Search Results

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Please Reach Out Office Phone (734) 663-4164 Office Hours Tues, Thurs, Fri 10am-2pm Wednesday 9am-Noon Emails Office westside@westside-umc.org Adam Bissell, Pastor adam@westside-umc.org Samantha Tidball, Associate Pastor samantha@westside-umc.org Jacob Carroll, Director of Music jacob@westside-umc.org

Top of Page About Staff Our Story Becoming a Member Info Beliefs Get To Know Us! a great place to find out more about West Side Church About West Side Meet our Staff Our Story Getting Involved Beliefs General Information About West Side Church Our Mission: As a United Methodist church we share a common Mission Statement with Methodists around the globe: Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. ​ Our Vision: CONNECT people to the life and love of Jesus Christ; GROW generations of Disciples; ACT on our faith to change the world ​ The Journey: Connecting with the life and love of Jesus Christ is a life long journey. It requires a process of engaging, learning, growing and serving. We work together in small groups and as a congregation to ignite that growth. ​ Our Welcome: West Side United Methodist Church is an intentionally diverse community of faith that embraces and celebrates all people as loved children of God. Our vision is to connect people to the life and love of Jesus Christ, supporting current generations and building future generations of Christians. We welcome, affirm and share our ministry with people of all faith histories, ages, races, gender identities and expressions, economic status, mental abilities, physical abilities, sexual orientations, marital status, and nationalities. We look forward to building relationships with you by sharing together our gifts, service, prayers, worship, and witness. Welcome home to West Side. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ About Meet Our Staff: Head Pastor: Adam Bissell Associate Pastor: Samantha Tidball Director of Music Ministries: Jacob Carroll Office Manager: Lisa Mayne Meet Our Staff: Staff Our Beliefs ​ We believe the church belongs to God and that the church is, in the words of the Apostle Paul, the body of Christ, called to do God’s will and be the physical presence of Christ in the world. ​ A U nited Methodist Community West Side Church is part of the United Methodist denomination, the second largest Protestant denomination in America, and we uphold our heritage by pursuing ministry in keeping with this tradition. We seek to be generous in spirit, broadminded, passionately devoted to Jesus Christ, and wholly surrendered to God. We strive for personal holiness by inviting people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. We also pursue social holiness in the public sphere by addressing key issues of our time so that our world will look more like the Kingdom of God. United Methodists have a passionate faith with strong convictions, but we also recognize that the world is not always black and white. We are willing to ask questions, to wrestle with difficult issues, and to do so with grace and compassion. ​ The Bible United Methodists are “people of the Book,” whose faith is firmly rooted in and built upon the scriptures. We hold the Bible to be divinely inspired and are committed to live by its words. We also recognize the Bible was written by people who heard God in the light of their own cultural and historical circumstances. As such, we make use of scholarship and study the scriptures carefully. When we encounter theological differences among Christians, we bear in mind John Wesley’s approach, “in essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” United Methodists share a common heritage with other Christians, holding to the historic essentials of the Christian faith. ​ We believe the goal of the Christian life is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself. We value passionate worship, relevant preaching, small groups to hold Christians accountable to one another, and serving those who are in need. We value the spiritual disciplines and take a “methodical” approach to growing in the faith. Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. United Methodists value the full participation of people of all backgrounds in every facet of fellowship and leadership within the church and society. ​ This is our heritage, and it continues to shape West Side Church in every area of our ministry. Beliefs Our Story ​ Many German immigrants came to the Ann Arbor area in the nineteenth century. These were farmers and business people who settled on the west side of Ann Arbor and began to build their new lives in America. In 1832 a group of these immigrants organized a German Evangelical Society, and 14 years later a group of families unhappy with the Evangelical Society petitioned the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Church to open the "Erste Deutsche Methodisten Kirche" -- the First German Methodist Church on the west side of Ann Arbor. The first church building was at the corner of Division and Liberty streets, and then later was moved to a new building at the corner of Jefferson and Fourth streets in 1896. Over the next 20 years the church gradually transitioned from the German language to English, and in 1919 re-named itself West Side Methodist Church. ​ In 1952 the church acquired property on Seventh Street near Pauline, and built the sanctuary portion of the current building. Later an education building was added to the site, and a connecting building was added in 1986. In 1968 the Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church, and became known as the United Methodist Church. ​ Today, West Side Church fully lives into the diverse society found in our community. Ann Arbor is a major university city in America, and we celebrate and serve the unique diversity that comes with our location. Our Story Getting Involved We all desire to make a difference in the world around us. As Christians, we believe that Christ offers the perfect example of committed, compassionate, loving action to make a difference in the world. We want you to find a place to utilize your gifts, push outside your comfort zone, and make a difference for one person, a small group, or a larger community. Want to learn more? Start here , and then talk to our Staff or our welcome team members to take the next step. Becoming a Member Info

