New Life On Wednesday Evenings At Westmoreland Baptist

    Things are happening on Wednesday evenings here at Westmoreland Baptist Church, and many folks are missing out on the blessing.  By last Summer the former Wednesday evening church “Prayer Meeting and Bible Study” attendance had dwindled down to about a dozen people in attendance. With our Student and Children’s Ministries meeting on Sunday evening, and nothing for them on Wednesdays, family attendance had fallen down to nearly nothing.  We knew that something needed to be done to inject some energy and interest in our mid-week service.  After much prayer – and overcoming the always present Baptist “fear of change” about a year ago we decided to go for it.

     First of all, we moved the location of the service to the gymnasium across the alley in our Multi-Purpose building.  Naturally, the Gospel is what Church is all about.  Everything we do must be Gospel focused, so Bible Study is still the key in our Wednesday night get-togethers.  We have just finished a yearlong Bible Study entitled the “Disciple’s Path: The Journey”.  On August 7^th we will begin a new Bible study that will take us through the end of 2019. This study is one I have compiled over the years and is entitled, “From Here to Eternity”.  It is a study in the doctrine of last things – a subject in which there is great interest among almost everyone.  While it is an excellent study for church members, this Gospel centered message would also be great for us to bring unsaved friends to hear, as well. Study guides will be provided to all who attend, and there is no charge for the materials.  This study is for adults and students from middle school age – up.

     The second thing that has changed on Wednesday evening is activity for the children.  Our Children’s Choir Ministry has been incorporated into the mid-week schedule.  This activity is overseen and directed by Josh and Mindi Spurgeon, and participation in this has exploded.  They started out with 8 children, and now they have already outgrown their Children’s Choir room with 19 children involved!  The Children’s Choir will share their talents with the congregation periodically on Sunday mornings.  Child care is also provided for the little ones who are not yet old enough to be in Children’s Choir on Wednesday evenings.

     All of the above activities take place at 6:00 PM

     The third change we have incorporated for mid-week service is a Family/Fellowship Meal at 5:15 PM.  This, obviously, is not an original concept, but it is new for us on Wednesday evenings. This has proven to be a real blessing to working families who have little time to prepare an evening meal between getting home from work and getting the family out to church.  I am so thankful for the ladies in our Bible Study who have taken on the responsibility of planning menus and taking turns in preparing the Wednesday evening meal.

      I think that anyone who has been involved in our changes in the mid-week services will agree that these changes have been positive in nature. Attendances shows that.  Our highest attendance has been 58 and there has been a good turn out each week – even during these Summer vacation times.

     So, whether you have a family, or are a single person, there is something for everyone here on Wednesday evenings. There is good food and fellowship with our “forever family” of believers, ministry activity for the children, and the  building of relationships, centered around the study of God’s Word.  It is in a comfortable, informal setting and everyone is welcome!

     Come for dinner at 5:15, or just for Bible Study and/or Children’s Choir at 6:00 PM.  Whichever you choose to do, we have a spot for you. Don’t miss out on a good thing – come out and see for yourself!