50th Anniversary

 

Westwood Presbyterian Church

 

                                                                          

 

Rev. Pat Warren lends a helping hand

 

Text Box:      Like many other denominational churches, Westwood faced the 21st century challenge of young families moving to non-denominational churches for contemporary services.      Interim pastor, Rev. Pat Warren, played a key role in steering Westwood through these difficult times from 2001-03.      During that time, many focus group meetings were held to determine the direction the church should take to remain viable.  Pat was a great listener who had the ability to get people to talk things through, but his sense of humor played an important role too. Westwood is deeply indebted to Pat for helping us heal the wounds of a church schism.

 

Text Box:  Rev. Joshua Long began leading Westwood in 2003.  Below, he's pictured with new members L-R:  Cindy Cole, Barbara Moss and Elizabeth Neiderman.                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rev. Long brings energy to Westwood

 

Text Box:       What better way to keep an aging congregation young than to hire a pastor right out of Princeton Theological Seminary!      That bold move was made by the Pastor Nominating Committee when it called Rev. Joshua N. Long in August 2003.      Under his leadership, Westwood is growing again.  While many churches are suffering losses, Westwood has added 27 new members since 2004.      Pastor Long has created a new Wednesday evening Bible Study, two prayer groups have been formed, along with a once-a-month Family Game Night on Saturdays.  He has encouraged the congregation to aggressively pursue new members.      Bill Copeland and Dick Flynn are chairing a committee that is studying ways to accomplish that mission.      The Session has expanded Westwood's outreach efforts in the community.      A group of volunteers led by Shirley Pottenger helps to prepare one Friday night meal per month at the Community Meals Center at The Presbyterian Church.  Steve Anglin has headed volunteer efforts to help the Salvation Army ring bells for its Christmas Kettle Campaign.                    

 

 

 

Text Box:       Westwood has long been known as a friendly, caring congregation. Its work with missions is a prime example of how the church gets involved with helping needy families locally and in other parts of the world.      The Deacons ask members to donate food and other necessities at One Way Farm in Fairfield, and Serve City in Hamilton, which provides emergency groceries to families in need. During the Christmas season, the Deacons provide gifts to needy families and ask members to contribute hats, gloves and mittens for children at Jefferson School.      Westwood continues to support Jane (Morris) and Russell Johnson in their ministry to the deaf in India, keeping alive our link to the Morris family.                     Above: In the 1980’s, Westwood supported this Cambodian refugee family.  Right: Westwood also supports Russell, Bethany, and Jane (Morris) Johnson’s ministry to the deaf in India.  

 

 

Text Box: Singing is another part of Pastor Long's ministry at Westwood.  He regularly sings in the church choir and occasionally performs solos.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Westwood’s music ministry

Text Box:      Music has played a major role at Westwood in the past five decades.      Adult choir, youth choir and members offering other special music talents have enriched our worship services.  The church has been blessed with excellent organists, pianists and music directors through the years.      Westwood presently has 136 members, but its music ministry remains vibrant.      We appreciate the efforts of the entire Ravenscraft family - Deb, Fred and Tara - for leading our music program today.  Donna Wright (flute) and Dick Flynn (percussion) have added their talents to the choir too.

Text Box:           Ever since the church began in 1958, scouting has played a role.  Boy Scout Troop 982 was a fixture at Westwood for mor than forty years, and the church also played host to cub scout and brownie troops, as well as eagle scouts.

 

 

 

Westwood’s history with scouting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Westwood and its missions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A look at our 50th Anniversary projects

 

Fellowship Hall:

✓ New flooring

✓ New lighting, fans & wiring

✓ New ceiling tile

✓ Floor to ceiling cabinets

✓ Serving island in front

✓ New kitchen cabinets, sink refrigerator and dishwasher

✓ Painting

✓ New tables

 

Other areas:

✓ New windows overlooking the Memorial Garden

✓ New lighting and ceiling tiles in hallways & nursery

✓ New carpeting in hallway, nursery and choir loft

✓ New chairs in choir loft

✓ Painting the nursery

✓ Re-furnishing the nursery

✓ New church library in former crib room

 

Other Projects:

✓ 50th Anniversary Quilt

✓ 50th Anniversary Cookbook

✓ 50th Anniversary Photo Album

✓ Hosting Presbytery meeting in November 2008

 

 

 

Sanctuary:

✓ Painting

✓ New lectern bible and stand

✓ New seat cushions

✓ Restoration of brass items on communion table

✓ Painting the frames and cleaning stained glass windows

 

Minister’s office

✓ New drywall

✓ New furniture

✓ New carpeting

✓ Improved lighting

✓ Remove air conditioner and fix exterior wall.

 

 

 

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