One of the Young Lives moms, who was supported with rent grants from the YLCF and the WSPC Deacons, has just finished her education and will start a new job this fall teaching special education/integrated kindergarten. The best part is that her new job is at the school that she attended for K-3! Talk about coming full circle. Our contributions helped pay for rent so that she could focus on her edu...  Read More

"Nothing can touch the immense impact of the Kenya experience. If you want to make a real difference in someone’s life, if you want to have a cultural impact -become involved in PFP. It all starts with a water tank!"—Gretchen, Work Team 2023 volunteerThe Work Team 2023 trip to Makueni was incredible. The team worked hard building tank bases and learned about the challenges facing our partners in K...  Read More

Sermon from Rich Villodas at New Life Fellowship Church on Contemplative Rhythms – preached in 2022.Study Guide from Waterbrook Multnomah Press. SABBATH RESOURSES Bible Project 5-Minute Sabbath VideoBible Project “Seventh-Day Rest – Sabbath” – 14 Video ResourcesSabbath and Scripture Podcasts from Christ City Church in Washington DC – 6 minute lectio divina podcasts on the theme of Sabbath.Sabbath ...  Read More

Carys ParkerPastoral InternThis summer, Carys Parker, West Side's Pastoral Intern, will be visiting with some of our members who are not able to be worshiping with us in-person. Be sure to check back often to see what is happening with our dear friends! At the end of June I had the privilege of sitting down with Freda Ricord alongside Pat Nealson to reflect on her past 70 years at West Side. Freda...  Read More

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A sincere THANK YOU to the West Side family for sending me off into retirement in style! Sunday, June 25 was a gift and blessing together in worship and celebration, connecting with longtime church family as well as those new to my church family. Blessings to you all as I will continue to hold you close to my heart and in my prayers. Feel free to follow me on my Kross Kountry Adventure at:KrossKou...  Read More

We all have moments in our life, whether collectively, and individually, when we wonder- “will the night soon pass?” (Isaiah 21:11–12).  During such moments we all look for inspiration and hope, and sacred music throughout the ages has offered an abundance of both.  One of the most powerful pieces of music I know that offers hope following long nights of the soul is Lobgesang by Felix Mendelssohn....  Read More

Sunday, June18,  we ordained and installed the new elders and deacons elected by the congregation. Please include them in your prayers for the leaders here at West Side. We are grateful for their willingness to serve....  Read More

Chris KochSenior Director of MinistryOn June 20, 2023 I was examined by the Presbytery and approved to seek ordination in the PCUSA. Next week Wednesday, June 28 at 7:30pm, there will be a service where I will be ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. Going through this process has reminded me of Gods work in the midst of our wanderings.   I first entered the ordination process in 2001, as ...  Read More

“Our world continues on, faster and busier, and we are reminded that our souls were not created for the kind of speed to which we have grown accustomed."—Rich Villodas, The Deeply Formed Life Our spring sermon series on 1 Peter invited us to live our faith with confidence in conflicted spaces and times. Confident faith grows from a life deeply rooted in God's love. This summer, with Pastor Rich Vi...  Read More

We are delighted to welcome Carys Parker to our staff this summer as a part time Pastoral Intern. Carys graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary (MDiv 2022) and is under care of the Seattle Presbytery for ordination. She was one of two students who received the Parish Pulpit award from Fuller that funded her "gap year" in Europe, where she walked a sizable portion of the Camino Del Norte before ...  Read More

By Stacy KutzFamilies and Youth Director What is your VBS story? As I am planning Vacation Bible School, I find myself reflecting back over my personal history with VBS. I remember days filled with singing songs, playing games, making crafts, eating silly food, and learning about God. My husband Dan fondly recalls the rigorous memory work program he participated in at West Side’s VBS. Starting in...  Read More