Together {May June July 2016}

together may | june | july 2016

W e st b u ry U n i t e d M e t h o d i st C h u rc h

Hello/good-bye Showing our appreciation to Rev. Taylor Fuerst and welcoming our new senior pastor, Rev. Danny Yang, and his family [p. 10–11]

ALL IN update Progress being made with repairs and renovations to the church facility [p. 13]

Responding to God's call + Ordination 101 [p. 4–9]

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C ont e nts

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FEATURE

04 Responding to God’s call How becoming a pastor is the work not just of an individual but also of a community

SPOTLIGHTS

10 H ello/good-bye Showing our appreciation to Rev. Taylor Fuerst and welcoming our new senior pastor, Rev. Danny Yang, and his family

13 ALL

IN update Progress being made with repairs and renovations to the church

MORE

3 C hildren’s & family events / VBS Celebrating Karen Ewing as she retires

8 Change the World Breakfast Series 9 Team bound for Haiti this summer 12 M emorials, baptism and new members Coffee With the Pastors Youth summer camp

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FAM Community Nights Picnic: International Potluck & Pies

Contributors Joyce Akins, Susan Edge, Evelyn Emdin, Dan Grinstead, Taylor Fuerst, Rachel Hodge, David Johnson, DeAndre Johnson, Josh Lemons, Thony Ngumbu, Hillary Peete, Vincent Sanders, Nancy Strait, Laurie Sturdevant, and Danny Yang

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Editor & Designer Kelsey Johnson Assistant editor Cindy Parker

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Photography Kelsey Johnson

Westbury United Methodist Church

5200 Willowbend Boulevard Houston, Texas 77096 (713) 723-0175 WestburyUMC.org

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Westbury Westbury

together may | june | july 2016 United Methodist Church

United Methodist Church

This Summer Sunday Social Sunday, June 26 | Noon–1 pm on the Playground Families are invited to spend a little extra time after church getting to know one another and watching kids play! Once a month we meet on the playground to catch up with one another. If you are a new or visiting family, this is the perfect time to meet other parents and let kids connect with new friends.

Taste and See: Family Sunday School Sundays, July 10, 17, 24 & 31 9:30–10:30 am in the Parlor

Children, youth and parents are invited to join us as we learn about Bible stories through our stomachs! We’ll explore stories involving food and even get to cook some recipes together!

Volunteer Trainings Sunday, June 26 | 12:30–1:30 pm | Children’s Wing Sunday, July 24 | Noon–1 pm | Parlor Volunteers, please plan to attend one of these trainings. You’ll receive your crew or station leader guide and learn more about how to help make VBS a success!

decorating days Saturday, July 30 | 9 am–noon Sunday, July 31 | Noon–3 pm Decorating is a big part of drawing kids into our VBS theme for the week. Come help us transform the hallways, classrooms and Sanctuary into Cave Quest! There’s something for everyone to do.

Light refreshments provided on Saturday; lunch and childcare provided on Sunday.

Retiring after 28 years of service

by S u san E d g e, Day S chool D i r ecto r

K

aren Ewing will retire from Westbury Methodist Day School this July. For the past 28 years, Karen has faithfully served Westbury Methodist Day School and Mother’s Day Out in many different capacities. She began in 1986 as the Day School Spanish teacher. In 1992, Karen assumed additional responsibilities by working part-time as the Office Assistant. Karen’s family moved to The Woodlands for a few years, and then in 1995, they moved back to the area. In 1997, Karen accepted her current positions as Day School Assistant Director and Mother’s Day Out Director. Karen’s efficiency and organizational skills have kept the school office running smoothly, and her warm and caring personality has been appreciated by all who work with her.

