sept oct 2013 together

together

Take a stepGod can use all people and circumstances as we step out in faith to follow Him more closely

Youth in missionWith sleeves rolled up and hearts open, Westbury teens helped build up God’s kingdom this summer

The right storyFreedom School teaches us what a difference it makes when we take part in God’s story

Photo tour of VBSLoving neighbor at our weeklong “Everywhere Fun Fair” adventure

SEPTEMBE R | OCTOBE R 2013WESTBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

2 / together SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2013

Life’s blessings are

abundant when we

admit we can’t do

it all on our own

and rejoice in the

community that

surrounds us.

Parenting is a joyful experience, but also very humbling. I like to be prepared, so before my son Felix’s arrival I read several books and imagined all kinds of “what if” situations. I quickly realized that flipping through the index of a book at 2:00 in the morning to find the answer to my question was not helpful and most of my

plans were not unfolding as I expected.

Over the past 10 months, I have learned to lean on my community of friends and family who love and support me. I can’t do it all alone—nor should I try. There is no substitute for the advice of wise mothers and grandmothers, the comforting reassurance of a friend who’s been there before, and the joy of raising Felix in a loving church.

We should never try to parent alone, nor should we attempt spiritual growth alone.

At times we are so focused on our personal relationship with Jesus Christ that we forget our relationship with him is also deeply rooted in community. We are called to come together so that we can teach and encourage one another as we journey in our walk with God.

When we study God’s word in community, our understandings will undoubtedly be richer. You might shed some light on a passage I struggle to understand and I might offer some insight that challenges us each to grow.

This fall there are several small groups that will allow us to come together as a church family for faith formation. There is exciting new curriculum for children’s Sunday school that encourages our kids to creatively interact with Bible stories, build relationships and pray for one another. Another class will explore how parents can model faith for their children at home. There will be several other opportunities to discuss how we can live out our faith in our work, how to be good stewards of the blessings God has given us and how we can faithfully navigate some of the most challenging times in life.

I hope you will join me as we embark on this journey together to not only learn more about God, but more about each other. For life’s blessings are abundant when we admit we can’t do it all on our own and rejoice in the community that surrounds us at Westbury UMC.

Hillary Peete Director of Family Ministries

CONTRIBUTORS Mary Arthur, Kayleen Bokassa-Wilkinson, Michael Bonds, Kat Burgett, Laralee DeHart, Danielle Dotson, Lisa Harrison, Steve Ewing, Tyler Henderson, DeAndre Johnson, Romonica Malone-Wardley, Steve McCarthy, Michelle Osborne, Hillary Peete and Linda Tollefson

EDITOR & DESIGNER

Kelsey Johnson

ASSISTANT EDITORCindy Parker

PHOTOSKelsey Johnson and Cody Cruise. Stock images from www.sxc.hu and www.creationswap.com.

WE’RE LISTENING.Send your suggestions, corrections and comments to Kelsey Johnson, Director of Communications, at [email protected] write to Westbury UMC at 5200 Willowbend Blvd. Houston, TX 77096.

WESTBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH5200 Willowbend BoulevardHouston, Texas 77096(713) 723-0175 www.westburyumc.org

SEPTEMBE R | OCTOBE R 2013

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2013 together / 3

UM ARMY MISSION TRIPBY TYLER HENDERSON

This year’s UM ARMY was the best I’ve ever been on. My group was called Blue E, and we spent the whole week on one site. Our client was named Guadalupe (“Lupe” for short). She needed to have two

wheelchair ramps. We built them because even though her son Michael had already built one, the city said that he didn’t have a permit so he had to tear it down.

During the middle of the week we finished the front one, but unfortunately the city came and said that the ramp had to be straight and no boards sticking out. Our team had to take every single board out and remeasure them. We managed to fix it and get it all done on the last day. On Friday, I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience: Michael blessed us. I’ve never felt so emotional in my life; no one had ever done that for me. I felt like that was the best experience of the entire week. This UM ARMY was the best one so far—a fantastic experience—and I hope I can go on many more.

CALLED TO ACTION: JUNIOR HIGH MISSION TRIPBY DANIELLE DOTSON

Called to Action was such a fun and spiritual place. Even though it was a four-hour road trip, it was worth it. The people were fantastic and so sweet. It was a great experience to interact with people from

other churches from different places in Texas and talk with tons of people. Worship was something that hit me. A lot of the speakers would read a verse from Luke or Matthew and explain it in different meanings that related to teens. It was a very serious time for most of the people there.

