Westminster United Methodist Church

06/15/2026

She laughed inside the tent, thinking no one could hear.

God heard. Every word of it. Every year of it.

And the child God had already named — before the laugh, before the promise was even spoken aloud to her — was Isaac.

He laughs.

This week, wherever you find a gap between what you believe is possible and what you've been hoping for — don't close the file too quickly. The current is still moving.

The arc is still coming.

"Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?"
— Genesis 18:14

What gap are you bringing to God this week?

06/14/2026

Well. We did it again.

Fellowship hall, take two.

We planned it this time — moved worship to the fellowship hall intentionally, and it was going beautifully. And then the computer looked at the room and said: I'm done.

So we laughed. And then we worshipped anyway. And by God, we did.

And somewhere in the middle of all of it, our team got the computer rebooted — and the screen came back to life just in time to keep going. The show, as they say, must go on. And it did.

And here is the thing — we were already preaching about Sarah, who laughed inside a tent on an ordinary afternoon thinking no one could hear her. God heard.

And the promise held anyway.

Turns out that was not just a good sermon illustration.

It was a preview of our morning.

The laughter is in the recording. The worship is too. All of it — the hiccups, the improvising, the moment the room remembered that the Spirit doesn't need a working computer to show up.

One more thing worth knowing: Sarah's laugh from Genesis 18 wasn't something we just pulled out of the air. It's the appointed Old Testament reading in the Revised Common Lectionary for this Sunday. Four thousand years later, the text is still perfectly on time.

The recording is available on our YouTube channel.
📺 https://youtu.be/paD12pO9tpM

Watch anytime at WestminsterKinston.com

Pastor Dennis will share the written version of today's sermon on his Substack on Tuesday: dennispeay.substack.com

We'll see you next Sunday — June 21 — for A Blessed People, Week 3.

06/12/2026

The heat has beat the A/C unit and we are currently waiting on parts that will not be here by Sunday. Given the circumstances, Worship will be held in the Fellowship Hall.

There will be a combination of chairs and tables with chairs. Everyone is welcome to bring refreshments to sip or snack on in the Fellowship Hall.

We will not be able to livestream the service, however, a recording will be posted later on Sunday.

We hope to see everyone in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, June 14th.

06/12/2026

She laughed.
Not out loud. To herself, inside the tent, where she was sure no one could hear her.
The promise was too old. The math didn't work. She was ninety. Abraham wasn't far behind. The body that had once waited with hope had long since stopped waiting.
So she laughed the laugh of someone who has made her peace with what isn't possible.
And God heard every word of it.
—
The child God had already named? Isaac. Which means: "he laughs."
God planned for the laugh. The punchline was in the promise the whole time.
—
This Sunday we're in Genesis 18 — Sarah's story, the impossible promise, and the gap between what we believe is possible and what God has already set in motion.
The choir will be with us. Come ready to be surprised.
🗓 Sunday, June 14 | 10:00am
🏛 Westminster UMC | Kinston, NC
🌐 WestminsterKinston.com

06/11/2026

The Westminster Weekly - June 11, 2026
https://conta.cc/4gebHRh

Email from Westminster United Methodist Church She Laughed A Blessed People — Week 2 — June 14, 2026 There is a woman in a tent who doesn't know anyone can hear her. Three strangers have arrived at th

06/11/2026

Looking for a fun, relaxed evening to connect with friends, neighbors, and family? Join us on Wednesday, July 8th at 6:00 PM for a night filled with laughter, fellowship, friendly competition, and sweet treats!

Bring your favorite board game (or come learn a new one), invite a friend, and enjoy a casual evening together. Feel free to bring your own supper if you’d like, and we’ll take care of dessert with plenty of ice cream for everyone!

This event is open to our church family and the entire community, all ages are welcome. Whether you’re a serious strategist, a card game champion, or just coming for the ice cream and conversation, there’s a place for you at the table.

Tag a friend you’d like to challenge to a game and make plans to join us! We can’t wait to spend the evening with you. 😊

06/10/2026

School is officially out, summer break has begun, and if Voyages Day Camp is on your summer wish list, now is the time to register!

We’re quickly approaching capacity, and once our spots are gone, they’re gone.

If your child has completed 1st–4th grade, they’ll enjoy an unforgettable week filled with water fun, games, music, hands on activities, faith-filled adventures, and friendships that often last long after camp ends.

☀️ July 20–24
⛵ 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
💲 Just $15 for the entire week

Don’t spend the summer saying, “I meant to sign up!” Secure your child’s spot today before registration closes.

Register now:
https://www.westminsterkinston.com/summer-voyages

06/09/2026

❄️🏔️ Community VBS Registration is NOW OPEN! 🏔️❄️

We’re excited to invite children from across our community to this year’s Community Vacation Bible School: Snowball Mountain Challenge!

Join us July 20–22 from 5:30–8:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Kinston as we discover how to Find Your Strength in God through Bible stories, music, games, crafts, and lots of fun!

Open to children who have completed Pre-K (Age 4) through completed 5th Grade.

This special VBS is a partnership between First Presbyterian Church, Queen Street United Methodist Church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, and Westminster United Methodist Church.

⛄ Registration is open now! Use the link on the flyer to sign up:
https://bit.ly/4wTpv9Xg

Invite your friends, neighbors, and family members….we can’t wait to see everyone on the mountain this summer! ❄️💙

06/08/2026

🎉 Blessings & Bingo is Back! 🎉

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 11, from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM at Westminster United Methodist Church!

Come enjoy an afternoon filled with fellowship, laughter, bingo, and plenty of chances to win fun prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned bingo player or just looking for a great time with friends, we’d love to have you join us.

For just $10, you’ll receive snacks, drinks, bingo games, and opportunities to win both bingo prizes and door prizes!

Seats are limited and filled quickly last time, so be sure to reserve your spot soon.

Invite a friend and come spend a fun afternoon with us! Register here - https://onrealm.org/WestminsterUnit/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=ZmUwODBmZjQtYjI5Mi00YTkwLTgyNTItYjQ2MzAwYzhjZTMy

06/08/2026

A Blessed People — Week 1 Reflection
God said to Abram: go.

No map. No itinerary. No guarantee except the word of the one speaking.
And Abram went.

Here's what stayed with me from yesterday:
Faith isn't the absence of uncertainty. It's movement in the direction of a trustworthy God — despite the uncertainty. Abram didn't wait until he was certain. He waited long enough to pack.

This week, wherever you are — whatever your Haran looks like — the Voice is still speaking.

You don't need a map for one step.
Take it.