Karen’s genuine love for children is evident to all who know her. Her gentle approach with toddlers and 2-year-olds has made her the perfect Mother’s Day Out Director. Our MDO and Day School parents have always felt secure in leaving their young children in her care and supervision. Karen’s work ethic, organizational skills, and love for our school has helped maintain our school’s excellent reputation in the community. Her dedication and faithful service is appreciated by those who work with her, as well as by our school families. Thank you, Karen, for your part in maintaining a standard of excellence for Westbury Methodist Day School over the past 28 years, and for your loving dedication to our school staff and families. ■ may | june | july 2016 together

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Responding to

God’s call How becoming a pastor is the work not just of an individual but also of a community that offers support, guidance and prayer along the way. by lau r ie st u r devant & O T H E R L C T M E M B E R S

O

ne night over two years ago, the phone rang, and I was delighted to hear from Pastor Hannah Terry. “I have a favor to ask of you,” she said.

“I am calling to ask you to prayerfully consider being a part of my Lay Consultation Team.”

Pastor Hannah went on to explain that as part of the ordination process, a Lay Consultation Team (LCT) is created to help each candidate for ordination grow in their skills for ministry. Pastor Hannah was charged with selecting a team of lay people who could commit to meeting five times in the next two years to provide structured feedback on key skills needed to serve effectively as a Deacon. She shared an online video and a handbook that explained in more detail exactly what was needed of the LCT. I was excited to read about this process, honored to be asked to be a part of it, and felt that the time commitment was very minimal. I quickly knew that the stirrings of my heart meant that my answer was yes and called Hannah to tell her so.

Together, we planned the first meeting of the LCT, and met with fellow members: Thony Ngumbu, Evelyn Emdin, Hillary Peete, Vincent Sanders, and Nancy Strait.

In order to best describe this journey, each of Hannah’s LCT members were asked a set of interview questions.

Some of their replies follow, and will help you to get a feel for what it is like to be a member of a Lay Consultation Team.

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community organizations such as Southwest 2000.

Eternal God,

by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit you gave to your apostles many excellent gifts.

Nancy:

Hannah and I work together on staff at Westbury. I am so often encouraged by Hannah’s steadfast vision. The type of work she is doing in God’s kingdom doesn’t produce immediate results. Where so many would feel impatient or discouraged or lose sight of the big picture, Hannah continually reminds us all that this is really all in God’s hands. We are the hands and feet of Christ, nothing more, nothing less. That kind of faithfulness is a much needed reminder to us all.

hillary:

Give your grace to all servants of your church, that we may with diligence and faithfulness fulfill our various ministries.

Grant that we your people may follow where you lead, perfect our ministries, and live in joyful obedience to your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Amen. prayer excerpt from "Services for the Ordering of Ministry in The United Methodist Church, 2013–16"

What was your first impression when Pastor Hannah asked you to be a part of her Lay Consultation Team?

I was both surprised but honored that Rev. Hannah Terry wanted me to be a part of her LCT, whose duties are to help her grow, develop, and strengthen as an effective ordained minister in the Texas Annual Conference. In a sense, we are a part of her support church network.

Vincent:

I was both surprised and very honored that she would consider me capable of objectively assessing her.

Thony:

Evelyn: I was shocked and honored to be on the Consultation Team. I thought one needed to be a pastor or lay leader at church to be on such a team.

Is there a particular area in her ministry where you interact with Pastor Hannah often?

Thony: We interact most often in the provision of direct assistance or case management for refugees.

I have worked with Pastor Hannah most often with the Fondren Apartment Ministry (FAM) and other

What direction, education, or other materials helped you in this process?

Thony: Initially, the orientation video was helpful in helping me clearly understand what was expected of me. As the process went on, the provided handouts helped clarify the tasks to be completed.

I personally think that the LCT Handbook along with having discussions with Hannah’s Lay Consultation Team about her progress and growth helped me in this process.

Vincent:

Nancy:

The Bible, for scripture references.

What were the tasks of the team?

Thony: We were tasked with evaluating both the content and delivery of Pastor Hannah’s sermons.

