|
What is the history of Hillside Church?
Hillside Evangelical Free Church had its humble beginnings in a fruit shed on Lincoln Avenue. A hand full of people started meeting in the San Jose Salvation Army Hall, but when the Salvation Army needed the room, the Fellowship moved to the fruit shed in early 1953. The Evangelical Free Church of San Jose was organized on February 18, 1953, with 23 charter members.When the owner required use of the fruit shed during harvest season, the church rented space and moved to a Seventh Day Adventist church on Minnesota Avenue. During this time, a lot was purchased and a temporary Sanctuary and Sunday School wing were erected at 2116 Newport Avenue. Our first worship service was held at this location on March 28, 1954. A Sanctuary was erected at this site a few years later. As growth occurred, we purchased property at our current location at 545 Hillsdale Avenue. An Education Wing and a multi-purpose sanctuary were built at this location and we moved in on October 7, 1977. Our present sanctuary was dedicated on September 27, 1987. During the 1989 earthquake, we suffered some damage, but 6 months later, we were back in our sanctuary. |
You need Flash Player 8 to view this video. Hillside - Yesterday and Today |
|
What do you believe?
We believe that the Bible is God's totally true Word. We believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, lived a perfect life, died for sinners and rose again from the dead. We believe that the Holy Spirit of God lives in those who receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. We believe that everyone who is "born again" through faith in Jesus is part of God's family, the Body of Christ, the Church. For more information, see The Evangelical Free Church of America's Statement of Faith. You can also view our Church By-Laws and Church Constitution.Where are you located?
Hillside Evangelical Free Church is located about one-half mile from Highway 87, nestled against the hills in South San Jose, just north of the Auto Mall on Capital Expressway.(detailed directions)What does Hillside Evangelical Free Church mean?
Hillside refers to the fact that our church is located up against the hills in South San Jose. Evangelical Free is the affiliation that we are a part of, a group of like-minded churches. Evangelical refers to our primary belief in the Bible as God's Word and the Good News of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Free refers to our form of government. We are a congregational church, and we make our decisions here, at the local level. We are also in the ministry of setting people free through the love of Jesus Christ!How big is Hillside Church?
We have an average Sunday morning worship attendance of 500. In our children's department, up to 180 children come each Sunday morning. Additionally, we have 105 at our Spanish service.
|
|
| In 1996, our name was officially changed to Hillside Evangelical Free Church. Since then, the ministry of Hillside Church has continued to grow and expand both here in San Jose, and around the world! A commitment to effective teaching of the scriptures and heartfelt worship, as well as our ministries to adults, youth, and children, remains the foundation of the ministry here at Hillside. In recent years, we have diversified with new ministries in San Jose such as Friends at Farm Drive, an outreach ministry to a local urban neighborhood; and Iglesia Libre en Cristo, our Spanish speaking congregation. We continue to expand our ministry to the world through a comprehensive missions program, which includes supporting numerous missionary families and sending out short-term teams. The blessing of God continues to rest on the multiple ministries of Hillside Church. |
|
|
What's the difference between the 3 services?
9:00am - Contemporary Service: Our Praise Band and Choir lead a mix of music that emphasizes recent praisesongs but regularly includes favorite hymns sung in an updated musical style. If you enjoy a slightly louder, faster paced style of worship this may be the service you’ll want to attend. 10:45am - Traditional Service: Do you prefer a somewhat quieter, more familiar setting in worship? The music in this service, including hymns, gospel songs and some newer praise choruses, is led by piano, organ and an instrumental ensemble. Our Choir participates regularly and we often include special music solos or ensembles. 1:00pm Spanish Service: Iglesia Libre En Cristo meets in our Fellowship Hall for praise and teaching in Spanish. Pastor Fransisco leads this vibrant congregation that also has small groups meeting throughout the week. Why should I fill out the Connection Card in the pew rack?
These cards help us get to know who you are and serve as a means of communication. It is our desire to respond to your requests made on these cards. We will send you a letter in the mail, welcoming you to our congregation. If you ask for prayer, our pastoral leadership pray for you. If you ask for information, your request is passed on to our receptionist, who will send you some brochures that will answer your questions. If you would like to meet with a staff members, your request will be passed on to them. The cards are a vital means of communication between the church office and you, our guest! Please let us know how we may assist you.What am I expected to put in the offering?
Other than your "Connection Card," nothing! We honestly don't want visitors to give out of a sense of obligation. Our members and regular attendees are responsible to meet the financial needs of the church. We don't pressure people to give. We let God lead people who feel they are part of the church family to give according to His will for them.What kinds of Children's Ministries are available?
On Sunday mornings, childcare is provided for infants through 23 months. Also, our Children's Ministries have wonderful classes for 2 year olds through fifth grade. On Sunday evenings, during the school year, the Awana Club program meets for children 3 years old (potty trained) through 6th grade. During the summer months we provide a Vacation Bible School and other special events.Are audio recordings available of the sermon?
Yes! We record every message and CDs can be purchased at information booth in the entry area. The cost is $2.00. Additionally the sermons are available online. |
|