MMS and Celebrations Committees Continue Work

By Meghan Gage-Finn, Senior Associate Pastor

As the congregation anticipates Senior Pastor Tim Hart-Andersen’s retirement this fall, two committees have been working this summer to prepare for celebrations and to ready the community for a strong future of shared ministry. Cathie Fischer and Janet Leick are co-chairing the Celebrations Committee, which will help us offer gratitude and thanks to God for Tim and Beth’s 25 years of service at Westminster. The committee is imagining October as offering special opportunities in worship each Sunday and through other gatherings that will highlight unique aspects of Tim’s contributions to the church and wider communities. Beginning with World Communion Sunday, October 1, we will recognize Westminster’s Global Partnerships. On Tim’s last Sunday, October 29, we will have an extended service and reception to send off Tim and Beth with love and blessings.

The second committee, the Ministry and Mission Study Committee, led by co-chairs Gretchen Musicant and Leigh Niebuhr, is well into its work to engage the congregation in conversations that both reflect on where we are today as a church and help us imagine the future that God is calling us to. They will gather input through a survey and listening sessions, which will be rolled out in August with in-person and virtual options. To achieve its purpose, the Committee is also incorporating existing data and strategic directions, like our Hope for the World statement, that will complement the input received in August.

We give thanks for the individuals who are leading the congregation through this season and look forward to your participation!