14 For this reason, I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21, NIV)
Hopeful Imagination: Our 2026 Church Year Theme
In 2026, Westwood is grounding its shared life in the theme Hopeful Imagination, drawn from Ephesians 3:14–21, where we are reminded that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to the power at work within us.
Hopeful imagination is not wishful thinking or optimism for its own sake. It does not ignore what is difficult, unfinished, or uncertain. Instead, it is the faithful courage to trust that God is still at work, shaping a future larger than our fear, fatigue, or limited vision.
Ephesians reminds us that God’s work is already unfolding within and among us. We are strengthened through the Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, and invited to trust that God is active beyond what we can yet see. Like Jesus stepping into the waters of baptism before his ministry began, hopeful imagination calls us to move forward in trust before outcomes are fully clear.
As a congregation, hopeful imagination takes shape through shared practices: remaining open to change, trusting God’s timing, embracing shared leadership and calling, and listening attentively for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that God’s future is not carried by one person alone, but is formed together in community, patience, and faithfulness.
Throughout this year, Hopeful Imagination will shape our worship, learning, and ministry as we listen for what God is already declaring and preparing among us. Grounded in love and guided by the Spirit, we move forward with confidence in this promise: the best is not behind us. The best is still yet to be, and God is already at work among us!
Hopeful imagination is not wishful thinking or optimism for its own sake. It does not ignore what is difficult, unfinished, or uncertain. Instead, it is the faithful courage to trust that God is still at work, shaping a future larger than our fear, fatigue, or limited vision.
Ephesians reminds us that God’s work is already unfolding within and among us. We are strengthened through the Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, and invited to trust that God is active beyond what we can yet see. Like Jesus stepping into the waters of baptism before his ministry began, hopeful imagination calls us to move forward in trust before outcomes are fully clear.
As a congregation, hopeful imagination takes shape through shared practices: remaining open to change, trusting God’s timing, embracing shared leadership and calling, and listening attentively for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that God’s future is not carried by one person alone, but is formed together in community, patience, and faithfulness.
Throughout this year, Hopeful Imagination will shape our worship, learning, and ministry as we listen for what God is already declaring and preparing among us. Grounded in love and guided by the Spirit, we move forward with confidence in this promise: the best is not behind us. The best is still yet to be, and God is already at work among us!