Westminster Wednesday... Fun for all ages!

From September to April, Westminster is a lively place on Wednesdays! The mid-week gathering is an evening of music, learning, mission and fun for all ages. Children and youth are divided by age for classes, choirs, bell choirs, and other activities, while adults have several opportunities from which to choose. 

WESTMINSTER WEDNESDAY GROUPS:

Birth through pre-kindergarten – CHILDCARE

Mary Lou Christianson provides childcare for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Room 203 from 6:00-7:45.

Kindergarten & Grade 1

These young participants have fun together, learning simple Bible stories, doing crafts, playing games and singing songs.  The children gather in Room 302 for music led by Stephen Brandt and John Cook (6:00-6:20); playtime takes place in Calvin Hall (6:25-6:45); and Christian Education will be led by Beth Weber and Ruth  Staplin in Room 302 (6:50-7:30).

Grades 2 & 3

Grades 2 & 3 learn about the Bible through crafts and games based on familiar Bible stories.  The children also participate in the Club 25 Choir, which rehearses on Wednesday nights.  In the spring, the youth enjoy a cameo appearance in the youth musical.  Activities for grades 2-3 will be led by Marty Ikeda (helper still needed in this class) in Room 303 (6:00-6:55); choir will led by Stephen Brandt and John  Cook (7:00-7:30); recreation will be offered in The Commons (7:35-7:50).  Youth in grade 3 have handbell rehearsals on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m.

 

Grades 4 & 5

Our older elementary school youth explore the Bible through video, drama, games and crafts.  They also enjoy special events, such as bowling, reward night, a carnival, and their “Monster Cookie” sale to raise funds for mission.  Participants are invited to sing in the Club 25 Choir, with rehearsals during Westminster Wednesday.  The Youth Club presents their annual youth musical each spring.  Activities for grades 4-5 will be led by Cheryl Smith and Cindy Gilbreath in Room 304 (6:00-6:55); choir will be led by Stephen Brandt and John Cook (7:00-7:30); recreation will be offered in The Commons (7:35-7:50).  Grades 4 & 5 have handbell rehearsals on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m.

 

Grades 6 & 7

Our sixth and seventh graders learn through active participation in a variety of activities: prayer, Bible study, games, devotions, and service to others.  The group enjoys outside activities throughout the year, including a mission trip each summer.  The Westminster Wednesday schedule for youth in grades 6-7 includes choir (5:45-6:30) led by Stephen Brandt and John Cook; recreation (6:30-6:50) activities led by Soren Albaugh and Teresa Ikeda (6:55-7:45) in Room 305; and handbells (7:45-8:30) led by Beth Ann and Calla Whipp.

 

Grade 8 – CONFIRMATION

Youth in grade eight explore their faith through the Confirmation process, led by Polk Davison and Jeri McGinnis (6:35-7:45) in the Chapel.  In the spring, the Confirmation Class members are invited to become members of the church.  Their Westminster Wednesday schedule also includes choir (5:45-6:30) led by Stephen Brandt John Cook; and handbells (7:45-8:30) led by Beth Ann and Calla Whipp.

 

Grades 9, 10, 11 & 12 – SENIOR HIGHS

The Senior Highs explore faith and life through video, Scripture, games, service projects, and more.  No two weeks are the same, but each week we try to grow a little closer to each other and to God.  New senior high youth are always welcome!  During the summer, the youth travel out-of-state on a mission retreat each year.  The Westminster Wednesday schedule for youth in grades 9-12 includes choir (5:45-6:30) led by Stephen Brandt and John Cook; activities led by Rick and Lori Nelson and Rev. Bill Ekhardt (6:35-7:45) in the Senior High Room; and bells (7:45-8:30) led by Beth Ann.
 

ADULT OPPORTUNITIES

BOOK CLUB

Join the Wednesday night book study on the first Wednesday of each month in Simmerman Lounge.  The next book is “The Secret Life of Bees," by Sue Monk Kidd, will be discussed on February 1 at 6:30 p.m.

CONNECT GROUP 

The CONNECT Group (for those in their 20s, 30s and 40s) meets the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesdays of each month in Simmerman Lounge for discussion and fellowship.
 

BIBLE STUDY

Sherryl McAvoy’s Bible study class will discuss the Book of Daniel.  Join Sherryl and friends in the Map Room.
 

CELEBRATION BELLS

Ever wanted to play handbells?  This is your chance!  No experience necessary.  The Celebration Bells, directed by Beth Ann Edwards, meets in the Bell Room.
 

MEN'S GROUP

The Men’s Group, led by Ken Arentson, gathers on Wednesday nights in the Seminary Center at 6:30 p.m. for lively discussion.  All men welcome!  The Men's Group also meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 a.m. at the Waveland Cafe for breakfast and discussion.
 

CONNECT GROUP

Folks in their 20s, 30s and 40-ish are invited to come to the Lounge at 6:30 p.m. for fellowship and study each Wednesday, except the first Wednesday of the month. (Formerly known as the “Finding Community Group”)
 

PRAYER SHAWL GROUP

Come to the Library at 6:30 p.m. to crochet and knit prayer shawls for those experiencing difficulties in life.

CHAT ROOM

Parents... drop of your children for Westminster Wednesday activities and come to the Westminster Library, located on the lower level of the church, for coffee and conversation, 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. before adult classes begin. Everyone welcome!