Vacation Bible School has begun! "Adventure of the Treasure Seekers" continues tonight, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., and tomorrow, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Children from preschool through 5th grade are welcome; we are asking a donation of $10 for one child or $15 per family to help cover the cost of materials.
This Sunday, the children will take part in worship to share what they learned during VBS, and we will celebrate the gifts of children in the life of our community of faith. Worship begins at 10:00 a.m., and all are welcome to stay for fellowship hour after the service.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
July 2 - Holiday Weekend
This Sunday, July 2, we will be blessed with a sermon from Maralyn Devlin, Certified Lay Speaker, from the book of Daniel.
Families, don't forget to sign up for Vacation Bible School next week (July 6, 7, 8 - see below)! We are still in need of some more adult or youth helpers, too. Please contact Pastor Char or join our informational meeting after worship this Sunday.
Any choir members looking for a chance to sing during our off-season? Consider taking part in the Congress Park Choral Union, a new summer-only choir with the motto, "Singing should be fun!" Rehearsals are Sunday and Thursday evenings from July 9 until August 3, with a concert Sunday, August 6 at Christ Church United Methodist, at 690 Colorado Blvd.
Families, don't forget to sign up for Vacation Bible School next week (July 6, 7, 8 - see below)! We are still in need of some more adult or youth helpers, too. Please contact Pastor Char or join our informational meeting after worship this Sunday.
Any choir members looking for a chance to sing during our off-season? Consider taking part in the Congress Park Choral Union, a new summer-only choir with the motto, "Singing should be fun!" Rehearsals are Sunday and Thursday evenings from July 9 until August 3, with a concert Sunday, August 6 at Christ Church United Methodist, at 690 Colorado Blvd.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
June update - yikes!
Where on earth did the last three weeks go?
Thanks to all who helped out with the Highlands Street Fair last week - we gave out lots of information on our Vacation Bible School for this summer, and lots of kids came by and "fished" for prizes. This is a great way for us to reach out in the community and build a positive reputation with the young families in the area.
Speaking of Vacation Bible School, this year's theme is "Adventure of the Treasure Seekers," and we will be exploring God's promises with children (pre-K to 5th grade) July 6, 7, and 8 (Thursday and Friday evening, 6-8pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm). All participants are invited to worship Sunday morning, July 9, for the children to share a song and message about what they learned. All are welcome; cost is $10 per child or $15 per family. Contact the church office at 303-477-5857 to learn more.
If you are interested in helping out with VBS, we would love to have your support, whether as prayers, presence, gifts, or service! Contact the church office or Pastor Char about your area of interest.
This Sunday, June 25, will include celebration of the Kerry Greenhill's commissioning towards Deacon's orders, a significant step on the path to ordination. The worship band will bring special music, and all are invited to stay for coffee and fellowship after the service. Worship begins at 10:00 a.m.
Between now and then, lay and clergy representatives from United Methodist Churches across the region will gather for the 2006 Rocky Mountain Annual Conference, to share in "holy conferencing" and vote on decisions affecting us all as a connectional community. Please keep the delegates and leadership in your prayers as we seek to come together in love and unity, with respect for diverse opinions and a desire to live out the Good News more faithfully in all our different settings.
Thanks to all who helped out with the Highlands Street Fair last week - we gave out lots of information on our Vacation Bible School for this summer, and lots of kids came by and "fished" for prizes. This is a great way for us to reach out in the community and build a positive reputation with the young families in the area.
Speaking of Vacation Bible School, this year's theme is "Adventure of the Treasure Seekers," and we will be exploring God's promises with children (pre-K to 5th grade) July 6, 7, and 8 (Thursday and Friday evening, 6-8pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm). All participants are invited to worship Sunday morning, July 9, for the children to share a song and message about what they learned. All are welcome; cost is $10 per child or $15 per family. Contact the church office at 303-477-5857 to learn more.
If you are interested in helping out with VBS, we would love to have your support, whether as prayers, presence, gifts, or service! Contact the church office or Pastor Char about your area of interest.
This Sunday, June 25, will include celebration of the Kerry Greenhill's commissioning towards Deacon's orders, a significant step on the path to ordination. The worship band will bring special music, and all are invited to stay for coffee and fellowship after the service. Worship begins at 10:00 a.m.
Between now and then, lay and clergy representatives from United Methodist Churches across the region will gather for the 2006 Rocky Mountain Annual Conference, to share in "holy conferencing" and vote on decisions affecting us all as a connectional community. Please keep the delegates and leadership in your prayers as we seek to come together in love and unity, with respect for diverse opinions and a desire to live out the Good News more faithfully in all our different settings.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Wrapping up the parables
Memorial Day may mark the unofficial start of summer, but in the church we are nearing the end of Eastertide and approaching Pentecost.
This Sunday, May 28, will be the final week in our sermon series on the parables. Kerry Greenhill will preach on the Parable of the Sower and the Seeds, Matthew 13:1-9. All are welcome to join us for worship at 10:00, followed by fellowship hour. Hope to see you!
P.S. The good news that God does not take a vacation, but is with us wherever we are, does not always help us to remember that the work and needs of the Church also go on, even when we are not present! Please remember that if you will be out of town, the church still has bills to pay, and your offering may be sent in by mail!
This Sunday, May 28, will be the final week in our sermon series on the parables. Kerry Greenhill will preach on the Parable of the Sower and the Seeds, Matthew 13:1-9. All are welcome to join us for worship at 10:00, followed by fellowship hour. Hope to see you!
P.S. The good news that God does not take a vacation, but is with us wherever we are, does not always help us to remember that the work and needs of the Church also go on, even when we are not present! Please remember that if you will be out of town, the church still has bills to pay, and your offering may be sent in by mail!
Monday, May 15, 2006
Barbeque to benefit the Mayor's Homeless Initiative
This Sunday, May 21, Pastor Betty will continue her sermon series on the parables of Jesus, and the Highlands UMC Worship Band will lead our music. Worship begins at 10:00 a.m.
After church (beginning around 11:15 a.m.), the Missions Committee is sponsoring a BBQ in the church parking lot (corner of 32nd Ave and Osceola), to which all are invited. Donations will go to support our participation the Mayor's Homeless Initiative for Denver, in which Highlands UMC has signed up to sponsor a homeless person or family, providing a month's rent and mentoring support over the course of a year. Come one, come all to enjoy some great food and fellowship and support a worthy cause!
After church (beginning around 11:15 a.m.), the Missions Committee is sponsoring a BBQ in the church parking lot (corner of 32nd Ave and Osceola), to which all are invited. Donations will go to support our participation the Mayor's Homeless Initiative for Denver, in which Highlands UMC has signed up to sponsor a homeless person or family, providing a month's rent and mentoring support over the course of a year. Come one, come all to enjoy some great food and fellowship and support a worthy cause!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Parables, Communion, and the 50th Anniversary of Women's Full Clergy Rights
This Sunday, May 7, we will celebrate Holy Communion during our usual 10:00 worship service. All are welcome at Christ's Table. Pastor Betty will continue her sermon series on the Parables of Jesus.
Next week, May 14, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women in The United Methodist Church and its predecessor denominations. Today, May 4, is the exact anniversary.
On this day in 1956, the General Conference of The Methodist Church voted to affirm full clergy rights for women, ending a long history of baby steps and individual cases of recognizing women called to ministry with decisive action. The United Methodist Church has declared 2006 a year to recognize this 50th anniversary, and so here are a couple resources for those interested in exploring the issue further:
This month's issue of the Circuit Rider is full of articles on women in ministry.
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry sponsors a website by, for, and about UM Clergywomen.
And with no disrespect intended toward the many fine men who have served the church, I offer The Top 10 Reasons Why Men Should Not Be Ordained:
10. A man's place is in the army.
9. For men who have children, their duties might distract them from the responsibilities of being a parent.
8. Their physical build indicates that men are more suited to tasks such as chopping down trees and wrestling mountain lions. It would be "unnatural" for them to do other forms of work.
7. Man was created before woman. It is therefore obvious that man was a prototype. Thus, they represent an experiment, rather than the crowning achievement of creation.
6. Men are too emotional to be priests or pastors. This is easily demonstrated by their conduct at football games and watching basketball tournaments.
