Kids K-5th grade, join us for an exciting week of Vacation Bible School this summer on June 25-29 from 5:30-8:00. Dinner will be served each night before we dive into God’s love with Operation Overboard. Through arts and crafts, games and Bible stories we will explore God’s underwater universe, the ocean, and we will learn about God’s love for all of us. Please click on the picture above to sign up. Hope to see you there!
The December 15th issue of The Westmorelander is now online. Check out the latest news and events through Christmas and the end of the year.
The new issue of The Westmorelander is now online.
Our own Sabrina Vasa, Westmoreland Church and Volunteer Corps member has produced a great video on her agency, Bethesda Cares. Bethesda Cares was founded by Westmoreland over 20 years ago, and it continues to be one of our core Outreach Ministries. Check it out.
This Sunday we continue our Lenten journey as well as our journey toward calling a new Senior Minister.
The Journey Begins
All are invited to join Rev. Dr. Bob Maddox in the Parlor for Bible study at 9am to begin delving into our guiding texts for the day: Psalm 31:9-16 and John 11:17-27. Whether or not you can join us on Sunday morning, keep an eye out for notes on the text, which are soon to come.
Worshiping Along the Way
This Sunday’s worship service will encourage and challenge us as we travel together toward the new life of Easter. Lindsay Wallace, one of our lovely Westmoreland Volunteers, will speak about her work at Bread for the City. We’ll sing Psalm 31:9-16, and hear the good news offered in John 11:17-27; we’ll sing God’s praises and prayerfully reflect as we seek God’s presence among us; and together we’ll offer our support and prayers as we commission our Pastoral Search Committee as they engage in the work of seeking our new Senior Minister. Rev. Dr. John Deckenback, our Central Atlantic Conference Minister, will join us promising the support of the Conference and the Potomac Association as well as offering the day’s sermon.
Following the choral blessing, all who wish are invited to gather at the front of the sanctuary (pulpit side) to engage in our Lenten Chancel Communion service.
Discussing the Way Ahead
At 11:30am, all are encouraged to grab a bite to eat at coffee hour and join Rev. Dr. Deckenback as he leads a forum for the entire congregation on the search and call process in the United Church of Christ. Following the forum, the Pastoral Search Committee will continue their work with Rev. Dr. Deckenback over lunch at 12:30pm in the Mabry Room.
May the Children Lead Us
Next Sunday, April 17, is Palm/Passion Sunday. We will begin worship celebrating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. All children and youth are encouraged to lead us in this celebration. We’ll process from the narthex to the chancel and all throughout the sanctuary joyously waving our palms. We will gather in the sanctuary to rehearse the procession THIS SUNDAY, April 10 after worship at 11:30am. We’ll gather again to practice on next Sunday before worship, 9:15am-9:45am.
Looking Down the Road
The Board of Christian Education will meet on Monday, April 11 at 7:30pm in the Christian Education Center. As always, our meetings are open to the entire congregation.
The Interim Working Team will continue their work as they meet on Monday, April 11 at 7:30pm in the Library.
The Healing Conversation Group will meet on Tuesday, April 12 at 7pm in the Library. All are welcome to engage in this important work.
Even Farther Along the Way
Holy Week and Easter draw ever closer, and we hope you’ll join us as Jesus’ journey toward the cross and the tomb continues:
Palm/Passion Sunday, April 17, 10am—Join us for morning worship as we progress from the joy of the palms to pain of the passion, with Rev. Dr. Maddox preaching.
Maundy Thursday, April 21, 7pm—We’ll gather together to journey from the table to the garden, from the cross to the tomb. A meaningful service through which we are challenged to follow Jesus wherever he may lead.
Easter Sunday, April 24
Easter Sunrise Service, 7am—We’ll gather in the memorial garden and proclaim the good news “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” We’ll celebrate communion, and Rev. Dr. Maddox will guide us in a reflection. A light breakfast will follow.
Easter Festival Service, 10am—We’ll proclaim even more loudly and with great joy that “Christ is risen indeed!” We’ll celebrate communion, and Rev. Dr. Sid Fowler will offer the sermon. Coffee hour, cookie decorating, and our annual Easter egg hunt will follow.
We hope you will join us at Westmoreland as we travel this long and winding road together.
Rev. Jessica Petersen