In case anyone out there is wondering why this blog has not been updated in 2 months, it's because I used to manage this blog as a way to post current events at church because someone else was managing the website and we didn't always get pages updated in a timely way. But now that I am updating the official church site myself, the blog has fallen by the wayside. Sorry about that. I'll try to find ways to make the blog more complementary, less redundant.
But even as we prepare to give thanks and stuff our faces tomorrow (is that just me? no? I didn't think so), we are also heading into one of my favorite liturgical seasons: Advent. We take four weeks before Christmas to prepare for the coming of Christ, both through readings from the prophets and the gospels about the promised Messiah, and through some apocalyptic readings about the completion of God's purposes for the world that, to be honest, are a lot harder for those of us who find meaning in a progressive approach to Christianity. So if you want to hear how I reconcile the texts about the signs in the heavens and the end of the world with my belief in a God who is at work primarily in the natural and human processes of evolution and creativity, show up this Sunday! My sermon is called "Back to the Future," and I'll explore Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Luke 21:25-36.
Check out our main website for information on current and upcoming Sunday school classes for adults, discussion of The Shack, Advent vespers services, opportunities to help those in need, and more. We have a lot going on at Highlands UMC these days, and we would be delighted to have you join us!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Meeting Cancelled; Rummage Sale & Pastor @ the Pub this weekend
Tonight's Administrative Council meeting has been rescheduled to October 12 at 6:30 p.m. We hope to see representatives from all the committees then.
Don't forget -
If you have been saving up some household goods and other items for a yard sale, you are in luck! The church will host a rummage sale on Saturday, September 26, 8am - 2pm, with proceeds to go toward a mission trip being planned for spring/summer 2010. You can bring items to donate to the church during office hours (9am - 12pm, 1 - 3pm, Monday - Thursday), during the "pricing party" Friday 4pm - 7pm, or call to arrange a different time for drop-off.
And Pastor Kerry will be facilitating a new monthly discussion about God called Pastor @ the Pub. All are welcome – including your friends who won’t set foot inside a church building – to come and talk about God, faith, spirituality, the Bible, Jesus, or whatever questions you were told not to ask in Sunday school! You don’t have to commit to coming every month, and it’s okay to just drop in to check it out. Pastor Kerry will bring some discussion starters, and we'll take it from there. First round is Sunday, September 27, 5pm at El Camino on West 32nd Ave - we'll be a group gathering for conversation at one of the tables, not an official event of El Camino. Look for Pastor Kerry and the "Pastor @ the Pub" table tents.
Don't forget -
If you have been saving up some household goods and other items for a yard sale, you are in luck! The church will host a rummage sale on Saturday, September 26, 8am - 2pm, with proceeds to go toward a mission trip being planned for spring/summer 2010. You can bring items to donate to the church during office hours (9am - 12pm, 1 - 3pm, Monday - Thursday), during the "pricing party" Friday 4pm - 7pm, or call to arrange a different time for drop-off.
And Pastor Kerry will be facilitating a new monthly discussion about God called Pastor @ the Pub. All are welcome – including your friends who won’t set foot inside a church building – to come and talk about God, faith, spirituality, the Bible, Jesus, or whatever questions you were told not to ask in Sunday school! You don’t have to commit to coming every month, and it’s okay to just drop in to check it out. Pastor Kerry will bring some discussion starters, and we'll take it from there. First round is Sunday, September 27, 5pm at El Camino on West 32nd Ave - we'll be a group gathering for conversation at one of the tables, not an official event of El Camino. Look for Pastor Kerry and the "Pastor @ the Pub" table tents.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Show-up Sunday and new ministries!
The summer went by incredibly quickly, and here it is September once again. This Sunday, September 13, is "Show-up Sunday" (formerly known as Kick-off Sunday), a time to come together and enjoy being in community again after a summer of travel, outdoor activities, or other commitments. Pastor Betty will invite us to "Rethink Church" - what if church were not a noun, but a verb?
Friday, September 18 will be our fall Game Night, starting at 6pm. Kids, adults, families, singles, couples, everyone is welcome to come and bring your favorite game or just join in with others. Bring your favorite game, a snack to share and $5/child toward child care if you have little ones. Hope to see you there!
