Acolyte Training

Being an acolyte at Highlands is more than just wearing a robe and carrying a torch or processional cross - it is an act of praise and service to God, and your church family. Acolytes illuminate the Word, direct our attentions toward spiritual matters, and enhance our communal worship experience. This fall, you are invited to join the Acolyte Ministry at Highlands. All you have to do is attend one of our training sessions. Lunch will provided and training takes about an hour. Acolyte training is open to everyone: adults, youth, and children fourth grade and older. All currently trained acolytes are also encouraged to attend a training session.

Acolyte Training will take place over two Sundays; it is important to attend both sessions!
April 19 and 26 at 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary

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

Acolyte Training

Being an acolyte at Highlands is more than just wearing a robe and carrying a torch or processional cross - it is an act of praise and service to God, and your church family. Acolytes illuminate the Word, direct our attentions toward spiritual matters, and enhance our communal worship experience. This fall, you are invited to join the Acolyte Ministry at Highlands. All you have to do is attend one of our training sessions. Lunch will provided and training takes about an hour. Acolyte training is open to everyone: adults, youth, and children fourth grade and older. All currently trained acolytes are also encouraged to attend a training session.

Acolyte Training will take place over two Sundays; it is important to attend both sessions!
April 19 and 26 at 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary

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!

Lenten Labyrinth - Sundays at 3 PM

During the Lenten season, Jettye Davis will gently facilitate a time and space for prayer, quiet listening, and reflection. This contemplative walk offers a meaningful way to slow down, release what weighs on the heart, and open yourself to God’s grace and renewal. The labyrinth will be available in the Chancel each Sunday in March from 3 to 4 pm. Come and go as your schedule allows!

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 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, and a bounce house! 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!

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.

Lenten Labyrinth - Sundays at 3 PM

During the Lenten season, Jettye Davis will gently facilitate a time and space for prayer, quiet listening, and reflection. This contemplative walk offers a meaningful way to slow down, release what weighs on the heart, and open yourself to God’s grace and renewal. The labyrinth will be available in the Chancel each Sunday in March from 3 to 4 pm. Come and go as your schedule allows!

You are warmly invited to a special Vespers Dinner honoring the dedicated volunteers of our Community Ministries and Project ID programs.

On Thursday, March 19, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by a brief and meaningful Vespers service at 6:00 p.m. This evening is offered in gratitude for the generous hearts and faithful hands that serve our community in Christ’s name.

Please join us as we share a meal, offer thanks to God, and celebrate the ministry we carry together.

To RSVP for dinner, either click the button below to register online or contact Michelle Jones.

Lenten Labyrinth - Sundays at 3 PM

During the Lenten season, Jettye Davis will gently facilitate a time and space for prayer, quiet listening, and reflection. This contemplative walk offers a meaningful way to slow down, release what weighs on the heart, and open yourself to God’s grace and renewal. The labyrinth will be available in the Chancel each Sunday in March from 3 to 4 pm. Come and go as your schedule allows!

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

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.

Lenten Labyrinth - Sundays at 3 PM

During the Lenten season, Jettye Davis will gently facilitate a time and space for prayer, quiet listening, and reflection. This contemplative walk offers a meaningful way to slow down, release what weighs on the heart, and open yourself to God’s grace and renewal. The labyrinth will be available in the Chancel each Sunday in March from 3 to 4 pm. Come and go as your schedule allows!

Lenten Labyrinth - Sundays at 3 PM

During the Lenten season, Jettye Davis will gently facilitate a time and space for prayer, quiet listening, and reflection. This contemplative walk offers a meaningful way to slow down, release what weighs on the heart, and open yourself to God’s grace and renewal. The labyrinth will be available in the Chancel each Sunday in March from 3 to 4 pm. Come and go as your schedule allows!

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!

Make plans to stay after the potluck to help us pack backpacks with weekend meals for students at local schools. This is a great service opportunity for children and families. All materials will be provided - just join in!

Contact: Michelle Jones – michelle@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

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 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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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).

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