Lent is a time for prayer, fasting, and more intentional sharing. This year, our church is joining with many others in heeding the call to be stewards of God’s Creation throughout this season. May this calendar remind us to be more mindful of the ways that our daily habits impact both our common home and all those with whom we share it. On behalf of future generations and all living in poverty—those most harmed by our damaged climate—may we answer God’s call to be faithful stewards, speaking out for Creation care.
Archives for 2020
Renovations to Rugby Road Main Entrance
As you may have noticed, the brick wall at the public entrance to the sanctuary is overtaking the Rugby Road sidewalk and is in jeopardy of falling. The large ash tree, which is pushing the wall over, is in an advanced state of decline. A Session-appointed committee has worked diligently to develop a renovation plan to improve this area. Come to an information meeting to be held immediately following the 11 a.m. service this Sunday, March 1, in the library.
The project includes:
- Removing the dying ash tree and adding landscape plantings and a small ornamental tree
- Removing the leaning and bowed section of the wall and rebuilding it in line with the side sections of the wall
- Widening the entrance openings by 6″ to allow two persons to enter side by side
- Using bricks salvaged from the demolition so that at least the side of the new wall facing the public street matches the rest of the wall
- Sloping the sidewalk from the landing at the foot of the sanctuary steps gradually downward to reduce from four to two steps at the southern entrance from the public sidewalk
- Eliminating the steps on the northern entrance at the public sidewalk to provide a handicap-accessible ramp
- Adding sidewalk lighting for safety.
- Establishing a more identifiable and welcoming public pedestrian entrance to Westminster Presbyterian Church!
Classes Start March 15
Interested in becoming a member at Westminster Presbyterian Church? Want to get more involved in the life of the church? Looking for a place to call home and learn more about what it means “to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) If you find yourself answering “yes” to any of these questions, then come to one or all of the following new member classes that will be offered during the month of March. All classes will be on Sunday mornings at 9:45 in Room 208
March 15
What is Westminster? In this class, Ken Henry will be talking with class members about the meaning of membership as well as the various ministries at Westminster Pres. Through handouts and discussion, attendees should leave this one hour class with a greater appreciation of how the church is organized to carry out its mission and purpose in the world.
March 22
What is Our Mission? In this class, Dorothy Piatt along with other church leaders will talk about our benevolence giving, our commitment to other non-profit organizations in Charlottesville, and how our church feels called to reach out to UVA faculty and students.
March 29
What is A Presbyterian? We are a congregation in the Presbyterian Church(USA). Being Presbyterian means being part of The Reformed tradition. For hundreds of years, our motto has been “Reformed and Always Reforming.” If you would like to learn more about the history of the Presbyterian Church, please plan to attend this class. Ken will give a lecture on the roots of the Protestant Reformation and the emergence of the Presbyterian Church in America.
Bring Family, Friends, and your Appetite!!!
Come to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 25 at 6 p.m. in fellowship hall. Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your appetite! Feast on the food — pancakes, sausage, and fruit — and on the fellowship!
Lent begins at WPC
Ash Wednesday
February 26, 2020, at 6:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.
As the season of Lent begins, I would like to invite you to an Ash Wednesday service at Westminster. Our Ash Wednesday services are brief — 20-30 minutes — and include music, prayer, liturgy, and the imposition of ashes. As in previous years, we have two choices: 6:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. If you’re on your way to work or are a morning person anyway, stop by the sanctuary for a brief service at 6:30 a.m. Then, join other morning worshippers for a cup of coffee or tea and a pastry in the Gathering Place. If this seems a little early, you’re welcome to our evening service at 6:30 p.m. Either way, the time of Ash Wednesday this year should be etched on our minds! Just remember…6:30.
Blessings,
Ken Henry