Ever wished you could read music but never had time to learn? Maybe you can but need a little refresher course? This July, Pastor DeAndre will be teaching basic music reading lessons in the Choir Room (Rm 200) at 9:30am.

The Community and Global Ministries Team will host a Change the World Breakfast Series throughout May: May 1 | Pancakes With the Pastors - our very own Westbury UMC pastors will serve pancakes May 8 | Mother's Day Breakfast - southern style breakfast just for Mom May 15 | International Breakfast - breakfast treats from around the world May 22 | Breakfast Chef Competition May 29 | Memorial Day Tribute We will ask for donations at each breakfast to support Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) and ...

Because of severe weather in the Houston metro area, Westbury UMC's church offices and Day School are closed Monday, April 18, 2016.

More Than Enough Love Community Service Day Saturday, April 23 | 8 am–noon Meet at Westbury UMC for coffee, a short worship service and instructions. Then we’ll carpool over to Interfaith Ministries (3202 San Jacinto St., 77004) where volunteers will choose a station: assembling breakfast bags for senior adults, packaging pet food through aniMeals on Wheels, or creating English flash cards for newly resettled refugees. Children 4 and older can volunteer under the supervision of an adult.

Rev. Danny Yang has been appointed Senior Pastor of Westbury UMC. His first Sunday will be June 26, 2016.

Holy Thursday, March 24 Worship at 7 pm | Sanctuary The journey to Easter continues with this Tenebrae Service, a solemn service of darkness as we recall Jesus’ final hours of betrayal. Music will be provided by the Sanctuary Choir, along with strings and oboe. The service will include scripture readings, candlelight, Holy Communion and a short sermon delivered by Rev.

Ash Wednesday on February 10 Noon (Chapel) | 7 pm (Sanctuary) Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a period of fasting, repentance and spiritual discipline leading up to Easter. During Westbury UMC’s Ash Wednesday services, pastors will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers as an outward sign of our sorrow and repentance for sins. Lent Worship Series Sundays at 10:45 am The Lord’s Supper.

Some of the best moments of our lives are captured when we gather around a table. Just as Christ welcomes us to his table in Holy Communion, we extend our warmest welcome to others around the tables we set. It’s where we grow in friendship, where we pray and share our faith, where we break bread and find that God is among us.

Register today! Saturday, January 23, 9 am–5 pm $10/person | Lunch and snacks provided Westbury UMC strives to be a church for all people with more than enough love to go around. How is God calling us to live more fully into our multicultural identity?

Do You Hear What I Hear? A Concert of Holiday Favorites Sunday, December 13 | 4 pm The Houston Ebony Opera Guild’s annual Christmas concert will again be hosted at Westbury UMC. Conducted by Rev.

Worship with us on Christmas Eve at 4 pm or 6 pm. Families with children are encouraged to attend the 4 pm service, which will be a fresh, interactive and engaging approach to Christmas Eve. The 6 pm service will be more traditional with candlelight.

It’s an instant Christmas play for kids and families of all ages—simply show up on Sunday, December 6, at 4:30 pm, and we’ll create props, learn songs, rehearse and perform the pageant together. What to Expect: 4:30 pm | Arrive and Register 4:30–5:15 | Scene Rehearsal (make a prop and learn a song) 5:30–6:15 | Performance (everyone’s invited!) 6:15–7:00 | Cast Party (enjoy a delicious catered dinner; suggested donation of $10/adult for the meal) We hope you can make it! It will be a multigenera...

  Westbury United Methodist Church will host its annual Good Gifts Market on Saturday, December 5, 9 am-2 pm. The outdoor market will have fair-trade vendors whose products provide living wages for workers. The sale of the items (like candles, scarves, jewelry and linens) also assists victims of human trafficking and refugee women, locally and abroad.

Westbury UMC will host its 8th Annual Southwest Houston School Expo on Saturday, October 17, 10 am to noon, in Humphrey Hall. As a free event for area families, the expo's goal is to empower parents to make informed choices about their children’s education. A mix of public and private schools in southwest Houston from all levels of education (elementary, middle and high school) will set up tables and provide information to prospective families.

Join us for the “Sarah and Friends” concert on Sunday, September 20, at 4 pm, where Westbury UMC’s own Sarah Winkel will perform organ and piano favorites. The concert will feature works by J. S.

Back in 1955, the corner of West Bellfort and Willowbend was a vacant lot as new houses and businesses sprang up all over the Westbury and Meyerland neighborhoods. That familiar intersection would soon become home to Westbury United Methodist Church. The church's first gatherings were held for several months at the Bellaire Community Center and then Bellaire High School, where in October 1955 the congregation adopted plans for the first building phase to be constructed on the land.

Make connections with various ministries at our Ministry Fair on Sunday, August 30. Humphrey Hall will be open from 9 to 10:30 am and noon to 12:30 pm for folks to browse displays and talk with ministry leaders. You will be able to match up your particular talents and interests with ministries that build your faith and serve others.

They are simple phrases—Christian clichés you may have heard before and perhaps you’ve repeated. Beginning Sunday, August 23, in worship at 10:45 am, we will examine what the Bible says in response to phrases like these and discover the whole truth behind half-truths. August 23: “God wants you to be happy” August 30: “God won’t give you more than you can handle” September 6: “Love the sinner; hate the sin” September 13: Homecoming Sunday (take break from series) September 20: “Eveything happens ...

Attention, men! Start your day with a group of guys meeting Wednesday mornings for food and devotional Bible study. On Wednesday, August 12, the Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study group will begin a new weekly study based on a series of devotions by Rev.

