Weekly Update

Andrew’s Sermon

Andrew Cowart recently preached a sermon at Christ Community Church – the church his family pioneered by way of the Lord’s direction! The reason he went there to preach was to actually highlight missional work. In it, Andrew reflects on Highland. Well done, Andrew! Check it out if you want to give it a listen. Click here to access the sermon.

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Boxes of Love is Coming ‘round the corner.

Please help us collect dishsoap.

please help us collect dish soap

Boxes of Love is soon to arrive. To help us prepare for the event, we need begin bringing dish soap. If you are able to grab a bottle, please bring it to the church, thanks!

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Service is 10am — join us!

Photo credit — Casey Strickland

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

8am–9am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility - led by Robert Singleton

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

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Prayer Guide

3rd Strand of Stewardship — Highland

“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?”

— Matthew 22:11

What is the wedding garment?

Scripture helps shed light upon the wedding garment:

‘Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another…’— (1st Peter 5:5)

Highland, let’s pray, draping ourselves in the robe of repentance.

May these qualities be ours, as we ask for the Holy Spirit to further take authority in the life of our church. These definitions help us note the attention to the details of the “wedding garment” —

• ‘Put on then’ (Read Colossians 3:12–16)

  • Compassionate hearts – caring, sympathetic, tender in mercy.

  • Kindness – a grace which pervades the whole nature, mellowing in us all that is cold or harsh.

  • Humility & Meekness – A strong man’s choice to control his actions, in submission to God.

  • A balance stemming from a strength in character, flowing from a confident-trust in God.

  • Patience – enduring when others attack or make life difficult.

  • Bear with – To accept complaint, to endure, to have patience in regard to errors and weaknesses of others.

  • Complaint – to blame or find fault.

    • Forgive – to free offender, even grant favor.

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Jacob, to the far right, with two of his sons.

Men’s Bible Study

Wednesday, November 18th, 6pm

Men, Jacob Roper has graciously agreed to host another Bible Study. It will take place November 18th, Wednesday evening, at 6pm. I hope you can join us, men. Men, if you receive our emails, check ‘em. We want you to complete the survey.

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Highland Cafe’

Highland Cafe’ is open Monday — Friday, 8:30am—11:30am.

Volunteers are welcome. Contact us for more details.

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Still in chapter 22 this week.

Our Series Through Matthew

We will continue through Matthew 22. With repentance paving the roadway into the Kingdom, Jesus is exposing the grim reality that those who are to represent the Lord do not even recognize Him – let alone honor Him.

Throughout the next portion of this chapter, Jesus continues laying the axe-blade at the root of self-righteous leadership. He is striking down trees that produce self-righteous (bad) fruits. Join us as we take a closer look at Matthew 22:15-46 this Sunday.

I love you, Highland.

— Rob

Weekly Update

Happy 21st Birthday, Highland.

(Christmas Musical Practice from back in the day.)

Celebrating 21 years of the lord’s faithfulness

Highland,

We celebrate 21 years this October. These years serve as a record of the Lord’s faithfulness – all glory to His Name. I am grateful for each moment the Lord grants us, Highland. Bound in relationship with the Lord, doing life with you – it’s a true gift.

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Boxes of Love is Coming ‘round the corner.

Please help us collect dishsoap.

please help us collect dish soap

Boxes of Love is soon to arrive. To help us prepare for the event, we need begin bringing dish soap. If you are able to grab a bottle, please bring it to the church, thanks!

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Two baptisms Sunday! Let’s rejoice with the heavens, Highland.

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

8am–9am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility - led by Robert Singleton

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

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Prayer Guide

2nd Strand of Stewardship — Home

May our homes inhabit His praises, Highland. As we enter our homes each day, let’s thank the Lord for our resting places. Doing so is among the purest forms of worship.

When our homes host the praises of our Lord, our hearts communicate the truth that every breath is a gift from the Lord! The Holy Spirit is actually transforming our hearts to express our gratitude as an account of gratefulness for our homes, our family.

