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West Side United Methodist Church has a strong history here in Ann Arbor, dating back to 1846!If you would like to learn the detailed history of this congregation and it's origins, please let me know as we have a booklet to loan you!Our longevity and history here speaks volumes to the legacy of faith that has carried us forward. As someone who has been involved in the starting up new ministries and churches, it is such a reaffirming feeling for me to know we have a such a great foundation here at West Side! Today I am sharing a testimony that bears witness to the ongoing story of West Side. As we move to the pledge portion of our AccessAbility campaign, I think it's vitally important that we recognize the wonderful past, present and future of West Side Church! We have been a light in this area for a long time, and with the digital and physical upgrades we have planned, our light will continue to shine even brighter!
Sue Weber (formally Olsen) shares her feelings about West Side with us:
To me, West Side means home. It also means family, community and history. I
was baptized, confirmed and married at West Side. Our children were baptized and confirmed here. For a time, there were four generations of the Olsen/Weber/Davis family attending the church. What a joy it has been to see our family grow and interact with different generations in the life of the church. Growing up, my faith journey began in Sunday School at an early age. My faith grew stronger as I became part of the youth group (MYF, as we called it). There, I felt accepted and nurtured by everyone. We were a close-knit group who cared for and supported each other. Youth group retreats were a time for discussions, sharing our faith, work tasks and laughter. I look back on those years with very fond memories. Having been part of this group has had a great impact on my life, my faith and my devotion to the church.
As an adult, I have always had a strong feeling of being part of this church family we call West Side. There is a spirit of community here, as felt through the music, sermons, scriptures and outreach. Our congregation has always been loving and supportive. Whether it is pitching in on a project within the church or in the greater Ann Arbor community, we do the work with care and love. We show God’s love by our actions and not just our words. That promise of commitment by our members is what keeps me engaged. West Side Church: Family, community, history, home.
On the way there,
Pastor Adam
Save the dates:
April 28 - after worship we will offer the opportunity for a Q & A about our plans for the funds raised via the AccessAbility campaign
May 5 - pledge cards will be turned in and we invite you to join us for a Celebration Luncheon after worship!
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If you enjoy being hospitable and blessing young people, I would love a few adults to help welcome and feed our young people! We are hosting youth from First UMC here at West Side for youth group on April 28th, 6-8pm. We will have pizza, but if some folks can provide drinks and/or fruits and veggies, this would be much appreciated. Having youth greeted by a handful of caring adults would be a big blessing. You're welcome to play 9 Square or Pickleball or to watch and cheer on the young people. Please email me if you can help.
Summer is right around the corner. I recently made a trip to Wesley Woods UMC Summer Camp, and I believe this would be an excellent opportunity for faith growth for our young people! We have a few students interested in attending camp the week of July 21st. There are elementary - and high-school options available on various weeks. Students from West Side receive scholarship funds! If you are interested in attending, please let me know.
Samantha Tidball
Associate Pastor
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Earth Day will be celebrated on Monday, April 22.
This year, "Planet vs. Plastics" is chosen as the theme for Earth Day, which commits to a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040.
For some ways to decrease your footprint, check out these websites:
Blessings,
Marilyn Kirking
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Shelter Week for West Side will be Monday May 6 thru Sunday May 12, 2024. Again, we have the opportunity to serve at Alpha House, Reaching Out In Christian Love, to homeless families. The sign up board is in the entry before the narthex. We thank the many of you who have helped, in so many ways, in the past and all of you currently signed up.
Our responsibilities are dinners, brunches and children's activities. Some dinners are filled, but Thursday, Friday and Sunday dinners are still needed. Saturday and Sunday brunches are needed. Children's activities for Monday thru Thursday are needed.
Thank you for prayerfully considering helping in any way. Any questions call or text Kenndra Brewer 734-645-5376.
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No Elevator Service for 1 More Week Due to Maintenance
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Get ready for another wild ride with some very interesting women of the Bible. We will finish the book on Wednesday, May 15th at 10:30 AM. We gather around the fire place in the hospitality area and study a different woman each week. If you have to miss a session, that’s ok.
This class is an 8 week class filled with laughter and discovery. It’s very informal and the discussions are lively. If you ever thought you might like to try a Bible study, but were afraid, thinking you didn’t know enough or you don’t have time for a lot of homework, this is the study for you!
The book is available on Amazon for around $13 and I have found 4 used books that I have put in the office. They are free to the first 4 people who want one. Please call Betsy Doepken (317-437-0971) to have any questions answered.
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NEW Facebook Page
Our new Facebook page is live! Like us to be updated on what's going on around at West Side.
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Prayer Concerns
If you would like to include a prayer concern to be listed in this section of our Weekly email, please email the church office with the name, and if you would like, you may add a brief description, eg. surgery, cancer diagnosis, death in the family, etc. This concern will be listed for 8 weeks. You can request the office to leave the name on the list for a longer period as well.
