New church plant moves to downtown

By Carolyn Marnon – There’s a new church in town, and it wants you to know it plans to become visible to the community.
Hill Crest Bible Church began worship services on November 4. They rent space at the First United Methodist Church. A grassroots church founded by Lead Pastor Seth McDonald, it’s membership already has approximately 100 members from the community and from those Seth knew growing up.
Although he went to Wayne State University for Mortuary Science, Seth felt the calling to become an ordained minister. He grew up in the ministry. His father was the Senior Pastor at a local church for 43 years before he died last April. Seth was the Youth Pastor at that church. After his dad died, Seth started the church. His mother now attends Hill Crest Bible Church.
When asked what denomination the church is, Seth replies “I want to be known for the Bible and Jesus Christ.”
Members range from two-months young to 84 years old. There are about 15 kids and about 15 teens in attendance each week.
Seth and his high school sweetheart wife, Jerri-Lynne, have two kids. He once worked for Harold Rediske at Uht Funeral Home, which explains why he studied mortuary science for a brief time.
About four years ago, Seth felt God shifted him into a more senior position at his former church and felt called to full-time ministry. He says his dad would preach at 100 funerals every year. Ministry is what Seth was familiar with.
Now Seth wants Hill Crest Bible Church to be a part of the community. To do that, he feels the church needs to serve the community. Last October, they held a trunk or treat where they gave out free hot dogs and chips. Members served hot chocolate and cookies at the December tree-lighting ceremony at the museum. They also did toy runs, helping with getting toys to kids who won them as part of the festivities that night. He noted that he could see disappointment on the faces of kids who didn’t win toys. He is hoping to put together a program where every kid who attends the event later this year will get a toy. He also would like to plan events in the park that the community can attend. He wants to “instill in the hearts of the people we are here to serve.”
“Our mission statement is to come as you are, serve where you are, and love WHOSE you are.” He goes on to say, “We are a church composed of imperfect people. I want everyone to feel loved when they walk in here.” He spoke of a woman who recently came to church who told him she felt loved and not judged during her visit.
He wants to be part of bringing Wayne back together. He would like to have a worship night in the park at some point. For now, various church members come in on the nights that the Wayne City Council meets and pray for the City Council.
Worship times for Hill Crest Bible Church are as follows: Sunday mornings: Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. and Worship at 11:00 a.m.
There is also Worship at 6:00 p.m. On Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., there is an all ages Bible Study. If you would like more information, please visit their website at www.hillcrestbible.com