Every group had a job to do in the morning, afternoon or night. My group had kitchen duty for the morning. After that, groups would go to their mission work site and have lunch there. The mission work was tough, but not tough enough for many groups to handle. We worked at food banks, churches and houses. I painted a fence while other people in my group cleaned dog pens. I also cleaned up a church and moved boxes around to another church. It was hard work but right after that, our leaders would take us to Sonic or Andy’s Custard to relax. We would return back to the church for dinner. Finally, after dinner we would go to the pool or have a game night. I had a BLAST!

Called to Action was a great experience for me to meet new people from different churches and also connect with God more. At first, I thought the trip was going to be like a regular trip that I went on many times, but I was wrong. Whoever didn’t get a chance to go, you missed a lot of fun! I assure you that next year I will definitely go again!

Youth in MissionTHIS SUMMER, WESTBURY UMC YOUTH ROLLED UP THEIR SLEEVES TO PAINT FENCES AND HOUSES, BUILD WHEELCHAIR RAMPS, SORT FOOD PANTRY STOCK AND MUCH MORE ALL THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. BUT THEY INVESTED MUCH MORE THAN SWEAT AND HARD WORK—THEY INVESTED IN PEOPLE BY NURTURING RELATION-SHIPS THROUGH GOD’S LOVE.


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4

1) Assembly time songs and dance moves. 2) Darren Fisher teaches Bible stories to the 4-year-olds. 3) Artwork mimics mosaics found in Mexico. 4) Peek-a-boo on the playground! 5) Recreation in the gym. 6) Discovery science brings diverse countries and cultures to life.

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1) Rachel Hodge, aka “Telly Ticket,” with the lovable Godwin. 2) A pew-ful of prayers with Juanita Rogillio. 3) Linda Tollefson shares about the Good Samaritan. 4) A boy gets help on his craft from Gerda Gomez. 5) Music class in the Chapel has everyone singing. 6) The Sanctuary is transformed into an international street festival.

V A C A T I O N B I B L E S C H O O L 2 0 1 31

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“My faith story is a lifelong one, for I have been blessed in so many ways. I have always felt that I needed to continually give back to God and others, because He has always been with my family and me. And like most of us, we have had our struggles with jobs, finances and heartache. Through it all, our family has always been strong, and although it was not apparent at the time—in hindsight—God was directing our lives.

This became clear a number of years ago, when my wife Karen and I were somehow spared from becoming fatalities in a random act of violence. Since that time, my continuing prayer has been, God, you kept me here for some purpose. Please direct me to where I should be.

This year, in particular, has been a very rough one. I had

Take a step

FEATURE

God uses all kinds of circumstances and all kinds of people as we

step out in faith and follow Him. Be encouraged as you read testimonies from four members of Westbury UMC who share how God asked them to take a step. For Steve Ewing, God revealed hope through a new job in the midst of grief and health concerns. For Michael Bonds, the gift of music connects him to his faith community and inspires him to invite others along the way. For Mary Arthur, a series of financial burdens required her to lean into the faithfulness of God’s provision. For Kayleen Bokassa-Wilkinson, an opportunity to explore a call into ministry was the catalyst to carve out more intentional time with Jesus.

STEVE EWING

Member since 1996

Hometown: Shreveport,

Louisiana; lived just east

of San Francisco before

moving to Houston

God, I don’t know where you are taking me, but I’ll follow your direction.


developed a core of four colleges in Houston, at which I was teaching in the evenings, and I was working in stocks during the day with my dad. I had also decided to return to plant management, where much of my career had been. All my plans were derailed, first when my vertigo (which I had been having sporadically for some time) became much more frequent and would hit without warning. My health issue not only forced me to give up my classes but also my plans on returning to management.

Then, early this summer, my father died, and I entered into a very dark period. In the past, I had always been heavily involved in whatever I was doing, but after Dad died, everything seemed to come to a halt. My prayer continued to be: God, I don’t know where you are taking me, but I’ll follow your direction.

