Happenings @ FaithWestwood

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

Coming Soon @ FaithWestwood

  • {Gratitude} worship series through November 24

    {gratitude} - Worship series October 27 - November 24


    As we prepare for our annual stewardship campaign, we are casting a vision for the future rooted in our gratitude in the Holy Trinity and the Church. How might we insert gratitude into every aspect of our lives?


    Coming Sunday, November 24, 9 & 10:45 am

    Daily Gratitude

    Matthew 6:19-21

    Jesus shares in the Sermon on the Mount about storing up treasures in heaven. What do we find in our storehouses? The third part of our vision statement is to be a daily disciple – what does this mean and how might we insert daily gratitude into the stewardship of our gifts? 


    Resources

    {gratitude} Study Guide for Individuals & FaithGroups

    Message Series Descriptions Here


    What else this week?

    • Faith Commitment Sunday - bring your completed Faith Commitment sheets forward in worship; both services

  • Still time to bring bags for Thanksgiving Bag giveaway

    Will you fill one (or more!) bags for the Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway?

    Still Time to Bring in Bags or Donate! 


    Three Ways We Can Help Out:

    • Give Groceries -- Shopping List Here -- Bring filled bags to worship or drop them off at the FW office during the week.
    • Give Time -- sign up at tinyurl.com/FWThanksBags24 to help at the giveaway on November 23.
    • Give a Gift -- let the Pantry do the shopping with a monetary gift by mail, online or by text. Instructions at http://faithwestwood.com/about-us/give. The special giving code for online and text giving is BAGS.

    Thank You for Your Generous Support of the Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway!


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

  • 2025 Stewardship Campaign

    Over three weeks in November, including Sundays, November 10, 17 & 24, FaithWestwood is casting a vision for this church to be Deep, Daring, and Daily disciples, especially in terms of the stewardship of our gifts.


    In worship, Pastor Cindi introduced the three-week 2025 Stewardship Campaign and shared the following resources. If you missed these in worship, please take a few minutes to look them over.


    Stewardship Celebration Brochure

    Stewardship Celebration Insert


    These and more resources and information are shared on our website at faithwestwood.com/stewardship2025


    What's Next?

    Watch your post office mail

    2025 FaithCommitment Sheets have been mailed, and we encourage you to prayerfully consider how you will support the missions and ministries of FaithWestwood in 2025.


    FaithCommitment Sunday, November 24

    We invite you to attend worship IN PERSON on Sunday, November 24, at both worship services,  as we come forward to offer our completed Faith Commitment sheets.

    We would also encourage you to wait to make your commitment and submit it after all the information has been presented in the coming weeks, yet by December 1.


    Please pray that our stewardship efforts are blessed this year.

  • Advent begins December 1 - prepare the way

    Sunday, December 1, we begin the season of Advent - a special time of worship services and events as we prepare for and anticipate the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ.


    Mark your calendars - we don't want you to miss a thing!


    Details & Holiday Schedule of Events: faithwestwood.com/Christmas2024

    PDF Printable Holiday Schedule

    General FW Calendar: faithwestwood.com/fwcalendar


    Watch for announcements and reminders in coming weeks by email, text, social media, and in-worship announcements and signage.

  • 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. You can also visit the NEW FW Calendar

    • Scrip Fundraiser - ongoing; in the foyer or online
    • {Gratitude} Worship Series - Sundays, through November 24
    • Midweek Meals - Wednesdays, 5:15 - 6:30 pm, fellowship hall
    • The Zone Drive for CMS - now throught December 30
    • FaithWorks Pantry Upcoming Dates - Saturday, November 23, 8 am, (Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway); Thursday, December 12, 5 - 7 pm; Saturday, December 28, 10 am - 12 pm
    • Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway - Saturday, November 23, 8 am
    • Thanksgiving Eve Worship + Pie - Wednesday, November 27, 7pm
    • Solutions Group - [change in week this month] - Saturday, November 30, 10 am
    • Advent Begins - Sunday, December 1
    • Advent Studio - Sunday, December 1, 12 pm and/or Saturday, December 7, 6 - 8 pm (during Live Nativity), fellowship hall
    • Drive-thru Live Nativity - Saturday, December 7, 6-8 pm
    • Christmas Pageant - Sunday, December 15, ONE SERVICE, 10 am

  • GRoW Catalog Available Now!

