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Discovering Purpose & Joy Through GenerosityIn the timeless Sermon on the Mount, Jesus urges us to invest in “treasure in heaven,” recognizing that our hearts follow where our treasures lie. Jesus cares deeply about our hearts, desiring them to be devoted to God’s enduring generosity and expressions of love, rather than eeting earthly possessions susceptible to “moth and rust” (Matthew 6: 19-21).In a culture consumed by the pursuit of personal possessions, privilege, and power, Jesus’ teachings remain profoundly relevant. Many of us, in our quest for the elusive American dream, encounter stress, anxiety, and fear—hindrances that strip away the joy of purposeful living that God intends for us. ese universal struggles drive the focus of this year’s stewardship series, where we explore scripture to uncover how God’s boundless grace inspires sacricial love, service, and generosity. rough these, we discover lives rich in purpose, meaning, and joy.Within this brochure, you’ll nd narratives detailing the incredible missions and ministries ourishing due to your generosity. Your steadfast commitment to investing your hearts in heavenly treasures makes these endeavors possible — treasures that endure beyond earthly measures. May this serve as a stirring reminder to continue stewarding all that God has bestowed upon us, basking in God’s goodness and abundance.As we approach the coming year, may God guide each of us in making personal commitments, consecrated during worship on the nal Sunday of our series, “Treasure: A Stewardship Program on Faith and Money.”Please return the included 2024 pledge card on Consecration Sunday, February 11. If you’re unable to attend, you can make your pledge online. e process is simple: visit westlake-umc.org/stewardship. Or you can also mail or bring your Commitment Card to the church oce. Your participation is a testament to the ongoing legacy of generosity, love, and purpose in our Westlake UMC community!

2024 WUMC Operating Budget—Because of you, lives are being changed!Acts 20:35 “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”As people of God, we recognize everything we have comes from God, and we are simply sharing these gis for God’s dream that all would have a relationship with God. rough our tithes and oerings, we demonstrate in a tangible way our love for God and neighbors. At Westlake UMC, generosity in its many forms extends the oer of Christ to others. Here’s a taste of how the gospel is spread:• People baptized into Christian faith.• Youth confirm their faith in Christ, engage in youth groups and Sunday school.• Adults gather in small groups for community, fellowship, and Bible study.• Children directly engaged in Summer Camp and weekly Sunday school.• Community service projects connecting the church with those in need including prison ministry and home and food insecurities.• Dynamic in person and online worship including talented and gifted musicians.• Impressions through social media and advertising.• Connections with people in hospitals and care facilities.• Couples commit themselves to each other in marriage.• And so much more!e requested 2024 operating budget for Westlake UMC is $1,096,311, which represents a decrease of $92,278 or 7.8% from 2023. rough our faithful giving, we continue being the body of Christ sharing Christ’s love and hope with people across the world. We will be in prayer to faithfully discern how God is nudging us all to nancially support WUMC in 2024. rough prayer and faithful response, we will most certainly have enough. ank you, in advance, for your continued generosity specically for serving God and neighbor near and far.

Music MinistryPSALM 30:4 “SINGPRAISES TO THELORD, O YOU HIS FAITHFUL ONES, AND GIVE THANKS TO HIS HOLY NAME.”e Music Ministry is designed to draw us into a unied expression of our love for Christ and each other and opens our hearts to the movement of God’s Spirit. From the youngest children to the more experienced “young at heart,” all fully engage whether participating in one of the Music Ministry’s many ensembles or singing congregationally. God hears and welcomes all forms of praise!We sing, play musical instruments and ring handbells for worship both inside and outside the church building. Our goal is to nurture the continued spiritual development of all people who engage by connecting them to God through music so that they become inspired to share the love and power of God’s Spirit in the world. Fun and laughter through engagement with one another has been a fruitful and natural outcome of those involved in the Music Ministry at WUMC.In 2024, we hope to continue to grow our musical groups and further deepen the understanding of musical talents and gis individuals possess that can be utilized in service to Christ. To “grow our musical groups” means all are welcome to participate. No prior experience is required. Whether in handbells, the Foundation Band, or choirs of all ages, we invite all to give it a try! You are guaranteed to nd community, laughter, and Christian fellowship accompanied by gorgeous spiritual music that uplis the heart and strengthens our faith and love of God and one another.

