We're a busy bunch! Check back here for the latest goings-on at FaithWestwood. You'll find our events listed in order of date with ongoing opportunities listed near the bottom.
Happenings @ FaithWestwood
This Week @ FaithWestwood
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This Week in Worship -- NEW series begins Sept 26
September 26, 9:00 & 10:45 a.m.
In person & Online
faithwestwood.com/live, faithwestwood.com/youtube, Facebook
New Series -- Margin: Restoring Overloaded Lives
We rush, because we’re running late. We work extra, because we have payments to make. We’re exhausted from dealing with difficult people. Our calendars are crowded, and the pace has become unmanageable. What do we need? Margin. And God provides us with margin. This fall we’ll learn how to reclaim that margin and let God restore our overloaded lives.
September 26
Symptoms of Margin-less Living
Ecclesiastes 2:4-11
We’re thankful for our modern conveniences: washing machines and dishwashers, microwaves and automobiles, online bill pay and text messaging. With all this time-saving technology, you’d think we’d have loads of free time. Instead, our lives get squeezed to the limit. Dr. Richard Swenson, MD says, “Many people commit to a 120 percent life and wonder why the burden feels so heavy.” Did you know that our margin-less lives are symptomatic of a bigger issue? Curious about what it is?
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Absolute Basics -- Begins September 22
The Absolute Basics of the Christian Faith
Begins Wednesday, September 22, 6:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall, FaithWestwood
What is it?
Get a taste of a small group experience in this short-term, 8-week class! In The Absolute Basics of the Christian Faith we'll explore the foundations of our Christian faith with the help of short, creative videos and small group discussion led by facilitator Bill Miller.
Who Would Love This?
- Ready to brush up on your knowledge of the Christian faith, maybe fill in some holes in what you know, and get even more out of Pastor Steve's messages on Sunday?
- Is this faith all new and you're curious about who Jesus is and what Christianity is all about?
- Maybe you're interested in joining a small group and would like to try one out for a few weeks.
Register Today!! First Meeting is September 22nd
To register and reserve your copy of the book, visit https://faithwestwood.breezechms.com/form/8811dc and fill out the form, then we'll see you on September 22nd. Can't make it to every meeting? No problem! Register anyway and jump in as many as you can.
Questions: Bill Miller at wpmiller1@aol.com
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Solutions Group September 25
Solutions Group
September 25, 10:00 a.m.
Fellowship Hall
Let's face it: Being a caregiver (spouse, adult child, or other relative) for a family member who is ill or disabled (or being responsible to ensure the care of that family member) can be difficult.
Challenges may include balancing work and family life with caring for a loved one. Caregivers may feel isolated, challenged with navigating senior care, disability benefits, and medical systems, or overwhelmed with caring for a loved one who is not the same person as before their disease.
You don't have to navigate this alone.
Join our SOLUTIONS GROUP.
Presented by Nancy Flaherty, MS, CDP
Flaherty Senior Consulting
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FaithWorks Pantry -- September Dates
In August, FaithWorks Pantry is open THURSDAY, Sept 9, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Beginning in September and going forward, FaithWorks Pantry will be open the SECOND THURSDAY and fourth Saturday of every month. (This is a change from the previous schedule.)
For details, visit www.faithwestwood.com/faithworks-pantry
FaithWorks Pantry is an equal opportunity provider.
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Pageant Auditions Sept 19 & 26
Emmanuel -- the Christmas Pageant -- is coming to FaithWestwood Children's Ministry!
Auditions Sunday, Sept. 19 & 26 after 10:45 service in the worship center.
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FaithLink October 3
FaithLink
October 3, 12:00 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
If you're new to FaithWestwood and you'd like to learn more about our church, then FaithLink might be your next step.
FaithLink is a lunchtime get-together -- just some food, conversation, and a chance to ask a few questions about life in our church community. You'll meet Pastor Steve too. No pressure at all, no commitment. FaithLink is a way to learn more about FaithWestwood and meet others who are in the same boat as you.
For information, contact Jen Robinson, Director of Guest Connections, at jen.robinson@faithwestwood.com or 402-895-3394 x 1013.
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FW Staff Service of Hope & Healing -- October 5
Let us pray for you!
Every Tuesday, at their staff meeting, the FW staff prays together over your prayer requests. But every first Tuesday of each month, they take the opportunity to highlight this special time with a special title: A Service of Hope & Healing.
