Together {Feb March April 2016}

together FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016 WE ST B URY UNI T E D ME T HODI ST C H UR C H

Bearing Fruit A story of spiritual growth within the FAM Intentional Community [p. 4–7]

Lent, Holy Week and Easter Enter into the Lenten season of preparation and then a glorious Easter celebration [p. 8–11]

Reimagining Confirmation Teens explore essential faith concepts gradually in middle school before intensive Confirmation classes in 9th grade [p. 15]

FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016

M

y first visit to Westbury UMC was on Father’s Day 2013. My husband Tony and I felt called to adopt from the Democratic Republic of Congo. We were 99% sure, but concerns lingered. We knew our love—no matter how strong—wasn’t strong enough. Our children would also need mentors and strong community to help them navigate life in America. A friend told me to “go to church and pray for an answer.”

I was skeptical, but took action and walked through the doors of Westbury that morning.

I took communion and knelt at the prayer rail almost begging for an answer, “Are we selfish to remove a child from their birth country? Will our son Henry adjust well to a growing family? Will we have the tools and community to parent black children? Is adopting from DRC the right decision?

Will we be strong enough to confront racism and meet their needs? Will they have the community they need to thrive?" As I sat down, the song, “For Everyone Born,” began to play.

For everyone born, a place at the table, For everyone born, clean water and bread, A shelter, a space, a safe place for growing, For everyone born, a star overhead.

me home the children they have The Rorai family will soon welco blic of Congo.

Repu ic ocrat Dem adopted from the

CONTRIBUTORS Miranda Bennett, Taylor Fuerst, DeAndre Johnson, Josh Lemons, Hillary Peete, Dawn Rorai, Erin Randolph, Donald Scherer, Denise Singleton, Hannah Smith, Rebecca Smith, and Hannah Terry EDITOR & DESIGNER Kelsey Johnson ASSISTANT EDITOR Cindy Parker PHOTOGRAPHY Kelsey Johnson, Hannah Terry

And God will delight when we are creators Of justice and joy, compassion and peace: Yes, God will delight when we are creators Of justice, justice and joy!

I looked up at the large screen to see, “a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing.” I had the answer I needed.

In early 2015, we became the proud legal parents of Claude Sartini Rorai (age 5) and Marie Jolie Rorai (age 2). We immediately went to visit them in Kinshasa and began the U. S. immigration process. As of January 2016, our children are visa ready, with only two documents keeping us separated: a DRC passport and DRC immigration exit letter. Our lawyer is hopeful the DRC government will allow them to join us soon.

We are all welcome here. God has provided everyone a place at the table.

It’s been a rocky path since we began our adoption journey two-and-a-half years ago.

The Westbury UMC community has held our family up in prayer, challenged us to grow, and provided friendship. I’m so grateful the Westbury communion table is open to all. That we can United Methodist Church arrive suffering—healing and celebrating together. We are all welcome here. God has provided 5200 Willowbend Boulevard Houston, Texas 77096 everyone a place at the table.

Westbury

(713) 723-0175 WestburyUMC.org

2

Westbury

—Dawn Rorai

together FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016 United Methodist Church

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE

BY R E V. TAY L O R F U E R ST

Our All In Capital Campaign is well on its way to success! Here’s the latest:

•

We have decisively exceeded our Firm Foundation goal of $850,000.

As of this printing, our congregation and friends have made pledges in excess of $943,000! Wow! It took an ALL IN commitment from everyone to reach this point—thank you!

•

To kick off our contributions to the campaign, we gathered our First Fruit offering of over $120,000, including gifts given on or before December 13.

•

A Building Committee is currently being assembled. This group will be charged with preparing and presenting a plan for building projects that utilize capital campaign funds. The congregation will have the opportunity to vote on this plan, and any renovation or building plans will be presented for approval by the Central South District Buildings and Location Committee. The Westbury UMC Building Committee will then have the task of carrying out the approved projects. Expect more updates in the coming months!

•

In the meantime, repairs and other topics related to the facility continue to be the responsibility of the Board of Trustees.

