Transition or Change?

Hillcrest Covenant Church finds itself in the midst of change—or is it a transition? What's the difference? According to William Bridges, the primary difference between change and transition is how we choose to deal with it. Change happens all the time. We have no control over it and there's nothing we can do about it. 
 
Transition, on the other hand, is the way we choose to face the change that is going on all around us. Seeing ourselves in transition enables us to face the change without becoming overwhelmed. And perhaps more importantly, when we see ourselves in the midst of a transition, it is easier to accept some of the necessary changes that may be required of us in order to get to the other side.
 
Hillcrest Covenant Church is accustomed to change. Pastors and staff come and go, seasons of ministry flourish and fade, and yet the ministry of the church continues. All of this to say, Hillcrest finds itself in another transitional moment. We have some clear choices. Here are a few questions that I am wondering and praying about as I seek to help you transition to the next chapter of ministry God has for us.
 
What kind of ministry is God calling Hillcrest to in the years ahead? In view of many of the changes that have already been brought about by COVID-19, we will be required to conceive of ministry differently. What is the changing character of our mission field/community and what do we need to do differently to address those changing needs? What do we need to let go of in order to step into the new ministry God has for us? Whenever we engage in something new, it often requires us to leave something behind.
 
Hillcrest friends, God is not finished with us yet. Change is inevitable and transition is the way WE decide to embrace the inevitable changes we must face. We will be discussing these questions together (either in person or over Zoom) as we gather for a series of listening sessions throughout the fall. I hope you will find time to join us so your voice can be heard as we plan for the future God has in store for us! Details for these sessions will be sent at a later date.
God bless you,
 
Pastor Bradley J. Bergfalk
Interim Lead Pastor
Our outdoor worship continues at the new earlier time. | Outdoor Worship is now at 9 AM *weather permitting and Online Worship is a little later at 10:45 AM. Please follow Kansas requirements for masks to be worn in indoor public spaces, and at any outdoor gathering in which 6' distancing cannot be maintained. *If we need to cancel our outdoor service, we will send an email and post it to the home page of our website by 8 AM.
Join us outside on the hill on Sunday, August 9 for our annual meeting. We'll begin with Sheridan's Frozen Custard at 6:45 PM and start the meeting at 7:30 PM. We'll have copies of the 2019-2020 annual report, hear plans for moving forward in ministry, learn about the formation of our senior pastor search committee, and vote to approve the 2020-2021 church budget. Bring a lawn chair and water. In case of rain, we'll meet in the sanctuary following current mask and distancing guidelines. See here for PV mask requirement.

Childcare Reservations for Annual Meeting | Ten spaces are available for childcare from 7:20 to 8:30 PM during the meeting on Sunday, August 9. Kids ages 2 to 10 will be supervised outdoor on the playground (weather permitting) or indoor for a movie. See all the requirements, limitations and sign up here. Deadline is August 7.
Two Minute Survey | To help us plan for onsite and online engagement this fall, we'd like to hear from you! Whether your opinions are firm or you're not sure what you're thinking, we'd love for all who consider Hillcrest their church home to complete the brief anonymous survey here.
Next Fourth Friday Concert is August 28 | Join us for our last concert of the summer with the sounds of Way Too Famous from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Franklin Park. Bring a chair and a picnic if you want. Fun kids' activities are on us! See here for more including mask requirements.