Westbury
2 | cares&gives: Sympathy, church finances, gratitude letters
Methodist Church 3United | worships: Holy Week/Easter
4–5 | sings: Youth choir mission, concerts 6–7 | M ore Than Enough Love feature
April 2012
8 | c ommunicates&invites: new signage, pastoral ordination service
9 | c onnects CHILDREN: Easter egg hunt and launch, nursery staff, VBS 2012
10 | c onnects YOUTH: mission camps, guest speaker, confirmation
11 | c onnects ADULTS: PrimeTimers, Auxiliary, feedback from Lenten study
12 | w elcomes: new members, Garage Sale for Orphans, office closure
Pointing to signs of resurrection hope ◗ REV. TOMMY WILLIAMS, SENIOR PASTOR
Resurrection means “a rising again from the dead.” It still shocks me to realize the miracle of that. The harsh reality of death accompanies us, doesn’t it? With daily reminders in a mass media culture, we are reminded of death through war, pain, accidents and people—old and young—dying every day. Death is sometimes slow, and sometimes it comes fast. It can be brutal, in some forms, but when seeing someone die after a long, well-lived life, it can seem beautiful. One thing is for sure: death is shrouded in mystery, and no matter the specific circumstances, it is painfully halting and sorrowful. This Holy Week, we try to journey together like the first disciples with Jesus. No doubt, Jesus tried to convey to them where this dramatic story of his life was headed, but I’m not sure to what extent they got it. It makes me wonder how well we “get it.” Even though we know where things are headed on this journey, can we grasp the “depth and height, and length and breadth” of God’s love as the letter to the Ephesians so eloquently says? Maybe not. Maybe it is too much for a finite mind to hold together—both the realities of death and the miracle of life. So perhaps the best we can do, as faithful Christian people, is to love each other and journey with each other during the dying and then point to signs of new life and resurrection when we see “a rising again from the dead.”
“For months—really, years now—God has placed it on the hearts of some in our midst to begin an apartment ministry.”
Meet Hannah Terry. Equipped with urban ministry experiences and a passionate, humble heart, Hannah will pioneer Westbury UMC’s apartment ministry off Fondren Road. She joins our staff this June.
I see signs of resurrection all around. The More Than Enough Love Community Service Day witnessed close to 100 Westbury servants loving neighbor as Christ commands and doing the work of resurrection for homes, schools, clinics and gardens in our community. On Saturday March 24, new life sprung up all over (see photos on pages 6–7). No doubt God was pleased. Meanwhile, yet another sign of resurrection hope is budding. For months—really, years now—God has placed it on the hearts of some in our midst to begin an apartment ministry. Through a series of truly divine moments, we have been led as a church to engage this ministry in a bold, new way. Because of generous, designated funding outside our budget, we are able to hire a new staff person, Hannah Terry, to build a ministry with people living in apartments along the Fondren Road corridor, just southwest of Westbury UMC. Leading this new effort, Hannah will begin work in June. She is a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College outside Rochester, New York, and is a soon to be graduate of Duke Divinity School. She brings with her some unique experiences in urban ministry and a heart for God and God’s diverse peoples. She truly feels called to come to Westbury, and we are excited to receive her. I know you will soon provide her a warm Westbury welcome.
There are more details to be shared about the building of this new Christian community on Fondren. Please begin praying now for the ministry and Hannah’s leadership. She won’t be able to do this alone. Westbury is the right church to anchor this new ministry. I look forward to sharing with you much more in the weeks to come. The late Bishop Rhymes Moncure Jr. of the North Texas Conference had a favorite saying, an African proverb: “If you wish to travel fast, travel alone; if you wish to travel far, travel together.” I’ve traveled farther these 40 Days of Lent because I’ve traveled them with you. God bless you. ■
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Westburygives
April 2012
Westburycares
Church Finances for January & February 2012. We are off to
Leandrew Ray (Nellie Haller’s son) from Mary Lou McCants and Patricia Rumble
a good start in financial giving. You’ll notice that our income is running some behind our expenses. This is due to some serious plumbing issues that have been very costly. The pipes in the oldest portion of the building are 50+ years old. Please consider increasing your giving commitment even just a little to help your church cover this issue and provide for the ongoing ministry of the church. We thank God in advance for your giving!
