This Advent, we jump to the end of John the Baptist's ministry to hone in on a moment when deep fear and suffering cause him to question the impact of his life's work. With him, we also ask: "Have my efforts made a difference? Is God truly at work?" Even more: Is my hope solely dependent upon outcomes, tangible proof, or positive change? We are called to a hope that shimmers still, even when things feel impossible. We are called as a community to keep hope alive for one another.

Sunday, December 7, 2025 Rev. Molly Vetter

From global ecological disaster to national political crisis to local violence - and even the recent vandalism of our church sign - we, like those who first heard the Good News of Christ's birth, long for God to "break in" and stop the harm. What a strange and beautiful gift to remember that the good news of Christmas is made for a time like this: in the first chapter of Luke, verse five reminds us that the gospel story starts "in the time of Herod," a ruler remembered for his brutality and suspicion. Our Advent journey this year invites us to name our fears, trusting in the power of divine hope to break in, still.

Sunday, November 30, 2025 Rev. Molly Vetter

Join us for our tradition of one, combined worship gathering this Sunday, as we celebrate generosity this Thanksgiving Sunday. With musical leadership from our organ, the Sanctuary Choir, and the Loft band, Pastor Molly will preach on our new Westwood UMC mission statement. It calls us to the work of growing Jesus' beloved community, a calling that unites us across our diversities in the shared work of justice and compassion. Our shared witness is a testimony of hope that has the capacity to change our world.

Sunday, November 23, 2025 Rev. Molly Vetter

Our newly-adopted mission statement describes our values of justice and compassion, a pair of values that express our public and private commitments to Christ-like acts of mercy. These values are an expression of the ancient wisdom of scripture, including from Hebrew prophets and in Jesus life and witness. This Sunday, we continue a focus on our congregation's mission, as it invites each of us to be a part of this community and its "Chorus of Generosity."

Sunday, November 16, 2025 Rev. Molly Vetter

In this powerful sermon, theologian and author Kat Armas—drawing from her new book Liturgies for Resisting Empire—invites listeners to confront both the external and internal forces of empire that shape our imaginations, relationships, and faith. Reflecting on the story of the hummingbird and the mission of Westwood UMC, Armas reminds us that true liberation begins within: in the slow, sacred work of unlearning fear, hierarchy, and scarcity so we can embody God's abundance and kinship. Through the stories of Exodus, the wilderness, and the early church, she paints a vision of "kingdom" as kinship—a community of mutuality, justice, and love that resists domination and embraces difference. Her message calls us to be like the hummingbird: small but steadfast, carrying drops of courage and compassion to help heal the world, one act of resistance and love at a time.

Sunday, November 9, 2025 Special Guest preacher Kat Armas, with Rev. Molly Vetter

We are pleased to welcome Sharon Rhodes-Wickett back to our Westwood pulpit for All Saints Day this year. Sharon was Senior Pastor of Westwood UMC from 1994-2006, and was a regular leader in our midst more recently in retirement. We are glad that she is returning to help us remember the saints who have gone before us.

We encourage you to bring photos or mementos of loved ones you remember on this occasion to set on the altar during worship; you can bring them up to the altar before or during the prelude. After worship, please reclaim your items to take them home.

Sunday, November 2, 2025 Rev. Dr. Sharon Rhodes-Wickett

In our Gospel lesson, Jesus uses parables to give essential and needed reminders about how God's dreams are different from our dominant culture. Jesus celebrates faithfulness that looks more like anti-hero than classic icon. This week, the gospel centers on and celebrates the great faithfulness that is shown through our vulnerable humility.

Sunday, October 26, 2025 Rev. Molly Vetter

In our Gospel lesson, Jesus uses parables to give essential and needed reminders about how God's dreams are different from our dominant culture. Jesus celebrates faithfulness that looks more like anti-hero than classic icon. This week, the gospel centers on and celebrates whose great faithfulness comes through uncomfortable persistence.

Sunday, October 19, 2025 Rev. Molly Vetter

In our Gospel lesson, Jesus uses parables to give essential and needed reminders about how God's dreams are different from our dominant culture. Jesus celebrates faithfulness that looks more like an anti-hero than a classic icon. This week, the gospel centers on and celebrates a stranger (a foreigner, an outsider) who shows us the greatest faithfulness.

Sunday, October 12, 2025 Rev. Molly Vetter

Our Season of Creation concludes with a feast of grace - a celebration of World Communion Sunday, and a call to trust in our capacity to be a part of God's dream of flourishing for the world. Even when it's difficult, even when our efforts seem so small, we are called to work for the well-being of all creation.

Sunday, October 5, 2025 Rev. Molly Vetter