After seven months of fundraising and much anticipation, the moment many of us have been waiting for is almost here. Highland Hall is expected to open next month. At least, that’s the plan.

I’ve had the opportunity to go inside this beautifully renovated space to see the progress. Architect Andrew Hicks and the Brasfield & Gorrie team have done a phenomenal job of transforming Highland Hall with help of our Décor Committee: Paula Crockard, Robert Hill and Allene Parnell. Their work and your generosity is truly giving us the necessary space to enable us to continue growing our ministries and welcoming our neighbors. I cannot wait for you to worship and gather there!

Our growing Youth Ministry under the guidance of consultants from Ministry Architects will gather there. It will be home to the Birmingham area college ministry UKirk. Sunday evening worship will soon return to the Assembly Room where a new stage with a lift and a new sound system are installed. The room we are calling THE GARAGE with the overhead doors going out to the new patio area will become a gathering place for our newest dementia ministry called Wellspring. You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about all of these changes at the town hall meeting on October 5.

The Rev. Lucy Turner was instrumental in organizing the Highland Hall campaign and securing the funds with the help of Highland Hall campaign co-chairs Houston and Sheri Cook. Lucy created this town hall as a way to say, “thank you.” We also want to show you how your gifts totaling $653,800 will continue to help us gather where we grow.

Finally, the fall Christian Education term is underway. We are also in the midst of my I John sermon series. There’s no better time to get involved and continue your Christian Education. I hope to see you in the pews and in the classroom.

All the Best,
Bill