GRACE & VOCATION
The Good News is real, and it matters. That's what grace and vocation are all about.
God's grace extends to everyone. That is why we confidently say, "All are welcome!" Jesus repeatedly demonstrated this abundant welcome again and again…even in a divided world.
At Westwood, we believe we are claimed in baptism and called to be God's hands and feet in all the spaces of our lives. Because of this, we continue the journey of vocation in a culture of grace to discover how our faith shows up in our lives.
What does it mean to be claimed and called?
In Holy Baptism we confess that we have been claimed and named as a child of God. In addition, we have been called in all aspects of our life to be God’s hands and feet. In our roles in our work/retirement/school lives, in all our family roles, in our relationships with neighbors and friends, and in our life as citizens of this state, country, and world. All of them are callings.
Watch the entire 'Life of Faith' video produced by the ELCA.
Overview
In 2014, out of a deep concern that this core message of the Gospel was not real for many in our congregation, Westwood launched a long-term focus on grace and vocation where everything we do seeks to tie back to these core confessions. Some of our work includes:
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Vocation of Family article.
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The Worldview Challenge written by Jason Van Hunnik.
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An overview video done by the Life of Faith initiative which highlights Westwood members speaking about their experience.
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An article summarizing our work through the first 5 years.
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Interviews with members reflecting on their work and family callings during the pandemic.
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Materials we’ve used to engage the congregation over the first 3 years.
