The Hillside Story
April 23–30, 2023
PLAN YOUR SUNDAY MORNING VISIT
Whether you’re a seasoned follower of Jesus or completely new to the idea of “church,” we invite you to join us at Hillside and want to ensure you feel welcome when you visit. Read below to learn some basic information that may be helpful to you on Sunday mornings. And feel free to contact our church office if you have any other questions. We hope to meet you soon!
When And Where Are Services?
We offer two services at 9:15 & 11AM on Sunday mornings.
We are located at 4300 W. 98th Street in Bloomington—two blocks west of France Ave. on 98th Street in Bloomington, MN (top of the hill and on the same side of 98th St. as Normandale Community College).
Our weekly services are also offered online. They are streamed through our website, YouTube, and Facebook. They are also available for viewing the rest of that day.
Where Do I Start?
Guest parking is available in the front of the building campus (the south lot), which is also where our main entrance is located—underneath the canopy with the cross on top. (Parking is also available in the back lot, which may be easier for elderly and families with young children. There is handicapped parking in both the front and back of our building). Once inside the commons area, greeters will welcome you, direct you, and assist with any questions you may have.
What To Expect
Our services are usually around 75 minutes long. They typically begin with a brief announcement video, highlighting relevant information about current opportunities at Hillside. We then move into a time of worship through music. Our music is relevant to our culture, but remembers our legacy through a variety of styles, all seeking to honor Christ in a way that draws us into His presence. Our pastor then preaches a sermon, using the Bible and explains how we can apply it to daily life. Typically we use an expository style, which means an in-depth look at specific passages of Scripture. (You can watch videos of archived sermons here). Communion, faith stories, and other elements are often a part of our worship services as well. If you’re new, we invite you to complete an “I’m New Here” card with some basic information so that we can send you some information that may be relevant to you. You’ll also have an opportunity to submit a prayer request for our team to pray for during the service. The congregation will also be informed about opportunities to give (though Hillside will never pressure visitors to give, as we believe worship through giving is for regular attenders and members).
Immediately following the service, men and women will be at the front of the worship center and available to pray with you regarding personal needs or those of your loved ones. They would be privileged to seek God with you!
After the service, be sure to stop by the “I’m New Here” counter in the hallway outside the worship center. We’d love to say hello and answer any questions you may have.
What About My Kids & Teens?
Sunday morning opportunities for kids and youth vary, depending on the service time.
9:15 Service:
We offer early childhood care, including a nursery (birth-17 months), toddler class (18 months-age 2) and a 3’s class (age 3) for the duration of the service.
Kids age 4-grade 6 begin the service sitting in the worship center with their families until they are dismissed, mid-way into the service, to their respective classes, designed just for them: Kids Worship (ages 4-5), Kids Worship: Extreme (Kindergarten – Grade 4), and Impact: Sundays (Grades 5-6).
Students grades 7-12 are invited to Fully Devoted Student Ministries (Grades 7-12) which meets in the youth room (in the basement) during the entire 9:15 service.
11:00 Service:
We offer early childcare for young ones age birth-age 2 during the duration of the service.
Kids age 3-Kindergarten begin the service sitting in the worship center with their families until they are dismissed, mid-way into the service, to Kids Worship.
Kids grade 1 and above are invited to sit with their families for the duration of the service. Children’s bulletins and writing utensils are available on the table at the worship center entrance.
All children’s classrooms are located in the children’s wing on the west side of our building—don’t hesitate to ask an usher if you need someone to point the way!
How Do I Get Connected?
“Befriending” is an important part of our mission at Hillside, so we have many opportunities for people to get involved. We periodically offer a New Attender’s Lunch for those who are interested in learning more about Hillside, as well as the Hillside Story—a 2-hour class that dives a bit deeper into explaining who we are. Information about upcoming opportunities for newcomers can be found at the bottom of this page.
Our midweek connecting point, Wednesday Connect, happens each Wednesday between September-April and is an evening of activities for all ages.
Small Groups are a core part of what we do here, and are a great opportunity to get to know other people at Hillside as you grow and serve together. We also offer a variety of other ministries and Bible studies for adults and families of all ages and stages.
We strongly encourage you to complete an I’m New Here card when you visit so that we can know how to get in touch with you. We also invite you to download Hillside’s ChurchCenter app, which is a great way to connect and stay on top of all that is happening at Hillside.
New to Hillside? Check Out These Opportunities for You: