Missions

A statement attributed to the great theologian Emil Brunner proclaims, “The church exists by mission as a fire exists by burning.”  If there is no mission, there is no church.  At Highland, we seek to adhere to this guideline. 

Since its founding, mission has been integral to Highland’s connection with the  community.  The church building is currently the site for many community activities, including a Lyme Disease Support Group, Scouts, and a Clothing Closet.  In addition, Highland is involved in many other outreach efforts, including providing support for Habitat for Humanity, housing the homeless of Harford County, and participation in community blood drives.  We have a strong partnership with Mason-Dixon Community services and with a local nursing home, bringing support and fellowship to the sick, needy, and elderly.

Highland also has a long tradition of involvement with world-wide mission, with several of our members even visiting Guatemala to do “hands on” projects in support of efforts sponsored by Baltimore Presbytery.  Each year, a significant portion of our annual budget is designated for mission support, and in 2001 we established an endowment fund to provide for mission efforts well into the future.    

But mission is not only that which reaches beyond the walls of the church into the community and the world.  It also includes the myriad of ways in which members of the congregation serve their Savior by contributing energy, intelligence, imagination and love in order that the church might be faithful to its calling.  An active Board of Deacons calls regularly on sick and shut-in members; a faithful Board of Trustees cares for the property and business affairs of the church; our Session (Board of Elders) maintains oversight over the worship, fellowship, nurture and outreach of our congregation.  And individuals perform countless services each week as a part of Highland’s efforts to offer authentic service to Jesus Christ. 

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and reliance upon Jesus Christ, we strive to be the church that God has in mind.