You're invited to a variety of ways to join in the celebration surrounding this Christmas season 👼🏻🎄 🌟 Plus a Meditation "Leave it all Behind" & more
Westside exists to lead people to a life-giving relationship with Jesus.
We do this by,
"Sharing Jesus, Showing Love and Building Believers"
You may want to print out this issue and post it where you will be reminded
of the wide choices at Westside of Christmas themed services,
as well as other activities for all ages.
The Lights of Christmas - Christmas Eve Worship
December 24 – 3:30 pm & 5:00 pm
You are invited for all to worship with us Christmas Eve at 3:30 pm or 5:00 pm.
Both services will offer contemporary and traditional Christmas worship music, candlelight, scripture, a message, and communion.
The Lights of Christmas – Christmas Day Worship – December 25 – 9:00 am
ChristmasDayis on a Sunday this year. We gather for worship on Sundays. However, on December 25th there will ONLY be just ONE service at 9:00 a.m.
Sunday Mornings
9:00 Traditional Service
10:30 Modern Service
Westside Kids Kdg. - 5th Sundays at 10:30am
WestsideKids Jr.6-weeks old through PreK children
Sunday Mornings 10:30am
DEVOTIONAL
Leave It Behind
Numerous times in the bible Jesus gives a simple command to people who take interest in him. He says, "follow me". Discard what you are doing and follow. Get rid of the distractions of this world and choose Jesus. He wants to be first in our lives, our primary focus.
In Jerusalem, a man said he'd follow Jesus, but first wanted to have the funeral for his father who passed away. "But Jesus told him, 'Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’ ”
(Matthew 8:22 NIV)
Seems harsh and insensitive, doesn't it? It makes the point though. Jesus must be first in our lives. Moses received the ten commandments and number one was God. When Jesus was asked which was the greatest of the commandments He answered "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’" (Mark 12:30 NIV)
God wants all of us, not bits and pieces. He wants our entirety. Leave it all behind and simply follow.
When the hustle and bustle of this Christmas season overwhelms, remember why the baby was born. Leave the other stuff behind. Follow.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt
12/02/2022
December 21, 2022
6:30 - 8:00pm
Mission for the month of December
Krista Haley responding to God's encouragement.
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10
The following information was provided to us by Mark and Krista Haley who "...faithfully serve as church planters in
remote villages" in Ethiopia.
They live northwest
of the capital Addis
The community of Westside have supported this ministry in varied ways for many years. Folks at ImpactEthiopia strive to "impact lives and communities in Ethiopia by multiplying and growing Christ followers."
Week 1
Impact Ethiopia Ministries impacts lives and communities in Ethiopia by multiplying and growing Christ followers. We are Mark and Krista Haley, and our role primary role in Ethiopia is church planting by an acronym God led us to years ago: MEDS – Medical Education & Care, Empower & Train leaders, Discipleship and Small Groups. Like medication we want to bring healing to Ethiopia. God has given us a vision how we are able to do this.
“M" stands for Medical Education and Care. Krista is a nurse, and she uses her gifts to help people medically to open the door to unreached families and communities to be able to present the gospel. She can do this through:
CHE (Community Health Evangelism) programs in villages
Women’s conferences/ Trainings
Individual Medical Care as needed
Next week we will share with you more about the other parts of our vision and work.
We want to spruce up our church campus to get ready to welcome our guests and members for Christmas. Join us as we paint the office, touch up paint on the main building, and clean up the property.
We will meet at 8:00 am on Saturday December 3.
December 4th After Second Service
Warm up those vocal cords and prepare your favorite Christmas dish to share. Put on your favorite Christmas sweater and have a blast with your church community.
Potluck Hosts Needed for 2023
Who is ready to be a host? We need hosts for the potlucks in 2023.
Make a an early New Year Resolution and sign up to host a Potluck.
You can sign up at the Connect Center in the front lobby of the church
If you have any questions please talk to Cindy or contact her at
cindy.otremba@ yahoo.com
ChristmasCelebration December 5, 6:00 pm
Join us for an outdoor celebration under the lights
at Mandie Ferguson's home.
Enjoy a white elephant gift exchangeand buffet catered by Godson’s Pizza with soup, salad, bread, lasagna, Theia’s famous pasta, grilled chicken, desserts and more!
$15 per person paid in advance or at the event to Mandie Ferguson
Destination: 4001 29th Ave W, Bradenton 34205.
Please direct all questions to Mandie at 941-713-3287.
CINNAMON ROLL SUNDAY
DECEMBER 11TH
Here is your chance to get the infamous cinnamon rolls that SOLD For $100 Per 4-pack at the WSM Dessert Auction!
For just $15 you can secure your 4-pack of delectable delights. All proceeds will benefit Renaissance Church (Ren Church). Ren Church an independent Christian Church plant in Lakewood Ranch. Many of our Westside members have been instrumental in the planting of the this new church in Manatee County.
*** Orders and payment are due December 4th. ****
You can order online or with the form at the Connect Center.
Below are more details about ways you can place your order
Online:
Complete form at Connect Desk and put “paid online” after total payment
Join us as we travel the neighborhood, lighting it up with classic sounds of Christmas Caroling. We will meet at the church at 6:00pm and walk around the neighborhood. Help us to share the sounds of the season and invitations to worship with us this Christmas. We will have the" Russ Bus" with us for those who might need to take a break.
Men’s Breakfast – December 17 – 7:30 am
Calling all Westside men!! We want to have breakfast with you. Invite a friend to join you for this morning of food and fellowship. We meet at the church for this monthly event. Sign up is at the Connect Desk.
Westside's Christmas Play "Angels Watching" Presented on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 10:30am
Experience the story of the birth of Jesus as told by the angels. Based on Luke:1. 2
Angels Watching' is an early Christmas treat. You will want to arrive early at Westside to this combined service that will begin at 10:30. In addition enjoying the play, we will worship together in song, scripture, and communion. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served after the service.
SCHEDULE INFO RE: PLAY PRACTICES Practices will be held at church.
They will be approximately 2 hours long.
December 4th @ 1:00 pm
December 17th @ 1:00 pm
The day of the play, December 18th, all be expected to arrive early.
The time will be given at a later date
Wednesday, December 7th
Our annual Pancakes and PajamasChristmas party is just around the corner. INVITE A FRIEND and break out those Christmas jammies for tons of fun! We will enjoy a pancake dinner, games, crafts and more!
Super Start is a high-energy weekend event in which preteens can learn and grow in their relationships with friends, leaders, and most importantly, God! Throughout the event preteens will encounter Christ through worship, interactive teaching and small groups – all of which are designed with their unique needs and maturity in mind. Preteens who attend SuperStart! will leave the weekend with not only a great experience, but also the teachings and foundation to further amplify Christ’s call on their lives to become Kingdom workers.
For more information go to
https://bit.ly/3EXIeXM
Click below to get more complete information about events at Westside.
Scroll to the bottom and Click the button below to download Westside's app.
"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 Attendance 159
Newsletter Subscription Information
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Please send any questions or comments about this newsletter to Margo Ennis, Editor, at margo@westsidechristianchurch.com