Karen was always my rock, knowing that things would work out as they should. Right when I needed it most, doors started to open for me. My father always said, that if God is directing you, the path will be open. And that truly seemed to be the way for me, as I was selected to be the Business and Facilities Manager here at the church. Where He will take us from here, I do not know. But I know that God has directed me to this point and will continue to guide me, if I have the will to follow.”

“Let us encourage one another”

Consider what scripture tells us in Hebrews 10:24–25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up

meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.” Simply put, we can’t encourage each other if we don’t see each other! Let’s see each other more this fall and be an encouragement.

We can encourage one another in faith by worshipping together on a regular basis. Ever wonder what worshippers say on the “I’m Here to Worship” cards? Here are some reasons why folks say they came to worship. May the responses encourage you!

¡ I love this church family.

¡ To give God the glory

¡ We have been away and missed worshipping God!

¡ I attend the Zumba classes and decided to visit and fellowship.

¡ We love God.

¡ This is where we belong.

¡ I love to worship!

¡ I want to know more about the Lord every day.

¡ To give God praise and stay connected to the vine!

¡ To worship God in Spirit and in truth.

¡ I liked my last visit and I’m trying to find a church home.

¡ Westbury was highly recommended.

¡ We love our church and our Lord Jesus.

We can encourage one another in faith by participating in a small group. Westbury UMC pastors and laity are teaching several classes this fall from spiritually-focused parenting and Bible studies to matters of work and end-of-life decisions. Check out the registration brochure around the church campus or go online to WestburyUMC.org/adults to sign up for a class.

I’m here 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 _____________________________________________________________

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: (__________) _____________________________________________

q Email: __________________________________________________________

q Address: _______________________________________________________ City/State/ZIP: _______________________________________________

My children’s names and ages _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

My race, nationality and/or ethnicity is _______________________________________________________________________

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 __________________

_______________________________________________________________________

2013

AT WESTBURY UMC

WestburyUMC.org5200 Willowbend Blvd.

Houston, TX 77096

713-723-0175

Wednesdays @ 7:00 am | Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study

Study and fellowship for men on the

101 Most Powerful Verses in the Bible.

■ Duration: throughout the year

■ Leader: Eric Brown

■ Location: Servery ■ Cost: free

Wednesdays @ Noon | Galatians: The Power of the Gospel

Paul’s lett er to the church at Galatia

encourages followers to leave

behind traditional religiosity and em-

brace the good news of Jesus, which

transforms lives and communities. Let’s

explore this text and consider the power

of the Gospel in our own lives and communities.

■ Duration: 6 weeks, starting September 18

■ Leader: Rev. Taylor Fuerst ■ Location: Room 102

■ Cost: free

Thursdays @ 9:15 am | Community Bible Study for

Women: The Book of Revelation

Interdenominational study on the Book of Revelation hosted by

Westbury UMC with corresponding children’s Bible study.

■ Duration: 34 weeks, starting September 5

■ Leader: Contact the church offi ce for details

■ Location: Parlor ■ Cost: $25

FALL 2013 SMALL GROUPS

(continued from inside)

FOR YOUTHSundays @ 9:30 am: “The Story”

For youth in 6th through 12th grades! The Story sweeps you into the unfold-

ing progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation.

And, like any good story, it is fi lled with intrigue, drama, confl ict, romance

and redemption.

é Look for details about Youth Confi rmation for 6th graders (and any

youth who has not yet been confi rmed) later this fall.

Starts Sept. 15!

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“I have come to realize that God has walked beside me my entire life. I was baptized as an infant, and my parents made sure I attended church every Sunday. I was brought up Lutheran. I served as an acolyte, and later, a cross bearer.

After confirmation, in 8th grade, my parents left it up to me to attend church and to be involved. I must say that I let it dwindle. But, in college, I attended church regularly at a couple of the on-campus ministries. I served by helping to lead worship in the contemporary service by playing guitar and singing.

From that point on, there was never a really long-term break from attending church. Although at times I felt spiritual—meditating and dwelling on things sacred—I led a mostly secular life. I did not yet realize the Lord was walking beside me, guiding and protecting and blessing me on a daily basis. Like most people, I believed that any success I achieved was by my own hard work and abilities.

I have come to realize that the Lord is responsible for every breath I take. He has provided me with innumerable blessings at every turn in my life, so I have wanted for nothing. Although I cannot compare myself at all to the many wonderful disciples at Westbury, I humbly serve Him through my music. This is my best talent, and I am pleased to use it to praise Him and share it with God’s people, whenever I can.

