Living Generously - Presbyterian Church in Westfield

WHAT DO "GOODNESS AND SELF CONTROL " LOOK LIKE?

Have you ever experienced an unexpected act of generosity that restores your faith in humanity?

Did you know that small, everyday acts of kindness contribute to our daily happiness?

Where have you seen goodness in your life either at work or at home? Take a moment to be grateful for someone who has been good to you when you least expected it.

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Next time you feel a strong emotion rising, take a deep breath and pause before reacting. How does this moment of self-control impact the situation?

What temptations do you struggle with? Practice working on one each week. Ask a friend to join you to stay accountable.

Are you very busy? It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. Try to incorporate mindfulness (and prayer!) into your life to enhance self-awareness and self-control.

DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT TODAY

The Presbyterian Church in Westfield Affinity Groups & Activities

There are a multitude of ways to engage in the life of PCW with opportunities for participation that are both recurring and one-time. PCW ministries are organized in four areas:  Worship, Family, Congregational Life and Support. Read on to learn more about where you can use your Spiritual Gift(s) in our community of faith. If you wish to participate, volunteer and/or lead,  contact the PCW church office (908-233-0301)  and let them know which PCW Affinity Group(s) and/or Activities interest you.

WORSHIP

Worship

Worship Support – A group that works to provide meaningful worship experiences and support for the staff & liturgy (i.e. preparing communion elements & recruiting servers; providing visual enhancements to worship spaces to amplify sermon themes; scheduling Invitation to the Life of the Church speakers; recruiting & training ushers).
Creative Worship – A team that explores and implements innovative worship experiences.
Children's Message (traditional service) – A 2-5 minute segment during the traditional worship service to share a message tailored for children.
Invitation to the Life of the Church Speaker (traditional service, online service and wired service) – A speaker who shares the impact of PCW on his or her life and invites others to engage in different church events and activities. The speaker may also introduce myPCW giving/the offering.
Ushers – Volunteers who assist with seating, hand out programs, and collect the offering during worship services.
Greeters – Volunteers who welcome people as they arrive at church and help newcomers feel comfortable.
Post-Service Reception Host – Volunteer(s) who help organize and host a reception after the worship service to encourage fellowship between the wired and traditional worship services.

Music

Chancel Choir – A group of singers who lead and enhance worship services through traditional choral music.
Bell Choir – A group that gathers periodically through the church year to prepare music for worship services.
Wired Band – A group of musicians who lead and enhance worship services through contemporary music.
Wired Audio Engineering – A group responsible for managing the visual and audio equipment during worship services and special events.
Technical Director(s) – A person or group responsible for managing technology and multimedia during worship services and special events.
Children's Choir – We plan to begin this group anew as we continue to re-imagine church life after the pandemic. Please let Paul Sanner know if your child is interested (or if you would like for your child to be interested) in participating.

FAMILY MINISTRIES

Children & Youth Faith Formation

Youth
- Confirmation – A program that prepares young people (typically freshman in high school) to confirm their faith and become full members of the church.
- Confirmation Leaders & Mentors – A group of adults who share their faith and mentor confirmands. Leaders lead regular small group discussions in conjunction with confirmation classes; mentors meet periodically with confirmands to share their faith journey and discuss any questions their assigned confirmands may have.
Christian Education
- Sunday School – Weekly educational programs that occur during worship services for children and youth that teach Christian principles and biblical stories.
- Vacation Bible Camp – A week-long summer program for children that is led by adults and combines learning, activities, and worship.

Youth Mission

High School Mission Trip – An annual trip for high school students to participate in mission work and service projects.
Middle School Mission Opportunities – Service opportunities and projects for middle school students, which may include a trip.
Mission Trip & Mission Opportunities Advisors – A group of adults who chaperone the youth during mission trips and projects.
Agape Elizabeth Community Kitchen – a youth-led mission program serving a weekly hot meal to guests in Elizabeth.

Cooking for Agape – Preparing food for meals served at the Agape Elizabeth Community Kitchen.
Attending Agape with the Youth – Chaperoning youth at the Agape Elizabeth Community Kitchen; may include driving youth to Elizabeth.
Coordinating Volunteers & Meals – Organizing volunteers and meal planning for the Agape Elizabeth Community Kitchen.

Youth Fellowship

Advisors – Adults who love working with children and/or youth to share their faith and ensure there is a safe space for them to participate in various groups, activities and events.
Middle School Breakfast Club – A fellowship group for middle school students that meets once a week on a school day morning for breakfast and discussion. Adult volunteers also serve breakfast (typically bagels) and drive the kids to school.
High School Fellowship – A group focused on fellowship and spiritual growth for high school students.
Movie Nights – Social events featuring movies for various age groups.
Retreats – Spiritual retreats for different age groups to foster personal and spiritual growth. 
Youth Small Groups – A variety of small groups focused on fellowship and spiritual growth. 
Ski & Tubing Trips – Fellowship events for youth that involve skiing and snow tubing.
Summer Fun Events – One-off social events and activities for youth and families during the summer months.
Family Fun Days – Events designed for families to enjoy together.
Parents Afternoon Out – A program providing childcare so parents can have an afternoon to themselves.
Easter Egg Hunt – A fun event for children to search for Easter eggs.
Christmas Pageant – A theatrical production celebrating the Christmas story.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Spiritual Development

SUPPORT MINISTRIES

Office & Property – A group responsible for managing and ensuring the well-being of the church's office and property.
Burial Grounds – A group responsible for the maintenance and care of the church's burial grounds.
Craftsmen – A group that that meets weekly and works together to repair, create and build items for use in the church and community.
Stewardship – A group focused on managing the church’s financial resources, including asset management, developing/updating financial protocols & procedures, guiding & informing Session on the state of PCW finances, and facilitating a multi-year budgeting process.
Communication

Writing – A team that assists with writing content for church publications and communication.
Photography – A team that captures and shares images of church events and activities. 
Social Media – A group responsible for managing and updating the church's social media platforms in conjunction with PCW’s Communication Specialist. 
Website – A group responsible for maintaining and updating the church's website in conjunction with PCW’s Communication Specialist.