together january | february | march 2015
We st b ury Uni t e d Me t hodi st C h ur c h
Dreaming of God-sized possibilities
A year remembered Highlights from 2014
Renewed daily Preview of Lenten disciplines
jan | feb | March 2015
C o n te n ts on the cover To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the church, we are pleased to offer on this issue’s cover, a historical watercolor painting by J. Gaddis in 1991.
FEATURE
16 Dreaming of God-sized possibilities
Strategic Planning Committee shares about goals for the next 3–5 years of ministry
04 10
SPOTLIGHTS
04 A year remembered Highlights from 2014
10 R enewed daily Preview of Lenten disciplines
9
MORE
03 Intro: reflection on 60 year 09 Y outh trips to Haiti and Colorado th
Red Envelope Challenge
13 F AQs about membership, Coffee With the Pastors and More Than Enough Love FAM Sunday
14 G ratitude for church leaders, Spring Break Mini-Camp, ESL and Day School registration
15 F amily Conference, Boy Scouts, and Westbury cares
18 Family Relay Games 19 Zumba and Young Adult Potluck 20 Worship series: “Family Portrait”
18
celebrating a milestone anniversary
years
1955–2015
W estb u ry U n ited M eth o dist C h u rch
2
together jan | feb | march 2015
Over the decades, the people of Westbury UMC have shared in God’s dream for this church and the surrounding community. We want to hear your stories for upcoming magazine issues. Please send your memories, mementos and photographs to Kelsey Johnson, Director of Communications, at kelsey1@ westburyumc.org or mail them to Westbury UMC at 5200 Willowbend Blvd. Houston, TX 77096.
j a n | f e b | ma r c h 2 0 1 5
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here were no cell phones sixty years ago. People didn’t have laptops or home computers. People talked to each other on a “land line.” They ran into each other at the local stores, at PTA meetings or at gatherings like church. That was sixty years ago and so very different than today. The beginnings of Westbury United Methodist Church date back to 1955—sixty years ago. We were blessed with people of vision, people who dreamed dreams. God guided them together and planted the concept for a new Methodist congregation to take root in the fresh and growing area of Westbury. Since starting a new church is no easy task, these dreamers and visionaries were also hard workers, which was necessary for what lay ahead for them and for Westbury United Methodist Church.
Contributors Joyce Akins, Brian Beard, Tommy Behrman, Grace Bukuru, Brenda Coleman, Susan Edge, Taylor Fuerst, Dan Garza, Josh Lemons, Hillary Peete, Donald Scherer, Hannah Smith, Mike Sturdevant, Hannah Terry, Holly Welty, Steve Welty, Melanie Wiggs and Sarah Winkel Editor & Designer Kelsey Johnson Assistant editor Cindy Parker Photos Tommy Behrman, Kelsey Johnson, Alisa Strength and Hannah Terry. Stock images from www.freeimages.com and www.creationswap.com.
It required dreamers to get from Bellaire High School, where services were first held, to the incredible place of worship we are able to enjoy today. But then it takes dreamers and visionaries to accomplish what has been done for our community and our church. We can worship in a beautiful Sanctuary and Chapel. Although we have many rooms and other areas that are occupied on Sunday, they are used throughout the week for various activities. During the week we have the sounds of young children who learn, play and sing, taught by loving and capable teachers in our Day School. We reach out to many locally through FAM (Fondren Apartment Ministry), our connection with Anderson Elementary School, the Braes Interfaith Ministries, as well as supporting other missions worldwide. Within our congregation we can see what heaven must look like since we have persons from many different backgrounds and cultures. We have a diversity that was not planned by a committee or one person. It happened though God’s grace. It happened through the dreams of visionaries. It happened because of this congregation’s willingness to see and listen through our hearts, not just through our physical ears and eyes. It happened because of God’s divine plan.
Sixty years ago marked the beginnings of Westbury United Methodist Church.
As we begin this year of 2015, I invite you to look around our church and notice the many ministries. Perhaps you are very familiar with a Sunday school class or another activity. However, you may be unaware of the many opportunities available at Westbury. Sixty years ago, there were the usual Sunday school classes and worship services each week. There was an adult choir and soon a children’s choir was begun. There was a women’s group and other opportunities offered. As our church grew, so did the ministries. Now we have so many ministries that it would be difficult to list them all here. Each of these have been purposely formed, not just so we can pat ourselves on the back for all our church offers. They are conceived and prayed about by dreamers and visionaries so that our church can continue being meaningful for members and the community. I daresay that no one person could be involved in all the opportunities we have now, but we can be thankful and pray for Westbury United Methodist Church as we wish her a very happy birthday in this 60th year.