When it comes to people finding God, finding Christ, I believe it is the Holy Spirit that finally moves a person’s heart. However, the Lord works in mysterious ways, and so He can use us all as His hands and feet, and importantly, His voice.

I am far from being a good shepherd. I know I have missed countless opportunities to invite someone to church. However, I have used the brotherhood of musicians on a few occasions to invite someone in to play music at church. And I will do so again!

Having a relationship with our Father gives us a peace which passes all understanding and leads to life eternal. He is there for all who ask. Let’s spread the Word!”

MICHAEL BONDS

Member since 2001

Hometown: The Bronx,

New York City

Like most people, I believed any success I achieved was by my own hard work.

“ I got up, forced a smile

and said rather faintly:

Father, I believe you do

not change. I believe You

will not forsake me. ”Mary Arthur

“A few years ago, my husband and I ran into challenges in our business. As a result funds were withheld, and, after a series of appeals, we were assured funds would be released. Unfortunately, it did not happen, making payroll and other business expenses very difficult.

We cried unto the LORD for His help. That fateful day, a family friend called my husband to help him with a business plan. My husband, without hesitation, told this friend what was happening to us. Within a few minutes our friend transferred $20,000 into our account.

A couple of years later, we experienced an even greater challenge, and few friends gave me the name, “Job, the Second” [after the biblical character who endured many hardships.] After six weeks without receiving payment for our services and over $250,000 withheld for no tangible reasons, I was distraught even to the point of depressed.

Where are you God? Have You not seen our demise? Are You asleep, Lord? With these thoughts engulfing me and feeling spiritually dry, I wondered if God was still on my side. Just at that time, I saw in my journal the notation I had made about God sending a friend to help in the previous trial.

I got up, forced a smile and said rather faintly: Father, I believe you do not change. I believe You will not forsake me.

The next day I received a call that all my money—plus interest—would be in my account in two days. Brothers and sisters, the God we serve is faithful! Let us trust Him even more.”

MARY ARTHURMember since 1984Originally from Ghana, West Africa

I wondered if God was still on my side.


“This summer, I was given the opportunity to participate in what’s called the College Pastoral Internship Program, an initiative of the Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church to aid college students in discerning a call to ordained ministry. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I was placed at First UMC, Pearland where I served for 10 weeks.

I wasn’t sure what to expect in this internship but I knew I was to be receptive to whatever came my way. It’s amazing how God works. In the midst of my opportunities to preach and sit in on church council meetings as an intern, I was led to discover the Christ I never knew.

I say never because the only way to truly know Christ is to spend time with him. And, like many others, time is some-thing I thought I never had and probably wouldn’t find being

KAYLEEN BOKASSA-WILKINSONMember since 2012Born and raised in Houston; mother is from South Africa and father is from the Central African Republic

a full-time student, mother, wife, daughter and friend. But it was procrastination that kept adding the Lord to my “to-do” list. Eventu-ally, that list grew beyond my control; it was inevitable. There was no possible way I could manage everyday life without him. Christ had to start checking the list off for me.

The one constant thing about the Lord is his willingness to meet you where you are and turn things around. Friends, once I took time to learn about Christ through scripture, talk to him in prayer and hear what he has to say back, I must say he’s much more awesome than I

could’ve imagined! I encourage you to get to know him!

It’s disturbing when we become too institutionalized and forget that he is the Eternal God of all grace! How amazing it will be when we allow our lives to be scheduled in Christ’s agenda rather than to schedule him in ours.

I’m excited for Westbury UMC because God is doing some-thing special within this congregation. Everyone that I spoke to about Westbury and the Fondren Apartment Ministry placed an emphasis on the uniqueness and diversity of the church. That’s something not too many churches have, and it’s an honor to be a part of Gods transforming work here.

It’s my prayer that this special place we all call home will continue to be led by the Holy Spirit. May we center our lives in Christ and embrace our new and diverse identities. West-bury is an example of a church that can change the world!” ¡

Prime Timers meet on

the fourth Monday of each month.

They gather to share a potluck

meal, enjoy lively entertainment

and engage in timely and relevant

conversations addressing the

needs of senior adults.