Westbury UMC has been actively developing a master plan for our facilities. A committee, chaired by Dan Grinstead, has been working since June with Merriman Holt Powell architectural firm to assess the needs of our ministries, the gifts and challenges of current facilities, and our goals and hopes for the future. Through interviews with staff and ministry leaders and visits to other churches, we are gathering what we need to envision ways that our building can be adapted, renovated and renewed.

Choose a shift at our Church Work Day on Saturday, July 25. We’ll spend the day sprucing up the church’s facilities and grounds—there’s a job for every age and ability! Suitable for young children and those who can’t do much manual labor, we’re assembling a crew to set up refreshment stations to pass out snacks and bottled water.

“Who do you say that I am?” ... “Where are you?” ... “What must I do to have eternal life?” ...

Party like it’s 1955 on Saturday, June 6, from 4:30 to 7 pm in the Memorial Garden! At our Anniversary Picnic, we will celebrate the church’s 60th anniversary with a cookout, ’50s-style games, music and yard games for all ages. We are searching for key volunteers to help with this fellowship event and to sign up for our 2nd annual pie contest!

BUY TICKETS ONLINE!! Join us for "It's a Small World," our 4th Annual Change the World Lunch & Silent Auction, on Sunday, May 17, from noon to 2 pm in Humphrey Hall. Enjoy a delicious lunch and live music!

“The risen Christ meets us in the lives of those who suffer,” writes Trevor Hudson, the author of A Mile In My Shoes. Join in reading and listening during a six-week book study, starting Wednesday, April 15, from 6:30 to 8 pm. With Hannah Terry, Thera Freeman and Hannah Smith as facilitators, this study will be a pilgrimage to cultivate compassion.

POSTPONED due to more than enough rain! Updated: 4/17/15; 9:25 pm At this spring’s More Than Enough Love event, let’s “connect the dots” by: celebrating friendships cultivated through FAM, learning about neighborhood partners at info booths, and enjoying live music, spoken-word poetry and a shared meal prepared by our neighbors at Los Arcos For more information, contact Rev. Hannah Terry at hannah1@westburyumc.org or 713-723-0175.

Life can be quite an adventure—thrilling, dangerous, tedious, joyful. And it’s almost always unpredictable. So what can you count on?

We will hold several worship services in the Sanctuary during Holy Week leading up to our Easter celebration: Palm Sunday | Sunday, March 29 @ 10:45 am Children will lead our procession into the Sanctuary, waving palm branches as we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday | Thursday, April 2 @ 7 pm The term “maundy” comes from the Latin translation of Jesus’ words in John 13: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved ...

Just a few weeks ago, a group of folks from the Texas Annual Conference journeyed to Kenya. Rev. Hannah Terry, Associate Pastor of FAM (Fondren Apartment Ministry) and Rev.

  For more details or to confirm scheduled times, contact Amy Behrman at amylane07@yahoo.com, or call the church office at 713-723-0175.

Worship Ash Wednesday | Wednesday, February 18, at noon in the Chapel & 7 pm in the Sanctuary Sunday Worship | Sundays, February 22–March 29, 10:45 am in the Sanctuary Prayer Prayer Labyrinth | Wednesdays, February 25–April 1 (3–8 pm) Walk the labyrinth in the Parlor with handouts available as an aid to contemplative prayer and reflection. Prayer Partners | throughout Lent Sign up to be a prayer partner and you’ll be matched with a peer, a youth or a child. To participate, email Hillary Peet...

Join us on Sunday, January 11, after worship in Humphrey Hall, for lunch and fun, silly and challenging relay games for parents and kids of all ages! At the event, parents can also pick up Family Ministry calendars for the new year and Spring 2015 Sunday school brochures.

Families come in all shapes, shades and sizes. At Westbury UMC, it’s a gift for all different kinds of families to join together as God’s family—it’s where we discover our true identity, who we really are! Beginning January 11, we will explore who we are as God’s family, and how we live with our real-life families.

Daily Devotional Download the "Christ Will Come Again" 2014 Advent Devotional Booklet (pdf), compiled by Westbury UMC members along with artwork, prayers, scripture readings, and reflections on Christmas carols throughout the season.     Calendar of Worship and Musical Events December 7 at 10:45 am | On Sunday, December 7, we will begin the countdown to Christmas in worship with the Sanctuary Choir performing excerpts from the Mark Hayes’ cantata Candles and Carols, a candlelight Adven...

Come shop for change at our Good Gifts Market on Sunday, December 7. By purchasing beautiful, handcrafted gifts, you’ll be supporting artisans locally and around the world by helping them generate sustainable income. The market will be located in Humphrey Hall from 9 am to 1 pm.

On Sunday, December 14, at 5 pm, in Humphrey Hall, the children and youth of Westbury UMC will present an adaptation of Dave Brubeck’s musical masterpiece, La Fiesta de la Posada. Las posadas is a Latin American custom depicting Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging on the eve of Christ’s birth. The celebration centers around festive music, rich food and a dramatic retelling of the Christmas story.

In an ongoing effort to support its neighborhood school partner Anderson Elementary, Westbury United Methodist Church will hold an informational meeting about new Teacher Encouragement Teams and other ways to volunteer on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 3:30 p.m. in the church’s parlor.

When it comes to grief, we never get over a loss, but we get through it. As we approach the holiday season, we recognize the reality that many in our midst are grieving the loss of family members and dear friends. We will spend three Sundays in worship to address how we go through grief as God’s people.

Mark your calendars for the Beans and Cornbread Lunch on Sunday, September 28, after worship. The lunch is designed to raise awareness about the problem of hunger and poverty worldwide. Our guest speaker this year is former Westbury UMC pastoral intern, Emily Peterson, who will discuss her experiences in the World Race, a global missions journey in which she traveled to 11 countries in 11 months.

