Connecting Our Community with Christ



We stand as a mighty tree in our community:
Strong and rooted,
Soaring and reaching,
Vibrant and fruitful,
Sheltering and comforting.


In worship this Sunday,
January 24, 2021


Minister: Rev. Jeff Day

Liturgist: Carol Behrmann

Musicians: Albina Khaliapova & Eduard Teregulov

Usher: Sherry Hutchinson
Flowers in the Sanctuary this Sunday
are dedicated to the Glory of God
by Carol Behrmann

If you would like to participate with Highland Presbyterian Church remotely, we will stream this Sunday's service (9:30 a.m.) on our facebook page, www.facebook.com/HPCBR


Immediate Church Family*: 
Betty Bagent; Family of Inez Geoghegan; Bill and Billy Lewis; Skippy Thompson.

Extended Church Family*:
Brandon Behrmann (Carol’s nephew); Austin Casey (Jack and Betty Bagent’s grandson); Forrest Day (Jeff Day's son); Mary Lane Day (Jeff Day’s sister); Rachel Eastman (Jack and Betty Bagent's grand-daughter); Carol Harrison (Rob Stewart’s Mother); Joyce Lehman (Barb Pfeifer's cousin); Marilyn Lewis (Bill and Billy Lewis’ daughter-in-law); Aleta Pickholtz; family of Maddie Richey (friend of the Leonards); Larry Wilcoxson (friend of the Leonards).

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

Birthdays
January 24 - 30: Barb Pfeifer (27), Kate Stewart (27)

Anniversaries
January: none
*********************

Worship this Sunday

Rev. Jeff Day will be in the pulpit this Sunday. His sermon title is Nurturing Faith based on Acts 15:13-35, and Psalm 95.
This week at HPC:
Monday, January 25:
12:00 p.m. AA
    
Tuesday, January 26:
7:00 p.m. AA

Wednesday, January 27:
12:00 p.m. AA
7:00 p.m. Ladies’ AA

Thursday, January 28:
5:30 p.m. Women's NA
8:00 p.m. Men’s AA

Friday, January 29:
12:00 p.m. AA

Saturday, January 30:

Sunday, January 31:
9:30 a.m. Worship
7:00 p.m. AA
Session
News
  • Session Received the Financial Audit for 2019 conducted by Connie Leonard. All was accurate and in fair order.
  • Dave Adams was elected Treasurer for 2021.
  • Louise Dye was elected Clerk of Session for 2021.
  • Session approved the Facility Use Request from Chapter AF, PEO for the one-time use of the Sanctuary, Thursday, January 21, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. All Covid-19 mitigation guidelines will be observed.
  • Session approved the Facility Use Request from Narcotics Anonymous for ongoing weekly meetings held on Thursday evening in the Great Hall. All Covid-19 mitigation guidelines will be observed.
  • Session approved the 2021 pledge of $4,080.00 to the Presbytery of South Louisiana/Synod of the Sun/General Assembly. Payments of $340 per month will be submitted.
  • Session approved the 2020 Statistical Report showing 48 Active members for the year ending Dec. 31, 2020.
  • Session approved the 2021 Timeline for Business of the Church including the Communion Schedule: February 7, March 7, March 28 (Palm Sunday), April 1 (Maundy Thursday), April 4 (Easter), May 2, May 23 (Pentecost), June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5, December 24 (Christmas Eve), and January 2, 2022.
  • Session members agreed to the following committee assignments: Christian Education/Congregational Care – Connie Buck, Evangelism & Membership/ Missions – Barb and Bill Pfeifer, Finance & Personnel/Property – Mike Groves and John Dye, Worship & Music – Dudley Payton.
Committee Reports:

Commissioned Ruling Elder
  • A written recap of the December 5, 2020, Presbytery Meeting (held via Zoom) was presented.

Christian Education & Congregational Care
  • Homebound members continue to be contacted by mail, email or phone on a regular basis.
  • Telephone calls to homebound and/or members who miss two consecutive Sundays are made as needed.

Evangelism/Membership
  • The average attendance for December was 20. The average attendance for 2020 (41 Sundays) was 17. There was a total of 17 visitors for the year 2020.
  • Notification of January Thaw activities of the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge was received and will be shared with the Congregation.

Missions
  • The Christmas Joy Offering was received on December 20, 2020 and totaled $445.00.
  • Highland will continue its support of the Shepherd’s Market Food Pantry, but will not participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring this year.

Finance
  • For the month of November, income of $12,643.00 exceeded expenses of $5,961.08 by $6,681.92.
  • For the month of December, income of $14,004.10 exceeded expenses of $2,729.62 by $11,274.48. For the year of 2020, income of $106,497.81 exceeded expenses of $59,809.31 by $46,688.50.

Personnel
  • Bookkeeper Jennifer Hirstius has submitted her resignation effective immediately. Dave Adams will assume her duties while options for a replace-ment are explored.

Worship Committee
  • Advent/Christmas:
  1. Dec. 6 - Communion Sunday, decorated the tree, and lit the candle of Peace
  2. Dec. 13 – lit the candle of Joy, presented memorial poinsettias
  3. Dec. 20 – Service of Lessons and Carols, lit the candle of Love
  4. Dec. 24 – no Christmas Eve Service.
  5. Dec. 27 – first Sunday of Christmas, lit the Christ candle
  6. Jan. 3 – Communion Sunday, Christmas decorations taken down
  7. Jan. 10 – Baptism of the Lord Sunday, installation of Elders Bill and Barb Pfeifer
  • Rev. Jeff Day gave the following sermons:
  1. Dec. 6 – Advent’s Yes
  2. Dec. 13 – Advent: Resolve
  3. Jan. 3, 2021 – Bethlehem or Bedlam
  4. Jan. 10 – The Open Door
  • Robert Lowry served as Pulpit Supply on December 27. His Sermon was Opening Our Christmas Presents.
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 Highland Presbyterian Church
office: 766-5775 (please leave a message)
emergency: Elder Louise Dye (H) 767-3091, (C) 337-6390
Elder Connie Buck (H) 769-2756, (C) 975-2862
Highland Presbyterian Church (USA)
10024 Highland Road • Baton Rouge, LA 70810 • 225.766.5775 • www.highlandpresbyterian.org