Specialties
Hillhurst United Church is a place that for 100 years has opened its doors to those looking for open-minded discussions on issues that matter to them. Our core values are Radical Hospitality, Social Justice and Spirituality.
Hillhurst United is an Affirming Ministry. To be Affirming is to recognize that each individual in our community is worthy of being ministered to with respect to who they are, seen in light of the teachings of Jesus. Social constructs of any kind may blind us to the individuality of another person, preventing us from seeing them as Jesus taught us. Ministries with all persons who may feel separated from the church are important. In our time, ministry to and by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transidentified individuals is one of the largest tests of the inclusiveness of the church. We are better equipped to face other issues of separation when we have faced this one.
We commit to be an inclusive community of faith that follows in the Way of Jesus.
History
Established in 1907.
Hillhurst is a progressive christian community with a mix of age and experience and we welcome you. Our Sunday gatherings are relaxed and inviting, blending the relevant spiritual issues of the day with reflections rooted in the scriptures; metaphors of life-giving hope. Using humour, story, and an invitation to question, we journey to discover the message the Spirit has for us, both individually and as a community. There isn't much dogma, doctrine, or dust in this beautiful historic site. At Hillhurst we are seeking opportunities to serve and be served.
During the service, children are cared for by experienced children's ministers who teach positive, inclusive values rooted in our faith tradition.
Meet the Manager: John P.
John Pentland has been the minister at Hillhurst since September of 2005.
He is originally from Ontario, and studied at Queen's University, the University of Toronto, Princeton University, and the University of Chicago, earning his D.Min. in 2002.
John is married to. Together they parent four children.
He is passionate about making connections between religion or spirituality and living a meaningful life. With one foot in the church, and one in the community, he believes that what we do at Hillhurst United should impact and support all areas of our life.
He explores crossover theology with topics like wine and spirituality, "reel" theology, and issues of lived hospitality.
When John is not at Hillhurst, or volunteering with the United Way of Calgary and Area, he can be found riding his bike, running in the neighborhood with his dog, coaching or playing soccer. He is excited to be working in a community that seeks relevance, connection and the living of a passionate life.