Events and Newsletter The Cadence January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 Want to Receive the Cadence Each Month? Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list. Choir Schedule Sunday, January 25, 2026: CHOIR CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER Sunday, February 1, 2026: Rehearsal at 8:45 AM- Hymn of Devotion Sunday, February 8, 2026: Rehearsal at 8:45 AM- Fairest Lord Jesus Sunday, February 15, 2026: Rehearsal at 8:45 AM- High Upon a Mountain Handbell Choir Schedule Wednesday, January 28, 2026: Rehearsal at 3:45 PM Wednesday, February 4, 2026: No Rehearsal Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Rehearsal at 4:45 PM Wednesday, February 18, 2026: No Rehearsal (Ash Wednesday) Wednesday, February 25, 2026: Rehearsal at 4:45 PM

2 1 5 2 1/5 Music at WPC- Sunday, January 25, 2026 Epiphany III Voluntary: Salix from Plymouth Suite Percy Whitlock (1903-1946) Offertory: Improvisation Stackpole Voluntary: Improvisation Stackpole Hymns Opening Hymn: INSERT- Where Charity and Love Prevail TWENTY-FOURTH Sequence Hymn: INSERT- Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore PESCADOR DE HOMBRES Closing Hymn: 371- Lift High the Cross CRUCIFER Next Week's Music at WPC: Sunday, February 1- Nik Stackpole, Organ; WPC Choir; Brendon Phelps, Cello Prelude- About the Composer Percy Whitlock (1903–1946) was an English organist and composer best known for his warm, approachable style and enduring contributions to the organ repertoire. A student of Ralph Vaughan Williams at the Royal College of Music, Whitlock blended English pastoral lyricism with clear forms and a gift for memorable melody. Much of his career was spent as the Borough Organist in Bournemouth, where he wrote many works tailored to civic instruments and practical church use. Despite ongoing health challenges and partial blindness later in life, his output remained vibrant and full of character. Pieces such as Plymouth Suite, Five Short Pieces, and Folk Tune are staples today, valued for their color, charm, and ability to communicate directly with both performer and listener. Offertory- About the Style Organ improvisation is a central and time-honored part of the instrument’s tradition, rooted in the organ’s unique ability to sustain sound, shape color, and fill large spaces in real time. From the Renaissance and Baroque eras—when improvisation was expected of church organists for preludes, interludes, and versets—through the Classical period, the skill remained a practical necessity for liturgical and civic music-making. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, French organists such as César Franck, Charles-Marie Widor, Louis Vierne, and later Marcel Dupré elevated improvisation to a highly developed art form, teaching formal structures like fugue, symphonic movements, and variations as improvisational models. Today, organ improvisation continues to bridge composition and performance, allowing organists to respond to worship, architecture, and congregation in the moment, keeping the tradition both ancient and vibrantly alive. Postlude- About the Music “Lift High the Cross” is a 20th-century processional hymn that has become a staple of Christian worship, especially on festival days and during seasons that emphasize discipleship and the cross. The text was written in 1916 by Anglican priest George W. Kitchin and later revised and expanded by Michael R. Newbolt, giving it the strong, refrain-based structure that invites congregational participation. The hymn is most commonly paired with the tune CRUCIFER, composed by Sydney H. Nicholson, founder of the Royal School of Church Music. Written with a bold, march-like character, CRUCIFER was specifically designed for procession, supporting the physical movement of the cross through the space while encouraging robust singing. Together, text and tune form a powerful union of theology, music, and ritual action, making the hymn especially effective in communal and ceremonial worship settings.

Join Us for an Afternoon of Music from the Movies! Sunday, March 22 at 4:00 PM in our Sanctuary. This concert is free and open to anyone, free parking across Exchange Street. Program Duration: Approx. 1 hour The Program:

