Table Talk

The lovely people of WPC are not of one mind about everything. We don't think alike about theology, politics, or many of the questions that shape our lives. We come from different backgrounds, carry different experiences, and sometimes reach very different conclusions about what is best for our families, our communities, and our country. Yet we gather around the same Lord's Table, trusting that Jesus Christ has made room for all of us. I am so excited to gather with you at the Lord's Table every Sunday in November!

There is something beautiful about being part of a church that believes it's Jesus Christ who holds us together as the body of Christ, not some secondary issue of faith and life. It isn't always easy, of course, to live this way as a church. When Election Day approaches, we may find ourselves sitting in the same pew with someone who plans to vote for a candidate we cannot imagine supporting. We may look at the same issues and see very different things. We may even wonder how someone who shares our faith could arrive at such a different conclusion. But I believe the church is at its best when we remember that Jesus Christ holds us together, not our agreement on every question that matters to us.

That doesn't mean our convictions don't matter. Our Christian faith should shape the way we live, the way we treat others, and the decisions we make, including the way we vote. But it does mean we should be careful about assuming that our political judgments are the only faithful, Christian judgments. We can take our biblical convictions seriously without treating those who disagree with us as though they have somehow failed Jesus.

As Election Day approaches, I've talked with people who feel anxious, frustrated, and tired. Some worry about what might happen to our country. Others are weary of the anger and suspicion that seem to accompany almost every political conversation. Some are disgusted by the nasty, dehumanizing commercials and mailers. Some aren't sure how to connect their Christian faith with the choices they'll make in the voting booth. I understand those feelings. Elections matter, and the decisions we make together have real consequences for our neighbors and our communities. But our faith offers us something to hold on to when the political noise becomes overwhelming.

First, Jesus is Lord. That was one of the earliest confessions of the Christian church, and it remains at the heart of our faith. It reminds us that no politician, political party, or elected official deserves the kind of ultimate loyalty that belongs to God alone. We can support a candidate, appreciate a leader, and work for policies we believe are good without confusing any of them with the kingdom of God.

Second, no candidate is our Savior. We should care about the future of our country, and we should take our responsibility as citizens seriously. But no election will finally rescue us from everything that troubles our world. Christians already know the story of the One who saves us. His name is Jesus, and he isn't asking for our vote.

Third, Jesus shows us a different way to understand power. In the wilderness, Jesus was offered authority over the kingdoms of the world, but he refused to take the path of power that was placed before him. Throughout his ministry, he welcomed outsiders, served those who were overlooked, and challenged people who used their influence to place themselves above others. His life reminds us that the way we pursue what is good matters just as much as the good we hope to accomplish. Finally, the cross is God's answer to the question of power. Any politics that needs to crush its enemies to win is headed somewhere Jesus didn't go.

Fourth, fear is not a good foundation for our decisions. Fear is a lousy counselor. When a message works mostly by making you afraid, hold it up to the light of the empty tomb. We may have legitimate concerns about the direction of our country, and we don't have to pretend otherwise. But when fear becomes the main force shaping our choices, it can make us suspicious of our neighbors and blind us to the humanity of people who are different from us. The resurrection reminds us that even when things look bleak, fear does not get the final word.

Fifth, pay attention to the people we are tempted to overlook. Jesus had a habit of drawing near to people others considered unimportant, troublesome, or unworthy of their attention. He saw human beings where others saw problems. Whatever our political convictions, we would do well to ask whether our decisions reflect that same concern for the dignity and well-being of our neighbors.

And finally, remember that the people with whom we disagree are still our neighbors. The person whose political sign makes us shake our heads is someone God loves. The friend or family member whose vote confuses us is still someone Jesus calls us to love. We don't have to pretend our differences don't exist, and we don't have to abandon our convictions. But we can disagree without contempt. We can listen without surrendering our beliefs. We can speak honestly without forgetting that the person across the table is more than a political opinion.

I offer these thoughts not to tell anyone how to vote, but to encourage all of us to think about the kind of people we are becoming as we participate in the life of our country. Before we enter the voting booth, maybe we could pause long enough to ask ourselves a few questions. Am I being guided by my deepest Christian convictions, or am I being carried along by fear and anger? Am I thinking about the well-being of my neighbors, especially those whose lives are different from mine? Can I make my decision with conviction while still treating those who choose differently with grace?

