A charming story is told of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl, who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy. “I’m sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes,” said Pedro consolingly. Not knowing what to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified! The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

Recently Hope Happens had a chance to conduct an interview with another of our life long members, Norma Petersen. Hilltop would not be what it is today without her, and there is little doubt that she wouldn’t be whom she has grown into. Hope Happens: What are your favorite memories of growing up in Hilltop? Norma Petersen: Sitting in a full pew with my whole family – there were six of us. I loved sitting on my dad’s lap listening to the service. My dad passed away when I w

By Hannah Sweet What are you afraid of? Perhaps you're afraid of water, heights, clowns, or perhaps you're afraid of the dentist or babies. My father is afraid of water, so he doesn't swim and my mother of heights, so she avoids them. People are afraid of lots of things, but not me. I'm fearless. Growing up I was often in more trouble than out of it. I wasn't a bad child, I was just not afraid of anything, so I would often try things without working it out to the end because