Service of Morning Worship featuring The Children’s Christmas Pageant
Experience the story of the coming of the Christ child lovingly presented by the children of Highlands. Journey with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem as the ancient story is told and beautiful carols of the season are sung. A Highland's tradition not to be missed!
College Age Holiday Get Together
Sunday, Dec 22 5-7 p.m.
Home of Harper - Holders
Youth Group Christmas Party - December 18
Save the date for the youth group Christmas Party on Monday, December 23 from 5 to 7 pm. Hosted by TBA. More information and directions will be sent to youth group families in the coming week.
Contact: Danny Jones – danny@highlandsumc.net | 933-8751 ext. 211
Service of Christmas Eve Communion for Children and Families
This service of Holy Communion for Christmas Eve will be tailored for children and their families - brief, beautiful, and filled with the joy of the coming of the Christ Child.
Streaming Video and Additional Information coming soon.
The Music of Christmas
Streaming Video and Additional Information coming soon.
Service of Christmas Eve Communion and Candlelighting
Celebrate the coming of the Christ Child in scripture, sacred song, and beatiful candle light. All are welcome to join with us for Holy Communion.
Streaming Video and Additional Information coming soon.
The church office will be closed Christmas on December 25 and 26. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.
For Christmas Eve service information, click here.
For information on helping with our Community Christmas Breakfast, contact Danny Jones.
Celebrate the holiday season with a Community Breakfast on Sunday, December 29 in the Fellowship Hall. We will serve breakfast for our community guests from 9 to 10 am, wrapping up in time for worship at 10:30 am. We have several volunteer opportunities, including providing food and beverages, serving, hosting tables, and setup and clean up. If you’d like to help out, contact Nancy Hill. We hope you’ll join us for breakfast!
Contact: Nancy Hill – nancy.hill849@gmail.com or 205-602-4793
The church office will be closed Christmas on January 1, 2024 for New Year’s Day. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.
Registration covers the cost of lodging, meals, and programing.
If you have any problems with the online form, contact Mary Elizabeth Neal.
Join us after worship for a celebration of our whole-church renewal in 2025. We will also send-off Mikah Hudson as he begins his five-month renewal leave.
Lunch: $10 for adults, $5 for kids
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, January 13 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Highlands UMC Chapel
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
Need a break? Join the women of Highlands for a relaxed social gathering at Panera Bread in Vestavia Hills on Tuesday, January 28 at 7:30 pm. No agenda, no book to read – just friends fellowshipping together.
Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, Febuary 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Highlands UMC Chapel
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
Discovery Weekend Spiritual Formation Retreat at Camp Sumatanga
February 21-23, 2025
Discovery Weekend is our annual youth spiritual formation retreat, at Camp Sumatanga. The cost of the weekend is $125, which includes lodging, meals, transportation, and a t-shirt. Discovery Weekend is for youth in grades 6-12, as well as college-age and adult volunteers.
Two ways our congregation can support the youth on their journey is to write letters of support and encouragement to participating youth, and to attend the prayer service on Saturday, February 24 at 6:30 pm at Camp Sumatanga. For more information, see the document linked below.
On Ash Wednesday we join with Christians around the world in beginning the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday worship focuses on repentance and reconciliation. Ash Wednesday is an opportunity for us to go deeper into our hearts and into the souls of our communities, and to recognize the horror and depth of our estrangement from God. Through our worship and Lenten Discipline we begin a spiritual journey that takes us to a cross where Jesus gave his life for the life of the world. Such a journey is not easy and goes far beyond the surface of individual sin into the systemic roots that cause it. It is a journey that reveals the truth about our lives both individually and collectively. Through this journey we discover the grace and forgiveness of God in a most profound way.
Join us for worship in the Sanctuary at noon.
On Ash Wednesday we join with Christians around the world in beginning the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday worship focuses on repentance and reconciliation. Ash Wednesday is an opportunity for us to go deeper into our hearts and into the souls of our communities, and to recognize the horror and depth of our estrangement from God. Through our worship and Lenten Discipline we begin a spiritual journey that takes us to a cross where Jesus gave his life for the life of the world. Such a journey is not easy and goes far beyond the surface of individual sin into the systemic roots that cause it. It is a journey that reveals the truth about our lives both individually and collectively. Through this journey we discover the grace and forgiveness of God in a most profound way.
Join us for worship in the Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m.
