Westlake Hills Presbyterian

From the beginning of God’s covenant with Abraham, blessing was never intended to be a private possession. God blesses a people so that, through them, all the families of the earth might experience God’s grace. Jesus carries that calling to the table in Luke 14, where the invitation moves outward, beyond the normal folks we would invite to be blessed at our tables. A compelling Christian community does not merely enjoy God’s blessings—it becomes a blessing through generous, attentive, and outward-looking love. [Luke 14:12–24, Genesis 12:1–3]

Pastor Emily concludes the "Tough Questions Jesus Asked" sermon series. Looking back on a season of challenging questions from Christ, we discover that every hard lesson is an invitation to "turn"—to shift our direction toward humility, grace, and trust rather than striving for status and control. Even when we make wrong choices or lose our way, God’s unconditional love meets us right where we are, continually rerouting us back to Him. Tune in to reflect on the ongoing, daily practice of turning toward Jesus and resting in His grace.

Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black! Don’t be such a hypocrite! These phrases are tossed around in our homes, at the TV, and in our friend groups. Jesus spoke plainly and clearly about judging others, and yet, it seems as if we cannot help ourselves from doing it. [Matthew 7:1-6]

In all of the Gospels, Jesus says that a life that follows him demands sacrifice. This week, we look at a conversation in which Jesus asks Peter whether he is willing to lay down his life for Him. We will consider how much we are willing to sacrifice as His followers. [John 13:36-38]

After Peter denies Jesus three times, the risen Christ meets him not with condemnation, but with breakfast, a searching question, and a renewed calling. In this message, we will explore how Jesus’ grace restores us after failure and turns our love for him into faithful action. [John 21:15-17]

When Jesus heals a blind man in Mark 8, He asks a question that challenges us then and now: "Do you see anything?" True spiritual sight is a journey. If you’ve ever felt like your faith was a little blurry, or you're trying to figure out what God is doing next, this message will speak to you. Join us for worship this week as we explore how the Holy Spirit restores our vision and gives us the eyes of faith. [Mark 8:17-26]

Jesus asks a blind beggar named Bartimaeus: "What do you want me to do for you?" While the answer might seem obvious, humans are often inept at knowing what we really want. By looking closely at Bartimaeus's cry for mercy, we see a man who wasn't just begging for physical sight—he was longing to be seen, loved, and freed from a lifetime of shame and marginalization.

Pastor Emily says "When one of my children tells me not to worry, I respond with, "It is my job to worry". To give up worrying is to surrender. Join us this Sunday as we explore the gift of surrendering our worries to God. [Matthew 6:25-34]

Jesus wasn't kidding when he asked us to love our enemies.  How do we go about that? Why would we do that?  Today we explore one of the most challenging commands our Savior ever gave us. [Matthew 5:43-48]

It seems a silly question. Who would not want to be healed? What if Jesus was asking the paralyzed man, do you want to be part of the healing I was brought to do? Join us this Sunday as we explore what it means for followers of Christ to live as people who work for the healing of the world. [John 5:1-15]

Have you ever tried to calm the fears of a child, terrified over something that you know is not a big deal at all? We want the child to realize, we will not let anything happen to you, we are here. This Sunday we look at a time when Jesus asks the disciples, “Why are you afraid?” Why did he ask this question? What was he teaching the disciples? What is the lesson for us today? [Mark 4:35-41]

Jesus is walking along in the wilderness after being baptized by his cousin John. People begin to follow him. He turns and asks them, “What are you looking for?” It is a tough question and one we will consider ourselves. What are we looking for in life right now? Join us as we begin our summer sermon series on "The Tough Questions Jesus Asked". [John 1:35-42]

On Pentecost we conclude our Abundant Life Sermon and Study Series considering how we can have abundant life even in difficult times. [Genesis 21:8-21]

May 17 - Abundant Life: At Play | Stephen Finkel by WHPC

May 10 - Abundant Life: At Home | Emily Wright by WHPC

During times of transition, there are so many moments of uncertainty, doubt and fear. The Israelites experienced a season of waiting that lasted 40 years. Their story in the book of Exodus has much to teach us about how to have abundant life even in times of transition [Exodus 16: 1-8, 27-30]