Administrative Council will meet Monday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m. Chairs of committees are expected to attend; anyone else interested in the life of the church is welcome.
If you have been saving up some household goods and other items for a yard sale, you are in luck! The church will host a rummage sale on Saturday, September 26, with proceeds to go toward a mission trip being planned for spring/summer 2010. Details coming soon!
Finally, Pastor Kerry will be facilitating a monthly discussion about God called Pastor @ the Pub. All are welcome – including your friends who won’t set foot inside a church building – to come and talk about God, faith, spirituality, the Bible, Jesus, or whatever questions you were told not to ask in Sunday school! You don’t have to commit to coming every month, and it’s okay to just drop in to check it out. First round is Sunday, September 27, 5pm at El Camino on West 32nd Ave. We'll be a group gathering for conversation at one of the tables, not an official event of El Camino. Look for Pastor Kerry and the "Pastor @ the Pub" table tents.
Friday, September 18 will be our fall Game Night, starting at 6pm. Kids, adults, families, singles, couples, everyone is welcome to come and bring your favorite game or just join in with others. Bring your favorite game, a snack to share and $5/child toward child care if you have little ones. Hope to see you there!
Administrative Council will meet Monday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m. Chairs of committees are expected to attend; anyone else interested in the life of the church is welcome.
If you have been saving up some household goods and other items for a yard sale, you are in luck! The church will host a rummage sale on Saturday, September 26, with proceeds to go toward a mission trip being planned for spring/summer 2010. Details coming soon!
Finally, Pastor Kerry will be facilitating a monthly discussion about God called Pastor @ the Pub. All are welcome – including your friends who won’t set foot inside a church building – to come and talk about God, faith, spirituality, the Bible, Jesus, or whatever questions you were told not to ask in Sunday school! You don’t have to commit to coming every month, and it’s okay to just drop in to check it out. First round is Sunday, September 27, 5pm at El Camino on West 32nd Ave. We'll be a group gathering for conversation at one of the tables, not an official event of El Camino. Look for Pastor Kerry and the "Pastor @ the Pub" table tents.
Survey Results
Summary of Christian Education & Ministry Survey Results
Thank you to all who responded to the recent survey about Christian education and other ministry activities. In case you are wondering what we learned from the results, here is a brief summary of the highlights:
49 people took the survey; 40 completed it. Of those who completed the survey, 3 were age 30 or younger, 18 were 31-45, 11 were 46-60, and 8 were 61 or older. 18 reported having children or youth in their household.
Interest in adult Christian education was substantial (16 would come twice a month or more), though many expressed a commitment level entirely dependent on the topic. Sunday mornings and evenings had the greatest amount of interest.
Several topics struck people as interesting enough to attend:
Spirituality (28)
Theology: discussions about God (24)
Bible study/learning about the Bible (23)
Ethics or social issues (22)
Learning about other religions (21)
Topics that relate directly to my life (20)
Ministries, programs, and other activities that received significant interest included:
Bible study (15)
Book discussions (12)
Movie discussions (16)
Seasonal study (12)
Short-term topical discussions (19)
Open discussions (10)
Social activities with others in my stage of life (13)
Social activities with people of all ages (e.g., game night) (16)
Opportunities to serve people in need (16)
Women's group (9)
Most of these had the highest number of responses under the medium priority level ("I'd probably come if I'm not too busy"). Which confirms what we suspected: this is a congregation of busy people! However, movie discussions, all-age social activities, and opportunities to serve people in need each received 5 or more responses that indicated a high priority, people who would definitely come.
Pastor Betty and I will make use of this information in conversation with lay leaders to determine our plans and priorities for ministry this year. Thanks again for sharing your perspective!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Kerry
Thank you to all who responded to the recent survey about Christian education and other ministry activities. In case you are wondering what we learned from the results, here is a brief summary of the highlights:
49 people took the survey; 40 completed it. Of those who completed the survey, 3 were age 30 or younger, 18 were 31-45, 11 were 46-60, and 8 were 61 or older. 18 reported having children or youth in their household.
