Happenings @ FaithWestwood
Check back here for the latest goings-on at FaithWestwood. You'll find our events and service opportunities listed in order of date with current events near the top and ongoing opportunities listed toward the bottom.
For a complete list of all the worship opportunities and event we have planned for Advent, through Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, please visit faithwestwood.com/Christmas2022
Coming Soon @ FaithWestwood
visiting FaithWestwood?
If you're thinking about visiting FaithWestwood -- let us know you're coming!
Just click the Plan a Visit button at the top or near the bottom of any page on our website. Just answer a few questions about your visit, and you're all set!
We'll have a donut and coffee ready -- can't wait to meet you!
Our Current message series
Sunday Worship
9:00 & 10:45 a.m.
in person & online
Online Livestream Links: Website, YouTube, Facebook
Miracle Children of the Bible
Sundays, November 27 - December 18
Advent begins Sunday, November 27 and with it comes our Advent worship series Miracle Children of the Bible!
God works out his plan through ordinary people. Each of us is ordinary, “born of a woman” (Galatians 4:4). But our mothers know that every birth is a miracle. The Bible tells us the extraordinary stories of miracle children, sent to hopeless, scared, grieving, surprised families – sent to a world that needs them.
Coming Sunday, November 27
Isaac and His Incredibly Aging Parents
Genesis 18:1-15
Sometimes the Lord lets parents know how special a child will be by the events surrounding the child’s birth. A stranger says to Sarah and Abraham that they will have a child in their advanced years. It sounds so impossible, Sarah bursts out in laughter. A year later laughter returns when their baby is born.
For descriptions of all the messages in this series, visit faithwestwood.com/messagedescriptions
And for information about all worship opportunities and events throughout the season, visit faithwestwood.com/Christmas2022
Drive thru Live Nativity December 3
Live Nativity
A Drive-Thru Event
Saturday, December 3, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
FaithWestwood, 4814 Oaks Lane
Stay warm in your car as you visit scenes from the night that changed the world! Live animals and live actors bring the story to life as you drive around the building.
And when you're done, stop in for a cookie and cup of cocoa too!
And hey, FaithWestwood! Want to be a part of the show?
Visit tinyurl.com/FWLIVENATIVITY to find your role -- there are shepherds, wise men, holy family, and more!
Donate a Poinsettia for Christmas Eve
Fill the worship center with color on Christmas Eve and support Student Ministry mission trips at the same time! Order a poinsettia today!
Suggested donation is $15 per poinsettia.
How to Donate a Poinsettia:
1. Complete this form then drop your donation off at the Student Ministry table in the foyer after worship on 12/4 & 12/11.
2. OR complete this form and return the donation to the office during office hours or by mail to 4814 Oaks Lane, Omaha, NE, 68137.
All forms must be received by December 15.
Following the 7:00 p.m. worship service on Christmas Eve, all poinsettias will be available to the entire congregation for pickup on a first come, first served, basis. We encourage you to take them to neighbors, retirement homes, etc. as a gift of blessing.
If you'd like to give by text:
1. Text (402) 316-5481
2. Type $ and any dollar amount, then the word FLOWER (i.e. $10.00 flower)
3. Follow the prompts to set up your account, if needed.
4. Save as a contact for future text giving.
FaithWorks Pantry in November
FaithWorks Pantry
FaithWestwood, south entrance
Regular Pantry Dates in November:
Thursday, November 10, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 26, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Annual Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway - Saturday, November 19, 9:00 a.m.
Details: faithwestwood.com/faithworks-pantry
FaithWorks Pantry is an equal-opportunity provider.
Questions About your partner/Member status?
If you have questions or concerns about your membership (or partnership, as we call it) with FaithWestwood, please send us an email to info@faithwestwood.com.
Free Blood Pressure Checks December 4
Free Blood Pressure Checks
Sunday, December 4
8:30 - 9:00 a.m., and between services
fellowship hall
Hope & Healing Staff Prayer December 6
On the first Tuesday of each month, the staff at FaithWestwood prays together over your requests for prayer through the week. But, on the first Tuesday of each month, they highlight this prayer time with the name A Service of Hope & Healing. This month's special prayer time will be Tuesday, December 6.
To Submit a Prayer Request
To submit a prayer request for the Service of Hope & Healing:
Prayer requests for this special service must be received by Monday, December 5, at noon, 12:00 p.m.
UMW Meeting December 7
Monthly UMW Meeting
Wednesday, December 7, 9:00 a.m.
fellowship hall
Everyone is invited!
Enjoy a light breakfast, place bids at the silent auction, and enjoy beautiful Christmas music from our own David Gerard.
Star Stomp - Our 2022 Christmas Pageant - December 11
FaithWestwood Presents: Star Stomp!
Our 2022 Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 11
ONE WORSHIP SERVICE ONLY -- 10:00 a.m.
You've heard the Christmas story countless times, but you've NEVER heard it from THIS perspective!
Find out how the STARS feel about all the amazing things going on down in Bethlehem at Star Stomp! -- FaithWestwood's 2022 Christmas Pageant.
Mark your calendars! ONE SERVICE ONLY -- 10:00 a.m.
Don't miss it!
A Christmas Festival of Music December 18
A Christmas Festival of Music
Sunday, December 18
in worship, 9:00 & 10:45 a.m.
in person & online
Enjoy Sunday worship bursting with special music for the season!
