Cindy and I have been members of Westminster since 2003.  Our previous church had grown too intolerant over our 25 years there.  It was time to find a church that was welcoming to all, and that both preached and practiced Community.

Cindy and I are quite organized, perhaps too much.   So, with a new church home as our goal, we made a check-list of churches to attend in our search.  It was on Youth Sunday in May 2002 when we first attended Westminster, which was near the top of our list.  And when we heard the high schoolers preach, we both agreed.  We wanted to be a part of a church that can raise young people to think like that.  We terminated our search.  We had found our church home.

The Rev. Dr. Tim Hart-Andersen gives an informative and inspiring sermon each Sunday, no doubt about that, but for the Snyders, it was those thoughtful, challenging words from the Westminster youth that put us in the pew. We made the right choice.  And we support this church.

I read about an interesting study in the Economist magazine some time ago.  The magazine reported on a statistical analysis that found a direct correlation between being happy and being generous with charities, which often is a person’s church. But that begs the question: which causes which? Does giving generously make someone happy, or are happy people, in general, more generous?  Statistics can’t answer that question because statistical analyses can only show correlations among data—they don’t prove causation.  But, based on my observations,  I personally believe that both are true.  I have noticed that happy people do tend to be more generous—with their time, talents and assets.  And being generous can make us happy too—fulfilled and with a purpose beyond just our own wants and needs.

For Cindy and me, the key to stewardship is to understand our priorities. Westminster, and its mission in this Beloved Community and beyond, is very important to us.  So we want our priorities to reflect that—as to our time, talents and, yes, our money too.  So we support this church.  And we made the right choice.

Next Sunday, November 17, is Stewardship Sunday.  I hope you will join with Cindy and me to fill out Pledge Cards to demonstrate our commitments in 2020 to Westminster’s ministries.

Jim
Good morning. I’m Jim DeBuse, and this is my wife, Jacque.

Ten years ago, we moved to Minneapolis and started looking for a church. We visited a lot of places – some even recruited us for committees the moment we walked in the door! But when we came to Westminster, two things were apparent right away.

This is a church that’s truly engaged in the community and living out social justice. We loved that – and we wanted to be part of that.

And, this place is serious about being a church for the 21^st century – not standing still, but staying relevant. We loved that even more. As a couple, we invested in that future then, and we’re still investing in that future today.

Jacque
Our life looks a lot different now than when we became members at Westminster — two young kids, various jobs and a few moves across town. And in that time, we’ve had the chance to be involved. As a Deacon … an elder … and part of task forces, nominating committees and many Sunday School classes along the way.

Those experiences have shown us the impact the church can have, and give us plenty of reasons to support this church through stewardship.

For us – what truly makes Westminster a beloved community for our family is the supportive, safe and engaging environment our daughters are learning to call their church home.

We’ve met so many invested adults and engaged youth … we’ve made lots of noises in church pews, and bumped into plenty of people as our kids race to press the elevator buttons. And you’ve seen our kids even sit right in the middle of the aisle, just to get a better view.

Those little experiences are met by so many friendly glances or cheerful waves. Because of that, our girls enjoy church and are excited to come … and we feel supported by the broader Westminster community as we teach them about God’s everlasting love.

Jim
That’s why we continue to financially support Westminster and help grow and strengthen this community. We encourage you to think about what connections you find at Westminster and how that positively impacts you as you consider how to give your gifts this Stewardship season.

Stewardship invitations to pledge will arrive in your mailboxes the week of November 11, and Stewardship Sunday is November 17.  Please pledge online or bring your pledge on November 17!  Thank you.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.  Matthew 27-40.

Jane: Good Morning. I am Jane Oberrender

Andrea: And I am Andrea Knoll.

Jane: We are this year’s co-chairs of Westminster’s Stewardship Ministry.

Andrea: All around us we can see God’s spirit at work, even in the midst of these trying times. In fact, the call to love our neighbor becomes even more urgent.

We believe the church, in fact, THIS church, has a unique voice and perspective that is needed in these days. And, others feel so too. Despite reports of declining church membership nationwide, WPC’s membership and worship attendance have been growing.

Jane: Tim and the rest of our pastors’ sermons help us find our way forward with confidence that God provides a better way.

Worship at WPC informs our perspective, strengthens our resolve to live in hope and faith, and provides a community in which we can grow and engage together for change.

Andrea: Ministry opportunities abound, to support those experiencing homelessness, advocate for affordable housing, care for our environment, welcome seniors, and work together for justice.

But the church cannot do this work alone. It requires our partnership, through our gifts of time, talent and treasure.

The faithful practice of tithing—making a commitment to give of our “first fruits” to God, not our leftovers, is motivated by God’s love for us and gratitude for the gift of God in our lives. It engages us as a participant in God’s work to bring about the “beloved community”.

Jane: Through our gifts we provide for our pastors and staff, for the care for our facilities so that we might welcome all. We enable our ministries to grow and provide our resources to help others in need.

Andrea: With faith and gratitude, we are asked during this stewardship season to consider how we can each be a part of what God is doing here at Westminster, and through Westminster to our community and the world.

Jane: In the upcoming days and weeks you will see and hear many messages about how we are building the beloved community– on the website, in the mail, in the newsletter, the moment for Stewardship, and from the pulpit. 

This stewardship season, we ask that you prayerfully consider your giving to WPC. Our stewardship of this beloved community is an act of faith and an expression of gratefulness.

Andrea: Stewardship Sunday is November 17 and we will be asking you to indicate your financial support for the coming year.  Join us in collectively sustaining the work of Westminster with your pledges.

Both: Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity.