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Thought for the Week:
“Some people will only love you if you fit into their box…
Don’t be afraid to disappoint.”

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In worship this week:
September 17, 2017

Pastor: Rev. Janie McElwee-Smith

Music Director: Aubrey Nelson

Pianist: Bingyu Peng

Liturgists: Members of the Youth Group

Ushers: John and Louise Dye


Flowers this Sunday are presented
to the Glory of God
and in gratitude for all our parents, friends, and church family
by the HPC Youth Group.
Focus on HPC:       
    

Youth Bible Study and Missions

During time together on the Youth Mission trip, the need was expressed for a Bible Study specifically geared for Youth. Rev. Janie will begin the new school year with just such a focus. Each (non-Session meeting) Sunday following worship (schedule permitting,) all youth are invited to join together for Bible Study with Rev. Janie. Depending on the suggestions of the group, a place will be determined and announced prior to October 1 – the first meeting date. The Youth will also focus on a mission project for each month of the school year with the date determined by the project.

This study and these mission projects are not limited to only Highland Presbyterian youth. Our current Youth members are encouraged to bring friends. Also if any other church member knows of a young person looking for a safe place for Bible study and mission, please share their name with Rev. Janie.  An invitation will be extended and remember “WE ARE Highland Presbyterian Church.” #wearehighlandpres












This week in PCUSA Mission:                
         
YAV finds new focus with
Presbyterian Ministry at the U.N.           

  Like many high school graduates, Mindy Vande Brake was searching for purpose in her life. The St. Cloud, Minnesota, native went to college close to home, but couldn’t settle on a major that she found exciting. She decided to get some work experience and found herself in the restaurant industry. “I liked the work, but I was looking for something more and realized God was calling me in a different way,” she said. “I had a few oppor-tunities, including a Presbyterian Peace Fellow-ship, that allowed me to go to Israel/Palestine and see up close what was going on there.”
       During her visit to the Holy Land, Vande Brake visited a refugee camp in Bethlehem, which she says made her question what the United Nations was doing as it related to Palestinians. Several of her travel companions had served as Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and she says they were instrumental in her decision to apply. “After I was accepted, I turned it down because I was promoted at my job. But even after that, I regretted not doing it,” she said. “When the opportunity arose again, I decided to pursue it.”
        The YAV program allows Presbyterians to serve a faith-based year, either in the U.S. or internationally. YAVs partner with agencies working to address poverty or social justice issues. Vande Brake chose to extend her YAV experience for a two-year term. The first year was spent in New Orleans. During the second year, she ch ose to work for the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations.
   
Immediate Church Family*:
Doris Baugh; Inez Geoghegan; Betty Lancaster; Dudley Payton; Mary Perry; Deanna Lewis Sklar; Brad Smith .
Extended Church Family*: randon Behrmann (Carol’s nephew); Ron Brelsford (Rosemary John’s brother-in-law); Kathy Burke (friend of the Pfeifers); Lettie Capers (friend of the Leonards); Austin Casey (Jack and Betty Bagent’s grandson); Wayne Cline (Sherry Hutchinson’s brother); Eva Fuller (Inez Geoghegan’s niece); Jonathan Kellebrew and family (the Pfeifer’s daughter’s nephew); family of Rosemary Maloy; the Miller twins in NICU in Nashville (friends of Brad Smith); Aleta Pickholtz; Earl Rabe (friend of Rick Gurtner); Larry Wilcoxson (friend of the Leonards); Barbara Zeagler (friend of the Dyes.)

 * New names or concerns added to the prayer list this week are in italics.

Birthdays
September 17-23:  Neville Mbarika (17), Peggy
Adams (19)
     
Anniversaries
September 21 – Robert and Amy Stewart
Detail of the Prague Astronomical Clock in thePrague Old Town

This week at HPC:
Monday, September 18: 
12:00 p.m. AA

Tuesday, September 19     
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
12:00 p.m. AA    
7:30 p.m. AA

Wednesday, September 20:
12:00 p.m. AA
5:30 p.m. HPC Choir
7:00 p.m. Ladies’ AA

Thursday, September 21:
12:00 p.m. AA
8:00 p.m. Men’s AA

Friday, September 22:
12:00 p.m. AA

Saturday, September 23:
Yard Crew – Mike Leonard & Brandon Lithgoe

Sunday, September 24: 
9:30 a.m. Worship - Baptism of Arthur and Lucien
Smith
11:00 a.m. Reception
7:00 p.m. AA
coming soon brand new product release next up promotion and announce road sign or announcement billboard
Upcoming Opportunities at HPC
  • Baptism of Arthur and Lucien Smith – Sunday, September 24. The Rev. Melanie Smith and Rev. McElwee-Smith will co-celebrate this joyous service. All are invited to attend a reception in the Great Hall following the worship service.