Sue Lipe from Marjorie Duval and Mary Lou McCants
Longtime Westbury member, Geraldine Finck,
In memory of...
Ann Owens from Al and Ida Bathey, Mary Lou McCants and Charlice Finck Diane McMinn from James and Debra Busby
Income = $131,446 | Expenses = $143,188 passed away in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area late last year. As a sign of her love, we recently received word that Mrs. Finck has named Westbury UMC as a partial beneficiary in her will. We praise God for the way her gift will allow Westbury to further God’s mission for us. If you would like information about how to remember Westbury UMC in your will, please contact Patsy Caughman in the church business office at 713-723-0175 or patsy1@westburyumc.org.
Leta Schmuck Atwood (charter member) from Bill and Jo Hazlett
Westbury family, we are so
In honor of... The Malone-Wardley Family from DeAnn Mooney Our sympathy and prayers extend to those grieving the loss of: Leandrew Ray, 03/03/12 son of Nellie Haller Otis Roberson, 03/10/2012 brother of Semmie Gibbs
Gerry Finck, date unknown
Thanks to the Promise Keepers Sunday school class and the entire Westbury UMC family for prayers, presence, gifts and love shown my family after the death of my son, Leandrew Ray, Sr. ––Nellie Haller
Holy Week and Easter Worship
Leta Schmuck Atwood, 02/06/12 charter member
Palm Sunday, April 1, @ 10:45 am | Westbury UMC's Festival Choir and Orchestra will present Joseph Martin’s “The Rose of Calvary,” an exciting and dramatic retelling of the passion narrative in word and song.
thankful for your love, grace, and generosity during this difficult time in our lives. Caleb Julius Wardley was born on Friday, February 10, 9:33 am, at 28 weeks and 5 days. Sadly, he passed away around 1:00 am on Sunday, February 12. Words cannot express the pain and sorrow we feel. It is the love and prayers of family and friends that have held us as we struggle to find strength. Please continue to pray for Julius and me as we reenter our areas of ministry and seek to fulfill our call. Thank you for loving us. –Rev. Romonica Malone-Wardley
Maundy Thursday, April 5, @ noon and 7:00 pm Remember Jesus’ last supper where he washed the disciples’ feet, saying, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
Westburyworships
April 2012 |
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Credo: A Teaching Series on What We Believe April 15 | Creation April 22 | Trinity: One God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit April 29 | Incarnation – The Holy Spirit and the Virgin Birth May 06 | Atonement and Resurrection May 13 | Judgment, End Times and the New Creation
Your presence counts in worship
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I’m here
ou’re not just a number—you’re a person. And that’s why we’re moving beyond a mere “head count” to gauge worship attendance. We urge you to take time to write your name on the “I’m Here to Worship” pew cards. Consider it an act of worship, and drop the card in an offering basket. This isn’t just for guests! We hope it will become your weekly habit to turn in this card, and should you need to update any contact information for the church office, please fill out the blue shaded area at any time.
to worship!
Date ________________________
Welcome
to Westbury UMC! Your presence in worship truly matters. Please take a moment to fill out this card and place it in the offering basket. Name ________________________________________________
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q I am a member of Westbury UMC. q I am a guest today and this is my
q 1st q 2nd q ______ time to worship here.
If you are a new guest or simply need to update your contact information, please continue below.
I prefer to be reached by (check all
that apply)
q Phone: (__________) ________________________________
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q Email: ________________________________
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q Address: ________________________________
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City/State/ZIP:
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My children’s names and ages ________________________________
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My race, nationality and/or ethnicity
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I am in my q 20s q 30s q 40s q 50s
q 60s q 70s q 80s q 90s
I came to worship today because ________________________________
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Good Friday worship at Salem Lutheran
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ne of our neighbor churches off W. Bellfort, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, invites you to an ecumenical Tre Ore (Three-Hour) Service on Good Friday, April 6. The service focuses on Jesus’ last words from the cross. Worshipers may come and go, as needed. You are encouraged to depart Westbury UMC’s noonday service and continue worship at Salem. Our own Rev. Williams will conclude the service. See schedule:
1:20 pm “My God, my God” by
Pastor Matthew Vandagriff, Willow Meadows Baptist Church
1:50 pm “I am thirsty” by Chaplain Ste-
phen Martin, VA Medical Center
2:15 pm “ It is finished” by Rector Gena
Davis, Grace Episcopal Church
2:35 pm “ Father, into your hands” by Rev. Tommy Williams, Westbury UMC
Good Friday, April 6, @ noon | In the ancient tradition of the church, we will mark the day of Christ's death and burial with a somber mid-day service. Worship for the day can continue at Salem Lutheran (see article above).
