At our recent Congregational Meeting, we approved moving forward with the process of securing our next pastor, as Donovan prepares to retire at age 65. We are now working out the details of how this important transition will unfold.
As the first step, the Nominating Committee is now accepting names for individuals to serve on the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), creating a PNC is a significant and spiritual process, governed by the PCUSA Book of Order (G-2.0802). The committee must be elected by the congregation and should represent the entire church community. Serving on the PNC requires a 1–2-year commitment, and we ask that nominees be active in the mission and ministry of Westminster and have the time and dedication necessary for this work. The Nominating Committee will accept names through Easter. Members of the Nominating Committee are: Krissie Self, Chair; Andy Kramer, Ann Neely, Nicole Oeser, Caroline Shockley, Kathleen Simcoe, Frank Wade, and Tom Wilson.
Meanwhile, the Session will form a Transition Committee. This committee will determine whether to engage an outside firm to assist the PNC in the search for our next pastor. Both the firm, if retained, and the Transition Committee will help create opportunities for the congregation to engage in prayerful, data-driven reflection. This process will help us discern our unique identity, assess our community’s needs, and determine our future direction.
Donovan will not participate in the Transition Committee's work, and our other pastors will provide staff assistance for the Nominating Committee.
At last night’s Session meeting, we reaffirmed our commitment to moving forward in a Spirit-led manner.
When the time comes, we look forward to sharing the names of those who will help guide us through this significant transition.
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Here's a sneak peek into the conversations we'll be having at our Second Annual Life Together Conference THIS Saturday, February 28.
With Meredith Miller: Miller argues that kids need the space to explore the Bible, ask big questions, and even change their understanding of God and faith along the way. What does that mean for us as parents? How do we join and guide them?
With Scott Hearon: Hearon believes sports can be an awesome vehicle for growth, but can also be a vehicle for a lot of confusion and disconnection between a parent and child. How do we engage in sports in our little pocket of the world in a way that honors our kids, our families, and our faith practices?
With Erin Loechner: We are raising children in a world guided (yes, guided) by screens, algorithms, and artificial intelligence- often faster than we can keep up. How do we approach parenting differently as followers of Jesus in this cultural moment- and how do we do so with clarity rather than fear?
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| Artwork by Paul Campbell.
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"Yes, To God's Yes to You"Adam DeVries preaching
Donovan Drake assisting
Micah 6:4-6, 8
Psalm 15
Matthew 5:1–12
Anthem:
8:30 a.m. Chamber Choir11:00 a.m. Laudate Choir
God So Loved the World
- Aaron David Miller
Hymns:711 Lord of All Good691 Lord, When I Came into this Life
This Sunday is Confirmation Sunday. The 11:00 a.m. service will have the Presentation of the Confirmands.
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Worship Change for Lent
The Worship Committee is excited to invite the congregation to join in a new Lenten discipline in worship starting this Sunday. During the season of Lent, we will observe a slight change in the order of worship to create a space and time for prayer, meditation, and reflection as worship begins.
On the worship hour (8:30 or 11:00 a.m.), the steeple bell will ring, a liturgist will welcome the congregation, share the announcements (including the signing of the friendship pads), and lead the Call to Worship.
Then, the congregation will be invited to sit and prepare for worship by listening to the Prelude. Following the Prelude, the lay liturgist will invite the congregation to stand for the Prayer of the Day, and worship will then continue as in the past. After the Benediction, the Pastor will invite the congregation to sit for the Postlude or move quietly to the parlor for fellowship.
The worship committee hopes this new discipline will provide congregants with a closer connection to God during our Lenten journey.
“Worship begins as the people gather—greeting one another, praying in silence, sharing announcements, and offering music to the glory of God.” -The Book of Common Worship
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We’re talking the text! Each Tuesday, the pastoral staff discusses the sermon text for the upcoming Sunday, and we publish it each Wednesday in our eBlast and our YouTube channel on Wednesdays. We invite you to listen in and hear our conversation about God’s Word.
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Diaper Drive
If you are not able to join us for the Basketball Jamboree, but would like to donate diapers and wipes to Neuva Vida Food Bank, please drop them off at the North Entry desk or the Mayfair Entry Info desk on Sunday morning.
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| All Sunday School Classes begin at 9:45 a.m.
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Covenant Class
Fellowship Hall
Guest speaker: Rev. Dr. Bridgett A. Green, President and Publisher of Presbyterian Publishing Co.
You're invited to learn about the work and mission of the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, the publishing agency of the PC(USA). In addition to Glory to God, our church hymnal, PPC is a prominent press for theological and academic books, commentaries, and resources for faith formation and discipleship. Rev. Dr. Bridgett A. Green, President and Publisher, will share new and exciting books coming out for personal devotional and group study, and will also discuss the critical issues facing religious publishers today.
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| Murdoch MacLeod • Library
We will discuss this week's gospel lesson.
Journeys • Overlook Room
The Transforming Journey: Learning to talk about our faith.
Ashley Higgins and Sophie Maness will lead us into an exploration of what it means to talk about our faith. We'll help parents probe their own faith so they're more equipped to share and talk about it with their children.
New Member & Inquirer Class • Goodpasture Hall
Want to become a member or learn more about WPC? Contact Stephanie Boaz, sboaz@nashvillewpc.org.
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Sunday School • 9:45 a.m.
Koinonia Youth Café
Sunday School for sixth, seventh graders and high schoolers.
Confirmation Class celebration for eighth graders.
No Youth Group - Join us at the Jamboree.
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| Join us this afternoon to watch some fun basketball teams battle it out! All proceeds are going toward Nueva Vida.
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2s are in room 149
3s are in room 161
4s are in room 163
Godly Play/Kindergarten in 183
4th & 5th Grade in room 292
1st - 3rd Chapel first and then will be picked up in rooms.
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Sunday Rehearsals
12:15 p.m. Rehearsal
Laudate Choir
3:45 p.m. Rehearsal
Tintinnabulation
Children
4:00 p.m. Rehearsals
Gloria
Alleluia
JubilateChiming Children
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We want to extend heartfelt thanks to each of you for the generosity, prayerful support, and care you bring to this community. Your faithfulness truly matters. We are now in the final stretch and the finish line is in sight. We are less than $50,000 to make our goal. We are so close!
If you have not yet had the opportunity to make your pledge or complete your commitment, we invite you to do so now, as we work together to bring this important season to a close. We are mindful of Jesus’ words to Peter, “Feed my sheep,” reminding us that our calling is always to care for one another and for those entrusted to us.
Your gifts enable us to continue walking alongside our many partner agencies and ministries as they serve neighbors in need with dignity, compassion, and hope.
Because of you, lives are strengthened, families are supported, and communities are uplifted. Through your generosity, we live out Christ’s call to love and serve in tangible ways.
Thank you for helping ensure that this vital work continues in the year ahead. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and your generous spirit.
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