Westminster Presbyterian Church is a community of faith centered on the love of God, revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Worship is the primary way we join in God’s saving work, but worship at Westminster is more than engaging music, lively sermons, and thoughtful prayers. Welcome to Westminster Presbyterian Church We are an open and affirming church sharing God's love in West Akron. We welcome ALL people into our loving community no matter where you are on your journey of faith. 3 2 13 3 1/15 Join Us! Worship Sunday Worship begins at 10:30 am. We are an open affirming congregation. All are Welcome here. Events / Calendar Our New Pastor, Reverend Dr. Alan Olson has started his journey here at Westminster Church, we would love for you to meet him, please join us at 10:30 am worship. Parking across the street. Link to Live Worship 1/25 Bulletin Order of Worship 01/18 Bulletin Order of Worship 01/11 Bulletin Order of Worship 01/04 Bulletin Order of Worship Monthly Newsletter - Script - JAN 2026 Monthly Newsletter - Script -DEC 2025 Monthly Newsletter - Script - NOV 2025 Monthly Newsletter - Script - OCT 2025 View Calendar First Name Last Name Email Phone Submit We look forward to welcoming you soon! Connect With Us

Meet Our Staff Pastor Reverend Dr. Alan Olson Alan is a second-career pastor who discerned his call to ministry later in life. He completed his Master of Divinity at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS) in 2014 and he was ordained in 2015. After serving two interim pastorates in Western Pennsylvania, Alan served as the Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Freehold, NJ. Alan completed his Doctor of Ministry in 2024; his program focused on creative writing and public theology. Though Akron is a long way from the Jersey Shore, Alan is no stranger to Northeast Ohio. He graduated from Case Western Reserve university and he absolutely loved his time in Cleveland (Please don’t tell his friends back in Pittsburgh.) and he is very excited to come to Akron and begin his ministry at Westminster. In his free time, Alan enjoys writing, reading, going to concerts, movies, and plays, and socializing with friends. He also likes walking and hiking and is looking forward to discovering new parks and trails all over Northeast Ohio. And yes, Alan is a Steelers fan. (Don’t judge!) 330.836.2226/wpcpastoralan@gmail.com Office Administrator/Staff Coordinator Dawn M. Pokorny Dawn, has accumulated over 25+ years’ experience in management and office administration, which has equipped her with the skills necessary to excel in various environments. Dawn holds a degree in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts, allowing her to merge a passion for service with her educational background. Throughout Dawn's career, she has successfully operated several businesses, focusing on both the restaurant industry and animal welfare, where her dedication to quality and care has always been a priority. In addition to her professional pursuits, she takes great pride in being married to a wonderful husband of 40 years, and a proud parent to six grown children and a grandparent to many wonderful grandchildren, who are an inspiration and continually remind her of the importance of family and community in all aspects of life. 330.836.2226/wpcoffice1250@gmail.com Treasurer Jim Cole Jim, is a proud native of Akron, Ohio, who enjoys life alongside his loyal dog companion, Mork. With impressive 50+ years of membership at Westminster and degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science from Heidelberg University, Jim is a valuable asset to his community. As a retired IT professional with extensive experience in supporting Human Resources department and Hourly and Salary Payroll departments at a major steel company, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Jim joined the Boy Scouts of America at age 11, he remains committed to the Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout at the Unit and Council levels. Jim enjoys socializing with the church community through various events and activities at Westminster. 330.836.2226/wpctreasurer1250@gmail.com Staff Accountant Lou Camerato Lou Camerato our Staff Accountant, a native of Connecticut moved to Ohio in 1994 and resides in west Akron with his partner Bruce Kuhn and their dog Larry. Lou also has two children Aaron and Ellie and a granddaughter Ava. He holds a BS degree in accounting with a minor in finance from Central Connecticut State University and also attended Hartford Art School. In 2022 he retired as Business Manager of St. Hilary Parish after a 44-year career in accounting and financial management. He also is an active artist that specializes in 3-dimensional assemblage art. Upon retirement Lou stepped back into his artistic endeavors and since then has received numerous awards in local, Ohio and National art shows. 330.836.2226/wpcfinance1250@gmail.com Director of Family Ministry Gwynne Rearick Gwynne first realized her calling into the ministry while she was a student at Miami University. Upon graduation, she committed herself to training with Tentmakers International, and then began her first assignment as a youth director many moons ago, at Normandy United Methodist Church in Dayton, Ohio. Over the years, Gwynne had changed from youth ministry to the music ministry, and served at several churches, before accepting the position as the Directory of Family Ministry here at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Gwynne said, "She is honored to have the opportunity to serve the youth and continually look for ways to expand and grow." 330.836.2226/wpcfamilyministry1250@gmail.com Director of Children's Choir Valerie Stewart Valerie Stewart graduated from The University of Akron with a bachelor of music (education) degree in 2007. She has been teaching elementary through middle school students general/vocal/instrumental music ever since! This past school year she was a finalist for Teacher of the Year with Akron Public Schools (2024). Along with this, she has experience with leading children’s choirs in church and community settings. She has certification in John Feierabend’s First Steps in Music, and will be taking the final level (III) in Orff Schulwerk this summer (2025). Vocal music is her passion and she is currently a member of Singer’s Companye (17th season), an Akron-based semi-professional chamber choir and has enjoyed serving at Westminster as a Choral Scholar (6 years). Over the years she has also sung for weddings and other community events. In her spare time she reads, and takes dance classes at the gym. Valerie and her husband Paul live in Cuyahoga Falls with their son Desi who also enjoys singing in the children’s choir! 330.836.2226/wpcchildrenschoir1250@gmail.com Director of Music/Organist Nik Stackpole Nik Stackpole brings a rich and diverse background in choral and ensemble music to our community. He previously served at The United Methodist Church of Kent, where he directed both the choir and handbell choir for five years. During his tenure, he had the distinguished honor of leading the choir in a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2024. Nik holds a degree in Music Education from Kent State University, specializing in choral and string instruction, with a focus on viola and keyboard studies. His academic background supports his work as both a performer and educator. In addition to his church leadership, Nik is an active member of the Stow Heritage Ringers, a community-auditioned handbell ensemble, and maintains a private teaching studio in Kent where he offers instruction in piano and strings. He is also an engaged member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Guild of Organists, Akron chapter, where he holds both the Service Playing and Colleague Certificates. Nik is also an active member of the Hymn Society, the Association of Pastoral Musicians, and the Ohio Music Education Association. 330.836.2226/wpcmusicdir1250@gmail.com Housekeeping Pat Schumacher Pat, a valued long-time member of Westminster Church who exemplifies dedication and service. With strong commitment to keeping our church facilities clean and welcoming, She is a proud mother of two daughters, four grandchildren and a great-grandson. Pat also volunteers on multiple committees and lends a hand during church events whenever possible. Her background with a degree in accounting, including experience at Chapter 13 bankruptcy court, enhances her contributions to our community. Outside of church, Pat has served as a crossing guard since 1992 and enjoys gardening, reminding us all that a tidy environment fosters a sense of peace and community. Thank you, Pat, for your unwavering support in maintaining our sacred space! 330.836.2226/wpcoffice1250@gmail.com Custodian Dave Bodnar Dave, a native of Toronto, Ohio before joining the Navy in 1979 and proudly served until 1988. As our head custodian is committed to maintaining the integrity and security of the church property and building. He will address repairs and any issues that arise in a timely manner, ensuring safety for all occupants. Furthermore, he provides support for event setups to guarantee seamless execution. Dave plays a crucial role in maintaining the appearance of the church. His dedication ensures that the space remains inviting and beautiful for all who visit. From exterior/ interior upkeep, Dave's efforts contribute to a warm environment for the community. 330.836.2226/wpcbuilding@gmail.com

