Ministries
Worship
Our worship together is the heart of our church. Our weekly Sunday worship service begins at 10am. It is held in-person in our sanctuary and online. Our online worship page has links to livestreamed services as well as services from previous weeks.
Worship is filled with participation of members of all ages, inspiring music, relevant and scripture-based preaching, a special message for kids, and prayers for our neighbors and the world. We celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month. Everyone is welcome to partake.
At special times in the liturgical year, Advent and Christmas or Holy Week and Easter, there are additional services.
2024 Compo Beach Worship
During the summer, we are one of several area churches that lead worship on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. at Westport’s Compo Beach. The 2024 beach services will be held Sunday, June 30 through Sunday, August 18.
It’s a BYOC event — “bring your own chair.” Everyone can park for free, even if you don’t have a Westport beach sticker — just tell the gate attendant that you’re attending the church service and look for us near the cannons. The dress code is casual — flip-flops and nice shorts are fine.
Here is this summer’s schedule.
Worship begins at 8:30am
June 30 – Saugatuck Congregational
July 7 – United Methodist
July 14 – Norfield Congregational
July 21 – Greens Farms Congregational
July 28 – United Methodist
August 4 – Saugatuck Congregational
August 11 – Norfield Congregational
August 18 – Greens Farms Congregational
Grace Connexion
After Worship on Sundays at 11:30am
Grace lies at the heart of Christian discipleship. Early Methodists called their small groups “connexions.” Grace Connexion is a series of conversations on spiritual topics from understanding other faiths to practicing forgiveness, and the importance of gratitude in our lives.
Bible Study
Bible Study is pausing for the summer. All are encouraged to keep reading Scripture and inspiring books! Go to https://bibleproject.com/reading-plans/ for some suggested reading plans.
When Bible Study resumes in September, all are welcome to meet Wednesday evenings via Zoom to study the Bible and other religious topics. We meet for one hour, beginning a 7:30pm. Pastor Heather leads the group. All who want to reach for a deeper understanding of the Bible are invited to join. Please contact Pastor Heather if you would like to receive the Zoom meeting invitation for Bible Study.
Wednesday Morning Book Group
Wednesday Morning Book Group is taking a break for the summer. Our next meeting will be on September 11.
Join us on Zoom, on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, at 10:00am, to discuss selections from exceptional books we’ve chosen to read together. Recent books include: The Adventure of English: The Biography of a Language by Melvyn Bragg and Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Please join us for wonderful fellowship and spirited discussion. Contact info@westportumc.org for the Zoom link.
Small Groups
Experience has taught us that small intimate setting are among the best ways to deepen our faith and grow closer to one another. Members are encouraged to participate in existing groups as well as form new ones. Ongoing small groups include Wednesday Morning Book Group, a monthly, Saturday breakfast hosted by the United Methodist Men, social and fund-raising activities sponsored by the United Methodist Women, and fund-raising galas sponsored by the Missions Committee.
Family Life
Family Life is a core value of our church. We offer many events to bring church families together. Favorite activities are cookouts and games on the lawn, Advent supper and craft night which includes lighting our tree and singing carols, Lenten Dinners, Trunk or Treat, mission projects and many others. Members of all ages look forward to these family activities.
Member Care
One of the truest expressions of our faith in action is the mission of our Member Care Committee. Whether in celebration of a joyous occasion or reaching out a helping hand in times of need, this ministry is the essence of faith in action. Members can count on offers for meals and transportation during illness and hardship as well as organizing The Prayer Chain.
Our Children
Every Sunday, children between the ages of 1 month to 3 years may attend our nursery from 9:30-11am so that parents can worship and join fellowship hour for coffee. Staffed by two professionals, the nursery is a safe place for children to play and grow. “Busy Bags” are available for children of all ages who are interested in staying for worship until after Children’s Time, a special moment during the worship service when all children are invited to the front of the Sanctuary for an interactive message with Pastor Heather. The entire congregation enjoys this moment!
Pre-school age through 5th grade children experience a hands-on way to understand Bible stories. They play games, brain teasers, and do word puzzles. The children are encouraged to attend Worship with their parents and leave for Sunday School after Children’s Time.
Middle School
Our Sunday School program for Middle School, grades 6-8, encourages spirited discussions, which connect the Bible, questions of faith and everyday life.
Confirmation Class
Confirmation Class is an opportunity for 8th graders and higher to explore their faith and make the choice to become a full members of the congregation. The class meets regularly with the Pastor to explore what it means to be a disciple of Christ, church history and the sacraments. The celebration of Confirmation takes places on or near Pentecost Sunday in the spring.
High School
High School class activities range from serving the community to Bible study to discussions of current events.
Music Ministry
For many of us, being in a place of grace means being surrounded by music. Our diverse music program is an integral part of our Sunday worship. Musical offerings include our Chancel Choir, Praise Band, and the sharing of musical gifts by members of the congregation. Jazz Vespers services are held monthly at 4pm throughout the program year. All are welcome to lift their voice in praise!
Memorial Garden
The Memorial Garden was created on the church grounds as an area of beauty set aside for placement of memorial plaques, the interment of ashes and appropriate services associated with those activities as well as for the purpose of meditation.