Interest in adult Christian education was substantial (16 would come twice a month or more), though many expressed a commitment level entirely dependent on the topic. Sunday mornings and evenings had the greatest amount of interest.
Several topics struck people as interesting enough to attend:
Spirituality (28)
Theology: discussions about God (24)
Bible study/learning about the Bible (23)
Ethics or social issues (22)
Learning about other religions (21)
Topics that relate directly to my life (20)
Ministries, programs, and other activities that received significant interest included:
Bible study (15)
Book discussions (12)
Movie discussions (16)
Seasonal study (12)
Short-term topical discussions (19)
Open discussions (10)
Social activities with others in my stage of life (13)
Social activities with people of all ages (e.g., game night) (16)
Opportunities to serve people in need (16)
Women's group (9)
Most of these had the highest number of responses under the medium priority level ("I'd probably come if I'm not too busy"). Which confirms what we suspected: this is a congregation of busy people! However, movie discussions, all-age social activities, and opportunities to serve people in need each received 5 or more responses that indicated a high priority, people who would definitely come.
Pastor Betty and I will make use of this information in conversation with lay leaders to determine our plans and priorities for ministry this year. Thanks again for sharing your perspective!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Kerry
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
August already: Bread & Movies
This Sunday, August 2, is the ninth Sunday after Pentecost, in a season known in the church as Ordinary Time. Pastor Kerry will be preaching on John 6:24-35, and the service will include Holy Communion. ALL people are welcome at Christ's table.
Next Sunday, August 9, the sermon will reflect on the movie The Visitor. As always, viewing the movie is not required to understand the sermon. We will also be blessed by harp music from Rebecca and Sean Moritzky.
Hope to see you Sunday!
Next Sunday, August 9, the sermon will reflect on the movie The Visitor. As always, viewing the movie is not required to understand the sermon. We will also be blessed by harp music from Rebecca and Sean Moritzky.
Hope to see you Sunday!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Ordination Celebration
This Sunday, June 28, Pastor Kerry will preach on her experience of being called into ordained ministry, "Let Your Life Speak" (taken from the title of a book by Parker Palmer). Following worship, all are invited to stay for a potluck dinner to celebrate Pastor Kerry's ordination as a Deacon, which took place last Saturday in the New England Annual Conference.
Vacation Bible School is coming up fast - our theme this year is Camp E.D.G.E.: Experience and Discover God Everywhere! Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday morning, July 9-11. Visit our main site for more information.
Vacation Bible School is coming up fast - our theme this year is Camp E.D.G.E.: Experience and Discover God Everywhere! Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday morning, July 9-11. Visit our main site for more information.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Summer Movie Sermon Series Begins!
This Sunday, June 14, Pastor Betty will preach on The Bucket List in the first of our summer movie sermon series. You are encouraged to see the movie ahead of time if you can, but if not, the sermon will still make sense.
In case you want to line up your library hold or Netflix cue now, some of the other movies planned for this summer include The Secret Life of Bees, The Visitor, and Snow Cake. We are spreading the series out over the summer, so stay tuned for details!
The Highlands Street Fair is coming up, and this year our booth will focus on our children's programs: Parents' Day Out and Vacation Bible School.
On Sunday, June 21, we will have Rev. Heidi McGinness as our guest preacher while Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry are at New England Annual Conference for Pastor Kerry's ordination. Pastor Heidi has come to Highlands previously to share about her work bringing aid to displaced people in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Hope to see you at Highlands UMC sometime soon!
In case you want to line up your library hold or Netflix cue now, some of the other movies planned for this summer include The Secret Life of Bees, The Visitor, and Snow Cake. We are spreading the series out over the summer, so stay tuned for details!
The Highlands Street Fair is coming up, and this year our booth will focus on our children's programs: Parents' Day Out and Vacation Bible School.
On Sunday, June 21, we will have Rev. Heidi McGinness as our guest preacher while Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry are at New England Annual Conference for Pastor Kerry's ordination. Pastor Heidi has come to Highlands previously to share about her work bringing aid to displaced people in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Hope to see you at Highlands UMC sometime soon!
