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Westside Cares About Our Community

In 2007, the members of Westside expressed concern that the church was not doing enough for the local community. To answer that concern, the Board of Trustees developed a model, presented it to the congregation, and “Share the Plate” was established. Each quarter, the BOT chooses a local charity from congregant suggestions.

Each Sunday during that quarter, we share 25 percent of all undesignated collection plate money with that charity. We also use this as an opportunity to spotlight the work of that charity so members can get more involved if they desire. 

Some past Share the Plate partners:

 

  • Loudon County Habitat for Humanity

  • Interfaith Health Clinic

  • Young Williams Animal Center

  • Breakthrough Corporation for Autistic Adults

  • Iva’s Place

  • Ijams Nature Center

  • Volunteer Ministry Center

  • Free Medical Clinic of Knoxville

  • Remote Area Medical

  • The Green McAdoo Cultural Center

  • Smoky Mountain Service Dogs

  • Highlander Research and Education Center

Westside's Community Outreach Committees

Family Promise

 

Westside is one of 16 "host" churches for Family Promise of Knoxville. Our mission is to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence.  Click here to learn more.

Lay Pastoral Care

 

Lay Pastoral Care is a direct extension of the Minister's work at Westside. 

To learn more about Rev. Bodeau, click here.

Social Justice

 

The Social Justice Committee at Westside works to fulfill the church's mission statement as “we seek to serve the larger community and to work for a just and environmentally responsible society.”  

Our goals are to do our best to inform, motivate, and support Westside as we exemplify our UU principles in the community and the world. One way to do this is by supporting Westside's role as a host congregation for Family Promise.  We also participate in events like Knoxville's PrideFest, organize a lunch at Volunteer Ministry Center every few months, and coordinate the quarterly Adopt-a-Mile trash pick-ups on Grigsby Chapel Rd.  Additionally, we try to keep Westsiders informed regarding the social justice work of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.

Religious Education

 

Westside is committed to a deeply involved Religious Education (RE) Program. Click here to learn more.

Food Pantry

 

Westside always accepts food donations in a basket in the church sanctuary. The donations go to the C.A.R.E. (Christians Actively Reaching Everyone), a food pantry at Farragut Christian Church which serves approximately 100 families in our local community monthly.

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