The Blessings of Fellowship

by Susan & Geoff Francis

Note: this "Moment for Stewardship" appeared first in the October 14 issue of the Westminster News newsletter.

When we were asked to join the Membership Committee in 2007, we thought: How can we contribute? What experience do we have?

We had recently become new members ourselves, and felt that we were still trying to wrap ourselves around all that happens here at Westminster. This is a big place, with a lot to offer. What would we have to contribute to new members when we weren’t sure about our own place in the church? We had our reservations but decided to jump in and be a part of this committee.

Each fall, winter, and spring, new member classes are offered. The classes focus on learning what it means to be a Presbyterian and learning about Westminster’s programs and missions. Typically, on a Sunday evening and the next Thursday, new members share a meal with each other and then eat and meet with the Session. These meals not only nourish our bodies—they also provide us time together in fellowship.

This is a congregation that places emphasis on fellowship as God intends. We look forward to each group of new members with anticipation. We have learned that as volunteers the important thing is not what we know about the church, but taking the time to be hospitable and interacting with each new member. When we were new to the church, the welcoming nature of the congregation and the genuine fellowship that we found here was a major part of why we decided to become members. That fellowship has lead to the development of many friendships within the congregation. These friendships have been a blessing in our lives. We moved to the area just months before first attending Westminster, and since we have no family in Minnesota, these church relationships are all the more consequential to us.

We know that many prospective members have similar circumstances. They are in transition from one religious community to another and possibly relocating here. They are now in the place that we were. It is our hope that they are blessed in the same way what we have been by the fellowship of this church.

With each new member class, we find ourselves counting our blessings as we get to know new and wonderful people. Being volunteers with a focus on fellowship gives us an opportunity to make a difference, to touch people’s lives. It gives us a chance to give back to our church community. In fellowship with each other we get a chance to share our blessings.