Weekly Update

Sunday School, 9 a.m.

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

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

9am-10am: Sunday School (see classes below)

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

Sunday School Classes & Their Location

To those leading and serving, thank you!

Classes run August 9th-October 4th and will begin at 9a.m.

Classroom 1: 0-2 year olds: Church Nursery

Classroom 2: 3 & 4 year olds

Classroom 3: Kindergarten-Second Grade Class

Classroom 4: Third-Fifth Grade Class

Classroom 5: Tweens & Teen Boys

Red-Brick Sanctuary: “Gospel in Life” — Co-ed Class

Classroom 7: Theology Class, led by Mike Hare

Classroom 8: Tweens & Teen Girls

Dining Facility: Life Class Devotion (Ongoing throughout the year)

chapter 19

continuing our series through Matthew

Highland — How thankful I am for you! Having you in my life is among the richest of blessings! Oh, I rejoice over you. Furthermore, thank you for all that you do to serve one another. From checking on one another, to putting away chairs each Sunday afternoon. I appreciate everyone who’s leading and coming to Sunday School! It’s a gift to be able to do life with you.

Sunday’s sermon was not able to be recorded. So sorry for any inconvenience this causes you. Even still, I can offer a summary. The passage was Matthew 18:21-35, “The Unmerciful Servant.” Our central point: forgiveness.

Forgiveness is Right in the Eyes of The Lord

The Lord deems forgiveness to be right. Now, Peter is approaching Jesus about forgiveness.

Peter’s asking Jesus about the number of times we are obligated to forgive someone who offends us habitually.

Jesus tells Peter to stop counting. Rather, in sharing in heart agreement with the Lord, forgiveness is part of our nature, it’s as natural as breathing.

“If you’re still counting how many times you’re forgiving someone, you’re not really forgiving them at all – you’re simply postponing revenge.” – N.T. Wright

Considering how Jesus directs us to forgive, let’s look at our Prayer Guide. You’ll find 4 questions that allow us to probe our hearts. Let’s ask the Lord to help us forgive. See our Prayer Guide below.

Jim & Jo Ellen

Prayer Guide

1st Strand of Stewardship — Heart

Prayer Guide

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:12-13).

God is forgiving. The heart of one who loves Jesus is inclined to forgive. We do not forgive because our offender deserves forgiveness. Rather, our motivation to forgive flows out of receiving forgiveness for our sin.

As we pray this week, let us remember the error of our ways, our shortcomings and our sin. May our hearts rejoice over the forgiveness of sin we’ve found in Christ. In rejoicing over His mercy, let’s allow our hearts to be inclined to be merciful, forgiving our offenders.

As we pray this week:

  • Who might you consider offering amends?

  • Are there people you need to reconcile with?

  • Is there a relationship in which you need to promote forgiveness?

  • What loved ones in your life might need to be encouraged by you to forgive?

When we surrender our resentment and choose to forgive, we are honoring Jesus, our deliverer! Our hearts find peace in His presence because we are walking in the Spirit, promoting peace. Our hearts thereby come into submission to God’s Word, which says “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Let us pursue the Lord, who is our peace, and live!

Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Summer hours: Tuesday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Highland Cafe’

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. Doors will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

Next Session — October 14th

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob

Weekly Update

Sunday School, 9 a.m.

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

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

9am-10am: Sunday School (see classes below)

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

Sunday School Classes & Their Location

To those leading and serving, thank you!

Classes run August 9th-October 4th and will begin at 9a.m.

Classroom 1: 0-2 year olds: Church Nursery

Classroom 2: 3 & 4 year olds

Classroom 3: Kindergarten-Second Grade Class

Classroom 4: Third-Fifth Grade Class

Classroom 5: Tweens & Teen Boys

Classroom 6: “Gospel in Life” — Co-ed Class

Classroom 7: Theology Class, led by Mike Hare

Classroom 8: Tweens & Teen Girls

Dining Facility: Life Class Devotion (Ongoing throughout the year)

Prayer Guide

4th Strand of Stewardship — North Highland

Prayer Guide

“The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor” (Proverbs 12:24).

I was cutting my front yard last weekend. When I was cleaning up, a group of neighborhood kids were walking by. They came up to me. Two of them were intrigued by the fact that I was working! They asked if they could help me. Being that I was finishing up, I told them to return next Saturday. I explained to them they could help me with yard-work in my backyard. These two children asked me a few detailed questions. I answered them, then they left.