I won't presume to answer those questions for you. That work belongs to each of us as we seek to follow Jesus faithfully in the circumstances of our own lives. But I hope we can do that work with humility, remembering that none of us sees everything clearly and none of us has a perfect understanding of what faithfulness requires in every political situation.

Whatever happens on Election Day, I want you to know something. If you are a Republican or a Democrat, a conservative or a progressive, or someone who doesn't feel entirely at home in any of those categories, you belong in this congregation. You don't have to think exactly like me, or like the person sitting beside you, to be loved here. I care deeply about you, and I am grateful to be your pastor. My hope is that we will keep learning how to follow Jesus together, even when that means walking alongside people with whom we disagree.

When we wake up the morning after the election, some of us will be pleased with the results, and others will be disappointed. Some will feel hopeful, while others may feel uncertain about what comes next. But the most important things about our faith will not have changed overnight. Jesus will still be Lord. Christ will still be risen. Our neighbors will still be made in the image of God, and we will still be called to love them.

The world will continue to need the kind of people Jesus calls us to be: people who practice mercy, pursue justice, welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and refuse to let hatred have the final word. Those things matter on Election Day, but they matter just as much on every other day of the year.

So vote according to your conscience. Take your responsibilities seriously. Pray for our country and for the people who will lead it. And when the election is over, keep showing up for your neighbors, including the ones who voted differently than you did.

After all, our deepest hope has never rested on the outcome of an election. Our hope rests in Jesus Christ, who continues to call us together around his Table and send us back into the world to love one another. That is still our calling, no matter what happens on Tuesday. And I am thankful we get to pursue it together.

See you in church.

Pastor Adam

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Worship Leader: Debbie Kempers

Organist/Pianist: Kathy Miller

Gathering Music: Gospel Roundup (Joel Raney)

Choral Anthem: Tunaomba Mungu Atawale (We Pray God to Reign) arr. John R. Paradowski

Offering Music: Prelude on THAXTED (David M. Cherwein)

Sending Music: Look, Ye Saints the Sight is Glorious (Michael Burkhardt)

The bell choir selection Sunday morning is a medley of Gospel Hymns. Listen for “Blessed Assurance”, “Since Jesus Came Into My Life”, “In My Heart There Rings a Melody”, and “Just a Closer Walk With Thee”.

Donna Parsons

Pete Mirch

Faye Kisak

Pete Kisak

Brenda Hughes

Vivian Naome

Amy Sorvillo

Aiden McVeigh

Highlights include a setting of “Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America,” a flag procession and recession, historical readings, and additional instruments accompanying the music. Brown bag lunch included. The chancel choir will be joined by choristers from Bethel Lutheran and Boardman United Methodist. Please turn in veteran’s photos to be included in the power point presentation and invite your family and friends to attend.

Come for our 10:30AM worship service. Stay for lunch & fellowship. Freewill donations.

(Other upcoming luncheon date—December 6, Advent Dinner)

Join us for an evening of worship as we gather to give thanks to God on the eve of Thanksgiving. This is always a well-attended service, and the singing in the chapel is beautiful. Because the service is being held in the chapel, it will NOT be livestreamed.

The Canfield Community Concert Band is back at WPC for another joyful afternoon of Christmas music—and you’re invited! Join us on Sunday, Nov at 3PM as this talented 50-plus member band fills our sanctuary with festive sounds to kick-off the holiday season. Bring family, friends, and neighbors for a wonderful community event full of beautiful music, holiday cheer, and the joy of Christmas! Free-will offering to support the band.

One of holiday traditions is the lighting of the Advent candles during worship. Each year, individuals, friends, and families lead us in this simple but meaningful tradition, reminding us of the hope, peace, joy, and love we celebrate with Jesus’ birth. This year, we invite those who have never done it before. We’ll provide everything you need. If you’ve ever thought about participating, consider this your invitation! We’re waiting to say yes to you. We have opportunities for all four Sundays in Advent and Christmas Eve. If you, your family, or a group of friends would like to participate, call/text Pastor Adam at 724-893-6244. We’d love to help you be part of this meaningful tradition at WPC!

Want to join a small group?

Simply contact the group leader, and let them know you’re interested.

Church membership is NOT required for joining any group.

The early Church had a saying,

“unus Christianus, nullus Christianus.”

One Christian, no Christian.

