Dear Hillside: Recently, I was reading about the thousands of pioneers who crossed the United States in wagon trains during the mid-nineteenth century. Think about what they endured: blizzards, grizzly bears, and hostility from locals unhappy with the intrusion. And think of how few Peets Coffees there were along the way. This puts everything in perspective for me.

Of course, they made that harrowing journey to reach a better homeland. That is a perfect picture of the Christian life. As followers of Jesus, we too are overlanders. But instead of traveling west, we are journeying toward the new creation--this earth renewed and restored, with the grizzlies so tame we can scratch their bellies.

Did you know that many pioneers refused to travel on Sundays? Some wagon trains even split over the issue; the hasty pressed ahead, while the Sabbath-keepers stopped for worship and rest. Interestingly, historical accounts show that the overlanders who rested on Sunday routinely caught up with those who pushed through without a break.

In addition to being a command from our loving God, resting and worshiping on Sundays refreshes us for the tasks ahead. So, fellow pioneers--those ’seeking a homeland’ in the new creation (Hebrews 11:14)--I invite you to park your wagons, unhitch your horses, and celebrate the Sabbath by coming to church. All your fellow overlanders will be there to greet you, shake your hand, and share stories of the trail (blizzards and bears) from the week before. Can’t wait to see you!

Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 10:00 AM both online and in person as Dan Seitz teaches from James 2:1-5.

This week’s sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZ8BDI5Z7XpvnfT3lSQJarbxsfeK6k8nmPwy

If you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!

To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/giving

The sermon from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Dear Hillside: Recently, I was reading about the thousands of pioneers who crossed the United States in wagon trains during the mid-nineteenth century. Think about what they endured: blizzards, grizzly bears, and hostility from locals unhappy with the intrusion. And think of how few Peets Coffees there were along the way. This puts everything in perspective for me.

Of course, they made that harrowing journey to reach a better homeland. That is a perfect picture of the Christian life. As followers of Jesus, we too are overlanders. But instead of traveling west, we are journeying toward the new creation--this earth renewed and restored, with the grizzlies so tame we can scratch their bellies.

Did you know that many pioneers refused to travel on Sundays? Some wagon trains even split over the issue; the hasty pressed ahead, while the Sabbath-keepers stopped for worship and rest. Interestingly, historical accounts show that the overlanders who rested on Sunday routinely caught up with those who pushed through without a break.

In addition to being a command from our loving God, resting and worshiping on Sundays refreshes us for the tasks ahead. So, fellow pioneers--those ’seeking a homeland’ in the new creation (Hebrews 11:14)--I invite you to park your wagons, unhitch your horses, and celebrate the Sabbath by coming to church. All your fellow overlanders will be there to greet you, shake your hand, and share stories of the trail (blizzards and bears) from the week before. Can’t wait to see you!

Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 10:00 AM both online and in person as Dan Seitz teaches from James 2:1-5.

This week’s sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZ8BDI5Z7XpvnfT3lSQJarbxsfeK6k8nmPwy

If you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!

To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/giving

The full service from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Dear Hillside: Here’s a quick quiz. I’m going to name a famous forest, and you reply with the story it’s from. Warning: They get more challenging as they go. Ready? No Googling. 1. Sherwood Forest 2. Mirkwood Forest 3. The Enchanted Forest 4. The Forest of Arden. Did you get any right? If you got number four, I’m impressed. I’m doubly impressed if you got number four and you weren’t an English major. What’s this “forest talk” have to do with James 1:26-27. You’ll have to join your church family tomorrow for our 10:00 worship service to find out. Can’t wait to see you!

Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 10:00 AM both online and in person as Dan Seitz teaches from James 1:26-27.

This week’s sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZQmrU5ZbtSM4ffPPrQxGPXXphoK4fSaxfD7

If you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!

To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/giving

The sermon from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Dear Hillside: Here’s a quick quiz. I’m going to name a famous forest, and you reply with the story it’s from. Warning: They get more challenging as they go. Ready? No Googling. 1. Sherwood Forest 2. Mirkwood Forest 3. The Enchanted Forest 4. The Forest of Arden. Did you get any right? If you got number four, I’m impressed. I’m doubly impressed if you got number four and you weren’t an English major. What’s this “forest talk” have to do with James 1:26-27. You’ll have to join your church family tomorrow for our 10:00 worship service to find out. Can’t wait to see you!

Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 10:00 AM both online and in person as Dan Seitz teaches from James 1:26-27.

This week’s sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZQmrU5ZbtSM4ffPPrQxGPXXphoK4fSaxfD7

If you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!

To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/giving

The full service from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, May 24, 2026.

James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

But what does that actually mean for Christians today?

