Dear Westside Family,
As we approach the end of 2024, I’m gripped by the meaningful ministry and life-changing moments we’ve seen this year. My heart is so full of gratitude for the impact we've been able to make together. Your consistent support this year has enabled us to reach incredible milestones, and it’s clear that God has been moving powerfully through our church!
Here’s just a glimpse of what your faithfulness and generosity have accomplished:
We helped 267 people say YES to following Jesus - a 48% increase over 2023!
We’ve celebrated 120 baptisms, each one a powerful story of transformation.
Our online engagement has more than doubled, with over 60,000 interactions monthly.
Our community impact continues to accelerate, with not only our organized efforts but also a culture of service taking over. More churches are partnering together, and we’re excited about the new opportunities God is opening up!
Our Kids, Students and Young Adult Ministries are thriving, and our church is full of the vibrant life they are bringing.
So much more… and we aren’t even done yet!
With your generosity, we’ve experienced a year of growth and influence that has exceeded our expectations, and we’re ready to step forward into 2025 with faith and boldness. This Christmas season, we’ve identified four new initiatives for our Christmas Offering that will allow us to extend God’s love and continue transforming lives in tangible ways:
1. Outreach – Projects & Partners | Goal: $24k
We’re committed to “going big” with our community impact, supporting ongoing projects like the Good Neighbor Project, and building partnerships locally and globally. With your help, we can make a meaningful difference through year-round initiatives and partnerships that reach beyond our walls.
2. Benevolence – Helping Those in Need | Goal: $12k
The need for practical support is rising in our community, and our Benevolence Fund has been an incredible blessing to many. By increasing our impact by 50% in 2025, we can extend more help to those in need and shine the light of Jesus through compassionate assistance.
3. New Believer Support – Resources for the Journey | Goal: $12k
Supporting new believers on their faith journey is close to our hearts. This year alone, we’ve provided countless Bibles, baptism resources, and follow-up materials to those saying “yes” to Jesus. By growing this fund, we’ll be able to equip even more people with the resources they need to take their next steps.
4. Campus Improvements – Creating Welcoming Spaces | Goal: $40k
Our campus is a vital ministry tool, and we want it to be a place that invites connection and reflects God’s love. Plans for 2025 include covered and heated outdoor spaces for year-round fellowship, as well as essential maintenance like HVAC upgrades and parking lot improvements. These investments will help us continue to welcome and serve everyone who steps onto our campus.
As we enter this season of giving, I invite you to participate in our Christmas Offering and experience the joy of making a difference in ways that matter. Whether through the envelope provided, our app, or online, your gift this Christmas will continue to fuel ministry that impacts lives in our communities and around the world.
Thank you for your partnership in this mission. I’m praying for you to experience a whole new level of God’s presence and power this coming year.
Merry Christmas!
Gabe Kolstad, Lead Pastor
P.S. Be sure to join us Sunday, November 24th as we bring our first and best gifts to kick off our Christmas Offering. Also, we’re beginning our Christmas series “Star of Wonder” this weekend, and it will be an awesome time to invite a friend or family member with you.