We were blessed with
people of vision, people
we’re Listening.
Send your suggestions, corrections and comments to Kelsey Johnson, Director of Communications, at kelsey1@westburyumc.org or write to Westbury UMC at 5200 Willowbend Blvd. Houston, TX 77096. Westbury United Methodist Church 5200 Willowbend Boulevard Houston, Texas 77096 (713) 723-0175 www.westburyumc.org
who dreamed dreams.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! And we may continue to grow in God’s grace and His plan for us. —Sarah Winkel, Organist and Music Assistant jan | feb | march 2015 together
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{a year remembered}
2014
January Explore God’s Story churchwide series encourages reading through the Bible until Easter. Sermons follow the ma jor arc of the Biblical narrative, small groups and Sunday school classes discuss weekly passages and a pastors’ blog fosters even more dialogue.
In worship, we often say together: God has brought us a mighty long way! And God will go with us all the way. Reflecting on the past year, significant moments point us to God’s provision and presence every step of the way. 4
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You may have your own celebrations from 2014 to share! If so, post them on Westbury UMC’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/westburyumc
Ma r c h Children flock to our first ever Spring Break Camp. Little gardeners plant flowers around the church campus and learn about the parable of the sower and other Bible stories. Original, colorful Easter banners are created by church members at a Painting Party facilitated by The Art Project, Houston.
Fe b rua ry
Apr i l
FAM (Fondren Apartment Ministry) assembles a visioning lunch where over 100 people gather to learn more about this flourishing ministry with refugees and other neighbors.
Easter Sunday greets over 640 people who fill the Sanctuary to sing praises to the risen Christ. Five youth are confirmed in the faith. A brand new addition to the morning is the well-received Fellowship Breakfast between worship services.
Ash Wednesday worship marks the beginning of the season of Lent.
Families with young children enjoy a park playdate to get to know one another better.
May Attendees supporting the Change the World Day Beatles Lunch raise $4,400 for local and global missions with funds going 50/50 to Braes Interfaith Ministries and Haitian Artisans for Peace International. At Annual Conference, Rev. Hannah Terry is commissioned as a provisional deacon.
jan | feb | march 2015 together
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Mama Grace Bukuru
I’ve learned a lot from Westbury United Methodist... The church helped me learn how to take care of the farm // Kuba umwe mw’itorero rya Westbury United Methodist byatumye niga ibintu byinshi canee by’ingirakamaro (Swahili)
J uly A Strategic Planning Team is called to discern goals for the church’s ministry over the next 3–5 years. Meanwhile, the Spiritual Formation Task Force provides valuable direction for family ministries.
June We bid farewell to our associate pastor of seven years, Rev. Romonica Malone-Wardley, as she enters a new appointment. Retired pastor Rev. Homer Williams comes on staff part-time to focus on pastoral care.
“Eating Our Way Through the Bible” engages parents and children for combined Sunday school lessons. Our summer sermon series on Jesus’ parables continues this month.
A volunteer team repairs homes in the Baytown area through UM ARMY. Pies and Pirates Party is a grand kickoff to the summer for all ages!
MELANIE WIGGS
UM ARMY is a great place to make new friends—people who have a similar interest of worshipping God. It also gives me the wonderful joy of helping others and knowing that I am making a big impact in their lives even if it just seems like a small act of kindness.
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August Over 130 children travel from station to station in multi-aged groups, learning about God’s unique love, at the “Weird Animals” Vacation Bible School. Over 65 dedicated volunteers make this cherished annual event possible. 5th Sunday offers a venue for Plant It Forward Farms to share about their work in employing refugees, including several who are connected with FAM and attend Westbury UMC.
Octobe r Retreat-goers of all ages spend the weekend relaxing and worshipping together at Camp Allen.
Se p t embe r
More Than Enough Love Day volunteers fan out to worksites across the city, sorting cans at the Houston Food Bank, packing pet food for Meals on Wheels, doing laundry at The Beacon and more!
In an ongoing effort to deepen discipleship, fall small groups kick off with studies on scripture, coping with grief, learning practical finances, making end-of-life decisions and having wisdom in approaching missions.
