Have you ever been in a pay-it-forward drive thru line? That’s when the person in front pays for you, and then you pay for the person behind you. As those experiences demonstrate, generosity is connected to what happens before you, and what comes next.  

Past. Present. Future.

We are always embedded in a story of generosity: God’s generosity to us (often through other people!), and our generosity to others. Can you recall a time when you received something from someone else? How will you keep the story of generosity going?

This message comes from Pastor Sarah. Our scripture reading is Deuteronomy Chapter 26, Verses 1-11.

In the past years, Westwood’s Grace and Vocation focus has spent significant time connecting our roles (family, friend, citizen, work/school/retirement) with our faith. We explore what it means to be God's hands an feet in the world, using our time, talents and financial resources. 

This week's message comes from Pastor Jason, and he talks with two Westwood members to help us reflect on the vocation of generosity and the importance of connecting our faith to the use of our time, talent, and financial resources. Our scripture reading is from 2 Corinthians, Chapter 8, Verses 1-15

Fear. It’s experienced by every person, a natural part of being human. Does that mean Jesus could have felt it too?

In this message Pastor Sarah imagines what it would mean if Jesus was afraid, and discovers a graciousness and honesty about her own fear. Fear, it turns out, isn’t the opposite of faith. Fear tills the soil where faith can take root and grow, and our fear is no match for God's love.

Our Lesson is from Psalm 36, verses 5-10. The Gospel lesson is from John, Chapter 2, verses 1-11

In these uncertain times, where it’s easy to lose hope by just looking at my newsfeed, our faith invites us to turn both to God and our neighbor (think Jimmy Carter as one example in the news this week).

This week's message is brought to us by Pastor Tania. The Gospel is from Luke, Chapter 3, Verses 15-15 and 21-22. 

The early months of the year are some of the hardest. Dark and cold, without excitement of the holidays, it can be deflating to discover the same old life awaits. But Christmas changes us. God’s birth into this world means that even if we return to life as normal, we are changed. In this sermon, the shepherds serve as an example for all of us. After seeing the baby Jesus in the manger, they praised God even as they returned to their ordinary lives. We too can carry the glory of Christmas into our lives, all year round, because God keeps on coming to us, every day of our lives.

Today's message is presented by Pastor Sarah.  The scripture reading is from Ephesians Chapter 1, V 3-14. and the Gospel is Lukem Chapter 2, Verses 15 - 21.

What are your New Year's resolutions? With the societal ritual of New Year’s resolutions upon us, Jason invites us to wonder what a New Year’s Resolution list might look like based on Colossians 3. 

Was your Christmas imperfect? Welcome to the club. It can be easy to idealize the perfect Christmas, and then judge yourself accordingly. Here's a little secret: the first Christmas wasn't as ideal as the manger scenes make it out to be. The point of Christmas is that God became real flesh in a real world - a world that was full of the kinds of troubles you are dealing with too. God loved that world which means that God loves you too. And God worked with real people, which means that God is working through you too. 

Today's message is brought to us by Pastor Sarah. The Gospel is from the Book of John, Chapter 1 Verses 1-14. 

Our message today comes from Pastor Tania, who explores what the Prince of Peace brings to us in this holiday season. 

In the “attention economy,” many voices compete for your attention. It can be hard to prioritize. In Handel’s Messiah, the word “Behold” appears multiple times. As our almighty leader, God is drawing your attention to the peace, hope, and love that are always here, even in difficult times. How do you pay attention to God? And how can you give someone your attention who needs it today?

Today's message comes from Pastor Sarah.

During Advent, our music and worship team are performing Handel's Messiah in lieu of scripture readings. The performance includes the following pieces, and their scriptural basis.

THE WORD IN SONG “Messiah” George Frideric Handel

Overture

Scene Two: The Purifying Messiah is Prophesied