Music & Worship

"ONCE UPON A PARABLE "

Thanks to our children and young people, Westminster's members and friends are in for a treat during both services (to be held in the sanctuary) on Sunday, April 22. The Messengers and LightShine Choirs will present Once Upon a Parable, a wonderful musical with a special message.

Jesus was a master storyteller. His parables were concrete, earthly stories with heavenly meanings. They challenge and change us. In this musical, a group of energetic storytellers try to capture the humor and contemporary flavor of the parables. Through them, they retell the story of Jesus.

Please join us for this excellent musical, under the direction of Lindsay Marks. Libby Waterbury has served as their acting coach.

The traditional service features meaningful liturgy and prayer, thoughtful and biblically based sermons, engaging children’s sermons, and a warm and welcoming environment for those who choose to worship with us. A communion is served and offered to all Christians (regardless of denominational affiliation) on the first Sunday of each month.

About Westminster

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1301 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA, is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). We have 925 members and many friends who are part of our community of faith. Westminster is known for:

Our Staff

Rev. Cathy Young

cathy Cathy began serving as the Interim Pastor at Westminster in December, 2011. She’s a retired Presbyterian Church (USA) pastor who’s previously served at First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo and Cedar Heights Presbyterian Church in Cedar Falls. In retirement, she’s work part-time as a chaplain for Cedar Valley Hospice and written published devotionals and articles.

A Michigan native with degrees from the University of Colorado and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Cathy has been married to Waterloo native Rick Young for 43 years. They are the parents of 4 (one is deceased) and grandparents of 7.

Cathy’s responsibilities at Westminster include preaching, teaching, pastoral care and serving as head of staff. She also moderates the Session and staffs the Worship/Music, Finance, Personnel, Property and Membership/Outreach Committees.Cathy and Rick both enjoy traveling, reading, sailing and spending time with their family and close friends.

Our Deacons

The Deacons are the “heart” of our congregation. Each Deacon has been called, ordained and installed to this position.

At Westminster, our Deacons are matched with individuals from our congregation who are home bound, had a recent loss or need extra encouragement. Monthly contact is made by a visit, call or card.

Our Affiliation With the Presbyterian Church (USA)

The Presbyterian Church (USA) traces its roots to the 16^th century Protestant Reformation. At a time in history when church abuses were widespread, John Calvin and the other Reformers focused on faith in God through Jesus Christ alone, putting the Bible in the hands of all people, and God’s grace. We’re part of what is called “the Reformed tradition.”

Our Session

The ordination of Lay People of strong faith and integrity to govern a local church is unique to the Presbyterian form of government. A Session is the council for the congregation, helping it become a community of faith, hope, love, and active Christian witness in the world. While only the Risen Christ is the head of the Church, the Session makes sure that the word of God is preached and heard, the sacraments (baptism and communion) are lovingly administered and received, and that the covenant community is nurtured as increasingly more faithful disciples of Christ. Elders are normally elected for a three-year term and are allowed to serve two consecutive terms before rotating off.

Endowment

THE WESTMINSTER ENDOWMENT FUNDS

The Westminster Endowment funds are held in trust and are professionally managed by the trust departments of Community National Bank and Lincoln Savings Bank. The assets of the endowment are invested for selected current needs of the church and to insure the long term growth of the funds.