Westbury p. 1 | 4o Days Together for Lent
p. 2 | cares&gives: 2011 financial United Methodist Church summary…memorials
p. 3 | w orships: Ash Wednesday… Scouting Sunday…Lent
February 2012
p. 4 | serves: Anderson teacher supplies… missionaries share about Kenya
p. 5 | c onnects CHILDREN: Day School/ MDO open house…M&M recap
p. 6 | c onnects YOUTH: Confirmation retreat…‘Wake Up’ series
p. 7 | c onnects ADULTS: PrimeTimers, Google calendar, parents’ group, etc.
p. 8 | i nvites: Baby shower and members
Lent is a journey to travel together ◗ R EV. TOMMY WILLIAMS, SENIOR PASTOR
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n the latter part of February, we will enter the season of Lent and begin what we’re calling 40 Days Together (see page 3).
Much is made of the solo pilgrimage of the Lenten journey to the cross and much of that is true. We examine our own souls, confess, repent and seek the grace of God as individuals. However, there is also much to be said for the communal journey, the one we do together. The disciples, the followers of Jesus, never traveled alone that we know of. Even when Jesus divided them out to do ministry, he sent them “two by two” (Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1).
“All together, we hope to knit ourselves more closely as God’s people and join in solidarity with others around the world.” Forty is a significant number in the Bible. In the early Christian church, it marked the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter, not including Sundays (feast days). In Genesis 7, we read that the flood came on the earth and lasted for 40 days and 40 nights. The Israelites wandered and sojourned for 40 years in the desert before entering the Promised Land. Jesus himself spent 40 days in the wilderness just after his baptism and before he set out on his ministry (Mark 1:13). During this season at Westbury, we are calling for a churchwide prayer and fast. We’ll provide ways to guide the prayer we’ll do together and give you resources for fasting. Many confess hesitation at fasting. Please take note of those resources on the reading list (see page 3) for help on both, and we’ll be sharing more in the weeks to come. All together, we hope to knit ourselves more closely as God’s people, join in solidarity with others around the world—in particular, the poorest among us—and look to how God will raise us up with Jesus at the other end of the journey. For this significant Lenten journey to the cross, let’s share it together at the table of the Lord, in worship, in study, in prayer and fasting, in our giving and in our service, that in everything God may be glorified and His church strengthened for the mission.
SAVE THE DATE! Westbury UMC’s
semi-annual day of community service, More Than Enough Love, is coming up on Saturday, March 24, from 8:00 am–2:00 pm.
What surprise made Anderson teachers literally jump for joy? read the story on page 4
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February 2012
Westburycares
2011
Westburygives
-$9,920 at year’s end TOTAL INCOME = $847,822 TOTAL EXPENSES = $857,742
IN MEMORY OF... Maxine Davis from Al and Ida Bathey Pat Curtis from Al and Ida Bathey Diane McMinn from Mr. and Mrs. David Rychlik Robert Hamrick All who died in 2011 from A. D. White Charlie Farwell from The Parish School Margaret Noecker Al and Ida Bathey
IN HONOR OF... Carmin Cleavenger from Artie Crawford Daniel Heathcock from Sarah Winkel James and Barbara Nowlin on their 50th wedding anniversary from Mrs. Barbara Nowlin Our sympathy and prayers extend to those grieving the loss of: Diane McMinn, 12/27/2011 In the hospital: Roy House, Memorial Hermann Southwest Heart Institute
Responding to our churchwide call to spend less and give more at Christmas, the Pathfinders and Disciple classes collected $3,000 to support Living Water International’s efforts in Haiti. This organization demonstrates the love of God by helping communities acquire clean water and to experience the gospel of Jesus Christ, which satisfies the deepest thirst.
Expecting even fuller discipleship and ministry ◗ REV. TOMMY WILLIAMS, SENIOR PASTOR
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e are in the middle of our “Beyond Our Own” stewardship series now as a church family, learning how God can stretch us to accomplish “far more than we could ever ask or imagine,” as the apostle Paul says in Ephesians 3:20. Financial stewardship is a part of discipleship. It is a part of being a member of the church, Christ’s very body. I trust you are in the midst of prayer and discernment now around what financial commitment you can make for the year 2012 to Westbury United Methodist Church. I encourage you to bring your commitment card with you to worship on Sunday, February 5. That day we’ll have an opportunity to return those and dedicate them to God. If you need to mail them in, please do so in the same time period. As with most churches and organizations, we have seasons of the year when giving goes up and down. Summertime is typically lower because of people traveling and out of their normal rhythms of attendance and giving, while December is typically strong. We had a historically strong December at Westbury in 2011. In both 2011 and 2010, we have come very close to meeting our expenses with our income. We celebrate this particularly with the previous two years being in the negative $30,000–60,000 at year’s end. We praise God for progress! Also, we paid 65% of our conference apportionments (covenant missions) that support United Methodist ministries around the community and world. Just five years ago, we paid nothing towards these missions; however, in 2012, we expect to move even closer to fulfilling our 100% commitment. One way you can help balance out the year is to choose to give through a bill pay arrangement at your bank, much like you would pay one of your home bill obligations, or you may choose the automatic bank draft option. Both of these are available on the 2012 commitment card, and Patsy Caughman, our business manager, would be happy to assist you or answer any questions in this regard. Truly we need everyone’s participation to continue and grow God’s mission for Westbury UMC. I praise God in advance for your generous giving. Let’s surprise even ourselves with how blessed we really are.
Westburyworships
February 2012 |
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Recommended reading list For Class and Group Study A Place at the Table: 40 Days of Solidarity with the Poor (with DVD companion) by Chris Seay
LENTEN WORSHIP
HOLY WEEK & EASTER WORSHIP
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster
Ash Wednesday, February 22 @ noon and 7:00 pm Rev. Romonica Malone-Wardley, preaching
Palm Sunday, April 1 @ 10:45 am (Mark 11:1–11) “The Rose of Calvary” with combined choirs and orchestra
Lord, Teach Us: The Lord’s Prayer and the Christian Life by William Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas
*1st Sunday in Lent, February 26 @ 10:45 am (Mark 1:9–15) *2nd Sunday in Lent, March 4 @ 10:45 am (Mark 8:31–38) *3 Sunday in Lent, March 11 @ 10:45 am (John 2:13–22) rd
*4th Sunday in Lent, March 18 @ 10:45 am (John 3:14–21) Rev. Romonica Malone-Wardley
*Maundy Thursday, April 5 @ 7:00 pm Rev. DeAndre Johnson, preaching Good Friday, April 6 @ noon Easter Sunday, April 8 @ *8:00 am (with Communion) and 10:45 am (Confirmation of youth)
For Individual Reading A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene Peterson Life Together: An Exploration in Christian Community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
* Services with Holy Communion *5th Sunday in Lent, March 25 @ 10:45 am Unless noted, Rev. Tommy Williams will preach. (John 12:20–33)
True When Whispered: Hearing God’s Voice in a Noisy World by Paul Escamilla
‘40 DAYS’ BLOG WITH THE PASTORS
Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life by Henri Nouwen
Beginning Monday, February 27, our pastors will post short, weekday reflections on the previous Sunday’s scriptures. You can go online to WestburyUMC.org/40days to read along and comment. As we journey together these days to Easter, please offer your own thoughts and reflections in this blog space. We look forward to the conversation we’ll share as a community of faith. LENTEN WOMEN’S AND MEN’S STUDIES
Join a five-week study on Wednesdays, February 29–March 28, at 6:30 pm. We will have outside guest pastors leading these two separate studies for men and women at the church. Each group will select one of the books from the recommended reading list (at right) to study. Childcare will be provided. Look for details on registration to be announced soon.
2011 TOTAL AVG IN WORSHIP 348
TOTAL AVG IN SUNDAY SCHOOL 207
Reluctant Pilgrim: A Moody, Somewhat Self-Indulgent Introvert’s Search for Spiritual Community by Enuma Okoro For Children and Families Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu A Place at the Table: 40 Days of Solidarity with the Poor (with DVD companion) by Chris Seay For ordering information for classes and groups, please contact Cindy Parker in the church office at 713-723-0175 or cindy1@westburyumc.org. The first Sunday of Lent is February 26. Orders made through the church office must be done by February 13. Alternatively, you can order directly from the following sources: Cokesbury Bookstore Houston or Cokesbury.com; Christianbook.com; and BN.com.
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Westburyserves
February 2012
Anderson teachers ‘jump for joy’ for a timely delivery of classroom supplies
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hanks be to God and all who fulfilled the “wish lists” of many Anderson Elementary teachers by generously donating supplies and money for their classrooms. On January 13, we were able to deliver teacher supplies worth over $1,700!
The staff was overwhelmed by the many donations and Westbury’s generosity! Special thanks to Elsa Garza, Betty Phelps, Joe Hallmark and Robert Paige, who helped with the delivery; the Pathfinders and Disciples class, and other individuals whose total dollar donations exceeded $800; and the Messengers class who bought many of the items for Special Education teachers and had them literally jumping for joy! Perhaps the best summary of the impact of your generosity can be found in the words of Anderson Elementary’s principal, Dr. Roslyn Stiles Vaughn: “On behalf of the Anderson faculty, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the blessings that Westbury United Methodist Church has bestowed upon us.
Last week, my teachers were exhausted and overwhelmed. The renovations are wonderful, but teachers have had to pack up, move out, pack up again, move back, the building flooded, they had to move back out. Many of their items have been lost or damaged, there’s a new assessment instrument, there’s a new test this year, there’s all the regular duties of teaching and learning, and then the parking lot flooded their vehicles from the rain storm last week…need I go on? I had arranged several motivating, appreciative activities for them last week, knowing that your gifting would be the great culminating event. It was awesome! The looks on their faces, the words, the unbelief that this was really happening will be embedded in my memory forever. There are no words to express. They are so used to doing everything it takes to make a difference in the students’ lives; it’s sorta surreal to know what a difference you made in theirs—and such perfect timing!”
Missionaries to Kenya say they’re blessed in serving ‘the least of these’ ◗ R EV. ROMONICA MALONE-WARDLEY, ASSOCIATE PASTOR
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ur Global Ministries Team began the new year by hearing from Jerri and Bill Savuto, who have been missionaries for over 10 years at Maua Methodist Hospital in Kenya. They have been blessed by serving the poor at this regional medical center in the Maua area of Meru Province through the support of churches like Westbury UMC, apportionment funds, local church missions support and hands-on work teams. Serving a population of over 450,000—of which 110,000 are children—the hospital provides general medical services, including maternity, surgery, dental and optical. Jerri shared stories of how she has encountered Jesus through those that are poor and suffering. She has witnessed Jesus do miraculous things: heal those where the situation looked hopeless, women forgive those who had brutally abused them, children cured of malaria and those who didn’t know Christ come to know and love Him through their love. Their goal has always been to pray and spread the love of Jesus was well as give quality medical care. Best of all, they realize through their many years of service that they were not only there to give but they have often received far more than given. The Savutos believe this has been a give-and-take ministry where they have learned to see God and experience God differently through those who have very little materially but who are not lacking in joy. They said they have come to understand Jesus’ words that when you feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the prisoner and welcome the stranger, “you do it for me.” Bill and Jerri encouraged Westbury UMC to continue to support missionaries, pray for the Maua Methodist Hospital and seek God’s guidance on how our hands and resources can bless those around the world. Please pray for and look forward to additional information on how you can support Westbury’s efforts in hands-on mission projects soon.