It’s a fact: very few Americans know their neighbors’ names. As we consider Christ’s call to “love your neighbor,” how do we move from stranger to acquaintance to relationship? What would our neighborhoods look like if each of us intentionally built relationships with our nearest neighbors?

Our Fall 2014 More Than Enough Love Community Service Day will be on Saturday, October 11, from 8 am–2 pm. Volunteers will meet at the church for a short worship service and light breakfast. Then we'll disperse to our work sites.

It’s back-to-school time, so let’s show students at Anderson Elementary that we care! We’re sponsoring two students per grade level. Choose a grade-specific list off the board near the Cafe, then return a grocery bag of supplies by Sunday, August 24.

Come taste, see, and hear how God is good by joining us on Sunday, August 31, from 9:30–10:30 am, in Humphrey Hall. Our special guest for Westbury UMC’s 5th Sunday is Plant It Forward Farms. We'll celebrate how God is growing fresh, local, organic produce in our neighborhood through our FAM (Fondren Apartment Ministry) refugee neighbors.

Stretch out the summer fun! Bring a friend to a free Youth Lock-In for 6th–12th graders, Friday, August 1, from 9:00 pm to Saturday, August 2, at 7:45 am. Join us in the Youth Wing and gym where we’ll have a movie theater, board games and card games, volleyball and basketball, snacks and a few surprises!

We’re kicking off the summer with a Pies & Pirates Party! Join us on Saturday, June 14, from 5–7 pm, in the Memorial Garden for a church-wide cookout! Hamburgers and hotdogs will be served ($3 for adults and $2 for kids).

Pre-Register Now! This fall, Westbury United Methodist Church will host John Bell, the well-known composer and song enlivener of the Iona Community in Scotland. Mr.

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” - Matthew 13:9, The Message You know the feeling. It happens as you listen to or read a story, and the realization washes over you: this is really about me!

Nursery Caregiver Job Description At Westbury UMC we believe that a consistent, loving, and nurturing presence in our nursery is a vital part of our life together. We are seeking a nursery worker to be a part of a team that provides safe, loving, nurturing, and hospitable care to children, babies through 5 years old. Ministry responsibilities include general childcare, playing with children, reading to children, keeping the nursery clean and organized, and exhibiting Christ-like patience and lov...

Tickets are on sale now for the Change the World Day Beatles Lunch on Sunday, May 18, from noon to 2 pm. We will enjoy a family-style lunch, silent auction and live music! All proceeds go to missions.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39 NRSV Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.

The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-9) | Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me...

We will hold several worship services in the Sanctuary during Holy Week leading up to our Easter celebration: Palm Sunday | Sunday, April 13 @ 10:45 am Children will lead our procession into the Sanctuary, waving palm branches as we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of Holy Week. The Agape Youth Choir and Children's Choir will provide special music throughout the service. Maundy Thursday | Thursday, April 17 @ 7:00 pm The term “maundy” comes from the Latin translation of Jesu...

Acts 2 explains the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the twelve apostles—there was a sound of rushing wind, there were tongues like fire that rested on each person, and they were given ability by the Holy Spirit to speak in all languages present so the diverse gathered crowd understood what was being spoken. Bystanders were amazed, perplexed, and even judgmental of what was happening. Then Peter stood with the apostles and preached to the crowd.

Fine Arts Camp 2014 will be held Monday, June 9–Friday, June 13, from 9:00 am–12:30 pm, at Willow Meadows Baptist Church (WMBC), located at 4300 W. Bellfort. Westbury UMC is excited to partner with WMBC to put on this quality summer camp for the second time.

In Luke 10, Jesus responds to the questioning of a lawyer, who asks two questions. First, he asks “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responds to the first question with a question, indicating that the man knows the answer to his own question. When the man presses, Luke gives us his own read of the man’s intentions: “But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” Jesus responds with one of the most well-known passages of scripture: the Parable of the Good ...

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.  John 1:10 NRSV When I reflect on this passage, I am reminded that I miss God way too often. What I mean is that if Jesus Christ, being the fullness of God, not only created the world/universe but has also deigned to actually be in the world – the Word/God "pitched a tent" and lives among us, as stated in the literal translation of John 1:14 – then I must be a blind fool because I don't see or ex...

Create Easter artwork with us at a Painting Party on Saturday, March 29, 10 am–2 pm, in Humphrey Hall. Guided by artists from The Art Project, Houston, participants will tap into their creativity and learn different painting techniques. No particular skills are required, just a willing heart and mind ready to have fun realizing the image of the creating and re-creating God that is within each of us.

Come to either of two worship services on Ash Wednesday, March 5, the first day in the season of Lent. The first service will be at noon in the Chapel and the second will be at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. At both services, worshippers will be invited to receive the visible sign of the cross on their foreheads, being marked with ashes.

Isaiah 52:7 says, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns." We are no strangers to trials and tribulations. As a people inundated with news that is transmitted at lightning speed and repeated over and over again., we cannot escape the reality that many--both near and far--are experiencing difficulty. You read the paper or watch the news.

“…[Elijah] said [to the widow], ‘Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.’ But she said, ‘As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.’ Elijah said to her, ‘Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and...

The Lord had not spoken to Samuel before, and Samuel did not recognize the voice. When the Lord called out his name for the third time, Samuel went to Eli again and said, “Here I am. What do you want?” Eli finally realized that it was the Lord who was speaking to Samuel.  So he said, “Go back and lie down!

In reading the Exodus story, I'm always surprised that, though I've read and heard the story a number of times, I always find and learn something new. As I read Exodus 7-11 and 32-34, I'm struck by how Moses' leadership is defined, in part, by prayer – specifically, prayer for others, what the church has long called intercessory prayer.  Moses prays for Pharaoh and Egypt, that the plagues would end. Moses also prays for the Israelites, that their sin would be forgiven.

The Fondren Apartment Ministry (FAM) envisions missional Christian communities being planted and tended in six apartment complexes on Fondren Road between Bellfort and Airport Blvd. Come hear what this means and how you can participate today in this movement of the kingdom of God in Houston! You’re invited to lunch with the FAM community in the Parlor on Sunday, February 9, to explore FAM’s long-term vision for 2014–15 and beyond.

In Genesis 33, we're invited to witness an incredibly emotional and spiritual exchange marking a seismic shift in the lives of hurt family members. A brother who has tricked his dad so he could steal the eldest-son-blessing. A brother who was pained due to broken trust and made plans to literally murder his baby brother.

Today's passage from Genesis 11 has me thinking about the community in Babel in relation to our community at Westbury UMC.   In Babel, we find the people working together to accomplish incredible feats--they build a tower that reached to heaven! How far is that?

In the coming weeks, the pastors of Westbury UMC will rotate writing regular blog posts to reflect on the passages of scripture we're covering in worship and in our daily readings. Check back here for posts and feel free to comment as a part of the dialogue!

Do you wish you knew more of the Bible? Do you find yourself wanting to understand scripture, but unsure of where to start? In early 2014, Westbury UMC will be journeying together through the Bible in our series, “Explore God’s Story.” We’ll start with the first chapter of Genesis on January 19, and we will invite everyone to open up the Bible and read a few chapters each day.

With the theme "Love Came Down," all Christmas Eve worship services will offer Holy Communion and conclude with candlelight carols. Worship at Westbury UMC is open to people of all nations, ages and races. We are blessed by a varied range of backgrounds and experiences and it is our hope and effort to reflect that diversity in our worship.

Reclaim your Christmas gift-giving and come shop for change at our Good Gifts Market on Sunday, December 8. By purchasing beautiful, handcrafted gifts like scarves, bracelets, baskets and more, you’ll be supporting artisans locally and around the world to create sustainable income to support their families. The market will be located in Humphrey Hall on Sunday morning from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and in the afternoon, in conjunction with the Christmas concert by the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, from 4...

On Sunday, December 8, at 4 pm, Westbury UMC will present the Houston Ebony Opera Guild Chorus in a concert of Christmas favorites, including “Mary had a baby,” “Do you hear what I hear,” "I saw three ships," and “Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child.” Conducted by R. DeAndre Johnson with Roy Belfield on piano, the concert is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted.

Before you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, come to our annual Family ADVENTure Night! It will be held in Humphrey Hall on Sunday, December 1, from 5–7 pm. This is a great experience for families to enjoy a meal, make an Advent wreath, create fun crafts, participate in a wacky photo booth, and hear the Christmas story.

We’re looking forward to our More Than Enough Love FAM Sunday on November 17. We hope you’ll join us for a morning of worship and thanksgiving, starting in the Sanctuary at 10:45 am and then shuttling over to Los Arcos Apartments. Activities will include sharing a meal together, decorating banners and quilt squares, face painting, chalk drawing, music and communion.

Companies, non-profits and even churches are guided by mission statements. Stating a purpose helps organizations define who they are and informs the decisions they make. As families, what values and guiding principles do we have in our lives?

On Sunday, November 24, at 4:00 pm, Westbury Baptist Church will host the annual Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) Service of Thanksgiving. With cooperative community programs supported by 12 local congregations, BIM has been serving the needs of people in southwest Houston for over 25 years. “Westbury Baptist Church is especially excited to host this year as November marks Westbury Baptist's 50th anniversary," says Kyle Damron, minister of worship.

On Sunday, Nov. 3, at 4 p.m., the choirs of Westbury United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church in Missouri City, along with chamber orchestra, will present “How Can I Keep from Singing? A Sacred Concert for Those Facing Cancer.” "Until a cure is found, many lives have been and will be affected by cancer," says Rev.

Westbury UMC will host its 6th Annual Southwest Houston School Expo on Saturday, October 19, 10:00 am to noon, in Humphrey Hall. Our goal is to empower parents to make informed choices about their children’s education by providing a laid-back, geographically focused forum. Up to 40 schools in southwest Houston from all levels (elementary, middle and high school) will set up tables and provide information to prospective families.

Bring your sweet tooth to our family Ice Cream Sundae Social on Sunday, September 29, at noon! After worship, come check out your child’s Sunday school room in the Children’s Wing, meet the teachers, play on the playground and have a sweet treat! It’s a come-and-go event from noon until 1 pm.

Walk through the booths at our Ministry + Mission Fair on Sunday, September 22, just following worship in Humphrey Hall. You will learn about the ministries of the church and gather information about the impact these ministries have on personal discipleship, our community of faith and our neighbors. Represented will be mission and service opportunities, fellowship and discipleship, prayer and caring groups and many more.

In worship on Sundays at 10:45 am, our Westbury UMC family explores “How Then Shall We Live?” for six weeks this fall. Sermon and video testimony archives are below: September 8 > Listen to the Sermon: How shall I find purpose in my vocation? by Rev.

Each of us can take a step in our faith and be a part of a small group study this fall! Starting the week of September 15, Westbury UMC will offer several small groups: from Bible studies and youth Sunday school to parenting and men's breakfast and fellowship. You can sign up for a class about how worship connects to our work week and another on how to consider end-of-life decisions through the lens of faith.

POSTED: 8/8/2013 Director of Youth Ministries Job Description Mission Statement The mission of Westbury UMC is to make followers of Jesus Christ who transform the community and the world through God’s love. Westbury UMC values multicultural inclusiveness and hands-on ministry with our neighbors both near and far away. We are passionate about intergenerational ministry that allows pastors, staff and laity to partner together in ministry.

On Sunday, August 18, at 6 pm, Westbury UMC’s youth will host a free spaghetti dinner for the congregation. The dinner is to thank the church for supporting the youth trips and activities this summer. We hope you can join us as you will witness powerful testimonies from our incredible youth.

If you are considering and praying about becoming a member of Westbury UMC, join us for Coffee With the Pastors on Sunday, August 11, at noon. All are welcome! Just make your way to the Café after worship for coffee, pastries and casual conversations with church staff and members.

On Sunday, August 4, the families and students from Freedom School will be invited back to Westbury UMC to celebrate what they have accomplished this summer. We've had 52 scholars from ages 3 to 19 in this six-week summer literacy program. Come support and congratulate them--students and teachers alike--for a job well done!

You’re invited! Rev. Taylor Fuerst would like to gather with the Westbury UMC family at a few upcoming, casual Cottage Meetings.

UPDATE: 6/25/13 Applications are no longer being accepted. Church Business Administrator (vacancy open effective June 25, 2013) Westbury UMC is a mission-driven, multi-cultural congregation in Houston, TX seeking a Church Business Administrator to provide leadership and oversight for the areas of finance, facilities, and administration. Candidates must demonstrate a strong and maturing Christian faith.

Westbury UMC's newly appointed senior pastor, Rev. Taylor Fuerst, will begin her ministry with us on Sunday, June 9. All are invited to a Welcome Reception in her honor following worship in the Parlor.

Come relax on several Saturday nights this summer to listen to great music in Westbury UMC’s Memorial Gardens (the courtyard near the Chapel). Grab your lawn chair or blanket and a picnic dinner, if you like! Saturday, June 8, at 6:00 pm Brazos River Turnaround is a contemporary Christian worship band singing mainly original tunes.

Freedom Schools, created by the Children’s Defense Fund, provide summer enrichment in a nurturing environment that helps children gain confidence and enthusiasm for reading and learning. Westbury UMC will host a Freedom Schools program for six weeks, June 24–August 2, from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm each weekday. We will work with a director, Jimmy Robertson, who has been trained by Freedom Schools, seven interns from Duke Divinity School, St.

Leave your worries behind as you dance your way into fitness with a new, low-impact Intro to Zumba class at Westbury UMC. Join us on Wednesday nights, starting May 1, from 7:30 to 8:30 pm in Humphrey Hall (the gym near the main entrance). Taught by a certified Zumba instructor, no dance experience is necessary; just wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes.

The week of June 10–14, Westbury UMC is co-sponsoring the 2013 Fine Arts Camp at Willow Meadows Baptist Church. All children 3 years through 5th grade are invited to attend the camp to artistically explore a different story element each day. Children will a experience a week of visual art, music, drama and digital art as we discover what happens when our faith in Jesus collides with artistic means of expression.

You’re invited to The Great Sing and Ring Music Extravaganza, featuring the Children’s Choir, Master Ringers Handbell Choir and Sarah Winkel on organ and piano. This family-friendly concert will be on Sunday, May 5, at 4 pm in the sanctuary of Westbury UMC. Enjoy some fun music from different genres including classical, jazz, pop, sacred and world.

Westbury UMC's 2nd Annual Jazz Brunch and Silent Auction is Sunday, May 19, from noon until 2 pm in Humphrey Hall. All proceeds will benefit Braes Interfaith Ministry and Haitian Artisans for Peace International (HAPI). Tickets are $10 for youth and adults; $5 for children ages 6–12; and free for children 5 and under.

Come, pull up a chair. Let’s have a conversation about faith. It will be casual, like sitting on your front porch with a friendly neighbor, talking over a glass of iced tea.

The Agape Youth Choir of Westbury United Methodist Church will present the musical, Godspell, on Friday, April 5, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 6, at 2 p.m. This popular, two-act play sets to music a series of Jesus’ parables, based on the Gospel of Matthew.

Palm Sunday | March 24 @ 10:45 am This service embodies the sharp contrasts of Holy Week. In the entrance with palm branches waving, we experience the joyous demonstration of loyalty to Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. Later in the service, we confront and respond to the somber story of Jesus' passion (trial and death).

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." - Hebrews 13:6 It's that time again! Our spring More Than Enough Love Community Service Day will be on Saturday, March 23, from 8 am–2 pm. Volunteers will meet at the church for a short worship service and light breakfast.

Get your favorite chili recipes ready! Our Chili Cookoff, a youth ministry fundraiser, will be held on Sunday, February 24! We would love for any group, individual, sports team, scout group, or Sunday school class to participate to support the youth.

Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home Led by Rev. Tommy Williams Saturday, March 2 9 am–1 pm Location: Westbury UMC Chapel and Courtyard Format: Speaker presentation, lecture, discussion, small group breakouts, worship and lunch. Details: Dress casually.

Pull out the picnic baskets! All Westbury families with children up to 5th grade are invited to a Family Potluck Picnic on Saturday, February 2, from 11 am–1 pm in Humphrey Hall. Please feel free to bring a side item to share (chips, fruit, etc.) picnic style.

"For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations." - Isaiah 56:7 During the season of Lent (the weeks leading up to Easter starting on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 13), Westbury UMC will center around House of Prayer, a series for community life together. 1) Enter In: The Psalmist’s Guide to Prayer Worship on Sundays at 10:45 am We’ll be looking at the Psalms as a model for how to pray.

Come have coffee with the pastors! Have you been visiting and would like to know more? You are invited on Sunday, January 13, at noon in the Cafe.

The Beacon is a local organization dedicated to serving poor and homeless individuals by providing services that restore dignity, self-respect and hope. Since 2007, this day center has been providing hot meals, clothing, private shower and lavatory facilities, laundry services, and case management to people living on the streets of Houston. On Monday, January 21, (the Martin Luther King, Jr.

We're offering two Wednesday night small groups starting on Jan. 9, 2013. Download the brochure (pdf) to register for one of the studies!

When God calls us to something new, it’s not temporary or short-lived. God’s invitation is for a transformed life from now on. We might call this “the new normal.” Like Abram, Jacob and others before us, we are trying to hear God’s call for us, especially in the new year.

Through our partnership with Anderson Elementary, we have an opportunity to help some students and their families. These families have been identified by teachers as needing assistance during this Christmas season. Three families have already been adopted by either a Sunday school class or individual, and we’re adding a few more this week.

Relationship is one of our deepest human needs, and in the gift of Jesus, we celebrate a restored relationship with God and with each other. We invite you to experience the gift of Jesus this season. We will celebrate "The Gift" on Sundays, Dec.

Bring the whole family to ADVENTure Night on Sunday, December 2, from 5:00–7:00 pm in Humphrey Hall. Share a meal together, make ornaments for your tree, play games and get ideas on how to make meaningful family traditions for Christmas! It's for all ages.

Join us for an evening of Christmas carols from the African diaspora and beyond! On Sunday, December 9, at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary, Westbury UMC will present the Houston Ebony Opera Guild in concert. The performance will include classic selections from African-American spirituals, European carols and new works from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Haiti and South Africa.  This concert is free and open to the public. A holiday reception will follow in Humphrey Hall where you can enjoy refre...

On Sunday, November 18, at 4:00 pm, Willow Meadows Baptist Church will host the annual Braes Interfaith Ministries Service of Thanksgiving.  Worship will be led by members of the participating BIM congregations, including Willow Meadows Baptist, Grace Episcopal, Congregation Beth Israel, Bethany UMC, Salem Lutheran, St. John’s Presbyterian, Southwest Central Church of Christ, Westbury Baptist and Westbury UMC. The music will be offered by the combined choirs of the participating churches, a...

On Sunday, November 11, at 10:45 am, we will celebrate All Saints in worship. This is a time for us to remember the lives of saints of the faith and loved ones who have joined the great company of heaven. The Sanctuary Choir and Agape Youth Choir, together with orchestra, will present Mass in G by Franz Schubert and “Cantique de Jean Racine” by Gabriel Faure as a part of our celebration.

Join us for these free, family-friendly events sponsored by Westbury United Methodist Church! We'll be having Trunk or Treat parties on: Friday, October 26, 2012 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Casa Miranda (12261 Fondren Road, Houston, TX) Sunday, October 28, 2012 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Los Arcos (11315 Fondren Road, Houston, TX) Enjoy food, drinks, candy from car trunks, face painting, games and photo booth. Feel free to come dressed in your Halloween costumes!

It’s here. We’ve all heard about it and seen it in the news, on social media and even face to face. The upcoming political elections can certainly bring out all kinds of responses in us.

Westbury UMC will host its 5th Annual Southwest Houston School Expo on Saturday, October 20, 10:00 am to noon, in Humphrey Hall. Our goal is to empower parents to make informed choices about their children’s education by providing a laid-back, geographically focused forum. Up to 40 schools in southwest Houston from all levels (elementary, middle and high school) will set up tables and provide information to prospective families.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19–20) Would you believe that cleaning out church closets helps us to fulfill our mission? If you’re not sure how that goes together, all the more reason you should come to our “Clean Out the Closets” Church Work Day on Saturday, September 29, from 10 am–2 pm.

Join us for a Lecture and Banquet with Rev. John Thornburg on Saturday, October 6, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, for a time of singing, talking, eating and worship. He will share with us his musical missionary work in Cameroon and the development of the new Cameroonian hymnal, Mille Voix Pour Chanter Tes Louanges.

For our Fall 2012 More Than Enough Love Day, we will be serving at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday, October 27, from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm.  Here are the details: 1) What will the day's schedule look like? At 7:30 am on Saturday, October 27, please park in the parking lot of St. John's Presbyterian (the church right next to Westbury UMC on W.

Just as Philip invited Nathanael, saying, "Come and see!" Just as the Samaritan woman at the well shared with others what Jesus had told her. We all have a story to share and an invitation to make. For the next four weeks in worship at 10:45 am, we’ll hear true stories of life-changing encounters with Christ: September 9 John 1:43-51 Rev.

You can now register online for Westbury UMC's Fall Small Groups, starting in September. There are studies for youth and adults in every stage of life and discipleship. You can choose one or more of the following: Sundays @ 6:00 pm (starts Sept.

Dad + Mom + Sister + Brother = Family ... right? The fact is, we live in many different households—from single-parent homes to blended families, from widows to retirees.

On Sunday, August 12, at 10:45 am, the accomplished pianist, Joseph Fuller, will be sharing his gifts of music with us in worship. Mr. Fuller is described as full of passion, artistry and faith.

Join us for "Taste and See: A Mid-Year Church Update" on Sunday, July 29, at 9:30 am in Humphrey Hall. Bring a breakfast dish to enjoy together, and Pastor Tommy will share some news of what God is doing among us, including: goals and growth updates, missions and ministries and financial reports. For more information, contact Cindy Parker in the church office at 713-723-0175 or cindy1@westburyumc.org.

Are you curious to know more about what happened at General Conference back in April? This was the worldwide gathering of delegates from across The United Methodist Church, and our own Rev. Tommy Williams attended.

Through our summer worship series, each Sunday at 10:45 am, we’ll get to know some faithful men and women from the Bible, all of whom God used in unlikely and unexpected ways. We’ll hear sermons from various perspectives, including Westbury UMC’s three pastors, our summer pastoral interns—Jeff Gleghorn and Michael Draper—and our newest staff member—Hannah Terry.  Sunday, June 3 @ 10:45 am | "Abraham" Rev. Tommy Williams Sunday, June 10 @ 10:45 am | "Jacob and Esau" Rev.

This June 4–7, hundreds of clergy and laity from local churches across Texas will attend Annual Conference at the Galveston Island Convention Center. With the theme, “On Earth As In Heaven,” conference attendees will meet together to worship, fellowship and conduct the business of the conference. During sessions, members will hear reports of past and ongoing work, adopt future goals, programs and budgets, and ordain clergy members as deacons and elders.

We've just wrapped up our worship series on Credo: What We Believe. Now that we're fully grounded in the basics of the Christian faith, for the next two weeks we’ll refresh ourselves with teachings on our identity as members of Westbury United Methodist Church. Come to worship expecting to learn how we can be a church of integrity and purpose through Jesus Christ.

Linger awhile after worship on Sunday, May 20, from noon to 2:00 pm, in Humphrey Hall for Westbury UMC's "Change the World Jazz Brunch and Silent Auction." Enjoy food and live jazz and gospel featuring talented musicians from within our own congregation. Tickets go on sale May 6 & 13 (includes meal, live music and a bid number for the silent auction): $5 for youth and adults $3 for ages 5–12 Free for ages 4 and under Silent auction items will include: Movie/entertainment tickets; babysitting...

UPDATE (05/06/12): Thank you for supporting our Garage Sale for Orphans. We raised $2,641.55 toward the construction of a safehouse for orphans in Haiti. Glory be to God!

Although much of our faith remains a mystery, for five weeks in worship on Sundays at 10:45 am, we will unpack the basics of what we believe. We begin with the first book of the Bible, Genesis, describing the story of creation, and we’ll end the series with the complexities of Revelation. April 15 | Creation April 22 | Trinity: One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit April 29 | Incarnation: The Holy Spirit and the Virgin Birth May 06 | Atonement and Resurrection May 13 | Judgment, End Times and the...

Worship on Palm Sunday, April 1, at 10:45 am, will feature full choir and orchestra performance of the dramatic cantata, “The Rose of Calvary.” That morning, the children will lead a festive processional with palm branches. Remembering Christ’s final meal with his disciples, we will worship on Maundy Thursday, April 5, with identical services at noon and 7:00 pm.  Good Friday, April 6, commemorates Christ’s death with a somber service at noon. On Easter morning, April 8, we will joyfully ce...

Westbury UMC is hosting a spring music series featuring choir performances and solo artists. All events are free and open to the public. March 25 @ 10:45 am | Centenary College Choir The 60 voices of the Centenary College Choir will sing in worship at Westbury UMC. Hailed as “America’s Singing Ambassadors,” this internationally known collegiate choral group sings a myriad repertoire of both sacred and secular music.

Our Ash Wednesday, February 22, worship services will be held at noon in the Chapel, led by guest preacher Mark Born, and at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary, led by Rev. Tommy Williams. Nursery care will be provided.

The 40 days leading up to Easter is called Lent, which is observed in the church as a season to examine our souls, confess, repent and seek the grace of God. Often this time is thought of as a solitary pilgrimage, but we also walk together as a community of faith. Daily Blog You are invited to follow along as our pastors post daily at WestburyUMC.org/40days (starting Monday, February 27). Your comments and interaction are encouraged! We look forward to the conversation w...

Westbury UMC is embarking on a three-week stewardship series called “Beyond Our Own...” We anticipate the amazing things God will accomplish through us that will be beyond “all we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). January 22 | Beyond Our Own Households We trust that God can expand our ideas of what is possible in our households--the homes where we lay our heads and the house of worship we love here at Westbury UMC.  January 29 | Beyond Our Own Church Walls We recall and give t...

What are you expecting this new year? We often make resolutions out of our desire for a fresh start, a new beginning, a “do over.” Now is the time to take a personal inventory and ask ourselves these questions: Am I the person I want to be? Am I the person I ought to be?

"O Come Let Us Adore Him" is the theme of Christmas worship at Westbury UMC! Throughout Advent, Sunday worship will be held at 10:45 am. On Saturday, December 24, at 5:00 and 8:00 pm, we will have candlelight Christmas Eve services with scriptures and carols.

Westbury’s Worship and Music Ministries will host a Festival of Carols concert on Sunday, December 11, at 5:00 pm, in the Sanctuary.  The program will feature the Sanctuary and Agape Youth Choirs as well as the Master Ringers Handbell Choir. The ensembles will perform carols from around the world, including China, Haiti, Sierra Leone, France and more.  A reception featuring international holiday cuisine will follow in Humphrey Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

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 to 7:00 pm.  The first hour offers an opportunity for anyone (adults too) to make 10 different Christmas crafts, play Wii games, nibble on popcorn, and sip hot chocolate. After dark, families take turns riding in one of two covered wagons lit up with Christmas lights. Each wagon has a karaoke machine so that families can sing Ch...

Come have coffee with the pastors! Have you been visiting and would like to know more? You are invited on Sunday, October 30, at noon in the Cafe.

All Saints' Day is a time to remember all Christians from every time and place. Westbury UMC will recognize those who have helped extend and enliven God’s kingdom through an All Saints Service of Remembrance on Tuesday, November 1, at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary Choir, joined by orchestra, will perform Requiem by Gabriel Fauré.

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.

Get ready for our Fall 2011 “More Than Enough Love” community service day on Saturday, October 22, from 8:00 am-2:00 pm. There is an opportunity for everyone to serve God and neighbor! Volunteers can choose from the following worksites: Anderson Elementary (cleaning and packing) Westbury High School (painting) Braes Interfaith Ministry (assisting in Food Bank) Westbury Community Garden (gardening) Christian Alliance (packing rice and beans at Westbury UMC) Lunch (preparing at Westbury UMC and de...

Westbury UMC will host its 4th Annual Southwest Houston School Choice Forum on Saturday, October 15, 10:00 am to noon. Our goal is to empower parents to make informed choices about their children’s education by providing a laid-back, 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.

On October 2, for World Communion Sunday, Dr. John Perkins and Shane Claiborne, will be our special guests at Westbury United Methodist Church for worship in the morning at 10:45 am and a dialogue in the evening at 5:00 pm. Perkins and Claiborne are Christian social justice activists and the co-authors of Follow Me to Freedom: Leading and Following as Ordinary Radicals.

A five-week worship series on the Beatitudes called, “Blessed Are...” focuses 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 Sha...

To remember the 10th 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 on Sunday, Sept. 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.

It's time to register for small group studies, beginning this fall! Download the registration brochure (pdf) to learn more about each group that will meet throughout the week. You may either drop off your registration to the church office or register online.

Join us in worship at Westbury UMC at 10:45 am on Sundays, August 14–28, for a worship series called "The Real Social Network: The Power of Christian Community." August 14 – Matthew 18:18-20 August 21 – Mark 2:1–5 August 28 – Ephesians 1:15–23 For more information about Worship, contact Rev. DeAndre Johnson at deandre1@westburyumc.org or 713-723-0175.

Starting August 14, we will be combining our 8:30 and 11:00 worship services to worship all together at 10:45 am in the Sanctuary. This change will push back the Sunday School hour to 9:30 am, with community fellowship time beforehand when the church doors open at 8:00 am. Rather than downsizing, we are capitalizing on our unity in diversity, assembling the church family together for such a time as this.

Our 5th Sunday Fellowship will be on Sunday, July 31, at 9:45 am in Humphrey Hall. We’re calling this gathering “Taste and See: A Mid-Year Church Update.” Bring a breakfast dish to enjoy together, and Pastor Tommy will share some news of what God is doing among us, including: goals and growth updates, the new worship schedule and what to expect, and financial reports. For more information, contact Cindy Parker in the church office at 713-723-0175 or cindy1@westburyumc.org.

Come together for worship and fellowship on Sunday, July 3! Folks may be in or out of town this 4th of July holiday weekend, but we hope that if you’re here, you’ll join us in celebrating the freedom we have in Christ! We will celebrate in a combined worship service at 10:45 am (Sunday School at 9:30 am), followed by lunch. Hot dogs will be provided, and the congregation is asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Westbury UMC is conducting a communications survey in hopes of gathering valuable information from voices within the congregation. Your feedback is essential to making sure all church communications are as useful and informative as they can be. The results of the survey will facilitate staff planning for new endeavors in the fall.

Mark your calendars for a community-wide Crawfish Boil on Saturday, June 25, 11:00 am–6:00 pm. You are invited to come support Westbury UMC’s youth as they raise money for their Daytona Beach Mission Trip in July. Please bring a friend and tell your neighbors!

Join Westbury UMC in reading Follow Me to Freedom this summer! Pastor Tommy encourages everyone to take the opportunity to read Follow Me to Freedom: Leading and Following as an Ordinary Radical, co-written by Shane Claiborne and John Perkins. Both Claiborne and Perkins will be our guests on World Communion Sunday, October 2, at Westbury. Reading this book will help us prepare to receive a word from the Lord through them.  Copies are available at most major bookstores and from the...

The Texas Annual Conference (TAC) will be held Sunday, May 29–Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. This is a time for clergy and laity to come together for business and worship.

On Saturday, May 21, and Saturday, May 28, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Westbury UMC will host a two-day event called "Dialogue: Racism." Sponsored by The Center for the Healing of Racism and Houston Community College, Central Campus, this event will cover topics such as stereotypes, how racism is perpetuated and finding allies. "Dialogue: Racism" is free and open to the public. Organizers hope that this event will provide a safe, respectful and loving outlet for individuals to learn new information...

For Change the World 2011, Westbury UMC will gather and unite in prayer for the administration, staff, faculty, parents and students of Anderson Elementary School--for whole and healthy children, improved education, nurturing environments for learning, and healthy families.   Westbury UMC has an on-going partnership with Anderson Elementary, a neighborhood school with a high percentage of at-risk students. Anderson is a wonderful school with a hard-working, dedicated sta...

May’s 5th Sunday Fellowship will be held on Sunday, May 29, at 9:45 am, as we welcome Dr. Ted Campbell, Associate Professor of Church History, from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. Dr.

Each of the 12 congregations that support Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) commit to one month each year to make a special “over-the- top” effort in fundraising. Westbury UMC’s designated month is May! Look for the BIM bins around the church to donate your non-perishable foods.

The 60th Annual National Day of Prayer will be celebrated at Westbury UMC on Thursday, May 5. The Chapel will be open all day from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm for prayer. There will also be a prayer service in the Chapel at noon followed by a catered lunch in the Parlor.

A study on the Book of Deuteronomy, taught by Pastor Tommy, will begin Wednesday, May 4, 2011 and continue for six weeks. Meeting in the Parlor at 7:00 pm, the study will focus on how to live in community as God’s people. All are welcome.