Greetings Friends!
              With Summer fast approaching we are moving into a season that traditionally at Hillside has been a slower pace of reduced activity. I really don’t know why churches typically do this, other than to give in to the notion that people travel more during the summer and thus, the church should back off from activities etc., because not enough people are around. In some ways, summertime should be a time of increased activity, to take advantage of schools being out and good weather for being involved.
              Maybe that looks different in the summer that it would at other times, but just because summer is vacation season doesn’t mean that the church should take a vacation from our priorities either. While things like the choir break is a much-deserved vacation, I am excited for the opportunities for special music in the next few months. And with new Children’s and Youth Directors coming on staff this summer, we can expect a vibrant and active summer schedule through into August and the start of School. There is much to be thankful for and excited about as we continue seeking ways to Feed People in Mind, Body, Spirit and Community.
              So let’s not give in to the pressure that Summer means taking a break from our focus of reaching and teaching people about God’s love, or from our gathering together for worship and faithful religious practice. Let summer be a time to refocus and rededicate your involvement in the ministries of the church. 

Here are a few updates for the next several weeks:

• Kids for Christ and Youth Group are moving into summer mode, with plenty of activities planned for this summer. VBS will be July 23-27 and we’re joining forces with ParkHill CC, Fairview CC & Living Water CC. It will be at PHCC campus.
• The 2nd Lunch Bunch series begins on June 1st, looking at the emergence of the early church through the book of Acts. The class will run for 5 weeks, and meets Thursdays at 11:30 am in the Qahal Room
• We’ll be holding interviews for the open ministry positions in the coming weeks. 

Faithfully Submitted, 

Rev. Andrew Beck

​     Memorial Day is the holiday in the federal calendar set aside for honoring and remembering military service members who died while serving. It’s often confused with Veteran’s day or Armed Forces Day, but those have their own specific focuses. And unfortunately, it's even more associated with mattress and appliance discount sales.

​     Memorial Day also isn’t the day we remember anyone who has died. In practice, we do that anytime. In the Christian life, we typically remember those who have died on the commemoration of All Saint’s Day, November 1st.

     Since All Saint’s Day 2016, Hillside has directly been involved in celebrating the lives of at least twelve people, with nine of those actually being funerals officiated by our pastoral staff at the church or the graveside. That’s twelve funerals in seven months, and almost as many (13) as there were from All Saint’s 2015 to All Saint’s 2016.

     Funerals have a way of providing markers for the passage of time. We remember days and locations of funerals. We say things like “It’s been 5 years since…” And we recognize anniversaries of deaths and burials with flowers and wreaths and other memorializing practices. This can all accumulate in our hearts and minds, and become somewhat of a heavy burden in the life of a congregation. We can look in our pews and see where a beloved disciple once sat, and prayed, and worshiped.

     But we are not a people fashioned to dwell in the pit or the “darkest valley”. Through Christ, we are a people of resurrection promise and new life. In funerals, we grieve the death of a loved one, and we celebrate their new life in God’s company. So even though by the numbers we’ve seen our fair share recently, of funerals and bereavement meals, we do so remembering that God’s love redeemed the world not only in the long shadow of the cross, but more openly in the empty garden tomb.

     What’s equally important is what happens before the funeral, that is, participation in the Body of Christ; God’s Church. It is here, in present company with the saints of today, that our faith in God is nurtured, our lives supported, and our relationships bolstered. I encourage you into this community and family of God, because if there’s one thing I hear at funerals, it that people are so grateful for the connections they and their loved ones have with the congregation, and the life-changing ministry in which we all share.

Be Excellent To Each Other! <>< Rev. Andy Beck
 

This last weekend was a whirlwind of activities, families and events as I witnessed my spouse receive her Master's of Science in Education degree from the University of Kansas. From the big moments of Convocation in Allen Field house & walking from the Campanile to Memorial Stadium to a gathered celebration with friends and family, and lots of little moments captured on camera, it was a good weekend of joy and sharing. 

It reminded me that even though we think we're established and settled, we're truly transient people, moving from one phase of life into the next. With continued learning and education or training, people are improved in thought and action for better lives in the world. But these kind of changes don't only impact the one receiving it. The surrounding family or circle of friends also benefits from the one's growth, through their continued relationship, conversation and friendships. 

I wonder if that's also true in the life of faith. Do we experience mutual encouragement and support from a like-minded friend in church? Do we shape and mold one another toward living like Jesus did, with an eye for the oppressed and a heart for righteousness? I wonder, if we take a wider view of God's movement in our lives, we'd find a broader experience beyond the intentional life of faith. A modern parable might go something like this:

The presence of God is like a child that picks a dandelion seed puff, and blows it into the wind.
The wind carries the seeds all round; no one knows where they'll take root and sprout up next. 

God's movement isn't limited to our practice of the Christian faith. The ever-widening presence of God is like the continual growth and nurturing of our minds: it's limitless.

I look forward to seeing you on Sundays for worship and learning, as we continue to expand the ways we encounter the Holy One, together. 

​-Rev. Andy Beck