In this sermon, Kian Ameli challenges the modern church to confront the danger of a domesticated faith: a faith that hears God’s Word but does not act on it. Using the story of the Great Blondin and the image of the mirror in James 1, this message explores the gap between believing in Jesus and actually following Him.

This sermon also looks at Titus 2 and the truth that grace does not produce passivity. Grace trains us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives, and Christ redeems a people who are zealous for good deeds.

This is a message about Christian discipleship, obedience, faith and works, spiritual formation, and what it means to let the Word of God become embodied in everyday life.

The question is not just: Do you believe?

The question is: Do you believe enough to act?

Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 10:00 AM both online and in person as Kian Ameli teaches from James 1:22-25.

This week’s sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZ0H2U5ZHFmVzh7vCympMJoFK5LYz5H050xX

If you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!

To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/giving

The sermon from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, May 17, 2026.

James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

But what does that actually mean for Christians today?

In this sermon, Kian Ameli challenges the modern church to confront the danger of a domesticated faith: a faith that hears God’s Word but does not act on it. Using the story of the Great Blondin and the image of the mirror in James 1, this message explores the gap between believing in Jesus and actually following Him.

This sermon also looks at Titus 2 and the truth that grace does not produce passivity. Grace trains us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives, and Christ redeems a people who are zealous for good deeds.

This is a message about Christian discipleship, obedience, faith and works, spiritual formation, and what it means to let the Word of God become embodied in everyday life.

The question is not just: Do you believe?

The question is: Do you believe enough to act?

Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 10:00 AM both online and in person as Kian Ameli teaches from James 1:22-25.

This week’s sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZ0H2U5ZHFmVzh7vCympMJoFK5LYz5H050xX

If you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!

To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/giving

The full service from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Dear Hillside: I invite you to join your church family (new members and old) for the worship service tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Remember, tomorrow we have one 10:00 AM service (We’re now in one service mode until fall when we’ll kick it back to two). Friends, let’s never forget the priority of worship in our lives as children of God and individual “stones” of his new “temple.” If we’ve come to view the worship service as mainly about us, let’s remind ourselves and our kids that the living God is the audience. Let’s remember as well that he’s also an “actor” in the event who “acts” upon us through every element (singing, considering the announcements, giving, listening to the word). Every worship service is an opportunity to celebrate him and be changed by him. Looking forward to seeing you for church and the Second Sunday celebration immediately afterwards.

Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 10:00 AM both online and in person as Dan Seitz teaches from James 1:19-21.

This week’s sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZneEO5ZqvTO2Gj1elXUMybq0zbBUzSJygI7

If you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!

To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/giving

The sermon from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, May 10, 2026.

Dear Hillside: I invite you to join your church family (new members and old) for the worship service tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Remember, tomorrow we have one 10:00 AM service (We’re now in one service mode until fall when we’ll kick it back to two). Friends, let’s never forget the priority of worship in our lives as children of God and individual “stones” of his new “temple.” If we’ve come to view the worship service as mainly about us, let’s remind ourselves and our kids that the living God is the audience. Let’s remember as well that he’s also an “actor” in the event who “acts” upon us through every element (singing, considering the announcements, giving, listening to the word). Every worship service is an opportunity to celebrate him and be changed by him. Looking forward to seeing you for church and the Second Sunday celebration immediately afterwards.

Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 10:00 AM both online and in person as Dan Seitz teaches from James 1:19-21.

This week’s sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZneEO5ZqvTO2Gj1elXUMybq0zbBUzSJygI7

If you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!

To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/giving

The full service from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, May 10, 2026.

James is concerned about many things in the young churches scattered around the Roman Empire – sometimes he’s focused on godly behavior, and sometimes – like today’s text – on the very life blood of the church: faith. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Jane DeYoung leads us in exploring James’ big picture passion. Oh - and you’ll also get Jane’s best guess as to what James looked like.

Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 9:00 & 10:45 AM both online and in person as Jane DeYoung teaches from James 1:16-18.

This week’s sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZIULO5ZDwM1SCwSQ0mHl4Fh3P3bfBaRJTcV

If you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!

To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/giving

The sermon from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, May 3, 2026.

James is concerned about many things in the young churches scattered around the Roman Empire – sometimes he’s focused on godly behavior, and sometimes – like today’s text – on the very life blood of the church: faith. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Jane DeYoung leads us in exploring James’ big picture passion. Oh - and you’ll also get Jane’s best guess as to what James looked like.

Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 9:00 & 10:45 AM both online and in person as Jane DeYoung teaches from James 1:16-18.

This week’s sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZIULO5ZDwM1SCwSQ0mHl4Fh3P3bfBaRJTcV

If you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!

To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/giving

The full service from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, May 3, 2026.