  • There will be a Special Meeting of the Congregation on October 1. The purpose of this meeting is to receive the report of the 2017 Nominating Committee and elect two Ruling Elders for the Class of 2020 and three members of the Congrega-tion to serve on the 2018 Nominating Com-mittee.

  • World Communion Sunday and Peace & Global Witness Offering – October 1. Gifts to the Peace & Global Witness Offering will proclaim the peace of Christ through peace-building ministries of accompaniment, advocacy, and education.

  • Sunday Study will begin a new study, “Clash of Kingdoms,” Sunday, October 1. Contact John Dye for more information.

Session News

The Session of Highland Presbyterian Church met for a Special Meeting on August 27, 2017. The following business was conducted:
  • Session approved the request from the Smith family to baptize Lucien and Arthur Smith on Sunday, September 24, 2017 and to invite the Rev. Melanie Smith (PCUSA) to officiate.
  • Session approved hiring Cibele Perusso as pianist beginning September 3, 2017.
  • Session approved “WE ARE Highland Presbyterian Church as the theme for the 2017-2018 school year.

The Session of Highland Presbyterian Church met for its regular stated August/September meeting on Sunday, September 10, 2017. The following business was conducted:
  • Session approved the continuing service of Elder Jack Bagent as Elder Commissioner to the October 20-21, 2017, Presbytery meeting to be held in Hammond, LA.
  • Session approved the Facility Use Request of the Caledonian Pipe and Drum Band for August 26, September 16, and October 14, 2017
  • Session approved the Facility Use Request of the Wasted Women Quilters for October 7, 2017.
  • Session received the 2016 Financial Review/Audit. All suggestions will be implemented. Session expressed their gratitude to Connie Leonard for her work on this review.
  • Session received the 2017 Insurance Review. All policies were found to be in order.
  • Session approved allocating $50.00 for the Presbyterian Historical Society to support their mission.
  • Session approved with regret moving William (Bill) and Mary Lambert from the Active Membership roll to Inactive status as per their request.
  • Session approved calling a Special Meeting of the Congregation to be held October 1, 2017 for the purpose of receiving the report of the 2017 Nominating Committee and electing two Ruling Elders for the Class of 2020 and three members of the Congregation to serve on the 2018 Nominating Committee.
  • Session approved hiring Bingyu Peng as pianist for the 2017-18 school year effective immediately.
  • Session approved with regret accepting Barbara Aguillard’s resignation effective October 31, 2017 A “Thank-you” Reception will be planned for October pending Barbara’s availability.
  • Session approved offering an opportunity for the Congregation to receive flu shots (administered by a qualified Walgreens’ Pharmacist) on Sunday, October 15, 2017.
  • Session approved Highland’s participation in the Hunger Walk sponsored by the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge to be held November 5, 2107.
  • Session approved raffling two quilts donated to Highland by the Wasted Women Quilters for the benefit (1/2 each) of Heifer International and the St. John’s Methodist Shepherd’s Market. The drawing will be held on November 19, 2017.
  • Session approved collecting books and funds to purchase books to give to the first grade students of Magnolia Woods Elementary School for Christmas Gifts of Literacy.
  • Session approved hiring Mike Consiglio to remove the damaged oak tree on the front of the church property, grinding the stump and trimming the remaining oak trees.




