Our Mission & Vision
We strive to follow
Jesus Christ
by ministering to the
needs of the world.
We put our faith into action by ministering to children, the poor, the hungry, and the shunned with more than twenty educational, charitable, advocacy, and community service partners here in Madison and around the world. We are a congregation committed to justice by addressing the systemic issues of poverty, racism, and discrimination in all its forms.
Partnership
Working alongside the community, identifying needs through listening to the hopes and fears of our neighbors, and then leveraging the capacities of effective community organizations and agencies to meet those needs, is how we best serve others.
Low income and disadvantaged children at Thoreau Elementary School receive concrete help and support from the members of Westminster Church.
Locally
Adopt-a-School Partner with Thoreau Elementary School
For decades, Westminster has provided hands-on support for Thoreau Elementary School, located a block from the church. Thoreau is a racially and socio-economically diverse public school where 21 languages are spoken. Westminster supports Thoreau by providing:
- Direct monetary support to the Parent Teacher Organization
- School supplies along with cold-weather clothing and backpacks for students
- Interaction and encouragement to students, serving as Pen Pals and being interviewed by second-grade students for class projects
- Full funding, books, and teacher support for the Thoreau Summer Reading Program, which prevents “summer slide” and keeps students learning and advancing year-round
Globally
Kibera Girls Soccer Academy, Nairobi, Kenya
Westminster is a long-standing supporter of the Soccer Academy, which was developed to harness the strength of women to lead their communities out of poverty. KGSA offers free secondary education anually to 130 at-risk girls, free healthcare, a daily meal, artistic programming, athletic programming, and a variety of clubs for special interests. Construction of a dormitory was recently completed to provide stable housing for girls living in an unstable environment.
Get Involved
with our
community partners
Allied Partners
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A coalition of neighborhood churches that share the vision of a strong, healthy community in the Allied and Dunn’s Marsh neighborhoods, one of the most diverse communities in Madison. Our church provides eviction prevention funds, support for the Wellness Center, youth, and special projects including Christmas gifts for dozens of at-need children in the area.
Pres House
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Pres House is a vibrant spiritual community in the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Westminster regularly provides, prepares, and serves a warm meal to students on Sunday evenings.
Just Bakery
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Just Bakery is an educational and vocational training program for individuals who are experiencing significant barriers to employment and who have an interest in baking or culinary arts as a career pathway. Westminster has provided financial support and ongoing opportunities for the congregation to purchase baked goods.
Just Dane
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Just Dane (local) and the Wisconsin Council of Churches (statewide) advocate for the needs of low-income families and address systemic issues related to gun violence, health care access, affordable housing, food insecurity, discrimination, and restorative justice.
Madison Area Jail Ministry
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The Madison Area Jail Ministry (MAJM), through the work of its chaplains and a network of clergy and volunteers from the entire spectrum of faith traditions, has been providing spiritual care to incarcerated men and women for more than 50 years. Westminster provides volunteer leadership and financial support.
Cherokee Heights Middle School
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As an adopt-a-school partner with Cherokee Heights Middle School, four blocks from the church, Westminster helped launch an in-school food pantry and supports students with special needs.