Our Approach

Our vision is to be a LAMP for our communityLifting others up in love. Assisting each other in God’s mission.
Making disciples for Jesus Christ. Praising God with all that we are.

Hillside is a place where you can be yourself, a place where you are celebrated and valued because of who you are. Your race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, and marital status, are all part of you, but WHO YOU ARE is a child of God.  “It is only through one another we are able to see our true selves. I am you as you are me. Without each other we are nothing.” Our purpose is connection. We are all connected to each other and the natural world around us. We seek to be a people that works with God for the transformation of the world. And that my friends is our greatest call, to be a LAMP on the Hillside. We invite you to come and join us as we figure out how to do this!

Our Story

Hillside Church began in 1923 as a Sunday School in a private home in the Piedmont Heights area.  The Sunday School became so large it was necessary to move into a bigger space. By 1927 a basement was constructed at our present site and the congregation continued to meet in this structure until 1951 when the present church sanctuary was added.  The members of Hillside Church have worked hard over the years to continue making this place of worship, community, outreach, and love what it is today – a beautiful and welcoming place for all.

Meet the Team

As leaders, each of us purpose to use whatever gift we have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in our diversity. 1 Peter 4:10

Rev. Jeremy Woodley

Pastor

My call to ministry came as a result of turning back to Jesus after a season of pursuing what I believed was best for me. The turnaround was not easy and was only accomplished through the gift of grace. I am thankful for the strong foundation of faith which I received through the loving ministry of many faithful servants in the United Methodist churches of my youth. Their love, support, and prayers for me showed me what a tangible life of discipleship looks like. Many of those same disciples continued to support me over the past 21 years of my work in vocational ministry through full-time work in children and youth ministry and eventually working through seminary and on to ordination as an Elder. My experience has shown me many times that I am not alone in pursuing Jesus’ call to ministry. After being under appointment in the Texas Annual Conference over the past 10 years, and now in the Minnesota Conference, I continue to long for opportunities to open others up to connect with Jesus’ calling on their lives.

Emma Rustan

Accompianist

Susan Smart

Choir Director

Susan loves to sing and to arrange familiar hymns. Susan grew up here at Hillside and is dedicated to bringing fabulous music to the worship services.

Brenna Harriss

Nursery Attendant for Hillside church. 

Brenna has worked as a Nursery Attendant for over 11 years at various Duluth Methodist churches. She began at her home church Chester Park Methodist which has since merged with Copper Top. Brenna has been involved with the Methodist day camp in one way or another most years since she attended as a camper herself.

Brenna has a degree in Early Childhood Education from UMD. Her work goals focus on safety first, fun second and promoting communication and creativity.

At home Brenna loves to read and is an enthusiastic arts and crafter.”

Jeannette Spalding

Administrative Assistant

Jeannette recently moved to Duluth. In addition to her work at Hillside, Jeannette enjoys taking in the sights and sounds of the city, Lake Superior and North Shore Drive. She also enjoys movies, books and lounging with her cats. Additionally, Jeannette likes making new acquaintances, especially here at the church.

Next Steps…

Don’t be afraid to make that first step. We would love to meet you and invite you to our community of Christians at Hillside. Contact Us