1 2 7 1 1/8 How We Serve Food Insecurity We address food insecurity through several initiatives: Sandwich Making: Twice a month, we prepare ham and cheese sandwiches for the Haven of Rest. Monthly Food Collection: Each month during our worship service, we collect food for local food pantries, alternating between Goodyear Heights Good Neighbors Unit and Christ Woodland Methodist Church. Community Dinners: Every other month, we host a community dinner open to everyone, including families in the WYDACA child care program held at our church. Christmas Support: At Christmas, we distribute food baskets or gift cards to families in need, in collaboration with the Salvation Army. Acme Grocery Cash Back: We collect Acme grocery cash back tapes to fund our projects. Personal Care Items We provide personal care items to various organizations: RAHAB: We support RAHAB, a program for those affected by human trafficking. Undie Sunday: In June, we collect new underwear for all ages and genders, distributed to WYDACA day care center, ACCESS (supporting women and children fleeing unsafe situations), and Haven of Rest (supporting men). Giving Thanks Tree: In the fall, we collect scarves, hats, and gloves, which are then given to ACCESS. Presbyterian Church Programming We participate in multiple Presbyterian Church-sponsored programs that assist people both locally and globally: Missionary Support: We support missionaries Sharon Kandel in Juba, South Africa, and Jeff and Kristy Boyd in the Republic of Congo. Local Assistance: A portion of our collected funds remains with Westminster to support local agencies such as Fostering Independence (helping youth aging out of foster care), Victory Gallop (building self-esteem in children through caring for horses), ILP (a dance group for underprivileged children), and CANOPI (an LGBTQ group assisting with medical needs). Prayer Quilt Ministry On the third Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am, our Prayer Quilt Ministry gathers at the church to create quilts for members of our church family in need of support. Whether you sew, arrange squares, or add the finishing touches, all are welcome to join us in this heartfelt endeavor. Celtic Garden Our volunteers meet weekly in the warm weather months to tend to the beautiful Celtic Garden, that is used to provide fresh flowers for services and events. You don't have to have a "green thumb" to join in. Everyone is welcome! Thank You! The Outreach Committee extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated items, time, or funds to support our initiatives. Who We Serve First Name Last Name Email Phone How would you like to serve? Submit We look forward to speaking with you soon! Get Involved!

