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

WS Update: Redeeming Anxiety

February 16, 2026

I love our church’s name: Redeemer. That’s who Jesus is and what Jesus does. He redeems and renews and transforms. There’s nothing that Jesus can’t redeem.

And that includes our anxiety. Many of us are anxious, and we’re anxious about all kinds of things. What if Jesus is inviting us to bring all our anxiety to him, not to shame us, but to redeem?

A few years ago, I read a book that’s had a huge impact on me called The Anxiety Opportunity, by Curtis Chang. Through that book, I learned—I am still learning—that anxiety isn’t merely a bad thing to get rid of, but is something God can use to help us know him better, and to know ourselves better. As Chang writes,

“Here is the little-known truth about anxiety: it isn’t only a problem we wish would go away; it is also an opportunity for spiritual growth. In fact, for a Christian, anxiety is one of the most powerful opportunities for transformation we’ll ever encounter.”

I hope you can join us on April 24-25 for our conference called “Redeeming Anxiety.” Through teaching and discussion, through worship and prayer, we’ll be equipped with practical tools that enable us to experience God gently meeting us in and through the big and small things that we worry about.

To learn more about our conference, including our guest speakers and the schedule, as well as to register, please click this image.

I hope to see you there,

Pastor Bijan

Friday, April 24, from 7 to 9 pm
Saturday, April 25, from 10 am to 5:30 pm

RWS Conference | Redeeming Anxiety
Over two days, we’ll explore the unique resources Christianity offers to help us identify, articulate, and grow in and through the big and small things we worry about. This conference will feature teaching from pastoral leaders and trusted Christian leaders with experience in theology, pastoral care, and mental health. There will also be practical exercises, community building, and worship, as we together not only learn what God says about anxiety, but experience him gently meeting us in our anxiety. Register by Monday, April 6, for early-bird pricing.

We’re preparing to launch a new Evening Worship service on March 29, and we’re gathering a launch team to help it begin with prayer, presence, and relational energy. This form is for those who are willing to commit to three things:

  • Attending the evening service on a regular basis (as you’re able).
  • Praying for the evening service and the new people God is calling to attend.
  • Serving in practical ways as needs arise.

We won’t ask you about specific roles yet—right now, we’re simply asking who is “in” for this next chapter. Click here to submit an interest form. We’ll follow up with more information, prayer gatherings, and next steps as we move toward launch.

Upcoming

Get Involved

RWS Job Opening: Culture & Hospitality Manager – Evening (Full-Time)
Volunteer with West Side Youth at their upcoming Winter Retreat (February 27 to March 1). 
Lend a hand at our monthly Church Family Meals. 
Serve at our welcome table for one Sunday a month at RWS. 
Subscribe to our Neighborhood Engagement Newsletter.
HFNY: Our friends at Hope For New York are partnering with City Wide Worship for a night of singing and praying! Join the worship on Saturday, February 21, to reflect on the Lenten season and how we can be kind and compassionate New Yorkers to our neighbors in need.
HFNY: Hope For New York’s Rising Leaders Board is hosting a winter social on Thursday, February 19! You’re invited to this after-work event to connect with young professionals, hear how you can be part of a community helping neighbors in need, and see a can’t-miss view of NYC! RSVP today, and get a discount when you bring a friend. 

Picture of Bijan Mirtolooi
Bijan Mirtolooi