Magnificent Move Summation

In our Magnificent Move series (thanks for the title, Jude), we have sought to prepare our hearts for moving into our new building. This new chapter will be so exciting, Highland! I am so happy for us! This series has been based upon Romans 15:1-7 and chapter three of Colossians. In this post, I hope to summarize this series and to weave it altogether.

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Stewarding our relationship with the Community

Romans 15:1 & Romans 15:4: “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of weak, and not to please ourselves.” Verse 4: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

We correlated these passages with Isaiah 58:6–12, in which God expresses to us His form of fasting and worship. Paul refers to the Scriptures and to what was written in former days. He does not mention Isaiah 58. However, this serves a potential example of what he could mean. In Isaiah 58, God directs us as His people to promote the good of our neighbor, which thereby results in strengthening our relationship with our Lord. It also serves as a means of our joy and lifts our weary heads! I grip this passage for dear life and it always proves true, Highland.

Romans 15:2: “Let each of us please our neighbor, to build him up; for as it is written, ‘ the reproaches that fell on you, fell on me.’

We first looked at Psalm 69:9, where Paul’s quoting comes from in the Old Testament. Its meaning points to the fact that Jesus loves us in a way in which He absorbs our disapproval and bears it for us, in His body, and, though He was sinless, makes us right with God. He affords us forgiveness and kinship in His name. This plays out in relationship with the Lord by us loving and caring for our enemies, that we might build them up, as our neighbors.

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Stewarding our relationship with our church (Highland)

Romans 15:5: “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This passage, as we’ve seen, toggles back and forth with Colossians 3, the entire chapter really, but we’ve honed in on verses 3:12–16. We’ve looked at evidence being renewed: being holy and beloved – this is our identity in Christ. Our new nature’s then demonstrated in the fact that we, before repentance, are critical in nature. After repentance, we then, by way of the Holy Ghost, become compassionate in nature, like Jesus (Matthew 9:36). The fruits of the Holy Spirit are then able to pour forth from our lives, as we remain submissive to the holiness of God’s Spirit.

Then, we’ve also honed in on the word bear – how we must endure with those in our lives – in a way that, through our relationship with the Lord, we can navigate the exhaustion and endure, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Understanding this, Highland, as the Lord is placing us within this new position of strength, let us be grateful for the Lord’s provision but also understand the proper posture we must maintain as His people.

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Stewarding Our Hearts in Relationship to Jesus

(This, above all else)

In Romans 15, we then looked at an insertion that is the spine of the entire passage (of the series, really):.. ‘in accord with Christ Jesus.’ Not, in accord with social or political views; in accord with doctrinal positions. It’s not even written as in accord with the teachings of Jesus, but in accord with the person, the one and only Son of God is, Himself, holiness and righteousness.

When one repents, submitting to the Lordship of Jesus, then the Holy Spirit indwells us and we share in the very nature of His holiness. This means that, as we mature, we are not striving to become better people, better Christians, instead, we actually spend time getting to know Jesus and we become more like Him.

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Weaving Heart, Home, Highland, North Highland Altogether

This segways us into our study of Colossians 3, where we are instructed to fix the gaze of our hearts upon Jesus, Who is holy! To steward our hearts, we are then instructed as to what to “put to death” and what to “put on” as we rest our hearts in submission to the Lordship of Jesus.

As our hearts are being renewed, we are told how to steward our relationships with people from all walks of life, in Christ; thereby stewarding our relationship with those from various backgrounds and walks of life (stewarding our relationship with those in our community). Furthermore, in stewarding our relationship within the community, Paul tells us how to conduct ourselves as we work - to do so all for the honor of Almighty God.

In stewarding our relationship with our church (Highland), we are told to bear with one another, forgiving one another and to pursue unity with one another, which binds us together in love, resulting in perfect harmony.

Finally, we are instructed as to how to conduct ourselves in our homes. In submission to Christ, the husband fosters refuge in the home, that his wife and children may flourish, as they submit to his gentle authority, as head of the home.

