“In 2022 I entered the Westwood chili cookoff for the first time. I would have been happy to go home with an empty slow cooker. I was stunned when I heard my name announced as winner.

But Westwood UMC has a knack for surprising me. I grew up in a conservative religious environment which focused on fear, punishment and guilt. I never felt a real connection to it.

Shortly after we came to Westwood UMC, Pastor Woodall did a series on the book If The Church Were Christian. I’d never heard anything like it in church before. Since then, Westwood has shared more about a God that is less of a referee and more concerned with us serving our community. This is far more meaningful and real to me.

My personality gives me a bias for concrete, tangible action. I don’t do as much as I wish I might, but I have had amazing memories from opportunities through the church: assembling fire buckets; making breakfast at PATH; even washing dishes after a gathering. And I’ve loved the opportunity to connect with the LA faith community via our softball team.

This weekend, it’s time for my favorite event: the chili cookoff! I have no expectations for my entry, but I am excited to taste everyone’s cooking. I’m also excited to help feed our church community, if even in a small way. If you’re on the fence, I urge you to enter and attend. It’s an easy way to be a part of the church community. And you never know – you might be the next winner!”