Children
Children's Church
On the last Sunday of every month, children ages 3 through 3rd grade are invited to attend Children's Church following the Children's Moment in the worship service. They will be dismissed to the Fellowship Hall (across from the sanctuary) for a time of storytelling and activities.
Nursery
A fully-equipped nursery, located on the first floor at the end of the hall to the right of the entrance, can be made available for you if needed. Currently, the nursery is staffed by volunteers on an as-needed basis. Feel free to call the church office if you know you will need nursery care so that we can have nursery workers available to welcome you and your child/children.
​To give children loving, quality care and help them develop a love of learning by: providing a nurturing, Christian environment, meeting their individual educational, social and emotional needs and supplementing their parents’ efforts.
Youth
Sunday School
At 9:30 AM, 6th-12th grade students meet in the Teacher’s Lounge on the lower level to discuss the scriptures, focused primarily on the texts that will be used in worship
GKC Regional Youth Group
Currently, Hillcrest youth are a part of the GKC Regional Youth Group - a group that brings together youth from congregations across the GKC Region for monthly study, fellowship, and service. For more information, please contact Pastor Lara.
Camps & Retreats
We participate in summer camps and mid-year retreats at Tall Oaks. (www.talloaks.org). There are camps for children (K-5), 6th and 7th grade youth (Chi Rho), 8th graders (Created to be Me), and 9th-12th grade youth (CYF), as well as camps for adults of all ages.
Mission Trips
We participate in annual summer mission trips in partnership with our friends at Saint Andrew Christian Church (Olathe). In 2025 the summer mission trip is to Northwest Arkansas. For more information, contact Pastor Lara.
Adult
Sunday School
The Living Issues Class follows "The Present Word" material, which is a study of the entire Bible in a six-year period, and convenes in the library. Marilyn Peak leads the class and would be happy to welcome you!
Search of Scripture (SOS) Class gathers in the middle classroom across from the sanctuary.. This class has various teachers and engages in lively discussion of a book or film series dealing with contemporary application of Biblical truths. Sydney Craft can provide you with more information and a warm welcome!
Weekend & Evening Opportunities
We periodically offer “Disciples 101”, an overview of the history and beliefs of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Whether you are new to the denomination, or a life-long member of the Christian Church, this session will give you be a better understanding of our history and theology as Disciples.
Twice a year, members of Hillcrest have an opportunity to participate in an overnight Silent Prayer Retreat. Held at a nearby retreat center, participants learn about prayer and spirituality, and are invited to be in an extended period of silence. Silent Prayer retreats are a time to disengage from life’s hectic pace and be intentional in listening to God.
To learn more about these faith enrichment opportunities, contact Pastor Lara.
Disciples Women Helping Others (DWHO)
All Hillcrest women are welcome to participate in the Disciples Women Helping Others group. DWHO meets at 6:15 pm on the fourth Monday of the month at a local restaurant (Tequila Harrys) for a meal, fellowship, and discussion. The women also engage in service and outreach projects. For information regarding the next DWHO meeting, contact Ruth Dilda or the church office.
New Member/Visitor Lunches
On the first Sunday of March, June, September, and December, we host a lunch following worship for new members and visitors who would like more information about our congregation. These events are designed to share information about the various ministries at Hillcrest and to introduce you to some of our lay leaders with the hope that new relationships will be forged. For more information, contact Pastor Lara.
Disciples Men
On the second and fourth Mondays of each month, Hillcrest men of all ages meet at 11:30 am for lunch and spiritual growth. The men also engage in service projects, including property work days and cooking for Breakfast with Santa and Breakfast with the Bunny. For details on this month’s Disciples Men meetings, contact Ray Craft or the church office.
Senior Adult Outings
While many of our senior citizens are no longer in the world of employment, they are not retired from fellowship activities. The Keenagers gather once a month for fellowship and service outings around the KC metro. For more information, check the calendar or contact Kelly Wargo.
Music
Adult and High School
Would you like to make a joyful noise unto the Lord?
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Under the direction of Dr. Britney Rice, our handbell choir rehearses at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings during the school year (September-May). The handbell choir is featured during Sunday morning worship several times throughout the year.
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Our sanctuary choir meets for rehearsal on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm during the school year (September-May) and offers its ministry of music during Sunday morning worship and at special services. Contact Britney Rice, Director of Music, for more information.