EASTER at WESTWOOD
Westwood Church
10497 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90024 – map
310.474.4511 – [email protected]
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Worship with us online via YouTube.
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Secure parking is located below Belmont Village, the building east of the Sanctuary. From Wilshire Blvd., use the driveway by the main steps in front of the Sanctuary. Please observe the signs that identify which spaces are for church use. After parking, proceed to the stairwell and elevator located at the church end (west end) of the parking structure.
THE SANCTUARY GATHERING
Sunday, April 20th (9 & 11am) The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary – In Person and via YouTube Livestream
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“Everything In Between Grief and Hope” – Rev. Molly Vetter
Join us to celebrate Easter with trumpet fanfare and a joyful procession in our beautiful sanctuary, to claim courageous hope. We invite you to join us to sing resurrection hymns and to hear a word that speaks hope into our deepest grief — about a love that triumphs over death. With beloved traditions and pageantry, we get to proclaim the bold, good news of God’s love for all of us here, now. The good news of this story is that no matter how you arrive this Easter morning—whether you are steeped in grief, stunned in disbelief, or running in the direction of hope—resurrection is for you. This story is for you.
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Children are welcome in our Sanctuary Gathering. Easter is an especially meaningful time to worship together. There are lots of things to notice, from the details of our stained glass windows to the Easter flowers to the trumpets and timpani and organ and choir. We will have kids worship activity kits that you can pick up on your way in, too. During our “Time with Children” we will invite young people to come forward to the chancel steps for a lesson with Pastor Molly; afterwards, they’ll return to their pews to sit with you. Additionally, on-site childcare is available for children from birth through age 4.
EASTER FAMILY TEA PARTY
Sunday, April 20th (10-11am) Church Courtyard
.Join us on our church courtyard for a free Easter Tea Party from 10am-11am, with tasty treats and conversation with our community. (Fancy hats optional.) During the Tea Party, you can also join us in the playground area for children’s Easter crafts and activities, and a chance to visit real, live bunnies in our Easter bunny petting zoo! Parents should plan to join their children in the activities. Thanks to our Grapple group and our Westwood Kids Team for hosting these activities!
THE LOFT GATHERING
Sunday, April 20th (11am) The Loft
.We invite you to join our Loft community in the Sanctuary for an Easter Sunday Celebration featuring the Singers of Soul Gospel Choir as we reflect on the hope we find in the resurrection of Jesus. Children are welcome in The Loft gathering as Easter is an especially meaningful time to worship together. We will have kids worship activity kits that you can pick up on your way in, just in case they need a little distraction during worship. Additionally, there will be a kids area in the back of the sanctuary for those who need a little more space to wiggle or parents who want to sit on the floor with their kids. On-site childcare is also available for children from birth through age 4.
THE SANCTUARY GATHERING
Sunday, April 13th (9:30am)
In Person and via YouTube Livestream
.Rev. Molly Vetter preaching
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Wave palm branches and sing “Hosanna” as we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem; little children will lead the procession. When the religious leaders try to silence the crowd, Jesus tells them that the noise level isn’t the point—even the stones would cry out if they were silent. It takes wisdom to know when our voice is needed and when it’s just noise. Our Westwood Kids Choir will join the Chancel Choir for a special Palm Sunday anthem, too. We invite ALL our children to be a part of our Palm procession! In the Sanctuary Gathering, meet up in the back of the sanctuary so we can walk in together during the first hymn. Parents & grandparents are encouraged to walk with us!
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THE LOFT GATHERING
Sunday, April 13th (10:30am)
.Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter preaching
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On Palm Sunday at 10:30am in The Loft, our pilgrimage journey takes a turn, as we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Join us this Sunday as we explore how we might practice living with a sense of purpose.
CONTEMPLATIVE HOLY THURSDAY SOUND BATH
Thursday, April 17th (8:15-9pm) The Sanctuary
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This Maundy Thursday, join us for a contemplative experience that offers an evening prayer liturgy brought to life with a healing sound bath. Drawing from Christian Tenebrae traditions, the service will lead us into the darkness of holy week and give us an opportunity to contemplate the depth of divine love. Led by Ruth Sie and Pastor Molly Vetter, this experience brings gifts of a meditative sound bath into the sacred beauty of our sanctuary. Please wear comfortable clothes; you are welcome to sit or lie in our pews or bring a mat to lie on the floor.
GOOD FRIDAY GATHERING
Friday, April 18th (6:30-7:30pm) Upstairs in The Loft
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We invite you to join us in The Loft for our Good Friday service as we reflect on the significance of Jesus’ pilgrimage to the cross. All people, including children are welcome in The Loft gathering, too. While there is not dedicated childcare, there is an area within The Loft space that includes activities for children.