People responded to this question regarding what initially brought them to church:6-8% Walked in by own initiative2-3% Liked a program offered8-10% Liked the pastor3-4% Had a need met by the church1-2% Were evangelized3-4% Attracted by Sunday School70-85% Invited by a relative or friend!Did you notice that 70-85% figure? Far and away the people of the church are the most effective means of outreac...  Read More

Session met on Tuesday, December 5. The following is a brief summary of matters that were discussed and acted upon:  1) Session scheduled a retreat for Saturday, December 9, 8am - noon, to discuss the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center report and prioritize and implement the recommendations. (Stay tuned for more details).2) Because of budget concerns for 2024, Session approved a 0% COLA increase for ...  Read More

I know some have indicated their interest in serving on the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC).  My advice is, “hold that thought!” Nominating members for the PNC is quite different than the process used to nominate Elders and Deacons. First, WPC may establish a PNC ONLY AFTER it has been given permission to do so by the Presbytery.That permission will not be granted until March at the very earlies...  Read More

 I have heard some questions about how far along we are in the interim process. I think a review of the process will be helpful. I see three main stages WPC needs to work through.Stage OneWe are currently well into stage one. That stage is implementing the recommendations of the Lombard final report. Session is meeting Saturday morning, December 9, to work out how to put into practice the recommen...  Read More

I arrived at church this morning to see the Thanksgiving Dinner boxes packed into cars. I have to say it was an amazing thing to watch. Around 250 meals were distributed to various locations in the Worthington area.Far more than 250 people will have a meal as most of these boxes will be going to families. So, if the average number in a household is 4 people about 1,000 people will have a meal beca...  Read More

This middle portion of November feels a little bit like a lull before a storm; a storm of activity on its way. Thanksgiving is a week away. My guess is some of you will be either traveling to family or welcoming family into your homes.Preparing for those gatherings takes time and effort and, possibly, travel. From Thanksgiving we move into the Christmas season with all its activities and shopping ...  Read More

Session met on November 6. Here is a summary of the meeting: New elder training will take place November 9. The Lombard final report has been received.  Session will hold a special retreat in December to review and prioritize the recommendations. WPC is always looking for Elders, current or resting, to attend the Presbytery meetings.  Due to the size of our congregation, WPC is able to send 3 comm...  Read More

As part of the interim process, we are studying our worship attendance. For this reason, it is very important for those attending the 8am and 10am services to sign the friendship pads in each of the pews.Those of you who live stream the 10am service, please check in online. I promise we will not use the info to contact you about your car’s warranty, nor subject you to robocalls on your cell phone!...  Read More

I’d like to share one reminder, one update and some details about worship this Sunday. First the reminder. We received many pledge cards Sunday. In fact, we had received a few before Sunday. You can still hand them in this Sunday or drop them off during the week or mail them in. I’m grateful for your commitment.As you have heard me say a few times, our generosity emphasis is not about getting enou...  Read More

What is going on this Sunday in our worship services? There are two very important things which will be a part of our two worship services.The first is the theme of healing and reconciliation. Jay Wittmeyer from the Lombard Peace Center will be preaching at both services. His sermon will be drawn from Philippians 1:1-6. Please give these verses a prayerful and reflective read this week.This is als...  Read More

This month we have been using our congregation’s mission statement as the preaching series in worship. It is the foundation of our generosity emphasis. The statement reads: This Sunday we will focus on the last word of that statement; transform. We will be focusing upon Romans 12:1-2 as we think about transformation. I encourage you to read it before Sunday. I hope you reflect upon those two vers...  Read More

I’ve taken time to think about where are as a congregation. It’s one of the things Interim Pastors do. We have hired an Interim Director of Children’s ministry enabling that ministry to develop and grow. The organ is fixed, adding its notes to our worship service. We have completed our Lombard meetings and look forward to the Healing Service scheduled for October 29. We have elected our Elders, De...  Read More