Happenings @ FaithWestwood

Coming Soon @ FaithWestwood

  • Worship This Sunday

    God I'm in the Way Worship Series


    Series Overview // Based on the book I Can’t See God Because I’m in the Way by Bruce Bickel & Stan Jantz, we will reflect on getting beyond self-centered religion to a passionate faith.


    Coming Sunday, May 18

    9 & 10:45 am, in person & online

    Because I Don’t Know What That Means

    Acts 11:1-18

    Faith is tested when one encounters a challenging verse or passage of scripture. Peter tells a story about his unusual vision with a clear message that Peter cannot call anything impure that God has made clean! How has God expanded your understanding of the Bible and the Kingdom?


    What Else This Sunday?

    • Hymn Sing - 8:45 am, worship center
    • Heritage Sunday - before & after 9 & 10:45 am services
    • Sundae Sunday - after 9 & 10:45 am services
    • Mission Offering Focus - Iglesia Comunitaria

    Resources:

    God I'm in the Way Study Guide

    Message Descriptions

  • At a Glance

    All kinds of exciting things are happening at FaithWestwood! For a full calendar of upcoming events, visit faithwestwood.com/FWCalendar


    • God, I'm in the Way Worship Series - April 27 - June 29
    • Scrip Fundraiser - ongoing; in the foyer or online
    • FaithWorks Pantry Upcoming Dates - Saturday, May 24, 10 am - 12 pm; NOTE SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR JUNE: Wednesday, June 4, 1-3 pm (for seniors, by appointment); Thursday, June 5, 5 - 7 pm; Saturday, June 28, 10 am - 12 pm. 
    • 50 Days of Prayer - Begins Sunday, April 20
    • FaithWorks Pantry Garden Work Days - Tuesdays & Thursdays, TIME CHANGE: 9 am - 12 noon, FaithWorks Pantry Garden
    • Solutions Group - Saturday, May 17, 10 am, fellowship hall
    • Heritage Sunday - Sunday, May 18, 9 & 10:45 am
    • Sundae Sunday - Sunday, May 18. 9 & 10:45 am
    • Hymn Sing - Sunday, May 18, 8:45 am
    • FW Building & Office Closed for Memorial Day - Monday, May 26
    • NO Sunday School - Sunday, May 25 (Memorial Day), Sunday, June 15 (VBS Sunday), Sunday, July 6 (4th of July)
    • Vacation Bible School (VBS) - June 8-12; 6 - 8:30 pm
    • VBS Sunday ONE WORSHIP - Sunday, June 15, 10 am

  • Solutions Group - May Meeting

    Solutions Group for Family Caregivers

    Saturday, May 17, 10 am, fellowship hall


    The Solutions Group is an informational support group designed to help family caregivers manage the challenges of caring for (or being responsible for the care of) an ill or disabled loved one. Special focus on (but not limited to) the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, other forms of dementia, and chronic or acute illnesses related to aging.


    Sponsored by FaithWestwood’s Health and Wellness Ministry, the group meets every other month and is facilitated by Nancy Flaherty, MS, NHA, CDP a licensed social worker, a licensed nursing home administrator, and a certified dementia practitioner.


    Upcoming Meetings in 2025: May 17, July 26, September 27, November 29


    For more information, to sign up to attend the next Solutions Group, or to access Nancy’s services and resources, contact Director of Caring Ministries Vikki O’Hara at 402-650-9489 or by email at vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com

  • Hymn Sing May 18

    Hymn Sing

    Sunday, May 18, 8:45 am, worship center

  • Heritage Sunday May 18

    Heritage Sunday

    Sunday, May 18, before and between services


    It’s been an historical year at FaithWestwood – so many exciting changes, renovations, and strategic plans going on!


    But on Heritage Sunday, we’d like to take a few moments to look back at where we’ve been too.


    Stop by the tables in the foyer to check out scrapbooks and other items remembering where we’ve come from so we may more clearly celebrate where we are now and where we’re headed.

  • Sundae Sunday May 18

    Sundae Sunday

    Sunday, May 18, after both services, east entrance


    We're celebrating the end of another fun, fantastic school year with yummy ice cream and all the toppings!

  • Vacation Bible School @ FaithWestwood!

