West U Methodist 90 News

August 20, 2026

CCSC Congratulates West University Methodist on its 90th Anniversary

As we continue to celebrate our 90th anniversary, we are reflecting on the relationships that have shaped our church's history. This week, our 90 News highlight comes in the form of an anniversary blessing from one of our most cherished community partners: the Christian Community Service Center (CCSC).

West University Methodist has enjoyed a long, fruitful history of alongside CCSC. We are incredibly grateful for their mission, their dedication, and the vital work they do to serve the Houston community every day. Join us in receiving their gracious blessing as we look forward to many more years of serving our city together.

Making History, One Child at a Time

West University Methodist Church has a storied history of Children’s Ministry which includes activities for children from six weeks old through fifth grade. The wide variety of programming includes the children’s message during Sunday worship, Sunday school classes, Wednesday chapel for the West U Methodist preschool, special events, community outreach, Vacation Bible School, after-school programming, and summer camp.

The church is blessed to have our current Director of Children’s Ministries, Teresa Jones, (Ms. Teresa) who has been coordinating since 2025. “I love teaching the kids stories from the Bible and seeing the animation in their joyful faces as they learn. There is something so special about the realness of little children and their honesty and openness.”

Teresa leads the children’s message during the church service each week that ties in with the sermon topic. Afterwards, 5th graders and younger head to Sunday School for an age-appropriate lesson and opportunity to learn a Bible memory verse. If they can recite the verse the next Sunday they get a special treat.

During the school year, Teresa leads Wednesday chapel with the West U Methodist Preschool program.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Current special annual events include the Eggstravaganza Easter Egg hunt in the Spring, August brings the Blessing of the Backpacks during church and passing out Back to School Snow cones for neighborhood students and their families during the beginning days of the new school year.

In the Fall, there’s the Blessing of the Pets which is open to kids and animals of all ages and species (yes, even adults can come join in the fun). In 2026 this event will happen on October 4, at 2 p.m.

Fun and intergenerational fellowship continues with Trunk or Treat trick-or-treating with church members’ decorated cars in the church front parking lot passing out candy to children who stop by in costume.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

The 2026 Summer Vacation Bible School hosted over 60 children, was staffed with 40 youth and adult volunteers and included a successful service project which collected 640 pairs of underwear for the organization Undies for Everyone, which helps local children living in poverty or crisis by providing something many take for granted: a week’s supply of new underwear. 

Started in the mid 80’s, Crossover is an after-school program designed for our 5th graders to help build their faith through fun activities, games, and devotionals to get ready to “crossover” to youth group. Crossover meets in the High Court gym and is led by Ms. Teresa and West U Methodist Youth Director, Hanna Bowker, and Coach Jones.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

Kids on the Court (KOTC), our afterschool program for Kindergarten through 4th grade, is led by Tristan Anderson (Mr. A) with the help of Coach Jones and Jahaira Espinol (Ms. Jahaira). Children enjoy open gym time, a snack and organized games. Each age group has its own designated day to meet once a week.

Mr. A also leads WUUMC’s six weeks of summer camp for K-5^th. Children participate in fun group games, field trips, swimming pool visits, splash days, and more.

WHERE IT STARTED

Kids on the Court, Crossover, and Summer Camp were all instituted by Children’s Ministries Director, Vicky Savage, who served from 1986 to 2020. She also coordinated many beloved traditions eagerly anticipated by young and old alike: The Valentine’s Day Lunch for church senior members hosted by the children of the church, Halloween Costume Party, Friday Fun Nights, Happy Birthday Jesus party crafts and sweet treats after Christmas Alive and Wednesday Chapel time with the West U Methodist School.

Reverend John Collier recalled, “We were looking for a new children’s director and Vicky was one of our preschool teachers. Senior Pastor, Jim McPhail, asked if I thought Vicky would be a good fit. Later that day, I heard lots of noise out on the playground and saw Vicky riding around on a stick horse with her preschool class and I knew she would be the perfect fit.” 

Vicky also provided opportunities for kids to serve others in the community with weekly after-school children’s mission clubs which handed out quarters at laundromats and passed out frozen turkeys and sides for Thanksgiving dinner as well as collecting and giving loads of toys during Christmas time at apartment complexes in the Gulfton neighborhood. 

Reverend Charlie Hall once said, “Vicky served under nine ministers and constant staff changes. Generations depended on her presence. There is so much planning that makes a great program. Praise God for Ms. Vicky!” 

Vicky recently shared, “All of the pastors were very supportive of the children’s programming and trying new ideas. We also had strong children’s ministry councils whose hard work made things happen. We have been blessed with parents and adult volunteers who helped teach Sunday School and coordinate special events.”

Karen Jackson was the children’s ministry director before Vicky. Another Children’s Ministry Saint was Mrs. Jean Todd who worked with the two-year-olds Sunday School classes and weekdays for the West University Methodist School for well over 25 years starting in the early 1980s.

ABOVE: We’re throwing it back and flipping through the scrapbooks of our Children's Ministry! It’s amazing to look back at where we began and see how much God has grown this ministry through the years. Thank you to every volunteer, parent, and child who has been a part of this story. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Join Our 90th-Anniversary Celebration by Participating in the New Pictorial Directory


Photography Dates & Hours:

September 22, 2:00 – 8:00 PM

September 23, 2:00 – 8:00 PM

Register Online

www.ucdir.com

Church Code: tx908

Password: university

Register In-Person

A registration table will be setup in the sanctuary every Sunday in August.

Participants get a free 8x10 photo print and free directory.

Special thanks to:

Author, Karen Vine Fuller

Logo Designer, Kathy Meyn Chauvin

90th Anniversary Committee