Saturday, December 27, 2008
12 days of Christmas
This Sunday, December 28, we welcome guest preacher Rev. Tom English as we continue our celebration of Christmastide. Next week, January 4, Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry return for the beginning of the season of Epiphany. Hope you'll join us!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Blue Christmas & Children's Worship
Blue Christmas: Thursday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the second floor parlor - A service of hope and comfort for all who struggle during the holidays.
Children's Worship Service: Sunday, December 21 at 10:00 a.m. - Our children will lead us to Bethlehem and the mystery of the stable with song and drama. Our presence is our gift to the children as we encourage their life of faith, and their faith and witness is their gift to us.
And of course, next week is our Christmas Eve service of Carols, Communion and Candlelight: Wednesday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to a spirit-filled time of beautiful music and a thoughtful message about who it is we welcome at Christmas.
Bring family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or just yourself and your questions! All are welcome at Highlands UMC, an open and affirming intergenerational community of faith.
Monday, December 08, 2008
3rd week of Advent
In addition to the various Advent announcements and activities below, those interested in caroling for Holiday in the Highlands this Sunday are invited to rehearse Wednesday evening 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. before choir rehearsal.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Advent, Advent, Advent!
This Sunday, December 7, Pastor Betty is preaching on "Revolutionary Peace," based on Mark 1:1-8. This week is also Holy Communion, which we celebrate the first Sunday of each month. All are welcome at Christ's table.
Pastor Kerry is leading an Advent study Wednesday afternoons 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. called "What Do You Want for Christmas?" Even if you missed the first week, you are welcome to join us!
On Thursday, December 18, we will offer a "Blue Christmas" service at 7:00 p.m. in the parlor on the 2nd floor. This is a sacred space and time for all who struggle during the holidays, whether because of grief, loneliness, abuse, economic hard times, depression, or other reasons. We find that hope is most meaningful when we can acknowledge the realities of life.
Our children are eagerly preparing their Christmas play, Mystery in the Stable, which will be presented on Sunday, December 21 during our 10am worship service. If you would like your child(ren) to participate, you can learn more at our Children's Ministry page, or you can contact the church office.
Blessings on you and your family as you prepare to welcome Christ once again!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving! ... and welcome, Advent!
This Sunday, November 30, is the first Sunday of Advent, the season of preparation for the coming of Jesus. We spend four Sundays considering Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy as we both prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth and anticipate Jesus coming among us again. This week Pastor Kerry is preaching on Isaiah 64:1-9 and Mark 13:24-37, some difficult texts that invite us to consider what it means to hold onto "Wild Hope" as we enter Advent.
An Advent study called "What Do You Want for Christmas" will be offered Wednesdays 3:00 - 4:00 p.m., led by Pastor Kerry, and Sunday mornings 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. (Sunday leadership TBA). Contact the church office to learn more.
We hope you'll join us for worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Sunday School meets at 9:00 a.m.; child care is available throughout the morning. ALL are welcome!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Consecration Sunday and Thanksgiving
This Sunday, November 16, we will consecrate our commitments to the church in the form of pledging our financial giving and the ways we serve. Stewardship is not only about money, but it is a question of how we care for, use, and honor all the gifts and resources available to us. When we believe that all good gifts come from God, it makes sense to offer up a portion of those gifts toward the building of God's kin'dom.
Next week, November 23, we celebrate a time of Thanksgiving in preparation for the national holiday. Bring your own thankfulness or borrow someone else's!
Monday, October 27, 2008
All Saints' Sunday and Conflict Resolution Workshops
Beginning this Sunday: In our ongoing process of learning to offer Christian love and grace to everyone, Pastor Betty is offering workshops designed to help us resolve conflict in healthy ways. These workshops are free and open to everyone in our congregation. I hope you will make attending a priority in your busy lives.