Easter Sunday, April 8, @ 8:00 and 10:45 am | Come joyfully worship the risen Christ in the Sanctuary at 8:00 am (with communion) and 10:45 am (youth confirmation). Both services will celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection.
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Westburysings
April 2012
Repurposed youth choir brings communion and song to retirement home residents ◗ kelsey Johnson, director of communications
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he empty room was never intended for worship. It wasn’t a sanctuary or a chapel, just a simple recreation room at a retirement home. But, as scripture tells us, wherever two or three are gathered, God is there. Most surely God’s promise is true at Clarewood House, a retirement community where six members of Westbury UMC now live. The afternoon of Sunday, March 4, Westbury’s Agape Youth Choir prepared that simple space for worship, carrying songsheets, a Bible and the consecrated bread and cup. Over 30 people, both young and old, worshipped together. It was what one resident, Ardith Watson, called bringing the “big church into the little church at Clarewood.” Along with Ms. Watson, the Rev. Dow Harleston, Gwynn Molzahn, Marie Tutten and 12 other Clarewood residents were also in attendance. Adding to those numbers were members of the youth choir, director Rev. DeAndre Johnson, accompanist Sarah Winkel, youth director Cody Cruise, Living Water Caring Ministry representatives and several parents. The youth led the service with singing, scripture reading and communion. Rev. Johnson gave a short homily, mirrored after the scripture focus from that Sunday morning’s worship service.
Clarewood House was the youth choir’s first destination for worship; one of the youth, Sarah Patlan, helps serve communion by offering the cup; residents gather for the service; Rev. Johnson and the youth choir recite a prayer together.
The youth will be worshipping alongside our senior members in care facilities and private homes on a regular basis now, once every other month. All of this after Rev. Johnson initiated significant changes to the structure of the youth choir. “I felt God was leading us to break the mold a bit and take the youth choir in a new direction,” Rev. Johnson explains.
“The service was inspirational and the youth made me proud to be a member of Westbury UMC,” says Yvonne Canida, one of the representatives from the Living Water Caring Ministry.
He recalls how he and others on staff were wrestling with how to more consistently visit and serve communion to Westbury’s homebound members and residents in assisted living facilities.
“As I watched the interaction between the senior residents and the youth, I was reminded of the verse in the song, ‘A Place at the Table,’ that talks about the hands of the young and the old joining together.”
“It dawned on me that we had a group of willing and eager young people who could help serve communion to these folks,” says Rev. Johnson. “Even more than simply breaking bread together, the youth could offer
a complete worship service with song and scripture that would keep our senior members connected to the larger worshipping congregation.” Cody Cruise and Rev. Johnson shared the new plan with the youth and their parents in a meeting earlier this year. Shifting the purpose of the youth choir to be a bridge in ministry to the elderly required reevaluating the spiritual merit and financial responsibility of an annual summer choir tour. In the end, Rev. Johnson decided to permanently suspend the youth choir’s obligation to the tour. Some were sad to see it go as the summer choir tour had been a long-standing tradition of the Agape Youth Choir. However, as a whole, the students have responded positively to the changes, recognizing that Westbury’s youth group already plans to participate in mission trips and other
Westburysings
April 2012 |
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A New Identity for Westbury’s Agape Youth Choir ◗ R ev. DeAndre Johnson, director
Q
How would you describe the purpose of the youth choir?
