Community Highlights

Ministering to Marketplace Leaders. Led by Solomon Sands. We continued from our previous year with making use of the excellent resources provided by www.FaithDrivenEntrepreneur.org. We had 8-10 marketplace leaders who were participating on a monthly basis. Please pray for Holy Spirit wisdom and for this ministry to grow as we support and encourage believers who are following Jesus in the marketplace.

Ministering to Men. Co-led with Miles Wright. This year our Monday Night Men’s Group embarked on a study of the 7 Churches of Revelation (RNM), continued our previous study in the book of Romans, Part 2 (RNM), and took a hiatus in June.

Over the summer I developed a 136-page study guide for the “Supernatural Seminar” which began in September, as we explored the topic of spiritual warfare and what the Bible has to say about the unseen realm and our identity and mission as believers. This Bible college-level study generated the highest participation in our group’s history. This was followed by our Christmas Party in mid-December.

One particular highlight from the year was a man from the church inviting his neighbour to the group. This individual surrendered his life to Christ and started to bring his daughter on Sundays. Such is the power of an invitation when combined with the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

Ministering to Women. This year saw the return of the Ladies Spring Brunch, which we haven’t been able to offer since 2019. Led by Donna Serr, Glenda Edwards and Sandra Rude. There were a total of 240 tickets were printed, 232 sold, and the jewellery boutique raised $850 in support of the Furniture Ministry.

Women of Worth. WOW Wednesdays in Hub 1 grew back to pre-2020 levels. Leaders in 2023 included Donna Serr, Kathy Runnalls, Gloria Tainsh, Aoi Hildebrand and Marita Speiran. By fall 2023 there were 54 ladies participating, including 10 new moms! Childcare was offered by Linda Toma and her team of volunteers, who on one occasion had as many as 11 kids under their care. WOW mornings include coffee, games and prizes, in addition to the Bible study. Parties hosted at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter helped women of all ages to build connections with each other and the church.

Women's Christmas Brunch. This year, the Brunch sold out in less than a week! Carrie McDonald and Val Seitz took the lead in preparing for 200 women, while a small group of men volunteered on the Saturday to keep the coffee flowing and the dishes clean. Several non-Christians who were invited took part, and at least one of them asked to connect with Charlotte Donudenu following her devotional. Interestingly, a professional event coordinator was in attendance and she commented on how wonderful the flow of the event was. Several others from Hillcrest served in various ways, including on the worship team, or by taking tickets at the door, or sharing a Christmas reading. All-in-all it was a wonderful time of fellowship as well as memorable outreach to our community.

Ministering to Mothers and Fathers. With Carrie’s help, we planned and prepared to celebrate Mothers in May and Fathers in June.

Ministering through Christ in the Passover. Jews For Jesus ambassadors Dean Chariker and wife Miriam are a young couple who travelled all the way from Israel to host this special event. Dean was raised as an observant Jew and shared his incredible testimony of how he came to saving faith Yeshua (Jesus). Those who attended this free event learned about and got a taste of a traditional Jewish Passover celebration. Dean shared about its development, biblical significance, and how Jesus ultimately fulfills it.

Ministering through Craft Workshops. This ministry is led by Michelle Mauer and Christy Wonnenberg.

Christy writes:

The Lord designed His people to be creators: “He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver — by any sort of workman or skilled designer” (Exodus 35:35). 

The monthly workshops are a great time of fellowship, creativity & learning! We love to highlight a skill or talent of our Church family members who want to share their knowledge with others. The attendance has varied from workshop to workshop, but we are thrilled to see a steady & continual rise as more people are aware of it. As well as a 2 – 3 hour workshop, we also offer a full day where people can bring their own projects to work on in a comfortable space. We find this time a great opportunity to encourage others to work on an item or 2 that they may want to donate to the Handmade Market as well! 

