WEEKLY CONNECTION - February 24th, 2026

Incredible Communion Milestone Turnout!

Thanks to the dedicated guidance of Ms. Kirsten and Ms. Kristal, our youth have thoughtfully prepared for this special step in their faith journey. We invite you to celebrate with us as our 3rd–5th graders complete their Communion Milestone during the March 1st worship service at 10:30 a.m.

Lent Sermon Services

Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

March 1st: “Crucifixion & Intro to Atonement Theories""

March 8th: “Penal Substitution or Selfless Offering?"

March 15th: “Passover, Covenant, & Redemption"

March 22nd: “Selfishness or Selflessness"

March 29th: “Palm"

All Church Meeting

March 8th

following the 10:30am worship service

The Servant Leadership Board invites you to please mark your calendar for an

All Church meeting on Sunday, March 8th after 10:30am worship.

We hope you find this quarterly update helpful as we renew our commitment to be followers of Jesus Christ.

The meeting will be

available via LIVESTREAM.

CONNECT

The Sound of Joy

UMCWFB is delighted to host a special performance by the Joa Choir, an internationally recognized Korean women's vocal ensemble.

March 1st during 10:30am worship
1:00pm concert with Joa Choir and the UMCWFB Chancel Choir

Join together in the company of community, with lunch served from 11:45am-12:45pm in Fellowship Hall.

Contact Neil Bubke for details.

GROW

Lent Small Group Study

This Lent, our church will gather for an all-church small group study of Pastor Adam Hamilton’s new book, Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Beginning February 22 and continuing for six weeks leading up to Holy Week, we invite both participants and group leaders to take part in the discussions. There is a sign-up board in the Narthex for both participants and leaders.

Current Schedule of Small Groups:

Sundays 11:30am led by Tom Van Cleave in the Walnut Room

Wednesdays 6:00pm led by Pastor Gary in the Chapel

Wednesdays 6:15pm for Youth led by Kristal Melbye

Thursdays 10:30am two groups meeting, one led by WOW and one led by Jenny Fisher

Fridays 10:00am led by Betsy Hoylman in the Narthex

Communion Milestone

March 1st - Communion celebration in

10:30am worship

3rd-5th Graders are invited to a three-week journey to learn about communion and celebrate the open table together.

Youth mentors will walk alongside our children
Invite friends & extended family on March 1st

Contact Kirsten Uphaus for more info.

"Roll Down Justice" Lenten Study

Thursdays 9:30am in the Chapel

The Women Offering Worship will observe Lent with the Biblical Reflection:

"Roll Down Justice!" written by Faye Wilson and featuring the music and reflections of Mark A. Miller. Join as WOW explores the following questions:

-What are you prepared to give in order to have

a closer walk with God

-What can you give in order to embrace anew,

the work of justice?

United Women in Faith

Deborah Circle Book Club

March 3rd 7:00pm

Walnut Room

United Women in Faith Deborah Circle Book Club will explore Steve Silberman's "Neuro Tribes - The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity" March 3rd at 7:00pm in the Walnut Room

Join the discussion by Google Meet here if you can't make it in person!

Wednesday Night

Faith, Food, & Friendship

5:00pm Wednesday Nights

February 25th's menu features:

Gryo Sandwiches, Tatziki, Fresh Veggies, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Join us for Faith, Food, & Friendship on Wednesday evenings. All are welcome to enjoy a delicious community meal - just $10 for adults and kids eat free! First-time guests are welcome to eat free of charge as well. Following the meal, the faith classes shown below, kids choir rehearsals, and youth classes will take place.

This is an excellent opportunity to invite friends from the community to experience the warmth of UMCWFB.

Women's Winter Retreat THIS WEEK!

February 28th 9:00am-3:00pm

Lynden Sculpture Garden

The Women’s Ministry invites you to a Winter Retreat centered on renewal and reflection. The day includes worship and devotion, forest bath meditation, crafting, chair massages, and sound bath music meditation. Set in the peaceful surroundings of Lynden Sculpture Garden, the retreat offers space for connection and restoration. $30 registration includes a nourishing lunch.

RSVP to:

Jenny Fisher

Barre & Yoga Classes

9:00am Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays

Barre combines ballet-inspired movements, pilates, yoga, and strength training. It's a low-impact workout that tones and sculpts muscles. No prior experience is needed. We offer adaptations for most fitness levels.

Classes are held in Fellowship Hall.

Registration is not necessary, but please contact Kristal Melbye for more details.

March Madness @ The ARGO

March 19th 6:30pm-10:00pm

Join us for an evening of socializing and great basketball! We'll have an area reserved, come and go as you please - there's no cost to enter. Appetizers are provided for $10, with beverages and food available for purchase. This event is a great opportunity to bring friends and family! RSVP to Tom Groble with your name, guest count, and yes or no for appetizers. Let's go!

SERVE

Thank you to all who donated to the Starfish Project's mission!

We were able to raise $830 for the young Afghan couple!

Transforming Lives Gala

March 21st 5:00pm

Join us for a night dedicated to honoring community heroes and supporting the life-changing mission of the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary.

Evening Highlights:

Cocktails & Silent Auction: Start the night mingling and bidding on exclusive items.
Gourmet Dinner: Savor a delectable sit-down meal crafted to delight your taste buds.
Inspiring Program: Hear powerful stories and updates about the transformative work happening at the Sanctuary.

Your presence fuels our mission to transform lives and create lasting impact. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference while enjoying an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration.

Tickets can be

purchased here:

Transforming Lives Gala Tickets

February Mission Focus:

MacCannon Brown Homeless Sanctuary

For the final week of February's Mission Focus, we highlight MacCannon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, a daytime sanctuary and multi-resource center for homeless and at-risk individuals with core values of healing, spirituality, recovery, peer empowerment, dignity, and mutual transformation. MBHS is unique, in having 21 racially and economically diverse part-time employees. They serve 200+ households on a weekly basis. Five ongoing outreach events are: food access, tutoring, lead testing, healthcare access, & general resources to help hopeless individuals find a pathway forward.

To learn more about their mission & impact,

please view the following video and visit MBHS's website:

MBHS Transforming Lives Video

MacCannon Brown Homeless Sanctuary Website

Focus of the Designated Offering:

The UMCWFB Foundation and Memorials Committee has just approved a grant of

$5,000 to be used in the construction of the MBHS kitchen. This will be added to funds collected during our January and February mission focus designated offerings.

Final $1500 is needed to begin construction on the MBHS kitchen!

(This is the halfway mark to the full $25,000 needed)

Please help fund this worthwhile cause!

Urgent Needs:

A second part of our mission focus is to collect long underwear, socks and blankets for both children and adults. Please leave items in the mission collection area near the elevator.

Service Opportunities:

Many volunteer opportunities are available including

tutors, nurses, and drivers to pick up food or furniture.

Contact Don at mdonlybeck@sbcglobal.net for details.

Be a Sunday Hospitality Volunteer

Help create a welcoming experience by serving as a greeter or usher, offering coffee, reading prayers, or assisting at the welcome desk. These roles support a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels seen and valued. All ages are welcome to serve, and every helping hand makes a meaningful difference in our shared worship life.

Want To Contribute?

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Send us a summary and picture(s) once the event has concluded

so we can share its success in the monthly newsletter. Thank you!

Submission deadlines:

Weekly Connection

• Monday at 12:00pm the week of publication

Monthly Newsletter

• The 26th of the month prior to publication

Church Building Hours

Weekdays: 8:00am - 6:00pm, or until Evening Events Conclude

Weekends: As Events are Scheduled

Church Office Hours

Monday - Thursday, 9:00am- 2:00pm