Posts from 2023
The Christmas Difference
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 The words above penned by the Apostle John almost 2000 years ago speak to the world in which Christ the Savior came. Under the rule of the harsh Roman Empire, the Jewish nation suffered much at the hands of their rulers. The phenomenal birth of Jesus brought many different characters together, whether they were angels, shepherds, wise men –all came together to worship the newborn…
December Process Update
Greetings, South Highltanders! The Pastor Nominating Committee continues to be hard at work preparing for our upcoming pastoral transition. As noted in our previous update in October, on a weekly basis we have conducted both internal and external meetings. As the SHPC family knows, in all circumstances God’s blessings abound and that certainly applies to the PNC’s discernment process. During our short time together since late June when the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDF) was approved by the Presbytery, we have…
Interim Pastor Named
On recommendation from the Transitional Pastor Nominating Committee, the Session has unanimously named The Rev. Sam Henderson as Interim Senior Pastor starting in January 2024. Sam is a familiar face to long-time South Highlanders, as he served as an Associate Pastor here from 1991-1997, during the Senior Pastorate of Dr. Dana Waters. Following service in four called pastorates, he retired from full-time parish ministry after sensing a call to dedicated service as an interim pastor. He has served in ten…
Terrorism and War in Israel
Southside Faith Communities Public Statement of Support for our Neighbors and Friends October 12, 2023 As we write this, we know that both Israelis and Palestinians are living in a state of terror, as war rains down on civilians on both sides. We also know that the horrific violence in Israel and Gaza is exacerbating the fear of Jews, Muslims, and Palestinians living around the world, including here in Birmingham. As an interfaith organization, we focus our energies on what…
Update on Our Afghani Friends
by Laura Chapman Editor’s Note: We received word near the end of August 2023 that the Akbarys’ asylum application has been approved. Thanks be to God! It’s been 2 years since our Afghan allies, including the Akbary family, fled Afghanistan due to the fall of their government to the Taliban. They were invited to live in the United States and, with the help of resettlement organizations like Inspiritus and friends like many of you, they are moving forward and successfully…
Ministry Discernment Profile
The Pastor Nominating Committee has been diligently working to complete the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP), essentially the job description for our senior pastor and a thumbnail description of our church. Good news: we received approval of this Form from the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry! We are set to move forward with publishing the Form. We are so thankful for all of your input thus far. To read the Presbytery approved MDP, please click here or use the big button below.…
Thanks for Taking the Survey
The Pastor Nominating Committee has been hard at work reading all of the survey responses on your thoughts for the past, present, and future of South Highland. Thank you for all of the responses, your thoughts and opinions are vital to our work as representatives of the congregation of South Highland Presbyterian Church! Sincerely, The Pastor Nominating Committee
Matthew 25: An Imperative
When Columbia Theological Seminary president Dr. Victor Aloyo visited South Highland in May 2023, he made a big impression with impassioned preaching and teaching. One highlight of his visit was a Sunday School class where he spoke on the topic of “Matthew 25: An Imperative,” highlighting the importance of understanding Jesus’ teaching in Matthew’s gospel. If you missed the class, you may watch the Zoom recording below.
PNC Survey 4/9/23
Greetings, South Highlanders! The Pastor Nominating Committee has been hard at work preparing for our upcoming pastoral transition. As part of that process, we want to hear your thoughts on the past, present, and future of South Highland, as well as the qualities and skills that are most important for our next Senior Pastor to possess. A short survey was provided to all SHPC members via email. Paper copies were also available to pick up at various locations throughout the…
Thinking Outside the Toolbox
I was quite moved during the construction of a Habitat home for the Tonnesha Banks family last fall. On my first day at the build, I noticed a blessing written on a stud in a wall. The next week there were more prayers and blessings written on the frame of the house. This continued for several more weeks until the frame was covered over with sheet rock and siding. God’s presence can be found in every room of the Banks’…
Inside Matthew 25 at SHPC
South Highland has now completed two years as part of the Matthew 25 Initiative. The goals for this initiative are described on the Presbyterian Mission website. Our group of Matthew 25 Initiative advisors are known as the M25 Ambassadors. In-person and Zoom meetings occur quarterly. At the 2016 Together for the Gospel Conference, historian-theologian-author Jemar Tisby spoke of the essential elements of all genuine racial reconciliation, an A.R.C. of Racial Justice (also economic and social justice). Tisby said there must…
New Year’s Resolutions
Are you looking for ways to keep your New Year’s Resolutions? The Matthew 25 Initiative suggests you consider volunteering to assist migrants arriving in Birmingham in January. Trinity West in Homewood expects to receive and assist these migrants in arranging their travel plans from Birmingham to other cities to unite them with their sponsors. Trinity West Homewood is the location. Volunteers will greet the migrants, provide them with food and warm clothing, assist them in contacting their sponsors in other…