Westbury Cares

In Memory of Richard Lewis from Roy House, Evelyn

Houghton, John and Cynthia Kinzer and Roger Thompson

DeathsPatricia Hayes, sister of Bishop Bob Hayes (05/19/13) William Davidson (06/23/13)Richard Lewis, husband of Violet Lewis (07/01/13)Ursula John (07/22/13)Andy Burton (08/29/13)

BirthsHarper Lee Fuerst, daughter of Revs. Taylor

and Brad Fuerst (07/14/13)

New MemberFarrell Esta (06/23/13)

Young Adults meet every Sunday morning at 9:30 am in Room 203. It’s for anyone 18 to 35 years. Come participate in social activities and mission opportunities.Call the

church at 713-723-0175 for details !


STORY BY LARALEE DEHART AND KELSEY JOHNSON

Eager children pressed in to see the pictures as Freedom School “read-aloud guest” Steve McCarthy held up the book, Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs.

Throughout the length of the narrative, the children were absorbed in the magic of reading and imagination. For McCarthy, an attorney and member of reVision’s board of directors, it was a moment he cherished.

“The moral of the story for Goldilocks was, ‘If you find yourself in the wrong story, get out!’” says McCarthy. “I was blessed to be part of the right story that day.”

MAIN CHARACTERSExperiences like this one were duplicated through interactions among volunteers, teachers and students over the course of six weeks this summer on the campus of Westbury UMC, which offered classroom space as the host church for the Freedom School program.

So how did this all get started? Some key folks at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and Duke Divinity School were already sold on Freedom School as a viable community-building ministry when reVision and St. Luke’s UMC entered the picture. reVision was interested in Freedom School for its literacy program, to help encourage gang-affected youth develop a love for reading and learning, and to give them an opportunity to step up into leadership roles.

It proved to be a group effort. St. Martin’s and related connections provided all of the funding. St. Luke’s UMC, Westbury UMC and St. Martin’s logged more than 300 volunteer hours. HCJPD and reVision provided program oversight. Duke sent six seminary interns who worked as the primary staff for the program. All in all, 53 children became Freedom School scholars.

The right storyIN A WORLD WHERE HAPPY ENDINGS SEEM HARD TO COME BY, THIS SUMMER’S FREEDOM SCHOOL OFFERED CHILDREN, STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS A GLIMPSE INTO WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT MAKES WHEN GOD AUTHORS THE STORY.

LEFT A Freedom School student proudly displays her family portrait. BELOW Children and youth circle up to listen to guest reader Rev. DeAndre Johnson share a story one morning.RIGHT Classroom walls are decorated with the students’ original stories, poems and artwork.


THE PLOT UNFOLDS Linda Tollefson, a Westbury church member, served as a Freedom School volunteer for young elementary students. She sees the program as a chance to hone reading skills in preparation for the next school year.

“This is a critical intervention,” says Tollefson, “Especially early on, for students that might be at risk.”

Created by the Children’s Defense Fund, Freedom School is a summer program that has been implemented by faith-based and community-based organizations in 82 cities across the country, teaching more than 100,000 American children since 1995. The reading-focused curriculum offers all-day academic enrichment supplemented by parent and community involvement, nutrition and health support for Kindergarteners through 12th graders.

“I appreciate that the scholars were introduced to books about real people who overcame huge obstacles and went on to make real contributions and differences in their world,” Tollefson describes.

“These books seemed to transform the way the kids thought about themselves, their relationships and how they relate to their daily experiences within the world.”

Tollefson has nothing but high praise for Freedom School and supports an expansion of the program next summer.

“We talk about making a difference. This program encourages participation and excitement for learning. The lessons and role models help build enthusiasm and confidence. Freedom School truly transforms lives.”

A MEANINGFUL SETTING FOR GROWTHOne teacher, Michelle Osborne, recalls being encouraged by the growth of one of her young students, an energetic 5-year-old boy named Jakobe.

“I saw him grow from a child who could not sit still in class to someone who enjoyed sitting and reading Dr. Seuss books and playing with his classmates,” Osborne remembers. “Jakobe is a testament to the effect that love and attention can have on a young child.”

Another child, Joseph, similarly struggled in the classroom. But one day, when his teacher Kat Burgett introduced a bilingual book, Joseph jumped at the chance to interpret the Spanish words to his English-speaking classmates.

