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Westside exists to lead people to a life-giving relationship with Jesus. 
We do this by, 
"Sharing Jesus, Showing Love and Building Believers"  
December 15, 2022
** A REMINDER **
THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE SERVICE
at Westside

ON THE FOLLOWING DATES
12/18, 12/25 2022
and
Jan. 21st, 2023

GLORIOUS
John 1:14

Click below for WCC's sermon archives  
Sermon archives
Link for the Bible Verses during the Sunday sermons

The Lights of Christmas  -  Christmas Eve Worship  
December 24 – 3:30 pm & 5:00 pm 

All  are invited to worship at  Westside Christian Church on 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.  

All  are also invited to 
The
  finale of  this year's "Lights of Christmas"
December 25 at 9:00 am at our
CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP

Be sure to bring family and friends

Christmas Day is on a Sunday this year.  
We gather for worship on Sundays. 
All are invited to join us 
FOR OUR ONLY SERVICE
   at 9:00 a.m. 

Sunday Mornings

9:00 Traditional Service
10:30 Modern Service

Westside Kids  Kdg. - 5th 
Sundays at 10:30am

Westside Kids Jr.6-weeks old through PreK children 

Sunday Mornings  10:30am

KidMin, WSM, and Adult Bible Study will not meet on Wednesdays during the holiday season.  Wednesday activities will resume on January 11th. 
   DEVOTIONAL   

Surprise Missed Encounter 

As I was pulling into the parking lot to pick up Jackson from school, I noticed a kid walking on the sidewalk.  They were clearly in their own world and not paying attention to their surroundings.  They crossed the entryway without even turning their head. So much for the lesson we all learned about looking both ways before crossing the road.  Fortunately, I noticed the kid in their ambivalent state and decided to slow down my car and wait for them.  With a distracted driver or less observant driver the outcome of the scenario could have been tragic.  

 

As I pulled away, I realized that moment may have been an answered prayer. Like many of us, some parent out there may have said a prayer asking for God's protection on their child before sending them out into the world.  In that moment and unbeknownst to me, God may have just used me to answer a prayer.  The very same prayer I cover my children with. How many strangers does our loving God use to protect my children? 

 

God's love can shine through any circumstance. God's love is working even when we cannot see it nor are looking for it.  Even when we don't realize it. God can be using us as a vessel for His love.  

 

God is love.  He lives in us.  His love transcends all things. "And so, we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." - 1 John 4:16  

So, keep those prayers coming. You may not see the results from them.  You may not realize God is using you to answer someone else's prayer.  Let God's love infiltrate your heart and He will do the rest. 

 

Be blessed and be a blessing, 

Matt 

12/15/2022 

Westside's Mission  final December highlights
of Impact Ethiopia 
Ministries
(Due to holiday impacts)
The following information was provided to us by Mark and Krista Haley who "...faithfully serve as church planters in remote Ethiopian villages" 
They live northwest of the capital Addis 
The community of  Westside have supported  this ministry in varied ways for many years. Folks  at Impact  Ethiopia strive to "impact lives and communities in Ethiopia by multiplying and growing Christ followers."

Week 4

Impact Ethiopia Ministries impacts lives and communities in Ethiopia by multiplying and growing Christ followers. In our first newsletter post we explained that 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. The last part is “S” for Small Groups. It really is how discipleship is done. We train and lead the Ethiopian church to grow Christ followers in a small group setting within their cultural context. Mark also develops small group materials for them to use in their groups.

We hope you will pray for us. Please sign up to be a prayer partner or to receive our newsletters on our website. (www.impactethiopia.net)

We will be back this summer and hope to visit with you! Can you believe our youngest son will be going to college? Thank you for all your support.

Latest Newsletter: https://www.impactethiopia.net/images/News_Letters/November_2022_Newsletter.pdf

Note December date
Astro Skate is offering a Christian skate night. There will be praise, celebration and skating to all of your favorite contemporary Christian music favorites
on Tuesday Dec. 27th! The fun starts at 6:30 pm and goes till 8:30 pm
For only $7, with skate rentals included! 
It's not that hard to Host a Potluck at Westside in 2023
1) Gather a group of friends to help host. They don't have to be attending Westside to be a host.   (What a great way for them to get a sense of  Westside's community!)
2) Contact Cindy Otrembra, Westside's "Big Event Leader
at
 
cindy.otremba@ yahoo.com 
3) She'll talk you through the process
and be there to support you and your other team
 members.
Groups can sign up at the Connect Center in the front lobby of the church

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

This Early Christmas treat 
Is NOT-TO-BE- MISSED !!!


Experience the story of the birth of Jesus as told by the angels. 
Based on Luke:1. 2 


In addition to enjoying the play, we will worship together in song, scripture, and communion. 
Cookies and hot cocoa will be served after the service. 
 

Parents of 4th and 5th graders, registration is open for Super Start
January 20-21,2023
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 
AND TO REGISTER 
follow the below link.

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.

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WEEKLY Summary

General Giving = $7,208.86
Designated Giving = $20,070.00

Minimum Needed to Meet Weekly Budget  = $7,458.37 

Attendance 189

"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 
Click To Give Online

Newsletter Subscription Information
If you or someone you know would be interested in receiving an emailed copy of Westside's newsletter:  Anyone can sign-up at: 

https://bit.ly/3Hbjwn1
 
Please send any questions or comments about this newsletter to Margo Ennis, Editor, at margo@westsidechristianchurch.com
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3604 15th Ave. W Bradenton, FL 34205

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