family ministries CALENDAR September–December 2016
09.16 Recurring Events
EVENTS::
Sunday Mornings
September 2016 Events
Children’s Faith Formation
Children’s Small Group (ages 3-5th grade)
n Children n Youth n Combined
9:30–10:30 am | Children’s Wing
Sundays, September 4, 11, 18 | 9:30-10:30 am | C-1
This fall we are using the Rotation Model to explore various Bible stories, grow in friendship and faith.
This fall, our preschoolers (3s and 4s) will hear about the story of Joseph and his brothers. Through encountering the Bible story and hands-on activities, this saga of Jospeh and his brothers will come to life to help kids see how God was present during Joseph’s journey.
SEPT 4, 11, 18 | SMALL GROUP “Joseph” (3s and 4s) and “Blessings and Birthrights”(K-5th grade)
Kindergartenders - 5th grade will explore the story of Jacob and Esau through storytelling, science, spiritual practices and games. Kids will be able to relate the complex relationship that can exisit between siblings and friends and the sense of fairness and privilege that this story highlights. Most importantly, they’ll learn that God blesses each of us.
Youth Faith Formation
FAM Community Nights
9:30–10:30 am | Youth Wing Hear from great teachers and spend some time with your friends, all while growing in your relationship with God! SEPT 25 | FAITH FORMATION GROUPS WILL NOT MEET DUE TO THE ALL CHURCH RETREAT
Sunday Afternoons Children’s Choir 12:15-1:00 pm | Rm 200 Children ages 4-5th grade are invited to learn more about music and rhythm. The children will also practice songs that will be sung periodically in worship. Snacks provided. NO REHEARSAL ON SEPT 4 & 25
Youth Group 5–7 pm | Humphrey Hall Let’s talk about what is going on in our lives and how God is showing up in the everyday stuff! We gather for food, student-led worship, and discussion on any number of topics. NO YOUTH GROUP SEPT 4 & 25
Wednesdays, September 7 & 21 | 5:30-7:00 pm Los Arcos Apartments (11315 Fondren Rd) Join us as we extend and receive hospitality with our neighbors at Los Arcos. The theme this month drama and improvisation. Bring your silly and dramatic side and have fun with us.
Paddleboarding (3rd-5th graders)
Saturday, September 10 | 10:45 am–3 pm School may have started but summer is not over yet! We have several new 3rd graders moving up into a new class and we want to start off the year with something fun to help us get to know each other better. We will meet at the church at 10:45 am and travel together to Sugar Land to go paddle boarding for 2 hours and then out for lunch. The cost of $25 per child covers the rental and lunch (scholarships are available).
Youth Group: Memoirs
Sundays, September 11 & 18 | 5 – 7 pm A memoir is described as “a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources. During this three-week series we are going to take an in-depth look at three people’s lives: Paul (9/11), the Woman at the Well (9/18), and Peter (10/9). Who were they? What did they want? How did they live? Why does it matter? Join us to find out the answer to these questions.
Westbury Without Walls All Church Retreat Friday, September 23-Sunday, September 25 Camp Allen, Navasota, Texas
We will gather in the serene piney woods of Camp Allen (northwest of Houston). The cost is $60/person, with a $200/family maximum. This covers lodging in the cabins and meals. Recreational activities like horseback riding and canoeing can be added for a fee. To help us with preparations, make your reservation online at www.westburyumc.org/church-retreat
10.16 Recurring Events
EVENTS::
Sunday Mornings
October 2016 Events
Children’s Faith Formation
Youth Group: Memoirs
n Children n Youth n Combined
9:30–10:30 am | Children’s Wing
Sunday, October 9 | 5 – 7 pm
We will rotate through Big Group and Small Group Sundays. The Westbury Family Ministry Facebook Group will have the most current offerings.
A memoir is described as “a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources. As we wrap up this series, we’ll look at Peter. Who was he? What did he want? How did he live? Why does it matter? Join us to find out the answer to these questions.
OCT 2 & 9| BIG GROUP OCT 16 | MTEL SUNDAY OCT 23 & 30 | SMALL GROUP “Moses” (3s & 4s) and “Jesus Calls Helpers” (K-5th grade)
Youth Faith Formation 9:30–10:30 am | Youth Wing
More Than Enough Love Service Day
Sunday, October 16 | 9:30 am-2:00 pm | multiple sites Families are invited to join the church in a day of service. There are will be something to do for all ages! More details will be released soon. Childcare provided for babies-age 4 upon request.