“The curriculum for that day called for the class to keep a list of the unfamiliar Spanish words sprinkled into the English text we read,” Burgett relates.

“Since Joseph speaks Spanish better than he does English I decided to assign him the tasks of being our scribe and telling us what each of these words meant. Joseph was clearly excited to take on this responsibility. He was able to

ABOVE Students sit comfortably on floor pillows to discuss the

lesson before moving to tables for a writing assignment.

RIGHT Brainstorming ideas for a story project together, a student asks feedback from his teacher.


teach us. He was able to recognize and show us something he was good at, a skill that might normally prove to be more of a hindrance in school than an asset. He paid close attention to the story, literally leaping with excitement when I read each Spanish word, then deliberately and proudly recording the words on our whiteboard.

“This is one of the strengths of Freedom School: to acknowledge and celebrate cultural resources within our students that often go uncelebrated.”

CONFLICT AND RESOLUTIONFreedom School organizers are currently evaluating the results of the program and considering whether to do the program again next summer. There is also an after-school version of the program that is available and is being considered. Liaisons continue to follow up with students and their families.

The impact of Freedom School lingers into the school year both in terms of student engagement and the transformation that happened among volunteers and staff.

As a volunteer, Lisa Harrison listened as some of the older gang-affected youth spoke frankly and frequently about the realities of their neighborhoods and families.

I can’t do good work in school, even though I’m smart. Being smart is like putting a target on your back.

LEFT Program director, Jimmy Robertson, leads songs at the daily “Harambee,” a time to motivate and come together. ABOVE Stacks of books available to children during “DEAR” (Drop Everything And Read.”

I smile and I’m happy at Freedom School, but when I leave I have to stop and think about putting on a serious face. In my neighborhood, to smile is to show weakness. I’d get jumped.

Harrison reflected on these conversations as she built relationships with the youth.

“These young people examined stories in the books we read and spent time learning to discern what their own stories should be. Some recognized that they are not in good stories yet, but they long to be.

“As I spent time with them, I realized that I needed to be careful of the story I choose to be in as well. As a middle-aged, former schoolteacher, I’m not likely to get into the kind of trouble that these individuals have. I don’t have a probation officer. I have never been in a fight. I don’t sell drugs or rob people.

“I am guilty, though, of ignoring the needs and suffering caused by entrenched poverty and hopelessness. Honestly, it’s easier to grab a friend and go to lunch.

“But, after developing relationships with students who have so much potential and often so little hope, I intend to spend my time helping them learn the skills and gain the confidence they need to be the people God intends them to be. That’s how I can be the person God intends me to be. That will keep me in the right story.” ¡


SEPTEMBER 2013

8Children’s Choir Party at 3 pm

15

22

29

Churchwide Ministry Fair at Noon

Membership Directory Portraits at Noon

“How Then Shall We Live?” worship series begins at 10:45 am

Coffee With the Pastors at Noon

Parenting small group starts at 9:30 am

Youth Choir at 4 pm

Youth Celebration Night at 5 pm

17

“Work Matters” small group starts at 7 pm

“Jonah” Bible study starts at 7 pm

Membership Directory Portraits at 9 am & Noon

PrimeTimersprogram with German ShantyChoir 9:30 am–Noon

23


4

Day School begins

Sanctuary Choir Retreat 9 am–4 pm at First UMC, Missouri City

75Community Bible Study starts at 9:15 am

“Galatians” Bible study starts at Noon

18

Volunteer opportunities with partner school, Anderson Elementary begin this week

25FAM Community Night at Los Arcos every Wednesday at 6 pm

21Sanctuary Closet Clean-Out Work Day9 am–1 pm

Looking for October 2013 calendar items? This is just a starting place. Check out your Weekly Word newsletter in worship for announcements and calendar!

United Methodist ChurchWestbury



5200 Willowbend Blvd.Houston, Texas 77096-5298

Main Office: 713-723-0175WestburyUMC.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No. 7821Houston, Texas

Address service requested

At Westbury UMC we value hospitality and look forward to welcoming guests during worship, small groups and other ministry offerings. When you visit Westbury UMC, you are invited to Coffee With the Pastors, immediately following Sunday morning worship on September 8 and October 13. Coffee With the Pastors is a friendly atmosphere where guests enjoy refreshments, fellowship and learn more about the church.

sept oct 2013 together

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