UPCOMING WESTHOPE EVENTS

May Day Strong Orientation
Apr
29

May Day Strong Orientation

TUESDAY APRIL 29 1 to 2pm

MAY DAY STRONG ORIENTATION with WESTHOPE’S JUSTICE CAFE

This orientation is to provide information, coordinate our efforts as a SURJ contingent and answer your questions. We hope to see you!


Thursday, May 1 MAY DAY SAN JOSE RALLY
MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION LINK

In Partnership with
SURJ and May Day Strong , Westhope’s Justice Cafe invites you to attend May Day San Jose as a coordinated group with an online orientation and support before, during and after the event. Together we are safer, more powerful, and have a lot more fun while standing up for working people, immigrants, and what’s right.

View Event →
May Day Strong
May
1

May Day Strong

MAY DAY STRONG

ATTEND SAN JOSE MAY DAY RALLY with SURJ and WESTHOPE

Thursday, May 1 MAY DAY SAN JOSE RALLY
MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION LINK

In Partnership with
SURJ and May Day Strong , Westhope’s Justice Cafe invites you to attend May Day San Jose as a coordinated group with an online orientation and support before, during and after the event. Together we are safer, more powerful, and have a lot more fun while standing up for working people, immigrants, and what’s right.

View Event →
Book Club: John Lewis - A Life by David Greenberg
May
7

Book Club: John Lewis - A Life by David Greenberg

PLEASE NOTE: On March 5, we will be discussing chapters 1-7

Explore John Lewis, A Life, a comprehensive and compelling biography of civil rights leader John Lewis, celebrated as “the conscience of Congress,” through a narrative that weaves together exclusive interviews, never-before-seen FBI files, and documents, offering profound insights into his significant role in American history and the civil rights movement.

We hope you will consider joining us for this relevant conversation even if you don't have a chance to read the book. Please note: our book choices are also available in audio format.

1st Wednesday of the Month • Online

 
 
View Event →
Justice Cafe
May
7

Justice Cafe

Co-hosted online by Rev. Erik Swanson and Beth Wylie

Co-hosted online by Rev. Erik Swanson & Beth Wylie
First and Third Wednesday Afternoons 3PM

Our current areas of focus are supporting our immigrant neighbors, LGBTQIA+ allyship, fighting Christian nationalism and promoting human rights for Palestinians. If you are passionate about these or topics, drop in to Justice Cafe – we would love to hear from you.

As People of Hope we strive to walk beside those most impacted by injustice…the immigrant and refugee, our LGBTQIA+ siblings, people of color, the unhoused, the creatures of the Earth…to name just a few.

Together, we are better able to face the suffering of the world in love and to have a greater impact with more joy as we work for justice. Learn or share about opportunities to get involved…as a community we can make a difference.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday April 29 1pm Online preparation for attending May Day Strong event on May 1

This hour is dedicated to providing information and training in preparation for attendance at the May Day Strong events on Thursday, May 1 (see below). Come and learn about how to stay safe at a protest, increasing our impact with a united message, what to bring or not bring, coordinate carpools, and more. Bring your questions and bring a friend!

Thursday May 1 May Day Strong has put out a nationwide call for  events in support of labor and immigrant rights. In response, Westhope’s Justice Cafe will be partnering with SURJ  to organize and support a community group to attend the San Jose May Day rally, march and cultural celebration. 

145pm Pre-Rally Meetup (Exact location TBD)
230pm Rally at Story & King
4pm March to City Hall (approximately 75 minutes of walking)
5pm+ Cultural Performances and more at City Hall

Register here
https://actionnetwork.org/events/san-jose-may-day

Please RSVP to Beth to get included in support communications from Justice Cafe for this event.

Wednesday May 7 Justice Cafe 3pm

Saturday May 17 An Evening with Vote Common Good Learn More
5 to 7pm Giving PEOPLE of FAITH an ALTERNATIVE to MAGA CHRISTIANITY & POLITICS
7 to 9pm Doors Open 630pm We the People Ride for Common Good Immigration & Border Practices Documentary & Discussion

Wednesday May 21 Justice Cafe 3pm

Thursday May 29 No Other Land Oscar Award Winning Documentary with Discussion
Learn more and register


FREE WEBINARS

April 8 to 29 Tuesdays 4pm Roadmap to Ruin: How the Church Can Resist the Dismantling of Democracy From Jemar Tisby, PhD

View Event →
Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar
May
8

Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar

ARE YOU…

  • Spiritual but not religious?

