Committees

Westminster has many committees…

• Christian Education
• Worship Committee
• Mission and Outreach
• Pastoral Care Team
• Women’s Missionary Society (WMS)
• Men’s Group
• Five C’s Craft Group

Christian Education

The area of Christian Education is broad when applied to the ministry of the church.  The Book of Forms suggests that it is the “Session’s responsibility to provide for the programme of Christian Education for persons of all ages in order that they may be confronted by the Gospel, may grow in faith, participate in the life of the Christian Community and be active witnesses to Christ in the world.” (BF 112) Some of the following may help to stimulate the committee in this responsibility.

• Baptism follow-up
• Sunday School
• Bible Studies
• VBS
• Communicant’s classes
• Youth – Youth orientation in services, youth retreat, youth music opportunities
• Nursery

Worship Committee

The Worship Committee plans for special services, encourages occasions for fellowship, and to bring new members opportunities for growth and inclusion into the community of faith.  Specific areas of responsibility may be in the provision of:

• Welcoming/Greeting
• Name Badges
• Ushers
• Flowers in the church
• Special Services:
  • Mission Sunday
  • Anniversary Sunday
  • Remembrance Day
  • Christmas Eve
• Minister’s holidays – Supply ministers, hospitality
• Organist’s holidays – Supply organists, hospitality
• Special Music  events, guests
• Special Speakers

It is noted that the minister alone is responsible for the conduct and content of public worship.

Mission and Outreach

The session is given the responsibility to keep before the congregation the life and work of the church around the world, encouraging participation in that work through prayer service and gifts…for seeing that the congregation develops and maintains programmes of mission and outreach both related to the immediate community and beyond…for outreach to children, youth and adults in the community by encouraging them to participate in worship and programmes of education and fellowship, and by inviting them to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord (BF 113.1-3).  The following areas may be useful upon which to focus the attentions of the committee:

• Ecumenical services
• Food Bank
• WMS
• Newsletter
• Visitation Program
• New members, especially families
• Friendship Group (Special needs)
• Promotional events
• New moms
• Needs analysis (community)

Pastoral Care Team

This group works under supervision of the minister and Session. Its goal is to offer support to members and adherents of Westminster who are unable to participate fully in church activities.

Regular contacts with designated recipients for care are made in person, by telephone, mail or email as appropriate. PCT members also offer support to any member of the congregation who is ill or coping with other life stresses.

Women’s Missionary Society (WMS)

The Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) is a community of Christians whose purpose, in response to the love of God in Jesus Christ, is to encourage one another and all the people of the church to be involved in local and world mission through prayer, study, service and fellowship.

Men’s Group

The Men’s Group meets regularly on every third Monday of the month except during the months of July and August.

The Men’s Group has assisted in the work of our congregation, varying from conducting Lay Services to organizing Doors Open.

Five C’s Craft Group

(Christian, Community, Charity, Crafts, Commissions)

Although current membership consists of women of a broad age range, the group is designed to be free of age and gender biases. Experienced crafters and those willing to work at learning new skills are welcome.

We meet the second Wednesday afternoon of the month in the St. Andrew’s room and the fourth Wednesday at Van Horne Manor where residents are encouraged to bring their projects and join in the camaraderie. We have been made most welcome and residents who participate all seem to enjoy the event.