Reaching Inward
Financial Peace University PDF Print E-mail

 Financial Peace University (FPU) is an ongoing ministry at the Westgate Church of Christ using the curriculum written and produced by Dave Ramsey.  FPU is a 13 week course that helps individuals, couples, and families dump debt and build wealth.  FPU uses sound Biblical principals to help teach participants the important lessons of stewardship.  According to Dave Ramsey, "You will be empowered with the practical skills and confidence needed to achieve your financial goals and experience true financial peace."

Class Times & Dates:

The next class will begin on Wednesday night March 5th at 7 PM.  If you wish to sign-up you may contact Eric Greer by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling him at the office at 793-2280.  A second orientation class will be offered on Sunday February 24th at 4:30 PM in the church auditorium.  If you have questions about FPU this is the place for answers.

Testimonials:

"I am glad our church had this class.  It has helped me to face some of my shortcomings with the resources God owns.  I am in debt but working at overcoming.  I'm focusing on God's will to be debt free and be albe to have surplus to give to others."

"We cut up our J.C. Penny's card, VISA card, American Express, Parisian, and McRaes cards and have paid off $9500 in 13 weeks.  This class has given me peace!"

"We took this course during a time of major transition for our family.  It has helped us really analyze our finances and get our house in order.  We wish we had learned all of this information many years ago!"

"I am more aware of how much I am spending for stuff.  I don't spend near as much on junk as I used to."

"We have never had a real budget, so it has been good.  We no longer take money out of savings every month."

"I have learned so much about finances, the terms with finance, and the proper way to save.  I hope I can use what I've learned at an early age to help me reach financial peace one day."

"We saved $1900 during the course and paid off $8320 in debt.  It has not only helped us, but enabled us to share these concepts with our adult children."
 
K.I.T. Club PDF Print E-mail

 Keep In Touch (K.I.T.). Check back soon for updates and more.
 
Family Ministry PDF Print E-mail

 The Westgate Family ministry is all about sharing the victory.  We seek to facilitate experiences for our families to support one another and grow together.  Paul's words to the Corinthians frame this ministry well, "But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Following are some of the ongoing ministry activities:

Parents' Night Out

On the second Friday night of every month from 6 pm until 10 pm in the Westgate gym the families of Westgate sponsor this great opportunity for couples and friends to get an evening out without the added expense of babysitting.   A big plus is that our kids love to spend time together and they get to do so under the careful supervision of some of your most trusted friends.

Several couples volunteer each month to supervise the children of all ages and provide fun activities for them here while the rest of us enjoy an evening out with our spouse or friends.  All children are required to have a signed release on file with emergency information and copies of valid health insurance information.  Releases must be updated annually.

Annual Couples' Retreat

Our second annual retreat will be at the Boardwalk Beach Resort in Panama City.  The dates are April 18-20, 2008 and our resource speaker this year is Mitch Temple, Director of Marriage Development at Focus on the Family.  The cost is $140 per couple and includes 2 nights accomodation plus breakfast.  For more information click here.

Family Beach Trip 

On August 22-24, 2008 we will have our first annual "Family Beach Trip" also at the Boardwalk Beach Resort.  Condos are reserved with two bedrooms and the cost of $350 - $450 can be split between two families.  Click here for updated information.

 
LIFE Groups PDF Print E-mail

  

What are LIFE Groups?
What happens in LIFE Groups?
What is the role of LIFE Groups?
Why join a LIFE Group?
What about children?

 What are LIFE Groups?

LIFE Groups are small gatherings of people that meet on a regular basis for:

  • Learning...by studying the Bible and applying it to life.
  • Intercession...by praying for each other and common causes.
  • Friendship...by sharing real life together and caring for each other.
  • Evangelism...by inviting friends to join the group and serve in Jesus' name.

LIFE Groups most often meet in homes but can meet at the Westgate building or elsewhere.  The groups are facilitated by members at Westgate.  Most of the groups do an in-depth study of the morning lesson in our assembly while others may choose another curriculum tailored for small groups.

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  What happens in LIFE Groups?

  • Sharing...our experience of life together
  • Caring...bearing each other's burdens
  • Prayer...that lifts up life's challenges and celebrates life's joys
  • Growth...personal and spiritual
  • Discipleship...building each other up in love
  • Friendship...having fun and growing deeper relationships
  • Learning...with each other

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 What is the role of LIFE Groups?

As Christians we are all called to be in relationship with Jesus and with one another.  The Bible teaches that Christians "grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ" (Ephesians 4:15).  And Christians are to be part of a fellowship in which every member is "joined and held together" (Ephesians 4:16) into one body.

At Westgate we believe the fundamental way we develop this multidimensional relationship is through the ministry of LIFE Groups.  We strongly encourage everyone desiring to be a part of this church body to join a LIFE Group.

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Why join a LIFE Group?

In our fast-paced, highly mobile, impersonal society, many of us deeply desire to belong to a true community - one where we develop meaningful friendships and give support to one another as we grow in our walk with Christ.  We also seek a safe, stable place where in the face of life's daily challenges and struggles, we can explore fundamental questions about Christianity and the meaning it has for our lives.

LIFE Groups are designed to meet these important needs.  At Westgate, we believe that along with worship and service, participation in a LIFE Group is a meaningful way to be involved in the body of Christ.  Your involvement and sense of belonging to this church will be greatly enhanced by your active involvement in a LIFE Group.

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What about children?

Great question.  First, we offer age-appropriate LIFE groups for Middle School age (6th grade) and up.  For those children in 5th grade and under our groups share the childcare reponsibilities.  Each week a different group hosts our kids at the building for PEW Packers.  Here's what happens:

  • Beginning at 5:30 the kids bring a sack lunch and eat a meal together in the small kitchen supervised by the designated LIFE Group.
  • At 6 PM the kids are divided into age appropriate groups.
  • Kids participate with their group in a lesson, songs, arts and crafts.
  • At 7 PM all of the children are taken to the gym for supervised "free-play" while they await their parents who are returning from their LIFE group. 
  • All kids are picked up by 7:30 PM.
PEW Packers Schedule

 Date 

 Group

Lesson 

4/6/08

Caldwell

Ezekiel

4/13/08

 Harris

Return to Jerusalem

4/20/08

 Thrift

Esther

4/27/08

Bolton

Job

5/4/08

 HOMECOMING

No Childcare

5/11/08

 Dampier / High School

Jesus' Childhood

5/18/08

 Martin

John the Baptist

5/25/08

 Caldwell

Jesus' Baptism
 
Recreation PDF Print E-mail

MEN'S SOFTBALL

Westgate sponsors a men's softball team that plays in the ASA Men's Church District at the Westgate Softball Complex. 

Softball season will soon start!!  Click on the link below to view our Men's Softball Schedule.  Please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   if you have any questions about our softball team.

*2008 SOFTBALL SCHEDULE*

 

YOUTH BASKETBALL

Why basketball?

  1. Basketball continues to be America's most popular team sport having nearly 40 million players nationwide
  2. More than 7.5 million 6-11 year olds participate in basketball nationally

*source: 2004 Sports Participation in America Report, Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association

Why a Church Youth League?

The league, administered by Pat Hellman of Covenant Methodist church, offers a break from the norm. The primary focus is to develop the Winner in every child, not just a few. By keeping this goal in mind, you are able to build a league that promotes Christian character in all who participate through:

  1. Sportsmanship and competitiveness in proper perspective.
  2. Maximizing the family schedule by having only one hour of practice and one game each week.
  3. Providing opportunities to promote other church ministries to all participants and their families.
  4. A graduated system of rules that facilitates growing a healthy understanding for the game and character issues along with the traditional basketball skills.
  5. Providing opportunities to see changed hearts and lives among children, family members, and volunteers who participate.

League formation begins in October each year and practices are scheduled by each coach.  Team play begins in December and ends in February.  At the end of the season we celebrate all of our participants with an end of the season party and awards banquet.

Wiregrass Elite Basketball

Check out Cindy Palm's travelling team that includes Ana Marie Rogers and Mary Palm.  Wiregrass Elite.