SERVING OTHERS
in our community and in the world
Jesus said, "Just as  you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
Matthew 25:40 NRSV

We believe that everything we do as a faith community is part of the mission of the church of Jesus Christ in the world.  It's our desire to reach out in love and in the name of Christ to our sisters and brothers near and far:

•    Opening our doors and hearts in welcome
•    Sharing the good news of God’s love
•    Extending compassion to those in need
•    Working with others for a more peaceful and just world.                                                                                          

SHARING and SERVICE are the heart of how we live out our faith in Jesus Christ!
 


Thanks for supporting our Alternative Christmas Fair! 

Westminster  Habitat for Humanity 2011 work day: Saturday, January 28, 2012 Contact Mary Anderson or call the church office for more info or to sign up. Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity named Westminster "Volunteer Group of the Year for 2010-2011"   !!!!

   

Plans have changed! We've been looking forward to welcoming  Diana Rosa Ramos Garcia, from the Presbyterian-Reformed Church of Cuba who will be our guest and partner in ministry for six weeks. Because of challenges with the arrangements, we now anticipate that Diana Rosa will be with us in Spring, 2012. Watch for more information about Diana Rosa's arrival date. Diana Rosa is a lay leader and teacher in her church and a student at the Theological Seminary in Matanzas City Cuba. Watch for more information about this exciting opportunity to learn and share about the challenges the church faces in Cuba and in the US!

                          

Rebuilding lives               Ministry with Community

Our next day to serve lunch:        Saturday, January 14 Call the church if you'd like to help.

           

 

   

                                                                            

We support many local ministries with funds, time, and other donations.  Some of them include:

• Ministry with Community –a multi-faceted ministry providing food, daytime shelter and other services with dignity to Kalamazoo’s poor, homeless, mentally ill and in-crisis adults.             learn more about Ministry with Community

• Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity  -     an ecumenical organization that makes home ownership possible for families for whom ownership is not otherwise attainable, through the sweat equity of buyers, in-kind donations, volunteers and community support.  learn more about Habitat for Humanity

• Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes – a food bank which supports numerous food pantries throughout the area and provides nutritious emergency food to hundreds of individuals and families.    learn more about Loaves and Fishes

• Open Doors Kalamazoo – supportive transitional living programs for young adults                    learn more about Open Doors

• Portage Community Center serves families in the Portage Community with emergency food, clothing, and assistance with other needs.   learn more about PCC

• United Campus Ministry, a nontraditional campus ministry focused on service learning, reaches out to students at Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.   learn more about UCM

ADVOCACY and JUSTICE

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  Westminster is a member of ISAAC (Interfaith Strategy for Advocacy and Action in the Community), a network of congregations and others working together to build a more just community in the greater Kalamazoo area.    learn more about ISAAC

  
  

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          We are a Bread for the World Covenant Congregation and participate each year in the Bread for the World Offering of Letters.                              learn more about Bread for the World 

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  We participate in the Presbyterian Coffee Project and enjoy Fair Trade Coffee at our fellowship times following worship each Sunday.  (Fair Trade Coffee is available for purchase on the first Sunday of each month.)   learn more

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  PEACEMAKING is important to us!  One way we express this is by awarding the Westminster Peace Prize each October with our congregational portion of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Offering.   learn more

Throughout the year, we offer many opportunities for kids, youth and adults to GET INVOLVED in service and giving:

- Meals on Wheels 
- Mission trips and workdays for local agencies
- Serving lunch at Ministry with Community on the 2nd Saturday of each month.  
- Special projects involve kids, youth, and adults in various projects like raking leaves, providing Christmas gifts for needy children, and making first aid kits.
- our Deacons and our Presbyterian women undertake many projects in the community and beyond

• Our financial commitments to the General Mission Funds of the Presbyterian Church (USA)   read about PCUSA mission
• participation in the four seasonal special offerings of the Presbyterian Church  
• Cents-ability  (formerly "Two Cents a Meal")  - a regular offering for the Presbyterian Hunger Program     learn more