"When individuals are upheld by one another in Christ, nurtured by the Word of God and knit spiritually in a common body they are blessed with vitality as they reach out to a world in need."
– Deborah Van Deusen Hunsinger
Pray Without Ceasing: Revitalizing Pastoral Care
Westminster Presbyterian Church is a caring community of faith, formed in Jesus Christ and bound to God and one another in Christian love. The focus of care at Westminster is not only on meeting the needs of every member, from the very youngest to the oldest, but also on enabling all members to identify and carry out their ministries of service to others. In addition to providing support during all of life's transitions and challenges, we hope to promote overall wellness. Most of our resources are available to the community at large. Our model of care is missional, designed to help us reach out in Christ's love to the world around us.
The Deacons in conjunction with Vitalant organize three blood drives at Westminster which occur on Sunday mornings through the year. These are held in February, May and September.
Please check the church calendar for details.
Counseling is available for families and individuals at the church through The Samaritan Counseling Center.
| To schedule an appointment, please call 412-741-7430 | ||
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| Daytime hours and evening appointments are available. |
Counseling should always bring us closer to becoming the person God intends us to be. At the Samaritan Counseling Center, we work on bringing the many facets of a person's life into a harmonious union. We include the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of who you are. We help our clients gain skills that enable them to confront the realities of life, develop solutions to stressful situations and learn to maintain the growth achieved.
We believe that effective counseling takes place in a trusting relationship between client and counselor. Our therapists are caring professionals, dedicated to helping people grow beyond their present situations.
The Samaritan Counseling Center provides one-on-one counseling for adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. We also provide spiritual direction, grief support services, group seminars, and retreats.
The Samaritan Counseling Center is fully accredited by the Samaritan institute in Denver, Colorado, which is recognized by The American Medical Association, The President's Commission on Mental Health, The American Association of Pastoral Counselors, and major church denominations.
All of the therapists are state licensed and/or certified by a professional organization. All therapists have one or more Master's degrees and participate in continuing education, peer review and ongoing supervision. We have a consulting psychiatrist.
Our counselors are committed to uphold professional ethical standards which demand strict confidentiality and the utmost regard for the value of the client's time, finances and person.
FeesA primary goal for us is that professional counseling be affordable without compromising quality, regardless of the client's ability to pay.
Many of our services are reimbursable using health care insurance. An adjusted fee can also be arranged, based on a family's gross income. The Samaritan Counseling Center is an ecumenical, non-profit corporation funded by fees for services and by contributions from churches, businesses, civic groups, individuals and foundations.
Contributions to our Client Aid Fund enable us to offer our services on an adjusted fee basis. If you would like to make a contribution to our center, please contact our main office at 412-854-4530.
| Download our brochure to read about our counselors |
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Caregivers and family members will find support, encouragement, and comfort from others through the sharing of experiences. The group offers a safe place where you can get information that's practical, constructive, and helpful. You'll have the benefit of encouragement, and you'll learn how to cope through the journey of memory loss of your loved one.
Leader: Terrie Eger, BA in Healthcare Administration, CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner), CDPSG (Certified Dementia Practitioner Support Group Leader
No registration required. For questions, please call 412-835-6630.
Extended Home Communion is taken to those who are unable to come to church. If you are unable to come to church and would like to receive communion at home, please call the church office at 412-835-6630.
For more information, call 412-835-6630.
The Pet Ministry's mission is to ensure that we're being good stewards of God's creation by advocating a greater awareness of what it means to be in love and charity with all the living creatures of our world.
The ministry organizes several programs and events throughout the year. For more information call the church office at 412-835-6630.
The Pet Ministry organizes several programs and events throughout the year:
All people-friendly pets and their owners are invited to a celebration that recognizes the animal companions that love us unconditionally. A pastor blesses these special family members and the people who love and care for them. Pets need to be on non-retractable leashes or in carriers, and you'll need to bring proof of current vaccinations. The Blessing of the Pets is held once a year, the first Sunday in October, at 2:00 p.m. in the South Parking Lot.
Westminster Prayer Group
The Westminster prayer group focuses on prayer for our church's ministry, our community, our nation, and the world, as well as for those in hospitals, those who have suffered a loss, or are experiencing other concerns in their lives. An ongoing list of prayer receivers contains members and non-members of Westminster.
Prayer Shawl Ministry members knit or crochet shawls and lap robes that are given to persons who are ill, have suffered a loss, or are in the midst of a life crisis. Anyone can make a request for a shawl or recommend a recipient. The group also continues working on various scarf, hat, and mitten projects for several charitable groups, including SHIM and Washington City Mission.
Prior experience is not required. The only prerequisite is a desire to spend a delightful, relaxing evening in the company of those who share your love of needlework. Our schedule is very flexible, and attendance at every session is not required. Beginners and experienced needle workers are encouraged to become a part of this very special ministry. Anyone wishing to work independently is encouraged to do so. There are no deadlines -- just present the shawl when it is finished.
Start with a prayer. Before beginning, say a prayer for the individual who may be receiving the shawl. You can pray for healing, good health, and peace. Please take the time to repeat your prayer as you knit. Prayer is good for you as well as the one who will receive the shawl.
For more information, contact Mary Kay Mitchell, group coordinator, at [email protected] or 412-561-1557.Worship at Home provides worship materials of the Sunday service including written sermon and bulletin. Contact the church office at 412-835-6630.