Since we began to dream about a campaign, we believed that God was guiding the current members of Westbury to bless those who will one day enter our doors hoping to encounter the life-changing love of Jesus Christ. Our building has been our hub of ministry in this neighborhood for 60 years, and we envision that this facility can both support and enhance our ministry for years to come. We pray for God to guide us as we seek the next steps toward making this vision a reality. ■ FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016 together

3

Bearing

Fruit

A story of spiritual growth within the FAM Intentional Community

BY E R I N R A N D O L P H

I

believe God is constantly inviting us as Christians on these incredibly powerful, inspiring journeys, and as He leads us, He shapes and prunes us, allowing us to be made smooth, made new over and over again. So many can attest to how beautiful the end result is, and yet not many are willing to open up on the difficulty of the journey.

I often wonder why no one told me that following Christ would mean confronting the things about myself I could not bear to look at. Following Christ would mean He would lead me into situations where I would be shocked at my own selfishness, my own envy, and my own self-hatred. Following Christ would mean I had to expose the still open wounds I hid so well, the things I believe that made me unworthy of the title “Christian,� so that He could finally heal them and give me another chance at a real life. Following Christ would mean I would have to die, so that He could resurrect me. It is a process full of suffering and on the other side, there is comfort, joy, peace and love beyond which I could imagine. And it all started in an apartment on the southwest side of Houston.

For my husband Russell LaGrone and me, our adventure with the Intentional Christian Community on Fondren began happily. We started coming to morning prayer the day after we got back from our honeymoon in February 2014. We were eager to experience all the community had to offer, and it was already inspiring to us. Morning prayer, though we lived 30 minutes away and I had to get to work by 8 am, was still a joy. Wednesday nights at Los Arcos were welcoming and beautiful.

The openness required of our weekly check-ins on our spiritual walks filled me with awe. God began working through the community and into

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower.

He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit... I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. JOHN 15 my heart immediately, changing my life. I would cut back on hours at my job so that I could focus more on discovering who God wished me to be. Money was not important. Material goods were not important.

The community was what was important. I would find God in every nook and cranny of the community, continuously filled with His presence. Russell and I couldn’t wait to move into the apartments on Fondren Road in August. It was a beautiful time.

Then it wasn’t. Soon, we began opening our apartments to obvious leaders in the community who wanted to help at Los Arcos, and the Intentional Community wanted to encourage that. New faces were showing up at Los Arcos who were exceptional at community building, easily fitting into the missional community. I was envious. I have not been blessed with the ability to easily fit into places and the missional community was no exception. Where I felt lost and confused, I felt they understood exactly where they were supposed to be. My jealousy ran very deep,

FAM

very quickly and I was shocked at the ways in which I was thinking of these loving people. My internal pain upon seeing them week after week became such that I wondered how I could continue with the Intentional Community. My husband and I were only a few months into our covenant and I was thinking of ways that the community could still work for my husband if I was not involved. I was too broken for this way of life, too unloveable.

It was difficult but I remember reaching out to the Intentional Community with my struggle, baring my imperfections in a way I had never done before. If they could not handle it, then I would understand. I could barely handle it. Instead, I was met with compassion and empathy. “How can we support you as you work through this?” they would ask. I would hear this question often over the next few years. “How can we support you?” I can’t imagine any of them understood the grace those words held for me. They were not asking to fix my problems, but to journey alongside me as I faced them. They all understood that this was my path to walk but they wanted me spiritually prepared for the trip. Though I was coming to terms with how broken I truly was, God had Russell LaGrone and Erin Randolph, members of St. Peter's placed around UMC-Katy, joined the FAM Intentional Community in 2014.

FAM (FONDREN APARTMENT MINISTRY)

FAM

Relational ministry building holy friendship and Christian community among refugees, immigrants, and local neighbors.

Mission Know God. Love People. Be Faithful.

Vision To be a community for all shaped by prayer, hospitality, and justice.

Intentional Community Christians who have covenanted to: relocate to the Reserve at Bankside apartments on Fondren Road for a discerned length of time, share morning prayer together in their homes, gather for a weekly meal, listen and look for God among their neighbors, and hold one another accountable in discipleship through love and support.

