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 -- 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 - Message series begins September 17

    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.

  • Bible Blessing October 8

    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 – 3rd 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.

  • 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.

    • 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.
  • Four (or More!) for FaithWorks pantry

    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.

  • Find 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. 

    Upcoming groups include:

    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.

  • 3rd Grade Bible - A FaithWestwood Tradition

    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


  • Tacos for Teachers @ Central Middle School

    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!

  • Restock The Zone at Central Middle School

    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!



  • Bellevue Berry Farm

    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 October dates

    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

  • Lord, Prepare me - stewarship message series begins Oct 22

    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!

  • All Saints Remembrance Sunday, November 5

    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.


  • Trunk or Treat is coming!

    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. 

  • Positions open at Love & Learn

    Love & Learn Christian Childcare & Preschool is looking for kind hearts to join the team!


    For more information, contact Director Kami Schmitz at kami.schmitz@faithwestwood.com or call 402-895-2114


    Enrollment

    Love & Learn has spots open for kids too! For more information, contact Kami.

Ongoing @ FaithWestwood

  • the September-October 2023 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 in the vestibule at 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

  • 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, email Pastor Cindi 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

  • 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.

  • 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: 

    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!


    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: Send an email c/o Kay Ritz to info@faithwestwood.com

  • 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

  • Got Yarn?

    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.

  • 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!

  • 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!