12 days of Christmas

Did you know that December 25 is actually only the first day of Christmas? There are a full 12 days to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the mystery of the Incarnation between Christmas Day and Epiphany, celebrated on January 6.

This Sunday, December 28, we welcome guest preacher Rev. Tom English as we continue our celebration of Christmastide. Next week, January 4, Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry return for the beginning of the season of Epiphany. Hope you'll join us!

Blue Christmas & Children's Worship

This week we have two special opportunities for worship:

Blue Christmas: Thursday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the second floor parlor - A service of hope and comfort for all who struggle during the holidays.

Children's Worship Service: Sunday, December 21 at 10:00 a.m. - Our children will lead us to Bethlehem and the mystery of the stable with song and drama. Our presence is our gift to the children as we encourage their life of faith, and their faith and witness is their gift to us.

And of course, next week is our Christmas Eve service of Carols, Communion and Candlelight: Wednesday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to a spirit-filled time of beautiful music and a thoughtful message about who it is we welcome at Christmas.

Bring family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or just yourself and your questions! All are welcome at Highlands UMC, an open and affirming intergenerational community of faith.

3rd week of Advent

This Sunday, December 14, Pastor Betty will preach on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24. All are welcome as we consider how to prepare for the birth of Christ once again.

In addition to the various Advent announcements and activities below, those interested in caroling for Holiday in the Highlands this Sunday are invited to rehearse Wednesday evening 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. before choir rehearsal.

Advent, Advent, Advent!

Advent has begun! We are hoping, preparing, waiting, and watching for how God will come to us in new ways this holy season. There are many opportunities to participate in our faith community this month, and ALL people are welcome!

This Sunday, December 7, Pastor Betty is preaching on "Revolutionary Peace," based on Mark 1:1-8. This week is also Holy Communion, which we celebrate the first Sunday of each month. All are welcome at Christ's table.

Pastor Kerry is leading an Advent study Wednesday afternoons 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. called "What Do You Want for Christmas?" Even if you missed the first week, you are welcome to join us!

On Thursday, December 18, we will offer a "Blue Christmas" service at 7:00 p.m. in the parlor on the 2nd floor. This is a sacred space and time for all who struggle during the holidays, whether because of grief, loneliness, abuse, economic hard times, depression, or other reasons. We find that hope is most meaningful when we can acknowledge the realities of life.

Our children are eagerly preparing their Christmas play, Mystery in the Stable, which will be presented on Sunday, December 21 during our 10am worship service. If you would like your child(ren) to participate, you can learn more at our Children's Ministry page, or you can contact the church office.

Blessings on you and your family as you prepare to welcome Christ once again!

Happy Thanksgiving! ... and welcome, Advent!

May you have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday. And if you have much to be thankful for, may you know your blessings to be a means for blessing others.

This Sunday, November 30, is the first Sunday of Advent, the season of preparation for the coming of Jesus. We spend four Sundays considering Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy as we both prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth and anticipate Jesus coming among us again. This week Pastor Kerry is preaching on Isaiah 64:1-9 and Mark 13:24-37, some difficult texts that invite us to consider what it means to hold onto "Wild Hope" as we enter Advent.

An Advent study called "What Do You Want for Christmas" will be offered Wednesdays 3:00 - 4:00 p.m., led by Pastor Kerry, and Sunday mornings 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. (Sunday leadership TBA). Contact the church office to learn more.

We hope you'll join us for worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Sunday School meets at 9:00 a.m.; child care is available throughout the morning. ALL are welcome!

Consecration Sunday and Thanksgiving

We were delighted to welcome four new members to Highlands UMC last week. If you are interested in joining, being baptized, or having your child baptized, please contact the church office and ask to speak to a pastor, or come by on Sunday morning to experience our growing intergenerational Christian community for yourself!

This Sunday, November 16, we will consecrate our commitments to the church in the form of pledging our financial giving and the ways we serve. Stewardship is not only about money, but it is a question of how we care for, use, and honor all the gifts and resources available to us. When we believe that all good gifts come from God, it makes sense to offer up a portion of those gifts toward the building of God's kin'dom.

Next week, November 23, we celebrate a time of Thanksgiving in preparation for the national holiday. Bring your own thankfulness or borrow someone else's!

All Saints' Sunday and Conflict Resolution Workshops

This Sunday, November 2, Highlands UMC will observe All Saints' Sunday, including a reading of names of loved ones who have died in the past year. If you would like to remember someone during this service, please send that person's name to the church office (email link at right) to be included. This is always a special service, and this year we are blessed to have harp and violin music in addition to the reading of names, lighting of candles, and Communion (all are welcome at Christ's table).

Beginning this Sunday: In our ongoing process of learning to offer Christian love and grace to everyone, Pastor Betty is offering workshops designed to help us resolve conflict in healthy ways. These workshops are free and open to everyone in our congregation. I hope you will make attending a priority in your busy lives.

You may choose from the following:

Sunday mornings - November 2, 9, 16 & 23 from 9:-9:45 a.m. (Adult Sunday School)
Wednesday afternoons - November 5 and 12 from 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Thursday evenings - November 6 and 13 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Workshops will meet on the 3rd floor. Please prayerfully consider attending these informative sessions.

Stewardship Campaign, Forums on "Bridges Out of Poverty"

Ah, fall... with the leaves turning golden, the first really cold snap, and the smell of wood smoke in the air, you know it's that time again... time for the stewardship campaign! Beginning this Sunday, we will explore the many ways people can participate in and support the ministries of Highlands UMC, from children's ministry to finance committee to missions to trustees.

Our theme is drawn from our children's time prayer: In all that we think, in all that we say, in all that we do, may we glorify You. We invite you to prayerfully consider how you are active in our congregation, and whether there is some area in which you might expand the ways you contribute in the coming year, whether through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, or your witness.

This Sunday, October 19, you are invited to stay after worship for a spaghetti supper hosted by the Missions Committee, where your donations will go towards purchasing supplies to fill Christmas stockings for HeadStart children.

We also would like to bring to your attention a four-week series of forums at Trinity UMC downtown on "Bridges Out of Poverty." Please consider joining others from across the Denver area to learn more about how we can be involved in building a stronger community for all people.

Bridges Out of Poverty

Trinity United Methodist Church, one of the partner agencies with Hunger for Justice, is hosting four weeks of forums called "Bridges Out of Poverty." Learn more about the transformation that is taking place throughout our community and the challenges that still remain. The forums are from 7 - 9 pm on Thursday nights at Trinity, 1820 Broadway, Denver. (Free parking is available in the lot north of the church).

Rev.Daniel Klawitter, UMDeacon and religious organizer for FRESC, will open the forum Oct. 16 with Deborah Ortega and Shawn DeBerry.

Brad Wood, Executive Director for Hunger for Justice will speak about advocacy work and systemic challenges on October 23rd. You are encouraged to attend any or all of these.

Oct. 16 - How Far Have We Come Along “Denver’s Road Home?” Deborah Ortega, Executive Director of Denver’s Commission to End Homelessness-Shawn Deberry –Mayor Hickenlooper’s Clergy Council– Rev. Daniel Klawitter, Religious Outreach FRESC

Oct. 23 - Bridging the Culture of Poverty with the Culture of Possibility - William Lewis, Program Director, Denver Urban Ministries –Brad Wood, Ex. Dir., Hunger for Justice, Interfaith Voices Against Poverty

Oct. 30 –What’s Working? Cecilia Broder, Mile High United Way- Don & Lynn Burns, Families & Allies - Rev. Tina Yankee, Turnabout Inc.

Nov. 6 - How You Can Be the Change –Personal Support Networks-Mickey Axtell-Mauck, Families & Allies

World Communion & feeding the hungry

This Sunday, October 5, is World Communion Sunday.
Each year the global Church celebrates together the remembrance of Christ. All around the world, Christians will come to the table. Highlands UMC serves open Communion: everyone is welcome at the table.

Next Saturday, October 11, is CROP Walk!
Each year Highlands UMC participates in the Northwest Denver CROP walk to raise money for local food banks and to provide food for people in starving countries. We would love for you to walk with us or sponsor our walkers. Contact the church for more information. Come and join the fellowship!

