On the weekend of March 28-30th, Highlands Student Ministry's Junior High students attended the “Encounter” Retreat at Twin Lakes! This weekend event was sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Presbytery and had over 100 students in attendance from First Presbyterian, Lakeland Presbyterian, Providence Presbyterian, Redeemer Presbyterian, and Pear Orchard Presbyterian.

The speaker for the weekend was PCA Pastor Austin Lenox, who taught on “Habits of Grace.”

The weekend was a huge success, filled with opportunities for learning, bonding, enjoying delicious food, building friendships, and engaging in fun activities, including plenty of pickleball and basketball!

We are grateful for the leadership of Michael Hawkins and Gus Crotty, along with chaperones Cayla Virruet, Stephanie Day, and Aidan Duncan, who helped take 15 junior high students from Highlands. Please continue to pray for our students, that God would continue to grow and guide them in powerful ways.

Congratulations to Reverend Wesley Rule on his ordination and installation Sunday, March 2, as a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America. We are grateful for Wesley and welcome him as Highlands' Assistant Pastor.

From February 16-23, Highlands hosted the 2025 Missions Festival, “Shine The Light.”

The Festival began on Wednesday, February 19, with our church-wide Missions Festival dinner. Everyone gathered to enjoy a delicious Filipino meal and to take part in a panel discussion with our missionaries. Meanwhile, the children had their own missions celebration upstairs, featuring a pizza party, international costumes, music, crafts, and a chance to learn about our short-term missions.

On Thursday, February 20, the Highlands Sunday School Communities met both in the Atrium and in homes to fellowship and hear from our supported missionaries: Teresa Wilson, Bob & Andrea Burnham, Jonah, Franklin and Beth Beaver, and Jim and Bubbles Delfin. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with them personally and learn more about their ministries.

On Friday evening, February 21, our Missions Committee members shared a meal with the missionaries in the home of Craig and Julie Crosland. Our current Missions Commitee members are Joseph Wheat, Craig Crosland, Brad Tisdale, Chip Johnson, David Harbaugh, Lynn Johnson, Terry Sensing, and Clay Quarterman( ex officio).

Saturday, February 22, was filled with food and fellowship! The men began the day with a hearty breakfast in the Fellowship Hall, where Jonah, their guest speaker, delivered a powerful message. Later that day, the women gathered in the Atrium for a luncheon featuring taco salads, where they heard from Teresa Wilson, Beth Beaver, and Bubbles Delfin. Overall, it was an enriching day of fellowship and learning, as Highlands had the chance to hear firsthand from missionaries and gain a deeper understanding of the impact their work has in advancing God's Kingdom worldwide.

On Sunday, February 23rd, the Highlands Missions Festival continued with our Worship Service. The children of Highlands sang "Send the Light!" and Mike Hillerman shared an update on the recent short-term mission trip to San Salvador. Mr. Jim Delfin preached a sermon from Third John titled "Shine the Light, Together!" He reminded us that those serving on the mission field are "in the well," while those of us at home are "holding the rope," highlighting that both roles are essential in advancing God's kingdom abroad.

Following the service, the Youth and Adult Communities gathered in the Fellowship Hall to hear from missionaries Franklin Beaver and Teresa Wilson. A heartfelt thank you to our missionaries, the Missions Committee, and everyone who cooked, served, and volunteered throughout the week. It was an insightful time of getting to know our missionaries personally, learning about their experiences on the mission field, and discovering ways to better support and pray for them. If you'd like to make a one-time gift or a Faith Promise pledge, please click HERE.

Please join us on Sunday, March 9, as we conclude our Missions Festival with a final sermon from Joseph Wheat. This will also be the opportunity to make your Faith Promise Commitment pledge.

This past weekend, on February 7th and 8th, Highlands hosted a wonderful women's gathering with the theme “Grace Revealed.” Several women from our church shared teachings on the means of grace and how we can access it. The weekend kicked off on Friday night in the beautifully decorated Atrium, where the ladies enjoyed a delicious meal of pork tenderloin, catered by Rosemary & Thyme. Afterward, they gathered in the sanctuary for hymn singing and the first session, taught by Terry Sensing, which focused on The Word. The evening concluded with hot cocoa and a time of fellowship.

Saturday morning began bright and early at 8:30 with hot cocoa, freshly baked muffins, and coffee. The women spent time chatting and fellowshipping before heading back to the sanctuary for more singing. The morning included teachings from three different speakers: Cindy Mercer shared insights on the sacrament of communion, Anna Shinnick spoke on prayer, and Susan Graves focused on fellowship. After each session, the ladies broke into small groups for a rich time of reflection and further discussion. A delicious brunch, including quiches, oatmeal, and fruit, was served, also catered by Rosemary & Thyme. Fun door prizes were awarded throughout the weekend.

In addition, the ladies partnered with Canton Kids Club to provide a special luncheon for the mothers of children in their program. Donations were taken during the event and over $300 was collected to support this initiative.

A huge thank you to everyone who led, taught, served, prepared meals, set up, cleaned up, and contributed to making this gathering such a beautiful and enriching experience!

On the evening of Sunday, January 26, Highlands hosted a Men’s BBQ dinner in the fellowship hall, where fathers, sons, neighbors, and friends of all ages gathered together. A delicious meal was catered by Cey Let's Eat Catering. The men enjoyed savory BBQ sandwiches, baked beans, cole slaw, and a homemade banana pudding .

After dinner, Thomas Gandy led an entertaining and lively game of “Friendly Feud,” which sparked friendly competition and plenty of laughs. The two teams—playfully named Team Brad and Team Joseph—battled it out in good spirit, with Team Joseph ultimately emerging as the victors.

After the game , Mike Murphy led the men in singing several hymns.  Then, Samuel Bolen, the Executive Director of the Jackson Leadership Foundation, took the podium to speak to the group. Samuel challenged everyone to actively love and serve their city, state, and Lord, encouraging them to make a difference through tangible actions.

Despite the rainy and cold weather outside, the evening was filled with warmth, connection, and community. Many thanks are extended to those who worked diligently behind the scenes to make the night such a success. It was an evening of fellowship, fun, and enjoyment with brothers in Christ.