To be observant of Hannah’s ministry and to be open, honest and share sacred time about what we see as she becomes the best pastor that she can be.

Vincent:

Our goal was to evaluate and provide feedback to Hannah on a variety of ways she will need to operate as a Deacon. We listened critically to sermons for their structure and theological language. We assessed her ability to manage organizational tasks as well as her pastoral care.

hillary:

How did you grow or what did you learn during this process?

I guess I learned that some folks at WUMC value my opinion, along with becoming more observant of sermons. I also learned that there is much preparation needed to have an effective presentation.

Vincent:

Consultation team

Vincent:

members of Lay

At Sunday service and meetings at church.

Laurie Sturdevant

Thony Ngumbu

Hillary Peete

Vincent Sanders

Nancy Strait

Evelyn Emdin

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The critiquing of the sermons was very interesting and I enjoyed the process.

Nancy:

You have to be vulnerable and open to hearing both your strengths and growing edges to participate in a process like this.

I admire Hannah for her ability to be willing to do that. I was reminded of my own need to evaluate my effectiveness in ministry and seek out others who can provide that feedback.

hillary:

I learned that there is nothing impossible in God’s presence, and the ordination process is very hard.

It is like going back to school—to work, go God!!

Evelyn:

Did anything surprise you?

I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of Pastor Hannah’s insight on several social issues and her ability to incorporate that in her sermons.

Thony:

Vincent: I was surprised that I was able to keep good summary notes about Hannah’s sermons and that when we were in discussion about the sermon, my notes helped me provide constructive comments.

Where did you see God at work in this process? In you?

Thony: I saw the Holy Spirit at work in me during the sermons, as I was able to be ministered to while being able to objectively assess the delivery of the message.

I think the Holy Spirit led me to become more observant of Hannah in both the ministry environment and outside of it. I personally feel that Hannah’s gift is Community Ministry where she’s at the grassroots level spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

God at work in her and through her ministry.

At the end of your time of service, what is your impression of your time together with Pastor Hannah on this journey?

Vincent:

It was an honor to serve on her committee to

where both she and I learned more about the standards, policies and procedures of the United Methodist Church.

Nancy:

I feel privileged to have known Hannah at this

stage of her development. I know that she will make a real and special difference in this world.

Evelyn:

I have been amazed to see the work Rev. Terry is

doing with the refugee families. I believe it is the Holy Spirit leading. I am saying this because of the language barrier between the families and Rev. Terry helping, and for them to understand each other was just amazing. I did a few translations here and there. But Rev. Terry did it all! I am grateful now that they have jobs, cars and are able to get from point A to B.

Anything else that you would like to add?

Thony:

Pastor Hannah’s insight, maturity and wisdom

are an indication that she is set to excel and that ministry is her calling.

Nancy:

I would like to thank Hannah and Laurie for

including me in this project.

Evelyn:

I really enjoyed when Rev. Terry preached and

Thony translated the sermon in Kiswahili. You should have seen the smiles on the faces of the refugee families!!! Can you imagine coming to church every Sunday and you don’t understand the language? I talked to some of them that same Sunday—they were so happy! And they took ownership, referring to her by saying “My Pastor” can preach!

Vincent:

I saw God leading us to help Hannah be the best she can be as he blesses her on her journey.

Nancy:

I was at Hannah’s commissioning two years ago and have seen her grow into her calling during that time. I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit will continue to sustain, challenge and encourage her as she is ordained in May. While the ordination process can seem very bureaucratic, full of papers and interviews and committees like this, knowing the heart and deep love of God that is evident in Hannah, it is easy to see

hillary:

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Following the completion of the LCT’s evaluations, a summary of all of the feedback shared with Pastor Hannah was provided to the Residency Effectiveness Team (RET). The RET was comprised of District Superintendent Rev. Andy Noel, Westbury’s Senior Pastor Taylor Fuerst, two other lay leaders, and Laurie Sturdevant, as the representative of the LCT. Following the deliberations of the RET, Pastor Hannah was recommended to move forward in the ordination process to final interviews with the Board of Ordained Ministry. She passed her interviews and will be ordained at Annual Conference on Tuesday, May 31, at 7 pm, at the Hilton Americas in downtown Houston.

ordination 1 0 1 Elders

are called to the ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service.

The elder has primary responsibility for preaching and teaching. The elder is also responsible for administering the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. He or she orders the ministry of the church by setting the vision for its witness in the world and through worship and prayer. Elders offer themselves to be appointed and serve as itinerant, or “traveling preachers,” under the authority of the bishop. Most elders serve as pastors in charge of local congregations or other ministry settings.

Bishops and district superintendents are chosen from among ordained elders.

called to an order:

deacons

elder or deacon

are called to the ministry of Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice. Deacons engage in the work of justice, serving, and equipping others to serve the needy, neglected, and marginalized with compassion. Deacons exemplify Christian discipleship and create opportunities for others to enter into discipleship. They assist elders in administering Baptism and Holy Communion. In the congregation, the deacon leads, teaches, and proclaims the Word in forming and nurturing disciples. Deacons are not itinerant and often serve either in the local church, or agencies such as schools, hospitals, and prisons, or in other community settings.

Phase 4:

Residency

2+ years BOM interview for commissioning

Appointed and commissioned as provisional Deacon or Elder

[Finish seminary]

Connect with mentor

Connect with mentor

Meet with LCT and RET Complete more paperwork

DCOM interview for commissioning

Preaching review [Finish college]

Phase 1:

Inquiring

Attend retreats Certified (Deacon or Elder track)

≈1 year

Experience a call from God

Participate in Covenant Group

Final BOM interview for ordination

Phase 3:

Ordination!

Certified

1–12 years DCOM interview Talk to pastor

DCOM = District Committee on Ordained Ministry BOM = Board of Ordained Ministry (Conference level) LCT = Lay Consultation Team RET = Residency Effectiveness Team

Charge Conference votes

Candidacy Summit: A multi-day event of workshops, worship and fellowship to explore one’s call to ministry

Go before your SPRC Talk to District Superintendent

Connect with mentor

Sign up for Candidacy Summit

Attend Candidacy Summit Fill out paperwork

The Lingo

Commissioning: Public recognition of a candidate’s calling and giftedness as he or she embarks on a residency period in ministry as a provisional Deacon or Elder Ordination: Set apart by the Church to continue the ministry of the first apostles as a full Deacon or Elder

Phase 2:

Exploring

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Perspectives from those in various stages of the

ordination process Discernment

by Rachel Hodge, Certified Candidate for Deacon

What did you enjoy most about Candidacy Summit?

During Candidacy Summit, I got placed into a mentor group with other college students. Since there aren’t very many college students that are working towards ordination in the United Methodist Church, it was great to talk to other students about how they balanced schoolwork and the candidacy requirements. Also, during Candidacy Summit, I really enjoyed a workshop that was offered which talked about the role of a deacon.

While I am fortunate enough to be able to witness the work that Hannah and DeAndre do at Westbury, the workshop let me hear more about what other deacons are doing inside the United Methodist Church.

Appointment System

by David Johnson, Certified Candidate for Elder

You’ve recently been appointed to Trinity UMC, Beaumont as an associate pastor.

How did it come about?

The appointment process started with my being a certified candidate. That means that a local board of pastors and lay leaders have recognized the calling that I have. Then, after discussions with our district superintendent throughout the fall semester and beforehand, he had a sense of who I am and what gifts I bring and took that knowledge into the cabinet meeting which includes all the other district superintendents

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by joyce akins, chai r of g lobal minist r ies

C

hange the World Day began in 2009 as an initiative of the United Methodist Church to encourage congregations to go beyond the church walls and actively serve the community. Usually recognized on the third Sunday in May, Westbury UMC has marked Change the World Day by organizing luncheons with live music and silent auctions to raise funds for local and global missions.

