Not-so-ordinary guests, Perkins and Claiborne, on World Communion Sunday, October 2

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1 Not-so-ordinary guests, Perkins and Claiborne, on World Communion Sunday, October 2 BY REV. TOMMY WILLIAMS, SENIOR PASTOR Westbury UMC is privileged to host a pair of inspiring Christians on October 2 for World Communion Sunday. Dr. John Perkins and Shane Claiborne, Christian social justice activists and authors, will be our guests for worship in the morning and a dialogue in the evening. They are the co-authors of our summer book recommendation, Follow Me to Freedom: Leading and Following as Ordinary Radicals. Their lives have, in the words of Martha Upton who is a member of our church staff, been anything but ordinary. As a staff, we ve been sharing devotionals out of this book all summer and Martha led us this week. I felt led to invite these two men to come to Westbury because I believe that their witness and Westbury s mission intersect beautifully. These are two followers of Jesus Christ who have transformed their respective communities just like we are trying to do. Dr. Perkins is a Baptist pastor and veteran of the American Civil Rights movement. He lives with his wife, Vera Mae, in Jackson, Mississippi. They have dedicated their lives and ministry to working with poor people in the name of Jesus Christ. You can learn more about Dr. Perkins through his biography Let Justice Roll Down or through the work of the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation ( Seattle Pacific University also named its center for leadership, reconciliation and community development after Dr. Perkins. Shane Claiborne was raised a Methodist in Tennessee and attended Eastern University in Philadelphia where he discovered how to live as a follower of Jesus after being born again in Christ. Claiborne now lives in a Christian community among the poor in urban Philadelphia. His journey has taken him around the world from wartime Iraq to working with Mother Teresa. You can read more about Claiborne at or through one of his books, The Irresistible Revolution or Jesus for President. One man: an African American Baptist pastor who is living faithfully into his 80s. One man: a white 30-something who dresses modestly, differently than most of us, and wears clothes he and his mother sewed together. I guarantee we will be inspired, challenged and I pray transformed. On Sunday morning, the sermon time will be an extended dialogue between the two. We will be in the midst of a series on what Christians commonly call the Beatitudes. Perkins and Claiborne will reflect for us on Blessed are the poor and Blessed are the poor in spirit. Note that the Luke and Matthew versions are a little different. On the evening of October 2 in the Sanctuary, we ll have them dialogue on the book they co-wrote, Follow Me to Freedom, which I mentioned earlier. All are welcome to attend. September 2011 Issue p. 1 World Communion Sunday p. 2 cares: Hospitalized and general announcements gives: Worship/Sunday School attendance, covenant giving, finances p. 3 worships: 9/11 service, Beatitudes p. 4 serves: More Than Enough Love, School Choice Forum and Anderson p. 5 asks: Jana Kincannon p. 6 7 Vacation Bible School photos p. 8 connects: CHILDREN...Resources for children in worship, ADVENTure Night and parent fellowship p. 9 connects: YOUTH...Homeless ministry, Bible study, Confirmation and God's Game Plan p. 10 connects: ADULTS...PrimeTimers, meetings, family retreat and fall small group opportunities p. 11 connects: ADULTS...Advent Conspiracy and more small groups p. 12 welcomes: new members, lunch, and college student addresses The next monthly issue will be on October 7, Submissions are due by September 29 at 4:00 pm to Martha Upton, Communications Assistant, at martha1@westburyumc.org Willowbend Blvd. Houston, Texas Main Office: WestburyUMC.org All in all, what is required is an open mind, a receptive heart and a desire to be transformed. I expect a large crowd both in the morning and the evening. These two speakers are sought after nationally and internationally. When the representatives for both Perkins and Claiborne heard about Westbury UMC s mission, its wonderful history, ethnic diversity and growth, they were convinced this was a place they wanted to come. Let s show them a warm, Westbury welcome!

