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
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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West Side Reads
Get ready for September, West Side Readers... We will be reading Original Sins: the (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism by Eve L. Ewing.
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Small Group - Inspired by Rachel Held Evans
Join us Wednesdays at 10:30am!
July Community Offering
House by the Side of the Road
West Side’s Outreach donations for the month of July will go to The House By the Side of the Road.
House by the Side of the Road is a 501(c)(3) organization that opened in Washtenaw County in 1970 as a partnership between the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and churches in the area. The House first opened on Hogback Road between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, but has moved several times over the years. They are currently located at 2051 S. State Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The House was first funded by Washtenaw County. When the County was unable to continue their funding the volunteers at the House took charge of procuring their own funds.
Washtenaw Count residents have been most generous.
Learn more about supporting House by the Side of the Road on our Giving Page or sign up to volunteer by contacting them at housebyroad@gmail.com or 734-769-4085!