Happenings @ FaithWestwood

Check back here for the latest events and announcements from FaithWestwood. You'll find our events listed in order of date with current events near the top and ongoing opportunities listed toward the bottom.

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!


  • Lenten Message Series -- Be Still.

    Be Still.

    Sundays, February 26 - March 26

    9:00 & 10:45 a.m.

    in person & online

    faithwestwood.com/youtube, faithwestwood.com/live, Facebook


    Another great worship series from 24-7prayer.com -- who brought us last year’s Lenten study, How to Pray.


    How would you describe the average person’s lifestyle? Busy. Hectic. Hurried. Even Jesus seemed non-stop sometimes. But he also knew Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” So, he set aside time to be still in the Father’s presence and pray. This verse is the inspiration for our five-week series during Lent.  


    March 26, the fifth Sunday of Lent 

    Daily Mission 

    Matthew 28:16-20  

    If you want to take a road trip, you’ll need to prepare. Pack your clothes. Fill your tank. Book your reservations. Those who don’t prepare aren’t going anywhere. And it’s in our daily quiet times that God prepares us so he can send us. Only through time alone with God, we will be able to sustain the motivation to be a witness for Christ.   

    More Resources Available


    Go to www.24-7prayer.com/resource/be-still-series/ to access videos, discussion guides, and extra resources. If you’d like to read Brian Heasley’s book Be Still: A Simple Guide to Quiet Times that goes with the series, it can be purchased wherever you pick up your favorite books.


    Descriptions for Every Message in This Series

  • You're Invited -- Holy Week + Easter Worship April 2-9

    This is the week that means everything – and you may only know part of the

    story.


    We invite everyone -- of all ages -- to journey with Jesus through the

    triumph, the apprehension, the despair, and the ultimate joy that he and his

    earliest followers experienced during the most important week of the Christian

    story.


    Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday, -- all of it leads us to

    Easter Sunday – the most significant day for our faith.


    For full schedule and details, visit faithwestwood.com/Easter2023

  • Healing & Reconciliation - Next steps

    FaithWestwood Family,

    Last week, Alan Hanson facilitated the first of three in a new series of discussions to help us take the next healing steps in reconciliation and growth in our faith family. The next meeting will be Sunday, March 19, at 4:00 p.m. in the student ministry room on the second floor of FaithWestwood.


    The Reason for Next Steps
    As people of faith, we believe in forgiveness, reconciliation, and loving our neighbor even when we disagree. But to accomplish these things requires the work of faith. In these new sessions, we'll get the opportunity to continue this work of faith and make reconciliation, forgiveness, and love real in our own lives and in our church.

     

    Last Meeting This Sunday

    Sunday, March 26, 4:00 p.m., student ministry room, 2nd floor


    Everyone is invited and encouraged to come to one or more of these new sessions, whether you attended any of the previous Healing & Reconciliation discussions or not. 


    Please consider joining at least one of these important conversations.

  • We need eggs & candy!

    It takes A LOT of candy and A LOT of eggs to pull off an Easter Eggstravaganza!


    Drop off your donations of empty plastic eggs and small-sized, nut-free candy at the 3DKids table in the foyer or in the office upstairs anytime between now and April 2!


    Mark Your Calendars!

    Sunday, April 2, 12:00 noon - The Petes' Easter Egg Fill-Off (and Lunch!), fellowship hall

    Saturday, April 8, 10:00 a.m. - The Easter Eggstravaganza, Oaks Park


    For full schedule of all Holy Week and Easter worship and activities, visit faithwestwood.com/Easter2023

  • ICYMI: Project EB starts Now!

    Project EB

    Now through March 22


    It breaks Ms. Leah's heart that some kids may not get an Easter basket on Easter, and she wants to do something about it. She has the baskets all ready to go, but right now they're empty -- that's where you come in.


    From now through March 22, gather up a supply of small Easter toys, stuffed animals, and other Easter gifts and drop them in the tubs located in the foyer on Sundays and in front of the office throughout the week. 


    Then, the students will fill Leah's baskets with the toys during their MIDWEEK meeting on March 22, and the FaithWorks Pantry will hand them out to families when the pantry is open on March 25.


    It's a quick turnaround, but we know you can do it! Help Leah fill Easter baskets for kids by March 22!

  • Mums for Easter Sunday

    Fill Easter worship with color and honor a loved one too with a beautiful mum plant!


    To sponsor a mum and honor or memorialize a loved one, simply fill out this form.


    A donation of $25 per mum is requested and may be paid by cash, check, online, or by texting the word FLOWER to 402-316-5481.


    Visit the students at the mum table on Sunday morning or see the fill-out form above for more details. 


    Mums may be picked up following the 10:45 service on Easter Sunday, April 9.

