August 12, 2021

Hello Westside Friends & Family,

I hope you’re doing well and enjoying your summer! My family has done our best to “make up for lost time” with adventuring and having fun. It’s been a blast to do some of that with friends like you.

I’m writing with a quick update regarding the Oregon State Governor’s mask mandate, effective  Friday, August 13th for all indoor public settings. Of course, this was not the news that any of us had hoped for, but it is the reality in front of us. 

If you’ve been at Westside for any or all of COVID, you probably know that we’ve worked hard to hold up two values along the way: (1) Loving the vulnerable, and (2) Honoring our authorities. We will continue on that same path with this new guidance. As a result, we will be wearing masks indoors at church gatherings for now (for ages 6 and up). I so appreciate serving a faith community that has such great love for God and the community, where we put the needs of others ahead of our own preferences as we help people find & follow Jesus.

There’s no need to worry - our gathering spaces are clean and well-equipped with hand sanitizer & masks in case you’re in need. And for those of you who are connecting with us via church online - thank you! I’m so glad we have this avenue to stay in sync. You can expect our digital ministry to stay strong now and into the future.

We will keep you posted as new information emerges. Please let us know how we can be praying for you. I hope to see you on-site or online this Sunday!

-Pastor Gabe Kolstad

June 24th, 2021

IMPORTANT PARENT UPDATE: Per Governor Brown, Kids are no longer required to wear masks in our Kids' building or programs. Just in time for the hot weather We hope to see your smiling faces this Sunday! We've got an awesome service planned for all ages

May 20, 2021

Hello Westside Family,

As you all know, over the past week Americans received an update from the CDC that is

both exciting and somewhat challenging. In response to that update, we are making a

shift for our on-site services and activities.

Beginning Sunday, May 23, in cooperation with the new CDC guidance and in step with

local businesses in our area, those who have been fully vaccinated no longer need to

wear masks or social distance in our spaces.

Our basic approach moving forward is, “we trust your judgment.” Whether you wear a

mask or don’t, you will be safe and welcomed at Westside. Our facilities are clean and

updated, with plenty of hand sanitizing stations and extra space for social distancing if

you need it. Our team is committed to making your experience at our campus a great

one, every time.

We can celebrate this step forward toward recovery from COVID and the extra freedom

it brings. At the same time, we realize that our ultimate mandate is love. So whether

those around you are wearing masks or not, realize that we are all one, and that our

responsibility is to love and honor those who are here and those who are not here yet.

As my good friend James Gleason said, “we need to practice deference over

preference.” Let’s always be the kind of people who put the needs of others above our

own.

You may be wondering about Kids’ Ministry. In accordance with our local school districts,

for right now we will ask kids ages 2-11 to wear a mask when checked into our

classrooms. But for those 12 and up, our approach moving forward is, “we trust your

judgment.”

Thank you so much for your patience and support as we navigate the constantly

changing circumstances around us. I believe with all my heart that our best days are

ahead of us, and I look forward to sharing those days with you.