Join us for a simple service of Holy Communion each Tuesday in Lent. Lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall for $10.

March 25
Dorothy Ann Webster
Retired United Methodist Clergy

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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

Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People

Join us this Lent for a journey through Nadia Bolz-Weber’s Accidental Saints, where we’ll explore the beauty of grace and the messiness of faith together. We’ll delve into Bolz-Weber’s poignant storytelling and candid reflections, discovering how imperfection and flaws can illuminate our path to spiritual growth.

Whether you’re seeking deeper understanding, community connection, or simply a space for honest conversation - there’s a place for you! Join in to connect, reflect, and grow as we uncover the unexpected saints in our lives.

Class meets on Sunday afternoons from 4 to 5 p.m., March 9 through April 6.

Registration is free and open to all! You do not need to be a member of Highlands UMC to attend.

Adult Lenten Classes begin March 9.

Exploring the Iona Community and Celtic Spirituality: A Journey of Renewal and Connection
Led by Warren Laird in Room 209

Join us for an enriching exploration of the Iona Community, a significant destination for Rev. Hudson during his renewal leave. This class offers a captivating survey of Iona’s rich history, its foundational principles, and its vibrant practices. Engage with guest speakers who have personally experienced the profound impact of Iona, sharing their insightful stories and reflections. In alignment with the spiritual essence of Iona, participants will embark on a personal journey by creating a prayer journal, which we will thoughtfully maintain throughout Lent. This class promises not only to deepen your understanding of the Iona Community but also to enhance your spiritual practice in a meaningful way. Come and be part of this inspiring experience!

Connected in Faith with Our Visiting Supply Pastors
Led by Dr. Bill Morgan and Dr. Rick Owen in Room 204

Join us this Lenten season for a special Sunday School class designed to deepen our understanding of this sacred time of Renewal and foster community connections! Each week, we will meet with that week’s supply pastor who will lead us in rich conversation about the themes of Lent and the upcoming sermon. This will be an opportunity to explore the significance of Lent through scripture, reflection, and shared insights. Our visiting pastors will bring fresh perspectives and personal experiences to enrich our conversations. You will have opportunity ask questions, share your thoughts on the Lenten journey, and build relationships with fellow church members.

Lenten Mindfulness
Led by Wilson Nash and George Gaskin in The Chapel

Lent is a season of contemplation, and one of the greatest human tools to live a more contemplative life is mindfulness. Mindfulness meditation is shorthand for a series of practices used to observe consciousness and its contents more carefully. Using sessions from the Waking Up app and sections of Richard Rohr’s The Naked Now, this series will introduce the practices of mindfulness meditation and connect those practices to the insights of the Christian mystics and other similar spiritual traditions. Such practices are not just about reducing stress, having greater emotional stability, or enjoying better relationships. Practice can deliver those things at times, but its insights about your mind can be deeper, the sky of your awareness and capacity for presence can become wider, and you may find that you are not quite what you think you are.

Need a break? Join the women of Highlands for a relaxed social gathering at Panera Bread in Vestavia Hills on Tuesday, March 18 at 7:00 pm. No agenda, no book to read – just friends fellowshipping together.

Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com

Join us for a simple service of Holy Communion each Tuesday in Lent. Lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall for $10.

March 18
Emily Freeman Penfield
Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church

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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

Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People

Join us this Lent for a journey through Nadia Bolz-Weber’s Accidental Saints, where we’ll explore the beauty of grace and the messiness of faith together. We’ll delve into Bolz-Weber’s poignant storytelling and candid reflections, discovering how imperfection and flaws can illuminate our path to spiritual growth.

Whether you’re seeking deeper understanding, community connection, or simply a space for honest conversation - there’s a place for you! Join in to connect, reflect, and grow as we uncover the unexpected saints in our lives.

Class meets on Sunday afternoons from 4 to 5 p.m., March 9 through April 6.

Registration is free and open to all! You do not need to be a member of Highlands UMC to attend.

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

Adult Lenten Classes begin March 9.