Reports of interest

Clerk of Session:
  • Membership – Rosemary Maloy, a former member of Highland entered the Church Triumphant on August 30, 2017.
Pastor:
  • “WE ARE Highland Presbyterian Church” campaign began with a new Facebook page, Instagram page, and blog by Rev. McElwee-Smith. A more accessible email address will be implemented soon. A new website and printed brochures are in the works.
Nominating Committee:
  • The Committee submitted the names of Louise Dye and Barbara Pfeifer for nomination for Elders of the Class of 2020.
  • The Committee submitted the names of Tillie Groves, Sherry Hutchinson, and Bill Pfeifer for nomination for Congregational members of the 2018 Nominating Committee.
  • The Committee requested calling a Special Meeting of the Congregation to be held October 1, 2017 for the purpose of receiving the report of the Nominating Committee and electing two Ruling Elders for the Class of 2020 and three members of the Congregation to serve on the 2018 Nominating Committee.
Christian Education and Congregational Care:
  • The Tuesday Bible Study continues its study, “Reading Biblical Literature, Genesis to Revelation.” The Sunday Study Class will resume October 1 with a new Ray Vander Laan DVD study, “Clash of Kingdoms.”
  • Rev. Janie will begin a regular bible study for the Youth Group, meeting on Sundays following worship (schedule permitting.) The Youth Group will also incorporate a mission event once a month.
  • Members unable to attend services and without internet capacity are sent the Sunday bulletin and announcements on Monday following the worship service they miss. Home Communion was taken to those who were unable to attend Communion. Members unusually absent from church are checked on by phone.
  • Twenty-five participated in the July Third Sunday Lunch, which used a picnic theme. Donations for lunch were contributed to the Buy-a-Mile Fundraiser for the youth mission trip. The August Third Sunday Luncheon was attended by thirty-two and the theme highlighted the solar eclipse.
Evangelism and Membership:
  • “WE ARE Highland Presbyterian Church” invitation cards will be distributed monthly to those attending worship. The project is designed to encourage our own members to invite others to HPC activities.
Finance and Personnel:
  • In July expenses of $9,754.57 exceeded income of $7,364.01 by $2,390.70 
  • In August expenses of $12,869.73 exceeded income of $9,521.03 by $3,348.70.
  • Due to unforeseen circumstances Pianist Cibele Perusso will be unable to continue in her position. A temporary pianist, Bingyu Peng, was secured and after discussions with Music Director Aubrey Nelson, the committee recommends hiring her as a permanent pianist.
  • Due to increased responsibilities at her workplace, Barbara Aguillard has submitted a letter of resignation effective October 31, 2017. The Personnel Committee, consisting of Finance and Personnel Committee Chair Mike Groves, Treasurer Dave Adams and Clerk of Session Louise Dye, will take over her responsibilities through the end of 2017 allowing time to discern how Highland will proceed with staffing this position in the future. A reception will be planned to thank Barbara for her years of service.
 Missions:
  • The Peace and Global Witness Offering will be received Sunday, October 1, 2017. Information and minute for Mission will be forthcoming.
  • The Missions committee recommends participation in the Hunger Walk to be held November 5, 2017. The Annual Baton Rouge Community Hunger Walk raises funds to feed the hungry and bring awareness of issues of hunger. All funds will remain in our local Community supporting the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and the Holy Grill, a feeding program of the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge.
  • The Wasted Women Quilters (a group currently meeting at HPC) has donated two quilts to Highland to use for their benefit. The Missions committee would like to conduct a raffle of the quilts to raise money for Heifer International and the St. John’s UMC Shepherd’s Market.
Property:
  • The Ad hoc Session Committee to replace the church sign are hard at work investigating possible solutions. A temporary sign has been installed.
  • Options for the removal of the damaged oak tree on the front of church have been explored. The best bid for the work has been received from Mike Consiglio.
Worship and Music:
  • Due to a unforeseen scheduling change in the Youth mission trip, Communion was changed from August 6 to August 13. Rev. Michael Elmore provided Pulpit Supply on July 30. There was no pulpit supply available for August 6, so Elder Doris M. (Skippy) Thompson read a sermon obtained from Day1.org copyrighted by the Rev. Dr. Robert Sims.
  • Aubrey Nelson held a “Come One, Come All Choir Day” on August 13, 2017.
  • Rev. Judy Roeling provided Pulpit Supply and Communion on September 3, 2017.
  • Rev. Steve Wallace will provide Pulpit Supply on October 22, 2017.
About HPC
Highland Presbyterian Church is a vibrant tree in God's grace-filled orchard. Deeply rooted in God's life-giving presence here on earth, this tree extends its branches to support one another in faith and reach into the world around it to produce fruit. Whether you are seeking God's presence through questions or service, discussion or fellowship, there is a home for you at Highland.
Connecting with Our Pastor
Rev. Janie McElwee-Smith

office hours for Rev. Janie are Mon. 10:30am-1:00pm, 
Thurs. 10:00am-1:30pm
available by appointment Mon. – Thurs. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
cell (call or text): 314.283.7596
office: 766-5775 (please leave a message)

Highland Presbyterian Church (USA)
10024 Highland Road • Baton Rouge, LA 70810 • 225.766.5775 • www.highlandpresbyterian.org