Online Giving Your contribution helps propel the future of the church and the people we serve. Online giving allows you to support Westminster Presbyterian Church from anywhere! Give Here 2026 Online Pledge Card

2 1 5 2 1/5 Music at WPC Choral Scholar Application Handbell Choir The handbell choir rings English handbells, and is open to all ages! They meet from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons, weekly and provide music during the service throughout the year. Many of the ringers are experienced, and have played in many concerts and local community events. The ensemble continuously challenges themselves with new music and techniques, and is open to anyone regardless of playing ability or experience! Anyone interested in joining the choir should contact the church office or Nik Stackpole at wpcmusicdir1250@gmail.com. Adult Choir The Westminster Presbyterian Church Adult Choir is a dedicated group of singers who rehearse on Sunday mornings from 8:45 – 10:15 am, weekly. The Adult Choir provides weekly choral music for the 10:30 AM traditional worship service, as well as special services for Christmas Eve and Holy Week. The choir enjoys singing a wide variety of choral repertoire—including classical, jazz, gospel, and folk music–under the direction of Music Director and Organist, Nik Stackpole. The choir has six professional choral scholars/section leaders, who offer musical leadership to our wonderful volunteer members. The Adult Choir is open to all, regardless of singing ability. Anyone interested in joining the choir should contact the church office or Nik Stackpole at wpcmusicdir1250@gmail.com. Children's Choir The Westminster Presbyterian Church Children’s Choiris a mixed vocal ensemble for children in grades Kindergarten through 5th. They meet on Sundays during worship time, leaving service after the Time for Young Disciples. At 11:30, rehearsal concludes and the students are brought down to Wright-Herberich Hall and await the end of the service and their parents. The Children’s Choir will sing in worship, often accompanied by piano, sometimes by organ or other musical instruments. At Westminster Church, there are many opportunities for children and adults to make music together by singing or ringing or BOTH! Those who participate find their lives wonderfully enriched as they work together for a common good, that of making music which enlightens and inspires those who hear it about the grace and magnificence of Almighty God. We all take delight in autographing our work with excellence and we have fun learning and growing together. Is it life-changing? We certainly believe that it is indeed! If you’d like to join us in any way, please contact our Children’s Choir Director, Valerie Stewart, and she will point you in the right direction at wpcchildrenschoir1250@gmail.com. Special Music Programs Our members love music! We offer special music opportunities that are open to all. Some highlights include: Guest Performances: We've hosted the University of Akron Choir, who performed the timely and compelling piece "Unfinished," as well as the Theron Brown Trio, known for their masterful jazz stylings. Youth Involvement: Our youth have participated in the Christmas Pageant, play handbells, and perform for Sunday services, adding joy and energy to our worship. Family Events: Our families have been able to showcase their talents at our Summer Talent Show and Pie Baking Contest, creating fun and memorable community experiences. Westminster Presbyterian Music Director Nik Stackpole: Music Director wpcmusicdir1250@gmail.com +1(330) 836-2226 ext. 104 Nik Stackpole comes to us with a rich background in choral and ensemble music. Previously, he served at The United Methodist Church of Kent, where he directed a choir and handbell choir for five years. There, he had the privilege of taking the choir to Carnegie Hall in New York City to perform in 2024. He also held positions as assistant organist and music librarian at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Huntington, West Virginia. Nik graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Music Education, specializing in choral and string instruction, with a focus on viola and keyboard studies. Nik also performs with the community auditioned ensemble, Stow Heritage Ringers.