As we pray this week, how can you enter your home being grateful, instead of grumbling?

• How may you express your gratefulness for your home to the Lord?

• What activities must be surrendered, discontinued to allow our homes to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

• How are you and your family spending time uplifting one another from a grateful heart, especially consider all the Lord has done?

Let every breath offer praises to the Lord. Let your lips speak His praises, especially in our homes, Highland. For in our homes, we are most ourselves — let our praises rise to the Lord from pure hearts.

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Jacob, to the far right, with two of his sons.

Men’s Bible Study

Wednesday, November 18th, 6pm

Men, Jacob Roper has graciously agreed to host another Bible Study. It will take place November 18th, Wednesday evening, at 6pm. I hope you can join us, men.

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Highland Cafe’

Highland Cafe’ is open Monday — Thursday, 8:30am—11:30am.

Volunteers are welcome. Contact us for more details.

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Chapter 22 this week.

Our Series Through Matthew

We continue through Matthew 22 this Sunday. We are placing a magnifying glass over Matthew 22: 1-14. Last Sunday, we covered the tone of the parable. We considered the invitation issued being written in gospel-ink. We noted how Jesus’ own people were indifferent toward the banquet, snubbing the Son and dishonoring the King.

This Sunday, we consider what the details of “the wedding garment” may entail. Scripture will offer us insight as to the proper attire to wear as we attend the Wedding Feast of the Son. May we consider our “heart’s attire” toward the Holy King, that we might honor His holy Name!

Sermon’s are available through our website.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday.

I love you, Highland — so grateful for you.

— Rob

Weekly Update

Thanks to all who made the Agape Feast Happen!

Highland Feasts on Love!

Wow, Highland – I am sincerely impressed with Sunday’s Agape Feast! Well done! To all who supported, prepped, cooked, served and cleaned up – you did a great job! This is what going deeper looks like! It’s abounding in love for one another, by staying together, studying together and serving together! Well done, Highland!

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Phil Webb of Webb Construction is now with the Lord.

In Remembrance of Phil Webb

Mr. Phil Webb is now with the Lord. Flowing from his love for the Lord, Phil came alongside Highland during a time of great need. He and his family generously stepped in during the construction of our building and helped ensure that we crossed the finish line. We are deeply grateful to the Lord for Phil’s kindness and generosity toward our church. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and pray that the Lord will comfort them in the days ahead.

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Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

8am–9am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility - led by Robert Singleton

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

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Prayer Guide

1st Strand of Stewardship — Heart

“Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end” (Psalm 119:111-112).

When we submit to Jesus as Lord, we are not only forgiven of sin — we become family. The Holy Spirit indwells us. Our hearts are renewed. We, thereby, share in God’s holy nature as sons and daughters.

Our hearts can only find rest in belonging to the Lord. Joy and freedom flow from the security of our Heavenly Father’s paternal-presence filling our hearts.

As a branch can only produce fruits consistent with the vine it’s submitted unto, our hearts can only produce holy-fruits in being submissive to God’s holy branch. Are the fruits of your heart consistent with the Holy Spirit? As Paul writes: "Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness” (Romans 8:9b-10).

As we pray this week, let’s ask the Lord to bring our hearts into submission to His Spirit. May our hearts long to yield repentant, righteous flavored fruits!

To do so, our hearts must take hold to God’s living Word, clinging to it as life itself, Highland. Only then will our hearts be inclined to obey God’s Word out of a sense of belonging, not because we feel burdened to perform.

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Highland Cafe’

Highland Cafe’ is open Monday — Thursday, 8:30am—11:30am.

Volunteers are welcome. Contact us for more details.

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Chapter 22 this week.

Our Series Through Matthew

We take on Matthew 22 this Sunday. We will unpack the first parable in the chapter, the Wedding Feast. This parable is a glance at what’s to come! The new covenant that is established in the name of Jesus serves as an invitation, yet not all accept it. Even still – there are those who accept it but come harboring disdain in their hearts toward the bridegroom. Offending the King, they are escorted out of the banquet - more to come Sunday.

