The Ascension: Gazing at the Sky or Engaging with the World?

Apostles' Creed: Jesus Christ

When we start the second article of the Apostles’ Creed with I believe in Jesus Christ, what does that mean? Luther tells us that this means that we believe that Jesus is true God, begotten of the Father in eternity and also a true human being, born of a virgin Mary, is our lord. The faith claim is that Jesus was God’s son, born out of miracle. Although we may be ‘distracted’ by the questions surrounding virgin birth, we should also focus on the belief that Jesus is Lord. Today’s message comes from Pastor Sarah. Our Gospel lesson is from Luke, Chapter 1, verses 26 - 35, and our New Testament Lesson comes from Colossians Chapter 1, verses 15 - 19a.   Carolyn Winfrey Gillette provides a restated creed: I believe in God the Father, the Almighty God above, Maker of the earth and heaven which were formed in God’s great love. And in Jesus, loving Jesus, God’s own Son, who makes us new. This the creed of generations, is the faith for our church too. Jesus by God’s Holy Spirit was so wondrously conceived, Born unto the Virgin Mary, who your promises believed. Jesus suffering under Pilate, on a cross was crucified. Soldiers mocked hi, friends denied him; he hung there until he died. So it was, our Lord was buried, in a borrowed tomb he lay. To the dead he then descended, where was joy on earth that day? There’s more to God’s great story: In three days he rose again. He ascended into heaven and he sits at God’s right hand. I believe what God has promised: Christ will come as he has said. He will judge the nations’ peoples, both the living and the dead. I believe God’s Holy Spirit makes the church one family. We’re surrounded by God’s people, saints who in our Lord believe. I believe that God forgives us for the times we turn away, And that God will raise our bodies on that resurrection day. We rejoice that we’ll live forever, singing praise to God’s great name. This the creed of generations is the faith that we proclaim.

Apostles' Creed: God the Father

Today we explore the first article of the Apostles' Creed: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Some are concerned that  the use of the word Father is less inclusive and depicts a stern, sterile relationship. The original word was Abba in Aramaic; which was papa or daddy - signifying deep intimacy and trust. Some also question why an almighty creator would allow the evils that we see in today's world. Another way to frame this question might be why do humans allow the evils to continue? Today's message is from Pastor Tania. Our Gospel comes from Luke, Chapter 12, Verses 22-31, and our scripture reading is Genesis 1, verses 24-27. Contemporary Lutheran Affirmation of Faith: We trust in God, the Creator of all that is, of galaxies and forests, oceans and deserts, creatures and every human being. God speaks life into existence, calls creation good, and remains faithful to the world God has made.We belive that the earth is no ours to possess, but a gift to recieve with gratitude, to share with justice and tend with humility. We trust in Jesus Christ, Godsl living Word among us, born into this world, sharing our joys and suffering. In his life, he proclaimed God's kingdom of mercy. In his death, he entered the depths of human pain. In his resurrection, he opened the way to new life for all creation. Through Christ, we are forgiven, freed from the need to justify ourselves, and called into lives of faith, hope and love.  We trust in the Holy Spirit, present and active in the church and in the world. Gathering people into communities of grace, awakening faith, renewing hears, and equipping us for service. The Spirit moves among all peoples, inspires care for our neighbors, and calls us to seek justice, make peace and protect the flourishing of creation. We trust that God has not abandoned the world, and is even now making all things new. Therefore we live in hope: for the healing of the earth, for reconciliation among people, for the renewal of the church, and for the resurrection life promised in Christ. To God- Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit, be glory now and forever. Amen.

Apostles' Creed: An Introduction

A creed is a formal statement of core beliefs or guiding principles. Often a creed is composed of ‘I Believe’ statements and these statements could and should lead to actions informed by the creed. Living out the actions resulting from the creed tells outside observers who we are. The Apostles’ Creed is neither written in the bible, nor was it written by Apostles. However, it is an encapsulation of the entire bible, and captures the Triune nature of God. There are three articles in the Apostles’ Creed, each starting with an ‘I believe’ statement.   Today’s message is brought to us by Pastor Jason, and the scripture reading comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Chapter 2, verses 5 - 11.  After Jason’s message, Pastor Tania leads the congregation in the Ionian Creed.   Ionian Creed: We believe that God is present in the darkness before the dawn; in the waiting and uncertainty where fear and courage join hands. Conflict and caring link arms, and the sun rises over barbed wire. We believe in a with-us God who sits down in our midst to share our humanity. We affirm a faith that takes us beyond a safe place: into action, into vulnerability and onto the streets. We commit ourselves to work for change and put ourselves on the line; to bear responsibility, take risks, live powerfully and face humiliation; to stand with those on the edge; to choose life and be used by the Spirit for God’s new community of hope. Amen

The Blessing of Hospitallity: The View From Tanzania

Guests are a blessing. Jesus told the Disciples to go out and share the good news, and that they would be showered with hospitality. Hospitality is the process of a stanger taken under protection of the host for a given time during the period of hospitality. The disciples needed hospitality because of the dangers of the world and their vulnerability. Sometimes the roles of those who need welcome and those who offer welcome can change and both parties can do both the welcoming and receiving  welcome. Today's message comes from Pastor Sarah. Our Gospel comes from John  Chapter 10, verses 40-42. Our scripture lesson is Psalm 100.

Race Equity: A Westwood Core Value

The Gospel of John tells us that we are freed by faith alone, and crucified in Christ. However, our culture is trying to remove our remembrances of the sacrifices and the contributions of our non-white brothers and sisters with the intent that we forget. Westwood stands diametrically opposed to this attempt to rewrite history.  Today's message comes from Pastor Jason. Our Gospel comes from John  Chapter 8, verses 31 - 36. Our scripture lesson is from 2 Samuel, Chapter 13, verses 20-22.