Now, I have had many of these types of conversations with others over the years. Typically, those who inquire about working do not return. So, I did not expect these two children to show up yesterday. As a matter of fact, I had even forgotten we even had the discussion. So, you can imagine I was quite surprised when I saw those two children walking up my walkway yesterday at the time we had arranged. They were ready to work! Even wearing work gloves!

Due to my surprise, I talked to Carrie. We made arrangements for projects and agreed on prices, then they got to work! They did such a great job!

As we pray for North Highland this week, let’s celebrate the value of work being cherished, as in the eyes of these children! As Truth Spring Trade School is kicking off another year, let’s pray for Megan, Jared & Andrew, who make up Trade School’s core leadership. Let’s pray, asking the Lord to grant them wisdom and stamina. As with these children, may diligence in work characterize the hearts and hands of our neighbors enrolled in Truth Spring Trade School.

chapter 18

continuing our series through Matthew

Highland,

Unfortunately, we were unable to record last Sunday’s sermon. I am sorry for any inconvenience that this causes you. However, I do have an overview to offer of our sermon on Matthew 18:7-20:

Humility & Compassion Are Main Ingredients

Recap of Matthew 18:1-6

David Klaus preached last Sunday. He led us into Matthew 18. He eloquently drew out the fact that this passage centers upon how we, the Church, do life together. It’s a glimpse as to what Jesus expects our community to entail. David really helped us adopt a proper outlook by allowing us to see how humility and compassion must be main ingredients within our Christ-centered Community.

Working in the Royal Law

Matthew 18:7-9

As we consider personal Christ-centered living and corporate Christ-centered community, we would be wise to insert here what’s referred to as the Royal Law. That being – to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

In his gospel, Luke points out a discussion between Jesus and a religious leader. In this discussion, we see the Royal Law brought to light. Jesus actually tells this leader that to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself is to live.

To Love The Lord is to Hate Sin

Matthew 18:7-9 Continued

Loving the Lord is to be in relationship with Him. To behold Him; not just know about Him. To want to honor Him, not willfully offend Him in our sinfulness. Those who repent of sin, declaring Jesus to be Lord, enter into relationship with the Lord. They know the Lord hates sin because sin destroys. Sin separates to the point of isolation. Sin leads to death. Those who submit to Jesus as Lord undergo a heart change by way of the Holy Spirit.

As our hearts are renewed, we begin to share in heart agreement with the Lord. What He sees as wrong and sinful, we agree with, hating sin, as He does. What He deems right, we agree with, seeking after it with every breath! As we submit to Jesus as Lord, beholding Him, the eyes of our hearts have been enlightened. We find life in being near Him, our good shepherd. Jesus as Lord, choosing to persist in willful sin, results in us going to hell.

Turning Toward The One Who Strays In Mercy

Matthew 18:10-14

In belonging to this community of repentant sinners, we come to recognize that being near our Good Shepherd is our only source of rest. When one strays, our hearts turn toward that one in mercy. We long for their return, knowing that they are restless, unable to find mercy apart from the Good Shepherd.

We are not to be huddled together as His flock celebrating our own self-righteousness. We find our good, our righteousness, in being nearer to Jesus. We don’t turn to back biting or gossip as our way to handle those who stray. Rather, we recall being lost, the loneliness and anguish we felt in being deceived in our sin. We rejoice over the mercy we’ve received! It remains our eager expectation for the one who strays to also encounter the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness, eager for them to return.

When they do return, we rejoice – along with the Shepherd. We don’t look at them sideways, or make facial expressions that express our doubt. Rather, we celebrate the Shepherd’s fierce love and pursuit after the one who strays, praying the lost sheep who was found will also find rest and goodness in being near Jesus. As part of the ninety nine, we must crucify that secret criticism in our hearts toward the one who strays. Rather, we must intercede for them, rallying around them in support.

Handling Offense in the Huddle

Matthew 18:15-20

While in the Christian huddle, this truth also applies to one who sins against us. How we handle this offense is, even still, supportive of the offender in nature. Jesus lays out the policy here.

We are to go to our offender personally. We do not want to call any further attention to the offense or bring shame on the offender. In doing so, even in the middle of problems, we’re promoting peace.

In promoting peace, we reveal that we share in nature (in heart agreement) with our Heavenly Father. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says peacemakers shall be called “Sons of God.” Therefore, when we are offended, let’s especially be peacemakers, promoting the glory of God and seeking to promote even the good of our offender.

If the effort to restore the relationship is unsuccessful, then Jesus instructs us as to what to do. First, we are to take a small group of trustworthy witnesses to address the offender, seeking to iron out all of the wrinkles.

If the offender continues to foster discord, a lack of agreement, then the church is to be made aware that there’s apparently a wolf in sheep’s clothing in our midst.

As one submissive to the authority of Jesus there’s a delegated sense of authority Jesus is referring to here, entrusting those who lead to address, receive or refuse those who are being divisive.

While peacemaking is to characterize the hearts of believers, especially in the face of offense, we must also be protectors of those in our huddle as well.

When a person persists in being quarrelsome and divisive, they are promoting and celebrating these kinds of fruits – they are fostering division. They are not pursuing unity in Christ, they are exalting themselves, either in pride or self-righteousness – or both! This sin-soiled heart will spread these fruits throughout a Christian Community like a poison. Thereby, the person must be excused from the huddle.

Yet – Scripture does not permit those with delegated authority to receive or rebuke with an aire of self righteousness or personal-avenging, which means to cause someone pain for being difficult, because we deem ourselves to be right and them wrong. That’s self-justification – not the right play here.

Rather, we are to preserve and to protect all from the further spreading of the offense - even the offender as much one can. Clearly, this does not mean we conceal the truth, or sweep offenses under the rug. Though, Scripture does tell us that as much as possible, peace is our aim.

In Romans 12, Paul further applies these truths directing us to even care for our enemies. Paul directs us this way so that we do not give over the control of our emotions to our enemies. Rather, when we continue to treat them with kindness, we know and display a strength that can only come from the Lord. Next Sunday, we will be working through Mathew 18:20-35. This text is centered upon forgiveness.

Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Summer hours: Tuesday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Highland Cafe’

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. We are going to transition to summer hours. Doors will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

August 12th — this Wednesday

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob

Weekly Update

Service at 10a.m. this Sunday.

Sunday School Semester starts sunday

August 9th — October 4th

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

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

9am-10am: Sunday School

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

Sunday School Classes & Their Location

To those leading and serving, thank you!

Classes run August 9th-October 4th and will begin at 9a.m.

Classroom 1: 0-2 year olds: Church Nursery

Classroom 2: 3 & 4 year olds

Classroom 3: Kindergarten-Second Grade Class

Classroom 4: Third-Fifth Grade Class

Classroom 5: Tweens & Teen Boys

Classroom 6: “Gospel in Life” — Co-ed Class

Classroom 7: Theology Class, led by Mike Hare

Classroom 8: Tweens & Teen Girls

Dining Facility: Life Class Devotion (Ongoing throughout the year)

Prayer Guide

3rd Strand of Stewardship — Highland

Prayer Guide

“Like a City on a Hill” – wherever we are, whatever circumstances we find ourselves within, may we radiate the light of Christ Jesus! It’s not shiny ministries or spot lights and sound bytes that will change hearts. It’s our desire, both personally and collectively, to be distinct that puts Christ on display, like a city on a hill! It’s our desire to ‘be in the light as He is in the light.’ Here’s what it means to walk in the light, bearing citizenship as one who resides in a city on a hill:

We flee from darkness: Read and pray through Colossians 3:5-10 this week.

We walk in the light: Read and pray also through Colossians 3:12-17.

As Alex Sturgeon said to me once, “Highland has been a solid, bright campfire but is becoming a blazing bonfire!” As we sit upon a hill in North Highland, may the flames of the Holy Spirit burn brightly within us! Let us, collectively, walk in the light of Christ as citizens of that 'city on a hill.’

This is my most longing desire for us, Highland. Let’s continue to go deeper, abounding in love for the Lord and for each other. This love was certainly shown to Andrew in our vote! The members present at our recent Member Meeting voted. 100% voted in favor of bringing Andrew Cowart on staff in a permanent position as Ministry Coordinator. How affirming! How hopeful, both for Andrew and for Highland! Andrew, welcome! May the Lord make the work of your hands fruitful as you serve His Name here, at Highland.

chapter 18

The Beauty of the Heart of Christ

continuing our series through Matthew

David really did a great job reigniting our series through Matthew! He took on the first portion of the 18th chapter - verses one through six. His sermon is posted. Give it a listen; it’s good heart medicine! We continue through our series through Matthew this Sunday. I will be preaching throughout the next portion of the chapter.

Sunday School starts this Sunday, 9a.m. Please see our Class Schedule. Make every effort to join as we study God’s Word together. This semester will run through October 4th. To those serving, thank you for your willingness to help!

Classes are underway at TSA!

School’s back In Session!

To my fellow educators – ‘tis the season to return! Know that I am praying for us all. May the Lord give us endurance as we begin the marathon that is a school year! Truth Spring Academy students returned this Wednesday. This marks the start of my 29th year in education! Kicked off my 29th year with such an enjoyable student body!

We even have several kiddos from our church in Truth Spring Academy’s student body. What a privilege to serve you and your family in this way! I hope we all, educators and parents, have a fruitful school year! Finally, Highland — thank you for opening wide your doors to these students! They love it here. So hospitable of you.

Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Summer hours: Tuesday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Highland Cafe’

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. We are going to transition to summer hours. Doors will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

August 12th is our Next Time to Gather.

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob

Weekly Update

Sunday School Semester dates — August 9th — October 4th

Class time is Sunday, 9am.

Sunday School Semester dates — August 9th — October 4th

We need teachers for our Pre-K Class and an assistant for our 3rd-5th Grade class.

Talk to Rob, Andrew or Megan to help.

Sunday School Classes & Their Location

To those leading and serving, thank you!

Classes run August 9th-October 4th and will begin at 9a.m.

Classroom 1: 0-2 year olds: Church Nursery

Classroom 2: 3 & 4 year olds

Classroom 3: Kindergarten-Second Grade Class

Classroom 4: Third-Fifth Grade Class

Classroom 5: Tweens & Teen Boys

Classroom 6: “Gospel in Life” — Co-ed Class

Classroom 7: Theology Class, led by Mike Hare

Classroom 8: Tweens & Teen Girls

Dining Facility: Life Class Devotion (Ongoing throughout the year)

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

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

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

Service at 10a.m. this Sunday.

Prayer Guide

2nd Strand of Stewardship — Home

Prayer Guide

David Klaus preaches Sunday.

Returning to our series through Matthew

Last Sunday, Robert charged us to all seek the Lord! Seek His face in faithfulness. He then offered Biblical accounts that show us all what seeking the face of the Lord looks like! Great job, Robert!

This Sunday, David Klaus will take the pulpit. He will restart our journey through the Gospel of Matthew. David will take Matthew 18:1-6. Here’s the text:

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Take the time to prepare your hearts by reading through the passage. Thank you, David, for taking the time to speak into the life of Highland.

Back-to-school bash

Jonah Thomason, a member of our church, works for Rivertown Toyota. Their dealership is organizing a Back-to-school bash! Please see the details and plan to attend or help spread the word!

Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Summer hours: Tuesday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Highland Cafe’

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. We are going to transition to summer hours. Doors will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

August 12th is our Next Time to Gather.

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob

Weekly Update

Classes begin Sunday, August 4th, 9a.m.

Sunday School Semester dates — August 9th — October 4th

We need teachers for our Pre-K Class and an assistant for our 3rd-5th Grade class.

Talk to Rob, Andrew or Megan to help.

Sunday School Classes & Their Location

To those leading and serving, thank you!

Classes run August 9th-October 4th and will begin at 9a.m.

Classroom 1: 0-2 year olds: Church Nursery

Classroom 2: 3 & 4 year olds

Classroom 3: Kindergarten-Second Grade Class

Classroom 4: Third-Fifth Grade Class

Classroom 5: Tweens & Teen Boys

Classroom 6: “Gospel in Life” — Co-ed Class

Classroom 7: Theology Class, led by Mike Hare

Classroom 8: Tweens & Teen Girls

Dining Facility: Life Class Devotion (Ongoing throughout the year)

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

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

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

Service at 10a.m. this Sunday.

Prayer Guide

1st Strand of Stewardship — Heart

Prayer Guide

Robert Singleton

a summer snapshot

Robert Singleton Takes the Pulpit this Sunday.

Robert is currently leading the devotion during Coffee & Conversation. I have had the chance to listen to him teach several lessons! Robert continues to offer meaningful messages that are filled to the brim with God’ Word! He will be preaching on faith. Come, ready to grow!

Sunday School Semester Begins

August 9th-October 4th will be our dates for Sunday School this semester. Classes start at 9a.m. on Sunday mornings. We need teachers for our Pre-K Class and an assistant for our 3rd-5th Grade class. Talk to Rob, Andrew or Megan to help.

Member Meeting Wednesday, July 29th, 6pm, at Highland

Wednesday, July 29th: We hold our Member Meeting, at 6pm. We will welcome new members of our church. We will also discuss updates. Members, be looking for an email with more details.

Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Summer hours: Tuesday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Highland Cafe’

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. We are going to transition to summer hours. Doors will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

August 12th is our Next Time to Gather.

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob

Weekly Update

6th Avenue Work Crew! A group of studs who worked hard this week!

Join Us for Sunday Service at 10am

Sunday School Semester dates — August 9th — October 4th

We need teachers for our Pre-K Class and an assistant for our 3rd-5th Grade class.

Talk to Rob, Andrew or Megan to help.

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

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

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

Kid’s Club Pregame!

Thank you — to all who helped!!

Prayer Guide

4th Strand of Stewardship — North Highland

Prayer Guide

Elijah’s Recovering after a successful surgery!

a summer snapshot

A Glimpse at Our Week with St. Andrews

Highland – you were incredibly hospitable Sunday during St. Andrews’ visit. You did a great job welcoming the students and interacting with them as well! The students I spoke with LOVED being at Sunday’s Service! Well done, Highland! I am so proud of us!

Unfortunately, we had a technical glitch and Vijay’s sermon did not record. However, his sermon highlighted the heart of God in such a pronounced way! I have continually dwelled upon his sermon, considering how the passage he tackled (2nd Samuel 9) changed my life so many years ago!

St. Andrews has done an excellent job serving this week. They have served the name of the Lord throughout our community. With their help, we have held Community Luncheons each day. Many have come from our streets and enjoyed a meal with students from St. Andrews.

To put a bow on it – St. Andrews’ students have facilitated Kid’s Club! Students have gone above and beyond to share the love of Christ with all of our children who’ve attended! Our very own Chloe Erlewine has interned with us. She’s served as the Point-Person throughout this week! Highland – she has done an excellent job! Thank you, Chloe!

Update on Elijah Strickland

Elijah Strickland is on the other side of a successful surgery! He’s now recovering! Highland, thank you for your devoted and loving care toward this family! Let’s continue to pray, asking the Lord restore to Elijah his strength. Casey and Crystal, too!

Men’s Bible Student This Evening

Men, we hold our study through James tonight, 6pm. See you here! We are in chapter four. Meet at Highland, at 6pm. Plan to meet in a classroom this particular Wednesday – St. Andrews will be using our Dining Facility. If you’re coming, please register if you have not done so. Thank you.

A Glance Ahead at Sunday Services

Sunday, July 19: We hold the Lord’s Supper & the Agape Feast. Justin Shorey will facilitate corporate worship. I will open Communion. Let’s prepare our hearts, seeking the Lord with humility and sincerity. May we repent from the recesses of our hearts, keeping with the fruits of repentance.

Sunday, July 26th: Robert Singleton will preach. Robert offers such heart-stirring messages! In teaching the devotion during Coffee & Conversation, he speaks from a real faith! I look forward to him speaking to us all about leaving sin alone, living by faith, while being saved through grace – all in the Name of Jesus.

Sunday School Semester Begins

August 9th-October 4th will be our dates for Sunday School this semester. Classes start at 9a.m. on Sunday mornings. We need teachers for our Pre-K Class and an assistant for our 3rd-5th Grade class. Talk to Rob, Andrew or Megan to help.

Member Meeting Wednesday, July 29th, 6pm, at Highland

Wednesday, July 29th: We hold our Member Meeting, at 6pm. We will welcome new members of our church. We will also discuss updates. Members, be looking for an email with more details.

Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Summer hours: Tuesday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Highland Cafe’

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. We are going to transition to summer hours. Doors will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

July 15th is our Next Time to Gather.

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

I love you, Highland —

Rob

Weekly Update

Join Us for Service at 10am

Pic: Kids’ Club, 2025

We Welcome St. Andrews This Sunday!

Sunday’s Schedule

9a.m.: Listening Session this Sunday — Red Brick Sanctuary.

8am: Doors open

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

9am: Listening Session this Sunday.

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

Prayer Guide

3rd Strand of Stewardship — Highland

This passage was the conclusion of Sunday’s Sermon. In the last portion of Matthew 17, Jesus directs Peter to pay the Temple Tax, so as to not offend anyone. Out of that exchange, Peter directs us as to how we are to conduct ourselves as those who profess Christ. This passage really correlates well with our Prayer Guide:

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1st Peter 2:13-17).

Prayer Guide

To those who serve in our nursery, thank you! We have the coolest kids!

Our summer outlook

We are hitting pause on our series through Matthew. We have now completed through the seventeenth chapter. We will resume our series in August, starting in chapter eighteen of Matthew's Gospel. Sermons have been posted on our audio page, if you would like to listen.

July 12: We welcome Saint Andrews this Sunday. We will hold a joint-service. Highland and St. Andrews will collaborate during different parts of the Service. Vijay, St. Andrews’ Youth Pastor, preaches this Sunday. To see the Body of Christ come unified always brings such a rush of joy to my heart! Let’s come, ready to welcome St. Andrews, Highland.

Cafe Plans for This Week: This upcoming Monday-Wednesday, the Cafe’ will be closed for cleaning and preparation for changes. Instead, we will hold a Community Luncheon Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 12pm-1pm. Students from St. Andrews will be preparing and serving the meal. Highland, you’re invited. This luncheon will be held in our Dining Facility.

July 15th: Men, we hold our study through James. See you there. We are in chapter four. Meet at Highland, at 6pm. Plan to meet in a classroom this particular Wednesday – St. Andrews will be using our Dining Facility.

July 19: We hold Lord’s Supper & the Agape Feast. Justin Shorey will facilitate corporate worship. I will open Communion. Let’s prepare our hearts, seeking the Lord with humility and sincerity. May we repent from the recesses of our hearts, keeping with the fruits of repentance.

July 26th: Robert Singleton will preach. Robert offers such heart-stirring messages! In teaching the devotion during Coffee & Conversation, he speaks from a real faith! I look forward to him speaking to us all about leaving sin alone, living by faith, while being saved through grace – all in the Name of Jesus.

July 29th: We hold our Member Meeting, at 6pm. We will welcome new members of our church. We will also discuss updates. Members, be looking for an email with more details.

In August, we will hold our Sunday School Session. Dates soon to come. Let’s plan to study together and to serve together.

Finally - we would greatly appreciate someone who is willing to take pictures.  We need “day in the life” style photos taken.  They would need to be high resolution for our website, which most phones offer that type of camera. Any takers?  Talk to Rob.  Thanks!

Important Update — please read.

Community Luncheon — July 13th, 14th & 15th, 12pm-1pm — You’re Invited!

Highland Cafe’

This upcoming Monday-Wednesday, the Cafe’ will be closed for cleaning and preparation for changes. Instead, we will hold a Community Luncheon Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 12pm-1pm. Students from St. Andrews will be preparing and serving the meal. Highland, you’re invited. This luncheon will be held in our Dining Facility.

July 15th is our Next Time to Gather.

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

Kid’s Club Registration

In partnership with St. Andrews, Highland will be hosting our Kid’s Club this summer.

Dates are as follows:

July 13th-15th

(See details below)

Monday, July 13th, 2pm —5pm

Tuesday, July 14th, 2pm—5pm

Wednesday, July 15th, 2pm—5pm

Children who fall within the ages of 4-12 years old will be able to attend. Every child who attends must be registered by a parent to be part of this event. Parents, please complete the Registration Form by clicking the button below.

Kid's Club Registration

I love you, Highland —

Rob

Weekly Update

Join Us for Service at 10am

no listening session this sunday.

final listening session will be july 12th, 9am

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

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

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

Mary Mitchell lost her 24 year old granddaughter.

Let’s rally around her in prayer and in support.

