News & Events

Vacation Bible School

oldschool When it Happens: The 2nd week of July (in 2011 it is from July 11-15) Click here to learn more about this year's awesome "Kickin' It Old School" Program and to download the Registration Form!

Times: 9 am to 12 noon
Leader: Jenn Harris

Vacation Bible Camp 2009 VBS at Westminster is run by a wonderful group of church volunteers. Usually occurring the second full week of July from 9 am to 12 noon, we offer this faith-based program to children ages 4 to 12 (Finished JK to finished Grade 6). Over the past few years, we have had theme weeks, including Outrigger Island, Take the Plunge Water Park, and most recently Studio Go! Game Show produced by Standard Publishing.

Our mornings begin with a group session of singing and skits. We then break into age group classes where we learn bible lessons, do crafts, play games and have snacks. We close each morning as a whole group for more singing. 2010's theme was Hero Headquarters – Where Kids Join Forces with God. It was a fun and exciting week! Each child received a T-shirt and each family received a CD of VBS songs to take home. As well, we had a closing program and lunch for all family members on the Friday at 12 noon. The cost for this week is $25.00 per child or $50.00 for a family of 2 or more.

(Pictured above are many of the kids from our 2009 Vacation Bible Camp with some of our local Barrie firefighters.)

March Break Camp

When it happens: Wednesday and Thursday of March Break Week (In 2012, this is the 14th and 15th)
Times: 9 am to 3 pm
Leader: Jenn Harris

March Break Camp is a program we run for kids from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 6. It's a faith-based, fun-filled and safe program of crafts, singing songs, learning Bible stories, playing games, having great snacks, and making new friends. On each day lunch is provided!

This year's program is called "Backstage with the Bible" and is going to be a great experience. We're really excited about it and think you should be too!

We have a wonderful group of volunteers who help run this program... and it is also an excellent way for high school students to earn their volunteer hours!

To see the invitation letter just click here. And to download the registration form just click here. The cost is $10 per child.

