5 /5 Gerald Wieder: My wife and I discovered Wayside before we were married and soon after we moved to Federal Way. What captivated us both at first is Waysides serene wooded "chapel" setting. The church itself is floor-to-ceiling glass, with a nearly 360-degree "church in the round" design, and on more that one occasion, weve seen rabbits, deer and other wild animals only a few feet from the church during Sunday service.
The other thing we found uplifting about Wayside is its approach to new would-be members--welcoming, but definitely not "pushy". Everybody gets a name tag when they come in the door for the first time, so everyone knows your name. When you leave, your home-made name tag is saved, and its waiting for you when you return. And Everybody is welcome, literally--including a group of Moslem worshipers who use the church for their services on Friday, and a group of Marshall Islanders who use it on Sunday afternoons. (On occasion the Marshall Islanders have joined the main congregation for joint services!)
Jan and I married in 2002, soon after becoming members. I was raised Roman Catholic and Jan was raised Baptist. There are many folks at Wayside who alumni from other churches and other denominations. Some are Wayside members are the disaffected alumni of other denominations. Some have been "unchurched" for most of their lives.
Jan and I dont go every Sunday, but Wayside is definitely our church home. We have made many friends here, and have made a few close friendships as well. Pastor Dennis and the church leadership truly walk the talk when they say, "No matter where you are in lifes journey, you are welcome here."