A BRIEF FAM HISTORY 2012–15

CONTINUAL GROWTH

June 2012 Lindsey and Daniel Heathcock and Hannah Terry begin meeting weekly to cook, eat, pray, and explore what it means to live together in intentional Christian community

March 2013 Heathcocks, Hannah, and Eric Mukuba (Congolese asylum seeker) move into the Reserve at Bankside Apartments on Fondren Road, begin daily Morning Prayer (Sundays–Thursdays), and invite neighbors from Los Arcos over for potluck dinner and multilingual living room worship service

October 2013 Russell and Erin join Wednesday Nights and begin helping with Sunday morning driving of Los Arcos friends to Westbury worship service and new ESL program at Los Arcos

September 2013 Wednesday Community Nights bear fruit with over 100 people from Los Arcos and Westbury UMC gathering weekly for a shared meal and community building through songs, play, Bible stories with art, and casual conversations

me people who would help me along the way. I couldn’t have been more grateful.

myself honestly, or allow God to heal me of my shame. I would not be forced to grow.

My path led me down very dark avenues, and I leaned on the Intentional Community at every step. Some days I would make it very difficult to be loved. I would say things harshly and rudely without thinking, unknowingly testing the boundaries of their love for me, of God’s love for me. I knew there had to be a limit to how much I could be cared for, but the community did not leave me, and their stability kept me from leaving as well. As they needed me to, I would try and push aside my pain to be stable for them as well. We all went through difficulties, and I tried to allow for the two-way street that God created Intentional Community to be. Some days were more successful than others. The grace of God continued to shine through the people in the Intentional Community in our prayers, in our works and in our openness with one another, and I began to believe it could shine out through me as well.

The reason I was not able to run, the reason God was able to prune me in the way that He had, was because of the explicitly held commitment we had to one another to stay. I would share meals with them even when my heart was heavy and I only wished to hide from it all. I would do laundry at another’s apartment, even when I did not wish to see anyone, lest they see how much pain I was in. I would check in with the others, in depth, on how my relationship with Christ was going each week,

I suppose many would look at the way I describe the relationships I developed in the Intentional Community and think of them as strong friendships. In some ways, that’s exactly what they are: Godly relationships centered around a love of Christ and a want to live more fully into what God has called us all to be. However, if that was all Intentional Community was, it would have been so easy for me to run at the first sign of pain. Running was something I was very good at during this part of my life. I might see these people every so often, perhaps even talk about Christ or how I was doing spiritually, but I would not be forced to be open. I would not be forced to look at

6

April 2013 The Intentional Community begins leading Wednesday Community Nights at Los Arcos to practice hospitality and build holy friendships with families

together FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016

Following Christ would mean confronting the things about myself I could not bear to look at.

even when I had no words to express how distant I felt from God. Whether I wanted it or not, God was showing me, showing all of us, how persistent, unavoidable and beautiful He is.

I have been lucky to share my experiences with this unavoidable, persistent God with my home church, St. Peter’s United Methodist, in a few avenues over the

June 2014 Intentional Community builds holy friendships and teaching relationships with refugees and asylum seeker friends in both Houston and Dallas

January 2015 Intentional Community births the Lead Team, multiplying leadership for FAM

October 2015 Intentional Community blesses and commissions Daniel and Lindsey in their new home in the Medical Center, and gives God thanks for the fruit produced through the season of their lives shared together in Christian community February 2014 Erin and Russell discern joining the Intentional Community and drive in from Katy every morning for prayer on Fondren

December 2014 Erin and Russell connect St. Peter’s UMC with FAM through a joint Christmas worship service

March 2015 Hannah and Russell share the story of FAM by co-teaching a seminary class at Perkins School of Theology about new ways of growing and being the church

past few years. Although the rest of the Intentional Community go to the anchor church, Westbury United Methodist, Russell and I have very intentionally continued to meet Sunday mornings at St. Peter’s in the Katy suburbs. Many churches do not have intentional community ties the way Westbury does, and Russell and I have enjoyed greatly being able to share what God has taught us through the two years we have dedicated ourselves to this new way of doing church. The suburbs of our nation are filled with people who have chosen to hide their faults from view instead of allowing God to painfully prune them into something greater, and I believe it is the Church’s job to call us all back into open, honest living in an intentional manner.

My view of community and church are forever changed. The relationships we have within our congregations need to be unavoidably deep and personal.

We must be persistent in our love, hospitality and prayer with others. And it starts with each one of us.

I know trying to base your relationships off of these ideas is a process simultaneously filled with pain and love, sorrow and joy, turmoil and peace. It is uncomfortable.

