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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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 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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
The church office, Child Development Center, and Community Ministries will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 27-28 for Thanksgiving. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.
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.
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).
Need a break? Join the women of Highlands for a relaxed social gathering at Panera Bread in Vestavia Hills on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00 pm. No agenda, no book to read – just friends fellowshipping together.
Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com
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.
Church Council Meeting - November 16
The Church Council will meet on Sunday, November 16 in the Fellowship Hall worship. The meeting will follow the Third Sunday Potluck lunch. Church Council meetings are open to everyone; all are welcome to observe our church leadership at work.
Contact: Anne Rand - asrand@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
The church office and Child Development Center will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day. Highlands thanks our veterans for their service, and wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday.
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, November 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Highlands UMC Chapel
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
