Hello Hillside Family,

        Every week I feel passionate about the message I give and I want so much to be of help to you.  Last week I went deeper personally than I have in a very long time.  If you missed it, all of our message are available on audio or video on this site.  I centered our focus on why we should share Christ with other people.  This is something that consumes my thoughts.  This Sunday, I want to direct our attention to how to help people see and understand the message of Jesus.  It isn't going to be about sandwich board signs or hell-fire-and-brimstone preaching.  It will be helpful tips for sharing the love of Jesus with your family, friends, and associates.  Even if you aren't sure what you believe, this will be a message that will be of help to you.  We've got some great worship music planned and we'll be celebrating Communion together.  It's going to be a great Sunday.

Hello Hillside Family & Friends!

        One of the greatest jobs I ever had was also one of the most frightening.  I was a lifeguard at the Naval Weapon Station in Concord.  I maintained the pool, treated injuries, and even pulled a few sputtering kids from the water.  But the most frightening "rescue" I ever made was the day a 6 foot 8 inch body builder was persuaded by his friends to go off of the diving board.  I wondered why such an obviously fit athlete would be so hesitant to jump in, but as soon as he did, I knew why.  I have to this day never seen anyone sink so fast.  He was able to kick his muscular body only high enough to get his hands out of the 9 feet of water.  I threw him a buoy on the end of a rope and it took three of us to "reel him in."  I will never forget the look on his face as I watched him sink.  It's not much unlike the looks I have seen on people these days as they try to keep their heads above water financially, in their career, in their marriage, or as a parent.  This Sunday we'll conclude our series, "Hoping For A Miracle."  We'll talk about how to deal with those times "WHEN YOU FEEL YOU'RE SINKING."  I know it be of help to you.

Hello Hillside Family & Friends,

        This Sunday is Father's Day and I'm looking forward to a great time together.  Comedian Rodney Dangerfield made a career of telling people ways in which he didn't get any respect.  "I don't get no respect" or "I get no respect" were his catch phrases and people laughed at his monologues.  But the truth is, we all crave respect.  I've heard men say, "I don't care if people love me as long as they respect me."  We dads would really like to have both, right?  This Sunday I'm going to share with all of us (especially dads) "HOW TO EARN THE RESPECT OF OTHERS."  It will be a helpful, practical message for everyone.  And don't worry dads, it is definitely not one of those beat-you-over-the-head type of messages.  I don't do those!

Hello Hillside Family & Friends!

        Do you know any fishermen?  If so, you've probably heard a few wild fish stories.  And the more they are told, the better they get.  Then again, quantity and size are easy factors to forget, right?  I didn't mention "fisherwomen" because they always tell the truth.   In our series, "When You're Hoping For A Miracle," we're talking about miracles, especially in light of how they relate to us in turbulent times like our current recession.  This Sunday we are going to talk about one of the greatest fishing stories of all time.  It is fantastic, but in this case it is a true story and not embellished at all.  I know this message will be encouraging to all of us as we talk about, "WHEN YOU'VE COME UP EMPTY."  Don't miss this great time together.  I'm looking forward to sharing this message with you.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make the Block Party such a wonderful time.  We appreciate it so much!

The Adult Bible Study continues this week as we enjoy our time together at 9 a.m. Everyone is invited to join in on this fun, informal study.  We meet in the fellowship hall (close to the coffee!). 

MEN'S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST

Join us June 26^th at 8 am Sylvia’s Restaurant on Lone Tree Way.  Afterwards we will be doing a service project to help a single mom with some yard work. If you know someone not on the email list, please let them know.  Of course, participation in the project is not required to come to the breakfast. 

MEN'S SERVICE PROJECT

Our Labor of Love project will be after the breakfast and is in Pittsburg just off Buchanan.  The lady we are helping is very appreciative. If you could RSVP to Terry Schaeffer at Terry.Schaeffer@shawgrp.com that would be great.  We will give the address to you when you let us know you can help. 

Thanks so much guys!

NEW STUDY COMING SOON!

        It seems like anyone you talk to these days desires change. They wish they looked different, had a different job, or were better at this thing or that.  What you've probably discovered is that you can change your appearance, your habits, your friends, your job… but you can't change your character.   At least, not on your own.  With that thought in mind we're going to have a small group Bible study based on Erwin McManus' wildly popular book, Uprising.  Erwin is one of the most dynamic and engaging communicators across the country. He’s an accomplished author, pastor, and a favorite conference speaker.  In this Bible study, Erwin teaches us that only Christ can transform us from the inside.  In each of the sessions, Erwin provides Biblical and practical teaching that will challenge us to allow God to transform our character to be more like His.  Out of all Erwin’s teaching, he says that Uprising is what they use the most at his church in Los Angeles to help people work through Biblical transformation.  Now it's coming to Hillside!  Stay tuned for our launch date.  It's coming soon!

        Are you ready to show people you're a follower of Jesus Christ by being baptized?  The weather is warmer and a church baptism and BBQ is being planned for July!  If you'd like to be included, please email me at PastorDClift@aol.com, fill out a slip at church, or talk to me Sunday.

        God is working in and through Hillside and these are exciting days to be here.  I look forward to seeing you this Sunday for our worship celebration!

Your friend,

Pastor David