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
WATCH OUR SERMONS HERE
Current & Upcoming Events
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YouTube Sermons
Our sermons are now available on YouTube.
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Holy Envy Walking Group
Join Susan Sowder and Pastor Sam Tidball on the first, third, and occasional 5th Wednesday of the month from 7-8:30 pm. We will gather in the church lobby for some discussion and then walk around the neighborhood.
April Community Offering
Growing Hope
In 2003, Growing Hope became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on school garden development throughout Ypsilanti. Since then, they have expanded to strengthen and support the local food system throughout the community. In 2006, they started the downtown Ypsilanti Farmers Market and began managing the Depot Town Farmers Market in 2013. In 2008, they established the Growing Hope Center and Urban Farm where people of all ages learn to grow their own food. The Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace and Growing Hope Incubator Kitchen were completed in 2018 to better support local farmers and food entrepreneurs. In 2020, they adapted to community needs as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic by opening the Ypsi Area Online Market, a year-round online farmers market.
Their programs run out of our two locations, the Growing Hope Urban Farm and the Ypsilanti Farmers Marketplace.
Check out the Growing Hope website: https://www.growinghope.net/ for more information about this wonderful community resource, to donate or to find volunteer opportunities.
