Weekly Update
Highland,
First, I want to thank all of our van drivers for their dedication to caring for those in our church!! As I announced Sunday, we need to add to our Van Team. We specifically are looking to fill the first Sunday of the month. A route typically takes about an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. We also encourage couples to do it, too. Thanks so much for jumping in and helping here! To get started, please sign up below.
Grateful for you, Highland,
Rob
Redeeming love rescues us from a helpless, orphan-like estate and affords us a family to which we belong. God’s love redeems us from our sinful estate He adpots us and calls us son and daughters. As a child who is an orphan is adopted, they have been redeemed by their adopting-family. That family-like relationship bears meaning and results in our hearts loving, thereby obeying, because we love Him, as a Father, and delight to share in His holy-nature (Romans 8; Hebrews 12).
As an orphan is adopted, that is a joyous, life-renewing experience! Even though this child who was an orphan has been adopted, though, simultaneously they are carrying with them the trauma of being an orphan - but it’s their adoptive-status actually defines them. 1st John helps us learn how to grow into that identity. Below is our framework for God’s redeeming love, which we covered last Sunday. Review these passage and rejoice with me over how our heavenly Father loves His sons and daughters:
‘For God so loved the world…’
• God offers His love through Jesus to the entire world (John 3:16; 1st John 2:2)
His love is forgiving and fatherly
• Repentant sinners receive forgiveness for sin through Christ and become children of God (Romans 8:6-8; 8:16)
Knowing Him, we cannot help but to love Him back.
• This family-like relationship with God bears meaning in our lives through causing us to delight to share in His holy-nature (Hebrews 12:5-7)
Highland, this Firehouse Gathering Season is enjoyable for me! I am LOVING the chance to gather and go through 1st John together! My heart, as Justin would put it, is being saturated with the refreshing water of God’s Word, as I prepare these sermons.
This Sunday, we will be in 1st John 1:5-10. Though we have never walked through 1st John together, as a church, this passage has really tuned my heart as to how to care for people who walk through this dark world. “ Walk in the light” is an encouragement that I often offer those upon our sidewalks to navigate through the darkness of this world. I look forward to preaching through this passage that holds that directive. See you Sunday!
“And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.” (1 John 3:23-23, ESV).
BOL collection: Dishsoap. Bring to the firehouse. To those who’ve brought in some, thank you!
Great job cleaning up last Sunday! Let us all continue to make an effort to clean up the trash in the firehouse and around the grounds of the firehouse, too, after service.
Let’s stick to our Bible Reading Plan — Keep going, Highland! Be ready to connect with Justin.
Chicken & Rice is happening this Saturday! This ministry seeks to love and care for our neighbor each Saturday, in honor of our Lord! Thank you to all who are part of feeding the hungry each week! Volunteers are welcome!
When you arrive for the 10am service, we will have one of the garage doors closed so that those who are part of the morning devotion can be better served. If you are visiting with others who are also arriving and carrying on conversation, please remain outside, underneath the tent, until the close of the devotion. Of course, feel free to enter if you prefer to listen. We hope to have restrooms available in the firehouse this Sunday. If not, we will have restrooms available on our actual church-site. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding.
Each Sunday morning, Robert Singleton is leading a Men’s Bible Study. It starts at 9am and all men are welcome. The focus of the class is on Biblical application and serves a meaningful time to connect with others. It is held in the children’s wing of our church.
Sunday morning services will be held in the firehouse. We will be continuing through 1st John together.
Childcare will be offered during our Tent Gatherings for children, ages 0-4. Childcare will be held in the Truth Spring Trade School Daycare, located at 3303 5th Ave. It is the white house with white picket fence and 2 blue doors. We have a terrific team of volunteers comprised of people who attend Highland. Thank you, all, for caring for our children. Donna Findley is our Coordinator. She’s doing a great job! Thank you, Donna! Volunteers will be ready to receive 0-4 year-old aged-children by 9:50am.
Kids’ Sunday is happening this Sunday. Please drop off your children who are 5 and up at the original sanctuary to get checked in. During the service, children will either be in the classrooms off the deck for a Bible lesson or a craft. Outdoor games will be held in the Stricklands’ backyard as well. Furthermore, if you’re interested in helping with Kids’ Sundays, please talk to Julie Jordan, Katie Sturgeon or Carol Wright. As soon as service concludes, please make arrangements to pick up your children.
Highland, I rejoice over all the Lord is doing in our midst! All glory to You, Lord!
I am grateful for you.
I love you.
See you Sunday,
Rob
Highland,
I had no idea that it was Pastor Appreciation Month. So, when Carrie and I received your notes, cards and gifts, needless to say, we were pleasantly surprised! We were both so moved by your words, love and generosity!
I speak for Carrie and myself, Highland, when I say that we love each and every one of you. Yesterday, though, when we read the notes and cards together, we really felt and experienced your love. It was so encouraging to know that we are meaningful in your lives. Thank you for taking the time to write to us and share your thoughts of appreciation.
Carrie and I marvel at all the Lord has done in us, personally, and in the life of Highland. We continue to be excited about the move of the Holy Spirit throughout our days and celebrate the future and the hope He has given to Highland Community Church.
May we all continue to build our lives upon the revelation and resurrection of Christ Jesus and love one another as He loves us.
We are grateful to belong to the Highland-Tribe,
Rob & Carrie
We will begin a new series this upcoming Sunday. We will be going through 1st John together. The title of our series is: God’s Redeeming Love & Our Repentance.
“And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.” (1 John 3:23-23, ESV).
When Jesus then rose from the grave, anyone who repents of their sin, declaring Jesus to be Lord, is forgiven and will be made right with God, through Jesus, and will become sons and daughters of the Lord. The Bible calls this being redeemed – as a child who is an orphan is adopted, they have been redeemed by their adopting-family (Romans 8). That family-like relationship bears meaning and results in our hearts obeying because we love Him, as a Father, and delight to share in His holy-nature. It’s in this that we find our purposes for this series: that we submissively share, as sons and daughters, in His holy-nature. This Sunday, we will tackle the first chapter, together. I look forward to seeing you, Highland.
BOL collection: Dishsoap. Bring to the firehouse. To those who’ve brought in some, thank you!
Let us all make an effort to clean up the trash in the firehouse and around the grounds of the firehouse, too, after service. We now have trashcans inside and there is a black trash can out front, too. Thank you for helping us take care of our firehouse. Thank you.
Let’s stick to our Bible Reading Plan — Keep going, Highland! Be ready to connect with Justin.
Chicken & Rice is happening this Saturday! We are grateful for Lakewood Baptist joining and serving with us this week. This ministry seeks to love and care for our neighbor each Saturday, in honor of our Lord! Thank you to all who are part of feeding the hungry each week!
When you arrive for the 10am service, we will have one of the garage doors closed so that those who are part of the morning devotion can be better served. If you are visiting with others who are also arriving and carrying on conversation, please remain outside, underneath the tent, until the close of the devotion. Of course, feel free to enter if you prefer to listen. We hope to have restrooms available in the firehouse this Sunday. If not, we will have restrooms available on our actual church-site. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding.
Each Sunday morning, Robert Singleton is leading a Men’s Bible Study. It starts at 9am and all men are welcome. The focus of the class is on Biblical application and serves a meaningful time to connect with others. It is held in the children’s wing of our church.
Sunday morning services will be held in the firehouse. We will begin a new series this upcoming Sunday. We will be going through 1st John together. The title of our series is: God’s Redeeming Love & Our Repentance.
Childcare will be offered during our Tent Gatherings for children, ages 0-4. Childcare will be held in the Truth Spring Trade School Daycare, located at 3303 5th Ave. It is the white house with white picket fence and 2 blue doors. We have a terrific team of volunteers comprised of people who attend Highland. Thank you, all, for caring for our children. Donna Findley is our Coordinator. She’s doing a great job! Thank you, Donna! Volunteers will be ready to receive 0-4 year-old aged-children by 9:50am.
Thank you to all who took part in the 6th Avenue Banquet. I was blown away by the turnout and overwhelmingly grateful. Like Derrick Shields mentioned before he prayed, ‘the evening was a sample of what heaven will be like’! Worthy is our Lord to be exalted! May His praise continually pour forth from His people throughout our generation and beyond!
Highland, I rejoice over all the Lord is doing! I am grateful for you.
I love you.
See you Sunday,
Rob
Highland,
If you were able to hear Justin’s sermon yesterday, he challenged us to take part in a Bible reading-plan. Attached, you will find that plan. Let’s take on this challenge, ‘becoming a tree, planted by streams of water.’ Also, be prepared to share what the Lord has been teaching you as you read! Connect with Justin and we will get you set up to share with the church. Let’s water our thirsty hearts with the water of the Word.