I love you, Highland. I hope you are enjoying your week.

— Rob

Weekly Update

What a blessing to serve the Lord together, especially as family.

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Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

8am–9am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility - led by Robert Singleton

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

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Prayer Guide

Prayer Guide to be released next Sunday.

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Highland Cafe’

Highland Cafe’ is open Monday — Thursday, 8:30am—11:30am.

Volunteers are welcome. Contact us for more details.

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Highland,

How I hope your week’s going well! Our family enjoyed some downtime last weekend. So, Carrie and I started the week refreshed and ready to go!

We originally planned to be at the beach Friday through Monday. However, the hurricane came through Florida, rewriting our plans. We ended up going down Saturday.

Friday turned out to be a great find, though! It became a day to rest. Our family hiked together. We took to Standing Boys! We all hiked to the new observation tower! So worth it!

We got down to the beach Saturday and really enjoyed some time with Carrie’s family! We caught up, fished, and ate what we caught! Georgia won—Go Dawgs! There was wrestling! There was a fancy night out! Coffee was enjoyed on the balcony while watching the waves. It was all the small things wrapped into a great trip!

I heard such meaningful and rich feedback regarding last Sunday’s service! To all who served and led, thank you! Gosh—you are such a blessing! May we continue to serve one another, abounding in love for each other! To do so is among the purest expressions of our love for Christ, Highland!

On a practical note, Andrew’s sermon is available on our website. I look forward to listening to it! Give it a listen when you’re able! He continued through Matthew 21. One person described Andrew’s sermon by saying that he “fed us well” from God’s Word.

This Sunday, during our Service, we will observe the Lord’s Supper. Highland, let’s come ready to lay our hearts before the Lord. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and permeate the life of our church.

Our Agape Feast will immediately follow. We will conclude our service closer to 11 a.m. in order to share a meal together. Please remember to allow van riders to get their food first so they can load the van shortly afterward.

To those overseeing the Agape Feast, thank you! Food spells love! Thank you for spelling out your love for us and for the Lord, Highland!

In light of observing Communion this Sunday, we will pause our series through Matthew. We will pick back up in chapter 22 on October 25th. Go ahead and get a jump on the text. I look forward to unpacking the chapter together.

Finally, I want to thank Jacob Roper who led our Men’s Bible Study Wednesday! Jacob, thank you for huddling us up around God's Word.

Highland, I love you. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

— Rob

Weekly Update

Check out these really cool helpers! To all who help with chairs, thank you!

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

8am–9am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility - led by Robert Singleton

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

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October’s Outlook

Sunday School Semester Has Wrapped Up

First, to all who made Sunday School a success, thank you! It’s an exciting day where we all gather, taking a firmer grip on Scripture! It’s not always been a possibility for us to facilitate small group studies altogether, Highland. I count it as one of our richest blessings.

As our class concluded, a few of our students said to me that they could not believe how fast the classes went by! There was another which said that he was sad classes were ending. It will be nice to resume in January.

Coffee & Convo Devo Continues

Though the Sunday School Class Semester has ended, Robert Singleton continues to lead devotion during Coffee & Conversation. He is doing a great job challenging us to live, Highland, obeying God’s Word. All are welcome! The devotion begins at 9:15am and is held in our Dining Facility.

Agape Feast - October 18th

As we break, we will also gather on October 18th. We will hold our Agape Feast. We will gather for a meal just after Service. A team from our Co-Ed Sunday School class will be facilitating our Agape Feast. Thank you! I appreciate you all putting love into action.

Men, Don’t Forget — We Meet Soon!

Men, we gather Wednesday, October 14th, 6pm. Join us for a meal and some time together, then we dive into a discussion about God’s Word. Jacob Roper will be leading us. Come, ready to jump in with us! Jacob, thanks!

Andrew & Justin Lead Service This Sunday

Before I get too far ahead, here’s an outlook for Sunday. Justin Shorey will be leading us in worship and Andrew Cowart will be preaching. These men lead with hearts that hunger and thirst for righteousness. They both prepare meticulously! To all who make Highland happen, thank you - especially as our family gets some time away.