Communion as an outpouring of God’s grace; singing familiar hymns like “O How I Love Jesus”; smiles and handshakes were exchanged as the youth greeted residents after the worship service.
summer camp experiences that will sufficiently fill the gap. Embracing their new purpose, the youth choir has formed a partnership with the Living Water Caring Ministry. This team already works as a liaison between the church and some 28 members who live in care facilities or are homebound. They faithfully send cards, deliver newsletters, place phone calls, bake goodies and make one-on-
one visits. Now, the youth choir will contribute to the ministry by building caring, intergenerational relationships. “It provides an opportunity for the youth to extend the table of fellowship and communion,” says Rev. Johnson. “And for those older members of our Westbury family who are unable to come to worship, we will bring worship to you, where you are.” ■
Our young people help lead the congregation in worship each week. They now have immense ownership over another ministry—they are charged with extending the sacred table of communion and fellowship to our homebound members and those living in care facilities.
Q
What incentive will the youth choir have without a summer tour? It’s my hope that the youth won’t need that kind of an incentive to sing. They are a gifted and generous bunch who truly want to give back. The church fully affirms this ministry, and we pledge to help foster their skills and passion for worship leadership.
Q
How often will the youth choir worship at care facilities and with our homebound members? The youth choir will devote an afternoon once every other month. We will coordinate our destinations on a rotation at the advisement of the Living Water Caring Ministry. Our next visit will be on Sunday, May 6.
Spring Music Series continues with guest singers on April 15 and 22
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his month, we will be inspired by the ministry of song through two female solo artists, Missy Wise and Celia Whitler.
Missy Wise, April 15
Celia Whitler, April 22
Then, on Sunday, April 22, at 6:00 pm, singersongwriter Celia Whitler will be in concert, weaving together song and storytelling. She is best known for her laid-back concert style, performing solo with just an acoustic guitar. More about the artist at: www.celiamusic.net.
Having just released her second album, “Issues,” the soulful Missy Wise is an advocate for the 27 million victims of modern-day slavery. “Music is the vehicle by which I get to spread the message of love, justice, and mercy I find in a relationship with Christ,” she says. Westbury UMC will welcome her in morning worship at 10:45 am on Sunday, April 15, as well as in concert that afternoon at 6:00 pm. More about the artist at: www.missywise.com.
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his little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine...With this song in our hearts, on Saturday, March 24, over 90 servants from Westbury UMC were sent out to six work sites throughout Houston. Here’s how the site coordinators describe their experiences: u Braes Interfaith Ministries Community Garden | Emily Hartzog Site liaison, Bob Lonard, gave us all a wonderful tour and history of the garden and taught us more about the people it serves. There was weeding, mowing, tilling, aerating of tomatoes, removal of old plants, and even a Wiggs/Hartzog compost spreading challenge! Seeing how vegetables grow up close and getting exposure to such bounty was a real treat for us all. As Bob says, “We are really the ones who benefit from the garden, more so than those who eat from it.” v Rebuilding Together | Tommy Behrman Our crew of 12 volunteers pulled together to do some home repair in north Houston.
Rebuilding Together Houston is a local nonprofit that connects willing volunteers with Houston residents in need of some home repairs. Westbury had the pleasure of being paired with Mrs. Elizabeth Littleton who has lived in Houston for over 30 years. Through this partnership, we were able to build Mrs. Littleton a new staircase from her side door complete with handrails, repair a broken window and close in the front porch and steps with handrails. w Casa El Buen Samaritano | John Patlan We worked at the home of Lucy B., who is both a patient and also a volunteer at the Casa El Buen Samaritano clinic. Lucy is a widow who cares for her elderly mother, and lives on a fixed income. Her backyard was quite overgrown and full of weeds. The volunteers mowed, pulled weeds, trimmed shrubbery, spread mulch, and helped make her yard much more attractive and livable. We also shared lunch and prayed together. Lucy, who also teaches preschool Sunday school, was very touched and appreciative of our efforts to show God’s love to her.
