Westhope Upcoming Events
Contemplative Scripture Study
What do you see? What do you hear? What does it stir in you?
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
Social Justice
Co-hosted online by Rev. Erik Swanson and Beth Wylie
1st and 3rd Wednesdays 3PM
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.
Our current areas of focus are supporting our immigrant neighbors, anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ allyship, promoting human rights for Palestinians, and deconstructing Christian nationalism. If you are passionate about these or other topics, please join us – we would love to hear from you.
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. Join us first or third Wednesday afternoons to learn or share about opportunities to get involved…as a community, we CAN make a difference.
Adult Discipleship Group
On Wednesday nights from 6-7pm during Lent we will offer an Adult Discipleship group on Zoom. Rev. Erik will lead us in conversation to explore some of the basics of our faith: What is the Bible?, Who is Jesus?, Who is God?, etc. Each class will also have a prayer practice taught so we can learn how to pray with each.
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.
Contemplative Scripture Study
What do you see? What do you hear? What does it stir in you?
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
Contemplative Scripture Study
What do you see? What do you hear? What does it stir in you?
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
Social Justice
Co-hosted online by Rev. Erik Swanson and Beth Wylie
1st and 3rd Wednesdays 3PM
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.
Our current areas of focus are supporting our immigrant neighbors, anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ allyship, promoting human rights for Palestinians, and deconstructing Christian nationalism. If you are passionate about these or other topics, please join us – we would love to hear from you.
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. Join us first or third Wednesday afternoons to learn or share about opportunities to get involved…as a community, we CAN make a difference.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EASTER SUNDAY Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope
Easter Potluck Luncheon Celebration
Welcome!
We will gather after Easter service to celebrate with a potluck lunch. If able, bring a dish to share!
Easter Service 10AM
Potlunch Luncheon Celebration 11:30AM
Page Turners Book Club: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
What do you see? What do you hear? What does it stir in you?
Spring Spruce 2026
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!
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.
Adult Discipleship Group
On Wednesday nights from 6-7pm during Lent we will offer an Adult Discipleship group on Zoom. Rev. Erik will lead us in conversation to explore some of the basics of our faith: What is the Bible?, Who is Jesus?, Who is God?, etc. Each class will also have a prayer practice taught so we can learn how to pray with each.
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
Candlelight Taizé Service
Taizé is a simple and beautiful meditative candlelight service of sung prayers, scripture, and silence.
Contemplative Scripture Study
What do you see? What do you hear? What does it stir in you?
Adult Discipleship Group
On Wednesday nights from 6-7pm during Lent we will offer an Adult Discipleship group on Zoom. Rev. Erik will lead us in conversation to explore some of the basics of our faith: What is the Bible?, Who is Jesus?, Who is God?, etc. Each class will also have a prayer practice taught so we can learn how to pray with each.
Social Justice
Co-hosted online by Rev. Erik Swanson and Beth Wylie
1st and 3rd Wednesdays 3PM
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.
Our current areas of focus are supporting our immigrant neighbors, anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ allyship, promoting human rights for Palestinians, and deconstructing Christian nationalism. If you are passionate about these or other topics, please join us – we would love to hear from you.
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. Join us first or third Wednesday afternoons to learn or share about opportunities to get involved…as a community, we CAN make a difference.
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
Contemplative Scripture Study
What do you see? What do you hear? What does it stir in you?
Fireside Chat with Sami Awad - Christian from Bethlehem
What do you see? What do you hear? What does it stir in you?
Gospel Choir Reception
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
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.
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
Contemplative Scripture Study
What do you see? What do you hear? What does it stir in you?
Ash Wednesday Soup Dinner and Ritual & Service
6pm Soup Supper
7pm Ritual service with the imposition of ashes.
This evening will be an in person gathering. We will begin the evening with a shared soup dinner in the Social Hall. Come for dinner or just the service...just come! New people are always welcome. The service will be hybrid via Zoom per the link below.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Lenten Season. We put ashes on our foreheads to remember the transience and preciousness of life.
Tonight we practice burning away and releasing that which gets in our way, so that we can find the connection with the holy ever more deeply. This service of ritual invites us to awaken once more to the presence of the holy in our midst, and how we are called into partnership and connection with God.
We hope that you will consider joining us as we enter this wilderness time, stepping together over the threshold into the holy season on Lent.
If needed, Meeting ID: 881 9945 5078, Passcode: 445386
Social Justice
Co-hosted online by Rev. Erik Swanson and Beth Wylie
1st and 3rd Wednesdays 3PM
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.
Our current areas of focus are supporting our immigrant neighbors, anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ allyship, promoting human rights for Palestinians, and deconstructing Christian nationalism. If you are passionate about these or other topics, please join us – we would love to hear from you.
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. Join us first or third Wednesday afternoons to learn or share about opportunities to get involved…as a community, we CAN make a difference.
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
Contemplative Scripture Study
What do you see? What do you hear? What does it stir in you?
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.
Grace Episcopal Church hosts Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul: A Full Day Retreat with John Philip Newell & Cami Twilling
What do you see? What do you hear? What does it stir in you?
