The Men’s fellowship group will meet on Friday, April 26 for lunch at Taco Mama at the Summit. We’ll gather around at 11:30 am and stay as long as we can. All are welcome and invited!

Contact: Mark Chambers – markc205@yahoo.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

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 April 21. 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 Joy McPherson bhamjoy@yahoo.com and Esther Glenn eglennrn@gmail.com.

Church Council Meeting - April 14

The Church Council will meet on Sunday, April 14 in the Fellowship Hall following worship. Lunch will be served first and the meeting will follow. Church Council meetings are open to everyone; all are welcome to observe our church leadership at work.

Contact: Anne Rand - asrand@yahoo.com

Need a break? Join the women of Highlands for a relaxed social gathering at Panera Bread in Vestavia Hills on Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30 pm. No agenda, no book to read – just friends fellowshipping together.

Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com

United Women in Faith Meeting

United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m.

Location TBD.

RSVP is requested.

Contact: Dinah Hughes – dgomes02@yahoo.com

Heart and Hand Sunday - April 7

Our next Heart and Hand Sunday will be next Sunday, April 7 at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. We are collecting books for Books to Prison, which provides books to Alabama and Texas prisons, and Little Libraries to stock several Little Free Libraries around Birmingham that cater to children. We are especially in need of paperbacks of all genres and gently used children’s books. Like our food drive last summer, this is an excellent opportunity to ask your friends and neighbors to help out with donations; pick up a flyer in the Greeting Space to help start the conversation.

Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com

At the invitation of the Birmingham Islamic Society, Highlands has arranged visits to the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.  The visits will take place on Thursday, April 4 from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.  The visits provide an opportunity to meet some our Muslim neighbors, attend a class on Islam, observe a Muslim prayer service and enjoy a Muslim break-fast meal.  Questions you have about Islam are encouraged.  Participation in each visit is limited.  If you want to participate please register no later than two days prior to the visit.  To RSVP or for more information, contact Malcolm Carmichael at malcarmich@gmail.com or 334-221-8520.

At the invitation of the Birmingham Islamic Society, Highlands has arranged visits to the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.  The visits will take place on Tuesday, April 2 from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.  The visits provide an opportunity to meet some our Muslim neighbors, attend a class on Islam, observe a Muslim prayer service and enjoy a Muslim break-fast meal.  Questions you have about Islam are encouraged.  Participation in each visit is limited.  If you want to participate please register no later than two days prior to the visit.  To RSVP or for more information, contact Malcolm Carmichael at malcarmich@gmail.com or 334-221-8520.

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. There will be a children’s moment, but no children’s church or Atrium so that families may worship together. 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.

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.

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.

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 Reverend Jeff Bayne will be our guest preacher.

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.

Leslie Williams, Seminarian-In-Residence, will be preaching.

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.

Pastor’s Lenten Study - The Last Week

Led by Rev. Mikah Hudson
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in Room 210 and Tuesdays at 1:00 in Room 204

Using the book The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem and the Gospel of Mark, Highlands’ Senior Pastor Mikah Hudson will help us explore a little-known and understood side of Jesus and his final week of life in Jerusalem.

Join us at Highlands to celebrate Palm Sunday, in remembrance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem!

We begin with a Palm Sunday Procession from the front lawn. Gather on the church front lawn at 10:15 a.m. 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.

Parents are asked to pick up children from the Atrium at 10:00 a.m.

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.

Understanding the United Methodist Church

Sundays at 9:30 in Room 209 | Led by Esther Glenn

Life-long United Methodist Esther Glenn will present an informative look at our beloved denomination with plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions. This class is ideal for those new to our denomination or those who would like a refresher.

Parenting Support Circle

Sundays at 9:30 in Room 210

No agenda or assignments. Just space and opportunity for parents and those who care for children to be in conversation with one another. This is a opportunity to gather and reflect in a quiet environment and take a moment of Sabbath during Lent.

Wendell Berry and the Sabbath Poetry of Lent

Sundays at 9:30 in Room 204 | Led by Malcolm Carmichael

Using a simple Lenten devotional, Biblical texts, and accessible practices, this Lenten Sunday School Class will explore Wendell Berry’s poetic vision of “sabbath” as we move toward Easter morning, keeping sabbath as we go.

