https://mailchi.mp/876e21d08cde/september-newsletter

Dear Friends and Members of WPC,

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside you as your interim pastor. I’ve been here a month and the learning curve is real! I’m getting to know you all and your stories. I’m getting to know the processes and systems that enable our various ministries. I’m also figuring out important stuff like where to find Ziploc bags, dustpans, and electrical panels.

I’ll have more to say in coming months about my role as an interim pastor and what we’ll be working on together. But for now I want to make sure you know about a simple service of remembering and storytelling in honor of Rev. Scott Myers. We’ll gather at the church this Friday (Sept. 6) at 6pm for an hour of story sharing and snacks. If you can’t make it but have something you’d like to share, feel free to email me (jared@westportpresbyterian.org).

Peace, Jared.

News In and Around the Community:

• We’re planning a Fall Kickoff on Sept 22, so look forward to more info soon!  We plan to announce some efforts at creating some additional opportunities for church activities, like a Connection Hour class prior to Worship and a book club, but stay tuned as we solidify our plans!
• We are delighted to announce that our wireless mic receiver has been replaced, so our wireless mics are back up and working!  Sadly, the volume controls for the sound system are currently not functioning so here’s hoping everything is currently set at the right volume
• Building committee (and James) worked on assembling a shed in our Bermuda Triangle for our outdoor tools and supplies

Calendar Items of Note:

See our calendar for activities in and around the church!  Events Calendar – Westport Presbyterian Church

• Mondays at 4:30 – FREDitation – a centering prayer experience
• Sept 6 – 6PM – a simple service of remembering and storytelling in honor of Rev. Scott Myers
• Sept 7 – 7PM, Martine and Deanna will host the monthly Historical English Dance lesson in the church basement.  All are welcome.  Come 15 minutes early for beginner lesson.
• Sept 11 – Zoom Bible Study, 7PM.  Contact the church for the link
• Sept 12 – Christians against Christian Nationalism’s September gathering/rally is at 65th and Wornall at noon
• Sept 20 – WCA brown Bag concert season resumes with “All the Things You Are”.
• Sept 22 – tentative date for Fall Kickoff… stay tuned!
• Sept 25 – Zoom Bible Study, 7PM.  Contact the church for the link

Volunteer Opportunities:

• PRAYER CHAIN: Reminder that the Deacons are reassembling a very out-of-date Prayer Chain. Please contact Nancy or the church if you wish to be on it. This involves receiving a call when there is a prayer concern and then calling the next person on the list.
• LUNCH BAGS: Bread, Buns, Fruit, Water, Meat, Peanut Butter, Cheese are always needed for our INTERRUPT HUNGER work.
• WEEKDAY LUNCH BAG VOLUNTEERS. We could use a few more people to help with making weekday lunches and/or to pass out lunches for a half hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Fridays.
• WESTPORT SHOWERS happen on Sunday mornings (for all) & Thursday nights (for women , trans, and gender non-conforming). Men’s boxer brief underwear, Men’s and Women’s sneakers, pants, bars of soap, travel-sized shampoo, and backpacks are ALWAYS needed, but now we’re starting to assemble coats, hats, gloves, sweatpants for winter
• WESTPORT SHOWERS is looking for additional volunteers to help with Sunday mornings with our increase in guests. You would be working with experienced volunteers who can train you in what is needed. If you would like to help, and are willing to volunteer 1 Sunday morning a month, reach out to Drew Irwin, Allison Rozga, or Kechia for more information

Keep the faith!  WPC