West U Methodist 90 News

First Edition, July 23, 2026

Dear members of West University United Methodist Church,

2026 is a memorable year in the life of our church. We will celebrate 90 years of serving Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, 1936-2026!

West University United Methodist Church was chartered in 1936 during the depression. We have been blessed with many visionary and faith-filled servants of the Lord. These men and women led the church during growth, change, challenging times, good times, and seasons of hope! Our goal is to link the stories and pictures of yesterday with today’s activities and events, and then plant the seeds of hope and faith that rooted the mighty oaks in front. For in God’s love, we plan for today and tomorrow’s people and our church. Psalm 145:3-4 says,

 "Great is the Lord!..One generation will praise your works to another,

and shall declare your mighty acts."

Please find the 90th-anniversary logo and banner on our fence facing University Street. We thank Kathy Meyn Gavin, a child of West U Methodist, for designing the logo. We are grateful for her gift to the 90th Anniversary Committee.

Our 90th-anniversary plans include the following special activities for our church family:

90th Anniversary Pictorial Directory

Join our 90th-anniversary celebration by participating in the new Pictorial Directory!

• Online Registration: Available now (see church signs for login details).
• In-Person Registration: In the sanctuary every Sunday in August.
• Photography Dates & Hours:
• Tuesday, September 22 | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Wednesday, September 23 | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

"90 News" & Newsletter Updates

• "90 News": Our anniversary newsletter will now feature a special section blending historical highlights with news and photos from today's activities.
• Share Your Story: We invite you to share your personal experiences of encountering the Lord's love within the WUM community to be featured in upcoming newsletters!
• Member Interviews: The 90 News will periodically include in-depth interviews with current members. If there is someone you'd like to learn more about—such as a specific usher or choir member—please let Pastor Preston or Karen Vine Fuller know.

Day of Celebration: November 8, 2026

Join our faith family—including current and former members, pastors, and staff—to give thanks for God’s protection, provision, and nurture!

• Sacred Worship & Song: Gather together as one body of Christ in praise and thanksgiving.
• Celebration Lunch: Following worship, stick around for a festive lunch complete with birthday cake, balloons, and fellowship!

WUM Campus Tours

Whether you are a long-time attendee, a new member, or a first-time visitor, we want you to feel at home on our expansive campus!

• Explore WUM: Join us for a guided tour to familiarize yourself with our facilities and grounds.
• Upcoming Tour Months: November and January

All Church Mission Sunday: November 15, 2026

Celebrate our anniversary by giving back!

• Sunday School Projects: All classes, including children and youth, will work on service projects of beans and rice for CCSC and Children's Activity Center as well as decorating brown bags for Kid’s Meals during an extended Sunday School followed by worship.
• Community Birthday Gift: Help us reach our 90th-anniversary goal of donating 90 bags of groceries and 90 manual can openers to the community!

Join in the fun and praise! Invite your family and friends as we give thanks and celebrate!

Your West U Methodist Historians and 90th Anniversary leaders,

Joy Hall and Ann Mitchell

Picture our past! Stop by our historical photo display—we’ll be swapping out photos periodically to feature the incredible journey of our different ministries. Located by the chapel.