WorshipPSALM 100:2 “WORSHIP THE LORD WITH GLADNESS; COME INTO GOD’S PRESENCE WITH SINGING.”Christ’s clear message for his disciples is to love God and neighbor. As United Methodists, we strive to share God’s love in tangible ways with all who come our way. e Methodist understanding of God’s expansive love and grace informs how we design worship so that Christian formation is deepened, lives are changed, and expressions of love are spread throughout the land. WUMC pays close attention and stays attuned to the cultural shis and trends occurring all around us in society so that our worship evolves with the changes for the purpose of drawing ourselves and others into closer relationship with God. Inclusion of everyone seeking a safe place where a relationship with God and neighbor can be nurtured is at the forefront of our planning worship. By embracing change, we are better positioned to push beyond barriers and boundaries and extend God’s love to all. e high calling to welcome all sisters and brothers makes worship challenging and exciting and urges us to continually nd new ways to share God’s Word in relevant and authentic ways.We will continue to ne-tune our worship by incorporating dynamic visuals, appropriate liturgical symbols and genuine experiential and practical moments so that our worship will allow the faith community to experience worship through all senses. In these practices, we hope to increase the likelihood that we will worship “with gladness” as we “come into God’s presence…”

Children’s MinistryMATTHEW 19:14 “JESUS SAID, ‘LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME, AND DO NOT STOP THEM, FOR IT IS TO SUCH AS THESE THAT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BELONGS.’”e 2023 Summer Camp (aka Vacation Bible School-VBS) hosted many children from WUMC and the community using the program “Journey to Bethlehem”—the long-awaited arrival of Jesus. rough story, skits, music, games, cras (throwing pottery, building wooden nativity scenes, making wreaths, and concocting perfumes using spices and oils from Biblical times) and a festive marketplace, children experienced the meaning of the love of Christ, and the call to love Christ and neighbor.Children’s First, a worship experience led by children and scheduled on the rst Sunday of the month, is high-energy and lled with happy children who swell the hearts of the congregational guests and members participating in worship. Puppeteers, musicians, teaching moments, Scriptures, monthly themes, children leading prayer and assisting in Holy Communion liturgy demonstrates the importance of children in worship and living into Matthew 19:14. During Christmas in October, many of our children engaged in lling welcome baskets for Casa Marianella, caroling at Querencia at Barton Creek (retirement living facility), and coloring placemats for incarcerated young men who were preparing to attend a spiritual retreat. In December, children and families fellowshipped for fun at Wonderfest (Westlake High School) and Cookies with Santa (Hat Creek Burger) making Christmas decorations, taking family photos with Santa, and enjoying delicious snacks. All activities were BIG hits, as usual!e children of Westlake UMC have a passion for learning, growing spiritually and serving. Children’s Ministry strives to impact the spiritual and personal lives of children throughout the Westlake community and beyond so that they may become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for the gracious support of our WUMC family and friends who make a categorical dierence on the lives of these children through their faithful support,Youth MinistryPSALM 71:17 “O GOD, FROM MYYOUTHYOU HAVE TAUGHT ME, AND I STILL PROCLAIM YOUR WONDROUS DEEDS.” WUMC mission trips contribute to the spiritual deepening of our youth in service to others. In the summer of 2023, we loaded up our church van and headed south to Blueprint Ministries (mission camps for middle school and high school students to serve and share Christ’s love in inner-city San Antonio). We made improvements on a few homes by painting, patching holes, and learning how to install drywall. We also enjoyed spending time with the homeowners and hearing their