x Nursing Home Medley | Daniel Heathcock Part of the goal was to socialize with the residents and bring a bit of light and joy to their day, which I think we successfully did. We started off by helping at the Alzheimer’s Association. We helped prepare for their annual professional conference to help educate nurses, social workers and others about Alzheimer’s. We traveled to Belmont Village to sing hymns with the residents. After working again at the Alzheimer’s Association, we finished off the day enjoying bingo and chocolates with the residents of Clarewood House, a retirement community. Many residents at both locations said, “So when are you coming back? Don’t stay away too long!” y The Mission of Yahweh | Amy Grinstead A group of 14 volunteers joined together to change the community and join others in fighting against homelessness and poverty in the Houston area. After hearing about the many missions and programs the Mission of Yahweh engages in, we jumped to work, sorting donated items such as clothes, books, purses and shoes, while others helped orga-
photos by: Tommy Behrman, Dan Grinstead and Kelsey Johnson
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x nize the Hope Store and Mission of Yahweh Thrift Shop. As we worked and laughed together in fellowship, Rev. Betty Godso explained the upcoming importance of all the donated items for the annual Easter egg hunt in which women and children get to enjoy the hunt to win some rather impressive prizes such as Easter Sunday dresses and purses. While this seems like a silly game, it will offer some joy and comfort to homeless women
and children who are trying to overcome their current situation and transition into selfsufficient, productive members of society. ‘ Anderson Elementary | Elsa Garza Westbury joined the teachers and principal of our partner school, Anderson Elementary, for a morning prayer walk. Using scripturepacked prayer guides, the groups walked the hallways and perimeter of the school, taking
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turns to pray. One of the participants, Adam Walmus, said it was very meaningful to pray with the teachers over their own classrooms and for their students’ needs. Principal Dr. Vaughn explained that the upcoming state testing has created pressure for the school, so the prayer walk was very timely. After the prayer walk, our crew grabbed buckets and squeegees to wash windows across the campus for the rest of the day.
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Westburycommunicates
April 2012
More Communications Successes Facebook
We’re sending out messages, posing questions and uploading photos on our Facebook Page at www.facebook. com/westburyumc. Currently, 87 people “like” our Facebook Page and even more regularly interact with content. For Easter worship services, we initiated a demographic-specific ad, targeted to southwest Houston. Email
New sign contributes to spike in enrollment for Westbury’s Day School program
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ccording to director Susan Edge, both the Day School and Mother’s Day Out (MDO) have experienced a literal explosion in enrollment numbers for the summer MDO program and the 2012–13 school year. A record 92 children will enjoy a fun summer in our “Rumble in the Jungle” MDO. Additionally, the new school year will bring 25 children to MDO and 124 children to Day School, more than we have enrolled for the current year! Parent referrals attract lots of friends and neighbors, but the new exterior electronic sign is also bringing us new families. Recently, we received a phone call from a grandfather who wanted to register his grandson as a gift to his daughter. He said, “I drive by the church every day on my way to work. I can see that you have a lot going on. I saw your phone number on the sign, so I’m calling to get information about your school.” Now in its 45th year serving the community, we’re thankful that the Day School/MDO is reaping some of the benefits of the new signage and messaging.
The monthly newsletter and announcements are sent to a list of 380 subscribers. We’ve maintained a high rate of subscribers who open and click through to the email message. To sign up for emails, go to www. WestburyUMC.org/news-calendar. Website
Since launching the new website last spring, we’ve seen a 78.7% increase in web traffic (see graph below). Videos, blog, calendar, sermon audio and Day School information are among the most popular content on the website.
Website traffic from May 2011–February 2012
Westburyinvites Pastors to be ordained on June 6
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ave the date for Wednesday, June 6, at 7:00 pm, when Rev. DeAndre Johnson and Rev. Julius Malone-Wardley will be ordained at the 2012 Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. The evening service of worship will be held in Galveston at the Galveston Convention Center.
Please contact the church office if you plan to attend and would like to be placed on a carpool list. We celebrate with these two pastors as they devote themselves to a life of ordained ministry in Christ’s name. For a full schedule of Annual Conference activities, visit www.txcumc.org.
Westburyconnects::CHILDREN WE’RE SO THANKFUL FOR OUR WONDERFUL NURSERY STAFF! God has richly blessed us by sending us a staff of loving, Christian women and men to care for the children of our church. Under the direction of Ms. Aundré White (pictured at left), our Childcare Supervisor, the nursery staff strive to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the children in their care so that parents are able to attend discipleship groups, worship services and church leadership meetings and events. Also recently hired, Jayson Brown (pictured in middle), helps parents check their kids in and out, answers questions and monitors traffic in the hallways. Let’s thank God for their service to the youngest of our church. Pray for their safety and good health, as well as for those children who are in their care.
