2025 Annual Report
Westminster Presbyterian Church of Chehalis
Annual Meeting
Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM
Westminster Presbyterian Church
349 North Market Blvd.
P.O. Box 710
Chehalis, Washington 98532
“Glorifying God and Reflecting the Love of Jesus Christ to the World”
Agenda:
Call to Order with Prayer
Report of the Nominating Committee
Election of Corporate Officers
Meeting of the Corporation
Election of Elders and Deacons
Review of the Budget
Adjourn with Prayer
Pastor's Report
Dear Church Family,
This has been a whirlwind of a year for my family and this community. The first half of the year Carol McLaughlin lead you in worship and grew deep pastoral connections with many of you. I’ve heard what a blessing she was to you and I can also attest what a blessing she was to me in helping make my transition into the pastorate here at Westminster as smooth as possible. Then, at the beginning of June God brought me to this wonderful community. Over the summer and fall I had countless delightful dinners with many people in the congregation which helped me get to know your hearts and minds in greater depth. I could tell right away that this is a community who is knit tightly together. Many here are second generation worshippers in this church family and many more have been here for decades. While that is true, you nevertheless remain a welcoming community to newcomers, two traits that are rarely married together, but are beautifully done by this congregation. It was also apparent from the ministries Westminster has embraced, such as the Hope Housing project and Safe Parking, that you care greatly for your neighbor and work to bring them the love you have received from our Heavenly Dad. I also witnessed the generosity this church family has in your living out the Kingdom of God around you. You are a people who give to this community with your time, talents, and finances. I saw this in how so many of you faithfully volunteer at the Shalom Village and food pantry and so many other places. I felt this personally when many of you also helped me work on my house on several occasions. I am happy to report that as of this writing, our major renovations have finally been brought to an end with the completion of our last bathroom projects! There will always be little things to do here and there, especially with an old house like this one, but we are profoundly grateful for the ways you all have helped us get to a place where we can feel a sense of completion and turn our focus in other directions. My family has felt immensely grateful for the many ways you have welcomed us into your church family and made us feel at home here in Chehalis. Only God knows the road ahead, but we are excited to serve this community for many years to come. We have noticed the Holy Spirit working in the midst of this community since we arrived. We have added new folks to our community and with a new members class set for the week after our annual meeting some of those relationships might be made more formal through the avenue of membership. Regardless, we have delighted in their presence as they have worshiped with us throughout this last year. 3 Jesus tells us that a life of abundance and flourishing is waiting for us. If we will apprentice under Him, He promises that He is the Way to Life abundant. All we have to do is lose our lives for the sake of the Gospel. We don’t know what the next year holds, none of us do. But we do know that the dynamic of discipleship is one of constant death and resurrection. I am strengthened in my own faith by witnessing your adherence to the absurdity of this Gospel imperative and the wondrous new thing God is doing in our midst. May this year ahead be one where each of us dive deeper into new ways of apprenticing under our Master and find the rich life that He promises along the way.
