United Women in Faith Meeting
Highlands United Women in Faith will meet at the church on Monday, February 9 at 11:00 am. Our guest presenter will be Rev. Bruno Hughes. Lunch will follow for $12 with reservation.
Contact: Mary Beth Lloyd – mlloyd85@yahoo.com
Lunch RSVP: Suzanne Hoye – srhoye@live.com
Third Sunday Potlucks take place every third Sunday of the month.
Bring your favorite main course, side dish, bread, or dessert to share. Don’t have time to bring something? You can make a small donation toward paper products and beverages. Join us for good food and warm fellowship. All are welcome and invited!
Contact: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net
The church office and Child Development Center will be closed on Monday, February 16 for Presidents Day.
On Ash Wednesday we join with Christians around the world in beginning the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday worship focuses on repentance and reconciliation. Ash Wednesday is an opportunity for us to go deeper into our hearts and into the souls of our communities, and to recognize the horror and depth of our estrangement from God. Through our worship and Lenten Discipline we begin a spiritual journey that takes us to a cross where Jesus gave his life for the life of the world. Such a journey is not easy and goes far beyond the surface of individual sin into the systemic roots that cause it. It is a journey that reveals the truth about our lives both individually and collectively. Through this journey we discover the grace and forgiveness of God in a most profound way.
Join us for worship in the Sanctuary at noon.
On Ash Wednesday we join with Christians around the world in beginning the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday worship focuses on repentance and reconciliation. Ash Wednesday is an opportunity for us to go deeper into our hearts and into the souls of our communities, and to recognize the horror and depth of our estrangement from God. Through our worship and Lenten Discipline we begin a spiritual journey that takes us to a cross where Jesus gave his life for the life of the world. Such a journey is not easy and goes far beyond the surface of individual sin into the systemic roots that cause it. It is a journey that reveals the truth about our lives both individually and collectively. Through this journey we discover the grace and forgiveness of God in a most profound way.
Join us for worship in the Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m.
Discovery Weekend Spiritual Formation Retreat at Camp Sumatanga
February 20-22, 2026
Discovery Weekend is our annual youth spiritual formation retreat, at Camp Sumatanga. The cost of the weekend is $150, which includes lodging, meals, transportation, and a t-shirt. Discovery Weekend is for youth in grades 6-12, as well as college-age and adult volunteers.
Two ways our congregation can support the youth on their journey is to write letters of support and encouragement to participating youth, and to attend the prayer service on Saturday, February 21 at 6:30 pm at Camp Sumatanga.
Service of Choral Evensong - February 22
Join The Choir of Highlands on February 22 at 4 pm in the Sanctuary for a service of Choral Evensong for the Lenten season. Evensong, or Evening Prayers, is a beautiful choral music tradition in which the ‘song’ of voices in harmony is heard at the ‘even’ point between the active day and restful night, allowing listeners time for restful contemplation.
Contact: Rick Phillips – rick@highlandsumc.net
United Women in Faith Meeting
Highlands United Women in Faith will meet at the church on Monday, March 9 at 11:00 am. Our guest presenter will be Rev. Mikah Hudson. Lunch will follow for $12 with reservation.
Contact: Mary Beth Lloyd – mlloyd85@yahoo.com
Lunch RSVP: Suzanne Hoye – srhoye@live.com
Five Points South St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
March 14
The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is back, and will pass right in front of Highlands on Saturday, March 14 at 1:30 p.m. There will be festivities throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., including Irish-themed food and drinks along with live music on our front lawn and other participating businesses. Wear something green and come out to support our neighborhood next Saturday!
More information about Five Points South St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Highlands will offer Sanctuary tours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will have a float in the parade. Anyone who would like to participate in the parade may sign up here.
Third Sunday Potlucks take place every third Sunday of the month.
Bring your favorite main course, side dish, bread, or dessert to share. Don’t have time to bring something? You can make a small donation toward paper products and beverages. Join us for good food and warm fellowship. All are welcome and invited!
Contact: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net
Church Council Meeting - March 15
The Church Council will meet on Sunday, March 15 in the Fellowship Hall worship following the Third Sunday Potluck. Church Council meetings are open to everyone; all are welcome to observe our church leadership at work.
Contact: Anne Rand - asrand@yahoo.com
Join us on Saturday, March 28 at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm in Bluff Park for our annual Church Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt. Arrive at Noon for boxed lunch on the grounds, games, bounce house, and an Easter Bonnet contest! Egg hunts by age group will begin at 1 pm and will be followed by an Easter Bonnet Contest - beautiful, silly, and anything in between welcome! Prizes for everyone! Special prizes for finding Golden Eggs and Easter Bonnets!
This free event is open to the whole church and guests, so please invite friends and neighbors! Participants are encouraged to bring Easter baskets and camp chairs.
Children’s Fresh Air Farm is located at 501 Park Ave, Hoover, AL 35226.
Click here to reserve your boxed lunches.
Contact: Mary Elizabeth Neal – maryelizabeth@highlandsumc.net
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Volunteers are needed to hide eggs, lead activities, and serve food. Sign up at the display in the Greeting Space or contact Mary Elizabeth Neal – maryelizabeth@highlandsumc.net.
United Women In Faith Bake Sale
Cookies, cakes and pies, oh my! United Women in Faith (UMW) are holding a bake sale before and after worship service on March 29. The proceeds will support UMW local missions projects. Payment by cash, check, or Venmo accepted.
UWiF supports Urban Ministries, Embrace Kids AL, McCoy Adult Day Care, University of Montevallo Music Scholarships, as well as many Highlands United Methodist Church programs and world-wide United Methodist Church ministries.
Join us at Highlands to celebrate Palm Sunday, in remembrance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem!
We begin with a Palm Sunday Procession from Brother Bryan Park to the church front lawn. Gather early to meet the donkey!
Celebrate Palm Sunday at Highlands with joyful songs and waving of palm branches in remembrance of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Through our acts of worship and scripture readings, we embody both the cheering crowd of that joyful day, and the angry mob that will eventually call for Jesus’ crucifixion. The retiring procession on Palm Sunday takes place in silence, in contemplation of all that is to come this Holy Week and in anticipation of the coming Resurrection.
A nursery is available for children age 4 and younger.
The service will be streamed on Facebook, Vimeo, Youtube, and www.highlandsumc.net.
Highlands United Methodist Church is located at 1045 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205. Parking is available at metered spaces on the street, at the Southside parking deck off Magnolia Avenue, and in the church parking lot located directly behind the church off Richard Arrington Blvd. Please reserve the church lot for those with limited mobility.
Maundy Thursday Service of Holy Communion
The word "maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning commandment. On this night, the night Jesus was betrayed, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them, and shared a Passover meal together. On Maundy Thursday, we celebrate Holy Communion in remembrance of this Last Supper. The final act of worship on this night is the stripping of the altar and Sanctuary of all symbols of Jesus' life and teachings.
A nursery is available for children age 4 and younger.
The service will be streamed on Facebook, Vimeo, Youtube, and www.highlandsumc.net.
Highlands United Methodist Church is located at 1045 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205. Parking is available at metered spaces on the street, at the Southside parking deck off Magnolia Avenue, and in the church parking lot located directly behind the church off Richard Arrington Blvd. Please reserve the church lot for those with limited mobility.
Good Friday recalls the day of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and death.
The Solemn Liturgy for Good Friday is a quiet, simple service of remembrance, incorporating prayer, scripture reading, sacred music, and silence. The service will last no longer than one hour.
The service will be streamed on Facebook, Vimeo, Youtube, and www.highlandsumc.net.
Highlands United Methodist Church is located at 1045 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205. Parking is available at metered spaces on the street, at the Southside parking deck off Magnolia Avenue, and in the church parking lot located directly behind the church off Richard Arrington Blvd. Please reserve the church lot for those with limited mobility.
Good Friday recalls the day of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and death.
The Tenebrae Service, from the Latin meaning "darkness," makes use of gradually diminishing light, scripture readings, and sacred music to symbolize the events of Jesus' last week on earth, from the triumphant Palm Sunday procession through Jesus' crucifixion and burial. The service concludes in total darkness as the Christ candle is taken from the Sanctuary until Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday.
A nursery is available for children age 4 and younger.
The service will be streamed on Facebook, Vimeo, Youtube, and www.highlandsumc.net.
Highlands United Methodist Church is located at 1045 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205. Parking is available at metered spaces on the street, at the Southside parking deck off Magnolia Avenue, and in the church parking lot located directly behind the church off Richard Arrington Blvd. Please reserve the church lot for those with limited mobility.
