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We Moved — And It Was Perfect
Sometimes the best worship moments are the ones you didn't plan. This morning, with summer heat pushing hard against our sanctuary's air conditioning, we made a quick call — move worship to the fellowship hall. Cooler air, closer together, and as it turns out, exactly the right setting for a sermon about leaving the familiar for something new. Abram left Haran because the Voice said go. We left the sanctuary because the thermostat said enough. Close enough. Today we began A B
Dennis Peay
3 days ago1 min read


Something New Begins Sunday: A Blessed People
Something New Begins Sunday A Blessed People — A Four-Week Journey with Abraham — June 7–28 This Sunday we begin something new. For four Sundays in June, we're going to walk with one of the oldest families in the story of faith — the family of Abraham and Sarah. Their story is in our bones whether we know it or not. Every time the church has talked about blessing, calling, covenant, or the God who keeps impossible promises, it has been talking about them. The series is called
cassidykennedy1
6 days ago1 min read


You Are Invited: The Gospel Choir Concert
The New Bern Community Gospel Choir presents "Singing Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs to the Lord" at Westminster United Methodist Church in Kinston. The choir is composed of some forty members from churches in the New Bern community. A variety of sacred anthems will be shared with choral settings provided by Mack Wilberg, Mary McDonald, Tom Fettke, Keith Hampton, Lloyd Larson and others. The choir is under the direction of Barry Templeton and accompanied by Paul Saik. Har
cassidykennedy1
May 121 min read


Westminster on Wednesday: A New Chapter Begins — May 13, 2026
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 🕠 Dinner at 5:30 pm 📍 Westminster Fellowship Hall On Wednesday, May 13, Westminster United Methodist Church's gathering continues the heart of shared meals and meaningful connection, while opening space for deeper spiritual formation across all ages. A Table, a Meal, a Shared Life The evening begins with a warm meal provided by Backroads Smokehouse. From there, we’ll gather for a combined, all-ages program focused on a central theme that shapes both
cassidykennedy1
Apr 302 min read


Be a Part of Something Meaningful This Summer: Become an Adult Shepherd for Voyages Day Camp
This summer, Westminster United Methodist Church is excited to once again host Voyages Day Camp in partnership with Camp Don Lee, taking place July 20–24. It’s a week filled with faith, fun, friendship, and unforgettable moments for our children and we can’t do it without YOU! We are currently seeking adult volunteers to serve as “Adult Shepherds” during camp week. Adult Shepherds help guide, support, and encourage our campers throughout the day. You don’t need special experi
cassidykennedy1
Apr 221 min read


Hearts of Giving: Ladies Ministry Serves Local Classroom
This past Christmas season, the Ladies Ministry at Westminster United Methodist Church found a meaningful way to spread joy by adopting a fourth-grade classroom at Banks Elementary School, led by one of our own, Hollie Ayers. Through generous donations from our church family, the Ladies Ministry was able to provide each student with a personalized Christmas stocking filled with a variety of fun and useful items. Each gift was thoughtfully prepared, creating a moment of excite
cassidykennedy1
Apr 211 min read


We Need YOU! Join Our Safety & Security Team
WUMC Security & Emergency Response Plan Summary Why is a Security & Emergency Response Plan (SERP) needed for WUMC? WUMC does not have one in place WUMC has experienced both medical emergencies and security/safety incidents in the past 1999-2022 (24 years) - 2,713 deadly force incidents - over 77% of deadly force attacks occur (or began) outside on ministry property 40% of Church violence incidents involve personal disputes/domestic conflicts that escalate on church property
cassidykennedy1
Apr 162 min read


JESUS IS LORD: Spring Study with Bishop Tom Berlin
JESUS IS LORD Study & Formation for the Easter Season Three words. The oldest confession of the church. A lifetime of discovery. When the first Christians wanted to name what they believed, they didn't reach for a lengthy creed. They offered three words — Jesus is Lord — and those words changed everything. This Easter season, we're exploring what they still change today. Using Tom Berlin's Jesus Is Lord: Living in the Lordship of Christ , we'll unpack the church's earliest c
cassidykennedy1
Apr 161 min read


You Are Invited: Holy Week 2026
From the triumphant hosannas of Palm Sunday to the empty tomb of Easter morning — walk with us through the most sacred week of the Christian year. Holy Week is the most profound and beautiful journey in the life of the church. It is a week when we slow down, pay attention, and allow ourselves to be drawn into the story that changes everything — the story of Jesus' love poured out for the world. This year, we invite you — wherever you are on your journey of faith — to join us
Dennis Peay
Mar 194 min read


Called Charge Conference – Sunday, March 8, 2026 (Following Worship)
A Called Charge Conference will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 , fifteen minutes after the conclusion of worship (approximately 11:15 a.m. ). Our Sound District Superintendent, Rev. Tara Lain , has authorized Rev. Dennis C. Peay to convene this Charge Conference and to serve as the presiding elder. The purpose of this meeting is focused and specific: we will receive and consider a resolution that, if approved, will authorize the Board of Trustees to move forward with the
Dennis Peay
Feb 253 min read