  • EGG MY YARD! Sign up Today!

    Egg My Yard - Fundraiser for Student Ministry

    April 8

    Sign up your yard today at tinyurl.com/FWEGGMYYARD


    This is a super-fun event and we hope you'll join in! Here's how it works:

    1. You sign up your yard.

    2. On April 8, the FW students will come out and hide prefilled, plastic eggs in your yard.

    3. Your kids, grandkids, or the neighbor kids will have a whole bunch of fun!


    You pick the number of eggs, morningo or afternoon, and the level of hiding difficulty on the form above.

    $25 = 30 eggs

    $45 = 50 eggs

    $70 = 100 eggs


    Proceeds go to support scholarships for student mission trips so that every kid who wants to go has the opportunity to participate.


    Thank you!

  • Solutions Group March 25

    Solutions Group

    Saturday, March 25, 10:00 a.m.

    fellowship hall


    The Solutions Group is an informational support group designed to help family caregivers manage the challenges of caring for (or being responsible for the care of) an ill or disabled loved one. Special focus is on (but not limited to) the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, other forms of dementia, and chronic or acute illnesses related to aging.

    To sign up to attend or for more information about services and resources from The Solutions Group, contact Director of Caring Ministries Vikki O’Hara at 402-650-9489 or by email at vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com
  • FaithWorks Pantry in March

    FaithWorks Pantry in March

    4814 Oaks Lane, south end of FaithWestwood church

    Thursday, March 9 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

    Saturday, March 25 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


    For more information about our FaithWorks Pantry, visit faithwestwood.com/faithworks-pantry.

    FaithWorks Pantry is an equal-opportunity provider.
    USDA Non-discrimination Statement


    Join the Team!
    FaithWorks Pantry is always excited to welcome new hearts for serving at the Pantry!
    Sign up for as many or as few dates as you'd like and see what we're all about! tinyurl.com/FWPantry


  • Faith45 - preteen Ministry

    Faith45 - Preteen Ministry

    Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

    March 29, and through April (tbd)


    Hey, Parents of 4th & 5th Graders!

    Ms. Leah has a great opportunity for your kids!

    In the next couple of years, your kids will transition from Children's Ministry to Student Ministry at FaithWestwood and until then, they might feel a little stuck in the middle, not quite "big" but definitely not "little" anymore. 


    Welcome to Faith45 - Preteen Ministry!

    Faith45 is a ministry built just for 4th and 5th graders and offers activities and lessons with their age, their interests, and their growing faith in mind.


    And March 24-25, you're invited to a SuperStart weekend, two exciting and faith-building days made just for 4th & 5th graders. Look for more details on that later.


    Questions about Faith45? Email Leah Dinoso, Director of Children's and Student Ministries, at leah.dinoso@faithwestwood.com.

  • Save the date! Easter Egg hunt April 8

    FaithWestwood's Annual Easter Egg Eggstravaganza

    Saturday, April 8, 10:00 a.m.

    Oaks Park, across from FaithWestwood


    Mark your calendars! The Petes are back with music, breakfast burritos, fun prizes, and TONS OF EGGS at their annual Eggstravaganza in Oaks Park!


    Everyone is invited -- bring a friend or two along too!

Ongoing @ FaithWestwood

  • the March-April 2023 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:

    • Prayer requests
    • Digital Connection card
    • Happenings
    • Livestream,
    • Giving & More!

    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 us at info@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 will not be held on June 12, June 15, July 3, July 6, or July 10. 

    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: Send an email c/o Kay Ritz to info@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!

  • Join the Bell Choir

    FaithWestwood's Bell Choir is Ready to Ring!


    Adults & Students! Interested in joining in a rewarding way to participate in the life of our church while bringing beauty and meaning to our worship at the same time?

    The FaithWestwood Bell Choir is looking for you!

    The bell choir meets on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. No bell or musical experience necessary!

    For more information, send an email c/o Director Gene Torrens to info@faithwestwood.com today! 

  • Visit the FaithWestwood Library

    Looking for quiet place to read, study, or just unwind? FaithWestwood has a library located on the second floor, across from the office.


    Our library is open on Sunday mornings and throughout the week -- as long as there isn't a group having a meeting there. We have books on many subjects including devotionals, prayer, Christian life, heaven, parenting, and Christian fiction for adults, teens, and kids.


    When you visit, look for the shelf labeled "Pastor's Picks" on the back wall. There you'll find a collection of books personally selected by Pastor Steve and donated by a member of our congregation as a resource for readers as they grow their faith.


    To borrow books, please fill out the white card in the back of the book and drop it in the small box on the check-out cabinet. Children’s books do not need return cards. We ask that all books be returned within two to three weeks.


    Come relax in our library and enjoy reading!