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Garden Workday Postponed
The work day for this Saturday, June 6 has been canceled. The flower beds have already been cleaned out. Also, Kay and Bob Upton are mixing compost into our community garden and planting our beginning plants. The raised beds that will on the south side of the church will be built after the windows are painted. The second phase of the Sacred Surroundings grant will begin soon. The outside of the windows will be scraped and painted.
After the cleaning out of the beds, the church garden could use low in height, blooming annuals and perennials to fill in the empty spaces. If you have some in your garden or wish to purchase flowers, please bring them to the church and we will make sure they get planted. If you're interested in helping with the raised beds or maintaining the garden, please let us know!
After the cleaning out of the beds, the church garden could use low in height, blooming annuals and perennials to fill in the empty spaces. If you have some in your garden or wish to purchase flowers, please bring them to the church and we will make sure they get planted. If you're interested in helping with the raised beds or maintaining the garden, please let us know!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Highlands UMC is a Reconciling Congregation! New members welcome to join this Sunday.
After approximately 9 months of intentional prayer, conversation, education, and discernment, the congregation voted on May 17 to become a Reconciling Congregation, with a public statement of welcome and affirmation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. The vote passed by an overwhelming majority, affirming the following statement of welcome to be true for our church:
Thank you to all who have taken part in the process, for the humility, love, and grace you have shown to each other in this matter and in all things. We continue to pray for God's guidance as our church moves forward into the future.
This Sunday, May 31, is Pentecost, a time when we celebrate the birth of the church in the story of the Holy Spirit moving among the disciples after Jesus' death and the Resurrection appearances. We will be welcoming new members to join Highlands UMC during worship; if you are interested in learning more, please contact the church office.
Highlands United Methodist Church embraces Jesus' message that God loves and accepts every person, and so our welcome knows no boundaries. In the name and spirit of Jesus, we welcome people of every age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental ability, and economic condition into full participation in the life and leadership of our congregation.
Thank you to all who have taken part in the process, for the humility, love, and grace you have shown to each other in this matter and in all things. We continue to pray for God's guidance as our church moves forward into the future.
This Sunday, May 31, is Pentecost, a time when we celebrate the birth of the church in the story of the Holy Spirit moving among the disciples after Jesus' death and the Resurrection appearances. We will be welcoming new members to join Highlands UMC during worship; if you are interested in learning more, please contact the church office.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Potluck & Reconciling Vote this Sunday
After several months of prayer, study, conversation, and discernment, Highlands UMC members and active participants will vote this Sunday, May 17, on whether to become a Reconciling Congregation and adopt a public statement of welcome and affirmation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons in the life and leadership of our church. This is a natural extension and expression of the identity of what has been a welcoming congregation for many years, but since so many churches are not fully affirming, our church leadership has determined that the time has come to prayerfully consider making a public statement.
After worship, instead of our usual coffee/fellowship hour, we will have a potluck lunch. You can call the church office (303-477-5857) to find out what kind of dish the Hospitality Committee suggests you bring (based on last name), but if you have a specialty that doesn't match your assignment, go ahead and bring what works for you! All are welcome to enjoy the food and fellowship.
When it comes time for the vote, we ask that only those who have been actively involved at Highlands for at least the past 4 months (since we announced these criteria in January) fill out a ballot. Plans are underway to offer an absentee vote option; more information should be available by Thursday morning.
Please continue to keep our church in prayer as we seek to know and follow the Spirit's leading. If you have questions, you may contact Pastor Betty or Pastor Kerry via the church office.
After worship, instead of our usual coffee/fellowship hour, we will have a potluck lunch. You can call the church office (303-477-5857) to find out what kind of dish the Hospitality Committee suggests you bring (based on last name), but if you have a specialty that doesn't match your assignment, go ahead and bring what works for you! All are welcome to enjoy the food and fellowship.
When it comes time for the vote, we ask that only those who have been actively involved at Highlands for at least the past 4 months (since we announced these criteria in January) fill out a ballot. Plans are underway to offer an absentee vote option; more information should be available by Thursday morning.
