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,
November 14, 2021



Preacher: Rev. Jeff Day

Liturgist: Connie Buck

Musicians: Albina Khaliapova & Eduard Teregulov

Usher: Sherry Hutchinson
Flowers this Sunday are dedicated
to the glory of God
by Sherry Hutchinson.

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, 

Immediate Church Family*: 
Preston Lancaster; Bill and Billy Lewis; Skippy Thompson.

Extended Church Family*:
Brandon Behrmann (Carol’s nephew); Kathy Burke (friend of the Pfeifers); Austin Casey (Jack and Betty Bagent’s grandson); Ellie and Gigi Casey (Jack and Betty Bagent's granddaughters); Elizabeth Cline (Sherry Hutchinson's sister-in-law); Susan Corona (friend of the Bucks); Forrest Day, Mary Lane Day (Jeff Day’s sister); Rachel Eastman (Jack and Betty Bagent's grand-daughter); Carol Harrison (Rob Stewart’s Mother); Marilyn Lewis (Bill and Billy Lewis’ daughter-in-law); Aleta Pickholtz; family of Emma Lou Slack (Jack Bagent's sister); Larry Wilcoxson (friend of the Leonards), Bob and Betsy Zehner (former members).

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

Birthdays:
November 14 - 20 - none

Anniversaries:
November 21 - Jack and Betty Bagent


Advent begins Sunday, Nov. 28

Advent Reflection Opportunities

Advent: A Calendar of Devotions
&
Finding Our Place at the Manger

The Christian Education Committee is offering two spiritual growth opportunities for Advent 2021. All HPC members and friends will receive a copy of Advent: A Calendar of Devotions. This booklet offers a daily scripture reading with stories and insights to help remind us of God's promises. Author Joe Kim serves as lead pastor of Bothell UMC in Bothell, Washington.

The second opportunity is a four-week self-study entitled Finding Our Place at the Manger. Each week the focus changes from Mary to Joseph to the shepherds and finally to the wise men. The study is written by Krin Van Tatenoove who has pastored various Presbyterian churches for over thirty years. This study will be available as a download through Connections each week or you can request a printed copy of the entire study. Please let Connie Buck know if you want a printed copy.
Heifer International

Highland has a long history of supporting Heifer International and the work that they do. We will receive a special offering for Heifer Sunday, November 14, 2021.

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Dedication Sunday
November 21

In the coming days you should receive a letter containing a pledge card for 2022. Please take some time to prayerfully consider this commitment to Highland and the impact it can have. Your pledges are one of the most important planning tools the Session has in the creation of a 2022 budget. We will receive completed pledge cards on November 21 as a part of our worship service. If you are unable to return your card at this time, please do so at your earliest convenience.

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Lagniappe Ladies Meet
November 17

The Lagniappe Ladies will meet for lunch on Wednesday, November 17, 11:30 a.m., at the Little Village (14241 Airline Hwy.). Please notify Carol Behrmann if you plan to attend.

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The Gift of Literacy

During the Christmas season, Highland will be donating books to the First-graders of Magnolia Woods Elementary School as well as gift cards for their teachers. If you would like to help with this project either by purchasing books or making a cash donation, please contact Connie Buck.

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In Worship this Sunday

Rev. Jeff Day will return to the pulpit this Sunday. His sermon is titled Pursuing Peace and will be based on Psalm 34, and 1Peter 3:8-18a.

This week at HPC:
Monday, November 15:
12:00 p.m. AA
    
Tuesday, November 16:
9:00 a.m. WW Quilters
12:00 p.m. AA
7:00 p.m. AA

Wednesday, November 17:
12:00 p.m. AA
7:00 p.m. Ladies’ AA

Thursday, November 18:
12:00 p.m. AA
5:30 p.m. Women's NA
8:00 p.m. Men’s AA

Friday, November 19:
12:00 p.m. AA

Saturday, November 20:

Sunday, November 21:
9:30 a.m. Worship/Dedication Sunday
7:00 p.m. AA
Session News
Business:

  • Session approved the Facility Use Request of Grace Notes School of Music for November 14 and December 17, 2021.
  • Session approved the Facility Use Request of Albina Khaliapova for December 12, 2021.
  • Session approved allocating $100.00 from Mission (520120) to the Salvation Army – Angel Tree, Baton Rouge.
  • Session approved resuming the serving of Communion by intinction on December 26, 2021. This service of Communion will be instead of January 2, 2022.

Committee Reports:

Elder Commissioner Report
  • Connie Buck served as Acting Elder Commissioner in place of John Dye who had a conflict with the scheduled Zoom meeting. She presented a written summary of the meeting. It was suggested that Highland review their bylaws following the reported revision of Presbytery bylaws.
  • Connie also presented a "PSL Disaster Preparation Checklist for the Local Congregation" received in information at the meeting. Highland will work to make sure we are following the items on the checklist.

Pastor’s Report
  • Pastor Jeff Day will return to service with the Westminster Foundation and the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge in an advisory capacity.

Christian Education & Congregational Care
  • Lagniappe Ladies met October 20 at Mi Padres in Prairieville for lunch. Plans for the collection of books for Magnolia Woods Elementary were discussed. The next meeting is scheduled for November 17, 2021, at the Little Village.
  • Two spiritual growth opportunities for Advent 2021 will be available. All members will receive a copy of “Advent: A Calendar of Devotions.” Members will also have digital or hard copy access to a four-week self-study entitled Finding Our Place at the Manger.
  • Some homebound members have been assisted with transportation to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, relocating efforts and mail collection over the past month. The Congregational Care Committee is appreciative of the assistance of church members in some of the activities.

Evangelism/Membership
  • The average attendance was 15 for September and 16 for October. We welcomed a guest pianist and two additional guests in October. 










Committee Reports (cont.)

Finance and Personnel
  • For the month of September, income of $4,300.00 exceeded expenses of $4,198.62 by $101.38.
  • For the month of October, expenses of $12,601.83 exceeded income of $11,027.73 by ($1,574.10).
  • The Stewardship letter for 2021 is in the mail. Elder Mike Groves will deliver a short message concerning Stewardship on Sunday, November 14, 2021. Sunday, November 21, 2021, is designated as Commitment Sunday.
  • A proposed expense budget for 2022 was presented by Dave Adams. It will be reviewed by the Session prior to approval. 

Missions
  • Our new mission project of picking up and delivering day-old bread from Our Daily Bread to the Shepherd’s Market Food Bank began in October with Carol Behrmann, Sherry Hutchinson, Mike and Connie Leonard, Peggy Adams and Bill and Barbara Pfeifer participating. Shepherd’s Market director, Teresa Sandifer, reports that these deliveries are most welcome and have freed up monies to be used for other items.

Property
  • A new riding lawn mower has been purchased through a gift from Carol Behrmann.
  • Arrangements have been made to have the heating system in the Great Hall re-paired. New heat exchangers are on order.
  • A water leak has been detected near the oak trees on the front of the church property. Efforts are being made to correct the situation.
  • Jack Bagent was recognized and thanked for the gift of a new string trimmer and all his help in clearing downed trees following Hurricane Ida.

Worship
  • Plans for Advent were discussed. Carol Behrmann is responsible for coordinating decoration of the Sanctuary and preparing Advent packets for the Congregation. Connie Buck and Louise Dye will assist in distribution of Advent materials by mail and electronically in Connections.
  • Highland will hold its Christmas Worship service on Sunday, December 26, 2021. This service will be followed by an informal reception in the Fellowship area. There will not be a Christmas Eve service.
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