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In Closing & On a Personal Note

Highland, this is a summation of our series thus far. I have had the chance to really just share my heart with you in this series. It has certainly been challenging for me, but in a good way. It has been challenging because I have had to really open up my heart and search deeply about what I believe, seeking God’s Word for assurance and clarity. My heart’s grip on God’s Word on these matters is firmer and surer than ever before, Highland. I rejoice in what the Lord’s doing in me.

I also see these Four Strands of Stewardship as a means for charting out how we go deeper, Highland. I continue to see how these strands offer us all a way to strengthen the fibers of our lives in relationship to God’s Word.

As we enter the last lap of our series this month, we are going to focus on the administration of the church (stewarding the church). We will be calling the church the prayer and presenting the board’s plan for transitioning into and stewarding the new building. The Lord has entrusted us with much; let us steward all that He has placed within our hands pursuing His honor.

I love you, Highland,

Rob

Our Weekly Update

Troy & Sara Catherine

Highland, first, thank you for wrapping the Clark family in love! I talked with Troy this week and he wants to let you know how grateful both he and Sara Catherine are for all the terrific meals!

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Update on my Dad

Continue to rally around the throne of grace for my dad. He is really between a rock and a hard place. However, the Lord is with him and is going before us. Please continue to pray for our family. I know the Lord is holding us; we just need to be able to take rest in His hand right now — harder than it sounds in times like this. But this is when we learn how to ‘only trust Him.’

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Food Collection For Those In Need

Highland, let’s step in and help. At times, our neighbors are running short on groceries. We would love to keep a few items on hand to help as needed. Due to limited space, we cannot keep our usual food boxes but we could store a few bags at a time. The items pictured are an example of items needed. The cost for these items is about $35 per set. We could also use some of the reusable shopping bags for distributing the items. If you are interested in purchasing a set, please contact the church.

Also, The Food Mill offers a food give away every second and fourth Tuesday at the Fox Community Center from 2:30-6:00.

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See original post to find registration form.

A Summer Session Bible Study, Sundays, at 9am.

Joseph’s study begins this Sunday. It will be held in our old sanctuary, starting at 9am. All are welcome to attend this class (see original post to access form).

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

On Monday evenings at 6:30, we join up with M2540 to care for our neighbors. All are welcome to come and serve, as we honor our Lord by serving our streets.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Wednesdays at 9am, our Prayer Team gathers to seek the face of the Lord. All are welcome to take part Wednesday mornings, at 9am – at the Firehouse.

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Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Our team will be hitting the streets this Saturday to offer the love of Christ to our neighbors. Meet at the cafe at 10am to help serve, as the team prepares meals to offer those who are hungry.

what a meaningful day of work!

To all who made it out, thank you! So much was accomplished! My expectations were exceeded on all fronts. Justin, thank you for organizing us!

Randall Lake’s 80th Birthday

Randall had such a great turn out for his 80th! We felt loved and appreciated. Oh, how I miss seeing him each week!

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Sunday Mornings at 9am

At 9am on Sunday mornings, you are more than welcome to stop by and grab a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee. Coffee & Conversation is a time of gathering for connection and also as a time to celebrate Jesus. Jo Ellen facilitates a devotion for us, to teach how to walk, according to God’ Word.

Robert Singleton continues to lead our Men’s Bible Study also each Sunday morning, at 9am. It’s held in our educational building and all men are welcome to attend.

Additionally, the class Joseph Davis is teaching starts this Sunday. It will also be held at 9am, in our red-brick sanctuary. All are welcome to attend. You may register by clicking the button below.

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10AM

Kids’ Sunday this sunday

Kids’ Sunday resumes 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.

Our church service (we call “Firehouse Gatherings”) are held each Sunday morning in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave). We are meeting here while construction on our facility is being completed – praise the Lord for all He is doing! He is almighty and continues to prove faithful to us. All are welcome to attend.

I want to thank Joseph and Noah for leading us last Sunday. Though I was away preaching at another church, I heard great things! Though we had technical difficulties and Joseph’s sermon was unable to be recorded, I heard some strong recaps! Thank you, Joseph. Shoutout to ALL the leaders who make Sunday mornings possible.

Highland, I am so excited for us to be moving into this new building. I am so happy for you because, Highland, you have been so resilient, especially over these last few years. Throughout this Series: The Magnificent Move, thus far, we have covered three things:

1. We have highlighted how we are to relate to one another and to the community at large (Romans 15:1-7).

2. How we are to prepare our hearts for the transition (Romans 15:1-7; Colossians 3).

3. We have come to understand that our approach is not to attempt to “do more” but to go deeper as we transition (Colossians 3).

In this final lap of our series, we will talk about how we all will have to prepare our ‘hands for the plow’, in order to responsibly steward the new facility. Part of us going deeper is taking greater ownership of what the Lord has entrusted unto us. As I mentioned two Sundays ago, our board has been working on a plan all year on what the transition will look like. It’s called: Filling the Rooms. Our core-verse has been:

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Proverbs 24:3-4).

This is where we will be going starting this Sunday. Be praying for us, Highland. Be praying for me, as I prepare. I am making plans but I want us to ask that the Lord’s plans prevail in the last lap of this series.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob

Our Weekly Update

Take Troy & Sara Catherine a Meal

Highland, let’s help Troy and Sara Catherine settle by taking them a meal, as they welcome home Ida Grace. Please click on the button below to sign up.

Update on my Dad

My dad continues to struggle to get on the right road to recovery. He returned to the hospital by ambulance last Sunday, just after church. We, as a family, are doing all we can to be right at his side right now. Let’s continue to pray, please. Thank you, Highland, for your ongoing concern and love for us.

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Food Collection For Those In Need

Highland, let’s step in and help. At times, our neighbors are running short on groceries. We would love to keep a few items on hand to help as needed. Due to limited space, we cannot keep our usual food boxes but we could store a few bags at a time. The items pictured are an example of items needed. The cost for these items is about $35 per set. We could also use some of the reusable shopping bags for distributing the items. If you are interested in purchasing a set, please contact the church.

Also, The Food Mill offers a food give away every second and fourth Monday at the Fox Community Center from 2:30-6:00.

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See original post to find registration form.

A Summer Session Bible Study, Sundays, at 9am.

Joseph’s study begins August 6th. There’s still room. It will be held in our educational facility. It will probably be held in our old-sanctuary. To sign up, complete registration form (see original post to access form).

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Mondays @ M2540 provides us the chance to love our neighbor through caring for them in meaningful ways. Please join us each Monday at M2540, 6:30, to meet the needs of our neighbors, in honor of our Lord.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

“My Father’s House shall be called a house of prayer.” – Highland, let’s respond to the declaration of Jesus, that we may become a “House of Prayer” – seeking the will of our Lord! Join our prayer-team as they gather Wednesdays, at 9am, at the Firehouse.

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Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Our Chicken & Rice team is hitting the streets in the name of Christ this Saturday. Join them, as they love our neighbor by taking them a plate of food, as they are hungry. 10am, the cafe. Volunteers are welcome. So thankful for each of our team members!

OUR WORK DAY THIS SATURDAY, JULY 29th, 9am–11am

All, let’s plan to meet at the Firehouse this Saturday, at 9am.. The work day would consist of cleaning up the construction site and the firehouse site, too. We will also take a “walk & talk” through the new facility. We plan to clear and remove the debris around the site so that we can begin to take some ownership of our property. We will also be taking care of some tasks around the firehouse, too. Join us, please. All are welcome (and needed) to throw in a helping-hand.

Randall Lake’s 80th Birthday

July 29th is Randall’s 80th birthday. A party will be held at Brookdale, where he is still receiving care. If you are interested in attending, please let me know and I will get you the details.

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Sunday Mornings at 9am

Each Sunday morning, you are invited to Coffee & Conversation, at 9am. It’s held at the Firehouse. You are welcome to stop by and grab a breakfast sandwich and a coffee, plus get the chance to connect with folks around the church.