Please continue to keep our church in prayer as we seek to know and follow the Spirit's leading. If you have questions, you may contact Pastor Betty or Pastor Kerry via the church office.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Who needs a shepherd, anyway?
This Sunday, May 3, Pastor Kerry will preach on Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18. We will celebrate Holy Communion - all are welcome in worship and at Christ's table.
We are also pleased to welcome the cast of Curtains Up! Theatre Company's production of Godspell to share two songs with us in worship.
Visit our main website to learn more about Highlands UMC.
We are also pleased to welcome the cast of Curtains Up! Theatre Company's production of Godspell to share two songs with us in worship.
Visit our main website to learn more about Highlands UMC.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Holy Week & Easter
Instead of our traditional Maundy Thursday service, this year Highlands UMC will observe a Passover seder. All are welcome at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 for an experience of the Jewish tradition in which Jesus lived, followed by a brief Communion service when we acknowledge that the Last Supper of Jesus' life was a Passover meal.
ALL kinds of families are invited to our Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Children will begin by decorating bags in which to collect their eggs, and then will divide up by age to search throughout the historic Highlands UMC building. Please contact the church office if you would like to know more about this event.
And of course, everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the Resurrection with us on Easter Sunday, April 12. Worship is at 10:00 a.m., and includes choir, organ, Communion, lilies, a thoughtful message to connect with our lives today, and the Hallelujah Chorus. The sanctuary is usually quite full on Easter, so you may want to come a little early to find parking and a good seat.
Highlands UMC is a welcoming and affirming, intergenerational community of faith where ALL people are welcome in worship and at the Communion table. We would love to get to know you and walk together a ways on the journey of faith!
ALL kinds of families are invited to our Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Children will begin by decorating bags in which to collect their eggs, and then will divide up by age to search throughout the historic Highlands UMC building. Please contact the church office if you would like to know more about this event.
And of course, everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the Resurrection with us on Easter Sunday, April 12. Worship is at 10:00 a.m., and includes choir, organ, Communion, lilies, a thoughtful message to connect with our lives today, and the Hallelujah Chorus. The sanctuary is usually quite full on Easter, so you may want to come a little early to find parking and a good seat.
Highlands UMC is a welcoming and affirming, intergenerational community of faith where ALL people are welcome in worship and at the Communion table. We would love to get to know you and walk together a ways on the journey of faith!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Game Night, Get to Know HUMC, Women's Retreat
Late notice, I know, but tonight is Game Night at Highlands UMC! Come over from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with your favorite game, a snack to share, friends and neighbors, or just yourself. There will be child care for the youngest kids and fun for all ages as we enjoy laughter and one another's company.
Next Sunday, March 22, we will have an information session for anyone interested in learning more about Highlands UMC or the United Methodist Church more generally. Starting about 11:30 a.m. (so you'll get to enjoy part of coffee hour after worship), we'll head up to the 3rd floor. All ages and backgrounds are welcome.
Attention women: There is still time and room to sign up for the annual Women's Retreat! Friday, March 27 we will head up to the YMCA of the Rockies at Estes Park, returning on Sunday, March 29. We will eat some of our meals in the dining hall and prepare others in the lodge. We will have time for prayer, discussion, laughter, rest, and friendship. Please contact the church office to learn more.
Next Sunday, March 22, we will have an information session for anyone interested in learning more about Highlands UMC or the United Methodist Church more generally. Starting about 11:30 a.m. (so you'll get to enjoy part of coffee hour after worship), we'll head up to the 3rd floor. All ages and backgrounds are welcome.
Attention women: There is still time and room to sign up for the annual Women's Retreat! Friday, March 27 we will head up to the YMCA of the Rockies at Estes Park, returning on Sunday, March 29. We will eat some of our meals in the dining hall and prepare others in the lodge. We will have time for prayer, discussion, laughter, rest, and friendship. Please contact the church office to learn more.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Baking for Bibles!
Don't forget, this Saturday is Baking for Bibles - kids, families, and adult volunteers are welcome!
