Lent is an ancient practice going back to the early church. Traditionally Lent is a time of repentance and fasting, a humble reminder of Jesus’ forty day journey in the wilderness. We follow his example by denying the things that distract and separate us from growing in God’s love. While Protestants have tended to miss out on Lent, there is… Read More
Well done! You guys came through quick, and with the combination of blankets and money donations, we’ve collected about 150 blankets total! Our goal was to collect 100 full-size blankets within two weeks to donate to an emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. Each family member who comes to the shelter is provided with a blanket, and recently these have … Read More
Many of the lessons I have learned about God from Woodland Hills have helped me get in touch with the presence of Jesus in my life and be at a place of peace in my faith. Read More
Catholic Charities Housing Stability Division, one of our on-site partners, is also involved with an emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. Each family member who comes to the shelter is provided with a blanket, and currently these are in very short supply. Our goal is to collect 100 new, full-size blankets/quilts in two weeks – and we did it, thanks to you! Read More
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, but right now blood supplies are at dangerously low levels, and the Red Cross has declared its first national blood crisis. Between now and the end of March, we challenge everyone—congregation and podgregation—to collectively donate 500 pints of blood. Read More
Over MLK weekend, we talked about being “Forces of Light” — recognizing that no human is ever our enemy but rather our struggle is against the forces of darkness. Braver Angels is one organization putting this into practice by helping people bridge political divides in our polarized country. Read More
“It’s pretty incredible that we were created out of relationship (the Trinity), and for relationship with God and one another.” Read More
Our theme for this year’s MLK celebration is “Forces of Light.” We remember that our struggle is not against other people, but against the forces of darkness, which Paul calls the “powers and principalities.” To make this practical, we’ve created an activity to bless your enemies this next month. Download the card here
At Woodland, we are committed to learning to love together. We’re also passionate about proclaiming God’s heart for racial healing and justice. So, to observe MLK Day this year, we’re bringing back our Learn-a-thon: Race and Peace 2022. We have created resource lists of suggested books, podcasts, videos, conversation questions and more for you to learn about race, justice, peacemaking and the civil rights movement. Read More
Jesus taught that prayer was essential to our life with God, and the very heart of how we move through the world. He said to his disciples “When you pray…do these things.” Jesus didn’t say “If you pray…” or “On those occasions you happen to think about prayer…” He wanted his followers to know that the practice of prayer is indispensable, not a nice add-on… Read More