In this podcast, we have an opportunity to meet Westwood's new Pastoral Intern. Aaron Schutte. Aaron has been a member at Westwood for 3 years, and he and his family are integral to our community. Aaron shares his passions, how he found the ministry, and where he hopes his future lies. 

“Today we notice the direction of Jesus in Luke 13… instead of fleeing Jerusalem he goes in that direction for the gift of God’s redemption in the cross and empty tomb.  In this sermon, we wonder if that sense of direction… moving towards each other is a characteristic of a culture of grace.

Today's message is brought to us by Pastor Jason. The Gospel Lesson, Luke Chapter 13, verses 31 to 35 is brought to us today by Sam Bardwell, Theologian and actor, bringing the scriptures to life. 

Our message is brought by Pastor Sarah. 

The Gospel Lesson is brought to us today by Sam Bardwell, Theologian and actor, bringing the scriptures to life.

How can we hear Jesus’ voice cut through our weariness and

This message comes from Interim Pastor Aaron Schutte. The Gospel is from Luke, chapter 9, verses 28-36

As recorded in Matthew 6, Verse 21. “For where your treasure is,  there your heart will be also"(vs. 21).  These words are often interpreted to suggest that if you look at how your money (or time and talents) is used then you can find a persons heart/values.

What if we reframe it to mean that your heart can and will follow how you use your money/time/talents. What would that mean for our understanding of the Vocation of Generosity? How might that direct how we how we use these God-given gifts?

Our message comes from Pastor Jason and the Gospel lesson is from the book of Matthew Chapter 6, verses 19-21.

There’s a dominant worldview that says you have to look out for yourself. Numero uno. I did it my way.

But the “foolish” way of Christ reveals a different way to live. When we look out for others, we can also trust that others will look out for us. Generosity creates community.

Pastor Sarah brings us this message. Our Scripture comes from First Corinthians, verses 18, 26-31. The video referred to is highly worth watching here:

This week, Pastor Jason explores the definition of generosity and how we approach the call to generosity with all that God has given us. How do we orient our lives if Paul's statement that "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. As our core confession, how dow we connect this concept to our theological claims of Grace and Vocation?

Our reading is from the Book of Gallatians, Chapter 2, Verses 19-20

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