Lenten Calendar

Lenten Mission Campaign 2024

In the heart of Appalachia, thousands of families make extremely difficult decisions. The decision to buy food, medicine, clothing, and shoes rather than repair a leaky roof that is destroying the walls and floors. Or the decision to turn on the heat during the winter rather than replace the damaged stairs that make it challenging for a disabled or elderly family member to leave the home.

“A family living in Central Appalachia is living in poverty,” said Winburn. “The first thing they usually do is put off maintenance on their home.”

Our Lenten Mission Campaign partner — Appalachia Service Project (ASP) — believes that all people should be able to live in affordable, safe, and sanitary housing. And for more than 50 years, ASP has made homes warmer, safer, and drier for low-income families in Central Appalachia...and provided transformational service experiences for volunteers, including West Side youth. Each year, more than 15,000
volunteers serve with ASP, performing critical home repairs for about 350 families. To date, ASP has transformed 19,000-plus homes!

Volunteers serving with ASP do more than mend homes; they also mend hearts and restore dreams. “[Our house] was so unsafe, and it was so hard to heat. And when you walk on the bedroom floor, it was like walking on a trampoline,” said John, a homeowner who received the gift of ASP home repair. “I am so thankful that we can stay here now and not have any fear of falling through the floor and breaking a leg.” Ray, another homeowner, said, “We wouldn’t even let people come into our old house. Somebody would come and visit, and we would meet them on the porch. Living in this house is unreal compared to the old one. I look forward to coming home now!”

Will you join us in raising $30,000 this Lenten season to support ASP and our youth mission team, which will be serving with ASP again this summer? You can give online at westside.org/give or place an offering envelope in the plate during worship. Thank you in advance for your support!                                                                                                           

Thank you for your support of this program and the ministry of West Side Presbyterian Church, serving northwest Bergen County since 1912.

 

Click here to make a donation of any size to the campaign. Every dollar matters. Every dollar counts. 

Thank you for your support of this program and the ministry of West Side Presbyterian Church, serving northwest Bergen County since 1912.

Click here to learn more


Sermon Series: An Inside Job

An Inside Job: A five-week Lenten sermon series that focuses on spiritual practices that can transform our inner lives and draw us closer to God. The series explores the practices of fasting, centering prayer, examen of consciousness, intercessory prayer, and giving.

You may watch the sermons on our YouTube channel. 


Palm Sunday - March 24

Pre-K to 7th grade children are invited to join the special Palm Sunday procession at the 9:00 am or 10:30 am service. To participate in this beloved West Side tradition, please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the service to receive your palms. Parents, you are welcome to process with your young ones.

Maundy Thursday - March 28

Maundy Thursday is believed to be the day when Jesus celebrated his final Passover with his disciples. We'll gather for worship, interactive prayer stations, and communion in the sanctuary on March 28 at 7:30 pmYou may also watch the livestream on our website or YouTube channel.


Good Friday - March 29

On Good Friday, we remember Jesus' suffering and death on the cross as the ultimate expression of his sacrificial love for us. Join us in the sanctuary for a Service of Tenebrae on March 29 at 8:00 pm, which will also be livestreamed on our website and YouTube channel. Please note: From 12:00 to 3:00 pm, the labyrinth will be available to walk as part of your Good Friday reflections. 

Easter Egg Hunt - March 30

Bring the kids (up to third grade) to hunt for eggs and take pictures with the Easter Bunny! The hunt will begin at 10:30 am in the church parking lot, where children will be directed to an area appropriate for their age. Bring a basket...and feel free to invite your friends to join in the fun. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check-in. Click here to sign up.

Easter Sunday - March 31

Celebrate our risen Lord at 9:00 am (Contemporary Worship) or 11:00 am (Traditional Worship)!  You may also watch the livestream on our website or YouTube channel. K- 3rd grade children are invited to participate in a special service in the chapel with Pastor Christine, which will include a children's sermon and arts and crafts. Nursery care will be available for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in room 211.