    If you missed the Faith Fair in October, visit the FaithWestwood office to pick up your copy of the new GROW catalog, filled with descriptions of the different ministries, missions, and groups. Or download a pdf copy here.

  • Midweek meals wednesdays thru May 7

    MidWeek Meals are for EVERYONE!

    Individuals, families, students, and FaithGroups are all invited

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


    NEW START TIME 5:15 - 6:30 pm in fellowship hall

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

    Menu for November 20

    Grilled cheese or grilled cheese w/ham, chips, cupcakes

    Here is the Menu for November

    (Menu subject to change without notice.)


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

  • Thanksgiving Eve Worship + Pie November 27

    On Thanksgiving Eve, November 27, at 7pm, let's pause to gather together in gratitude and worship then share pie afterward in fellowship hall.

  • advent studio December 1 & 7 - new for 2024

    Advent Studio

    Sunday, December 1, 12 pm and/or Saturday, December 7, 6 - 8 pm (during Live Nativity)

    fellowship hall


    In this brand new Advent event for 2024, individuals and families are invited to create an advent wreath and/or a tabletop wooden stable to fill with nativity pieces the kids will collect throughout Advent.


    Refreshments too! On Sunday, December 1, we'll share soup and crackers before we craft. On Saturday, December 7, we'll enjoy cookies and cocoa. 

  • 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 engage with our families and community 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
    • Advent Studio (1) - Sunday, December 1, 12 pm; soup, crackers & crafts, fellowship hall
    • Live Nativity + Cookies & Cocoa - Saturday, December 7, 6 - 8 pm, FaithWestwood parking lot + fellowship hall
    • Advent Studio (2) - Saturday, December 7, 6 - 8 pm; cocoa, cookies & crafts, fellowship hall (during Live Nativity)
    • Christmas Pageant - Sunday, December 15, ONE SERVICE, 10 am
    • Christmas Eve Family Focused Worship - 3 pm, family-focused service feat. The Little Drummer Band

  • Drive-Thru Live Nativity december 7

    Saturday, December 7, 6 - 8 pm

    FaithWestwood's annual Live Nativity drive-thru event

    4814 Oaks Lane, Omaha, 68137


    Come experience the greatest story ever told with live actors and animals to see and enjoy!


    Cookies & cocoa, too! After you drive through, you're invited to stop in and enjoy cocoa, cookies, and crafts inside with the second round of our new Advent Studio in FaithWestwood's fellowship hall!


    ***FaithWestwood! Be a Part of the Cast & Crew!***

    • Our students will make up a big part of our Live Nativity cast, but everyone is welcome to join in the fun!
    • Many different roles available
    • Cast, greeters, traffic guidance, cocoa & cookies, and more!

    Sign up today at tinyurl.com/FWLIVENATIVITY

  • FaithWorks Pantry November & December dates

    Upcoming FaithWorks Pantry dates in November & December are:

    Saturday, November 23, 8 am, Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway

    Thursday, December 12, 5 - 7 pm

    Saturday, December 28, 10 am - 12 pm


    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 - November & December

    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 items for the following Pantry dates:

    • For November Pantry Dates: Baking Supplies -- flour, sugar, brown sugar, oil, colored sugars, baking powder & soda, frosting, imitation vanilla
    • For December Pantry Dates: Detergent and dish soap
    • 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.

  • Help CMS restock the zone

    Now through December 30, the FaithWestwood Missions team is collecting clothing and hygiene items for our neighbors at Central Middle School to help them restock The Zone - their in-school resource where students can pick up needed items free of charge.


    This is a list of needed items. Please drop off donations in the foyer on Sundays or outside the FaithWestwood offices during the week.

  • Don't forget scrip for christmas

    SCRIP makes GREAT Christmas Presents!

    (and benefits FaithWestwood too!)


    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. 


    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?

    • Between worship services on Sunday morning, at the GREEN table in the foyer. 
    • Check out raiseright.com online 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

    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 


    Scheduling Note: Tai Chi for Balance will NOT meet on Thursday, November 28; Monday, December 23; Thursday, December 26; Monday, December 30; and Thursday, January 2.


    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

  • FW Nametags 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 Mugs Available

    While Supplies Last!

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

  • 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!