EASTER SUNDAY IN THE SANCTUARY
Sunday, April 5th (9am & 11am) The Sanctuary and via YouTube Livestream
“The Good News is Alive in the World” – Rev. Molly Vetter
Even death cannot stop the good news. It is alive, unbound, and wild in the world. Like the mustard seed, it grows without limit. Like water turned into wine, it surprises us with joy. Like loaves of bread, it expands to feed each hungry soul. And now, even in the face of death, it will not be buried or silenced. As we celebrate the good news of Easter, let us also go out seeking Christ in the faces of neighbors and strangers, and in the good works that are alive in this world. Join us to celebrate Easter with trumpet fanfare and a joyful procession in our beautiful sanctuary. Sing resurrection hymns and hear a word that speaks good news into our deepest grief. With beloved traditions and pageantry, Easter offers good news no matter how you arrive this Easter morning.
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 SUNDAY IN THE LOFT
Sunday, April 5th (11am) The Loft and via YouTube Livestream
We invite you to join our Loft community 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 Helms Hall, across from The Loft, where the worship service will be live-streamed. This area includes couches, chairs, a table for children to draw on, and Legos and other activities to keep them entertained. On-site childcare is also available for children from birth through age 4.
EASTER FAMILY TEA PARTY
Sunday, April 5th (10-11am) on the Courtyard
Join us on our church courtyard for a free Easter Tea Party 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. Parents should plan to join their children in the activities. Thanks to our Grapple group and our Westwood Kids Team for hosting these activities! Sign up to bring food (think finger foods, tea sandwiches, fruits, pastries) and volunteer to arrange floral table decorations on Saturday, April 4th (10am-12noon).
THE SANCTUARY GATHERING
Sunday, March 29th (9:30am) The Sanctuary and via YouTube Livestream
“The Good News is Inspiring Us to Act” – Rev. Molly Vetter
Jesus’ Palm Sunday march is for the people—all the people: the hungry, the poor, the afraid. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowd responds to Jesus’ authenticity and humility. Perhaps they can see through the pageantry of the Roman parade; in contrast, the goodness of Jesus’ leadership shines through, mobilizing the crowds to take action by throwing cloaks in the street and waving palm branches in the air. The energy is infectious. What will the good news inspire us to do? As we head into Holy Week, how will we put Jesus’ teachings into practice? Wave palm branches and sing “Hosanna” as we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem; little children will lead the procession.
Our Westwood Kids will share sacred dance during worship, alongside our Sanctuary Music. On Palm Sunday, 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!
THE LOFT GATHERING
Sunday, March 29th (10:30am) The Loft and via YouTube Livestream
Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter preaching
On Palm Sunday, 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.
MAUNDY THURSDAY CONTEMPLATIVE SOUND BATH
Thursday, April 2nd (8:15-9pm) The Sanctuary and via YouTube Livestream
This Maundy Thursday, join us for a contemplative experience that offers an evening prayer liturgy brought to life with a healing sound bath. Drawing on Christian Tenebrae traditions, the service will lead us into the darkness of Holy Week to contemplate and receive the depth of divine love. Led by Ruth Sie and Pastor Molly Vetter, this experience offers a meditative sound bath within 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 IN THE LOFT
Friday, April 3rd (7-8pm) The Loft and via YouTube Livestream
Join us as we remember the last words of Jesus and reflect on the significance of his pilgrimage to the cross. Good Friday is only “good” inasmuch as we use it as an opportunity to think theologically about the human condition and how our failure to bother to love our neighbors can cause so much harm. All people, including children, are welcome in The Loft gathering, too. While there is no dedicated childcare, there is an area within The Loft space that includes activities for children.