stories. Our youth and church leaders took time to have fun on the trip by stopping a time or two at Sonic and HEB for meals, snacks, and treats!Traveling Turkeys has become a popular progressive anksgiving dinner for our youth and families. Last anksgiving, we were hosted by three families and gathered around their tables for fruitful conversation, delicious food, and Christian fellowship. Our Christmas party was a blast enjoying Christmas Bingo, a spirited White Elephant gi exchange, dinner, snacks, and a hot chocolate station complete with an abundance of whipped cream and marshmallows (the station was a huge favorite). An added missional feature was wrapping and tagging over 50 blankets and jackets for Mobile Loaves and Fishes to distribute. All these amazing events were possible because of the generous contribution of our fantastic congregation. Youth Ministry is excited to grow the number of participants, enjoy more time together, and experience continued spiritual growth for love, compassion and service to God and others in 2024.Adult MinistryPSALM 148: 12-13 “YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN ALIKE, OLD AND YOUNG TOGETHER! LET THEM PRAISE THE NAME OF THELORD, FOR HIS NAME ALONE IS EXALTED; HIS GLORY IS ABOVE EARTH AND HEAVEN.”WUMC Adult Ministry includes adult Sunday school classes, small group studies, weekly prayer group and congregational care, and fellowship groups. e focus is geared toward welcoming newcomers, nurturing members, and leading all to a deeper relationship with God and faith experience through the use and facilitation of Christian curriculum studies and teaching. Because of the church’s strong commitment to inclusion of all people, a diverse selection of Sunday classes, midweek options, Bible study, topical studies, and current events aligned with Scripture exploration are available. ere are groups for men, women, singles, couples, young parents, short term studies (ex. Centering Prayer cultivating ongoing spiritual practices) and occasional groups are formed to address stage of life situations and circumstances (grief, divorce, empty nesters, etc.). Undergirding our focus is providing a safe hospitable place and format for all to enjoy.Participating in a small group is ideal for getting to know others. Remarkably, these groups form lasting friendships while at the same time learning together and create a safe space where life’s events can be shared and cared for. Community and connection are gis that WUMC Adult Ministry oers. rough means of community and connection, adults grow into relationship where individuals nd themselves cheering, laughing crying, and praying—experiences that bring meaning and purpose into the lives of participants. Adult Ministry will continue its objective to welcome new members into existing groups and expand oerings for new cohorts.

Service CommitteeMATTHEW 25: 34B-36 “‘COME…INHERIT THE KINGDOM…FOR I WAS HUNGRY AND YOU GAVE ME FOOD, I WAS THIRSTY AND YOU GAVE ME SOMETHING TO DRINK, I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU WELCOMED ME,I WAS NAKED AND YOU GAVE ME CLOTHING, I WAS SICK AND YOU TOOK CARE OF ME, I WAS IN PRISON AND YOU VISITED ME.’”Recognizing that God’s love for us is more than enough to supply our needs, the Service Committee strives to inspire all to give of our time, talents, gis, and treasure to fulll God’s call on our lives to love God and neighbor and to serve. e Service Committee, through key “angels,” leads and coordinates service and outreach projects all year for the Austin community and world. e Christmas in October initiative acts generously during the holiday season and celebrated 25 years of service in 2023. Here is what was accomplished through the hard work and devotion of many in 2023:• Prepared toiletry bags for Street Youth Ministry• Distributed 200 blankets to unhoused neighbors• Served dinner to foster parents • Provided gis for 66 people to the Any Baby Can project • Organized 130 gi bags for incarcerated boys at Giddings State School• Partnered with Mobile Loaves & Fishes• Created gi baskets for asylum seekers experiencing their rst Christmas in the U.S.• Delivered and wrapped dozens of toys for Brown Santa • Donated funds to support It Starts with Soccer• Provided funds and organized a large work crew for Central Texas Food Bank• Served dinner and dispersed prizes for the annual Christmas Bingo game at Community First! Village• Partnered with Salvation Army’s Angel Tree• Blessed the residents of Querencia at Barton Creek (residential facility) with festive Christmas carols sung by a large intergenerational choir from the church and more. It was a stellar year, and our hope is to continue this incredible work in 2024 by the generosity of our congregation who will have plenty of opportunities to discern their level of participation with the Service Committee. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing!

Community EngagementLUKE 10:1 “…THE LORD APPOINTED SEVENTY-TWO OTHERS AND SENT THEM ON AHEAD OF HIM IN PAIRS TO EVERY TOWN AND PLACE WHERE HE HIMSELF INTENDED TO GO.”With community partners like Lost Creek Living Magazine, the Lost Creek Moms, the Westlake Hills Chamber of Commerce, and various local businesses, we have continued to engage and serve our community. We welcomed hundreds of people through our annual Easter EGGstravaganza, Back-to-School Water Bash, and Cookies with Santa events. At the Westlake Hills Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade, we had the opportunity to provide 1000 bottles of cold water to thirsty souls while our church parade “oat” proclaimed the gospel with our welcoming and inclusive message. And we had a blast meeting hundreds at the Chamber’s Wonderfest where WUMC hosted the pony rides! We touched the hearts of many of our LGBTQ+ siblings at Austin’s Pride Festival, and this year’s Fall Festival welcomed more than 300 participants, surpassing previous years, who enjoyed a beautiful aernoon with food, games, music, petting zoo, face painting, door prizes, and tours inside of one of Westlake Hills retrucks—a huge draw! Our community reach extended to all areas of Austin by way of audio ads on streaming stations, magazine and newspaper, and social media promotions. Westlake UMC’s commitment to care and serve God and neighbor through community engagement activities continues to foster faith renewal and spiritual growth for both the WUMC community and beyond.

