August 31, 2023

Our Weekly Update

August 31, 2023

Update on my Dad

My dad has had the best week he’s had in a month! He’s feeling better. He is more mobile and regaining his strength! To see the Lord’s Spirit reinvigorate his hopefulness has been life-giving! Highland, thank you for caring for us and praying for us — that’s all that has gotten us through.

Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

As we have the privilege to serve alongside M2540, let’s take this chance to love our neighbors as ourselves, in honor of our Lord. Join our team each Monday, at 6:30-7:30.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Our Prayer Gatherings are held at the Firehouse each Wednesday morning, at 9am. As Patti leads us, join her in praying for our church and our streets.

Kim and Nancy Sheek have so graciously agreed to host an eight-week series this fall for us at their home. This study that’s centered on marriage will be through a book called, “Love & War”, by John and Staci Eldredge. We will meet Wednesday evenings, starting September 27th, time TBD (*please note: childcare will not be available). This time together will be so meaningful for those who are married. Kim and Nancy will be able to offer us so much to help us grow in our relationship with Christ and our spouses! I want to strongly encourage all of our married couples to make every effort to attend. If you are interested in attending, please register by clicking the button below.

Pack the Pantry!

Our very own Timothy Jones has moved onto 6th Avenue, in the house that Truth Spring Trade School renovated! Let’s connect with him and care for him by grabbing a few of his favorite things to welcome him home!

Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

As Chicken & Rice gears up this Saturday, know you’re welcome to come be part of imparting the love of Christ to our streets. To serve, be at our cafe’ by 10am.

Sunday Mornings at 9am

Come and connect with us at 9am, Sunday mornings. You can join us at Coffee & Conversation in the Firehouse. Jo Ellen will lead us in a very real-to-life devotion toward the end of Coffee & Conversation. Last Sunday, her devotion was excellent — she helped give a Biblical definition to the word: blessing. Additionally, men, Robert’s leading a Bible study for you in our educational-wing – starts at 9am, too. I continue to hear great things about Robert’s class from those who attend. Men, jump in! Let’s rally around Robert as he works hard to help us grow in Christ!

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10AM

Our church service (we call services “Firehouse Gatherings”) are held each Sunday morning in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave). Thank you all for being willing to traverse throughout this season, handling all of the elements like champs! Remember to dress comfortably, as there is no air conditioning.

Kids’ Sunday this Sunday

Kids’ Sunday resumes this Sunday. Please drop off your children who are 5 and up at the original sanctuary to get checked in. During the service, children will either be in the classrooms off the deck for a Bible lesson or a craft. Outdoor games will be held in the Stricklands’ backyard as well. Furthermore, if you’re interested in helping with Kids’ Sundays, please talk to Julie Jordan, Katie Sturgeon or Carol Wright. As soon as service concludes, please make arrangements to pick up your children.

Drawing From Daniel Series

This Sunday, we will be breaking open a new series going through the first portion of the book of Daniel. Our purpose in this series is finding our hope in God's holiness. We will see that, no matter how bleak Daniel’s circumstances were, his hope was found in God’s holiness. The same is true for us, Highland. No matter how difficult or scary our situations may be, we, too, will find reviving hope in the holiness of God – every time!

Filling the Rooms

Highland, our plan to make our house a home is called: Filling the Rooms. Now that we’ve gone over the plan, let’s carry out the plan together. Please click on the link below and sign up to be part of filling the rooms. You can also ask questions or make recommendations, too.

Filling the Rooms

I look forward to seeing you, Highland.

I am grateful for you,

Rob

Rob Strickland

August 25, 2023

Our Weekly Update

Rob Strickland

August 25, 2023

Calling the Church to Fast & Pray

4 Strands of Stewardship

Heart, Home, Highland Community Church, North Highland

Week Four: North Highland (Colossians 3:23-24)

This Wednesday, we fasted and prayed for Highland. What an exciting time for us! As we grow, let’s continue to focus on our roots, thereby producing healthy, Gospel-flavored fruits. Let’s continue, in prayer and fasting, to ask that His magnificence be put on display, as we prepare to move into our new building! As we pray for North Highland, I would like to really hone in on praying for Truth Spring Trade School this week. Truth Spring’s Trade School really points men and women to see that, whatever is done, is to be done for the glory of Christ in our lives. May this truth resound throughout our streets, as the people of God continue to unify for the name of Jesus!

Here’s a guide that may help you as you pray, Highland.

P.R.A.Y

P - Pause to be still.

R - Rejoice and Reflect by meditating on a Psalm

A - Ask God to open your eyes to see wonderful things in His word. Ask God to open your ears, that You might hear His voice. Ask God to open Your mind to conceive what is beyond your own thinking and imagination. Ask God to open Your heart to receive His word. Ask God to open your mouth to speak His Word.

