09 Apr Resurrection, and Defiant Hope
Greetings Westwood Community,
Lately, I’ve been leaning hard on treasured wisdom from our Christian faith: keeping love at the center of everything, claiming belonging in divine power that’s stronger than even death, holding onto defiant hope in the face of so much that feels under threat. It hasn’t been easy.
Today, rage-bait headlines thrive on flattening our humanity into impulsive reactions and simplistic oppositions. Political soundbites leverage our fears to deepen our vulnerabilities, fanning the flames of our prejudices and deepening civic mistrust. Leaders use their power to do real harm to those with the least security – including our immigrant neighbors, transgender siblings, and our planet.
Our Gospel gives us another option: the power of resurrection, and defiant hope.
This Holy Week, we have an opportunity to gather together to claim the powerful hope that is at the center of our Christian story. I hope you will join us. And I encourage you to invite someone else who might be looking for a community where doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God are at the center of who we are. Where we not only practice a basic kind of inclusion, but celebrate the rich, holy gifts that come through our diversities.
Resurrection hope gives us a way to name and understand that we are a part of a story that’s so much bigger than our present troubles. We inherit our place in a community that transcends our divisions–insisting that we love not only our neighbors, but also our enemies. Everyone is counted as precious and beloved, and no one’s cause is too lost for hope to help them find a way forward.
Between now and Easter, we have opportunities to remember this Good News:
-
On Sunday, April 13, our Palm Sunday worship sets our eyes toward Jerusalem. We will wave palm branches and sing “Hosanna,” hungry to hear again of the depth of God’s love for this world. Worship in the Sanctuary at 9:30 (with our Westwood Kids Choir and Grapple Choir!) and in the Loft at 10:30.
-
On Maundy Thursday, April 17, our Contemplative Sound Bath in the Sanctuary from 8:15-9pm. Be led into the darkness of holy week and give us an opportunity to contemplate the depth of divine love, immersed in a healing sound bath experience. Please wear comfortable clothes.
-
On Good Friday, April 18, join us in The Loft for our Good Friday service as we reflect on the significance of Jesus’ pilgrimage to the cross, with music from the Loft Band, and preaching from Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter.
-
On Easter Sunday, April 20, we celebrate resurrection hope! Join us in the Sanctuary at 9 & 11am, with Pastor Molly Vetter preaching, plus our choir, brass ensemble, and organ. Join us in the Loft at 11am, with Dr. Carter preaching, and music from the Singers of Soul Gospel Choir. Come to enjoy the community at our Easter Tea on the Courtyard from 10-11am – with activities and bunnies for children to interact with, and good food for everyone.
I encourage you to be a part of our community this Holy Week. And, I want to ask for your help: is there someone you can invite, who might be searching for a place to connect with people who claim a deeper hope and a more expansive love than they have yet found? Who might be looking for a community that practices compassion, and works for justice? Forward them this email, share a story on your social media, text a friend, send a note in the mail – there are lots of ways to do this, and I encourage you to find one that makes sense for you.
I’m glad to be in this with you, and excited for the privilege of sharing an Easter message; I look forward to claiming defiant hope together.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly