Ministries
Holy Week & Easter Worship
The Sanctuary will be open throughout Holy Week for quiet prayer and reflection.
March 24 – Palm/Passion Sunday
10am – Journey through the Passion Narrative with Music and Scripture
March 28 – Maundy Thursday
6pm – Potluck Dinner in Fellowship Hall. Bring a salad, soup, bread or something simple (no dessert) to share.
7pm – Worship begins in Fellowship Hall with Holy Communion and moves into the Sanctuary for Prayer
March 29 – Good Friday
10am-11am – Intergenerational “Stations of the Cross” walk, beginning at Christ and Holy Trinity Church (75 Church Lane, Westport, CT 06880)
7pm – Prayers Around the Cross at Christ and Holy Trinity Church, Westport
7pm – Jazz Vespers at First UMC Stamford. (42 Cross Rd, Stamford, CT 06905) A service of sacred music performed in mass style. Pianist, Gabe Shuford, along with acclaimed singers and instrumentalists will musical reflections on the Passion Story. Childcare and live-streaming will be provided.
March 31 – Easter Sunday
6:15am – Community Sunrise Service at Compo Beach near the Pavilion
10:00am – Resurrection Celebration with Special Music and Holy Communion in our Church Sanctuary
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.
Grace Connexion
Meet in the Church Library, Sundays at 11:15am
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
All are welcome to meet Wednesday evenings via Zoom to study the Bible and other religious topics. We begin at 7pm with Prayer & Check-in, then continue with study at 7:30-9pm. 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
for Women and Men!
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 past books include: Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine by Olivia Campbell, and The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall, Douglas Abrams & Gail Hudson.
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 Ladies’ 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, Music & Movement for kids and the sharing of musical gifts by members of the congregation. 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.