Sunday Services
We are currently holding two Sunday worship services:
- 9 AM Connection Contemporary Service in Bradley Hall
- 9:45 AM Sunday School for all ages
- 11 AM Traditional Service in Sanctuary
The Connection service and the 11:00 traditional service are both live-streamed.
Sunday Morning Live-streams & Recordings
4/7: The Universe Laughs
Luke 24:13-49
Key Verse: 24:31: "Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight."
Main Idea: There is freedom to suffer, laugh, and play when we follow Jesus.
To Think About: Where has Jesus revealed himself to me?
4/14: The Joy of Being Sought by Jesus
John 20:19-31
Key Verse: 20:27: "Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’"
Main Idea: Jesus comes to us when most needed, and perhaps, least expected.
To Think About: When have I experienced joyful encounters with Jesus?
4/21: The Joy and Care of Creation
Psalm 96, Genesis 2:4-17
Key Verse: Gen.2:15: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."
Main Idea: Creation is a wonderful gift from God. He has tasked us to both use and care for it.
To Think About: How might God want us to take care of his creation?
4/28: The Joy of Union with Jesus
John 15:1-8
Key Verse: 4: "Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me."
Main Idea: When I stay connected with Jesus, I have joy and peace.
To Think About: What practices connect me with Jesus? What practices disconnect me?
Connection Contemporary Worship
9 AM in Bradley Hall
The Connection offers a comfortable and casual, energetic opportunity for praise and worship. Led by our pastors and the Connection Praise Team, the Highland family comes together to hear contemporary Christian music, to pray together, and to hear God’s Word for us today. We celebrate Holy Communion together most Sundays. Restless children have activities and space to spread out. Whether new to the Christian journey or a more seasoned disciple, all are welcome to come connect with God and each other in this time of worship.
Traditional Worship
Our traditional worship service celebrates the best of our Wesleyan heritage with praise, music, prayer, and proclamation. Our pastors offer biblically-based sermons to proclaim the good news of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. The soaring sound of the organ fills the space as our choir and various musical ensembles lead worship through music. We gather around the Lord's table for Holy Communion weekly on the first Sunday of each month at 11:00. All are invited to join this family of faith as it offers its praise and worship to the Lord.
Highland celebrates in worship with special services throughout the year, often marking the holy days and seasons of the Christian calendar. In preparation for the Easter celebration, we begin the season of Lent with an Ash Wednesday service and then we gather on Tuesdays through Lent for a brief time of worship and a light lunch. Holy Week includes services for Palm/Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday worship, Good Friday worship, and Easter Sunday services. The Advent season is rich with music and programs, two Christmas Eve services, and a Moravian Lovefeast.
In keeping with our Methodist heritage, we celebrate two sacraments at Highland:
Baptism is the outward and visible sign of an inward grace, God’s work in our lives. Baptism marks our entrance into the community of faith and, therefore, is celebrated in the community during Sunday morning worship. Those seeking infant or adult baptism or with questions about this entry into the faith are invited to contact our pastors by e-mail or by calling the church office.
Holy Communion is the sacrament that sustains us and nourishes us for the Christian journey. Gathered around the table, we remember Christ’s sacrifice for us, celebrate God’s love and forgiveness, receive anew God’s gifts of grace, and are reminded of God’s presence in our midst. We celebrate an "open table," meaning that you do not have to be United Methodist or a member of Highland UMC to join us in Holy Communion; all who seek Christ and seek to live in peace with others are welcome. Following our Methodist heritage, we use bread and grape juice to celebrate the sacrament.