West Hills Friends

Wilbur reflects on his first encounter with Derek, and the importance of greeting visitors.

Mike's message on Division and Violence. West Hills Friends is is a Quaker meeting in Portland, Oregon. You can find more information at westhillsfriends.org.

Derek reflects on the theme of "Pilgrimage." West Hills Friends is a Quaker meeting in Portland, OR. You can learn more about us at our website westhillsfriends.org.

For the message, Mike read Matthew 5:46-47 and described a gathering of very shy superheroes. How can your super powers be useful if you are too shy to use them in front of other people? One of the heroes was the Compassionator; she had a Christlike capacity for love… until she was actually in the presence of other people. Is it still love if it can’t appear when other people are around? Love has...

For the message, the Bolivia Team reflected on their journey. Jacob reflected on how the pieces of the puzzle fell into place for him to participate. Mari Kay reflected on working with the local Friends Church in Santa Cruz. Margie reflected on the help she received during the trip. Lynsley described her two miracle cures. Kara reflected on the treasurer box of stories she has collected in her hea...

Chris brought First Word, expressing her appreciation for the humor at WHF. With Ruba demonstrating, Chris described the practices of InterPlay. Although she’s an introvert, Chris finds the movement of InterPlay allows her to express something deeper than words.

For the message, Elijah read Romans 8:18-27 and reflected on "present sufferings" after LGBTQ people were targeted in Orlando. Growing up in Arkansas, the only time Elijah heard about trans people was after a murder. Despite the darkness, Elijah holds out hope in "the glory that will be revealed in us." Glory is another word for Light. Although we may be unskilled at the practice of waiting worshi...

Stephen began First Word with a Rumi quote about the transforming power of love. Stephen reflected on the paths not taken in his life. Rather than mourn what he hasn’t achieved (like becoming an Eagle Scout), Stephen feels thankful for all that has been given to him (like the opportunity to meet Kaleen).

For the message, Mike read Mark 8:27-35 and reflected on our proclivity to "control the narrative." After Jesus explained that Son of Man would suffer, be rejected and killed, Peter tried to control the narrative. Jesus’ reply challenges us to decide between following and control. Instead of making God part of our story, how do we become part of God’s story? How does your story help reveal the hea...

For the message, KD read Galatians 3:28 and told us about another adventure of Pastor Molly. Molly went to visit the local Episcopal church in order to resolve a scheduling conflict with her own church. After years of animosity, the two congregations were united by their appreciation of a hands-on devotional practice. KD ended with several queries, including: "How is God inviting us to reach acros...

For First Word, Mica stepped into her persona, "MC Quaker" and rapped about unity amidst diversity. Lynsley provided backup vocals. The entire thing was amazing, but I especially liked this line: "We don’t need to think alike to see what Love will do."

For the message, Mike read Matthew 7:7-12 and spoke about his journey through grief. Mike described his grief as disorienting and exhausting. From within that place of exhaustion, advice feels like a burden. Because he takes no comfort from those who have been unkind, Mike has learned that how we treat each other day-to-day sets the context for who we can be to each other in a crisis. Perhaps most...

For First Word, Claire asked herself, "What part of NO don’t I understand?" She is learning to better embrace her own agenda with enough passion that she can say "no" to other things. Claire reminded us that a little "no" can be the quickest route to a big "yes."

For the message, Mark read Luke 15:11-24, and reflected on the images we use for God. In running toward his "unclean" son, the Father in Luke 15 showed no concern for his own reputation. It is a beautiful image for God. However, Mark’s history with his own father has overshadowed the image of God as "Father." Based on his own experience, Mark has come to see Father God as someone poised to abandon...

For the message, Mike read Mark 2:21-22, and reflected on what it means to linger in anticipation. The "Seekers" were a precursor to the Quaker Movement. At the heart of Seeker spirituality was waiting to see what God would do. This anticipation became part of our Quaker DNA. Are you waiting to see what will happen next? Do you trust that God will act? Will you accept the uncertainty of waiting, s...

Songs have played a significant role in Derek’s spiritual growth and connection to this community. He invited others to consider stepping into the role of music leader.

For the message, KD read Malachi 2:10, and told us another story about interim pastor Molly. While out in the woods, Molly stumbled across a lonely Cajun man, playing his accordion. The two of them bonded through a shared language. Although Molly’s wanderings provoked the ire of the congregation’s religious expert, it provided the context for her own encounter with Christ.

Lizz Schallert is a Faith/Labor Committee Member who came to talk to us about the work they have been doing with the Burgerville Workers Union.

Ruba spoke about Quaker process, and how if we listen closely we will discern the direction we are to go.

For the message, Mike read Matthew 26:37-43, and reflected on the limits of our capacity. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." Although they loved him, the disciples lacked the capacity to stand vigil alongside Jesus. Having a limited capacity does not mean we are defective. There’s only so much we can do. Being mindful of capacity can help us ack...

For First Word, Caryl C. expressed her appreciation for the support she has received from WHF, and asked for our continued prayers as she travels to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Caryl feels that teaching Godly Play to Spanish-speaking Quakers has become her work.

For the message, Mike read Luke 15:1-7 and I John 4:11-12. He suggested that coming to the parable of the "lost sheep" as an isolated individual allows us to cast ourselves as the lost sheep every time. However, when we come to this text as a community, we must realize that 99% of the flock is left in open country. Playing the odds, the lost sheep is almost certainly someone else. As the flock, ou...

Fiona brought First Word (her first). Fiona dreamed that she was in a room; it was cluttered with stuff that people no longer wanted. People in orange uniforms and hard hats worked the room without paying much attention. One worker noticed that one small corner of the room stayed free from clutter. After investigating, the worker (who was the only one paying attention) was transformed into Jesus a...

For the message, KD read I Thessalonians 5:16-18, and told us another story about Molly, the interim pastor of Doodlebug Community Church. Molly made beignets and went to visit members of her congregation. At each stop, people described their everyday activities as a form of prayer. KD left us with these queries: How do you pray with your hands, your feet, your sense, your whole body? What does it...

For the message, Darleen read Luke 14:26. Churches tend to emphasize (even idolize) the important of marriage and family, even though Jesus said his disciples need to *hate* parents, spouses and children. Following Jesus allows us to move outside the structures and expectations of our families. When it comes to families, love doesn’t fit into boxes and our favorite boxes don’t always contain love....