Highlands UMC is a Reconciling Congregation! New members welcome to join this Sunday.

After approximately 9 months of intentional prayer, conversation, education, and discernment, the congregation voted on May 17 to become a Reconciling Congregation, with a public statement of welcome and affirmation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. The vote passed by an overwhelming majority, affirming the following statement of welcome to be true for our church:

Highlands United Methodist Church embraces Jesus' message that God loves and accepts every person, and so our welcome knows no boundaries. In the name and spirit of Jesus, we welcome people of every age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental ability, and economic condition into full participation in the life and leadership of our congregation.

Thank you to all who have taken part in the process, for the humility, love, and grace you have shown to each other in this matter and in all things. We continue to pray for God's guidance as our church moves forward into the future.

This Sunday, May 31, is Pentecost, a time when we celebrate the birth of the church in the story of the Holy Spirit moving among the disciples after Jesus' death and the Resurrection appearances. We will be welcoming new members to join Highlands UMC during worship; if you are interested in learning more, please contact the church office.

Potluck & Reconciling Vote this Sunday

After several months of prayer, study, conversation, and discernment, Highlands UMC members and active participants will vote this Sunday, May 17, on whether to become a Reconciling Congregation and adopt a public statement of welcome and affirmation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons in the life and leadership of our church. This is a natural extension and expression of the identity of what has been a welcoming congregation for many years, but since so many churches are not fully affirming, our church leadership has determined that the time has come to prayerfully consider making a public statement.

After worship, instead of our usual coffee/fellowship hour, we will have a potluck lunch. You can call the church office (303-477-5857) to find out what kind of dish the Hospitality Committee suggests you bring (based on last name), but if you have a specialty that doesn't match your assignment, go ahead and bring what works for you! All are welcome to enjoy the food and fellowship.

When it comes time for the vote, we ask that only those who have been actively involved at Highlands for at least the past 4 months (since we announced these criteria in January) fill out a ballot. Plans are underway to offer an absentee vote option; more information should be available by Thursday morning.

Please continue to keep our church in prayer as we seek to know and follow the Spirit's leading. If you have questions, you may contact Pastor Betty or Pastor Kerry via the church office.

Who needs a shepherd, anyway?

This Sunday, May 3, Pastor Kerry will preach on Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18. We will celebrate Holy Communion - all are welcome in worship and at Christ's table.

We are also pleased to welcome the cast of Curtains Up! Theatre Company's production of Godspell to share two songs with us in worship.

Visit our main website to learn more about Highlands UMC.

Holy Week & Easter

Instead of our traditional Maundy Thursday service, this year Highlands UMC will observe a Passover seder. All are welcome at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 for an experience of the Jewish tradition in which Jesus lived, followed by a brief Communion service when we acknowledge that the Last Supper of Jesus' life was a Passover meal.

ALL kinds of families are invited to our Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Children will begin by decorating bags in which to collect their eggs, and then will divide up by age to search throughout the historic Highlands UMC building. Please contact the church office if you would like to know more about this event.

And of course, everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the Resurrection with us on Easter Sunday, April 12. Worship is at 10:00 a.m., and includes choir, organ, Communion, lilies, a thoughtful message to connect with our lives today, and the Hallelujah Chorus. The sanctuary is usually quite full on Easter, so you may want to come a little early to find parking and a good seat.

Highlands UMC is a welcoming and affirming, intergenerational community of faith where ALL people are welcome in worship and at the Communion table. We would love to get to know you and walk together a ways on the journey of faith!

Game Night, Get to Know HUMC, Women's Retreat

Late notice, I know, but tonight is Game Night at Highlands UMC! Come over from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with your favorite game, a snack to share, friends and neighbors, or just yourself. There will be child care for the youngest kids and fun for all ages as we enjoy laughter and one another's company.

Next Sunday, March 22, we will have an information session for anyone interested in learning more about Highlands UMC or the United Methodist Church more generally. Starting about 11:30 a.m. (so you'll get to enjoy part of coffee hour after worship), we'll head up to the 3rd floor. All ages and backgrounds are welcome.

Attention women: There is still time and room to sign up for the annual Women's Retreat! Friday, March 27 we will head up to the YMCA of the Rockies at Estes Park, returning on Sunday, March 29. We will eat some of our meals in the dining hall and prepare others in the lodge. We will have time for prayer, discussion, laughter, rest, and friendship. Please contact the church office to learn more.

Baking for Bibles!

Don't forget, this Saturday is Baking for Bibles - kids, families, and adult volunteers are welcome!

When: Saturday, February 28th, 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Where: Highlands United Methodist Church, fellowship hall (1st floor)

Why: The kids will spend some time baking some goodies on Saturday (Feb. 28) to sell to the people at church on Sunday, March 1, during coffee hour. The money raised will go towards purchasing Bibles for the 7-11 year old Sunday School classroom. We currently have a variety of bibles, none of which are the same. It is hard for the kids to follow along while reading the scriptures in class. Because Bibles can be expensive, the church cannot afford to buy 10 new Bibles. So, we are going to raise the money to buy them!

Other Activities: We will also play games, watch a movie, and have some coloring pages for the kids.

Come, one and all for some fun for a good cause!

Ash Wednesday and Lent

Wednesday, February 25 is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the season of Lent. We walk the sometimes difficult path of discipleship with Jesus, from the desert wilderness to the cross. Easter is much more meaningful when its resurrection power has broken through from a place of acknowledging the death-dealing powers of the world.