April 2012 |
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Easter for kids
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aster on Sunday, April 8, for children will be filled with fun and the Easter message. Everything will be provided so you don’t even need your Easter baskets! It all begins at 9:30 am. Preschool children will meet in room C-12 for a story, then an egg hunt on the playground.
Kindergartners through 5th graders will gather in the gym. We’ll start with activities and learn what it means to be redeemed. Then everyone will go to the garden where 1,000+ empty plastic eggs will be launched from the second floor onto the lawn. Each egg can then be “redeemed” for candy.
Dive in deep at VBS 2012
◗ REV. Jana Kincannon, Director of Children’s Ministries
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an you believe it’s time to plan for Vacation Bible School!? We’re setting our course for the week of July 30–August 3, 9:00 am–noon, with the theme “Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep with God.”
Registration for children will begin in May, but we need adult and teen shipmates who are willing to report for duty. There are over 90 jobs available: big jobs, little jobs, jobs before VBS, during VBS and after VBS is over. Jobs on Sunday mornings, jobs at night, jobs during the day. There are jobs for people who can run, walk, drive a car, stand or sit down. There are jobs for those who can operate a telephone, a computer, or a pad and pen. There are jobs for people who can paint or sing or draw or cook or…well, you get the idea. There is no good enough reason for you to miss the blessing of VBS 2012. The sign-up sheet is on the table in the East Foyer (the tiled area between the Children’s Wing and church office).
It’s not the end of the story!
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n April, children ages 3–5th grade will learn about how the stories of Easter proclaim that Jesus is risen. Sunday School starts at 9:30 am. Our teachers use the Live B.I.G. curriculum to enliven Bible stories through crafts, games and more. For more details, visit iLiveBIG.com. April 01 | Palm Sunday April 08 | T he Resurrection April 15 | Road to Emmaus April 22 | Breakfast on the Beach April 29 | The Great Commission
10 | April 2012
Westburyconnects::YOUTH
UM ARMY deposits due soon
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ummer 2012 UM ARMY is coming and your money is needed. Please make a $75 deposit by Sunday, April 15 to secure a spot for our trip to Fairfield, Texas, the week of June 10–16. The complete cost is $200, and scholarships are available for those who need it. It is an opportunity for youth, college students and adults to experience Christian growth through mission, worship and fellowship. Participants combine their strengths to do home repair and maintenance needs of those unable to help themselves. This trip is typically for students who have completed the 8th grade as of Summer 2012.
April Collide Bible Study
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he youth will continue to walk through the Bible on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm. Here’s our schedule: April 04 | Colossians 1 and 2 April 11 | Colossians 3 and 4 April 18 | 1 Thessalonians April 25 | 2 Thessalonians
Matt Robison to speak to teens
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att Robison, a special guest speaker, will come for Impact Youth on Sundays, May 6 and 13, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. This is a series the youth will be doing called “Ready, Set, Go.” Matt does freelance art projects, teaches art lessons and leads an apartment ministry near Houston. He wants to use art to share the gospel and the love of Jesus with teens and people of all ages. We hope your teen can join us for a great night of worship and teaching on these Sundays.
Student Life Mission and Spiritual Camp
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tudent Life 2011 was a life-changing experience for our Westbury teens, and we’re planning to go again this summer! To secure your spot for this trip to the University of North Texas in Dallas, Texas, please turn in a $100 deposit by Sunday, April 15. The trip is July 23–28 and will include missions, spiritual growth, a Six Flags theme park day and much more.
Celebrate with us! You don’t want to miss this year’s confirmation of youth on Sunday, April 8 (Easter) at the 10:45 am worship service. Our junior high teens have completed a year-long course of study in preparation for this special day.
At Student Life 2012, teenagers entering the 7th–12th grades will be challenged to be bold in their faith not just for the sake of being seen, but bold because they serve a God who is bold, a God who sees what they can become. How do they do that? By being on guard, standing firm in the faith, being courageous and being bold (I Corinthians 16:13). By being AUDACIOUS. Partial and full scholarships are avaliable for any teen in need of one. Adult price for this trip is $315.