2 2 September 2011 Westburygives Westburycares THANK YOU! In honor of Tommy Behrman for his love and service to Jesus. Worship and Sunday School attendance Westbury UMC is experiencing promising growth to be able to reach our 2011 goal to average 400 in worship. Sunday School attendance is also holding strong as we are faithful disciples engaged in studying God's Word. LET US PRAY We continue to pray for those hospitalized: Pat Curtis, St. Luke s. ALTAR FLOWER OPENINGS Pick from the following date(s) to provide the altar flowers for a Sunday worship service at Westbury UMC. Sign up in the church office or call us at September 18 and 25 October 30 November 6 December 11 and 25 IT'S TIME TO UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION If your address, or phone number has recently changed, or if you think that we do not have correct information on file, please contact Martha Upton at martha1@westburyumc.org or call the church office at Our covenant giving supports other ministries in the United Methodist connection T he United Methodist Church works as a connection. Apportionments paid by local churches to our District and Conference ministries are the fuel that makes it possible for the Church to make a difference in the world. Every local church contributes to many missions and ministries when they pay their apportioned amount. Here at Westbury UMC, we call this covenant giving; please see below for our church s contribution amounts Conference apportionments due...$108,947 Paid through 08/31/11...$42,541 Our goal is for Westbury UMC to meet 60% in 2011; 80% in 2012; and 100% in 2013 and thereafter 2011 District apportionments due...$7,500 Paid through 08/31/11...$4,500 Our goal is for Westbury UMC to meet 100% in 2011 and thereafter "Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor." Proverbs 22:9 1 st Quarter Financial Report (Jan. 1 March 31, 2011) Income = $191,947 Expenses = $191,001 2 nd Quarter Financial Report (Jan. 1 June 30, 2011) Income = $392,490 Expenses = $423,383

3 Westburyworships Five-week worship series on the Beatitudes starts September 11, at 10:45 am An upcoming five-week worship series on the Beatitudes called, Blessed Are... will focus on the transformative sayings of Jesus. By offering these blessings, Jesus reclaims and redefines the circumstances of people normally considered to be unfortunate. Beginning on September 11 with Blessed Are Those Who Mourn, the series will continue on September 18 with Blessed Are the Peacemakers, and September 25 with Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness. Special guests John Perkins and Shane Claiborne will be joining us in worship on World Communion Sunday, October 2, as they dialogue on Blessed Are the Poor and the Poor in Spirit. The series will conclude with Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted on October 9. September Westbury United Methodist Church Orders of worship available in large print and online Do you need a large print order of worship on Sundays? Please see an usher to receive a copy. If you or a family member needs any other accommodations for worship, please contact the church office. We are also posting the upcoming Sunday's order of worship online at WestburyUMC.org/ worship. You can download the PDF in advance to view on your smartphone or computer to see what to expect in worship. Typically, it is posted online the Thursday prior to Sunday worship. For more information or to submit any corrections or concerns regarding the orders of worship, please contact Kelsey Johnson at kelsey1@westburyumc. org or SAVE THE DATE Tuesday, November 7:00 pm Westbury UMC's Sanctuary Choir with orchestra will present Gabriel Fauré's Requiem 9/11 collaborative prayer service To remember the 10 th anniversary of 9/11, the choirs of Westbury United Methodist Church, Westbury Baptist Church and Willow Meadows Baptist Church will combine for a service of worship and prayer on Sunday, September 11, at 4:00 pm. The hour-long service, Prayers for Peace, will be held in the sanctuary of Willow Meadows Baptist, located at 4300 W. Bellfort, just down the road from Westbury UMC. The pastors from all three churches will offer prayers of remembrance and prayers for peace around the world, interspersed by scripture readings and songs led by the choir. The congregation will also sing hymns of peace, trust, hope and reconciliation. Childcare will be provided by Willow Meadows Baptist. For more information, contact Rev. DeAndre Johnson at deandre1@westburyumc.org or

4 4 September 2011 Westburyserves Volunteers, get ready! After such a well-received event in March, Westbury UMC's Community Ministries Team is planning another "More Than Enough Love" community service day on Saturday, October 22. Work site details and volunteer sign-up sheets will be available later this month, but go ahead and get the date on your calendar now. There will be an opportunity for everyone to serve God and neighbor! BY REV. ROMONICA MALONE WARDLEY, ASSOCIATE PASTOR Westbury UMC will host its 4 th Annual Southwest Houston School Choice Forum on Saturday, October 15, 10:00 am noon. Our goal is to empower parents to make informed choices about their children s education by providing a laidback, geographically focused forum. Up to 40 schools in southwest Houston from all levels (elementary, middle and high school) will be accepted to set up tables and provide information to prospective parents. This information will be used to educate parents about opportunities, options and school performance, thus allowing them to choose the best fit for their children. This event is free and open to the public. All parents seeking a better understanding of what schools in southwest Houston have to offer are welcome to attend. A childwatch area will be provided by our Children s Ministry for younger siblings. VOLUNTEERS PITCH IN TO SET UP NEW CLASSROOMS Over the summer, Anderson Elementary underwent a much-needed renovation. As a result, everything in the school was packed up and moved out in early June. Over 15 Westbury UMC volunteers helped Anderson teachers unpack and set up their classrooms on Thursday, August 18. The teachers were very appreciative of the help.

