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

Current & Upcoming Events

  • YouTube Sermons

    Missed a service or want to revisit a sermon? Our sermons are now available on YouTube!

    Watch Now

  • 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.

  • West Side Reads

    We will be reading Parts 3 and 4 of Everyone Who is Gone is Here by Jonathan Blitzer for our January 18th West Side Reads. We had a great discussion regarding Parts 1 & 2 in November! We welcome everyone who is interested in learning and discussing current issues about social justice in our world. Please consider joining us for this timely book.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND MORE EVENTS

January Community Offering

Hogar Metodista Costa Rica

Hogar Metodista Costa Rica is the Methodist Children’s Home that refers to a Christ-centered ministry in Costa Rica run by the Methodist Church of Costa Rica. The Home provides family-like homes, education, healthcare and spiritual care for legally abandoned children, often siblings, aiming to foster a loving environment and future independence through donations and volunteers. They rely on donations, fundraisers and volunteers with a focus on long-term sustainability.

Each year for many years, West Side UMC has taken or been part of a group of volunteers that go to the district of Tibas located in the San Jose Province in Costa Rica. We stay in the seminary dorms run by the Methodist Church in Costa Rica and travel each day to the district of Coronado also located in the San Jose Province to work at Hogar Metodista. This year we will be going for one week and our team will consist of 11 members.

We will be working on a home for teenagers that have grown up in the children’s home, are aging out and need a place to live that is supportive and loving. We will most likely also be working on the perimeter wall, painting and providing our services to whatever else is to be done. We will be commissioned on January 18 and will be in Costa Rica January 24 - January 31. You will be able to follow us on Facebook on this link: ​facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064771563885​

Ray and Lidia Zirkel are the missionaries that have spent their lives after college in Costa Rica working on and at Hogar Metodista as well as other projects around the country.. Please go on to their website and check out the amazing things they have going on in Costa Rica.

​http://www.zirkelministrycostarica.com/methodist-childrens-home.html​

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