Unforced Rhythms of Grace Dallas Willard once described hurry as “the great enemy of spiritual life in our day,” and his observation rings true, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Maybe we’ve seen firsthand how hurry underpins many of our most pressing issues. It fuels the anger and anxiety that define our cultural moment, affecting everyone— |
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including followers of Jesus. Many of us endure a constant state of low-grade fatigue and chronic anxiety, racing through our days at a relentless pace, often feeling disconnected from God in the chaos. The truth is, our busyness hinders us from living emotionally healthy and spiritually vibrant lives. Hurry is fundamentally at odds with the way of Jesus, whose kingdom is centered on love, joy, and peace—qualities that cannot thrive in a life ruled by speed. As Willard urged, we must “ruthlessly eliminate hurry” to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers. Join us for this six-part sermon series as we slow down and learn the unforced rhythms of grace from Jesus. Come worship in person or online at 9:00 am or 10:30 am. |
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Miss Last Sunday's Service? Pastor Matt kicked off a new sermon series based on Matthew 11:25-30 - the Message bible uses the phrase "the unforced rhythms of grace" How do the fundamental aspects of our faith become forgotten when we get busy with life? Tune in here to watch last Sunday's worship service. You can also listen to the message on your favorite podcast channels. Search Mankato Hilltop Podcast or find the direct links on our website at: www.mankatohilltop.org/podcast. |
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Wednesday Youth Programs have begun Hilltop’s educational programming for kindergarten through grade 12 seeks to move students toward a deeper, richer understanding of the love of God and the relationship He desires with each of us. Kids' Connection (K-5), RISE youth group, and Confirmation will all meet weekly on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm, through the school year, beginning September 18. Kids' Connection ends at 7:30 pm, while Confirmation and RISE end at 8:00 pm. Register here. |
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All smiles in K-2nd Grade Kids' Connection |
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The fun-loving 3rd-5th Grade Kids' Connection |
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Shaving cream wiffle ball was a hit with confirmation and RISE Youth last Wednesday, even some of the parents took a swing. |
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Bible Sunday Hilltop invites 3rd grade students and confirmation students to receive a bible this Sunday, September 29th, at either the 9:00 am or 10:30 am worship service. |
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New Chairs Have Arrived! Thank you to all who were available on Tuesday to help move the new chairs into the sanctuary. We only had a 15 minute warning, but members kept rolling in and we had others who texted to say they could come later if help was still needed. With fifteen volunteers we made quick work of unloading and Shawn McCracken graciously offered to take the waste packaging to Ponderosa Landfill. The chairs will be arranged later after the wiring for the AV is completed. Barb Keith noted, "That was an amazing experience, pulling together as community, doing what needed to be done!" If you want to experience this wonderful Hilltop team experience, stay tuned for information about a group mission opportunity February, 23-March 1, 2025. |
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Africa Uplifted Mission Trip Steph Putzier will be in Sierra Leone in early October, as part of a medical mission team with Africa Uplifted. You can help with donations of chewable children’s multivitamins and/or money for purchasing medications and food. Also valued are used hearing aides that are still in working order. Items can be brought to Hilltop by Sunday, September 29. |
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Caring for the Caregiver: Nurturing Wellbeing & Resilience VINE is hosting a renewal event for caregivers, on Thursday, September 26, 12:30 – 2:30 PM, at the Pioneer Bank |
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Conference Room (1450 Adams St, Mankato). Caregivers are welcome for lunch and a presentation by Dr. Jennifer Londgren, Associate Professor for MSU-Mankato Department of Health Science. Learn about stress management, self-care techniques and building a support network to maintain balance and thrive. Cost is $20 at the door. Email Joyce by Monday, September 23 at 3 PM to register. |
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Short-term Student Housing Needed My name is Tesla Cheek, and I am a student at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD within the physical therapy doctorate program. I will be working at the Odom Health and Wellness New Perspective Senior Living in Mankato as part of my clinical rotation, and my clinical instructor advised me to reach out to local churches to try and find a place to stay from Sept 29th to Nov 22nd. Would you be willing to open your door to a student in need? I am willing to pay and I'm great at yard and housework, and I’d be more than happy to share some of my PT knowledge if anyone wants some free advice! I can be reached by email tlcheek23@ole.augie.edu or phone number 605-261-3390. |
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Fall Work Day The Trustees have planned a "Fall Work Day" on Sunday, Oct 6th to flatten the areas where trees were removed and plant some grass seed while we evaluate the plan for trees. We plan to bring in dirt and plant grass seed. We will have a small loader (a "dingo") to help spread/flatten the dirt and we'll need hands to work it with hand tools and spread the grass seed. If we have enough hands there may be some other tasks we tackle. |
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Heavenly Stitches Terry Berg and Dianne Daby are hosting a weekly stitching group, Thursdays at 4:00-5:00 pm. Come and learn to crochet or knit. You can bring your own crafts and projects or just show up and learn from experienced yarn lovers. No need to sign up or attend every week, but once you get started, you may not want to miss a single session. |
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Do you have a key to the church? New locksets have been installed on all church doors, as an element of the remodel project. If you have a church key, you will need to get a replacement from the church office. Please contact Michelle by email or phone 507-387-3877, if you have questions. |
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Prayer Concerns Visit the Hilltop Facebook Group to share prayer concerns and community needs with one another. If the church has any ministry needs, those will be posted in the Facebook group. Please pray JoAnn Hutchinson who is at United Hospital in St. Paul with multiple health conditions. Please pray for Erin Anderson's brother, Joel, who is in a critical care in Sioux Falls due to seizure activity. Please pray for Ron Beaty, who had a stroke last weekend. He is in rehab at Pathstone and is doing well. Pray for continued restoration of health. Please pray for Janet Gaul as she awaits PET scan results to determine if she has breast cancer. Pray for patience and peace as she faces this health challenge. Please pray for Brad Kraywinkel, son of Bob & Char, who was recently diagnosed with cancer and is starting treatment. Pray for him and his medical team, that they might find therapies that work for Brad. Please pray for organist, Jo Breckenridge, who is at home recovering from knee replacement surgery. Pray for a strong recovery.
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Stay Connected There are two ways of keeping informed about Hilltop activities; the weekly E-newsletter which is sent every Wednesday around noon, and Text-in-Church messaging. Text messages are sent for short and quick reminders or immediate needs. To sign up for Text-in-Church, text NEW to 507-575-4222. You will be prompted to fill out a Connect Card and you can share the mobile number where you would like to receive text messages. You can opt out at anytime. Text-in-Church is how we contact you with immediate messages and you will receive no more than 1 or 2 messages monthly. This is a one-way communication and not the best way to reach us if you have immediate questions. Contact Us The best way to contact Pastor Matt or the church office is to call the church at 507-387-3877, or email Pastor Matt or Michelle. |
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