5. Some men are handsome; they will distract women worshipers.
4. To be ordained pastor is to nurture the congregation. But this is not a traditional male role. Rather, throughout history, women have been considered to be not only more skilled than men at nurturing, but also more frequently attracted to it. This makes them the obvious choice for ordination.
3. Men are overly prone to violence. No really manly man wants to settle disputes by any means other than by fighting about it. Thus, they would be poor role models, as well as being dangerously unstable in positions of leadership.
2. Men can still be involved in church activities, even without being ordained. They can sweep paths, repair the church roof, and maybe even lead the singing on Father's Day. By confining themselves to such traditional male roles, they can still be vitally important in the life of the Church.
1. In the New Testament account, the person who betrayed Jesus was a man. Thus, his lack of faith and ensuing punishment stands as a symbol of the subordinated position that all men should take.
Next week, May 14, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women in The United Methodist Church and its predecessor denominations. Today, May 4, is the exact anniversary.
On this day in 1956, the General Conference of The Methodist Church voted to affirm full clergy rights for women, ending a long history of baby steps and individual cases of recognizing women called to ministry with decisive action. The United Methodist Church has declared 2006 a year to recognize this 50th anniversary, and so here are a couple resources for those interested in exploring the issue further:
This month's issue of the Circuit Rider is full of articles on women in ministry.
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry sponsors a website by, for, and about UM Clergywomen.
And with no disrespect intended toward the many fine men who have served the church, I offer The Top 10 Reasons Why Men Should Not Be Ordained:
10. A man's place is in the army.
9. For men who have children, their duties might distract them from the responsibilities of being a parent.
8. Their physical build indicates that men are more suited to tasks such as chopping down trees and wrestling mountain lions. It would be "unnatural" for them to do other forms of work.
7. Man was created before woman. It is therefore obvious that man was a prototype. Thus, they represent an experiment, rather than the crowning achievement of creation.
6. Men are too emotional to be priests or pastors. This is easily demonstrated by their conduct at football games and watching basketball tournaments.
5. Some men are handsome; they will distract women worshipers.
4. To be ordained pastor is to nurture the congregation. But this is not a traditional male role. Rather, throughout history, women have been considered to be not only more skilled than men at nurturing, but also more frequently attracted to it. This makes them the obvious choice for ordination.
3. Men are overly prone to violence. No really manly man wants to settle disputes by any means other than by fighting about it. Thus, they would be poor role models, as well as being dangerously unstable in positions of leadership.
2. Men can still be involved in church activities, even without being ordained. They can sweep paths, repair the church roof, and maybe even lead the singing on Father's Day. By confining themselves to such traditional male roles, they can still be vitally important in the life of the Church.
1. In the New Testament account, the person who betrayed Jesus was a man. Thus, his lack of faith and ensuing punishment stands as a symbol of the subordinated position that all men should take.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Parables
Tomorrow we will look at the parables of Jesus. Why did he use parables? What was he hoping to convey? Why be mysterious?
Check out these verses from Matthew 13 in The Message (a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible).
In the next few weeks, the sermon will focus on specific parables.
Hope to see you there!
Check out these verses from Matthew 13 in The Message (a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible).
In the next few weeks, the sermon will focus on specific parables.
Hope to see you there!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Second Sunday of Easter
Did you know that, like Christmas, Easter is not just a single day, but a liturgical season? Christian traditions and communities that follow a liturgical calendar observe Eastertide for seven weeks, from Easter Sunday until Pentecost. It is a season of joyful celebration, of remembering the Resurrection and the disciples' experiences of the living Christ among them, with white or gold as the traditional liturgical color.
This Sunday we have a guest preacher, Rev. Carla Ficke, who will bring us a message on "Leap of Faith." If you would like to read the scriptures in preparation for worship, check out John 20:19-31 and Psalm 133. Our seasonal chime choir will play special music. Pastor Betty returns next week.
This Sunday we have a guest preacher, Rev. Carla Ficke, who will bring us a message on "Leap of Faith." If you would like to read the scriptures in preparation for worship, check out John 20:19-31 and Psalm 133. Our seasonal chime choir will play special music. Pastor Betty returns next week.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Holy Week
With the celebration of Palm/Passion Sunday this week, we have entered into Holy Week, the final days before Jesus' death - and resurrection. All are welcome to come to a service of Communion and Stations of the Cross on Maundy Thursday at 7:00 p.m., as well as our Easter celebration this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (Pancake Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m.; see below for details).
