Welcome to West Side Church
West Side is a church that provides a variety of spiritual growth opportunities and experiences. We recognize that there is no “one size fits all,” when it comes to how people live out their spiritual journeys.
While many enjoy meeting God through songs, prayers and messages during Sunday morning worship; others find just as much meaning and joy in serving together at the Alpha House or with Habitat for Humanity. While still yet others find the peace of God in tending to our lovely memorial garden in our front yard.
This open-minded approach to the many diverse pathways of spiritual growth is not a new idea. In fact for centuries, United Methodists have forged their spiritual journey via a balanced diet of Scripture, Experience, Reason & Tradition. These four avenues make up what we call the “quadrilateral,” which teaches us to ask the following questions:
• What is Revealed in Scripture?
• How does Tradition illuminate the path ahead?
• How does our Experience inform us?
• What can be confirmed by Reason?
So at West Side you will discover a multi-generational church of both thinkers and doers, of musicians and accountants, of students and those enjoying retirement, of scientists and handymen-philosophers (and throw in some football fans for good measure!). We take a progressive approach to living out our faith and thrive in serving our community and world. We practice collaborative and empowering leadership, with the hope of equipping humble and genuine followers of Christ with the holy love and courage needed to be lights in this day and age.
This is a safe place to ask questions. This is a sanctuary to find acceptance and community. This is a group of people on a quest to be real and totally imperfect in our attempts at being Jesus’ followers. And with the help of the children in our midst, we can learn again to laugh at ourselves, and to grieve as needed as well. For if we can be known for anything, let us be known for compassion and mercy - for ourselves and for each other. And then - maybe just in little bits at a time - we will become the change we are looking for.
Come along with us and engage in your spiritual journey at West Side. It’s completely fine to be anonymous and find your own space. Or to dive in the deep-end and get as involved as you please. All are welcome.
Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask about the ancient paths. Ask where the good road is. Walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16
VISIT US
LISTEN TO OUR SERMONS HERE
Upcoming events
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Delonis Holiday Collection
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Advent Bible Study
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West Side Reads
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Like a Tree Planted by the Water: From West Side to Yale Divinity School - Monday, Nov. 18 at 2pm
November Community Offering
West Side’s Outreach donations for the month of November will go to The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County at the Delonis Center.
The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) at the Delonis Center provides temporary shelter and connection to services in a safe and caring environment. SAWC works with the community to provide the necessary resources to meet the needs of people who are experiencing homelessness. SAWC serves about 1,300 adults experiencing homelessness each year. They serve nearly all of the individual adults experiencing homelessness in Washtenaw County in some way. The SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. The shelter operates 24/7, 365 days a year.
The SAWC has an onsite kitchen that serves meals 364 days a year, a free medical clinic and service center. It offers hope to those living on the street with a myriad of services designed to give people the dignity they deserve. Some of the services provided are showers, access to storage, laundry and an address to receive mail. SAWC programs address immediate and long-term client needs through case management, community referrals and on-site basic needs with the goal of sustainable housing.
The SAWC Residential Program offers beds to 50 individuals. The Shelter Diversion program can assist an additional 95 individuals at a time. In the cold months, the SAWC serves an additional 500 people in the Warming Center. Warming Center clients receive an array of support that helps them move into safe, permanent housing.
If interested in volunteering, you can contact the Delonis Center through their website and click on Volunteer at annarborshelter.org OR Erin Concas, Volunteer & Development Coordinator at concase@washtenaw.org.
