Please read on for an update from the Session’s July meeting.

SHEPHERDING AND PRAYER

Before turning to the business of the meeting, the Session spent an extended time in prayer and discussion together, reflecting on the calling Christ has given elders to shepherd his flock. The responsibility of caring for God's people is both a privilege and a weighty calling, one that requires continual dependence on the Lord and the encouragement of fellow elders. The Session prayed for the congregation, for one another, and for wisdom and faithfulness as they seek to shepherd Westminster well.

PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE

The Pastor Search Committee continues to make steady progress. Initial interviews are ongoing, and several candidates have advanced to the next phase of the process. The committee has now begun conducting extended interviews with selected candidates as it continues seeking the man the Lord has prepared to shepherd Westminster into her next chapter. Please continue to pray for wisdom, discernment, unity, and endurance for the committee, as well as for the candidates and their families. We are grateful for the many hours our committee members continue to invest in this important work on behalf of our church.

FORWARD TOGETHER CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

The Forward Together Steering Committee continues refining the scope and sequencing of the campus renovation project based on the commitments received during the campaign. The committee expects to present recommendations to the Session in August so planning for the next phase of campus improvements can move forward. Thank you for your generosity and continued prayers as we seek to steward these resources wisely for future generations of ministry.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – SUNDAY, AUGUST 23RD

The Session has called a congregational meeting for Sunday, August 23, immediately following both worship services. Members will be asked to consider a recommendation regarding the future stewardship and use of church property. Additional details and the rationale for the recommendation will be shared during the meeting before any vote is taken.

DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S DISCIPLESHIP

The Session was pleased to call Maria Ferguson as Westminster's next Director of Women's Discipleship. Many of you already know Maria through her previous service in Westminster's women's discipleship ministry and her current role at Westminster Catawba Christian School. She brings a heart for Christ, a love for discipleship, and a passion for equipping women to grow in their faith.

Please join us in praying for Maria as she begins serving our church in the busy fall season and start of a new school year. We are thankful for God's continued provision for Westminster and look forward to the ways he will use her ministry among us.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

The Session approved updated church office hours. The church office will be open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and by appointment on Fridays. Many of our ministry staff serve throughout the weekend, so Fridays are naturally quieter in the church office. Closing the office to walk-in visitors on Fridays provides a more secure environment for those working in the building while still allowing us to serve members and guests by appointment, phone, and email.

CHURCHWIDE OBJECTIVES

The Session received its second quarter update on our 2026 Churchwide Objectives. We are encouraged by the progress being made in strengthening our discipleship pathway, cultivating a more intentionally welcoming church, and continuing to advance the Forward Together capital campaign and campus renovation planning. We are grateful for the many staff members and volunteers whose faithful work continues to move these initiatives forward. Please pray that the Lord would continue to bear fruit through these efforts as we seek to make disciples and welcome others into the life of our church.

2026 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Pastor Jonathan Garrett represented Westminster at the 53rd General Assembly of the PCA in Louisville, Kentucky. General Assembly is the annual gathering of teaching and ruling elders from PCA churches across the country to worship together, conduct the business of the denomination, and provide guidance on matters affecting the life and ministry of the church.

Among the topics discussed this year were a committee report on Christian nationalism, overtures related to the qualifications for ordained deacons, and various procedural matters affecting the work of our denomination. We are grateful for Jonathan's faithful service in representing Westminster and ask that you continue praying for our elders, our presbytery, and our denomination as together we seek to faithfully proclaim the gospel and serve Christ's Church.

Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and faithful participation in the life of Westminster. We are grateful for the privilege of serving alongside you as the Lord continues His work in our church. If you have questions about any of the items mentioned in this update or would like more information, please email wpcsession@wpcgo.com.