The connections between gratitude, generosity and abundance are explored in our Limitless stewardship campaign for 2015.
Youth confirmation takes a new shape this year with an enhanced mentorship component, as well as the need for translators to work with multilingual students in the class.
Area schools share information with parents at the 7th Annual Southwest Houston School Expo.
The Art of Neighboring series sparks connections between church members and their nearest neighbors. Westbury UMC folks meet in one another’s homes. John Bell of the Iona Community in Scotland is our guest for the Finck Music and Worship Lecture Series, discussing “The Divine Option for Diversity.” Emily Peterson tells stories from her mission work around the world at our annual Beans and Cornbread Lunch.
BRIAN BEARD
On the confirmation retreat, Josh gave mentors and confirmands, many of whom are not native English speakers, theological questions to ponder together. I marveled at how, in our conversations, theological concepts like “the Holy Spirit” and “God’s love” took on new textures and dimensions when transposed across languages and cultures.
jan | feb | march 2015 together
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Holly Welty
Our celebration marked a year of “English learned” but the greater celebration is one of “people being changed.” Pizza, oranges, bananas, cupcakes...and English. So many lives have intersected by way of such everday things. Only God could have imagined such a lesson plan!
De ce mbe r
Novembe r All Saints’ Day ushers in our series on Going Through Grief and how Christians respond to difficult seasons. Youth sign up for a mission trip to Haiti planned for next summer. Teacher Encouragement Teams assemble to support teachers at Anderson Elementary. FAM’s third session of ESL concludes with a big celebration for the students and teachers. The UMC’s presence in Cameroon began only 12 years ago. Our Global Ministries Team host a dinner with missionaries Nkemba and Mbwizu Ndjungu who spoke about the UMC’s ministries of justice, health, Christian education and worship in this West African country.
Worship throughout December gathers us around the Advent wreath, a circle of blessing. The church familiy enjoys breakfast and Advent wreath making together on the first Sunday of Advent. Handicrafts made by local and global artisans are made available for purchase through the Good Gifts Market. La Fiesta de la Posada welcomes over 160 who attend the Christmas pageant led by children and youth, as well as a twinkle-lit fiesta with fa jitas and piñatas. The Young Adult Choir sings Vivaldi’s Gloria with strings. Festive arrangements of favorite carols are performed by the Sanctuary Choir. Rounding out a musical feast, the Houston Ebony Opera Guild brings us “Tidings of Great Joy.” a full concert featuring Handel’s Messiah and Margaret Bond’s Ballad for the Brown King. Over 435 assemble for traditional lessons and carols services on Christmas Eve.
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Scripture is filled with historical incidents, symbols and parables involving food, farming and eating. A single bite from fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil ushers sin into human history (Genesis 3:6-7) and that same history will end with God’s children living in the New Jerusalem around the tree of life bearing twelve kinds of fruit (Revelation 22:1-2). God provided His chosen people with miraculous manna from Heaven on their journey to the Promised Land (Exodus 16). Esau sold his birthright for some stew (Genesis 25:29-34). Jesus told numerous parables centerd around food and our youth will be traveling to Gressier, farming.his Hesummer fed crowds of thousands (Matthew outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We will be working 14:13-21; 15:29-38) and chose to commemorate in country June 13–20, providing Vacation His sacrificial death withprimarily the bread and wine of Bible School for orphaned children there in the city. We communion (Matthew 26:26-29).
T
also plan on helping around the orphanage with some
JOHN 6:35 THEN JESUS DECLARED, “I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE. WHOEVER COMES TO ME WILL NEVER GO HUNGRY, AND WHOEVER BELIEVES IN ME WILL NEVER BE THIRSTY.”
S
tudentLife Camp is a great worship and fellowship experience for youth in 6th–12th grades.
smallLife construction projects and other manual labor. Student Camp 2015 will present students make request this incredible need your withTo Jesus’ to sitevent withhappen, Him atwe the table As a fundraiser duringWe will explore comand help! eat (Revelation 3:20). month February, monthe areas of of modern discontent and how looking thesource youth invite to any of satisfaction other than Christ ultiyou to take part mately leaves a person empty (Ecclesiastes 2:10the Red will know that no matter what their 11).inStudents Envelope heart longs for – love, popularity, significance, joy, . Challenge wealth, etc. – only the Bread of Life promises to There will be satisfy with perfection for eternity (Isaiah 55). 144 envelopes hung outside the Café, each
Westbury UMC’s youth group will be taking a trip
labeled with
to the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado,
a sequential
the week of July 11–18.