This year, we’re expanding the concept to encompass all of the Sundays in May, but with a breakfast twist: 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 While the Change the World breakfasts offer ways to fellowship, we also need to continue supporting our ministries financially and will ask for donations at each breakfast. As in previous years, proceeds will go to Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) and Haitian Artisans for Peace International (HAPI). The Community and Global Ministries Team looks forward to serving you.

You’re also invited by the Women’s Missionary Society to bring toiletry items throughout the month of May to support BIM.

and the bishop. They look through all the churches and prayerfully consider what is best for individual churches and also for the Texas Conference and the districts. There is a juggling of commitments that comes to selection.

Senior pastors are appointed, but associates sometimes are sent to interview with the senior pastor of the church to make sure there is a

good fit. I was sent to Trinity UMC, Beaumont and the senior pastor interviewed me along with a few other candidates. He was sure I was the fit. Then the cabinet meets with his recommendation but makes sure that no other church is a better fit for me. Once they decided that they agreed with the senior pastor, I was appointed to that church.

Educational Requirements

by Josh Lemons, Certified Candidate for Elder

What are the educational requirements for clergy?

They differ only slightly for those who are pursuing Elders orders and Deacons orders. All candidates for ministry need an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.

They must also attain a graduate level of theological education from a seminary that is fully accredited and one that is approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church. This narrows the field of choices to about 50 seminaries in the United States.

Elders, typically, must have a Master of Divinity (or its equivalent), and Deacons, typically, have a Master of Divinity or a Master’s degree in an area of specialization. While in seminary, all candidates will take classes in Old Testament, New Testament, theology, church history, mission of the church in the world; evangelism; worship/liturgy; and United Methodist doctrine, history and polity (¶324.4, Book of Discipline).

Some annual conferences, like ours here in Texas, have additional educational requirements beyond that, like extra preaching courses.

Board of Ordained Ministry

by Rev. DeAndre Johnson, Ordained Deacon

What is the BOM? And what’s your role as the Vice Chair?

The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) is a committee of individuals, including laity, deacons, elders and local pastors, that is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the process by which persons enter into the representative ministry of the church. As such,

in accordance with the guidelines given in the Book of Discipline and in collaboration with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (the denominational agency in charge of coordinating educational and ministerial requirements as outlined in the Discipline), the BOM is in charge of guiding candidates for ministry through the process of discernment as to whether they have been called into lay ministry (the general ministry of the church), local pastor (licensed ministry), deacon (ordained) or elder (ordained). This work includes the annual Candidacy Summit (for persons exploring a call into ministry), certification through the District Committee on Ministry (DCOM), seminary education, course of study, licensing school, and residency.

Although the BOM functions as a separate entity, it is directly supervised by the bishop of the annual conference whose own responsibility includes ordaining new clergy members and providing nurture for the two orders (elder and deacon). The leadership of the BOM includes a chair and two vice-chairs: one for the order of elders and one for the order of deacons. While the chair of the BOM is tasked with overseeing the total work of the committee, the vice-chairs are given the responsibility of supervising different areas of the process. For the 20162020 quadrennium, I will be serving as the Deacon Vice-Chair of the BOM. My responsibilities will include shepherding the process of those who have become certified candidates by their DCOM through their approval by the BOM for commissioning/licensing for ministry. I will also give special attention to the process by which we create and nurture a culture of calling into the order of deacon. ■

team bound for HAITI this june A big thank you to everyone who donated funds in the Red Envelope Challenge. You helped offset costs for our intergenerational team making the trek to Mizak, Haiti, this summer in support of our global missions partner, Haitian Artisans for Peace International (HAPI). Through the Red Envelope Challenge in March 2016, we raised over $2,000!

Do you hear God calling you to stretch and grow this summer? Do you feel a call to global ministry? Spots are still available for the trip: June 24–30.