The very fabric of our faith is experienced in community.

Each week we gather to connect with each other through conversation, grow in our Christian faith through Bible study, and encourage one another through prayer. Currently, we're discussing Scott McKnight's bestselling book The Jesus Creed a summary of what Christianity is at its core: Loving God and Loving Others. It fosters a practical understanding, appreciation of and application of Christian formation in grace and love toward God and Neighbor. Join us!

Meet in the Middle School Lounge for Games, Relaxed, Relevant Conversation & Prayer.

What if God is closer than you think? This fall, WPC students are invited to join Pastor Adam for Encounters, a 10-week exploration of some of the Bible’s most unforgettable moments with God—from a burning bush and a pillar of fire to Pentecost and the road to Emmaus. We’ll explore what these stories have to say about where God is, how we recognize God, and what it means to experience God in our own lives. There will be plenty of room for questions, conversation, and fun along the way. No Bible expertise required. No question is off limits. Just come ready to explore.

Panera Bread (7121 South Avenue, Boardman)

Book Study/Bible Study led by Lindsay Rodgers, 724-893-6243 (call or text)

Starbucks (7680 Market Street, Boardman)

Book Study/Bible Study/Conversation led by Pastor Adam, 724-893-6244 (call or text)

3rd Tuesday of Month, 10AM, Hearth Room

Call/Text Patti Ward 330-398-1449

November Gathering Details--TBA

Gracious Conversations at the Intersection of Contemporary Life and the Christian Faith

New members and diverse opinions are always welcome and respected. Conversation is informal, friendly, and focused on issues of interest to people of Christian faith.

Susan Sheridan, facilitator (330-507-9232 | ssher77@sbcglobal.net)

The schedule for topic discussions can be found on the counter in the church office.

New singers always welcome! There’s always space for you in the choir loft.

New ringers are always welcome to come and learn a new, fun musical skill.

1st and 3rd Sundays of the month (during 10:30AM worship services)

The children’s choir will sing in worship next Sunday, Nov 1. They have been learning a fun song entitled “Tunaomba Mungu Atawale” (God will reign) from South Africa. The chancel choir will join in singing the “easier” English words.

This year’s campaign kicked off Sunday, October 4, and campaign packets have been mailed to the homes of WPC members and friends. Also, the campaign webpage & online pledging can be accessed by CLICKING HERE

WPC supports our neighbors by collecting food and personal hygiene items for two outstanding local mission partners: Protestant Family Service and the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley. Both organizations are experiencing greater needs in these challenging times, and our gifts can make a real difference in the lives of those they serve. Donations may be placed in the wooden “apple basket” collection box located in the atrium. Every can of food, every bar of soap, every small item of care is a reminder of God’s love at work through us. As scripture reminds us, “Serve one another with the various colors of God’s grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Thank you for sharing so generously.

OCC is a chance to share God’s love with children around the world. Each shoebox you pack is more than a gift—it’s the beginning of a faith journey, with every box including a booklet that tells the good news of Jesus in the child’s own language. Pick up an official box in the main entryway. Read the informational brochures carefully—some items can’t be included. Return your filled shoeboxes to the church by Sunday, Nov 15.

As the temperatures drop, children in our community are in need of warm coats to face the winter ahead. We’re collecting new or gently used winter coats for students in elementary through 8th grade. Your simple act of giving can make a big difference—helping a child walk to school, play outside, or wait for the bus feeling cared for and protected from the cold. Donations can be dropped off in the main entryway through early December. Let’s share the warmth of Christ’s love—one coat at a time.

We’re participating again! Please join us in a community outreach project to take our faith ‘on the road’ to benefit the Salvation Army. Friday Nov 27, and Sat Nov 28 at the Giant Eagle Store (1201 Doral Dr., Boardman). Up to two volunteers per hourly shift this year. Please see further details and available times on the sign-up sheet in the Church Office. Questions? Ask Mark Luke: 330-518-6088. Thank you!

Help support our local food drive in partnership with the WPC Mission Partnership Committee. Provide Thanksgiving dinner for local families. Vouchers are given for turkeys, butter, and milk. Rolls are purchased by the church. Monetary donations are also appreciated. Collection deadline is November 22, with donated items to be placed on the collection area in the lobby. Items needing donated:

• boxed potatoes/stuffing
• cans/jars of gravy
• cranberry sauce
• canned sweet potatoes
• canned corn & beans
• cookies

Want to help pack Thanksgiving boxes? Join us in the atrium, Mon. Nov 23, 8:30AM.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SESSION MEETING

A Regular Session Meeting was held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. A sharing of joys and concerns and prayer led by Pastor Adam took place. Lani Calder and Paula Philips were welcomed as guests before they begin serving as ruling elders following their installation and installation and ordination respectively on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The majority of the meeting was devoted to a discussion about a future vision for Westminster Presbyterian Church—who we are and who we hope to become. The business portion of the meeting was brief. However, noted below are a few of the highlights from written reports received or announcements made.

MINISTRY AND MISSION COMMITTEES

• DISCIPLESHIP: Chair, Currently Vacant; Lani Calder assumes the Chairmanship October 25, 2026
• FELLOWSHIP: Chair, Patrick Hughes No report at this time
• MISSION PARTNERSHIP: Chair, Mike Crisan Written report received. Christmas Boxes for Samaritan’s Purse are in the hallway for pick-up. Return date: Nov. 15, 2026. A motion prevailed in committee to provide 60 Thanksgiving and Christmas vouchers at $60 a piece for families at Taft, Stadium Drive and Needle’s Eye.
• STEWARDSHIP: Chair, Ken Goldsboro No report at this time.
• WORSHIP: Chair, Kay Woods; Phil Smith, Interim Chair Written report received. Quotes on tentative work on the organ are yet to be received, but discussions on the organ will be tabled until January 2027. A donation was made to the Church Decorating Committee to purchase red silk poinsettias for decorating the altar, along with storage bins. This will lighten the work load for the committee and church staff in caring for the plants following Christmas since only a small number are claimed following Christmas services.

SUPPORT AND RESOURCE COMMITTEES

• FINANCE: Chair, Vivian Naome No report at this time; Financial statement submitted by Debi Karash. A representative from the Finance Committee will attend our November meeting to present the first reading of 2027 budget. September income: $31,514.23. September expenses: $29,313.64. There being no objections, a MOTION was approved to receive the financial statement.
• PERSONNEL: Chair, Tom Davis. There being no objections, a MOTION from the committee to accept the resignation of Bevin Baker as Director of Middle/High School Youth Ministry, with her time of service ending October 31, 2026 was approved. In related news, Suzie Sanner, a parent and volunteer Sunday school teacher has agreed to provide volunteer leadership to the rotation of volunteer teachers, helping with scheduling and curriculum. Both she and Christine Hughes have also already agreed to provide volunteer leadership for next summer's Vacation Bible Camp.
• PROPERTY: Co-Chair and Moderator, Tim Meehan; Co-Chair Duane Ward Written report received. Joe McGee removed two additional damaged trees behind the church. A damaged tree in the front yard still needs to be taken down along with stumps removed, ground, chips hauled away and soil and seed put down. An estimate of $900 was received from Tree Dudes, the company that took care of the fallen trees in the wooded area behind the church. Our custodian will not be working during January, February and part of March due to scheduled knee surgery. He is making a list of daily, weekly and monthly routine responsibilities around the church that will need to be taken care of until his return. The main entrance security camera was repaired in September by Tony Geraci from Secure Right Alarms at no expense to the church. The upgrade of the church building’s WiFi will be completed soon and is expected to provide enhanced service throughout the building.

REPORTING FROM THE DEACON TEAMS

BEREAVEMENT: CONGREGATIONAL CARE AND VISITATION: HOSPITALITY:

· The teams continue to carry out their responsibilities. No items for consideration.

REPORTING OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Chair, Jim Hardwick No report at this time.

• There being no objections, a MOTION from the committee to the session of Westminster Presbyterian Church to approve the examination of Ruling Elder-elect Paula Philips and recommend Sunday, October 25, 2026 as the day appointed for the service of ordination and installation during the 10:30 a.m. Service of Worship in the sanctuary was approved. Those previously ordained as ruling elders who will be installed to active terns of service are Lani Calder. Also, those previously ordained as deacons who will be installed to active terms of service are Joe Parsons.

