Westminster By The Sea Presbyterian Church is at 3221 S. Peninsula Drive in Daytona Beach Shores. Founded in 1955, the congregation is known for worshiping God and sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its community and around the globe. Its church life includes Sunday worship, Children's Church, all-age Sunday School, youth classes, small groups, and opportunities to explore spiritual gifts.
Since 1955 on South Peninsula Drive
The church's work is rooted in a simple description: worshiping God and sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The congregation dates that witness to 1955 and identifies with the Presbyterian Church (USA). It is also connected to Central Florida Presbytery, giving its Daytona Beach Shores congregation a regional Presbyterian tie.
Hometown News recognized the church with Best Church Services. Westminster By The Sea expressed appreciation for voters, adding another public acknowledgment to a church story that stretches back to 1955.
Sunday Worship with Children Present
Sunday is the church's worship day. The service is held at 3221 S. Peninsula Drive, and Children's Church takes place during it. In this pattern, the children's gathering runs alongside the main worship service, making both part of the same Sunday rhythm.
September-to-May Sunday School
Sunday School classes meet from September through May, and every age level can participate. The church names three stages:
- Nursery: A staffed nursery for preschool and younger children.
- K-5: A class for elementary-age children.
- Youth: A class for middle school through high school students.
The layout connects the church's educational work from early childhood through elementary school and into adolescence, while keeping nursery care and age-specific classes within the Sunday School program.
MomCo and a 108-Question Gift Survey
MomCo is one of the church's named groups. The church also invites congregants to complete a 108-question Spiritual Gifts Survey. It presents the survey as a way to uncover how the Holy Spirit has uniquely gifted each person to build up the body and share the wonders of God. The stated goals are to serve, encourage, and edify others, discover one's purpose, and step into the ministry God has prepared.
Generosity Shaped by the Bible
The church's teaching on giving begins with biblical words about sowing and reaping: those who sow generously will reap generously. It says each person should give what they have decided in their heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, and that God loves a cheerful giver. It also says God is able to bless givers abundantly. Online giving is available.
A Playground, a Gallery, and Recorded Worship
A playground at the church is featured in connection with intergenerational programs. A church gallery presents photographs of the building and events. The church also keeps a substantial archive of worship sermons and posts videos through its YouTube channel. The sermon archive records services week by week, giving the congregation an extended record of its worship life.
The Pastor Rooted in Cairo and Daytona Beach Shores
The Rev. John Joseph serves as pastor. He was born in Cairo, Egypt, to Nazmy and Salwa Joseph. His family immigrated to the United States. His international background is part of his pastoral story at a congregation that describes its mission in both local and global terms.
Westminster By The Sea's identity is centered on worship, education from preschool through high school, intergenerational life, small-group fellowship, service, and giving.