If you would like to be a part of this wonderful opportunity or would like to give financially, please contact Josh Lemons, Director of Youth Ministry, at josh1@westburyumc.org. We ask everyone at Westbury UMC to be in prayer for those who are participating in this missions experience and those who are still considering participation.

If you are sensing a call to ministry, you can learn much more about the process toward ordination from the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Ordained Ministry, or by speaking with one of the pastors.

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QA &

with

Rev. Danny Yang Basketball. Chemical engineering. Podcasts.

Family vacations. Food. Morning prayer.

We’re getting to know our new senior pastor! inte rview q u estions by kelsey johnson

First off, welcome! We're so glad you'll be a part of the Westbury UMC family. Can you tell us a little about your story leading up to this point?

My parents immigrated from Taiwan to the States for graduate school. When they moved to Houston, my dad opened and ran Ronnie’s Bowling Supply at 59 & Gessner for 35 years. He very well may be the only bowling expert with a PhD in organic chemistry. I have one older brother who is a gastroenterologist in Ft. Worth. He is married to a psychologist, and they have two excitable young boys.

Top: Danny with his infant daughter, wife and their extended family Bottom: Susan and Danny on their wedding day

I met my wife Susan in middle school orchestra. We started dating in college and got married in 2000 (a great year for remembering anniversaries). Susan has been working in benefits consulting for 16 years. In 2015, we adopted our daughter Ellie who has been an absolute treasure in every way.

I began to sense a call to ministry in college. At the time, I was a biochemistry major on the pre-med track. God, of course, redirected me toward the church as I spent more and more time teaching and leading. I switched majors, graduated as a chemical engineer from UT Austin, and worked a few years as a semiconductor engineer before entering full-time ministry as a youth director at West Houston Chinese Church. My path into the UMC began when I went to Candler School of Theology, Emory University for seminary.

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will move our feet. I’m recalling the words of our Discipline that say “no religion but social religion, no holiness but social holiness.” What helps us act in meaningful ways is our global connection.

This is something I appreciate deeply because I grew up in independent churches.

There are advantages to being independent, but I find greater value in knowing that every United Methodist Church is connected to one another through covenant.

We support each other through apportionments, but also through worship, prayer, and service together. And through this connection, the UMC is organically present throughout the world, being the body of Christ redeemed by his blood.

Where do you sense your gifts match up with this particular ministry setting at Westbury UMC? Westbury is renowned in our Conference for its diversity and story. Often, churches are concerned when the neighborhood changes and the local church has a hard time adjusting to that change.

Not Westbury! While I’ve never had a chance to worship at Westbury, I have many good friends connected to the church. Their confidence that we match well, along with the confidence of our bishop and cabinet, make me excited about what God has in store for the future.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

How do you see God at work in the world through The United Methodist Church?

I’m a basketball fan, and I'm always ready for a pick-up game. In fact, if you know of a good weekly game, drop me a tip. Or let’s start one at Westbury! And can I simply name food as a hobby? I enjoy eating all types of food, finding new restaurants, and even cooking on occasion.

Our work as Methodists in the world begins with our theology. The Wesleyan legacy is one of action, with an expectation that our faith

I am endlessly curious, which helps explain a few of my favorite hobbies: reading (love

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Hello/Good-Bye Dates June 5 | Farewell Sunday for Pastor Taylor and Pastor Homer with a luncheon in their honor after worship June 26 | Welcome Sunday for Pastor Danny and his family with a meet-andgreet reception after worship

April 25, 2016 Dear Westbury Family,

my library card), podcasts (Radiolab and Left: Danny joins campus 99% Invisible), movies minister Rev. Brad Fuerst (good stories and good (Pastor Taylor’s husband) for an evening communion documentaries), and service at Rice University travel (witnessing the majesty of creation and diving into different cultures). There is simply so much in this amazing world to learn and explore.