"Issue a Declaration of Thanksgiving for the United States of America (USA) on the Occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the Nation's Founding"

Whereas, God's Word calls His church, "O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever" (Psalm 136:1) in whatsoever comes to pass according to Jesus Christ's sovereign rule and reign over all men and nations; and,

Whereas, we confess that "the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures; so, after a most special manner, it taketh care of his church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof" (WCF 5.7); and,

Whereas, a pastoral letter published and circulated to Presbyterian congregations by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia in 1775 counseled colonial American Presbyterians in solemn terms, "In particular, as the Continental Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia, consists of delegates chosen in the most free and unbiassed manner, by the body of the people, let them not only be treated with respect, and encouraged in their difficult service; not only let your prayers be offered up to God for his direction in their proceedings, but adhere firmly to their resolutions; and let it be seen that they are able to bring out the whole strength of this vast country to carry them into execution," which prayers the Lord abundantly and affirmatively answered; and,

Whereas, the Synod's pastoral letter of 1775 further urged American Presbyterians, "We would also advise for the same purpose, that a spirit of candour, charity, and mutual esteem, be preserved and promoted towards those of different religious denominations. Persons of probity and principle of every profession, should be untied together as servants of the same Master; and the experience of our happy concord hitherto in a state of liberty, should engage all to unite in support of the common interest; for there is no example in history in which civil liberty was destroyed, and the rights of conscience preserved entire," which state of liberty the Lord was gracious, merciful, and kind to preserve; and,

Whereas, colonial American Presbyterian preachers and pastors defended the sacred cause of liberty from pulpits across our land, including Dr. John Witherspoon, the only minister of the Gospel to serve as a delegate to the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia, who delivered on May 17, 1776 a sermon entitled The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men on Psalm 76:10, in which he preached, "The knowledge of God and his truths have from the beginning of the world been chiefly, if not entirely, confined to those parts of the earth, where some degree of liberty and political justice were to be seen"; and,

Whereas, God's Word reads, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Timothy 2:1-2); and,

Whereas, the success of America's War of Independence has resulted in the enshrinement of certain civil liberties and individual rights in the Constitution of the United States of America, including that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assembly, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" (First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States), all which ensure the freedom of Christians to worship God as He has ordained in His Word, for "God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are, in anything contrary to his Word; or beside it, if matters of faith, or worship" (WCF 20.2); and,

Whereas, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) since its founding on December 4, 1973 has ever and always endeavored to be a national Presbyterian Church ministering in (and beyond) the territory of the United States of America as a Church faithful to the Scriptures, true to the Reformed Faith, and obedient to the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ; and,

Whereas, the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, working in collaboration with a Committee of Five, in a rented room in Philadelphia merchant Jacob Graff Jr.'s home (now known as the Declaration House) on the corner of Seventh and Market Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776; and,

Whereas, God granted success to the Patriot cause in large part through the efforts of South Carolina Reformed and Presbyterian worthies such as French Huguenot Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion (c. 1732–1795) and Scots-Irish Presbyterians, including "Fighting Elder" Andrew Pickens (1739–1817) and the daring militiamen who served under General Daniel Morgan (1736–1802), who himself later joined the Presbyterian Church; and,

Whereas, the General Assembly shall have the power: "In general, to recommend measures for the promotion of charity, truth and holiness through all the churches under its care" (BCO 14-6.k.);

Therefore, be it resolved that the 53rd General Assembly issue a formal "Declaration of Thanksgiving for the United States of America (USA) on the Occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the Nation's Founding" on July 4, 2026 by publishing the foregoing statements together with this resolution, to be spread upon the minutes and published electronically by the Administrative Committee through byFaith.

On June 18th, our team of 8 set out for Athens, Greece. Right away, we experienced God’s providence at work: after storms forced a wait on the tarmac in Charlotte and a missed connection in Munich, our rescheduled flights gave us unexpected time to explore Munich, including the Glockenspiel and the Munich Cathedral.

We arrived in Athens early on June 20th and used our first day to rest and reconnect with the Pangrati Project team—Pastor Emmanuel and Bethany Tsoutsas, and Sean and Liz Thelen. The primary goal of our trip was to assist them with their "Happy Camper" Summer Camp (VBS), but ultimately, we were there to help in any way we could. We kicked off our time with a family festival in a nearby park, with the goal of showing love to the neighborhood through games like cornhole and ring toss, face painting, and candy!

Happy Camper Summer Camp

A few things to note about the summer camp: of the 24 children who attended, only 2 were members of the church. The other 22 live in the neighborhood. This is an important point and explains why this outreach opportunity means so much. In Greece, sharing faith with children requires explicit parental consent. In a culture where Christianity is often met with indifference or opposition, it is incredible to have so many parents willing to sign waivers for children to go to a camp where they will learn about Jesus!

This was the third year Pangrati Church has hosted the camp, and the second year Westminster Presbyterian Church has participated. Half of the participants attended last summer and were returning again this summer. It was such a sweet surprise to remember them and to have them remember us! Seeing these children building meaningful relationships, feeling safe, welcomed, and valued, was an overwhelmingly clear image of God at work. Each day at camp, we all sang songs, heard Bible stories (from creation to restoration), created crafts, played games, and enjoyed snacks—just like our VBS back home.

Moments of Wonder: A Global Church

Beyond camp, we visited ancient Corinth and Mars Hill—incredible experiences reading Paul’s words where he stood. We also visited the Voula House, a refugee home that Westminster supports in Glyfada. We shared food, stories, and laughter with families who have fled the Middle East and are searching for a path forward.

While in Glyfada, God reminded me of the large and small nature of our world. We were being prayed over in English by a Greek pastor, with his prayer being translated into Farsi for the families with us, all while looking out over the Aegean Sea, where Paul himself had traveled so many years ago. When Paul first traveled to Greece, he was bringing the gospel to the ends of the earth. Now it has reached us here! Some 5,500 miles away and across the ocean! It was such a wonderful reminder that we are all the same beautiful, broken creations of a loving God, regardless of time, place, or language.

How to Pray

Praises

• Divine Protection: No one suffered any major injuries.
• Divine Provision: Despite travel delays (for us), visa hurdles (for Thelen family), and balancing ministry with family life (for Tsoutsas family), every detail fell into place.
• Returning Campers: Many children returned for the second year, including those who had behavior struggles and older kids who might have otherwise felt they were "too old" for the program.
• Older kids: a teen Bible study has developed organically with the youth who hang out in the alley by the center. Some of these boys have even asked for their own Bibles to read from.

Requests

• Space & Funding: The Pangrati church needs a larger venue for both church services and special activities. Please pray for God’s provision.
• Future Planning: Many children are from immigrant families and speak English better than Greek. Pray for wisdom on how to best reach all backgrounds efficiently.
• Perseverance: Pray for the leaders as they engage in the "long, slow obedience" of ministry; the cracks are beginning to show in hardened hearts, but it is a long journey.
• Voula House: Pray for the families to be reunited with their loved ones and to come to a saving knowledge of God.

Celebrating Christ's Love

One last encouragement: During Summer Camp, we finished each day’s singing with a song (translated): “I shout ‘wa, wa, wa’ and ‘la, la’ and clap my hands. Christ loves me! Oh, oh, oh, yeah!” The lyrics are so simple yet so true! No matter what, these kids went home singing these simple and marvelous truths.

Please read on for an update from the Session’s June meeting.

Elder Emeritus

The Session recognized John Gabrenas, a long-serving elder of WPC, as an Elder Emeritus. This honorary designation is given to elders who have faithfully served the church over many years and recognizes their enduring spiritual leadership, wisdom, and care for the congregation. While no longer serving as an active member of the Session, an Elder Emeritus continues to be honored as a shepherd and example within the life of the church.

John will continue to shepherd and encourage his flock here at Westminster, and we give thanks for his many years of faithful and far-reaching service to our congregation. Please take a moment to read the resolution written for John.