Easter Sunday Service of Holy Communion and Celebration of the Resurrection for Children and Families
Reggie Holder, preaching.
A joyful and abbreviated worship experience celebrating the Resurrection in scripture, song, and Holy Communion - perfect for families with small children! All are invited to the table in the United Methodist Church.
A nursery is available for children age 4 and younger.
The service will be streamed on Facebook, Vimeo, Youtube, and www.highlandsumc.net.
Highlands United Methodist Church is located at 1045 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205. Parking is available at metered spaces on the street, at the Southside parking deck off Magnolia Avenue, and in the church parking lot located directly behind the church off Richard Arrington Blvd. Please reserve the church lot for those with limited mobility.
Easter Sunday Service of Holy Communion and Celebration of the Resurrection
The Reverend Mikah Hudson, preaching.
A joyful worship experience celebrating the Resurrection in scripture, beautiful music enhanced by members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, and Holy Communion. All are invited to the table in the United Methodist Church.
Children’s activity bags will be available in the Sanctuary entrances for use during worship. A nursery is available for children age 4 and younger.
The service will be streamed on Facebook, Vimeo, Youtube, and www.highlandsumc.net.
Highlands United Methodist Church is located at 1045 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205. Parking is available at metered spaces on the street, at the Southside parking deck off Magnolia Avenue, and in the church parking lot located directly behind the church off Richard Arrington Blvd. Please reserve the church lot for those with limited mobility.
Church Office Closed - Easter Monday
The church office will be closed Monday, April 6. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, April 7. Happy Easter!
United Women in Faith Meeting
Highlands United Women in Faith will meet at the church on Monday, April 13 at 11:00 am. Our guest presenter will be Rev. Melissa Self Patrick. Lunch will follow for $12 with reservation.
Contact: Mary Beth Lloyd – mlloyd85@yahoo.com
Lunch RSVP: Suzanne Hoye – srhoye@live.com
Third Sunday Potlucks take place every third Sunday of the month.
Bring your favorite main course, side dish, bread, or dessert to share. Don’t have time to bring something? You can make a small donation toward paper products and beverages. Join us for good food and warm fellowship. All are welcome and invited!
Contact: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net
Church Council Meeting - April 19
The Church Council will meet on Sunday, April 19 in the Fellowship Hall worship following the Third Sunday Potluck. Church Council meetings are open to everyone; all are welcome to observe our church leadership at work.
Contact: Anne Rand - asrand@yahoo.com
Youth Sunday and Senior Recognition - May 3
Please save the date for our Youth Sunday and senior recognition service on May 3. Parents of graduates are asked to submit bulletin information to Mary Elizabeth Neal by May 1.
United Women in Faith Meeting
Highlands United Women in Faith will meet at the church on Monday, May 11 at 11:00 am. We will be hosting the monthly birthday party for the participants at McCoy Adult Day Center. Lunch will follow for $12 with reservation.
Contact: Mary Beth Lloyd – mlloyd85@yahoo.com
Lunch RSVP: Suzanne Hoye – srhoye@live.com
Third Sunday Potlucks take place every third Sunday of the month.
Bring your favorite main course, side dish, bread, or dessert to share. Don’t have time to bring something? You can make a small donation toward paper products and beverages. Join us for good food and warm fellowship. All are welcome and invited!
Contact: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net
The church office and Child Development Center will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.
Pride Parade - June 6
The Central Alabama Pride Parade is this Saturday, June 6. Highlands is excited to have a float in the parade this year, and would like to invite all to participate! Wear your Highlands t-shirts or any colorful apparel and comfortable walking shoes. The parade begins at 8 p.m.
We will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the church parking lot to carpool to the line-up area.
This summer, our youth group will travel to Deer Lodge, TN to work at the Morgan Scott Project, a non-profit helping the elderly, needy, handicapped, and unemployed in Morgan and Scott counties, which are among the most poverty-stricken counties in Tennessee. The leadership intends to have us work on a project that is a good match for our group’s size and abilities; we’ll know more about the project when we can tell them more about the group that is coming. Typical projects include building a wheel chair ramp, painting, and helping rehab a bathroom. The Morgan Scott Project will provide onsite leadership for all projects.
