Learn the April Theme for Westside Kids, Ukraine's 7.5 million displaced children, read the meditation -"A HUG' , "Starting Point", & about F.E.L.T.
Westside exists to lead people to a life-giving relationship with Jesus.
We do this by, "Sharing Jesus, Showing Love and Building Believers"
April 22, 2022
Imagine Westside Christian Church if no one volunteered. Let's face it, we would have to close! But we don't have that problem. Westside is able to offer so many opportunities because we are blessed with a multitude of volunteers. As this National Volunteer Week draws near to the end we thank all who volunteer at and through Westside. You make a difference in our church, in our surrounding communities, in the world.
April 24, 2022
SERMON: Instruments in the Hands of the Master 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
Westside Kids Kdg. - 5th Sundays at 10:30am Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm Westside Kids Jr.6-weeks old through PreK children. Sunday Mornings 10:30am
DID YOU KNOW
CBS news reports that "90% of refugees from Ukraine are women and children."
UNICEF indicates that "Almost two-thirds of Ukraine's 7.5 million children had been displaced just six weeks into the invasion by Russian forces, according to UNICEF, the United Nations' children agency. Apr 11, 2022
So, as this crisis in Ukraine and neighboring countries continues please join folks from around the world in the simple prayer found below or one in your own words. It is especially for the children affected by this war.
"Lord, we praise you because you are the giver and sustainer of all life. We ask that you will provide health and safety for children and their families during this time of conflict. Hold them in the palm of your hand and restore their lives to peace. Amen."
If you were at the 12:00 Easter service at Westside Christian Church, after the final worship song, you would have witnessed our Worship Pastor baptizing his son at the end of service. He climbed in the baptistry with all of his clothes on. His son didn't know he was going to do the baptism. He thought the KidMin leader was doing it. After the His Dad completed baptizing his son he gave his son the biggest hug while the church applauded. It was one of those where a kid jumps in the arms of the parent. It ends up being a full body hug. I thought it was a perfect ending to Easter. The pure love of a father for his son, raw and real, right before our eyes. The same love and joy God shared after Jesus was baptized. Matthew 2:17 says, “And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'" God's love for us is the same. Because of Jesus' death on the cross and His defeat of death with the empty tomb, we are restored. We are one family, one body because of Jesus. And our heavenly Father loves us deeply. I can't think of a better way to wrap up our celebration of the Resurrection of our Savior. God's love is so grand that He defeats death through the death and resurrection of His Son. Be blessed and be a blessing, Matt
04/21/22
Starting Point It is the perfect place if one or more of the below items apply to you or someone you know:
1) New to Westside
2) New to Christianity
3) Returning to your faith
4) Exploring God and Jesus.
It's a safe place to ask questions about God and have conversations about faith.
Matt and Julie Ennis will lead this group on Wednesdays (4/20 - 6/15).
Each weekly session will be held from 6:30-8pm at the church.
The current offering by Westside of this 9-session program began on Wednesday, April 20th. Although the number of participants is limited there might still be room for you to sign-up for this program. To inquire about signing-up please email Matt Ennis at matt@westsidechristianchurch.com
FeedingEmptyLittle Tummies is a unique program designed to help end child hunger in our local community.It was founded in 2010 - Now ending Child Hunger for more than 12 Years!
F.E.L.T.'s VISION: To eliminate hunger and meet the nutritional needs of the children in our community.
"Today,F.E.L.T. is the only backpack program in Manatee County that provides
proper fresh nutritious food to over 800 children weekly.
One way this is done by feeding Manatee County's homeless children on weekends, a time when these children often go hungry.
Join us on the Westside App today for complete information on events . Click the button below and then scroll to the bottom of the page to get information on downloading the app.
Summer Camps, Conferences & Events for K-12th Grade
Unbeatable ways for kids and students to grow deeper in their relationship with God while making memories with friends (new and old)! Below are the dates for the currently scheduled ones. The opportunities vary from K-12th grade.
June 12th-15th----- Vacation Bible School (K-5th Grades)
June 12th - 15th--- Junior Camp (6th-7th grade only)
July 4th-8th----WinShape Camp - Having completed K-5th Grades) See info below
July 18th -22nd- Christ in Youth Conference(CIY) (9th-12th Grades)
Want to learn how to play pickleball, brush up on your skills, or simply meet some new friends or cheer the players on? Try it out at the courts located just to the south of Miller Elementary at the corner of 43rd St W & 9th Ave W.(weather permitting). on any Tuesday at 6:30pm.
It is open to all age levels. If you have any questions please call or text Cindy Otremba at 218-831-6188.
Westside's team tournament is scheduled for May 21st. More info to follow.
Join us for the next "Clean Comedy for a Cause" at Westside on Sunday, April 24th. Click #1 button belowfor more information and ways to buy tickets or you could scan the QR code (= the box at the bottom of the above pic.)
Click button #2 for information about the charity that benefits from this night.
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. " Corinthians 9:7
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Please send any questions or comments about this newsletter to Margo Ennis, Editor at margo@westsidechristianchurch.com