Pastor’s Lenten Study - The Last Week

Led by Rev. Mikah Hudson
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in Room 210 and Tuesdays at 1:00 in Room 204

Using the book The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem and the Gospel of Mark, Highlands’ Senior Pastor Mikah Hudson will help us explore a little-known and understood side of Jesus and his final week of life in Jerusalem.

Join us on Saturday, March 23 at Overton Park in Homewood (1920 Mayfair Drive) for a church picnic and Easter Egg Hunt. Pack a picnic lunch for your family and join us for fellowship on the grounds beginning at noon; 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!

Participants are encouraged to bring folding chairs, picnic blankets, and other items for your comfort, as seating at the park is limited.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: There are two Overton Parks in the Birmingham area. Our event will be held at the Overton Park in Homewood, in the neighborhood behind the public library, NOT the one on Overton Road in Mountain Brook.

The Men’s fellowship group will meet on Friday, March 22 for lunch at Dave’s Pizza in Homewood. We’ll gather around at 11:30 am and stay as long as we can. All are welcome and invited!

Contact: Mark Chambers – markc205@yahoo.com

Pastor’s Lenten Study - The Last Week

Led by Rev. Mikah Hudson
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in Room 210 and Tuesdays at 1:00 in Room 204

Using the book The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem and the Gospel of Mark, Highlands’ Senior Pastor Mikah Hudson will help us explore a little-known and understood side of Jesus and his final week of life in Jerusalem.

Join us for a simple service of Holy Communion each Tuesday in Lent. Lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall for $10.

March 19
Stephen Ingram
Grace United Methodist Church

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Highlands United Methodist Church is located at 1045 20th Street South (35205) immediately behind the landmark fountain in the heart of Five Points South, Birmingham. Free parking for Sunday services is available at metered space on the street, at Highlands Bar and Grill on 11th Avenue S, and in the Five Points South Deck on Magnolia Avenue. A parking lot for first-time visitors and those with limited mobility is located directly behind the church, off Richard Arrington Boulevard.

All Are Welcome at Highlands:
Highlands United Methodist Church affirms that nothing can separate anyone from the love of God. We invite all to worship, wonder, and discover God’s grace as we aspire to create a safe space for all to participate fully in the life of this community of faith. We are called to shine as a beacon of hope, grace, belonging and respect for all people. Regardless of age, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, family, financial status, nationality, physical or mental ability, past or future, there is room for you at Highlands

Join us for a simple service of Holy Communion each Tuesday in Lent. Lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall for $10.

March 26
The Reverend Charles Lee
Retired United Methodist Clergy

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Highlands United Methodist Church is located at 1045 20th Street South (35205) immediately behind the landmark fountain in the heart of Five Points South, Birmingham. Free parking for Sunday services is available at metered space on the street, at Highlands Bar and Grill on 11th Avenue S, and in the Five Points South Deck on Magnolia Avenue. A parking lot for first-time visitors and those with limited mobility is located directly behind the church, off Richard Arrington Boulevard.

All Are Welcome at Highlands:
Highlands United Methodist Church affirms that nothing can separate anyone from the love of God. We invite all to worship, wonder, and discover God’s grace as we aspire to create a safe space for all to participate fully in the life of this community of faith. We are called to shine as a beacon of hope, grace, belonging and respect for all people. Regardless of age, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, family, financial status, nationality, physical or mental ability, past or future, there is room for you at Highlands

Parent’s Night Out - March 17

Let the Highlands youth group watch the kids while you enjoy a Parents’ Night Out! On Sunday, March 17 from 4 to 6:30 pm, our youth group will host this fun-filled event for kids and families to raise money for their summer mission trip. Kids will enjoy games, crafts, snacks, and a movie. This event is open to children 3 years old and older.

Suggested donation is $30 per child or $75 per family. RSVPs are requested, but walk-ins are welcome!

Contact: Danny Jones – danny@highlandsumc.net or Leslie Williams – leslie@highlandsumc.net

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

Parenting Support Circle

Sundays at 9:30 in Room 210

No agenda or assignments. Just space and opportunity for parents and those who care for children to be in conversation with one another. This is a opportunity to gather and reflect in a quiet environment and take a moment of Sabbath during Lent.