Visiting a new church for the first time can be scary and intimidating. We understand that because at one time or another we've all been the first-time visitor. Some of those experiences have been good, others not so much. (And we're sorry for any previous negative experiences you've had with church or church people!)
We hope your experience at Hillside is a positive one in which you feel genuine
ly welcomed and cared for, and that most importantly, you're different when you leave because you've encountered God in a real way through corporate worship in our community of faith. With all that in mind, here are a few things to help you know what to expect and hopefully put your mind at ease . . . First, thank you for considering visiting Hillside. If you come to check things out you can expect to be greeted and warmly welcomed when you first arrive and by several others throughout your visit. These friendly folks can help direct you to important things like where to find the restrooms, childcare and nursery, Sunday school classes, and coffee. Second, our worship service lasts about one hour and 15 minutes. We strive week in and week out to provide quality, powerful praise and worship music and solid biblical teaching that's practical and relevant to your life. Our worship style is a blended mix of contemporary/traditional/liturgical, but we lean more toward contemporary. You are free and welcome to raise your hands, clap, shout . . . or not. Worship as you feel comfortable and moved by the Holy Spirit. Third, we promise that no one will publicly call you out or embarrass you by pointing you out as a visitor. So relax, sit back, participate as you wish and are comfortable in doing so, and see what God has for you. Finally, we also promise that while Hillside is a very safe, friendly, welcoming community full of great people who love God and each other, we're striving to proclaim and live out a very dangerous message--the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Our vision and passion is to be fully devoted disciples of Jesus in authentic community for the good of the world. This might seem strange or even make you feel uncomfortable at first. But stick around. God wants to take you on an incredible adventure of discovering life in Jesus within the context of authentic community for the good of the world.