It is hard. It can hurt deeply. Yet without the pain, we are not pruned and we cannot grow into the vastness of God’s love for us. If you feel as though your suffering is too great, heartache too much and there is no way anyone can love you unconditionally, know that I have been there as well. And I have only one question for you: How can I support you? ■

FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016 together

7

Lent 2 0 1 6 40 DAYS LEADING UP TO EASTE R SHROVE TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9 5:45–7:30 PM Our 3rd Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner is bigger than ever! Everyone is invited to join us in Humphrey Hall for a pancake dinner, crafts and a fun pancake race.

In addition, this year we will have a bonfire and simple prayer service in the Memorial Garden. We will burn the Palm Sunday palms from last year and use these ashes on Ash Wednesday. See next

ASH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 10 NOON (CHAPEL) & 7 PM (SANCTUARY) Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.

During Westbury UMC’s Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers.

The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship. The ash cross on the forehead is an outward sign of our sorrow and repentance for sins.

Adapted from The United Methodist Book of Worship

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY FEBRUARY 17–MARCH 23 [ NOON–1 PM | ROOM 105 ] Throughout the history of the Church, the Gospel of John has been

pivotal in helping Christians better understand the mystery

of the Incarnation and the power of the Resurrection.

The pastors will teach this class on rotation.

ALTERNATIVE SUNDAY SCHOOL

FEBRUARY 14–MARCH 20 9:30 AM | PARLOR

Jump into a new rhythm

on Sunday mornings to

learn more about the

sacrament of Holy

Communion. We’ll

have complementary

discussions about

themes we’re

focusing on in worship.

8

together FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016

WORSHIP THROUGHOUT LENT SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY 14–MARCH 20 10:45 AM The Lord’s Supper. Holy Communion. Eucharist. It is a meal with many names, and we know it is important to our life of faith, but why? What does this sacrament really mean, and how does it shape our regular, everyday lives?

Join us in worship during the season of Lent as we celebrate Communion each week and consider its impact on our lives and our community of faith.

LABYRINTH HALF-DAY FIELD TRIPS SATURDAYS, FEBRUARY 20 & MARCH 12 Inside ornate cathedrals and outside in simple fields, Christians have walked labyrinths for centuries. Wherever you may find yourself, walking a labyrinth is a spiritual practice that allows us time and space to contemplate our spiritual journeys. During Lent, a time of reflection and repentance, we will travel to two different labyrinths in Houston. We’ll announce the locations soon. Anyone can walk a labyrinth; people of all ages are invited! Carpooling from the church can be arranged, or you can meet us there if you prefer. For details, contact Miranda Bennett at micah.miranda @yahoo.com

LENTEN BOOK RESOURCE As a devotional resource for the season of Lent, Westbury UMC is recommending the book, Pauses for Lent, by Trevor Hudson. In this beautifully minimalist book, Hudson focuses on 40 single words one for each day of the season of Lent. Each meditation pairs the word for the day with a scripture verse, brief insight, and a call to action. Each pause for Lent will refresh and challenge readers towards a deeper and richer practice of faith. Books will be available in the church office beginning Sunday, February 7, for a suggested donation of $10.

FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016 together

9

MARCH 24 7 PM

Worship | 7 pm | Sanctuary The journey to Easter continues with a Tenebrae Service on Holy (Maundy) Thursday. The Sanctuary Choir and orchestra will lead the congregation in a solemn service of darkness as we recall Jesus’ final hours of betrayal and pain. The service will feature Holy Communion and candlelight.

GOOD FRIDAY

HOLY THURSDAY

PALM SUNDAY

MARCH 20 10:45 AM

MARCH 25 NOON

Worship | Noon | Sanctuary We will hold a service of remembrance on Good Friday.

Together, we will hear again the Passion story, hear Jesus’ final words from the cross and pray for the world.

Blessing of the Palms | 10 am | St. John’s Presbyterian Church We will begin the morning by joining our neighbor congregations along W. Bellfort. All are invited to gather in the fellowship hall of St. John’s before walking over to Westbury UMC. Worship | 10:45 am | Sanctuary Re-enacting Jesus’ own triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the children will lead the congregation in a palm processional from the Memorial Garden. The Children’s Choir will sing and play handbells/chimes.