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Chapter 21

continuing our series through MattheW

Highland — the passage for Sunday is Matthew 21:33-46, The Parable of The Tenants.

Here’s the text:

“Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.”

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.”

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Thanks to all who helped at the Yard-Giveaway!

Prayer Guide

4th Strand of Stewardship — North Highland

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it’—when you have it with you” (Proverbs 3:27-28).

Saturday, so many of our neighbors were able to receive good things out of the hands of Highland. The “yard-giveaway” that took place here was a tremendous help to those throughout North Highland. To those who orchestrated this effort, thank you!

Yet, this statement also captures our church as a whole! There are so many good offerings to those in our community from Highlands’ heart and hands — far more than I would ever be able to capture or mention. Even still, know that your open hand of goodness honors the Lord and blesses others.

There are times I will learn of an act of kindness toward someone after it has taken place. When I learn of it, I celebrate what you’ve done, Highland — rejoicing in the Lord over you! For His name is glorified in our holding fast to His Word, which gives life.

Well done, Highland. I appreciate our church’s posture of open hearts and open hands. As we continue to promote the good of our neighbor in honor of our Lord, let us remain unified, one heart and one mind. I love you, Highland. Thank you for all that you do.

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Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Monday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Highland Cafe’ update!

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. Doors will be open Monday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

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Next Session — October 14th —#daysofold

Men’s Bible Study

Register so we can ensure we have enough food for everyone, please.

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Carrie and I celebrate 22 years of marriage this Friday.

We snuck away last night for a celebratory dinner.

I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob

Weekly Update

Come by Highland this Saturday — 9am!

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Service on Sundays begins at 10am.

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

8am–9am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9am-10am: Sunday School (see classes below)

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

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***LAST SUNDAY School Class is this sunday***

Sunday School Classes & Their Location

To those leading and serving, thank you!

Classes run August 9th-October 4th and will begin at 9a.m.

Classroom 1: 0-2 year olds: Church Nursery

Classroom 2: 3 & 4 year olds

Classroom 3: Kindergarten-Second Grade Class

Classroom 4: Third-Fifth Grade Class

Classroom 5: Tweens & Teen Boys

Red-Brick Sanctuary: “Gospel in Life” — Co-ed Class

Classroom 7: Theology Class, led by Mike Hare

Classroom 8: Tweens & Teen Girls

Dining Facility: Life Class Devotion (Ongoing throughout the year)

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Chapter 21

continuing our series through MattheW

Highland — we broke ground on chapter 21 last Sunday. This chapter begins with Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey.

Here’s an overview:

As Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, we enter the final lap of His earthly-ministry. With much acclaim, he approaches the temple, only to clean house.

During our sermon, we looked at the purposes of these happenings. We sought to better understand the heart of Christ in these moments by defining what Jesus states about His coming.

Up to this point, Jesus has defined three overarching purposes to His earthly ministry:

• Fulfill the Law & the Prophets (The Scriptures).

• Offer an invitation of rest to repentant sinners.

• Die on a cross; be raised to life, conquering sin and death

In essence, Jesus did not come to erase, rewrite the Law & the Prophets. He did not come to condemn sinners — He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets that repentant sinners may know salvation in His death and resurrection.

The sermon is available on our audio page. This Sunday, we continue through the 21st chapter together.

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Prayer Guide

3rd Strand of Stewardship — Highland

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1st Peter 5:5b).

Highland — may we cloak ourselves in humility. As this verse was part of my prep for today’s sermon, it really clung to my heart as I prayed. I began asking the Lord to help me maintain humility in my relationships. I began searching my heart for any who I may’ve recently offended, hoping to make amends. I then began to ask the Lord to drape us (Highland) in humility — that we would know the fullness of the Lord’s grace. These qualities listed make up an atmosphere that is infused with humility, Highland.

