OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP AT WESTMINSTER

To explore how you can meet other members and friends and get involved at Westminster, see below or contact Melanie McCall, Coordinator of Fellowship, Communication and Events.

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS

Young Adults: WestConnect
This group of Westminster members and friends in their 20s and 30s gathers once a month for fellowship, study, service and events. WestConnect is designed to be an informal way to get to know others and help find your place in the life of the church. Ongoing: Meet or re-connect with other adults at the After Hour, the weekly WestConnect gathering after Sunday 10:30 worship. Come for good coffee, treats, sermon discussion and more.

WestConnect Bible Study Christian Responses to War
Monday evenings, 7:00 – 9:00pm, starts January 23, Bushnell Room
Christians faced with headlines about wars around the world continue to wrestle with how to respond to the events and practice of war. How does a Christian think about events of war, whether it is a civil war in another country, a war between nations in another part of the world, or a war in which our own country is engaged? How does Scripture shape our questions, inform our thinking, and guide our responses in thought and action? No need to register, come each week or when you can. Bring a Bible if you have one.

Want to learm more about WestConnect? Check us out on Facebook.

To stay up-to-date on the latest WestConnect happenings, join the Facebook group.

Want to know more about WestConnect? Contact Melanie McCall.

Older Adults: The Great Over Fifties (TGOF)

TGOF is a fellowship group for Westminster members and friends, age 50 and above. We meet, greet, eat, and enjoy a variety of programs, September - May, on the third Sunday of the month from Noon – 2:00pm.
Upcoming: Ed Cunnington will speak at Noon on Sunday, February 19, following lunch in the Meisel Room. Ed, just returned from Cuba, will talk about recent changes in that county’s policies, as well as the installation of a clean water system at the Luyano church in Havana. Register for lunch ($14) here.

All Adults: Dinner For Eight

Enjoy a meal and good conversation and meet new people! The concept is simple: groups of six to eight are formed and meet for dinner (or brunch!) on a prearranged date. A host provides a comfortable place to gather, as well as the entree, and asks the participants to bring a dish to share. Over a meal new friendships emerge, the sea of unfamiliar faces diminish and our community grows stronger as we learn more about one another. Whether you are new to Westminster or a long-time member, Dinner for Eight could be just right for you!

Upcoming: The next Dinner for Eight is Saturday, March 17, 6:00 – 9:00pm. Check your bulletin for registration dates. More info and register by emailing Debby Woodard or Kent Cassidy

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES

The 2012 Faith Nixon Symposium

Roles, Relationships, Gifts, and Effort:  A Woman's Journey onto the National Scene,

The Rev. Canon Peg Chemberlin, Saturday, February 18, 10 am - 1:30 pm, Meisel Room

Join women and men of Westminster for fellowship with Peg Chemberlin.  Peg will talk about her work with the National Council of Churches and appointment to an advisory council to President Obama.  She'll share how she came to those positions and some of the joys and stresses she found.  You can learn more here.

Ready to register?  Call Dan Franklin at Westminster, 612-332-3421, or register through the online events calendar found on the home page of Westminster's website.

For over 30 years, the Faith Nixon fund has sponsored annual symposiums, presenting issues of crucial interest to women, children, the church, and the community.  We are blessed to use these funds to welcome strong women of faith to lead our discussion.

Sunday/Monday Connections
Join us for the 10th Anniversary Season! Would you be willing to trade career, family, and volunteer obligations for a few hours of connection, reflection, and fun? Sunday/Monday Connections, now in its tenth year, gives women the opportunity to connect with each other and to reflect on the connection between their Sunday faith lives and their Monday-Saturday everyday lives.

This popular evening begins with a social hour at The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, followed by dinner. After a presentation by the evening’s speaker, there are small group discussions. Contact Dan Franklin for more information.

Women’s Retreat

The Women’s Spring Retreat, held at Presbyterian Clearwater Forest (about two hours from Minneapolis), is a perfect opportunity for spiritual growth, renewal and development, as well as strengthening the spirit of sisterhood at Westminster. Retreats are led by area clergy. 

The 2012 Women’s Retreat is April 27-29. Our discussion leader is Carla Dahl, Professor of Congregational and Community Care Leadership at Luther Seminary. Registration begins in March. Contact Melanie McCall for more information.

W.O.W. – Westminster on Wednesdays
WOW meets each Wednesday for a morning of fellowship, Bible study, and engaging programs on a wide variety of topics. The WOW year kicks off in October with the annual Birthday Luncheon. No advance registration needed.

In the summer months, the group takes monthly bus excursions to explore interesting sites in the region.  Men and women of all ages are invited.

9:00am – coffee and conversation
9:30am – men’s & women’s Bible studies
10:45am – program, followed by brown bag lunch.

Upcoming Dates and programs:

February 8 - Anna Kendig on Emerging Forms of Worship
February 15 – Lynette Crane on the Angina Monologue: The Heart-Wise Woman
February 22 – Rev. Doug Mitchell on Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem
February 29 – Rolland Baldwin on the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind Foundation

MEN'S MINISTRIES

All Westminster men are invited to participate in programs throughout the year.  Men's Ministries continues its Wednesday morning 9:30 Bible conversations. On the second and third Thursday of each month, men gather for breakfast for a special time of conversation and fellowship. And twice a year, men gather together for day-long or overnight retreats. For more information on Men's Ministries, contact the Rev. Steve Robertson.