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

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.

Sunday, December 14 - Third Sunday of Advent

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)

Bring A Friend Sunday - December 7

As we kick off our fall activities, it is a wonderful time to invite friends to come with you to church! We invite you to bring a friend, neighbor, or co-worker to Sunday school and worship on Sunday, December 7. All are welcome! Invite your friends to experience the warmth of God's loving community here at Highlands and to experience the beauty of our worship. Let's all extend our love into the community by welcoming friends and neighbors to Highlands!

Subject: Join Us for a Weekly Bible Study at Highlands United Methodist Church!

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming weekly Bible Study this fall at Highlands United Methodist Church! Join us on Tuesdays at 11:45 a.m. in Room 204, as we will embark on a meaningful journey through the Old Testament books of Genesis and Exodus.

Why Genesis and Exodus?

These books are foundational works of the Judeo-Christian faith, shaping our understanding of God, humanity, and moral principles. They have profoundly influenced countless lives and movements throughout history, including the Civil Rights Movement, as they speak to themes of freedom, justice, and divine promise.

This Fall, we will dive deeply into these sacred texts, enriching our study with insights from contemporary theologians and modern writers. Together, we will explore the historical context, literary elements, and spiritual lessons that continue to resonate today.

Join Us for Lunch!

We encourage you to arrive at 11:45 a.m. to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by PJ, Ali, and the Good to Go crew, available for $12. Please note that lunch reservations are required to ensure we have enough food for everyone.  Suzanne Hoye will collect reservations.

We hope you will join us for this enriching experience as we gather in fellowship and deepen our understanding of these foundational scriptures that still speak to us today.

The First Sunday of Advent

Service of Holy Communion
10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary 

The Reverend Mikah Hudson, preaching

Join us for a beautiful worship service on the First Sunday of Advent as we enter this sacred season of anticipation, preparation, and hope. Our service will include the gift of sacred dance that helps set our hearts toward the coming of the Christ Child, a moment of confession and assurance of God’s pardon, and the sacrament of Holy Communion which binds us all together in Christ's love. Immerse yourself in the sounds of inspiring music and the sight of a sanctuary lovingly prepared for Advent—glowing with greenery, candlelight, and symbols of promise.

As is our tradition, Highlands will serve Thanksgiving lunch to our Community Ministries friends on Thursday, November 27. Prior to the meal, we need volunteers to cook desserts and sides as well as set up and decorate the Fellowship Hall. On Thanksgiving Day, we need volunteers to help with serving, welcoming, and clean up.

If you will be out of town on Thanksgiving, please consider making a donation to assist with the purchase of the meal. Checks may be made to HUMC with “CM Thanksgiving” in the memo line and dropped in the offering plate during worship or delivered to the church office.

To volunteer or for more information, contact Danny Jones or Mark Chambers

Subject: Join Us for a Weekly Bible Study at Highlands United Methodist Church!

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming weekly Bible Study this fall at Highlands United Methodist Church! Join us on Tuesdays at 11:45 a.m. in Room 204, as we will embark on a meaningful journey through the Old Testament books of Genesis and Exodus.

Why Genesis and Exodus?

These books are foundational works of the Judeo-Christian faith, shaping our understanding of God, humanity, and moral principles. They have profoundly influenced countless lives and movements throughout history, including the Civil Rights Movement, as they speak to themes of freedom, justice, and divine promise.

This Fall, we will dive deeply into these sacred texts, enriching our study with insights from contemporary theologians and modern writers. Together, we will explore the historical context, literary elements, and spiritual lessons that continue to resonate today.

Join Us for Lunch!

We encourage you to arrive at 11:45 a.m. to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by PJ, Ali, and the Good to Go crew, available for $12. Please note that lunch reservations are required to ensure we have enough food for everyone.  Suzanne Hoye will collect reservations.

We hope you will join us for this enriching experience as we gather in fellowship and deepen our understanding of these foundational scriptures that still speak to us today.

The Reverend Mikah Hudson, Preaching
Richard Phillips, Choirmaster & Organist
Ryan Morrison, Piper

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 23. 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 Laura Williams (swilliams1521@msn.com) or Denise Williams (denisew60al@gmail.com).