Whether at an office, home, school, or business, all of us work. In fact, we spend most of our time doing “work” more than any other thing in life. So, how can we live abundantly while we work? Join us this week as we look at what scripture says about abundant life at work. [Ecclesiastes 2:4-11]

Whether at an office, home, school, or business, all of us work. In fact, we spend most of our time doing “work” more than any other thing in life. So, how can we live abundantly while we work? Listen as we look at what scripture says about abundant life at work. [Ecclesiastes 2:4-11]

Following Jesus isn’t something we do alone. In John 21, Jesus shows his disciples—and us—that abundant life is found in the abundant community he creates and sustains. Join us as we celebrate the gift of faith and those who help us live it. [John 21:1-14]

Have you ever found yourself saying, "But we had hoped..."? 🚶‍♂️ On the road to Emmaus, Cleopas and his companion were processing the ultimate disappointment—their plans for a Messiah didn't match the reality of the cross. We often do the same, basing our hope on our circumstances or our "perfect" plans. But Easter hope isn't a roll of the dice or a wish that things go our way. It is a "sure and steadfast anchor" based on the concrete fact of the empty tomb. Even when we don't recognize Him, Christ is walking the road of disappointment right beside us. ⚓️

"The Lord needs it." For the owner of the donkey, these words were an invitation to loosen their grip on the very thing they depended on for security. This Palm Sunday, we explore the power of surrender: what we place in Jesus’ hands can carry His presence much further than anything we try to hold onto ourselves.

Our parable this week offers to us a lens of faith. All of the characters in this parable are given responsibility, but not all of them believe that they deserve it or that they are capable of handling that responsibility. Join us as we discover how a lens of faith impacts and enhances daily life. [Luke 19:11-26]

It’s hard to watch the evening news or talk about our government institutions without the question of justice—real, equitable justice—quickly rising to the surface. Jesus taught us not only to pray for justice but to pursue it, even when it feels distant or difficult to attain. This Sunday, we’ll look at one of Jesus’ parables that offers renewed encouragement and fresh perspective for all who seek God’s justice in our world today. [Luke 18:1-8]

When you get home and glance at your kitchen, are you more likely to see the dishes out and dirty, or the ones that are put away? I tend toward the former and struggle with a scarcity lens, seeing what has not been done or what is lacking. In this week's parable, Jesus offers us a new lens, one of abundance. God never reaches His limit in love, compassion, and welcome. Join us as we study the parable of The Great Banquet. (Luke 14:16-24)

Mar. 1 - A New Lens for Lent: The Lens of Compassion | Emily Wright by WHPC

This Lent, we will journey with Jesus as he tells 6 parables on his way to the cross. We begin with Jesus dining at a Pharisee's home. When an unexpected guest arrives and begins to anoint Jesus’ feet, the host judges her behavior as inappropriate. Jesus tells a short parable that reveals a new lens for us to consider when we make judgments - the lens of humility. [Luke 7:36-50]

What burdens are you carrying into Lent? In this Ash Wednesday sermon, Pastors Emily, Stacy and Stephen confess their own struggles with judgment, shame, and fear. By bringing these struggles into the light, they invite us to ask ourselves: What do we need to let go of so that God's new creation can come into being? Join us as we explore how letting go of our heaviest burdens makes room for God's compassion, freedom, and new life. [Joel 2:12-14]

We conclude our Gospel on Conflict Sermon Series this week with Galatians 6. In these final verses, Paul offers faith communities insight on how to treat one another when we disagree. [Galatians 6:1-10]

We are reminded about this Gospel Truth - live by the Spirit. We will experience that in a tangible way as we pray for the spirit to be awakened in all of us, but especially upon the shoulders of our new officers. Wear red today as a visible sign of how our Church commits again to live by the spirit. Galatians 5:13-26