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Highlands UMC Chapel
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
UAB Choir Spring Concert
7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
More information TBD
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, April 14 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Highlands UMC Chapel
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, Mary 12 at 11:30 a.m.
Location: Highlands UMC Chapel
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, September 8 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Highlands UMC Chapel
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
Acolyte Trip to the National Acolyte Festival in Washington D.C.
October 12, 2024
More Information to come.
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, October 13 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Highlands UMC Chapel
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, November 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Highlands UMC Chapel
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, December 8 at 11:00 a.m. for a Christmas Party.
Location: Home of TBA
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
The Highlands family is invited to come out and ring the bell for the Salvation Army on Saturday, Dec 21st. We will be at Belks at the Summit from 10am to 6pm. Please volunteer for a 1 hour shift. It is a great opportunity for families to help out those that need the most this Christmas season. Please contact Mark Chambers to sign up: markc205@yahoo.com.
All children participating in this year’s pageant are required to attend dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If you have questions, please contact Mary Elizabeth Neal at maryelizabeth@highlandsumc.net.
The Men’s fellowship group will meet on Friday, December 20 for lunch at Dave’s Pizza in Homewood. We’ll gather around at 11:30 am and stay as long as we can. All are welcome and invited!
Contact: Mark Chambers – markc205@yahoo.com
Join us for familiar songs of the season, delicious hot cocoa and snacks, and warm fellowship with the Highlands family.
6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Children’s Christmas Service Project - December 19
Save the date for a children’s ministries service project on Tuesday, December 19 from 4 to 6 pm. Children will rotate through stations creating needed items for various ministries of the church and local service organizations. All are welcome and invited. RSVPs requested.
Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com
Join the women of Highlands for Ladies Coffee Night on Monday, December 16 from 7-8 p.m. at the home of Lauri Soong. We will enjoy cookies and tea and make ornaments to give to all the children in the Christmas Pageant.
Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com
Service of Morning Worship featuring The Choir and Chamber Orchestra.
Preaching – The Reverend Mikah Hudson
Liturgist – Reggie Holder
Choirmaster & Organist – Richard Phillips
Verger – Brian Bellenger
Scripture:
Hymns:
Once in Royal David’s City (IRBY)
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (MENDELSSOHN)4
O Come, All Ye Faithful (ADESTE FIDELES)
Voluntaries:
Sinfonia from MESSIAH - George Frederick Handel
Concerto in A Minor, Movement No. 3 – Vivace, Opus 3, No. 6 - Antonio Vivaldi
Lighting of the Advent Candle:
Fantasy on PERSONET HODIE - Phil Lehenbauber
Anthems:
For Unto Us a Child Is Born from MESSIAH - George Frederick Handel
And the Glory of the Lord from MESSIAH - George Frederick Handel
Festival of the Three Kings - December 14
This year’s Festival of Three Kings will take place on Saturday, December 14, from 2 to 5 pm. We are continuing our wonderful partnership with Jefferson County DHR with an aim of sponsoring 60 children for Christmas! Gifts should be returned to the church office by Wednesday, December 11.
Volunteers are needed to assist with gift distribution on Saturday, December 14. To sign up, contact Danny Jones at the church office 205-933-8751 or danny@highlandsumc.net.
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, December 9 at 11:00 a.m.
Location TBD.
RSVP is requested.
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
Start your holiday season off by singing your favorite Christmas carols and hearing the Christmas story told both in scripture and song. All are welcome and invited.
Highlands United Methodist Church is located at 1045 20th Street South (35205) immediately behind the landmark fountain in the heart of Five Points South, Birmingham. Free parking for Sunday services is available at metered space on the street, at Highlands Bar and Grill on 11th Avenue S, and in the Five Points South Deck on Magnolia Avenue. A parking lot for first-time visitors and those with limited mobility is located directly behind the church, off Richard Arrington Boulevard.
All Are Welcome at Highlands:
Highlands United Methodist Church affirms that nothing can separate anyone from the love of God. We invite all to worship, wonder, and discover God’s grace as we aspire to create a safe space for all to participate fully in the life of this community of faith. We are called to shine as a beacon of hope, grace, belonging and respect for all people. Regardless of age, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, family, financial status, nationality, physical or mental ability, past or future, there is room for you at Highlands
Charge Conference - Church Council Meeting - December 8
The Church Council will meet on Sunday, December 8 in the Fellowship Hall worship. Lunch will be served and the meeting will follow. Church Council meetings are open to everyone; all are welcome to observe our church leadership at work.
