West Side Church
All are welcome - no asterisk*
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
November Community Offering
The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County
at the Robert J. Delonis Center
November's Community Offering is for The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) at the Delonis Center. While the temporary shelter along with the hot meals and free medical clinic the Delonis Center provides are well known to many of us, SAWC's services go far beyond meeting that important need. Its goals are summed up well in its strategy statement: "The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County offers temporary, transformational shelter and essential services in a safe and compassionate environment. We collaborate with the community to allocate vital resources that address the immediate and long-term needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. Our mission extends beyond shelter, as we strive to improve health outcomes and secure sustainable housing placements for all, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope."
The need for these multiple services ranging from showers and laundry facilities to case management and community referrals continues to grow as shelter demand has increased over 40 percent in the past five years! One area of growth is older adults who now account for 45 percent of the Delonis Center's population.
You can discover much more about the services SAWC provides as well as finding opportunities to volunteer at its website annarborshelter.org.
