FaithWestwood United Methodist Church

Happenings @ FaithWestwood

Coming Soon @ FaithWestwood

Come to the table - October & November
Come to the Table - Worship Series
October & November
Sermon Series Title & Overview // The Come to the Table worship series explores Gospel stories around the table – Jesus eating with his disciples, sinners, and religious leaders. Jesus then expands people’s perceptions about what’s most
important. How do you and I need to expand our personal tables to say to others, come to the table?

Coming Sunday, October 19
9 & 10:45 am, in person & online
Mercy, Not Sacrifice
Matthew 9:9-13
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, the Pharisees wonder why the teacher eats with tax collectors and sinners. Who was Jesus sent to serve and to save, and how do you avoid being too judgey?

What Else October 19?
Hymn Sing - 8:45 am, worship center
2026 Vision & Budget Planning Meeting - 10 am, chapel, 2nd floor
FaithLink - 12 pm, fellowship hall
2026 Vision & Budget Planning Meeting - 12 pm, chapel, 2nd floor
Mission Offering Focus - Iglesia Comunitaria (giving code: iglesia)
Resources:
Come to the Table Study Guide for Individuals & FaithGroups
Message Descriptions
At a Glance
All kinds of exciting things are happening at FaithWestwood! For a full calendar of upcoming events, visit faithwestwood.com/FWCalendar
- Come to the Table Worship Series - Sundays in October & November, 9 and 10:45 am, in person & online
- Scrip Fundraiser - ongoing; in the foyer or online
- MidWeek Meals - Wednesday evenings, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, fellowship hall
- Hymn Sing - Sunday, October 19, 8:45 am, fellowship hall
- 2026 Vision & Budget Preview Meeting - Sunday, October 19, 10 am & 12 pm, chapel, 2nd floor
- FaithLink - Sunday, October 19, 12 noon, fellowship hall
- 2026 Vision & Budget Preview Meeting - Wednesday, October 22, 5:30 pm, fellowship hall (same time/place as MidWeek Meals - grab a meal for the meeting, if you like!)
- FaithWorks Pantry Upcoming Dates - Saturday, October 25, 10 am - 12 pm; Wednesday, November 12 (seniors, by appointment) - 1 - 3 pm (email info@faithwestwood.com for appointment); Thursday, November 13, 5 - 7 pm; Saturday, November 22, Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway, 8 am (details to come)
- Costume Blessing - Sunday, October 26, 9 & 10:45 am
- 2026 Vision & Budget Preview Meeting - Sunday, October 26, 10 am, chapel, 2nd floor
- Trunk or Treat - Sunday, October 26, 2 - 4 pm, outside east entrance FaithWestwood
- All Saints Remembrance - Sunday, November 2, 9 & 10:45 am - worship center
- Donut/Pajama Party in Sunday School - Sunday November 2, 9 & 10:45 am
- [Save the Date] Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway - Saturday, November 22, 8 am, south entrance (details to come).
Midweek meals Wednesday Evenings

MidWeek Meals is a weekly opportunity for everyone to gather together for a meal and fellowship time!

Next MidWeek Meal: Wednesday, October 15, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, fellowship hall
Menu: Tacos (subject to change)

Suggested donation of $3 for each meal.
Multi-meal punch cards are also available.
(Punch cards can be purchased for a family or individual's use
OR you may donate meal punch cards for others to use if needed.)

For punch card questions: Email Pastor Cindi Stewart at cindi.stewart@faithwestwood.com.
For all other MidWeek Meal questions: Email Director of Family Ministry Leah Dinoso at leah.dinoso@faithwestwood.com.
Hymn Sing October 19

Come early to worship and sing together some of your favorite hymns
Sunday, October 19, 8:45 am, worship center
2026 Vision & Budget Preview meetings

Recently in worship, we announced the start of our 2026 Stewardship Campaign.

As a next step, we would encourage everyone to attend one of four 2026 Preview Meetings to learn more about all we accomplished in 2025, and our plans for 2026.

The meeting dates and times are as follows:
Sunday, October 19 at 10 am - chapel, 2nd floor
Sunday, October 19 at 12 noon - chapel, 2nd floor
Wednesday October 22 at 5:30 pm - fellowship hall (grab a MidWeek Meal and then join us)
Sunday, October 26 at 10 am - chapel, 2nd floor

Also in worship, we shared this year's Stewardship Celebration Brochure for 2025!
In it, you'll find a celebration of key highlights in the 2025 missions & ministries of FaithWestwood.

What an exciting year for worship, study, and service at FaithWestwood!
Faithlink october 19

Are you new (or newer) to FaithWestwood?
FaithLink is a lunchtime "pizza with the pastor" opportunity to learn more about FaithWestwood's mission and ministries, meet others, and discover the next steps to becoming a member/partner at this church.

Our next meeting of FaithLink:
Sunday, October 19, 12 - 1:30 pm, fellowship hall

Information: Contact Pastor Cindi Stewart at cindi.stewart@faithwestwood.com
FaithWorks Pantry Upcoming October dates
- Saturday, October 25 - 10 am - 12 pm
- Wednesday, November 12, (seniors by appointment) - 1 - 3pm (email info@faithwestwood.com for appointment
- Thursday, November 13 - 5 - 7 pm
- Saturday, November 22, Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway - 8 am (details to come)
For more information about FaithWorks Pantry, please visit faithwestwood.com/faithworks-pantry
FaithWorks Pantry is an equal-opportunity provider.
Non-discrimination Statement

Serve at 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

FaithWestwood's FaithWorks Pantry are proud partners of Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, Omaha's only dedicated food rescue service. To learn more about Saving Grace, please visit savinggracefoodrescue.org.
- FaithWorks Pantry april dates
  Upcoming FaithWorks Pantry dates in April are:
  Saturday, April 26, 10 am - 12 pm
  Thursday, May 8, 5 - 7 pm
  Saturday, May 24, 10 am - 12 pm
  
  **NEW - Seniors only, by appointment only**
  Once a month, on the Wednesday before the Thursday pantry date
  This Month: Wednesday, May 7, 1-3 pm
  Call Brenda Bowers at the church office at 402-895-3394 to schedule.
  
  For more information about FaithWorks Pantry, please visit faithwestwood.com/faithworks-pantry
  
  FaithWorks Pantry is an equal-opportunity provider.
  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
  
  FaithWestwood's FaithWorks Pantry are proud partners of Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, Omaha's only dedicated food rescue service. To learn more about Saving Grace, please visit savinggracefoodrescue.org.e, please visit
- savinggracefoodrescue.org.
FaithWorks Pantry Focus - October

In October, the FaithWorks Pantry donation focus will be baking supplies (including flour, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, shortening)

Most needed items: 64 oz juice (apple, cranberry-apple, grape), toilet paper, tissues, paper towels

Always Welcome: “Four or More” items and monetary donations
Trunk or Treat at Faithwestwood

Trunk or Treat @ FaithWestwood
Sunday, October 26, 2 - 4 pm
4814 Oaks Lane, Omaha, 68137

Everyone is Invited!
Trunk or Treat is FaithWestwood's annual fall celebration, welcoming families from all over the community for lots of fun, awesome trunks, and loads of candy!

For FaithWestwood Family
The highlight of Trunk or Treat is seeing the kids smile and experience God's love for them shared through FaithWestwood's hospitality and your awesome trunks!
Sign Up Your Trunk Today - tinyurl.com/FWTrunkHost
Donate candy for our Trunk Hosts - drop off bags of candy in the foyer on Sundays or at the FW office during the week.
Costume blessing october 26

Wear your Halloween costume to church on Sunday, October 26, and receive a special blessing from Family Ministry during Children's Time in worship!
All saints day remembrance November 2

On Sunday, November 2, 2025, 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, 2024 and September 30, 2025.

Please Let Us Know
If you would like to honor a close family member* who died within the time period above, and you would like them to be included in this remembrance, please text or call 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 27th, in order to prepare for the memorial.
Donut & PJ Party November 2

Sunday School kids!
On Sunday, November 2, Daylight Saving Time ends, and we're having a party!

Come to church in your PJs and enjoy donuts in Sunday School, 9 & 10:45 am!
Save the date - Thanksgiving bag giveaway November 22

The FaithWorks Pantry's annual Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway at FaithWestwood will be on Saturday, November 22, at 8 am.

More details to come.
GROW Catalog 2025 - 2026

Check out FaithWestwood's GROW Catalog to see descriptions and contacts for of all the different ministries, missions, and groups going on at FaithWestood. Watch for the latest update coming soon!
Make Scrip work for you!
This fall, we're sharing the many great reasons to purchase Scrip for your everyday and special shopping needs (and help FaithWestwood at the same time!)

UPDATE
Check out the *new* features on the RaiseRight app with local dining and online shopping. RaiseRight has Raise Days which provide additional bonus percentages too.

Ideas for SCRIP:
Wedding presents and other gifts, budget planning, vacation planning & travel, big purchases (appliances, etc) & MORE!

What is Scrip?
- Scrip is an on-going fundraiser for FaithWestwood.
- Church family purchase Scrip cards from their favorite merchants for everyday purchases and gift-giving needs.
- 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? In-person & Online!
- Purchase physical cards between worship services on Sunday morning, at the GREEN table in the foyer.
- Or, purchase digital cards at raiseright.com and/or download 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
For questions or assistance with the app: Visit the GREEN table between services on Sunday mornings, or email Brenda at brenda.bowers@faithwestwood.com.
FaithWorks Pantry Garden work days

The FWPantry Garden is still growing!
FaithWorks Garden Work Days
Tuesdays & Thursdays
9 am - 12 noon
Come any time -- stay as long as you like

Meet in the FaithWorks Pantry Garden just south of FaithWestwood.
We will water, weed, and take care of other tasks.
Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, handtools, gloves, and kneeling pad.

Questions: Email Nancy Vogel at info@faithwestwood.com.
Be a Gardening Angel

FaithWestwood's Gardening Angels team support our value to be Invitational by helping our flowers and landscapes thrive and stay beautiful for our faith family and community!

It's a great way to serve FaithWestwood as an individual, couple, or family!
Members of the team are responsible for just one area of the landscape, periodically weeding, trimming, and picking up litter.

And gardening is great for your health and well-being too.
No experience necessary - we'll show you what to do.

Information: Email Kathy Jeffers at info@faithwestwood.com.

Ongoing @ FaithWestwood

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 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

And take a look at our Grow Catalog too!