A Tale of Two Brothers & A Welcome Potluck

Our sermon text for this week is Matthew 21:23-32. After worship, you are invited to stay for a potluck lunch. Bring a dish to share and come enjoy the fellowship of Highlands UMC!

Kick-off Sunday!

No, it's not a church football league (though if you're interested in starting one, let us know...), it's the Sunday after Labor Day when we call "Olly olly oxen free" to everyone who's been hiding or traveling or just getting settled in the neighborhood over the summer.

Fall programs are starting up, including Bible study and Sunday school for all ages - Maralyn Devlin is leading discussion of "Surprising Things I Found in the Bible" on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday mornings (the abridged version) 9:00 - 9:40 a.m. Children's Sunday school (1st floor) is at 9:00 a.m. followed by children's choir (3rd floor) at 9:30. The Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Worship is at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday, and we'd love to see you there!

Last of the summer movie sermon series coming up...

We return to the gospels this Sunday with Matthew 14:22-33, a ghost story worth hearing. Everyone come and get wet... the water is fine.

On Sunday, August 17 Pastor Kerry and Pastor Betty will preach together on the movie Amazing Grace. Based on a true story, this historical drama starring Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four) tells the story of William Wilberforce, an 18th-century English politician who fought for the abolition of slavery. Despite staunch opposition, Wilberforce waged an aggressive campaign using boycotts, petitions and slogans.

The Highlands UMC worship band will play Amazing Grace and other great old songs. See you there!

July updates

Hard to believe we are just about halfway through the summer already. With many folks traveling, we don't often see everyone at the same time, but we are always glad to see you when you do come!

This Sunday, July 27, our summer movie sermon series continues with Pastor Betty preaching on Tender Mercies. We also have the joy of a baptism this week! Next week, August 3, Pastor Kerry will preach on Real Women Have Curves. The movies are all well worth seeing, but if you don't have time to see them in advance, please come anyway! The sermons are designed for those who haven't seen the movie as well as those who have.

In sad news, Rachel Gilbert, mother of Tammy Franklin and grandmother of Peter and Cole, passed away this week. The memorial service will be 9:00 a.m. this Friday, July 25, at Olinger Crown Hill Chapel at W.29th and Wadsworth. There will be a reception following the service at Highlands UMC in the fellowship hall. The congregation is invited to attend and show support as you are able during this important time in the Franklins' life.

It is a blessing to be part of the caring community of Highlands UMC. Stay safe this summer, and I hope to see you soon!

Come to our Beach Party!

Beach Party: Surfing Through the Scriptures, our Vacation Bible School for kids age 3 - 11, begins tomorrow!

We still have plenty of room for kids (and volunteers, if you're so inclined) to join us for games, music, crafts, Bible stories, and more! Thursday, July 10 and Friday July 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please call the church office at 303-477-5857 to learn more or to pre-register.

Highlands is Denver's Best Neighborhood!

Highlands (West Highland and Highland area) has been voted readers' choice for "Best Neighborhood" in 5280 magazine's current "Top of the Town" issue:

It's official: after year's of crying "Wash Park!" our readers have shifted their love to this huge 'hood anchored by the up-and-coming 32nd & Zuni district, along with the established and hopping Highlands Square. The Highland area lays claim to some of the hottest new restaurants and boutiques in the city, and boasts great front-stoop culture, an engaged community, plenty of parks, and easy access to downtown and the foothills--not to mention a decent real estate scene in an otherwise shaky market.

Now, I'm not sure how they failed to notice our big, beautiful, growing church, but maybe we'll get that rectified by next year! :)

Summertime... and the livin' is easy

This Sunday, we welcome guest preacher Dr. Don Hughes, who will talk to us about "The Parable of the Sea." Judy Hagerman offers her violin skills with Sonya Hamilton accompanying.

Next week, Sunday, July 6, Pastor Kerry will be preaching. As we do the first Sunday of each month, we will celebrate Holy Communion (Lord's Supper or Eucharist), where all are welcome at Christ's table.

Beach Party: Surfing the Scriptures, our Vacation Bible School for 2008, is July 10-12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday evening and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. We are still looking for a few more volunteers to help out; please contact the church office to let us know if you are available!

Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry will be preaching another movie sermon series this summer, starting with Family Man on July 13. Other movies planned include Amazing Grace, Lars and the Real Girl, and Real Women Have Curves. Stay tuned for more details as they develop!

Summer's Comin'!

... and we have lots in store for you!

This Saturday, June 7, the Youth Group will host the final fund-raiser for their mission trip to Baldwin, Louisiana later this month. There they will work at the warehouse and distribution center for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the global relief and development agency of the UMC. They have raised nearly enough to cover their trip, and are hoping you will come and enjoy a delicious Spaghetti Dinner this Saturday, for either a 5:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. seating. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and children under 11 by donation. Please come out and show your support for the youth by eating spaghetti!

Saturday, June 14 is the Highlands Street Fair. Our church building will be open for our usual ministry of hospitality through the Baby Feeding and Changing Station, as well as hosting a youth art show put on by the students of Arts Street. We still need 2 more volunteers to be present and welcome people in the early afternoon; please contact the church office if you are available!

Rocky Mountain Annual Conference takes place June 18-21 at the Marriott Denver Tech Center. Please keep the clergy and lay delegates in your prayers as they pray, worship, discuss, and vote on matters of church life and leadership.

And stay tuned for our 2008 Vacation Bible School: Beach Party - Surfin' through the Scriptures! Kids from preschool to 5th grade will learn the basics of surfing, ride the wave of God’s love, and go home with a new “Beach Be-Attitude”: be obedient, be kind, be forgiving, be bold, and believe. VBS will take place Thursday, July 10 and Friday, July 11 from 6:00* p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 12 from 9:00 am to 12:00 p.m. More information about registration coming soon. If you're interested in helping out, please contact us!

As always, summer means lots of our regular folks are traveling, even as newcomers visit for the first time. We pray for safe travels, enjoyment of family, friends, and new neighbors, and an openness to experiencing God wherever you are! Worship continues at our regular time, 10am each Sunday. All are welcome!

* Please note that the VBS times were previously listed incorrectly. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday is correct.

Women's Banquet, Mother's Day and Pentecost Sunday

Thanks to all who helped out at the work day on Saturday - our church is a better place for the time and effort you give.

Saturday, May 10 is the Women's Spring Banquet, starting at 5:00 p.m. Women of all ages and stages of life are invited to come for an evening of dinner and musical entertainment. Tickets are $9/adult or $15/family, and can be reserved by calling the church office or purchased during coffee hour after worship.

Sunday, May 11 is a day of lively celebration, marking Pentecost - the birthday of the church - and Mother's Day. Worship will include several special opportunities for children to participate, including the children's choir and a sacred dance. We will experience prayer through movement and hear a message on the life of faith as a dance. Wear red to celebrate the Spirit, and we'll all have a church photo taken together!

Prayers for General Conference

Over the next week and a half, nearly 1000 delegates plus hundreds of staff and volunteers from United Methodist Churches, boards, and agencies around the world will gather in Fort Worth, Texas for the quadrennial (every 4 years) gathering known as General Conference. This is the only body that can officially speak for The United Methodist Church, and delegates spend 10 days in "holy conferencing": prayer, discussion, reflection, debate, worship, and witness regarding legislation affecting the denomination's social teachings, organizational structure, finances, policies and procedures, and other matters of church law.

Rocky Mountain Conference, which includes Colorado, Utah, and 2/3 of Wyoming, sends 3 clergy and 3 lay delegates, plus alternates and volunteers. They are keeping a blog of their preparations and experiences if you'd like to read along. The main General Conference site will have live streaming audio and video available of some of the worship and plenary sessions, in addition to news articles and reports.

Please keep all the delegates, staff, Bishops, and volunteers in your prayers over the next two weeks. My own prayer is that our church will continue to move in the direction of welcoming all of God's children with love and acceptance, and move toward Jesus' vision of the kin'dom of God, where justice and mercy are available to all.

Spring is sprung...

... and life is bustling at Highlands UMC!

This Sunday, April 27, the worship band will play a mix of new and familiar tunes. Come and join us for some spirited worship!