Youth Group Out!
Sunday, October 16 | 5 – 7 pm
Hear from great teachers and spend some time with your friends, all while growing in your relationship with God!
Join us at Palace Lanes Bowling (4191 Bellaire Blvd, 77025). If you bowl over a 170 (without bumpers) you’ll get a secret prize! Bring a friend and some cash for snacks at the bowling alley.
Sunday Afternoons
Sundays, October 23 & 30| 9:30-10:30 am | C-1
Children’s Choir 12:15-1:00 pm | Rm 200 Children ages 4-5th grade are invited to learn more about music and rhythm. The children will also practice songs that will be sung periodically in worship. Snacks provided. OCT 16 | CHILDREN’S CHOIR PERFORMS DURING WORSHIP
Youth Group 5–7 pm | Humphrey Hall Let’s talk about what is going on in our lives and how God is showing up in the everyday stuff! We gather for food, student-led worship, and discussion on any number of topics. OCT 16 | YOUTH GROUP OUT OCT 23 | FAMILY COOKOUT
Children’s Small Group (ages 3-5th grade)
This fall, our preschoolers (3s and 4s) will hear about the story of Moses. Through encountering the Bible story and hands-on activities, the kids will see how God brought the Israelites to freedom in dramatic ways like the crossing of the Red Sea and how the people celebrated with joy. Kindergartenders - 5th grade will hear the story of Jesus calling the disciples to follow him and learn that we are called to follow Jesus and do God’s work. We’ll rotate through storytelling, art, cooking and games to experience the story in a variety of ways. Just like Jesus called the fisherman and Levi, we’ll talk about how Jesus still calls us to follow him today.
Family Cookout
Sunday, October 23 | 4:30-6:30 pm Westbury Park (by Parker Elementary) We’ll bring the burgers and dogs, you bring yourselves and a side to share! Come hang out with other Westbury UMC families for a fun afternoon playing in the park. This is also a great opportunity for new and visiting families to connect and learn more about family ministry at Westbury UMC and get to know other families.
Youth Group: Friendships that Last Sunday, October 30 | 5 – 7 pm
Have you ever wondered what makes people tick? How do you know if you’re going to get along with someone? What makes a good friend? Join us for this two week series on friendship as we examine David and JOhnathon and some of the disciples of Jesus through the lends of friendship.
11.16 Recurring Events
EVENTS::
Sunday Mornings
November 2016 Events
Children’s Faith Formation
Children’s Small Group (ages 3-5th grade)
9:30–10:30 am | Children’s Wing We will rotate through Big Group and Small Group Sundays. The Westbury Family Ministry Facebook Group will have the most current offerings. NOV 6 & 13| SMALL GROUP “Moses” (3s & 4s) and “Jesus Calls Helpers” (K-5th grade) NOV 20 | BIG GROUP NOV 27 | FAMILY ADVENT WREATHS
Youth Faith Formation 9:30–10:30 am | Youth Wing Hear from great teachers and spend some time with your friends, all while growing in your relationship with God!
Sunday Afternoons Children’s Choir 12:15-1:00 pm | Rm 200 Children ages 4-5th grade are invited to learn more about music and rhythm. The children will also practice songs that will be sung periodically in worship. Snacks provided. NOV 6 | CHILDREN’S CHOIR PERFORMS DURING WORSHIP NOV 20 | NO REHEARSAL
Youth Group 5–7 pm | Humphrey Hall Let’s talk about what is going on in our lives and how God is showing up in the everyday stuff! We gather for food, student-led worship, and discussion on any number of topics. NOV 27 | NO YOUTH GROUP
n Children n Youth n Combined
Sundays, November 6 & 13 | 9:30-10:30 am | C-1 This fall, our preschoolers (3s and 4s) will hear about the story of Moses. Through encountering the Bible story and hands-on activities, the kids will see how God brought the Israelites to freedom in dramatic ways like the crossing of the Red Sea and how the people celebrated with joy. Kindergartenders - 5th grade will hear the story of Jesus calling the disciples to follow him and learn that we are called to follow Jesus and do God’s work. We’ll rotate through storytelling, art, cooking and games to experience the story in a variety of ways. Just like Jesus called the fisherman and Levi, we’ll talk about how Jesus still calls us to follow him today.
