WESTHOPE EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
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
Justice Cafe
Co-hosted by Rev. Erik Swanson and Beth Wylie
First and Third Wednesday Afternoons 3PM
Our current areas of focus are supporting our immigrant neighbors, confronting Christian nationalism and Human Rights for Palestine. If you are passionate about another issue, come to Justice Cafe – we would love to hear about it.
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.
On first and third Wednesday afternoons we come together to support each other. Together we are better able to face the suffering of the world and to work for justice and love. Share what you are care about, what you are doing, what is or isn’t working. Learn about opportunities to get involved…as a community we can make a difference.
Upcoming Film Screenings & Discussions at Westhope
April 10 Oscar Award Winning Documentary No Other Land
May 18 Vote Common Good Presents We the People Ride for Immigration & Border Practices
Free Webinars
April 2 Amanda Tyler on “How To End Christian Nationalism” 4pm PST From the McLendon Scholars Series
April 3 Roadmap to Ruin: How the Church Can Resist the Dismantling of Democracy 4pm PST From Jemar Tisby, PhD
Lenten Series (Online)
Taizé is a simple and beautiful meditative candlelight service of sung prayers, scripture, and silence.
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.
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!
Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson - Communion Sunday
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
No Other Land - Movie Screening
Join us for a screening of No Other Land at the Westhope Sanctuary.
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.
Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson - Communion Sunday
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope
Justice Cafe
Co-hosted by Rev. Erik Swanson and Beth Wylie
First and Third Wednesday Afternoons 3PM
Our current areas of focus are supporting our immigrant neighbors, confronting Christian nationalism and Human Rights for Palestine. If you are passionate about another issue, come to Justice Cafe – we would love to hear about it.
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.
On first and third Wednesday afternoons we come together to support each other. Together we are better able to face the suffering of the world and to work for justice and love. Share what you are care about, what you are doing, what is or isn’t working. Learn about opportunities to get involved…as a community we can make a difference.
Upcoming Film Screenings & Discussions at Westhope
April 10 Oscar Award Winning Documentary No Other Land
May 18 Vote Common Good Presents We the People Ride for Immigration & Border Practices
Free Webinars
April 2 Amanda Tyler on “How To End Christian Nationalism” 4pm PST From the McLendon Scholars Series
April 3 Roadmap to Ruin: How the Church Can Resist the Dismantling of Democracy 4pm PST From Jemar Tisby, PhD
Lenten Series (Online)
Taizé is a simple and beautiful meditative candlelight service of sung prayers, scripture, and silence.
EASTER SUNDAY Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson - Communion Sunday
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope
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.
French Market Carnival at Westhope
Join us for the French Market Carnival at Westhope’s campus on Saratoga Avenue.
French Market Carnival at Westhope
Join us for the French Market Carnival at Westhope’s campus on Saratoga Avenue.
Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope
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.
Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope
Lenten Series (Online)
Taizé is a simple and beautiful meditative candlelight service of sung prayers, scripture, and silence.
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope
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.
Lenten Series (Online)
Taizé is a simple and beautiful meditative candlelight service of sung prayers, scripture, and silence.
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.
Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope
Ash Wednesday 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.
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.
Book Club: John Lewis - A Life by David Greenberg
PLEASE NOTE: On March 5, we will be discussing chapters 1-7
Explore 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
Foundations of Faith Conversation
Come join us for a conversation with our brothers and sisters from South Carolina as we take on racism and our preconceived notions and strive to be the beloved community of God.
1st Sunday of the month
Online @ Westhope
Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson - Communion Sunday
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope
The Palestinian Exception
The story of the largest anti-war movement since the 1970s as students, faculty, and staff on US campuses demand divestment from companies doing business with Israel and an end to the war on Gaza.
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?
Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
Skip: Contemplative Scripture Study
What do you see? What do you hear? What does it stir in you?
Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope
Wednesday Yoga
This is a Mind-Body Practice that combines physical poses (Asanas), breathwork (Pranayama) & Meditation.
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?
Follow Up on Community Discussion
AP Photo/Rick Bowmer
How will Westhope love our immigrant brothers and sisters?
Westhope will come together in community to process and discuss the important information shared at last Sunday’s presentation by Rev. Dr. Diana Gibson. Come with an open heart and willingness to share your voice and listen well to the voice of others.
Best in person / Available on Zoom
For reference, a description of last Sunday’s class:
Following in the path of Jesus calls us to be advocates and allies with our immigrant and undocumented sisters and brothers. The new administration is following through on their stated intention to persecute, detain and criminalize these neighbors.
Join us for this important conversation as we learn from Rev. Diana Gibson. Diana will share stories and experiences, theological reflections and personal spiritual motivation for leading her community in Palo Alto.
Rev. Dr. Diana Gibson was pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto for 16 years, from 1984 to 2000. She is currently a Lecturer in Religious Studies at Santa Clara University, and coordinator for a local, grassroots interfaith organization called Multifaith Voices for Peace & Justice.
Service of Prayer and Presence with Rev. Erik Swanson
Sundays @ 10AM
In Person & Online @ Westhope