Here are five flavors I want us to continually cultivate in our culture:

1. Let’s seek to know Him more; not presume we know everything (Proverbs 26:12).

2. Let’s consider the interests of others more important than our own (Philippians 2:1-5).

3. Let’s be peacemakers — not problem-makers (Romans 1214-21).

4. Let’s be grateful, not grumble (Philippians 2:14-16).

5. Let’s be listeners, avoiding interrupting of others, seeking to understand them, not prove ourselves to be right (James 1:19).

Let’s pray this week, asking the Lord to clothe our hearts with humility. In doing so, we honor the Lord’s Name, experiencing rest which is afforded to us in His nearness (Psalm 73).

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Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Monday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Highland Cafe’ update!

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. Doors will be open Monday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

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Next Session — October 14th

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

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I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob

Weekly Update

“Lord, let your forgiveness rest upon our streets.” (Photo credit—Lexi Carow)

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

8am–9am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9am-10am: Sunday School (see classes below)

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

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Sunday School Classes & Their Location

To those leading and serving, thank you!

Classes run August 9th-October 4th and will begin at 9a.m.

Classroom 1: 0-2 year olds: Church Nursery

Classroom 2: 3 & 4 year olds

Classroom 3: Kindergarten-Second Grade Class

Classroom 4: Third-Fifth Grade Class

Classroom 5: Tweens & Teen Boys

Red-Brick Sanctuary: “Gospel in Life” — Co-ed Class

Classroom 7: Theology Class, led by Mike Hare

Classroom 8: Tweens & Teen Girls

Dining Facility: Life Class Devotion (Ongoing throughout the year)

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Chapter 21

continuing our series through MattheW

Highland — so good to be with you Sunday! Our text was Matthew 20:17-34

Here’s a brief recap:

In closing chapter 20, we see how Jesus responds to both the proud and the humble.

• “The Lord opposes the proud; but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

During lunch last Sunday, it was Carrie who pointed out that Jesus stiffarms the prideful request of James’ & Johns’ mother. Yet, Jesus draws near unto and responds graciously to blind men’s request for mercy.

• “So the last will be first, and the first last.”

This Sunday, we break open chapter 21. Looking forward to taking on yet another leg of our journey through Matthew together. Last Sunday’s sermon is available on our audio page. See you Sunday!

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Prayer Guide

2nd Strand of Stewardship — Home

Last First — First Last

Walt Wright attends Truth Spring Academy. His parents are Stephen and Carol. As you may know, I teach P.E. to our academy students. Last Thursday, I taught P.E. to Walt’s class. Usually, Walt wins the games we play during P.E. He’s athletic and really works hard to win! However, last Thursday, Walt was having an off day. He lost in the competitions to his classmates, and he took those losses very hard.

Seeing that he was upset, I asked Walt to stay with me after class. I checked on him, explaining that I understood how he felt. I encouraged him, telling Walt that he’s a great athlete. I then told Walt that the best athletes know how to lose just as well as they know how to win—to which Walt responded, “Last first, first last.”

I said to him, “Yes! That was a point in our sermon last week.”

He nodded. I asked him, “Who taught you that?”

Walt responded, “My mom and dad.”

That’s how to do it, Highland families! May we take God’s Word and infuse it into the lifeblood of our homes. What a privilege it is to do life with you in such meaningful ways. I value every moment with each of you as parents. I also value every opportunity to share in the life of your children.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the

LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your

might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You

shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in

your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when

you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).

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Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Monday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Ms. Ruby has been in the hospital — please be praying alongside us for her to return home better than ever!

Highland Cafe’ update!

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. Doors will be open Monday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

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Next Session — October 14th

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

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I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob

Weekly Update

Join us This Sunday! You are welcome.

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

8am–9am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9am-10am: Sunday School (see classes below)

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

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Sunday School Classes & Their Location

To those leading and serving, thank you!

Classes run August 9th-October 4th and will begin at 9a.m.

