CONTEMPLATIVE CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
WHAT TO EXPECT ON SUNDAYS
A warm welcome! We won’t crowd you, but we are glad you are here and you are welcome.
Our Service of Prayer and Presence emphasizes a contemplative approach of prayer and reflection. If this is new, let our congregation carry you so you can be present to it all. This approach is intentionally created to be a vessel to hold sacred space and open you to the Divine.
We value authenticity and unconditional belonging. Come as you are, because the Holy waits and longs for us all, just as we are.
Recent sermons are available to watch here or read the sermon blog here.
CONTEMPLATIVE SERVICE OF PRAYER & PRESENCE
Join us online or in person
Sundays 10am-11:15am
MEDITATIVE PRAYER
Online Only
Mon thru Thur 9 am
Scripture. Chant. Silence
30 Minutes
TAIZÉ SERVICE
In Person and Online
2nd Tuesday 7 pm
Sung Prayers. Candles. Quiet.
Learn more about our TAIZÉ service
ELEMENTS OF THE SERVICE
A welcome and announcements as we set our intention for the time.
A gathering ritual (word or song).
A sung prayer that is repeated multiple times for contemplation.
A time to learn and practice a traditional form of prayer and reflection with God.
A reading from the Hebrew scriptures (except for Communion Sundays).
A reading from the Christian scriptures, often as text for the day’s sermon.
The sermon and congregational response. We ask for people’s comments, questions and thoughts on the message, yes yours!
Prayers of our community. Closing song.
Charge and Benediction.
Each service is followed by refreshments and fellowship in our social hall. Spiritual Formation Classes are offered 11:45 AM to 1PM. Please See Events.
Wear what feels good for you, come as you are… babies and children are welcome!
Our services typically last about one hour and fifteen minutes.
The first Sunday of each month we celebrate Communion; we invite you to bring pantry goods (soup!) to share with families at Anderson School, and fresh produce to share with our LGBTQ+ neighbors in transitional housing.
FAQs about Worshiping at Westhope
What time is the Sunday worship service?
Weekly worship is from 10am to 11:15am on Sundays.
Where is Westhope located?
Westhope at 12850 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070. The parking lot entrance is about ¼ mile north of Cox Avenue, just past Prince of Peace. There is ample parking.
What should I wear, and what should I bring?
You can “wear what feels good” and “come as you are.” There is no need to bring anything. There are Bibles and Hymnals provided. In fact, even well behaved dogs join us!
How do I participate if I can't attend in person?
Westhope has a substantial online component: Sunday worship is hybrid, Taizé is available online, and Meditative Prayer is online Monday–Thursday.
Links to these are provided on our website and in the online Calendar. Online participants are considered part of the community and welcomed to participate during the services.
What is Westhope like on a typical Sunday?
Our Christian Contemplative Worship service of Prayer and Presence is a worship that includes silence, contemplation, sung prayer, Scripture, sermon, communal response.
What is Christian Contemplative Worship? What should I expect?
People don't need to know special prayers or practices. You can simply participate at whatever level feels comfortable. If this style of worship is new to you, let our congregation carry you. You needn’t feel any need to share anything or introduce yourself but expect a warm welcome from our pastor and members of our community.
When is communion served?
Communion is served the first Sunday of each month.
Do I have to be Christian to attend Westhope?
Westhope welcomes “people of all faiths or no faith” and encourages questioning minds. You don't have to believe a particular set of things to attend our services.
Is Westhope LGBTQ+ affirming?
Westhope embraces people of every gender identity, sexual orientation, and status.
What is the Taizé Service?
Taizé is a simple and beautiful meditative candlelight service of sung prayers, scripture, and silence. Learn more here.