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10AM

All are welcome to join us during our church service which is held at 10am each Sunday morning, in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave) until construction on our new facility is completed. This Sunday, Noah Strickland will be leading us in worship and Joseph Davis will be preaching. These men love the Lord and walk according to His Word, with humble hearts.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob

Our Weekly Update

Update on my Dad

I want to thank you all for your care and concern regarding my dad. He’s been through neck surgery this week. I am happy to report that the surgery was a success. He is now on a long road to recovery. Highland, we rejoice over you! Every call, message and visit reminds us we are loved and strengthens us. Our family is so grateful for you.

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Congratulations, to Troy & Sara Catherine

Troy and Sara Catherine have welcomed a beautiful little girl into their hearts and home, Ida Grace. Mom and baby are doing well and hope to come home soon. We celebrate the joy of the Lord alongside them, as they enter a new chapter in their lives.

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Food Collection For Those In Need

At times, our neighbors are running short on groceries. We would love to keep a few items on hand to help as needed. Due to limited space, we cannot keep our usual food boxes but we could store a few bags at a time. The items pictured are an example of items needed. The cost for these items is about $35 per set. We could also use some of the reusable shopping bags for distributing the items. If you are interested in purchasing a set, please contact the church.

The Food Mill offers a food give away every second and fourth Tuesday at the Fox Community Center from 2:30-6:00. The next one is this coming Monday, July 24.

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See original post to find registration form.

A Summer Session Bible Study, Sundays, at 9am.

Grateful so many of you have signed up for Joseph's study. There’s still room, though. Classes start August 6th, 9am. They will be held in our educational facility. To sign up, go to our weekly update and complete the registration form.

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Mondays @ M2540 is an opportunity for us to love our neighbor and share the gospel with them, too. Come, be part of imparting the love of Christ alongside M2540 each Monday, at 6:30pm.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Perhaps the most definitive role of the church is to pray. Join our prayer team led by Patti Clark each Wednesday, 9am-10am, at the Firehouse.

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Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

As our Chicken & Rice Team continues to carry the love of Christ into our streets, please know we welcome all to share in this ministry. They meet at the cafe’, 10am, on Saturdays.

OUR WORK DAY SATURDAY, JULY 29th, 9am–11am

Men, let’s plan to get together Saturday, July 29th, from 9am-11am for a work day. The work day would consist of cleaning up the construction site. We plan to clear and remove the debris around the site so that we can begin to take some ownership of our property. Bring your sons, too! All are welcome to throw in a helping-hand.

Randall Lake’s 80th Birthday

July 29th is Randall’s 80th birthday. A party will be held at Brookdale, where he is still receiving care. If you are interested in attending, please let me know and I will get you the details.

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Sunday Mornings at 9am

Coffee & Conversation is a simple way to connect with one another and worship together. All are welcome. Jo Ellen closes out our time together with a devotion that allows us to firm up our grip on Scripture – so applicable! Our Men’s Bible Study, led by Robert Singleton, is held in our church’s educational wing, at 9am. The men that attend are a great group of men, who really discuss living, according to God’s Word. All men are welcome to join the discussion.

Sunday Mornings at 10am

All are welcome to join us at our church service, which is held at 10am each Sunday morning, in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave), until construction on our new facility is completed. As we bring this series in for a landing, I want to look at the last part of Colossians 3 in three sections:

1. How Paul directs us to steward our hearts:

   • “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

2. How we are instructed to steward our lives in the church and in community:

• Church: “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

• Community: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.”

3. How we are instructed to steward our lives in our homes:

• “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

As we near the close of this series, this framework will help us gain our footing in order to live out the text, together. I look forward to honing in here Sunday.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob

Our Weekly Update

A Summer Session Bible Study, Sundays, at 9am.

Joseph Davis will be leading a Bible Study on Sunday mornings centered on the holiness of God. Sign up by completing the form below. It will be worth it! Please note, the class dates will be: August, 6th, 13th & 20th. Please register below to come. This study is open to all, but please note that there will not be childcare available for this class.

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Mondays @ M2540 allows us the chance to love our neighbor each Monday, 6:30pm! Join our team as we partner with such a wonderful ministry – M2540! We are grateful for Ruth and all that M2540 does to lift up the name of Jesus!

