Mark 12:28-34Jesus says that the most important commandment is to love God with one’s whole being, and we are called to do likewise. The first part of our vision statement is to be a deep disciple – what does this mean and how might we insert deep gratitude into the stewardship of our gifts?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Mark 12:41-44Jesus lifts up a widow who put in everything she had into the treasury. What does it mean to share “all that we are” and “all that we have”? The second part of our vision statement is to be a daring disciple – what does this mean and how might we insert daring gratitude into the stewardship of our gifts?…

Revelation 21:1-6The vision in Revelation reveals “a new heaven and a new earth” and casts a vision for God and people to dwell together. How might we give thanks and insert saintly gratitude for those who labored before us?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Ezekiel 37:1-14As the Spirit led Ezekiel to a vision of dry bones, he is invited to prophesy to those bones to hear the Word of the LORD who will give them breath! In what areas are we experiencing “dry bones” and needing the Spirit’s breath? How might we insert hopeful gratitude for the future?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Acts 8:9-25As the apostles were performing miracles and healing, Simon the Sorcerer believes and is baptized, yet he seeks the Spirit’s power for his own purposes. How do we keep our hearts in the right place to share in Christ’s ministry?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Acts 3:1-10Peter and John encounter a man who was lame from birth. The man was begging, yet Peter offers what he has, in the name of Jesus Christ. The man is healed! How do we offer the gifts that we have when needed most?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Love is Indispensable1 Corinthians 12:31b –13:13The Apostle Paul shows the most excellent way to be the body of Christ: recognizing God’s unconditional love that never fails!How does love inspire us to use our gifts to glorify God through Jesus Christ?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

09-29-2024 - Gifted - Bonus Message by FaithWestwood UMCOleh FaithWestwood UMC

1 Corinthians 12:13-31aThe Apostle Paul continues to speak to the Corinthian church about how one body has many parts, and so it is with Christ! How can the body of Christ recognize each part so that there is unity in the body?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

1 Corinthians 12:1-11The Apostle Paul informs the early Church about spiritual gifts. There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit distributes them. What are these spiritual gifts, and how can we use them today?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

On this Labor Day, may we join our hearts together in Word & Song, remembering that we are called to serve Jesus Christ every day!Scripture: Matt. 4:18-22; Matt. 8:18-22; Matt. 9:9-13; Matt. 9:35-38; Matt. 10:1-8Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

On this Labor Day, may we join our hearts together in Word & Song, remembering that we are called to serve Jesus Christ every day!Scripture: Matt. 4:18-22; Matt. 8:18-22; Matt. 9:9-13; Matt. 9:35-38; Matt. 10:1-8Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

John 15:1-9As Jesus proclaims that he is the True Vine, he reminds his followers about being pruned to bear more fruit. If Jesus is the vine, and his followers are the branches, then they must remain in him and in his love. How can we, as Jesus’ disciples, bear much fruit to the glory of God?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Hebrews 11:32-40The author of Hebrews recounts the names of those who were commended for their faith yet did not receive what had been promised. Wait, what?! How can we live into the promises of “something better” that God has planned?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Daniel 3:1-18Daniel’s friends would not worship the gods of the Babylonian King, and so they were thrown into the fiery furnace. How do we believe in God’s promises to walk with us through the fires in life?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

John 14:1-7When the disciples were anxious and fearful about his departure from them, Jesus tries to give them encouragement, reminding them that he is the Way, Truth, and Life. How might we follow Jesus to the cross and beyond?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Jeremiah 36:1-9 & Romans 16:1-2In the Old Testament, Baruch served in a very important role as Jeremiah’s scribe. In the New Testament, Phoebe is lifted up as a deacon, benefactor, and servant of the church. How might these witnesses inspire our servanthood?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

John 11:25-44Lazarus’ death deeply grieves his sisters, Mary and Martha, and even Jesus. When confronted, Jesus declares that he is the resurrection and the life and later raises Lazarus from the dead. How might we claim this resurrection spirit and be raised to new life?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

John 10:11-18Jesus declares that the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep who know him. Hired hands run away in times of danger and don’t care for the sheep like the shepherd. Today, how can we, like sheep, listen to the Shepherd’s voice and claim Jesus as the Good Shepherd?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

2 Samuel 12:1-14King David sinned, and the LORD sent Nathan to speak the truth in love to David. As he utilizes a parable to tell this story, David is convicted of the truth, confesses, and repents. How can we claim courage to speak the truth in love to those that we love as well as to repent of our sin?…

John 10:1-10As Jesus speaks to the Pharisees, he describes how the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep! This figure of speech escaped the religious leaders, yet Jesus’ proclamation of being the Gate for the sheep is a powerful one. How might we claim this gate and the abundant (full) life that Jesus offers?…

1 Samuel 1:9-20During her time of worship, Hannah wept and prayed for the LORD to bless her with a child. Her encounter with Eli the Priest allows her to name her pain and hopes. How do we trust in God with all of our hopes and fears?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

John 8:12-20Jesus boldly proclaims that he is the Light of the World in contrast to religious leaders who would challenge him. How can we follow Christ today so that we never walk in darkness and claim the light of life?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Esther 3:1-13In Esther, we experience hatred, prejudice, and even religious persecution. Haman’s plans to destroy the Jews are thwarted by Queen Esther. How do we continue to “renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness” in this world?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

John 6:25-35The multitudes looked for Jesus after they were fed bread and fish, yet Jesus invites them to work for the food that endures to eternal life. They want this bread! How can we believe in Jesus who is the Bread of Life?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Joshua 2:1-14Before God’s people enter the Promised Land, Rahab helps the spies sent by Joshua and asks for kindness in return. Rahab believed that God’s hand was at work, and so she becomes a part of God’s amazing story. What risks might we take to experience new beginnings in the name of God?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

John 19:38 – 20:2 Inspired by this year’s VBS, take a Deep Dive as we remember when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. How does this inspire us to be raised to new life?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)Inspired by this year’s VBS, take a Deep Dive! Jesus calms a storm and amazes the disciples. How can we learn to trust in Jesus through the storms of life?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Celebrate this year’s Scuba Vacation Bible School with songs, scripture, and lessons!Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Jonah 3:10 - 4:11 (NIV) Inspired by this year’s VBS, take a Deep Dive and explore the story of Jonah. We can remember that God loves us, even when we try to run away!Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Acts 4:32-37 (NIV) / As the early Church was growing in numbers and boldness, the believers began to live with generosity. These Christians not only shared Christ, they shared their resources with those in need. Learn the final Secret #5 and consider how we might leave a legacy of generosity for future generations?…

Acts 7:51-60 (NIV) / When the apostle Stephen spoke boldly about faith in the Righteous One, they stoned him to death, and he became the first Christian martyr. There are times in our lives when we come to crossroads and must make important decisions. Learn Secret #4 and reflect on how can we make Spirit-filled decisions so that we can live without…

Acts 2:1-12 (NIV) / The apostles waited patiently for the Holy Spirit’s arrival. On the Day of Pentecost, they were filled with the Spirit which enabled them to speak many languages to the people gathered in Jerusalem. Learn Secret #3 to allow the Spirit to move and to celebrate the special moments of bliss in our lives.…

John 14:15-21 (NIV) / Jesus shares precious moments with his disciples, reminding them how they must love one another. As we celebrate Festival of the Christian Home / Mother’s Day, may we remember the gift of love as a building block for our lives. Secret #2: truly, love is enough!Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Class of 2024 Graduation CelebrationEasy Button (Be True to Yourself)John 20:19-31 (NIV) / Before Thomas can believe in the Risen Christ, he must see Jesus with his own eyes. If only there was an easy button for believing where we have not yet seen. Learn Secret #1 to live out faith with our authentic self.…

Acts 3:1-10 / As we celebrate Confirmation Sunday, remember how Peter & John say, “Look at us” to a lame beggar before offering what they have, healing! The people were filled with wonder and amazement! May we celebrate what Jesus is doing in our lives and Change the World for him!Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Acts 2:42-47 / Those first believers devoted themselves to practices that grounded them in their faith. They were able to look around and to identify the needs of others, and the Lord added to their number daily. Today, if we look around our world, what do we see, and how can we Change the World one action at a time?…

Acts 1:1-11 / As Jesus prepares to ascend to heaven, he blesses the disciples and reminds them of their purpose. They get called out for looking into the sky instead of getting on with their mission. What tasks are before us as Christians today to Change the World?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Change the World: Look OutwardMatthew 28:16-20 / Jesus commissions the disciples to “Go” into the world, reminding them of the tasks before them: making disciples, baptizing, and teaching Jesus’ commandments. How does the Great Commission inspire us to Change the World?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Mark 11:1-11 / Jesus instructs his disciples to “go” to prepare his way to enter Jerusalem. When he enters as a humble King, the people respond with “Hosanna!” How are you entering into this Holy Week and recognizing Jesus the King?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Mark 10:46-52 / When Jesus summons a blind man, he experiences healing and is invited to “go” as his faith has healed him. What the blind man does next has inspired followers of Jesus for generations. Will you follow Jesus too?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Mark 6:30-44 / When Jesus was teaching a large crowd, it was time to feed them, and Jesus instructed the disciples to “go and see” how many loaves they had to give them. Are you prepared to be fed by Jesus? And will you choose to help feed others?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Luke 8:40-56 / Jesus frees a woman from a disorder and invites her to “go in peace,” and then Jesus frees a child from the arms of death. How has Jesus freed you from that which is binding you?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Mark 2:1-12 / Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man telling him to “go home.” In response, the people were amazed. In what ways is Jesus inviting you to receive forgiveness and healing?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Luke 4:1-13 / After his baptism, Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil. These temptations are symbolic and invite us to intentionally reflect on them. As Jesus thirsts, and as we enter into the Lenten season, how might we be thirsting for the Living Water?…

Mark 1:4-11 / At the baptism of Jesus, the heavens opened, and God’s voice affirmed Jesus as the Beloved Son. How might we live out our baptismal covenant in beloved community with one another? We will take the opportunity to reaffirm our baptismal covenant and to celebrate how we too are beloved.Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Isaiah 43:1-13 / Anticipating the transition from old covenant to the new covenant, hear the prophet Isaiah’s words of hope to God’s people who are longing for the Messiah. What trials and challenges might be engulfing you like water or flame and inviting you to walk with faith and confidence?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Job 22:3-11 / Job is critiqued by Eliphaz the Temanite and wrestles with his words concerning Job’s righteousness. Can we be blameless if we do not care for others’ needs? What can we learn from the wisdom literature of Proverbs concerning water and how to Let It Flow?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

2 Samuel 22:14-17 and 2 Samuel 23:13-17a / As David was delivered from his enemies, he gave thanks to God. Even as David longed for water, he refused it and poured it out before the LORD. Where in our lives do we need to repent and “pour it out” to the LORD?Oleh FaithWestwood UMC

Exodus 15:22-27 / After the Exodus from Egypt, God’s people wander in the wilderness looking for water, and when they find some, it is bitter causing them to grumble. As God’s people are instructed to listen carefully to the LORD, they find what they are looking for. What are we thirsting for in this new year, and we will trust God to provide?…