The Sermon on the Mount: A Lenten Thursday Study with Amy-Jill Levine
This Lent at Westminster , we are walking with Jesus through the Sermon on the Mount ( Matthew 5–7 ) — listening closely to his most challenging, hope-filled, and transformative words. While our Sunday worship will carry us from Ash Wednesday through Palm Sunday along this sacred path, Thursdays offer a deeper invitation: space for conversation, questions, learning, and growth. Thursday Bible & Book Study Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven By Am
Dennis Peay
Feb 122 min read


Gathering Around the Table: Church-Wide Planning Retreat — February 22
We’re gathering around the table—centered on Christ—to listen for God’s voice and plan together for the year ahead. On Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2:00–6:00 PM , Westminster will host a Church-Wide Planning Retreat , led by our Leadership Team and open to anyone and everyone who wants to help shape our shared life of mission and ministry in the coming year. This will be more than a meeting. It will be a time of prayer, vision, conversation, and collaboration as we listen
Dennis Peay
Feb 112 min read


Lent with Westminster
From Ashes to the Cross… and into Resurrection Hope Lent is not a straight line. It’s a journey—a slow, honest, hope-filled walk with Jesus that moves us from ashes, through deep teaching, into costly love, and finally toward resurrection life. This year at Westminster, our Lenten journey invites us to walk the Sermon on the Mount all the way to the cross—and beyond. Our Journey Begins: Ash Wednesday Lent opens with Ash Wednesday , a sacred pause that reminds us of who we are
Dennis Peay
Feb 53 min read


Ash Wednesday with Westminster
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent—a season that invites us into reflection, repentance, and renewal. It is a holy pause at the threshold of the journey toward the Cross, a moment to remember who we are and whose we are. On Wednesday, February 18 , Westminster invites you to gather for a simple meal and sacred worship as we enter this season together. Dinner & Worship We will share dinner at 5:30 PM , followed by Ash Wednesday worship . The meal is free , with food lov
Dennis Peay
Feb 52 min read


Sunday at Westminster | “What’s in Your Hand?”
Rev. Gavin Daniels This Sunday, February 8, Westminster looks forward to worshiping together as we welcome Rev. Gavin Daniels as our guest preacher. Rev. Daniels will preach a message titled “What’s in Your Hand?” , drawing from the story of Moses and God’s invitation to offer what may seem small or ordinary and trust how God can use it for something greater. It’s a message that speaks to faith, courage, and the surprising ways God works through what we already carry. A Shar
Dennis Peay
Feb 22 min read


Valentine Dinner & Silent Auction
A Big Night for Our Church — and We Need Your Help We Need Your Help 💛 A very important fundraiser for Westminster United Methodist Church is coming up Sunday, February 15 , and we are asking our church family to help us cross the finish line strong. Our Valentine Dinner & Silent Auction has been carefully planned by a dedicated committee, featuring: A delicious grilled chicken dinner 30 outstanding silent auction items A fundraising goal of $30,000 to support WUMC mission
Dennis Peay
Jan 312 min read


Friday Night Worship - January 30 at 6:30
Worship Update: Called Together to the Cross Friday, January 30 | 6:30 PM Please begin by watching this brief video update, which explains our worship plans for the coming days Due to the winter weather forecast for the coming weekend, Westminster will gather for worship Friday evening, January 30 at 6:30 PM , allowing us to come together safely before snow and icy conditions arrive. This service brings us to the conclusion of our three-week journey through 1 Corinthians 1 ,
Dennis Peay
Jan 292 min read


Sunday Worship Update — January 25, 2026
📺 A Message for This Weekend As winter weather continues to impact our area, we are making a few adjustments to how we will gather this Sunday. Our priority is always the safety of our congregation while continuing to offer meaningful opportunities for worship, connection, and prayer. Below you’ll find everything you need to participate in Sunday worship and community life—wherever you are. 🎥 Sunday Worship Message — Available Online Pastor Dennis’ message for Sunday, Janua
Dennis Peay
Jan 232 min read


Westminster on Wednesday: A New Chapter Begins — January 21, 2026
Join Westminster on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, for a free community dinner and intergenerational gathering focused on prayer as a way of life at Westminster United Methodist Church in Kinston, NC.
Dennis Peay
Jan 152 min read


More Good News! Please Welcome Rev. Barry Templeton 🎶
If Tuesday’s joyful announcement welcoming Cassidy got you smiling, here’s even more good news to brighten your week! We are delighted to share that Rev. Barry Templeton is joining Westminster as our new Minister of Music . Barry comes to us with a deep love for the church and a lifetime of musical ministry. After retiring from full-time ministry in 2024, he brings wisdom, warmth, and a joyful spirit shaped by years of faithful service. Most recently, Barry served in music
Dennis Peay
Jan 141 min read
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