OUR PASTOR - REV. RON PHELPS
Rev. Ron Phelps, who has been with the Westlake congregation since August 2003. Ron grew up in North Kansas City, Missouri and came to Bethany to attend college at Southern Nazarene University. He graduated in 1970 then returned to Kansas City to earn his master’s degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1973. While in seminary he met, dated and married Shirley Swartzendruber of Hydro, OK. They were married 35 years before her sudden and unexpected death in Nov. 2007. Ron has two children, Michael (1975) was born in Ohio and Melissa (1978) was born in Illinois. Shortly after their mother’s death both Michael and Melissa announced their engagements and planned weddings in 2008. Michael and Kimberly blessed him with a grand-daughter Zoey on a snowy Sunday, Jan. 25, 2010 followed by Melissa and Paul’s daughter born on a snowy Sunday, one-week later Feb. 1, 2010. Then in September of 2013 Melissa and Paul presented Pastor Ron with a grandson. After pastoring in central Ohio, central Illinois and norther Illinois, the family moved to Oklahoma were Pastor Ron led two congregations, earned his Doctor of Ministry (1985). In the spring of 1991, he took a new direction in ministry by entering the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at Presbyterian Hospital. In 1994 he was hired as a staff chaplain at the OU Medical Center retiring in 2017. While in the CPE program he began filling pulpits for ministers on vacation or leave of absence. This led to the opportunity to serve as Temporary Pulpit Supply in many local Presbyterian Churches for a Sunday or for several months. He served the Colon/Cordell congregations for 18 months and the El Reno First Presbyterian for almost 4 years. Westlake is happy to call him our Pastor since 2003. When asked about his preaching style Pastor Phelps is quick to respond, “I preach what the Lord teaches me as I read the Scripture. If it doesn’t speak to my heart it won’t mean much to anyone else.” At times he has been asked about drawing from his years of sermon files for preaching and he is also quick to reply, “I don’t offer stale bread to a congregation, If it isn’t fresh baked it isn’t really worth sharing.”
Our Ministries
COMMUNION: On the first Sunday of each month we serve Communion during the worship service. All Christians are welcome to partake, it is not necessary to be a member of our church or denomination. The Pastor also joins with one of the Elders to serve Communion to those requesting it and unable to attend Communion service at church.
LINGER LONGER: After each Sunday morning worship service, we have a “Linger Longer” informal gathering in the hallway between the sanctuary and the kitchen, with light refreshments, coffee and beverages, as an opportunity to socialize with other members and get to know visitors. Stay and join us! NOTE: during our limited worship conditions, we will postpone holding our Linger Longer program. Check back for information about future program offerings.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: We have an Extended Session program for children 4 through 10 years old during the regular Sunday Worship Service. Children attend the regular worship service through the Children’s Message, then go to the Extended Session in the classroom. Children over 10 will remain in the regular worship service with their parents. NOTE: during our limited worship conditions, Children’s Education are on hold until we can determine the safest and best way to provide Christian education for our children. Check back for information about future program offerings.
FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON: We have a Fellowship Luncheon for members and guests once a month, usually the third Sunday after the worship service. It is usually a potluck meal, with members brings designated items, often with a particular theme. Check the calendar on the ACTIVITIES page (click the link above left) to see when it is scheduled this month. Everyone is welcome! NOTE:during our limited worship conditions, we will postpone holding our Fellowship Luncheons. Check back for information about future program offerings.
PRAYER CHAIN: One of our primary ministries is to care for and pray for others, especially those in need. If you have a concern, whether a member of our congregation or not, and would like to have our members pray for your support, please contact our Prayer Chain, who will pass the request on to others in our congregation for their prayers. Click HERE to email your prayer concerns.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Westlake supports several community programs with special offerings throughout the year.
MUSIC MINISTRY: Westlake has a rich tradition of music in our church life. Our small but dedicated choir is regularly supplemented by Women’s and Men’s singing groups, as well as occasional guest soloists or music groups.
Our Church Leaders
Stated Session
Moderator — Rev. Ron Phelps
Clerk of the Session — Ernie Isch
Asst. Clerk - Nancy McClellan
Class of 2020 — Rose Isch, Nancy McClellan, Richard McClellan
Class of 2021 — Kathy Smith, Sandra Kassingong, Denis Titasama
Class of 2022 — Louis Fogam, Godlove Gwaabe, Earnie Isch
Staff & Officers
Choir Director — (Vacant)
Organist — (Vacant)
Custodian — Sunny Fokum
Nursery Attendant — Melissa Johnson
Treasurer — Richard McClellan
Financial Secretary — Nancy McClellan
Board of Trustees
Trustee — Caroline Fogam (term expires 2020)
Trustee — Kathy Smith (term expires 2021)
Trustee — Larry Sharp (term expires 2022)