Classroom 1: 0-2 year olds: Church Nursery

Classroom 2: 3 & 4 year olds

Classroom 3: Kindergarten-Second Grade Class

Classroom 4: Third-Fifth Grade Class

Classroom 5: Tweens & Teen Boys

Red-Brick Sanctuary: “Gospel in Life” — Co-ed Class

Classroom 7: Theology Class, led by Mike Hare

Classroom 8: Tweens & Teen Girls

Dining Facility: Life Class Devotion (Ongoing throughout the year)

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Chapter 20

continuing our series through MattheW

Highland — so good to be with you Sunday! Our text was Matthew 20:1-16.

Here’s a brief recap:

Salvation Belongs to the Lord; Afforded to All

In the Name of Jesus, salvation will be afforded to all who repent of their sin.

• the rich, the poor, sick, lame, those early in life, those late in life…

  • “with God, all things are possible.”

“I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first, and the first last” — (Matthew 16:14).

• Our definition of goodness and justice is rooted in selfishness.

  • God’s definition of goodness and justice is rooted in generosity and grace.

This Sunday, we continue through the Gospel of Matthew. Our outlook for Service this Sunday is to complete chapter 20 — we will see what the Lord has in store for us. Last week’s sermon is available online.

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Prayer Guide

1st Strand of Stewardship — Heart

"Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy” (Proverbs 12:20).

Reading Proverbs daily is as natural as breathing for me at this point in my life. I read the proverb that correlates with the numerical day of the week. This sentence stuck with me while I read in a recent proverb.

The visual that came to mind was seeing my heart as a storehouse. I envisioned my heart carefully preserving the peace of the Lord. I then began to recall all who I know who are distraught, hurting and deceived. I asked the Lord to help me know how to distribute peace to those I know that are ailing.

Considering the terms “devise” and “deceit” — they reveal the heart of a person who invents ways (devise) to cheat and mislead others (deceit). Their hearts are saturated in sin and celebrate wickedness. Scripture tell us to avoid such people. While we do not join in with those who devise evil plans, being around them is unavoidable at times. Even still, when the peace of Christ rules within our hearts, we do not harbor hatred toward anyone, including those are evil.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).

Highland, let’s ask the Lord to make our hearts storehouses of peace. By way of His wisdom, may we develop plans to impart peace to all. If one has trespassed against us, let us ask the Lord to help us reconcile with them. Let’s plan to distribute peace to them. In doing so, the joy and peace of the Lord fills and guards our hearts. May our hearts experience the fullness of His presence, where peace and joy abound, ridding our hearts of anxiety.

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Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Monday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Highland Cafe’ update!

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. Doors will be open Monday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

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Next Session — October 14th

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

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I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob

Weekly Update

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Join Us This Sunday! You are welcome.

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

8am–9am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9am-10am: Sunday School (see classes below)

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

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Sunday School Classes & Their Location

To those leading and serving, thank you!

Classes run August 9th-October 4th and will begin at 9a.m.

Classroom 1: 0-2 year olds: Church Nursery

Classroom 2: 3 & 4 year olds

Classroom 3: Kindergarten-Second Grade Class

Classroom 4: Third-Fifth Grade Class

Classroom 5: Tweens & Teen Boys

Red-Brick Sanctuary: “Gospel in Life” — Co-ed Class

Classroom 7: Theology Class, led by Mike Hare

Classroom 8: Tweens & Teen Girls

Dining Facility: Life Class Devotion (Ongoing throughout the year)

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Donny’s back in action

Donny is home! He is scootering around North Highland. Saw him at our cafe’ this morning! It felt good to fix him a cup of coffee.

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Chapter 19 & 20

Verses 19:27 - 20:19 this Sunday

continuing our series through MattheW

We continue through Matthew together. Last Sunday, we took a stroll through the latter half of Matthew 19. We tackled what we referred to as the “The Value-System of the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:13-30).

Often, societal views shape our views of salvation. In these passages, Jesus offers us a glimpse as to how the Lord weighs hearts in light of eternal life. Matthews lays out for us how Jesus compares “Childlike hearts” to “Coveting hearts”, which we covered. The sermon is available through our website if you want to listen to it.

