Memorials and Wish-List Update

In our reformed tradition of worship, we hear the Word and we respond. Our response can take many forms including: when we respond in worship with our tithes and offerings, and after worship we respond by living Christ’s love in our daily lives. Sometimes our response is planned as in pledging, and sometimes our response is in gratitude for a spontaneous realization of God’s goodness. Many times our response is for the general work in God’s kingdom and other times it is in response to a specific need.

     Each year the session gives thanks for that response and plans the best uses of it in the annual budget. At other times, they present needs and wishes that would further enhance the work of the church. One familiar form is our Wish List.

     Since the list was distributed last year, members have responded with gifts and memorials to enhance the life and mission of Westminster. In particular, there is a new grand piano in Fellowship Hall that has enhanced our singing during special worship times. There are also new televisions, new punch bowls and cups, oil candles for the sanctuary, and automatic openers for the barrier free entrance which encouraged further donations to install automatic openers on the parking lot doors.

Most recently:

In addition to funding the openers at the barrier free hallway, memorials for Jack Davis have been dedicated to purchasing a laptop computer and cart for the AV projector. This brings the computer up to date with speed and software to be more user-friendly when people give presentations. In addition, these funds are making the church wireless for internet access. Though we were getting by previously in time, this gracious gift makes things easier and more fulfilling. Ruth mentioned that Jack had embraced computers for a genealogy project and thought it was something he would like the church to have.

     Memorials for Trayton Lathrop and Louise Behling were dedicated for the addition of safety sides on the lectern and pulpit. People started to realize that having open sides was a risk for stepping off and stepping onto them because there was no handrail. Ruth Lathrop commented on her husband’s love of woodworking. Ron Behling, being a past chair of Property and Finance, dedicated his wife, Louise’s memorial fund to the best use of the church. 

     A bequest from Le Giesler’s will has been dedicated for use in the library and audio visual equipment. The library will now have the New Interpreter’s Bible set and a Barclay daily devotional book set. Both the conference room and large TV/VCR cart have new televisions. Le’s daughter recognized how important worship was to him and dedicated his memorial fund to purchase worship banners.

     Memorials for Andrea Waggener have been dedicated to putting grab bars in the upper level restrooms. Though these are not fully accessible restrooms adding these aids will make them much more comfortable for everyone.

     Tom Buchhauser celebrated the great gifts of so many people who enhance worship with music, by giving new rehearsal chairs for the Chancel Choir room. In an explanation to Joe Chrisman, Tom wrote, “The chairs are given in honor of your music ministry to Westminster AND ALSO in honor of the choir members, past and present, who give so unselfishly of their time and talent to bring that music ministry to Westminster.”

We are truly thankful for the responses of the members and friends of Westminster. Through their thoughtfulness and recognition of what God is doing among us, all things really do come together for good.

Submitted by John Tarr for the Property, Finance and Stewardship Committee.