Lent at West Side
Becoming a People of Resurrection: Virtues for the Wilderness
Lent invites us into the wilderness—not as isolated individuals, but as a people learning to walk in God's ways.
This season we'll explore the virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, faith, and love, not as private moral achievements, but as shared practices that shape us into a community capable of reflecting God's resurrection life.
Through the stories of Jesus, the prophets, and the early church, we will hear how God clarifies our purpose, widens our compassion, reorders our desires, strengthens our courage, deepens our trust, and roots us in self-giving love.
In the wilderness, God forms not only souls, but a people ready for new life.
Worship During Lent
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 18, 7pm, West Side Sanctuary
Begin the season with prayer, reflection, and the imposition of ashes.
Drive-Thru Ashes, West Side Parking Lot
Come in your car to receive an imposition of ashes and a Lenten blessing. All ages are welcome!
- 7:00–8:00 am
- 12:30–1:30 pm
- 3:00–4:00 pm
Mid-Week Pause: Contemplative Gatherings for Lent
Every Wednesday, Feb 25 – Mar 25 7:00-7:30 pm, West Side Chapel
In the wilderness of Lent, we're becoming a people of resurrection—together. Join us for simple, contemplative worship exploring five virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, and faith. Each 30-minute gathering returns to Sunday's scripture, then moves into silence and gentle practices to help us notice, stay present, and trust. No experience necessary. Just come. Breathe. Be.
Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 29 at 9:00am and 10:30am worship services
Join us as we begin Holy Week with a joyful Palm Sunday celebration! We remember Jesus entering Jerusalem in humility and love as crowds waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna!” — a moment that invites us into the story of hope, courage, and compassion.
Come wave palms, sing, and step into the heart of Holy Week. All are welcome!
Children’s Palm Procession:
Arrive 15 minutes early to meet Pastor Christine in the Library. All children Pre-K4 through 8th grade are invited to participate. Childcare available.
Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 pm, West Side Sanctuary
A contemplative service with scripture, prayer litanies, and interactive prayer stations including hand-washing, a finger labyrinth, and communion shared in small groups. Children and families welcome. Childcare available.
Tenebrae Good Friday
Friday, April 3 at 8:00 pm, West Side Sanctuary
A solemn service of shadows as we remember Christ’s passion through scripture, music, and descending darkness.
Good Friday Labyrinth
Noon–3:00 pm, West Side Chapel
Drop in anytime to walk the labyrinth for prayer and reflection.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 5 at 9:00am: Contemporary Worship
Live Band & Communion
Sunday, April 5 at 11:00am: Traditional Worship
Choirs, Brass & Communion
Celebrate the hope and joy of resurrection!
Retreats and Spiritual Growth
Women's Retreat: Open Hearts, Wounded World
March 6–8 at the Warwick Conference Center, Warwick, NY
Many of us are carrying more than we expected. Grief we can’t quite name. Questions about forgiveness. A tender weariness shaped by the world around us. This women’s retreat offers a gentle place to pause. Grounded in Christian spirituality and drawing from Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects (no prior experience needed), we’ll gather for prayer, storytelling, guided conversation, laughter, and quiet time in nature. Together, we’ll make space to honor what’s true, explore forgiveness as something life-giving, and reconnect with hope. Led by Anne Symens-Bucher, founder of Canticle Farm and longtime colleague of Joanna Macy. You’ll leave with clarity, connection, and simple practices you can carry back into everyday life—even in a wounded world. Space is limited!
Men's Retreat: Beyond the Armor
Saturday, March 28 9:00 am–3:00 pm, West Side Presbyterian Church
What if real strength begins when we put down our armor? Join Rev. Marc Oehler for a reflective and encouraging day as we explore the journey from the protected heart to the broken heart to the open heart. Through music, teaching, silence, and conversation, we’ll make room for God’s transforming love — and rediscover a deeper, truer strength that flows from tenderness and faith.
Lenten Mission Opportunities
Rise Against Hunger
West Side Presbyterian, DePhillips Hall (Lower Level)
Saturday, March 1, 2026
Join us on Saturday, March 1 for our Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event! Together, we’ll package 20,000 meals to be distributed to vulnerable communities around the world. We will be working in DePhillips Hall (WSPC Lower Level).
One packing session is available:
- 3:00-5:00pm
We need 100 volunteers of all ages (families welcome—children must be accompanied by an adult). This hands-on service project is a wonderful way to make a global impact while serving side by side with friends and family.
Let’s work together to help end hunger worldwide by 2030!
One Body, Renewed: Our 2026 Lent Mission Campaign
This Lent, we're raising $40,000 to support two vital ministries serving our neighbors: Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative and New Hope Community Ministries.
Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative provides free, compassionate healthcare to uninsured, hard-working adults in Bergen County. With 75 volunteer medical professionals, BVMI delivered 9,700+ medical visits in 2025 alone—reducing ER visits, managing chronic disease, and restoring lives.
New Hope Community Ministries walks alongside families facing hardship through food security programs, bilingual mental health counseling, youth development, naturalization support, and family empowerment initiatives.
Because we are one body in Christ, when one part suffers, all are affected. When one is restored, all are renewed.
Throughout Lent, hear directly from mission partners and West Side members serving with these organizations during worship. Visit our Mission Kiosk in the narthex to learn more and connect with representatives.
Give today at westside.org/give → choose "2026 Lent Mission Campaign"
Starting February 7th!
Come Sing Bach's St. John Passion!
Don’t miss the chance to sing Bach's powerful and profound masterwork, performed in the original German with our period-instrument orchestra and professional soloists!
To join the oratorio choir in this unforgettable concert, email Dr. Steven Seigart, Minister of Music at or click here to sign up!
Rehearsals
Thursdays 8pm, at West Side Presbyterian
February 12, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19
Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, March 21
Concert Performance
Sunday, March 22 at 3pm, at West Side
Kids and Families
Annual Easter Egg Hunt Volunteers Needed!
Saturday, April 4 from 9:00 am–12:00 pm, South Lawn
Help make our annual Easter Egg Hunt a joyful and welcoming event for our children and families! Volunteers are needed to help with setup, activities, and cleanup.
Candy Donations: If you would like to donate a bag of nut-free candy, please drop it off in the designated bin in the narthex.
Want to help stuff eggs? Please reach out to Pastor Christine ( ).
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4 at 10:30am on the South Lawn
Join us on Saturday, April 4, from 10:30–11:30 am for a fun and festive Easter Egg Hunt! This event is open to children in third grade and below.
Children will hunt for eggs in age-appropriate areas and enjoy photo time with the Easter Bunny. It’s a joyful morning full of springtime fun—so bring a basket and feel free to invite friends!
⏰ Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Sign-up is required.
