It's always a blessing to read how the church is making a difference in the lives of folks, and how they are glad for the ministry of Hillside. I share these words, with permission, from Cara Smelcer:
"I have always considered myself a Christian, I felt close to God and didn't feel that I needed what I thought a church had to offer. However, after a rough patch in my life I figured it certainly wouldn't hurt. I didn't want to go and be talked at, told what I should and shouldn't believe.
Something was different this time around though I've really enjoyed the last year of growing in my faith and growing closer to God and Christ. Thank you Rev. Andy fo r a different church experience in giving us things to think about for ourselves and helping us grow spiritually over the last year.
I'm happier and more at peace with myself and my life than I though was possible. I still have a long ways to go but I'm really looking forward to the journey."
Together, we make a lasting impact on peoples lives. We don't take all the credit, for it is God working through us that people are drawn closer to the divine. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Galatia that, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal. 2:20 NIV)
The lives we live now are lives in Christ. And together, by God's grace and the Spirit's leading we will continue reaching people with Good News and life changing love.
Be Excellent To Each Other,
Rev. Andy Beck
"I have always considered myself a Christian, I felt close to God and didn't feel that I needed what I thought a church had to offer. However, after a rough patch in my life I figured it certainly wouldn't hurt. I didn't want to go and be talked at, told what I should and shouldn't believe.
Something was different this time around though I've really enjoyed the last year of growing in my faith and growing closer to God and Christ. Thank you Rev. Andy fo r a different church experience in giving us things to think about for ourselves and helping us grow spiritually over the last year.
I'm happier and more at peace with myself and my life than I though was possible. I still have a long ways to go but I'm really looking forward to the journey."
Together, we make a lasting impact on peoples lives. We don't take all the credit, for it is God working through us that people are drawn closer to the divine. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Galatia that, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal. 2:20 NIV)
The lives we live now are lives in Christ. And together, by God's grace and the Spirit's leading we will continue reaching people with Good News and life changing love.
Be Excellent To Each Other,
Rev. Andy Beck