    IT'LL BE HERE BEFORE WE KNOW IT!

    True North VBS is Coming to FaithWestwood!

    June 8 - 12, 6 - 8:30 pm


    IT'S TIME TO SIGN UP!

    Register your kids today!

    Preschool - leaving 5th grade


    MAKE A DIFFERENCE AS A VOLUNTEER!

    It takes a incredible group of warm hearts to make this experience shine for the kids! For volunteer information, please reach out to Director of Family Ministries Leah Dinoso at leah.dinoso@faithwestwood.com


    Register to attend or sign up to volunteer before May 18 for a drawing for prizes!


    Details to come!

    Information: Contact Director of Family Ministry Leah Dinoso at leah.dinoso@faithwestwood.com

  • Giving Tree for May - VBS Supplies & donations

    Our Giving Tree Project for May is VBS Supplies & Donations
    Pick up empty VBS supply bags at the Giving Trees in the foyer and outside the Children's Ministry large group room upstairs to donate needed supplies for this year's VBS!

    And if you grab a supply bag that asks for a gift card, consider purchasing the card from SCRIP, and support FaithWestwood at the same time!
    (See the explanation for SCRIP below.)

  • FaithWorks Pantry May & June dates

    Upcoming FaithWorks Pantry dates in May & June are:

    • Saturday, May 24, 10 am - 12 pm
    • NOTE SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR JUNE DATES
    • Wednesday, June 4, **for seniors, by appointment**, 1 - 3pm -- Call Brenda Bowers at the church office at 402-895-3394 to schedule.
    • Thursday, June 5, 5 - 7 pm

    For more information about FaithWorks Pantry, please visit faithwestwood.com/faithworks-pantry

    FaithWorks Pantry is an equal-opportunity provider.

    Non-discrimination Statement 


    Serve at the Pantry: Pick your task & your days -- as many or as few as you'd like. Two opportunities each month. Sign up at tinyurl.com/FWPantry


    FaithWestwood's FaithWorks Pantry are proud partners of Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, Omaha's only dedicated food rescue service. To learn more about Saving Grace, please visit savinggracefoodrescue.org.


    • FaithWorks Pantry april dates

      Upcoming FaithWorks Pantry dates in April are:

      Saturday, April 26, 10 am - 12 pm

      Thursday, May 8, 5 - 7 pm

      Saturday, May 24, 10 am - 12 pm


      **NEW - Seniors only, by appointment only**

      Once a month, on the Wednesday before the Thursday pantry date

      This Month: Wednesday, May 7, 1-3 pm

      Call Brenda Bowers at the church office at 402-895-3394 to schedule.


      For more information about FaithWorks Pantry, please visit faithwestwood.com/faithworks-pantry


      FaithWorks Pantry is an equal-opportunity provider.

      Non-discrimination Statement 


      Would you like to serve at FaithWorks Pantry?
      Help in the Pantry: Pick your task & your days -- as many or as few as you'd like. Two opportunities each month.
      Sign up at tinyurl.com/FWPantry


      FaithWestwood's FaithWorks Pantry are proud partners of Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, Omaha's only dedicated food rescue service. To learn more about Saving Grace, please visit savinggracefoodrescue.org.e, please visit

    • savinggracefoodrescue.org.

  • Faithworks pantry donation focus

    The FaithWorks Pantry is collecting the following items NOW for distribution at June & July pantry dates:


    For distribution in June: picnic supplies (ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, pickles, relish, napkins, paper plates)

    For distribution in July: laundry detergent

    Always needed: toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, bar soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes


    Bring donated items to the designated bins in the foyer on Sundays or near the office during the week.

  • Summer Sunday School begins June 1

    Beginning Sunday, June 1
    Summer brings exciting new activities to Sunday School!
    9 am - in worship with special activity bags
    10:45 am - Bible storytime with Ms. Leah in our new
    Micah Center Children's Library!

  • No sunday school these dates

    There will be NO Sunday School on the following dates:

    • Sunday, May 25 (Memorial Day)
    • Sunday, June 15 (VBS Sunday)
    • Sunday, July 6 (4th of July)

    Nursery will be provided for 3 and younger.

  • 50 days of prayer now Through June 8

    Between Easter Sunday and Pentecost, we will be praying for the Holy Spirit to fill our church and to move us into mission and ministry.