Exploring the Iona Community and Celtic Spirituality: A Journey of Renewal and Connection
Led by Warren Laird in Room 209

Join us for an enriching exploration of the Iona Community, a significant destination for Rev. Hudson during his renewal leave. This class offers a captivating survey of Iona’s rich history, its foundational principles, and its vibrant practices. Engage with guest speakers who have personally experienced the profound impact of Iona, sharing their insightful stories and reflections. In alignment with the spiritual essence of Iona, participants will embark on a personal journey by creating a prayer journal, which we will thoughtfully maintain throughout Lent. This class promises not only to deepen your understanding of the Iona Community but also to enhance your spiritual practice in a meaningful way. Come and be part of this inspiring experience!

Connected in Faith with Our Visiting Supply Pastors
Led by Dr. Bill Morgan and Dr. Rick Owen in Room 204

Join us this Lenten season for a special Sunday School class designed to deepen our understanding of this sacred time of Renewal and foster community connections! Each week, we will meet with that week’s supply pastor who will lead us in rich conversation about the themes of Lent and the upcoming sermon. This will be an opportunity to explore the significance of Lent through scripture, reflection, and shared insights. Our visiting pastors will bring fresh perspectives and personal experiences to enrich our conversations. You will have opportunity ask questions, share your thoughts on the Lenten journey, and build relationships with fellow church members.

Lenten Mindfulness
Led by Wilson Nash and George Gaskin in The Chapel

Lent is a season of contemplation, and one of the greatest human tools to live a more contemplative life is mindfulness. Mindfulness meditation is shorthand for a series of practices used to observe consciousness and its contents more carefully. Using sessions from the Waking Up app and sections of Richard Rohr’s The Naked Now, this series will introduce the practices of mindfulness meditation and connect those practices to the insights of the Christian mystics and other similar spiritual traditions. Such practices are not just about reducing stress, having greater emotional stability, or enjoying better relationships. Practice can deliver those things at times, but its insights about your mind can be deeper, the sky of your awareness and capacity for presence can become wider, and you may find that you are not quite what you think you are.

PLEASE BE AWARE: SEVERE WEATHER MAY CHANGE OUR PLANS. WE WILL UPDATE THOSE WHO HAVE SIGNED UP TO PARTICIPATE AND POST CHANGES HERE AND ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.

Five Points South St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

March 15

The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is back, and will pass right in front of Highlands on Saturday, March 15 at 1:30 p.m. There will be festivities throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., including Irish-themed food and drinks along with live music on our front lawn and other participating businesses. Wear something green and come out to support our neighborhood next Saturday!
More information about Five Points South St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Highlands will offer Sanctuary tours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will have a float in the parade. Anyone who would like to participate in the parade may sign up here.

Join us for a simple service of Holy Communion each Tuesday in Lent. Lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall for $10.

March 11
Susan Crow
Highlands United Methodist Church

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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

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

Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People

Join us this Lent for a journey through Nadia Bolz-Weber’s Accidental Saints, where we’ll explore the beauty of grace and the messiness of faith together. We’ll delve into Bolz-Weber’s poignant storytelling and candid reflections, discovering how imperfection and flaws can illuminate our path to spiritual growth.

Whether you’re seeking deeper understanding, community connection, or simply a space for honest conversation - there’s a place for you! Join in to connect, reflect, and grow as we uncover the unexpected saints in our lives.

Class meets on Sunday afternoons from 4 to 5 p.m., March 9 through April 6.

Registration is free and open to all! You do not need to be a member of Highlands UMC to attend.

Adult Lenten Classes begin March 9.

Exploring the Iona Community and Celtic Spirituality: A Journey of Renewal and Connection
Led by Warren Laird in Room 209

Join us for an enriching exploration of the Iona Community, a significant destination for Rev. Hudson during his renewal leave. This class offers a captivating survey of Iona’s rich history, its foundational principles, and its vibrant practices. Engage with guest speakers who have personally experienced the profound impact of Iona, sharing their insightful stories and reflections. In alignment with the spiritual essence of Iona, participants will embark on a personal journey by creating a prayer journal, which we will thoughtfully maintain throughout Lent. This class promises not only to deepen your understanding of the Iona Community but also to enhance your spiritual practice in a meaningful way. Come and be part of this inspiring experience!

