Hillside Covenant Church

This morning we reach Part 2 of our three-week series from the wildly important third chapter of Colossians. Although I don't know for sure, I doubt that many people have thought to put any of today's verses on a t-shirt or coffee mug. Nonetheless, this passage, though severe on the surface, is pure, spiritual, maple syrup. Join us as we make sense of Paul's call to "put to death what is earthly i...

This morning we reach Part 2 of our three-week series from the wildly important third chapter of Colossians. Although I don't know for sure, I doubt that many people have thought to put any of today's verses on a t-shirt or coffee mug. Nonetheless, this passage, though severe on the surface, is pure, spiritual, maple syrup. Join us as we make sense of Paul's call to "put to death what is earthly i...

After finishing up a series on the importance of groups, we are starting a new series on Colossians 3 which will give us the stuff we need to make our groups thrive. Whether it’s a church group, family group, friend group, or work group we are exploring some heavenly habits to shape and form our earthly relationships. Pastor Stephen Wysong is kicking off the series with a Christian outfit you will...

After finishing up a series on the importance of groups, we are starting a new series on Colossians 3 which will give us the stuff we need to make our groups thrive. Whether it’s a church group, family group, friend group, or work group we are exploring some heavenly habits to shape and form our earthly relationships. Pastor Stephen Wysong is kicking off the series with a Christian outfit you will...

Last week in Part 1 of The Birdhouse, we talked about our dream that every Hillsider would find a cozy home in a small group of trusted Hillsiders for friendship building, contemplation of Scripture, and consideration of King Jesus' specific leading. This week in Part 2 we explore the exciting result of "nesting" with others. I'm launching with an inspiring story that "links" well with the big ide...

Last week in Part 1 of The Birdhouse, we talked about our dream that every Hillsider would find a cozy home in a small group of trusted Hillsiders for friendship building, contemplation of Scripture, and consideration of King Jesus' specific leading. This week in Part 2 we explore the exciting result of "nesting" with others. I'm launching with an inspiring story that "links" well with the big ide...

If you make a trip to Melbourne, Australia soon, I recommend putting on the hiking boots and exploring the spectacular "high country" wilderness of our friends down under. On the other hand, I don't recommend hiking in the Wonnangatta Valley, at least if you're by yourself. What does this have to do with the Bible, or birdhouses for that matter? You can find out by joining us this Sunday morning f...

If you make a trip to Melbourne, Australia soon, I recommend putting on the hiking boots and exploring the spectacular "high country" wilderness of our friends down under. On the other hand, I don't recommend hiking in the Wonnangatta Valley, at least if you're by yourself. What does this have to do with the Bible, or birdhouses for that matter? You can find out by joining us this Sunday morning f...

Join us this Sunday morning either in-person or online as we hear stories of how the one true God "intervened, interrupted and orchestrated beautiful events" in the lives of our fellow Hillsiders in recent days and weeks. Who knows, maybe you'll be one of the people to share? Looking forward to seeing you and sharing in a rich celebration our wonderful God and his wonderful works! Participate in w...

Join us this Sunday morning either in-person or online as we hear stories of how the one true God "intervened, interrupted and orchestrated beautiful events" in the lives of our fellow Hillsiders in recent days and weeks. Who knows, maybe you'll be one of the people to share? Looking forward to seeing you and sharing in a rich celebration our wonderful God and his wonderful works! Participate in w...

What's your favorite ride at Disney California Adventure? Mine used to be the Hollywood Tower of Terror. The ride still exists but has been given a Guardians of the Galaxy re-model. This week's message contains the story of a creepy "hotel" somewhat reminiscent of that classic ride from yesteryear. What does it have to do with the "Invisible City" "neighborhood" of spirituality? You'll have to joi...

What's your favorite ride at Disney California Adventure? Mine used to be the Hollywood Tower of Terror. The ride still exists but has been given a Guardians of the Galaxy re-model. This week's message contains the story of a creepy "hotel" somewhat reminiscent of that classic ride from yesteryear. What does it have to do with the "Invisible City" "neighborhood" of spirituality? You'll have to joi...

Our world, a post-postmodern world, bears considerable resemblance to the world into which the Christian faith was born and developed. What the Romans loved and why is very close to what we love...and why. Exploring the Christian notions of love...and suffering...can help to clarify and illumine what we ought to love, and how to live into this realization. Join with Hillside Covenant Church as Dav...

Our world, a post-postmodern world, bears considerable resemblance to the world into which the Christian faith was born and developed. What the Romans loved and why is very close to what we love...and why. Exploring the Christian notions of love...and suffering...can help to clarify and illumine what we ought to love, and how to live into this realization. Join with Hillside Covenant Church as Dav...

My favorite song, from my least favorite Taylor Swift record, is a beautiful one, about her ugly reaction, to a beautiful person. Got that? The song is called "Gorgeous" and in it Taylor places her finger on the mystery of beauty. As you've likely noticed, there's a lot of talk about beauty these days: what it is, who has it, and whether it's important. If you've ever asked these questions (or eve...

My favorite song, from my least favorite Taylor Swift record, is a beautiful one, about her ugly reaction, to a beautiful person. Got that? The song is called "Gorgeous" and in it Taylor places her finger on the mystery of beauty. As you've likely noticed, there's a lot of talk about beauty these days: what it is, who has it, and whether it's important. If you've ever asked these questions (or eve...

As we continue our series “The Invisible City” we are off to explore the section of the city called Power. We see the signposts of power all around us. Together, we are going to see how God’s Word illuminates what it means to have power. We’re going to dive into a scene with the Sons of Thunder from the Gospels. Find out how Jesus steers us towards an upside-down, counter-cultural definition of po...

As we continue our series “The Invisible City” we are off to explore the section of the city called Power. We see the signposts of power all around us. Together, we are going to see how God’s Word illuminates what it means to have power. We’re going to dive into a scene with the Sons of Thunder from the Gospels. Find out how Jesus steers us towards an upside-down, counter-cultural definition of po...

All human beings instinctively love and pull for freedom. There's a reason why the movie “Free Willy” and Pharrell Williams' catchy song "Freedom" were smash hits. At the same time, freedom is hard to manage, an idea that Jonathan Franzen explored in his celebrated novel Freedom. Fortunately, ancient Scripture accounts for freedom and provides guidance for how to find it and use it. Join us this S...

All human beings instinctively love and pull for freedom. There's a reason why the movie “Free Willy” and Pharrell Williams' catchy song "Freedom" were smash hits. At the same time, freedom is hard to manage, an idea that Jonathan Franzen explored in his celebrated novel Freedom. Fortunately, ancient Scripture accounts for freedom and provides guidance for how to find it and use it. Join us this S...

Ever gotten lost while hiking? Although not as extreme, it results in the same kind of heart-stopping dread you experience when you look down after being momentarily distracted at the mall or the ballgame and discover that the four-year-old who was just with you is suddenly not. In this week's message kicking off "The Invisible City" series, I have a story about getting lost. I share it in service...

Ever gotten lost while hiking? Although not as extreme, it results in the same kind of heart-stopping dread you experience when you look down after being momentarily distracted at the mall or the ballgame and discover that the four-year-old who was just with you is suddenly not. In this week's message kicking off "The Invisible City" series, I have a story about getting lost. I share it in service...

The East Bay is a land of bridges: the Bay Bridge, the Carquinez, the Antioch, and of course, the Benicia-Martinez, which some wonderful Hillsiders cross daily or weekly to get to Hillside. This morning's message is about the big difference a new bridge can make to a region, or church's, "economy." Over the last couple of months the Hillside ministry staff has been doing some "bridge construction"...

The East Bay is a land of bridges: the Bay Bridge, the Carquinez, the Antioch, and of course, the Benicia-Martinez, which some wonderful Hillsiders cross daily or weekly to get to Hillside. This morning's message is about the big difference a new bridge can make to a region, or church's, "economy." Over the last couple of months the Hillside ministry staff has been doing some "bridge construction"...

How do we gain a true perspective on our life in Christ? We will look at the believer’s distinctly Christian perspective of life as the apostle Paul compares the supremacy of Jesus and the Gospel to the false teachers and false gospels of the day. And, we will consider how believers are to seek and set their minds on “the things above.” Join with Hillside Covenant Church as Becky Garner teaches fr...