Dear Westwood Church Family,

It’s certainly changed during seasons of my life, but I know that commitment can make me feel uncomfortable. Still I think it’s too easy to assume every kind of commitment brings the same amount of uneasiness. For me, sometimes it feels more uncomfortable to commit to dinner plans next month than it does for me to put my whole trust in the grace of Jesus Christ, to borrow a phrase from our United Methodist baptismal vows. I’m sure some of that has to do with the difference between big ideas and everyday specifics—between saying you believe something and actually showing up for it. (After all, as Dorothy Day says, “everyone wants a revolution but nobody wants to do the dishes.”) It’s not disconnected from my love of keeping my options open so I don’t miss out. It’s also because I try to prioritize the big things first. 

This year, as we ask everyone in our church community to consider setting a financial giving goal for 2027, we’re inviting you to choose to think about your giving as an expression of your commitment to our church and its mission. Our mission, as it turns out, describes the things we are committ into together.

Here’s the ask: Starting now, we encourage you to prayerfully consider setting a giving goal for 2027. This is especially important to our church ministries now; funding the all ministries we value into the coming year will require an increase in donations. You can do this online (www.westwoodumc.org/giving/) or on a physical card – we put one in the mail to folks today, and we have more at the church. 

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. Our church is committed to things I value, and I am glad to make a commitment to my church. We will celebrate and pray for our congregation’s giving goals on November 22, when we’ll celebrate with one special Westwood UMC combined all-church worship gathering at 10am, followed by a Thanksgiving luncheon. I hope you can join us. 

We are an intergenerational community committed to radical inclusivity, compassion, justice, and growing beloved community in this moment.

We are committed to community. I cannot overstate how meaningful it is to be connected in intergenerational community. Church is a place where we not only share space with people whose life stories differ from ours, but where we learn to see God more clearly through each person we encounter. And, at the end of the day, the invitation of the Gospel is to practice a faith that brings forth the Kin-dom of God here and now.

We are committed to inclusion. Our diversity is a beautiful gift. I love watching church friendships that span generations, as well as culture, race, class, and ability.

We are committed to compassion and justice. Our scriptures are rich with reminders to love our neighbors. As the church, we ground ourselves in humble grace, and resolve to work for justice in our communities and the world.

These are commitments that make a difference, both for ourselves and for others. I’m grateful to have this congregation with which I get to hold them, together.

Thanks for your thoughtful consideration of this invitation. I’m glad to be a part of this community with you.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly