As we step into the month of April, we find ourselves in one of the most meaningful seasons of the Christian year. Easter is before us—a time when we remember not only the sacrifice of Christ but celebrate the victory of the empty tomb. It is a season of renewal, hope, and new life.

I want to take a moment to share how encouraged I am by what God is doing among us. Over the past several weeks, we have focused intentionally on what it means to be true disciples of Jesus Christ. Through the sermons, small groups, and leadership conversations, we have been asking an important question: What does it really look like to follow Jesus in everyday life?

We have talked about the cost of discipleship, the call to abide in Christ, and the importance of living out our faith—not just in belief, but in action. These are the foundations of who we are becoming as a church. At the same time, we have been working to bring greater clarity and direction to our ministry through what we call The Highland Ministry Pathway. This simple plan is helping us align everything we do as a church so that every person knows their next step:
                • Connect – Building relationships and helping people feel at home
                • Cultivate – Growing in faith through discipleship and the Word
                • Contribute – Using our gifts to serve in meaningful ways
                • Commission – Living our mission in our community and beyond

As we move toward Easter, I want to personally encourage you to do three things:
       1. Draw Near to Christ -Take time daily to be with the Lord. Abide in Him. Let this season
           deepen your personal walk.
       2. Engage in the Life of the Church - Be present. Worship faithfully. Join a group. Take a              step forward.
       3. Invite Someone to Easter - This is one of the most powerful opportunities of the year               to reach others. A simple invitation can change someone’s life forever.

I am grateful for each of you. It is a joy to serve as your pastor, and I believe with all my heart that God is leading Highland into an exciting season of clarity, unity, and impact.

I’ve always liked February. Even in the middle of winter, there are small hints that change is on the way. After weeks of cold and quiet, snowy days, the hope of warmer weather feels like a gift. February reminds us that seasons do change, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.
A lot of people see February as the month of love because of Valentine’s Day. While it’s good to celebrate love, Scripture points us to something deeper: love starts with God, not us. “We love Him because He first loved us.” As we spend time with Christ, His love shapes us. It shows in our patience, kindness, how we care for each other, and often in ways we don’t notice right away.
February can also feel quiet and heavy. The excitement of the new year has faded, winter is still here, and life goes back to its usual routines. For many, this season can feel tiring or even discouraging. That’s why I think February is a good time to talk about staying close to Jesus.
Jesus says clearly, “Abide in Me… for without Me you can do nothing.” Abiding isn’t about doing more, trying harder, or keeping busy. To abide is to stay connected and close. To abide in Christ means living our relationship with Christ, not just doing things for Him.
When we stay close to Christ, spiritual growth happens naturally. A branch doesn’t work hard to make fruit; it just stays connected to the vine. In the same way, when we stay close to Jesus through prayer, reading Scripture, and worship, God gently shapes our hearts, our attitudes, and how we treat each other.
This month, I encourage you to slow down a bit. Make time to listen for God’s voice. Open your Bible not just to read, but to hear from the Lord. Pray honestly, bringing your joys, worries, and even your tiredness to Him. Stay close to the Vine. When we do, God promises to work faithfully in us and through us.
Thank you for being a faithful church family. It is a joy to serve as your pastor, and I am grateful for how you love the Lord and care for each other. My prayer is that February will be a month when we simply and intentionally stay close to Jesus.
Bro. Bud

The First week reading was incorporated into our Hanging of the Greens service. The format of this reading is different from the other weeks for that reason.

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17
 
This verse captures the essence of true freedom - one that transcends earthly limitations and aligns with spiritual liberation through faith. This freedom comes from God and is not merely the absence of physical or societal restraints but liberation from spiritual bondage. In the realm of faith, freedom is about release from the chains of sin, guilt, and judgment.
In contrast to earthly definitions of freedom often linked to personal rights and liberties, spiritual freedom is internal and eternal. It speaks to an inner peace and release from what burdens our souls. This freedom is not dependent on external circumstances or legal standings; it is offered through a relationship with Christ facilitated by the Holy Spirit.

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom," encourages believers to follow a Spirit directed life. This does not mean the liberty to act as one wishes, but rather, the freeing experience of living in truth, grace, and obedience to God's will. It's a call to embrace a life led by the Spirit, where the fruits of such a life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness—flourish.

Spiritual freedom brings liberation from fear and uncertainty. By embracing this spirit-led freedom, believers find solace in knowing they are held by a power greater than any worldly authority. This assurance provides a deep-seated security, enabling them to navigate life with confidence and courage.

This freedom also fosters unity among believers. It calls for harmony where each individual, free from self-interest, contributes to the greater good. Spiritual freedom compels believers to serve each other in love, creating a community bound by faith and purpose.
2 Corinthians 3:17 invites us into a transformative experience of freedom transcending the ordinary. This freedom is not just a concept but a living reality available to all willing to walk in the Spirit. It assures us that in every aspect of life, the presence of God's Spirit brings true freedom, freedom to live authentically, love deeply, and pursue a life of shared righteousness and peace.

May God bless you with His truth and His freedom.

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 2

In this short letter (only 14 verses) to his friend Gaius, John the apostle is giving him praise for supporting the traveling ministers coming to his community. As it turns out, even in the early days of the church, some teachers were beginning to distort the message of Christ, the cross and grace. Gaius was a defender of the faith and true message, for which John commended him.

We first notice that John greets Gaius with genuine concern for his health. Good health is something we all desire. As the warmth of summer arrives, we are called to enjoy the beautiful weather and embrace the opportunity to stay active while building our community and nurturing our faith in Christ. Summer is the perfect season to balance relaxation with physical activity, allowing us to recharge our spirits and connect.

Engaging in physical activity offers numerous benefits for our bodies and minds. It helps us maintain our health, improve our mood, and increase our energy levels—vital qualities as we serve others and participate in church life. Furthermore, being active together as a church community strengthens our bonds, encouraging teamwork and fellowship.

Let’s support one another in our journeys to stay active this summer. Share your favorite activities, tips, and experiences on social media, and use our church Facebook page to foster a sense of community. You never know how your story might inspire someone else!
As we embrace summer’s warmth and opportunities, let’s remember that staying active is not just about physical health but about nurturing our relationships, both with God and with each other. Let’s try to come together in fellowship, building a stronger community while staying active.

May your summer be filled with joy, health, and vibrant connections!

I now have three Energizer bunnies on my bookshelf which people have given me over the years. I have mentioned before that when I die, I would like for one of these bunnies to be put in my coffin because I will still be going! (lol) I say this with all sincerity and hope, because I believe the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 when he writes about the resurrection. Because of the Resurrection, we have hope beyond the grave.   21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. (I encourage you to read this passage in its entirety.)

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday (April 13). This day commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as the people excitedly proclaimed his presence and Kingship.  As the week progressed, Jesus continued ministering and healing many.  On Thursday, Christ and his disciples celebrated the Passover meal, what we now call The Last (Lord's) Supper. By Friday, the crowds that worshipped him on Sunday had now turned against him. Oh, the great sacrifice made on that day. But Glory to God on High - he was raised from the dead on the third day just as he said. As you reflect on the events of that week, prepare your hearts to celebrate the Resurrection Easter morning.

As Lent winds down and we approach Easter, take time for serious reflection and self-examination. This has been the season that invites us to consider the immensity of God's love for us that he should send his Son as Redeemer and Savior in His desire to reconcile us to himself. . It is a moment to express our thankfulness for the grace given to us and to renew our commitment in living the life that best honors and glorifies Him.

Easter is also an excellent opportunity to gather with family and friends. We encourage you to invite your loved ones to join our Easter service and share the joy and hope of the Resurrection. This is a perfect time to introduce others to the love of Christ and the community of faith we share. Together, we can embrace Easter's message of hope and renewal.
May God bless you and your families this Easter.
Bro. Bud

Many Christians around the world will soon recognize the season of Lent which begins with Ash Wednesday, March 5. The period of Lent is the 40 days prior to Easter and has much significance in the life of a Christian.

Generally, Lent invites us to consider our relationship with God, identify areas for growth, and seek forgiveness while fostering a spirit of humility and renewal. Spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, and service to others are behaviors that can help believers focus on their faith and relationship with God.  Through these activities the result is often a deeper understanding of our dependence on God and need for reconciliation.

Of the spiritual disciplines many may consider fasting the most difficult. Through the act of fasting, believers cultivate self-control and focus. By abstaining from certain foods or activities, individuals can redirect their attention to God, enhancing their prayer life, Bible study time and spiritual growth. Additionally, fasting encourages a spirit of repentance allowing believers to reflect on their sins and seek forgiveness. It is a time of introspection that reinforces the purpose of Lent as a season of renewal.

Prior to his temptation by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus fasted for 40 days. While in a very physically weak condition, Satan offered Jesus three very "promising" ways to by-pass his mission on earth. Through each of these trials, Jesus held tight to his purpose, his knowledge of the Scripture and His Father.  Through the season of Lent and as we fast, we are reminded of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice. We are encouraged to rely on His strength during our struggles.

Fasting forces us to become aware of our physical needs thereby enhancing our empathy for those hungry or suffering, prompting acts of charity and service.
Finally, the season of Lent with its fasting and other spiritual disciplines prepares our hearts for the celebration of Easter. For 40 days, we have been cultivating a spirit of growth, repentance and renewed relations with God to be made one with Him on Easter as we rejoice in the resurrected Lord, Jesus the Messiah.

Let us journey to the cross together.

Bro. Bud