This week was hard. Really hard. I had not intended to watch the hearings but it was on. Everywhere. My heart breaks for all those women I know who now have come forward with their stories. The courage that I have witnessed this week gives me hope for the future. 
 
I pray for our culture. I pray for men and women to work together to end sexual violence and all the norms within our culture that support it. I know many good people working in this area, and I see so many who are raising strong and compassionate sons and daughters. 
 
My heart breaks for our deeply divided nation. My heart breaks. It breaks for this nation that I love. Where oh where do we go from here?
 
And yet, when I take a deep breath,  I do trust that a way will come. It will take the people of good heart and faith to restore us as a nation. I trust God will guide us. 
 
I pray for courage for each of us. 
 
Blessings, Beth

Last June, our Senior Youth Group took a mission trip to a little town called Glendora. We played with the local children, ran their after-school program, built a house and dug a foundation. But there was so much more. The twenty-six youth from our youth group are amazing young people-caring, hard working, flexible. Please come and hear their stories. 
 
On Saturday, September 29th, local musicians celebrate fall by hosting their first Porchfest. Our Praise Band will play on one of the porches!
 
Behind the scenes at the Highlands are many teams doing the ministries of the church. When you participate in a team you are doubly blessed. You do the work of the church and you meet and work with amazing people. You are invited to join any of the teams below. Please let Rev. Beth know if you have questions. 
 
Sunday School Team-meets September 28th at 11:30 A.M. Teachers, volunteers and staff plan and prepare for the coming month. 
 
Service and Outreach Team-meets October 3rd at 7:30 P.M. to explore "Service Saturday" and upcoming service and outreach ministries.
 
Membership and Growth Team-meets October 17th at 7 P.M. to check in on coffee hour and other welcoming ministries and to consider a dinner or social event for this winter. 
 
Building and Grounds Team-next meeting TBD. Sometimes they are just too busy to meet and this was a busy summer for this team. They painted the sanctuary, removed some trees but still have some painting and landscaping for this fall. Could you help?
 
Finance Team Team-next meeting TBD. Are you good with numbers and budgets? Join this team. 
 
Middle School and High School Youth Group
Middle School Youth Group contact Janille Hartung at myg@mhcc-ucc.org. 
 
High School Youth Group contact Kent Vienot at syg@mhcc-ucc.org.
 
Sunday School
Contact Julie Fauvel with questions at sundayschool@mhcc-ucc.org.
 
Our Sunday School registration is on-going. Please register at: Sunday School Registration