At Highland, you will find people who seek to serve God and neighbors with love.
We are a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation, exceptionally open-minded and community-focused. We are committed to service, caring for one another in times of need, and using our particular gifts to work for peace and justice. We enjoy being together in worship, fellowship, outdoor activities, and learning to grow together in the peace of Christ. We understand that we are enriched and strengthened by the diversity of backgrounds and experiences in life and faith.
We are a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation, exceptionally open-minded and community-focused. We are committed to service, caring for one another in times of need, and using our particular gifts to work for peace and justice. We enjoy being together in worship, fellowship, outdoor activities, and learning to grow together in the peace of Christ. We understand that we are enriched and strengthened by the diversity of backgrounds and experiences in life and faith.
About our Church and Community
Highland Presbyterian Church was organized in 1953 by Union Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Church, now the Presbyterian Church (USA). As a new church in the 1950s, across the street from Maryville College, a primary part of Highland's original mission was to be a place of worship and ministry for students and faculty, especially in the days when students did not have cars and walked to church.
Today, Highland is a warm and caring congregation, very community-minded, with a strong tradition of meaningful worship, community engagement, peace and justice ministries, global mission, and respect for education in the arts and sciences, as well as biblical and theological studies.
Highland has an ongoing commitment to services that bring good news to the poor and others who are mistreated and marginalized in our community. In particular, we support the work of Good Neighbors, Family Promise, Community Food Connection, Gateway to Independence, Habitat for Humanity, Blount United for Racial Reconciliation, and advocacy for the LGBT community.
Highland has a long history of global mission support for human rights, sustainable living and self development of peoples. Since 2009, Highland members have been visiting Cuba to develop friendships and a respectful partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Taguasco, Cuba.
In a time when many congregations would like to become mega-churches or entertainment centers, Highland values the gifts of being a smaller church community.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit and following the way of Jesus Christ, we share an affirming atmosphere of worship and spiritual renewal, as we encourage one another in Christian love, reaching out in fellowship, peacemaking, and service to others.
We seek diversity in all its form and understand the richness it brings to our lives. We welcome everyone as a child of God.
Today, Highland is a warm and caring congregation, very community-minded, with a strong tradition of meaningful worship, community engagement, peace and justice ministries, global mission, and respect for education in the arts and sciences, as well as biblical and theological studies.
Highland has an ongoing commitment to services that bring good news to the poor and others who are mistreated and marginalized in our community. In particular, we support the work of Good Neighbors, Family Promise, Community Food Connection, Gateway to Independence, Habitat for Humanity, Blount United for Racial Reconciliation, and advocacy for the LGBT community.
Highland has a long history of global mission support for human rights, sustainable living and self development of peoples. Since 2009, Highland members have been visiting Cuba to develop friendships and a respectful partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Taguasco, Cuba.
In a time when many congregations would like to become mega-churches or entertainment centers, Highland values the gifts of being a smaller church community.
- We are more personal than formal in our worship style and relationships.
- We like to know names, share our struggles, and celebrate our joys.
- We value community wholeness, including all ages, members, visitors and neighbors.
- We strive for responsible stewardship with our environment and all of our resources.
- We live and serve with modest budgets that are mission directed.
- Our strengths are in building relationships and respecting differences, as we become instruments of God's peace.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit and following the way of Jesus Christ, we share an affirming atmosphere of worship and spiritual renewal, as we encourage one another in Christian love, reaching out in fellowship, peacemaking, and service to others.
We seek diversity in all its form and understand the richness it brings to our lives. We welcome everyone as a child of God.
