Meet Melvin Cole

DIR OF PASTORAL CARE FOR FREEOM FIRE MIN (HCC MISSIONS PARTNER)

Melvin has served in urban ministry for more than 20 years, including as a Youth Pastor and with Young Life. Since 2006, he has served with Freedom Fire, leading Teen Ministry and serving as Co-Pastor at Freedom Covenant. He has received ministry training through Berean Bible School, Young Life Leadership, Devos Urban Leadership, and The Urban Ministry Institute. Melvin and his wife, Marie, live in Kansas City and have two grown children and one granddaughter.

A New Season Means New Focus for Our Pastoral Team

CLARIFYING PASTORAL TEAM ROLES

We’re excited to share some shifts in our pastoral team’s roles as we begin a new ministry year. Each pastor will continue to care for people, support the life of the church, and serve across ministry areas, while also taking greater responsibility for a specific area of focus. As we continue pursuing our vision and the unique ministry God has for Hillcrest, we believe this greater clarity will help our team lead well and help Hillcrest move forward in new ways.

Kimberly Gingrich Executive Pastor

Kimberly has faithfully led our Children's Ministry, is stepping into the role of Executive Pastor, where she'll oversee Hillcrest's operational systems, facilities, and staff support.

Jason Heppner Spiritual Formation Pastor

Jason, who has authentically led our Student ministry, is transitioning to Spiritual Formation Pastor, guiding a unified discipleship pathway for every generation at Hillcrest.

Nate Severson Outreach & Engagement Pastor

Nate, who has led consistently at Hillcrest for decades, will now serve as Outreach & Engagement Pastor, focused on connecting our church more deeply with our each other, our community, and our mission partners.

These moves reflect each pastor's gifting and Hillcrest's ongoing commitment to a community that multiplies and initiates ministry through focus, generosity, and a teachable posture. Please join us in celebrating Kimberly, Jason, and Nate as they step into these new roles, and keep them in your prayers as they begin this next chapter of ministry. During this time of transition Jason and Kimberly will continue to oversee and lead students and kids programming while new support staff is identified.

Please join us for a special pastoral discussion about these changes on Sunday, August 23 during both services.

If you have any questions, contact Pastor Nate at npowell@hillcrestcov.org.

Song & Story Night

WED JULY 29 6:30-8:30PM

Join us for Song & Story Night—an evening of worship, prayer, and real stories of how Jesus is at work. All ages are invited to connect with God and one another and leave encouraged, uplifted, and renewed. Enjoy free Chick-fil-A nuggets, strips, and homemade desserts. Join us for an evening of exalting God through praise, worship, and testimony!

High School Senior Getaway to the Lake!

FRI-SUN AUG 7-9 / TABLE ROCK LAKE

Senior Getaway retreat is a way to connect, go tubing, play games, make pizzas, pray, worship, talk, and prepare for the upcoming school year! It will be Friday-Sunday, August 7-9, at the Heppner family lake house on Table Rock Lake! Please do whatever you can to make it to this retreat because these types of shared experiences forge strong friendships and create meaningful connections! The total cost is $75.

Life Groups Launching in August (formerly Small Groups)

SUN AUG 16 / 9 & 10:45AM SANCTUARY & LOBBY

Our mission is Pursuing New Life Together in Jesus, and we believe faith grows best in community. That's why we have Life Groups—places where people build meaningful relationships, grow in faith, pray together, ask honest questions, and encourage one another as they follow Jesus.

Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey. Some of life's most meaningful moments of growth happen not only on Sundays, but also around tables, in living rooms, and in everyday life together.

Join us on Sunday, August 16, as we share more about Life Groups and how you can get connected. We can't wait to help you find your place!

Prayers for Our Upcoming Nicaragua Mission Trip

JULY 31-Aug 7 / RIVAS, NICARAGUA

Please keep our team of six in your prayers as they prepare to travel to Rivas, Nicaragua, to serve alongside our mission partner, Anna Angulo of Merge Ministries. Please pray that God would keep our team safe throughout our travels, give us humble hearts that build meaningful relationships, and help us faithfully join the Lord in the wonderful work He is already doing in the hearts of the beautiful people of Nicaragua. We know God is already at work in Nicaragua, and it is a privilege to partner with Him as we pursue new life together in Jesus, trusting that He will use everything for His glory.

4th Friday Concert in Franklin Park!

FRI AUG 28 6:30-8:30PM

Join us for an evening of live music, good food, and easy summer vibes! Grab a lawn chair or blanket and settle in as the band plays. Plus, come hungry! We’ll have a food truck on-site serving up amazing food to enjoy while you listen. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend. We’d love to see you there and invite friends!

Location: Franklin Park, 8700 Roe Ave in Prairie Village

MomCo Connects Moms

REGISTRATION IS OPEN / BEGINS MON SEPT 14 AT 9:30AM

At MomCo (Mom in Community) we gather and support moms. We believe in the simple but revolutionary idea that remarkable things happen when moms come together. MomCo meets twice a month at Hillcrest on Mondays, September '26 through May '27 from 9:30 to 11am, you'll enjoy a hot breakfast (table rotation to bring food), fellowship, guest speakers, crafts/activities, and invaluable time spent with the ladies at your table. At the same time, your children are cared for in complimentary childcare provided by Hillcrest. MomCo is for moms with kids birth through elementary age.

Questions? Please email info@hillcrestcov.org. We would love for you to be a part of MomCo at Hillcrest! Fees are $100 for the year.