Sometimes we think that changing someones mind on something is as easy as giving them the facts. I think we all know that is hardly enough. But why? In this message Mark Pratt-Russum explores the power of group identity in creating belonging, and how we need to be aware of this power when in engaging with folks with whom we disagree.

West Hills Friends

"The Allure of the Crowd: How Group Identity Creates Belonging" by Mark Pratt-Russum

We have been in survival mode for the last 15 months. We have been holding on to things tightly. What will it look like for us to come down from this state of survival? In this message Mark explores what it feels like to release, to surrender and to trust that we are lovingly held.

"Surrender, Being Held, Letting Go" by Mark Pratt-Russum

It sounds simple, huh? You are worthy of love. But darn it, we doubt that all the time. For this message Mark offers us a reminder of our worthiness and uses music from David Bazan (Trouble With Boys) at the end to drive home the point. The video of David Bazan's song can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHah0WT8EtQ

"You Are Worthy Of Love" by Mark Pratt-Russum

For his first word, Friend Chris L. explores the concept of "minimal viable product" which he picked up while working at a software company. While the concept sounded bad at first, Chris breaks down a minimal viable product in the context of his current life and explores how it is helping him see the world.

“I’m probably wrong about all of this. Apologies in advance.” by Chris L.

As a Quaker community, we value the tradition in which we gather. Over the next year, we will spend time exploring various "testimonies" of Quakerism. For this installment, we hear from our Friend Mica about the Quaker use of Queries.

Quaker Depths: On Queries by Mica C.

We invited Friend Lloyd Lee Wilson to speak to our community about the Quaker testimonies. What is at the core of Quaker faith and practice?

"On the Quaker Testimonies" by Lloyd Lee Wilson

Lloyd Lee Wilson, visiting from Friendship Friends Meeting of North Carolina Yearly Meeting, offered a message on Waiting Worship. Waiting Worship appears outwardly as silence, but inwardly is waiting upon God for immediate inspiration.

"Waiting Worship" by Lloyd Lee Wilson

On one of the most emotionally complex Sundays of the year, Mother's Day, klarissa offers a message on alloparenting and chosen family.

"Expanded Family & Alloparenting" by klarissa oh

West Hills Friends is a Quaker meeting in Portland, Oregon. You can find more about us at www.westhillsfriends.org. Included on this page are words of people in our community, and visitors.

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West Hills Friends

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