Matters of the Heart

Seventy years ago, a dedicated group of Methodists at Madison Street envisioned a future where their faith could flourish and expand, reaching out to the growing community around them. Their vision led to the establishment of Hilldale United Methodist Church, a beacon of faith and service in Clarksville. Today, as we celebrate our 70th anniversary, we continue to live out their legacy, committed to reaching others and growing in our own faithfulness.

This milestone invites us to reflect deeply on the "Matters of the Heart," the core values that shape our faith and guide our community. Over the course of four weeks, we will explore key aspects of the heart—each one representing a crucial element of our spiritual life. We begin with the "Heart of Love," reflecting on the boundless love of God and how we are called to embody that love in our relationships. Next, we will turn to the "Heart of Peace," considering the peace of Christ that transcends all understanding and how we can be instruments of that peace in a world that is often divided and turbulent. On September 15, we will celebrate our church’s 70th anniversary with "Heart of Hilldale," honoring the legacy of those who came before us and reaffirming our commitment to continue their mission of reaching others with the love of Christ. Finally, we will conclude with the "Heart of Forgiveness," contemplating the transformative power of forgiveness and the ways in which it heals and renews both our personal lives and our community.

This series is more than just a time of reflection; it is an invitation to action. Each week, we will challenge ourselves to live out these heart-centered values in tangible ways, both within our congregation and beyond our church walls. Together, we will seek to understand and express the "Matters of the Heart" that truly define who we are as followers of Christ.

We invite you to join us each week as we journey through this series, culminating in our special anniversary celebration. Let’s come together in worship, fellowship, and service as we strive to live out our faith with renewed passion and purpose.

Week 1: Heart of Love
Sermon Text: 1 John 4:7-12
Description: We begin our series by reflecting on the limitless love of God and how we are called to mirror that love in our lives. This week will focus on understanding what it means to truly love God and our neighbors as ourselves, diving into the essence of Christian love.

Week 2: Heart of Peace
Sermon Text: Romans 12:9-21
Description: This week’s sermon will explore how the peace of Christ should shape our interactions with others. Drawing from Paul's letter to the Romans, we will consider how to live out genuine love, avoid retaliation, and overcome evil with good. This passage challenges us to be agents of peace and reconciliation in a world often marked by division and hostility.

Week 3: Heart of Hilldale
Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Description: As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Hilldale UMC, we will reflect on the "Heart of Hilldale." This special service will honor our church’s rich history and the faithful legacy of those who have built and nurtured this community, while looking ahead to how we can continue to serve and grow in faithfulness.

Week 4: Heart of Forgiveness
Sermon Text: Matthew 18:21-35
Description: We conclude our series by focusing on the "Heart of Forgiveness." This week will explore the power of forgiveness—both receiving it and extending it—and how it brings healing, renewal, and a deeper connection to God and one another.