5 Westburyasks Interview with Jana Kincannon Every other month, we feature an interview with staff and members within the congregation here at Westbury UMC. This issue, we're getting to know Jana Kincannon, Director of Children's Ministries! In November, we will publish an interview with longtime members, Michael and Troy Bonds. You are invited to nominate people you d like to see featured in this section for future issues. Send in any nominations to Martha Upton, Communications Assistant, at martha1@westburyumc.org. September Q A Q A How long have you been at Westbury UMC? How did you get involved in children s ministry? I moved to southwest Houston in I joined Westbury UMC in 1984 adult friends, and I had two little boys that I needed to bring up in the church! Almost straight away, Grace Barrett-Smith, asked me to help teach children s Sunday school. I had just met Grace, but when I was absent on a Sunday, she would call me just to say she missed me. I was important to Grace. Grace showed me that I belonged at Westbury. She said that Westbury needed me. That was how my relationship with the people of Westbury began through just one person. I joined the church staff in 1996 to assist Jane Williams, the Children s Director at that time. Through the years, I ve led Vacation Bible School, Bible studies, made the worship announcements, given children s sermons, and been the comic relief in fellowship gatherings. I ve been the Pastor s secretary, the Youth Director, the Director of Adult Discipleship and a teacher in our Day School! What makes you so passionate about working with children and teaching them about God? Our mission at Westbury is to make followers of Jesus Christ who transform the community and the world through God s love. This mission holds true for our children as well as for the adults. When a child comes to our church, he or she can expect to meet adults who want to know him or her and who model the Christian life. Being a disciple of Christ and discipling our children is why I serve God at Westbury. Q A Q A How can parents be more involved in partnering with the church to raise their children in the faith? Here s my much prayed about answer and why. Do three things: 1) Read and study your own copy of the Bible. Know God before you need Him. "Jesus your child knows. 3) Get involved with our Youth and Young Adult Ministries. You will pave the future path of your child s faith journey, you ll have better insight into current teen culture before your child is in it, to your child. If possible, collaborate with your spouse and work together with our teens or young adults. Having shared experiences can add richness to your marriage. What do you hope children learn or experience about God here at Westbury UMC? It has been my privilege to know and disciple the children at our church through the years. I want every child that comes here to experience the same progression in discipleship that I did: I need. I m important. I belong. I m loved. Jesus knows me. I know Jesus. I m showing Jesus to other people. Our children need to know they are loved for exactly who (and Whose) they are. They need to know that they are important and that they BELONG to the family of Westbury UMC. They need to know who Jesus is and that He knows and loves them. They need to know that it is God s plan for them to know Him so well that they can t help but to tell their friends about how much Jesus loves them too. just the facts HOMETOWN Baytown, Texas EDUCATION Blinn Junior College WHAT S YOUR FAVORITE... HYMN? It Is Well With My Soul HOLIDAY? Easter FOOD? Salads (but really chocolate!) BIBLE STORY? The story of Ruth HOBBY? Laughing! MOVIE? Houseguest SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU I played the clarinet.

6 The week of August 1 5, Westbury welcomed over 115 children to our VBS. Here are some photos of the all the fun, friendship building and Bible learning. Right: Tommy Behrman and other volunteers led the kids' recreation time in the gym. What a noisy, fun-filled place with squeals and shouts of laughter! Above: "Chef" Juanita Rogillio teaches a group of preschoolers about Passover. The 3- and 4-yearold classes filled up early this year with over 40 children registered! Above: Shown here staffing the refreshments cart, Dan Garza and Jenny Hegedus did a lot of behind-the-scenes work.

7 September Left: "Scrapps" the racoon and his closest friend, Noah, taught us about God's Word each day. Below: We made I Can Share soup from our canned food drive. The donated food was delivered to Braes Interfaith Ministries. Above: Each age group made a special craft to go along with the theme of the day. Left and center: Throughout the week and in Sunday worship, the children sang praises to God.

