Latest news with #WestminsterPresbyterianChurch
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sioux Falls church members look to build rehab center in Ukraine
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A church in Sioux Falls is once again stepping up to help people suffering from the war in Ukraine. After raising almost 150 thousand dollars in earlier efforts, Westminster Presbyterian Church is joining forces with a longtime Ukrainian partner to support wounded soldiers still fighting on the front lines. Jamie Smith to make announcement Saturday For 15 years, the Ukrainian Church of Sioux Falls shared its home with Westminster Presbyterian. A bond built between congregations — one rooted in faith, friendship, and a shared sense of mission. 'Their prayers are deep, their tears are deep, their spirit is authenticsaid Valerie Putnam, a retired pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church who is helping organize the fundraiser. When Russia invaded Ukraine, that bond turned into action and a fundraiser to provide aid to families who had lost their primary breadwinners to the war. 'The Ukrainian members all took all of their jewelry, their gold, and everything and sold it, and collected everything they could, but the congregation they helped take it on,' said Putnam. The two churches reached out to the community, raising 140 thousand dollars,Now, they are ready to help again, this time to support a new relief center for wounded soldiers. As government resources stretch thin, churches in Ukraine have stepped up to fill in the gaps. Jim Holbeck, a church member, went to Ukraine to see the project for himself. 'The church here in Sioux Falls is working with building a center for these soldiers to be able to come to, and their families to come to, and to work through all of the problems from their physical ailments, also to the mental ailments,' Holbeck. The new campaign hopes to raise enough money to fund medical supplies, rehabilitation services, and emotional support for soldiers returning from the front a former school superintendent and church member, says seeing and talking with Ukrainians himself was life-changing. 'I'd say, what would you like to say to the American people if you could. The most common answer that came back was, Don't forget us, please keep supporting us. It's not just whether you send weapons, it's be on our side and support us for all we are going through,' said Holbeck. As they fight for their freedom, much like Americans did almost 250 years Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Yahoo
Local church to hold remembrance for Sam Nordquist
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Two more people have been indicted in the horrific killing of a Black transgender man in New York state. The Buffalo community prepares to honor Sam Nordquist at a community gathering on Sunday. Nordquist, 24, traveled from his home in Minnesota to Canandaigua to visit his girlfriend who he met online. He was staying at a motel where police say he suffered months of torture. After being reported missing, Nordquist's body was found in a field south of Canandaigua. Seven people have now been accused of murdering him. Westminster Presbyterian Church and The Buffalo Niagara Proud Alliance are hosting a community gathering to honor him. 'We have an amazing lineup of clergy from different faith traditions, we have some amazing music, we have the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus, we have the choir of Westminster Presbyterian Church which is probably one of the best in town,' said David Butler, founder of the Buffalo Niagara Proud Alliance. Vigils for Nordquist have been held in other parts of the state and the country. Just this past weekend a vigil was held for Nordquist in Niagara Square. 'The healing will likely come from those who are present in the gathering so our hope is that people take us up on our offer to be a place of welcome and a place for belonging for all people,' said Todd Leach, senior pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church. The gathering will be at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Westminster Presbyterian on Delaware Avenue. All are welcomed regardless of faith. 'Coming into a church space can be a very intimating thing so we are working very hard to make this a welcoming, and safe, and inviting experience,' said Reverend Susan Frawley of Hamburg Unitarian Universalist Church. You can also watch the community gathering online on YouTube and on Facebook. Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tusculum University offering free tax preparation services
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Tusculum University students and staff are offering free tax preparation services. As the tax season heats up, people can get free help on their taxes at three different locations across the Tri-Cities from now until April. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is available at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Johnson City on Mondays, Tusculum University's Meen Center on Thursdays and the Washington County Library in Jonesborough on Saturdays. The services are available for people earning less than $70,000 a year, anyone older than 65, people with disabilities and non-English speakers, among other groups. People affected by Hurricane Helene are also eligible. For more information, visit Tusculum's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