Prayer Guide

2nd Strand of Stewardship — Home

Scripture tells us that — “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.” Our homes must be abundantly filled with His Spirit so that we can be free when we’re at home. The world drains us of life. Our hearts are often shackled to comparison, insecurity or a performance-driven identity.

Being free in His Spirit means that we’re most ourselves. We are found and complete, in Christ. In this Christ-secured-freedom, we are free to disarm ourselves, which is such a gift. We must also afford our loved ones the opportunity to experience a disarming-rest in our homes.

How can we foster freedom in His Spirit within our homes?

Love one another without comparison or expectations. When we gauge the worth of others based on comparisons or expectations, we suffocate love and freedom within our homes. The atmosphere becomes expectant of meeting others’ demands and passive-aggressive. This atmosphere causes our hearts and homes to wilt.

Be deliberate to verbally affirm our loved ones for who they are. In our series through Matthew, we’ve recently seen that God the Father affirms Jesus the Son on the Mount of Transfiguration — “This is My Son, in Whom I’m well pleased.” The Father’s affirmation rests upon Jesus as His Son — not on any one action or attribute of Jesus. The Lord loves His Son for Who He is.

In our homes, our value does not come from what we do, but who we are. When we value someone, we do not pressure them to meet our expected-outcomes for their lives (even the good expectations). In affording them a loving-freedom, our loved-ones can discover their God-given attributes. Then, our homes (our family as a whole) are abundantly filled with the fruits of His Spirit.

Click button to see our Prayer Guide.

Prayer Guide

Grateful for Our Van-Driving Team!

You are so appreciated!

thank you van drivers!

First impressions are lasting impressions. Each Sunday, our van drivers pick up and drop off those who ride the van to church. They go out of their way to make a way for our riders! Thank you, van drivers! The first impressions you make each Sunday morning are inviting and welcoming! We appreciate you, not only for driving, but doing so with a whistle in your cheek.

To those who serve in our nursery, thank you! We have the coolest kids!

our series through Matthew

“And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:9-13).

Considering our text, we took a glimpse at Biblical Prophecy last Sunday. In considering Jesus’ explanation of John the Baptist, we spent time weaving together Old Testament and New Testament texts to shed light on our understanding of Scripture.

This Sunday, we will work toward the end of chapter 17, together. Our text offers bold accounts. We are dealing with a demon and fishing for coins! I look forward to taking on these passages with you, Highland. Sermons have been recorded and have been posted. Feel free to listen.

‘as god gives us to see the right’

“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right…” — Abraham Lincoln

President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address is among the greatest writings in American history. The quote you see above is from that address. These words go beyond Lincoln’s immediate audience; they are spoken to every American. They acknowledge our freedom, while also offering the proper shape of our civil disposition, in order to steward our freedom responsibly.

Yet, most importantly, they carry a tone of humility. It is the Lord who is righteous and just, and His Word determines “the right.” Therefore, the Lord alone gives us to “see the right”, not through a political position or agenda, but rather through a position of heart — a heart that is surrendered to the authority of His word.

We, as the Church, must be a people characterized by humility, a love for God’s word and prayer. When we seek Him in prayer, the Lord attunes our hearts to His righteousness, which produces a disposition of humility within us allowing us to have “malice toward none, and charity for all”.

While we celebrate the freedom that so many have sacrificed to give us, let us seek the Lord on behalf of our nation – that He may continue to give us to ‘see the right.’ I love this nation! Let’s cover her in prayer, asking the grace of God to be shed upon this great land.

Summer Hours — Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m

Highland Cafe’

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. We are going to transition to summer hours. Doors will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

July 15th is our Next Time to Gather.

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

Kid’s Club Registration

In partnership with St. Andrews, Highland will be hosting our Kid’s Club this summer.

Dates are as follows:

July 13th-15th

(See details below)

Monday, July 13th, 2pm —5pm

Tuesday, July 14th, 2pm—5pm

Wednesday, July 15th, 2pm—5pm

Children who fall within the ages of 4-12 years old will be able to attend. Every child who attends must be registered by a parent to be part of this event. Parents, please complete the Registration Form by clicking the button below. If you’re reading this message through our email, see the original post to register.

Kid's Club Registration

I love you, Highland —

Rob

Location & Mailing address

3408 5th Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31904

phone Number — (706)249-9424