Day: Tuesday Time of day: Evening
Area of town: South Bellingham Lifestage: Seniors Gender Mix: Mixed
Description: With so many Hillcrest attenders either already retired or making future plans to do so, our desire is to provide a forum for learning from each other. The topics will focus on growing deeper in Christ and further in service to His church and to others.
The two main books utilized will be: “An Uncommon Guide to Retirement” by Jeff Haanen and “Aging Faithfully” by Alice Fryling. Each evening will begin at 5:45 with a simple soup and salad meal. The remainder of the evening will be presentations and discussion around these and additional topics: A biblical framework for aging, facing loss, cultivating hope, spiritual growth, mentoring, relationship adjustments, life-long learning, new life-rhythms, etc.
Starting January 11th, for six Thursday evenings, this group will meet in the Fireside room at Hillcrest. It will be facilitated by Paul Petersen, Pastor Kathy Hill, and her husband Derrick.
Day: Thursday Time of day: Evening
Area of town: South Bellingham Lifestage: Any Adult Gender Mix: Mixed
Description: The Alpha course is a small group for anyone that would like to explore life’s big questions. Many of us wonder: why do bad things happen to good people? What's the purpose of life? What's next? Join Alpha for a judgment-free, caring space to connect with others, discuss these types of questions, and share your opinion. Alpha is for people of all faith and belief backgrounds and will also unpack the basics of Christian faith; bring a friend that's interested in theses conversations (they don't have to go to Hillcrest) and join us! Led by Bill Beer and Bryan Cartwright, this group will meet on Thursdays at 6:00pm for 6 weeks beginning October 3rd.
Day: Thursday Time of day: Lunch Area of town: South Bellingham Lifestage: Any Adult Gender Mix: Mixed Description: This group is for those who have a special role in the life of a child with a disability. If you are caring for a child of any age with extra needs, come be encouraged in your faith! We will meet weekly for three months and read the book "The Life We Never Expected" by Andrew and Rachel Wilson.
We are meeting Thursdays at 11:30 for 10 weeks starting on Sept. 26.Daily Devotional from Joni and Friends 
Day: Monday Time of day: Evening
Area of town: South Bellingham Lifestage: Any Adult Gender Mix: Mixed
Description: This short-term small group for adults will be studying the Jewish Roots of our Christian faith. During our meetings we will learn together, break bread in community, experience Jewish feasts and Shabbat dinners, and understand more fully how it all points to Jesus/Yeshua. This class is designed to enrich your faith. Led by Jan Tucker, this group will be meeting Mondays at 6:00pm for dinners and teaching times woven together for six weeks, beginning October 7 and ending with a Passover Seder celebration on November 11.
Day: Thursday Time of day: Evening
Area of town: South Bellingham Lifestage: Any Adult Gender Mix: Mixed
Description: God has called you and equipped you as a believer in Christ to serve His church. As you study the spiritual gifts described in Scripture, you’ll learn more about how you, as a vital member of the church, have been uniquely gifted to glorify God and edify His people. The Wednesday morning class begins September 25 at 9:15am, and the Monday night class begins September 30 at 6:30pm. Both will run for five sessions and meet every other week through the end of November. We will follow our 1 hour class discussion with a 1 hour recorded lecture by David Arthur, so the group can count on each bible study lasting a little over 2 hours.
Day: Sunday Time of day: Morning
Area of town: South Bellingham Lifestage: Any Adult Gender Mix: Mixed
Description: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household...” (Ephesians 2:19)
The Hillcrest fall sermon series is looking at the letter to the Ephesians and this short term small group will focus on a truth declared throughout this letter, that salvation in Jesus brings with it a wonderful, new citizenship in God’s eternal Kingdom. Jesus also taught us to pray “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Thus, we will be discussing how to live out both the blessings and challenges of this “citizenship tension” in our current society and culture. The group meeting dates have been chosen intentionally around this year’s U.S. local, state and federal election cycle on November 5th. We’ll look at practical ways to rise above the often-unsettling noise of social media and of the endless stream of conflicting news perspectives. We will also highlight the Gospel of hope that was demonstrated by the first century Christians, and offer practical ways to remain as faithful witnesses, rooted in Christ and committed to His Kingdom mission.
Led by Paul Petersen, this group will meet on Sundays for four weeks beginning October 20th, from 10:45am-12:00pm at Hillcrest.
Day: Tuesday Time of day: Evening
Area of town: South Bellingham Lifestage: Any Adult Gender Mix: Mixed
Description: This summer, Victor and Carina Kozaczuk will be hosting a 7 week small group called "The Questions Jesus Asked." Jesus asked a lot of questions! In fact, he asked more questions than he answered. His questions can be categorized into topics like, values, identity, longings, and more. Each week we will look at one of the themes, and then read, reflect and discuss some of the related questions posed by Jesus. The format will be quite casual, try it out once or come every week! This small group is designed for people who are newer to Hillcrest or small groups: it will be a great way to meet other Hillcrest folks over the summer while the rest of our groups are on a break.
Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:45pm beginning July 2.
Day: Wednesday Time of day: Evening
Area of town: South Bellingham Lifestage: Any Adult Gender Mix: Mixed
Description: Unlocking the Heart of the Artist by Matt Tommey addresses our inner creative desires with the intention of freeing them and creating with God. In this short term book study, we will use art journals and creative prompts from the book to deepen our artistic practice and grow spiritually. We will gather at Hillcrest on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm beginning October 2 and ending on November 20. This group will be led by Mary Margaret Brotherton and Theresa Golden. All art supplies will be provided.
Day: Thursday Time of day: Evening
Area of town: Skagit Lifestage: Any Adult Gender Mix: Women
Description: This short term small group will be a place where women of faith can gather to discuss and discover how female relationships are vital to our faith and well-being and how we might improve and nourish our connections. It is for women of any age. Led by Hilary Williamson, this group will be meeting for 6 weeks on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm beginning Thursday, October 10.
