How long has your church been around?

Over 100 years! Parkside Community Church was formerly known as “Reformed Church of Westwood” up until 1997. The name changed, but the church is the same and it is still part of the denomination of the Reformed Church of America. It is actually the oldest church in Westwood having originally been incorporated in 1886.

What does “Reformed” mean anyway?

The full title of our church helps with the meaning of Reformed. “The Church of Jesus Christ Reformed according to the Word of God.”

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we believe that the Word of God, the Bible, is a special witness, revealing Jesus Christ as the Son of God, our Lord and savior. Therefore we seek to form our lives according to that Word, as we follow the Way of Jesus. We are not perfect, so we must always return to that Word to Re-form our lives according to that Word of God. Hence, we call ourselves Reformed.

What is the music like?

At Parkside Community Church we believe that the purpose of music is to bring us closer to God in worship and to praise Him. We try as best as possible to select songs that relate to the sermon and help us feel closer to God when we are singing. The songs we sing may range from ones you may hear on a contemporary Christian radio station involving guitars, drums and keyboards, to those traditional hymns that are played out on a pipe organ. On any given Sunday the music may make you want to dance, or it may bring you to tears and sometimes even both during the same song! All the lyrics to the songs are projected up front so that you can easily follow along.

What should I wear?

God doesn’t care what you wear to church and neither do we. Some people were brought up in a traditional manner of wearing dresses and suits to church and some of our members like to dress up on Sunday in this manner. But we have just as many who feel more at ease in jeans and casual clothes. All manners of dress (within tasteful reason, of course) is welcome at Parkside.

Are there opportunities to be involved in ministries?

Absolutely! We believe everyone has spiritual gifts to offer and church is where we are given the chance to use those gifts for the glory of God. We are always interested in encouraging anyone with specific talents and gifts to share those with the church. Opportunities include teaching, assisting with children’s programs, music ministry, administration, community outreach, mission trip participation or coordination, and so on. Often we have had newcomers say to us “This seems like the kind of church where I can make a difference and offer my services.” So if God has placed it on your heart to DO something that can make a difference, then this just may be the church for you.

Am I welcomed at Parkside if I identify as LGBTQ?

Parkside Community Church’s motto is “A Place Where You Belong.” We fully affirm, include and welcome people of all sexual identities and orientations to participate in every aspect of church life — from worship, to fellowship, and leadership, etc. In 2018 Parkside adopted an official welcoming statement (see our WELCOME page) affirming this commitment. We are proud to be an open, affirming and inclusive church