Worship at Westminster Presbyterian Church Worship begins at 10:30 am. Worship Service: December 15, 2024 Worship Service: December 8, 2024 Link to Live Worship

About Page (1) 1 hardestyyy About Page (1) 1/8 What We Believe Westminster is a community of faith centered on the love of God, revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord, and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We believe in the God of all creation as a God of love, affirmed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In Jesus, God is redeeming the world, and as Christ’s disciples, we are called to participate in this redemptive work, emphasizing a community centered on God's love and grace. Come All people are invited to join our worship, engage in our mission, and take part in our educational opportunities. Encounter Everything we do is aimed at helping you encounter God. Whether through the beauty of music, conversations over coffee, or educational classes, we seek to facilitate meaningful encounters with the divine. Grow A faith in Jesus Christ is a dynamic relationship that propels us forward, shaping and transforming us into the individuals God intended us to be. Serve As your faith deepens, we hope you'll be inspired to serve others. We strive to make it accessible to serve right here in Akron.

Our Mission The mission of Westminster Presbyterian Church is to understand, love, and support all of God’s children using our resources, passion, talents, and skills to share God’s love with our community’s children and those who care for them, and to open our doors and hearts to the diverse community. The Discernment Team Report that was approved by Session and presented to the congregation in July 2024 describes the specific vision for ministry related to Westminster’s mission. That report is available through this link: Document

1 5 9 1 1/9 Westminster Presbyterian Education Nursery: 0 - 4 Years Our Nursery and Preschool Rooms are open each Sunday and for special events. We employ professional, caring, and attentive child care staff to welcome your child. Children are greeted by name and invited to play in a safe and nurturing environment. We provide nutritional snacks and age-appropriate toys and activities, ensuring that their first experiences at our church are ones of loving acceptance. During the summer, the nursery opens at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Godly Play: K-3rd Grade The Godly Play program helps children explore their faith through storytelling, religious language, and enhancing their spiritual experience through wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles, it uses a spiral curriculum that serves children through early, middle, and late childhood and beyond. Amplified Youth: 4-12 Grade Amplified Youth provides a safe space for youth from diverse backgrounds to come together in an intentionally Christian environment. Here, they learn to navigate the challenges they face while making lifelong friendships and having fun. Our group meets monthly on Sunday evenings. Amplified Youth is an Open and Affirming Youth Group where questions are welcome, doubts are okay, and everyone is invited to come as they are. Youth can experience everything from Kalahari Resort and Cedar Point, to more substantive events like the Pride March and Mission Week. Adult Education Book Study Our Adult Book Study meets on Sunday mornings, providing a wonderful opportunity to enjoy coffee, connect with fellow Westminster members and friends, and explore Christian perspectives on current issues impacting our church and daily lives. Each week, we engage in lively discussions on a selected book by a contemporary writer, welcoming diverse opinions and insights. This is a relaxed, no-pressure group where participation levels are entirely up to you. Weekly Zoom Bible Study Join us for our weekly Bible Study on Zoom, led by Rae Leonard. Each session focuses on a specific book of the Bible, exploring its historical context and practical implications to deepen our understanding and application in daily life. Special Family Programs We offer multiple opportunities for families to socialize and have fun together throughout the year, including: Trunk or Treat: Celebrate Halloween with a fun and safe event for the whole family. Talent Show and Pie Baking Contest: Showcase your talents and baking skills in this fun, friendly competition. Summer Cookout: Enjoy good food and great company at our annual summer cookout. Ice Cream Social: Cool off and connect with fellow members over delicious ice cream. Irish Celebration: Experience the joy and culture of Ireland with music, dance, and festivities. Easter Egg Hunt: Join us for an exciting Easter Egg Hunt for children of all ages. Superbowl Party: Cheer on your favorite team with friends and family at our Superbowl Party. These events are designed to bring our community together, creating lasting memories and fostering strong connections. First Name Last Name Email Phone How would you like to get involved? Submit We look forward to welcoming you soon! Join us!