Westhope – My Church Home

Pam Nomura
Congregation Member

Westhope has been my home church for over 12 years. The contemplative style of worship and the thought-provoking messages have been very nurturing for my soul. Though we are a small congregation, there is much warmth and depth to our conversations. Everyone is welcome and we are each encouraged to engage fully with our own spiritual journey, then to respond with love and justice toward others.

Pastor Erik prompts us to be still, listen and follow our hearts. He is also very open to helping us try new things. Someone started a wonderful Antiracism book group and, after five years, my identity as an American and as an Asian have both been deeply affected. Another person is very passionate about the Palestinian people and, through speakers and movies, we have all gained deep insights into the oppression they face. Someone else has started a monthly “Grateful Gatherings” group to share this rich practice with us.

In addition to church gatherings, I have found much joy and peace tending to the church’s surrounding grounds. We are blessed with a large property with a lot of open space. We have intentionally left it as a more natural landscape. We have a labyrinth for walking and meditating, as well as a wildflower garden, which is particularly beautiful in the springtime. It can be a bit overwhelming to tend to the wildness of this garden, but we see it as a gift that is enjoyed by many people in our surrounding community.

Westhope has been a place for me to meet many wonderful people and to get involved in serving others. I encourage you to check it out!