If you're thinking about visiting -- 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!

Neighborly

Sundays, September 17 - October 15

9:00 & 10:45 a.m.
From time-to-time we need to be reminded of the basic virtues and fruits of the Spirit that can guide our relationships with God and one another. Let’s embrace what it is like to be Neighborly in this topical series.

Study Guide Available

Several of our FaithGroups will be using a study guide for this series, created by Pastor Cindi. Individuals are invited to study on their own too! Pick up a paper copy of this guide at the FaithWestwood office or on Sunday. Or, if you'd like to print your own, here's a pdf copy.

Coming Sunday, October 8

What Evil Cannot Stand (Forgiveness)

Matthew 18:21-35 

How can we forgive our brother and/or sister from our hearts?    Jesus reminds us that forgiveness is not negotiable as a follower!  Learn some steps toward saying “I am sorry” and “I forgive you.”  

Have a peek at the descriptions and scripture for each message in this series at faithwestwood.com/messagedescriptions.

On Sunday, October 8, when we’ll focus on our attention on the most influential book in the world – the Bible.
First, we’ll celebrate a special tradition at FaithWestwood – 3^rd Grade Bible! Ms. Leah and Pastor Cindi will present new bibles to our 3rd Graders in a special element in worship. If you have a 3rd grader and have not signed up for 3rd Grade Bible, email Ms. Leah at leah.dinoso@faithwestwood.com before Wednesday, October 4, for more information.
Then, Pastor Cindi will lead a special blessing of ALL of our bibles! So bring yours to worship -- whether it's a printed book or a bible app on your device. And if you don't have a bible, you can lift up the bible in the pew and participate too.

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.

• CMS Zone Clothing Drive - All through October. Information below
• Pop-Up Class - United Methodist 101 - Thursdays, October 5, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Led by Alan Hanson. Sign up with email to alan.hanson@faithwestwood.com
  
• 3rd Grade Bible - Parent/child class, Wed. Oct. 4, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. // Bible Presentations, Sun. Oct. 8, both services. Information below.
  
• Tacos for Teachers @ Central Middle School - a meal for Parent Conferences - Tuesday, October 10. Contribute taco bar ingredients by October 9, noon. Information below.
• Bellevue Berry Farm - Wednesday, October 11, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Information below.
• FaithWorks Pantry October Dates - Thursday, October 12, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. & Saturday, October 28, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Information below.
• Lord, Prepare Me - Stewardship Message Series - October 22 - November 5
  
• Trunk or Treat - Sunday, October 29. Information below.
• All Saints Remembrance - Sunday, November 5. Information below.
• Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway - Saturday, November 18. More information to come.

Thank you ALL for your amazing support for August Rally for FaithWorks Pantry. Your gifts filled the shelves and made a big difference for the Pantry and for their patrons. And as the need in our community continues, we need an ongoing solution to make sure the pantry can continue to serve its patrons twice a month.

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.

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. 

Upcoming groups include:

• Pop-Up Class - United Methodist 101 - Mondays, beginning October 2, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Let by Alan Hanson. Info: alan.hanson@faithwestwood.com
• Pop-Up Class - Methodist 101 - Thursdays, beginning October 5, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Led by Alan Hanson. Info: alan.hanson@faithwestwood.com

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

Third Grade Bible
Wed. October 4, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Interactive class for 3rd graders & parents
Sun. October 8, both services - Special Bible presentation

Each year, FaithWestwood presents a brand new bible to our third graders in worship on a special Sunday October.

This cherished tradition begins with an interactive Bible class where both the kids and their parents learn more about the Bible they're about to receive. Then on Sunday, October 8, at both services, Ms. Leah and Pastor Cindi will present new Bibles in a special part of worship.

If you're interested, RSVP to Ms. Leah at leah.dinoso@faithwestwood.com

FaithWestwood's Local Missions Team is feeding the teachers and staff at Central Middle School during parent-teacher conferences!

And we need ingredients for a taco bar!

To participate, please visit tinyurl.com/FWCMSFEED and pick an ingredient to contribute to this relational, generational, missional opportunity to serve our neighborhood school! Please bring your contributions to the church office by 12:00 p.m. on October 9.

Details at the link above.

Thank you for supporting the awesome teachers and staff at Central Middle!

Each year, the Local Missions Team collects specific NEW clothing and hygiene items to restock The Zone -- an in-school resource at Central Middle School where students can pick up important things they might need. 

To help Local Missions restock The Zone, take a look at this list to see what they need. New items only, please.

• Drop off your donation in the black collection tub marked for CMS Zone on Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, and Oct. 29. 
• You can also drop off donations outside the church office through October.

Info: Director of Guest Connections

jen.robinson@faithwestwood.com

Thank you for your generosity for our neighbors at Central Middle School!

Fall Fun for Everyone!

Wednesday, October 11, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Bellevue Berry Farm (Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch)

11001 South 48th Street, Papillion, 68133

Be a part of this annual autumn get-together for the entire FaithWestwood family (friends too!)

When you arrive, head for Yogi's Longhouse for campfire-roasted hotdogs, chips, and drinks -- s'mores too! Indoor and outdoor areas are available to eat, relax, and chat on a beautiful fall evening. Then head out to explore all the fun sights and activities throughout the Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch!

Admission is $10/person OR $9/person with a canned food donation.

Invite a friend or two to come along! Can't wait to see you all there!

FaithWorks Pantry is open on the following dates in October:

Thursday, October 12, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 28, 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon

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

To volunteer at the pantry, visit tinyurl.com/FWPantry. Choose as many days as you like, no experience necessary!

USDA Non-discrimination Statement

How is Jesus calling us to be a Sanctuary, Missionary & Testimony? Through a special stewardship worship series, Lord, Prepare Me, from October 29 to November 5, we will focus our attention on how we live out our partnership covenant through our prayers, presence, service, gifts, and witness.

Watch your post office mail and email for more information in the coming weeks. We're doing things a little differently this year!

On Sunday, November 5th, 2023, we will observe All Saints' Day (November 1) 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, 2022 and September 30, 2023.

Our current awareness of your close family members who have died is limited to those we have received notification of through prayer requests. You may have already received an email from Director of Caring Ministries Vikki O’Hara requesting specific information or asking for confirmation of the information we already have.

If you have not been contacted by Vikki about the remembrance and would like to honor a close family member* who died within the time period above, please IMMEDIATELY:

• Call or text Vikki O'Hara at 402-650-9489 or email her at vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com and she will obtain the required information from you. (Full name with correct spelling and relationship to you is all that is required.)

*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 24th, in order to prepare for the memorial. Any information received after Monday, October 24th cannot be included in the remembrance.

Get Your Trunks Ready!
Trunk or Treat is Coming to FaithWestwood!

Sunday, October 29
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
east parking lot, FaithWestwood

You're Invited!
Throw on your favorite costume and gather in front of FaithWestwood for an afternoon of trunks and treats with our faith family and the neighborhood community!

I Want to Be a Part!

• Sign up to host a decorated trunk at tinyurl.com/FWTRUNKHOST
• Or donate candy! (nut-free and small sizes, please ) Bring it to worship on Sunday or drop it off at the office during office hours 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.