In addition, Holy Week is a good time to reflect thoughtfully on scripture and the steps of Jesus. If you are looking for daily readings or prayers, I invite you to visit the following:
Sacred Space: the prayer site run by the Irish Jesuits.
CRI/Voice.Institute: Biblical and theological resources for growing Christians, based in the Wesleyan tradition. In addition to the introduction to/explanation of Holy Week linked above, this site also has a schedule of suggested daily readings, adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, and another schedule from the Revised Common Lectionary.
Lenten Reflections from the Upper Room: Note the lectionary scripture readings on the right side of the screen.
In addition, Holy Week is a good time to reflect thoughtfully on scripture and the steps of Jesus. If you are looking for daily readings or prayers, I invite you to visit the following:
Sacred Space: the prayer site run by the Irish Jesuits.
CRI/Voice.Institute: Biblical and theological resources for growing Christians, based in the Wesleyan tradition. In addition to the introduction to/explanation of Holy Week linked above, this site also has a schedule of suggested daily readings, adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, and another schedule from the Revised Common Lectionary.
Lenten Reflections from the Upper Room: Note the lectionary scripture readings on the right side of the screen.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Approaching Holy Week
Sisters and brothers, Lent is drawing to a close. This Sunday, April 9, is Palm Sunday, when we remember and celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when the crowds cried "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" Yet the joyful shouts turned quickly to betrayal, and as we move through the week we remember Jesus' last supper with his disciples and the "new commandment," "love one another as I have loved you," and his capture and trial by those who were disturbed by his teachings and power. On Good Friday we remember Jesus' crucifixion, the death of a man so faithful that a Roman centurion who saw it was moved to say, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" Of course, we already know the surprise twist at the end of the story as we build toward the empty tomb on Easter Sunday, April 16, but for now we walk with Jesus in our hearts toward Jerusalem.
At Highlands UMC, all are welcome to join us for Holy Week services:
Sunday, April 9: Palm Sunday Worship, 10 a.m. The Gospel of Mark will be told as story - a wonderful way to hear and experience the Good News as though for the first time.
Thursday, April 13: Maundy Thursday Worship, 7 p.m. We remember how, on the night before Jesus died, he had dinner with his friends. The name "Maundy Thursday" comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning commandment, referring to the new commandment to love one another.
Sunday, April 16: Easter Sunday
Pancake Breakfast, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. Join us for pancakes and fellowship as we celebrate the Risen Christ! We will be accepting donations to help fund The Mayor's Homeless Initiative. Plan on attending this fundraising, resurrection event and bring your friends!
Worship, 10 a.m. Celebrate the Resurrection joyfully with word, song, and sacrament. The United Methodist Church serves open Communion - all are welcome at the Table. As is our tradition, we end Easter worship with the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. What better way to praise God for the gift of new life in Christ!
Hope to see you there!
At Highlands UMC, all are welcome to join us for Holy Week services:
Sunday, April 9: Palm Sunday Worship, 10 a.m. The Gospel of Mark will be told as story - a wonderful way to hear and experience the Good News as though for the first time.
Thursday, April 13: Maundy Thursday Worship, 7 p.m. We remember how, on the night before Jesus died, he had dinner with his friends. The name "Maundy Thursday" comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning commandment, referring to the new commandment to love one another.
Sunday, April 16: Easter Sunday
Pancake Breakfast, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. Join us for pancakes and fellowship as we celebrate the Risen Christ! We will be accepting donations to help fund The Mayor's Homeless Initiative. Plan on attending this fundraising, resurrection event and bring your friends!
Worship, 10 a.m. Celebrate the Resurrection joyfully with word, song, and sacrament. The United Methodist Church serves open Communion - all are welcome at the Table. As is our tradition, we end Easter worship with the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. What better way to praise God for the gift of new life in Christ!