  • Religious but not quite finding what you are looking for?

  • Frustrated, but not quite sure where to look for answers?

  • Feeling stuck, and not quite sure how to get unstuck?

  • Coming to a crossroads in life, and struggling to decide which path to take?

  • Seeking a community without religious dogma and without the pressure to conform at the expense of your individual autonomy?

  • Looking to connect with your deeper sense of meaning and purpose?


JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CONVERSATION AND EXPLORATION

MEET OTHERS WITH MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF THROUGH DISCUSSION AND INTERACTION.

WITH A LITTLE LUCK AND INTENTION,
MAYBE EVEN GET A LITTLE CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR PURPOSE.

SPIRITUAL STEW
Hosted by Eric Dittmar
Meets Twice Monthly 7 to 9PM
Fall Schedule:
 9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5


WHO WE ARE:
A BUDDING COMMUNITY OF SEEKERS

  • We are looking for community, connection, and wisdom in an era defined by distraction and separation.

  • We are open to the possibility deep truths exist, but instinctively resist the shallow spirituality typically offered by religious institutions.

  • We don’t like being told what to believe or how to behave, and commit to not imposing our beliefs and expectations on others.

  • Our preference would be to identify tools that help us find the answers we seek for ourselves, but do so in a community of fellow seekers.

  • Our group is explicitly irreligious, though we welcome the religious and irreligious alike.

  • All are welcome who support and honor our commitment
    not to impose beliefs on others.



View Event →
An evening with Vote Common Good: Giving people of FAITH an ALTERNATIVE to MAGA CHRISTIANITY and POLITICS
May
17

An evening with Vote Common Good: Giving people of FAITH an ALTERNATIVE to MAGA CHRISTIANITY and POLITICS

Westhope's Justice Cafe Presents:

an evening with Vote Common Good
Giving people of FAITH an ALTERNATIVE to MAGA CHRISTIANITY and POLITICS

5pm to 7pm
This event is free and will be in the Social Hall.
Hearty appetizers and drinks will be provided.

Whether you are new to Vote Common Good or an old friend, come out for an evening of information, connection, and inspiration. Executive Director Doug Pagitt, Creative Director Tim Gilman and Westhope Elder Beth Wylie will introduce the mission and work of Vote Common Good and what lies ahead in 2025 and 2026.

Vote Common Good calls all faith based voters to oppose policies and approaches of division, racism, selfishness, cruelty, and exclusion. We believe that a new religious imagination will change America for the common good.

View Event →
An evening with Vote Common Good: We the People Ride Documentary & Discussion
May
17

An evening with Vote Common Good: We the People Ride Documentary & Discussion

Westhope's Justice Cafe Presents

an evening with Vote Common Good
WE THE PEOPLE RIDE Documentary and Discussion

Doors Open 630pm | Film Start 7pm
This event will be in the Sanctuary

The We The People Ride for Common Good Immigration and Border Practices is a cross-country story-telling effort.

As we biked across the United States along the US/Mexico border, we heard the stories of the people who live on the border, those who work along the border, and those who know the best way forward for our immigration and border practices.

We have heard incredible stories, and now it is time to share them with the world.

View Event →
Justice Cafe
May
21

Justice Cafe

Co-hosted online by Rev. Erik Swanson and Beth Wylie

Co-hosted online by Rev. Erik Swanson & Beth Wylie
First and Third Wednesday Afternoons 3PM

Our current areas of focus are supporting our immigrant neighbors, LGBTQIA+ allyship, fighting Christian nationalism and promoting human rights for Palestinians. If you are passionate about these or topics, drop in to Justice Cafe – we would love to hear from you.

As People of Hope we strive to walk beside those most impacted by injustice…the immigrant and refugee, our LGBTQIA+ siblings, people of color, the unhoused, the creatures of the Earth…to name just a few.

Together, we are better able to face the suffering of the world in love and to have a greater impact with more joy as we work for justice. Learn or share about opportunities to get involved…as a community we can make a difference.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday April 29 1pm Online preparation for attending May Day Strong event on May 1

This hour is dedicated to providing information and training in preparation for attendance at the May Day Strong events on Thursday, May 1 (see below). Come and learn about how to stay safe at a protest, increasing our impact with a united message, what to bring or not bring, coordinate carpools, and more. Bring your questions and bring a friend!

