As October comes to a close, we're looking back on a wonderful afternoon at Trunk-or-Treat and looking ahead to all that's happening in November. This week, we're also excited to share some important staff updates, including welcoming our next Director of Worship and Music!

And don't forget to set your clocks back one hour before bed on Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 1. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep, and we'll see you at church!

THIS WEEK

JOIN THE CHRISTMAS CHOIR

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

Join the Chancel Choir and 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.

ACT INTO THE WOODS AUDITION WORKSHOP

Sunday, November 1 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Fellowship Hall

Get ready for auditions for ACT's 2027 production of Into the Woods! Join us for an audition workshop on November 1. Audition registration closes November 6.

LHUMC STAFF UPDATES

The Staff Parish Relations Committee is pleased to share two important staffing updates at Lake Highlands UMC.

The Director of Finance and Director of Facilities positions have been combined into a new role, Director of Operations. Marci Potts has accepted this position and will oversee both church finances and the maintenance of our facilities.

Volunteers will continue to play an important role in caring for our campus. If you have time or skills to share, have questions about church finances, or notice a maintenance need, please contact Marci at mpotts@lhumc.com.

We are excited to welcome Keum (Kim) Hwang as LHUMC's next Director of Worship and Music! Keum brings extensive experience leading both traditional and contemporary worship as a vocalist, pianist, conductor, and worship leader. Her first Sunday will be January 3, 2027.

Keum holds a Master of Sacred Music in choral conducting and a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance. She is passionate about helping people of all ages discover their God-given gifts and creating opportunities for everyone to serve, grow, and belong through worship.

Outside of ministry, Keum enjoys audiobooks, good food, and spending time with her four-legged family members. She shares, "I believe God gives us many reasons to be grateful, many people to love, and plenty of little joys to appreciate along the way."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

What a fun afternoon at LHUMC! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual Trunk-or-Treat & Chili Cook-Off this past Sunday! From creative trunks and delicious chili to games in the Fellowship Hall, cotton candy, hot dogs, and plenty of candy, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Congratulations to our contest winners!

Best Trunk: Mackenzie McElroy, Samantha Normile, and Courtney Taylor for their Christmas-themed trunk!

Chili Cook-Off Champion: Samantha Parker

A special thank you to all the volunteers, trunk hosts, chili cooks, and families who helped make this community event a success. We loved celebrating with our Lake Highlands neighbors!

WAYS TO SERVE

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

STAY CONNECTED