WS Update: Summer Reading

June 9, 2025

Summer is nearly upon us, and that means (hopefully) time for extra reading. I wanted to share a few recommendations for summer reading: books I’ve especially enjoyed and think are important for spiritual formation. While I may not agree with everything in each of these books, I’ve been shaped by all of them in meaningful ways and trust you could be, too.

Overcoming Apathy: Gospel Hope for Those Who Struggle to Care by Uche Anizor.

This book will help you better understand the reality and danger of spiritual apathy, as well as ways the gospel provides resources to fight against apathy.

Is Easter Unbelievable? Four Questions Everyone Should Ask About the Resurrection Story by Rebecca McLaughlin.

The resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of Christian faith. This short and helpful book will build up your confidence in Jesus’ resurrection while also equipping you to be better prepared to talk with others about the resurrection.

A Little Book on the Christian Life by John Calvin.

This short and highly readable book is one of the best I’ve ever read on what it means to live as a Christian.

Living Into Community: Cultivating Practices that Sustain Us by Christine Pohl.

I recently reread this book and was impressed again by how practical, biblical, and counter-cultural Dr. Pohl’s insights are. If you’re looking for a book to help deepen your experience of and participation in community, this is a great place to start.

Happy reading!

Pastor Bijan


We invite you to take our brief, anonymous RWS Annual Congregational Survey—just five minutes of your time can make a lasting difference. We are near the end of our fourth year living out our renewed vision and values. This past year has centered on Promoting Shalom and pursuing God’s justice for the flourishing of our entire community. How well did we meet our expectations for this area of focus and other core aspects of our church?

Your voice matters. Each year, your feedback has helped shape our ministries, refine our priorities, and enable us to respond more faithfully to the needs of our church and city.

The survey will close on Wednesday, June 18. Please take a moment to share your thoughts today by clicking here.


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RWS Job Opening: Director of Youth Ministry. 
Volunteer with West Side Youth on Friday nights at 7 pm. 
Listen to Redeemer West Side Music. 
Sign up to serve the Church Family Meals at RWS. 
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Volunteer with HFNY this summer!