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GATHER + SERVE
Whether it's ongoing Women's Circles, Bible Studies, Men's Groups, Young Adult Brunches, or activities for Seniors, Westwood offers many opportunities to deepen spiritual growth and build relationships and connections.
We invite you to explore the opportunities below and join us in building community together.
Men's Bible Study
Always open and welcoming to new members. This group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 9 am in room LL103 for prayers, support, theological and Bible Study, and group discussion.
Contact: Craig Halverson
Young Adults
Westwood has a vibrant group of young adults in their 20s and 30s who meet regularly throughout the year! The group gathers for brunch, service projects, connects with young adults in the community and other churches, and more! We'd love to have you join us. All events are open to young adults (ages 19-35).
Contact: Elsa Lee
Moms' Group
This group includes moms with kids from newborn to high school. We meet monthly in different locations. Read E-News for dates and locations.
Parent Ministry
Connect with other parents in a book discussion, formal groups, or casual fellowship between services in the youth room.
3rd Chapter Ministry
Westwood's 3rd Chapter is for those in or approaching retirement who are asking, "What's next for me?" This group creates community, both in-person and online (for snowbirds), offering opportunities for spiritual growth, connection with others, volunteering, special events, exploring new interests and purpose, all tailored to this exciting life stage. Explore what God has in store for you in this season.
Contact: Pastor Tania Haber
Westwood Sailing Ministry
An annual trip around the 22 islands and 6 lighthouses of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Lake Superior. The trip includes sailing, learning to sail, sleeping 6-8 people per boat, daily devotions, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors. It is a great way to make new friends. Certified Westwood skippers run the beautiful boats. Open to all ages, but must be very agile and adventurous!
Contact: Pastor Tania Haber
Westwood Canoeing Ministry
The Westwood paddlers head into the amazing wilderness of the Boundary Waters to travel its lakes, rivers, and portages. All levels of camping and canoeing experience are welcome. Food and gear are included—participants bring good outdoor clothing. Mosquitoes are free!
Contact: Pastor Jason Van Hunnik
Caring Response Team
This team provides weekly phone calls, greeting cards, and support to individuals navigating life transitions, crises, or celebrations. For more information on how you can serve on this team, contact a leader listed below.
Contact: Anne Fideldy
Contact: Jan Sellman
History Book Club
Members of this group pick a book to read, prepare discussion questions, and bring a snack for an assigned month. This group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in the Library (except in December).
Contact: Craig Halverson
Theology on Tap
This group is open to anyone 21+ interested in fellowship and beer. The group has a flexible schedule, sometimes scheduled and other times impromptu. Reach out to the group leaders for when the group plans to meet next. Cheers!
Contact: John Stark
Contact: Keith Berquist
Elder Wisdom
This ministry pairs elders of Westwood with young confirmands in Grades 8 and 9 to share their faith stories in both life stages. It is a one-hour, one-time commitment, though many relationships have continued past the initial meeting.
Contact: Dannica Olsen
Lay Visitation Team
This team is an extension of Westwood's congregational care team, providing monthly visits and communion to our homebound members or those in long-term care facilities.
Contact: Sara Moran
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Members pray while knitting or crocheting shawls for the newly baptized or those in need of comfort and connection due to life circumstances. This is both an independent activity and a quarterly in-person gathering. We are always looking for new members!
Contact the church office at 952-545-5623 or Sara Moran at 952-767-5568 to gift a prayer shawl to someone who needs to be "wrapped" in prayer.
Contact: Sara Moran
Holiday Fair
Holiday Fair is an annual sale featuring homemade baked goods, crafts, gently used items, and a silent auction to raise funds in support of Westwood’s mission of outreach within the community and the world.
This intergenerational, church-wide effort always needs many hands!
Volunteer your time and connect with great team members. Please let the team know if you want to bake, craft, cashier, set up/break down, or share your skills in other ways.
Contact: Margo Chesley
Westwood U Sunday Morning Learning
Westwood U occurs most Sundays between services (10:10-10:50 am) from September to May. Westwood hosts speakers, presentations, videos, and group discussions for lifelong learning. Many events are recorded and can be found on Vimeo.
Women's Circles
Westwood has a variety of circles for connecting with other women and growing in your faith. If you are interested in joining a circle, please contact the church office.
Faithfully Velkommen
We are a small group that has met for years to do Bible Study and enjoy time together.
Contact: Sara Moran
Grace Circle
Join us for Bible Study, meetings, and service project planning. In September, December, and May we start with a luncheon. Grace Circle is part of the Holiday Fair Fundraiser. We also assemble Laundry of Love Kits and Newborn Kits for Global Health Ministries.
Contact: Mary Dunn marymdunn@comcast.net
Joy Circle
Joy Circle was formed in 1982 by bringing together women who had been members of Westwood for two years or less, and it still includes some of its original members! We meet in members' homes and have been highly involved with the Holiday Fair, most recently hosting the Chocolate Booth for over five years.
Contact: Susie Fjelstad sbfjelstad@yahoo.com
Ruth Circle
We welcome new members to participate in Bible Study. We currently have 12-15 members and meet in each other's homes.
Contact: Carol Dorphy cdorphy@earthlink.net