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Lent continues
As we continue the journey through this wilderness season, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on your spiritual practices, disciplines, and self-care. We are mid-way through Lent already, but I would like to recommend a book I'm reading: A Clearing Season: Reflections for Lent, by Sarah Parsons. This is a wonderful guide to some intentional inner work that is both practical in its specificity and powerful in its insights. I bought my copy from MethodX.net (visit their store), but I'm sure it's available from other fine booksellers.
This Sunday, March 26, Pastor Betty is back to preach, and the Highlands UMC Band will also lead us in worship. The adult Sunday school class on World Religions continues with a session on Islam.
Sunday, April 2, we will celebrate Communion. April 9 is Palm Sunday, when an ensemble performance of The Gospel of Mark will provide a new and different way for us to hear and reflect on the Good News. More information on Holy Week services coming soon - hope to see you at Highlands this week!
This Sunday, March 26, Pastor Betty is back to preach, and the Highlands UMC Band will also lead us in worship. The adult Sunday school class on World Religions continues with a session on Islam.
Sunday, April 2, we will celebrate Communion. April 9 is Palm Sunday, when an ensemble performance of The Gospel of Mark will provide a new and different way for us to hear and reflect on the Good News. More information on Holy Week services coming soon - hope to see you at Highlands this week!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Lent begins
I apologize for the lack of updates in the past few weeks. Things are getting busy! (I know, it's a lame excuse, but it's also true...)
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, when we remember Jesus' time in the wilderness and focus on our own journey of discipleship.
Pastor Betty offers this note of invitation to all:
Lent symbolizes the journey and suffering that Christ made in response to his faithfulness to God. We come together at 7:00 a.m. on Ash Wednesday for our sacrificial breakfast. Come and begin the journey towards wholeness with the fellowship of your brothers and sisters of Highlands UMC. We will have a light breakfast followed by a worship service of communion and imposition of ashes.
This Sunday we will have a new adult Sunday school class on World Religions, taught by Barbara and Paul Brekus. Contact the church office to learn more: highlands32@aol.com.
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, when we remember Jesus' time in the wilderness and focus on our own journey of discipleship.
Pastor Betty offers this note of invitation to all:
Lent symbolizes the journey and suffering that Christ made in response to his faithfulness to God. We come together at 7:00 a.m. on Ash Wednesday for our sacrificial breakfast. Come and begin the journey towards wholeness with the fellowship of your brothers and sisters of Highlands UMC. We will have a light breakfast followed by a worship service of communion and imposition of ashes.
This Sunday we will have a new adult Sunday school class on World Religions, taught by Barbara and Paul Brekus. Contact the church office to learn more: highlands32@aol.com.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
New Members & Fellowship Hall Dedication
This Sunday we will have some new members join Highlands UMC during worship! Hope you'll all be there to celebrate as we welcome new members into our church family.
After worship, we will also celebrate the life and service of a faithful member who died last year, Elwyn Ashford. All are welcome to come for lunch provided by the Hospitality Committee as we dedicate the fellowship hall to Elwyn's memory as "Ashford Hall."
After worship, we will also celebrate the life and service of a faithful member who died last year, Elwyn Ashford. All are welcome to come for lunch provided by the Hospitality Committee as we dedicate the fellowship hall to Elwyn's memory as "Ashford Hall."
Thursday, January 19, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, January 09, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Christmastide
No, that's not what happens at the beach on December 25 (Christmas-tide, get it?! I kill me). Christmas - like most of the rest of the church calendar - is more than just a single day. In Christian tradition, the twelve days of Christmas run from December 25 to January 6, when we celebrate Epiphany, the arrival of the wise people bearing gifts for the baby Jesus (who was actually a toddler by that time).
Epiphany is about the gifts that we offer to God, and but it is also about celebrating the gift of God revealed to the world in the person of Jesus. This year, Epiphany Sunday falls on January 1, New Year's Day, which means we miss our usual Sunday-after-Christmas worship to sing Christmas carols and proclaim the joy of Christ among us. (For those who missed our brunch and carol-singing on Christmas Day, don't feel like you have to put away your Christmas music or tree just yet - you can keep on celebrating the birth of Jesus at home, really as long as you want, but at least until January 6 without being out of place in the liturgical calendar!)
