Happenings @ FaithWestwood

Check back here for the latest events and announcements from FaithWestwood. 

Coming Soon @ FaithWestwood

  • Gifted worship series through October 20

    You are Gifted!


    The Holy Spirit has given you spiritual gifts to use within the community of faith, the church! And in our worship series Gifted, September 8 - October 20, we'll explore these gifts together as one body of faith in worship, study, and service.


    In Worship

    The Gifted worship series will focus on scripture that allows us to respond to three questions: what are spiritual gifts, what are MY spiritual gifts, and how can I USE my spiritual gifts? In person & online.


    In Study

    FaithGroups and individuals can discover their spiritual gifts as well as their relational style and life passion through the book What You Do Best by Bruce Bugbee. The book will be available to purchase in the foyer on Sundays. Utilizing the spiritual gifts inventory in the book, FaithWestwood will be able to help match our faith family members with opportunities to serve in the church that utilize their unique spiritual gifts.


    In Service

    God gives each of us unique spiritual gifts to utilize in service of his kingdom in the best way we can. Throughout the series, watch for ways you can support our FaithWorks Pantry, Outside the Walls, and other ministries of FaithWestwood and our community.


    Coming Saturday, October 13, 9 & 10:45 am

    Walking, Jumping & Praising God

    Acts 3:1-10

    Peter and John encounter a man who was lame from birth. The man was begging, yet Peter offers what he has, in the name of Jesus Christ. The man is healed! How do we offer the gifts that we have when needed most? 


    Note: On Sunday, October 13, our Mission Offering Focus will be for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). If you would like to give now, please visit faithwestwood.com/about-us/give for information about online and text giving. The special code for online/text giving for this offering is UMCOR.


    Resources

    Gifted Series Introductory Flyer

    Gifted Study Guide for FaithGroups & Individuals Available Here

    Message Series Descriptions Here

  • What's Next @ FaithWestwood

    All kinds of exciting things are happening at FaithWestwood!


    Mark your calendars now! 

    Watch for details in worship, here on the Happenings page, and in your Monday FaithConnect email

    • Scrip Fundraiser - ongoing; in the foyer or online
    • Midweek Meals - Wednesdays through May 7, 5:45 - 6:30 pm, fellowship hall
    • FW Mugs - On sale at the coffee bar in the foyer. While supplies last.
    • FW Name Tags - Order on the FIRST SUNDAY of the month in the foyer
    • Gifted Worship Series - September 8 - October 20
    • Alpha - Monday evenings, September 9 - November 25, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, September 9; fellowship hall
    • Bellevue Berry Farm - Save the Date! Wednesday, October 9, 6 - 8 pm
    • FaithWorks Pantry Upcoming Dates - Thursday, October 10, 5 - 7 pm; Saturday, October 26, 10 am - 12 pm; Thursday, November 14, 5 - 7 pm; Saturday, November 23, 8 am, Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway
    • Fontanelle Fest - Saturday, October 19, 10 am - 6 pm, Camp Fontanelle, Fontanelle, NE
    • Faith Fair - Sunday, October 20, before/between/after worship, fellowship hall
    • Trunk or Treat -- Save the Date! Sunday, October 27, 2 - 4 pm, east parking lot
    • First Saturday Worship - Saturday, November 2 , 5:30 pm, upstairs chapel, 2nd floor

  • Bellevue berry farm october 9

    Save the Date for this super-fun FaithWestwood fall tradition!

    Wednesday, October 9, 6 - 8 pm

    Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch

    11001 South 48th Street

    Papillion, NE 68133


    EVERYONE IS INVITED - Bring a friend too!

    Meet us at Yogi's Longhouse for roasted hotdogs, s'mores, and all kinds of fall fun at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch!


    Admission is $12 per person -- get a $1 discount if you bring a canned food item for each person. Admission may be paid at the gate or online at https://bellevueberryfarm.com/

  • FaithWorks Pantry October dates

    Upcoming FaithWorks Pantry dates in October are:

    Thursday, October 10, 5 - 7 pm

    Saturday, October 26, 10 am - 12 pm

    Thursday, November 14, 5 - 7 pm

    Saturday, November 23, 8 am, Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway. Details soon.


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


    FaithWorks Pantry is an equal-opportunity provider. 

    USDA Non-discrimination Statement


    Would you like to serve at FaithWorks Pantry?
    Help in the Pantry: Pick your task & your days -- as many or as few as you'd like. Two opportunities each month.
    Sign up at tinyurl.com/FWPantry


    Help in the FaithWorks Garden: And the garden is growing! If you're interested in helping in the FWPantry garden, send an email to info@faithwestwood.com.

  • Faithworks Pantry focus - October & November

    Each month, our FaithWorks Pantry offers a special focus item to our pantry patrons in addition to the regular grocery selection. 


    Right now, we are collecting these special items to be distributed on the pantry dates in September and October:

    • For October Dates: 4 (or More!) for FaithWorks Pantry -- 
      • The pantry has put together a list of the 48 items they use the most throughout the year.
      • Shop: When you shop for your groceries each month, add an item or two from this list -- with the goal of a minimum of four items per month.
    • For November Dates: Baking Supplies -- flour, sugar, brown sugar, oil, colored sugars, baking powder & soda, frosting, imitation vanilla
    • Always: reusable cloth shopping bags

    How We Can Help

    Drop off items in the foyer on Sundays or outside the church office during the week.

  • We're Here for it!

    FaithWestwood is a church that LOVES our students and kids!


    WE ARE HERE to empower the next generation of Christ followers and leaders, and we’re excited to come alongside our Family Ministry as they launch into a brand-new school year with so many exciting events and opportunities coming up!


    Invite your kids, grandkids, friends, and neighbors! This is going to be a great year in Family Ministry!

    • Student Ministry MIDWEEK -- Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:45 pm, student ministry rooms, 2nd floor
    • Sunday School -- Sundays, 9 & 10:45 am
    • Trunk or Treat -- Sunday, October 27, 2 - 4 pm

  • Midweek meals wednesdays thru May 7

    NOTE: There will be NO MidWeek Meal at the FaithWestwood building on Wednesday, October 9. We are gathering at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch for our annual fall get-together there from 6 - 8pm. 


    But on other Wednesdays...

    MidWeek Meals are for EVERYONE!

    Individuals, families, students, and FaithGroups are all invited

    to this new opportunity to gather together for food and fellowship!


    5:45 - 6:30 pm in fellowship hall

    • Only $3 suggested donation per meal
    • Multi-meal punch cards available in 10- & 20-meal increments

    Menu for October 16

    Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers, chips, rice crispie treats


    Here is the Menu for October (Menu subject to change without notice.)


    Questions: Contact Director of Family Ministry Leah Dinoso at leah.dinoso@faithwestwood.com

  • Fall Fest at Camp Fontanelle October 19

    Come to Camp Fontanelle's 2nd Annual Fall Fest

    on Saturday, October 19, 10 am - 6 pm


    Hayrack rides - corn maze - craft fair - pumpkin patch -

    axe throwing tournament - and more!


    Visit campfontanelle.com for admission and activity details.


    Camp Fontanelle is a Great Plains United Methodist camp where youth, adults, and families can grow with God in a beautiful natural setting. In addition to yearly summer camps, Camp Fontanelle hosts retreats and other activities for youth, adults, and families throughout the whole year.

  • Faith fair

    Mark Your Calendars!

    Faith Fair

    Sunday, October 20

    before, between & after worship, fellowship hall


    Come explore the amazing number of missions and ministries at work at FaithWestwood, and discover where God is calling you to put your spiritual gifts into practice for our church and community!

  • Trunk or Treat october 27

    You're Invited!

    FaithWestwood's Trunk or Treat

    Sunday, October 27, 2 - 4 pm


    Trunk or Treat is FaithWestwood's annual fall celebration and welcomes families from all over our neighborhood and beyond for some FaithWestwood fun!


    Sign Up Your Trunk!

    The highlight of this event is seeing the kids enjoy YOUR creativity and hospitality shared through your awesome trunks! Sign up at tinyurl.com/FWTrunkHost


    Donate Candy - We Share A LOT

    Drop off bags of candy in the foyer on Sundays or at the office during the week.


    Thank You for Being Here for Trunk or Treat!


  • All saints Remembrance November 3

    On Sunday, November 3th, 2024, FaithWestwood will observe All Saints' Day with a remembrance of those in our congregation -- and close family members* of those in our congregation -- who returned to the Lord between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.


    Please Let Us Know

    If you are a member or frequent attender with FaithWestwood and would like to honor a close family member* who died within the time period above, please call or text Vikki O’Hara at 402-650-9489 or email her at vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com and provide your loved one's full name with correct spelling and their relationship to you.


    *Note: For this service, “close family member” is defined as: a parent, sibling, spouse, child, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchild, or grandparent of a FaithWestwood member or regular attender.


    All names must be received by Monday, October 28th, in order to prepare for the memorial.

  • Save the Date - Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway November 23

    On Saturday, November 23, starting at 8 am, FaithWestwood's FaithWorks Pantry will host its annual Thanksgiving Bag Giveway. Mark your calendars now - details still to come.


    For information about FaithWorks Pantry, please visit faithwestwood.com/faithworks-pantry Or email info@faithwestwood.com.

  • alpha opportunities through November 25

    Alpha at FaithWestwood meets on Monday evenings through November 25, from 6:30 - 8 pm! 


    Will You Pray for Alpha?

    FaithWestwood is looking for a few more volunteers to pray for the participants in Alpha. Contact Director of Caring Ministries Vikki O'Hara at 402-650-9489.


    If you have any questions, please contact Sandi Vyhlidal at info@faithwestwood.com or Pastor Cindi at cindi.stewart@faithwestwood.com. THANK YOU!