Create an Easter Garden | 4–6 pm | Humphrey Hall Families are invited to an Easter activity. In preparation for Holy Week, we will create small terrariums filled with stones, candles and plants, symbolic reminders of Jesus’ life and resurrection among us. A suggested donation of $15 per family will help cover the cost of materials.

EASTER SUNDAY

MARCH 27 8 AM & 10:45 AM

Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt | 9–10:30 am Join us for a light breakfast and fellowship in Humphrey Hall. Children (toddlers–2nd grade) will gather at 10 am for an Easter egg hunt.

Worship | 8 am & 10:45 am | Sanctuary Finally, it is time to celebrate Christ’s resurrection!

Both services will center around Holy Communion.

The 10:45 am service will feature special music by the Westbury UMC Festival Choir. See right

Festival Choir Ever thought about singing in the choir but just can’t make a weekly commitment?

Now is your chance! The Westbury UMC Festival Choir is a “sometimes” choir that will gather for only three rehearsals to prepare music for the 10:45 am Easter service on March 27. Rehearsals are on Saturdays, March 5, 19 & 26, 10 am–noon.

Those interested in participating do not need to audition or know how to read music to join. Simply come to at least two out of the three rehearsals. CDs are available to help you learn your part in between rehearsals. For details, contact Pastor DeAndre at (713) 723-0175.

FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016 together

11

Camps & Retreats 3rd–5th Grade Retreat Saturday, March 5 | 9 am–2 pm Camp Allen in Navasota, TX Let’s spend the day together in the piney woods! We’ll start off with a challenge course to have fun while building relationships. We’ll also do a Bible study and take a short hike to an outdoor chapel on the lake. The cost is $25 per child (scholarships available) and this includes the ropes course and lunch.

We will meet at Westbury UMC and transportation to Camp Allen is provided.

Coffee With the Pastors allows time for anyone new to Westbury UMC to enjoy coffee, fruit and pastries while having casual conversations with church members and pastors.

WHEN? FEB. 14, MARCH 13 AND APRIL 10 (NOON–12:30 PM, CAFÉ)

Visitor & New Member Open House is an Spring Break Camp for Children Monday–Thursday, March 14–17 9 am–12:30 pm | Westbury UMC

informal gathering designed to help further connections made on Sundays. Come as you are!

Children are welcome, too.

Our 3rd annual spring break camp is open to 2-year-olds through 5th graders. With this year’s theme, “Animal Planet,” we’ll learn about God’s cool creatures and even get to see some real animals with a visiting petting zoo. Don’t miss out on our wild adventure!

WHEN? APRIL 10 (3–5 PM, HOME OF TOMMY AND AMY BEHRMAN)

Young Adults Camping Trip April 1–3 | McKinney Falls State Park near Austin, TX A weekend away for young adults ages 18–35ish. Cost is $30 (covers tent campsite fees and food). Contact Amy Behrman at amylane07@yahoo.com for more details.

District Summer Camp for Youth June 15–19 | Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, TX This is a UMC-sponsored summer camp for 6th–12th graders. This year, the theme is “Spirit Living in Me.” Cost is $275. To register, go to www.tridistrictcamp.org.

The deadline is April 15. Please make checks out to Westbury UMC and put “District Camp” in the memo line.

12

together FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016

Sunday Social is a chance to spend a little extra time after worship getting to know one another and letting our kids play together! Once a month on 4th Sundays, we meet on the playground (or Humphrey Hall in inclement weather) just to catch up with one another. If you are a new or visiting family, this is the perfect time to meet other parents and let children connect with new friends. Light refreshments will be available.

WHEN? FEB. 28 & APRIL 24 (NOON, PLAYGROUND)

The Westbury Way class provides a forum for understanding what it means to become a member of Westbury UMC. How does Westbury UMC live out its mission, vision and values? To answer these questions and more, the pastors will be offering this two-hour class after worship. If you are thinking of becoming a member, if you’re a new follower of Christ, or if you’re a new church member who has not taken the class, then join us! A complimentary lunch will be served. RSVP to the church office at (713) 723-0175. Childcare is available upon request.

WHEN? FEB. 21 (NOON–2 PM, PARLOR)

S U R V E Y S AY S …

What’s the most familiar term?