So much conflict comes from labeling those who are in and out - those who belong and those who do not. Join us this Sunday as we reflect on the Gospel message of belonging for all God's children. Galatians 4:1-7 | Luke 15:25-32

we continue exploring how to handle conflicts with people who hold views different from ours. The Gospel Truth is that we put on Christ. Galatians 3:23-28 | Colossians 3:12-17

This week’s Gospel Truth from Galatians 2 is this: Christ Lives in Me. Paul uses this image to describe his life that has been transformed by the grace of God. But what does it mean that Christ lives in us? And what does that mean for the conflicts in our lives? Galatians 2: 15-21

The letter to the churches in Galatia is filled with tension as the writer, the Apostle Paul, wrestles with the conflict these churches are experiencing. They are divided about what is the “right” way to live the Christian life? This letter reminds us what the Gospel says when we are in conflict, with others, within ourselves, and even, with our Christian brothers and sisters. Join us in our new sermon series as we explore Galatians and 6 Gospel Truths for our lives. Galatians 1: 1-10

Now that the Christmas season has passed, how do we live as people of hope? The sermon "Hope Awaits" looks to Simeon and Anna to find the answer. We are called to follow their model: Look for the Spirit of God at work, Worship as a central priority, and Bless those around us. Luke 2:21-38

Did you know It’s a Wonderful Life was originally a box office flop? Critics missed it because they were looking for the biggest stories—and history often makes the same mistake. While the world was watching the Roman Empire, God was tuned into a small whisper in Bethlehem. Rome had the armies, but Bethlehem had the Savior. Discover why redemption usually begins in the places we overlook.

Ever felt like your future was unraveling? You’re not alone. From George Bailey on the bridge in "It's a Wonderful Life" to Mary and Joseph facing a scandal, even the most faithful struggle when the path ahead is unclear. This week, discover why you don't need to fix everything at once—you just need to do the "next right thing." Join us to find hope in the uncertainty. [Matthew 1:18-25]

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, once said that "singing is the language of holy joy." On this Christmas music Sunday, hear what scripture has to say about the gift of holy joy and it's role in providing hope for us in every circumstance. [Zephaniah 3:14-15]

When we go through seasons of darkness, it takes effort to find the light. Because of Jesus, nothing in creation is beyond His light. How can we hold despair and hope at the same time? Join us for this second Sunday of Advent as we continue in our Advent Experiment of Hope, even when it is dark. [John 1:1-9]

The historical moment of the Advent story, “the days of King Herod,” was a violent and scary period of history. And yet, it is in that moment that God broke in to the world. In this first week of advent, we will read the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, when God broke in to their world in such a startling way that they had to face their fears. [Luke 1:5-13]

Philippians 1:3-4 I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy. Today we give thanks for the amazing retreat that happens every August for our youth called Celebration.  Take a moment for gratitude.

Philippians 1:6-7a I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart.   Today, we give thanks for a little patch of land in the middle of Community First Village, a housing development for the formerly unhoused in East Austin.  Take a moment for gratitude.

Colossians 3:16   Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. Today, we give thanks for those in our faith family who teach us and remind us of God’s word through music.  Take a moment for gratitude.

Matthew 19:14-15 ...But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. Today we give thanks for the children being brought to our church by their parents and grandparents.  Take a moment for gratitude.

Acts 2:46-47a Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous  hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. Today we give thanks for a ministry of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church called the Gathering.  Listen and take this moment for gratitude.

What a perfect time to reflect upon the role gratitude plays in the life of faith! Let's celebrate what gratitude does in our lives and in our community! Colossians 3:12-17

Luke 12: 33b-34 Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Where is your treasure? Take a moment for gratitude.

Psalm 84:2— My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the Living God. How will you lend your heart to joy today? Take a moment for gratitude.

Psalm 28:7– The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. What is the most impactful thing you could entrust to God today?

1 Samuel 12:24– But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. What great thing is God working in your life? Take a moment for gratitude.

Colossians 6:15– And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Where do you need peace in your heart today? Take a moment for gratitude.