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While online shopping I saw “communion-thank you.” My curiosity got the better of me. What were they selling that fit into this category? Turns out they were marketing notecards for religious services. But Amazon was onto something; thanks and communion do go together. Communion has many names: the Lord’s Supper, the Last Supper, and the Eucharist, which comes from the Greek word eucharista, which…
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” – Mother Teresa, 1910 I’ve always found comfort in Mother Teresa’s quote. At the same time, I find Matthew 25:32-33 unsettling. Christ is clear throughout scripture that we are to love our neighbors, to reach out and care for one another. If I want to be a sheep, and I do, what does that look like? It seems overwhelming in the world we live in. Bu…
"Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude." – A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh One might wonder why generosity and gratefulness are not character traits that everyone is born with. Instead, they are character traits that are developed by those who are exposed to a solid foundation of good morals. Building these character t…
The last few years have been difficult ones for most of us, and we long to find solace. Music, especially in worship, helps from week to week. But in these fraught times we may need something both beautiful and new to our ears that will inspire us and bring us ever closer to God. What about a Requiem composed intentionally for the living as well as for the deceased? What about a text that asks…
“Pain, trouble, and disappointment drain us, but trusting God, focusing on him, and thanking him revitalize us. It’s his presence within us that renews us physically, spiritually, and emotionally so we can keep going.” – Dr. Charles Stanley Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 15 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease arrive at the WROC for fitness class. The fellowship, support, and encourage…
You are loved. Take a minute and pause to reflect on how it feels to be loved no matter what. That is one tremendous gift from God. No matter how we fall, we are still loved without condition. What other gifts have been bestowed to you? Maybe you have the gift of clear communication, a sporting ability, musical talent, patience…so many possibilities. Whatever gifts we have, we owe our thanks to G…
“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” – Isaiah 56:7 Westminster is a giving congregation in so many ways. We provide worship and spiritual growth, programs and lectures, musical concerts, and many other activities for people of all ages in our building. And we support efforts to bring food, clothing, and many more resources to people in need beyond our congregation. Westm…
Out of all the seasons in Western Pennsylvania, I have to say that fall is my favorite. I love the cool mornings, clear blue skies, crisp white clouds, the vibrant colors of red, purple, and gold, and the smell of burning firewood. The change of seasons sometimes happens unexpectedly, but the Giving Gala preparation season begins as soon as one Gala has ended. In preparation for the Giving Gala,…