As we move toward Sunday, we will pick up at the tail-end chapter 19, entering chapter 20. Join us as we consider what Jesus points toward when says – “he last will be first, and the first last.” I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

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Andrew’s Grass!

Prayer Guide

4th Strand of Stewardship — North Highland

Written by: Andrew Cowart

For the last four years, I have lived in a neighborhood very different from the middle-class suburban neighborhood where I grew up. Some people call it the bad part of town. We are in the news a lot. I moved here, compelled by the life of Christ, to live an incarnational life on mission. I love this neighborhood.

I do not call it the bad part of town. I believe God has made his face to shine upon this little corner of the Kingdom, and He will have His way here. During the week, I teach at an adult trade school in the neighborhood. I have the honor of teaching Christianity 101, among other classes, to adults who are looking for a second chance at life. Yesterday I taught on the Kingdom of God. We defined it like this:

The Kingdom of God is where chaos is brought into order under God’s loving hand.

I used an example that is common in our neighborhood: an abandoned house with an overgrown yard. Nearly every other house here has been abandoned and left to rot, swallowed whole by kudzu and other weeds. But later this year, our construction students will adopt one such house. They will clear the vines and dig a forgotten sidewalk up from under the weeds. They will replace shattered windows with whole ones. They will install hardwood floors, countertops, and cabinets, transforming a mattress-strewn drug den into a real living room. Finally, they will paint over the graffitied curses spray-painted on the outside walls, reclaiming the house from the Kingdom of Darkness. A few months later, a family in need will move in and call it home.

Chaos brought into order under God’s loving hand.

Since I moved to the neighborhood, really my whole adult life, I have fought with a “yard” that is mostly rocks, dirt, and broken beer bottles. Recently a generous donor paid for my yard to be re-sodded. The grass was laid yesterday. It is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. This morning I rolled up my jeans, went outside, and stood on freshly laid emerald zoysia with my coffee cup in hand. A neighborhood kid walking to school paused and stood there with me. “Is this real grass?” he asked, the Kingdom of God wet with dew under our feet.

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Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Tuesday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Highland Cafe’

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. Doors will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

---

Next Session — October 14th

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

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I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob

Weekly Update

Listening Sessions Update from Billy

Posted for Second Week

Friends!

In April, we started something new at Highland. We gathered the church to get feedback on our current state so we could plan for the future. We decided to host these "Listening Sessions" to document your feedback on the church's current state and identify opportunities for growth. We started each session with Scripture, shared ideas in small groups, and prayed for each other. That's a productive hour from 9-10 each week!

Many of you were part of this amazing group that not only encouraged me with your perspectives, but also inspired me to dream with you about the future opportunities for our church.The Lord has called you here to Highland, and I'm so grateful He did. Thank you for contributing to this effort!

I wanted to send a quick update to keep you in the loop on where we are in this process:

1. The church leadership (Pastor Rob and the Team Leader Board) is meeting on September 9 to begin strategic planning. We will meet over several Wednesday nights to finalize the plan.

2. We will use the Bible, our by-laws, and the results from the Listening Sessions to determine the strategic priorities.

3. We will send the plan to members and welcome your feedback.

4. The members will vote on the plan, and if approved, it will go into effect on January 1.

This is the first time we have done this, and it is very exciting. I ask you to pray for Highland as this plan unfolds. There were themes that emerged from the Listening Sessions that will require us all to roll up our sleeves a little more, and lean into the flourishing of our church body. It will take all of us for this to go well. Some ideas that came up won't make the cut. And that's okay! Our prayer is to focus on a few imperative things for the coming year, and most of all, to continue serving Christ unified with one another.

I'm grateful to each of you, and always available if you have any questions.

Billy

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Sunday School, 9 a.m. — Really difficult to find a more suitable pic!

Sunday’s Schedule

8am: Doors open

8am–9am: Coffee & Conversation in our Dining Facility

9am-10am: Sunday School (see classes below)

9:15am: Coffee & Convo Devotion in our Dining Facility

10am: Sunday Morning Service in our Sanctuary (which is our gym).

