2025 Giving Letter
January 21, 2026
To the Spiritual Family of Hillcrest Church,
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you. So many of you have given of your time, your talents and your treasure. Many have given generously -- as if you were storing away treasure in heaven -- and I am grateful for each and every one of you. When I think of the 2025 ministry year the word Abundance comes to mind. God has blessed Hillcrest with abundance this year and I am truly grateful.
Here are some of the ways God increased His work among us in 2025:
God provided an abundance of volunteers who willingly gave their time and talents to serve the Lord. This year we had over 500 people serving in the church in over 900 volunteer positions! We are so blessed by all of you who serve in the church. We could not Minister God’s Love to a Hurting World without you.
More people responded to God’s call to lead a small group and help form communities within the larger body. As of December 2025, we now have 110 small groups that meet in homes and hubs and spaces around our community. This includes children, youth, young adults, women, men, adults, and legacy groups. As well as intergenerational groups. We are so blessed!
On average 365 adults attended Bible Studies in the church building each week.
Our Youth Ministry grew this year with over 190 students regularly attending worship on Tuesdays and events on Fridays. We broke a record for youth attendance at our Fall Retreat at Whispering Pines Camp!
Over 175 adults and youth participated in weekly Sports Ministry at the church. (As you can see, our facility is well-used and is like a “home away from home” for many people.)
Our Furniture Ministry served 175 households with furniture and basic necessities of life. These are families and individuals who desperately needed help in a time of crisis. And Hillcrest was able to step in and help in a practical way.
We were able to add a new full-time Children’s Ministry position and half-time Legacy position to our church staff in 2025 and God provided enough to meet the increase.
I am so encouraged as I look over the past year. It’s like watching a miracle happen. We witnessed the abundance of God as we were able to end the year in a balanced financial position. In addition, we were able to add a little bit to our savings. Our savings is an important buffer helping us navigate any unforeseen situational changes.
One thing I ask that you commit to prayer. We have a growing Youth Ministry with more youth seeking God than we have seen in many years. We are in process of developing a second youth ministry position in order to provide support to this vital ministry. Please be in prayer for this process, and that the Lord would lead us to the right person.
We are grateful for you – our Hillcrest Church family – for your faithfulness in your prayers and your financial giving. You have responded to the Lord and provided abundantly. Thank you for being a part of what God is doing among us.
In His Grip,
Pastor Steve on behalf of the Pastors and Ministry Leaders