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Each Wednesday, our prayer-team gathers to pray for our streets. Join them as they gather at the Firehouse, at 9am each Wednesday.

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Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Our Chicken & Rice team will be going out this Saturday offering the love of Christ to our neighbors. All are invited to come and serve from 10am–1pm. Meet at the cafe’. Beanie Weenies are what’s on the menu this Saturday.

This Saturday, Church of the Highland Comes for Serve Day

Church of the Highlands will be serving this Saturday. They will be doing some work on classrooms for Truth Spring Academy, plus holding a Lemonade Stand alongside our Chicken and Rice team. Be looking for it along 5th avenue at 11am. Also, feel free to stop by and grab some. It will be free!

OUR WORK DAY SATURDAY, JULY 29th, 9am–11am

Men, let’s plan to get together Saturday, July 29th, from 9am-11am for a work day. The work day would consist of cleaning up the construction site. We plan to clear and remove the debris around the site so that we can begin to take some ownership of our property. Bring your sons, too! All are welcome to throw in a helping-hand.

Randall Lake’s 80th Birthday

July 29th is Randall’s 80th birthday. A party will be held at Brookdale, where he is still receiving care. If you are interested in attending, please let me know and I will get you the details.

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Sunday Mornings at 9am

Come grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation this Sunday morning, starting at 9am. Coffee & Conversation is a simple way to connect with one another and worship together. All are welcome. Jo Ellen closes out our time together with a devotion that allows us to firm up our grip on Scripture – so applicable! Additionally, men, we hold a Sunday morning Bible for you. It’s led by Robert Singleton and is held in our church’s educational wing, starting at 9am. All men are welcome.

Sunday Mornings at 10am

Our church service is held at 10am each Sunday morning, in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave) until construction on our new facility is completed. Highland, I want to thank you for your endurance! We have seen the Lord strengthen the very fibers of who we are as a local body throughout this season, all for His name and His purposes! I am grateful for each and every one of you! I rejoice in all the Lord’s doing in us!

As we prepare to bring this portion of our series in for a landing, here is our text for this Sunday:

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:12—13).

My goal is to complete our study of Colossians, chapter three, by the end of July. It is my hope to then to begin looking more practically at our transition into the new facility. We will see how the Lord leads us, Highland.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob

Our Weekly Update

From Sunday’s Service

“I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased (Psalm 138:1–3).” *Part of Psalm 138, which we read in its entirety, together.

Reflecting upon our Sunday Service

Highland, the holy-nature of God continues to grab hold of my heart and attention. I just continue to acknowledge and become more aware of the fact that all that there really is in this world that is ‘right and good’ is His holy-nature, and I respond in awe and honor to His holy name. All that makes me rest and happy is found in His holiness (I think that’s true for all of humankind). Hence, I am understanding more and more the statement David makes in this Psalm, as he bows toward His holy temple – his strength of soul is increased!

I want this for us, Highland. I pray this over us, Highland; that our strength of soul might be increased by being in awe of His holiness! I am studying this for us, Highland. I am currently reading: “Holy in Christ”, by Andrew Murray. I mention this only to invite you to see what I am studying and how the Lord is stirring in my heart, Highland. The book is so refreshing and helpful to me! Here is just one quote from my notes, which I appreciate:

"Holiness is not something we do or attain: it is the communication of the Divine life, the inbreathing of the Divine nature, the power of the Divine Presence resting on us." – Andrew Murray

May we continue, Highland, to bow our sinful hearts in worship of our Holy God — that we may be at “home” (at rest) in His holiness.

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Summer Session Bible Study starts August 6th. Register below or through this week’s post.

A Summer Session Bible Study, Sundays, at 9am.

Joseph Davis has agreed to teach a Bible Study for us in August. He will teach a three week study centered around the holiness of God! This class is important to the life of our church, Highland. I want to challenge you to attend!

The phrase that has been resonating through my heart since 2020 for us is that we would be a people marked by the holiness of God! I continually pray through this for us and study God’s holiness! It is so helpful to have such a strong teacher like Joseph take us through this matter!

