Real Good Courage - The Westwood Podcast

Culture of Grace: Our Experience of A Culture of Grace

Culture is made up of things seen and unseen. It is what is obvious, but also that which isn't as obvious, and is sometimes invisible. Culture is made up of both the external markers as well as that which is at the core. While hardship, fear and shame can infuse and inform our culture in negative situations, we can actively build a culture around hope, love and inclusion.

Today's message is brought to us by Pastor Sarah.  Our Gospel lesson is from John Chapter 20, verses 19 - 23.

What's Up With An Earthquake?

Today we hear the resurrection story from Matthew, which is the only Gospel to describe an earthquake when the two Marys went to the tomb. In the recent past, we've experienced our own earthquakes. From school shootings and  killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, to the most recent wars and partisan divides, it can feel like we are under assault.  However the good news of the resurrection is that sin and death do not have the last word. God does and he shares that good news with us. 

Today's message comes to us from Pastor Jason. The Gospel is from Matthew Chapter 28, verses 1 - 10, and the Scripture is from Romans Chapter 6, verses 3 - 5.

Annointing a Reluctant King

Kings are often greeted by pomp and circumstance. However Jesus did not enter jerusalem by the main gate, he came in via backroads sitting on a donkey rather than a war horse humbled, not triumphant. The celebration of kingship is often evinced by an annointing. Messiah translates into Christ in English and contain the idea of being anointed. Even though Jesus anointing , crowning and assuming his throne was different than his followers expected. His anointing gives us the hope that Christ's anointing heals us as a people. Together we follow a God towards love, hope and peace. 

This message is brought to us by Pastor Sarah. The Gospel lesson is from Matthew Chapter 21, Verses 1 - 11. The Scripture lesson comes from Philippians Chapter verses 5 - 11.

Forgiveness: Renew or Release the Relationship

Each instance of forgiveness is different and the difficulty of providing forgiveness varies. Many representations in popular culture make this difficult process too simple, forgiveness is asked, accepted and the relationship restored. Unfortunately, in many cases the process can be overwhelming and isn't easy to bring to conclusion. But it doesn't need to work like these simple examples. Relationships may need distance, or may need to be broken completely. In some instances a new different relationship may develop.

The good news is that forgiveness is between God and God's people - all of us.

Our message today comes from Pastor Sarah. Our Gospel lesson comes from John Chapter 20, verses 19-23,  and our scripture is Jeremiah Chapter 31, verses 31-34

Forgiveness: Granting Forgiveness

When we hear about others who provide forgiveness, it is natural to wonder whether we would be able to grant forgiveness in the same situation. Forgiveness  is a complex and ever changing thing, and can be challenging to define. In this message we hear others definitions for forgiveness that can help us inform how we internalize and think about forgiveness. 

Our message today comes from Pastor Jason. Our Gospel lesson comes from Luke Chapter 4, verses 16-21 and our scripture is from Psalm 142.

Forgiveness: Naming the Hurt

Is is possible to go through life without being hurt? Of course not. We can deny the hurt exists, and push it down deep inside. Naming that hurt is essential to healing and forgiveness. When we hurt, it can feel as thos something is wrong with the world, and also with us. We have the power to name and release the hurt as part of the forgiveness process. 

Our message today comes from Pastor Sarah. Our Gospel lesson comes from John Chapter 13 verses 21-30,  and our lesson comes from Psalm 69.

Forgiveness: Telling the Story

Telling the story is a part of the process of forgiveness, whether that story is of how we were hurt, or how we hurt others. And yet, it may not be quick, as we need time to grieve, process, and recover. A question is who can help by holding our stories? Friends and family members, and even groups can help us heal. god tells us that he will be with us and join us in our story. 

Our message today comes from Pastoral Intern Aaron. Our scripture lessons are from Psalm 130 and Genesis Chapter 37, verses 1-4 and 12-26.

Forgiveness: Introduction

Forgiveness is hard, but important. Jesus teaches that forgiveness is part of our shared humanity. We have the agency to forgive and can choose to be healed. Over the next weeks we will review Bishop Desmond Tutu's views on forgiveness in his book The Book of Forgiving: A Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World.

This message is brought to us by Pastor Jason. Our Gospel comes from John 8, Chapter verses 1 - 11. The Scripture lesson is from Psalm 25, verse 1 - 7 and 16 - 18.