This Sunday, January 1, we will celebrate Epiphany at Highlands UMC with the performance of a contemporary play, "The Gift of the Magi" (based on the short story by O. Henry, which is often assigned in high school English classes), brought to us by the Rising Curtain Theatre and Dance Academy. Come at 10:00 a.m. to begin worship as usual, and stay afterwards for refreshments and fellowship. As always, all are welcome, whether you have been in the church all your life, or have more questions than answers about this whole God/Jesus/faith thing - or both!
Highlands UMC is located at 3131 Osceola Street in northwest Denver, at the intersection of 32nd Avenue and Osceola. See our website (link at right), or call the church office at 303-477-5857 for more information.
Merry Christmas to all!
Epiphany is about the gifts that we offer to God, and but it is also about celebrating the gift of God revealed to the world in the person of Jesus. This year, Epiphany Sunday falls on January 1, New Year's Day, which means we miss our usual Sunday-after-Christmas worship to sing Christmas carols and proclaim the joy of Christ among us. (For those who missed our brunch and carol-singing on Christmas Day, don't feel like you have to put away your Christmas music or tree just yet - you can keep on celebrating the birth of Jesus at home, really as long as you want, but at least until January 6 without being out of place in the liturgical calendar!)
This Sunday, January 1, we will celebrate Epiphany at Highlands UMC with the performance of a contemporary play, "The Gift of the Magi" (based on the short story by O. Henry, which is often assigned in high school English classes), brought to us by the Rising Curtain Theatre and Dance Academy. Come at 10:00 a.m. to begin worship as usual, and stay afterwards for refreshments and fellowship. As always, all are welcome, whether you have been in the church all your life, or have more questions than answers about this whole God/Jesus/faith thing - or both!
Highlands UMC is located at 3131 Osceola Street in northwest Denver, at the intersection of 32nd Avenue and Osceola. See our website (link at right), or call the church office at 303-477-5857 for more information.
Merry Christmas to all!
Monday, December 12, 2005
Time is drawing nigh...
Sorry I missed posting last week. I hope you all found the information you needed one way or another! Thank you to all who offered encouragement after my preaching this morning. May God speak to you in new and surprising ways throughout this week.
For those who have not heard, our senior pastor, Betty Bradford, has completed her Doctor of Ministry degree, and is now the Rev. Dr. Betty J. Bradford. Three cheers for Betty Jo!
This week includes a continuation of the Advent study group (Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.), Choir rehearsal (Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.), and worship on Sunday, December 18 (10:00 a.m.) led by our praise band. This week we arrive at the fourth Sunday of Advent, when we celebrate the Love that God showed by taking human form in the birth of Jesus. In the Advent wreath, this is the fourth candle: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love surround a white Christ candle to be lit on Christmas Eve.
As we draw close to Christmas, I want to let you know about a couple other opportunities for worship and fellowship that are coming up.
Thursday, December 22, at 7:00 p.m., Highlands UMC will hold a Blue Christmas service. This will be a service of music, readings, and prayer, dedicated to the reality that the holidays are a difficult time for many people. If you are finding it hard to be joyful in this season, whatever the reason, this service is for you. All are welcome.
Christmas Eve (Saturday, December 24, in case you were wondering!) we hold two worship services. The Chancel Choir will sing at both.
For those who have not heard, our senior pastor, Betty Bradford, has completed her Doctor of Ministry degree, and is now the Rev. Dr. Betty J. Bradford. Three cheers for Betty Jo!
This week includes a continuation of the Advent study group (Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.), Choir rehearsal (Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.), and worship on Sunday, December 18 (10:00 a.m.) led by our praise band. This week we arrive at the fourth Sunday of Advent, when we celebrate the Love that God showed by taking human form in the birth of Jesus. In the Advent wreath, this is the fourth candle: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love surround a white Christ candle to be lit on Christmas Eve.
As we draw close to Christmas, I want to let you know about a couple other opportunities for worship and fellowship that are coming up.
Thursday, December 22, at 7:00 p.m., Highlands UMC will hold a Blue Christmas service. This will be a service of music, readings, and prayer, dedicated to the reality that the holidays are a difficult time for many people. If you are finding it hard to be joyful in this season, whatever the reason, this service is for you. All are welcome.
Christmas Eve (Saturday, December 24, in case you were wondering!) we hold two worship services. The Chancel Choir will sing at both.
- Family service at 6:30 p.m.: an opportunity to enjoy the presence of children and a homily from Pastor Betty.
- Carols, Communion, and Candlelight at 10:30 p.m.: a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ through music and Sacrament.
Sunday, December 25 is Christmas Day! During our regular time for worship, all are invited to gather for an informal Christmas breakfast fellowship, when we will sing more carols and share stories of what Christmas means to us. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Parlor (second floor, where coffee/fellowship hour is usually held).
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to post a comment or contact the church office. Blessings on your preparations for the coming of Christ!
Monday, November 28, 2005
Advent: a season of waiting and preparation
Happy New Year! Did you know that Advent is the beginning of the liturgical (worship-based) year for the Christian church? In this season of waiting and preparing for the coming of Christ - both Christ's coming in the birth of Jesus and Christ's coming again/continually in our lives and the world to bring about the New Heaven and New Earth - we traditionally read passages from the Bible that describe the Israelites' longings for a messiah, an anointed one from God who would bring God's will to life in the midst of oppression and exile, renewing the ancient covenant. We also read about the people in the gospels who recognized and proclaimed that God was about to do something new in the person of Jesus. And some of the passages in the lectionary readings relate to early Christians' anticipation of the return of Christ to "make all things new," and to initiate the reign of God on earth.
Obviously, our culture's tendency to commercialize holy days and encourage overindulgence are not very compatible with the theological focus of Advent on waiting, keeping watch, preparing, and celebrating something so small as the birth of a child and so radical as the entrance of the divine Creator into the flesh and blood of humankind. Questions to reflect on might include, What are you waiting for in your own life? How are you making room for Christ to be born in you?
If you would like to learn more about the meaning of Advent, or would like to take some time for intentional reflection in the midst of this hectic time, you are invited to join the Advent study group on Tuesday nights (below). You may also wish to spend a little time each day in reading or meditation; in addition to the many fine print resources available for Advent (check out Cokesbury's selection, for example), you might consider The Upper Room's daily Advent reflections or study guide. If you're not already in the habit of daily devotional reading, you may be surprised at how much difference 5-10 minutes a day of focusing on God can make for your sense of grounding and spiritual wellbeing.
On a more communal note, this week Highlands UMC offers a number of opportunities to get into the spirit of the season (in case "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" at the mall doesn't work for you):
Tuesday, November 29, 7:00 p.m. Advent study group begins, using Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas, by Jan Richardson (details below). Books will be available for purchase at the gathering, which will last approximately an hour.
Saturday, December 3, 2:00 p.m. Hanging of the Greens. All are welcome to come for some holiday cheer with hot cider and cookies, Christmas music, and good fellowship as we decorate the church for the season. If you would like to help provide refreshments or teach a craft to others, please contact the church.
Sunday, December 4, Rev. Betty Bradford will preach on our Advent theme of Peace, as we remember that one title for Jesus as Christ is "Prince of Peace." Guest singers from the Columbine Chorale will join in singing with the Highlands Chancel Choir to provide special music. Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. After worship (starting around 11:15 a.m.), the Missions Committee will sponsor a brunch, with donations collected to provide Christmas stockings for children in HeadStart. Donations of candy for the stockings also gladly accepted!
Hope to see you sometime this week!
Obviously, our culture's tendency to commercialize holy days and encourage overindulgence are not very compatible with the theological focus of Advent on waiting, keeping watch, preparing, and celebrating something so small as the birth of a child and so radical as the entrance of the divine Creator into the flesh and blood of humankind. Questions to reflect on might include, What are you waiting for in your own life? How are you making room for Christ to be born in you?
If you would like to learn more about the meaning of Advent, or would like to take some time for intentional reflection in the midst of this hectic time, you are invited to join the Advent study group on Tuesday nights (below). You may also wish to spend a little time each day in reading or meditation; in addition to the many fine print resources available for Advent (check out Cokesbury's selection, for example), you might consider The Upper Room's daily Advent reflections or study guide. If you're not already in the habit of daily devotional reading, you may be surprised at how much difference 5-10 minutes a day of focusing on God can make for your sense of grounding and spiritual wellbeing.