Westburyconnects::ADULTS Auxiliary meeting open to new members
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he Methodist Hospital Auxiliary will meet at 10:30 am at Bellaire UMC on Thursday, April 19. The program will be “Reducing Cancer Risk,” presented by Susan Madigan, Media Coordinator for M. D. Anderson Hospital. Lunch will be served following the meeting for $3. We are seeking new members. Come join us! For more information, contact the church office or Ellie Hanson, Auxiliary representative, at 713-729-8598.
Donations needed for BIM school supplies
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raes Interfaith Ministries is collecting funds for its annual School Supply Program, where the children of BIM clients receive school supplies for the opening of the school year. As in past years, BIM purchases the school supplies through Educational Products, Inc. (EPI) and packages them in April. The supplies will be given to the families over the summer months, up until August. Cash contributions are encouraged by filling out an offering envelope or checks can be made out to Westbury UMC with “BIM school supplies” in the memo line. Thank you for your support of this community ministry! Call the church office with any questions.
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Lenten study on The Lord’s Prayer brings spiritual insights to participants
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ver 50 people studied The Lord’s Prayer together on Wednesday nights during Lent. God bless Rev. Denise Jones and Dr. Keith Jenkins for sharing their teaching gifts with us! Here’s what one participant said about the study:
“The study about The Lord’s Prayer was good. The book is thoughtprovoking. Taking the prayer in sections, our wonderful teacher, Rev. Denise Jones, was a good discussion leader, making us look at new and different aspects of the material. The Lord’s Prayer calls us; it’s part and parcel of the Christian experience. We live within The Lord’s Prayer.” —Linda Tollefson
PrimeTimers to host digital accordionists
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n Monday, April 23, the PrimeTimers will meet in Humphrey Hall. The general meeting starts at 11:00 am, followed by a potluck lunch at 11:30 am and the musical program at noon.
The musical program this month will be Shelia Lee, digital accordionist. Shelia is a dynamic accordion performer, well versed in multiple styles and with a large repertoire—from formal concerts, festivals, conventions, restaurants, cruise ships to house parties, backyard barbeques, and even street performing. Styles include Italian, German, Tex-Mex, country, standards and party songs. Mark Ropel—an equally accomplished accordionist—shares the spotlight with Shelia and has a similar musical background. You will enjoy their antics and choice of songs. Please feel free to make requests! 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.
Parents in Fellowship will meet on Saturday, April 14,
from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Parlor. All parents of young children are invited to enjoy dinner together and social time to informally discuss parenting issues. Bring a potluck dish to share for the adults and pack a sack dinner for your child(ren). Childcare is provided for $5/child. For more details, contact Jenny Hester at jennyhester@sbcglobal.net.
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Westburywelcomes
Garage Sale for Orphans on May 5
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o you have excess household items, electronics, clothing, etc. that you’re ready to part with? Let’s “purge with a purpose!” The Shepherds Sunday school class (parents of young children) and Westbury’s youth are sponsoring a churchwide garage sale in Humphrey Hall, on Saturday, May 5, from 8:00 am to noon.
All proceeds from the sale will be put toward the building of a safe-house for orphaned children in Ferrier, Haiti, which sits on the border of Haiti and The Dominican Republic. Currently, human trafficking is quite prevalent along this border, as traffickers prey upon poor, vulnerable and abandoned children. For $6,000, Haitian leaders and pastors can construct a safe place for children to live, grow and be educated. The homes will rescue orphans from the streets and keep them out of the hands of traffickers. We will accept items to be donated for the sale beginning Sunday, April 29 and ending Thursday, May 3. A team of volunteers, working in shifts, will sort, price and set up for the sale that week. Be on the lookout for more details on how you can be involved!
William Burke (03/04/12)
Patricia Oliverires (03/04/12)
The church office will be closed the day after Easter on Monday, April 9. Regular hours will resume from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday.
The next monthly issue will be on May 4, 2012. Submissions are due by April 19 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
United Methodist Church
Westbury
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 7821 Houston, Texas