Westminster Presbyterian Church • Buffalo

Case Library’s Understanding Islam Series continued this morning with a presentation by UB School of Law Professor Anthony O'Rourke.

The series concludes next week on February 25 with a panel of some of our Jewish, Christian, and Muslim neighbors speaking about how the Israel-Hamas conflict has affected them and their thoughts for the future of that region.

Over $300 and 50 pounds of food raised for Friends of Night People

Important Weather Update for Sunday:

The Hope and Healing mental health symposium this Saturday has been cancelled due to weather restrictions. We plan to reschedule in February.

Don’t miss out this MLK weekend!
January 13th, 9 AM in collaboration with Westminster Presbyterian the BFNC will host a panel discussion concerning mental wellness in the black community.
To RSVP, contact Anne Bradbury at 716.852.5065 x183.
January 14th
9am: Come hear about real life encounters with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr from Dr. Reed Taylor in Case Library.
10:30am: Come hear BFNC Chief Executive Officer Rev. Chandra Redfern preach here at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

We'd love to see you at any of our services this month as we prepare for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day! All worship services and concerts are free and open to the public.

A message from Whitney Creighton, currently serving as a Deacon

My choice to give to Westminster is a reflection of my spiritual connection, my commitment to the well-being of the community, and my desire to support an institution that aligns with my values and beliefs. As a third-generation member of Westminster (raising fourth-generation members) I find purpose and fulfillment in knowing that my contributions help make a positive impact on my family, the congregation, and the broader Buffalo community. My experience as a child of this church made me who I am today, and for that I am grateful.

Our collective involvement and support undoubtedly strengthen Westminster and contribute to its ongoing mission to provide a nurturing spiritual home for all who seek it. Being able to predict and plan for how we can amplify this important work - both inside and outside of the church - is why making an annual pledge to Westminster is vital. We grow together when we contribute together.

On this day of giving, might you consider an indigenous Presbyterian congregation raising funds for building repair? The Westminster Racial Justice and Interfaith mission teams call us to be aware of racially and culturally diverse congregations in our Presbytery, such the Seneca Nation (Multiple Clans) members of Jimersontown Presbyterian Church in Salamanca, NY.
Click here to donate:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5B4GH592DRWCU

Thank you to all participants and leaders of the 41st annual multi faith Thanksgiving Service!

A message from Steve Allen, Co-Chair Generosity 2024

"Your financial support of Westminster in 2024 is an important step in the church’s financial year as the sum of member pledges helps determine the 2024 church budget. Our continuing commitment to mission with “Building a Bigger Table” in 2024, represents the bringing together of communities of people with shared interests and common needs. It reinforces the notion that together, we are greater than the sum of our parts. Our table top does not stand on its own. It is supported by a pedestal which IS Westminster church. This is the foundation which enables that which is served from the table top. Each of our pledges taken together form a greater whole, upon which we Build a Bigger Table. Thank you for helping Westminster Build a Bigger Table for our community now and to set the table for a sustainable future for Westminster."

Message from Rachel Afealete, Co-Chair of the Racial Justice Mission Team:
"The Racial Justice Committee of Westminster was formed over 20 years ago with the mission of combating racial injustice in our communities. The Racial Justice Team made an impact in 2023 by providing volunteers, for VOICE Buffalo's “Souls to the Polls”, in efforts to increase voter participation; to support the food pantry at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church on Buffalo’s east side, with meats and on-going supplies of reusable grocery bags; and to help with the Peacemakers food drive. We volunteered with other missions at the Juneteenth Festival, the Eastside Garden Walk and the East Side Children’s Garden Festival and contributed to the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers fundraiser.

With the generosity of Westminster, we look forward to making a greater impact in 2024, by deepening our relationship with Lincoln Memorial, VOICE, and exploring participation in the Racial Equity Initiative of the Community Foundation to break down barriers to racial justice."

Please join us Monday November 20th, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church • Buffalo, National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York

Alanna Paris, Chair of LGBTQ+ Equity Mission Team:

“Westminster has had a 40 year history of welcoming and accepting LGBTQ individuals as a trailblazing member of the More Light movement. Now, we are an intentional committee working to promote and advocate for LGBTQ rights, education, events, and creating space for community and joy. Our community partnerships include GLYS WNY and we hope to build deeper relationships as we grow.”

Message from Kevin Seybold, on behalf of the Refugee and Immigrant Support Team (RIST):

“The mission of RIST is to optimize the likelihood that refugee families can thrive in Buffalo and WNY. Over the past 18 months, members of the team have spent more than 2000 hours helping immigrants settle in Buffalo. This help has taken the form of tutoring in English and Math, finding jobs, assistance in moving into housing, transportation to doctor and dental appointments, providing guidance in how to navigate the county and state governmental agencies, and much more. We have developed relationships with other groups working with immigrants and refugees. There are many ways you can help in this important part of Westminster’s mission ministry. Join the Refugee and Immigrant Support Team. Become a tutor. Contribute to Clara’s Closet by putting needed personal items in the bin in the Gallery. Help a family move into their new house or apartment. Become a friend to a refugee or immigrant. And importantly, contribute to the work of Westminster’s mission teams by making a pledge to the Building a Bigger Table campaign."

A Message from Mimi Steadman, Co-Chair Generosity 2024
“Building a Bigger Table”

"Westminster’s mission and ministry is not limited to our beautiful sanctuary or to our members. From the building of Westminster House over a century ago to the creation of WEDI in 2006, Westminster has long engaged with the community. Today, we are Building a Bigger Table through four mission teams, working alongside individuals and agencies beyond Westminster, to meet critical needs in our community. We have talented, dedicated church staff, leadership and members. We have a renewed commitment to mission. We have new young adult members, and families with friends. This brings us faith in the future. What we still need is additional financial resources to fund the worship, music, education, programs, pastoral care and mission that takes place here and in the community. I ask you to take the time to reflect on why a sustainable future for Westminster matters to you, and to others, both today and forever. I invite you to join me in making a pledge to Westminster!"

Welcoming Semler on October 21st at 7pm!
(also featuring Rachel Francis)
Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/semler-in-buffalo-tickets-718353523727?aff=oddtdtcreator

Semler, With 'Preacher's Kid,' Writes Music Of Faith For A Real World In February, an album topped the iTunes Christian album charts unexpectedly – it was Preacher's Kid, in which Grace Semler Baldridge addresses the depths and limitations of Christian culture.

Westminster Youth finished Summer service strong by working with Hope Rising to create 2000+ meals for children in Sierra Leone.