2% Eucharist 33% The Lord’s Supper 65% Holy Communion

How old were you when you first received communion?

6% Infant/Toddler 12% Adult 36% Teenager 46% Child

In your opinion, how often should Christians celebrate communion?

20% Once a week 31% Once a month 49% More often for specific seasons

During stressful moments [in college], I would often wander into Duke Chapel to pray and recharge. I made a habit of attending weekly communion services.

There, I found God’s reality overlapping with my own, and I felt God’s presence in a way I never had before. Those services sparked my love for communion and I now find my greatest refuge in the simple act of partaking in the bread and wine.

I was especially moved by receiving communion when I was pregnant.

I value the inclusive, welcoming communion table, and it was wonderful to feel our sons could be part of it even before birth.

As a youth I remember receiving the cracker and wine, kneeling and praying, thanking God for his grace and his blessings. I would repent of all my sins, asking for forgiveness and faith to do great things for him.

—Kelsey Johnson

—Hannah Smith

—Miranda Bennett

—Denise Singleton

—Rebecca Smith

then back to regular frequency

Survey responses from 50 Westbury UMC members

MEANINGFUL MOMENTS

I find joy in the eagerness of children who come forward after worship to feast on the communion “leftovers.”

It is a sign of how there’s more than enough love to go around.

I don’t remember a specific experience, but when we kneel at the altar following receipt of the Lord’s Supper, I feel God’s grace wash over me.

FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016 together

13

Westbury Cares In Memory Of

Robert Lockhart, from Joyce Hornbeak, PLB Dental Services, Penbar, Inc. DBA Regency Village, Suburban Houston–Ft. Bend Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., J. D. and Cheryl Phillips, Lou Kroenecke, Myrtle Williams, Lisa Lockhart, and Betty Lockhart Laralee DeHart, from Phyllis Tessieri, Shirley Walker, Martha Crenshaw, Sally Matthews, the Sissons, Oak Ridge Garden Club, John and Lisa Harrison, and Gloria and Dan Odom Walter Haller, from J. D. and Cheryl Phillips

In Honor Of

Steve and Holly Welty, from Iris L. Beatty

Deaths

Robert Lockhart (11/11/15) Laralee DeHart (12/07/15)

New Member

Rachel Stevens (12/13/15)

Westbury UMC’s Family Ministries and the Scouts (Pack 455, Pack 705 and Troop 455) are teaming up to fight hunger.

You’re invited to fill up grocery sacks for the Souper Bowl of Caring.

On Saturday, January 30, scouts will distribute door hangers in the neighborhoods around Westbury UMC, Kolter Elementary and Parker Elementary to announce the upcoming food drive. Scouts will then return the following Saturday, February 6, to pick up donations left in bags of food by front doors. Alternatively, you can come to church and pick up a grocery sack in the Café and return it to the church by Sunday, February 7. All nonperishable food items will be given to the Braes Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry, which serves individuals living in southwest Houston.

Scout Sunday All Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Venture Scouts are welcome to join us on Scout Sunday, February 14, for the 10:45 am worship service in the Sanctuary. Scouts and adult leaders are encourged to wear their scout uniforms on this special Sunday as we celebrate 57 years of scouting at Westbury UMC. Scouts will assembly in the Narthex (rear of the Sanctuary) at 10:30 am and together we can proceed to a pew section reserved for scouts. All scouts who are in a pack, troop or crew either sponsored by Westbury UMC or at another neighborhood unit are welcome to attend our Westbury UMC celebration.

Saturday, April 23 | 8 am–noon Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston Meet at Westbury UMC for coffee, a short worship service and instructions. Then, we'll carpool over to Interfaith Ministries (3202 San Jacinto St., 77004) where volunteers will choose a station: Breakfast Bags | Volunteers will help in assembling breakfast bags. The breakfast bags provide a week’s worth of breakfasts for vulnerable seniors. aniMeals on Wheels | aniMeals on Wheels was founded so that senior recipients of the Meals on Wheels program would not feel compelled to share their limited food and resources with their fourlegged friends. Many clients are isolated from their families and friends, and their pets provide them with much-needed companionship, exercise and affection.

