Journey Forward Final Update: $381K Raised

CLICK HERE to learn more more about the Global Methodist Church.

At the end of 2023 Hillside’s “Journey Forward” began.  Journey Forward was our mission-focused initiative to build on our strengths and refine areas where we aspire to improve. It was our financial campaign committed to replenishing the disaffiliation costs, updating our facilities, and enhancing our branding. It was because of your generosity we were able to buy new hymnals, replace and enhance our road signs, add new directional signs, paint and update flooring in classrooms, help replace our security camera system, replace HVAC units, and replenish $140k into our reserves.

As our Journey Forward campaign has come to an end, we are so thankful for each and every one of you, and we are truly blessed by your gifts. Please join us in prayer as we discern what it takes to be a “Beacon of Light,” and for His Spirit to guide our steps and future financial decisions for Hillside Church.

COMMUNICATION TO CONGREGATION

DECEMBER 1, 2024
A diligent discernment process by our church leadership, including large group and small group listening sessions since the summer of 2022, has culminated in our disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church effective today. After discussion at Thursday night's congregational meeting, Hillside's vote was 96% in favor of affiliating with the Global Methodist Church as we move forward.

Briefly, this choice was made with these considerations in mind:
  • Our pastors have also made the choice to affiliate with the GMC, so they will continue as our pastors.
  • Once all the paperwork is finalized, our property will belong to Hillside, not the Annual Conference of the UMC, and it will remain in our hands.
  • While the GMC provides much-needed accountability and guidance, they encourage more local church decision-making regarding mission and ministry.
  • Most of all, this choice allows us to stay true to our Wesleyan Methodist tradition and gives us the best opportunity to continue to "be Hillside" in the vital ministry and mission that we have always had.

Our church leadership will begin the application immediately with the goal of Hillside becoming a GMC community by January 1. For complete information on the Global Methodist Church, please visit the web site at globalmethodist.org. One of the further advantages of the GMC is that they require far less yearly support to the organization than did the UMC each year. Leaving the UMC, however, has been costly, and though we have a plan and are able to pay those costs, we would like to move forward in our ongoing ministry and fuel our growth with the strongest foundation possible. The Journey Forward campaign is an opportunity for you to contribute beyond your regular tithes and offerings to make an impact on the future of Hillside. For more information and to contribute you can go to hillsidegmc.org/journeyforward. As we enter Advent and the New Year, we all look forward to this new season at Hillside as we continue to share the love of Jesus in our church, community and the world.

Thank you for your financial support!