WELCOME to Westminster Church Online!

We are glad that you are here this morning. We hope this time of worship nurtures
your faith enlivens your spirit and engages your mind as we celebrate God’s
love and healing for the world with the resurrection of Christ, our Risen Lord.

Before you begin, remember to download and print the Worship Bulletin
Then grab your Bible, a cup of tea or coffee, and prepare your heart for worship.

If this is your first Sunday with us, welcome! We’re glad you choose to worship with us.
Please take a moment to fill out the online Friendship Form and let us know.

We want every member (person or family) of Westminster to fill out the Friendship Form found below.

READ THE SERMON

February 17, 2021 – Ash Wednesday
Rev. Denise Clark-Jones

“WHO’S BEHIND THE MASK?”

It used to be, we associated mask-wearing with Halloween or Mardi Gras celebrations, but in the year of  “The Virus,” mask-wearing has come to have life or death significance, as well as a fashion statement or political statement. In our Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus warned of breaking our relationship with God and one another by being a hypocrite. In New Testament Greek, the word, “hypocrites,” was the word for a stage actor. In ancient Greek theater, actors wore large masks to indicate their role in the drama. Jesus cautioned against creating a mask of public piety, with fasting, prayer, and charity, for rewards of affirmation from others. When our hearts and minds are focused on ourselves, rather than serving God and our neighbors, we lose the ultimate reward of God – His power, blessing, and presence. The first step toward true repentance is self-discovery. The question for our Lenten journey is: What are we hiding behind our masks?

Let us know that you joined us by filling out the Friendship Form below.
Then share with us your favorite part of today’s online worship experience!
Whether that was something from the music or the message, we’d love to hear.
Visit our Facebook to let us know.

JOIN US AT 11 AM THIS MORNING FOR SOME CONVERSATION

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/970970631
Meeting ID: 970 970 631              Password: FELLOWSHIP

By phone, Dial 1-312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 970 970 631                   Passcode: 1202273351

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the
sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that
we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain
of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission, and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“I belong to Westminster because of the splendid worship services, the caring pastor and the faith in action programs…. Westminster made me feel like a welcome part of the church family and allows me to share ‘time, treasure and talents.’ It is a very warm and inclusive congregation with great leadership.”