dollar amount on the front and a mix of prayer
The theme for this year’s camp is “Come to the Table,” focusing on Christ as the Bread of Life. Throughout the camp, we will explore common areas of modern discontent and how looking to other sources of satisfaction other than Christ ultimately leaves a person empty.
guides, facts about Haiti and more for you to explore inside. Pick up an envelope (or multiple envelopes) on either Sunday, February 1 or February 8. Match the outside of the envelope with your donation for the fundraiser, seal it and return the envelope by Sunday,
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February 15, the final day of the challenge.
Our goal is to raise over $6,000. With every additional CAMP + MISSION + @ the Beach + Urban Serve + Conference + Kids + Resources | 800.718.2267
Please sign up your student no later than Sunday, February 8. The total cost of the trip ($450/ student) is due by Sunday, April 12; scholarships are available upon request to help offset costs. For more information Contact Josh Lemons,
dollar we raise above our goal, we plan on doing two
things: 1) setting aside half to fund future scholarships for youth who would like to attend mission trips but need help with the cost, and 2) donating half to the orphanage in Gressier for them to spend in country for
Director of Youth Ministry, at 713-723-0175 or
things they need.
josh1@westburyumc.org. To learn more about
For more information Contact Josh Lemons,
StudentLife and to view a sample daily schedule,
Director of Youth Ministry, at 713-723-0175 or
visit www.studentlife.com.
josh1@westburyumc.org. jan | feb | march 2015 together
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Renewed daily Lent offers a chance to try out spiritual disciplines
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together jan | feb | march 2015
by kelsey johnson
I
’ll admit I’m a bit of a neat freak. Nothing satisfies a person like me quite like clearing out some clutter. In fact, among some of my co-workers at the church, there’s a common space in the office that has been dubbed “Kelsey’s counter” because I’m always clearing it off, rearranging scattered items into tidy stacks and trying my best to keep the area from being a catch-all. Maybe clearing clutter brings peace of mind to more of us than just the hyperorganized. I imagine it gives us room to breathe, to see what really belongs, to keep it simple. Certainly, the upcoming season of Lent gives us opportunity to assess what is cluttering our own lives, especially in a spiritual sense. What really belongs? What is just excess? What should we let go of? What new habits should we train ourselves in? Of course, this isn’t always an easy process. I remember a TV show about home makeovers where the clients had to pull out all the contents of a room into the front driveway and sort everything into piles of “keep,” “donate” or “trash.” The clients often had a very difficult time not keeping everything and a coach had to intervene with words of encouragement so they could take the necessary steps to declutter. Beloved items that looked like junk to the coach had sentimental value to the clients. In the end, the clients were usually able to let go, realizing that by doing so, they would have room for something else. The reward was when their new rooms were unveiled, having been transformed into beautiful, liveable spaces to enjoy. We hold on to things, whether it’s good for us or not. When something becomes so familiar––whether it’s a daily routine or a long-held bitterness––we have trouble even seeing it for what it is. Cluttering our lives with these familiar things fills a void. And yet, God reassures us that we can entrust those empty places to Him. Maybe it’s time to trash some of the clutter to make room for a new way of living. This Lent—the period of 40 days leading up to Easter—we’re invited to intentionally examine our lives and sort things out through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and the practice of spiritual
It’s time to trash some of the clutter to make room for a new way of living. This Lent, we’re invited to intentionally examine our lives. disciplines. Spiritual disciplines help us to change our defaults. Instead of getting stuck with junk, we release unto God all that is extraneous. Through prayer, fasting, worship and private devotional time, we pare down and God renews our lives. As a community of Christ’s followers, each of us can commit to two or more spiritual disciplines to “try out” for 40 days. Just as home makeovers are not a once-and-done process but require maintenance, so our spiritual lives need our attention again and again. We’ll devote ourselves to this effort together and learn from each other along the way. }} jan | feb | march 2015 together
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Choose two or more spiritual disciplines to try for the first time (or explore more fully) this Lent:
Prayer Prayer Labyrinth | Wednesdays, February 25–April 1 (3–8 pm) Walk the prayer labyrinth set up in the Parlor any Wednesday afternoon/evening during Lent. Handouts will be available as guides for prayer. Never heard of a labyrinth? Unlike a maze, a prayer labyrinth has only one path with no dead ends. People walk the labyrinth slowly, as an aid to contemplative prayer and reflection. Prayer Partners | throughout Lent, with weekly prompts Sign up to be a prayer partner and you’ll be matched with a peer, a youth or a child. It may be someone you’ve known for years or someone you haven’t had the chance to meet. Each week of Lent, you will intentionally pray for that person and engage with them through prayer and scripture. This is sure to be a fun and inspiring experience that will deepen your practice of prayer and build meaningful relationships within our community. To participate, email Hillary Peete at hillary1@westburyumc.org by February 12 and you will receive the name of your prayer partner on the first Sunday in Lent (February 22). Prayer Service | Wednesdays, February 25–April 1 (6:30–7:15 pm) Mid-week prayer services will be held in the Chapel with nursery care available. The service on Wednesday, March 11, will be especially engaging for families with kids of all ages. There will be an opportunity for children to walk the labyrinth before or after the service.
