“Resurrection” from the Glory Window in our Westwood UMC Sanctuary

Dear Westwood Church Family,

Easter is good news; resurrection defeats death. Divine love wins, triumphing over violence and division. Though the brutal power of empire crucified Jesus, it is neither the greatest power nor the final answer, then or today.

Millenia later, we still live in this same space. We are tragically aware of our human capacity for violence and oppression, and we faithfully claim a faith that insists another world is possible. Do you perceive the Kingdom of God breaking through, even today, in hopeful signs all around us? Do you hear the message of resilient hope in our scripture stories of Jesus?

Especially in the Gospel of Matthew, the resurrection is not quiet or ambiguous. It is loud and astonishing; it comes with an earthquake. It also grows as if from tiny mustard seeds. From the beginning, it has been proclaimed by women, since those first faithful few were sent to Galilee to share the good news without fear. It is alive in our congregation, whenever we connect across our diversities, build relationships of compassion and courage, extend care to our neighbors and strangers in Los Angeles, and proclaim a theology of open-hearted, expansive inclusion and love. I hope you see the signs around us. I encourage you to take a step deeper into connection and into the shared work of being the church, together.

I want you to know you are invited to join us as we remember this Good News during Holy Week at Westwood UMC:

• On MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 2, 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 3, join us in The Loft at 7pm for worship. We will 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 5, we celebrate resurrection! 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 also want to ask for your help: is there someone you can invite, who might be searching for a community like ours, committed to radical inclusivity, justice, compassion, and growing Jesus’ beloved community? Please invite them. 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.

We already give thanks for the many people who are supporting our Easter celebrations: by donating for Easter flowers, by volunteering your time, by singing in our Choir, by bringing food to share, and more. Thank you. I also invite you to contribute to our Easter special offering, which supports three community projects: the Echo Park Immigration Center, 580 Cafe at UCLA, and our Good Samaritan Fund. You can make a contribution online or in person by bringing a donation marked as “Easter offering.” Your gifts provide material support to embody our values.

I’m glad to be in this with you, and excited for the privilege of sharing an Easter message; I look forward to sharing the good news together.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly