Dear Westwood Family,

In our Church Council this year, we’ve been having rich conversations about the mission and identity of our congregation; it’s been inspiring to me to think deeply about how we understand and describe the core of who we are.

We can use words to describe details and characteristics of who we are (good coffee, resounding organ, thoughtful conversation, poetic liturgy) that give people a sense of the vibe of our worship, so they might know whether they feel comfortable in our community (or, better, just a little uncomfortable, but in a good and holy way). And there are words that describe the values at the center of our life, and the high calling to which we are called. Whether optimized to meet the queries of Google searches or shaped for quick conversations with neighbors in the grocery store or formatted for social media posts, our words attempt to describe who we are in ways that meet the needs of this moment.

Our United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline has elegant words about the purpose of a local church: “It is the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached by persons divinely called and the sacraments are duly administered according to Christ’s own appointment. Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit, the church exists for the worship of God, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world” (from Paragraph 201).

The next paragraph goes on to describe each local church as “a strategic base from which Christians move out to society,” with the responsibility of helping people to “live their daily lives in light of their relationship with God,” including through care of one another and of the whole planet (from Paragraph 202).

Over the last several weeks, in preparation for Homecoming Sunday and our Service Fair, we’ve been making a booklet that describes all the various ministries of our church. I frequently experience gratitude for the rich life of our congregation, but I don’t often just make a list of everything we’re doing, all the groups that are in ministry here. It’s pretty inspiring to see it all together at once–all the beautiful and diverse ways we are living our mission, “for the worship of God, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world.”

I hope you’ll make it a priority to be with us on September 14 for Homecoming, to share in rich worship and to participate in the Service Fair on the courtyard after each worship gathering. In the Sanctuary, I’ll be beginning a month-long sermon series celebrating of the Season of Creation, with special music from the choir and our guest harpist, Alison Bjorkedal. In the Loft, the Singers of Soul Gospel Choir are joining Dr. Carter for a Gospel Sunday that will inspire and energize.

Even more, I give thanks for all the ways you are a part of living out our mission. With gratitude for what we are, I look forward to what we are becoming as a community of compassion, grace, and radical welcome.

grace and peace,
Pastor Molly