To submit a prayer request for the FW staff Service of Hope & Healing on October 5:
- Email your prayer request to prayers@faithwestwood.com, OR
- Text or call Vikki O'Hara at 402-650-9489 (be sure to include your name in text and voicemail messages)
- With any prayer request, please indicate if you would like it to remain confidential (not shared on the weekly churchwide prayer list).
Deadline: Prayer requests for this special service must be received by 12:00 p.m., NOON , on Monday, October 4.
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3rd grade bible - oct 6 + oct 10
Third-graders and parents! Don't miss this treasured tradition at FaithWestwood!
Each year, FaithWestwood presents our third-graders with a brand new bible of their very own, and we don't want you to miss it. The experience starts with a fun, interactive class for the kids and their parents on October 6 where you'll learn more about the Bible they're about to receive.
Then, during worship on October 10, Ms. Leah and Pastor Steve will present the kids with their new Bible -- but they kind of have to work for it (just a little).
To RSVP, be sure to email Ms. Leah at leah.dinoso@faithwestwood.com today!
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United Methodist Women - next meeting october 6
United Methodist Women Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, October 6, 9:00 a.m.
FaithWestwood, fellowship hall
Our speaker this month is FaithWestwood's own Amy Zeller! Amy works with the nonprofit No More Empty Pots and will share with us some of the great things their organization is doing to battle hunger in Omaha.
We'll have breakfast here -- everyone is invited!
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Save the date(s)!
It's Fall Fun for EVERYONE at FaithWestwood!
Details coming soon, but mark your calendars now!
- Bellevue Berry Farm - Wed. Oct 13, 6-8pm
- Outdoor Movie Night - Fri. Oct 15, time TBD, on the lawn south of FW
- Trunk or Treat - Sun. Oct 31, time TBD, in the FW parking lot
Ongoing @ FaithWestwood
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sept/oct issue of the Upper Room Available
You can 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.
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griefshare going on now
Losing someone hurts...
No matter how long it's been...
But you don't have to go through this alone.
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group who walks alongside you through one of life's most difficult experiences. Through videos, a workbook, and small group discussion, you can find the support you're looking for and friends who know exactly how you feel.
Our new 13-week series began on Monday, August 16, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at FaithWestwood, but you are welcome to join at any time! This group is open to anyone. Each session stands alone - you are welcome to join at any time and attend as many meetings as you wish. Bring your supper, if needed. Coffee, tea, and water provided. Masks are optional if fully vaccinated, required if not.
To register, please contact Director of Caring Ministries Vikki O'Hara, M.Div. at 402-650-9489 or at vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com.
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Tai chi for Balance
Tai Chi for Balance is Back at FaithWestwood!
Improve physical health // Connect with others // Gain Confidence
When: Mondays & Thursdays, 1:00 - 1:45 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
For this activity, masks are optional if fully vaccinated and required if not fully vaccinated.
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Pilates, yoga, core & More!
Tuesdays & Fridays, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
FaithWestwood, upper level. Enter at the west entrance.
Looking for a low-impact way to improve flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance?
Pilates, Yoga, Core and More is a blend of mat-based Pilates, simple basic yoga poses, core strengthening, and balance moves.
Our instructor, Kathy Sempek, is a nationally certified, mat-based Pilates instructor and has taught over 30 years in the Omaha area.
Bring your own yoga mat. See this flyer for more details.
For more information contact Vikki O’Hara, M.Div., Director of Caring Ministries, at vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com or 402-650-9489 (cell, anytime).
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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
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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.
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How to Support Student Ministry
It’s obvious in ways large and small that the people of FaithWestwood love and support the kids in our Student Ministry! And now, during this period of transition, you might be wondering how you can continue that support. We have a couple of ideas:
- Snacks for Wednesday MIDWEEK -- We'd love a supply snacks for our students to grab at their Wednesday meetings. You can drop off donations of individually wrapped, non-perishable items in the barrel outside of the FW offices.
- Gift Cards -- We use gift cards as prizes or to purchase food for MIDWEEK too. If you'd like to donate a $5 gift card to a local food or coffee place, drop it in the basket at the coffee bar on Sunday or mail the card to Holly Timberlake in care of FaithWestwood, 4814 Oaks Lane, Omaha, NE, 68137.
If you have questions or have another idea for how you’d like to help, please reach out to Holly Timberlake at holly.timberlake@faithwestwood.com.
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Sunday School Online
Your kids can do Sunday School online this Sunday at home or during church!
Scan the QR codes to the left or follow these links:
Preschool: https://tinyurl.com/3DKIDSONLINEPK
Elementary: https://tinyurl.com/3DKIDSONLINEELEM
Preteen: https://tinyurl.com/3DKIDSONLINEPT
