Gather Round This Sunday!

Back-to-school energy is in the air, and it’s already the 4th day of August. Our thoughts have inevitably turned to bus apps and carpool arrangements, meet the teacher events, and school supply lists. We’re rolling back those late summer bedtimes, waking up a little earlier each day, and dusting off our school morning routines.   In the flurry of preparations, I wonder how our back-to-church energy might be faring? After a summer scattered with travel and camps, this approaching season also holds so many possibilities for the rhythms of our faith to take root too—both in our homes and in our community of faith. I wonder how we might draw near to God, and how God might draw near to us in the every-day-ness of our lives this year?   While I don’t know exactly how God will meet you, there are spaces and places carved out for the possibility of that nearness to unfold here at Highland. We hope you’ll join us!   Gather Round with us this Sunday, August 9 as we kick off our new year of rhythms and activities! Our Sunday morning schedule will look the same as usual, with some added elements. We’ll recognize our rising Kindergarteners in worship, presenting them with a special gift. We’ll offer a blessing for the school year and anyone who works in our schools. We’ll have new backpack tags to share with all ages of students. We’ll have a picnic lunch on the lawn together (sign up here or bring your own picnic lunch). You may pay online here or by cash or check at the event. Meals are $7.00 each with a family maximum of $21.00.

Worship Service + Worship Care: 8:45 AM  During worship, we provide care for children ages infant through pre-kindergarten on the first floor of the education building. If your child is 3+ years old, and will be participating in Bible study after worship, we ask for you to pick your child up and transition them upstairs to class. Bible Study: 10:00-11:00 AM Bible study is for all ages! This year, we have some shifts in classroom configuration due to weekly attendance and the number of children in each age group. The Infant room is back! Children who are not yet walking will gather in RM 114. Toddlers & 2s – RM 116 3s and PreK – RM 203 & 204 (Godly Play) Kindergarten thru 3rd grade – RM 202 4th and 5th grade – RM 200 If you are a parent of a child in any of these age groups and have questions, please reach out to me. I’m happy to answer them!  Worship Service + Worship Care + Children’s Worship: 11:15 AM During this worship service, we provide care for children ages infant through pre-kindergarten. However, the age groupings are divided into the three classrooms from the Bible study hour. Infants – RM 114 Toddlers & 2s – RM 116 3s and PreK – RM 203  Also, during this worship service, Children’s Worship takes place during the second half of worship, near the sermon, each week. We will meet in RM 201 (note: this is a room shift from previous years). Children’s Worship is for children in grades Kindergarten – 2nd grade, and explores the elements of worship and a scripture from the Revised Common Lectionary focused on in worship that day.   ~ Renee Purtlebaugh