top of page



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
4 days ago3 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


Welcoming Cassidy Kennedy to the Westminster Team
We are delighted to welcome Cassidy Kennedy as our new Administrative Assistant at Westminster United Methodist Church. Cassidy joins our staff as a key ministry partner in the daily life of the church, supporting pastors, staff, ministries, and the congregation through excellent communication, organization, and a warm, welcoming presence. Many in our Westminster family already know Cassidy through her connection with Westminster Preschool, and we are grateful for the gifts
Dennis Peay
Jan 131 min read


Bible Stories for Grown Ups
A Winter Bible Study for Maturing Faith Some stories stay with us for a lifetime. We first heard them as children—often simplified, softened, and wrapped in bright colors. But as we grow, so do our questions. And Scripture, when read honestly and patiently, has a remarkable way of growing with us. This winter, Westminster invites you into Bible Stories for Grown Ups , a Bible study rooted in thoughtful conversation, faithful curiosity, and a deep respect for the complexity of
Dennis Peay
Dec 24, 20252 min read


A Tree of Thanksgiving and Remembrance
As we journey through the holy season of Advent, our sanctuary has been beautifully transformed by the Poinsettia Tree —a visible expression of gratitude, remembrance, and hope. Each poinsettia represents a story, a prayer, and a gift offered in love. Together, they form a living testimony to the faith and generosity of this congregation. We offer sincere thanks to all who made the Poinsettia Tree possible —those who gave in honor of loved ones, in memory of those who have go
Dennis Peay
Dec 19, 20251 min read


Angel Tree Christmas: One Gift, a Relationship Transformed
This Advent, Westminster has a beautiful opportunity to share the hope of Christ with children and caregivers in our community who are often marginalized by the actions of a loved one. Through Angel Tree Christmas , we partner with Prison Fellowship to give a Christmas gift (about $25–$30) to a child or teen on behalf of their incarcerated parent—along with a personal message from that parent. One simple gift, offered in love, can help bridge the emotional and physical gap be
Dennis Peay
Nov 23, 20252 min read


Awakened: An Advent–Christmas Journey at Westminster From Hope to Light to Revelation
As the days grow shorter and the nights stretch long, the Church steps into one of the most beautiful journeys of the Christian year—a journey that leads us from the quiet expectancy of Advent , to the radiant joy of Christmas , and finally to the world-changing revelation of Epiphany . These weeks are more than dates on a calendar. They are a pilgrimage of the heart. They invite us to slow down…to breathe deeply…to listen again for God’s whisper…and to open ourselves to the
Dennis Peay
Nov 23, 20254 min read


Christmas Food Offering: Supporting Backpack Buddies of Lenoir County
This Christmas, we have the opportunity to shine Christ’s light in a very tangible way. Westminster and Queen Street United Methodist Churches are joining together this season to support Backpack Buddies of Lenoir County , a local ministry feeding children who face weekend hunger in our community. Why This Matters Every week during the school year, Backpack Buddies prepares weekend meal bags for students who might otherwise go without.This year, the ministry is serving: 485 c
Dennis Peay
Nov 23, 20251 min read


Faith in Action — Westminster Joins Our United Methodist Family in Columbus County
Over the last few months, we’ve seen the power of compassion in motion through the NCCUMC Faith in Action initiative in Columbus County....
Dennis Peay
Sep 17, 20251 min read


Extending the Table: Sharing Communion Beyond the Sanctuary
At Westminster United Methodist Church, the Table of Holy Communion is at the heart of our worship. On Sunday, October 5, we will begin...
Dennis Peay
Sep 17, 20251 min read


The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
This October, journey with Westminster UMC in a six-week small group study of Adam Hamilton’s The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus. Together we’ll explore Jesus’ baptism, miracles, teachings, compassion, and final week in Jerusalem. Evening and morning groups available—join us on the journey!
Dennis Peay
Sep 17, 20251 min read
bottom of page

