Connecting Our Community with Christ

1983-2023

For 40 years we have stood

as a mighty tree in our community:

Strong and rooted,

Soaring and reaching,

Vibrant and fruitful,

Sheltering and comforting.



In worship this Sunday

October 8, 2023

Preacher: Rev. Jeff Day

Liturgist: Connie Buck

Usher: Sherry Hutchinson

Refreshments: Bill and Barb Pfeifer

Flowers this Sunday

are dedicated to the Glory of God

by Anne McKnight.

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

Session

Notes

Congregational Meeting,

October 1, 2023

• Ruling Elders Dave Adams and Bill Pfeifer were elected to the Session Class of 2026.
• Congregational members Peggy Adams, Anne McKnight, and Barb Pfeifer were elected to the 2024 Nominating Committee.

Stated Session Meeting,

October 3, 2023

Business:

• Session examined and welcomed newly elected Ruling Elders Dave Adams and Bill Pfeifer.
• Session approved disbursing $350 ($250.00 from account 520200 Other Benevolences, and $100.00 from account 560800 Other Session Expense) to Plew Elementary School Library in memory of Chris Rollins.
• Session approved the Facility Use Request of Grace Notes for use of the Sanctuary for music recitals the afternoon of December 9 and 10, 2023.
• Session designated Sunday, November 12, 2023, as Dedication Sunday. The usual procedure of sending out a letter outlining Stewardship needs with a pledge card enclosed will be done prior to November 12.
• Session formed an Ad hoc committee to assist in a Pastor Search. Members of the committee are: Dave Adams, Connie Buck, Louise Dye, Sherry Hutchinson, and Bill Pfeifer (Barb Pfeifer as alternate).

Committee Reports:

Pastor’s Report

• Rev. Day donated $400 from the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to offset funeral expenses of Kenneth Smith, longtime volunteer at the Holy Grill.
• Rev. Day will be out of town Sunday, October 15, and Sunday, October 22.

Congregational Care and Christian Education Committee

• Lagniappe Ladies met for lunch September 20 at The Crown Bistro, at the Royal Standard.
• A “Pulled-Chicken” Sandwich Congregational lunch was hosted on September 17 in conjunction with a time of discussion for options following Rev. Day’s retirement.
• Highland Presbyterian Church donated $350 to Plew Elementary School in memory of Chris Rollins, former Pastor Jim Rollin’s wife. Chris died September 9, 2023, in Niceville, FL, where they currently live.
• Materials for an Advent Devotional Study are being explored.

Evangelism/Membership Committee

• The average attendance for September was 18.
• We welcomed four visitors in September.

Committee Reports (cont.)

Finance Committee

• In July income of $8,214.81 exceeded expenses of $4,023.21 by $4,191.60.
• In August expenses of $16,568.50 exceeded income of $15,983.00 by ($585.50).
• A proposed 2024 Budget has been presented by Treasurer Dave Adams for consideration.
• Plans for 2023 Stewardship will be discussed and a date for Dedication Sunday will be chosen.

Missions Committee

• The Peace and Global Witness Offering was received on October 1, 2023.
• The Heifer Offering will be received on the third Sunday in November (Nov. 19).

Property

• Watering of the orchard and newly planted oak tree continue as needed.

Worship

• Highland celebrated World Communion Sunday on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
• Rev. Anne Cramer will serve as Pulpit Supply on October 15, 2023.
• Plans for Advent/Christmas are being coordinated with the Congregational Care committee. The following schedule is tentatively planned:

1. Advent Devotional materials will be available Nov 26.
2. The Sanctuary will be decorated Nov 27 – Dec 2 – paraments, tree, windows, door wreaths, and advent wreath.
3. Dec. 3 - First Sunday of Advent: Communion will be served, the First Ad-vent Candle will be lit by the liturgist, and the Congregation will participate in decorating the Christmas Tree.
4. December 10 - Second Sunday of Advent: the Second Advent Candle will be lit by Liturgist, dedication of Gifts of Literacy, Christmas Brunch following worship.
5. December 17 – Third Sunday of Advent: the Third Advent Candle will be lit by liturgist, Lesson and Carols Service, Christmas Joy Offering will be received.
6. December 24 – Fourth Sunday of Advent: the Fourth Advent Candle will be lit by liturgist, Christmas Worship Service with communion, Christ Candle will be lit at the end of the service. (No service on December 25.)
7. December 31 – 1st Sunday of Christmas.
8. January 7 – Communion, Baptism of the Lord, Installation of Officers, decorations will be taken down following worship.