First Time at Hillcrest?

FIRST-TIMER FEARS


It’s not easy visiting a new church for the first time. Sometimes you wonder: Do I belong here? Am I really welcome? Will the people be unfriendly, or too friendly? Will I be conspicuous? Will they ask me for money? Will my kids enjoy it? How should I dress? Am I welcome if I don’t believe?


We want to make your visit an engaging and enjoyable experience. If we were visiting a new church for the first time, we would like to know what to expect, so here’s a brief overview.



When you Arrive

When you arrive at Hillcrest (2480 West Broad Street) for our 10:15 a.m. service, you may park in one of two west parking lots but we encourage you to park in our guest parking nearest our main building.


GREETERS

Once in the parking lot you will discover a parking team that will safely assist you into our building. Upon entering, you'll see a welcome table with the Weekly (our bulletin) as well as the monthly newsletter. The greeters can answer any questions you may have, and direct you to the sanctuary. 


KID/STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

At Hillcrest, we prioritize the safety and well-being of your children. Rest assured, they are in good hands. While shy kids are more than welcome to join you in the adult service, most children tend to have a blast in our dynamic children's ministry. Our nursery, catering to ages 0-4 years old, is located on the 3rd floor. Additionally, during our main service, we offer a fun and engaging teaching time tailored specifically for children in grades K–5th. Led by our amazing team of volunteers, your kids will experience lessons crafted just for them in a kid-friendly environment. It's all about ensuring they have a memorable and enriching experience while you enjoy the service worry-free.


WHAT DO I WEAR?

You'll find a diverse mix of attire at Hillcrest—while some opt for their "Sunday best," many others prefer a more relaxed vibe, ranging from "office casual" to jeans and sneakers.


WORSHIP SERVICE

As you enter the sanctuary, you'll receive a bulletin outlining our worship order. Take a moment to notice the "Glad You're Here" card conveniently placed on the back of your chair—it's a simple way for us to connect and assist you. Feel free to ask for any information or assistance you may need using this card. Additionally, you'll find a Bible nearby, yours to keep as our gift to you.


As our guest, when you return your communication card, we'll make a donation in your honor to a local homeless or family care center. Upon exiting the sanctuary, our ushers will hand you a copy of "The Weekly," our announcement sheet packed with valuable information about our ministry activities.


You can drop off your communication card in the offering plate. We're thrilled to have you with us and look forward to making your experience here as enjoyable and enriching as possible.


WHAT'S WORSHIP LIKE?

Our worship service typically kicks off with vibrant music, setting the tone for a meaningful experience. Following the music, we extend a warm welcome and share any important announcements. Our music style is a blend of contemporary and traditional, catering to a diverse range of preferences. 


You'll find offering buckets located at the back of the sanctuary, though we kindly request that only those who consider Hillcrest their church home participate. As our valued guest, we want you to feel completely at ease without any pressure to give. However, we do encourage you to drop your "Glad You're Here" card into the offering bucket if you'd like to receive more information from us after your visit. We're honored to have you join us and hope you feel welcomed and valued throughout your time with us.


COMMUNION

Join us in celebrating communion on the first Sunday of each month. Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, is a sacred Christian tradition commemorating the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ. If you're a follower of Jesus Christ, we invite you to partake in communion with us. If not, feel free to simply sit back and reflect on the message of the cross.


To ensure your safety, we've modified the passing of communion elements to pre-packaged sets. This way, you can be assured that you're the only one handling your elements. We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with you.


HOW LONG IS WORSHIP &
WHAT'S THE SERMON STYLE?

Our worship service usually lasts for 75 minutes and the message usually lasts about 30 minutes. Tim does his best to make the messages interesting and relevant to daily life. You’ll hear solid Christian theology with real-life application. We love to laugh, and also hope you’ll smile and laugh at times, as well as feel the tug of the Holy Spirit.


AFTER WORSHIP

Following the service, if you have children, we encourage you to retrieve your children from their classrooms and take a moment to mingle and connect with others. While our focus is on worshiping God, we also love to build community and friendship. Whether you're just exploring or fully committed, we strive to create a welcoming and friendly environment where everyone feels valued and included. We look forward to the opportunity to get to know you better and share in the warmth of fellowship at Hillcrest.