The class dates will be: August, 6th, 13th & 20th. Please register below to come. This study is open to all, but please note that there will not be childcare available for this class.

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Mondays @ M2540 is an opportunity to love our neighbor in honor of the name of our Lord! Join our team each Monday at M2540 to help out – 6:30pm –7:30pm.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Ms. Patti continues to foster the prayer life of our church! Join this team each Wednesday, at the Firehouse, to seek the face of our Lord! 9am–10am.

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Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Each Saturday, we have a team go out and love our neighbors! Chicken & Rice happens at 10am, just in front of the cafe’! All are welcome to come and serve! Just talked to Sandra! Exciting to know that this team is growing! Both people from the church and from the community are taking part in serving.

Sunday Mornings at 9am

Coffee & Conversation allow us the chance to enjoy one another, along with a tasty cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich! We worship together, then Jo Ellen closes out our time with a Biblically-rich devotion. All are welcome.

Robert leads our Men’s Bible Study each Sunday morning, 9am, in the education-building of our church. It’s a practical walk through Scripture and great discussion. All men are welcome to attend.

Sunday Mornings at 10am

Our 10am Firehouse Gathering (what we call our church service) is open to all who want to exalt the name of Jesus. Billy will lead us in corporate worship and I (Rob) will be preaching through Colossians 3:11-14:

“Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (ESV).

The emphasis throughout this series is how we, personally, make this move in a way that places the magnificence of Jesus on display. Though we will have a much greater capacity in our new facility, we want to turn our attention in this season of heart-prep to going deeper, not doing more. The roadway to ‘going deeper’ is paved with our ever-resting submission into the holiness of Christ Jesus, Highland. This roadway leads us to the place where, as Paul notes in 2nd Thessalonians 1, we have a faith that is deepening in our relationship with Christ and a love that is growing for one another. Oh, Highland, that Jesus would be able to place his majesty on display, both in us personally and publicly.

I love you, Highland.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Rob

Happy Independence Day!

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it." ― Thomas Paine

How indebted we are to those who’ve undergone supporting our American Freedom! May we all pause and rejoice in what it means to be an American today. Let us celebrate all who have given so much (in some cases their all) to afford us liberty. Happy Independence Day, Highland. To help us celebrate, check out Ray Charles singing: America the Beautiful. This is one of my favs!

I love you,

Rob

Rejoicing Over You!

Elliot Klaus being baptized.

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Psalm 121

“I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

My help comes from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;

he who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, he who keeps Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;

the LORD is your shade on your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all evil;

he will keep your life.

The LORD will keep

your going out and your coming in

from this time forth and forevermore.”

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Highland, this is the Psalm we started our service with yesterday. To “lift up our eyes” is to communicate our heart’s desire and, at the same time, our hopeful expectation being found in the Lord. Highland, my heart continues to delight in the exaltation of our Lord and the hopeful expectation of His help every step of the way! I rejoice over all that He is doing in our midst! I rejoice in you! May the Lord continue to cultivate our faithfulness for His name and deepen our love for one another, for His honor! I just started my day celebrating and worshiping — grateful unto the Lord for all of you, and all that He is doing. “May He continue to be our keeper, from this time forth and forevermore.”

I love you,

Rob

Our Weekly Update

From Renew ‘22

thank you St Andrews

Though Renew’s rhythm will be every other year, St Andrews’ Youth Group still came to serve us. They came to assist in setting up classroom space for Truth Spring’s upcoming school year! Thank you, St Andrews!

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Dr. Ben Lampe

Congratulations, Ben Lampe

Congratulations to our very own Ben Lampe on becoming Dr. Ben Lampe. He leaves next month to move to his next assignment as a family practitioner in Fairbanks, Alaska. While we will miss him so much, our sadness is overcome by our excitement over all that he’s accomplished.

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A Summer Session Bible Study, Sundays, at 9am.

Joseph Davis has agreed to teach a Bible Study for us in August. He will teach a three week study centered around the holiness of God! Joseph is such a strong teacher and will do a great job helping us better understand how to walk with the Lord. The class dates will be: August, 6th, 13th & 20th. This study is open to all, but please note that there will not be childcare available for this class. Registration will open next week.