8 8 September 2011 Westburyconnects::CHILDREN Mark your calendars for an ADVENTure! Your whole family is invited to join us for an evening of Christmas crafts and caroling on the first night of the Advent season, Sunday, November 27, from 5:00 7:00 pm. We will be making Christmas crafts to decorate your family s Christmas tree, playing Wii games, eating popcorn and drinking hot cocoa. The night ends with family caroling in covered wagons all lit up for Christmas! This event is absolutely free and open to the community. For more information, contact Jana Kincannon at jana1@ westburyumc.org or Resources for parents worshiping with children At Westbury UMC, our mission is to make your child a follower of Jesus Christ who transforms the community and the world through God s love. By intentionally including children in worship, the church fulfills the vow made at each child s baptism to nurture him or her in the faith. Worshiping together helps children to know other adults and have more mentors. It also helps your pastors know your children and your children know your pastors. There are several things we want everyone in the congregation to know: 1. We welcome children in worship. 2. Intergenerational worship is the best way to grow children into lifelong worshippers. 3. We want to model God s design for a community where individuals no matter their differences know they belong. 4. We affirm and empower Christian parents in raising their children in the faith. For a more comprehensive list of resources, please pick up a brochure in the church office called "Children in Worship at Westbury UMC." Come build friendships with other parents on second Saturdays, starting September 10 The newly-formed Parents in Fellowship group at Westbury UMC will begin meeting on the second Saturday of each month in the Parlor from 5:00-7:00 pm beginning Saturday, September 10. Adults will enjoy a potluck dinner and social time where everyone can get to know one another and informally discuss parenting issues. Childcare will be provided in the Children's Wing. Parents should pack a separate dinner for their children. Childcare is $5/child. Single parents and married couples are all welcome to come fellowship together and bring guests too! For more information, contact Jenny Hester at jennyhester@sbcglobal.net

9 Westburyconnects::YOUTH September Youth offer encouragement to some of Houston's homeless On Monday, August 15, Westbury UMC's youth served the homeless in downtown Houston. We partnered with an organization called Church Under the Bridge, delivering socks, t-shirts, bottled water, chips and oranges. It was a great day as over 80 homeless brothers and sisters were served and heard words of encouragement from our teens. We want to thank everyone for their gracious donations for the event. Collide Bible Study and Youth Band S tarting Wednesday, September 14, from 6:30 7:30 pm, and continuing throughout the school year, the teens will study Paul s writings. We will work through all 13 New Testament books authored by Paul and have an in-depth discussion. This will be a very interactive and fun Bible study for all teens. After Bible study, our student-led praise team/band will meet from 7:30 8:30 pm in the Youth Wing. We are excited for all the new teens who are going to be a part of confirmation class this year. The class is for any teen going into the 6 th or 7 th grades who is serious about growing in their faith. In The United Methodist Church, confirmation refers to the decision a person makes in response to God's grace with intentional commitment, publicly reaffirming his or her baptismal vows before the congregation. Most confirmands are between the ages of 11 and 14 and have been nurtured in the church since their baptism as an infant or young child. During confirmation class, confirmands learn about the meaning of Christian faith, the history and teachings and The United Methodist Church, and an explanation of the baptismal and membership vows they will be professing. Our first class will be on Sunday, September 11, at 9:30 am, during the Sunday School hour. Confirmation class features learning, fun, fellowship, worship and much more. If your teen is interested, please contact Cody Cruise at codycruise@gmail.com or God's Game Plan Starting Sunday, September 11, the youth will have new and exciting changes on Sunday nights. We will come in for fellowship, games and food, from 5:00 6:00 pm and have our own youth-led worship service in the Chapel from 6:00 7:00 pm. This will happen three weeks out of the month with one other Sunday used for outreach, missions, social events and much more. The first worship series will be called God s Game Plan. September 11: Tackling Your Fears September 18: Dealing With the Audibles of Life September 25: The Game-Winning Touchdown