Peace, Rev. Thomas Walters
Session Annual Report for 2025
We started the year with our bridge pastor, Carol Mc Laughlin. The PNC asked for a special Session meeting on January 7, 2025, to inform Session that they had found a candidate for our next called pastor, Thomas Walters. In December we lost our office secretary due to health concerns. A replacement will be needed temporarily at best. Plans were made for the Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Session was invited to read and discuss the book. Rev. Dr. Carol McLaughlin continued as our bridge pastor into February. The statistical report was sent to Presbytery. Plans were made for a Retreat for 2025 on March 8th and was held at the church. A date for ordination and installation of Thomas Walters was scheduled for March 16th. March 30th a special congregational meeting was held to approve the call of Thomas Walters to become WPC’s next called pastor and the PNC was dissolved. Plans were made for Thomas and family visit to WPC. The church’s website had a Scammer Alert, and information was distributed to the congregation. The date for Elder and Deacon installation was set for April 13th. Plans were made for Lenten services and Pastor Carol’s final days at WPC. The nursery was updated and a new carpet installed. The church held a garage sale on May 3rd. The prices were donations except for the larger items. The monies will go for the nursery rug. The Housing Collaboration talked to Session about Safe Parking places for homeless. This was Pastor Carol’s last month at WPC. Thomas and his cousin will be staying at David Carr’s home. The congregation signed up to provide food for Thomas and his cousin. Keith Conant will be resigning from his AV Tech position. June was Thomas first time to moderate a Session. A new phone system was installed. The Stewardship Campaign was discussed for 2026. WPC has always supported 4 the four special offering during the year. At this time of the year, we are promoting the Pentecost Offering. This offering supports young people with 40% of the funds collected used in the local area. Marilyn Turner-Burchett has been our pianist for some time and will continue as long as we need her. Thank you, Marilyn. B and G began to get estimates for replacing the heating system in the church and brick building. In August Jan Stites was hired as the church’s administrative assistant for up to 20 hours a week. The Session was to read and discuss Comeback Churches by Ed Stetz and Mike Dodson. Elders were asked to visit at least one fast growing church and report back. The Session approved expenditure for windows for the brick building. The Stewardship Drive 2026 was formed in September and will be collected in November. Our 170th Anniversary celebration was planned for October 5th. In October Session moved forward with the tech evaluation. New window coverings for the nursery were investigated by Kaye Hubbert. Marilyn Turner-Burchett’s last day as our pianist was in November. The new pianist is David Sexsmith. Plans were made for the Christmas Eve service to begin at 6:00. A special session meeting was held to discuss politics and the church.
Deacon’s 2025 Annual Report
We currently have 6 Deacons providing support for both members and not yet members of our congregation. Our Deacons are: Joyce Carr, Kay Odegaard, Peg Warren, Janet Dills, Nancy Emerick and Cindy Turner. Each Deacon is assigned a list of members called a “flock.” Our mission is to provide compassion for the sick, sorrowing and needy. To provide charitable work for the church, care for our flocks, visit those who are sick, assist with in home communion with our pastor and any other duties assigned by session. This past year we have arranged for the congregation to give Christmas gifts to those children in need whose names the local school provides us. We have gathered food items to deliver to the food bank. We sent Poinsettia’s and Easter Lillies to members who are unable to attend church services. We also helped provide meals for members when there was a need. We send cards to members for various reasons such as holidays, birthdays and times when support is needed. We pray for our flock members. 5 We meet the 2nd Sunday of the month following the church service. We would welcome 1-2 more Deacons. The Book of Order states you must be a member of the church. If you’re interested or know someone who may wish to serve in this ministry you can contact Kaye Hubbert or Kathryn Rotter.
WPC Worship Committee
This committee meets quarterly or as needed to support pastor Walters, music folks, and others to assist in making Sunday Worship more meaningful, worshipful and welcoming. Activities have included: developing a worship calendar, organizing special music, supporting music folks, planning special services, etc. The Worship committee this year has included, June Cleveland, Carol Days, Jan Snider, and Matthew Rotter. This committee can use more voices. Please contact Carol or Matthew if you are interested.
Westminster Pastor Nominating Committee Report
A review of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Chehalis (WPC) – Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) Process: The PNC worked diligently over 4 years to identify a candidate for referral to the Westminster congregation. Our first transition pastor, Debbie Garber began her service and concluded it in June of 2022. During her time of service, she assisted in the development of the Mission Study. The Mission Study as well as WPC’s Ministry Information form required for posting the position on the PCUSA’s Church Leadership Connection were completed by the PNC between June 2022 and August 2022 and approved by Session and the Olympia Presbytery’s Commission On Ministry (COM) in August 2022. The PNC began its search process in September of 2022. From September 2022 to January 2025 the PNC reviewed approximately 143 candidates, interviewed 11 candidates, and offered interviews to an additional 13 candidates who either declined or did not respond to the invitation. We are excited to present Thomas Walters as a candidate for the position of solo pastor of Westminster Presbyterian. Early in this process, it was stated that the candidate God is preparing to serve us may not yet have completed training. Indeed, that is the case as during that time God, with direction from the Spirit was leading Thomas in seminary. At the same time the Spirit was also preparing WPC for the future. We are excited to be on a Spirit led journey with Thomas serving our congregation as God continues His Story in 6 and through our congregation. Pastor Thomas was Ordained and Installed on June 22nd, 2025. PNC members have continued to be available to Thomas.