On a more communal note, this week Highlands UMC offers a number of opportunities to get into the spirit of the season (in case "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" at the mall doesn't work for you):
Tuesday, November 29, 7:00 p.m. Advent study group begins, using Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas, by Jan Richardson (details below). Books will be available for purchase at the gathering, which will last approximately an hour.
Saturday, December 3, 2:00 p.m. Hanging of the Greens. All are welcome to come for some holiday cheer with hot cider and cookies, Christmas music, and good fellowship as we decorate the church for the season. If you would like to help provide refreshments or teach a craft to others, please contact the church.
Sunday, December 4, Rev. Betty Bradford will preach on our Advent theme of Peace, as we remember that one title for Jesus as Christ is "Prince of Peace." Guest singers from the Columbine Chorale will join in singing with the Highlands Chancel Choir to provide special music. Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. After worship (starting around 11:15 a.m.), the Missions Committee will sponsor a brunch, with donations collected to provide Christmas stockings for children in HeadStart. Donations of candy for the stockings also gladly accepted!
Hope to see you sometime this week!
Monday, November 21, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving to all, and welcome to Advent!
As often happens, Thanksgiving this year runs right up against the first Sunday of Advent. Everything feels rushed, at least to me, and it's hard to shift gears so quickly from harvest/family/giving thanks/fall/home & hearth moments to what, in the Christian liturgical calendar, is a season of preparation for the coming of Christ. It is hard enough to resist the commercialized, sentimental, headlong rush to Christmas without tripping over the turkey feast at the beginning.
But enough sermonizing. May you have much to be thankful for, and may the blessings of family and friends outweigh the struggles of life, at least for a little while.
This year, we will follow the traditional themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Each Sunday we will light another candle on the Advent wreath, and also learn about the decorations on our Chrismon tree.
For those interested in taking some time for personal reflection and group discussion, I will be leading an Advent study group using the book Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas, by Jan Richardson. This is a beautiful devotional resource utilizing poetry, personal anecdotes, and art to explore the movement of the season. We'll meet Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, from Nov. 29 through Dec. 20, at the church. Each session will include time for discussion of the book, reflection and prayer, as well as creative expression. I highly recommend the book to all (whether you come to the group study time or not!), but know also that all are welcome to the group gatherings, even if you haven't read the book. If you'd like to know more, please contact the church to get in touch with me.
Coming this week and next:
Wednesday, November 23: No choir rehearsal! (You can come and sing anyway if you want, but most of us won't be there.)
Sunday, November 27: First Sunday of Advent. Dixie Darr and Maralyn Devlin will bring us a message on the theme of "Hope." Worship begins at 10:00 a.m., with Christian Education for all ages at 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, November 29: Advent study group meets (7:00 p.m.). We will begin to explore Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas, by Jan Richardson (details above).
But enough sermonizing. May you have much to be thankful for, and may the blessings of family and friends outweigh the struggles of life, at least for a little while.
This year, we will follow the traditional themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Each Sunday we will light another candle on the Advent wreath, and also learn about the decorations on our Chrismon tree.
For those interested in taking some time for personal reflection and group discussion, I will be leading an Advent study group using the book Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas, by Jan Richardson. This is a beautiful devotional resource utilizing poetry, personal anecdotes, and art to explore the movement of the season. We'll meet Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, from Nov. 29 through Dec. 20, at the church. Each session will include time for discussion of the book, reflection and prayer, as well as creative expression. I highly recommend the book to all (whether you come to the group study time or not!), but know also that all are welcome to the group gatherings, even if you haven't read the book. If you'd like to know more, please contact the church to get in touch with me.
Coming this week and next:
Wednesday, November 23: No choir rehearsal! (You can come and sing anyway if you want, but most of us won't be there.)
Sunday, November 27: First Sunday of Advent. Dixie Darr and Maralyn Devlin will bring us a message on the theme of "Hope." Worship begins at 10:00 a.m., with Christian Education for all ages at 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, November 29: Advent study group meets (7:00 p.m.). We will begin to explore Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas, by Jan Richardson (details above).
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