Assembly date: March 1, 2009

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our guests this morning! We ask that you fill out one of the white Communication Cards found in the rack on the back of the seats. Place it in the collection tray as it is passed or hand it to one of our greeters at the Welcome Center in the Atrium. If you would like help in selecting an adult Bible class to attend this morning, class information is available at the Welcome Center

Assembly Order • March 1, 2009
Worship Leader: Val Durrington

Come, Thou Almighty King
Come, Ye Sinners

Family Concerns ~ Suzetta Nutt
Pastoral Prayer ~ Charles Mattis

Psalm 93:1-2
Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty
Great in Power
We Will Glorify
Doxology
The Lord’s Prayer

HIS KIDS Worship for 3 - 5 Year-Old Preschool Children
Step by Step

Luke 16:19-31 ~ Katherine Lewis
Ancient Words
Message ~ Mike
Let Us Be You

Communing With the World ~ Randy Halstead
“God of This City”
Come, Share the Lord

Tithes and Offerings
The Church @ Reflection

Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
Benediction

People are like stained-glass windows.  They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.  ~ Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light - for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. ~ Ephesians 5:8-9

Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness. ~ Teresa of Calcutta

The Church @ Reflection - Lenten Light
Many have found renewed life in the practices of ancient Christ followers. There is renewed interest in the “classical spiritual disciplines” as tools for a deeper Christian walk. There is also renewed interest in other ancient practices and traditions. Wednesday, February 25, was celebrated by many followers of Jesus as “Ash Wednesday”, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season. While this language is new to many of us, there has been increased interest in these practices here at Highland.

This season is traditionally marked by fasting, both from foods and festivities, and by other acts of penance. Some people give up something they enjoy a lot, and often give the time or money spent doing that thing to charitable purposes or organizations or spend the time in devotions.

The intent and purpose for these practices was to create times of reflection and remembrance modeled after similar times in Jesus’ life. The two most significant seasons observed by early Christians were Advent (Christmas) and Lent (Easter). In the weeks ahead during the Church @ Reflection we will make opportunities available, for those who choose to participate, to experience some of these practices and traditions.

As we venture into the season of Lent, may we find renewed energy and life in Christ so that His light may shine brightly in us!

CONGREGATIONAL CARE MINISTRY
The Highland Prayer Ministry meets each Monday from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. in the Prayer Room, located on the north side of the building, next to the Playground. If you would like to leave a prayer request, call the Prayer Ministry Request Line at 672-3151. If you would like to have a loved one’s name placed on the Highland Connection prayer list, please contact Beth Reeves at 673-5295.

COMMUNITY MINISTRY
DATES TO REMEMBER
March 21: Freedom Praise and Prayer Service
April 17: FaithWorks Graduation
April 18: Highland Neighborhood Picnic
April 26: Community Ministries Special Contribution
May 16: Freedom Praise and Prayer Service

ADULT FAITH MINISTRY
SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE
Celebrate Life is open to adults of all ages. This class focuses on life skills from a Christian perspective. Bruce Campbell, Patsy Watson, and Terry St. Pierre lead the current study in Room 103.

Families Built on the Rock is a class for young couples and families that meets in Room 115, off the South Foyer across from the Nursery. This class is beginning a five-week series on Applying Spiritual Disciplines.

Sojourners is a large multigenerational class in Room 100. The class continues a study of the Gospel of Matthew, led by Paul Lakey, Richard Beck, Joyce Haley, and Bill Rankin.

WEEKDAY GROUPS
Tuesday Ladies’ Bible Class meets at 9:00 a.m. for coffee and at 9:30 a.m. for Bible study. The General Class in Room 111 continues a series from the book by Max Lucado, 3:16, The Numbers of Hope, led by guest teacher, Betty Davis. The At His Feet Class in Room 110 is continuing Opening the Windows of Blessings, a textual study of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, led by Becky Hendrix. Childcare is provided in Room 113, off the South Foyer.

Esther: It’s Tough Being A Woman continues Mondays from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Room 207.

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
Information about the Small Group Ministry and how to find a small group is available at the Welcome Center in the Atrium and North and South Foyers. There are currently several small group opportunities for friendships and spiritual growth, including newly forming and existing Lifeteams that meet on Sunday evening. For more information, call Mary Lee Mattis at 673-5295 or adultfaith@highlandchurch.org

CAMPUS MINISTRY
Our Sunday morning gathering meets weekly at 10:30 a.m. in Room 207. Our spring theme is ENGAGE! Don’t Embrace! Don’t Escape! We are exploring how to engage culture in redemptive ways.