Thursday May 1 May Day Strong has put out a national call for nationwide events in support of labor and immigrant rights. Westhope’s Justice Cafe will be partnering with SURJ  to organize and support a faith-based community group to attend the San Jose May Day rally and march. 

145pm Pre-Rally Meetup (Exact location TBD)
230pm Rally at Story & King
4pm March to City Hall (approximately 75 minutes of walking)
5pm+ Cultural Performances and more at City Hall

Register here
https://actionnetwork.org/events/san-jose-may-day

Please RSVP to Beth to get included in support communications from Justice Cafe for this event.

Wednesday May 7 Justice Cafe 3pm

Saturday May 17 An Evening with Vote Common Good Learn More
5 to 7pm Giving PEOPLE of FAITH an ALTERNATIVE to MAGA CHRISTIANITY & POLITICS
7 to 9pm Doors Open 630pm We the People Ride for Common Good Immigration & Border Practices Documentary & Discussion

Wednesday May 21 Justice Cafe 3pm

Thursday May 29 No Other Land Oscar Award Winning Documentary with Discussion
Learn more and register


FREE WEBINARS

April 8 to 29 Tuesdays 4pm Roadmap to Ruin: How the Church Can Resist the Dismantling of Democracy From Jemar Tisby, PhD

View Event →
Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar
May
22

Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar

ARE YOU…

  • Spiritual but not religious?

  • Religious but not quite finding what you are looking for?

  • Frustrated, but not quite sure where to look for answers?

  • Feeling stuck, and not quite sure how to get unstuck?

  • Coming to a crossroads in life, and struggling to decide which path to take?

  • Seeking a community without religious dogma and without the pressure to conform at the expense of your individual autonomy?

  • Looking to connect with your deeper sense of meaning and purpose?


JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CONVERSATION AND EXPLORATION

MEET OTHERS WITH MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF THROUGH DISCUSSION AND INTERACTION.

WITH A LITTLE LUCK AND INTENTION,
MAYBE EVEN GET A LITTLE CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR PURPOSE.

SPIRITUAL STEW
Hosted by Eric Dittmar
Meets Twice Monthly 7 to 9PM
Fall Schedule:
 9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5


WHO WE ARE:
A BUDDING COMMUNITY OF SEEKERS

  • We are looking for community, connection, and wisdom in an era defined by distraction and separation.

  • We are open to the possibility deep truths exist, but instinctively resist the shallow spirituality typically offered by religious institutions.

  • We don’t like being told what to believe or how to behave, and commit to not imposing our beliefs and expectations on others.

  • Our preference would be to identify tools that help us find the answers we seek for ourselves, but do so in a community of fellow seekers.

  • Our group is explicitly irreligious, though we welcome the religious and irreligious alike.

  • All are welcome who support and honor our commitment
    not to impose beliefs on others.



View Event →
Grateful Gatherings
May
25

Grateful Gatherings

Join others to explore the transformative possibilities of grateful living, and discover greater meaning, purpose, and joy in your life. Grateful Gatherings take place every month both online and in homes and communities around the globe. 

View Event →
Grateful Gatherings
Jun
22

Grateful Gatherings

Join others to explore the transformative possibilities of grateful living, and discover greater meaning, purpose, and joy in your life. Grateful Gatherings take place every month both online and in homes and communities around the globe. 

View Event →

Grateful Gatherings
Apr
27

Grateful Gatherings

Join others to explore the transformative possibilities of grateful living, and discover greater meaning, purpose, and joy in your life. Grateful Gatherings take place every month both online and in homes and communities around the globe. 

View Event →
Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar
Apr
24

Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar

ARE YOU…

  • Spiritual but not religious?

  • Religious but not quite finding what you are looking for?

  • Frustrated, but not quite sure where to look for answers?

  • Feeling stuck, and not quite sure how to get unstuck?

  • Coming to a crossroads in life, and struggling to decide which path to take?

  • Seeking a community without religious dogma and without the pressure to conform at the expense of your individual autonomy?

  • Looking to connect with your deeper sense of meaning and purpose?


JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CONVERSATION AND EXPLORATION

MEET OTHERS WITH MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF THROUGH DISCUSSION AND INTERACTION.

WITH A LITTLE LUCK AND INTENTION,
MAYBE EVEN GET A LITTLE CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR PURPOSE.

