The Spire Online

Welcome to the online version of the Spire.

If you prefer a printable version, view and download a printable PDF copy of any previous issue here.


Hotel Heaven

“Okay, so hear me out. What if we’re like the workers at the hotel and everyone else is staying at the hotel and it’s our job to love them so they can learn about Jesus?” “Tell me more.” We were discussing how to be ambassadors of the gospel at JAM (Jesus & Me, our 5th & 6th grade youth group) when one of the students shared this idea. We (the church) are the staff at Hotel Heaven. As guests come…

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What Inheritance Awaits You?

Studying the Book of Hebrews Hebrews is a bit of a mystery. This series explores its contexts, the unique picture of Jesus that it paints, and the role of a genealogy in understanding the world that was, the one that is, and the world that is to come. The themes of endurance, rest, and faith transcend time and connect the audience of Hebrews and communities of believers today – all believers who s…

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SHIM: A Fresh Perspective

“Let us remember the poor, and not forget kindness to strangers; above all, let us love God with all our soul, and might, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves.” -- Athanasius of Alexandria (d. 373) I recently started my term on the board of South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM). Jim Guffey, Executive Director, and the entire team did a great job of providing me an orientation to both the boa…

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Make a Joyful Noise

“Sing for joy to God our strength; Shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre.” -- Psalm 81:1-2 “Come sing in the choir” are five words that shaped my musical career and my life. I first joined a church choir at the age of 12 after I heard them sing an ethereal anthem that touched my soul. I decided to major in music while I was an unde…

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Empowering Cancer Patients Through Yoga

Regular yoga practice offers many benefits, including improved flexibility, increased muscle strength, prevention of cartilage and joint breakdown, and increased bone health. Yoga for cancer patients, however, offers a host of additional benefits, many of which empower patients to take back control of their lives. Yoga4Cancer (y4c) is a class offered to cancer patients and survivors through the…

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Replenish Your Spirit

“I’ve been looking forward to this event since last year’s ended. It was a great way to unplug from the chaos of a busy fall schedule. It’s a nice mix of quiet reflection, group discussion, and bonding that left me feeling closer to God and closer to other members of our congregation, some of whom I had not met until that day.” We all need a break now and then, time to allow the spirit to replenish…

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Spiritual Opportunities at Westminster

There is something about September that makes the familiar feel new again. In that spirit, we hope that you’ll check out all the wonderful opportunities for spiritual development here at Westminster – whether it’s a return to a beloved group or the start of a new experience. Visit our website, watch the bulletin, and read the weekly Westminster emails for details about all the spiritual devel…

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Sharing God's Love

Welcome from the Deacons Did you know the Deacons within our church are here to welcome, serve, and to care for you? We are willing to show up and share God’s love with all in our congregation. We are involved in ministries of mercy and love and invite you to reach out to us in times of celebration and joy or sadness and grief. We will pray with you, bring meals to you, visit with you, or help y…

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