Here’s what I want for my birthday, for Christmas, and for a retirement gift from the church: for us to end this year and begin 2018 IN THE BLACK. That’s what I want. More than a party or a plaque … Continue reading
Thanksgiving is more than a day, it is a lifestyle. Over the years, I’ve become increasingly aware of the sheer gift-ness of my life, and of every person and object within it. I’ve had moments that mirrored Merton’s seeing people … Continue reading
November 14, 2017: Carol Harston Where were you 20.5 years ago when Joe Phelps first became Pastor of Highland Baptist Church? Some of you can tell stories of where you sat during the call weekend, the first sermon you heard, … Continue reading
Many white Louisvillians presume the conditions in West Louisville (empty houses, no jobs, few businesses, unemployment, poverty, violence) results from blacks not taking advantage of opportunities to improve their plight. Observe a poor black family buying expensive clothes for their … Continue reading
Compassionate Neighbors, our 2017-18 Faithful Giving theme, names Highland’s call to be God’s light of compassion to all of God’s children. Doing so requires money to fund our work together. This weekend, every member and friend of Highland Baptist Church … Continue reading
There are lots of holy moments in a pastor’s life—baptisms, weddings, dedications, conversations, healings. I’d add to this list: Commitment Sundays. At one level, Commitment Sunday seems like a numbers game. Church leaders need to know the total amount we … Continue reading