SPIRITUAL STEW
Hosted by Eric Dittmar
Meets Twice Monthly 7 to 9PM
Fall Schedule:
 9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5


WHO WE ARE:
A BUDDING COMMUNITY OF SEEKERS

  • We are looking for community, connection, and wisdom in an era defined by distraction and separation.

  • We are open to the possibility deep truths exist, but instinctively resist the shallow spirituality typically offered by religious institutions.

  • We don’t like being told what to believe or how to behave, and commit to not imposing our beliefs and expectations on others.

  • Our preference would be to identify tools that help us find the answers we seek for ourselves, but do so in a community of fellow seekers.

  • Our group is explicitly irreligious, though we welcome the religious and irreligious alike.

  • All are welcome who support and honor our commitment
    not to impose beliefs on others.



View Event →
Easter Sunday Service & Potluck Luncheon Celebration
Apr
20

Easter Sunday Service & Potluck Luncheon Celebration

WELCOME TO WESTHOPE

We celebrate the resurrection as one body

We make new our covenant of faith together

We listen for God’s word

We proclaim with joy once more Christ is risen!


We will gather after service to celebrate Easter with a potluck luncheon…bring a dish to share!

SERVICE OF CELEBRATION 10am
POTLUCK LUNCHEON 1130am
ALL ARE WELCOME

IN PERSON and ONLINE

Join us as we gather in sacred community

to LISTEN. to SPEAK. to ENGAGE.

Your voice matters. Your presence matters. Your healing matters.

View Event →
Holy Saturday
Apr
19

Holy Saturday

Ambiguity. Mystery. The unknown.

The third night and Easter Sunday begin with the lighting of the vigil fire.

Waiting, watching, we remember God’s presence and power through time.

In person at Westhope and online.

View Event →
Good Friday: Tenebrae
Apr
18

Good Friday: Tenebrae

Can I take this weight from my shoulders Lord and leave it here at the foot of the cross?

We move further towards the resurrection as we face into our shadows in this tenebrae service of candlelight and darkness.

We light the second fire and give over what is ready to be let go.

We rejoice. We remember. We release.

In person at Westhope and online.

View Event →
Maundy Thursday
Apr
17

Maundy Thursday

Gather with us to cross the threshold into Easter. We light the new fire at sunset on this last day of the Lenten season. We gather for foot washing as a reminder that love is enacted by serving one another.

Whether you join us in person or on line, may you find a way to experience the embodiment of giving and receiving. Together we remember the commandment (Mandatum) that Jesus gave his disciples…to love.

May we be blessed as we gather to enter the Triduum experience together. 

In person at Westhope and online.

View Event →
Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar
Apr
10

Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar

ARE YOU…

  • Spiritual but not religious?

  • Religious but not quite finding what you are looking for?

  • Frustrated, but not quite sure where to look for answers?

  • Feeling stuck, and not quite sure how to get unstuck?

  • Coming to a crossroads in life, and struggling to decide which path to take?

  • Seeking a community without religious dogma and without the pressure to conform at the expense of your individual autonomy?

  • Looking to connect with your deeper sense of meaning and purpose?


JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CONVERSATION AND EXPLORATION

MEET OTHERS WITH MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF THROUGH DISCUSSION AND INTERACTION.

WITH A LITTLE LUCK AND INTENTION,
MAYBE EVEN GET A LITTLE CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR PURPOSE.

SPIRITUAL STEW
Hosted by Eric Dittmar
Meets Twice Monthly 7 to 9PM
Fall Schedule:
 9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5


WHO WE ARE:
A BUDDING COMMUNITY OF SEEKERS

  • We are looking for community, connection, and wisdom in an era defined by distraction and separation.

  • We are open to the possibility deep truths exist, but instinctively resist the shallow spirituality typically offered by religious institutions.

  • We don’t like being told what to believe or how to behave, and commit to not imposing our beliefs and expectations on others.

  • Our preference would be to identify tools that help us find the answers we seek for ourselves, but do so in a community of fellow seekers.

  • Our group is explicitly irreligious, though we welcome the religious and irreligious alike.

  • All are welcome who support and honor our commitment
    not to impose beliefs on others.



View Event →
Spring Spruce 2025
Apr
5

Spring Spruce 2025

Grab a hammer, grab a broom, grab a cup of coffee and join in the fun for the return of the Westhope Spring Spruce!

Our Spring and Fall work days have become a community favorite. There is something for everyone – gardening, painting, cleanup, fixing, trimming, oiling, changing bulbs – we need your talents.