Annual Report 2025
Building and Grounds (B&G)
B&G 2025 Projects Completed
1. Heat pumps/air conditioning installed and operating
2. Insulated windows installed in brick building
3. Toilets replaced in church
4. Garage sale
5. New window coverings in Nursery
6. Cost analysis of Carr Center and what to do with it was completed and turned over to Session in January 2025
7. Outside Sanctuary steps along Prindle St were rebuilt/repaired
2026 Previews
1. Roof leak (over Market St entrance to Sanctuary) repairs = completed
2. To insulate the ceilings in the brick building = costs yet to be determined
3. Relocate hangers for flags/ banners in the Sanctuary
4. New Av screens in the stage area of Sanctuary = ''currently" in process
5. Market Street sign/reader board being researched
6. Roof replacement Sanctuary & brick building = next 3+/- years.
7. Making the Sanctuary stage handicapped accessible?
B&G would like to have your input. You are also welcome to join us at our meetings, most every month, on the second Wed at 10:36 am.
Gaylord Jones, Chair
Sounds of Westminster
Music continues to be an important ministry at Westminster. We participate in choir and praise team, ring bells and chimes, play piano, organ, and guitars and share in congregational singing. Music speaks of our faith, lifts our spirits, and fills our souls. Please join us in making a joyful noise to the Lord!
Men’s Bible Study and S.A.L.T Group
2025 Annual Report
The Men’s Bible Study and S.A.L.T. (Sharing All Life Together) of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Chehalis meets every Wednesday morning all year long. Usually, six to ten men gather at Hometown Restaurant in Centralia at 9:00 a.m. for breakfast and then work our way through the Books of the Bible together. The idea is to develop relationships and to apply Biblical teachings to our daily lives. Following breakfast and conversation, we take turns reading and applying the scriptures. Beyond our meetings, we try to support each other through challenges, joys, and sorrows. We also consult with each other on projects that require specific abilities and/or expertise. There is much wisdom and capability amongst our members. Join us Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. at Hometown Restaurant in Centralia for enriching experiences.
The Annual Report for the year 2025 for Prayer Team, History Room, Lower-level large Room, Library and History Room Column
Pray and Study Time: We meet every Wednesday from 10:00 – 12:00. If anyone has a prayer request please call Jean Bluhm.
WPC History Room: A visit to the History Room is a delightful time filled with the history of our past in scrapbooks with pictures. Information on the organ, the music, the past pastors, all the groups from the beginning with their minutes of meetings. It is a place where small groups can feel the hand of God over their meeting. Just beyond is a place to pray as they sit on the very old pews with the oldest organ, Bible and pulpit. This safe 9 place filled with the Holy Spirit brings comfort and peace.
WPC Library: In the Giffey Room is the WPC Library where fiction, non-fiction and books from Bev Ramsey’s private collection is there for you to check out and read. Pictures on the wall are from our history and pews from our early church. Material on the wall helps new members know the members in the past that loved our church and left a legacy.
WPC Lower-Level large room: The hall is filled with history and examples of art from former members. At the end of the Hall is the Library that honors Patty Burchett where children’s books can be checked out for ages pre-school to middle school. There are helpbooks for Sunday School teacher and books from Jean Bluhm’s library.
WPC History Room column: This year Jean Bluhm who has written the History Corner since 2005 added a History memory for the monthly report to add to the congregation’s knowledge of our church. Thank you everyone who made the 170 Church Anniversary October 2025 such a memorable event. We are a powerful force for God when we unite and give God the Glory.
Jean Bluhm, Historian
2025 Memorial List for WPC
Barbara Hayden-Wahl - July 30
Shirley Nelson - Aug. 24
John Alexander - Sept. 7
They may be gone, but they will never be forgotten.