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.
Join your friends from Highlands for a movie night! We will visit local independent movie theater, Sidewalk Cinema in the basement of the The Pizitz Food Hall downtown, for Mary Oliver: Saved By the Beauty of the World. Choose from two screening times – Wednesday, September 9 at 6:15 pm or Thursday, September 10 at 4:45 pm. Parking is available at metered spaces on the street or at The Pizitz parking deck off 18th Street North.
Seating is limited, so advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended!
If poetry had a pop icon, Mary Oliver would be it. Celebrated best-selling poet, Pulitzer Prize-winner, lover of dogs and long walks in the woods, openly queer but intensely private, Oliver was America’s unlikely contemporary mystic, stalking the ponds and forests of Cape Cod for nearly fifty years in order to open herself – and her readers – to the known and unknowable world. From a lonely childhood to literary fame, Oliver’s life was shaped by devotion to nature, paying attention, and the long journey toward learning to love and to be loved. Her poems inspire liberals and conservatives, atheists and believers, naturalists and urbanites, speaking directly to contemporary anxieties about attention, presence, and the human relationship with the natural world – issues that feel especially pressing in an era of climate crisis, digital distraction, and social fragmentation. Featuring interviews with her close friends, including John Waters, never-before-seen personal photos, notebooks, and correspondence from her archive, and recitations of her work by Stephen Colbert, Lucy Dacus, Steve Buscemi, and Oprah Winfrey, Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World considers the poet’s long lifetime of work in context, capturing the uniqueness of her world and the natural beauty that inspired her.
*All Wednesday screenings are captioned if made available by the distributor.
*Films will usually have an average of 8-10 minutes of trailers before each screening.
*Seating is general admission. Arrive early to screenings if you want to ensure everyone in your group sits together.
*No outside food or beverages. We have a full bar and concessions in the cinema, and anything purchased from there can be taken into the theatre.
Join your friends from Highlands for a movie night! We will visit local independent movie theater, Sidewalk Cinema in the basement of the The Pizitz Food Hall downtown, for Mary Oliver: Saved By the Beauty of the World. Choose from two screening times – Wednesday, September 9 at 6:15 pm or Thursday, September 10 at 4:45 pm. Parking is available at metered spaces on the street or at The Pizitz parking deck off 18th Street North.
Seating is limited, so advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended!
If poetry had a pop icon, Mary Oliver would be it. Celebrated best-selling poet, Pulitzer Prize-winner, lover of dogs and long walks in the woods, openly queer but intensely private, Oliver was America’s unlikely contemporary mystic, stalking the ponds and forests of Cape Cod for nearly fifty years in order to open herself – and her readers – to the known and unknowable world. From a lonely childhood to literary fame, Oliver’s life was shaped by devotion to nature, paying attention, and the long journey toward learning to love and to be loved. Her poems inspire liberals and conservatives, atheists and believers, naturalists and urbanites, speaking directly to contemporary anxieties about attention, presence, and the human relationship with the natural world – issues that feel especially pressing in an era of climate crisis, digital distraction, and social fragmentation. Featuring interviews with her close friends, including John Waters, never-before-seen personal photos, notebooks, and correspondence from her archive, and recitations of her work by Stephen Colbert, Lucy Dacus, Steve Buscemi, and Oprah Winfrey, Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World considers the poet’s long lifetime of work in context, capturing the uniqueness of her world and the natural beauty that inspired her.
*All Wednesday screenings are captioned if made available by the distributor.
*Films will usually have an average of 8-10 minutes of trailers before each screening.
*Seating is general admission. Arrive early to screenings if you want to ensure everyone in your group sits together.
*No outside food or beverages. We have a full bar and concessions in the cinema, and anything purchased from there can be taken into the theatre.
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!
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 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.
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!
As summer approaches and folks return home from school or work, we want to extend a warm invitation to college students and young adults to join us for a bi-monthly meal and fellowship gathering. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and share in a time of reflection and spiritual growth. Gatherings will include a delicious meal, time for catching up with each other, and a short devotional to inspire and encourage you as you navigate this season of life. We believe that community is essential for growth and support, and we would love for you to be a part of ours.
