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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

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.

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.

Top of Page Music Worship Assist Tech Team Hospitality, Music & Worship There are many ways to share your gifts as part of making worship a warm, welcoming and moving experience. Hospitality Music Worship Behind the Scenes Hospitality Serving on Sunday morning can take many forms. Greeting, Ushering, caring for newcomers and visitors, and providing refreshment and conversation are all important ways we foster community and build relationships. Tell Me More Hospitality Music There are many opportunities to share your musical gifts at West Side Church. Adult choir, children's choir, seasonal choirs, and vocal and instrumental musicians. West Side Church is currently forming a praise band. Do you have skills and passion that you'd like to share? Tell me More Music Worship Assisting Scripture readers, Communion Assistants, acolytes, and lay readers are always needed to make each worship experience complete. If these are gifts of yours, find out how you can share them Tell Me More Worship Assist Tech Team Part of a powerful worship experience requires behind-the-scenes work preparing the worship space, audio engineering and video management. Do you have gifts in these areas or want to learn more about these roles? Tell Me More Tech Team

Make a Difference Get involved in changing the world. We all desire to build deeper relationships with Jesus Christ, and part of that process is personal involvement in the ministries of the church. We each have unique God-given gifts. We invite you to find a place to plug yourself into an opportunity to grow, learn and participate in ministry. Around Ann Arbor There are always a number of ways to make a difference right here in our community. We have teams helping at Alpha House, the Delonis Center, Habitat for Humanity, C.R.O.P. Walk, and the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice. There is a quilt group and Stephen Ministers. Where are your gifts, and how can you put them to work? Explore more here... ​ Learn More... United Mehodist Women The UMW is a methodist tradition. We welcome all women to participate in the programs of the Mary Martha or Friendship Circles. Both circles meet on the 2ndMonday of each month-Friendship at 7PM & Mary Martha at 1PM . If you have questions about how to get involved with United Methodist Women, please contact Marilyn Kirking or Gwen Dunlap. Learn More At West Side There are many ways to serve the Lord right here at West Side Church. You can be a host or greeter, help with audio visual team, be a lay reader, share your musical and artistic talents, help around the office, host coffee hour, and so much more. Find out more about these chances to use your gifts right here at West Side! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Learn More... Ministries Beyond West Side West Side Church is deeply engaged in making the direct and real difference in our community and the world around us, just as Jesus expects of us. Where is your passion? Click below to explore the many opportunities that are available for you to be a part of. Learn More...

Email Newsletters Please click below to 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. Click here for our most recent newsletters Older Newsletters

Funerals Death is part of life. Our Pastoral staff is privileged to support, comfort and pray with you during these difficult times. If there is time, call 734-663-4164 and we will make every effort to have someone come to you. After hours, send us an e-mail and we will call you back as soon as possible. ​ ​ When death has occurred we would be honored to provide the service for you at church, at the grave side or the funeral home. We are also prepared to assist you in the planning of the service. Christ is our hope for eternal life, and it is this belief that we share with you and your family.

Our children participate in a rotation style curriculum from Deep Blue. Each week children explore Bible stories using hands on activities in cooking, art, drama, missional outreach, and more!

Stephen Ministry ​ Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals who are… Hospitalized Terminally ill Bereaved In a job crisis New members of the church Disabled In a spiritual crisis Looking for a caring Christian friend ​ What is Stephen Ministry? Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another. Through one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need to support them. Is life more than you can handle alone right now? Are health, your attitude, or your relationships suffering? Are you adjusting to a new job, a change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, a recent move? Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares? Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, to share God’s love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. ​ What is a Stephen Minister? A Stephen Minister is… A child of God who walks beside a hurting person; A caring Christian friend who really listens; A layperson who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care. ​ ​ A Stephen Minister is not… A counselor or therapist; A problem-solver; A casual visitor. ​ ​ How does the referrals process work? A person—either you, a relative, or a friend—is hurting and in need of Christian care. The Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator learns about this need for care—from the pastor, the person, or a friend, always with the person’s permission. ​ The Referrals Coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen Ministry. With the person’s permission, the Referrals Coordinator assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the person. The Stephen Minister continues to provide distinctively Christian care for the person in strict confidentiality. Stephen Ministers Are Called to Be Caregivers

United Methodist Women Who Are United Methodist Women? The UMW is a methodist tradition. We welcome all women to participate in the programs of the Mary Martha or Friendship Circles. Both circles meet on the 2nd Monday of each month-Friendship at 7PM & Mary Martha at 1 PM . If you have questions about how to get involved with United Methodist Women, please contact Marilyn Kirking or Gwen Dunlap. Purpose of United Methodist Women The organized units of United Methodist Women are a worldwide community of women whose purpose is: to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of missions through participation in the Global Ministries of the Church. West Side United Methodist Women The purpose of the UMW is to “be a community of women whose purpose is: to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of missions through participation in the Global Ministries of the Church.” That goal is accomplished here at West Side through the work of the individual circles and the unit as a group. There are opportunities for spiritual development and social awareness through programs presented at circle meetings and actual participation in projects like Habitat for Humanity and Interfaith Hospitality Network. Each year we begin in January by conducting a pledge service in our circles. Our Soup-er Bowl fundraiser takes place in conjunction with the Super Bowl football game. We participate in the World Day of Prayer in March. During the fall, we participate in additional fundraisers for missions including a Harvest Sale just prior to Thanksgiving. These events bless us two-fold. Not only do we have the opportunity to raise funds to support mission teams across the world and local groups like the Chelsea Retirement Community Benevolent Fund, the Baldwin Center, the Methodist Children’s home and West Side’s members on short term mission, but we are also able to have great fun doing it! Come join us…

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

West Side In Action: Mission & Ministries in the World Costa Rica Mission Each year we send a group of volunteers to help construct a school and orphanage in Costa Rica. Here's a chance to stretch yourself by making a hands-on difference is a place far from home. The 2017 trip is complete, and you can learn more at the trip blog site. Follow the Blog Here Volunteers In Mission As part of the connectional ministry of the world-wide United Methodist Church, we have the opportunity to serve in a wide variety of mission projects in the United States and across the globe. Our members have participated in VIM trips to Russia, India, Haiti, and the gulf coast following hurricane Katrina. Learn more about the VIM possibilities at the VIM website, and talk to staff if you want to explore these exciting opportunities more deeply. VIM Website Please reload