|
I just want to use this space and time today to put a BIG shout out to Jacob Carroll, West Side's Director of Music! This Sunday will be the last Sunday of our choir as they head into summer break. Jacob of course continues on in the summer months to provide special music, musical guests and overall support with our summertime praise music as well!
But in reflection of the work and passion he brings week to week -- supporting our Biblical passages, Christian calendar/lectionary themes, preaching directions, as well as just being in touch with current events -- his energy and efforts do not go unnoticed! Both visitors and members alike frequently mention the professional caliber and impact of the music upon our Sunday worship experience! As one who has a front row seat each week, I can feel and observe the gifts that Jacob brings to us - exemplified in his musical choices, conducting expertise and incredible network of people he invites to sing and play here at West Side on a regular basis! By the way, if you missed either Good Friday or Easter services, please check out the video recordings we have, posted in our Weekly and on our website. In those two worship experiences alone, you get a glimpse into the many blessings we have in Jacob Carroll!
Jacob and I arrived on the scene here at WSUMC at the same time, and as you can tell, I have been very thankful that our Leadership Team chose him from the candidates for his position. He is coming up to his 2 year anniversary with us (July 2024)...so please tell him Happy Anniversary when you see him around this summer!
On the way there,
Pastor Adam
PS. HELP WANTED!
Our wonderful treasurer, Jim Meretta, will be "retiring" from his volunteer church treasurer position at the end of this year. He has served faithfully for several years! Our goal is to have someone receive some training over the coming months to get acclimated with the role. The hope for the position is that someone could commit to 2 - 3 years if it turns out to be an agreeable role. Please contact me if interested or if you have questions!
PPS.
I will be at the Michigan Annual Conference next week, Wed - Sat. Please contact the church office, and either Pastor Samantha or Rev. John Schneider will be available for any pastoral care concerns. And please keep our conference in prayer, as we follow-up on the actions of General Conference!
|
Don't miss out on Donut Sunday this week after the service. We will not have Sunday school, but Pastor Sam will be setting up the bounce house after church for kiddos who want to try it out.
Attention Graduates! Please let us know if you are graduating from high school, grad school, trade school, etc. Email samantha@westside-umc.org with a photo, and a short bio telling us where you graduated from, what degree you earned, and what your next steps are. Pictures and bios will go in the weekly. Join us in church on June 23rd to celebrate our graduates!
Sunday Fundays
Families and their kids are invited to our SundayFundays this summer!!! Mark your calendars! Details to follow.
June 30th: Movie Night on the lawn.
July 28th: Slip N Slide Outdoor Water Party
August 25th: Picnic and Petting Farm
Drop and Swap
Have you been spring cleaning and looking for where to donate items? Check out this Drop and Swap Event at First UMC's Greenwood Campus on June 8th. The purpose of this event is to promote environmental and economic sustainability as well as promote community.
Samantha Tidball
Associate Pastor
|
Each month we will share 2 - 3 highlights from our Leadership Board meetings here. The board meetings commonly include topics around church finance, trustees, staff parish relations and overall mission and vision.
1. Some missing shingles recently observed on roof over sanctuary, need to replace about 6-10. $3750 (whole new roof would be $60k) . Motion to approve smaller repair, passed.
2. Treasurer's report:
a. 4 months in - Looking good.
b. Overall ahead of budget, YTD
3. Motion to allow removal of cross and flame from behind garden tree on front of building, in order to refurbish and/or possibly replace, perhaps elsewhere on the front of church, passed.
|
West Side Thursday Morning Bible Study
Our spring ZOOM Bible Study is on Thursdays at 11:00am. This Bible Study is on ZOOM because we have members that were once at Westside, but have moved out of state. It is an amazing group that enjoy prayer and group support as we discuss Bible study curriculum in a safe, nonjudgmental space. We take turns facilitating the group, though this is definitely not a requirement to be part of the group.
We will be studying Christianity and World Religions by Adam Hamilton. Lisa, our office manager, has ordered the book. It is available in the West Side Office for $11 and/or can be ordered on Amazon.
If you have any questions, please text, call or email Ann Andraska @ 734-751-7456 or yellowstonefun4@gmail.com
Recurring ZOOM link for the sessions:
Topic: Bible Study - Christianity and World Religions
Time: May 2, 2024 11:00 AM Eastern Time
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87505688146
Meeting ID: 875 0568 8146
|
We recently set the dates for our participation in Habitat for Humanity this Summer.
Our congregation is pledging:
- one group of 8-10 people for Saturday June 15.
- one group of 8-10 people for Saturday August 10
- one smaller group of 4-5 people for Friday August 23
We will also need 2 volunteers to provide lunches each day.
Please sign up on the event table in the welcome center or online.
Volunteer Information from Habitat
All volunteers must complete the online registration/waiver by the Tuesday before the scheduled build day. Tasks, additional details and any potential location change will be emailed to all volunteers on the Tuesday before your build day. All volunteers must arrive by 9 AM for a safety briefing and task instruction. If plans change, or they can no longer join us, volunteers can "cancel" their registration or notify their congregation's liaison.
