Real Good Courage - The Westwood Podcast

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

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.

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.

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 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.

 

On the mount, Jesus said to all of us: "Get Up! Do not be afraid!" Transfiguration is change and we are called to change - there is work to be done. Where you are, there are you called; to step up and lead.

This message is brought to us by Pastor Tania. Our gospel is from Matthew Chapter 17, verses 1-9. 

Jesus tells us to let our light shine so that others can see our good works. Yet how much light can a single candle put out? Quite a bit in the dark of night or the dark of circumstance. Each of us can have an unforeseeable impact when we allow our light to shine forth, and from those small rays of light, big things can result.

This message comes from Pastor Jason. Our Gospel is from Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 13 - 20. 

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is well known for the passage known as the Beatitudes. The danger of this message is the risk of further separation between those on the margins and others. Sometimes we can wonder who is blessed and who is cursed; which of these am I.

Today's message is brought to us by Pastor Sarah. Our Old Testament lesson comes from Micah, Chapter 6, verses 6 - 8. The Gospel lesson is from Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 1 -12.