Coming in March: Project List

Will there be tasty snacks? Yes.
Do I need any special skills to help out? Nope.
What if I want to use tools and fix things? Okeydoke.
Can I do this contemplatively? Uh…we think you can, this is Westhope after all!
Can I socialize while I’m sprucing up the place? Definitely!

Easy jobs for all helpers. Wear work clothes. Bring gloves if you have them. Everyone welcome!

View Event →
Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar
Apr
3

Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar

ARE YOU…

  • Spiritual but not religious?

  • Religious but not quite finding what you are looking for?

  • Frustrated, but not quite sure where to look for answers?

  • Feeling stuck, and not quite sure how to get unstuck?

  • Coming to a crossroads in life, and struggling to decide which path to take?

  • Seeking a community without religious dogma and without the pressure to conform at the expense of your individual autonomy?

  • Looking to connect with your deeper sense of meaning and purpose?


JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CONVERSATION AND EXPLORATION

MEET OTHERS WITH MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF THROUGH DISCUSSION AND INTERACTION.

WITH A LITTLE LUCK AND INTENTION,
MAYBE EVEN GET A LITTLE CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR PURPOSE.

SPIRITUAL STEW
Hosted by Eric Dittmar
Meets Twice Monthly 7 to 9PM
Fall Schedule:
 9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5


WHO WE ARE:
A BUDDING COMMUNITY OF SEEKERS

  • We are looking for community, connection, and wisdom in an era defined by distraction and separation.

  • We are open to the possibility deep truths exist, but instinctively resist the shallow spirituality typically offered by religious institutions.

  • We don’t like being told what to believe or how to behave, and commit to not imposing our beliefs and expectations on others.

  • Our preference would be to identify tools that help us find the answers we seek for ourselves, but do so in a community of fellow seekers.

  • Our group is explicitly irreligious, though we welcome the religious and irreligious alike.

  • All are welcome who support and honor our commitment
    not to impose beliefs on others.



View Event →
Book Club: John Lewis - A Life by David Greenberg
Apr
2

Book Club: John Lewis - A Life by David Greenberg

PLEASE NOTE: On March 5, we will be discussing chapters 1-7

Explore John Lewis, A Life, a comprehensive and compelling biography of civil rights leader John Lewis, celebrated as “the conscience of Congress,” through a narrative that weaves together exclusive interviews, never-before-seen FBI files, and documents, offering profound insights into his significant role in American history and the civil rights movement.

We hope you will consider joining us for this relevant conversation even if you don't have a chance to read the book. Please note: our book choices are also available in audio format.

This session will cover chapters 17 (ACTION) up to Chapter 22 (Ambitions), pages 325-439.

1st Wednesday of the Month • Online

 
 
View Event →
Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar
Mar
27

Spiritual Stew: Community Event Hosted by Eric Dittmar

ARE YOU…

  • Spiritual but not religious?

  • Religious but not quite finding what you are looking for?

  • Frustrated, but not quite sure where to look for answers?

  • Feeling stuck, and not quite sure how to get unstuck?

  • Coming to a crossroads in life, and struggling to decide which path to take?

  • Seeking a community without religious dogma and without the pressure to conform at the expense of your individual autonomy?

  • Looking to connect with your deeper sense of meaning and purpose?


JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CONVERSATION AND EXPLORATION

MEET OTHERS WITH MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF THROUGH DISCUSSION AND INTERACTION.

WITH A LITTLE LUCK AND INTENTION,
MAYBE EVEN GET A LITTLE CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR PURPOSE.

SPIRITUAL STEW
Hosted by Eric Dittmar
Meets Twice Monthly 7 to 9PM
Fall Schedule:
 9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5


WHO WE ARE:
A BUDDING COMMUNITY OF SEEKERS

  • We are looking for community, connection, and wisdom in an era defined by distraction and separation.

  • We are open to the possibility deep truths exist, but instinctively resist the shallow spirituality typically offered by religious institutions.

  • We don’t like being told what to believe or how to behave, and commit to not imposing our beliefs and expectations on others.

  • Our preference would be to identify tools that help us find the answers we seek for ourselves, but do so in a community of fellow seekers.

  • Our group is explicitly irreligious, though we welcome the religious and irreligious alike.

  • All are welcome who support and honor our commitment
    not to impose beliefs on others.



View Event →