As we launch into the school year, it is exciting to both build upon intergenerational relationships - specifically with youth and families - that I have cultivated with you over the summer and welcome back The College of Wooster students for a new year! There were 31 College of Wooster students in worship this past Sunday! Wow. Students were able to talk about UKirk dinner, Agape Latte (our Tuesday morning coffee), the Living Wage Campaign, and Student-Led Bible study. It was clear why they show up each Sunday: they embrace Westminster because Westminster embraces them. 

Westminster and UKirk invite students and their families to join us for lunch after worship for The College of Wooster Black & Gold Weekend (Homecoming and Family Weekend combined).

At Westminster we always feel honored and blessed when students bring their families to worship and share the precious time they have together with us. Not only does this speak to the priorities of the students and their families, but also to the connection they have made with our community of faith. Help make our guests feel warmly welcomed! Bring a side or a dessert if you're able, but above all, come and share Westminster's gift of radical hospitality. 

On Sunday, October 2nd Westminster will host Areej Masoud in worship as part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Peacemaking Program.  

Areej is a native of Bethlehem, Palestine and currently works as the Communication and Administrative Officer for Kairos Palestine, where she liaisons, networks and oversees communications with churches, organizations and donors.   She has previously worked with Seeds of Hope in Jericho and as a religious studies teacher in 7-10 grades in Jerusalem.  She completed a Religious Studies and Psychology degree at Bethlehem University in 2013 and has done courses of study at Diaconal College in Denmark and in Greece through Georgetown University.  She speaks Arabic, English and a bit of French.  She has training in international human rights, international humanitarian law and conflict resolution.  She has led workshops and been a speaker on the Kairos Document in Norway and the United States.   She is a member of the Palestinian Youth Ecumenical Movement (PYEM)

Westminster's Session granted recent 2016 College of Wooster grad, Katie Greenslade a scholarship for her Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) year through the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Denver. On Monday afternoon Katie writes, "Finally made it to Denver after a week of disorientation with my fellow YAVs in New York! I can't thank the session enough for inspiring me to come and also for helping to make it a reality through your support. It means a lot to know I have your love and prayers behind me. Miss everyone!" 

Of the study the Presbyterian Women's website reads: "Halfway through the Gospel of Mark, as Jesus and his disciples are on their way to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus turns to his disciples and asks, "So, what's the word on the street? Who do people say that I am?" It seems like a reasonable question to ask the people who travel with you and who have the opportunity to hear what folks in their towns and villages are saying about their teacher. "Well," they answer, "some say you are John the Baptist (back from the dead); others think you are one of the prophets, maybe Elijah, maybe another one." Then Jesus looks them squarely in the eyes and asks, "Yes, but who do you say that I am?" Now that's a good question! The author's prayer is that, through the course of this study, you will find your own voice, your own answer. When Jesus turns and looks you squarely in the eyes and asks, "Who do you say that I am?" what will you say?"