Westburyconnects::CHILDREN APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2012–13 SCHOOL YEAR In-house registration (Westbury UMC members and current school families) opens February 14
February 2012 |
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Open house and registration for Day School/MDO
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ou are invited to the Day School’s Open House on Thursday, February 9. Come anytime between 9:15 am and noon to tour the school. This is a wonderful opportunity to watch how our children actively participate in center-based learning. The teachers will be happy to meet you and answer your questions. Please also pass on the word to your friends!
Our Day School and Mother’s Day Out programs provide a loving preschool experience for children beginning at 14 months through 4 years of age. Our Day School is nationally accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. We are in excellent standing with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and have served as a training school for their representatives. We strive for excellence in serving our community’s families. Every class is staffed with two teachers, as well as Spanish and music ancillaries. We are blessed with a loving and dedicated staff, whose average tenure is 9.4 years! Our Day School offers the option of 3-day and 5-day classes, as well as extended care before and after school. We also offer a Sibling Class on Wednesdays for toddlers who are too young to enroll in a 2-year-old class. Enrollment is open to children, regardless of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin. We celebrate the diversity of our students and their families. If you are interested in additional information, call the school office at 713-723-0191 or visit WestburyUMC.org/day-school for registration forms, newsletters and more!
Community registration opens February 20
Children to learn about Jesus’ parables
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MISSIONS & ME (M&M) Eight 4th and 5th grade girls with their two (amazing!)
adult leaders worked the afternoon of Sunday, January 15, and all day on Monday, January 16, as part of M&M, an overnight mission work event. They did their very best to scrub the grout lines in the main hallway. The theme of the devotion time was “Handling Peer Pressure,” with Romans 12:2 as the scripture verse both days.
unday school for children (ages 3 through 5th grade) starts at 9:30 am. Our teachers use the Live B.I.G. curriculum to enliven Bible stories and lessons through crafts, games and more! Families can follow along with the topics we’ll be covering from week to week and keep the conversation going at home. For more details, visit iLiveBIG.com. February 05 | The Talents February 12 | The Good Samaritan February 19 | Lost and Found February 26 | The Rich Fool
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Westburyconnects::YOUTH
February 2012
‘Wake Up’ worship and study series on Sunday nights
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re you tired, sleepy or bored? The youth will start a new series during Sunday night Impact called “Wake Up.” Join us Sundays, February 12–26, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, starting in Humphrey Hall. The series scripture will be 1 Peter 5:8: “Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.” We are excited about this upcoming series as some of our youth will be giving the message in the month of February!
Confirmation Retreat
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Scouts welcome to participate on Feb. 12
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cout Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, February 12, at our 10:45 am service of worship, joining thousands of scouts around the country. Scout law says that a scout is “reverent,” and scouts of all ages promise to do their “duty to God.” These values strengthen youth character in their families, communities and faith development. On Scout Sunday, all scouts, parents and leaders are invited to sit together in reserved pews at the front of the Sanctuary. Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boys Scouts of church members—as well as the scouts and adult leaders who hold their meetings at Westbury UMC—are encouraged to join us for this special day of worship. If you plan to participate with the scouts, please meet in the Narthex (in the back of the Sanctuary) at 10:15 am dressed in scout uniforms. For more details, contact Donald Scherer, Westbury UMC Charter Organization Representative, at 281-498-5222.
onfirmation Retreat is for all students in this year’s class and student leaders. The retreat date is February 24–26, and the cost is $100. Please download paperwork on our youth website at www.cmyouth. com or in the youth area. This is going to be an amazing experience for these students! Please turn in forms by Wednesday, February 15.
2 Corinthians study
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et’s continue reading through Bible study this month by diving into 2 Corinthians on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in H22.
Superbowl party
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ny fans out there? Come out to watch the game together on Sunday, February 5, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. We’ll have snacks and fellowship.
Stay tuned for spring break events
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he youth will have a variety of things going on throughout spring break in mid-March, including missions, a Rockets game and fellowship. Stay tuned for more details to come!