9:00 a.m. - featuring the Chancel Choir
10:45 a.m. - featuring the Worship Band
faithwestwood.com/Christmas2022
Christmas Eve Worship
Christmas Eve @ FaithWestwood
Saturday, December 24
3:00 p.m. - kid-focused, interactive
5:00 & 7:00 p.m. - traditional
Candle lighting & communion at all services
Countdown to Confirmation - November Challenge
FaithWestwood is a generational church, and from now until April, we're going to celebrate, pray for, and support our confirmands as we Countdown to Confirmation 2023!
Each month you will be challenged to support our confirmands in a new way. November's challenge is to Share your Faith Story with our Confirmands.
Here are a few prompts for November to think about:
If you're in-person for worship, please share your responses on the cards available at the Student Ministry table in the foyer. If you'd like to respond by email instead, send your answers to Interim Student Ministry Director Carri Dyer c/o Carri to info@faithwestwood.com.
The students look forward to hearing from you!
Ongoing @ FaithWestwood
the Nov/dec 2022 issue of the Upper Room is here!
Grab your free copy of The Upper Room devotional on Sunday morning in the foyer or during the week in the vestibule at the west entrance.
Visit us on Facebook & Instagram
Help FaithWestwood Spread the Word!
Spreading the news about God's love and FaithWestwood can be as easy as clicking a button on your device!
Encourage those social media logarithms to reach out to more of our community by sharing, liking, and commenting on FaithWestwood's social media platforms! It really does make a difference!
Facebook: /FaithWestwoodUMC
Instagram: @faithwestwoodomaha
Get the FW App!
Your one-stop, on-the-go source for:
Search 'FaithWestwood' at The Apple Store & Google Play
Check in for Sunday School with the Kidmin app!
Did you know you can sign your child into Sunday School each week before you get to church?
Just follow this link https://dashboard.kidminapp.com/church/faithwestwood-umc/register-guardian or scan the QR code to the left.
If this is your first time using the KidMin app, you'll need to download the Kidmin app and create an account -- after that, it's 10-second check-ins every Sunday.
Faithgroups
What is a FaithGroup?
A FaithGroup is a small group of people who meet regularly for study, prayer, and fellowship. Some groups meet to discuss the most recent Sunday message or the current message series. Some choose other books or studies to dive into. Sometimes groups get together to serve the church and community too.
How do I find a FaithGroup?
On Sunday mornings, September 18th and 25th, visit the FaithGroups table by the east entrance to learn more about our existing FaithGroups or find out how we can help you form your own. Jen Robinson, Director of Guest Connections & FaithGroups will be there to answer questions and get you started.
Or, if you have questions, you can email Jen at jen.robinson@faithwestwood.com too.
Online Sunday Message for Kids!
Watch each Sunday's Bible story online!
Scan the QR code to the left or click on the links below!
PreK: tinyurl.com/3DKIDSONLINEPK
K - 3rd grade: tinyurl.com/3DKIDSONLINEELEM
Preteen(4/5): tinyurl.com/3DKIDSONLINEPT
Serving Opportunities at FaithWestwood
Looking for the perfect way to share your gifts and serve others?
Check out the tab at the top of faithwestwood.com -- faithwestwood.com/serve
Tai chi for Balance
Tai Chi for Balance
Improve physical health // Connect with others // Gain Confidence
When: Mondays & Thursdays, 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: FaithWestwood UMC, 4814 Oaks Lane, Omaha, NE -- west entrance by large wooden cross
Instructor: Paula Allen, experienced and certified Tai Chi instructor
Cost: $3.00 per drop-in session (no charge on first day for new attendees)
Information: Vikki O'Hara, M.Div. Director of Caring Ministries // vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com // 402-650-9489
SCHEDULING NOTE:
Tai Chi is NOT scheduled on the following dates in 2022: November 24, December 1, December 5, and December 26.
If the FaithWestwood office and building closes due to weather, illness, or another unexpected reason, this page may not be updated.
Serve with FaithWorks Pantry!
This is a great serving opportunity
for small groups or individuals!
Details: Russ Tompkins at russ.tompkins@faithwestwood.com
Prayer Shawls, Blankets, and Baby afghans
Our Blanketed with Prayer team of knitters, crocheters, and fleece tie-ers creates warm, handmade prayer shawls and blankets for anyone who needs a little comfort during a hospital stay or other challenging time. The team also creates baby afghans for new arrivals too.
And these blankets are all FREE for anyone in the congregation to pick up and give to someone and share the love of God. Each blanket comes prepackaged in a gift bag with tissue and a note from FaithWestwood. Simply grab a blanket from the shelves in the foyer on Sunday morning, or stop by the west entrance during office hours, M-F 8:00 - 3:30
Got Yarn?
Never-Ending Yarn Drive
for Blanketed with Prayer Ministry
Drop off your leftover and partial skeins of yarn in the labeled bin inside the west entrance of FaithWestwood! Any time of day -- can be outside of office hours!
Our Blanketed with Prayer Ministry will turn any color, any amount of scrap yarn into beautiful, colorful hats and scarves for various community nonprofits AND the FaithWorks Pantry.
So, check your closets, ask your neighbors, pick up deals at garage sales and thrift stores! You do NOT need to purchase brand new yarn! It's really not necessary or encouraged! Our Blanketed with Prayer team loves using a wide variety of leftover yarn from your donations for their hats and scarves!