Y - Yield to His will and way in Your life

Update on my Dad

After 4 surgeries in a month, my dad’s tired and weak. He has been through so much! As of this week, he is in a wonderful Rehab Facility! We rejoice in the Lord’s goodness in providing him this terrific place to recover! However, he has been battling to get up consistently and regain his strength. I am sure that the setbacks have been difficult, more so than I could ever imagine. He continues to battle, though! This week, he has been up and on his feet for 3 days and we are so proud of him. He is sitting up more and more! Highland, the prayer-life of the church is the ONLY source of strength that we have right now. Thank you for your love, support and, most importantly, your prayers.

Food Collection For Those In Need

Highland, thank you for your devoted generosity to the needs of those who are hungry. I walked in and saw so many groceries purchased today! Thanks to all of you! The cost for these items (pictured) is about $35 per set. We could also use some of the reusable shopping bags for distributing the items. If you are interested in purchasing a set, please contact the church.

Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Let’s continue to serve alongside this wonderful ministry, M2540! They do so much to love our streets! Shoutout to all who have jumped in!

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Highland, let’s continue to be known as a people of prayer. Oh, let us hunger and thirst for His righteousness! Join Patti and our team each Wednesday, at the Firehouse, 9am, as we pray.

Pack the Pantry!

Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Chicken & Rice will be hitting our streets this Saturday, carrying the love of Christ! Pray for this team! Shoutout to all who make this ministry possible. To serve, please be at the cafe’ by 11am, thanks!

Sunday Mornings at 9am

Come and connect with us at 9am, Sunday mornings. You can join us at Coffee & Conversation in the Firehouse. Jo Ellen will lead us in a very helpful devotion toward the end of Coffee & Conversation. Additionally, men, Robert’s leading a Bible study for you in our educational-wing – starts at 9am, too.

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10AM

Our church service (we call services “Firehouse Gatherings”) are held each Sunday morning in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave). Love how the Lord has provided for us every step of the way while we await the completion of our facility. Dress for warm weather - there is no air-conditioning. Shoutout to Mike for getting the fans, though! So helpful!

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Proverbs 24:3-4).

Last Sunday, I presented to you our plan as to how we intend to go about filling the rooms with ‘precious and pleasant riches.’ As we carefully consider how we steward all of that is to be entrusted to us, we must determine who we will put our hands to the plow.

To those of you who’ve signed up to help carry out the plan, thank you. Let us all consider how we can grab hold of our stewardship-role. To engage, click the button below and sign up.

The plan

This Sunday, we will hold a Town-Hall meeting. Our purpose is to take your questions about the building, the process or about the plan. Additionally, you may submit your question beforehand by clicking the button above and writing in your question.

I look forward to seeing you, Highland.

I am grateful for you,

Rob

Rob Strickland

August 17, 2023

Our Weekly Update

Rob Strickland

August 17, 2023

Calling the Church to Fast & Pray

4 Strands of Stewardship

Heart, Home, Highland Community Church, North Highland

As we prepare our hearts for the next chapter, Highland, let’s seek the Lord’s face, together! Throughout this month, each Wednesday, during lunch hour, let’s fast and pray as a church. This is how we GO DEEPER; praying through these strands of stewardship that make up our lives! This Wednesday, we fasted and prayed for our homes, asking the Lord to take command of our families! Let’s continue to seek Him each Wednesday this month during our lunch hour, asking that His magnificence be put on display, as we prepare to move into our new building! Next Wednesday, we pray for Highland.

As we fast and pray this month for an overflow of God’s presence in our hearts, feel free to use this guide. These are a couple methods I have used over the years as I have learned how to pray and they have proven to be very effective for me. Of course, this is just a suggestion, so feel free to take it or leave it. — Carrie

P.R.A.Y

P - Pause to be still.

R - Rejoice and Reflect by meditating on a Psalm (If needing suggestions: a few of my faves are Psalm 65/66/67)

Y - Yield to His will and way in Your life

Update on my Dad

My dad has been saying to all that there’s a pain in the spine that is not manageable and not improving. It has prohibited him from being able to get up and start physical therapy consistently. On Monday, they took him in for x-rays and on Tuesday, they scheduled him for emergency surgery,as they found that part of corrective surgery was not intact. We are rejoicing that this issue has come to light! We are asking that this third surgery would be the last one needed, leading my dad to finally get on the road to recovery. On Tuesday evening, he was out of surgery and sounded hopeful! Please join our family in praying that we are now on the right road, headed toward recovery.

Food Collection For Those In Need

Thank you to those who’ve given to this very practical need of our church! Basic ways of helping make a big difference. The cost for these items (pictured) is about $35 per set. We could also use some of the reusable shopping bags for distributing the items. If you are interested in purchasing a set, please contact the church.

Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Join our team each Monday at 6:30–7:30, as we partner with M2540 in an effort to love our neighbor. Thanks to all who are part of this team for being a force for God’s glory and the good of our neighbors.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Our Prayer Gatherings are led by Patti Clark, who declares in her heart the glory of the Lord to our streets! All are welcome to attend and join in the life-blood work of the church – prayer. Wednesday, 9am, at the Firehouse.

Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Our Chicken & Rice team continues to mobilize, taking the love of Christ to our streets each Saturday, at 10am. Meet at the cafe’. All are welcome to jump in and go! Thank you, team, for all you do!

Movie Night: Free Burma Rangers, Saturday, Aug 19th

(Geared for an older audience)

On Saturday the 19th from 5:30 pm -7:30 pm, we have a chance to watch an amazing documentary film about a group of people working in Myanmar (a.k.a. Burma) to show the love of Jesus to those who are caught in the middle of a horrific war. The film is a great introduction to the country of Myanmar and to global missions in crazy places. But ultimately the film is about a bigger question: What would you do if God called you to something that feels crazy? Come see how love triumphs over evil when we have courage to respond to Jesus.

Childcare and pizza dinner (for adults and kids) will be provided, and we'd appreciate it if you could register here to help us plan food and childcare.

Viewer discretion is advised, and the youngest children are not encouraged to come, as the movie depicts war zone realities. Please watch this 4 minute introduction before deciding on the appropriateness of the content for your kids.

Sunday Mornings at 9am

If you’re looking for the chance to connect with others and enjoy a cup of coffee together, join us Sunday mornings at the Firehouse – 9am. As we sing and enjoy being together, Jo Ellen also offers us a very meaningful devotion.

Our Men’s Bible Study will continue this Sunday, at 9am! As Robert does a great job leading us, all men are invited to attend.

Additionally, the class Joseph Davis is teaching wraps up this Sunday. It will also be held at 9am, in our red-brick sanctuary. All are welcome to attend. Class begins at 9am.

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10AM

Our church service (we call “Firehouse Gatherings”) are held each Sunday morning in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave). During construction, we will continue to hold services here. I am just in awe of what the Lord’s laid out before us, Highland! So thrilled for us and so grateful.

This month, we are in the final lap of our series entitled: The Magnificent Move. In this series, we have honed in on how we are to prepare our hearts to move into the new building. This passage below has guided the thinking of our leadership:

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Proverbs 24:3-4).

We have taken the last two Sunday honing in on how to define the word: precious, according to the Lord’s heart. In summation, it’s defined in two ways:

As people who recognize the value of truth, thereby treasuring truth (Proverbs 23:23; Matthew 13:44).
Faithful stewardship, whether we have a lot or a little, steward with integrity, thereby resulting in His glory. (Luke 16:10-13; Matthew 25:21).
Last Sunday, the emphasis of our sermon was defining faithful stewardship. Click here to listen.
This Sunday, I will be sharing with you our plan as to how we intend to go about filling the rooms with ‘precious and pleasant riches.’ Our leadership has taken the time to develop a plan that offers us direction as we transition into the new facility soon. I will be presenting that plan this Sunday. Once we go over the plan, then you will have the opportunity to plug in and take part in prizing truth and faithfully steward what the Lord has entrusted to us.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob

Rob Strickland

August 9, 2023

Our Weekly Update

Rob Strickland

August 9, 2023

Calling the Church to Fast & Pray

4 Strands of Stewardship

Heart, Home, Highland Community Church, North Highland community

Week One: Our Heart

As we prepare our hearts for the next chapter, Highland, let’s seek the Lord’s face together! Let’s seek Him, asking that His magnificence be put on display as we prepare to move in our new building! Throughout this month, each Wednesday, during lunch hour, let’s fast and pray as a church. This week, let’s pray and fast over our hearts by asking for:

More! An overflow of God’s spirit in our hearts, causing our hearts to be renewed and revived.

This prayer for “more” is not because God hasn’t already given so many good gifts, because He absolutely has. His presence, power and provision for the Highland Tribe has, at times, been astounding! He has proven Himself to be a good Father who loves to give good gifts to His children. Therefore, when we ask for more, we are not asking out of a spirit of deficiency, but rather out of a spirit of expectancy!

“Sing a new song” is a phrase that is often repeated in the book of Psalms. To sing a new song does not mean that we need to sing a song that is newly written. When God says, “Sing a new song”, He is saying, “Sing to Me a fresh song. Something that comes from an overflow of fresh waters overflowing from your soul.” This reminds me of Ezekiel’s vision in chapter 47 of the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel is given a vision of the temple. At first, he sees just a trickle of water coming from the temple. Then the waters from the temple became ankle-deep. Then they became knee-deep. Then they became waist-deep. Till at last the waters had risen deep enough for swimming. That’s a way to look at what it means to ask for “more”. It’s a way of saying, “I want a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit, deep enough to swim in!”

Ezekiel was not the only prophet who anticipated experiencing more of God. In Isaiah 64 we read, “Look down from heaven and see from Your holy and glorious habitation; where is Your zeal and Your mighty deeds? The stirring of Your heart and Your compassion are restrained toward me — Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down! That the mountains might quake at Your Presence…as fire kindles the brush, as fire causes water to boil - that we may tremble at Your presence among us. For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God like You, who acts on behalf of those who wait/hope in Him!”

