God is good: a time of transition...

This week has been an odd week at Hillside. Pastor Rick whispered (poor guy has laryngitis) his last sermon to us and he moved the last bit of his stuff out of the church. We had a party for him and Billie Jo back on July 9th as a celebration of their ministry and time with us at Hillside. This past Sunday, we had a quiet send off. And not just because Pastor Rick could hardly speak. After his sermon Pastor Rick donned his bass guitar one last time (at Hillside), the worship team had a guest singer (Melissa Cole) join them to help praise God, playing and singing "You Are Good." This song is one of Pastor Rick's favorites to play on the bass and its message resonates with this situation in both his life and Hillside's, "Lord, You are good and your mercy endures forever. You are good all the time, all the time You are good!" In all things, God is good. God is good in the worst circumstances and the best of times, His mercy endures forever! The congregation surrounded Rick after the song and prayed for him and Billie Jo. We prayed for their healing and the new chapter of their life that they have begun this week. It was a quiet and emotional time with God, a body of people interceding for people we love. There was cake and fellowship and it almost felt like a normal Sunday. It felt like it was time. Pastor Rick resigned back in January and has been preparing his church for this, preparing us to look boldly into the future, excited for what God has in store. I thank God for that and for the Long family. They have left a wonderful legacy at Hillside: they have left Hillside strong and secure in God's hands. I hope that they know that because of their faithfulness our transition has been one of hope. ​

It is with this hope and knowledge that God is good all the time, we look forward to this upcoming Sunday. The beginning of something new. The installation of our new pastor! The term "installation" seems rather cold to me. I like the idea that we are inducting the Todd family into Hillside. To induct means to admit as a member, and that seems more friendly. We are admitting the Todd's into our church family, and inducting/installing Pastor Dan as our church leader. Overall, I think Hillside is excited (and perhaps a little anxious) to begin this new chapter. We know God is in control, and He is good, all the time, all the time He is good!

​In preparation of the upcoming induction of the Todd family, here is a picture and a little bit about them. They are great people and I am looking forward to getting to know them more!​

• Dan is from Ashland, NE. Becky is from Canisteo, NY.  They met in Wilmore, KY.  Dan and Becky were married in 2003. Lily was born in Cedar Rapids, IA in 2006 and Josiah was born in Lincoln, NE in 2008. 
• Dan is organized and methodical.  He loves to follow the NBA and collect basketball cards.  He is passionate about being authentic, biblical and creative.
• Becky is detail oriented.  She enjoys gardening and hiking. She loves making good friendships and mentoring new moms.
• Lily is a great student and loves to set goals and achieve.  She is faithful and loves to hang out with friends.  She enjoys reading.
• Josiah is shy but fun.  He has good sense of humor.  He cares deeply for his friends and family.  He loves to build and create new things.

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We hope that many of you can come out for the induction of Pastor Dan and his family. After what is sure to be a very exciting service, there will be a summer salad celebration potluck to welcome and fellowship with the Todd family. We hope to see you there!​