Westminster Loving God & Neighbour

Palm Sunday is here! This Sunday you will be given a palm branch as you arrive. This is the official kick-off to Holy Week in the lead-up to Easter. We lend our voices to the crowds who greeted Jesus and hailed him as king as he entered Jerusalem—the same crowds who would abandon him shortly thereafter. Our text is Psalm 118, an important Scripture for this particular Sunday. We will sing songs, pray and learn together. There will be Sunday School, nursery care, and fellowship time after the service. The service is at 10:01 am in-person and online via YouTube.

In-person only (no live-stream) “Maundy” comes from the Latin translation of Jesus’ words in John 13:34: “mandatum novum.” This means “new commandment” (to love one another as he loved us). You’ll be given a small candle, like on Christmas Eve. In this 40-minute service we will celebrate Communion. At the end of the service we’ll have the “liturgy of the candles” and leave in darkness and silence. No Sunday School, nursery or Fellowship Time afterwards.

In-person and online We gather at the foot of the cross to remember the sacrifice and crucifixion of Christ. It is a special time of singing, of prayer, and of remembering God’s sacrificial love made known on the cross. There is a 1-hour program for young people aged 4 and up. Nursery care available. No Fellowship Time afterwards.

In-person and online Easter Sunday is when we celebrate the resurrection of Christ! At 10:01am we gather to joyfully sing, pray and marvel at God’s power and goodness. There will Sunday School and nursery as usual. Pastor Ruttan welcomes the Rev. Winston Newman; together they will discuss ‘hope over the long haul.’

Christ is risen! On Sunday Pastor Ruttan will teach about what happens next. Jesus appears in what had been a locked room, speaks to his disciples, shows them his nail-pierced hands and feet, and breathes out the Holy Spirit on them! A lot is happening–and we will consider it’s implications in our lives today. There will be Sunday School, nursery care, and fellowship time. The service is at 10:01am in-person and also live-streamed.

On Sunday we will worship the everlasting God! We will sing, pray, and Pastor Ruttan will preach on John 21, the final chapter in our series on John’s Gospel. Peter denied Jesus three times; now he professes his love three times. Ours is a God of second chances–both then and now. During the service we will also commission our new Music Director, Nena LaMarre! There will be Sunday School, nursery care, and fellowship time. The service is at 10:01am in-person and also live-streamed.

On Sunday, May 14, 2023 we praise the living God and King of the universe! It is Mother’s Day. All of the ladies will receive a carnation when they come into the church. We will be blessed by a special musical piece by many of our young people, and in our prayers will will thank God for mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures, past and present. Pastor Ruttan will continue the series on the most famous Psalms. We come to Psalm 46. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear… Be still, and know that I am God” (verses 1-2, 10). It is mostly used during times of global, national or personal crises. It was also the inspiration for the hymn “A mighty fortress is our God.” Just like Psalm 23, it continues to provide words of eternal comfort and wisdom for whatever trials we face today. If you missed it previously, click here for a short video introduction to the Psalms in general. There will be Sunday School, nursery care, and fellowship with one another. The service begins at 10:01am both in person and online via YouTube.

On Sunday, May 21, 2023 we gather as God’s people have done for countless generations to praise him and encourage one another. Pastor Ruttan will continue the series on the most famous Psalms. We come to Psalm 51 – one of the most personal and intense. David has been confronted with his horrific sins. He humbly turns to God to seek forgiveness. It is a profound teaching about genuine repentance. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Isn’t that a wonderful request for all of us! If you missed it previously, click here for a short video introduction to the Psalms in general. There will be Sunday School, nursery care, and fellowship with one another. The service begins at 10:01am both in person and online via YouTube.