Food Handlers Training for Community Ministries volunteers.

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 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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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 October 6.

Heart and Hand Sunday - August 11 - School Supply Drive

During the summer months, our children, youth, and adults gather once a month for Heart & Hand Sundays, to work together on service projects for our church and community. These intergenerational experiences are a great way to get to know the Highlands family better and to invite friends and neighbors to see what Highlands is all about. Join us on Sunday, August 11 when we will be collecting and sorting school supplies for the students of WE Kids at Urban Ministry and Hemphill Elementary School. Click below for a supply list and flyer you can share with your friends and neighbors.

Heart and Hand Sunday - July 14 - Hygiene Kits

During the summer months, our children, youth, and adults gather once a month for Heart and Hand Sundays, to work together on service projects for our church and community. These inter-generational experiences are a great way to get to know the Highlands family better, and are a perfect opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to see what Highlands is all about. Join us on July 14 when we will be assembling hygiene kits or Community Ministries.

Save the date for future Heart & Hand Sundays: August 11

Heart and Hand Sunday - June 2 - Assemble Breakfast Casseroles

During the summer months, our children, youth, and adults gather once a month for Heart and Hand Sundays, to work together on service projects for our church and community. These inter-generational experiences are a great way to get to know the Highlands family better, and are a perfect opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to see what Highlands is all about. Join us on June 2 when we will be making breakfast casseroles for Community Ministries.

Save the date for future Heart & Hand Sundays: July 14 & August 11

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 April 21. 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 Joy McPherson bhamjoy@yahoo.com and Esther Glenn eglennrn@gmail.com.

Heart and Hand Sunday - April 7

Our next Heart and Hand Sunday will be next Sunday, April 7 at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. We are collecting books for Books to Prison, which provides books to Alabama and Texas prisons, and Little Libraries to stock several Little Free Libraries around Birmingham that cater to children. We are especially in need of paperbacks of all genres and gently used children’s books. Like our food drive last summer, this is an excellent opportunity to ask your friends and neighbors to help out with donations; pick up a flyer in the Greeting Space to help start the conversation.

Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com

CM Fellowship Hall Work Day - February 3

As we prepare to expand our Community Ministries Hospitality Hours to Saturday service, we need to spend a little time and elbow grease preparing the Fellowship Hall for our guests. Join us on Saturday, February 3 from 10:00 am to Noon to scrub tables and chairs, straighten up the serving area, and organize supplies. There will also be an opportunity for those who have never served in Community Ministries or who haven’t served since before the pandemic to “learn the ropes” and get some training before Saturday service begins on February 10. There’s no need to RSVP but if you know you’ll be able to join in, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Danny Jones - danny@highlandsumc.net

Ring in the New Year with a Community Breakfast on Sunday, December 31 in the Fellowship Hall. Both church members and guests from our Community Ministries program are invited to enjoy a New Year’s sit-down breakfast from 9 to 10 am. We will wrap up in time to move upstairs together for worship at 10:30 am. We have several volunteer opportunities as we will need help with preparing and serving breakfast, bringing donuts and pastries, and hosting tables.

Contact: Danny Jones – danny@highlandsumc.net or Mark Chambers – markc205@yahoo.com

Festival of the Three Kings - December 16

This year’s Festival of Three Kings will take place on Saturday, December 16, 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 8.

Volunteers are needed to assist with gift distribution on Saturday, December 16. To sign up, contact Danny Jones at the church office 205-933-8751 or danny@highlandsumc.net.

Save the date! On Sunday, November 26, we will begin preparations for the Advent season. Join us during the Sunday School hour to create a beautiful Advent wreath for your home, featuring hand-rolled beeswax candles, seasonal greenery, and hand-crafted prayer cards. Space and materials are limited! RSVP to save your spot!

Contact: Mary Elizabeth Neal – maryelizabeth@highlandsumc.net.

As is our tradition, Highlands will serve Thanksgiving lunch to our Community Ministries friends on Thursday, November 23. 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

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

November 19 - Zentangle Mosaic Art Activity with Elizabeth Vander Kamp - certified Zentangle teacher, storyteller, and calligrapher.

Come learn a fun, easy to learn, and relaxing way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns with Elizabeth Vander Kamp. While her homebase is Birmingham, AL, she also travels telling stories as she goes. Her calligraphic work has spread across the globe and her work  across the United States. 

United Women in Faith Bake Sale

More information to come.

All children age 4 and older are invited to an afternoon of service projects and fellowship on Friday, November 10 at 3 PM. Children may be dropped off in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Lauri Soong at laurisoong@hotmail.com to RSVP.

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

August 27 - Assemble Breakfast Casseroles
On this Sunday, we will assemble breakfast casseroles to freeze and serve at Community Ministries. Bring an apron and come prepared to crack eggs, cut bread, cook sausage, and prepare a tasty dish to share with our neighbors. Contact Susan Rathmell with questions or for more details.

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

July 23 - Non-Perishable Food Drive for UAB Blazer Pantry
Congregants are encouraged to conduct a canned food and non-perishable food drive through your neighbors and social media contacts. Collect items and bring to church on July 23 where we will sort, pack, and deliver to the UAB Food Pantry, which is a few blocks away. Contact Kassie Doggett with questions or for more details.

Upcoming Heart & Hand Sundays:
August 27 – Casseroles for Community Ministries

Suggested Donation Items:

Food Item:

• Cereal

• Evaporated milk

• Oatmeal or Grits

• Packaged or canned fruits

• Macaroni and cheese

• Juice

• Packaged or canned meats

• Pasta and pasta sauce

• Snack Items

Personal Hygiene Items:

• Soap

• Deodorant

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste

• Shaving cream and razors

• Feminine Hygiene products

• Mouth wash

• Lotion

• Toilet paper

• Tissue

• Detergent

• Laundry detergent

• Paper towels

Children’s Service Project - June 26

All children age 4 and older are invited to an afternoon of service projects, fellowship, and fun on Monday, June 6 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Children may be dropped off in the Fellowship Hall. RSVPs are requested

Contact: Lauri Soong – laurisoong@hotmail.com

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

June 18 – Assembling Hygiene Kits for Community Ministries
On this Sunday, we will assemble soap, shampoo, toothpaste, Q-tips and such into hygiene kits to distribute to our Community Ministries friends and neighbors. This is especially a good project for energetic children. Contact Danny Jones with questions or for more details.

Upcoming Heart & Hand Sundays:
July 23 – UAB Blazer Pantry Food Drive
August 27 – Casseroles for Community Ministries

Pride Parade Sticker Party - June 8

Highlands will be participating in the Central Alabama Pride Parade this weekend. Join us on Thursday, June 8 at 6 pm for a sticker party! We will be adding rainbow Highlands stickers to 3,000 moonpies to distribute during the parade. We’ll have pizza and lots of fun. All are welcome!

Contact: Susan Crow – crowsusan@gmail.com or 205-249-9599