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!
Rev. Tom Hathaway, Pastor
we meet every sunday from 10:30a to 11:30a
online
You can join in Hillside’s services online using Zoom.
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.
on-site
Our on-site Sunday morning experience takes place at 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
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 located 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 (or a little after!).
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 Venmo or PayPal by going to our donation page.
What programs do you offer for children on Sunday mornings?
We offer our Messy Church program for kids at the same time as our worship service (Sundays @ 10:30a).
When you enter the sanctuary, our greeter will introduce you to our Sunday School staff and help orient you to the space where our Messy Church program takes place. Then, after communion, your child can follow the Sunday School staff downstairs for age-appropriate music, games, and lessons.
If your child would like to stay up in the sanctuary during worship, that okay too!
Can I take communion?
Yes! At Hillside we celebrate communion every week. 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 – there are no prerequisites.
Watch Our Latest Sermon
To get a taste of what the Hillside community is all about, you can check out our latest message.
Rev. Tom Hathaway - October 9, 2022
Eight Ball God
Scripture References: Proverbs 16:1-9