Youth Group: Friendships that Last Sunday, November 6 | 5 – 7 pm
Have you ever wondered what makes people tick? How do you know if you’re going to get along with someone? What makes a good friend? Join us as we wrap up this series on friendship as we examine David and JOhnathon and some of the disciples of Jesus through the lends of friendship.
Youth Group: Raising Parents
Sundays, November 13 & 20 | 5 – 7 pm Being a teenager is tough. Your parents have different expectations of you and all of a sudden life is so different than it was when you were in Elementary school. Not to fear. Join us for an exciting discussion on adolescense as we discuss the psychological changes that are at play in your relationships with mom and dad and we teach you how to raise your parents.
Good Gifts Market
Saturday, November 26 | Time TBD Come shop for change at our outdoor Good Gifts Market on the church’s brick plaza and circle drive. By purchasing beautiful, handcrafted gifts, you will support artisans locally and around the world seeking sustainable income. Hot drinks and food for purchase from food trucks. Residents of Westbury and surrounding Southwest Houston neighborhoods will be invited.
Family Advent Wreath Making
Sunday, November 27 | 9:00-10:30 am | Humphrey Hall Families are welcome to join us as we celebrate the beginning of Advent! There will be a continental breakfast and all the needed materials to make a fresh, live wreath to use as part of family devotions throughout Advent. (Suggested donation of $8 per wreath)
12.16 Recurring Events Sunday Mornings Children’s Faith Formation 9:30–10:30 am | Children’s Wing We will rotate through Big Group and Small Group Sundays. The Westbury Family Ministry Facebook Group will have the most current offerings. DEC 4, 11, 18 | FAMILY FAITH FORMATION
Youth Faith Formation 9:30–10:30 am | Youth Wing Hear from great teachers and spend some time with your friends, all while growing in your relationship with God! DEC 25 | FAITH FORMATION GROUPS WILL NOT MEET. THERE WILL BE WORSHIP AT 10:45AM IN THE SANCTUARY. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Sunday Afternoons Children’s Choir 12:15-1:00 pm | Rm 200 Children ages 4-5th grade are invited to learn more about music and rhythm. The children will also practice songs that will be sung periodically in worship. Snacks provided. DEC 17 | DRESS REHEARSAL 9-11 AM DEC 18 | CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE
Youth Group 5–7 pm | Humphrey Hall Let’s talk about what is going on in our lives and how God is showing up in the everyday stuff! We gather for food, student-led worship, and discussion on any number of topics. DEC 25 | NO YOUTH GROUP
EVENTS::
n Children n Youth n Combined
December 2016 Events Family Faith Formation (adults, children + youth)
Sundays, December 4, 11 & 18| 9:30-10:30 am | Parlor Throughout December, kids and parents will come together to explore a new aspect of the Christmas story through storytelling, music and hands-on activities.
Youth Group: The Story
Sunday, December 4 | 5 – 7 pm So, this woman got pregnant. She wasn’t married. And she claims that it’s some sort of savior. WHAT?! The Christmas story told -- with a twist.
Youth Group: Worship Night
Sunday, December 11 | 5 – 7 pm Join us for a night of carols and songs about the Christmas season.
Youth Group: Christmas Party and White Elephant Exchange
Sunday, December 18 | 5 – 7 pm | Location TBD No need to go out and buy something for this great gift exchange. Simply look around the home! Find something that is “perfect” wrap it up, and join us for an evening of Christmas songs, food and our gift exchange.
Children’s Choir Christmas Performance Sunday, December 18 | Time TBD
The Children’s choir will be presenting “The Night the Animals Talked”,a Christmas Story with Music in One Act by Patricia Barry Rumble.
Christmas Eve Services
Saturday, December 24 | 4 pm and 6 pm Families with kids of all ages are encouraged to attend the 4 pm service, which will be a fresh, interactive and engaging approach to Christmas Eve. The 6 pm service will be a more traditional service with candlelight. Nursery care is available during both services for babies-age 4.
Westbury
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Hillary Peete | hillary1@westburyumc.org
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY Josh United Methodist Church
Lemons | josh1@westburyumc.org
WestburyUMC.org
5200 Willowbend Blvd. Houston, TX 77096 713-723-0175
Westbury