Dear Westwood Family,

If you had to pick a favorite song, what would it be?

Mine might surprise you – because you’re a part of it!

There’s so much music I love: I’m a huge fan of Taylor Swift, my humanity has been deepened by the sacred music of J.S. Bach, and listening to the music of John Denver brings me right back to childhood family vacations to Colorado.

How about you? Music is a powerful presence in our lives, and not just while we’re listening. It helps us celebrate, mourn, reflect, and feel the wonder and struggle of being alive. In short: music builds hope, culture, and community.

And that’s where you come in. Communities of faith are one of the few places where neighbors sing and make music together, and Westwood United Methodist Church is no exception. Music is at the heart of our worship in both the Loft and the Sanctuary, from gospel songs to prayers to choir anthems. From Beyoncé’s American Requiem sung by the Loft Band to Widor’s Toccata played on our magnificent pipe organ at Easter. But I’d go even farther: whenever we gather for worship, study, or acts of compassion, we become a kind of music, a beautiful melody that sustains and inspires.

So as much as I enjoy concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, my favorite music is the kind we make together every week. A chorus of generosity, supporting each other, our neighborhood, and God’s wider world.

Between now and Thanksgiving, our “Chorus of Generosity” stewardship team will share more about how you can invest in this extraordinary community of song and service. And on Sunday, November 23, we’ll celebrate with a special Westwood UMC combined all-church worship gathering at 10am, followed by a Thanksgiving luncheon. Mark your calendars. We’re planning to celebrate our favorites as a church, and we need your voice.

We encourage you to prayerfully consider setting a giving goal for 2026; you can submit a pledge online or on the physical card that’s enclosed by mail or on a Sunday morning. I believe that setting a giving goal can be a meaningful expression of faith–a way of making sure generosity is a part of your financial life, and a way to enable the valuable ministries of our congregation. We will celebrate and pray for the giving goals of our congregation on November 23.

Thank you for lifting up your voice and joining the chorus, and most of all, for making the melodies of faith part of your life and mine – for the love of God and neighbor.

Grace and peace,
Rev. Molly Vetter

Westwood United Methodist Church is an intergenerational Christian community committed to radical inclusivity, justice, compassion, and growing Jesus’ beloved community.