West Side Church
All are welcome - no asterisk*
Ash Wednesday Prayer Stations - Feb. 18, 6–7pm
Anytime between 6–7pm we are offering intergenerational prayer stations downstairs where you may move and pray a guided prayer time at your own pace. Afterward, you are invited to enter the sanctuary to receive ashes. If you prefer not to use the prayer stations, you are welcome to come directly into the sanctuary to pray or listen to music before receiving ashes.
Holy Week 2026 at West Side Church
Palm Sunday, March 29 10:30a.m.
We will begin Holy Week in worship with special guest speaker Katie Grosh reflecting on the final entrance of Jesus into the gates of Jerusalem.
Good Friday April 3
Children's Lesson 6 - 7pm
During our Good Friday Worship, children ages 5+ are invited to a special lesson and prayer time for what it means in our faith that Jesus died on the cross. If you would like nursery care for ages 5 and under during this time, please let Pastor Sam know a few days in advance.
Good Friday Worship 6:15 - 7pm
A reflective service that will begin with Jesus in the Upper Room as we share the Lord's Supper, sing hymns and hear Bible readings, concluding with a meditation on the nonviolent resistance of Christ at the Cross.
*Snack Break - 7 - 7:30pm
Good Friday Concert 7:30 - 8:30pm
Easter Eggstravaganza! Saturday, April 4th 10 am-12 pm.
In addition to our annual egg hunt - a petting farm, and a Coffee Truck will be on site. There will also be a bounce house, crafts, and yard games!
Easter Sunday, April 5 10:30am
Come join us as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus - death does not have the final say!
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
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WATCH OUR SERMONS HERE
Current & Upcoming Events
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YouTube Sermons
Missed a service or want to revisit a sermon? Our sermons are now available on YouTube!
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Wednesday Small Group
The Wednesday Morning Book & Bible Study will resume January 14th with Braving Change by Andi Andrew. Copies available in the church office.
Wednesdays 10:30 - Noon at the fireplace in the Welcome Center.
February Community Offering
Food Gatherers
Food insecurity - when people can't access the food they need to live their fullest lives - continues to increase, with the rate in Washtenaw County rising to 1 in 7 persons. Zip Code 48103, where West Side UMC is located, has one of the five highest rates in the county! That's why Food Gatherers has been selected again to be the recipient of the February Community Offering. As the food bank and food rescue program serving Washtenaw County, it provides free and low-cost, healthy food to over 140 community partners. Last year, Food Gatherers distributed 10.3 million pounds of food equivalent to 8.5 million meals. You probably have seen trucks with that huge orange carrot on the side making such deliveries. Like so many areas, Food Gatherers has been negatively impacted, by federal programs cuts, specifically by the US Dept of Agriculture and FEMA which means more food needs to be purchased. Learn more about how Food Gatherers addresses food insecurity beyond the food distribution programs its website: https://www.foodgatherers.org/
March Community Offering
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
The Community Offering for the month of March will go toward increasing awareness and support for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Gifts given this month play a vital role in enhancing the church's global humanitarian response because these funds cover UMCOR's administrative costs. This support ensures that 100% of donations given to UMCOR throughout the year can be directed toward on-the-ground relief and recovery efforts, allowing UMCOR to effectively respond to crises and provide assistance where it's needed most.
By investing in UMCOR's operations, we empower the church to mobilize resources quickly and efficiently, making a meaningful impact in communities affected by disaster and hardship around the world. Your donation helps us continue this vital ministry.
