IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK Join Matt Wednesday evenings at 6:30 for this 8-week Bible study. This study will examine the characteristics Jesus used to define those who follow him and the implications these characteristics have for believers today.
DEVOTIONAL
Last night we watched this new show, Dirty Old Cars. We watched because a close friend has a family member who is on the cast for the show. The idea of the show is that these folks find old cars and restore them to their original beauty. Sounds like one of many shows that deal with classic car restoration.
This show was different. They didn't pull off the old parts and replace them with new parts. They didn't rip out the old interior and install new interior. They didn't repaint the car to cover up the old.
Instead they restored the original beauty of the car. With the help of soaps, special tools, and water they applied some elbow grease. Slowly the dirt was removed and the paint began to shine again. Stains and grime washed away as the water rinsed the surface. Those stubborn stains required a bit more work with more abrasive tools. With some work they too relent.
Aren't we like those cars? We come to Jesus with dirt and stains. We look like we are unsalvageable. His truth and grace wash us clean. To the naked eye the dirt is gone. But like the experts in the show, God looks a bit closer. He sees the blemishes that the novice wouldn't notice. He sees those things we cling to and refuse to hand over to Him. God pushes harder and goes to work on those stains until they relent. He works until we shine like He made us shine.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt
01/19/2023
Are you new to Westside Christian Church?
OR
Do you just want to know more about who we are?
OR
Are you considering becoming a member of Westside Christian Church?
If YES
Then plan on taking our "Discovering Westside" class.
Learn more about what we believe and who we are as a church.
February 19 – 5:00 PM
We will have dinner together and the class will follow. At the end of the class you may decide to become a member or you may decide it's not for you. Know that regardless of what you decide we are glad you call Westside home.
Reserve your place by emailing Matt@WestsideChristianChurch.com
Since its inception, DOWNTOWN Ministries has devoted its energy to passionately advocating for the hungry and needy members of our local community.
Find out how you can contribute to the future of someone in need through donations of money and time.
Reach Out
Work with people in your local community and make a difference!
WAYS TO GIVE
Financial gifts are always welcome and needed. There are several ways to give a financial gift:
And now you can also give directly from your bank account to ours using Zelle, just use our e-mail address: info@downtown-ministries.com and your gift will arrive within seconds.
WAYS TO VOLUNTEER
Tuesday
Open Warehouse At the warehouse make bagged lunches, hygiene kits, sorting clothing donations, and all the behind the scenes work that needs to be done every week. Also a great time to drop off your donations.
6:30pm - 8:00pm
DOWNTOWN Ministries Warehouse
1715 8th Ave W #S6, Palmetto
Wednesday
Reach Walk Every Wednesday we meet on the Riverwalk and walk from the Public Library to the Skate Park and back. We hand out bagged lunches, ice cold drinks and share unconditional love with everyone that we meet.
Noon - 1:30pm
Bradenton Riverwalk in front of the Public Library
Take a break and chill out! Join us for an outdoor movie night. while enjoying a movie with friends and family. We will be serving burgers, hot dogs, chips and water. All KidMin, WSM, and adult programming will be cancelled on Feb. 1st so that all can attend this fun evening with our Westside Family!
***Let us know that you are coming by following the link below so we can have plenty of food on hand to eat.***
It’s time once again for our annual Chili Cook-off and Cornhole Tourney benefiting Westside Kids. Everyone is welcome and it’s sure to be a ton of fun! Cornhole entry is $20 per person and teams will be randomly assigned.
Chili entry is free
but be sure to bring some money 💸 to cast your people’s choice vote!
If you want to play softball, please see Wes Otremba. There will be a practice on 1/22 at 12:30 pm at GT Bray Park. Rosters need to be finalized by February 2nd. If you cannot make practice, make sure tosee Wes to get put on the roster. The season starts February 13th and games will be on Mondays and Fridays at 7, 8, or 9.
Circle this date,you will not want to miss this show. Unless you don’t like to laugh. Then you definitely don’t want to be here for this evening which will be filled with side splitting laughter. We can’t guarantee that you will laugh so much that your face will hurt, but we can guarantee that attending Clean Comedy for a Cause will increase the chances this happens. More importantly, this show will support Anchor House Mission at SeaPort Manatee. Anchor House shows the love of Jesus to the international merchant sailors and SeaPort Manatee Community. This unique mission is a combination ofinternational and local missions right in our backyard.
"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
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
