Hillside – An Open and Affirming Community
At Hillside, you are welcome regardless of who you are, who you’re not, and what you believe (or don’t).
Hillside is an inclusive, open and affirming community of seekers, who find a source of spiritual stimulation and growth. in the wisdom of sacred texts, the inner traditions, and the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg and other great mystics.
Regardless of your religious background, gender identity and sexual orientation you are welcome to be your whole self here at Hillside, while journeying in supportive spiritual community.
Small Group Schedule:
Swedenborgian Book Group: “The Presence of Other Worlds – The Psychological and Spiritual Findings of Emanuel Swedenborg” by Wilson Van Dusen
Every Thursday at 3pm (email Rev. Thom for link)
Hillside Dream Group
Every 1st Wednesday at 7pm
Gnostic Gospels Meditation Group
Every 2nd Wednesday, 7pm
“Good Play” Game Night
Every 3rd Tuesday, 7pm
Who was Swedenborg?
Emanuel Swedenborg was born January 29, 1688 in Stockholm, Sweden. Initially one of the most renowned natural scientists of Europe, he experienced a transcendental awakening that led him on a quest of spiritual exploration, which he recorded in his numerous mystical works.
Although he never intended for a church, religion, or sect to be founded or named after him, reading groups and eventually spiritual organizations began forming in England soon after his death. American groups eventually founded what is now the General Convention of Swedenborgian Churches, a progressive, inclusive, democratically governed denomination with which Hillside is affiliated.
As a result of Swedenborg’s spiritual questionings and insights, we as a community exist to encourage that same spirit of inquiry and personal growth, to respect differences in views, and to respect and embrace the wisdom of all traditions. Swedenborg was unique in attempting to reconcile the seeming paradox of scientific and spiritual inquiry, for example understanding Scripture as containing an “inner meaning,” universally “correspondential,” or symbolic, of our own unique psycho-spiritual journeys.
Swedenborgian Theology – God Is Love
Swedenborg shared in his theological writings a view of God as infinitely loving and at the very center of our beings. In his view, God is Love and Wisdom itself, quite literally incapable of judgment, punishment or anger. It is our call to be vessels of this love, and to share it, whatever form it may take. The emphasis is not on accepting particulars of doctrine, but rather to lead a life of love towards the Divine and all beings.
Swedenborgianism is a spiritual as well as a rational approach to life. At Hillside, we welcome and encourage a diversity in beliefs, in an environment where questioning, open discussion and authentic spiritual inquiry and experience are cultivated.
Supporting Our Ministry
If you are so moved, please considering making a donation through the following link:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/RT63SXYWADZ4C
Our Minister
Rev. Thom Muller serves our church part-time, leading services, classes and workshops, as well as being available for pastoral care.
He received his Master’s of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, and was ordained into the ministry of the Swedenborgian Church of North America in 2016.
His passions include interfaith spirituality, comparative mysticism and the Western esoteric tradition.
Listen to past messages below: