Updates and meetings and rehearsals, oh my!

Charge Conference this past Sunday went well - we heard some great reports on the ministries of the past year, and got a glimpse of the challenges that lie ahead of us for 2006. Special thanks to Rev. Marilyn McGraw, Presiding Elder, to Sheena for all her hard work in preparing the materials, to Sonya for playing "Sent Out in Jesus' Name," and to all of you whose commitment to Highlands UMC strengthens and builds up the the Body of Christ!

The adult Sunday school class on Process Theology continues each Sunday beginning at 8:45 a.m. The books are in - contact the church to learn more.

Worship Committee (as well as Hospitality and Missions, I believe) will meet this Sunday after church. Hope you can make it!

Gospel of Mark had its first rehearsal Tuesday night, but (possibly due to a failure of communication), turnout was lower than expected. Therefore, it's not too late to sign up! We'll continue to read through and assign/select sections of the text to learn each week, so if you're interested, contact Pastor Betty soon to make sure you get some choice in which parts you'll take on. Rehearsals will be each Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. from now until Palm Sunday (April 9), when we present the entire Gospel in worship. Pretty exciting! (Okay, I'm a church geek, I know it.)

Coming next week: On Sunday, January 29, there will be an informational "New Member" meeting for those interested in joining Highlands UMC. All are welcome. For more information, contact - you guessed it! - the church office.

Charge Conference

Our Charge Conference, the church's annual business meeting, will be this Sunday, January 15, after worship. This is an important and valuable part of our yearly cycle as we take stock of what has happened, how we have grown, and what commitments we are making as a congregation for the year to come. We will have a potluck meal before we get down to business, so please bring a dish to share. All are welcome; childcare will be provided.

Other announcements/reminders:

On Palm Sunday this year, we will present the Gospel of Mark as story, told by an ensemble of people of all ages. Rehearsals will be Tuesdays at 7:15 PM in the fellowship hall. We will begin January 17. All are welcome!

Our current adult Sunday school class is in Process Theology. For the next five Sundays we will begin at 8:45 a.m. rather than 9:00 a.m.

Choir rehearses every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., and we are always open to new members!

Hope to see you at Highlands UMC sometime this week - visit our website to contact us or learn more.

Epiphany

Welcome to the season of Epiphany!

Traditionally, the Sunday after Epiphany we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, when Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptized by John. The texts for this week are Mark 1:4-11 and Acts 19:1-7. We will celebrate Communion this Sunday.

Beginning this Sunday and continuing for the next six weeks, our Adult Christian Education class will focus on Process Theology. Pastor Betty will teach this fascinating contemporary perspective on God's involvement in the world. All are welcome at 9:00 a.m. on the 3rd floor.

After church, grab a bite at coffee hour and come to the 3rd floor to learn more about performing The Gospel of Mark as story on Palm Sunday. No acting experience is necessary.

Coming next week: Charge Conference will be held shortly after worship next Sunday, January 15. Time to take stock of the past year and make plans for this new one!