Wednesday, February 5

humility, integrity, and reliance on God. Through vivid examples of suffering and comfort, he reveals that God’s grace sustains people in their trials, transforming weakness into a conduit for divine strength. Central to the letter is the call to embrace reconciliation, generosity, and authentic ministry, reflecting the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection. In a world that values self-reliance and power, Second Corinthians reminds us that God’s Power is Made Perfect in Weakness. Come worship in person or online at 9:00 am or 10:30 am.

Miss Last Sunday's Service?

Hilltop welcomed into membership Diana Swallow and commissioned Fred Vanderwerf for a mission trip in Ukraine. The message from Pastor Matt focused on Paul's message about living a life that is "set apart" (Just as God said, I live with them, and I will move among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among them and be separated, says the Lord. Don’t touch what is unclean. Then I will welcome you. I will be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. - 2 Corinthians 6). He equated this scripture passage to what he learned from a worskshop led by Mike Krzyzewski, hall of fame basketball coach who led Duke to five national championships. Coach K talked about values driven leadership, which is putting your values and beliefs into action. He defined a value as a quality, an ideal, a way you act, something that becomes part of your character. Do you know what your values are? Do your values align with the United Methodist Church? Are you living intentionally and living your values? Watch here.

from the busyness of daily life mid-week, quiet our minds, and rest in God’s love. Whether you’re new to Centering Prayer or have practiced it for years, this is a wonderful opportunity to gather in a supportive, sacred space with others who seek God through intentional silence. All are warmly invited to join Pastor Matt and others in the Hilltop sanctuary for a drop-in Centering Prayer group on Tuesdays from 12:30–1:00 pm. No preparation is needed—just come as you are and be refreshed by this time of quiet connection with the Holy Spirit.

New Podcast Dropped

Pastor Matt and Jocelin really dig in and discuss some heavy topics like guilt, forgiveness and spiritual disciplines. Listen here or find the direct links on our website at: www.mankatohilltop.org/podcast.

transformed lives. In the same spirit, THE TABLE is a dinner event designed to bring the community together to share a meal, build connections, and practice the values of love, service, and gratitude.

Here’s how you can join this meaningful gathering. Sign up to participate and we’ll match you with a group of around eight people. Meet in a host home, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for fellowship. Bring a dish to share, contributing to a shared meal that reflects the diversity and love of the community. Everyone is welcome! Whether you’ve been at Hilltop for years or you’re new to the church family, this is a chance to make meaningful connections in a relaxed setting.

As Justin Whitmel Earley writes in The Common Rule: “Think through all the ways the values of love are communicated over food. We serve each other. We clean up after each other. We take turns. We share. We fight and forgive. We praise and compliment. We express gratitude. We tell stories and ask questions. We listen. We hear each other pray.”

There are three upcoming nights of THE TABLE. Sign up for one or all three! REGISTER HERE
Dates: March 2nd, April 6th, and May 4th
Location: Host homes (you’ll receive details after signing up)
What to bring: A side dish to share

Prayer Concerns

Visit the Hilltop Facebook Group to share prayer concerns and community needs with one another. If the church has any ministry needs, those will be posted in the Facebook group.

• Please pray for Patti Cole and family as they grieve the passing of her mother, Phyllis Cole. The funeral will be at Hilltop UMC this Friday, February 7, at 11:00 am, with visitation preceding the service at 9:30 am. A luncheon will follow the service. Live stream the funeral service on Hilltop's YouTube channel. Obituary

• Pray for Rolly Utzinger, who is hospitalized in St. James with pneumonia. Pray for restoration of health and wellness.

• Continue to pray for John Steinbauer, who is receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment for non small cell lung cancer.

• Pray for Lorna Kennedy's niece, Leann Jorda, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer and will be having kidney transplant surgery in the coming months.

Hilltop Church Conference

All Hilltop members are invited to attend a Church Conference on Thursday, February 20 at 7:00 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to approve and receive required 2024 Church Conference reports: Inactive/Unresponsive Membership Report, Annual Parsonage Evaluation, Report of the Trustees, Fund Balance report, and Mission Report. The regular monthly church council meeting will follow and members are invited to stay or may leave following the Church Conference. You can also attend this meeting virtually via Zoom.

Giving Statements 2024

Year end giving statements are available in Realm and all members with an email address on file were sent an email on Thursday, January 16, with a link to their giving statement. If you do not have an email address on file, your statement has been mailed. If you would like a printed copy of the giving statement sent to you, please contact the church office at 507-387-3877 or office@mankatohilltop.org.

Stay Connected

There are two ways of keeping informed about Hilltop activities; the weekly E-newsletter which is sent every Wednesday around noon, and Text-in-Church messaging. Text messages are sent for short and quick reminders or immediate needs. To sign up for Text-in-Church, text NEW to 507-575-4222. You will be prompted to fill out a Connect Card and you can share the mobile number where you would like to receive text messages. You can opt out at anytime. Text-in-Church is how we contact you with immediate messages and you will receive no more than 1 or 2 messages monthly. This is a one-way communication and not the best way to reach us if you have immediate questions.

Contact Us

The best way to contact Pastor Matt or the church office is to call the church at 507-387-3877, or email Pastor Matt or Michelle.