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Highland Presbyterian Church​ seeks to be a diverse and inclusive Christian Community as we embody the love and forgiveness of Jesus by serving the Community and the World, drawing people to Christ.
Highland Happening
January 20, 2021
Worship This Sunday
Join us for worship this Sunday, January 23 at 10:30 am in the sanctuary or join us for worship virtually by watching on our Facebook Page. This Sunday is our Ordination and Installation of our next class of elders, Corita Swanson, Darrin Devault and Elan Lloyd. You can download a bulletin from below and we have begun including a copy of the hymns we will sing included in the bulletin so you can worship more fully from home.
 
This Sunday Highland will be the Congregation of the Week for the Presbytery of East Tennessee. Our streaming link will be shared in the Presbytery newsletter so we might have a few extra ‘visitors’ this week.
Get Your Free Covid Tests
This past week free covid tests became available for everyone. Follow the link below to fill out a simple form to have four free at home tests sent to your house. If you need any help filling out this form, let Pastor Matthew know and he would be happy to help you get your tests.  
 
Annual Meeting and Soup Sale
The session of Highland has called a congregational meeting to present the annual report and we will meet following worship on Sunday, January 30 in the sanctuary. Copies of the annual report will be available and see below for an announcement from the Hospitality Committee. 
 
You are invited to attend a SOUP FUNDRAISER Jan 30th following the Congregational Meeting. This year we will be selling containers of homemade soup which you may purchase in the downstairs kitchen following the church service 
 
We will be selling the soups for $10 per container. We would love to have an approximate count of those who are interested in purchasing a container of soup. The monies made will be donated to Heifer International 
 
We also would appreciate if anyone would volunteer to donate a homemade soup. Please contact Stacey Nordquist, Kathy White, Jan Bell or Carole Schenk if you would like to donate a soup or would be interested in placing an order before the 30th!
Warming Shelter at First Baptist Church, Maryville
The warming Shelter has already been open for the winter season. Highland is again committed to help at the shelter on Thursday nights in January and February. What this means is that if the temperature is forecast to be 25 degrees or less on a Thursday night, we are on. We will provide volunteers from 6pm to 7am, in 4 hour shifts. The early shift helps with set up, serving dinner and clean up, as well as visiting with guests. Overnight/early morning handles anything that may come up, as well as prep for breakfast at 6am. The guests leave by 7 am.

Other than actual hands on volunteers, we also need food - casseroles, soup, gift cards for pizza, BoJangles, etc. If you would like to help in any way, please contact Sandy Miller, 865-223-8278. 
Heifer International
Heifer International has been transforming lives for 75 years. Happy Highlanders is a leading a campaign for Highland to, once again, donate an Ark to Heifer. Each family that receives livestock from the Ark will pass the gift forward with livestock offspring being given to other families in need.

We are close to reaching our goal of the Ark so help us cross the finish line soon! Purchase a soup the day of the annual meeting on January 30 and all money will go towards Heifer.
Highland Building Projects Survey
The Building & Grounds Committee has been asked to consider several possible projects to update or renovate several areas of our church, over the next few years. Your answers in the following survey will help guide the church’s decision-making as to which projects are most important to you all, as well as giving you the opportunity to make the committee aware of any other projects which may not be listed. Thanks in advance for your help.
 
Next Daytime Circle Meeting February 3
The Highland Daytime Circle of Presbyterian Women will meet on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 1:30 pm in the church parlor. Our Bible study discussion will be on Lesson 5, 'Ruth and Redemption'. All are welcome! Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Highland Church Camping Trip
Join Highland Presbyterian Church the weekend of July 15-17 for an intergenerational camping trip in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We currently have two sites reserved at the Elkmont Group Campground with a maximum number of 35 people. The other group sites are available but could go quickly so please register through the link below so we can add an extra site quickly if needed. We will have meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. We will have a worship service on Sunday morning, and you are welcome to attend worship even if you do not camp. Cost will be $10 a person and maximum of $30 per family. 
 
Matthew 25 Spotlight
Being a Matthew 25 Presbytery means we are constantly working toward creating the beloved community. Each week, in this email, we will share resources or stories of ways of engaging the three challenges of Dismantling Structural Racism, Eradicating Systemic Poverty and Building Congregational Vitality.

Being Matthew 25, a new Presbyterian Mission Agency monthly livestream series, begins on Jan. 20. 
Being Matthew 25 is an interactive online event that makes space for stories, reflections and conversations about what it means to live out the Matthew 25 vision.
 
Prayers, Concerns and Joys
Please pray for our members, families, and friends.
 
We lift-up prayers for those among our community who are shut in. Be with them as they are separated in body from their loved ones.

Judith Gregory- Judith has received the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome and is receiving treatment for it. Let’s surround her with prayer for strength and recovery. 
 
Brian- Rich Schenk’s cousin has been in the hospital and there is optimistic hope for his recovery. It seems he will be paralyzed from the waist down but his family is hopeful for the future.

Bill- Friend of Jean Wortmann recently had successful surgery for pancreatic cancer and also has the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Please keep Bill and his family in your prayers at this time. 

Cathy VanHorn- Our new church friend, Cathy, broke her leg in two places on a hike. Prayers for recovery and gaining strength.

Marilyn Houston- Millie Sieber's sister was in a car accident with her friend, Marilyn, who was hurt in the crash. Please be in prayers for a full recovery.

Becky Carelton- Marilyn Massesy's friend's son is having heart troubles and being tested to diagnosed.

Carol LaForce- Carol’s lung cancer has spread to her liver and pancreas. Carol would appreciate prayers for strength and patience during this time. 
 
Reed Marlow- Reed, a friend of David Kemp, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and is being moved to a new facility to better care for him. Prayers for safety and smooth transition. 
 

We lift-up especially the following prayer concerns:                                           
All in the world who are suffering from Covid-19, especially for patients, the mourning survivors of those who have perished, and the heroic medical professionals who are fighting the battle for us.
 
At Asbury Place:
Bruce Watt
Nancy Davis.
January Birthdays
Mark Durand- Jan. 1
Christina Cash- Jan. 2
Hannah Bay- Jan. 4
Jennifer Slagle- Jan. 4
Bruce Watt- Jan. 8
Pat Pollock- Jan. 9
Corita Swanson- Jan. 10
Mark Webb- Jan. 10
Al Hill- Jan. 11
Ione McCarthy- Jan. 11
Jennifer Miles- Jan. 16
Heidi Schrock- Jan. 16
Isaac Shelby- Jan. 16
Marilyn Massey- Jan. 24
Gavin Morris- Jan. 24
Herman Long- Jan. 28
If there are any announcements that you would like to include in the Highland Happening, please email communications@highlandpresby.org by noon the Wednesday prior to the Highland Happening going out.
Click the button above to visit our online giving page. It only take a few minutes to set up an account and you can schedule automatic payments to keep up with your pledge.
Download a copy of the church calendar.
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