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.

12 Days of Christmas: Epiphany

Looks like I forgot to post information about our later Advent and Christmas Eve services. Sorry about that. We thoroughly enjoyed the children's Christmas Pageant and bell choir on Dec. 22, and had a full house for our lovely Christmas Eve service, featuring harpists, violin, choir, carols, Communion, and candlelight. If you weren't able to attend, I hope you'll visit us some Sunday morning (10am) in the near future.

This Sunday, January 6, is (the first day of) Epiphany, when we recall the story of the Magi (wise ones) who followed a star from the east to bring gifts to the young Jesus. Traditionally, the 12 days of Christmas began with December 25 and ended with January 6. The story of the Magi is told only in the 1st Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12), and implies that Mary and Joseph were staying in a house in Bethlehem when their foreign visitors arrived. In this story, there is a strong undercurrent of danger and political unease, as King Herod reacts to the news of a new king being born with paranoia and violence. The gifts that the Magi bring represent attributes that the Gospel writer wished to affirm about Jesus: gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, and myrrh for a body to be buried. But the text does not specify that there were 3 people, nor that they were kings. (For a more extensive critical reading of this text, check out this Lectionary Homiletics article.)

The Highlands UMC Worship Band will add to our music this week, as we enter the season of Epiphany. The term "epiphany" means "to make known," or "to reveal," and the focus of the season is on the ways in which God's revelation in Jesus was made known to the world, especially through the early signs and wonders of Jesus' life and ministry: his baptism by John in the Jordan, turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, and his transfiguration on the mountain with Peter, James, and John.

I hope you will join us to experience and know for yourself the love and light of Christ made known in our world 2000 years ago and continually today!

Advent waiting, preparation, celebration

Last-minute reminder:
Tonight, Friday, December 7, is our monthly Parents' Night Out. Childcare is provided from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. for any members of the community who wish to participate. Parents may register with the church office or just show up at 6pm; first child is $20 and each sibling is $15.

Advent is underway, and this Sunday our worship will focus on "A Vision of Peace," drawing from Isaiah 11:1-10. We prepare to welcome Christ into our lives again in the form of a helpless baby, born to unmarried parents with no resources, in a strange city, in a forgotten corner of occupied territory. God does enter the world in strange ways sometimes! Worship is at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday.

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

Saturday, December 15 we'll offer a special morning of Parents' Day Out for those who need to get some Christmas shopping done without the little ones underfoot! Same rates as on our first Friday evenings ($20/first child, $15/sibling) for children to come, play, and enjoy some Christmas craft activities from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A snack/light lunch will be served. Please call or email the church if you wish to sign up.

At the same time that morning, we'll have a Church Clean-Up to prepare for Christmas guests. A variety of projects are available for willing and able bodies of all ages!

Sunday, December 16 our worship will explore the "Song of Love" that is part of this season. We'll hear and sing different versions of the Magnificat, the poetic response of Mary to the news that she would bear a holy child, as well as the meaning of Christ's coming as a love song that God sings to us.

At Highlands UMC, all people are welcome. I hope you'll join us for worship at this wonderful time of year!

Another year is done...

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

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

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


Sneak preview of things to come:

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

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

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

Hope to see you at Highlands UMC!

Time to Give Thanks

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

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

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

Building a Life of Service

Have you ever wondered why we call our gathering each Sunday a worship "service"? Do you think of it as a time to give services or receive services? Appropriately, the Greek word leitourgia, from which we get our English word "liturgy" (generally referring to the order or form of worship) means "the work of the people," so there must be some connection between work, worship, and ministry in the world.

This Sunday, October 21, we will celebrate Laity Sunday on the theme of "Building a Life of Service," part of our "Building a Life Together" stewardship (and discipleship) campaign this month. While we won't attempt to answer every question, I hope you will join us for an exploration of what it means to worship God and follow Christ by serving each other and those around us. Pastor Betty will be back with us, but the laypeople are in charge this week!

In case anyone's checking in here who may have missed the email announcement, please keep Ginger Thomas and her family in your prayers on the death of her grandmother, Harrietta Griffith. Harrietta was a member of Highlands UMC as a young adult and returned in recent years with Ginger. Services will be at Olinger Crown Hill (29th and Wadsworth) tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., with a reception at the church afterwards.

Happy Coming Out Day!

Today is National Coming Out Day, an opportunity for people to be honest about their lives and for straight allies to show support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning friends, families, neighbors, coworkers and colleagues. Highlands UMC is a community of faith that celebrates people of any sexual orientation and gender identity, a place where we proclaim the Good News that God's love knows no bounds.

This Saturday - final reminder - is the Northwest Denver CROPWalk, starting at 9am from Highlands Lutheran Church at 40th and Irving. Even if you don't have time to collect sponsors, you could show up and join us for the walk - we walk because millions of people in the two-thirds world have to walk several miles each day, for employment, food, and water.

This Sunday, October 14, Pastor Kerry will preach on "Building a Life of Faith," the first Sunday in our stewardship campaign focusing on "Building a Life Together." I know, you don't want to hear about money in church, but trust me, stewardship is about much more than just meeting the church budget needs for the year: it's about a way of living out your faith with trust, gratitude, and generosity. Worship is at 10am, with Christian Education for all ages at 9am. We hope you'll stay and get to know us a little during our Fellowship Hour (more like half an hour, depending on who stays and what the food is!) right after worship!

Next Tuesday evening, October 16, Missy and Paul Snyder will host the first Home Meeting for folks to reflect on what stewardship means in a more personal setting. Contact the church office to learn more.

Blessings on your week!

This Week: Guest Preacher Rev. Maggie Roe, World Communion Sunday

This Sunday, October 7, we are privileged to have Rev. Maggie Roe, a Chaplain for The Denver Hospice, share a message with us. We are also celebrating World Communion Sunday, an international ecumenical observance that reminds us of the unity of the Body of Christ around the world, even in our diversity. Judy Hagerman is providing music during Communion. I hope you will join us for this special service!

This is also a very quick last-minute reminder that "Parents' Night Out" is this evening (6:00 - 10:00 p.m.), offering childcare to the community. If you would like to help out, or if you would like to register your children, please contact Kristi Conroy. This is a new ministry we are offering the first Friday evening of every month, and it is only possible if many people serve as volunteers.

And don't forget that next Saturday, October 13, is the Northwest Denver CROPWalk. If you would like to help fight hunger by walking, or by sponsoring someone else to walk, please contact a member of the Missions Committee.

Stay tuned for information about our upcoming Stewardship Campaign, "Building a Life Together"!