Inclement Weather & Emergency Closure Policy

2024-2025 Winter Weather Arrives in Topeka, Kansas

Dear Church Family and Beloved Neighbors,

As we enter the winter season, we want to ensure everyone stays safe and informed during inclement weather or emergencies. Please review the following guidelines for program and worship cancellations:

CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS

All children’s programs – including Sunday School, WWW Kids Bible Club and Youth Events – will be canceled when:

  • The US National Weather Service issues a Weather Advisory Warning.
  • The State of Kansas, Shawnee County, or the City of Topeka declares a Weather Emergency.
  • Topeka Public Schools USD 501 closes or cancels school or after-school programming.

CHURCH BUILDING, CHURCH OFFICE & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

The Church building and Offices – as well as our Community Assistance Programs (e.g., the BABY CLOSET, FOOD PANTRY, and BENEVOLENCE) and Community/Neighborhood Meetings (e.g., AA, , will close when:

  • The US National Weather Service issues a Weather Warning or Emergency.
  • The State of Kansas, Shawnee County, or the City of Topeka declares a Weather Emergency.

In the event of cancellation, we will notify our community as soon as possible through the following channels:

  • Email: Subscribe to the West Side Baptist Church Newsletter e-List.
  • Text Alerts: Text JOIN to (785) 432-5383 to sign up for general text alerts and reminders. Terms and conditions apply. Msg & data rates may apply.
  • Facebook: Follow us at West Side Baptist Church Facebook.
  • Local TV Stations: Check local broadcasts for updates.
  • Website: Visit our home page for posted announcements.

If weather impacts overnight, announcements will be made by 7:00 AM on Sunday morning via these platforms.

WORSHIP CANCELLATION

God deserves our praise and worship. We will make every effort to host live in-person worship services each Sunday throughout the year including when it rains, snows, or storms. The parking lot, sidewalks, and stairs will be cleared and salted by a professional company – please use caution! Please stay safe and warm at home if you think conditions are unsafe or unhealthy.

Worship services will ONLY be canceled at the discretion of the Church Moderator, Coordinator of Worship, and Pastor.

IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICES: Sundays at 10:30 am (with music and singing) in the Sanctuary. 

LIVE-STREAM ONLINE SERVICES – Sundays at 10:30 am on our website and YouTube channel:

Download the bulletin at https://wsbctopeka.org/sunday-worship/downloads.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Stay safe and warm!

Blessings,
Pastor Ivan+

STAY INFORMED & UPDATED

Stay informed and updated with accurate and reliable weather information from the US National Weather Service
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
Find TOPEKA WEATHER at https://www.weather.gov/top/