Next week, we offer Parents' Night Out on Friday, May 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for children up to age 7. Call the church office to reserve a spot, or to volunteer.

Saturday, May 3 we'll have an all-church workday to do some spring cleaning and plant the garden. There will be fun activities for kids as well, all starting at 9am. Sunday, May 4 we celebrate Holy Communion in worship, where all are welcome at Christ's table.

Saturday, May 10 is the Spring Women's Banquet at 5:00 p.m. Women of all ages and stages of life are invited to come for an evening of dinner and musical entertainment. Tickets are $9/adult or $15/family, and can be reserved by calling the church office or purchased during coffee hour after worship.

Sunday, May 11 is a day of lively celebration, marking Pentecost - the birthday of the church - and Mother's Day. Worship will include several special opportunities for children to participate, including the children's choir and a sacred dance. Wear red to celebrate the Spirit, and we'll all have a church photo taken together!

Hope to see you sometime soon!

Introduction to Highlands UMC

This Sunday, after worship, anyone interested in learning more about Highlands UMC or The United Methodist Church is invited to attend "Highlands UMC 101," led by Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry. Whether you are considering formally joining our congregation or just want some more information, you are welcome for a casual conversation with plenty of time for questions - no pressure, we promise!

Eastertide

What a joy to see so many people at our Easter worship service! I hope all who came had a positive experience of Highlands UMC hospitality, as well as an experience of God's presence and Good News.

This Sunday, March 30, Pastor Betty will preach on the story of Thomas, the Twin, also known as Doubting Thomas, and the many traditions and stories that arose about his life after he experienced the Risen Christ.

Friday, March 4 will be our monthly Parents' Night Out for families with children up to age 7. We're changing the hours a little to 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., but it's still a great deal at $20 for one child and $15 per sibling for the evening. If you're interested in bringing your children, or if you are a church member interested in volunteering, please contact the church office at 303-477-5857 or the link at right.

Coming soon...

Introduction to Highlands UMC 101

If you would like to learn more about our church, we are holding an informational meeting on Sunday, April 13 following worship. We will begin at 11:30 a.m. If you would like more information, please contact the church office or Pastor Betty at pastorbettyjo@aol.com

Highlands UMC is an open and inclusive church. We have many ways to become part of the community through worship and outreach. If you are a seeker, a pilgrim, a person with a servant's heart or someone with questions of faith, come and worship with us.

Easter celebrations: Easter egg hunt and Easter Sunday worship

Yes, that's right, this year Highlands UMC will host an Easter egg hunt, open to the whole community! Bring the kids from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. this Saturday, March 22, to search for eggs in our big, historic building, to decorate their own bags for the eggs, and to take part in some fun games and activities.

Easter Sunday (March 23) we have our big worship celebration with organ, choir, traditional hymns, lilies, and the Hallelujah Chorus! You may want to arrive a little early for the 10:00 a.m. service as we tend to be pretty full on this high holy day.

Don't forget to come Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. to remember and reflect on the forces of violence and injustice that led to Jesus' death and that remind us of how much we still need the Easter message of hope and new life today. See below for a little more about this service.

At Highlands UMC, all people are truly welcome, just as you are. We hope you'll come and experience God's love in our community sometime!

Palm Sunday and Holy Week

I know, we just had Christmas, it's not even spring yet, and here we are with Palm Sunday (March 16). Gotta love those lunar-based holidays that change dates each year.

On Palm Sunday we recall the story of Jesus entering the city of Jerusalem mounted on a donkey, as the crowd laid down palm branches and coats on the road before him. Come early for a Pancake Breakfast (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.) to benefit the youth mission trip to Louisiana this summer. Worship (10:00 a.m.) will include the children's choir, which has been practicing hard for this special day; adult choir and special vocal duet; a drama; and as always, a thoughtful sermon connecting an ancient story to the joys and challenges of everyday life.

The story continues with our Maundy Thursday service, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. We begin with Communion, a remembrance of the last supper Jesus shared with his friends, and move into a time of meditation on how the violence and injustice of Jesus' time continues in our world today. All are welcome for this service of Communion, song, Scripture, and prayer. It is only by recalling and experiencing again the depths of this most Holy of weeks that we can truly appreciate the good news of Easter morning.

