Lent season is upon us! Use this time to reflect on what Jesus has done for us.

WS Update: Celebrating VBS

July 13, 2026

Last week, our church adventured into the rainforest with “Rainforest Falls” VBS! Thank you to our church family, who prayed for our children and youth as they spent the week exploring what it means that God is creator, protector, powerful, love, and alive. “Wow, God!” It was a joy to welcome 114 incredible kids to Redeemer West Side, and we couldn’t have done it without the 255 adult and 45 student volunteers who served last week, as well as our amazing family ministry staff team.

Through lively stories, games, and crafts, our rainforest explorers learned about the nature of God. The energy and joy throughout the building were infectious, not only for the kids but also for the adults. One of the recurring themes was that we can trust in God no matter what we face. One particular highlight for me was sitting in the balcony with other parents as all the kids sang “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”:

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms.

What a good reminder for us all.

With hope,

Pastor Bijan

Volunteer with WS Kids

Even though VBS comes to an end, our mission does not! Every Sunday, youth gathering and conversation is another opportunity to disciple our next generation. If you were inspired by what you saw this week, we would love to invite you to be a part of this ongoing work. Whether you serve monthly or more, there is a place for you. The same church family that made VBS possible can continue building a community where children are known, loved, and pointed to Jesus all year long.

Let’s keep this momentum going. Join us as we continue discipling the next generation together. Want to learn more? Click this image to email us at kids@redeemerws.com.

Wednesday, July 22 at 6:45 pm
Exploring Your Spiritual Gifts: A Workshop
Join us over pizza for a practical workshop as we explore these questions together:

  • What are spiritual gifts?
  • What is a calling?
  • How do we discern our spiritual gifts?
  • How is God calling us to use our spiritual gifts?

This workshop will also include individual reflection and prayer, group discussion, and take-home resources to help you continue discerning and putting your gifts into practice. Click here to sign up.

Upcoming

Get Involved

RWS Job Opening: Director of Youth Ministry
RWS Job Opening: Youth Ministry Senior Coordinator
Volunteer with WS Youth on Friday nights this fall. 
Apply to serve with West Side Kids!
Listen to sermons on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.  
Serve at our welcome table for one Sunday a month at RWS. 
Subscribe to our Neighborhood Engagement Newsletter.
HFNY: Provide consistent support to Hope for New York partners. Join HFNY’s monthly giving community, The Hope Exchange, to support the impact of HFNY nonprofits across all five boroughs.

Picture of Bethany Evans
Bethany Evans