Small Groups: Join in one of our small groups as we share our lives in conversation and prayer. For information on locations and times for the groups, please contact Katherine Lewis or Becca Frei.

3D MINISTRY
Holy Cow! 3D Retreat: The retreat ends this morning and high school and middle school students will return to Highland TODAY around 1:00 p.m.

Come As You Are for high school students is cancelled for TONIGHT due to their return from the 3D Retreat. There will be no Creative Connection, Soaking, or Are You Hungry. We will resume next Sunday.

Mexico Mission Trip Applications are available TODAY! All current 9 - 12 grade students are invited to Mexico this summer from June 21 - 26. Applications will be due, along with a $50.00 non-refundable deposit, on Sunday, March 15.

Juniors and Seniors are going on a mission trip to Memphis, Tennessee, this summer from July 21 - 27 . Applications are available TODAY in the High School Classroom and at the Welcome Center. Applications will be due, along with a $50.00 non-refundable deposit, on Sunday, March 15.

HIS KIDS MINISTRY
HIS KIDS Worship: All 3 - 5 year-old preschool children are invited this morning to Room 113, off the South Foyer. HIS KIDS Worship will not meet during the two Sundays during Spring Break, March 8 and 15.

Nursery and Preschool Promotions: If you received a promotion postcard in the mail, your child is currently scheduled for promotion. Take your child to the new classroom today! Please contact a HIS KIDS Ministry staff member if you have any questions.

Daddy/Daughter Valentine's Pictures: The formal pictures from this event are available at the table in the North Foyer this morning. Go by to pick up yours today!

Wednesday Night: All 1st through 5th grade children continue to meet in Room 112, which is located across from the Highland offices. Nursery, preschool, and kindergarten children meet in their regular classrooms.

God Talk At Home: Weekly family conversation starters are available at the Children's Information Desk in the North Foyer.

For Twos Only: Childcare is available for all 2’s during worship. Younger Twos meet in Nursery E, off the South Foyer, and the Older Twos meet in the 2’s classroom, downstairs in the North Children’s Wing.

Nursery care is provided each Sunday in the attended Nursery Suite off the South Foyer. Also, the Mom’s Nursery and Family Room are available for infants and toddlers accompanied by parents or grandparents.

Highland 101
Highland 101 meets this morning during Bible class, from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., in Room 111. Gina Lewis of the Highland Welcome Ministry invites you to come and receive information about becoming a part of the Highland Family! This one-time class allows us to exchange information, share a bit of Highland history, and get to know one another.

DINNER FELLOWSHIP
The new-and-improved version of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner: Our goal is to involve every Highland member during the next year. Fellowship is a vital part of community. A group of 8-10 families will be invited for a meal by a host family. If you would like to host one or more of these meals, or for additional information, stop by the office and pick-up a dinner ministry flyer or contact Cheryl Barber. This is a great way to get to know members of our Highland family!

Highland Directory Update
Highland Family Members: If you have not yet picked up an updated contact information print-out or if you would like to purchase a new directory, they are available in the Highland office weekdays during office hours. Color directories are $10.00 and black-and-white are $5.00. The new contact information print-outs are free, one per family. Extras are $2.00 each. If you have questions please call Gina at 673-5295.

Highland Family Retreat
All members of the Highland Family are encouraged to attend the Spring Highland Family Retreat at the HEB Encampment in Leakey, Texas March 27-29. The cost is $20.00 per person. Registration will begin NEXT SUNDAY, March 8, in the Atrium. Come and enjoy the fun and fellowship.

Abilene Hope Haven Community Mentoring
Abilene Hope Haven is looking for volunteers to serve as mentors for individuals as they are transitioning out of homelessness. If you would like to volunteer or would like more information, please contact Lauren Mitchell at Hope Haven.

Remember! Daylight Savings Time begins March 8. Set your clocks FORWARD one hour this Saturday night.

Dwelling in the Word
Sunday: Psalm 103; Deuteronomy 8:1-10; I Corinthians 1:17-31
Monday: Psalm 44; Deuteronomy 8:11-20; Hebrews 2:11-18
Tuesday: Psalm 47, 48; Deuteronomy 9:4-12; Hebrews 3:1-11
Wednesday: Psalm 49, 53; Deuteronomy 9:13-21; Hebrews 3:12-19
Thursday: Psalm 19, 46; Deuteronomy 9:23 - 10:5; Hebrews 4:1-10
Friday: Psalm 51; Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Hebrews 4:11-16
Saturday: Psalm 138; 139:1-23 Deuteronomy 11:18-28; Hebrews 5:1-10