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!


  • Coming This WEek - A Celebration of Pastor Steve's Ministry

    A Celebration of Pastor Steve's Ministry

    June 11, 2023

    10:00 a.m. - One worship together in the worship center

    11:15 a.m. - Pizza reception and more fun in the gym


    Everyone is invited to come and celebrate Pastor Steve & Trish this Sunday, June 11!

    Help us wish them the best on their new adventrues in retirement.


    Celebration Begins with ONE Worship, 10:00 a.m.

    We'll begin this special day with one worship service together at 10:00 a.m. in the worship center. Pastor Steve will give his final message at FaithWestwood, and we have special music and other elements planned as well.


    Reception Follows

    After worship, head to the gym for a pizza reception and more fun starting at about 11:15 a.m.


    Hope to see you all on June 11!


    Pastor Steve's Message This Sunday, June 11

    Watch Over the Flock 

    Acts 20:17-24 

    Just as Paul gave his farewell address to the sisters and brothers from Ephesus, on this day Pastor Steve will give his farewell message to us as he enters retirement and the next stage of life for him and Tricia. We remember what Paul said, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” (Acts 20:28).         


    Descriptions for Every Message in This Series

  • Upcoming dates for one Worship @ 10:00 am

    Lots of exciting things happening at FaithWestwood in the coming weeks -- and opportunities for us to gather together in one worship!


    We will have ONE worship service at 10:00 a.m. on the following dates:

    • June 11
    • June 18
    • July 9
    See you then!
  • VBS Coming to Faithwestwood June 11!

    It's our biggest, most amazing event of the year!

    And This Year, It's Going to be STELLAR!


    VBS is coming to FaithWestwood June 11 - 15, 6:00 - 8:30pm! Great things happen every year at VBS, and we couldn't be more excited to see all of you there!


    AND IT'S ALL FREE!!!


    Register Your Kids TODAY at tinyurl.com/FWVBS23

    Ages 3 - leaving 5th grade


    This year's VBS launches kids on a cosmic quest where they’ll have a blast shining Jesus’ light to the world. Stellar rockets kids on an out-of-this-world adventure that’s light years of faith-building fun!


    Find all the details at faithwestwood.com/vbs


    and see the preview HERE!

  • Be a Stellar VBS volunteer!

    VBS is coming to FaithWestwood June 11 - 15!


    Be a part of the most fun-filled, faith-building, community-inviting event of the year!


    Our entire church family gets involved in the planning, directing, shopping, leading, and teaching for VBS! It's a whole bunch of fun and you don't want to miss out.


    Sign up today at tinyurl.com/VBSVOLUNTEER23. Lots of different ways to get involved!

  • VBS KID silent auction - donate

    Will you help us fill baskets with fun items for the 2023 VBS Kid Silent Auction?


    Each year for VBS, FaithWestwood holds a fundraiser to support a special kid and their family. This year's VBS Kid is Nathan, and for this year's fundraiser, we're filling baskets with great items for a silent auction during VBS! (We'll learn more about Nathan and his family as we get closer to VBS on June 11.)


    Tap here to find a list of the kinds of items we're looking for!


    You can team up to fill one complete basket, or pick out a few different items to donate and we'll put the baskets together for you.  

    If you'd rather make a monetary donation and let us do the shopping, you can:

    • give online at faithwestwood.com/about-us/give, or
    • drop donations in the box by the children's check-in table in the foyer, or
    • text a $ amount and the word VBSKID to (402) 316-5481 (ex. $20.00 vbskid) If you have not given by text before, you will be prompted to create an account.
    Thank you for supporting our VBS Kid!
  • VBS Sunday - ONE worship 10:00 a.m.

    VBS Sunday - One Worship

    Sunday, June 18, 10:00 a.m.


    Let the kids share how much fun they had and how much they learned during VBS week with a ONE SERVICE worship celebration!


    This is a full worship service with prayer, scripture, and message from Ms. Leah -- but throughout our time together, you'll get to see and hear all the excitement and faith-building fun the kids experienced during VBS. 


    Note: There will be no Sunday School or Nursery for this service. All the fun will be in the worship center!

  • FaithWorks Pantry Dates in May

    FaithWorks Pantry

    4814 Oaks Lane, south end of FaithWestwood church


    Open in May:

    Thursday, June 8, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

    Saturday, June 24, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


    For more information, 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?
    Pick your task & your days -- as many or as few as you'd like. Two opportunities each month.
    Sign up at tinyurl.com/FWPantry

  • 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 or at 402-650-9489.

  • Join the Lawn Care Team

    The grass is growing! And we'd love to grow the team needed to keep FaithWestwood looking good for our faith family, visitors, and neighbors too!


    Sign up today at https://tinyurl.com/FWMowTeam

    • You pick which weeks you'd like to mow -- as many or as few as you want.
    • You pick the location -- the lawn, the hilled area by the west parking lot, or Oaks Park
    • We provide the equipment.
    Help FW shine this summer with the Mowing Team!
  • Love & Learn Positions Open // Enrolling New students

    Love & Learn Christian Childcare & Preschool is currently looking for caring teachers for both full- and part-time positions. We're enrolling new students right now too!

    If you or someone you know would be interested in joining the team at Love & Learn, please contact Director Geresia Tilson by email to geresia.tilson@faithwestwood.com or call 402 895-2114.

    The mission of Love & Learn Christian Childcare & Preschool is to provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment which stimulates Christian and educational growth in young children. Operating on the south end of the FaithWestwood building, lower level, Love & Learn offers a quality childcare and preschool environment and focuses on the children's social and physical development needs through an engaging curriculum and a variety of activites and experiences.

  • Lend a truck or a hand for the local missions team

    The Local Missions Team is assembling a team of:

    1. volunteers with pickups or trailers who would agree to help our congregation move donated furniture to Restoring Dignity's warehouse at 108th & J Streets, and
    2. volunteers to help load and unload donated furniture and household items when the need arises.

    For questions or to sign up, contact Alan Hanson by email at alan.hanson@faithwestwood.com or at info@faithwestwood.com

    Who is Restoring Dignity?
    Restoring Dignity is a local nonprofit organization that supports the local refugee population with the critical resources they need to thrive in Omaha. In addition to other supports such as training, education, and advocacy, Restoring Dignity runs a Community Donation Center where refugees can select the furniture and household items they need to establish their homes.

  • Jump on the fireworks team!

    Every year, The Petes host a fireworks stand to raise funds for Children's Ministry and VBS so that we can continue to offer a fun, inspiring, and faith-building experience to all kids FREE OF CHARGE!


    And through this fireworks stand, we have made many deep connections and friendships with members of the community along the way!


    Will you help The Petes at the Fireworks Stand?


    Sign up today at tinyurl.com/petesfireworks

    • Unloading Party - June 26 - help get the fireworks off the truck and organized
    • Staff the Tend - the tent is open for business June 28 - July 4. Lots of available slots all throughout each of those days

    We can't wait to see you at the fireworks stand with The Petes and help us keep VBS free for all kids!

Ongoing @ FaithWestwood

  • the May-June 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

  • 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 May 29, June 1, 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!