Refugee Flash Cards | Interfaith Ministries resettles over 1,000 refugees from across the globe every year. Many of those refugees and their families are not fluent in English and can use flash cards to help them learn words that they need to use frequently. Materials and instructions will be provided. We simply need your creativity!

th 9 grade th 6 grade

Bible

Objectives: (1) students will understand how the Bible was compiled, how it is organized and how to find a passage, (2) students will be exposed to the different types of writing within the Bible, & (3) students will begin to wrestle with how we interpret sacred texts

th 7 grade

th 8 grade

Grace & Sacraments

Objectives: (1) students will encounter a Methodist view of grace, (2) students will be exposed to the mystery and grace present in the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion

Confirmation The

Trinity Objectives: (1) students will understand certain missteps in the interpretation of the Trinity, (2) students will be able to articulate their working view of the Trinity

Objectives: (1) provide an opportunity to respond to God's grace, (2) grow in discipleship and understanding of the Christian faith, (3) publicly affirm baptismal vows before the congregation

THREE CAPSULES DURING WEEKEND RETREATS LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS PREPARING FOR A MEANINGFUL CONFIRMATION EXPERIENCE IN 9 TH GRADE

Reimagining a Model for Confirmation

BY J O S H L E M O N S, D I R E C T O R O F YO U T H M I N I ST RY

C

onfirmation has always been a central part of a youth’s Christian education at Westbury UMC. Traditionally, Confirmation is held in the 6th grade. In the summer of 2014, a team of educators, staff, lay people, and parents gathered to form a Spiritual Formation Task Force. The goal of this task force was to put together a comprehensive model for discipleship from birth to graduation. At the time, we had a strong need for a Confirmation class, and Westbury UMC confirmed 10 students on Easter Sunday 2015.

Shortly thereafter, I was able to sit down with long-time Confirmation teachers, Jack and Linda Tollefson, and a number of parents to talk about what worked with our model for Confirmation and what didn’t. It was out of those discussions and our past experiences that led us to reimagine what Confirmation might look like.

Confirmands on Easter Sunday 2015 went through a 30-week course of study in

Confirmation, used to be a 30-week course designed to their 6th grade year. The new model for Confirmation will gradually lay a foundation throughout the middle school years, with weekly coursework beginning in 9th grade. begin in the fall and culminate on Easter. It was designed to take students, who had a firm foundation, through a number of topics: grace, sacraments, the Bible, the United Methodist Church, worship, and prayer, to name a few.

This intensive course is now going to take place, not in 6th grade, but in 9th. Not only has the timing of Confirmation changed, but the preparation has shifted as well. Starting in 6th grade, every year students will participate in a retreat which covers a particular topic essential to Christian spiritual formation. They are 1) the Bible, 2) Grace & Sacraments, and 3) the Trinity.

While the class will expound on these topics (and others), our hope is that we can better prepare our students for meaningful discussions and formation through these preliminary explorations we are calling capsules.

The new model for Confirmation begins this year with a retreat for 6th grade students scheduled April 8–9. ■ FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL 2016 together

15

Westbury United Methodist Church

5200 Willowbend Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77096-5298

Westbury

Main Office: 713-723-0175 United Methodist Church

WestburyUMC.org

Address service requested

Westbury United Methodist Church

Westbury United Methodist Church

Spring 2016 Children's Choir Children’s Choir weekly rehearsals on Sundays, noon–12:45 pm, will resume February 14. The choir is for young voices (ages 4 years–2nd grade). We will be preparing music for Palm Sunday, which will also feature the children leading in the palm processional and playing handbells/ chimes! Parents are asked to sign up on a rotation to provide snacks for the rehearsal time. For details, contact Pastor DeAndre at (713) 723-0175 or deandre1@westburyumc.org.

HAITI RED ENVELOPE CHALLENGE FEBRUARY 28–MARCH 13 This summer we are sending a team to Mizak, Haiti in partnership with HAPI (Haitian Artisans for Peace International). HAPI is a global partner with both Westbury and the greater United Methodist Church. We encourage you to prayerfully consider how you might support sending representatives from this congregation to HAPI. Near the Café, beginning February 28, you will find 144 sequentially numbered envelopes. Take one or more of these envelopes and match the number with a donation of the same amount. Please return all envelopes by March 13.

If you have any questions, contact Josh Lemons, Director of Youth Ministry, at josh1@westburyumc.org