| | | Brief Church Mission Statement |
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 | | | Westfield Presbyterian Church desires:- to make the invisible Christ visible
- to meet people where they are, in order to draw them to a deeper relationship with Christ
- to challenge ourselves and invite others to join us in serving Christ daily in our community
- to value an environment of truth, committed to the Word of God as the primary means of growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ
- to be committed to honesty and integrity in all our personal relationships and corporate dealings
- to make devoted followers of Christ, seeking to become more like Him each day.
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| Introduction | |
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| | | Westfield was established in 1803 with a total of 13 families of sturdy Scotch-Irish descent. Throughout the two-hundred year history we steadily have grown and recently enlarged our church facility to meet the current needs of our 400+ member congregation. We are located in western Pennsylvania in rural North Beaver Township, which is approximately eight miles from New Castle, PA and 50 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, PA. Our church facility is beautifully situated on approximately eight acres along PA Route 551. Many newcomers and visiting pastors are intrigued by the beauty of the sanctuary, which was renovated in 1976 and has a seating capacity of 300. Westfield currently has approximately 400 active members who enjoy a variety of occupations. Farmer, teachers, business professionals and self-employed individuals make up a large part of the congregation. Our church school programs involve all age groups every Sunday with an average attendance of 123. Our Jr-Sr High Youth Organization (YO!) meets on Sunday evenings under the leadership of our
Director of Student Ministries. This energetic group also plans a yearly mission trip. Our LOGOS program (S.A.L.T. and L.I.G.H.T.
Company) meets for two 10-week sessions on Wednesday nights from September
through March. Westfield's Vacation Bible School is a highlight not only
for our own members but for many children in the community. We
average approximately 50 children (toddlers through 8th grade) who attend our week-long summer program. .One of our newest outreach programs includes meeting for brunch and fellowship time immediately after worship during the summer months. We are active in visiting new and prospective members. Our Women's Association enjoys fellowship time and mission work locally and globally. Westfield is host to local 4-H groups in our community, encouraging them to meet in our church facilities. Our music director has brought a renewed excitement and energy into our music program, and the Faithful Bell ensemble also fills our worship service with beautiful musical praise. | top |
| The Church | |
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| | | On a typical Sunday morning we average about 195 in our worship service. The congregation is 98% Caucasian, family-oriented, and there is a slightly higher percentage of women to men. An infant nursery and toddler nursery are offered. It is not unusual to have as many as 20 children participate in the children's sermon. The Chancel Choir sings for our worship services from September through May. During the summer months, special music provided by individuals and groups within the church and community is included each week. On special occasions the Faithful Bell Choir performs. Nearly everyone present at our worship services is a member of the Westfield congregation, a member's guest, or visiting family member. Westfield conducts several seasonal events such as Maundy Thursday (dinner, communion, candlelight service), Women's Thank Offering service, and Candlelight Christmas Eve service. The present church building was constructed in 1872. Constant attention to proper maintenance has always assured that the building is in excellent condition. In 1948 a full basement was constructed beneath the church for educational and social purposes. It now has a modern, well-equipped kitchen and a beautifully appointed fellowship hall. In 1968 a new entrance area and a modern two-story education wing were constructed. In addition to the classrooms, a nursery, conference room, parlor, and Pastor's study were installed and furnished. In 1976 the sanctuary was totally renovated with new roof, ceiling, walls, lighting, carpet, pews and Chancel area. In 2000 a 5,500 sq. ft. addition was added that includes classrooms, handicap accessible restrooms, an elevator and additional fellowship areas. Behind the church building is a spacious and meticulously cared-for cemetery containing graves of Westfield members and friends from the first burial in the area in 1802 to the present, and a substantial area for further use. An adequate endowment assures continued care. In 1958 a brick, four-bedroom, ranch style manse with attached garage was constructed approximately one-half mile from the church overlooking the church proper. In 1984, the interior was completely remodeled. In 1989 an outdoor pavilion for picnics and social activities, complete with barbecue grill, was added to the church property. Adjacent to this pavilion is a playground and recreation area. In 1996 a portico was constructed over the main entrance to the sanctuary.
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| The Neighborhood | |
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| | | The church is situated in a rural area, surrounded by farms and single-family homes. Most of our members reside in the area or within a radius of 10 miles of the church. Westfield is located near the center of North Beaver Township (population 3,982) in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania (population 96,246), and is approximately five miles from the Ohio state line. New Castle, county seat, is the nearest commercial center, approximately eight miles away. The Boardman/Youngstown, Ohio area is approximately 20 miles away. Pittsburgh, PA is 50 miles to the southeast. Westfield is in an area of Presbyterian concentration with five Presbyterian churches in the immediate area. Westfield is an active participant in the Mohawk Area Church Association (MACA). Comprised of nine churches, this association sponsors joint worship services on special occasions such as Good Friday, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Other MACA programs include summer music programs, a combined love offering organized for victims of catastrophes and a community food pantry. A unique relationship exists with the Mohawk Area School District, board, and administration that permits the pastors of the member churches to visit the schools during the lunch hour to socialize with students and faculty. The Mohawk Area Schools (elementary and junior/senior high schools) are located approximately three miles from the church. The school district has excellent facilities, academic and extracurricular programs, and is staffed by competent and conscientious personnel. Westminster and Grove City Colleges, two Presbyterian related colleges, are located twenty miles to the north and northeast, respectively. Geneva College, a Reformed Presbyterian affiliate, is twenty miles to the south. There are also two state universities within our area: Slippery Rock (PA) and Youngstown State (OH). There are three hospitals located in Lawrence County. In addition, we are very fortunate to have located in our district a satellite hospital clinic. Within a reasonably accessible area we have extensive medical care in the Pittsburgh and Youngstown regions. Culturally, we have the Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts, the New Castle Playhouse and Butler Art Institute. | top |
| Gifts, Skills and Experience We Possess to Fulfill Our Mission | |
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| | | We have a charitable, loving and dedicated congregation. We have been serving our Lord and this community for two hundred years. Many generations of families have grown up in this church. Members of our boards bring gifts of leadership and administration in a spirit of cooperation to oversee all aspects of our congregation and church facility. Our church membership has grown and so has our building. With our newly-expanded facility we are continually striving to expand our current programs in the areas of youth, Christian education and outreach. | top |
| Key Theological Issues of Our Church and Society Reflected in Our Ministry | |
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| | | The congregation of Westfield strives to create a welcoming environment for people to worship the one holy and sovereign God. We believe God to be one being existing in three persons - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We believe in the authority of the Scripture, the inspired word of God, and provide church school and fellowship programs for all ages that emphasize Biblical truths and promote spiritual growth. We are committed to teaching Christian values to the youth of our community, equipping them for a life of service and obedience, all to the glory of God. Functions such as mission trips and our LOGOS program provide an opportunity for young people to develop Christian friendships and to work together to help others. We believe in faithful stewardship and seek to use God's gifts to spread the Gospel and further God's kingdom. Funds extend to local mission efforts as well as international outreach programs. Our church life is guided by our Reformed tradition. We pray that we will faithfully remain Presbyterian. Through corporate worship, study programs and Christian fellowship, all members encourage each other to live a Christ-centered life, and use their time and God-given talents to build up the body of Christ. | top |
Last Updated:
03/24/2008 |
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