REASON GOD. Faith. the for. our mission: our vision: deep. daring. daily. Who d Want to Believe in a Wrathful God Who Sends People to Hell?

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1 deep our mission: Making disciples of Jesus Christ our vision: To become deep, daring, daily disciples Mature into deeper levels as a disciple We want to grow deeply in God s love and in loving each other in deep fellowship. We want our lives to be deeply shaped by God s Word. the for REASON GOD daring Seize the daring challenges of a disciple We want to become daring disciples, who will follow Jesus anywhere. We will dare to be led by the Holy Spirit, individually and as a church. We want to be daring in our serving, daring in our love, and daring in our generosity. Who d Want to Believe in a Wrathful God Who Sends People to Hell? daily Establish the daily practices of a disciple We want to be daily disciples, not Sunday Christians. We strive to pray daily, read God s Word daily, live for Jesus daily, worship God daily, and change the world daily. May 17, Oaks Lane x Omaha, NE Office Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday x FAX Prayer Chain: prayers@faithwestwood.com faithwestwood.com Worship Services: 9 & 10:45 am Steve Todd, Lead Pastor Faith WESTWOOD Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

2 Welcome! If this is your first time at FaithWestwood, we want you to know how glad we are you came. We also know it can be a little scary coming to a new church. That s why we want to do everything we can to help you feel at home, find new friends, and take the next step in your faith. Green shirts, green sheets, green bags If you have questions, ask anyone wearing a green FaithWestwood polo this morning. Or leave us a note on the green sign-in sheet in your bulletin, which will be collected with the offering. We also invite our new guests to pick up one of our little green bags in the foyer. Inside you ll find a little info and a small gift. We hope that what you experience this morning brings you back next weekend. We d love to see you again soon! Meet our staff... Each week we will introduce you to one of our staff members: Nancy Nordberg: friend, Laura, in rehab; may the Lord bless my daughters Cindy and Alicia on Mother s Day. Deb & Dave Koopmans: Jake Anderson finals week for college, then graduation. Prayers requested for others: Barbara Bowen: the Marinera family on the loss of their mother and son. Michelle Mitchell: all with illness or family conflicts. Staff prayer requests: Steve Todd, Lead Pastor: That God would send our search team wonderfully called and qualified candidates to interview for director of student ministries. Vikki O Hara, Congregational Care Director: with thanksgiving for all who donate bags as well as their time to our CareMATers ministry which has donated 367 sleeping mats for homeless members of our community since March, 2013, 104 in 2015! Celeste Ellis, Missions Director I can help you by: Offering mission and outreach opportunities Directing the church pantry efforts Identifying Mission Partners and their volunteer needs Encouraging your financial support for missions I can be reached via celeste.ellis@faithwestwood.com, or by calling (402) x Joys/Thanksgivings: Michelle Mitchell: blessing on all the staff and church members. Havens family: blessings and prayers for all graduating seniors from Faith- Westwood as they begin a new chapter in their lives. Craig & Julie Dristell celebrate with joy the graduation of their daughter, Janna, from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Serefko family: thank you, Lord, for your blessings. Carol Duheme: bless each and every mom, aunt and grandmother. Coming FaithWestwood The Reason for God - April 12 - May 17 We all know friends and family who raise serious objections to the Christian faith. We understand that. Many of us who embrace Jesus also have haunting questions we find difficult to answer. In this series, we will address some of the most common and challenging objections to faith. But instead of reaching for easy answers or argumentative ammunition, we hope to point to a better way. May 24, Spirit-Walkers We fight a battle every day--a battle in our hearts and minds. We fall into discouragement. We face temptation. We get frustrated with ourselves. But Jesus is ready to give you a way to overcome in that daily adversity. He wants to fill you with the Holy Spirit--the power and presence of God in you. And those he fills with the Spirit must then learn to walk by the Spirit--every day. Prayers of comfort and thanksgiving are printed for one week. You may submit an update at any time by writing your request on your green registration sheet, or by to: prayers@faithwestwood.com. Prayer requests not marked Private on the green registration sheets are sent to the prayer chain and printed in the bulletin. Prayer requests must be received by 9 am on Wednesday morning to be included in the bulletin that week.

