Westminster Presbyterian Information Page

Contact Information 
Statement of Faith
Westminster Pastoral Staff    
Westminster Church Staff 
About Our Church 
Sunday Schedule 
Christian Growth 
Evangelism and Outreach 
Opportunities for Personal Growth 
Youth Ministries 
Music Ministries
Missions  

Contact Information For Church Staff     Senior Pastor Dr. Gary R. Cox 288-3355 Assistant Pastor Rev. Kristofer Holroyd 288-3355 Music Director Noah DeLong 288-0154 Church Office 288-3355 (Secretaries: Karen Richards, Colleen Wolowski, and Lisa Morgan; Financial Secretary, Kathy Kirklin)   Church Custodian Elbert Hedges 288-3355   wpcoffice@westminpca.org

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Westminster Statement of Faith     We believe that the Bible is God’s true and holy Word. We believe that God, the Creator, is in perfect control of all things We believe that Christ, the Son of God, by His life, death and resurrection has become the only true means of salvation for His People. We believe that the Holy Spirit alone is able to give us a new life in Christ.  We believe that it is man’s proper response to the gospel message to repent from his sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for his salvation We believe that the fruit of man’s salvation is a life of grateful obedience to the Word of God. We anticipate the personal, glorious coming of Christ to confer upon His people the fullness of their salvation and grant to them eternal life As a local body of believers, Westminster Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church in America, holding to that system of truth which is outlined in the Westminster Confession of Faith.

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Westminster Pastoral Staff  Dr. Gary R. Cox Gary was born in Japan to a military family and raised most of his little life in Europe. Converted to Christ at 10, Gary preached his first sermon at 16, and was originally ordained a Baptist minister.   After a few years in the business world, Gary became convinced of Reformed Theology, eventually becoming a part of the PCA. He was the organizing pastor of a church outside of Charlotte and then pastored in Lexington, NC, for 12+ years before serving at Briarwood Presbyterian in Birmingham, AL. In 2005, he and Rita came to Faith Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, FL. In 2007, Gary received a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree from Reformed Theological Seminary. They enjoy four grown children scattered from Birmingham to Charleston.     Rev. Kristofer D. Holroyd Kris received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming; the Master of Divinity degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO; and the Master of Theology degree from Evangelische Theologische Faculteit in Heverlee-Leuven, Belgium.  His wife, Jone (pronounced YO-ney), was born and raised in Vilnius, Lithuania.  Kris and Jone were married January 30, 2006.

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Westminster Church Staff Noah DeLong currently serves part-time as the Music Director at Westminster and oversees the various music ministries of the church.  Noah received a Bachelor of Arts degree in both music and mathematics from Taylor University in 2003 and a Masters of Music degree at Ball State University in 2006.  In addition to his service at the church, he has teaching positions at Earlham and Taylor Universities.   Noah and his wife Beth were married in the summer of 2003 and currently reside in Muncie.

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About our Church   Westminster was organized in 1967 by the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod (RPCES), and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America in 1982 when the two denominations joined. Since 1982, Westminster has helped to foster and nurture three other PCA churches: Christ Presbyterian Church in Richmond, New Life Presbyterian in Yorktown, and Providence Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne.   Distinctive attributes which have contributed to the strength and growth of the church are: First, people have come to Westminster from a variety of church backgrounds, drawn to a history of strong preaching and faithfulness to the Word of God. Second, the church is committed to ministering to college students. A significant number of students from Ball State and Taylor Universities are involved in our ministries. Third, Westminster has a tradition of excellent music programs encompassing all ages. These include handbells, brass and wind ensembles, and children’s and adult choirs. Finally, the church has a strong commitment to missions. The church is involved in a number of local mission outreaches, as well as sending short-term mission teams throughout the world.

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Sunday is our Day of Corporate Worship   Worship 8:30 and 11:10 a.m. and *6:00 p.m.  Participatory, God-centered worship with preaching that applies Scripture to life.   Junior Church 3s-4s-5s leave before the message during both services.   Adult Fellowship A time of fellowship and refreshments between the first service and Sunday School.  Sunday School Classes for all ages at 9:45 a.m.   Children’s classes begin with Opening Exercises: 2s-4s in Room 13 5 year olds-third grade in sanctuary 4th-6th grades in Rooms 32-34 There are separate junior high and senior high classes, a college class, and elective classes for adults.   Nursery Well-staffed, for children 0-2. Pagers available for parents.

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Ministries of Christian Growth   Leadership Training Training for those interested in holding positions of leadership in the church.   Library Books, tapes, videos for all ages. Many Bible reference resources and reading material on current issues, Christian living, biography and many other categories.   Tape Ministry Sermons are taped and available for $1 per tape (morning message on one side, evening message on reverse) at a table in the coat rack area off the lobby.   You can also listen to or download messages from our website.

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Ministries of  Westminster Evangelism & Outreach     At Westminster Presbyterian Church, evangelism is viewed as a team effort with God alone saving His people. As believers, our part is to live and proclaim the Gospel of Christ, being winsome in establishing and building relationships with unbelievers.    Hospitality/Assimilation    Hospitality/Assimilation Committee welcomes new visitors at the Welcome Table and through dessert socials.    Visitation/Outreach    Visitation/Outreach Committee is made up of Evangelism Explosion trained people. Meets weekly for on-going training and visitation.      Outreach to Believers/Unbelievers Alike    Other outreach opportunities are available through diaconal ministries such as: Project Angel Tree Provides benevolence to the families of prison inmates at Christmas time. Prison Ministry First, third and fifth Wednesday at the Correctional Industrial Facility in Pendleton; also, in New Castle on the first, second and fourth Sunday. The Muncie Mission Sunday service and fellowship every other month. The Morningstar Breadbasket The Soup Kitchen operates in cooperation with Morning Star Church on the south side of Muncie. Contact Barbara Smith, 288-7644, for more information. Vacation Bible School VBS is held in June at Westminster. KID'S HOPE USA - Colleen Wolowski, Director One child, one hour is the heart of KIDS HOPE USA. One caring adult mentoring an at-risk child one hour every week. Because when kids feel loved and valued, they are better able to learn, grow, and succeed. We currently have volunteers mentoring children attending Westview Elementary.  More Information - visit: www.kidshopeusa.org International Students Outreach to students from other nations, including Sunday School class, annual dinner, Christmas party, English  classes, and distribution of furniture. Senior Group A.L.O.E. (A Lot Of Experience) meets monthly for fellowship, often for lunch.

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Opportunities for Personal Growth   Fold Gatherings All members and attendees of Westminster are placed in small groups that gather in various locations on the first Sunday of each month at 6 p.m. This takes the place of the Sunday evening service, which is held the other Sundays.   Women’s Ministries Joy in the Evening: Bible study and prayer beginning at 7 p.m. on Monday nights. Joy in the Morning:  Bible study and prayer from 9-11 on Tuesday mornings (child care provided). MOPS International: Held on alternate Tuesday mornings at Union Chapel.   Dorcas Circle:  Making clothes for Heart to Heart Crisis Pregnancy Center; meets alternate Thursday mornings.   Women’s Retreat: Overnight getaway in November for growth and refreshment.   W.O.W. (Women of Westminster) This is a new ministry at Westminster. The overall goal is to organize the various women’s ministries at Westminster and to include more women in the church in those ministries. There are five spokes to W.O.W.: Christian Growth, Connections/Evangelism/Outreach, Fellowship, Mercy, and Prayer. The vision is that every woman in the church would be involved in one or more spokes. The W.O.W. ministry should be a place where women are enfolded, nurtured, equipped, and sent out to minister in all aspects of the life of the church. The purpose is that every woman know Christ personally and be committed to extending His Kingdom in her life, home, church, community, and throughout the world. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together (Psalm 34:3).   Men’s Bible Studies Monday at 6:30 a.m.;  Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. and Friday at 6 a.m. Home Bible Studies Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in various homes.   College & Young Adults Sunday School, Bible studies, small groups, Friday lunches, movie discussion nights, prayer groups, volleyball, basketball, fall retreat, leadership training, Soup Kitchen and Westminster Village, and many opportunities to attend Christian conferences.  Contact the church office, 288-3355, for more information.

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Youth Ministries   Discipleship Groups Groups are ministered to by grade level and gender for grades 7-12.  Bringing the Bible to bear on living life and the nurture and care of each member is the focus of this ministry which meets after the Sunday evening service, September through April.   Salt & Light The Jr. & Sr. High ministries meet on Wednesday evenings for worship, spiritual instruction, and fun.  It all begins at 7 p.m.   Local Service Projects Students are involved in serving at Westminster Village retirement community, the Muncie Mission, Blood & Fire, and others throughout the year.  Also, annually we participate in the 30-Hour Famine.   Fellowship And Fun An activity is planned for each month to provide opportunity for further fun and fellowship.  The activities include summer camp, mission/service opportunities, fall retreat, Kings Island, swimming, cookouts, and more.   Contact the church office for more information.

