December 2, 2025
A Note from Rachel Porrello
Dear Friends,
Hilliard United Methodist Church had made an impact on me even before I stepped through the door.
Every time I rode the bus on the way to work and saw the reminder that “God loves you no matter what” accompanied by inclusive media, I felt a leaning in.
I felt that the type of church HUMC appeared to be mattered — one where there were no obstacles to belonging based on your sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender identity, and so much more.
I had always felt that as a bisexual Christian woman, I was meant to keep that part of me quiet in churches, for my own safety. I could be out at work or amongst safe people, but never at a church. When I started going to HUMC and realized it was possible to be safe at a church, it meant so much to me.Getting to become a member of this church and serve with the Welcome Team ministry has helped my appreciation grow even stronger.
I feel pride in my church
I cannot help but feel pride in my church every time one of my friends in the community notices something we just do differently.
When one of my close friends from Jordan was heartbroken over the atrocities in Palestine, she was moved to see a posting about our church being willing to have tough conversations about what was going on, without blanketing over important things.
When my friend and I drove through her neighborhood last Thanksgiving, both of us were so blessed by the food that was being given out through the church and the Hilliard Food Pantry.
When my friends and I needed a place to park at the Hilliard fireworks this past summer, my friend felt happy to pay to park there, knowing how the church showed up in the community, and that they educated people about safe resources for food, shelter, immigration, and so much more.
I have friends continually ask about the farmer’s market hosted at the church, and they’re drawn in by it. And I love being able to hear my landlady reminisce fondly of her kids going to preschool at HUMC (here’s our amazing preschool staff last Christmas!).
So many people I know are blessed by what HUMC has to offer
All this is to say that so so so many people in my life and in the community I engage with are blessed by what this church has to offer. When people give to HUMC, they are not giving as a way to just serve the parishioners of the church and its staff, but to serve the community and do great work in the world.
Giving Tuesday: help spread the word!
Today is Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity that takes place every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a day created simply to encourage people to do good. Over the years, it has become a worldwide movement supporting nonprofits and community partners doing meaningful work.
For us at HUMC, this day is another way we get to shine a light on the amazing outreach and ministry happening through this church by you all — the food we all help provide, the partnerships we all nurture, the care we all offer, and the lives we all touch together in Hilliard and beyond.
Have you been impacted by the people & ministries of Hilliard UMC?
Has our presence in the community made a difference to you?
Has HUMC helped you connect with God and take steps in your spiritual journey, your walk with Jesus?
If so, we encourage you to share this letter with your friends, and share the church’s posts on social media about Giving Tuesday yet today — your support helps us make a difference in Hilliard and beyond, reminding people of the simple yet profound truth that God loves you no matter what.
And if you haven’t filled out an Estimate of Giving (pledge) card yet for 2026, we’d appreciate that; it helps us plan a balanced budget for next year. You can do that online here, or we have printed copies at church if you didn’t get one in the mail. Pledges can be changed at any time as your circumstances change. Here’s the link to give online for Giving Tuesday, too.
I hope whoever you are that this has landed upon, that you will consider giving to this church — a place where I feel I could bring anyone through its doors, in to safety.
In gratitude,
Rachel
Rachel Porrello (she/her/hers)