  • FW name tags available to order

    Order Your FW Name Tag

    First Sunday of every month in the foyer before and between worship services, 9 & 10:45 am


    Name tags are $10 a piece, cash or check, and you can choose a pin or magnet back.

  • FW Insulated Mugs Now on sale!

    While Supplies Last!

    Visit the coffee bar on Sunday to pick up your new FaithWestwood insulated coffee mug (with handle)!
    $10, cash or check

  • Scrip Cards are here!

    What is Scrip?

    Scrip is an on-going fundraiser that allows church family with FaithWestwood to purchase Scrip cards for everyday purchases and gift-giving needs. 


    When we purchase Scrip, FaithWestwood earns a portion of each sale -- depending on the merchant, up to 20%! Then, you use the entire value of the cards for your everyday shopping and gift-giving needs. Choices include your favorite spots for general merchandise, pharmacy, gas, restaurants, coffee, home improvement, and more! 


    How Do We Purchase Scrip?

    Cards may be purchased between worship services on Sunday morning, at the GREEN table in the foyer. You may also purchase cards by checking out raiseright.com online and/or by downloading the RaiseRight app to your mobile phone from the app store.

    • To get the unique enrollment code for FaithWestwood, check out your Monday FaithConnect email, Pastor Cindi's Thursday email, or email Brenda Bowers at brenda.bowers@faithwestwood.com

    List of Available Cards at the foyer table


    If you have any questions or need assistance, email Brenda at brenda.bowers@faithwestwood.com.

Ongoing @ FaithWestwood

  • the September - October 2024 issue of the Upper Room is here!

    Pick up your free copy of The Upper Room devotional on Sunday morning in the foyer or during the week inside the west entrance of FaithWestwood.

  • 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

  • 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 


    Weather Policy: If Millard Public Schools close because of inclement weather, Tai Chi for Balance will be cancelled as well. If the FaithWestwood building closes due to weather, illness, or another unexpected reason, look for announcements on the FW website, by text or email, and on Facebook.

  • Four or more for Faithworks pantry

    Introducing Four (or More!) for FaithWorks Pantry!


    How it Works

    • Keep This List: The pantry has put together a list of the 48 items they use the most throughout the year.
    • Shop: When you shop for your groceries each month, add an item or two from this list -- with the goal of a minimum of four items per month.
    • Donate: Bring your donation to the canvas collection bin in the church foyer on Sunday mornings or drop them off by the FW offices during the week.

    If everyone at FaithWestwood participates in Four (or More!), we can significantly reduce our pantry's expenses and continue our commitment to serve the patrons twice a month.


    Thank you for your continued support of FaithWorks Pantry.

  • What is a Faithgroup?

    FaithGroups: Creating Small Caring Communities That Love and Serve Jesus Together


    Becoming a deep, daring, and daily disciple is a life-long journey. If you are looking for people to share your faith and life with, a FaithGroup is the place for you.

    Most groups meet weekly for a time of fellowship, study, and prayer. Some groups meet year-round, some are just starting up again after summer, and some are short-term groups based on a particular topic. 


    There are many FaithGroups looking for new participants. If you're interested in connecting with a FaithGroup, reach out to Pastor Cindi by email to cindi.stewart@faithwestwood.com.

  • Serve with FaithWorks Pantry!

    This is a great serving opportunity for small groups or individuals!


    No experience necessary -- just a warm heart for serving others. Different jobs available for all ages and abilities. 


    Sign up for as many or as few days as you'd like at tinyurl.com/FWPantry


    Details: Contact Pastor Cindi Stewart at cindi.stewart@faithwestwood.com

  • 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

  • Never-ending Yarn drive

    The talented and dedicated members of FaithWestwood's Blanketed with Prayer Ministry create thousands of prayer shawls, prayer blankets, baby afghans, hats, scarves, and other handcrafted items to distribute to the FaithWestwood family and throughout the entire community.

    • To see a flyer with information and a list of the MANY local non-profit, medical, and veterans organizations that receive these items, click or tap here.

    Blanketed with Prayer is for You to Share Too!

    • Racks with white gift bags containing prayer shawls, prayer blankets, and baby afghans in are located in the foyer and inside the west entrance of FaithWestwood. Please feel free to take these items at any time to be gifted to friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members who are welcoming a new baby or are facing an illness, hospitalization, grief, or other challenge. It's free, and as the shelves empty, Blanketed with Prayer will refill them.

    How Can I Help? The Never-Ending Yarn Drive

    • As you can imagine, Blanketed with Prayer uses a LOT of yarn, and the need never ends.
    • Check your closets, ask a friend, keep an eye out at thrift stores and garage sales.
    • New yarn is NOT necessary! Any color, any amount -- as long as it's yarn, it will be put to good use by Blanketed with Prayer. 
    • You can drop off scrap and leftover yarn any time of day in the labeled bin located inside the west entrance of FaithWestwood. 

    Volunteer Information

    For more information about Blanketed with Prayer and how you can participate in this ministry, contact Vikki O’Hara, Director of Caring Ministries, at vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com 

  • 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.


    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!