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Music Ministries   Scripture records a pattern of worship through singing and the use of musical instruments.  Westminster Church offers the following opportunities for worship through the Music Ministry:   Choral Ensembles Mini Cherubs: Children age 5 through grades 2 are invited to sing with this group.  Rehearsals are Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on a periodic basis during the school year.  Director:  Lisa Morgan Singing Souls: Open to young people in grades 3-5.  Rehearsals are Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on a periodic basis during the school year.  Directors: Beth DeLong Sanctuary Choir: Participation is open to adults and high school students who are committed to the joy and ministry of the Sanctuary Choir. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., September through May (childcare is provided). Director: Noah DeLong Men’s Chorus & Women’s Chorus: These groups sing on a periodic basis with a limited rehearsal commitment. All interested adults and high school students are invited to participate and should watch the bulletin announcements for rehearsal dates and times.   Instrumental Ensembles Brass Ensemble: This group plays for special music and accompanies congregational singing about once a month during the school year, with rehearsals on a periodic basis. Participation is open to adults and high school students. Director: David Gilliam Sanctuary Wind Ensembles: This group plays for special music and accompanies congregational singing about twice a year, with rehearsals on a periodic basis. Participation is open to adults and high school students. Director: David Gilliam Solos and small groups: Brass, woodwind, string, keyboard, and percussion players are invited to contact Noah DeLong for solo and small ensemble possibilities.   Handbell Ensembles Several handbell choirs for youth and adults rehearse and participate in our worship on a periodic basis. Director: Margie Davis Hosanna Handbells: Open to students in grades 3-5 Joyful Ringers: Open to students in grades 6-8 Sanctuary Bells: Open to high school students and adults who can read music.   Opportunities for Non-Musicians If you have a passion for music but are not musically-inclined, we invite you to pray on a regular basis for all the music ministries at Westminster. Your prayers would be a wonderful support as we seek to glorify God through music.    Other opportunities include helping to host guests for special music events and assisting our ensembles with outreach ministries.   The music ministry of Westminster Church serves the congregation as a regular part of worship services. From time to time, ensembles and soloists also serve in outreach ministries. For more information on any musical group and your involvement in it, contact the Music Director, Noah DeLong, 288-0154, or ndelong@westminpca.org.   Please join us in the privilege of praising and serving our God through music!

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Missions at Westminster   The Missions Committee, under the guidance of the Session, has the responsibility of coordinating Westminster's ministry to foreign and domestic missionaries. The committee works to maintain communications and personal contact with missionaries through letters and the telephone, and is available to respond to emergency requests from missionaries in the field. The committee also organizes and sponsors the annual Missions Conference in the winter.  Westminster Presbyterian Church supports the following missionaries with: Campus Crusade for Christ Mr. and Mrs. Bill Thomas in Orlando, Florida Mr. and Mrs. Chris Sarver at Ball State University Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf Miss Nell Webb Latcom Rev. and Mrs. Chuck Ramsey in Bolivia Mission to the World Jean Azbell in the Philippines Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Booth in Equador Rev. & Mrs. Richard Crane in Latin America Mr. & Mrs. Tracy Dager on Home Ministry Assignment Rev. and Mrs. Gerry Gutierrez in Peru Miss Jill Howard and Miss Judith Jacobson in international missions Rev. and Mrs. Emad Mikhail in international missions Rev. and Mrs. Tom Nachtergaele in Belgium Mr. and Mrs. Don Neddenreip in California Mr. And Mrs. Jon Pfeil in Japan Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sindler in Senegal Miss Susan Sundeen in Mexico Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Troxell in Guam Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Wannemacher in South Africa Rev. and Mrs. Hugh Wessel in France Rev. and Mrs. Bob Woodson in Peru OMS Mr. Mark Dinnage in international missions Kid's Hope USA - Colleen Wolowski - Director   Short-Term Missions Three teams per year to Mayan villages in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula.  Biennial teams have ministered in remote areas of Bolivia. The church is looking toward building on recent missions work in Ethiopia.   Local Missions Citywide Church Network Prison Fellowship Bethany Christian Services Muncie Rescue Mission Peace Officer Ministries World Vision Westminster Family Assistance Wayside Mission Other Family Assistance Gideons Heart to Heart Pregnancy Care Center Salvation Army and Food Pantry

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