I've been thinking a lot about Easter these last few days. Especially since Mayor Lucas, other local, and county leaders have given a 30-day "shelter in place" order to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. I don't take this action lightly, and neither does the leadership of the congregation, that's why the suspension of in-person gatherings has been extended. 

Back to Easter. 

It's going to happen, Jesus will rise, the angels will sing, the stone will be rolled, the gardener will speak Mary's name, the disciples will be perplexed. 

It just isn't going to look like anything we've ever experienced before. Isn't that kind of the point of Easter? The resurrection of the Lord was something the world had never experienced before. This year, we will probably celebrate Easter twice! Once on April 12th, from our home and online, and again once we're safely able to worship in-person. Because Easter is about the return to LIFE - and in the Church, a return to in-person gatherings will be a huge breath of LIFE! 

In the coming weeks, we will experience perhaps some of the feelings of the disciples, who after the crucifixion were shuttered up in hiding; sheltering in place, as it were. 

The first news of resurrection came to them when they were socially-distanced. I can't help but consider parallels for Christians today. What news of new life and God's goodness are we awaiting? In the meantime, focus on God's presence with you, even in the valleys, wilderness, and "tombs" we face. God is good. God is with you in comfort and assurance of hope. 

Peace be the Journey, 

-Rev. Andy Beck

​Here is an update on activities in the life of the church:

Out of an abundance of caution, all in-person services and activities in the church remain suspended through the length of the "Shelter In Place" order in the KC metro area. The duration of that order is through Friday, April 24th. The Hillside Board of Directors met Sunday afternoon, March 22nd at 4 pm via video conference to discuss. It was a unanimous consent that Hillside should remain in "suspension of in-person activities" status. 

One way to love our neighbors is to protect them from possible transmission of the coronavirus. Be encouraged that Hillside leadership (Board, Elders and Staff) are in ongoing dialogue about upcoming plans, scheduling and additional ways to be church at a distance. Please continue checking email frequently so you don't miss out on important updates and information. 

​-Rev. Andy Beck

During our time of social distancing, we are happy to offer our Sunday service, live & online at 10:30 am. Click below to use either Facebook or YouTube to see our stream on Sunday mornings.

FACEBOOK STREAM
YOUTUBE STREAM

Bookmark these pages so you can get back to them in the coming weeks. 

We are also offering a weekly online bible study, "Viral Verses" through Facebook groups. Find information on our FB page. This is a static reflection, with commenting and discussion accessible weekly from Wednesday through Sunday. Also, our Children's Director, Peyton is uploading daily devotional videos to the Facebook page for kids (and adults!)  

The Church website is a great destination for links, documents and videos during this time. We are posting new content on the Home Resources page through the week to keep you informed, as well as reflective about the COVID-19 isolation. Grief and anxiety can be difficult burdens to shake, especially when news is dim and mounting. 

Let support one another through this time, as church family in grace and patience, and faithfulness to God - the one who sustains and redeems. 

-Rev. Andy Beck