Resolution of Thanksgiving for Dr. Mike Honeycutt

The Session adopted a Resolution of Thanksgiving in recognition of Dr. Mike Honeycutt's thirteen years of faithful ministry at Westminster. A resolution is a formal expression of the Session's gratitude that becomes part of the permanent record of the church, giving thanks to God for his work through the life and ministry of a servant.

The resolution was read during worship on June 28 as part of our celebration of Mike and Judy's ministry. We are deeply grateful for their faithful service, steadfast love for Christ and his Church, and lasting impact on the life and mission of Westminster. Please take a moment to read the resolution in full.

Pastor Search Committee Update

The Pastor Search Committee continues its work of prayerfully reviewing candidates and conducting interviews. Several candidates have advanced to a deeper stage of the process, with full committee interviews scheduled for July.

Please continue to pray that the Lord would clearly lead the committee to the man he has already ordained to serve as Westminster's next Senior Pastor. Pray for wisdom, discernment, unity, humility, and endurance for the committee, as well as for the candidates and their families as they seek God's will.

Forward Together Capital Campaign

The Forward Together Capital Campaign continues to move forward as we enter a season of discerning which projects should be prioritized with the funds pledged over the past several months.

The Steering Committee is working closely with our design-build partners to refine project costs, develop renovation sequencing, and prepare recommendations for the Session. The committee anticipates presenting a proposed path forward to the Session in July so that planning for the next phase of campus improvements can begin.

Night of Prayer

Westminster gathered for another Night of Prayer on Tuesday, June 23. During this season of transition, we are reminded of our continual need to seek the Lord together.

Please continue to pray for our pastors, elders, staff, Pastor Search Committee, and the many ministries of Westminster. Above all, we give thanks that Christ is the Head of his Church. He has been faithful throughout Westminster's history, and we trust that he will continue to guide and sustain his church for generations to come.

Please stay tuned each month for continued updates from the Westminster Session. If you have questions about any of the items mentioned in this monthly update or want more details, please email wpcsession@wpcgo.com.

The Vision of Ephesians: The Task of the Church and the Glory of God

by N.T. Wright

In The Vision of Ephesians, N.T. Wright unpacks one of the New Testament's most profound letters, helping readers see God's grand plan for his people and his world. With clarity and insight, Wright explores themes of unity, mission, worship, and spiritual maturity, showing how the church is called to reflect God's glory in every area of life. You will come away with a deeper understanding of Ephesians, a renewed appreciation for the church's role in God's purposes, and practical encouragement for living out your faith in community.

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Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: A Gospel Call to Bold Enjoyment

by Ray Ortlund

Life is busy, life is short; yet life is meant to be lived to the fullest. Life is meant to have laughter, freedom, and even points of levity. In this short book, Ray Ortlund Jr. walks through Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 reminding us of the goodness of God, the freedom we have in Christ, and how that freedom allows us to savor the goodness of God every day if our life. From the back cover, “This book is a gospel call to enjoy (God’s) every good gift – and boldly too”.

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The Grace Marriage: How the Gospel and Intentionality Transform Your Relationship

by Brad and Marilyn Rhoads

What a helpful little book for how grace impacts the day to day of our lives especially in our marriages. When marriages seem to be in survival mode most of the time, how might the Grace of Jesus practically help us in our marriages. This book is an excellent tool for you and your spouse to walk through together whether your marriage is stuck in a rut, doing fine, or excelling. It leans into the grace of Jesus, as we learn to love one another with the love we’ve been given.

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The Narina Code: C. S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens

by Michael Ward

With a new Chronicles of Narnia movie coming out in December, I (JT) wanted to revisit some of Lewis’ work last year. This book is utterly brilliant. For 50 years people have been wondering what the rhyme and reason behind Narnia’s 7-fold structure was. Was it the 7 sacraments of the catholic church? Was it highlighting the 7 deadly sins? Surely a mind as sharp as Lewis had some sort of structure behind it. Lewis Scholar, Michael Ward, about 20 years ago cracked the code. His dissertation was published as “Planet Narnia”. This is a condensed and accessible revision of that work. If you enjoy The Chronicles of Narnia, you have to give this book a read.

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You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Gift of Habit

by James K. A. Smith

This book offers a compelling vision of spiritual formation by arguing that we are shaped less by what we think and more by what we repeatedly love and practice. Drawing from Scripture, theology, and everyday life, Smith explores how habits, routines, and cultural “liturgies” quietly form our hearts and desires. He encourages Christians to intentionally pursue practices that direct our affections toward Christ and his Kingdom. Thoughtful, accessible, and deeply practical, this book challenges readers to consider how worship, community, and daily rhythms shape who we are becoming.

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Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience

by Sissy Goff and David Thomas

If you are a parent, grandparent, or work with folks under the age of 21, this recent release is a must-read. In a culture where anxiety, indecision, and fear increasingly confront our children, students, and selves, Goff and Thomas carve out a biblically faithful, counseling-proven pathway for equipping the younger generation with resilience, endurance, and courage. I found this book immensely helpful for my own ministry and, even, my own heart. Goff and Thomas teach parents how to shift from "search and rescue” parenting, a mindset that tries to remove every difficulty from our students’ lives, towards a shepherd’s mindset, a parenting mindset that equips our students to navigate the challenges they will face in life. Filled with grace and practical advice, you will find this book thought provoking.

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Finding the Will of God: A Pagan Notion?

by Bruce Waltke

This book by an esteemed Old Testament scholar asks the question of Scripture, “How can I discern God’s will?” And you may be surprised by the Bible’s answer! Waltke takes a very concrete, biblically focused look at how Christians ought to make decisions and in the process reveals our cultural blinders. Filled with practical advice, Waltke centers on how Christians are not to divine God’s will but, rather, follow God’s will, asking: “How has God called me to live my life, what are my motives, what has he given me a heart for, where am I in my walk with Christ, and what is God saying to me through His Word and His people?” You will find this book refreshing, especially as you face decisions daily.

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Leap Over a Wall: Earthy Spirituality for Everyday Christians

by Eugene Peterson

If you enjoyed our sermon series on David a few years ago, this book is for you. Peterson examines the life of David from a devotional perspective, encouraging you to consider the way the Lord used David in David's joys, struggles, and failures. Peterson encourages us to reflect on the faith of David, faith which led him to write, for by my God I can leap over a wall(2 Sam. 22:30). I (Caleb) read this book devotionally, one chapter at time, and would be a great summer read.

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C.S. Lewis -- A Life: Eccentric Genuis, Reluctant Prophet

by Alister McGrath

I found this biography of C.S. Lewis hard to put down. Alister McGrath is a brilliant scholar; he has done extensive research into the life of Lewis; and he has written a very readable, very honest, but very uplifting life of C.S. Lewis. I loved every minute of it, especially his discussions of joy, the Inklings, and the concept of mere Christianity. If you have any interest in C.S. Lewis, and I hope you do, this is the biography I recommend.

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Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good

by Amy L. Sherman

If you want to develop a bigger understanding of the gospel, if you want to develop a bigger picture of your life and work, Amy Sherman will help you get there. I love this book because Sherman handles the Scripture well, providing a biblical basis for her vision of life in God’s kingdom. Then she gives example after example of every-day people making a difference through the every-day work God has assigned them. It will stretch you and encourage you as you see how important your life and work can be.

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God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs

by Timothy and Kathy Keller

As I shared recently in a sermon, the purpose of the book of Proverbs is to impart wisdom and understanding. But sometimes making sense of Proverbs can be a bit bewildering. The Kellers have done an amazing job of making the individual proverbs understandable and practical. And they have put them into a year’s worth of brief devotions. I encourage you to include this in your time alone with God. You will grow wise.

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Communion with God

by John Owen (abridged and made easy to read by R.J.K Law)

My faith has been deeply impacted by my favorite Puritan, John Owen. But he is very verbose in his writing. Law has solved that problem in this short volume by getting to the point and updating the language. Owen’s original version of this book made my communion with God so much richer by helping me understand how to relate to each member of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Communion with God has the potential of revolutionizing your worship, especially your personal time with God.

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A Faith to Live By: Understanding Christian Doctrine

by Donald Macleod

Donald Macleod is one of my two favorite Scottish theologians of the last fifty years—Sinclair Ferguson is the other. Macleod is profound in his thinking, and you may run across some words you will need to look up, but it will be worth it. In this book, Macleod takes the biblical truths summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith 400 years ago and makes them applicable to our daily lives. Take your time as you read through A Faith to Live By, and you will come out the other side well versed in the most important truths of God’s word.

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Meet Our Summer Interns:

Students, get ready for an action-packed summer break filled with exciting activities and the opportunity to make many new friends! Check out our full schedule of events and be sure to follow @wpc_students on Instagram to stay up to date on all events.

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Please read on for an update from the Session’s May meeting.

Gene Craven Memorial

Lee Ferguson, Chaplain at Westminster Towers, joined the Session meeting to read a memorial honoring former Westminster Senior Pastor Gene Craven, who entered into glory on April 11, 2026. We give thanks for Gene’s faithful ministry, leadership, and lasting impact on the life of our church and community. Please take a moment to read the full memorial.

Staff Update

Our Director of Worship, Ryan Thomas, has submitted his resignation from his full-time role at Westminster. Ryan joined the Session meeting to express his gratitude for the opportunity to lead and shape worship at Westminster over the past seven years. We are deeply thankful for his faithful leadership, creativity, and care for our congregation during his time on staff.

Ryan has graciously offered to continue leading worship at the 11am service during this transition period in order to help bridge the gap while next steps are discerned. We are grateful for his continued support and ask the congregation to keep Ryan and his family in prayer in this season of transition.

Finance Committee

The Session adopted a new charter reforming the standing Budget Committee into a Finance Committee. This newly structured committee will assume expanded responsibilities for monitoring and reviewing the church’s financial activities throughout the year.

In addition to providing ongoing financial oversight, the committee will be responsible for drafting an annual budget each fall for presentation to and adoption by the Session at the end of the year. We look forward to formalizing this additional level of accountability and stewardship, while also providing our finance staff with the leadership and support needed to faithfully steward the generous gifts of God’s people.

WCCS Update

Westminster Catawba Christian School (WCCS) is a ministry founded by WPC that operates under its own leadership as a separate 501(c)(3) organization. As part of that relationship, the Session is responsible for approving changes to the school’s bylaws and confirming nominees to serve on the WCCS Board of Trustees.

At this month’s meeting, the Session approved several clarifying, non-substantive revisions to the WCCS bylaws and also approved a nominee for election to the Board of Trustees. We give thanks for the ministry of WCCS and for the many ways it serves students and families by providing an education grounded in a Christian worldview, with the goal of forming disciples of Christ who will go out to bless our community and the world.

Presbytery Report

At the end of April, Westminster had the privilege of hosting the elders of Fellowship Presbytery for their stated meeting as they gathered to conduct the work of shepherding and supporting congregations across our region. During last month’s meeting, presbytery leaders discussed the future of a Chinese-speaking congregation in the Indian Land area. We are grateful for the continued partnership and shared ministry among the churches of Fellowship Presbytery as we seek to proclaim the gospel and serve our communities together.

Mission Houses

The Session, desiring to steward our properties well, has voted to bring a proposal to the congregation regarding the future of our three mission houses — properties owned by WPC that, over the years, have been used to house pastors, missionaries, and, more recently, Afghan refugees. The proposal reflects an ongoing desire to thoughtfully steward these resources in ways that best support the ministry and mission of Westminster. Additional information will be shared in the coming months.

