Frequently Asked Questions

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Service Worship

Q: What is Service Worship?
A: Service Worship is a response to Jesus' mandate to serve others. When a month has a 5th Sunday, instead of engaging in a regular one hour worship service, WVPC goes out and serves the community. There are at least 15 or more projects that we are engaged in during this time, and each person is able to sign up for the project of his/her choice. Often we gather at 5pm for a time of singing and sharing what our experiences were, as well as sharing a meal together.

Q: Do I have to be a member to participate in Service Worship?
A: No, Service Worship is open to anyone. We have no monopoly on service to others. We encourage everyone to become a part of this great event and join us regardless of the church affiliation or denomination. Other churches have joined us in Service Worship and we have enjoyed getting to know new people as we work together in Christ's name.

WVPC

Q: What is a Presbyterian?
A: : Prebyter mean elder. We are called Prebyterian because our church is governed by elders. Elders are nominated and elected by congregation and serve usually for three years. They form a group called the Session and together this body makes decisions on behalf of the church. (see below) This allows the church to be governed in a democratic way, where the wisdom of many helps the church to discern God's will. Elders are first mentioned in Acts, a book of the Bible that describes the organizational structure of the early church.

Beyond the how we govern ourselves we are followers of Jesus Christ.

Q: What do Presbyterians believe?
A: Presbyterians have a great tradition of writing down what we believe in the form of confessions. Our theology is rich and much of it stems from the work of John Calvin who wrote The Institutes of the Christian Religion. We are a denomination that uses the phrase "faith seeking understanding" since we highly value education and a thoughtful faith that grapples with the hard questions and seeks to determine how faith intersects with life in all areas.

Q: Do you all believe the same thing?
A: As with any group of people we do not necessarily feel the same about every issue. However we all hold to the same core beliefs which we call the "essential tenets of the reformed faith". These are:

  1. Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
  2. Scripture as the inspired Word of God
  3. The two Sacraments of Baptism and Communion as a means of being able to receive God's grace; sacrament is generally defined as "an outward visible sign of an invisible reality."

These beliefs are central and core to our church body.

Q: Who runs WVPC?
A: We have a ruling board called Session. Session is composed of 14 Elders who are elected from the congregation to three year terms plus the ordained pastoral staff. These 14 men and women meet monthly to discuss and decide upon issues of administrative and congregational care. The actual work of the church is done by committees which report to Session and through paid staff.

The local church has a great deal of autonomy but is ultimately accountable to Presbytery, a higher governing body that oversees churches in a certain geographical area.

Q: How do Presbyterians govern themselves?
A: WVPC is governed by a committee called Session. This is where real authority resides. There are other local, regional and national entities that provide guidance, resources and direction for the national church. As with our beliefs, how we govern ourselves is written down in The Book of Order.

Q: How is a Pastor chosen?
A: When a new pastor position is open in a congregation, usually a mission study is done by the church to determine their needs and specific requirements. A PNC is formed (Pastoral Nominating Committee) and a search is conducted, sometimes nationwide. It often takes a congregation a year or two to determine who God is calling to this position, especially if it is a Senior Pastor. The PNC then recommends the candidate to the Presbytery and to the congregation who then votes on the committees' recommendation.



Q: Do you practice Infant baptism?
A: In the reformed faith infant baptism is performed as a sacramental sign that God's grace is present to that child before he or she has any ability to choose for God, or do anything right or wrong. The child is baptized into the community of faith who promises during the baptismal ceremony to support this child and to teach him or her about Jesus' love. The goal is that one day this child will then accept Christ as Lord in their life. The parents who bring their child for baptism promise to raise their child to know Jesus as well, and are usually members of the congregation.

Q: Do I need to be a member to take Communion?
A: You do not need to be a member to receive Communion. Communion, or The Lord's Supper is available to everyone who has accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. At WVPC Communion is given on the first Sunday of every month during the 9:30am worship service. Sometimes small cups and bread are passed to you in the pew symbolizing that Christ meets you right where you are. Sometimes people come forward to receive Communion symbolizing our response to God's sacrificial love for us.

Q: Do I need to be a member?
A: You can attend WVPC for as long as you wish and not become a member. The value of membership is primarily your commitment in front of others to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. It is also a chance to make a commitment to the Body of Christ, his church and declare that you have decided to make this particular church your spiritual home. In essence you are saying that you wish to be involved here in the work of God's kingdom, to grow spiritually with God's people and give generously of you time, talent and treasure. Membership has nothing to do with becoming part of a "club". It is simply a statement that declares your desire to serve Jesus Christ with all your heart, soul, and mind at this particular time, at this particular place. Everyone Jesus called he called publicly to declare their faith. Becoming a member offers you this opportunity. If you so desire, becoming a member also opens up doors for you to serve in various ways, and be elected as an elder or deacon.