What to Expect
If you are planning to visit West Side Presbyterian Church for the first time, here is some helpful information that may answer some of your questions:
Where is the church located?
Our church is located on Varian Fry Way at 6 South Monroe Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450. We are at the intersection of West Ridgewood Avenue and South Monroe.
Can I take the train to the church?
The Ridgewood train station is approximately one quarter mile from the church building, a 5-10 minute walk. The station is on the New Jersey Transit Main/Bergen County line. Visit the NJ Transit website for information on train schedules.
Where do I park?
We have a parking lot directly across Hillside Place from the entrance to West Side. There are parking lot entrances on South Hillside Place and South Monroe Street. There are special visitor spaces close to the crosswalk.
What about my children?
We welcome you and your children. Children are always welcome in worship, and there are activity bags for them in the narthex. Each service has a children’s message approximately five minutes after the start of the service. Sunday school for children is offered at 9:00 a.m. (Pre-K through Grade 5 children are excused from the 8:45 Chapel service) and again at 10:00 a.m. (Children from Pre-K through Grade 7 are excused from the 10:00 service following the Children's Message). Your children are welcome to attend either session. There is also a nursery for preschoolers, staffed by paid childcare attendants. It is on the second floor of the Christian Education building.
What should I wear?
Many men come to worship dressed in suits and ties, while many women wear dresses and suits. Others dress more casually, and that’s fine, too.
Who will I see in worship?
You will find people of all ages eager to welcome you into our midst. Our congregation is comprised of many young families, single people, teenagers, empty nesters, and older people. Please be sure to sign the friendship pads, which are passed after the greeting section of the service, and leave us an email address or phone number where we may contact you.
What if I have special needs?
Our sanctuary is wheelchair-accessible. There is an elevator in our Christian Education building that can bring you to any floor there and also to our sanctuary and dining room levels. Large-print hymnals are available in the pews. Ask any usher for help with accessibility.
What is West Side’s preaching like?
For a sample sermon by our senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Gareth Icenogle, please click here.
Join us following worship!
After the 10:00 a.m. service, there is a Coffee Hour for fellowship in the narthex (the large lobby adjacent to the sanctuary). You are encouraged to stay and join us for light refreshments and the chance to get to know us better. Please also take a visitor’s bag for more information about West Side.