Worship Ash Wednesday | Wednesday, February 18, at noon and 7 pm Sunday Worship | Sundays, February 22–March 29, at 10:45 am Maundy THursday | Thursday, April 2, at 7 pm Good Friday | Friday, April 3, at noon
Scripture Study/Devotional Time Wednesday bible Study | Wednesdays, February 25–April 1 (noon–1 pm) Gather with others for a group Bible study throughout Lent, facilitated by the pastors.
LENTEN Daily Devotional | throughout Lent, on your own We’ll provide copies of 40 Days of Meditation: A Scripture Journal ($7 each) for you to take home for your private devotional time.
Fasting Simple Supper | Wednesdays, February 25–April 1 (5:45–6:30 pm) Fast from meals on Wednesdays until dinnertime. A simple, come-and-go dinner of soup and bread will be shared in the Servery. n
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FAQs about Church Membership Can you tell me about Westbury UMC’s membership class, The Westbury Way? It’s a two-session class offered regularly throughout the year for those interested in finding out more about Westbury UMC—our basic Christian beliefs, Methodist heritage, mission, vision, core values and expectations of membership. It’s open to anyone—those simply exploring Westbury UMC, those who are ready to join and those who are already members who would like the chance to revisit the basics of our church.
Do I have to take the Westbury Way class in order to join?
We strongly recommend that you take the class at some point. However, you don’t have to take it before joining—we often have folks take it after they’ve already joined! The pastors are glad to meet with you individually to talk about membership if you have individual questions or concerns before joining. You don’t have to wait for the class to be offered.
When will the class be offered again?
Sundays, January 25 and February 1, during the Sunday School hour, from 9:30-10:30 am, in the Parlor.
How do I join the church?
Anyone who is ready to join the church is invited to come forward during the last song in worship. For those who feel a little intimidated by standing alone, we invite you to join as a group after you’ve completed The Westbury Way class. The next “Joining Sunday” will be Sunday, February 8.
What if I haven’t been baptized? You’ll need to be baptized when you become a member of the church. Contact a pastor to talk about that. If you have children who have not been baptized, they do not need to be baptized when you join, but they can be if you’d like. Let’s talk about it and make a plan! Contact the church office or email a pastor.
Can I still be active in church without being a member? Yes! Although most leadership positions require membership, you certainly can participate in ministries and activities at the church without being a member. When you join, you become a part of God’s covenant community at Westbury UMC—people who are committed to you, as you are to them, and together we are committed to follow God through Jesus Christ.
Meet and greet at Coffee With the Pastors in the Café following worship on second Sundays. This time is
Save the Date for Spring 2015
fa m S u n d ay, april 19
for anyone who is new to Westbury UMC and would like to find out more about the ministries and mission of the church. Coffee, pastries and other refreshments will be served as you have casual conversation with our pastors and church members. Everyone is welcome! Choose from any of these upcoming Sundays: January 11, February 8 and March 8.