January – Chalking Workshop – Cutting Board signs – Christy Wonnenberg 
February – Ukrainian Eggs – Michelle Mauer 
March – Watercolor Card Workshop – Mable Mund 
May – Cake Decorating workshop – Alicea Thomas 
September - Sunflower Fall Décor – Michelle Mauer 
October – Watercolor card workshop – Mable Mund 
November – Decoupage Napkin Ornaments – Michelle Mauer 

Ministering Mental Health & Wellness. In January we hosted a Building Better Boundaries course, presented by Mark Walter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, with a devotional component led by Bev Henschke. We also met during the summer to make plans for the Bounce Back course in the fall, which is designed to help individuals build resiliency in their lives and relationships.

Ministering to ESL Learners. Met with Sarah Pahl in January to coordinate the startup of a monthly “English Café,” an idea Sarah came up with to make learning English fun and for newcomers to develop friendships. My role included helping spread the word to potential volunteers and participants via Saamis, The Connection and the Chaplain of MHC. The inaugural event was held in February and saw 13 participants from Korea, Ukraine, Japan, the Bahamas, and Ecuador. There were also 3 volunteers that evening including myself. The English Café ran until May.

In the summer, Sarah and I met to discuss her plans to expand the ministry. Sarah held a vision meeting in September for those interested in helping, and the English Cafe continued through to the end of the year. Please pray for the continued growth and success of this ministry and for Jesus to continue being lifted up.

Ministering to the Marginalized. Received an invitation to run the Alpha Course videos down at the Mustard Seed Kitchen from January to May. Though it is extremely difficult to build connections with street people for a number of reasons, the Lord worked through this time and Gospel seeds were planted. At the same time, I was able to build a strong working relationship with the Building Manager and Day Programming Director, who have proven to be helpful resources when dealing with particular situations either in the church or out in the community. I was also given the privilege of sharing the devotional for The Mustard Seed’s city-wide staff event in the spring.

Ministering to our online community. In 2023 Pastors Glenn, Mike and I continued to meet and fellowship with the members of our church community online. Average online attendance via the website consisted of 40-50 families during the live stream, but could go as high as 80, depending on a variety factors including local weather which does affect in-person attendance. If we include those participating via Facebook and YouTube, we averaged 110 homes participating online every Sunday, with that number increasing to 185 by Monday morning.

Every Sunday, individuals and families regularly participate in worship during the 10AM service, which is live-streamed. Some are local, but we do have people tuning in from around the world. In October, I had the privilege of meeting one such couple. Ken & Grace have been attending online since 2020 and, for the past 40 years, have made their home in Jordan where they work as turmeric farmers. While visiting family in Alberta, they made a point of driving to Medicine Hat and staying the night just so they could attend their home church in person for the very first time! It was an honour and a blessing to meet them in person and to be able pray for them.

We are thankful for our online community and that ways God is using this ministry beyond our four walls to make disciples and extend our reach with the Gospel.

Ministering to the larger community. In 2023 this included my involvement with the Mustard Seed, leading a service for the 40 Days of Prayer, serving as a greeter at the entrance to the Good Friday Service, attending the Pastors Appreciation Breakfast at Medicine Hat Christian School, as well as several opportunities for community engagement during the Christmas season.

Highlights of that season include praying for the meal at the annual Connection Christmas Gala, hosted at the Esplanade. During the evening I was able to connect with several international students and share about Jesus with one student in particular who had never heard about Him before.

I was also invited to be the guest speaker for the annual Medicine Hat Tigers Christmas Banquet, where I also gave an invitation to players, families and Tigers staff to consider the claims of Christ and to receive Him into their lives.

I also enjoyed taking part in the Evangelical Association’s Civic Leaders Christmas Banquet and was able to meet and build a connection with the Public School District Superintendent.

These examples are some of the ways the Lord has opened doors for me to be His ambassador in the larger context of our city.

Ministering to the broader EMCC Family. I was invited to be a member of the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada’s Theology Commission which is reviewing and strengthening our Articles of Faith. Members include other EMCC Pastors from across Canada as well as members of the National Team.  

