Plan Your First Visit
When we say that you’re welcome here NO MATTER WHAT, we really do mean it. We’re not going to pull the rug out from under you once you walk in the door.
The Christian faith begins with wrapping your head and heart around that fact that you are unconditionally, irrevocably, ridiculously loved by God just as you are. As ambassadors of that love, Hillside Community Church seeks to be a safe space for all of God’s children, no matter you age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background.
Whoever you are, we hope you’ll join us!
we meet every sunday from 10:30a to 11:30a
online
You can join Hillside/Sanctuary’s joint services online using the Zoom Meeting platform. You’ll be able to participate in the service anonymously or turn your camera on and make prayer requests in the chat box. You can access our Zoom link and get call-in info by clicking the link below or the “ONLINE WORSHIP” button from anywhere on the website.
From the Online Worship page you can access our Connection Hub – including the bulletin with this week’s hymns, our electronic connection card, links to make a donation, and more.
on-site
Our joint, on-site Sunday morning experience takes place at Hillside Community Church, 144 North Street in Medford, MA. You’ll find yourself warmly welcomed from beginning to end!
You can click the link below or just keep scrolling for all info you’ll need to feel at home.
Here’s a play-by-play of what you can expect on your first visit
COVID Safety
Here are the steps we’re taking to keep you and your family safe in these pandemic times.
Masks Required
Masks are required while in the church building. Disposable masks are available at both our entrances.
Ventilation
Throughout worship, windows will be opened, ceiling fans will be on, and our HVAC system, equipped with heavy duty MERV-13 filters, will be circulating air in the sanctuary.
Vaccinations
Our entire staff is vaccinated. We encourage everyone to get theirs too – it’s an easy way to your love your neighbor!
CO2 Monitoring
Both our sanctuary and our church hall are equipped with CO2 monitors to provide realtime data about how well air is being circulated.
Social Distancing
We invite in-person worshippers to maintain distance from each other by siting in a staggered fashion throughout the sanctuary.
frequently asked questions
Is this a cult?
Hardly! We’re a member of the United Church of Christ, the most progressive Christian denomination in the U.S. and the largest denomination in New England.
Are you going to make me feel bad about myself?
Hillside Community Church is a church centered in the radical and inclusive love of Jesus. Because we’re grounded in love like that, we will NEVER guilt trip you or make you feel ashamed of who you are.
Are you one of those crazy, Bible-thumping churches?
At Hillside Community Church, we take the Bible seriously but not literally. We do not believe the Bible to be inerrant or infallible. Rather, we follow generations of Christians in looking to the very human words of scripture for how God might be speaking to us in our current time and place.
For a fuller explanation of our view of scripture, you can check out this recent sermon on the topic.
Where is Hillside Community Church?
We are location at 144 North Street in Medford, MA.
What time does worship start?
Our worship services start at 10:30am. If it’s your first time visiting, we recommend coming about 10 minutes early. However, you will notice that regulars tend to slip in on the half hour.
What should I wear?
There is no dress code – come just as you are. If you are comfortable enough to walk around in public in what you’re wearing, you are dressed just fine!
What are your worship services like?
Our services are joy-filled, interactive, and use down-to-earth language and illustrations. Each follows a similar format, mixing prayers, great music, and a reading from the Bible.
The centerpiece of every service is a 15-to-20-minute sermon that draws insights from the day’s Bible reading to explore the depth and breadth of God’s love for us and question how we might better love ourselves and others in response to it.
It’s our commitment that you will leave our worship services spiritually refreshed, with a clearer understanding of how the Christian faith and the wisdom of scripture is relevant to your life.
Do I have to bring money for an offering?
No, there is no formal offering taken during our worship services. However, if you feel are inspired by your time with us and would like to make a donation, there is a collection plate at the back of the sanctuary. You can also make an online donation via PayPal at hside.co/give.
What programs do you offer for children on Sunday mornings?
We offer a Sunday School program at the same time as our worship service (Sundays @ 10:30a).
If you would like your child to participate, we invite you to enter the church using the ramp door, where you will be greeted by our Sunday School staff who will help them get registered. After they have their name tags and have been oriented to our space, you can head upstairs to the sanctuary were we will begin worship as a full intergenerational community. After a fun and interactive youth message, your child can follow the Sunday School staff back downstairs for age-appropriate music, games, and lessons.
If your child would like to stay up in the sanctuary during worship, that okay too! There is a basket full of quiet, worship-time toys and activities located under the back pew. They can help themselves.
Can I take communion?
Yes! At Hillside we celebrate communion on the first Sunday of every month. We believe that communion is a representation of Jesus’ radical, inclusive love. If you have a desire to know or experience this love, you are welcome to come forward and participate.