As we fast and pray today for an overflow of God’s presence in our hearts, feel free to use this guide. These are a couple methods I have used over the years as I have learned how to pray and they have proven to be very effective for me. Of course, this is just a suggestion, so feel free to take it or leave it.

P.R.A.Y

P - Pause to be still.

R - Rejoice and Reflect by meditating on a Psalm (If needing suggestions: a few of my faves are Psalm 65/66/67)

Y - Yield to His will and way in Your life

Here’s a song that goes with our fasting and praying for a fresh outpouring of God’s spirit upon our hearts. You can also make the words of this song a prayer from your heart - a new (fresh) song you sing to the Lord!

Update on my Dad

My dad continues to battle great bouts with pain and is struggling to get back on his feet. Pray along with us, asking the Lord for answers. We are hopeful that he will soon find the road to recovery.

Food Collection For Those In Need

Highland, let’s step in and help. At times, our neighbors are running short on groceries. We would love to keep a few items on hand to help as needed. Due to limited space, we cannot keep our usual food boxes but we could store a few bags at a time. The items pictured are an example of items needed. The cost for these items is about $35 per set. We could also use some of the reusable shopping bags for distributing the items. If you are interested in purchasing a set, please contact the church.

Also, The Food Mill offers a food give away every second and fourth Tuesday at the Fox Community Center from 2:30-6:00.

Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Each Monday at 6:30–7:30, we partner with M2540 to love our neighbor. All are welcome to join our team and care for those who often have more month than money.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Patti leads our Prayer Gathering each Wednesday, at 9am. It is held at the Firehouse. Come and seek the Lord along with our team.

Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

This Saturday, our team continues to reach out to those on our streets and minister to them. They offer the love of Christ, while serving them a meal that has been prepared by the Chicken & Rice team. Volunteers are welcome. 10am, Saturday, in the cafe’.

Movie Night: Free Burma Rangers, Saturday, Aug 19th

(Geared for an older audience)

Childcare and pizza dinner (for adults and kids) will be provided, and we'd appreciate it if you could register here to help us plan food and childcare.

Sunday Mornings at 9am

Grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich and head to class this Sunday morning. Joseph’s teaching on holiness in our old sanctuary at 9am, Robert’s leading our men’s Bible Study in our educational-building and Jo Ellen holds devotion in the Firehouse. Looking forward to seeing you!

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10AM

Our church service (we call “Firehouse Gatherings”) are held each Sunday morning in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave). We are meeting here while construction on our facility is being completed – praise the Lord for all He is doing! He is almighty and continues to prove faithful to us. All are welcome to attend.

This month, we are in the final lap of our series entitled: The Magnificent Move. In this series, we have honed in on how we are to prepare our hearts to move into the new building. This passage below has guided the thinking of our leadership:

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Proverbs 24:3-4).

Precious and pleasant riches are not: ornate designs, nifty tech and sound equipment, strobe lights or dry ice, it’s people, created in His image. It’s the worship of those who delight in His righteous commands by way of a repentant heart.

So, the process here is that:

When our hearts are submitted to the wisdom of the Lord
We gain discernment and understanding of His heart and His plans
Thereby we can define what is precious in His eyes.

The word “precious” is defined in two ways:

As people who recognize the value of truth, thereby treasuring truth (Proverbs 23:23 - Buy, do not sell truth – go after it; Matthew 13:44 - Our life’s worth is found in the treasure of truth).
Faithful stewardship, whether we have a lot or a little (Luke 16:11; Matthew 25:21).

This is what we will covering this Sunday.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob

Rob Strickland

August 5, 2023

Magnificent Move Summation

Rob Strickland

August 5, 2023

In our Magnificent Move series (thanks for the title, Jude), we have sought to prepare our hearts for moving into our new building. This new chapter will be so exciting, Highland! I am so happy for us! This series has been based upon Romans 15:1-7 and chapter three of Colossians. In this post, I hope to summarize this series and to weave it altogether.

Stewarding our relationship with the Community

Romans 15:1 & Romans 15:4: “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of weak, and not to please ourselves.” Verse 4: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

We correlated these passages with Isaiah 58:6–12, in which God expresses to us His form of fasting and worship. Paul refers to the Scriptures and to what was written in former days. He does not mention Isaiah 58. However, this serves a potential example of what he could mean. In Isaiah 58, God directs us as His people to promote the good of our neighbor, which thereby results in strengthening our relationship with our Lord. It also serves as a means of our joy and lifts our weary heads! I grip this passage for dear life and it always proves true, Highland.

Romans 15:2: “Let each of us please our neighbor, to build him up; for as it is written, ‘ the reproaches that fell on you, fell on me.’

We first looked at Psalm 69:9, where Paul’s quoting comes from in the Old Testament. Its meaning points to the fact that Jesus loves us in a way in which He absorbs our disapproval and bears it for us, in His body, and, though He was sinless, makes us right with God. He affords us forgiveness and kinship in His name. This plays out in relationship with the Lord by us loving and caring for our enemies, that we might build them up, as our neighbors.

