Dear Westminster Presbyterian Church Family,

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.