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LENT 2025: Woven in a Culture of Grace
We are woven, by faith, to the character of God who loves, forgives, redeems, and calls us in Jesus. We are woven with other gifted and broken people too. Woven together, we form a culture of grace, where we can embrace our humanity; tend to relationships; be healed; trust in a future with hope; and be constantly surprised by the power of Jesus’ love.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP​
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​You are invited to Westwood for Sunday worship at 9 am, 11 am, or via livestream. Each Sunday during Lent, we focus on the scriptures and stories below. We hope you join us to learn and to feel what it means to be "Woven in a Culture of Grace."
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​March 9:
Embrace Humanity - Luke 4:1-13
The devil tempts Jesus to avoid the hard journey of being human. Jesus says no and stays faithful.
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March 16:
Care for Relationships - Luke 13:31-35
Jesus is warned to flee but is determined to stay and “finish his work.” Jesus moves towards humanity…for the sake of humanity.
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March 23:
Be Healed - Luke 13:6-17
The Gospel begins with the expectation of “bearing good fruit.” This can make you think, “Ugh! We all need to try harder.” That is not the message of this text. Healing comes through God’s attention, not our effort.
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March 30:
Trust in a Future with Hope - Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
The challenge in the parable of the prodigal son is that both sons define their relationships in the past. The father rejoices in the opportunity for a future. Shame focuses only on the past. Grace sees the present with the promise of a future.
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April 6:
Be Surprised by Jesus - John 12:1-8
Mary anoints Jesus which is both an acknowledgement of his kingship and his impending death. A story of love.​​​​
​WESTWOOD U ​
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Westwood U occurs each Sunday between services at 10:05 am. Join others in the Westwood Room during Lent where we focus on Biblical learning related to the Gospels. Each week, there is a 30-minute video by Prof. Craig Koester, formerly of Luther Seminary, followed by a short discussion. Please note, these are in-person events during Lent.
Come and join us for these six sessions as we look at how Lutherans understand the Gospels.
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Weekly Topic:
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March 2: Gospel of Mark
March 9: Gospel of Mark (continued)
March 16: Gospel of Matthew
March 23: Gospel of Luke
March 30: Gospel of John
April 6: Gospel of John (continued)
April 13 (Palm Sunday): G. Phillip Shoultz III will present on the musical works and historical context of Mozart's Requiem that will be performed.​
​WEDNESDAY EVENING:
WORSHIP & PROGRAMS​
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All are welcomed and invited to gather for Westwood's weekly Community Meal from 5-6:30 pm in Good Shepherd Hall. After dinner, please join us for Westwood's Mid-Week Lenten Worship.
Wednesday worship includes unique content for Lent woven into worship with time to pause and reflect during this season, including interview sermons. Worship begins at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary and includes a livestream option during Lent.
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Wednesday evening programs include:
5-6:30 pm Community Meal
5:15-6 pm Cantemus rehearsal (6th-12th Grade singers)
5:45 pm Faithful Families, Westwood Room
6:30 pm Wednesday Evening Lenten Worship
6:30 pm 6th Grade Pre-Confirmation
6:30 pm Confirmation Parent/Student Learning (P/SL)
6:30 pm LAB (Confirmation students not in P/SL)
7:00 pm Worship Team musicians rehearsal
7:15 pm A Cappella Choir rehearsal (adult singers)
7:15 pm Young Adult Bible Study, Fireside Room
7:30 pm Youtherans (9th-12th Grade)​
HOLY WEEK & EASTER WORSHIP
Sunday, April 13:
Palm Sunday, 9 am* & 11 am*
Thursday, April 17:
Maundy Thursday, 6:30 pm (Good Shepherd Hall)
Friday, April 18:
Good Friday, 12 pm, 5:30 pm (Family Worship), & 7 pm*
Sunday, April 20:
Easter Sunday, 8:30 am, 9:45 am*, 11 am*
*Livestream Worship