10 10 September 2011 Westburyconnects::ADULTS PrimeTimers welcome surgeon on Sept. 26 Dr. Cornelius Davis III, founder of Wellspring Cardio- Vascular and Thoracic Surgery in Houston will be the guest of the PrimeTimers on Monday, September 26, at noon. Among his accomplishments, Dr. Davis performed the first successful robotic-assisted coronary bypass operation at The Methodist Hospital. As a surgeon, he has also led medical missions to inner city Chicago and in the jungles of Central America. He is an avid supporter of Living Water International, which helps supply clean drinking water to those otherwise without access to it. Folks will gather beforehand at 9:30 am for friendship and board games, a general meeting at 11:00 am, and potluck lunch at 11:30 am. Membership to Prime- Timers is open to all persons over 50 years of age, regardless of church affiliation. Dues are only $5 per year. For more information, contact Martha Upton at martha1@westburyumc.org or Fellowship and meeting times for service groups THE WOMEN S MISSIONARY SOCIETY will have their general meeting in the Chapel at Westbury UMC on Wednesday, September 14, at 10:00 am. The Steering Committee will meet beforehand at 9:30 am. The program will be Moses Mother presented by Tess Blankenship. Lunch will be served by the Rebekah and Sarah Circles. THE METHODIST HOSPITAL AUXILIARY will meet Thursday, September 15, at 10:00 am, at Bellaire UMC for coffee and fellowship. At 10:30 am, the program will be N.O.M.A.D.S. presented by Olan and Lola Halbert. Lunch will be served following the meeting for $3/person. Lakeview Family Retreat, Nov. 4 6 Mark your calendars now and plan to attend a churchwide family retreat November 4 6 at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, located in the East Texas Piney Woods near Palestine. Look in the East Foyer for pictures and information about this wonderful retreat for fellowship and worshiping God. For more information, contact the church office at Fall small group opportunities H ave you signed up for a small group study yet? There are a variety of options for men and women. The deadline is Thursday, September 1, but check with the particular leader of the group if you need an extension. Registration brochures are available in the church office or you can register online at WestburyUMC.org/ adults. 6:00 pm DISCIPLE I: Survey of Old and New Testaments Travel through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation with daily Bible reading and class time that includes a DVD lesson and discussion. Duration: 34 weeks, starting Sept. 11 Leader: Adam Walmus Location: 103 Cost: $40 9:15 am What Happens When Women Say Yes to God Learn how to experience God in unexpected ways, learn to discern God s voice, and make your faith come alive through class video and discussion. Duration: 7 weeks, starting Sept. 13 Leader: Bethany Williams Location: 102 Cost: $20 for materials and childcare for kids under the age of 2 7:00 am Men s Bible Study Breakfast A study and fellowship time for men on the 101 Most Powerful Verses in the Bible. Duration: throughout the year Leader: Eric Brown Location: Servery Cost: free noon If You Want to Walk on Water You ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg Learn to walk in faith with God, discern God s call and transcend fear. Duration: 7 weeks, starting Sept. 7 Leader: Roy House Location: 103 Cost: $10

11 Westburyconnects::ADULTS September Conspire to change the world this Christmas Christmas often turns into a retail circus rather than a joyous celebration of Jesus' birth. To adjust our focus this upcoming holiday season, starting Sunday, October 23, in worship, Pastor Tommy will preach on The Advent Conspiracy: Can Christmas Still Change the World? by Rick McKinley, Chris Seay and Greg Holder. October 23 Worship Fully (because Christmas begins and ends with Jesus!) October 30 Spend Less (to free your resources for things that truly matter) November 6 Give More (of your presence, your time, your words and your heart) November 13 Love All (the poor, the forgotten, the marginalized and the sick... in ways that make a difference) Resources will be available to Sunday School classes and other small groups to encourage a complementary churchwide study. We hope you will participate from week to week! More information will be coming soon. Check with your small group leader for details. Greet others with a blessing today! BY ROY HOUSE, CONTRIBUTOR God bless you. These three little words can hold a great blessing and means of grace to those to whom they are spoken. Wouldn't it speak wonders if we, as a congregation, spoke these words on all occasions of contact with others? This could be a part of our Christian witness to our neighbors that God can use to draw others to Himself. 7:00 pm He Said What? The Parables of Jesus A study and fellowship time for young adults (ages: 18 30). Duration: 14 weeks, starting Sept. 7 Leader: David Johnson Location: 203 Cost: free 7:00 pm Invitation to the New Testament Explore how the early Christian community wrestled with the coming of Jesus and the implications of his arrival for their lives and their communities of faith. Duration: 7 weeks, starting Sept. 7 Leaders: Michelle Wiggs and Renae Stewart Location: 103 Cost: $12 9:15 am Community Bible Study for Women Interdenominational study hosted at Westbury UMC with corresponding children s Bible study and childcare. Duration: 34 weeks, starting Sept. 1 Leader: Contact Jana Kincannon for details Location: Parlor Cost: $25 1 st and 3 rd 7:00 pm Covenant Discipleship Group A new group to offer prayer, study and encouragement. Hosted in the home of Mike and Laurie Sturdevant. Starts Sept. 20. Cost is $5 for Three Simple Rules, a Wesleyan Way of Living.

12 12 September 2011 NEW MEMBERS Lindsey and Daniel Heathcock (08/07/11) Are you a new member who wants to know more? Let's do lunch! If you have become a member within the last year (or even prior) and would like to learn more about this church, its ministries and the United Methodist denomination, you are invited to attend a New Member Lunch on Sunday, September 18, at 12:15 pm in the Parlor. Please register in the church office or Rev. Romonica Malone-Wardley at romonica1@westburyumc.org and let her know if childcare is needed and the age of your child(ren). Westburywelcomes CALLING ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS With a new school year beginning, we need to update our college students information. If you are entering college or returning to college, please send your name, college, mailing address, and address to Cindy Parker at cindy1@ westburyumc.org or call the church office at Willowbend Blvd. Houston, Texas Main Office: WestburyUMC.org NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No Houston, Texas Address service requested