Real Good Courage - The Westwood Podcast

A Different Kind of Evangelical

Through Jesus, we can have a quality of life that’s hopeful, gentle, and generous. When we share this with others, it doesn’t look like dragging people into church. Instead, you are invited to join God’s dream out in the big wide world and share love wherever you are.

This message is delivered by Pastor Sarah Scherschligt on April 07, 2024

The Lesson is Philippians Chapter 4, Verses 4-9, and the Gospel is from John, Chapter 20, Verses 30-31.

The Power of Presence

We are all aware of the Power of Presence of others in the joys and sorrows of our life.  The Good News of Easter is that the absence in the tomb pointed to the Presence of the Risen Christ then and now.  This news is what transformed the women and for those who experience the Good News to have a presence in all the areas of our life to witness to the hope of the resurrection.

This message is presented by Pastor Jason on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.

Our Gospel is Mark Chapter 16, Verses 1-8

Humility in All Things, Including Faith

Even though the gospel doesn’t change, the way that faith traditions interpret and apply the gospel does. The ecological crisis has caused many people to rethink deeply held beliefs about the centrality of humans in relation to the rest of creation. In Philippians we see what it means that Jesus was in the image of God. He didn’t dominate, instead he became humble. It’s an invitation for us to be humble, to allow for change, and to follow Jesus to the cross.

This message is from Pastor Sarah Scherschligt on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024.

The lesson comes from Philippians 2, Verses 5-11 and the Gospel, Matthew Chapter 21, Verses 1-11

 

Groans and Sighs

Paul tells us that both creation and humanity groan, and that the Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. Today, we examine the implications of our scripture lessons for the characteristics of a faith community that faithfully engages the environmental challenges we face.

The Lesson is from Romans Chapter 8, Verses 22-26, and the Gospel reading is from John Chapter 12, Verses 20-32.

Matter Matters

John 3:16 is a very familiar verse that tells us that whoever believes in Jesus shall have eternal life. This is often interpreted in a way that excludes others sometimes called “non-believers”.  In fact, this verse is Good News, in that it isn't exclusionary at all! God loves the WHOLE world, and every person, creature and creation in it. 

Pastor Tania Haber delivers the message March 10, 2024

The Gospel is from John, Chapter 3, verses 11 - 17

Eco-what? The connection between ecology, economy and the household of God.

“Eco” (Greek: oikos) means household. When talking about ecology, we also have to address our economy. Pastor Sarah shares how Jesus critiqued the marketplace of his time, inviting disciples (including us!) to trust that through him, God would make a renewed oikos where all of creation is at home.

This message comes from Pastor Sarah Scherschligt on March 3, 2024

The Gospel reading is from John, Chapter 2, verses 13 - 22

Discipleship in Times of Uncertainty

Climate change has resulted in huge uncertainty for all,
maybe most of all the younger generations. What is the
orientation that the faith community is called to in light of
this uncertainty?

Our message is from Pastor Jason during the February 25, 2024 service. 

The message is Mark 8:31-37

Into the Wilderness

Today’s eco-challenges are creating a new wilderness.  Climate change, species loss and pollution are new elements of wilderness. What can we learn from Noah and Jesus and how they approached their wilderness and what does it mean for us today?

Our message is from Pastor Sarah Scherschligt, and comes from worship on February 18, 2024.

The bible verse for inspiration comes from Matthew 4.