Departments Listed below are the various departments of the church and their functions. The departments meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm, except for Personnel (see Personnel Department). Changes to scheduled meetings are noted in the Triangle or the Sunday bulletin. Please read the descriptions and functions of each department and find one that fits your interests, skills, and talents. New people are always welcome to attend any meeting.
Buildings & Grounds Department This department is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of our church building and its grounds. It also oversees the upkeep of the church’s various rental properties. Opportunities for volunteering abound and anyone who is interested is welcome. Projects of this department include grounds clean-up days, regular tending of the grounds, and various projects within the building, to name a few. The Building & Grounds Department meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.
Christian Education Department The Christian Education Department oversees most programs in the church that involve Christian education for infants through adults. Regular, ongoing Christian education programs include children’s, youth and adult Sunday schools, youth fellowship groups, Kid’s Club, the youth mentoring program, Sunshine Preschool and nursery childcare services. Other programs overseen by the Christian Education Department include Vacation Bible School, confirmation classes, the 4th Grade Bible class, graduate recognition, and the church library. Many volunteers are needed to run these programs. Anyone interested in either taking part in the Christian Education Department, or helping with a particular program, is welcome and encouraged to contact the Department Chair.
Fellowship & Outreach Department The work of the Fellowship & Outreach Department involves getting members and friends of Westminster connected in fellowship and community. We know that having a sense of community within Westminster is a necessary foundation for nurturing people’s faith and involvement in church activities. Activities of this department include: visitor contacts and new member classes; advertising; church directory; small group activities, designed to foster fellowship; Golden Delicious group; after-worship coffee hour; welcome center host; and greeters for Sunday Worship Services.
Fellowship events include Ash Wednesday Soup Supper; the biennial church retreat at Soundview Camp; Candles & Carols; Pumpkin Carving Potluck; Men’s Coffee and Conversation; and service recognition events. There are plenty of opportunities for involvement in this important ministry, so there is room for everyone to be involved.
Mission & Ministry Department This Department is made up of dedicated members of our congregation who serve as liaisons between our church and the various service programs in the community. These programs include, but are not limited to: InterFaith Works, Family Support Center, Olympia Early Learning Center, Safeplace, Senior Services for South Sound, Salvation Army, Olympia Union Gospel Mission, Thurston Co. Food Bank, Sound View Presbyterian Camp, the Neighborhood Free Medical Clinic and Synod of Livingstonia (Malawi). Consider joining in with this department to share God’s love to the community, and being enriched in the process.
Personnel Department The Personnel Department oversees the work of all paid employees of the church. The department monitors the growth and development of employees, conducts regular reviews and consultations with staff, and makes recommendations to the Session. When necessary the Personnel Department hears and resolves grievances concerning employed staff in consultation with the Session. The department meets on the Sunday prior to the 3rd Wednesday of every month, after the second worship service at 12:45pm.
Stewardship & Finance Department The Stewardship & Finance Department, viewing year-around stewardship of time, talent and resources as a central reflection of discipleship, works to develop and interpret a budget that reflects our missions and priorities. After the Session approves a challenge budget, the department endeavors to interpret it to the whole congregation and to encourage support. This department also monitors income and expenditures throughout the year, counts the tithes and offerings, monitors fund-raising, and oversees the work of the Westminster Trust Board and the Memorial Committee. New members are always welcome at department meetings.
Worship & Music Department The Worship & Music Department facilitates worship at Westminster by providing for, and supporting, the components necessary to enhance worship. Its purpose is to bring an atmosphere of worship to the honor and glory of God, to lead the church in worship and music, to undertake a variety of worship and music projects, and to relate in a caring way to each person.
There are five subcommittees for the departments: Choir & Music Committee, Communion Committee, Ushers Committee, Church Office Liaison Committee, and Chancel Committee. Many opportunities exist within the Worship and Music Department for involvement in the life of the church. Volunteers always are welcome in activities such as Chancel Choir, Praise Team, Bell Choir, Children’s Choir, Youth Choir, summer music, ushers, communion servers (ordained Deacons and Elders), lay readers, sound system operators, preparation of paraments, acolytes, and assembly of children’s packets. Anyone is also welcome to attend monthly meetings and become involved in developing the elements of worship.
We come together in community with God, sharing our diverse gifts in worship,service and love