You may choose from the following:
Sunday mornings - November 2, 9, 16 & 23 from 9:-9:45 a.m. (Adult Sunday School)
Wednesday afternoons - November 5 and 12 from 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Thursday evenings - November 6 and 13 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Workshops will meet on the 3rd floor. Please prayerfully consider attending these informative sessions.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Stewardship Campaign, Forums on "Bridges Out of Poverty"
Our theme is drawn from our children's time prayer: In all that we think, in all that we say, in all that we do, may we glorify You. We invite you to prayerfully consider how you are active in our congregation, and whether there is some area in which you might expand the ways you contribute in the coming year, whether through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, or your witness.
This Sunday, October 19, you are invited to stay after worship for a spaghetti supper hosted by the Missions Committee, where your donations will go towards purchasing supplies to fill Christmas stockings for HeadStart children.
We also would like to bring to your attention a four-week series of forums at Trinity UMC downtown on "Bridges Out of Poverty." Please consider joining others from across the Denver area to learn more about how we can be involved in building a stronger community for all people.
Bridges Out of Poverty
Trinity United Methodist Church, one of the partner agencies with Hunger for Justice, is hosting four weeks of forums called "Bridges Out of Poverty." Learn more about the transformation that is taking place throughout our community and the challenges that still remain. The forums are from 7 - 9 pm on Thursday nights at Trinity, 1820 Broadway, Denver. (Free parking is available in the lot north of the church).
Rev.Daniel Klawitter, UMDeacon and religious organizer for FRESC, will open the forum Oct. 16 with Deborah Ortega and Shawn DeBerry.
Brad Wood, Executive Director for Hunger for Justice will speak about advocacy work and systemic challenges on October 23rd. You are encouraged to attend any or all of these.
Oct. 16 - How Far Have We Come Along “Denver’s Road Home?” Deborah Ortega, Executive Director of Denver’s Commission to End Homelessness-Shawn Deberry –Mayor Hickenlooper’s Clergy Council– Rev. Daniel Klawitter, Religious Outreach FRESCOct. 23 - Bridging the Culture of Poverty with the Culture of Possibility - William Lewis, Program Director, Denver Urban Ministries –Brad Wood, Ex. Dir., Hunger for Justice, Interfaith Voices Against Poverty
Oct. 30 –What’s Working? Cecilia Broder, Mile High United Way- Don & Lynn Burns, Families & Allies - Rev. Tina Yankee, Turnabout Inc.
Nov. 6 - How You Can Be the Change –Personal Support Networks-Mickey Axtell-Mauck, Families & Allies
Thursday, October 02, 2008
World Communion & feeding the hungry
Each year the global Church celebrates together the remembrance of Christ. All around the world, Christians will come to the table. Highlands UMC serves open Communion: everyone is welcome at the table.
Next Saturday, October 11, is CROP Walk!
Each year Highlands UMC participates in the Northwest Denver CROP walk to raise money for local food banks and to provide food for people in starving countries. We would love for you to walk with us or sponsor our walkers. Contact the church for more information. Come and join the fellowship!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A Tale of Two Brothers & A Welcome Potluck
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Kick-off Sunday!
Fall programs are starting up, including Bible study and Sunday school for all ages - Maralyn Devlin is leading discussion of "Surprising Things I Found in the Bible" on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday mornings (the abridged version) 9:00 - 9:40 a.m. Children's Sunday school (1st floor) is at 9:00 a.m. followed by children's choir (3rd floor) at 9:30. The Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Worship is at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday, and we'd love to see you there!
Friday, August 08, 2008
Last of the summer movie sermon series coming up...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
July updates
This Sunday, July 27, our summer movie sermon series continues with Pastor Betty preaching on Tender Mercies. We also have the joy of a baptism this week! Next week, August 3, Pastor Kerry will preach on Real Women Have Curves. The movies are all well worth seeing, but if you don't have time to see them in advance, please come anyway! The sermons are designed for those who haven't seen the movie as well as those who have.
In sad news, Rachel Gilbert, mother of Tammy Franklin and grandmother of Peter and Cole, passed away this week. The memorial service will be 9:00 a.m. this Friday, July 25, at Olinger Crown Hill Chapel at W.29th and Wadsworth. There will be a reception following the service at Highlands UMC in the fellowship hall. The congregation is invited to attend and show support as you are able during this important time in the Franklins' life.
It is a blessing to be part of the caring community of Highlands UMC. Stay safe this summer, and I hope to see you soon!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Come to our Beach Party!

Beach Party: Surfing Through the Scriptures, our Vacation Bible School for kids age 3 - 11, begins tomorrow!
We still have plenty of room for kids (and volunteers, if you're so inclined) to join us for games, music, crafts, Bible stories, and more! Thursday, July 10 and Friday July 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please call the church office at 303-477-5857 to learn more or to pre-register.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Highlands is Denver's Best Neighborhood!
It's official: after year's of crying "Wash Park!" our readers have shifted their love to this huge 'hood anchored by the up-and-coming 32nd & Zuni district, along with the established and hopping Highlands Square. The Highland area lays claim to some of the hottest new restaurants and boutiques in the city, and boasts great front-stoop culture, an engaged community, plenty of parks, and easy access to downtown and the foothills--not to mention a decent real estate scene in an otherwise shaky market.Now, I'm not sure how they failed to notice our big, beautiful, growing church, but maybe we'll get that rectified by next year! :)
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Summertime... and the livin' is easy
Next week, Sunday, July 6, Pastor Kerry will be preaching. As we do the first Sunday of each month, we will celebrate Holy Communion (Lord's Supper or Eucharist), where all are welcome at Christ's table.
Beach Party: Surfing the Scriptures, our Vacation Bible School for 2008, is July 10-12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday evening and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. We are still looking for a few more volunteers to help out; please contact the church office to let us know if you are available!
Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry will be preaching another movie sermon series this summer, starting with Family Man on July 13. Other movies planned include Amazing Grace, Lars and the Real Girl, and Real Women Have Curves. Stay tuned for more details as they develop!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Summer's Comin'!
This Saturday, June 7, the Youth Group will host the final fund-raiser for their mission trip to Baldwin, Louisiana later this month. There they will work at the warehouse and distribution center for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the global relief and development agency of the UMC. They have raised nearly enough to cover their trip, and are hoping you will come and enjoy a delicious Spaghetti Dinner this Saturday, for either a 5:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. seating. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and children under 11 by donation. Please come out and show your support for the youth by eating spaghetti!
Saturday, June 14 is the Highlands Street Fair. Our church building will be open for our usual ministry of hospitality through the Baby Feeding and Changing Station, as well as hosting a youth art show put on by the students of Arts Street. We still need 2 more volunteers to be present and welcome people in the early afternoon; please contact the church office if you are available!
Rocky Mountain Annual Conference takes place June 18-21 at the Marriott Denver Tech Center. Please keep the clergy and lay delegates in your prayers as they pray, worship, discuss, and vote on matters of church life and leadership.
And stay tuned for our 2008 Vacation Bible School: Beach Party - Surfin' through the Scriptures! Kids from preschool to 5th grade will learn the basics of surfing, ride the wave of God’s love, and go home with a new “Beach Be-Attitude”: be obedient, be kind, be forgiving, be bold, and believe. VBS will take place Thursday, July 10 and Friday, July 11 from 6:00* p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 12 from 9:00 am to 12:00 p.m. More information about registration coming soon. If you're interested in helping out, please contact us!
As always, summer means lots of our regular folks are traveling, even as newcomers visit for the first time. We pray for safe travels, enjoyment of family, friends, and new neighbors, and an openness to experiencing God wherever you are! Worship continues at our regular time, 10am each Sunday. All are welcome!
* Please note that the VBS times were previously listed incorrectly. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday is correct.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Women's Banquet, Mother's Day and Pentecost Sunday
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!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Prayers for General Conference
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.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Spring is sprung...
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!