Renewal Quilt Dedication - September 13

Join us next Sunday, September 13, during 10:30 am worship as we dedicate our Renewal Quilt, a beautiful expression of the stories, hopes, prayers, and shared life of our Highlands community. Woven together piece by piece, square by square, the Renewal Quilt reminds us of our Connectedness in God’s Grace – that each of us is part of something larger than ourselves. Come celebrate the threads that bind us together and the beautiful tapestry God continues to weave among us. All are invited to this special celebration!

Atrium Resumes - September 13

The Atrium reopens next Sunday, September 13 at 9:30 am. The Atrium is a place of calm, prayer, and wonder, where children are encouraged to nurture their faith in a way that is age appropriate and rooted in the connection that they already have with God. Children age 3 through 5th grade are invited to attend each week throughout the school year. Our catechists are eager to be with our students again!

No Sunday School Classes - September 6

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.

During the summer months, our Third Sunday Potlucks become Third Sunday Cook Outs! Join us on Sunday, August 16 for great food and warm fellowship. We’ll provide the cook-out favorites; the congregation is asked to bring sides and desserts. All are welcome and invited!

Contact: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net

Bring A Friend Sunday - August 16

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, August 16. 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, and stay after for our Third Sunday Potluck. Let's all extend our love into the community by welcoming friends and neighbors to Highlands!

One Sunday each month, our children, youth and adults will gather together during Sunday School for Heart and Hand Sundays, where we will work together on service projects for our church and community. This inter-generational time of service will start with refreshments and a short devotional suitable for all ages. Join us at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall

Back Ministries - August 9 

You are invited to join us during the Sunday School hour on Sunday, August 9th, to help prepare bags of weekend food for local students. These students receive free breakfasts and lunches each school day, but are food insecure on weekends. This year, we hope to pack about 740 bags per month and deliver them to Glen Iris Elementary School, Midfield Elementary School, and Rutledge Middle School. Counselors will discreetly place the bags in their backpacks every Friday afternoon, which is why this is called the backpack ministry. Each bag contains at least 12 items of nonperishable food.

 In addition to packing at church throughout the year, you can make a monetary donation by going to the church website to the giving option and dropping down to backpack ministry. We also pack at Midfield Elementary about every 3 weeks, usually on a Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:00. If you would like to be on the email list to be notified when we are packing at Midfield, please contact Cathy Ivey at cathycivey@gmail.com or 205-903-9311. 

Donation Items:
- boxes of Mac and cheese (not microwaveable type)
- canned tuna or chicken
- cans of soup like chicken noodle or chicken & rice
- individual packets of instant grits
- individual packets of instant oatmeal
- nutrigrain bars (no nuts)
- squeezable packets of applesauce
- cans of spaghetti-o’s or ravioli

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.

Join us after worship this Sunday, July 19 for a summer veggie luncheon! PJ Ellis will prepare a feast from locally grown produce to celebrate the abundance of summer. This delicious spread will take the place of our regular Summer Sunday Cook Out, so there's no need to bring sides or desserts.

One Sunday each month, our children, youth and adults will gather together during Sunday School for Heart and Hand Sundays, where we will work together on service projects for our church and community. This inter-generational time of service will start with refreshments and a short devotional suitable for all ages. Join us at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall

July 12 - Diaper Drive for Bundles of Hope
This month, Highlands is partnering with our friends at East Lake UMC to support Bundles of Hope, a local diaper bank which cares for the community by meeting the basic, essential, monthly needs of Alabama families. Diaper in all sizes, baby wipes, and period products are needed. Bring items to the Fellowship Hall and help us sort them for delivery.

Upcoming Heart & Hand Sunday:
August 9 - Backpack Ministries (non-perishable food items)

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 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!

No Sunday School Classes - July 5

There will be no Sunday School classes or Atrium on Sunday, July 5 during Independence Day Weekend. The Nursery will open at 10:15 am.

During the summer months, our Third Sunday Potlucks become Third Sunday Cook Outs! Join us on Sunday, June 21 for great food and warm fellowship. We’ll provide the cook-out favorites; the congregation is asked to bring sides and desserts. All are welcome and invited!

Contact: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net

One Sunday each month, our children, youth and adults will gather together during Sunday School for Heart and Hand Sundays, where we will work together on service projects for our church and community. This inter-generational time of service will start with refreshments and a short devotional suitable for all ages. Join us at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall

June 14 - Non-Perishable Food Drive for UAB Blazer Pantry
Congregants are encouraged to conduct a canned food and non-perishable food drive through your neighbors and social media contacts. Collect items and bring to church where we will sort, pack, and deliver to the UAB Food Pantry, which is a few blocks away.

Upcoming Heart & Hand Sundays:
July 12 – Diaper Drive for Bundles of Hope (diapers and wipes)
August 9 - Backpack Ministries (non-perishable food items)

Suggested Donation Items:

Food Item:

• Cereal

• Evaporated milk

• Oatmeal or Grits

• Packaged or canned fruits

• Macaroni and cheese

• Juice

• Packaged or canned meats

• Pasta and pasta sauce

• Snack Items

Personal Hygiene Items:

• Soap

• Deodorant

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste

• Shaving cream and razors

• Feminine Hygiene products

• Mouth wash

• Lotion

• Toilet paper

• Tissue

• Detergent

• Laundry detergent

• Paper towels

Pride Parade - June 13

The Central Alabama Pride Parade will be held on Saturday, June 13. 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 around 8 p.m.

Highlands is proud to host the Central Alabama Pride Interfaith Pride Service on Thursday, June 4 at 6 pm. Save the date and join us in worship, hope, and community.

No Sunday School Classes - May 24

There will be no Sunday School classes or Atrium on Sunday, May 24 during Memorial Day Weekend. The Nursery will open at 10:15 am.

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

Bring A Friend Sunday - May 17

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, May 17. 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, and stay after for our Third Sunday Potluck. Let's all extend our love into the community by welcoming friends and neighbors to Highlands!

Children & Family Summer Kick-Off - May 16

Join the families of Highlands for a fun gathering to celebrate the start of the summer season! We’ll meet on the playground at Railroad Park on Saturday, May 16 from 10:30 am to noon for fellowship, sweet treats, and lots of fun together. We might even get a kick-ball game together! All children and their families are invited! Bring your friends!

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.