Pastor Search Committee Update

Ruling Elder Jim Petty, Chairman of the Pastor Search Committee, shared an update on the progress of the search for the next Senior Pastor of Westminster. The committee is actively considering many qualified candidates, and interviews have now begun as part of the discernment process.

The Pastor Search Committee will continue its practice of providing monthly updates to the congregation during worship services, as well as written updates included in the bulletin and website. Please continue to pray faithfully for the committee and for the man God has ordained to lead this beloved congregation in the years ahead.

Capital Campaign Update

Executive Director Steve Smith shared an update on the capital campaign and campus renovation efforts. By God’s grace, we have officially surpassed the $5 million mark in pledges and have already received more than $1.3 million in gifts in hand. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and faithfulness of God’s people in supporting the future ministry of Westminster.

Based on the feedback received and the current level of campaign funding, the Steering Committee is now preparing a recommendation to the Session regarding the scope and prioritization of renovation projects. We look forward to thoughtfully updating our campus in ways that will better support and serve the thriving ministries of Westminster for years to come.

Please stay tuned each month for continued updates from the Westminster Session. If you have questions about any of the items mentioned in this monthly update or want more details, please email wpcsession@wpcgo.com.

Please read on for an update from the Session’s April meeting.

Season of Change

At this month’s meeting, Steve Smith, our Executive Director, reminded the Session that we are in a season of change. Change is both inevitable and necessary for growth, though it often brings an initial dip in activity before leading to greater fruitfulness. This framework helps us understand and navigate the transitions currently taking place in the life of our church.

Sermon Series Planning

Rev. Jonathan Garrett led a discussion on planning for the fall sermon series. The Session spent time in small groups sharing ideas and praying for the associate pastors who will be preaching. We are grateful for the thoughtful preparation and prayer that goes into the regular ministry of the word at Westminster.

Churchwide Objectives

Each quarter, the Session receives reports tracking our progress toward the churchwide objectives established for the year. These updates help us remain focused and accountable as we pursue the ministry priorities the Lord has set before us. Our objectives for 2026 center on three key areas: developing a clear and effective discipleship pathway, cultivating a more welcoming church culture, and advancing the capital campaign to support the renovation of our campus. We are encouraged by the progress being made in each of these areas and ask for your continued prayers as this work moves forward.

Discipleship Pathway

Development continues to move forward, with an introductory dinner held this past Sunday, April 26. This effort is aimed at helping our congregation grow as mature, equipped, and engaged followers of Christ.

Welcoming Church

Ongoing steps are being taken to strengthen our culture of hospitality, including evaluating how best to support greeters and ushers. In addition, a pastor will be present in The Gathering Place after each service to foster connection and care.

Capital Campaign

We are encouraged by the steady progress toward our goal and the generosity of our church family. We are midway through the public commitment phase, with the generosity series concluding May 3 and a celebration and update on commitments planned for May 17.

Presbytery Gathering

Westminster hosted Fellowship Presbytery on Saturday, April 25. This gathering is an important expression of our connection as churches across the region, coming together to worship, conduct the business of the church, and encourage one another in ministry. Please join us in praying for the Elders as they lead and serve our congregations, asking the Lord to grant wisdom, unity, and faithfulness in their work.

250th Anniversary Overture

The Session reviewed an overture recognizing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, which will be presented by the South Carolina Presbyteries at this summer’s General Assembly. This will be shared with the congregation via email and highlighted in the church bulletin this summer.

WCCS Board of Trustees

As a ministry of Westminster, WCCS brings forward nominees for its Board of Trustees each year for Session review and approval. The Session reviewed this year’s nominees and expressed no objections. We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with WCCS in ministering to the next generation and encourage you to pray for the school, its leadership, and its students.

Please stay tuned each month for continued updates from the Westminster Session. If you have questions about any of the items mentioned in this monthly update or want more details, please email wpcsession@wpcgo.com.

