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Connecting us with one another, our community, and the world...
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“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
André Gide
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In worship this week:
August 27, 2017
Pastor: Rev. Janie McElwee-Smith
Pianist: Cibele Perusso
Liturgist: Dudley Payton
Ushers: Anne McKnight
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Flowers this morning are presented
to the glory of God and in loving memory
of Jane Payton by Dudley Payton.
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Who are we?
An existential question, to be sure – who we are is an essential question in considering who God is calling us to be.
There is no doubt that we are a branch of the body of Christ, planted on Highland Road, near Bluebonnet, given the commission to grow where we are planted. We have grown over the years, if not always in numbers, certainly in depths of relationships and greater understanding of who God is, so who we are. We have stretched out our branch into the world to offer books to children, a home for ministries in our community, and the literal fruits (and vegetables) of our labors to our neighbors in need.
When asked “what makes Highland Pres unique” during this year’s Session Retreat, our elders answered with two key facets of who we are. First, we are not merely worshippers of God who hang out together once a week, we are a family – one that cares for and prays for one another through thick and thin. Second, we are always trying to grow into this mantra: “Don’t go to church. Be the church.”
May we continue to cultivate such wondrous life among ourselves and reaching out into the world.
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This week in PCUSA Mission:
Country offers a variety of gifts to the world
For the past 25 years, Ghana has had a stable democratic government, and strong economic growth has allowed it to advance into the ranks of lower-middle income countries. While there are still many needs and challenges, the newfound stability and growth has freed people to think beyond their problems. As a result, more and more have begun reflecting on the country’s strengths and the unique aspects of its church and culture. They are now asking, “What are gifts we have to give to the wider world?”
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) continues to work with partners in Ghana in areas like poverty reduction and church development. But these partners also offer wonderful environments in which to learn about African culture and Christian faith, and how to undertake mission, ministry and development work in interesting and innovative ways.
Ghana’s growth and stability have been especially evident in its partners’ educational institutions. Because they are now on more stable footing, these institutions are thinking more and more about what they have to offer the larger Christian community.
One partner, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Ghana, runs Evangelical Presbyterian University…
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Immediate Church Family*:
Doris Baugh; Inez Geoghegan; Betty Lancaster; Dudley Payton; Mary Perry; Deanna Lewis Sklar; Brad Smith.
Extended Church Family*:
Brandon Behrmann (Carol’s nephew); Ron Brelsford (Rosemary John’s brother-in-law); Lettie Capers (friend of the Leonards); Austin Casey (Jack and Betty Bagents’ grandson); Wayne Cline (Sherry Hutchinson’s brother); Eva Fuller (Inez Geoghegan’s niece); Jonathan Kellebrew (the Pfeifers’ daughter’s nephew); Aleta Pickholtz; Earl Rabe (friend of Rick Gurtner); Neomi Robinson (Mary Perry’s helper); Larry Wilcoxson (friend of the Leonards); Barbara Zeagler (friend of the Dyes.)
*
New names or concerns added to the prayer list this week are in italics.
Birthdays
August 27 – September 2:
Wendy Stewart (28)
Anniversaries
August 29 –
Dave and Peggy Adams
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Monday, August 28:
10:00 a.m. Committee on Preparation
for Ministry (Church of the Way)
12:00 p.m. AA
Tuesday, August 22:
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
12:00 p.m. AA
7:30 p.m. AA
Wednesday, August 23:
12:00 p.m. AA
5:30 p.m. HPC Choir
7:00 p.m. Ladies’ AA
Thursday, August 24:
12:00 p.m. AA
8:00 p.m. Men’s AA
Friday, August 25:
12:00 p.m. AA
Saturday, August 26:
Yard Crew – Leonard & Lithgoe
Sunday, August 27:
9:30 a.m. Worship
7:00 p.m. AA
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Upcoming Opportunities at HPC
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·
Lagniappe Ladies
is meeting soon! Remember to mark your calendars for Tuesday,
September 12
(instead of Sept. 5) and sign up on the bulletin board by the kitchen.
·
The Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge will hold its CommUNITY Prayer Breakfast
on September 7, 7:00 a.m., at Boudreaux’s on Government St. For tickets or more information contact Rev. Janie.
·
Next Sunday in worship:
Sunday, September 3 – Communion
with guest preacher, Rev. Judy Roeling
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Highland Presbyterian Church
is a vibrant tree in God's grace-filled orchard. Deeply rooted in God's life-giving presence here on earth, this tree extends its branches to support one another in faith and reach into the world around it to produce fruit. Whether you are seeking God's presence through questions or service, discussion or fellowship, there is a home for you at Highland.
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Connecting with Our Pastor
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Rev. Janie McElwee-Smith
office hours for Rev. Janie are Mon. 10:30am-1pm,
Thurs. 10am-1:30pm
available by appointment Mon. – Thurs. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
cell (call or text): 314.283.7596
office: 766-5775 (please leave a message)
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Highland Presbyterian Church (USA)
10024 Highland Road • Baton Rouge, LA 70810 • 225.766.5775 • www.highlandpresbyterian.org
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