Recent Announcements & Calendar

Date	Title / Description
May 21, 2011	50+ Singles Outreach Potluck and Dance Join us for our 50+ Singles Potluck and dance!
November 19, 2011	50+ Outreach Potluck Dinner and the "Magic Horn" Please join us for our monthly potluck dinner and some wonderful music!
April 16, 2011	50+ Singles Openfolk Open Stage Doc Higgins is bringing the Openfolk Open Stage to us!
December 4, 2011	Advent Holy Communion Service We celebrate the life-giving sacrifice of Christ as we enter December and the season of Advent.
June 26, 2011	Outdoor Canada Day Service & BBQ Please join us for our annual Canada Day Service and BBQ--a great morning of fun and intergenerational worship.
December 18, 2011	Choral Cantata and White Gift Sunday We are enriched by the Choral Cantata of Westminster's Choir under the direction of Jenn Harris, and bring food donations for those struggling to make ends meet at this time of year.
January 9, 2011	Christianity Explored (in the format of Adult Sunday School) Join us for a 10-week journey through Christianity Explored--where we review the basics of the faith through discussion, video and home study, in an open, welcoming atmosphere.
September 15, 2011	Christianity Explored Come join in on a journey of discovery with members of Westminster Church and our neighbours as we learn and talk about Markâ€™s Gospel concerning Jesus Christ. Who was he? Why did he come? What is involved in following him?
November 19, 2011	Christmas Bazaar Christmas is only 6 weeks away! Drop by for our superb bazaar with everything from baked goods to a silent auction. And the coffee pot is on, of course!
December 25, 2011	Christmas Day Service This year Christmas Day lands on a Sunday, and so we gather at a special time of 11am for a very family-friendly service to worship the new-born King!
December 24, 2011	Christmas Eve Candlelit Service We gather for a wonderful and uplifting service with singing, the lighting of the candles as we sing the quiet songs of Christmas, an offering for those less fortunate in our community, and a meditation in re-discovering the surprise gift of Christmas. Nursery care is provided.
September 15, 2011	Using Your Church Building for Outreach Article by Rev. Ruttan and Elder Don Hickey
February 4, 2011	Church Family Night You are invited to our church family night on Friday, February 4th beginning at 6pm at the church with a delicious potluck dinner!
May 7, 2011	Spring Clean Up Interested in helping us beautify the church and grounds in our annual Spring Clean Up?
October 15, 2011	"A Day Apart" -- Women Following Jesus Join us for a one-day retreat with a special speaker, workshops to choose from, fellowship and worship. The event is hosted by the Barrie Presbyterial Women's Missionary Society
April 18, 2011	2011's Easter Message Reverend Ruttan's Annual Easter Letter to the Congregation for 2011
April 24, 2011	Holy Week and Easter at Westminster, 2011 Click here to see our Holy Week and Easter Schedule. Join us as we celebrate the main event in our shared life of faith--the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
December 9, 2011	Family Night Potluck and Carol Sing We enjoy a potluck dinner, face-painting, and an uplifting Carol Sing with our favourite Christmas Songs!
February 19, 2011	50+ Singles Outreach Pot Luck Dinner and Karoke Night Please join us for a wonderful pot luck dinner and karaoke night! It will be an evening of good food, fellowship and entertainment!
May 9, 2011	Helping Haiti--Dr. Rodney Baptiste shares his story, vision and passion for Primary Health Care in Haiti Click here to learn more about this event, and how you might be able to help this important Primary Health Care initiative.
October 22, 2011	50+ Singles Outreach Potluck Join us for our monthly potluck and enjoy a Harvest Hop! Click here to learn more.
March 9, 2011	"Seeking God's Glory in Darkness"-- A Wednesday Lenten Series Based on John 17 Preparing for Easter? You are warmly invited to a Wednesday Lenten series based on Jesus' prayer in John 17, hosted by St. Andrew's, Westminer and Essa Road Presbyterian Churches. The series is called Seeking God's Glory in Darkness.
March 15, 2011	March Break Camp 2011 Click here to learn more about this year's exciting March Break Camp program called Shake It Up Cafe! It takes place on March 15 and 16 from 9am to 3pm.
May 8, 2011	Special Mother's Day Service Join us for our special Mother's Day Service beginning at 10am. Everyone is welcome! We will enjoy the praise of the Men's Chorus, and the ladies will receive carnations as a sign of our gratitude.
April 5, 2011	Becoming a Member at Westminster Are you interested in becoming a member at Westminster? If so click here to learn about the process and meaning of membership in this community of faith. You'll be glad you did.
November 15, 2011	New Members' Gatherings Click here to learn more about this year's second series of New Members' Gatherings, including what membership means, and how it can build up your calling to be a disciple of Christ.
November 27, 2011	A Sunday for Busby, Elders and New Members It's a special Sunday when we collect bag lunches for those struggling to make ends meet in our community; when we raise awareness about and pay tribute to our elders; and when we welcome some individuals into membership!
December 3, 2011	Ontario Provincial Police Chorus The OPP Chorus joins us again for another uplifting performance!
December 11, 2011	Sunday School Pageant and Mitten Tree Sunday We are nourished in worship by our Sunday School's Pageant, and encouraged to bring items for the Mitten Tree for those who might need some help getting warm this Christmas season.
March 8, 2011	Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Hungry? Perfect! Join us for our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at the church from 5-7pm!
October 12, 2011	Presbytery Visitation, October 12th, 2011 Please click here to read more about Presbytery's visitation to Westminster on October 12th, 2011.
November 6, 2011	Remembrance Sunday Service Let us worship together, remembering those who lost their lives in the horrors of war. We pray for peace and observe the 'Act of Remembrance'
April 29, 2011	Scott Woods and His Band--"All Aboard!"--A Sensational Fiddle Variety Show All Aboard! We welcome Scott Woods (Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion) and his all new fiddle variety show!
March 18, 2011	St. Patrick's Day Dinner Feeling green? Join us for our St. Patrick's Day Dinner with entertainment provided by the Para-Guinns!
June 24, 2011	Strawberry Supper Join us for a delicious strawberry supper on Friday, June 24th at 6pm.
April 27, 2011	Strong Leadership Dream Team Join us for the next phase in our congregational development--Strong Leadership Teams, based on the approach by the Rev. Dr. Kennon Callahan
October 9, 2011	Thanksgiving 2011 Click here to learn more about Thanksgiving at Westminster, 2011.
June 18, 2011	Trunk Sale Please join us for our trunk sale. There won`t just be great deals but music, face painting for the kids, and a BBQ!
July 11, 2011	2011 Vacation Bible Camp -- Kickin' It Old School! Click here for the online registration form and to learn more about this year's awesome Vacation Bible Camp. It runs from July 11 to 15 for an INCREDIBLE value of only $25! In a fun, safe environment, your kids will sing, make crafts, learn stories, play games and make friends as they learn about the good news of Jesus Christ and the importance of the Bible! Be sure to register soon because there is a hard registration cut-off date of July 5th.
September 11, 2011	Welcome Service & BBQ Please join us for a special service and BBQ as we return from great (and warm!) summers and settle into autumn routines. This Sunday we'll have a special commissioning for our Sunday School teachers as we begin our new year.
January 21, 2012	50+ Singles Outreach Potluck! Join us for another great potluck and the music of the Para Guinns!
January 1, 2012	Read the Bible in 2012 You want to read the Bible, but have often become stalled. Well, here's your chance! Click here to learn more, get a year-long reading program, and touch base with others to encourage you in your reading.
January 2, 2012	Outreaching Grace during the Holy-Days ! Click here to see some of the ways God was at work at Westminster in the last 5 weeks of 2011. It was an amazing outpouring of grace in and for our community.
January 11, 2012	Parents and Tots Playgroup Winter Session (January - March, 2012) Click here to learn more about our Parents and Tots Playgroup. Anyone can come and have fun!
January 22, 2012	Your Stories of Grace Reverend Ruttan asked the congregation to share their stories of grace from the Advent and Christmas season. Click here to read what you said!
January 8, 2012	Talking About What We Don't Talk About Follow along with our next series of messages, focussing on so many of the things we have become too intimidated to talk about--things ranging from Politics, to the Second Coming, to Money, to Sexuality, to How to Raise your Kids.
March 2, 2012	World Day of Prayer Join us on Friday, March 2nd at 1:30 pm for the annual World Day of Prayer service written by the women of Malaysia. 'Let justice prevail!'