Last year’s gathering drew nearly 30 fine outdoorsy folks, despite the previous evening’s rainfall. We’re hoping for an even bigger turnout this year! Will YOU be one of them?

Plan to join us for this fun early summer getaway in the great outdoors! We’ll organize a number of activities, including a potluck dinner, campfires with s’mores, and spending the night under the stars. RVs are welcome! Tent site fees are $7; vehicles fees are $5, or a state park sticker is needed.

Want more information on the campout? You’ll have the chance to speak with members of Small Groups Ministry on May 19. Stop by the Garden Room table after worship to elarn more about this camping group or any of the other Small Groups opportunities at Westminster!

“Love the Lord your God … and love your neighbor as yourself.”  – Luke 10:27

Everywhere Fun Fair takes children (preschool through 5th grade) to a global celebration with the look and feel of a world’s fair. Children will make friends with neighbors around the world and discover that God’s love can be found everywhere, including in their own neighborhoods! Children will also be introduced to special places from all over the world and discover that we are all neighbors and all children of God.

The week’s adventures include interactive Bible fun and great music, super science, cool crafts, hands-on mission work, global games, and more!

Paid registration before May 15 is $25 per child, $50 maximum per family; after May 15, the cost is $30 per child, $60 maximum per family. (Registration costs are nonrefundable.) Extended care (7:30-9 a.m. and noon-5 p.m.) is available for an additional $50 for the week and must be reserved in advance.

Register now to join the excitement! Visit the VBS page for online registration.

Got Facebook?  Join our shareable event!

Contact Betsy Guyer at betsy@westminsterlincoln.org or 402.475.6702 with questions or for more information.

Join Rev. Robert Jeambey on WOW evenings in May for a survey of the historical contexts and circumstances that prompted the writing of certain authoritative documents within the early Jesus movement. Discover current scholarship of the Westar Institute and other published resources, which follows different trajectories of the movement and how the Christian church became an institution. Meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Lounge for this insightful WOW study series!

Did you know:

• 1 in 8 Nebraska families don’t know where their next meal can be found.
• There were 30,282 calls to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline in 2011.
• There were 13,144 youth arrested in 2011.

In May, we will hear from guest speakers on the front lines, responding to the cries of Nebraska children in need. Join us in the Lounge for this important seminar led by Ken Moore.

Sarah Forrest, policy coordinator for child welfare and juvenile justice at Voices for Children in Nebraska, will kick off the series on May 5 with highlights of the organization’s reports, which include advocacy efforts to improve the safety and well-being of children.

But how do you go about finding similar-minded friends at Westminster? Where do you start the search? Never fear – Small Groups Ministry is here and equipped with the tools and guidance to set you on the path to finding your own ideal group to join. Small Groups Ministry will have a special exhibit table in the Garden Room on Sunday, May 19; this is the perfect chance to explore all the benefits Small Groups have to offer!

There may be an existing Small Group you will be inspired to join – a number of already-established groups that meet on topics are: book study, Bible study, exercise, camping, and history. You may also be familiar with events such as Westminster Club or Ladies’ Night Out, which fall under the broad category of Small Groups.

Is Westminster missing that special something for you? No problem! Small Groups Ministry can help you form a new group centered around your interests! If you’ve ever thought of a topic that excites you and wanted to meet and make friends with other like-minded members, you can do it! Each group sets its own focus, agenda, and schedule. Some groups gather on a weekly or monthly basis; others meet just a few times per year. The amount of time you commit to your group depends entirely on you. It’s simple to start a new group – let the Small Groups Ministry members show you how!

Want to know more about mission work in the context of Small Groups? A representative from Mission Outreach will also be on hand May 19 to answer  questions about forming a mission-based small group, as well as provide information to existing groups on adding a mission component to current activities.

Small Groups Ministry wants every Westminster member to have the opportunity to realize the fun, deepening friendships and Christian fellowship that comes from belonging to a small group. Join us in the Garden Room on May 19!

Join us in April for a new Sunday morning Adult Ed seminar series on the “hot” topic of climate change! Meet in the Lounge to hear from an insightful group of guest speakers.

April 7:    “A Scientific Update on Climate Challenges Affecting the Midwest” – Dr. Clinton Rowe, UNL Department of Geosciences

April 14:  “The Role of Faith Communities in Increasing Environmental Sustainability” – Rev. Kim Morrow, minister of sustainable living

April 21:  “What Does Our Faith Tell Us About Caring for Creation?” – Rev. Dr. Ken Moore, director of Nebraska Interfaith Power and Light

April 28:  “Clean Energy Opportunities in Nebraska” – Duane Hovorka, executive director of Nebraska Wildlife Federation