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Come promote the glory of God as we love our neighbor each Monday evening, 6:30pm, at M2540! Shoutout to Troy, Donny and Sara Catherine who lead the charge!

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Patty continues to lead our weekly Prayer Gatherings! All are welcome to jump in and carry our matters to the throne of grace! Wednesdays, 9am, at the Firehouse.

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Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice Team Members

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Join our Chicken and Rice team, who carries the love of Christ to our streets each Saturday. All are welcome to volunteer and be a part of this amazing ministry!

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Robert Singleton preaches at our Firehouse Gathering (our church service), 10am, this Sunday morning

Sunday Mornings at 9am

Coffee, along with a breakfast sandwich is available this Sunday morning, 9am, at the Firehouse. It serves a great time of fellowship and enjoy worshiping together. Jo Ellen also shares her heart with us, as the Lord tunes her heart to love His Word.

Robert also leads our Men’s Bible Study each Sunday morning, 9am, in the education-building of our church. All men are welcome to attend.

Sunday Mornings at 10am

Our 10am Firehouse Gathering (what we call our church service) is open to all who want to exalt the name of Jesus. This Sunday, I will be fostering our time together in worship. Robert Singleton will be speaking into our Magnificent-Move Series. Join us, as we continue to take a healthy, Biblical posture to prepare for this move.

Our Weekly Update

Renew & St Andrews

Highland, for ten years we have enjoyed our time with St Andrews Presbyterian Church each summer. In talking with their leadership recently, we will now have them join us every other year. So, we will see them again in 2024.

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Ben Lampe

Ben Lampe, a member of our church, will be transitioning into a new chapter of his life this summer. He will be moving to Alaska to continue his military career. Ben has become an integral part of both Highland and Porter; he will be sorely missed. We will wish you the best, Ben. May the Lord continue to go before you into this next season of your life. We will certainly miss you!

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An old concept but includes indicated piece of property.

Property Along 35th Street

For some time, we have been discussing the easement that belongs to the city along 35th Street. I am thrilled to inform you that, as of last week, the city has agreed to give to us this piece of land, which will greatly benefit our campus! The Lord’s faithfulness continues to go before us, Highland. May we continue to respond in praise of His great name!

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Pausing Some in the Summer

During the summer, we will pause our Member Gatherings and our Kids’ Sundays. Having the chance to settle into the summer for some rest is vital for us. We intend to restart Member Gatherings in the fall.

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Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Join Donny, Sara Catherine and Troy each Monday to care for our North Highland neighbors who often have more ‘month than money’. All are welcome to come and serve alongside this incredible team of people! Grateful for our dedicated team who serves at M2540.

Prayer Gathering, Wednesdays, 9am

Patti Clark and our prayer team continues to gather and pray each Wednesday morning. Highland, let’s continue to support this ministry of our church, as we know that the prayer-life of our church is in direct correlation to the health of our church. To those who are part of this team, thank you for your faithfulness and your fruitfulness, unto the Lord.

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Throughout the Weekend

Chicken & Rice, Saturdays, 10am

Each Saturday, this wonderful team of people get together to serve our streets Jesus – and some chicken and rice. Volunteers are welcome! Chicken and Rice is such a vital part of who we are, Highland!

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Firehouse Gathering (our church service), 10am, Sunday mornings

Sunday Mornings at 9am

Coffee & Conversation at the Firehouse is a great way to connect. Join us at 9am for coffee and a breakfast sandwich. We would love to have you join us. Additionally, Jo Ellen offers us the chance to hear and be challenged by God’s Word, as she applies it to our lives. Finally, Robert continues to lead our Men’s Bible Study, at 9am, in the education building. All men are welcome to attend.

Sunday Mornings at 10am

Our 10am Firehouse Gathering (what we call our church service) is open to all who want to exalt the name of Jesus. This Sunday, I will continue to preach through our Series, The Magnificent Move. We will turn our attention to Colossians 3. The following Sunday, July 2nd, Robert Singleton will take the pulpit and speak to us about how we should prepare our heart to make this move.