​HIGHLAND IN THE NEWS
Faith Without Borders
Quilting ministry pieces lives together.
"Easter invites us into gardening," by Rev. Newton
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Can you remember which movie this is?

​Sunday, August 19, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.  

Scripture:  Psalm 111, 1 Kings 3: 3-12; Ephesians 5: 15-20 
"The Beginning of Wisdom" 
Rev. Billy Newton, Highland Pastor

More wisdom, less autocracy...
This Sunday, we consider three biblical perspectives on wisdom in a time when wisdom is sorely lacking in our world. 

(1) The Psalmist sees wisdom as a sense of awe and wonder over the glory of creation and compassionate grace of God.   (2) The second reading is about the gift of wisdom in a particular and unique individual life, as God says to Solomon, "There has never been anyone just like you, and there never will be."  Sounds a little like the wisdom of Mister Rogers.   (3) The Ephesians letter advises that we choose more wisely if we are filled with Spirit rather than wine. Yep, some of us have learned that lesson!  Then the letter gives us clues for spiritual wisdom that are found in "singing and making melody in your hearts," and most of all, in giving thanks. 
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Many in this world and in our own culture think it is wise to collect sources of power and wealth, because only the strong survive.  Alternatively, let's consider these biblical, counter-cultural perspectives that point us toward a more sustainable wisdom ---  the kind of wisdom that is rooted in awe and wonder for life, deep respect for yourself and others, and expressions of gratitude every day.
Every Sunday morning, we worship at 10:30.
On Sunday mornings, worship is about God's good news of love and mercy, and our calling to serve God, to love our neighbors and ourselves, reach out to people in need, and to care for God's good earth.  A nursery is available for our youngest ones. 

​Not just on Sundays, but everyday... we seek to:
Do justice.  Share kindness.  Walk humbly together with God!

What's been happening at Highland in 2018?
  • We just started a Wednesday night study on world religions, exploring similarities, differences, and potential common ground.
  • This summer, we hosted friends from our partner church in Taguasco, Cuba. Over 20 Highland  members have visited Cuba to share life, faith and fellowship with our church partners and friends.
  • Our high school youth meet weekly, lead worship, explore faith, go on mission trips and attend the Montreat Youth Conference.  
  • Jr. Youth meet for all kinds of creative activities, outdoor events, Bible study, and community service projects.
  • Kids stay for the first half of worship, which is interactive and includes a children's message from the pastor, and then they go to enjoy a child-centered Sunday School.  
  • Quilters meet Tuesday mornings, making gifts of love.   
  • We recently celebrated the Blessing of the Quilts with a colorful procession and display of the patch-work love that we share.  
  • Highland goes outdoors, hiking in the Smokies with all ages!  
  • Highland co-sponsors refugees with Bridge Refugee Services. 
  • We host Girl Scouts, youth art classes, a basket-making group, and a silent meditation meetup.
  • In recent years, we built a new accessibility entrance and a new wheelchair ramp. We welcome people with all kinds of abilities. 
  • We support The Gate - Gateway to Independence, a wonderful daytime program for young adults with disabilities.​
  • Easter was an amazing day of celebration!  There were lots of garden tools on hand to help us understand how God gardens us and grows us into new life! 
  • On Palm Sunday, we walked with llamas, waved palms, and rang bells to welcome the Prince of Peace into our life and faith. 
  • Many of our members are active in multiple forms of civic engagement, including the Women's March, local peace walks, activities for racial unity, voter registration, protecting and preserving our environment, welcoming immigrants, and volunteering with many agencies that serve neighbors in need.
Our current study and conversations on world religions meets Wednesdays at 5:45-7:00.  August through December, 2018.
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Our friends from Cuba visiting this summer!
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All God's children are invited to the table.
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The Gateway to Independence!
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Highland welcomes refugees to East TN as a cosponsor with Bridge Refugee Services

​Highland Presbyterian Church ~ Sunday worship at 10:30
​Doing justice, loving kindness, walking humbly together with God!
721 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway (Hwy. 321)
Maryville, Tennessee  37804

​Highland in CUBA, every year since 2008:  ​For nine years, Highland members have traveled to Cuba for peacemaking and relational ministries in partnership with friends at Iglesia Presbiteriana-Reformada en Taguasco.   Read more.  
BLESSING OF THE QUILTS
Highland's Care Quilters meet every Tuesday morning to make quilts for members of our community during a time of special need or as thanksgiving for their life and service. Once in a while, we gather the quilts and invite others to brings quilts for a special blessing and celebration.
Highland Presbyterian Church
721 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway (Hwy. 321)
Maryville, Tennessee 37804

Highland is located at the intersection of Hwy. 321 and Washington Street,
​between Maryville College and Blount Memorial Hospital,
on the road to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Office phone M-W-F mornings: (865)  982-9272 
Email: office@highlandpresby.org
Church Secretary:  Ethel White
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Billy Newton