    Calendar with Daily Scripture & Prayer Focus

  • Be a Gardening Angel

    FaithWestwood's Gardening Angels team support our value to be Invitational by helping our flowers and landscapes thrive and stay beautiful for our faith family and community!


    It's a great way to serve FaithWestwood as an individual, couple, or family!

    Members of the team are responsible for just one area of the landscape, periodically weeding, trimming, and picking up litter.


    And gardening is great for your health and well-being too.

    No experience necessary - we'll show you what to do.


    Information: Email Kathy Jeffers at info@faithwestwood.com.

  • FaithWorks Pantry Garden work days

    Help FaithWorks Garden Thrive!

    FaithWorks Garden Work Days

    Tuesdays & Thursdays

    TIME CHANGE: 9 am - 12 noon

    Come any time -- stay as long as you like


    Meet in the FaithWorks Pantry Garden just south of FaithWestwood.

    We will water, weed, and take care of other tasks. 

    Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, handtools, gloves, and kneeling pad.


    Questions: Email Nancy Vogel at info@faithwestwood.com.

  • Scrip Fundraiser

    Purchase SCRIP now for VBS supplies, graduations, weddings, Father's Day, new college students, and MORE!


    What is Scrip?

    • Scrip is an on-going fundraiser for FaithWestwood. 
    • Church family purchase Scrip cards from their favorite merchants for everyday purchases and gift-giving needs. 
    • FaithWestwood earns a portion of each sale -- depending on the merchant, up to 20%! 
    • Then, you use the entire value of the cards for your everyday shopping and gift-giving needs. 
    • Choices include your favorite spots for general merchandise, pharmacy, gas, restaurants, coffee, home improvement, and more! 

    How Do We Purchase Scrip? In-person & Online!

    • Purchase physical gift cards between worship services on Sunday morning, at the GREEN table in the foyer. 
    • Or, purchase digital cards at raiseright.com and/or download the RaiseRight app to your mobile phone from the app store.
    • To get the unique enrollment code for FaithWestwood, check out your Monday FaithConnect email, Pastor Cindi's Thursday email, or email Brenda Bowers at brenda.bowers@faithwestwood.com

    List of Available Cards at the foyer table


    If you have any questions or need assistance, visit the GREEN table between services on Sunday morningers, or email Brenda at brenda.bowers@faithwestwood.com.

  • FW's Furniture project collection continues!

    FaithWestwood is continuing to collect gently used kitchen and other household items for The Furniture Project!


    Drop off donations in the designated bins in the foyer on Sundays or near the west entrance during the week.

  • 2025 GRoW Catalog updated for march 2025!

    Updated for March 2025! Get your updated copy of the GROW catalog, a document filled with descriptions and contacts for of all the different ministries, missions, and groups going on at FaithWestood. Download your copy here.

Ongoing @ FaithWestwood

  • Never-ending Yarn drive

    The talented and dedicated members of FaithWestwood's Blanketed with Prayer Ministry create thousands of prayer shawls, prayer blankets, baby afghans, hats, scarves, and other handcrafted items to distribute to the FaithWestwood family and throughout the entire community.

    • To see a flyer with information and a list of the MANY local non-profit, medical, and veterans organizations that receive these items, click or tap here.

    Blanketed with Prayer is for You to Share Too!

    • Racks with white gift bags containing prayer shawls, prayer blankets, and baby afghans in are located in the foyer and inside the west entrance of FaithWestwood. Please feel free to take these items at any time to be gifted to friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members who are welcoming a new baby or are facing an illness, hospitalization, grief, or other challenge. It's free, and as the shelves empty, Blanketed with Prayer will refill them.

    How Can I Help? The Never-Ending Yarn Drive

    • As you can imagine, Blanketed with Prayer uses a LOT of yarn, and the need never ends.
    • Check your closets, ask a friend, keep an eye out at thrift stores and garage sales.
    • New yarn is NOT necessary! Any color, any amount -- as long as it's yarn, it will be put to good use by Blanketed with Prayer. 
    • You can drop off scrap and leftover yarn any time of day in the labeled bin located inside the west entrance of FaithWestwood. 

    Volunteer Information

    For more information about Blanketed with Prayer and how you can participate in this ministry, contact Vikki O’Hara, Director of Caring Ministries, at vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com 

  • the March-April 2025 issue of the Upper Room is here!

    Pick up your free copy of The Upper Room devotional on Sunday morning in the foyer or during the week inside the west entrance of FaithWestwood.

  • Visit us on Facebook & Instagram

    Help FaithWestwood Spread the Word!


    Spreading the news about God's love and FaithWestwood can be as easy as clicking a button on your device! 


    Encourage those social media logarithms to reach out to more of our community by sharing, liking, and commenting on FaithWestwood's social media platforms! It really does make a difference!


    Facebook: /FaithWestwoodUMC

    Instagram: @faithwestwoodomaha

  • Tai chi for Balance

    Tai Chi for Balance

    Improve physical health // Connect with others // Gain Confidence


    When: Mondays & Thursdays,  11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

    Where: FaithWestwood UMC, 4814 Oaks Lane, Omaha, NE -- west entrance by large wooden cross

    Instructor: Paula Allen, experienced and certified Tai Chi instructor

    Cost: $3.00 per drop-in session (no charge on first day for new attendees)

    Information: Vikki O'Hara, M.Div. Director of Caring Ministries // vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com 


    Scheduling Note: There will be no Tai Chi Thursday, May 15, or Thursday, May 22.


    Weather Policy: If Millard Public Schools close because of inclement weather, Tai Chi for Balance will be cancelled as well. If the FaithWestwood building closes due to weather, illness, or another unexpected reason, look for announcements on the FW website, by text or email, and on Facebook.

  • Four or more for Faithworks pantry

    Introducing Four (or More!) for FaithWorks Pantry!


    How it Works

    • Keep This List: The pantry has put together a list of the 48 items they use the most throughout the year.
    • Shop: When you shop for your groceries each month, add an item or two from this list -- with the goal of a minimum of four items per month.
    • Donate: Bring your donation to the canvas collection bin in the church foyer on Sunday mornings or drop them off by the FW offices during the week.

    If everyone at FaithWestwood participates in Four (or More!), we can significantly reduce our pantry's expenses and continue our commitment to serve the patrons twice a month.


    Thank you for your continued support of FaithWorks Pantry.

  • What is a Faithgroup?

    FaithGroups: Creating Small Caring Communities That Love and Serve Jesus Together


    Becoming a deep, daring, and daily disciple is a life-long journey. If you are looking for people to share your faith and life with, a FaithGroup is the place for you.

    Most groups meet weekly for a time of fellowship, study, and prayer. Some groups meet year-round, some are just starting up again after summer, and some are short-term groups based on a particular topic. 


    There are many FaithGroups looking for new participants. If you're interested in connecting with a FaithGroup, reach out to Pastor Cindi by email to cindi.stewart@faithwestwood.com.

  • Serve with FaithWorks Pantry!

    This is a great serving opportunity for small groups or individuals!


    No experience necessary -- just a warm heart for serving others. Different jobs available for all ages and abilities. 


    Sign up for as many or as few days as you'd like at tinyurl.com/FWPantry


    Details: Contact Pastor Cindi Stewart at cindi.stewart@faithwestwood.com

  • Serving Opportunities at FaithWestwood

    Looking for the perfect way to share your gifts and serve others?

    Check out the tab at the top of faithwestwood.com -- faithwestwood.com/serve


    And take a look at our Grow Catalog too!

  • FW Nametags Available to Order

    Order Your FW Name Tag

    First Sunday of every month in the foyer before and between worship services, 9 & 10:45 am


    Name tags are $10 a piece, cash or check, and you can choose a pin or magnet back.

  • Visit the FaithWestwood Library

    Looking for quiet place to read, study, or just unwind? FaithWestwood has a library located on the second floor, across from the office.


    Our library is open on Sunday mornings and throughout the week -- as long as there isn't a group having a meeting there. We have books on many subjects including devotionals, prayer, Christian life, heaven, parenting, and Christian fiction for adults, teens, and kids.


    To borrow books, please fill out the white card in the back of the book and drop it in the small box on the check-out cabinet. Children’s books do not need return cards. We ask that all books be returned within two to three weeks.


    Come relax in our library and enjoy reading!