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Great gratitude for leaders by rev. taylor fuerst
W
on’t you join me in saying a special thank you to those who are completing their terms in leadership positions at Westbury UMC? As you know, it takes a village to keep a church moving in ministry, and many of these folks have been hard at work behind the scenes: reviewing financial records, caring for our facilities, discerning the wisest use of funds, supporting our staff, recruiting leaders, and leading the church in its ministry of making followers of Jesus Christ who transform the community and the world through God’s love. If you see any of the following people, please express your thanks for their hard work! Tommy Behrman, Trustee Charlice Finck, Trustee Renée Stewart, Trustee Chair Ron Branch, SPRC Holly Welty, SPRC Vincent Sanders, SPRC Chair Mary Lou McCants, Endowment Frank Borello, Endowment Donna Reid, Lay Leadership Oscar Ray, Lay Leadership Gerald Holloway, Lay Leadership Zelma Branch, Finance Ike Watkins, Finance Steve Welty, Finance Chair Yvonne Canida, Church Council Mike Sturdevant, Church Council Michelle Wiggs, Church Council Chair Lindsey Heathcock, Church Council Amy Behrman, Community Ministries Chair Mark Chatfield, Stewardship Chair Laurie Sturdevant, Discipleship Chair
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Spring Break Mini-Camp at Westbury UMC
Let’s build something together at our “Under Construction” mini-camp! Come for crafts, snacks, games, hands-on activities and reading stories in the Bible about temple construction, strong foundations and how to build up each other. Daily snacks are provided. Bring your own lunch! DAY 1 Demolition: The Walls of Jericho DAY 2 Under Construction: Solomon’s Temple DAY 3 Strong Foundation: The House on Sand and Rock DAY 4 Building Up: Encourage One Another
2-4 YEARS
K-2ND GRADE Daily Bible storytelling
Daily hands-on building project
eak-camp-2015
www.westburyumc.org/spring-br
Beginning in March 2015, FAM (Fondren Apartment Ministry) and IEDA Relief (International Emergency & Development Aid) plan to partner with Literacy Advance of Houston to form an innovative outreach site for ESL classes on Fondren! Thanks be to God for the financial generosity of the Police and Clergy Team and Caring Friends, Inc. in making this partnership possible.
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Field trips to Home Depot and an architecture firm
Creative movement and music classes
ESL update
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3RD-5TH GRADE
5200 Willowbend Blvd. Houston, TX 77096 Hillary Peete, Director of Family Ministries hillary1@westburyumc.org | 713-723-0175
Mon-Thu,
MARCH
16-19
9am-12:30pm
$75/
camper r online Registe 6. h by Marc ots sp Limited . le availab
Westbury
Cares
In Memory Of
Jane Doerr from Jack and Linda Tollefson Jane Doerr from Mike and Maggie Turner Staff Sargeant Daniel A. Garza and David Garza from Dan and Joyce Garza and Nicholas and Jennifer Garza Phyllis Kiel from John Kiel
Deaths
Willie Mae Moultrie (11/24/14) Dorothy Jane Owen (12/20/14)
Troop 455 Boy Scouts collect books and magazines for Seafarers Center by donald scherer
T
his past November, Boy Scouts from Troop 455, sponsored by Westbury Methodist Church for the past 58 years, participated in the 100th anniversary of the Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC) by joining other Boy Scouts from across the city. They helped achieve the goal set by SHAC of 100,000 hours of community service. To do this, our Troop 455 Boy Scouts went door to door collecting used books and magazines that were donated by the generous community and Join us in worship on Sunday, February 8, neighborhood around Westbury UMC. The at 10:45 am to celebrate our annual Scouting Sunday! scouts picked up and sorted over 1,000 donated magazines which included many National Geographic, Readers Digest and Sports Illustrated issues, as well as 250 books. These donations were delivered the next day to the Houston International Seafarers Center located at the Port of Houston.
