education and project management. Educationally, I have a Masters degree in Theology from Northeastern Seminary in Rochester. I have also led many formal and informal small groups and workshops for both adults and youth. My goal is to help create new opportunities for the children and youth of Westminster that offer fellowship, spiritual growth, and theological education. I look forward to serving the children and youth in our congregation, as well as their parents in anyway I can be of assistance.”
Children and Worship
All ages are welcome in worship, and we also provide options for young children in nearby locations to the sanctuary. Older children (grade 3 and up) worship with their families in the sanctuary; there are lectionary-related worksheets, books, and other resources available at the back of the sanctuary to engage children in worship. Elena Thomas and Chelsea Cater provide loving care for infants and toddlers in the social room. We also have a Baby Corner in the sanctuary with rocking chairs to provide a cozy spot for parents to cuddle with their infants and be in worship together.
Westminster Nursery School Closes
It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of Westminster Nursery School, due to decreased enrollment. This was not an easy decision for the Westminster Nursery School Board, but was necessary due to financial reasons. This decision was made in full appreciation of the long history of Westminster Nursery School, its impact on the community, the great work and loving devotion of the staff, and the responsibility of the board to fulfill its duties and responsibilities. A full explanation can be read here in the letter that was sent to Westminster members in July. You can also read about the September 30 special worship service which celebrated the school's legacy: A New Thing: Westminster Nursery School Remembered
Traffic and Parking
The new Equal Rights Heritage Center is open across the street from the church, but work continues on the sidewalks and roads. Please be aware of the changes around the church, including the temporary closure of the William St exit of the church driveway. Until the work is completed, please enter and exit the church parking lot from Court Street. The church parking lot is for church staff, people on church business, and Merry-Go-Round staff. Church members may use the church parking lot during the week when attending a church program or on church business. Permits are available from Melanie.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Jill Fandrich's November 4 column: "The ordinary holy lives of saints"
Patrick Heery's October 7 column: "How paternity leave made me a better father"
Jill Fandrich's Sept 9 column: "How storytelling helps us believe"
Jill Fandrich's August 12 column: "The good side of evangelism"
Jill Fandrich's July 15 column: "The Radical history of Sunday School"
Patrick Heery's June 17 column: "What would Jesus say about school shootings?"
Jill Fandrich's May 20 column: "How families can pass faith on to children"
Patrick Heery's April 22 column "When God calls your name"
Jill Fandrich's March 25 column "Telling the Holy Week stories to children"
Patrick Heery's Feb 25 column "Lent: The time is now"
Jill Fandrich's Jan 28 column "Westminster grant supports show based on neo-Nazi rally"
Audrey McNally's Dec 31 column "How sacred music has shaped my faith"
Patrick Heery's Dec 3 column "Where you'll find God this Christmas Eve"
Jill Fandrich's Nov 5 column "What comes after 'thoughts and prayers'?"
Patrick Heery's October 15 column "Finding the strength to fix our democracy"
Jill Fandrich's September 10 column "Church starting new caregivers group"
Patrick Heery's August 13 column "New Hiking Ministry Offers Renewal"
Jill Fandrich's July 16 column "The Redefinition of Missionaries"
Patrick Heery's June 18 column "Sabbath: a bus pass to paradise"
Patrick Heery's May 21 column "How does a pastor grieve?"
Jill Fandrich's April 23 column "The Gospel According to Flatland"
Audrey McNally's March 26 column "Discovering the Psalms"
Patrick Heery's Feb 26 column "Lenten Journey: Death and Beyond"
Jill Fandrich's Jan 29 column "Are We Ready For Another Reformation?"
Patrick Heery's Jan 1 column "When the Holidays Hurt"
Jill Fandrich's Dec 4 column "Need for Community and Conversation"
Annette Bell's Nov 6 column "Saints Among Us"
Patrick Heery's Oct 9 column "Does Auburn need a hero? No, it needs you"
Patrick Heery's Sept 11 column "Seeing Beyond Doom" (15th anniversary of 9-11)
Jill Fandrich's August 14 column "Auburn Youth Reflect on Triennium"
Patrick Heery's July 17 column "Where is God in times of violence?"
Jill Fandrich's June 19 column "Ordinary Time"
Patrick Heery's May 15 column "Why I Have Come to Auburn"
Jilll Fandrich's April 24 column "Church Doors Open Out,"
Dwain Lee's March 27 column "Saying Goodbye to Westminster."
Church App!
Check out Westminster's “app” to access events, calendar information, photos, lectionary readings, Facebook and Twitter posts, and more on your smartphone or tablet. To get the church app, search for Church App Tithe.ly in the App Store on your phone or tablet. Download the app (it’s free!), and then search for Westminster by zip code 13021.
Congregational Forum on Skinner Organ
For more than two years, Westminster's Organ Work Team has researched and discussed options for our beloved Skinner organ, which is nearing the end of its lifetime. On January 13, following worship, that work team and the Session will present the findings of their research and share their recommendations. The entire congregation is invited to participate in this vital dialogue about the future of our worship and music together. Your input is necessary before any decision can be made; we want to hear your ideas, hopes, worries, and questions. Options under exploration include, but may not be limited to, (1) an expensive but long-term restoration of the organ, (2) cheaper, incremental repairs, or (3) the eventual choice of an alternative musical instrument. Information will be presented on the pros and cons of each of these options. We will also hear about the history and value of our current organ, mission opportunities and priorities, as well as possible grants, capital campaigns, and other sources of funding. This will be a time of prayer, open discussion, and transparent, inclusive input gathering. We hope you will join us!