What to Expect
We’re glad you’ve stopped by!
It can be unsettling to walk into a new place with new people. Here is some information that may make your first visit to one of our two unique worship services more comfortable for you and your family. We are excited to meet you!
Sunday Worship
in the Sanctuary & livestreaming
9am Traditional Worship
Sunday Worship in Warehouse 839 & livestreaming
11am Nontraditional Worship
Click or tap the images below to worship online or on demand and to see what scripture passages and messages are coming up in our Sunday sermon series.
and library of previous services
What is Worship Like?
Both services reflect our commitment to embody inclusiveness and welcome for all people — come as you are! You will hear an engaging and relevant message from a pastor, staff, or church leader intended to connect to your life. Children are always welcome in worship, and we have nursery care available for children up to age 3. All services are livestreamed both here on our website and on Facebook Live.
9am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
This one-hour service offers a comforting blend of tradition and community. Featuring classic hymns and music from our Chancel Choir (during the school year mostly), seasonal Bell Choir, occasional special music, and Sanctuary Music Director Tony Hagood, it’s a space where ritual meets belonging and connection. Participants are encouraged to share prayer requests, fostering a sense of closeness and authentic relationship.
11am Nontraditional Worship in Warehouse 839
Here we offer a modern worship experience in a nontraditional space. Lasting 60-70 minutes, this service features a live band (guitars & drums) leading current worship music. Our vibe is one of dim lights, authentic people, and a cup of coffee… a relaxed and inviting setting. We want to introduce or reintroduce God’s amazing, no-matter-what love and unconditional acceptance to those who don’t have a church or have felt marginalized by the church. Includes ASL interpretation for the deaf and hearing impaired; the interpreter stands on the right as you’re looking at the stage. Godly Play for children age 4 through 6th grade meets in room 6 off the Warehouse 839 kitchen during this hour.
Masks are optional. (We have some if you need one.) Please stay home and watch online if you’re not feeling well. As always, we welcome those with or without masks, and we thank you for the ways you continue to make room for everyone.
Meet our Pastors
Our Pastor is Steve Putka. Our Associate Pastor is Jon Osmundson.
What to Wear
Come as you are! Dress in whatever makes you feel comfortable. In this house we welcome suits and ties, dresses, jeans, and cut-offs… tee shirts, flip-flops, wingtips, and heels… We welcome big hair, no hair, blue hair, unruly hair… tattoos, piercings, and Grandma’s pearls… We mean it when we say you are welcome here!
Parking
We have a large parking lot with many spaces close to the buildings. We suggest arriving 10-15 minutes before worship for parking, connecting with the Welcome Team (if you wish), and finding a seat wherever you’d like.
There’s an ADA-approved entrance under the portico at the Social Hall doors to the Sanctuary building, where you can drop off passengers. At Warehouse 839, there’s ADA parking and an ADA ramp right by the front door.
Welcome Center
Just inside the entrance to each building are friendly people who are ready to answer your questions and show you to various places in the church, if you like.
Children
Birth – Grade 6
We have a great, kid-friendly nursery for children birth to age 3, with well-trained staff who’ve passed a background check.
For children age 4 to sixth grade, we have amazing children’s Sunday school at 11am in Warehouse 839, which we call Godly Play. Welcome Team members are happy to show you where to go: through the door to the right of the stage and then left, right, left to room 6 off the kitchen (we know, it’s a maze!), where you’ll be met with a smile by our Children’s Ministry volunteers (look for grownups in green God Loves You No Matter What tee shirts).
Youth
Grades 7-12
Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings during the school year, and there are special events and outreach projects year round. And your kid(s) won’t want to miss Lakeside Institute camp in the summer!
Adults
We have lots of groups, classes, and gatherings for adults at various times during the week! Look HERE and HERE for more info. We’re also a local hub for learning about the Enneagram, an amazingly helpful tool for personal growth.
Our Director of Adult Discipleship is Beth Palmer (bpalmer@hilliardumc.org).
Discover Hilliard UMC
Looking for an informal gathering for conversation and connection, just to get to know the pastors and staff and some other new folks and learn about the DNA of Hilliard UMC? Come spend 90 minutes chatting with us! Details HERE.