Andy Siddall (Tom Hams’ nephew)
Fay Cozadd
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West Side Bookworms
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The West Side Bookworms will be meeting on Thursday, May 2nd at 10am. Please join us around the fireplace to discuss The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. Need a copy? Call Betsy Doepken at 317-374-0971
May 2 The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
June 6 Throwaway Children by Diney Costeloe
NO MEETING JULY 4
Aug. 8 The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
Sept. 5 The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
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West Side Reads
Our April, 2024 book will be: How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith.
Goodreads summary: “Beginning in his own hometown of New Orleans, Clint Smith leads the reader through an unforgettable tour of monuments and landmarks-those that are honest about the past and those that are not-that offer an intergenerational story of how slavery has been central in shaping our nation's collective history, and ourselves.”
This book is available on Audible, Kindle, new in hardback through Thrift Books on-line or Amazon, local bookstores in Ann Arbor and through Ann Arbor District Library.
Because we have Westside friends that are no longer in Ann Arbor, we will continue to have our discussions via zoom. Please join us on ZOOM in April as we continue reading and learning about Social Justice in our world.
April 28 at 7pm
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/82801441457
Meeting ID: 828 0144 1457
If you have any questions at all, please contact Cindy Heflin Pelo at heflincl@gmail.com or Ann Andraska at yellowstonefun4@gmail.com
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Library Book of the Week
What feels shaky in your world? Maybe you feel hurt by the past, disappointed by the present, or worried about the future. If so, there is hope. For every problem in life, God has given you a promise. In the New York Times bestselling book, Unshakable Hope , Max Lucado unpacks 12 of the Bible’s most significant promises, equipping you to overcome difficult circumstances by keeping your focus on the hope found in the promises of Scripture. Whether it’s heart disease or cancer, job failure or addiction, natural disasters or family disasters, mass murders or mental illness, there are so many reasons to be overwhelmed and hope can feel hard to come by. Now more than ever, we need the definitive declarations of our mighty and loving God. In this book, you will be reminded that God’s promises are irrevocable What is your life built on—the circumstances of life or the promises of God? The answer to that question changes everything. Join Max as he takes a closer look at Scripture’s unbreakable promises and shows you how to live with unshakable hope.
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Crafty Christians
Bring yourself, a craft or a coloring page for a fun time! We meet Fridays from 11am-1pm. All are welcomed for fellowship and laughter. Please contact Judy Smith with any questions.
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April
Community Offering:
Growing Hope
Growing Hope fosters an equitable and sustainable local food system where all people are empowered to grow, sell, buy, prepare, and eat nourishing food.
Ypsilanti is a community where all people–particularly those with barriers due to race, class, culture, language, ability, and mobility–have access to nourishing local food that is culturally appropriate and affordable, can grow and prepare their own harvests, and may earn a living as a food grower, producer, or entrepreneur.
Growing Hope distinguishes itself in the realm of food justice and food access, addressing our food system’s most pressing challenges by advocating at a local and regional level and implementing innovative solutions. In 2006, Growing Hope ensured that the Ypsilanti Farmers Market was a pioneer as we became one of the first farmers markets in Michigan to accept food assistance as a form of payment, and we continue to advocate for food assistance expansion throughout the state.
Supporting Growing Hope and the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets helps ensure finances are not a barrier to accessing life-sustaining, fresh food.
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In Memoriam
Frank J. Siller
April 30, 1930 - September 2, 2022
Nancy Brewer
January 14, 1944 - September 2, 2022
Judith Oakes Fraleigh
November 21, 1935 - January 18, 2023
Edith Laura Semark
August 18, 1934 - February 3, 2023
Trenna Elizabeth Garner
January 8, 1935 - January 14, 2023
Carol Kreischer
December 28, 1930 - February 25, 2023
Joyce Weldon Clark
September 28, 1935 - February 27, 2023
Richard "Rip" Kinney
March 17, 1934 - April 21, 2023
Graham Robert Putnam
April 11, 1947 - October 31, 2023
Stephen Lacoe
February 10, 1936 - February 15, 2024
Marguerite Fisher
November 21, 1923 - February 16, 2024
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Giving Generously & Virtually
If you are able to, please consider giving virtually in the upcoming weeks by visiting our giving tab from our website here, or using our text-to-give function (instructions on how to do this can be found here). Thanks for all that you do to support the West Side family!
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Pastor
Adam Bissell
adam@westside-umc.org
Associate Pastor
Samantha Tidball
samantha@westside-umc.org
Director of Music Ministries
Jacob Carroll
jacob@westside-umc.org |
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Office Manager
Lisa Mayne
westside@westside-umc.org
Church Office Hours - Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-2pm
900 S. Seventh St
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
734-663-4164 |
This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
-Jeremiah 6:16a
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