Ministering through games and gym activities. We hosted a Gym & Games Night in March and saw two dozen out for volleyball, pickle ball and table games, including a couple of newcomers to the church. We hosted a games night in June and a couple more gym and/or games nights in October and November. I am grateful to Dave & Michelle Mauer who have been spearheading these events as we seek to provide opportunities for food, fellowship and fun.

Ministering through RightNow Media. According to our church’s engagement report, we have 902 registered users, 71 percent of whom are accessing Bible studies, while the other 21 percent are accessing kids shows. Our RNM account is clearly of great benefit to individual users and their families! An even greater blessing is that users are able to share this quality, Christian resource with family and friends as a way to reach them with the Gospel.

In August 2023, I ministered to a grandmother in hospital, and during that visit and was able to offer RNM to her adult daughter, who also has small children. Neither the daughter nor the granddaughters presently attended church. But the young woman had started to read the Bible, so having access to the RNM app would be the perfect gift to help her along.

I am so thankful that Hillcrest is able to freely share such an excellent evangelism and disciple-making tool.

Ministering through Bible Studies. Our church is blessed with 6 long-term Bible Study Groups and facilitators who are passionate about serving others and sharing God’s Word. The groups meet in our facility and, in 2023, provided Bible study, fellowship and prayer for approximately 185 participants. These studies are especially helpful for those who are new to Hillcrest, as people can just show up and find their fit.

Ministering through Life Groups. We are also blessed with 7 Life Groups that continue to meet, typically offsite, offering Bible study, fellowship, and prayer a focus on building stronger, deeper friendships for approximately 75 participants that include singles and couples with young children. I had the privilege of helping a young family to start a new life group that grew from two families to six with 18 kids! They began by meeting once a month and eventually included once a month option for the men and for the ladies as well.

Ministering through people just like you. Ephesians 4:12 reminds us that Christ gave pastors to the church “to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” God has given each of us the ability to serve Him in some way. But even more important than your ability is your availability: saying “Yes” to the Lord and to serving Him wholeheartedly. I am so thankful for the many gifted volunteers He has deposited within this church family. God bless each and every one of you! Know that you are truly making a difference for Christ’s kingdom and for eternity!

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Next Steps

Baptisms & Church Memberships. In 2023 we celebrated 28 baptisms and welcomed 11 new members into the Hillcrest Church family. We thank God for each one who takes the step of faith to be baptized in obedience to Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). We also thank God for those who choose to “officially” make Hillcrest their home church and commit to taking an active role in the work of this local church family.

Click here to learn more about the “why” of church membership.

Click here to learn why believers should be baptized.

The Alpha Course. In January we put the Alpha Course on hold, as no one registered. We took this as a sign to look to the Lord and recalibrate our strategy in terms of promoting and getting the word out. It was also a very difficult season for our Alpha Leader, Nicole, as her mom was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, resulting in her passing several weeks later. As Nicole’s pastor I walked through this season with her and her mom and ministered to the family.

In the fall of 2023 we had 22 register for the Course, plus 2 who showed up the first day, and an average of 16 attending regularly each week. This is the first semester that Nicole and her team have begun to recruit their own volunteers. I also brought a new team member on, as well as a new member to our Alpha Kitchen Team.

It has been encouraging to see guests of all ages taking part, especially those who are spiritually curious and have yet to express a personal faith in Jesus. I am deeply grateful for Nicole Cross and her leadership, as well as the members of our team: Rob & Janice Kirchner, Roy Hjelte, Linda Andrew, Jalyn Morisette, Darla Ismond and Joshua Cross. I am equally grateful for our Alpha Kitchen Team led by Carrie McDonald and team members Gail Nelson and Randy Pick, and the wonderful breakfasts they provide for guests and volunteers.

Here are some takeaways from the Alpha Course, based on the feedback surveys we received from guests.

