About The United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church was created on April 23, 1968, when The Evangelical United Brethren Church, and The Methodist Church merged. The denomination shares a common history and heritage with other Methodist and Wesleyan bodies. The lives and ministries of John Wesley (1703-1791) and of his brother, Charles (1707-1788), mark the origin of their common roots.

John Wesley (1703-1791)	Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Western Hills United Methodist Church History

The energy and excitement could be felt throughout the community, but there was a void in the community - there was no church. The Methodist District Board recognized the rapid growth of population and that the community could not be adequately served by existing churches in the Western Hills area.

Bishop William C. Martin appointed the Reverend Carl P. Mehaffy, Jr. with the challenge to survey the community and to inform the residents a new Methodist church was forming on June 12, 1959. The thirty-seven-year-old minister was enthusiastic with his new assignment and must have felt missionary instincts as he walked door to door to 800 homes in the hot summer of 1959. He visited with these families to ascertain if the people would join a church in the community. The response was warm and receptive, and the families were even more enthusiastic when Carl returned in the evenings with his gracious wife, Jackie. In the company of these young families, the beginning pastor began to feel quite "mature."

The survey concluded that there was a need for a Methodist Church, and arrangements were made with the Fort Worth Independent School District to rent facilities at Waverly Park Elementary School. However, the church could not use the facilities until September when school started. Many of the potential members met in the Mehaffy's home in anticipation of the church's first service. Central Methodist Church was very supportive of Carl and the new church. Book reviews were held, and the proceeds were donated to Western Hills Methodist Church. The youth at First Methodist Church held car washes to raise money for Western Hills Methodist also. As a result of this generosity, Western Hills Methodist Church had $900 in its account before the first service was held.

Carl, Jackie, and their two young daughters, Judy and Kay, went to Cokesbury in Dallas to purchase the necessary appointments for the new church. The management was dubious about providing credit but became convinced when the persuasive pastor suggested that he would take his business elsewhere. With love and care, $450 of the $900 account was spent for candlesticks, the baptismal bowl, collection plates, communion trays, and the beautiful cross, all of which the church still uses in its worship services. Hymnals were also included in this purchase.

The church continued to meet and grow and groundbreaking for the new church building commenced on Sunday, June 19, 1960 at the current address on Laredo Drive. The first service held in the new building was on December 18, 1960. 267 persons were in attendance. In 1965, the educational building was enlarged to accommodate the growing congregation. Carl and his family remained with the church until 1969. In February of 1960, the church purchased its first parsonage at 3012 Conejos Drive.

Fort-eight years, numerous pastors and their families, a new sanctuary, many congregational families and a new parsonage later, Western Hills United Methodist is still going and growing strong!

About WHUMC

At WHUMC, we are committed to focusing on family and faith! We hope to enhance the spiritual growth of our members and visitors and community by providing sound and meaningful experiences through worship, education, outreach, personal involvement in the ministry of the church, and the general nurturing of the congregation in keeping with the example and teaching of our Lord.

We invite all people to join us on this spiritual journey guided by scripture, tradition, experience and reason that leads us to a Christian faith exemplified by the loving relationships with God, others, and ourselves. We are a diverse congregation that shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ and grows spiritually through small group fellowship for study.

We hope you will share this important experience with us!

 

 

Calendar @ WHUMC

May 2009

 

Upcoming & Ongoing Activities

Church Council Meeting The next church council meeting is scheduled for Sunday, July 12th @ 6:00 PM.

Monthly Activities

First Monday: SPRC

First Monday: Finance

Second Sunday, bimonthly: Church Council (January, March, May, July, September, November)

Second Monday: Trustee’s

Second Thursday: UMW
Fourth Sunday: UMM Breakfast
Fourth Sunday: Parish Nurse/Faith Community Nursing Program

News & Announcements @ WHUMC

Current Newsletter (Hilltop News) Download it here! {The deadline for the next newsletter is March 16th!} Welcome to the House of Mercy Church as we share news with each other through our newsletter!

VBS 2008 Video! VBS Slide show available here: VBS 2008

Bring-A-Friend Sundays are the second Sunday of each month.  Don't forget to bring a friend with you!

Faith Community Nursing Program In conjunction with Harris Methodist Hospital, Faith community nursing is caring for wholeness - mind, body, and spirit by combining the knowledge and skills of nursing practice with an understanding of the spiritual and religious beliefs that underlie health. This program kicked off January 1st, 2009. Click on the Nurse tab above for more details.

Olan Mills directory is online! Contact Tina or Betty for the password. See it here!  (Don't forget to bookmark the link to your "Favorites"!)

Need a Handy Man? The United Methodist Men will make minor repairs as their schedule allows and they are able. No payment is necessary but they do request that a donation be made to the Food Bank. Please contact John Fant or the Church Office. Click here for a printable Request Form or click here to email a request.

Youth for Hire The youth group is also available for hire (for a donation) and are capable of doing such tasks as house work, yard work, babysitting, moving, etc. Please contact Justin Lane for more information or to hire the youth!

Food Pantry: The food pantry is always in need of food and money donations, as well as volunteers to assist in preparing and distributing the food bags (distributed to 76116 residents in need every Tuesday and Thursday from 9AM-Noon). Food donations can include: Canned meats (such as tuna), canned fruits and vegetables, spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, canned soups, rice, dried or canned beans, boxed macaroni and cheese, boxed crackers, etc.

Fort Worth ISD & Western Hills Elementary School: WHUMC is in the "Adopt-A-School" program; we have "adopted" Western Hills Elementary School. WHUMC was recently presented the Golden Achievement Award for Partnership Excellence by FWISD in recognition of our service to the school (ESL, clothes, supplies, mentoring/tutoring, parenting classes, Fall Festival).

Recycling fundraiser: Please donate any of the following to the church for recycling/fundraising: old cell phones, ink jet cartridges, videogames, portable DVD Players, laptop computers, MP3 Players, X-Boxes, Sony Playstations, Wii, digital cameras, digital video cameras (DVRs), digital picture frames, portable navigation & GPS devices (Garmin, Magellan, Tom-Tom). 

 

Sam Rodriguez is our church's missionary. He is the Hispanic Ministries Director in the Office of Hispanic Ministries at the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. You can contact Samuel Rodriguez at Sam@ctcumc.org.

Ministries offered @ WHUMC

United Methodist Men (UMM)

Assisting men to know Jesus Christ, to serve Him, to grow spiritually and seek daily to do his will. The UMM meet monthly on a Saturday morning for a breakfast and discussion session. Contact is Mike Cox.

United Methodist Women (UMW)

United Methodist Women is an organization of approximately one million members whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders and advocate for justice. Contact is Gerry Marten.

United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF)*

Youth and Young Adults are not just the hope of the church for tomorrow; they are the leadership of the church today. UMYF meets Sunday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:15 p.m. as WOW.  Contact is Justin Lane.

Adult/Chancel Choir*

Come participate in the adult (chancel) choir! The choir meets Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00 p.m. (except when rehearsals begin for Christmas and Easter Cantatas and start time is at 7:00 p.m.) under direction of Debra Rue with accompaniment by Allen Brown. A nursery is provided during this time. Contact is Debra Rue.

Hand Bell Choir*

Come participate in the hand bell choir! The hand bell choir meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:15 p.m. under direction of Allen Brown. A nursery is provided during this time. Contact is Allen Brown.

Elementary/Children's Choir*

Come participate in the elementary (children's) choir! The choir meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:15 p.m. under direction of Joyce Brown with accompaniment by Lola Mae Fant.

Food Pantry/Food Bags

The food pantry is setup to offer bags of food to needy 76116 residents. Bags are distributed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the church. Proof of residency is required. Contact is Shirley Fagan.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes*

Learn English as a Second Language! Classes offered Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. (during school). Contact is Jann Green.

*Nursery provided for children during this time.

Sunday School/Bible Study/Fellowship classes offered @ WHUMC*

WHUMC offers several classes. Please read about the classes below and feel free to visit or join us Sunday morning for learning and fellowship!

Nursery

Ages Newborn through 4 years; the nursery is located on the 1st floor, 1st room on left (east) {formerly known as the "3 & 4 Year Old Nursery"}; nursery attended by Miss Tamara, Miss Amy & Miss Judy

K-Second Grade (4-7 years old)

Located on the 2nd floor, last room on left (east); class taught by Dennis Robinson

Third-Fifth Grade

Located on the 2nd floor, 2nd room on left (east); class taught by Joyce Brown

Mid to Senior High (6th-12th Grade)

Located on the 2nd floor, at the top of stairs to left (east); class taught by Justin Lane

Kingdom Seekers

Located on the 1st floor, 2nd room on right (west); lecture and discussion; social activities often include children; class taught by Christy Barto

Searchers (30’s & up)

Located on the 1st floor, 2nd room on left (east); diverse open group; discussion and fellowship; social events; class taught by Larry Cornett

Inspiration (All ages)

Located on the 1st floor, 1st room on right (west); shared leadership and discussion; mission involvement; social events; class taught by various members

Fellowship (60’s & up)

Located on the 1st floor, last room on left (south); lecture followed by questions and discussion; mission support; monthly breakfasts; social events; class taught by Dwaine Robinson

*Nursery provided for children during this time.

