Highland Park United Methodist Church

Highland Park UMC published a devotion booklet for this year's Lenten season.  If you would like a copy of the booklet, click here.

Ash Wednesday Service

February 22 — 6:30 p.m.
Sanctuary

The observance of Ash Wednesday, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, dates from at least the eighth century A.D. The ancient custom was for the worshipers to approach the altar before the beginning of the Mass. A priest would dip his thumb into ashes made from the previous year’s Palm Sunday palms and make the sign of the cross on each person’s forehead.

Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance and the beginning of Lent. Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express penitence. Dusting themselves with ashes was the penitent’s way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults. An ancient example of one expressing his penitence is found in Job 42:3-5. Job says to God: “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (v. 5, NRSV).

Living Faith 2012

The Stillwater District Local Church Leader Workshop will be held on Sunday, February 26 at First UMC.  

This year, the workshops are called “Re-Ignite,” designed for all the United Methodist family—not just church officers, and for clergy as well as laity.  Those seeking to enrich their leadership skills and their lives are encouraged to attend these workshops. They provide an opportunity to share ideas with individuals from other churches and to gain new insights from well-prepared leaders and participants will also be a part of an organized, energized worship experience.  Cost is $10 per person.  Preregister with the church office.

Schedule of Events

1 p.m. — Registration and Music

2 p.m. — Open Plenary session featuring a presentation by D.S. David Wiggs focusing on our district ministries.

2:40 to 3:40 p.m. — Class Session I

• VBS Preview
• Should faith mix with politics?
• Youth Ministry for churches with few or no youth
• Social Media and the Local Church
• Starting New Ministries
• Effective Financial Stewardship
• College and Young Adult Ministries
• Leading Through Conflict
• UMW

3:50 to 4:50 p.m. — Class Session II

• Children’s Ministry
• Passionate Evangelism
• Making Disciples In and Out of Prison
• Church Historians
• Small Membership Congregations
• Partnering for Missions
• Lay Leader 101
• Trustees
• Effective Dialogue on Social Principles
• Congregations working with Veterans

5 p.m. — Snacks and Displays

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Worship featuring the preaching of Bishop Robert E.  Hayes, Jr.  His sermon, “The Three R’s for a New Age” is based on Acts 19:1-7.  There will also be a combined choir from HPUMC and First UMC!

For more information, click on the following link: http://www.okumcministries.org/Local_Church/Stillwater_District.htm or contact Pastor Derrek.