Stewarding our relationship with our church (Highland)

Romans 15:5: “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This passage, as we’ve seen, toggles back and forth with Colossians 3, the entire chapter really, but we’ve honed in on verses 3:12–16. We’ve looked at evidence being renewed: being holy and beloved – this is our identity in Christ. Our new nature’s then demonstrated in the fact that we, before repentance, are critical in nature. After repentance, we then, by way of the Holy Ghost, become compassionate in nature, like Jesus (Matthew 9:36). The fruits of the Holy Spirit are then able to pour forth from our lives, as we remain submissive to the holiness of God’s Spirit.

Then, we’ve also honed in on the word bear – how we must endure with those in our lives – in a way that, through our relationship with the Lord, we can navigate the exhaustion and endure, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Understanding this, Highland, as the Lord is placing us within this new position of strength, let us be grateful for the Lord’s provision but also understand the proper posture we must maintain as His people.

Stewarding Our Hearts in Relationship to Jesus

(This, above all else)

In Romans 15, we then looked at an insertion that is the spine of the entire passage (of the series, really):.. ‘in accord with Christ Jesus.’ Not, in accord with social or political views; in accord with doctrinal positions. It’s not even written as in accord with the teachings of Jesus, but in accord with the person, the one and only Son of God is, Himself, holiness and righteousness.

When one repents, submitting to the Lordship of Jesus, then the Holy Spirit indwells us and we share in the very nature of His holiness. This means that, as we mature, we are not striving to become better people, better Christians, instead, we actually spend time getting to know Jesus and we become more like Him.

Weaving Heart, Home, Highland, North Highland Altogether

This segways us into our study of Colossians 3, where we are instructed to fix the gaze of our hearts upon Jesus, Who is holy! To steward our hearts, we are then instructed as to what to “put to death” and what to “put on” as we rest our hearts in submission to the Lordship of Jesus.

As our hearts are being renewed, we are told how to steward our relationships with people from all walks of life, in Christ; thereby stewarding our relationship with those from various backgrounds and walks of life (stewarding our relationship with those in our community). Furthermore, in stewarding our relationship within the community, Paul tells us how to conduct ourselves as we work - to do so all for the honor of Almighty God.

In stewarding our relationship with our church (Highland), we are told to bear with one another, forgiving one another and to pursue unity with one another, which binds us together in love, resulting in perfect harmony.

Finally, we are instructed as to how to conduct ourselves in our homes. In submission to Christ, the husband fosters refuge in the home, that his wife and children may flourish, as they submit to his gentle authority, as head of the home.

In Closing & On a Personal Note

Highland, this is a summation of our series thus far. I have had the chance to really just share my heart with you in this series. It has certainly been challenging for me, but in a good way. It has been challenging because I have had to really open up my heart and search deeply about what I believe, seeking God’s Word for assurance and clarity. My heart’s grip on God’s Word on these matters is firmer and surer than ever before, Highland. I rejoice in what the Lord’s doing in me.

I also see these Four Strands of Stewardship as a means for charting out how we go deeper, Highland. I continue to see how these strands offer us all a way to strengthen the fibers of our lives in relationship to God’s Word.

As we enter the last lap of our series this month, we are going to focus on the administration of the church (stewarding the church). We will be calling the church the prayer and presenting the board’s plan for transitioning into and stewarding the new building. The Lord has entrusted us with much; let us steward all that He has placed within our hands pursuing His honor.

I love you, Highland,

Rob

Rob Strickland

August 2, 2023

Our Weekly Update

Rob Strickland

August 2, 2023

Troy & Sara Catherine

Highland, first, thank you for wrapping the Clark family in love! I talked with Troy this week and he wants to let you know how grateful both he and Sara Catherine are for all the terrific meals!

Update on my Dad

Continue to rally around the throne of grace for my dad. He is really between a rock and a hard place. However, the Lord is with him and is going before us. Please continue to pray for our family. I know the Lord is holding us; we just need to be able to take rest in His hand right now — harder than it sounds in times like this. But this is when we learn how to ‘only trust Him.’

Food Collection For Those In Need

Also, The Food Mill offers a food give away every second and fourth Tuesday at the Fox Community Center from 2:30-6:00.

*See original post to find registration form.*

A Summer Session Bible Study, Sundays, at 9am.

Joseph’s study begins this Sunday. It will be held in our old sanctuary, starting at 9am. All are welcome to attend this class (see original post to access form).

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

On Monday evenings at 6:30, we join up with M2540 to care for our neighbors. All are welcome to come and serve, as we honor our Lord by serving our streets.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Wednesdays at 9am, our Prayer Team gathers to seek the face of the Lord. All are welcome to take part Wednesday mornings, at 9am – at the Firehouse.

Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Our team will be hitting the streets this Saturday to offer the love of Christ to our neighbors. Meet at the cafe at 10am to help serve, as the team prepares meals to offer those who are hungry.

what a meaningful day of work!

To all who made it out, thank you! So much was accomplished! My expectations were exceeded on all fronts. Justin, thank you for organizing us!

Randall Lake’s 80th Birthday

Randall had such a great turn out for his 80th! We felt loved and appreciated. Oh, how I miss seeing him each week!

Sunday Mornings at 9am

At 9am on Sunday mornings, you are more than welcome to stop by and grab a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee. Coffee & Conversation is a time of gathering for connection and also as a time to celebrate Jesus. Jo Ellen facilitates a devotion for us, to teach how to walk, according to God’ Word.

Robert Singleton continues to lead our Men’s Bible Study also each Sunday morning, at 9am. It’s held in our educational building and all men are welcome to attend.

Additionally, the class Joseph Davis is teaching starts this Sunday. It will also be held at 9am, in our red-brick sanctuary. All are welcome to attend. You may register by clicking the button below.

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10AM

Kids’ Sunday this sunday

I want to thank Joseph and Noah for leading us last Sunday. Though I was away preaching at another church, I heard great things! Though we had technical difficulties and Joseph’s sermon was unable to be recorded, I heard some strong recaps! Thank you, Joseph. Shoutout to ALL the leaders who make Sunday mornings possible.

Highland, I am so excited for us to be moving into this new building. I am so happy for you because, Highland, you have been so resilient, especially over these last few years. Throughout this Series: The Magnificent Move, thus far, we have covered three things:

We have highlighted how we are to relate to one another and to the community at large (Romans 15:1-7).
How we are to prepare our hearts for the transition (Romans 15:1-7; Colossians 3).
We have come to understand that our approach is not to attempt to “do more” but to go deeper as we transition (Colossians 3).

In this final lap of our series, we will talk about how we all will have to prepare our ‘hands for the plow’, in order to responsibly steward the new facility. Part of us going deeper is taking greater ownership of what the Lord has entrusted unto us. As I mentioned two Sundays ago, our board has been working on a plan all year on what the transition will look like. It’s called: Filling the Rooms. Our core-verse has been:

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Proverbs 24:3-4).

This is where we will be going starting this Sunday. Be praying for us, Highland. Be praying for me, as I prepare. I am making plans but I want us to ask that the Lord’s plans prevail in the last lap of this series.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob

Rob Strickland

July 25, 2023

Our Weekly Update

Rob Strickland

July 25, 2023

Take Troy & Sara Catherine a Meal

Highland, let’s help Troy and Sara Catherine settle by taking them a meal, as they welcome home Ida Grace. Please click on the button below to sign up.

Update on my Dad

My dad continues to struggle to get on the right road to recovery. He returned to the hospital by ambulance last Sunday, just after church. We, as a family, are doing all we can to be right at his side right now. Let’s continue to pray, please. Thank you, Highland, for your ongoing concern and love for us.

Food Collection For Those In Need

Also, The Food Mill offers a food give away every second and fourth Monday at the Fox Community Center from 2:30-6:00.

A Summer Session Bible Study, Sundays, at 9am.

Joseph’s study begins August 6th. There’s still room. It will be held in our educational facility. It will probably be held in our old-sanctuary. To sign up, complete registration form (see original post to access form).

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Mondays @ M2540 provides us the chance to love our neighbor through caring for them in meaningful ways. Please join us each Monday at M2540, 6:30, to meet the needs of our neighbors, in honor of our Lord.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

“My Father’s House shall be called a house of prayer.” – Highland, let’s respond to the declaration of Jesus, that we may become a “House of Prayer” – seeking the will of our Lord! Join our prayer-team as they gather Wednesdays, at 9am, at the Firehouse.

Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Our Chicken & Rice team is hitting the streets in the name of Christ this Saturday. Join them, as they love our neighbor by taking them a plate of food, as they are hungry. 10am, the cafe. Volunteers are welcome. So thankful for each of our team members!

OUR WORK DAY THIS SATURDAY, JULY 29th, 9am–11am

All, let’s plan to meet at the Firehouse this Saturday, at 9am.. The work day would consist of cleaning up the construction site and the firehouse site, too. We will also take a “walk & talk” through the new facility. We plan to clear and remove the debris around the site so that we can begin to take some ownership of our property. We will also be taking care of some tasks around the firehouse, too. Join us, please. All are welcome (and needed) to throw in a helping-hand.

Randall Lake’s 80th Birthday

July 29th is Randall’s 80th birthday. A party will be held at Brookdale, where he is still receiving care. If you are interested in attending, please let me know and I will get you the details.

Sunday Mornings at 9am

Each Sunday morning, you are invited to Coffee & Conversation, at 9am. It’s held at the Firehouse. You are welcome to stop by and grab a breakfast sandwich and a coffee, plus get the chance to connect with folks around the church.