3 Prayer Requests Prayers of comfort for: Those in our church who are preparing for, or recovering from recent surgery, are hospitalized, are in a physical rehabilitation facility, or in hospice care, and for their families Terri Jo Daniels, hospitalized again and soon to move to a skilled nursing facility, and for her mom and caregiver, Georgia Daniels. Suzanne McMonagle, recovering from knee replacement surgery. Ken Walde recovering from major surgery on his ears and subsequent pain. Cheryl White, recently hospitalized and facing open heart surgery on May 22nd. Peg West, recovering at home from knee replacement surgery. Jenni Jacobsen continuing to recover at home from a fall. Bev Albright and family, staying with her daughter in Indiana after suffering a stroke which left her paralyzed on her left side. Those in our church who have experienced the death of a family member: Mike & Tammy Lewis and family on the death of Mike s father, Steve Lewis, on Monday morning. Those in our church for whom prayers have been requested: Jeanette Seburg: relief of pain for Ken Walde following his ear surgery. Lesia Norvell: cure my cancer. Prayers requested for family and friends of those in our church: Linda & Gale Sherman: Tammy Sherman, undergoing chemotherapy and moving family to Sidney, NE in 2 weeks. Sandi Smith: Joey, lifelong childhood friend of Sandi, who has been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus with lymph node involvement. Michelle Mitchell: Steve Wees, that doctors can help his recovery; Arrick Andrews, recovery from illness; Floyd, prompt and successful knee surgery with no complications. Tammy Lewis: the family of Ingrid van Blerk, as they mourn her death. Renee Taylor: cousin, Genesa Dzingle, whose son, Dylan went to be with the Lord and is now free of his physical limitations. May his family find peace. Nicole Blumenthal: co-worker, Mai, whose husband is in ICU; my friend, as she makes a difficult decision to end her marriage. Children s Director: Leah Dinoso leah.dinoso@faithwestwood.com x1006 Middle School Program Director: Anthony King anthony.king@faithwestwood.com x1005 Summer Sunday School It s going to be a Superhero Summer Sunday School! We will be singing some amazing songs from The Agape League musical and learning about standing up for what s right! Sunday School will be available at both services this summer. Children s Time in Worship We believe it s important that kids spend more time worshipping with their families during church, so beginning May 24, the Children s Time will be moved to later in the service, right before the message. The children will still need to be checked in before the service begins, and will be dismissed to Sunday School following the Children s Time, as usual. This new schedule will will run through August 9th. Summer Break We are now on summer break, and will resume in the fall. Stay tuned for upcoming Mission Trip info!

4 Missions April Numbers 54 returning families 9 new families 180 people Pantry Needs this week: Canned fruit, and canned beans (baked, kidney etc). Thank you! The FaithWorks Food Pantry is open every third Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and every fourth Saturday from 10 a.m. - Noon. This week s offering: Carlos Mestayer This morning our mission offering will be for Carlos Mestayer, who works with Christ for the City in Costa Rica. His leadership is invaluable in our relationship with the people of Tirasses. As it says in Jeremiah 3:15, Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Last week s offering: FaithWorks Pantry Offering = $1, With Your Support CareMATers Ministry Serves Hundreds! Because of your generous giving of plastic grocery sacks, as well as your time and talent, our CareMATers Ministry reports that since the founding of the ministry in March, 2013, 367 sleeping mats have been made and donated to homeless members of our Omaha community! 104 of these mats were made and donated in 2015 alone! Mats were distributed by the following organizations: Table of Mercy, 127; Sienna Francis House, 150; Veterans Administration Homeless Programs 34; Open Door Mission, 30; Salvation Army, 26. You are invited to join the fun crew of men and women who have made these accomplishments possible by being the busy hands of Christ! They meet the FIRST and THIRD Wednesdays of every month in Fellowship Hall from 1-3 PM to sort, flatten, cut and repair the bags. New hands are welcomed every meeting and we can teach you how to help process the bags for those who crochet them into mats, as well as how to crochet the mats, if you would like. A good time is had by all as we share in fellowship while working together on these Wednesday afternoons! Our next meeting dates are May 20, June 3, and June 17th. Please come and join us ALL are welcome! For more information call Linda Hughes at or Sandi Smith at New Home? Home Blessings Available FaithWestwood will now be offering the United Methodist Service of Home Blessing. This brief service may be done at any time but is especially appropriate when you have recently moved to a new home or apartment. Some families combine this with a house warming or open house, while others include close friends and family, and others just immediate family. To arrange a home blessing, contact Vikki O Hara, M.Div., Congregational Care Director, at vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com or When your house is blessed you will receive a special plaque to display in your home. Expecting a Baby? Please let us know! Please let our Blessed Beginnings ministry know as soon as you are pregnant! We have a gift for you to use throughout your pregnancy and want to be able to walk with you and pray for you, your family and your baby during your pregnancy! We also arrange for pastoral visitation when you are hospitalized and deliver your baby. To make the ministry team aware of your pregnancy, please contact Vikki O Hara, M.Div., Congregational Care Director, at vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com or

5 What s Happening The FaithWalk Experience At FaithWestwood we talk about becoming deep, daring, and daily disciples. You may be wondering what does that mean and how would you get started. We invite you to join Pastor Steve for The FaithWalk Experience. We believe God has big things in store for us. And in order for us to become the strong mission-focused church God wants us to be, we are asking as many people as possible to take The FaithWalk Experience. Register with Holly Timberlake at holly.timberlake@ faithwestwood.com or x1013 July 10-12th Weekend Schedule Friday: 6:30p-9:30p Saturday: 8:30a-12:30p Sunday: 12:15p-2:00p Amazing Grays Trip You are invited to travel to York on Tuesday, September 15 on the Amazing Grays Annual Outing. We will travel by motorcoach, leaving the church at 8:45 a.m. and returning between 5-6:30 p.m. Tour price is $106, due by August 10. Contact Gaylene Adler at for more information or to register. Amazing Grays The Amazing Grays will meet Tuesday, May 19, at 12:00 noon. Reservations for lunch should be made by Monday, May 18 by either signing the attendance card on Sunday morning, or calling Howard and Carolyn Rhoten at The program, Around the World in 80 Minutes or Less, will be presented by Alan Shepherd.. MAY 17, 2015 Sunday - 9 am Prelude... Gentle Praise Ring Handbell Choir, Bob Miller, director Welcome... Pastor Steve Todd Call to Worship... Pastor Steve Todd Hymn...Open Our Eyes Lord, #2086 (FS) Children s Time... Pastor Steve Todd Greeting - Blest Be the Tie... Celeste Ellis Opportunities... Celeste Ellis Offering... The Power of the Cross Handbell Choir Act of Praise...His Name is Wonderful, #174 Offering Prayer - The Lord s Prayer... Pastor Steve Todd Hymn...O Young and Fearless Prophet, #444 Prayer Opportunity...Vikki O Hara Organ/Piano Positions Open May 24th will be the last Sunday for Linda Dasovic and Lois Nelson as our wonderful organist and pianist for the traditional service. Linda has played for 40 years and they have played together for 32 years! We will miss their wonderful duets for sure. Both Linda and Lois feel it s time to retire and for others to step into leading worship. If you are interested in serving in this most worshipful way please contact Donna Zito, Worship Director at donna.zito@ faithwestwood.com or x1008. Interested in membership? Contact Holly Timberlake at x1013 or holly.timberlake@faithwestwood.com. Prayer Gathering FaithWestwood has partnered with several other metro churches in a Prayer Opportunity for Each church has a day of the month that they will pray for the prayer focus of the month. Our day is the 31st or the last day of the month. For more information contact Holly Timberlake at holly.timberlake@faithwestwood. com or x1013. Hymn... All Hail the Power of Jesus Name, #154 Scripture: Luke 16: Terry Lammert Message... Who d Want to Believe in a Wrathful God Who Sends People to Hell? - Pastor Steve Todd Hymn (as time allows)... Spirit Song, #347 Blessing Shalom SERMONS ON CD! Today s message will be available on CD at the information desk next Sunday. Or, if you want to hear it sooner, you can watch it online after Tuesday. Want to watch more messages or get another copy of the bulletin? You can find them online, at

6 MAY 17, 2015 Sunday - 10:45 am Song... Oh Happy Day Song... Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us Welcome... Pastor Steve Todd Baptism... Pastor Steve Todd Children s Time... Pastor Steve Todd Worship in Song... Psalm Open the Eyes of My Heart Opportunities... Celeste Ellis Offering... Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) Prayer Opportunity...Vikki O Hara Song... You Never Let Go Scripture: Luke 16: Laura Blumenthal Message... Who d Want to Believe in a Wrathful God Who Sends People to Hell? - Pastor Steve Todd Song (as time allows)... Hungry Blessing This morning s band: Shane Campagna, electric guitar and vocals; Jeff Inman, drums; George Laughery, keys; Bucky McCann, bass guitar; Eric Mears, drums; Trish Todd, acoustic guitar; Kayla Whiteman, vocals; Donna Zito, worship director. Sermon Notes Vacation Bible School Dates: June Time: 6:00-8:15pm Ages: 4 - just graduating from 5th grade Cost: FREE All kids and volunteers can register now at the Registration Table in the Foyer or go to (Volunteers must sign up by June 1st to be guaranteed a shirt). Ways that you can help with Vacation Bible School: KIDS 1. Invite your friends to come to VBS. 2. Pray for VBS. 3. Ice Bucket Fundraising Challenge. GROWN UPS 1. Be a Prayer Warrior for VBS. 2. Volunteer to help out at VBS. 3. Donate supplies (specific donation needs on tree in Foyer) 4. Help support our main fundraiser, "Envelopes for Everest." **see explanation below Envelopes For Everest FaithWestwood is reaching out to our neighborhood and community by offering FREE Vacation Bible School this year! This year s Vacation Bible School fundraiser is Envelopes for Everest. You ll find these envelopes in the Foyer. Each envelope has a number on it, from 1 to 125, and the number signifies the dollar amount you would be willing to donate to VBS. If the amount you would like to contribute to Vacation Bible School is not on the board I have provided additional envelopes for you to use. The Envelopes for Everest can be returned to the Envelopes for Everest box or to the office. Thank you for your continued support of Children s Ministry!