All youth (rising 7th - graduating 12th graders) are invited to participate. Registration is open through June 3.
Accommodations
MSP has two rooms with four bunk beds each, an additional two fold out couches, and ample space for air mattresses. There are private bathrooms and showers where we are staying, along with a kitchen and dining area.
Adult Chaperones
If you are interested in attending as an adult chaperone, please contact Danny Jones.
Cost
Total cost of mission trip is $280 per person. Cost covers transportation, meals, lodging, supplies, and t-shirt. Participants may wish to bring a little pocket money for the Morgan Scott Project thrift shop, extra snacks, or soft drinks. Please do not let cost be an obstacle to participation! Full or partial scholarships are available upon request. To request a scholarship, contact Danny Jones at danny@highlandsumc.net prior to registration so that we can send you the correct discount code.
A $50 deposit is due at the time of registration. Use the following codes to pay only the deposit cost at checkout.
For one participant: DEPOSIT1
For two participants: DEPOSIT2
For three participants: DEPOSIT3
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Danny Jones at danny@highlandsumc.net
The church office and Child Development Center will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
The church office and Child Development Center will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.
Join us on Sunday, July 5 for a Hymn Sing! The singing of hymns is one our oldest Methodist traditions, as we collectively lift our hearts and voices for the worship of God. We will sing our favorite songs of the faith, both old and new. Make plans to join us for worship this week!
Join us after worship on July 5 for Hymn Sing Sundae, an ice cream social to celebrate Independence Day Weekend with our church family. Invite your friends and neighbors
Join us for our annual back-to-school tradition! All students may bring their backpacks to worship for a moment of blessing and prayer for another great school year. Teachers and childcare givers are invited to take part as well.
United Women in Faith Meeting
Highlands United Women in Faith will meet at the church on Tuesday, August 11 at 11:00 am. We will meet for lunch and fellowship at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Cafe. RSVPs are requested.
Contact: Mary Beth Lloyd – mlloyd85@yahoo.com
Lunch RSVP: Suzanne Hoye – srhoye@live.com
There will be no Sunday School classes or Atrium next Sunday, September 6 during Labor Day Weekend. The Nursery will open at 10:15 am.
The church office and Child Development Center will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.
United Women in Faith Meeting
Highlands United Women in Faith will meet at the church on Monday, August 14 at 11:00 am. We will be making breakfast casseroles for Community Ministries. Lunch will follow for $12 with reservation.
Contact: Mary Beth Lloyd – mlloyd85@yahoo.com
Lunch RSVP: Suzanne Hoye – srhoye@live.com
Church Council Meeting - September 20
The Church Council will meet on Sunday, September 20 in the Fellowship Hall worship following the Third Sunday Potluck. Church Council meetings are open to everyone; all are welcome to observe our church leadership at work.
Contact: Anne Rand - asrand@yahoo.com
United Women in Faith Meeting
Highlands United Women in Faith will meet at the church on Monday, October 12 at 11:00 am. Our guest presenter will be Reggie Holder. Lunch will follow for $12 with reservation.
Contact: Mary Beth Lloyd – mlloyd85@yahoo.com
Lunch RSVP: Suzanne Hoye – srhoye@live.com
Join us on Sunday, October 18 to celebrate Halloween Highlands style! Wear your costumes to church and join us following worship for a seasonal fellowship meal and a carnival for the kids. We are in need of baked goods for a cake walk, additional Halloween decorations, and volunteers to help run simple carnival games and distribute prizes during the event. If you are able to help make this day memorable and fun for the children in our church, please contact Mary Elizabeth Neal at maryelizabeth@highlandsumc.net.
United Women in Faith Meeting
Highlands United Women in Faith will meet at the church on Monday, November 9 at 11:00 am for our annual meeting. Lunch will follow for $12 with reservation.
Contact: Mary Beth Lloyd – mlloyd85@yahoo.com
Lunch RSVP: Suzanne Hoye – srhoye@live.com
The church office and Child Development Center will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day. Highlands thanks our veterans for their service, and wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday.
Church Council Meeting - November 15
The Church Council will meet on Sunday, November 15 in the Fellowship Hall worship following the Third Sunday Potluck. Church Council meetings are open to everyone; all are welcome to observe our church leadership at work.