Above: A recent family vacation to Yosemite

How do you carve out time to tend to spiritual disciplines like Sabbath, prayer and reading scripture?

One of the benefits of my profession is that my workplace always has a sanctuary. I’ve nurtured a habit to pray the Daily Office each morning as soon as I get to work. This is perhaps my most critical, regular discipline. We’ve also begun to pray and sing at bedtime when Ellie goes to sleep. I can’t wait to watch our daughter’s faith grow over the years, and what God will teach me through her. Keeping a Sabbath day is important to remind myself to work smart and to let go. For Scripture reading, I alternate each year between reading fast (finishing the Bible in a year) and slow (memorizing long passages of Scripture).

What are you looking forward to the most in this next season of ministry?

I am honored to be serving Westbury as pastor.

Just in the past year, Westbury is a church that responds in active love to the community, from emergency flood response to the regular support of FAM. I’ve heard the phrase “More Than Enough Love” a few times in the past weeks, and I’m looking forward to joining the story of Westbury UMC in our neighborhood and into the world. ■

Life sure changes fast. Just a few months ago, I announced to you that I would be leaving Westbury UMC and Houston in the summer; now, suddenly those days are drawing close, and it is time to leave.

God has blessed me so much in these three years of serving as your pastor. I can’t thank you enough for the ways that you have loved and encouraged me and my family. When I have made mistakes, you have been forgiving. When I have been anxious and worried, you’ve inspired me with your courage. Your prayers have upheld me and been a source of God’s love to me. I am changed by having known you, hearing your stories, sharing your joys and grief, pushing the boundaries of ministry and growing together in grace. Each time I watch you all come down the aisle and through the line for Holy Communion, I am overwhelmed by the privilege of being your pastor. Thank you for giving me this honor.

As we prepare for this transition, I am reminded of a saying: “The only thing that is constant is change.” While this might feel true sometimes, Paul seeks to counter those words.

Instead, in his parting words, Paul offers the Corinthians the Trinitarian blessing: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” In these words, Paul reminds the Corinthians— and us!—that God’s blessing is constant, like a stream running beneath the ground—even when the ground seems to be shifting under our feet. Like water (think Baptism!), grace, love, and fellowship are the steady overflow of God’s life into our lives—we can count on them! They will always be there, flowing in, around, and under us, washing us, carrying us along, bringing us to new seasons and new life.

In this new season for Westbury, I pray that you will know even more keenly the constant faithfulness of God. I will look with great joy to see what unfolds as Pastor Danny joins you.

May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you, now and forever.

Pastor Taylor may | june | july 2016 together

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Westbury Cares In Memory Of

Don Miller, from Centha Davis and

Eric Brown, Roger Thompson,

and J. D. and Cheryl Phillips Albert “Ab” White, from Roger Thompson Dorothy Dickson, from Carl and

Rhonda Hoelscher

May 8 & July 10

coffee with the pastors NOON IN THE CAFE

Laralee DeHart, from Judith Brice

In Honor Of

The ministry of Rev. Taylor Fuerst,

from Sharon Kann

Baptism

Gwenevere Bernice Jenkins (03/27/16)

Deaths

Don Miller (02/05/16) Albert “Ab” White (02/09/16)

Tri-District Camp DW /DNHYLHZ July 11-15, 2016

New Members Vickie Hailey (02/28/16)

Colin Sturdevant (03/27/16)

PenTECOST devotional

Pick up a copy of 40 Days With the Holy Spirit to begin reading together starting on Pentecost (Sunday, May 15). Books will be available in the church office for a donation of $14 each.

Ages: entering 4th grade-just graduated High School

tri-district summer camp Early Bird price: register

by April 30 th july 11–15, Regular 2016 | 6 th–12 graders price: May 1-31

Campinformation will be held at the Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in For and registration: tridistrictcamp.org Palestine. Cost: $275/student. Register at Tridistrictcamp.org

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Following our successful ALL IN Capital Campaign last fall, many of you have begun sending donations to fulfill your pledge.