Sam Meador (12/23/14)
New Members
Matthew and Kimberly Camp (11/9/14) Felix Ike Onwukwe (11/30/14) Janice Dupré (12/07/14) Helen Malveaux (12/14/14)
Baptism
Zoie Ruby Joseph (12/14/14)
Rev. Tom Edwards welcomed our scouts and commented as we unloaded the donations, that these magazines were highly sought after by the thousands of longshoremen and sailors who visit the Seafarers Center each year. The center serves over 13,000 sailors and longshoremen each year and provides a safe environment for them to relax, read, play games like pingpong and watch TV, if not catching up on a little sleep. Our Troop 455 scouts were given a tour of the facility, located on the ship channel and learned that this center at the Port of Houston is the largest International Seafarers Center in the United States and has an Olympic-size swimming pool for summertime activities. The scouts enjoyed learning about how their collected donations will help the staff assist visiting longshoremen from 48 different countries who visit the center annually. In total, the troop spent approximately 40 hours walking the neighborhood, sorting and delivering the magazines and books to the center. This cheerful service was all in keeping with the Boy Scouts slogan: “Do a good turn daily.” For any scout-age youth interested in joining Boy Scout Troop 455, please contact Donald Scherer, Charter Organization Representative, through the church office at 713-723-0175 or send an email to tatankadon@yahoo.com. n jan | feb | march 2015 together
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Dreaming
of God-sized possibilities AN interview between pastor taylor and members of the strategic planning committee
A
s we begin 2015, we prepare to mark the 60th anniversary of Westbury United Methodist Church. While we still enjoy the fellowship of a few members from the church’s earliest days, most of us have joined the Westbury family sometime since then, finding ourselves to be heirs of a rich heritage of faith. Over the years, the Westbury family has been bold and creative in the work of making followers of Jesus Christ. We’ve gathered a group of Westbury members spanning the rich diversity of the congregation to serve as a Strategic Planning Committee. We invited them to consider how God is calling us to live out our mission in this season of our ministry together. We tried to catch a glimpse of God’s dream for Westbury; then we put together a plan to move toward that dream. Here’s what a few members of the Strategic Planning Committee have to say about their work. You joined Westbury in April, so you brought the perspective of a new member to the Strategic Planning Committee. Since joining the church, you have been very involved in FAM (Fondren Apartment Ministry), and yet you chose to work on the goal for Deeper Discipleship. What connections do you see between FAM and Deeper Discipleship? HANNAH SMITH: When I moved back to Houston and started looking for a church home, I had three main criteria: solid doctrine and theology, a strong community, and most importantly, an outwardlooking focus. Westbury’s involvement with FAM immediately drew me
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in to the church. I was so excited to find a congregation that was invested in the lives of their neighbors down the road and I knew I wanted to get involved. When I was asked to join the Strategic Planning Committee, I chose to focus on Deeper Discipleship. Although on the surface that may seem disconnected from FAM, I’m convinced that meaningful ministry outside the church is impossible without first understanding the basics of faith and encountering Jesus through the spiritual disciplines. My hope is that by deepening discipleship at Westbury, we can continue to enrich our engagement with the community and the world. Your subcommittee on Leadership Development and Strategic Involvement worked hard to hear from voices across the congregation. In your conversations with others, where was the most energy and direction? BRENDA COLEMAN: Doing our work on the
Strategic Planning Committee, I found that many people want to involve the congregation more in worship. Also, small groups such as the young adults, new members and parents of small children want more leadership. In particular, new members need to have activities that help them become involved quicker. There were also ideas expressed that new members really want to know and understand the workings of the UMC and there should be a process in place to assimilate them quickly. Our young adults expressed a desire for formal leadership, although they are still working it out on their own so far.
Your enthusiasm for the strategic planning process really helped fuel the group. What, in particular, made you the most eager about planning for the next season of our ministry? TOMMY BEHRMAN: When I look at the
current state of the global Church I am saddened and often embarrassed at what it has become. Growing up, I was ashamed to even call myself a Christian but when I went to college I realized very quickly that I owe my creativity and passion for art, music, wisdom and architecture to my personal faith journey and this little church at the corner of Willowbend and West Bellfort. Westbury UMC is where I met all of my closest friends, the love of my life and where I first met God. So when I talk to non-believers who can give you a million reasons not to go to church, I tell them there is a church, right here in Houston, that defies all of there stereotypical opinions of the church. I am proud of this church and I know that Westbury can be a leader in the Methodist church community but it has to take risks and have a plan for what to do after we step out on that ledge for the risk to pay off. You’ve been a leader in several areas of Westbury’s ministry, from worship to global ministries. What kinds of training do you believe are unique needs for Christian leaders in the church and the community?
Any needs you see for leaders specifically at Westbury UMC? Joyce Akins: Church leaders should continually seek out ways to draw closer to God, such as through prayer and studying scripture. In the words of a Methodist minister, we must develop ‘a heightened spiritual consciousness’ that keeps us attuned to God’s will. Only then will we be able to lead in a way that brings others to Christ and fulfill the mission of the church.