Click here for a printable floorplan/class map of the church building.

The Parrish Nurse Program (or Faith Community Nursing Program) is a health ministry at Western Hills. This program will offer blood pressure checks, help with setting up medications, and offer health information.

Rose Ann, an R.N. and member at Western Hills , and Harris Hospital will be offering this service to us. If you would like more information, please call the church office, 817-244-1153, and someone from this program will call to help you.

Nurse office hours are 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM the fourth Saturday of each month. Services include: blood pressure checks, weight checks, healthcare and immunization information, counseling and referrals.

Please take a moment to fill out this online survey to assist in assessing the needs of this program. The survey is anonymous. Thanks!

Survey, Part 1: Click Here to take survey

Survey, Part 2: Click Here to take survey

 

Video Archives

Right-click the date (link) and choose "Save Target As..." or "Save Link As..." and save directly to your computer. The videos are AVI files and can be played by Windows Media Player.

3 May 2009 Sunday Worship Service
Sermon: Communion
Scripture: John 10:11-18
File size: 206 MB

26 April 2009 Sunday Worship Service
Sermon: "Have You Anything to Eat?"
Scripture: Luke 24:36b-48
File size: 514 MB

19 April 2009 Sunday Worship Service
Sermon: "Where Do We Go From Here?"
Scripture: John 20:19-31
File size: 468 MB

12 April 2009 Sunday Worship Service
Sermon: "Come and See!"
Scripture: John 20:1-18
File size: 216 MB

5 April 2009 Sunday Worship Service
Sermon: Easter Cantata
Scripture: Easter Cantata
File size: 195 MB

29 March 2009 Sunday Worship Service
Sermon: "Standing on the Promises"
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34
File size: 138 MB

22 March 2009 Sunday Worship Service
Sermon: "Why We Must Let Jesus Die"
Scripture: John 3:14-21
File size: 168 MB

15 March 2009 Sunday Worship Service
Sermon: "Where Does God Live?"
Scripture: John 2:13-22
File size: 229 MB

8 March 2009 Sunday Worship Service
Sermon: "Having Our Own Way"
Scripture: Mark 8:31-38
File size: 183 MB
Bonus video: Hand Bell Choir/Offering (File size: 19.8 MB): "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms"

1 March 2009 Sunday Worship Service
Sermon: "Words of Affirmation"
Scripture: Mark 1:9-15
File size: 162 MB
Bonus video: Hand Bell/Piano Duet: Allen Brown & Debra Rue/Communion (File size: 10.2 MB): "Communion Medley"

25 February 2009 Ash Wednesday Worship Service
Sermon: "An Act of God"
Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
File size: 122 MB

22 February 2009 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon:
Scripture:
File size: 172 MB

15 February 2009 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon:
Scripture:
File size: 213 MB

1 February 2009 Sunday Morning Worship Service {Partial}
Sermon:
Scripture:
File size: 43.9 MB
Technical note: Only partial video available.

25 January 2009 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon:
Scripture:
File size: 136 MB

24 December 2008 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
File size: 119 MB

21 December 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: Communion
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
File size: 254 MB
Bonus video: Hand Bell Choir/Opening (File size: 2.54 MB, partial video): "He Is Born"
Bonus video: Hand Bell Choir/Offering (File size: 6.3 MB): "Mary Did You Know"

14 December 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: "There is a Song in the Air"
Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4;8-11
File size: 106 MB
Bonus video: Hand Bell Duet/Offering (File size: 15.3 MB): "O Holy Night"

7 December 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: N/A, Choral Cantata "Comfort and Joy: A Cantata for Christmas"
Scripture: N/A
File size: 286 MB
Technical note: No audio available with this file/video only.

30 November 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: "Longing for Hope" Terry Meyer
Scripture: Isaiah 64: 1-9
File size: 187 MB
Technical note: No audio available during sermon with this file.