Highland,
The Lord abounds in faithfulness to us! As we watch His Kingdom be revealed and become established day after day, my heart celebrates for us! As David writes in Psalm 16, ‘My whole being rejoices and flesh is made secure in Him’ (this passage has been a mainstay of my prayer-life here lately, as you may be able to tell.)! Hiding under the shelter of His wing is our place of security and rest! Let us continue to find peace in His presence, Highland.
Highland, I just love you so much! Thank you for remaining submissive to the Lord as He has shepherded us through so much change! He is producing fruitfulness through our faithfulness, reaping a harvest for His Name and glory. My heart overflows with gladness over you!
No Chicken & Rice this Saturday. We have a family wedding. All of those who are part of the Chicken & Rice team plan to attend. It will resume the following Saturday, October 29th.
When you arrive for the 10am service, we will have one of the garage doors closed so that those who are part of the morning devotion can be better served. If you are visiting with others who are also arriving and carrying on conversation, please remain outside, underneath the tent, until the close of the devotion. Of course, feel free to enter if you prefer to listen. We hope to have restrooms available in the firehouse this Sunday. If not, we will have restrooms available on our actual church-site. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding.
Justin Preaches this Sunday.
Sunday morning services will be held in the firehouse. I have gotten great feedback from those of you who’ve spoken to me about holding services in the firehouse, thank you for that feedback. To all of you, I am grateful for your adaptability. Justin Jordan will be preaching and Julie Jordan will be leading us in Communal Prayer. I look forward to gathering for the Gospel!
BOL collection: Dishsoap. Bring to the firehouse. To those who’ve brought in some, thank you!
This Sunday at 5:30pm, we will hold our 6th Avenue Banquet. All are invited and welcome! We will eat together, pray and worship as one! Other local churches will also be there with us, too. In light of this banquet, we will not hold a Member Gathering this month.
Highland, I rejoice over all the Lord is doing! I am grateful for you.
See you Sunday,
Rob
In Joshua 24, we see Joshua gathered all of the tribes of Israel – really it’s a big family meeting! Joshua has led the charge to establish them in their Promised-land. He recounts all of the events that have led up to their safe arrival home.
He begins with Abraham. He points out that Terah, the father of Abraham, served other gods – but that the Lord called Abraham to establish His covenant with Him.
He then talks of Jacob’s 12 sons, which are the seeds for these current 12 tribes. Joshua talks about their enslavery in Egypt – yet the Lord’s covenant promises remain, hence the Lord has brought them to their Promised-land. They settle, as they are now victorious in the Lord. Then Joshua charges the family of Israel – Vs 14: “Now, therefore, fear the Lord; serving Him in sincerity and faithfulness.”
It reads like an encouraging speech to us - but Joshua is really laying out the matter and their choices in a very raw fashion. He charges them to get rid of their idols and foreign gods; he urges them to fear the Lord God and worship Him!
Without wavering in the presence of the crowd, Johsua asserts: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” - regardless of anyone elses’ choice.
Knowing that Joshua is an incredible leader, all the people echo his words – but he does not accept their words at face value. He continues to strip down their words to the heart-level.
““But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good.” And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.” Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD - to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.” And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey”.
”
Joshua’s simply saying: do not let your words testify against your heart. Do not let your lips speak a declaration of faithfulness while your heart remains distant.
Joshua clearly has a strong presence and influence, but he does not want his influence to persuade them; he wants them to love the Lord with all thier heart, soul, mind and strength. He pressed them so as to not get just lip-service, but to get an honest confession from their hearts.
Highland, we are charged by the Lord to guard our hearts, not our facades. Let us continue to bear the fruit of repentance from honest hearts, declaring our great need for Jesus! May we share in David’s declaration from one of my favorite Psalms:
“I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells, secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption” (Psalm 16:7-10).
When our ‘whole being rejoices’, our hearts are made glad in the good news that Jesus saves sinners. We experience freedom and a sense of belonging in the light of His presence. There is then no reason to create and spend our energy guarding a facade which does not protect, nor satisfy our hearts. Our hearts are then made whole in His holy counsel.
May the entirety of our beings rejoice in Him, Highland.
I love you,
Rob
Highland, let us gather for His name.
“Glorify Thy Name; glorify Thy Name; glorify Thy Name in all the earth!”
Thank you to all who serve!
‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in here the poor, maimed, blind, and lame’ (Luke 14:21b)!
Each Saturday from 10:30am-1:00pm, we serve our streets a meal of Chicken & Rice, along with the Gospel. Volunteers are welcome to join us. Chicken & Rice Ministries is our flagship work. It serves as the invitation to all in our streets to come and know Christ. If you would like to come and serve, please contact us.
Firehouse Gathering, 10am, this Sunday at the Firehouse on 6th Ave!
9am-10am: Coffee and Conversation. As you arrive, grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Enjoy having conversation with one another and the chance to be together. Also, if you’re willing, some will be setting up for the 10 am service. We welcome your help, if you’re able.
10am-11am: This Sunday we gather at the Firehouse on 6th Ave. Highland, we will gather in the firehouse this Sunday. We will start our morning with Coffee & Conversation at 9am, then hold our service at 10am. The chairs from our sanctuary will be set up and available.
As we are still phasing into utilizing this space, please note that there are no bathrooms available in the firehouse. It is our plan to have working bathrooms in place by the following Sunday. I am sorry for any inconvenience.
The playground is set up on the grounds and is scheduled to be fenced in by Sunday. Let us all be mindful that it is not possible to see the playground while inside the firehouse. Let us all work together to care for the children who are in attendance.
Parking will be available along the street and in the grass-lot, next to the firehouse.
Childcare Available, Ages 0-4. Childcare will be offered during our Tent Gatherings for children, ages 0-4. Childcare will be held in the Truth Spring Trade School Daycare, located at 3303 5th Ave. It is the white house with white picket fence and 2 blue doors. We have a terrific team of volunteers comprised of people who attend Highland. Thank you, all, for caring for our children. Donna Findley is our Coordinator. She’s doing a great job! Thank you, Donna! Volunteers will be ready to receive 0-4 year-old aged-children by 9:50am.
6th Avenue Banquet
The 6th Ave Banquet will be held Sunday, October 23rd, at 5:30pm. Highland, I look forward to all gathering together for a night of worship and prayer! Great is our Lord and worthy is He to be praised!
Click the button above to learn about upcoming events.
Highland, let us gather for His name.
“Glorify Thy Name; glorify Thy Name; glorify Thy Name in all the earth!”
Thank you to all who serve!
‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in here the poor, maimed, blind, and lame’ (Luke 14:21b)!
Each Saturday from 10:30am-1:00pm, we serve our streets a meal of Chicken & Rice, along with the Gospel. Volunteers are welcome to join us. Chicken & Rice Ministries is our flagship work. It serves as the invitation to all in our streets to come and know Christ. If you would like to come and serve, please contact us.
Tent Gathering, 10am, this Sunday at the Firehouse on 6th Ave!
9am-10am: Coffee and Conversation. As you arrive, grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Enjoy having conversation with one another and the chance to be together. Also, if you’re willing, some will be setting up for the 10 am service. We welcome your help, if you’re able.
10am-11am: Tent Gathering this Sunday at the Firehouse on 6th Ave. Highland, we will gather in the firehouse this Sunday. We will start our morning with Coffee & Conversation at 9am, then hold our service at 10am. The chairs from our sanctuary will be set up and available.
As we are still phasing into utilizing this space, please note that there are no bathrooms available in the firehouse. It is our plan to have working bathrooms in place by the following Sunday. I am sorry for any inconvenience.
The playground is set up on the grounds and is scheduled to be fenced in by Sunday. Let us all be mindful that it is not possible to see the playground while inside the firehouse. Let us all work together to care for the children who are in attendance.
Parking will be available along the street and in the grass-lot, next to the firehouse.
Childcare Available, Ages 0-4. Childcare will be offered during our Tent Gatherings for children, ages 0-4. Childcare will be held in the Truth Spring Trade School Daycare, located at 3303 5th Ave. It is the white house with white picket fence and 2 blue doors. We have a terrific team of volunteers comprised of people who attend Highland. Thank you, all, for caring for our children. Donna Findley is our Coordinator. She’s doing a great job! Thank you, Donna! Volunteers will be ready to receive 0-4 year-old aged-children by 9:50am.
6th Avenue Banquet
The 6th Ave Banquet will be held Sunday, October 23rd, at 5:30pm. Highland, I look forward to all gathering together for a night of worship and prayer! Great is our Lord and worthy is He to be praised!
Click the button above to learn about upcoming events.
