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.


Westminster’s Pet Ministry RELAUNCHES

When John Calvin wrote those words 500 years ago, at the very dawn of the Presbyterian Church, he couldn’t have foreseen the degree to which companion animals would infiltrate human society. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), about 70% of American households include a pet. That’s a whopping 85 million U.S. families who share their homes and lives with at least one ani…

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The NEW Generation of the NEXT Generation

Growth often means the gift of new opportunity. A growing family means more smiles and laughs. A growing income perhaps allows for a bigger home with more bedrooms and a bigger dinner table for that family. A growing church shares the word of God and creates a vibrant community of faith. Part of the privilege of my job is watching students grow in front of me. Physically they grow taller in the…

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The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2…

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The Pipe Organ­— A Living Being

“One might indeed say that the organ is an artfully constructed living being, which speaks and sings by means of wind and human hands. Thus, the organ in its grandeur is quite fittingly compared to the human body, that is controlled in its actions by the soul.” ­—Girolamo Diruta, 1593 The wind instrument with keyboards that we call the pipe organ has been a part of Christian worship for over 1,200 …

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A New Beginning: Community Engagement Commission

What is a new beginning? It can be many things like moving to a new city, starting a new job, beginning a new friendship, or simply looking at something from a new perspective. New beginnings often cause us to be open to change and improvement. What does the Bible say about new beginnings? “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has c…

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Joy in Service

Delivering meals to communities in need was wonderful for someone of my age. It showed me I should not take for granted what I have. While driving to deliver the meals, my mother and I brought QuicKits in case we saw anyone homeless. When handing the homeless person the kit, you felt as if you were doing God’s work. The big smile on their face made my day. The people that work at the church we g…

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The WROC Celebrates 15 Years of Zumba

What is Zumba? According to instructor Debbie Colditz, “It’s joy filled fellowship!” In September 2007, Debbie Colditz, a newly certified instructor, launched the first Zumba class at the WROC. Zumba was new on the fitness scene; participants didn’t know what to expect – one woman showed up in ballet slippers. The class was off to a slow start, but by 2010, “the WROC went crazy, we had 60 participant…

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Questions ... Many, Many Questions!

During a recent sermon, Dr. Jo Forrest referenced a conversation she had heard between organizational guru Adam Grant and clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy. Jo immediately caught my Sunday morning attention with her statement that Dr. Becky is working to find a way to bring out the good in everyone. Being an educator, and a mother, I live my life believing that each of God’s children has g…

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