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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

All Saints service of worship featuring the Rutter Requiem

Sunday, November 2, 2025 • 10:30 a.m. worship

The Choir of Highlands United Methodist Church
Richard Phillips, Choirmaster and Organist
Rachel Satterwhite, Soprano Soloist

This Solemn Requiem, one of the many jewels in the liturgical crown of worship, begins and ends in silence. In between, glorious music, full of yearning and hope, fills the church and our hearts as we remember all those who have gone before us.

Vespers Dinner for All Saints - October 29

Please join us for dinner and a Vespers service on Wednesday, October 29 at 5:30 pm. The service of evening prayers will feature music and liturgy from the Iona Community and will celebrate The Feast of All Saints. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm for the cost of $12. We hope all will join us for this very special service!

Dinner RSVP: Dinah Hughes –dgomes02@yahoo.com

Contact: Marion Lagman – mlagman@gmail.com

Discover Highlands - October 26

You're warmly invited to join us for a delightful lunch following worship next Sunday, October 26, at Noon in the Fellowship Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about church membership. Meet our dedicated leaders and staff, enjoy a tour of our beautiful church, and discover the enriching learning opportunities and service initiatives available to our community. Whether you're new to the area or exploring ways to deepen your faith, we would love to welcome you into our church family. Please email Michelle Jones to reserve a spot for lunch.

Lunch RSVP: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net

Stewardship for Ministries in 2026: Weaving Together

Your pledge is a vital thread in the fabric of Highlands’ future. Each gift helps us strengthen our community of faith, expand outreach, and ensure our church remains a place of hope and renewal.Together, we are weaving a strong and vibrant community. Your commitment will help us:

Grow ministries, both within our congregation and the wider community.

Preserve and care for our church home, a sacred space where generations have found and will find belonging.

Build a sustainable future together, meeting the challenges of rising costs while expanding our impact.

Thank you for prayerfully considering your pledge for 2026.
Completed pledges requested by Sunday, October 19, 2025

Front Door Sunday

Enter the Sanctuary through the front doors every first Sunday of the month. We are working to improve our visibility in the Five Points South neighborhood, so join us on the front lawn once a month.

United Women in Faith Vespers Dinner - Sept. 8

Please join the United Women in Faith for dinner and a Vespers service on Monday, September 8 at 5:30 pm. Rev. Mikah Hudson will be leading the service from his experience in Iona and Rick Phillips will be leading our music. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm for the cost of $12. We hope all will join us for this very special service!

Dinner RSVP: Dinah Hughes –dgomes02@yahoo.com

Contact: Marion Lagman – mlagman@gmail.com

Bring A Friend Sunday - September 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, September 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. If you have friends with children, there is also an Atrium Lunch and Learn that day with childcare provided. Let's all extend our love into the community by welcoming friends and neighbors to Highlands!

No Sunday School Classes - August 31

There will be no Sunday School classes or Atrium next Sunday, August 31 during Labor Day Weekend. The Nursery will open at 10:15 am.

No Sunday School Classes - May 24

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

Front Door Sunday

Enter the Sanctuary through the front doors every first Sunday of the month. We are working to improve our visibility in the Five Points South neighborhood, so join us on the front lawn once a month.

Join us on Sunday, July 6 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!

Front Door Sunday

Enter the Sanctuary through the front doors every first Sunday of the month. We are working to improve our visibility in the Five Points South neighborhood, so join us on the front lawn once a month.

Front Door Sunday

Enter the Sanctuary through the front doors every first Sunday of the month. We are working to improve our visibility in the Five Points South neighborhood, so join us on the front lawn once a month.