Top of Page Introduction Worship Times Getting Here Children's Program We're happy that you want to visit! Introduction Worship Times Getting Here Children's Programs First Impressions Matter Coming to a new church for the first time can be difficult. What will the service be like? Will the people greet me? Will they seem too pushy? Will I fit in? Come and see why so many people have found West Side Church to be a welcoming place to learn about the life and love of Jesus Christ, and to find deeper meaning and an opportunity to serve and be served. People of all ages, races & backgrounds -- single people, married people, families -- people just like you. Welcome. Introduction Sunday Morning 10:30 am Come and join us this Sunday. We have ample parking behind the church and one time use worship bags for children to take home and utilize during the service. Dress is casual and comfortable. ​ 900 S. Seventh St. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 734-663-4164 ​ Worship Times Getting Here Sunday School meets at 10:30 Little Ones ​ Children are always welcome to stay with you during the service. If you prefer we offer infant and toddler care during worship time. If you elect to have our trained staff watch your small ones, we will have you check them in with our family tracking system, and then we will introduce you to our child care staff. Children's Program

Community Life Connect with groups and activities that inspire & move you Getting involved is an important part of growing in your faith journey. West Side provides many opportunities for you to learn and grow. ​

Contact Us GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you westside@westside-umc.org - Office adam@westside-umc.org - Pastor ​ Call us during office hours T, Th 10:00am-2:00pm 734-663-4164 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WSUMC/

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 Sunday Worship and Sunday School 10:30a.m. 900 South 7th St. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 (734) 663-4164 Of fice Hours: Tuesday, Thu rsday, Friday 10 am-2pm Wednesday 9am-Noon Coming Soon New Member Classes Contact the office at 734-663-4164 or Westside@westside-umc.org for more information. UM FOOTBALL PARKING Parking for UM home games has been offered here since the 1970's. The price is $40 and it is on a first come first serve basis. If you have any questions please call Irene at 734-223-0392.

CHILDREN & YOUTH Join us for Sunday School at 10:30am SUNDAY SCHOOL is at 10:30am on Sunday mornings Nursery/Preschool Ages 0-4 Elementary Class Ages 5-11 ​ CHILDREN AT WEST SIDE CHURCH YOUTH AT WEST SIDE CHURCH For Students Grades 6 - 12 The teens at West Side are invited to participate in various service activities and fun events throughout the year. Email Pastor Samantha for a calendar of these events. Teens are also encouraged to join our yearly confirmation class designed to give youth a systematic overview of faith, identity, practices, and beliefs. Confirmation seeks to integrate experiences and opportunities for young people to see how God is at work in the world and in their lives.

GIVING AT WEST SIDE Stewardship is an important part of a Christian life We are all encouraged to live into the Biblical principle of tithing - giving one tenth of all that we have been given to building God's Kingdom here on earth. There are many opportunities to support this Kingdom work at West Side Church. Our day-to-day ministries and programs our supported through our regular worship giving. We are beginning phase two of our Foundation for the Future capital campaign which is updating our facilities to better serve our community and enhance the worship experience. We also support a variety of current mission needs in our community and around the world through specific designated giving that includes our monthly communion offering. ​ Through the United Methodist Commmitee on Relief (UMCOR) we provide direct support with no overhead cost to national and worldwide emergent needs. MARCH COMMUNITY OFFERING UMCOR Westside’s Community Offering for March is dedicated to the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR. UMCOR’s work focuses on eating those who have been impacted by natural or human-caused catastrophes and are often the first on the scene when tragedy strikes. To learn more about UMCOR, visit https://umcmission.org/5253-2/ . To give to UMCOR text “$____ Community ” to 84321 WAYS TO GIVE TEXT TO GIVE ONLINE GIVING It's easy to give with your smart phone by using Test-To-Give! Simply text the amount you'd like to give to 84321. ​ The first time you text you'll get a link to follow in order to set up your Text-To-Give account. Thereafter you will simply text the amount you want to give to 84321. ​ Here's a VIDEO that will walk you through the process. You can sign up to give electronically on a recurring basis or make a one time gift through our on-line portal. You can also download the giving app for your android device here, or your iOS device here . DONATE

West Side In Action: Mission & Ministries in our Community Habitat for Humanity Each summer we work with other churches in our area to complete 2-3 habitat for humanity houses in Washtenaw county. Alpha House About four times each year, we take responsibility for one week of assistance at Alpha House, a temporary housing orginization for families in our area. There are many opportunities to help with providing food, preparing meals, child care, over night assistance, and more. C.R.O.P. Walk Part of the Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice, this annual walk-a-thon is a fund raiser to provide food resources in our community Please reload

Top of Page Special Events Calendars What's Happening? Special Events Church Calendar A listing of group meetings, committees, and other events in our building Calendars

Email Newsletters Please view our most recent email newsletters to see what is going on at our church. If you would like to receive these directly to your email inbox every week, please sign up at the bottom of this page.

Baptisms Baptism is an important sacrament of our faith. Baptism is for people of any age, from infants to adults. In the United Methodist Church we recognize baptisms from any faith. At West Side Church we baptize any who desire to welcome Christ into their lives during a worship service. Baptism is done with holy water, which is sprinkled on the head, or applied in the sign of a cross on the forehead. ​ We believe that each person is only baptized once in their life, but we encourage everyone who has been baptized to remember their baptism in a special worship service held during the year.