OCTOBER 20, 2026

It's a busy and exciting week at LHUMC! Our annual Trunk-or-Treat & Chili Cook-Off is this Sunday, and we're preparing to welcome hundreds of children and families from across Lake Highlands. We still need helping hands to make it happen, so take a look at the opportunities below and find a way to join the fun! You'll also find opportunities to connect, worship, and serve in the weeks ahead.

THIS WEEK

TRUNK-OR-TREAT & CHILI COOK-OFF

Sunday, October 25 | 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. | McCree Parking Lot & Great Hall

Join us for an afternoon of costumes, candy, chili, and fall fun at our annual Trunk-or-Treat & Chili Cook-Off! This free community event is open to everyone, so bring the kids, invite your neighbors, and come celebrate with us!

WE NEED YOUR HELP THIS SUNDAY!

We're expecting 250–300 children and families from across Lake Highlands, and we still need volunteers to help make this event a success!

Our biggest needs right now:

Decorated trunks (44 more needed!)
Chili Cook-Off entries
Volunteers for setup, cleanup, and other activities
Side dishes and chili toppings
Individually wrapped, nut-free candy (drop off by October 23 at Entrance D)

Whether you decorate a trunk, enter the Chili Cook-Off, or volunteer during the event, we need you!

Please sign up today and help us create a wonderful afternoon for our Lake Highlands neighbors!

YES, I'LL HELP!

JOIN THE CHRISTMAS CHOIR

Tuesdays | 7 to 7:30 p.m. | Choir Room

Sing during 11 a.m. worship on December 6 alongside a live orchestra! All singers, from middle school students through older adults, are welcome.

Questions? Contact Tanya Allen at tallen@lhumc.com.

MAHJ FOR MORE BENEFITING FEED LAKE HIGHLANDS

Friday, October 23 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Great Hall

Enjoy an evening of mahjong, mocktails, snacks, and prizes while supporting Feed Lake Highlands! Admission is $20 or a bag of groceries for the food pantry. All skill levels welcome!

COOKIES FOR KAIROS

Sunday, October 25 | Kairos Table in the Narthex

Share God's love with our Brothers in White by baking homemade cookies for upcoming Kairos Prison Ministry weekends. Drop off your cookies at the Kairos table in the Narthex this Sunday.

LEARN MORE

WESLEY PILGRIMAGE INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Sunday, October 25 | 12:15 p.m. | Chapel

Interested in traveling to England July 15–24, 2027, to explore the history and spiritual heritage of John and Charles Wesley? Join us for an informational meeting to learn about the itinerary, cost, and plans for the pilgrimage.

WAYS TO SERVE

SPREAD THE WORD

Help us invite Lake Highlands to Trunk-or-Treat! Pick up a yard sign at Entrance D, display it in your neighborhood, and return it after the event so we can reuse it next year.

You can also share the image below on social media or invite friends to visit lhumc.com/trunk-or-treat.

HELP CARE FOR OUR CHURCH

Handy around the house? Our Trustees are looking for volunteers to help with occasional church repairs and improvement projects. Even an hour or two a month makes a difference!

Interested? Contact Jeni Love at lhwildcats@aol.com or Pastor Andy at andyr@lhumc.com.

VOLUNTEER IN CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL

Help make Sunday mornings safe, welcoming, and meaningful for our children! Whether you prefer supporting a classroom or leading a small group, there's a way to serve.

BE AN EXTRA SET OF EYES

Help support our Sunday School classrooms simply by being present and attentive. No teaching or preparation required, and occasional volunteers are welcome!

LEAD A CHILDREN'S SMALL GROUP

Guide a brief discussion using provided questions and close with prayer. No preparation needed! Just two or three Sundays per semester makes a difference.

SUPPORT THE FEED LAKE HIGHLANDS FOOD PANTRY

Help our neighbors facing food insecurity by donating needed items, volunteering, or making a financial gift to Feed Lake Highlands.

DONATE ITEMS

Drop off shelf-stable donations in the LHUMC Narthex anytime. Frozen meat and other items may be delivered to The New Room (10061 Whitehurst Drive, Suite 100) on Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Current needs include frozen meat (no pork), juice, peanut butter, canned protein and fruit, cereal, paper products, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies.

SHOP THE AMAZON WISH LIST

VOLUNTEER

Help receive donations on Tuesdays or prepare and distribute food on Wednesdays. Most shifts are about two hours, with several roles available.

Volunteers ages 6–15 must serve with a parent or guardian, and all volunteers under 18 need a signed minor waiver.

VIEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

MORE WAYS TO SERVE

There are more ways to make a difference at LHUMC!

Serve on the Sunday hospitality team
Donate diapers and baby essentials to Seeds of Support
Help with childcare during Friday morning Seeds of Support classes

LOOKING AHEAD

November 1: ACT Into the Woods Optional Audition Workshop | 2 to 4 p.m. | Prepare for the 2027 Artists of Christian Talent production auditions. Registration for auditions is due November 6. | Learn More & Register

November 2–3, November 23–24, December 21–23 & January 4–5: Triumph Sports Camps | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Lake Highlands UMC | If school is out, Triumph is in! Sports camps are open to children ages 4–12, or PK–5th grade. Pricing varies by camp. | Register for Camp

November 6–8: Exhale Women’s Retreat | Prothro Center at Lake Texoma | Overnight registration is closed, but women can still join us for the Saturday Day Retreat Register by October 21 | Sign Up Now

November 8: Carter BloodCare Blood Drive | 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Carter BloodCare Bus at Lake Highlands UMC | Give the gift of life by donating blood! All donors will receive a plush blanket while supplies last. Photo ID is required. | Schedule an Appointment

November 8: ACT Into the Woods Auditions & Parent Meeting | Auditions from 2 to 6 p.m. | Parent meeting from 2 to 3 p.m. for parents of ACTors and tech participants | Learn More & Register

November 12: Mom Life Service Project | 7 to 8:30 p.m. | Lake Highlands UMC | Join Mom Life to bake gingerbread cookies for Bookmobile kids and assemble hygiene kits for Feed Lake Highlands. A $10 donation for supplies is requested. | Sign Up

November 15: Family Advent Breakfast | 9:30 a.m. | Great Hall | Families are invited to prepare for the Advent season together. There will be no children's Sunday School. | RSVP

November 22: The Table & Thanksgiving Potluck | 11 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary | 12 p.m. Thanksgiving Lunch in the Great Hall | Sign Up to Bring a Dessert or Side

November 29: Advent Gathering for Churches of Lake Highlands | 5 p.m. | Great Hall | Join neighboring Lake Highlands churches for an evening of prayer, worship, and fellowship as we begin the Advent season together. Cookies and hot chocolate to follow.

November 29: Activate 345 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Parlor | An evening of faith, fellowship, and fun for children in grades 3–5.

December 6: Christmas Sing-Along with Orchestra | 11 a.m. Worship | Sanctuary | Sing your favorite Christmas carols accompanied by a live orchestra, and enjoy special music from the Chancel Choir during Communion. Bring a friend!

December 13: LHUMC Kids Present: Glory to God in the Lowest | 5 p.m. | Sanctuary | All are invited!

STAY CONNECTED