The practice of a Lenten discipline such as fasting - whether from food or from a creature comfort, distraction, or bad habit - is not aimed at punishing the body or heaping guilt upon one's head, but instead seeks to turn our attention toward God. Some people find that adding a discipline, instead of doing without something, is more meaningful. We believe that the desire to please God is pleasing to God, and that we become what we habitually do.

Highlands UMC offers a sacrificial breakfast and service with imposition of ashes, beginning at 7am in the 2nd floor parlor. All are welcome as we reflect on this wilderness season of repentance (turning) and discipline (committed, intentional practice).

This Sunday, March 1, is the 1st Sunday in Lent. Pastor Betty will preach on Mark 1:9-15. Please join us as we journey to the heart of the Christian life and calendar.

Women's Retreat 2009

All women are invited to participate in our annual Highlands UMC Women's Retreat, this year to be held at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, March 27-29. We'll carpool from the church about 3:30 p.m. on Friday and return by 1pm on Sunday.

The cost is dependent on how many women attend, but will be around $90.00, including three meals. We will bring food to share for the other meals.

This is a time of spiritual growth, fellowship and fun. We always have a theme that we explore through discussion, art, etc. We play cards, tell jokes and generally have a great time.

Please let the church know if you would like to attend. Feel free to invite a friend.

Reconciling Ministry Process

If you are reading this blog, you may already know that Highlands UMC is in the process of deciding whether to become a Reconciling Congregation. We are already a church with a warm and welcoming spirit of hospitality, and we are discerning how God is leading us forward to live that out in our community.

Reconciling Congregations are churches that have approved an official and public statement of welcome that affirms lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons to full participation in the life and leadership of the congregation. You can learn more about this at the Reconciling Ministries Network. Individuals can also sign up as "Reconciling United Methodists."

The next step in our process is a Bible study called Claiming the Promise, an ecumenical, welcoming Bible Study resource on homosexuality. This seven-week Bible study will give our congregation an opportunity to study the Bible together and discuss the issue of full inclusion of Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and Bisexual persons into Highlands UMC. Claiming the Promise:

• Examines biblical references to same-sex conduct in light of the broader biblical message which affirms we are children or heirs of the Promise.
• Explores biblical authority and biblical interpretation.
• Discusses "gracious hospitality," "gift-ed sexuality," and "inclusive holiness."
• Tackles hard questions of "right relationship," lust/love, and sexual responsibility.
• Calls us to live out the Promise as reconciling disciples.

We are offering this study at two different times:

Tuesday evening 7:00 - 8:30 PM, Feb. 3 through March 17
or Wednesday afternoon 1:00 - 2:30 PM, Feb. 4 through March 18

Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry will lead these studies. The participant book costs $6.00. If you cannot attend the sessions but are interested in the study, we can still order a book for you.

If you would like to take part but have not yet signed up, please contact the church office immediately. We have placed an initial order for study books, but may still be able to get additional copies in time for our first sessions next week.

May God's Spirit continue to move in your life!

Newsworthy week

The co-occurrence of Human Relations Sunday, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, and the Inauguration of a new and historically significant president this week are not coincidence, but together they bear powerful witness to the statement of Rev. Theodore Parker, better known for being quoted by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." As we give thanks for the progress that humankind has made toward a world where justice and peace are universally recognized as more powerful than oppression and violence, we also acknowledge how much work remains to be done, and we ask God's guidance not only for our new president, but for all people.

For the latest news at Highlands UMC, be sure to get our January-February 2009 newsletter, now available. If you are not on the email list, please contact the church office to get connected.

This Sunday, January 25, Pastor Betty will preach on the call of the disciples, Mark 1:14-20. Faith Café continues at 9am on the 3rd floor - come and take part in some good conversations about questions of faith and spirituality. Hope you'll join us!

Human Relations Sunday and introducing Faith Café!

This Sunday, January 18 we will observe Human Relations Sunday, reflecting on both humanity's struggles with various forms of violence and oppression, and the progress we have made toward a society that better reflects God's reign of justice, compassion, and peace.

Also beginning this week, Highlands UMC will offer a gathering place for discussion and fellowship from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. in the 3rd floor Adult Sunday School room. The Faith Café will offer a coffee machine with specialized coffees and tea. TableTopics, Spirit Edition, question cards will available as conversation starters. Pour a cup of coffee, introduce yourself, pick a card and chat.

Sample questions from TableTopics:

• Which religious event would you like to have been witness to?
• What is integrity and do you have it?
• Where do you see the divine in your daily life?

Everyone is invited to come whenever they are able to attend. Parents with children in choir or Sunday school will find this a welcoming place to gather while your children participate in the life of the church. Stop on by - the Faith Café opens this Sunday!

Ordinary Time

Having passed Epiphany last Sunday, we enter once again into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This Sunday, January 11 is the first Sunday after Epiphany, when traditionally we observe the "Baptism of the Lord." Pastor Betty is preaching on Acts 19:1-7.

On Sunday, January 18 we will observe Human Relations Sunday, reflecting on both humanity's struggles with various forms of violence and oppression, and the progress we have made toward a society that better reflects God's reign of justice, compassion, and peace.

Stay tuned for information on our upcoming Bible study, Claiming the Promise, to begin in early February.

12 days of Christmas

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

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

Blue Christmas & Children's Worship

This week we have two special opportunities for worship:

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

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

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

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

3rd week of Advent

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

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

Advent, Advent, Advent!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Thanksgiving! ... and welcome, Advent!

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

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

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

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

Consecration Sunday and Thanksgiving

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

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

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

All Saints' Sunday and Conflict Resolution Workshops

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

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

You may choose from the following:

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

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

Stewardship Campaign, Forums on "Bridges Out of Poverty"

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

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

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

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

Bridges Out of Poverty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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