Alpha moves people closer to saving faith. One guest had never attended church before. Initially this person was skeptical of spiritual matters, but after taking Alpha, moved from being “skeptical” to “undecided.” This is a move in the right direction! This individual made new friends, enjoyed the “non-judgmental” environment and better understands why people believe in God. It’s also important to note that this individual had been invited to attend Alpha with a friend from Hillcrest Church, highlighting the importance of invitation.  

Alpha moves people closer to Jesus. One guest shared how their faith was strengthened and made the decision to get baptized.

Alpha helps people. To make friends and open up. One guest commented that it equips believers to share God's love and discover His purpose.  

Please continue to lift up this ministry in prayer and consider how you might be involved, either by volunteering or by inviting a family member, friend or colleague to check it out, and to say you’ll join with them to see what it’s like.

Click here to learn more about the Alpha Course.

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Guest Services

Ministering through smiles and coffee. Our teams continue offering excellent service and a friendly welcome to all who attend on Sunday, from the front door to the doors of the Worship Centre to the hubs and social spaces. Donna Serr leads our Hospitality Teams at Entrances 1 & 5. Ivan Karsten gives leadership to our Coffee Teams. We are also blessed to have three sets of Usher Teams who rotate monthly, led by Doug McDowell, Brad Dillman and Ed Jollymore.

All of our teams are coordinated through my office with the capable assistance of Linda Freimark. In 2023 our ministry included 52 volunteers (Coffee – 15, Greeting – 16, Ushers – 21). This year we hosted an Appreciation Brunch at the end of June and will be making this an annual event. We are thankful for those who can serve in one or more services, recognizing that many on our team members serve at all three.

In 2023 we began working to develop an Info Hub Team that would direct newcomers and those with questions to that location on Sunday mornings. My part included drawing up the vision, goals and ministry guidelines, while Linda went about recruiting and scheduling volunteers to serve in this area.

We pray for our Guest Services ministry to flourish, to help foster the friendly and welcoming environment of Hillcrest, and to bless those who are being served.

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Pastoral Care

Ministering to those in hospital and hospice. In 2023 I visited more than 60 individuals and their families in hospital, as well as a half dozen individuals in hospice, ministering to those receiving end-of-life care, including Pastor Mark Bolender and a dear personal friend. I also ministered to those who were struggling with mental health issues and addictions. In some cases, I was able to share the Gospel with those not previously open to the good news of Jesus and, by God’s grace, help them move closer to saving faith.

Ministering in prayer. Prayed for someone who shortly after was healed of a painful disability. Was asked by a family to pray through the home they had purchased. Visited one of my volunteer leaders to pray through his home and cast out a demonic presence. Anointed a husband/father and prayed for healing of his lower back pain following our Baptism Sunday. After praying he said he was healed! No more back pain. These are just some examples of how God has been answering prayer and doing the work we cannot do. To God be the glory for all the answered prayers in 2023!

Ministering to the homeless. By God’s grace, I was able to help a troubled young man who entered the church on a Sunday morning, pleading for help. Led him to receive Christ and, with the support of our prayer team and a family from the church, we were able to house him for the night and get him to his social worker the next day, along with a new set of clothing and shoes.

Ministering to single moms. Pastor Cindy and I had the privilege of visiting a home to speak with a young mom and provide her with a New Testament. She had been dealing with demonic attacks in her home. This young woman was not a Christian, but had a connection with Hillcrest and reached out to me by phone for help and support.

Ministering over the phone. Many times throughout the year, I had the privilege of encouraging and supporting both Christian as well as pre-Christian families, those familiar with and open to the Gospel. Many of these conversations centred around child dedications vs. infant baptism, or a spiritual darkness that was in the home, or a crisis with their children at school. Often, after helping them over the phone, I was able to direct them to Pastor Cindy or Pastor Alisha for further support. I am thankful for these God-given opportunities to support individuals and families and point them to Jesus.