Connected in Faith with Our Visiting Supply Pastors
Led by Dr. Bill Morgan and Dr. Rick Owen in Room 204

Join us this Lenten season for a special Sunday School class designed to deepen our understanding of this sacred time of Renewal and foster community connections! Each week, we will meet with that week’s supply pastor who will lead us in rich conversation about the themes of Lent and the upcoming sermon. This will be an opportunity to explore the significance of Lent through scripture, reflection, and shared insights. Our visiting pastors will bring fresh perspectives and personal experiences to enrich our conversations. You will have opportunity ask questions, share your thoughts on the Lenten journey, and build relationships with fellow church members.

Lenten Mindfulness
Led by Wilson Nash and George Gaskin in The Chapel

Lent is a season of contemplation, and one of the greatest human tools to live a more contemplative life is mindfulness. Mindfulness meditation is shorthand for a series of practices used to observe consciousness and its contents more carefully. Using sessions from the Waking Up app and sections of Richard Rohr’s The Naked Now, this series will introduce the practices of mindfulness meditation and connect those practices to the insights of the Christian mystics and other similar spiritual traditions. Such practices are not just about reducing stress, having greater emotional stability, or enjoying better relationships. Practice can deliver those things at times, but its insights about your mind can be deeper, the sky of your awareness and capacity for presence can become wider, and you may find that you are not quite what you think you are.

Shrove Tuesday Feast - March 4
Shrove Tuesday is traditionally celebrated with feasting before Lenten fasting begins. Join the Highlands family to celebrate Shrove Tuesday on March 4 at Bistro V in Vestavia Hills at 6:30 pm. Join us to feast and fellowship; all are welcome! RSVPs requested by March 2.

Contact: Mark Chambers – markc205@yahoo.com

This is a ticketed event. All participants will be asked to check in with the name of the registered ticket holder at the door. This event is SOLD OUT.

Red State Revivals: An evening With Nadia Bolz-Weber

Highlands United Methodist Church Sanctuary 

Date: Thursday, 2/20/25

Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

PARKING INFORMATION:

• The Highlands UMC parking lot is RESERVED for those with handicapped tags and those with limited mobility. Please do not park in the Highlands UMC lot if you are physically capable of parking off-site. We appreciate your respect and care for these individuals!!

• Additional parking for Red State Revivals is reserved at Temple Emanuel and South Highland Presbyterian Church. Temple Emanuel's lot is located behind the Temple on 11th Court South. South Highland's lot is located off Richard Arrington Blvd.

• Shuttle buses will pick up and drop off at Temple Emanuel and South Highland Presbyterian before and after the event. Event signs near the parking lot entrances will show you where to meet the shuttle.

• Ride sharing (Uber, Lyft, having a friend drop you off) is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!

Why a Red State Revivals Tour?

Because first and foremost, this is not the moment to concede the Christian faith to nationalists. Nor is it the moment to double down on things that don’t work.

I’m just not willing to keep having my ideas about myself, other people and the world be more informed by shit I read on the internet than on what I experience in my actual life.

So I want to gather with you, laugh with you, and sing with you. I want a couple hours of actual life that is free from despair and free from self-righteousness.

I want us to remind each other of what’s most important and least popular right now. Namely: humility, curiosity, mercy and hope – the things Jesus of Nazareth yammered on about and that were as difficult to embrace then as they are now.

In other words, I do not want to be afraid and I do not want to be alone.

So let’s gather in the good and holy flesh and revive our weary hearts.

Read more here!

Here’s the schedule:

5:45-6:30 Pop-up Choir practice with Nadia.
Do you like to sing? Then show up because you’re in. Nothing else needed.

6:30 doors open

7-8:30 event

Would love to see you there!

Bring a friend. Bring an enemy. All are welcome.

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. Parking is available at metered space on the street 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.

First time visiting Highlands? Visit www.highlandsumc.net/planyourvisit to learn more and connect with an ambassador.

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

United Women in Faith Meeting

Highlands United Women in Faith will meet at the church on Monday, February 10 at 11:00 am. We will have a presentation about Embrace AL Kids. RSVP is requested.

Contact: Marion Lagman – mlagman@gmail.com

Church Council Meeting - February 2

The Church Council will meet on Sunday, February 2 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.

During this meeting, the Church Council will approve the 2025 operating budget.

