This Sunday, January 11th, is the Third Sunday after Christmas. Scripture Text: Mark 1:4-11. Preaching: Beverly Dempsey. Sermon Title: "Love in the Time of Cholera." Services are at 8:45 and 11:15 a.m., with Church School for Elementary Children at 8:45 and Church School for All Ages at 10:00 a.m.
Visitors and prospective members are invited to join the congregation in worship as well as the many events taking place. Here are a few of this week’s highlights (for a full list of activities, go to our Calendar):
Each year at Christmastime, West Side collects a Christmas Joy Offering and Homeless Offering that is focused on mission work. The Christmas offering is called the Joy offering to reflect the belief that our greatest joy is found in the act of giving of our time and talents to others. As we enjoy the Christmas season ahead, let us remember those less fortunate and give generously. The Joy offering this year is to be divided among the following missions:
Hope House in Haiti
Founded as an orphanage by Father Marc, it has grown into a small community offering food, shelter, education, medical care and job training to indigent boys and girls in Haiti. Hit hard by hurricanes this Fall, the Hope House is in great need.
Youth Self Development
A West Side initiated program offering tutoring and scholarships for Paterson high school students in order to prepare them for higher education and careers. The program continues to grow and flourish.
Baby Basics
Another West Side initiated program serving the needs of needy newborns all over Bergen County by providing diapers, formula, and social support. Due to the economic downturn, the needs are great and growing.
Presbyterian Missions
We are making a good faith effort to restore some of the funding that West Side annually donates in support of mission programs of the Presbytery of the Palisades and the Presbyterian Church at large.
The Homeless Offering
The Homeless Offering this year will go to the Inter-Religious Fellowship for the Homeless of Bergen County. This program provides a safe place for the night and meals for the homeless in our area. West Side continues to provide both financial and volunteer support for the program.
Board of Pensions Emergency Fund
Part of the Joy offering will go to the Board of Pensions as it has every year in the past. These funds provide support to retired church workers who have financial need or an emergency.
PRACTICAL HELP FOR THE HUNGRY
Through West Side's "Pack-a-Sack" program, you can help the hungry in our immediate area put food on the table. Bring your grocery bag of non-perishable food items to Worship on Sunday, or at any time during office hours (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), and leave it in one of the bins by the Reception Desk. Volunteers will take the donations to the Food Pantry. Thank you for remembering our neighbors in need!
News from Sunday, December 21st!
On Sunday, December 21st, the congregation voted at a special meeting to call The Rev. Dr. Gareth Icenogle as West Side's Pastor/Head of Staff. There were approximately 550 people at Worship and close to 400 at the congregational meeting. That's a great turn out. Considering this was in the midst of a snow storm, that's absolutely miraculous and a testament to the energy and enthusiasm of the congregation for this moment in West Side's history. For those of you unable to make it to church on Sunday, a few items:
Click here for the Announcements from Sunday, December 21
Click here for a special letter: Stewardship Call to Action
We now have Podcasts available, including Dr. Icenogle's sermon! See the Podcast page by clicking here.
The Poetry of West Side
Click here for information on John Ianacone's beautiful new hardcover book of photos.
Newsletter: West Side Press
Click here for the December West Side Press [pdf]
Stewardship
Click here for a letter from Stewardship Chair Sharon Ruger [pdf]
Click here for an Estimate of Giving card [pdf]
