Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Another year is done...

... another liturgical year, that is. This Sunday, November 25, is the final Sunday in our worship calendar before the year starts over again with Advent on December 2. We will reflect on the turning of the seasons, the seasons of the life of Jesus, and the life of the church. Pastor Betty is preaching.

There will be no choir rehearsal tomorrow, November 21. Anyone who wishes to sing with the choir this Sunday may join us at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor to go over a song from The Faith We Sing, our hymnal supplement.

Enjoy time with family and friends this week, and may you have much to be thankful for!


Sneak preview of things to come:

Advent begins Sunday, December 2
, with the theme The Word of Hope. As we prepare to welcome Christ into the world and our lives once more, we will experience Scripture and the message of this season of waiting through a variety of senses and arts. December 9 will focus on A Vision of Peace.

Friday, December 7
will be our monthly Parents' Night Out, every first Friday. Childcare is provided from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. for any members of the community who wish to participate. Parents may register with the church office; first child is $20 and each sibling is $15.

Friday, December 14 we'll have a Game Night for all ages! Starting at 6:30 p.m., bring a plate of Christmas treats to share. We will have games galore for adults and kids. Christmas music playing. Elves running around. Childcare will be provided. Parents bring sleeping bags for the kids for watching a Christmas movie. (This is a great opportunity to bring a friend to church!)

Hope to see you at Highlands UMC!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Time to Give Thanks

'Tis the season to reflect with gratitude on all that blesses our lives, and this Sunday we will celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving with a service of song, sharing, and Communion. We will focus particularly on the blessings of the earth and the natural world, and all will be invited to share what they are thankful for this year. Worship is at 10am.

(Don't be intimidated by the roofing work taking place - it's part of our Sacred Surroundings efforts to renew the exterior of the building even as our congregation is experiencing new life in God's love. On Sunday you should be able to enter through either the 32nd Ave or Osceola St entrances without obstruction. We are open during reconstruction!)

A special thanks to Denise Moore, Chair of Finance, for all her hard work in coordinating the Stewardship Campaign: we will (Sunday or soon) have good news to share with you about the faithfulness of our congregation and the future of our church! If you have not yet made a pledge and would like to commit to sharing your time, talents, or resources with Highlands for next year, please contact the church office for a pledge card.