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 is 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 toward a more peaceful and just world.
SHARING and SERVICE are the heart of how we live out our faith in Jesus Christ!
CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
- NOW is the
time to register for the Summer Mission trip to the Gulf Coast, June
14-22. We will be doing work to help folks in that area who are
still rebuilding after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Cost will be about $250-300 per person (depending on number
participating). Contact Pastor Jerry for a registration form.
Must be 14 years old or older (age 14-15 need to have parent
along.)
-
- The ONE GREAT HOUR OF
SHARING OFFERING will be received on Easter. This supports the
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program, the Presbyterian Hunger
Program, and Self-Development of People Grants. learn more about OGHS
- The CROP WALK will be
May 4. We need walkers and people to sponsor them. This
event raises money to help hungry people through Church World Service
programs around the world and through local agencies. This is a
great family mission activity! Sponsor forms will be
available at church April 6.
-
- Beginning April 27 through May 18, Presbyterian
Women will sponsor a collection for the Synod of the Covenant’s Mobile Health Fair for children
and adults in Benton
Harbor (which will take place in July). Items needed are
toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap and sunscreen. A collection basket will be under the
PW bulletin board. Many of the folks in that community are not able to afford
these items on a regular basis. Please
give generously. If you have questions,
please contact Barb Poliak or Kelly Schultz.
-
- The FOODS RESOURCE
BANK GROWING PROJECT is a partnership between congregations, farmers,
and businesses to alleviate hunger in developing countries. Churches
contribute funds, farmers give land and labor, businesses provide seeds
and other needs. A crop is harvested and proceeds go to a
specific project in a specific community of need. This will be
Westminster's 5th year participating; during the past 4 years our
project has resulted in almost $110,000. for projects in Malawi which
provide agriculture education, irrigation systems and improved breeding
stock! Watch for info about 2008's project, coming out soon.
LOCAL Ministries of Compassion & Outreach
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 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
- Portage
Community Outreach
Center serves families in
the Portage Community with emergency food, clothing, and assistance with other
needs. learn more about PCOC
- 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
- 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
-
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
-
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
-
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
HANDS-ON MISSION
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

Westminster members walking in the Kalamazoo Valley CROP Walk
PRESBYTERIAN MISSION
We are proud to be Presbyterians and to support the mission of the whole church through
- 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
For
information on any of the church's service opportunities or financial
commitments to mission, please contact the church office at 269-344-3966
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