In a hard and hurting world, one thing we as believers are called to is to love and care for those we encounter. Whether that be to those close to us in our family, or to our friends, neighbors, co-workers, or even strangers, loving others is the second greatest commandment, right after loving God.

We have been so blessed to have Shelley Majors as our care pastor for many years, and as she looks to retirement in the near future, we are excited to welcome Scott Ramsey to our team as our NEW care pastor!

Scott has big shoes to fill, but we know God has placed him here for such a time as this – to see God’s people cared for and supported, and to train and equip our church to be an even more caring community.

Scott has been serving in pastoral care for more than 20 years, including student ministry and other areas, but most recently has found himself in hospice care and bereavement coordination. Here at Hillside, he will largely oversee our care groups, prayer ministry, weddings and funerals, counseling/pastoral care support and benevolence.

He would love to see more care groups developed and expand the team of trained volunteers to provide individual care support. “I would love for Hillside to be known for caring deeply and providing compassionate support for all generations as we see God’s hope transform our cities one story at a time,” he said.

Scott also shared that he is grateful for the path Shelley has paved in care ministry and would love, “to build upon the great foundation of care ministry that has gone before me and continue to provide love and support to people who are struggling with life’s challenges. It is my desire to personally be available to provide this support and to train and equip our church to care for one another more effectively.”Scott, his wife of 23 years, Christine, and daughters Josie (14) and Cate (11), have been attending Hillside for just over a month now, so if you see them in the halls, make sure to introduce yourself and welcome them!

IN HIS OWN WORDS, HERE ARE 10 FUN FACTS ABOUT SCOTT:

1. I grew up in East County San Diego.
2. I attended a charter school for the performing arts 4^th-6^th grade and was involved in theatrical arts through high school.
3. I responded to God’s call into ministry during summer camp in 8^th grade.
4. I married my high school sweetheart.
5. Christmas is my favorite time of year.
6. I love the LA Chargers!
7. My family are all Swifties!
8. I love spending time with my family at the beach, watching sports, and going to Disneyland.
9. I have served in pastoral ministry for 23 years; in the areas of youth ministry, assimilation, first impressions, adult small groups, leadership development, preaching, coaching and healthcare chaplaincy.
10. Life/Calling Scripture: “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” Colossians 1:24-29