More on Easter next week...

Cancellations; Raising Lazarus

Due to low interest, both Parents' Night Out (tonight) and the Snowshoeing Trip (tomorrow) have been cancelled. But fear not, there's plenty of opportunities for church involvement and fellowship coming up - Palm Sunday is only a week away!

This weekend, don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Savings Time! I know, it's early in March, it means getting up early in the morning... blame the 2005 Congress. On the plus side, it will be light past 6pm in Denver!

Sunday's worship will include music by our seasonal Bell Choir, and a sermon on the story of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from death. Pastor Betty will explore how death and resurrection fit into our spiritual journey through Lent toward Easter, and into our whole lives.

Sunday, March 16 is Palm Sunday: Come early (8:30 a.m.) for a pancake breakfast to benefit the youth mission trip! Stay for the children's choir and procession with palms!

We'll have more details up soon, but mark your calendars for Maundy Thursday service, March 20, at 7pm; an Easter egg hunt for children on Saturday, March 22; and definitely come for Easter Sunday, March 23! In addition to all the usual ways we celebrate the Resurrection (choir, organ, lilies, Communion), it is the tradition at Highlands to sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah and invite anyone who wishes to join the choir.

All are welcome, from any age, ethnic/cultural heritage, religious background, sexual orientation, gender identity, (dis)ability level, marital status, political affiliation, hair color, or favorite animal! Worship is at 10am each Sunday.

Leap Year

Yes, we have a February 29 this year. Although, when I think about it, it seems like we "leap" over that day for 3 out of 4 years, and this year we're lingering rather than leaping... English is such a funny language.

By the way, if you're looking for a new resource for prayer and reflection during Lent, you might want to try out this "Lenten toolbox" for "adjusting your focus and supporting your soul."

Game Night, the Metro District Annual Celebration, and the Highlands Youth Chili Cook-off were all wonderful this weekend. I managed not to take home any chili, which is only a blessing because I ate so much on Sunday! We have some good cooks in our congregation!

This week is a little slower, but we still have a work day this Saturday if you are feeling motivated to help the Trustees clean and paint the Associate Pastor's office on the 3rd floor (and a few other fun tasks for the taking with the bribe of donuts and coffee!). Sunday in worship we will have Holy Communion and explore the story of Jesus healing a man born blind.

Next week, prepare for Parents' Night Out on Friday, March 7 (please contact the church office if you would like to volunteer!), and a Snowshoeing Trip on Saturday, March 8 - a good opportunity to get out and enjoy Colorado's winter wonderland one last time before spring melts it all! Snowshoes can be rented from local sporting goods stores for $10-18/day, and we'll meet in the church parking lot at 8am to carpool/caravan.

Visitors, guests, neighbors, strangers, and new friends are always welcome!

Busy weekend, preparing for Holy Week

This weekend brings several opportunities for fun, fellowship, learning, and celebration.

First, this Friday night, February 22, please come for Game Night starting at 6:30 p.m.! We've discovered this is far too enjoyable an event to only hold once a year. Bring your board games, card games, and other miscellaneous games to enjoy an evening of intergenerational fellowship.

Saturday, February 23 is the Metropolitan District Annual Celebration, which will be held at Burns Memorial UMC in Aurora this year. Meet at Highlands at 8am if you want to carpool over to enjoy multicultural worship, information on the wider mission and ministries of the United Methodist Church, a "stone soup" lunch (you're invited to bring a can of vegetables to contribute!), and recognition of one of our own! Maralyn Devlin will receive the "Quiet Disciple" award, honoring her years of faithful service in our community and the wider church.

Sunday, February 24 the Highlands UMC Worship Band will keep things hoppin' during our 10am service exploring the story of the Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus. And be sure to plan on staying for our (2nd? 3rd?) more-or-less Annual Chili Cookoff, where you can taste up to 10 different kinds of chili and help support the youth on the mission trip they're taking to Louisiana later this year.

Coming soon...

Sunday, March 2 we celebrate Holy Communion (the first Sunday of each month is our tradition). The Chancel Choir will sing a rousing gospel-style rendition of "This Is My Story" that you won't want to miss!