Ministering to grieving families. In 2023 I met with several families whose loved ones were either passing or had already passed away. I was privileged to walk alongside Karen Bolender and minister to her and Jesse as Pastor Mark was preparing to meet the Lord. During the year I conducted 7 funeral services, offering comfort and support while also giving those left behind the opportunity to personally receive God’s offer of love, forgiveness and promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Ministering to internationals. Helped a family who lived overseas secure room and board for their son in a good Christian home. Had the privilege of meeting and praying with the student’s family when they came to Medicine Hat.

Ministering to engaged couples. I had the honour of taking three young couples through pre-marriage counselling in 2023, and performing one of the weddings.

Ministering to church family members. As opportunities presented themselves, I or Carrie and I met with individuals in their homes. It’s a blessing to be able to spend quality time with individuals and families and to encourage them in whatever season they find themselves.

Ministering to Christian men. I count it a privilege to walk alongside men who are looking to grow in their walk with God, whether a college athlete, a young dad, an entrepreneur, or a mature Christian looking to go deeper in his devotional life.

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Weekly Ministries

Ministering to our Weekly Ministries Team. I have served as Weekly Ministries Supervisor since 2015. Our team in 2023 consisted of Pastor Cindy (Children & Families), Pastor Alisha (Youth), Pastor Mike (Legacy Adults) until the fall of 2023, Pastor Wade in his ministry role to Youth, Levi (Youth Coordinator), and Linda (Administrative Assistant).

My work with this team includes one-on-one meetings, weekly supervision, pastoral care as needed, and social gatherings at my home including spouses, 3 times per year (October, January, and May). In 2023, our once-a-month team gatherings were merged with Staff and Pastors Meetings led by Pastor Steve.

Highlights this year include being a guest on the Journey Youth Podcast hosted by Pastor Alisha and Levi, celebrating Pastor Alisha's taking of her sabbatical and helping to put that into place for her, and celebrating Pastor Cindy’s vision for, and unveiling of, the Family Resource Centre, assisting where I could and cheering her along the way.

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Personal Notes

2023 did not start out well for our family. Carrie suffered a severe concussion at her workplace. This brought significant challenges for her and for us, but God was very good and His provision and healing mercies saw us through. 

Thank you for continuing to pray for our daughter, Julie. She works as a Recreational Therapy Assistant and volunteers several hours each week with The Connection. Having graduated with an BA in Intercultural Studies, Julie is finding her way while endeavouring to serve the Lord with her training and abilities. Thank you for praying on her behalf and for asking the Lord to direct her in all her ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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Final Remarks

For all you Petra fans out there, I had the privilege of seeing them live in concert in November, as they made their way to Alberta to mark their 50th year of music and ministry to the Lord. Even if you’re not a Petra fan, you can appreciate the point that I’m trying to make, which is: ministry is a marathon, not a sprint. This is why I am so thankful for the many hands that make ministry in general, and my ministry in particular, possible.

  • To Carrie, who faithfully serves alongside me and serves our church family in so many ways.

  • To Linda, my administrative assistant, who ensures that people are contacted, lists are kept and items like Communion supplies are re-ordered.

  • To Christy who works the front office reception and helps me with staying connected with Bible study leaders and printing off materials for our groups.

  • To my prayer team and the many volunteers who, without their involvement,. prayers and support, would make it impossible for me to do what I do and for the church to function in a healthy, life-giving, Christ-honouring way.

Once again, I find myself grateful to God for His grace and for giving me the opportunity to work and serve at Hillcrest Church. I am thankful for the amazing and talented staff I get to work with, and for the gifted and dedicated volunteer leaders I get to serve alongside, including many of you! I am humbled and blessed to be part of all that God is doing in and through this church family, and I am privileged to be part of it. Thank you for allowing me to minister God’s love to a hurting world through Hillcrest.

Sincerely in Christ,

Pastor Jamie

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