The Community and World Service Ministries of Westminster are, as their names imply, involved in service- and mission-related activities locally and globally. While we believe that salvation comes by grace alone, we believe that our faith calls us to action through service. This service is carried out, not by reaching down to help someone up, but by reaching across to our fellow human beings. We are acting out our faith in a variety of ways and can use whatever gifts members of the congregation have.
Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Matt. 25:37-40
This passage from Matthew sums up well why we do what we do. We do mission because we want to, not because we have to in order to earn our way into heaven. We don't try to solve all the world's problems, but we do try to make our community and globe God's kingdom.
Westminster crew at work on a Habitat for Humanity house
The World Service Ministry is involved in numerous activities, both at Westminster and in cooperation with other organizations. Our activities include the following:
For over thirty years Bread for the World (BFW) has been a Christian voice
for ending hunger. A nonpartisan citizens' movement of people of faith,
including about 2,000 churches, BFW helps hungry people by lobbying our
nation's decision makers on legislation that addresses the root causes of
hunger and poverty in our communities and around the world. As individuals, we
may volunteer in social ministries and give much-needed donations directly to local
organizations such as FISH and the
Most years we have the opportunity to participate in the annual Bread for the World "Offering of Letters." In this event, we write letters to our representatives in Congress in support of legislation that will reduce hunger, poverty, and disease, including HIV/AIDS in the developing world. These letters can be written at church or from home. When we participate in this event, we will provide sample letters to assist you. Please take a moment to write a letter to your congressman. Together we can make a difference!
For many folks at
We have received several plaques from the Heifer International Gift Market
in recognition of our donations. Each plaque is beautifully displayed in the
stairwell leading downstairs to the children's education wing. The most recent
plaques were awarded in recognition of donations exceeding $5,000 (the cost of
purchasing an
The Heifer Project International spent more than half of the twentieth century alleviating hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation by helping communities become self-reliant for food and income. Providing livestock and training to hungry families is HPI's unique approach that originated with one simple idea: not a cup, but a cow.
During the Spanish Civil War, Heifer International founder Dan West served
as a relief worker, handing out cups of powdered milk from
From time to time, a group of people from
"Each work camp in which I have participated has been a little different from the others and each has been enjoyable in its own way. We have a lot of work to do, but we have fun doing it.”
"I was truly blessed to be there with my two sons and the other nine
Another participant writes, "Every mission trip in which I participate is unique in its own way. The location, the work group, the work itself, the people we serve, and the intangibles all shape a truly unforgettable experience. Every time I leave familiar surroundings and routines and submerge myself in another environment, even if only for a week, I find myself much more open to God's voice and guidance.
"For me, when I offer to serve God and others through mission work, I gain so much more than I am able to give. Perhaps that is the miracle of service and the multiplying effect of love. Truly, the meager that I offer is always somehow more than sufficient for the work, and there are always baskets of gifts left over."
Living Waters for the World: http://www.livingwatersfortheworld.org/
Environmental Concerns Ministry
Our
Education: We will seek to raise awareness and to educate ourselves and others to be leaders in the congregation and the community in our cooperative efforts to care for creation and explore ways in which we as Christians can heal and restore creation for future generations.
Maintenance and Repair of Buildings & Grounds:
We will seek to make choices that lessen our negative impact on creation through the use and maintenance of our property. We will evaluate such matters as: our use of energy, toxic products, paper, water, waste disposal, recycling, and transportation, among other things.
Discipleship at Home & Work:
We
will encourage our congregation to care for creation in our personal
lifestyles, in our homes, at our work places and at
Public Ministry:
We will seek to change the systems that foster the degradation of creation and to rectify the injustices that result from it. We will seek to alert our congregation to environmental legislation that protects creation and to encourage their active participation in the development of public policy.
Updated 8-25-08
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