And A Happy New Year 2026!

By Rev. Carol Bodeau

Happy New Year,

The very last few hours of 2025 are upon us as I write this, and what a year it has been! The year saw great losses and challenges, but it also brought some incredible gifts and opportunities. As I look back on 2025 at Westside, there are a few things I am especially grateful for.

Festive decorations and sparkling lights create a joyful atmosphere as balloons and streamers celebrate the arrival of the New Year 2026.

- The wonderful leaders who have been guiding so much growth and change at Westside, including our incredible Board of Trustees, committee leaders, small group facilitators, and our Finance team.

- Our office manager, who has adapted and improved our organization in technical and financial ways with a creativity and persistence that is awe-inspiring.

- Our Buildings and Grounds folks, who have persisted in keeping our 5 acre space beautiful and usable, and have upgraded our playground.

- Our pianists, Jan Coe and Sandra Thomas, and our choir, for making music happen on Sunday mornings in our worship services.

- The incredible work and legacy of Elizabeth Corbett, who served Westside in so many ways over so many years. She will be missed.

- The energy of new folks who have been visiting, attending virtually, and joining Westside at all levels of participation. Your interest and engagement are fuel for the future.

- Our Justice and Generosity partners: The Bottom, Knox Pride, Mobile Meals, Family Promise, and Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful. What incredible work these groups are doing in the community.

- All of the volunteers who made coffee, cleaned up after potlucks, helped out with special projects, greeted on Sunday mornings, and did a thousand other simple but essential tasks to keep Westside open and welcoming.

- All the people who share Westside with us, including regular renters from other religious communities, and those who use our building to serve the public in a myriad of ways.

- And everyone else I haven't named. Each and every person who simply shows up online or in person makes a difference in what we do, and how we do it.

I hope you all have a wonderful new year, and that you know how very much you matter in a world that needs your presence.

Happy New Year, Rev. Carol