REPORTING/TEACHING FROM PASTOR/STAFF: Pastor Adam

CLERK’S REPORT: Susan Sheridan, Asst. Clerk of Session

• Average Attendance-September In Person: 111 Unique Views of Livestream: 42
• Membership Roll: 374 Active; 35 Inactive
• Next Session Meeting—November 18, 7PM (Parlor)
• Upcoming Communion Dates: Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29.
• Approval of WPC hosting a meeting of Eastminster Presbytery on Tuesday, March 9, 2027 at 5p.m., meal to be provided.
• Approval of calling a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, Dec 13, 2026 for the purpose of approving Pastor Adam’s Terms of Call for 2027.
• Approval of the request by Matt & Bevin Baker to be removed from active membership of WPC.

A TIME.OF PRAYER

Susan Sheridan, Assistant Clerk of Session

WPC partners with Community Groups by providing rooms and space for folks to gather. All Community Groups have their own unique guidelines/rules/fees for participation. Please contact the groups directly for clarifying questions about involvement.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 8:30AM & Tuesdays, Thursdays, 5:30PM

Fellowship Hall, Contact Brenda Hughes, 330-402-1654 (call or text)

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:30 a.m. in Hearth Room

Contact Patti Ward, 330-398-1449 (call or text)

Al-Anon, Sundays, 7PM, Hearth Room or Pavilion (weather permitting)

Overeaters Anonymous (OA), Mondays, 7PM, Preschool Entrance

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Wednesdays, 7:30PM (Closed Meetings)

Fellowship Hall or Pavilion (weather permitting)

Gamblers Anonymous (GA), Fridays, 7:30PM (Closed Meetings)

Lower Level of Church or Pavilion (weather permitting)

Scout Troop 60, Tuesdays, 7PM, Fellowship Hall

Contact Janet Petro, Administrator, 330-755-7041, CCWAcademy@yahoo.com

CCW Academy offers structured classes for children aged 2.5-5 years (9am—12pm) and childcare (7am—5:30pm).

Have a joy? We’d love to celebrate with you. Have a concern? We’d love to encourage and support you. Don’t hesitate to share your joys and concerns with Pastor Adam OR send a note to our beloved email prayer chain: rgibbs22@zoominternet.net

This list is an invitation for you to hold your WPC siblings & friends in prayer. Names added to this prayer list will remain on the list for one month or whenever you request it be removed, whichever comes first. After a name has been removed, we will gladly add it to the list again if such a request is made.

Alison Dobro

Emma Eggleston

Eleanor Miller

Jaclyn DiSibio

Bill Palkovic (son of Cheryl Palkovic)

Dolores Janik

Sandy Byers

Marty Taylor

Lucy Stuart

Jan Pickens

Dianna Meehan

Cheryl Fox

October Birthdays

Oct 31 Susanne Mayerchak

November Birthdays

Nov 1 James Stratton

Nov 2 Janice Giba

Nov 2 Tyler Holcomb

Nov 2 Joshua Jenkins

Nov 3 Janice Eynon

Nov 3 Daniel Green

Nov 3 Nathan Knaus

Nov 3 Jon Palumbo

Nov 4 Debbie Kempers

Nov 4 Kendahl Kreps

Nov 5 Tom Masters

Nov 6 Emily Williams

Nov 7 Pam Batt

Nov 8 Zachary Taylor

Nov 9 Emily-Anne Powell

Nov 13 Michael Janik

Nov 13 Lori McVeigh

Nov 14 Robert Fulton

Nov 17 Thomas DiSibio

Nov 17 Lexi Lendak

Nov 17 Philip Rhodes

Nov 17 Susan Sanner

Nov 18 Carol Day

Nov 19 Donald Powell

Nov 20 Anthony Galbreath

Nov 21 Jeffrey Burrows

Nov 24 Mathew Hunter

Nov 25 Michael Pauline

Nov 26 Anna Baker

Nov 27 Susan Sheridan

Nov 28 Robert McCollum

Nov 28 Kaylee Sorvillo

Nov 30 Julia Castellano

Nov 30 Allison Madgar

Deacon

Joe Parsons, 330-503-8354

Deacon

Cheryl Palkovic, 330-651-7686

Email: westch2@zoominternet.net
Website: www.wpcboardman.com
Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Stadium Drive, Youngstown, OH, USA
Phone: 330-758-4513

Email: adamjosephrodgers@gmail.com
Phone: 724-893-6244

Location: 119 Stadium Drive, Youngstown, OH, USA
Phone: 330-755-7041
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCWacademyPreschool