March 2024

Why the Science and Faith Conversation

by Pastor Rob 

I begin by encouraging you to learn as much as you can about Biologos. Start here - https://biologos.org/about-us.

Why would I direct you to learn about this organization? It is where excellent scientists and committed followers of Jesus gather in cooperation to explain the natural phenomena of the world and to glorify God in the process. When I became the pastor of Hillside Church in 2006, I realized I would be preaching a few miles from one of the top research institutions in the country. Would I be able to intelligently explain faith in Jesus to a scientist who understood the natural world better than me?

My attempts to answer that question drew me down a path of learning. I have read works from atheist/agnostic scientists and philosophers who deny God’s existence. I have studied extremely conservative Christians who, from their interpretation of scripture, reject established scientific truths like evolution and a universe that’s billions of years old. The God-rejection and science-rejection are extreme viewpoints.

Apart from these extremes we can find true scientists who are also true believers in Jesus. How does this all fit together? One must do a lot of reading to answer this question. There are many podcasts and YouTube videos that also help.

Of course, a believer could just say, “I believe in Jesus and that’s it. I don’t know about evolution and am not interested in learning. I don’t know how old the earth is or how old the universe is, and I don’t care.” You have the freedom to take this type of approach. But, if you get into conversations with people, and they say, “Well, I don’t believe in God because I understand science,” how will you respond? (click for more)

PASSING THE BATON by Dina Sit

I can honestly say that the last 17+ years of serving as Hillside's Ministry Assistant has been a blessing. Pastor Rob used the term 'calling' and I think that is appropriate. God directed me into the position and God is now directing to step away. I leave the church in good hands with Tiffany Kolarov taking over the desk. You will still see me at church, just not necessarily in the office. Thank you Hillside for the lovely send-off at last month's potluck and thank you for the Love Gift. I am so pleased that we were able to bless our Food Pantry with almost $400 through your generosity. Plus, Roger and I took our family to Mr. Tokyo for a gut busting dinner with the gift card. Thank you again.

3/24 Palm Sunday - Holy Week Begins

3/28 Maundy Thursday -7PM Service

3/29 Good Friday -7PM Service

3/31 Easter Sunday - 6:50AM Sunrise Service

3/31 Easter Sunday - 1030AM Worship Center

It's that time again- the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament. We have a lot of basketball fans in our church and for all who are interested, here is an invitation to pick the tournament. What you will need is a printable bracket, anyone will do. One is available on the ESPN website here the person with the best score at the end is the winner. I WILL BUY THE WINNER LUNCH! That's it. You don't put any money in. You don't get any money at the end. This is just for FUN! And its and opportunity to have lunch with me- at my expense.

I need your picks by noon - Sunday, March 17th, if you want credit for the "first four" OR by noon - Tuesday, March 19th if you don't Any later and I cannot enter you in the pool.

Winners Past 10 Years

Rules

• 5 pts - each correct pick in the opening round (Tues - Wed Games)
• 10 pts - each correct pick in the first round
• 15 pts - each correct pick in the 2nd round (each correct sweet16 pick)
• 25 pts - each correct pick in the final 8
• 40 pts - each correct final 4 pick
• 50 pts - each correct pick in the championship game
• 75 pts - correctly picking the national champion
• Tiebreaker- total points of the championship game. DON'T FORGET TO GIVE THE FINAL SCORE OF THE TITLE GAME.

Email me if your have questions: more importantly, get me your brackets. Drop it by the office or email Pastor Rob. Show that you know more basketball than your pastor!