Saturday, March 8: Snowshoeing trip! Meet at the church at 8am to carpool and caravan, probably to Rocky Mountain National Park, unless there's enough snow somewhere closer. Snowshoes can be rented from stores such as REI and Christy's Sports for $10-18/day, usually with a grace period for pickup before and return after the day of snowshoeing itself. Please contact Pastor Kerry or leave a message with the church office if you plan to come.

And don't forget, Holy Week is coming:
Palm Sunday, March 16: Pancake Breakfast prepared and served by the youth; 10am worship will include children's choir singing
Maundy Thursday, March 20: 7pm service reflecting on Jesus' final days and the powers of violence and darkness still at work in our world
Saturday, March 22: Easter Egg Hunt open to the community
Easter Sunday, March 23: Celebrating the Resurrection with all the trimmings: choir, organ, lilies, Communion, and the Hallelujah Chorus!

Highlands is an inclusive congregation where all are truly welcome. I hope you'll join us!

Welcome to Lent

Sorry I missed posting the last couple weeks. For those who missed the Ash Wednesday service this morning, I hope you will find ways to still your heart and mind for a moment to reflect on the beginning of this season of reflection, repentance, and renewal in our church year.

This Sunday, February 10, Pastor Kerry will preach on the story of Jesus in the desert (Matt 4:1-11) as we begin our journey through the wilderness and toward the cross together.

Our next game night will be Friday, February 22 - stay tuned here or call the church office for more information. We have a grand old time with friends of all ages!

Prayer, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Holy Hilarity Women's Retreat

This Sunday, January 20, we will turn our attention to the topic of Prayer. All are welcome to come and worship in an inclusive and intergenerational setting, exploring how we connect with God and how God desires to be in relationship with us. Worship is at 10 a.m.

This Monday, January 21st, is the anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, a time to remember the struggles of the past, how far we have come, and how far we still have to go to realize the dream of the Beloved Community. Retired Bishop Woodie W. White has posted his annual birthday letter to Rev. Dr. King about the nation's progress toward racial equality at the UM Reporter website.

All are invited to participate in the annual MLK Day "Marade" from City Park down Colfax to Capitol Hill. United Methodists from the Metro District will be gathering at Park Hill UMC at 9:30 a.m. to be at City Park at 10:00 a.m. There will be some preliminary speeches, and we actually walk around 10:30 a.m. Everyone will be picked up downtown, to avoid the time with the return walk.

Lunch will be served at Park Hill, followed by a short program featuring Dr. Jacqueline Benton, who grew up in segregated Little Rock and is cousin to one of the Little Rock Nine. The observance will be finished by early afternoon.

Reminder...
It's not too late to sign up for the Annual Highlands UMC Women's Retreat! We'll be going to Templed Hills next weekend, January 25 - 27. See below for more information, or contact the church office (303-477-5857). We always have a good time, but our topic this year (Holy Hilarity) should lead us to even more fun and laughter than usual!

First Sunday after Epiphany; Baptism of Jesus

This Sunday is the first Sunday after Epiphany, when we traditionally tell the story of the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17). It's a time to remember our own baptism, the "outward and visible sign of an inward grace," and the children who have been baptized into our community and whom we have pledged to surround with love and support in their spiritual growth.

Other lectionary readings for this week include a "Servant Song" from Isaiah (42:1-9), a passage commonly applied to Jesus as Christ but that seems to have originally referred to the whole people of Israel; Psalm 29, a hymn of praise to the Creator; and Acts 10:34-43, Peter's response to a vision in which God made clear to him that there is no distinction for God between Jews and Gentiles - a radical change from the Jewish disciples' earlier understandings of the message they were to spread.

Coming soon: Highlands UMC Annual Women's Retreat, to take place at Templed Hills Camp and Retreat Center in Woodland Park, Colorado. Friday, January 25 - Sunday, January 27. This year we will explore the theme of "Holy Hilarity" and being Fools for Christ. If you've always thought laughter should be considered a spiritual practice but never been able to prove it, this is a great time to share in fellowship, reflection, rest, and lots of good humor! Please contact the church office for more information or to sign up.