When: Saturday, February 28th, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Where: Highlands United Methodist Church, fellowship hall (1st floor)
Why: The kids will spend some time baking some goodies on Saturday (Feb. 28) to sell to the people at church on Sunday, March 1, during coffee hour. The money raised will go towards purchasing Bibles for the 7-11 year old Sunday School classroom. We currently have a variety of bibles, none of which are the same. It is hard for the kids to follow along while reading the scriptures in class. Because Bibles can be expensive, the church cannot afford to buy 10 new Bibles. So, we are going to raise the money to buy them!
Other Activities: We will also play games, watch a movie, and have some coloring pages for the kids.
Come, one and all for some fun for a good cause!
When: Saturday, February 28th, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Where: Highlands United Methodist Church, fellowship hall (1st floor)
Why: The kids will spend some time baking some goodies on Saturday (Feb. 28) to sell to the people at church on Sunday, March 1, during coffee hour. The money raised will go towards purchasing Bibles for the 7-11 year old Sunday School classroom. We currently have a variety of bibles, none of which are the same. It is hard for the kids to follow along while reading the scriptures in class. Because Bibles can be expensive, the church cannot afford to buy 10 new Bibles. So, we are going to raise the money to buy them!
Other Activities: We will also play games, watch a movie, and have some coloring pages for the kids.
Come, one and all for some fun for a good cause!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Ash Wednesday and Lent
Wednesday, February 25 is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the season of Lent. We walk the sometimes difficult path of discipleship with Jesus, from the desert wilderness to the cross. Easter is much more meaningful when its resurrection power has broken through from a place of acknowledging the death-dealing powers of the world.
The practice of a Lenten discipline such as fasting - whether from food or from a creature comfort, distraction, or bad habit - is not aimed at punishing the body or heaping guilt upon one's head, but instead seeks to turn our attention toward God. Some people find that adding a discipline, instead of doing without something, is more meaningful. We believe that the desire to please God is pleasing to God, and that we become what we habitually do.
Highlands UMC offers a sacrificial breakfast and service with imposition of ashes, beginning at 7am in the 2nd floor parlor. All are welcome as we reflect on this wilderness season of repentance (turning) and discipline (committed, intentional practice).
The practice of a Lenten discipline such as fasting - whether from food or from a creature comfort, distraction, or bad habit - is not aimed at punishing the body or heaping guilt upon one's head, but instead seeks to turn our attention toward God. Some people find that adding a discipline, instead of doing without something, is more meaningful. We believe that the desire to please God is pleasing to God, and that we become what we habitually do.
Highlands UMC offers a sacrificial breakfast and service with imposition of ashes, beginning at 7am in the 2nd floor parlor. All are welcome as we reflect on this wilderness season of repentance (turning) and discipline (committed, intentional practice).
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Women's Retreat 2009
All women are invited to participate in our annual Highlands UMC Women's Retreat, this year to be held at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, March 27-29. We'll carpool from the church about 3:30 p.m. on Friday and return by 1pm on Sunday.
The cost is dependent on how many women attend, but will be around $90.00, including three meals. We will bring food to share for the other meals.
This is a time of spiritual growth, fellowship and fun. We always have a theme that we explore through discussion, art, etc. We play cards, tell jokes and generally have a great time.
Please let the church know if you would like to attend. Feel free to invite a friend.
This is a time of spiritual growth, fellowship and fun. We always have a theme that we explore through discussion, art, etc. We play cards, tell jokes and generally have a great time.
Please let the church know if you would like to attend. Feel free to invite a friend.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Reconciling Ministry Process
If you are reading this blog, you may already know that Highlands UMC is in the process of deciding whether to become a Reconciling Congregation. We are already a church with a warm and welcoming spirit of hospitality, and we are discerning how God is leading us forward to live that out in our community.
Reconciling Congregations are churches that have approved an official and public statement of welcome that affirms lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons to full participation in the life and leadership of the congregation. You can learn more about this at the Reconciling Ministries Network. Individuals can also sign up as "Reconciling United Methodists."
The next step in our process is a Bible study called Claiming the Promise, an ecumenical, welcoming Bible Study resource on homosexuality. This seven-week Bible study will give our congregation an opportunity to study the Bible together and discuss the issue of full inclusion of Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and Bisexual persons into Highlands UMC. Claiming the Promise:
We are offering this study at two different times:- Examines biblical references to same-sex conduct in light of the broader biblical message which affirms we are children or heirs of the Promise.
- Explores biblical authority and biblical interpretation.
- Discusses "gracious hospitality," "gift-ed sexuality," and "inclusive holiness."
- Tackles hard questions of "right relationship," lust/love, and sexual responsibility.
- Calls us to live out the Promise as reconciling disciples.
Tuesday evening 7:00 - 8:30 PM, Feb. 3 through March 17
or Wednesday afternoon 1:00 - 2:30 PM, Feb. 4 through March 18
Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry will lead these studies. The participant book costs $6.00. If you cannot attend the sessions but are interested in the study, we can still order a book for you.
If you would like to take part but have not yet signed up, please contact the church office immediately. We have placed an initial order for study books, but may still be able to get additional copies in time for our first sessions next week.
May God's Spirit continue to move in your life!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Newsworthy week
The co-occurrence of Human Relations Sunday, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, and the Inauguration of a new and historically significant president this week are not coincidence, but together they bear powerful witness to the statement of Rev. Theodore Parker, better known for being quoted by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." As we give thanks for the progress that humankind has made toward a world where justice and peace are universally recognized as more powerful than oppression and violence, we also acknowledge how much work remains to be done, and we ask God's guidance not only for our new president, but for all people.
For the latest news at Highlands UMC, be sure to get our January-February 2009 newsletter, now available. If you are not on the email list, please contact the church office to get connected.
This Sunday, January 25, Pastor Betty will preach on the call of the disciples, Mark 1:14-20. Faith Café continues at 9am on the 3rd floor - come and take part in some good conversations about questions of faith and spirituality. Hope you'll join us!
For the latest news at Highlands UMC, be sure to get our January-February 2009 newsletter, now available. If you are not on the email list, please contact the church office to get connected.
This Sunday, January 25, Pastor Betty will preach on the call of the disciples, Mark 1:14-20. Faith Café continues at 9am on the 3rd floor - come and take part in some good conversations about questions of faith and spirituality. Hope you'll join us!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Human Relations Sunday and introducing Faith Café!
This Sunday, January 18 we will observe Human Relations Sunday, reflecting on both humanity's struggles with various forms of violence and oppression, and the progress we have made toward a society that better reflects God's reign of justice, compassion, and peace.
Also beginning this week, Highlands UMC will offer a gathering place for discussion and fellowship from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. in the 3rd floor Adult Sunday School room. The Faith Café will offer a coffee machine with specialized coffees and tea. TableTopics, Spirit Edition, question cards will available as conversation starters. Pour a cup of coffee, introduce yourself, pick a card and chat.
Sample questions from TableTopics:
Also beginning this week, Highlands UMC will offer a gathering place for discussion and fellowship from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. in the 3rd floor Adult Sunday School room. The Faith Café will offer a coffee machine with specialized coffees and tea. TableTopics, Spirit Edition, question cards will available as conversation starters. Pour a cup of coffee, introduce yourself, pick a card and chat.
Sample questions from TableTopics:
- Which religious event would you like to have been witness to?
- What is integrity and do you have it?
- Where do you see the divine in your daily life?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Ordinary Time
Having passed Epiphany last Sunday, we enter once again into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This Sunday, January 11 is the first Sunday after Epiphany, when traditionally we observe the "Baptism of the Lord." Pastor Betty is preaching on Acts 19:1-7.
On Sunday, January 18 we will observe Human Relations Sunday, reflecting on both humanity's struggles with various forms of violence and oppression, and the progress we have made toward a society that better reflects God's reign of justice, compassion, and peace.
Stay tuned for information on our upcoming Bible study, Claiming the Promise, to begin in early February.
On Sunday, January 18 we will observe Human Relations Sunday, reflecting on both humanity's struggles with various forms of violence and oppression, and the progress we have made toward a society that better reflects God's reign of justice, compassion, and peace.
Stay tuned for information on our upcoming Bible study, Claiming the Promise, to begin in early February.
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