Contact: Anne Rand - asrand@yahoo.com
United Women In Faith Bake Sale
Cookies, cakes and pies, oh my! United Women in Faith (UMW) are holding a bake sale before and after worship service on November 22. The proceeds will support UMW local missions projects. Payment by cash, check, or Venmo accepted. If you’d like to contribute baked goods to the sale, please contact TBD.
The Reverend Mikah Hudson, Preaching
Richard Phillips, Choirmaster & Organist
Ryan Morrison, Piper
The church office, Child Development Center, and Community Ministries will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 26-27 for Thanksgiving. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.
Charge Conference - December 6
Our charge conference will be December 6 in the Fellowship Hall at 5 pm. The Reverend Dr. Mary Henley, our district superintendent, will be with us to conduct the meeting. All members of the church council are strongly encouraged to attend; all members of the church are invited. Please RSVP for dinner by Wednesday, December 2.
RSVP: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net
Contact: Anne Rand - asrand@yahoo.com
United Women in Faith Meeting
Highlands United Women in Faith will meet at the church on Monday, December 14 at 11:00 am for our Christmas party. More details to come.
Contact: Mary Beth Lloyd – mlloyd85@yahoo.com
Lunch RSVP: Suzanne Hoye – srhoye@live.com
The church office will be closed Christmas on December 25. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.
For Christmas Eve service information, click here.
For information on helping with our Community Holiday Breakfast, contact Danny Jones.
The church office will be closed on January 1, 2027 for New Year’s Day. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.
Church Council Meeting - January 25
The Church Council will meet on Sunday, January 25 in the Fellowship Hall worship. Lunch will be served and the meeting will follow. Church Council meetings are open to everyone; all are welcome to observe our church leadership at work.
During this meeting, the Church Council will approve the 2026 operating budget.
Contact: Anne Rand - asrand@yahoo.com
Celebration of Holy Matrimony for Emily Carlton and Tyler Stewart
The church office and Child Development Center will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of MLK, Jr. Day.
Third Sunday Potlucks take place every third Sunday of the month.
Bring your favorite main course, side dish, bread, or dessert to share. Don’t have time to bring something? You can make a small donation toward paper products and beverages. Join us for good food and warm fellowship. All are welcome and invited!
Contact: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net
Ladies Coffee Night - January 13
The January gathering of Ladies Coffee Night will look a little different than usual. Instead of meeting for coffee, everyone (ladies and non-ladies alike) is invited to attend a special screening of the HBO documentary The Alabama Solution, hosted by Samford University, on Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 pm. This free, public event features a powerful documentary exploring the Alabama prison system and the work being done toward meaningful reform. If you missed the recent showing at Highlands, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience and engage with this important story. All are welcome and invited.
Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com
United Women in Faith Meeting
Highlands United Women in Faith will meet in the Chapel on Monday, January 12, at 11:00 am. Our guest speaker will be the UWF District Treasurer. Lunch will follow for $12 with reservation.
Contact: Mary Beth Lloyd – mlloyd85@yahoo.com
Lunch RSVP: Suzanne Hoye – srhoye@live.com
Safety Training - January 11 During Sunday School
Recognizing our commitment to the safety and well-being of our congregants and visitors, there will be two crucial safety training events for adults held next Sunday, January 11 during the Sunday School hour. All adults are encouraged to attend one of these important sessions! Sessions begin promptly at 9:30 am to provide adequate instruction time. Please make every effort to arrive early.
Safe Sanctuary Training - Fellowship Hall
This offering is for all teachers, volunteers, and leaders in the church, particularly but not limited to those who work with children and youth. Safe Sanctuary Training is designed to equip churches with policies and procedures to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults, aiming to prevent abuse and create a secure environment through education and awareness. Participation in this training will exempt participants from completing the online training modules for the conference individually.
Greeter and Usher Safety Training - Sanctuary
This offering is for all who serve as ushers or greeters during worship and other church events throughout the year, but also includes important information to anyone who regularly attends worship. This training will help participants recognize potential security concerns, manage emergencies, and provide a welcoming and safe environment for all attendees. This training focuses on practical communication skills, understanding emergency protocols, and coordinating with security personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of the congregation.
January 8Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, AL
Lunch at Big Bob Gibson's BBQ (a Decatur treasure!)
Time TBA
Contact: Reggie Holder – reggie@highlandsumc.net or Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net
Registration covers the cost of lodging, meals, and programing.
If you have any problems with the online form, contact Mary Elizabeth Neal.
The church office will be closed on January 1, 2024 for New Year’s Day. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.
Celebrate the holiday season with a Community Breakfast on Sunday, December 28 in the Fellowship Hall. We will serve breakfast for our community guests from 9 to 10 am, wrapping up in time for worship at 10:30 am. We have several volunteer opportunities, including providing food and beverages, serving, hosting tables, and setup and clean up. If you’d like to help out, contact Nancy Hill. We hope you’ll join us for breakfast!
Contact: Nancy Hill – nancy.hill849@gmail.com or 205-602-4793
The church office will be closed Christmas on December 25 and 26. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.
For Christmas Eve service information, click here.
For information on helping with our Community Holiday Breakfast, contact Danny Jones.
Service of Christmas Eve Communion and Candlelighting
Celebrate the coming of the Christ Child in scripture, sacred song, and beatiful candle light. All are welcome to join with us for Holy Communion.
Streaming Video and Additional Information coming soon.
The Music of Christmas
Streaming Video and Additional Information coming soon.
Service of Christmas Eve Communion for Children and Families
This service of Holy Communion for Christmas Eve will be tailored for children and their families - brief, beautiful, and filled with the joy of the coming of the Christ Child.
Streaming Video and Additional Information coming soon.
Youth Group Christmas Party - December 22
Save the date for the youth group Christmas Party on Monday, December 22 from 5 to 7 pm. Hosted by TBA. More information and directions will be sent to youth group families in the coming week.
Contact: Danny Jones – danny@highlandsumc.net | 933-8751 ext. 211
Advent Labyrinth Walks
Sundays in December • 3:00–4:00 p.m.
During this sacred season of waiting and hope, you are invited to a weekly Advent opportunity to walk the labyrinth in the sanctuary. Each Sunday in December, from 3 to 4 p.m., Jettye Davis will gently facilitate our time together, offering space for reflection, prayer, and quiet renewal.
As the sun begins to set, the light streaming through the sanctuary window traces a beautiful path from the crèche to the altar—an embodied reminder of Christ’s journey into the world and into our hearts. Come as you are, move at your own pace, and allow the Spirit to guide your steps.
Our regular Third Sunday Potluck will not take place today so that families may celebrate the Christmas holidays together. Join us for our next potluck on January 18, 2026.
Service of Morning Worship featuring The Children’s Christmas Pageant
10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Reggie Holder, preaching
Experience the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of our children as they lovingly present the story of the coming Christ child. Journey with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem as the ancient story unfolds through narration, costumes, and the singing of beloved carols of the season. This treasured Highlands tradition is filled with joy, charm, and the holy mystery of Christmas—one you won’t want to miss!
Salvation Army Bell Ringing - December 20
Highland's Men's Fellowship Group will be ringing the bell for Salvation Army on Saturday, December 20 from 10 am to 7 pm at the Belk at The Summit. Volunteers are needed to fill the 1-hour shifts. Scan the QR code for sign up page.
Contact: Mark Chambers – markc205@yahoo.com
All children participating in this year’s pageant are required to attend dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If you have questions, please contact Mary Elizabeth Neal at maryelizabeth@highlandsumc.net.
Join us for familiar songs of the season, delicious hot cocoa and snacks, and warm fellowship with the Highlands family.
6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Ladies’ Coffee Night - December 16
Join the women of Highlands for Ladies Coffee Night on Tuesday, December 16 at 7 pm at the home of Lauri Soong. We will enjoy cookies and tea and make ornaments to give to all the children in the Christmas Pageant.
Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com
Charge Conference - December 14
Our charge conference will be December 14 in the
Fellowship Hall at 5 pm. The Reverend Dr. Mary Henley, our district superintendent, will be with us to conduct the meeting. All members of the church council are strongly encouraged to attend; all members of the church are invited. Please RSVP for dinner by Wednesday, December 10.
RSVP: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net
Contact: Anne Rand - asrand@yahoo.com
Advent Labyrinth Walks
Sundays in December • 3:00–4:00 p.m.