Just like with other organizations, leaders at Westbury UMC need to know the structure in which they are operating, and the mission and vision that they want to achieve. For Methodists, training or familiarity of the contents of the Book of Discipline is imperative to understand where you as a leader fit in with the structure of the church. Steeped in history and yet a living document, the Book of Discipline provides the framework, laws and the processes by which the church operates. Leaders must also understand and appreciate the connectional nature of the Methodist Church. Westbury is among thousands of churches under the Methodist umbrella that carry out a variety of activities to transform the world through God’s love. Furthermore, since Westbury is a multicultural and intergenerational church, leaders will need opportunities to learn about other cultures, as well as learn from older members of the church who have had leadership positions in the past.
The Strategic Initiatives
1 Deeper Discipleship 2 Leadership Development 3 Community Involvement (Fondren 4 FAM Apartment Ministry)
5 Building Updates for Ministry Needs
As we moved through the process, you revealed a passion for what God is doing through FAM (Fondren Apartment Ministry.) What do you see that makes you most excited about the future of that ministry?
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Mike STurdevant: What has me excited
about FAM is that we are making partnerships with other like-minded organizations. With St. Peter’s UMC and Houston Literacy Advance onboard, we will be able to offer more help to more of our neighbors. More people involved means more ideas, more contact with the Fondren community and hopefully better quality programs. Westbury has been blessed and being able to share with our neighbors will bless us even more. You worked in the FAM subcommittee throughout the strategic planning process. What was that group like? Any highlights from that part of the process? Mike STurdevant: The group that worked
on the FAM subcomittee was from varied backgrounds. Every person was totally fabulous. It’s so wonderful to hear different ideas coming from everyone. One member of the committee is from Africa and lives in the Fondren commuity. He offered valuable
insight into the needs of our neighbors from a first-hand perspective. You have been deeply involved in the ministries of Westbury for many years, but you also have deep roots at El Mesias UMC, who recently celebrated their 100th anniversary. As you look at these churches and others, what shifts do you see God leading us to? Dan Garza: Westbury has a heritage of many cultures. We have always welcomed other cultures even though we were predominantly white and we really worshipped as a white congregation. However, as time has gone by, we have been incorporating worship styles of the other cultures. Some of the older members were not able to accept this and have left, but most have remained and we are learning to
Sunday, January 11
Family Relay Games & Party Noon–1 pm | Humphrey Hall
Join us for lunch and fun, silly and challenging relay games for parents and kids of all ages! At the event, parents can also pick up Family Ministry calendars for the new year and Spring 2015 Sunday school brochures.
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together jan | feb | march 2015
accept and worship God in many different ways and it is quite wonderful. Hispanic ministry at Westbury is an outreach to people who do not speak English or do not speak it well, and they live close to the church. The younger people are bilingual and so I teach a Sunday school class in English. The group is a mixture of Mexican and Puerto Rican cultures and we learn from each other. Some come from a Pentecostal background. Eventually I hope they will become official members. I think Paul expressed it best in I Corinthians 13. Love is the key to be able to worship God with all His people. You worked on the “Building Updates for Ministry Needs” portion of the strategic plan. How do you see the connection between the building
and our other ministry priorities (deeper discipleship, leadership development, community involvement and FAM)? Steve Welty: The strategic initiatives that include deeper discipleship, leadership development, community involvement and FAM are exciting and clearly address the mission and vision for Westbury. Like all good strategic plans, the facilities are critical to support these strategic initiatives and really serve as the “infrastructure” that is essential to support our mission. Our strategic needs for the building are to update and modernize the building so that we can make the environment at Westbury UMC safe, efficient and attractive to the diverse community to which we belong and the community to which we are reaching out with the wonderful tools that the strategic initiatives provide. n
young adult potluck dinner
Pastor Taylor invites all the young adults to a potluck dinner on Friday, January 23, at 6:30 pm, at her home on 5703 Burlinghall. Bring your favorite side dish and Pastor Taylor will provide the main entrée.
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Westbury
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Families come in all shapes, shades and sizes. At Westbury UMC, it’s a gift for all different kinds of families to join together as God’s family—it’s where we discover our true identity, who we really are! Beginning January 11, we will explore who we are as God’s family and how we live with our real-life families. So whether your family is made up of your best friends, your grandkids, your spouse or the canine love-of-your-life, come worship with Westbury family during this series, Sundays at 10:45 am. January 11 Sons and Daughters How is life different when we belong to God? January 18 Mothers and Fathers Who helped you grow, in life and in faith? January 25 Brothers and Sisters | Who do you rely on?
February 1 Second Cousins and Third Dogs Who is welcome at your table? February 8 Bound Together Why be a family, anyway?