Please read on for an update from the Session’s March meeting.

ROAR Director Update

The Session received a recommendation from Rev. JT Hoover regarding the next Director of ROAR Sports. Chuck Preslar, who has faithfully served in the ROAR ministry for twenty years, both as a volunteer and in part-time roles, was introduced to the Session as the candidate for this full-time role. The Session enthusiastically and unanimously approved extending an offer to Chuck to become our next ROAR Director. He will officially transition into this new role on April 1.

We are thankful for the Lord’s provision and ask that you join us in praying for Chuck as he takes the helm of this important outreach ministry of our church. We also pray for continued growth and fruitfulness in ROAR as we seek to serve our community with the gospel through the outreach of sports.

Discipleship Pathway

One of our churchwide objectives for 2026 is to develop and implement a cohesive discipleship pathway so that our members increasingly grow as mature, equipped, and missional followers of Jesus. Rev. Jonathan Garrett shared encouraging progress on the development of this pathway.

Our discipleship team will continue to develop and refine this work throughout the spring and summer, with plans to introduce it to the congregation in the fall. We are excited about the future of Westminster as we seek to become a body of disciples who make disciples.

New Study Bibles for Visitors

As we say almost every Sunday, “If you do not have a Bible, please take one from the pews. It is our gift to you.” God’s Word is essential to our lives, and we desire that all who come through our doors would know the hope found in it.

One of the best ways to grow in understanding Scripture is through a study Bible, which includes helpful notes and insights from biblical scholars to provide context and clarity for more difficult passages. In an effort to make Scripture even more accessible, the Session approved making study Bibles available as gifts for visitors and others who may benefit from them.

The recommended edition is the ESV Concise Study Bible. If you are interested in purchasing one for yourself, you can find it here.

Presbytery and General Assembly

As part of the Presbyterian Church in America, Westminster is a local expression of a much larger body. We are connected regionally through Fellowship Presbytery and nationally through the General Assembly.

On Saturday, April 25, WPC will host the Ruling and Teaching Elders of Fellowship Presbytery as they gather to conduct the business of our local churches. Later this summer, our denomination will meet in Louisville, KY (June 22–26) for the General Assembly. Several of our own elders plan to attend these important gatherings.

Please join us in praying not only for the mission and ministry of Westminster, but also for our sister churches across Fellowship Presbytery and throughout the denomination. May the Lord guide and strengthen his church as we serve together.

Community Engagement Committee

Westminster’s Community Engagement Committee is tasked with cultivating active and meaningful relationships with ministries serving our local community, seeking to care for those in need both spiritually and materially. The committee is made up of elders, deacons, and members of the congregation.

Ruling Elder Greg Madden has been appointed to serve as one of the elders on this committee, joining Doug DeKoster, Daniel Gaulden, PJ Cooper, Jonathan Taylor, Courtney Denton, and Sharon Cole. We encourage you to remember this team and their work in prayer as they seek to provide care, support, and the hope of the gospel to those in need in our community.

Session Leadership Team Female Advisors

At Westminster, we value the voices and contributions of women throughout our congregation. For several years, the Session Leadership Team has invited two female advisors to attend meetings and come alongside our Ruling Elders as they carry out the business of the church.

At this month’s meeting, the Session approved an amendment to the Session Leadership Team charter to broaden the pool of women eligible to serve in this advisory role by including the wives of deacons. Previously, all officers’ wives were excluded, but it was recognized that this limitation prevented many gifted and qualified women from serving in this way. Elders’ wives will continue not to serve in this role so that no single household has undue influence.

The Session Leadership Team is currently in the process of identifying two women to serve, and we are grateful for the many women in our church whose wisdom and service strengthen the life of Westminster.

Please stay tuned each month for continued updates from the Westminster Session. If you have questions about any of the items mentioned in this monthly update or want more details, please email wpcsession@wpcgo.com.