ACTS 2:42 “THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO THE APOSTLES’ TEACHING AND FELLOWSHIP, TO THE BREAKING OF BREAD AND THE PRAYERS.”e Committee is devoted to providing WUMC with opportunities to gather for food and fun. e family game night was an example of what is possible when intergenerational groups gather to eat play and fellowship. e Maundy ursday worship during Holy Week was graced with nuts, gs, olives, bread and more to commemorate Jesus’ last meal with his disciples. e Committee also supports the Fall Festival, Cookies with Santa and other annual events such as these. Table Groups are another way to fellowship and share the love of Christ with one another. Groups of approximately 8 persons gather to enjoy a meal, enjoy Christian fellowship, and get better acquainted. We love breaking bread together because it nourishes the Body of Christ in body and spirit! And when the Fellowship Committee is involved, there is always plenty of food to go around. It’s hard to catch busy team members as they work behind the scenes washing dishes in the Hobart (industrial dishwasher in the Taylor kitchen), but the next time you do say, “thank you!” Our hope for 2024 is that we continue to gather for fun in creative and meaningful ways so that we can treasure one another in the spirit of God’s love and for the glory of God.Fellowship Committee

Congregational Care PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 “DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERY SITUATION, BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS.”“We always pray for miracles,” a cornerstone of our Wednesday 1:00pm Zoom prayer meetings, where we pray by name for each person on our public prayer list and others seeking privacy. ese prayers oen lead to miracles, both small and spectacular. People experience grace through Stephen Ministry connections and our annual Grief Seminar. Miracles are a testament to Congregational Care’s comprehensive ministry. Our church community actively engages by writing cards, cooking meals, knitting prayer shawls, making calls, visiting, and praying with those in joy and sorrow, embodying the church’s presence in all life seasons. In this spirit of connectedness, we trust God and one another with our prayer needs, oering assistance to those requiring more help, especially in coming to worship. We joyfully welcome new babies through our New Baby Ministry, watching with pride as they grow and lead in worship years later. We remember and honor those who have died with weekly prayers. Continuing our support, we follow our graduates with card and prayer connections and share owers with those Unwillingly Absent, ensuring everyone feels included and cared for in our faith community.PreschoolMATTHEW 18:5 “WHOEVER WELCOMES ONE SUCH CHILD IN MY NAMEWELCOMES ME.”WUMP has served the Westlake community for 43 years and has maintained its promise to provide the best possible quality environment for care and learning as a recognized Texas Rising Star program that consistently maintains a four-star rating. e preschool persists to evolve, seeking successful innovative tools and measures to prepare preschoolers for a successful transition to kindergarten.Because we are a Christian domain, children (toddlers and preschool) participate in weekly Chapel and music sessions, responding favorably and benetting from Bible storytelling and Christian songs led by WUMC pastors and sta. It is a delight to welcome families to special events such as Christmas Chapel (storytelling and singing) and seasonal parties. Enrollment has experienced a decline since the pandemic of 2020; however, new families are enrolling their children in WUMP. Program leaders and teachers are committed to adapt to meet the needs of neighboring toddlers and preschoolers and ensuring the highest standards of care.

In addition to prayer and listening to your heart, some of you have asked for data to help inform your decision on what you will pledge for the coming year. Below is a quick-view table of percentages of giving based on $166,415, the Annual Median Income of zip code 78746.Annual Monthly Weekly1% $1664 $139 $322% $3328 $277 $645% $8320 $693 $1607% $11,649 $971 $22410% $16,642 $1,387 $320As you look at these numbers, consider carefully how much you spend on other priorities, such as eating out, travel, vehicles, clothing, etc. Is your giving to God in line with what you value most?Treasure