Westburyconnects::ADULTS Rob Landes to play for the PrimeTimers
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n Monday, February 27, the PrimeTimers will meet in Humphrey Hall. Come for the lunch at 11:30 am, bringing a dish of your choice to share with others. The general meeting starts at 11:00 am. The group will move to the Sanctuary at noon for a musical program featuring Rob Landes. Mr. Landes began studying the piano at the age of 3. A native Houstonian, Mr. Landes is widely known as a pianist, organist, arranger, conductor and published composer. He has performed in the United States, Canada, and many parts of Europe. He has been the organist/artist-in-residence at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston since 1996. Membership to PrimeTimers is open to all persons over 50 years of age, regardless of church affiliation. Dues are $5 per year. For more information, contact Martha Upton at martha1@westburyumc.org or 713-723-0175.
An easy church calendar option
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tarting on Wednesday, February 1, visit the Westbury UMC website at WestburyUMC.org/ news-calendar. You’ll find an electronic calendar that will be kept up to date every week by the church office. Although this will serve as a complement to the Weekly Word newsletter, the benefit is that you’ll be able to see things on the calendar further out than the current week’s events and activities. You can also sync your own calendar with the church’s calendar (powered through Google Calendar).
Methodist Hospital Auxiliary meeting
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he Methodist Hospital Auxiliary will meet Thursday, February 16, at Bellaire UMC at 10:00 am for coffee and fellowship. At 10:30 am, the program will be “Mind, Body and Soul,” presented by Joyce Kraft. Lunch will be served following the meeting for $3. Westbury UMC has had one of the largest memberships in the Methodist Hospital Auxiliary in the City of Houston for the past 50 years. Donna Meador, Westbury UMC member and Auxiliary president, heads all the fundraising and volunteers for the Methodist Hospital. The Westbury Women’s Missionary Society has also been a major contributor under its president, Nina Crawley.
Want to connect with other parents?
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arents in Fellowship meets monthly in the Parlor on second Saturdays. Join us on Saturday, February 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, and bring a dish to share with the group. Adults enjoy dinner together and social time to informally discuss parenting issues. Childcare is provided in the Children’s Wing for $5/child. Parents should pack a separate dinner for their children. Single parents and married couples alike are all welcome to come fellowship together and bring guests too! For more details, contact Jenny Hester at jennyhester@sbcglobal.net.
February 2012 |
Dear church family, I hope you will join in our happiness as we celebrate our recent marriage last fall. Clarence and I are very happy and thank God for the many blessings He has given us in uniting our families. Our ceremony was held at our home and was presided by Rev. Dr. J. D. Phillips and Rev. Ralph Gipson on a beautiful day on October 29. It was a small ceremony attended by our children and close family members. We hope to have a reception at Westbury soon to commemorate our celebration and look forward to seeing everyone. Thank you to all who wish Clarence and I the best as well as for your prayers and kind words. We look forward to continued friendship and blessed guidance in the New Year for all of our church family and friends. – Pam Watson Meyers
Many thanks to my Westbury family for the acts of care and concern shown me recently. Your cards, calls and, most of all, your prayers have been greatly appreciated. – Sarah Winkel
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February 2012
Westburyinvites
pickles & ice cream
Sunday, February 19 @ 3:00 pm Church Parlor The whole church is invited to come celebrate the baby boy that Pastor Romonica and her family will soon New Members Luciano and Sonia Garcia with children, Sadie and Diego (01/29/12)
welcome this spring! We will have an ice cream sundae bar set up with all kinds of toppings for everyone to enjoy. Please feel free to bring a baby shower gift and share your congratulations with the family. Registeries are at Target and Babies ‘R’ Us. Hosted by the Young Adult Sunday school class and staff of Westbury UMC.
The next monthly issue will be on March 2, 2012. Submissions are due by February 23 at 4:00 pm to Martha Upton at martha1@westburyumc.org. United Methodist Church
Westbury
Address service requested WestburyUMC.org
Main Office: 713-723-0175 United Methodist Church
Westbury
5200 Willowbend Blvd. Houston, Texas 77096-5298
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Westbury
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