Because We See
The pandemic has stretched Hillside in many ways — but we are still very much … here. We have continued to worship, and we have continued to take care of one another. And on top of all that, we have continued to come together to serve those in need; both here in Dekalb County and all over the world through our participation in special offerings and in the spirit of shared mission. Despite the difficulty, struggle and loss, the Church continues to declare its presence in the world, through different means, certainly, but toward the same purpose.
Hillside has found life and vitality in many different places, too: online, in parking lots, on social media, in drive-by celebrations, and even on the phone. Although we value our community and time together, and we surely miss those bonds when we are physically apart, the fact is the Church is not the building. Scripture reminds us time and again that God’s people belong with those in need, releasing people from the bonds of injustice and with the hungry whom we are to welcome into our homes, as Isaiah’s 58th chapter puts it. The Church finds itself with those who are thirsty, imprisoned, and suffering illness, as Jesus says in Matthew 25.
“When did we see you?” — in a time of need, in a time of weakness? In a time of hunger, in a time of thirst? Even without a pandemic, it is a truth, a reminder, that in every time and season, the Church finds itself and its Savior through relationships with those in need. We belong there because it is through relationships with those whom we see experiencing hunger, oppression, thirst, imprisonment, or illness, we might be transformed, too, as we become, experience, create, and live the Church, together.
One Great Hour of Sharing is the largest way Presbyterians come together to do mission and ministry with those whom we see are in need. Through our gifts, we declare that the Church belongs always, and forever, with those struggling for justice, righteousness, and peace. We give to One Great Hour of Sharing because of where the Church belongs, of who the church is.
Please give generously to One Great Hour of Sharing so that Hillside and the Presbyterian Church (USA) will continue to become, as Isaiah said, “repairers of the breach” alongside those experiencing great need. The offering will be dedicated on Easter Sunday, April 4. Please give any time before or on April 4. Give on Hillside’s website, mail your gift to Hillside, or, with prior arrangement, bring it to the church. Please give through Hillside rather than other options indicated in the materials you received.
“For when we all do a little, it adds up to a lot!”
Elder Lelia Crawford