Contact: Anne Rand - asrand@yahoo.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

Journeys of the Soul: Pilgrimages to Sacred Places

Join us for Journeys of the Soul: Pilgrimages to Sacred Places, a new winter Sunday School series. Experience the transformative power of pilgrimage as guest presenters share stories and insights from their recent journeys to sacred sites including the Iona Community; Chartres Cathedral; Selma, Alabama; and the El Camino de Santiago. Whether you’re curious about these sacred places or seeking inspiration for your own spiritual journey, this series promises to deepen your connection to faith, history, and the sacredness of the human experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to walk with others in spirit and reflection! Join us on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

January 26 - El Camino de Santiago with April Sides

Contact: Reggie Holder – reggie@highlandsumc.net

Highlands welcomes as our guest preacher on Sunday, January 19, The Rev. W. Douglas Tanner, Junior.

Doug Tanner is a United Methodist minister who came of age in his native North Carolina during the civil rights movement.  Doug’s deepest sense of calling is at the intersection of race and history, spirit and politics, complemented by another he often describes as “helping people in politics hang onto a piece of their souls.”  In 1991 Doug co-founded The Faith & Politics Institute, a nonpartisan interfaith organization in Washington, DC that works with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and others professionally related to Capitol Hill.  He served first as the Institute’s chief executive and then as senior adviser for 25 years, retiring in 2016.  Doug is married to Kathy Gille; they live in the Adams-Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC and enjoy a second home on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.  Doug’s hobbies include folk music, storytelling, surf fishing, and sailing.

Doug will also be speaking on Sunday night, January 19 at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall on his interfaith work in Washington, D.C. and the annual Faith and Politics Institute Pilgrimage to Selma with John Lewis.

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

Highlands welcomes as our guest preacher on Sunday, January 19, The Rev. W. Douglas Tanner, Junior.

Doug Tanner is a United Methodist minister who came of age in his native North Carolina during the civil rights movement.  Doug’s deepest sense of calling is at the intersection of race and history, spirit and politics, complemented by another he often describes as “helping people in politics hang onto a piece of their souls.”  In 1991 Doug co-founded The Faith & Politics Institute, a nonpartisan interfaith organization in Washington, DC that works with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and others professionally related to Capitol Hill.  He served first as the Institute’s chief executive and then as senior adviser for 25 years, retiring in 2016.  Doug is married to Kathy Gille; they live in the Adams-Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC and enjoy a second home on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.  Doug’s hobbies include folk music, storytelling, surf fishing, and sailing.

Doug will also be speaking on Sunday night, January 19 at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall on his interfaith work in Washington, D.C. and the annual Faith and Politics Institute Pilgrimage to Selma with John Lewis.

Journeys of the Soul: Pilgrimages to Sacred Places

Join us for Journeys of the Soul: Pilgrimages to Sacred Places, a new winter Sunday School series. Experience the transformative power of pilgrimage as guest presenters share stories and insights from their recent journeys to sacred sites including the Iona Community; Chartres Cathedral; Selma, Alabama; and the El Camino de Santiago. Whether you’re curious about these sacred places or seeking inspiration for your own spiritual journey, this series promises to deepen your connection to faith, history, and the sacredness of the human experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to walk with others in spirit and reflection! Join us on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

January 19 - Iona Community with Kay Mutert

5 PM - Selma, AL with Rev. Doug Tanner

January 26 - El Camino de Santiago with April Sides

Contact: Reggie Holder – reggie@highlandsumc.net

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

Journeys of the Soul: Pilgrimages to Sacred Places

Join us for Journeys of the Soul: Pilgrimages to Sacred Places, a new winter Sunday School series. Experience the transformative power of pilgrimage as guest presenters share stories and insights from their recent journeys to sacred sites including the Iona Community; Chartres Cathedral; Selma, Alabama; and the El Camino de Santiago. Whether you’re curious about these sacred places or seeking inspiration for your own spiritual journey, this series promises to deepen your connection to faith, history, and the sacredness of the human experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to walk with others in spirit and reflection! Join us on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

January 12 - Chartres Cathedral with Jettye Davis

January 19 - Iona Community with Kay Mutert

5 PM - Selma, AL with Rev. Doug Tanner

January 26 - El Camino de Santiago with April Sides

Contact: Reggie Holder – reggie@highlandsumc.net

The church office will be closed Christmas on January 1, 2024 for New Year’s Day.  We wish you a safe and happy holiday.

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