Weekly Update

How I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas! We certainly had a season filled with family and friends! Lots of laughter and rest.

Charlie Brown Christmas Bingo — a Christmas Tradition (winner picks dessert)

The festivities kicked off Sunday afternoon. Emma was such a welcomed edition to our Christmas traditions! From games, to our annual North Pole Dinner, she only added to the joy found round our dinner table.

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The Merritt family also held our annual Walmart run, which was hype this year! Walmart felt a little crazier than usual! Mom-Merritt drew my name! She got me a fitting t-shirt!

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Even still, Luke gave J.T. the most suitable gift! J.T. is the Youth Pastor at Edgewood Baptist, the church from which Highland is originally planted. Our kids still attend youth services there. Due to the impact J.T. has had upon the life of so many (Luke included), Luke had Justin Jordan create this gift for him. It’s a sign with J.T.’s favorite verse etched upon it! Certainly a Christmas highlight!

P.S. – this gift did not come from Walmart – thanks, Justin Jordan!

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Speaking of Christmas highlights, one of my favorite pastimes during the holidays is shooting skeet! Teaching my boys about gun safety and how to handle a weapon has always been important to me. My dad certainly took the time to teach my brother and me! In stride with this tradition, my dad gave to Jude a family-shotgun this Christmas!

With the weather being so agreeable on Christmas day, we shot skeet! Jude got to fire this .410 for the first time! With it in hand, he called for the first skeet, shattering it mid air! Cheers from cousins erupted all around!

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Another tradition that is setting for us is having our dear friend, Mike Hare, over for dinner on Christmas. Carrie makes us a delicious meal! We then open presents, enjoying Christmas Carols in the background. Finally, we all play a game at the table, while having coffee. It’s an enjoyable way to wrap up Christmas day.

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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)

This Sunday, we gather to exalt the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus! Come, ready to worship, opening God’s Word, asking Him to direct our hearts toward His holiness! Again, I hope your Christmas Season has been filled with the joy and hope of Christ Jesus! I love you, Highland!

So grateful for you!

See you Sunday,

Rob

The Way of Peace

While I failed to get Sunday’s sermon recorded, a written version of the sermon is provided below.

The Way of Peace

Luke 1:76-79

A Prophecy Spoken – Jesus will offer ‘The Way of Peace’

In the time leading up to the birth of Jesus, prophecies were offered, coupled with signs from the heavens. One such moment was Zachariah’s encounter with the Herald, Gabriel, who told Zachariah he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son.

Zachariah found this truth hard to believe, thereby questioning the words of Gabriel. Therefore, he was stricken mute throughout his wife’s pregnancy. Upon John’s birth, he was given back his ability to speak, declaring, rightfully so, the child’s name to be John. Zachariah then prophesied:

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:76-79). This statement “the way of peace” lays the roadway for our message today.

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His Presence Brings The Way of Peace

Peace is among the most deeply-rooted longings of our hearts. Knowing the sin-ridden condition of this world, Jesus comes. Born, by way of the Holy Spirit, He enters into the messiness of this world, revealing the majesty of the Lord Almighty in such approachable humility; while, at the same time, imparting mercy to repentant-sinners. The result – in Christ, the wrath of God due us is satisfied, putting our anxious hearts at peace with the Almighty.

A further look at prophecies about the coming Child, born of a virgin, highlights His purpose being, in part, that there will be no end to His peace (Isaiah 7:17). In the gospel of Luke, the night of Jesus’ birth, the angel declares that Jesus affords ‘peace on earth; goodwill toward men.’

Those who encounter the Lord’s might, rejecting His majesty revealed by His Son, remain under His wrath. Those, however, who yield to the Lordship of Jesus, receive mercy – forgiveness of sin.

Not only does the Lord forgive us of sin, but we receive the spirit-of-adoption by way of the Holy Spirit, becoming sons and daughters of the Most High – coheirs with Chrst.

The conviction and the perfecting love of the Holy Spirit teaches our hearts how to live. By way of His Spirit, we walk through this messy world in stride with His nature. In so doing, we walk according to the one and only ‘way of peace’ – the very presence of the Lord residing in our hearts.

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His Peace Felt Far Off

Ephesians 2:13-18

In my time with the Lord, I often reflect upon my life. Though growing up in church, hearing the Bible preached, I knew about God. Yet, I can vividly recall the loud and ongoing chaos that reigned in my mind and spirit. Knowing about God and actually knowing Him are two totally different things. As often as I would encounter God’s Word, I did not know peace, which Scripture continually describes Jesus as affording.

In coming to know Christ, my heart continued to wrestle with how to trust the Lord to afford me peace - chaos felt common to me. As I read God’s Word, yielding more and more to its authority, I began understanding that it was not as if God was going to take away all of my chaos, exchanging it for peaceful, easy feelings. Rather, the Lord wanted me to walk through the chaos, entrusting Him to renew my desires, allowing Him to establish my steps. Doing so led me to know His peace through the chaos; Christ’s peace began to rule in my heart amid the chaos!

Until then, strongholds within my heart had reigned. Peace felt far off. As Paul writes – the peace of Christ is to rule in our hearts. Rather, in my heart, fear ruled. Anxiety ruled. Yielding to His power, Christ was beginning to coquet the garrisons within my heart that had ruled for a very long time.

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Peace of Christ Conquers and Reigns

Colossians 3:15

Let’s now consider practical, relatable ways in which the Lord renews our hearts, where the peace of Christ must conquer and reign in our hearts:

Fear

The renewal of the Holy Spirit teaches our hearts how to relate to fear. To fear the Lord above all else frees our hearts from fearing others.

We no longer fear the opinion of others, we learn to value their considerations properly. Fear of the future is washed away in an evergrowing trust of the Lord’s rock-solid faithfulness.

His eternal love affords a sense of belonging. His love shapes every relationship in our lives! In being secure in relationship to the Lord, we are held in His power and in His love through every season of our lives, even to our last breath.

Grief & Suffering

In a season of suffering, when we draw near to the Lord, humbling our hearts to His holiness, He comforts us – guiding our hearts toward ‘peace that endureth’, as we often sing about His faithfulness.

When we grieve, the name of Jesus is an enduring hope, which sustains us through our pain. We often turn to other sources to be comforted, but these sources typically become part of our own demise.

Rather, the Lord is able to comfort in a life-giving way. Though we do feel the sharpness of painful-grief, we learn how to rest in His presence through the pain - secure, held, feeling safe. The result – a faith in the Lord with ever-deepening roots.

Anxiety

When our hearts are troubled, unsettled, the Lord calms us with powerful love when we look to Him. He disciplines us with self-control, perfecting His strength in our weakness.

In our most vulnerable moments, sensing the weight of our weaknesses, admitting to the Lord that we cannot control ourselves, asking Him to take control of our emotions! The result – we come to know His strength in our weakness.

As we continue to walk, hand-in-hand with the counsel of the Lord, He teaches our hearts to trust, thereby establishing His peaceful reign of our hearts, throughout every season of our lives. Isaiah writes about this when speaks of the Lord in chapter twenty-six:

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever,for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.”

This is the way to peace – keeping our minds ‘stayed upon Him.’ As we do so, His securing-presence endures. The way of peace is paved by the presence of the Holy Spirit – resulting in our heart’s freedom; for, ‘where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.’

Weekly Update

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)

Cafe Schedule

The cafe’ will be closed all next week.

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The Joy of Sharing Christmas With You

Being able to share with you the joy of Christmas is among the richest of joys in my life! What a privilege to share in such a meaningful work for the Lord. I count it an honor to steward the Lord’s purposes alongside each of you. Yet, during Christmas, the joy I experience serving alongside you is even brighter, richer! I hope you feel the same.

Knowing that Jesus willingly enters this sin-ridden world, offering us all deliverance in His name, affords everlasting hope! The Christmas Season brings the enduring hope Jesus offers into focus! From Boxes of Love, to our performance of the “Behold the Lamb of God” Musical and everything in between, thank you! May we continue to calibrate the hope of Christ into crystal-clear focus, Highland!

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This Sunday

This Sunday, Billy will lead us in corporate worship. We will also continue through the Advent Season. We will then open God’s Word together. May His Word carry authority over our hearts. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to convict and counsel us, that we may yield to the power of Scripture, obeying the Lord’s commands.

Jude and I are reading through the Old Testament. We are currently in 2nd Chronociles. Recently, we read that King Asa ‘did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God’ (2nd Chronicles 14:2). The passage goes on to state that Asa removed all the foreign idols from the land, declaring the Lord Almighty to be the most high God!

May this truth resonate in our hearts, our homes and at Highland! Let us rid our hearts of ‘foreign gods.’ As we gather, may our hearts exalt the Lord’s holy name above every other name!

Merry Christmas, Highland — I love you.

Rob

Weekly Update

David Klaus Speaks about Living Water

Thanks for Coming Last Sunday Evening

To those able to make it last Sunday evening, thank you! I know David and Kimberly certainly valued your presence! We all look forward to seeing how the Lord shapes Living Water moving into the new year.

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Boxes of Love This Saturday.

Boxes of Love

As we proceed into the weekend, we hold Boxes of Love this Saturday! To those willing to serve, thank you! Your help will be greatly appreciated. To those willing to pack, please arrive by 9am. We also need those who are willing to deliver boxes to those unable to drive. If you are willing to deliver, please arrive by 11am.

Boxes of Love Signups: To give a box, call Highland at (706) 249-9424 to sign up your person. Speak with Rob or Megan.

To those getting a box to deliver to your recipient, please arrive by 11:30am. If no one claims a dedicated box, it will be reassigned to anyone who is waiting on a box.

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Presented this Sunday.

“Behold the Lamb of God” Offered Twice This Sunday

Sunday Morning at Highland, a group from Highland and Edgewood will perform “Behold the Lamb of God”, written by Andrew Peterson. The Christmas Musical has become part of our DNA as a church; grateful to everyone who makes it possible. I especially appreciate Billy bringing this Musical to us.

We will offer nursery to those 4 and under during the Musical. To those willing to care for our children, thank you! I am grateful for your commitment to loving our church family.

This Sunday evening, we will offer the same Musical at Edgewood Baptist Church (the church which planted us). The Musical will begin at 6:30. All are welcome to attend.

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North Highland Christmas Store

North Highland Christmas Store

Moving into next week, the North Highland Christmas Store will be available to anyone who’s interested in shopping. Shopping takes place Wednesday, December 17th, Thursday, December 18th & Friday, December 19th. Register to shop.

So many have gone above and beyond to provide incredible inventory, making gifts affordable to our families. Remember, all proceeds benefit Truth Spring Trade School. Therefore, it’s a great opportunity to give back! To shop, please register by clicking the button below.

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Jim & Max!

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)

Merry Christmas, Highland — I love you.

Rob

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.

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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.

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.

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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)

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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:

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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)

Randall Lake's Service Details

Randall Lake in action!

Randall Lake's Service 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.

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