If you’re planning to come to one of our worship services on Sunday mornings, “Kids Check-In” opens at 8:45 am and our contemporary service begins at 9 am. Our traditional service starts at 11 am. We suggest arriving a bit earlier to find a parking space, be welcomed, and make your way into worship.

It’s hard to give an exact time, as our song and sermon lengths can vary.  Our services generally last 70 to 80 minutes, however we’d love you to stick around longer for a coffee so we can get to know you (and so you can get to know us!)

Our pastors teach from the Bible. We usually teach in series, where the talks build on one another throughout the series. Sometimes these series are built around significant life topics and other times we work through a specific book of the Bible. You can expect to hear the Bible read, explained, and a compelling call to live into the goodness, truth, and beauty of what it says. 

Absolutely! We have many families attending West Side Church. While parents are always welcome to keep their children with them throughout the worship service, we have exciting ministries for children of all ages to provide a safe, fun and engaging environment where kids can be rooted and encourage their relationship with Jesus.  

Unsure where to take your children when you arrive? Just look for a Hospitality Team member or someone wearing a blue, West Side Children’s Ministry shirt – they’ll be able to assist you through the Check-in process.

We have childcare for two and under that opens at 8:45 am. Our childcare workers are screened and trained to give the best care possible to your young ones. You are welcome to leave your child with them (we’ll give you a pager if your child needs you). In the contemporary service, there is a special room where parents can care for their infants and participate in the worship service.

Each Sunday morning Holy Word Studios (our kid’s ministry area) opens at 8:45 am and runs for the duration of our Contemporary service. 

Again, absolutely! We seek to create compelling worship experiences that will engage teens and adults in our main services. During the 9 am Contemporary service, we also provide the opportunity for Middle School students to gather with their peers and adult leaders to laugh, connect, and grow together.

Wear what you like. There’s no spoken or unspoken dress code. There’s no right or wrong. Typically, contemporary services are a little more informal, rarely will you even spot a tie or a dress. At a traditional service you may see people a little more spiffy, but again jeans and a shirt will never surprise anyone. What matters to God and to us is that you are here.

Here are some things to think about as you make that decision:

• Time: Are you an early riser? You might like the early option at 9 am. Do you like to start your Sunday kind of slow, or is it just hard to get the kids out of the house early on the weekend? Then the 11 am might be the right fit.
• Style: Casual and contemporary? Try the 9 am service in the South Building (2-story bldg). Classical and liturgical? Try our traditional service at 11 am in the Main Building (single-story bldg).
• Children: We have childcare available for infants through kindergarten during the 9 am worship service and cry rooms if you want to hold onto your little ones during the service. Sunday morning programs for kids through grade 5 as well as MS at 9 am, and kids are always welcome in worship.

Deacons and Elders are lay members who are elected annually by the Congregation for a 3-year term to provide servant leadership. 

Deacons lead or co-lead 12 different ministries and are blessed by serving, giving, caring, and praying for the congregation and those in need who live in and around our community. These ministries include Card Ministry, Communication (Monthly Deacon Beacons), Communion, Community Outreach Ministry (financial partnership with local nonprofit organizations), Hands-Up Ministry, Helping Hands Ministry, Parish Ministry, Prayer Chain Ministry, Receptions, Rosebud Ministry, and Seasonal Outreach Ministry. Deacons also represent a chair on the Session.

Elders (22 members) and staff meet monthly as the Session. The Session is responsible for effective disciple-making, ministry processes, equipping covenant partners (members), and faithfully nurturing covenant partners into spiritual maturity and significant ministry. The Session is led by lead pastor Ralph Kieneker and includes a representative from the Deacons.