2024 Good News Group Volunteer Flyer.pdf
Link to sign up for any Westside Build Days (access code is "Westside"): https://givepul.se/dnc615
|
No Elevator Service for Another Week Due to Maintenance
|
NEW Facebook Page
Our new Facebook page is live! Like us to be updated on what's going on around at West Side.
|
|
|
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
|
West Side Bookworms
|
|
The West Side Bookworms will be meeting on Thursday, June 6 at 10am. Please join us around the fireplace to discuss Throwaway Children by Diney Costeloe. Need a copy? Call Betsy Doepken at 317-374-0971
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
|
|
|
West Side Reads
We had a great discussion at our Westside Reads about the book How the Word is Passed and are looking forward to our next book - How Ableism Fuels Racism by Lamar Hardwick. Our next and last read for the 2023-24 academic year will be on June 2 at 7:00pm on zoom. We would love for you to join our discussion!
Summary of How Ableism Files Racism: As a Black autistic pastor and disability scholar, Lamar Hardwick lives at the intersection of disability, race, and religion. Tied to this reality, he heeded the call to write How Ableism Fuels Racism to help Christian communities engage in critical conversations about race by addressing issues of ableism.
Hardwick believes that ableism--the idea that certain bodies are better than others--and the disability discrimination fueled by this perspective are the root causes of racial bias and injustice in American
culture and in the church. Here, he uses historical records, biblical interpretation, and disability studies to examine how ableism in America led to the creation of images, idols, and institutions that perpetuate both disability and racial discrimination.
He then goes a step further, calling the church into action to address the deep-seated issues of ableism that started it all and offering practical steps to help readers dismantle ableism and racism both in attitude and practice.
This book is available on Audible, Kindle, new in hardback through Amazon and can be ordered through local bookstores in Ann Arbor.
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 June 2 as we continue reading and learning about Social Justice in our world.
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/82801441457
Meeting ID: 828 0144 1457
If you have any questions at all, please contact Ann Andraska at yellowstonefun4@gmail.com or
Cindy Heflin Pelo at heflincl@gmail.com
|
|
|
Library Book of the Week
In this modern-day parable, Elisa Morgan uses the illustration of a gentle gardener to show readers that being faithful means being true to God and being true to others. Though it may be hard to fully understand, God's faithfulness never fails. All he asks is that believers meet him in the orchard. This touching story illustrates the beauty of God's never-ending devotion to his children and compels readers to greater assurance in him. Its hardcover format with black and white photography throughout makes it an ideal gift of encouragement for a friend. Through Morgan's compassionate words, readers will learn the peace and joy that can be theirs when they commit to a faithful walk with God.
|
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.
|
|
|
May Community Offering: Alpha House/IHN
Westside’s Community Offering for the month of May will go to Alpha House. In addition, we have our volunteer week May 6-12. Thank you SO much to everyone that is donating their time, food and/or money for our May week! You’ll have another chance to provide for Alpha House in September. Please know that you are making a difference!
Mission and History of Alpha House
More than providing just a bed and a roof for families, the goal of Alpha House is to support families in securing and maintaining their own home. The average age of a child experiencing homelessness is seven. Within a single year, 87% of children experiencing homelessness move, often up to three times, meaning changes in school, teacher and school work. Children often fall behind academically and struggle emotionally, mentally and behaviorally. At Alpha House, they strive to provide children the support they need in shelter and during the transition back into permanent housing.
Alpha House was established in 1992 to provide shelter and support to families experiencing homelessness and at-risk families. They serve over forty families a year in the shelter and up to ninety families through their rapid rehousing program. Alpha House provides intensive support services to address each family's individual needs and barriers to securing permanent housing. Their Case Managers begin with assisting each family to identify goals and objectives to move toward housing stability. The goals for families are focused on increasing income and savings, increasing employment and securing housing. Alpha House services aim to provide stability for parents and children living in the shelter and guide them through a plan to secure and maintain stable housing.
Alpha House is truly a community response to homelessness. Each year over 2,500 volunteers from local congregations, community groups, and businesses support the shelter by cooking and serving meals, engaging with the children, providing support and mentorship to the adults, and performing all the shelter maintenance (inside and outside). Every volunteer reminds the families that they are not alone in their struggles.
If you ever have questions or would love to find ways to volunteer, donate or just take a tour, please contact Ann Andraska: yellowstonefun4@gmail.com OR Kenndra Brewer: dkbrewer@ameritech.net OR you can call Alpha House directly at 734-822-0220 OR visit their website: https://www.alphahouse-ihn.org/
|
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
Elizabeth Audette
May 31, 1960 - April 21, 2024
|
|
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!
|
|
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 |
|
Office Manager
Lisa Mayne
westside@westside-umc.org
Church Office Hours - Tuesday-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
|
|
|