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Sunday School Classes & Their Location

To those leading and serving, thank you!

Classes run August 9th-October 4th and will begin at 9a.m.

Classroom 1: 0-2 year olds: Church Nursery

Classroom 2: 3 & 4 year olds

Classroom 3: Kindergarten-Second Grade Class

Classroom 4: Third-Fifth Grade Class

Classroom 5: Tweens & Teen Boys

Red-Brick Sanctuary: “Gospel in Life” — Co-ed Class

Classroom 7: Theology Class, led by Mike Hare

Classroom 8: Tweens & Teen Girls

Dining Facility: Life Class Devotion (Ongoing throughout the year)

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Donny’s a little better

Donny is battling and showing signs of improvement! Though, he’s not out of the woods yet. Let’s continue to rally around him, Highland. To those who’ve spent time with him - thank you!

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Chapter 19

Verses 19:13-30 this Sunday

continuing our series through MattheW

.Last Sunday, we set our sights on singleness. In our series through Matthew, we took a closer look at Matthew 19:10-12. In this text, Jesus alludes to a deep truth about those who are single and sold out, living for the Kingdom of God. Sermon is posted and available on our website.

Here’s a Brief Recap

“The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it” (Matthew 19:10-12).

• Keller’s statement sheds light on understanding our deep longing for love and unity, whether married or single.

• “The more we realize that the deep longing we feel as human beings can only be satisfied in the eternal kingdom, the more we realize, whether married or single, that the pressure is off.”

• Married people – the pressure is off for you to be your spouse’s perfect fulfillment.

• Single people – the pressure is off for you to find that special someone. – Tim Keller

• Being single and serving the Household of God is not a second-rate life.

• Being unified with Christ carries value in the eyes of the Lord, whether married or not.

• A covenant is the giving of ourselves to another.

• A single-person gives of themself for Christ.

• Being single in Christ or being married in Christ serve as distinct Kingdom-callings.

• Both convey unique aspects of the beauty of the heart of Christ.

  • Therefore, whichever position we currently find ourselves within, let us each radiate the glory of Christ.

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Highland — thank you for being so hospitable and serving!

Prayer Guide

3rd Strand of Stewardship — Highland

Fostering Christ-exalting Life Together

Keller’s Nine Practices of Christian Community

AFFIRM ONE ANOTHER

• Affirm one another’s strengths, abilities, and gifts.
 Recognize and encourage what God has given to others.

• Affirm one another’s equal importance in Christ.
Treat every believer as having equal dignity and significance in the body of Christ.

• Affirm one another through visible affection.
Express genuine love, kindness, attentiveness, and affection toward one another.

SHARE WITH ONE ANOTHER

• Share one another’s space, goods, and time.
Open our homes, possessions, schedules, and lives to one another.

• Share one another’s needs and problems.
Allow others to know our struggles and burdens, and enter into theirs.

• Share one another’s beliefs, thinking, and spirituality.
Learn together, discuss the faith together, pray together, and help one another grow spiritually.

SERVE ONE ANOTHER

• Serve one another through accountability.
Love one another enough to ask difficult questions, speak truth, and help each other pursue holiness.

• Serve one another through forgiveness and reconciliation.
Practice the gospel by forgiving offenses and actively restoring broken relationships.

• Serve one another’s interests rather than our own.
Put the needs and interests of others ahead of ourselves rather than using community primarily for our own benefit.

— Tim Keller, Gospel in Life

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Highland Cafe’ is open next week. Tuesday—Thursday, 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Highland Cafe’

The Highland Cafe’ is open. If you want to serve, please contact us. Doors will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30a.m.—11:30a.m throughout the summer.

---

Next Session — October 14th

Men’s Bible Study

Men, let’s get together. Let’s spend some time studying God’s Word and doing life together. We will have a meal, spend time together, then study God’s Word together. We will begin at 6pm. Register below. Please note — no childcare will be provided. If you are reading this in our weekly email, see the original post to access the form to register.

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I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob