Weekly Update

blowing up Your Inbox

Highland, I realize that I have been bombarding your inbox lately. With all that transpires in the life of our church, it seems necessary to relay matters to you. I appreciate your patience, your attention to matters and your understanding.

To love one another requires a determination to communicate and connect as best as possible. Allow me to offer you details about upcoming events one more time, just to keep the information in front of us all. See the next section of our post for details.

Upcoming Events

Tomorrow, Saturday, December 6th: Randall Lake's Funeral will be held at Vance-Brooks Funeral Home, located at 3738 US-431, Phenix City, AL 36867. Visitation & funeral confirmed for this Saturday, December 6th, at 10 & 11am.

*** A Change — Sunday, December 7th, 7pm: Myanmar Comes to Columbus Event

Myanmar Comes to Columbus Event (Register — click button below)

If you’re reading our email, see our original post to register.

Register to attend

Boxes of Love Signups: To give a box, call Highland at (706) 249-9424 to sign up your person. Leave Megan a message or email her at megan@hopeforhighland.org.

Saturday, December 13th: Boxes of Love: Packing starts: 9am; Delivery: 11:30am

We will need help packing boxes and folks with trucks willing to deliver boxes.

Sunday, December 14th: “Behold the Lamb of God” Musical

A rendition of the Musical will be done at Highland’s 10am Service

The entire Musical will be performed at Edgewood Baptist Church that evening.

Wednesday, December 17th, Thursday, December 18th & Friday, December 19th:

North Highland Christmas Store shopping takes place (Register — click button below)

If you’re reading our email, see our original post to register.

Register to shop

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE

8am: Doors open

8:30am–9:15am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9:15am-9:45am: Devotion in our Dining Facility & Robert’s Study for Men (In Classroom 7)

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our sanctuary (In our gym)

A Glimpse at This Sunday

As we close, our service this Sunday will concentrate upon two realms

1. The birth of Christ

2. Our Series through Matthew

Come, ready to celebrate through singing of the birth of Christ Jesus. We will sing Christmas Carols and draw our hearts toward the account of the birth of Jesus.

Next, we will work through Matthew 12. Jesus is confronted by Jewish Leaders regarding the manner in which the Sabbath is observed. Bring your Bibles and be ready to break open this chapter together.

Grateful for every moment we have, Highland.

I hope to see you Sunday.

I love you,

Rob

Living Water Event Moved to Sunday Night (December 7th)

Highland,

Considering timing, David Klaus is moving Living Water’s “Myanmar coming to Columbus” to Sunday evening, same time – 7pm. To those who’ve made arrangements to come, thank you for being flexible; we hope to see you Sunday night (December 7th) instead, at Highland, 7pm. With the change, to those who are able to now attend, please make plans to register if you are interested in coming, thanks! Click here to register.

Rob

Remembering Willie Riser

Willie Riser

Highland,

Mr. Willie Riser has passed. Though he could come across as gruff, Willie had such a tender, caring heart. His frequent visits will certainly be missed. Our church will stand beside his family as they prepare to lay him to rest. Highland, thank you for opening wide your hearts to him, pointing him toward the love of Christ. May the mercy of the Lord comfort his family in their season of grief.

Rob

A Glance Ahead

Highland, with so much happening in the life of our church, here’s another glance at what’s taking place. I hope you’re having a great week! Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday. I sure love you! — Rob

Scan QR code to register for December 6th Event.

Myanmar Comes To Columbus!

On December 6, David Klaus will host a special event to tell stories from his recent trip to Myanmar, including stories of amazing miracles, courageous witness, and the good news beginning to spread like never before in history. David will also talk about practical ways that all of us can stay engaged with global missions in Southeast Asia even from Columbus. Please register for this event by December 4th, so we can arrange appropriate childcare. To register, click button below:

Register

A Glance Ahead

Saturday, December 6th: Randall Lake's Funeral will be held at Vance-Brooks Funeral Home, located at 3738 US-431, Phenix City, AL 36867. Visitation & funeral confirmed for this Saturday, December 6th, at 10 & 11am.

Saturday, December 6th, 7pm: Myanmar Comes to Columbus Event

Myanmar Comes to Columbus Event (Register — see statement above)

Boxes of Love Signups: To give a box, call Highland at (706) 249-9424 to sign up your person. Leave Megan a message or email her at megan@hopeforhighland.org.

Saturday, December 13th: Boxes of Love: Packing starts: 9am; Delivery: 11:30am

We will need help packing boxes and folks with trucks willing to deliver boxes.

Sunday, December 14th: “Behold the Lamb of God” Musical

A rendition of the Musical will be done at Highland’s 10am Service

The entire Musical will be performed at Edgewood Baptist Church that evening.

Wednesday, December 17th, Thursday, December 18th & Friday, December 19th:

North Highland Christmas Store shopping takes place (registration to open)

Remembering Randall Lake

Randall Lake has passed. I learned of his passing November 30th, 2025. Men who hold the line, just because it’s the right thing to do, are rare. Men who show up and assume their role with an enduring presence are few and far between. Men that are able to shape others in a constructive manner, without looking to gain something for themselves, are gifts to those who need the shaping. This was Randall Lake. He served Highland Community Church faithfully for 25 years. His endurance, his resolve and his ability to constructively shape others will never be forgotten — especially by me.

Rob Strickland

Weekly Update

Klaus Family During Advent Season

Details for our service This Sunday

God's Kingdom is on the move in North Highland, and also throughout the world! During our service this Sunday, we will celebrate the good things God is doing around the world: David Klaus will walk us through 2 Corinthians as we study the connection that the early church saw between local ministry and global missions. And he and Kimberly will share some stories and insight into the current state of global missions (the hard, the glorious,and the super-glorious!) Come ready to be challenged and inspired to think about how a global God can use His people to change the world, even from Columbus.

Scan QR code to register for December 6th Event.

Myanmar Comes To Columbus!

On December 6, David Klaus will host a special event to tell stories from his recent trip to Myanmar, including stories of amazing miracles, courageous witness, and the good news beginning to spread like never before in history. David will also talk about practical ways that all of us can stay engaged with global missions in Southeast Asia even from Columbus. Please register for this event by December 4th, so we can arrange appropriate childcare. To register, click button below:

Register

looking ahead

Sunday, November 30th (This Sunday)

Klaus Family facilitate Sunday’s Service.

Boxes of Love Signups & Advent Begin

Saturday, December 6th, 7pm: Myanmar Comes to Columbus Event

Myanmar Comes to Columbus Event (Register — see statement above)

Saturday, December 13th: Boxes of Love: Packing starts: 9am; Delivery: 11:30am

We will need help packing boxes and folks with trucks willing to deliver boxes.

Sunday, December 14th: “Behold the Lamb of God” Musical

A rendition of the Musical will be done at Highland’s 10am Service

The Full Musical will be performed at Edgewood Baptist Church that evening.

Wednesday, December 17th, Thursday, December 18th & Friday, December 19th:

North Highland Christmas Store shopping takes place (registration to open)

Kingdom Sports Registration is Open

Following an announcement made two weeks ago during service, registration for Kingdom Sports is currently underway. Click here to read details and register!

Please bring Dish-Soap.

This collection is for Boxes of Love — thank you! Pass along your bottle to me or Megan.

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE

8am: Doors open

8:30am–9:15am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9:15am-9:45am: Devotion in our Dining Facility & Robert’s Study for Men (In Classroom 7)

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our sanctuary (In our gym)

Highland cafe’

Open for business! 8:30am—11:30am, Tuesday -Friday

Highland cafe’

To those who continue to step up and show up to lead the Highland Cafe’ – thank you! To ‘open wide our doors with a welcome from Jesus Christ’ means we must be fortified to graciously host! The first ingredient to hosting is presence! So, to all who show up to love our neighbor in honor of our Lord, thank you!

So grateful for you, Highland.

I love you,

Rob

Giving Thanks to The Lord With Our Whole Heart!


While at a retreat, this liturgy was presented to me. I really identified with it, Highland. I found it fitting to share with you, especially in light of it being Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;

I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

I will be glad and exult in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1-2).

“God, I present my heart to you. I feel grateful. I feel it in my bones.

Fear can quietly slither under the door of my thankfulness. Pride can also reach around me, like my own hand, patting me on my back.

I pay attention to the places where my soul bends, twists and maneuvers away from the purity of my gratitude. I hold my feelings of gratitude the way I hold something special; like holding a baby, I won’t be reckless or distracted. I don’t tighten my grip or loosen it too much.

I honor the gifts You have given me, God. “Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shadow.” I have been given so much.

I hold every single gift with gentle surrender. I open my hands. Thankfulness is on my lips. With all my heart, I give thanks to You, Lord. I sing my praise, speak my joy, shout my delight. I will let gratitude be gravity that grounds me in my life.

My thankfulness can exist alongside any feeling.

Anxiety—Gratitude

Sandness—Gratitude

Worry—Gratitude

Confusion—Gratitude

No feeling can cancel my thankfulness, because, Lord, Your gifts are present in all things. God, the greatest gift You have for my life is to love me. And, my life, though flawed and fragile, is a gift. I feel gratitude welling up inside me. I will give thanks again and again — I will give thanks until my last breath. For what has been given; has been taken away — for all that my heart holds dear.”

— Anjuli Paschal

Enjoy Thanksgiving, Highland! We have so much for which to be grateful!

I love you.

Rob

Weekly Update

Thanks for Making our Feast Possible!

Highland, wow – what an incredible day of corporate worship! To those who helped with the Agape Feast, thank you! How I love seeing us come together, serving one another, in honor of the Lord. Well done, everyone!

A public declaration that christ is lord

Also, I will savor the sharing in the baptism of Vivian and Asa Lynch. May they both continue to walk in the newness of life - afforded only in the name of Christ Jesus. May we all celebrate with the Lynch Family, along with the heavens, Highland.

Darrack’s Memorial Service

This Saturday at 11am, Darrack’s Memorial Service will be here, at Highland Community Church. As you arrive, be aware that Highland is also partnering with M2540 this Saturday. They will be offering Thanksgiving Lunches to our community. They will provide live worship throughout the event. The band will play from our gym, facing 6th avenue, through our 6th Ave garage door. How thankful I am for this incredible facility the Lord’s provided for us! This building allows us to the chance to worship and mourn together, at the same time — thank you, Lord.

Kingdom Sports Registration is Open

Following an announcement made two weeks ago during service, registration for Kingdom Sports is currently underway. Click here to read details and register!

Our Sound Guy!

Thanks, Casey!

looking ahead

Saturday, November 22nd

Darrick’s Memorial Service, at Highland, 11am.

M2540’s Thanksgiving Meal Given to Community.

Sunday, November 23rd

Child Dedication Service (last Sunday to register — see link below)

If you are interested in dedicating your child, please email me by clicking here, thanks!

Please bring Dish-Soap.

This collection is for Boxes of Love — thank you! Pass along your bottle to me or Megan.

Sunday, November 30th

Boxes of Love Signups & Advent Begin!

See details regarding our Service November 30th:

God's Kingdom is on the move in North Highland, and also throughout the world! During our service November 30th, we will celebrate the good things God is doing around the world: David Klaus will walk us through 2 Corinthians as we study the connection that the early church saw between local ministry and global missions. And he and Kimberly will share some stories and insight into the current state of global missions (the hard, the glorious,and the super-glorious!) Come ready to be challenged and inspired to think about how a global God can use His people to change the world, even from Columbus.

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE

8am: Doors open

8:30am–9:15am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9:15am-9:45am: Devotion in our Dining Facility & Robert’s Study for Men (In Classroom 7)

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our sanctuary (In our gym)

Highland cafe’

Open for business! 8:30am—11:30am, Tuesday -Friday

Highland cafe’

To those who continue to step up and show up to lead the Highland Cafe’ – thank you! To ‘open wide our doors with a welcome from Jesus Christ’ means we must be fortified to graciously host! The first ingredient to hosting is presence! So, to all who show up to love our neighbor in honor of our Lord, thank you!

So grateful for you, Highland.

I love you,

Rob

Weekly Update

‘Saved By His Life’

Just a few Sundays ago, Darrick and I had coffee. He had never before asked to meet with me. He wanted to know if the Lord could save someone like him. In response, I read to him: “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10).

Highland, as he asked me this question, he was tense. When I read this passage to him, I watched the peace of God wash over him. His face beamed with joy. I will never forget that look dawn upon his face! We, together, celebrated salvation in the name of Jesus — who saves repentant sinners!

Highland, well done! Way to set up an outpost for the Kingdom of God amid the streets of North Highland. We maintain our resolve, holding our position in the light of Christ, that all who walk in darkness might see the marvelous light of Christ Jesus and come running!

looking ahead

November 16th

Lord’s Supper, followed by our Agape Feast.

November 23rd

Child Dedication Service

If you are interested in dedicating your child, please email me by clicking here, thanks!

November 30th (Reminder: Dish Soap Collection Underway)

Boxes of Love Signups begin.

RECOGNIZING the need for Food

The church recognizes the burden that the potential pause of SNAP benefits may bring to many in our church family and neighborhood. We are currently fielding calls, meeting needs, and remain positioned to continue serving in this capacity as we are able.

Sunday Service begins at 10am — Lord’s Supper this Sunday.

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE

8am: Doors open

8:30am–9:15am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9:15am-9:45am: Devotion in our Dining Facility & Robert’s Study for Men (In Classroom 7)

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our sanctuary (In our gym)

Highland cafe’

Open for business! 8:30am—11:30am, M-F

Highland cafe’

To those who continue to step up and show up to lead the Highland Cafe’ – thank you! To ‘open wide our doors with a welcome from Jesus Christ’ means we must be fortified to graciously host! The first ingredient to hosting is presence! So, to all who show up to love our neighbor in honor of our Lord, thank you!

So grateful for you, Highland.

I love you,

Rob

Location & Mailing address

3408 5th Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31904

phone Number — (706)249-9424