Steve Walters – Former Lead Pastor

​Pastor Steve went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 7, 2020. Memorials may be sent to Hillside Community Church to be used to help support the family and further Steve's passion to start new churches.

​We would like to bless Terry with a book of tributes to the ministry Steve had in our lives to treasure and comfort her in the days to come. The story of God's glory in Steve's ministry isn't finished. The effects of what Steve did as a servant and shepherd will have an impact on us for many years, and continue to bless us as well as future generations.

To submit your story, you can send it via email  (office@hccvermillion.com) or mail (HCC, 1800 Constance Dr., Vermillion, SD  57069). Please indicate if you prefer to have your identity hidden to the editors of this book, and your entry will remain anonymous and confidential to all but Terry.​

​Nate Hercula – Interim Lead Pastor
nate@hccvermillion.com

Nate attended Crown College in Minnesota where he earned degrees in Pastoral Leadership and Biblical Studies. He also met his wife, Natalie, at Crown and they got married in July 2013. In August 2015, they moved to Vermillion to begin serving full time at Hillside. Last year they welcomed their first child, Elliott, into the world.

Nate enjoys music, time with friends, baseball, and bike riding. You may often see him singing in his office or riding his bike around town. Also, if you ever have the urge to throw a baseball around with someone, you can always ask Nate.

At Hillside, Nate is involved in the children’s ministry, youth ministry, college ministry, worship ministry, and the overall development of the various ministries throughout the church. If you have any questions regarding these ministries, please feel free to talk to Nate. He is more than happy to get together with you and chat.

​Colton Thrane – Worship & College Ministry Intern

Colton graduated from Crown College in December 2019 with a degree in Worship Ministry and Christian Studies, after beginning his internship at Hillside in July 2019. Born in Minnesota, raised in Iowa, and recently leaving residence in Wisconsin, Colton is a native to the Midwest and is excited to now call South Dakota home for the duration of his internship.

With a passion for music, Colton has many hobbies that go with that love, such as collecting vinyl, playing guitar, and singing almost everywhere he goes. He is also an avid sports fan and enjoys baseball, football, rugby, volleyball, and biking (which seems to be a theme at this church).

Colton's favorite verse is 2 Timothy 2:2 "and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." Colton has a love for discipleship ministry and a desire to see the church grow due to spiritual multiplication much like what is represented in this verse.

​Lynette Axtell – Administrative Assistant

Lynette has been serving at Hillside since October 2001 where she has been involved with the AWANA program as well as working behind the scenes to facilitate the many ministries and programs here at Hillside.

Originally from southwest Kansas, Lynette and her husband, Todd, moved to South Dakota in 1995 where they raised their three daughters. Lynette’s time is now primarily spent enjoying her four grandchildren, cooking for her extended family, and spending time with her parents who have retired in Vermillion. She can also be found cheering for the Carolina Panthers and tweaking her fantasy football team each fall!