Contact: Reggie Holder – reggie@highlandsumc.net.
Meeting Schedule and Locations:
Monday, June 1 – Top Golf Outing, hosted by The Soong Family
Wednesday, July 15 – The Harper-Holder Family
Monday, August 10 – The Rand Family
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.
As summer approaches and folks return home from school or work, we want to extend a warm invitation to college students and young adults to join us for a bi-monthly meal and fellowship gathering. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and share in a time of reflection and spiritual growth. Gatherings will include a delicious meal, time for catching up with each other, and a short devotional to inspire and encourage you as you navigate this season of life. We believe that community is essential for growth and support, and we would love for you to be a part of ours.
Contact: Reggie Holder – reggie@highlandsumc.net.
Meeting Schedule and Locations:
Monday, June 1 – Top Golf Outing, hosted by The Soong Family
Wednesday, July 15 – The Harper-Holder Family
Monday, August 10 – The Rand Family
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)
Registration for Highlands’ VBS day camp, July 6-10 is open now! VBS meets Monday-Friday, 9 am to 4 pm, and is open to children age 4 through rising 5th graders, and youth helpers rising 6th graders and older. Registration cost is $100 with a $250 registration cap per family; full or partial scholarships are available.
Adult Volunteers and Youth Counselors will be needed for a variety of tasks, from preparing materials before the event, to providing snacks, to leading small group sessions. There is truly an opportunity for everyone in our congregation! Contact Mary Elizabeth Neal at maryelizabeth@highlandsumc.net for more information.
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!
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:
Cereal
Evaporated milk
Oatmeal or Grits
Packaged or canned fruits
Macaroni and cheese
Juice
Packaged or canned meats
Pasta and pasta sauce
Snack 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.
This summer, our youth group will travel to Deer Lodge, TN to work at the Morgan Scott Project, a non-profit helping the elderly, needy, handicapped, and unemployed in Morgan and Scott counties, which are among the most poverty-stricken counties in Tennessee. The leadership intends to have us work on a project that is a good match for our group’s size and abilities; we’ll know more about the project when we can tell them more about the group that is coming. Typical projects include building a wheel chair ramp, painting, and helping rehab a bathroom. The Morgan Scott Project will provide onsite leadership for all projects.
All youth (rising 7th - graduating 12th graders) are invited to participate. Registration is open through June 3.
Accommodations
MSP has two rooms with four bunk beds each, an additional two fold out couches, and ample space for air mattresses. There are private bathrooms and showers where we are staying, along with a kitchen and dining area.
Adult Chaperones
If you are interested in attending as an adult chaperone, please contact Danny Jones.
Cost
Total cost of mission trip is $280 per person. Cost covers transportation, meals, lodging, supplies, and t-shirt. Participants may wish to bring a little pocket money for the Morgan Scott Project thrift shop, extra snacks, or soft drinks. Please do not let cost be an obstacle to participation! Full or partial scholarships are available upon request. To request a scholarship, contact Danny Jones at danny@highlandsumc.net prior to registration so that we can send you the correct discount code.
A $50 deposit is due at the time of registration. Use the following codes to pay only the deposit cost at checkout.
For one participant: DEPOSIT1
For two participants: DEPOSIT2
For three participants: DEPOSIT3
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Danny Jones at danny@highlandsumc.net
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.
As summer approaches and folks return home from school or work, we want to extend a warm invitation to college students and young adults to join us for a bi-monthly meal and fellowship gathering. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and share in a time of reflection and spiritual growth. Gatherings will include a delicious meal, time for catching up with each other, and a short devotional to inspire and encourage you as you navigate this season of life. We believe that community is essential for growth and support, and we would love for you to be a part of ours.
Contact: Reggie Holder – reggie@highlandsumc.net.
Meeting Schedule and Locations:
Monday, June 1 – Top Golf Outing, hosted by The Soong Family
Wednesday, July 15 – The Harper-Holder Family
Monday, August 10 – The Rand Family
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!
Youth Sunday and Senior Recognition - May 3
Please save the date for our Youth Sunday and senior recognition service on May 3. Parents of graduates are asked to submit bulletin information to Mary Elizabeth Neal by May 1.
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!