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10AM

All are welcome to join us during our church service which is held at 10am each Sunday morning, in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave) until construction on our new facility is completed. This Sunday, Noah Strickland will be leading us in worship and Joseph Davis will be preaching. These men love the Lord and walk according to His Word, with humble hearts.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob

Rob Strickland

July 20, 2023

Our Weekly Update

Rob Strickland

July 20, 2023

Update on my Dad

I want to thank you all for your care and concern regarding my dad. He’s been through neck surgery this week. I am happy to report that the surgery was a success. He is now on a long road to recovery. Highland, we rejoice over you! Every call, message and visit reminds us we are loved and strengthens us. Our family is so grateful for you.

Congratulations, to Troy & Sara Catherine

Troy and Sara Catherine have welcomed a beautiful little girl into their hearts and home, Ida Grace. Mom and baby are doing well and hope to come home soon. We celebrate the joy of the Lord alongside them, as they enter a new chapter in their lives.

Food Collection For Those In Need

At times, our neighbors are running short on groceries. We would love to keep a few items on hand to help as needed. Due to limited space, we cannot keep our usual food boxes but we could store a few bags at a time. The items pictured are an example of items needed. The cost for these items is about $35 per set. We could also use some of the reusable shopping bags for distributing the items. If you are interested in purchasing a set, please contact the church.

The Food Mill offers a food give away every second and fourth Tuesday at the Fox Community Center from 2:30-6:00. The next one is this coming Monday, July 24.

A Summer Session Bible Study, Sundays, at 9am.

Grateful so many of you have signed up for Joseph's study. There’s still room, though. Classes start August 6th, 9am. They will be held in our educational facility. To sign up, go to our weekly update and complete the registration form.

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Mondays @ M2540 is an opportunity for us to love our neighbor and share the gospel with them, too. Come, be part of imparting the love of Christ alongside M2540 each Monday, at 6:30pm.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Perhaps the most definitive role of the church is to pray. Join our prayer team led by Patti Clark each Wednesday, 9am-10am, at the Firehouse.

Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

As our Chicken & Rice Team continues to carry the love of Christ into our streets, please know we welcome all to share in this ministry. They meet at the cafe’, 10am, on Saturdays.

OUR WORK DAY SATURDAY, JULY 29th, 9am–11am

Men, let’s plan to get together Saturday, July 29th, from 9am-11am for a work day. The work day would consist of cleaning up the construction site. We plan to clear and remove the debris around the site so that we can begin to take some ownership of our property. Bring your sons, too! All are welcome to throw in a helping-hand.

Randall Lake’s 80th Birthday

July 29th is Randall’s 80th birthday. A party will be held at Brookdale, where he is still receiving care. If you are interested in attending, please let me know and I will get you the details.

Sunday Mornings at 9am

Coffee & Conversation is a simple way to connect with one another and worship together. All are welcome. Jo Ellen closes out our time together with a devotion that allows us to firm up our grip on Scripture – so applicable! Our Men’s Bible Study, led by Robert Singleton, is held in our church’s educational wing, at 9am. The men that attend are a great group of men, who really discuss living, according to God’s Word. All men are welcome to join the discussion.

Sunday Mornings at 10am

All are welcome to join us at our church service, which is held at 10am each Sunday morning, in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave), until construction on our new facility is completed. As we bring this series in for a landing, I want to look at the last part of Colossians 3 in three sections:

How Paul directs us to steward our hearts:
- “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.”
How we are instructed to steward our lives in the church and in community:

Church: “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Community: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.”

3. How we are instructed to steward our lives in our homes:

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

As we near the close of this series, this framework will help us gain our footing in order to live out the text, together. I look forward to honing in here Sunday.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob

Rob Strickland

July 14, 2023

Our Weekly Update

Rob Strickland

July 14, 2023

A Summer Session Bible Study, Sundays, at 9am.

Joseph Davis will be leading a Bible Study on Sunday mornings centered on the holiness of God. Sign up by completing the form below. It will be worth it! Please note, the class dates will be: August, 6th, 13th & 20th. Please register below to come. This study is open to all, but please note that there will not be childcare available for this class.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Mondays @ M2540 allows us the chance to love our neighbor each Monday, 6:30pm! Join our team as we partner with such a wonderful ministry – M2540! We are grateful for Ruth and all that M2540 does to lift up the name of Jesus!

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Each Wednesday, our prayer-team gathers to pray for our streets. Join them as they gather at the Firehouse, at 9am each Wednesday.

Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Our Chicken & Rice team will be going out this Saturday offering the love of Christ to our neighbors. All are invited to come and serve from 10am–1pm. Meet at the cafe’. Beanie Weenies are what’s on the menu this Saturday.

This Saturday, Church of the Highland Comes for Serve Day

Church of the Highlands will be serving this Saturday. They will be doing some work on classrooms for Truth Spring Academy, plus holding a Lemonade Stand alongside our Chicken and Rice team. Be looking for it along 5th avenue at 11am. Also, feel free to stop by and grab some. It will be free!