EXTENDED HOURS FOR 12/14 - 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
During this sacred season of waiting and hope, you are invited to a weekly Advent opportunity to walk the labyrinth in the sanctuary. Each Sunday in Advent, from 3 to 4 p.m., Jettye Davis will gently facilitate our time together, offering space for reflection, prayer, and quiet renewal.
As the sun begins to set, the light streaming through the sanctuary window traces a beautiful path from the crèche to the altar—an embodied reminder of Christ’s journey into the world and into our hearts. Come as you are, move at your own pace, and allow the Spirit to guide your steps.
10:30 a.m. Morning Worship featuring The Choir and Chamber Orchestra
The Reverend Mikah Hudson preaching
Join us for a joyful service of worship on the Third Sunday of Advent, as our choir will be joined with members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra to lead us in a morning filled with hope, beauty, and the promise of Christ’s coming. Through stirring anthems, rich arrangements, and the warmth of seasonal music, we lift our hearts in expectation of the Child who brings light into the world. Surrounded by the colors and symbols of Advent, this special service invites you to pause, rejoice, and experience the wonder of God’s love made new among us.
Musical offerings:
Sinfonia from MESSIAH - George Frederick Handel
Pifa from MESSIAH - George Frederick Handel
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring - Johann Sebastian Bach
Congregational Hymns: Once In Royal David's City; Hark! the Herald Angels Sing; and O Come, All Ye Faithful
December 11 - Lunch at the Botanical Gardens – The Gardens Cafe by Kathy G
Meet at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens at 11:00 am
Contact: Reggie Holder – reggie@highlandsumc.net or Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net
United Women in Faith Christmas Party - Monday
The United Women in Faith will celebrate Christmas on Monday, December 8 at 11 am. Lunch will be served for $12. Bring a wrapped gift ($20 limit) for a gift exchange game. For location and directions, contact Dinah Hughes.
Contact: Dinah Hughes – dgomes02@yahoo.com
Advent Labyrinth Walks
Sundays in December • 3:00–4:00 p.m.
During this sacred season of waiting and hope, you are invited to a weekly Advent opportunity to walk the labyrinth in the sanctuary. Each Sunday in December, from 3 to 4 p.m., Jettye Davis will gently facilitate our time together, offering space for reflection, prayer, and quiet renewal.
As the sun begins to set, the light streaming through the sanctuary window traces a beautiful path from the crèche to the altar—an embodied reminder of Christ’s journey into the world and into our hearts. Come as you are, move at your own pace, and allow the Spirit to guide your steps.
The Second Sunday of Advent - A Festival of Lessons and Carols
10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
You’re invited to a special Festival of Lessons and Carols during our 10:30 a.m. worship service—a morning filled with beautiful music, scripture, and the wonder of the season. Together we will hear the story of Christ’s coming through beloved readings and inspiring offerings from The Children’s Choir, The Choir, and The Handbell Choir. The sanctuary will be beautifully decorated, creating a warm and welcoming space to reflect, rejoice, and prepare our hearts for Christ’s birth. Join us for this cherished tradition and let the music of the season lift your spirit.
Richard Phillips, Choirmaster & Organist
Kathy Burdette, Handbell Choir Director
Mary Elizabeth Neal, Children’s Choir Director
Organ Voluntaries:
The Holy Boy - John Ireland (1879-1962)
Prelude on VENI EMMANUEL - Pietro A. Yon (1886-1943)
Fantasia on VENI, VENI EMMANUEL - Alec Rowley (1892-1958)
Carols:
E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come - Paul O. Manz (1919-2009)
Adam Lay Y’bounden - Christopher Hampson (b.1980)
Away in a Manger - James H. Cook (b. 1946)
Good King Wenceslas - Hugh Thomas (1912-2002)
Silent Night - Malcolm Sargent (1895-1967)
Ding Dong Merrily on High - Charles Wood (1866-1926)
The Coventry Carol - Steve Pilkington (b. 1972)
Candlelight Carol - Sir John Rutter (b. 1945)
Children’s Choir Choral Introit:
Light One Candle - Natalie Sleeth (1934-1992)
Handbell Carol:
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - Arranged by Linda R. Lamb (1955)
Congregational Hymns:
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (HYFRYDOL)
God Rest You Merry Gentlemen (GOD REST YOU MERRY)
O Little Town of Bethlehem (ST. LOUIS)
Angels from the Realms of Glory (REGEANT SQUARE)
