About WPC
Mission & Beliefs
At WPC, our purpose is simple: Bringing the Word of the Living Christ to all people through service and love. We seek to be a place of love and faith, where we are led by the Holy Spirit to serve our community.
Prayer is the foundation of all ministries of this church and of our personal faith. We understand the power of prayer. When we pray, we invite Godās graceful power into our lives, the church and the world. In that spirit, we invite you to pause at 4:01 p.m. each day to offer this prayer: Thank you, God, for this day and for your presence in my life.
Why 4:01? Itās part of our physical address ā 401 West 13th ā which, in turn, identifies where we gather to worship and renew our faith in God. That address reflects where our cornerstone has been set firmly in the ground, just as prayer is the cornerstone of our ministry.
this is who we are
At WPC, our core values are rooted in the following:
- the worship experience
- missions and outreach on steroids
- community building and connection
- learning and growing in our faith, and
- leading and informing with love.
The worship experience is where we meet God, where we make room for God, where we let God be God and where we are transformed through that experience.
When we refer to missions and outreach on steroids, we are talking about getting outside our own walls, offering our blessings (our building and campus) to our community, being creative in our approach (we try to think outside the box!), and being intentional.
Whatās our approach to community building and connection? We actively seek partnerships. We try to be more civically engaged. We are creating new opportunities for young people to serve and seek God. We are solidifying our relationship with Ottawa University.
We are learning and growing in our faith in varied ways. We are constantly expanding educational opportunities. We offer weekly Bible study. Weāve launched a new weekly gathering for youths age 15-25. We continue to look for ways to discover and understand what it is to āBe Jesus.ā
By leading and informing with love, we live out Matthew 25 in real time. We donāt have to say weāre a āwelcoming church,ā because we strive always to lead with love. Decisions are informed by love. In everything we think, say and do, love leads.
Christian Education
Christian Education is a key part of the way we learn and grow in our faith. Sunday School classes are offered for all ages. We understand youāre busy: Come when you can! If you (or your child) miss a week, youāll still be able to participate without worrying about catching up.
Adults and young people grade six and up meet in a combined class at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays in the Fireside Room. Childrenās Church is offered for children up to grade six; those up to preschool age gather in the nursery. These programs are offered from September into May.
Child care is available for children whose parents attend Sunday School at WPC. The nursery opens at 9:15 a.m.; children should be picked up at 10:15 a.m. Please ask our greeters for directions to the Nursery. Pro tip: Parents who want to attend Sunday School and worship may leave infants in the Nursery until the conclusion of the worship service.
Children are encouraged to come to worship with their parents/caregivers. Following the Childrenās Message, children pre-K through grade five are invited to attend Childrenās Church for a Bible lesson, snack and play time. Pro tip: After you pick them up, remember to ask them about their experience and the Bible lesson!
Those attending Childrenās Church will have the opportunity to learn songs, participate in the childrenās Christmas program and worship services. We love to see children involved in worship services and they often have an opportunity to sing, greet and lead on Sunday mornings. Pro tip: If you or your child need a Bible, contact Christian Education Director Megan Bathory via: meganbathory@westpresottawa.org.
At WPC, we encourage children to participate in communion, and we present Bibles to third graders as a transitional gift. Eighth graders are invited to participate in a communicantsā class to learn more about the church, dig deeper into their faith and join the church if they wish.
Outreach
Learn about the various forms of ministry through which we serve.Youth Ministry
Westminster youths are invited to participate in Community Youth Group (CYG), an exciting, high-energy and faith-based organization. Contact Kenny Nelson, through the church office, for details on meeting times and locations.
The Gathering
Find your community at The Gathering ā a space for people ages 15-25 to come together, explore faith, and experience God in a relevant way. The Gathering offers authentic worship, open discussions and real connections with others on a similar journey. Call the church office (785) 242-1824 for more information.
Prayer Group
Interested in joining a prayer group? Contact the church office at (785) 242-1824.
Menās Bible Study
Looking for a deep dive into the word? Menās Bible Study meets weekly on Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room.
Bible Study
Bible study is held at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. The current session focuses on the Gospel of Luke. Call the church office (785) 242-1824 for more information.
Small Steps Preschool
Small Steps Preschool provides child care Monday through Friday at WPC. Operating independently of WPC, Small Steps offers quality child care and educational programming for preschool-age children. WPC is thrilled to partner with Small Steps, and our pastor shares a brief message with the children every week.
Staff, Session & Deacons
Our Staff
The individuals who make up our church staff are committed to serving our members, visitors, and community with enthusiasm and grace. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about WPC.
The Session
In the Presbyterian Church, the session makes up the leadership team. Members of the session ā otherwise known as ruling elders ā are elected by the congregation and work in partnership with the pastor (a teaching elder) in leadership, government, and spiritual discernment. The session also has responsibility for the life of the congregation as well as the church as a whole.
Board of Deacons
At WPC, our deacons take care of our congregation. They visit our homebound, those who are ill, those who grieve, and those in need. Through meals and calls, they support families and friends experiencing loss of loved ones. They also assist in preparing the elements for communion and baptism.
Servant leadership one of our key values.
Being Presbyterian
BeingĀ PresbyterianĀ means belonging to a Christian tradition rooted in theĀ Reformation, emphasizingĀ Godās grace, biblical faithfulness, and thoughtful discipleship.
Our Beliefs
Presbyterians are part of theĀ Reformed tradition, shaped byĀ John Calvinās teachingsĀ and theĀ Westminster Confession. We believe:
- Salvation comes through faith in Christ aloneĀ (Ephesians 2:8).
- The Bible is our ultimate authorityĀ for faith and life.
- God is sovereign, working all things for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).
How We Worship
Our worship isĀ reverent yet accessible, blendingĀ preaching, prayer, and sacraments (Baptism & Communion). Youāll find:
- Strong biblical teachingāsermons that apply Scripture to daily life.
- Congregational singingāhymns and contemporary worship.
- A focus on Godās graceānot rules, but gratitude for Christās love.
How We Serve
Presbyterians valueĀ service, justice, and community:
- Elders (Presbyters) lead the churchāa representative form of governance.
- Mission & outreachālocally and globally, caring for the vulnerable.
- Lifelong learningāSunday School, small groups, and deep theological discussion.
Why It Matters
Being Presbyterian isnāt aboutĀ perfect peopleāitās aboutĀ sinners saved by grace, seeking to love God and neighbor. Whether youāre exploring faith or looking for a church home, youāre welcome here!
Want to learn more? Join us on Sunday morning to visit a serviceāweād love to meet you!