*Subject to change depending on the District Superintendent’s schedule.
Contact: Anne Rand - asrand@yahoo.com
We are planning another New Member Sunday for December 8. If you’ve been attending Highlands for a while, just a few months, or only once and you’re ready to join, we would love to talk with you about next steps. Please reach out to Michelle Jones with your questions and interest.
Contact: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net
Service of Holy Communion
10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Preaching – The Reverend Mikah Hudson
Liturgist – Reggie Holder
Choirmaster & Organist – Richard Phillips
Verger – Brian Bellenger
Enter the Sanctuary through the front doors every first Sunday of the month. We are working to improve our visibility in the Five Points South neighborhood, so join us on the front lawn once a month.
As is our tradition, Highlands will serve Thanksgiving lunch to our Community Ministries friends on Thursday, November 28. Prior to the meal, we need volunteers to cook desserts and sides as well as set up and decorate the Fellowship Hall. On Thanksgiving Day, we need volunteers to help with serving, welcoming, and clean up.
If you will be out of town on Thanksgiving, please consider making a donation to assist with the purchase of the meal. Checks may be made to HUMC with “CM Thanksgiving” in the memo line and dropped in the offering plate during worship or delivered to the church office.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Danny Jones or Mark Chambers
The church office, Child Development Center, and Community Ministries will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28-29 for Thanksgiving. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.
Sacred Dance Workshop
Each Sunday during Advent, our sacred dancers help prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Christ child. Sacred Dance is open to girls and boys in 1st grade or older, including youth. Previous dance experience is not required! All dancers are strongly encouraged to attend our Sacred Dance Workshop with coordinator Jenny Hughes.
Please note that attendance at this workshop is not required for participation in Sacred Dance during the Advent season.
To sign up, contact Mary Elizabeth Neal at maryelizabeth@highlandsumc.net.
One Sunday each month, our children, youth and adults will gather together during Sunday School for Heart and Hand Sundays, where we will work together on service projects for our church and community. This inter-generational time of service will start with refreshments and a short devotional suitable for all ages. Join us at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall on November 24 to make decorations and other preparations for our Community Thanksgiving Meal.
United Women In Faith Bake Sale
Cookies, cakes and pies, oh my! United Women in Faith (UMW) are holding a bake sale before and after worship service on November 24. The proceeds will support UMW local missions projects. Payment by cash, check, or Venmo accepted. If you’d like to contribute baked goods to the sale, please contact Laura Williams (swilliams1521@msn.com) or Denise Williams (denisew60al@gmail.com).
The Men’s fellowship group will meet on Friday, November 22 for lunch at Dave’s Pizza in Homewood. We’ll gather around at 11:30 am and stay as long as we can. All are welcome and invited!
Contact: Mark Chambers – markc205@yahoo.com
We are working on some plans for the Explorer's Sunday School Class is getting back together for an Advent study. To kick things off, let's get together to break bread on Sunday, November 17 at the home of Bart and Lynne Trench. More information to come!
All are invited to an organ recital on Sunday, November 17 at 3:00 pm. Highlands’ Choirmaster and Organist, Richard C. Phillips, will showcase our beautiful M. P. Möller pipe organ (1952, Opus 8320). The recital is free and open to the public. Reception to follow in the Greeting Space with drinks and pie. Contact Rick Phillips at rick@highlandsumc.net for more information.
Third Sunday Potlucks take place every third Sunday of the month.
Bring your favorite main course, side dish, bread, or dessert to share. Don’t have time to bring something? You can make a small donation toward paper products and beverages. Join us for good food and warm fellowship. All are welcome and invited!
Contact: Michelle Jones – michelle@highlandsumc.net
Need a break? Join the women of Highlands for a relaxed social gathering at Panera Bread in Vestavia Hills on Tuesday, November 12 at 7:30 pm. No agenda, no book to read – just friends fellowshipping together.
Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com
All children age 4 and older are invited to an afternoon of service projects and fellowship on Monday, November 11 from 1 to 3 PM. Children may be dropped off in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Lauri Soong at laurisoong@hotmail.com to RSVP.
United Women in Faith Meeting
United Women in Faith (UMW) will meet Monday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Surin West
RSVP is requested.
Contact: Marion Lagman - mlagman@gmail.com
The church office and Child Development Center will be closed on Monday, November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day. Highlands thanks our veterans for their service, and wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday.