Thank you!! Your early gifts ensure that as soon as plans are finalized, we will have the funds to begin. In the meantime, all Capital Campaign funds are being held in a bank account designated soley for this purpose. In order to make a contribution to the Capital Campaign, simply mark “Capital Campaign” or “ALL IN” in the memo of your check or offering envelope. Capital Campaign donations will be categorized on your quarterly giving statements. Again, thank you for being ALL IN on God’s work through Westbury UMC!

The project We believe the Spirit of God is stirring at Westbury UMC. God has uniquely situated our campus to provide a station for ministry and mission to occur, right in the heart of Southwest Houston. To accomplish this, together we must make a renewed investment in our church building—a home to so many ministries, a place that is in need of critical repairs and updates. Since initiating the ALL IN Capital Campaign, we have focused on two major priorities related to our building:

capital campaign

u pdat e

1.

To provide infrastructure repairs to our facility, address safety concerns, and improve accessibility. These repairs address: failing flooring, inefficient air conditioning equipment, corroded plumbing, and damaged ceiling tile.

With help from a Property Condition Assessment of our entire facility, the estimated cost of repairs is $300,000.

2.

To make improvements to our campus that will generate the most significant impact on current and future ministry, including: a) the creation of a gathering space that would serve as the hub of our campus, where connections are made, relationships are strengthened, and visitors are invited into discipleship and transformation; and b) reconfiguring a new main entrance to the church to welcome all into this holy space.

These priorities were developed through the thorough, valuable process of Master Planning. During this process, architects worked with a committee of Westbury UMC members and listened to feedback from many staff and lay leaders to provide a long-term plan for the renovation and development of our facility. Our Master Plan, completed in October 2015, provides the basic plan for how we can adapt our facilities to meet the needs of ministry in this place. As with all Master Plans, ours will be broken into phases, in which we select projects that meet our highest priority needs with available funds.

Our Capital Campaign was successful in exceeding the initial fundraising goal set by our Capital Campaign Leadership Team. Our initial goal was $850,000, and we currently have $933,000 in pledges. Throughout the campaign we have known that completing the full renovation and addition project would require the church to take on a significant debt and retire that debt through a follow-up capital campaign. Given the amount of funds currently committed, it is unlikely that we will be able to complete the full $1.9 million renovation and addition project as it is laid out in our Master Plan. Our study committee is currently assessing all of the factors that will determine a Phase One project they recommend to the congregation to meet the needs we discovered in Master Planning. These factors include:

• • •

The portion of funds dedicated to soft costs (furniture, carpeting, etc.) and infrastructure repairs, and the remaining amount available for renovation The congregation’s willingness and ability to take on debt to complete the project The possibility of a follow-up Capital Campaign to eliminate debt that may be incurred through the project

The process The Capital Campaign Study Committee consisting of Dan Grinstead (chair), Thomas Behrman, Chris Claflin, Vincent Sanders, Bill Scott, and Renée Stewart, along with support from Pastor Taylor Fuerst, Pastor Danny Yang and Church Council Chair Laurie Sturdevant, has reconvened and plans to: 1. Select an architect for Phase 1 design and construction 2. W ork with the architect to distill the highest priority facility upgrades into an actionable project that can be completed with the funding available 3. P resent the recommended project for review and approval by the Church Council, the District architectural review committee, and indeed the whole congregation at a future church conference. ■ may | june | july 2016 together

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Community Nights at Los Arcos Apartments

1 st & 3 rd wednesdays, 5:30–7:00 pm Now through September 2016

FAM

FAM

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FAM FAM

Fondren apartment ministry

may | june | july 2016 together

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Westbury United Methodist Church

5200 Willowbend Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77096-5298

Westbury

Main Office: 713-723-0175 United Methodist Church

WestburyUMC.org

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Westbury United Methodist Church

Westbury United Methodist Church