What is the most important thing to do in life?
The answer is simple: LOVE GOD! LOVE OTHER PEOPLE!

Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Jesus of Nazareth, Matthew 22:36-40

HOW DO WE LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS?

Jesus said, “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me…“Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me”

Jesus Christ of Nazareth, 1st Century (Matthew 25:35-36, 45)

Our Mission is SIMPLE: Love God! Love other People by helping them!

• Food with the Hungry – Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Food Pantry
• Water with the Thirsty – City of Topeka Water Utility Bill Assistance
• Housing for the Stranger – Rental and Emergency Housing
• Clothing for the Naked – Baby Closet, Kids Closet at Westside Christian Church, and Adult Clothing at Doorstep, Inc
• Medical Care for the Sick – Local hospitals, GraceMed Capitol Family Clinic, and prescription copay assistance
• Visitation for the Incarcerated and Institutionalized

DOWNLOAD THIS FREE RESOURCE – Topeka Area Resource Check List:

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS – https://www.aa.org/
“HELPING ALCOHOLICS TO ACHIEVE SOBRIETY”

FORBES GROUP
Wednesdays @ 7:30 pm

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.

A.A.’s primary purpose is to help alcoholics
to achieve sobriety.

Topeka Area Answering Service 
http://www.aatopeka.org | Phone:(785) 235-2226

COUNSELING: Do You Need Someone to Listen to You and Your Needs?

PASTORAL CARE:
Listening with the Ear of the Heart

Our Clergy are trained in the spiritual practice of listening carefully with the ear of the heart. They will give their attention to a kind of deep, intentional, generous listen to you, your soul, the world and to God with a mindful and loving heart, unfettered by internal chatter, personal ambition, hidden agendas, and personal prejudice.

“There’s a lot of difference between
listening and hearing.” 
― G.K. Chesterton

As their schedules allow, our Ordained Clergy are able to help persons seeking assistance with personal, family, marital, and faith issues by offering ACTIVE LISTENING, BIBLICAL SOUL CARE, SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, or RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION, and REFERALS to trained Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs). DISCLAIMER: Our Ordained Clergy are NOT Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) in the State of Kansas (see the State of Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board), and therefore, they do not provide counseling services.

Find a Christian Counselor in our Topeka area TODAY at https://www.psychologytoday.com

GRIEF SUPPORT AND SYMPATHY
Need Help Dealing with Grief?

GriefShare is a grief recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one. You will receive valuable guidance and tips, leading you to relief, comfort, and peace of mind.

Find information at https://www.griefshare.org.

• HOSPITAL ADMISSION AND EMERGENCY VISITATION: Patient privacy is the right thing to do for all our protection, and IT IS THE LAW. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) passed by Congress in 1996 does not allow the hospital to share your information with the church or religious leaders. Stormont Vail Hospital has additional policies and practices restricting clergy access to patients and facilities. If you or your family are admitted to a hospital or care center, YOU or your immediate family must call the Pastor to request a pastoral visit. Call the Church Office at (785) 233-4241 or the Pastor’s cellphone.
• MARRIAGE & FAMILIES:
• PASTORAL VISITATION: As his schedule permits, our Pastor visits members who are homebound and in care facilities regularly (hospitals daily, rehabilitation centers weekly, homebound monthly), during emergencies, and upon request. Volunteers deliver the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion) to our homebound members on the first Sunday of the month by request. Call the Church Office to request a Pastoral visit or communion delivery.
• PREMARITAL PREPARE/ENRICH: Couples considering celebrating the Covenant of Christian Marriage at our church are encouraged to enroll in the Prepare/Enrich Program (https://www.prepare-enrich.com) offered by our certified pastoral leaders. Prepare/Enrich is the #1 premarital and marriage assessment tool, using evidence-based skills and insights to foster healthy relationships. Contact the Church Office to schedule an appointment. Couples wishing to engage in Premarital Counseling should contact a trained Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) in the State of Kansas.

NOTICE! MANDATORY REPORTERS: In many US states, clergy and other professionals are mandatory reporters of child abuse (mental, physical, or sexual), neglect, or suspected harm; and threats of bodily harm to yourself (suicide) or others. Our Church requires Ordained Clergy to be mandatory reporters regardless of state law. Mandatory reporting statutes in some states specify the circumstances under which a pastoral communication is “privileged” or allowed to remain confidential. Consult the Kansas Department for Children and Families, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and/or an attorney for current requirements, statutes, and limits of privileged communication(s).

FOOD, CLOTHES, RENT AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE:

We help our neighbors and community with basic needs like food, water, baby supplies, children’s clothes, addiction recovery, emotional support, utility assistance, and more! Click on the pictures below to find out more about getting help at West Side Baptist Church:

Doorstep Inc.
1119 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604
Phone (785) 357-5341
https://www.doorsteptopeka.org/

GAS & FUEL ASSISTANCE

The Church does NOT provide financial assistance, gift certificates, vouchers or cash to purchase gasoline, oil, or other automotive items.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations

RENT ASSISTANCE – Equity Access Shelter Program

The City of Topeka has initiated a centralized process for the Equity Access Shelter Program (https://kshousingcorp.org/partners/equity-access-shelter-eas).

ALL RENT REQUESTS MUST START
WITH THE CITY OF TOPEKA
CALL: (785) 368-9533

Call (785) 368-9533 to start the process. The City will do an intake survey, determine the eligibility and prioritize the callers’ requests based on a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) survey. Once a person is eligible, the City will send a ticket to the local social service agencies (e.g., Doorstep Inc., Let’s Help, Salvation Army, etc.) in Topeka to take over the request. Applicants will probably get a recording, so leave one message, not multiple messages, and the City will call them back ASAP.

EMERGENCY SHELTER & REHOUSING

EMERGENCY SHELTER ASSISTANCE: We partner with the TOPEKA RESCUE MISSION (https://www.trmonline.org) for all emergency shelter services. TRM’s mission is to minister to those in need by bringing Help and Hope through serving those experiencing homelessness and hunger.

Call the Topeka Rescue Mission hotline at (785) 230-8237.

NO HOTEL OR MOTEL ASSISTANCE

EMERGENCY SHELTER – We partner with the TOPEKA RESCUE MISSION (https://www.trmonline.org) for emergency shelter services.
Call their hotline at (785) 230-8237

RAPID REHOUSING – we partner with the SALVATION ARMY OF TOPEKA (https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/topeka) to administer the rapid rehousing program. Call their hotline at (785) 233-9648

Habitat for Humanity Topeka
121 NE Gordon St, Topeka, KS 66608
Phone: (785) 234-4322
https://www.topekahabitat.org/

Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc.
1195 SW Buchanan, Suite 101, Topeka KS
Phone: 800-383-0217
https://housingandcredit.org/

Let’s Help
200 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: (785) 234-6208
https://letshelpinc.org/

UTILITIES – Help with Electric, Natural Gas, and Water

• BUDGET or LEVEL PAY AGREEMENTS or utility pay agreement – Contact your utility provider.
• EVERGY UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE – financial options and program assistance for qualified applicants – https://www.evergy.com/
• Franchise Fee Utility Rebate/Credit Program – CALL the Community Resources Council at (785) 233-1365
• LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Payment) – https://www.dcf.ks.gov
• KANSAS GAS SERVICE Assistance Program – https://www.kansasgasservice.com
• Project Deserve for EVERGY Customers – CALL 316-219-4070 or 1-888-765-9058 Earned Income Tax Credit
• Utility & Weatherization Related Assistance Programs – https://kcc.ks.gov/public-affairs-and-consumer-protection/utility-weatherization-related-assistance-programs-in-northeast-kansas
• WaterShare – City of Topeka Water Utility Assistance Program – https://www.topeka.org/utilities/watershare

Free Soup Kitchen – Most Sundays
🍲 The Community Kitchen: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The Community Kitchen:
A Neighborly Table for Everyone

Join us for a warm meal and friendly fellowship at The Community Kitchen — served Sundays at Noon at West Side Baptist Church, 1008 SW 4th Street, Topeka, KS 66606.

Everyone is welcome at our table! Whether you’re looking for a good meal, a listening ear, or a sense of community, you’ll find it here. The Community Kitchen is a place where neighbors help neighbors, sharing God’s love through food and friendship.

Come hungry, come curious, come as you are — there’s always room for one more at our neighborly table.

🕛 When: Sundays at 12:00 PM
📍 Where: West Side Baptist Church, 1008 SW 4th St., Topeka, KS 66606
💛 All are welcome — no cost, no judgment, just good food and good company.

Support The Community Kitchen: A Neighborly Table for Everyone

Your gift helps feed our neighbors—body and soul. Each Sunday at noon, West Side Baptist Church opens The Community Kitchen to serve free soup, sandwiches, and fellowship to anyone in need of a warm meal or a caring community.

Your donations make this ministry possible by providing:

• Fresh ingredients for homemade soups and sandwiches
• Supplies like bowls, utensils, and napkins
• A welcoming space for neighbors to gather and connect

Every dollar helps us extend Christ’s love and hospitality to more people in Topeka.

❤️ Give today and help set the table for someone in need.

GREATER KANSAS FAMILIES – Persons and families OUTSIDE of the Topeka / Shawnee County area should contact their local ministerial alliance, house of worship, or community assistance network. The Church cannot provide transportation assistance (including gas) for nonresidents or persons/families traveling through the area.

NEIGHBORING STATES – The church welcomes people of all nations, states, tribes, and languages. We partner with agencies, shelters, churches, and ecumenical partnerships to assist families in neighboring states (Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and more). Persons and families OUTSIDE of the State of Kansas should contact their local ministerial alliance, house of worship, or community assistance network. The Church cannot provide transportation assistance (including gas) for nonresidents or persons/families traveling through the area.

WARD-MEADE NEIGHBORS – Persons and families living in the historic north-central Ward Meade Neighborhood of Topeka, Kansas, should contact the Church Office at (785) 233-4241 to schedule an appointment to complete an Application for Assistance in person. The Church shares limited funds per request as donations are available. The Church promises no assistance or support without prior approval of the Benevolence Committee. No cash will be paid to any person(s). The Church does not discriminate but complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all other federal, state, and local laws. A check will be mailed or paid directly to the agency, company, and/or landlord in approximately ten (10) business days. No assistance or applications are accepted over the phone. Donate to the Benevolence Fund at https://west-side-baptist-church.square.site.

West Side Baptist Church is a registered 501(c)3 Not-for-Profit Religious Charitable Corporation (USA Federal ID Number 48-0612483; Kansas Tax Exempt KSNKX22BJN, Exp. 10-01-2024). Donations may be tax-deductible as permitted by law. West Side Baptist Church, 1008 S.W. 4th Street, Topeka, KS 66606.

HONOR & RESPECT POLICY 

The Church is committed to treating people with dignity, courtesy, honor and respect by upholding our Christian ethics and principles. The Church does not discriminate in the distribution of goods and social services, regardless of age, color, creed, ethnicity, gender expression, marital status, military obligations, national origin (ancestry), physical appearance (height, weight, etc.), physical or mental ability (handicap), race, religion (or no religious beliefs), sex, sexuality, or veteran status. If you have a negative experience, speak with a program supervisor or call the Minister at (785) 233-4241.

Updated: 14 JANUARY 2026