OUR WORK DAY SATURDAY, JULY 29th, 9am–11am

Randall Lake’s 80th Birthday

July 29th is Randall’s 80th birthday. A party will be held at Brookdale, where he is still receiving care. If you are interested in attending, please let me know and I will get you the details.

Sunday Mornings at 9am

Come grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation this Sunday morning, starting at 9am. Coffee & Conversation is a simple way to connect with one another and worship together. All are welcome. Jo Ellen closes out our time together with a devotion that allows us to firm up our grip on Scripture – so applicable! Additionally, men, we hold a Sunday morning Bible for you. It’s led by Robert Singleton and is held in our church’s educational wing, starting at 9am. All men are welcome.

Sunday Mornings at 10am

Our church service is held at 10am each Sunday morning, in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave) until construction on our new facility is completed. Highland, I want to thank you for your endurance! We have seen the Lord strengthen the very fibers of who we are as a local body throughout this season, all for His name and His purposes! I am grateful for each and every one of you! I rejoice in all the Lord’s doing in us!

As we prepare to bring this portion of our series in for a landing, here is our text for this Sunday:

“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).

My goal is to complete our study of Colossians, chapter three, by the end of July. It is my hope to then to begin looking more practically at our transition into the new facility. We will see how the Lord leads us, Highland.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob

Rob Strickland

July 5, 2023

Our Weekly Update

Rob Strickland

July 5, 2023

“I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased (Psalm 138:1–3).” *Part of Psalm 138, which we read in its entirety, together.

Reflecting upon our Sunday Service

Highland, the holy-nature of God continues to grab hold of my heart and attention. I just continue to acknowledge and become more aware of the fact that all that there really is in this world that is ‘right and good’ is His holy-nature, and I respond in awe and honor to His holy name. All that makes me rest and happy is found in His holiness (I think that’s true for all of humankind). Hence, I am understanding more and more the statement David makes in this Psalm, as he bows toward His holy temple – his strength of soul is increased!

I want this for us, Highland. I pray this over us, Highland; that our strength of soul might be increased by being in awe of His holiness! I am studying this for us, Highland. I am currently reading: “Holy in Christ”, by Andrew Murray. I mention this only to invite you to see what I am studying and how the Lord is stirring in my heart, Highland. The book is so refreshing and helpful to me! Here is just one quote from my notes, which I appreciate:

"Holiness is not something we do or attain: it is the communication of the Divine life, the inbreathing of the Divine nature, the power of the Divine Presence resting on us." – Andrew Murray

May we continue, Highland, to bow our sinful hearts in worship of our Holy God — that we may be at “home” (at rest) in His holiness.

*Summer Session Bible Study starts August 6th. Register below or through this week’s post.*

A Summer Session Bible Study, Sundays, at 9am.

Joseph Davis has agreed to teach a Bible Study for us in August. He will teach a three week study centered around the holiness of God! This class is important to the life of our church, Highland. I want to challenge you to attend!

The phrase that has been resonating through my heart since 2020 for us is that we would be a people marked by the holiness of God! I continually pray through this for us and study God’s holiness! It is so helpful to have such a strong teacher like Joseph take us through this matter!

The class dates will be: August, 6th, 13th & 20th. Please register below to come. This study is open to all, but please note that there will not be childcare available for this class.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Mondays @ M2540 is an opportunity to love our neighbor in honor of the name of our Lord! Join our team each Monday at M2540 to help out – 6:30pm –7:30pm.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Ms. Patti continues to foster the prayer life of our church! Join this team each Wednesday, at the Firehouse, to seek the face of our Lord! 9am–10am.

Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Each Saturday, we have a team go out and love our neighbors! Chicken & Rice happens at 10am, just in front of the cafe’! All are welcome to come and serve! Just talked to Sandra! Exciting to know that this team is growing! Both people from the church and from the community are taking part in serving.

Sunday Mornings at 9am

Coffee & Conversation allow us the chance to enjoy one another, along with a tasty cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich! We worship together, then Jo Ellen closes out our time with a Biblically-rich devotion. All are welcome.

Robert leads our Men’s Bible Study each Sunday morning, 9am, in the education-building of our church. It’s a practical walk through Scripture and great discussion. All men are welcome to attend.

Sunday Mornings at 10am

Our 10am Firehouse Gathering (what we call our church service) is open to all who want to exalt the name of Jesus. Billy will lead us in corporate worship and I (Rob) will be preaching through Colossians 3:11-14:

“Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 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. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (ESV).

The emphasis throughout this series is how we, personally, make this move in a way that places the magnificence of Jesus on display. Though we will have a much greater capacity in our new facility, we want to turn our attention in this season of heart-prep to going deeper, not doing more. The roadway to ‘going deeper’ is paved with our ever-resting submission into the holiness of Christ Jesus, Highland. This roadway leads us to the place where, as Paul notes in 2nd Thessalonians 1, we have a faith that is deepening in our relationship with Christ and a love that is growing for one another. Oh, Highland, that Jesus would be able to place his majesty on display, both in us personally and publicly.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob