Highland Park United Methodist Church — Local services in University Park

The following is an in-depth review:

This is a special church. Trust me, I have been to many. And I am someone who doesn't fit in to many. How me, a guy from a very modest background, with a non-rosy life could be accepted here astounds me. But let me tell you this: these are real people. The church may be in Highland Park, and most people here are very successful, but everyone is still down to earth.

That being said, they also take things seriously here. In a good way. The very first time I visited, years ago, despite the massive throng of people on a Sunday, someone who was working on behalf of the church was observant enough to notice me, and help me get to where I was going. Not only that, but if I recall correctly, they remembered me the next weekend. I myself later went on to volunteer at the church and enjoyed myself greatly.

Additionally, I went on a mission trip with them, a week in Louisiana, where we helped rebuild homes damaged by a hurricane. The mission trip deserves a whole separate post, but the short of it is just to say that the experience was wonderful. All of the volunteers were extremely well taken care of, with great food, access to activities in our down-time, and they even had a nurse just for our trip in case anyone needed assistance! Maybe all churches do this on mission trips; I can't say as I've only been on one, but regardless, it was an amazing time. For a whole host of reasons. But again, everyone was humble, focused, congenial, and genuine. Having not been exposed to this kind of group of people before, it gave me something to aspire to. I found it so endearing how everyone--so many of whom were blessed beyond measure--just poured out those blessings on everyone around them. No judgment, just the patient, kind, and steady application of grace.

I could go on for days, but the point is, if you have a heart for serving, please check out mission trips here. They could run a master class on how to organize an event.

Several other quick-hits:

People dress up here. They take church seriously. It's a beautiful thing.

The church itself is aesthetically beautiful beyond measure. Truly a feast for the eyes. And soul.

Small groups are very well organized, and one I was in had good regular attendance, guest speakers, and friendly people. I was able to make friends with people that I then hung out with outside the church. And at times, I have the personality of a wild bobcat. As I said, these are friendly people. Also smart, studious, and educated. But still open-minded.

At one point, and I have no reason to believe this is still not the case, they had an actual library inside the church. With actual librarians. While people here are faith-based and God-seeking, believers, they are no strangers to reading books and intellectualism. And I mean that in a good way. They do not let their faith cloud their reason. And they are always seeking to learn.

I could continue, but I must wrap it up. Ultimately everyone's church home is a personal decision they must make. But if you are potentially seeking a new church, I would encourage you to check this one out. Could be a life-changer.

(And no, they did not pay me to write this...

Merry Christmas. All of us at Austin Street Center thank you for all of the hospitality that you brought to us in the shelter. However, it seems as though there is a Grinch in the midst of the Highland Park United Methodist Church. Some of us, including myself, did not receive a gift at our Christmas party from the church. Most others in the shelter received a gift of a McDonald's gift card. And for some of us, the Grinch left empty gift boxes under the tree. And for those of us Whos that received empty boxes, we cried boo-hoo! When asking Santy Clauses elves what gives, I was told that there was nothing that can be done and was told "at least you got your towel". I felt as though that I was looked down upon by the church members. A replacement gift would have sufficed at the time. It seems that the true Spirit of Christmas has left the building. Thank you . Merry Christmas!

Homeless client at Austin...

We started going to Highland Park United Methodist during COVID virtually. Our son Langston loves the Belong and The Walk ministries and I am thrilled that he has found a place there. My husband loves playing violin with the Kingdom Singers during the special needs service. We also love Cornerstone and Matt Tuggle is awesome because he has a background in working with children with special needs. The only thing that is missing for me is that bonding access with other moms with special needs kiddos or a place my husband and I can get to know other couples. It's a little isolating but I realize that our schedule is tight to allow for that. There's never a perfect church but I believe this is a perfect place for us to give our kiddo the safe environment he needs to grow and understand the...