23 November 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: "It Takes All Kinds"
Scripture: Luke 17: 11-19
File size: 206 MB

16 November 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: "Taking Care of What We Have"
Scripture: Matthew 25: 14-30
File size: 195 MB

9 November 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: "Encourage One Another"
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
File size: 232 MB

2 November 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: Communion/All Saint's Sunday
Scripture: Revelation 7:9-17
File size: 307 MB
Bonus video: Hand Bell Choir/Offering (File size: 7.25 MB): "As the Deer"

26 October 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: "Leaving a legacy"
Scripture: Deuteronomy 34: 1-12
File size: 240 MB

19 October 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service {currently unavailable}
Sermon: "Encouraging Our Youth" (Youth Director Justin Lane)
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12
File size: N/A

12 October 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: "You're it! (Or few are chosen)"
Scripture: Matthew 22: 1-14
File size: 231 MB

5 October 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: Communion
Scripture: Exodus 20: 1-21
File size: 206 MB

28 September 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: “It is okay to change your mind”
Scripture: Matthew 21:23-32
File size: 207 MB

31 August 2008 Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sermon: “It really does matter”
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20
File size: 169 MB

Building the Church
File size: 380 MB

Hanging the Cross
File size: 370 MB

2007 Vacation Bible School Slide Show
File size: 20.8 MB

2008 Vacation Bible School Slide Show
File size: 45.3 MB

 

Photo Gallery

Click on any slide show for access to a link to view the images online.

You can view all available photo galleries here: http://picasaweb.google.com/WHUMCFW

Stained Glass Windows

Elementary Singers Musical "Hurry On Down!" 17 May 2009

Boy Scout Pack 135 Bicycle Rodeo: 16 May 2009

Thanks to the following sponsors for a successful event: Academy Sports & Outdoor, Fort Worth Cycling & Fitness Center, Texas Medical Association, Walmart, Moritz Chevrolet, Fort Worth Police Department, West Side Cafe and Aerospace Engineers Optimist Club.

Youth Fundraiser: Adult Prom: 9 May 2009

Fall Festival 2008

National Night Out 2008

Vacation Bible School 2008

Easter 2008

Advent Season 2007
 

Fall Festival 2007

Check back here for more information about 2009 Vacation Bible School!

The 50th Anniversary Committee will meet Sunday, June 14th

WHUMC will be celebrating it's 50th anniversary the entire month of September 2009! Stay tuned for more information!

Staff @ WHUMC

Below is the staff directory for Western Hills United Methodist Church. To send email to a staff member, simply click on the email address next to the envelope icon.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Landy Senter	Prior to coming to Western Hills United Methodist Church in March 2007, Rev. Landy Senter had been the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Grandview, TX. pastor@westernhillsumc.org
Administrative Assistant: Betty Allison Photo not available	Betty Allison has been with WHUMC for many, many years! Her loyalty and dedication are greatly appreciated and Betty is very much loved around here! office@westernhillsumc.org
Music Director: Debra Rue	Debra Rue has been the Music Director for WHUMC since 19??. She is also the Music Director for Western Hills High School in Fort Worth. Email Not Available
Hand Bell Director & Accompanist: Allen Brown	Allen Brown has been the accompanist at WHUMC since 2000.  In 2005, he became the hand bell director as well!  Allen works in accounting for a local pharmaceutical company. Email Not Available
Youth Director: Justin Lane	Justin is the newest addition to the WHUMC Staff.  He began his role as Youth Director in November 2007.  Justin is a recent graduate of UNT with a major in Technical Writing. youth@westernhillsumc.org
Director of Adult Ministries: Terry Meyer	Terry’s passion is connecting people to God and each other through small groups. Terry has been an active church member in several United Methodist congregations. He has served in lay leadership positions as lay leader, in youth and adult education, in evangelism, in outreach, youth group leader, in missions, worship leader, and Emmaus. Terry has a BS in Psychology from Western Illinois University (Macomb, Illinois) and MA in Christian Service from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas). Terry and his wife, Edna, have four grown children. His interests are reading, movies, music, and nature photography. Email Not Available
Technology: Chester & Tina Shaw Photo not available	Chester and Tina are a husband and wife team that have been assisting with the technology of the church since 2006. They cover all aspects of audio, video, digital, web and media. chestertina@myway.com

Directions & Map

Links of Interest

Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church

The Upper Room Daily Devotional

Emmaus

WestAid

Glen Lake Camp & Retreat

Bible Gateway

The Cyber Hymnal

Hymnsite

Daily Blessing Scripture