Visiting Highlands United Church of Christ

Jesus did not reject people. Neither do we.

This was the message that greeted me on a sign outside Highlands United Church of Christ during a recent visit, and it perfectly sums up the warm and welcoming approach of this delightful congregation here in Springfield, OH.

My wife and I visited Highlands UCC as the congregation is in the midst of a major transition. Having visited before in the past, and personally knowing many of the people in the congregation, I was not at all surprised to be greeted warmly as soon as we arrived.

In the lobby of the church, just outside the sanctuary, we happened upon a display board which asked the question, "Have you been hurt by church?" Here is a picture of that display, which I found among some photos taken at Springfield Pride 2015.

Pastor Avery Sledge and volunteers from Highlands UCC

 The message here is humble and full of grace. There are many individuals and people groups to whom the church has done great harm. Whether it be the spiritual violence of messages which do not affirm the God-given dignity and worth of every person, or policies which deny full participation in the life and work of the church, there are many ways that Christians (sometimes well-meaning, sometimes not) have cause more harm than good.

From the outset, Highlands UCC seeks to bring peace and healing to those who have experienced hurt.

Pastor Avery Sledge delivered a challenging and encouraging sermon on the day of our visit. Avery's story is fascinating and inspiring.

Rev. Avery has done much to shepherd her congregation as they seek the Kingdom of God here in Springfield. She describes herself as a "walk the walk Child of God who happens to be Christian."  She has spoken and participated in Springfield at the PRIDE event, where Highlands UCC was represented. She also spoke at the Welcoming our Muslim Neighbors rally on a bitter cold February afternoon, and spoke at the ecumenical vigil for Lelah Alcorn on a cold January night at City Hall Plaza.  In the past, Avery has led mission teams to Appalachia (Red Bird Mission and Henderson Settlement) to be with families and help winterize their homes. Avery has washed the feet of homeless persons for Project Homeless Connect in Denver to help medical staff assess health issues in a non-threatening way. And Avery has been a chaplain at a Level I trauma hospital in Denver. Avery is a member of Equality Springfield and Dayton PFLAG, and has served at the St. Paul UMC soup kitchen in Dayton.

By the way, Rev. Avery Sledge is also a transgender person.

Avery's story has been featured in the Facing Project and other mediums. Click here to read Avery's story in her own words. We will be delving deeper into Avery's story in future blog posts!  Stay tuned.

Avery's leadership is the most recent in a long line of progressive and effective teachers and leaders heaven-bent on bringing peace and light into our community. Highlands is no stranger to acts of welcome.

Here is a picture of the banner which hangs near the main entrance of the church, and many other UCC congregations around the world:

Earlier this year, Highlands UCC experienced vandalism which specifically targeted their welcoming message. In the early morning hours on or around New Years Eve 2017, someone cut the banner down.

Pastor Avery Sledge, surveying the damage

This is not the first time the church has experienced vandalism or critical commentary from the community. The church has been targeted for criticism on many fronts, primarily because they faithfully insist on extending the Gospel message of Peace to each and every person. 

In spite of the naysayers, Highlands UCC has a long history of engaging in social justice issues in the community, and they have been a stable presence in action and conversation related to those who are alienated and marginalized... often by the Christian church at large. Take a look at this statement, which is a portion of the church's official history statement:

Highlands UCC became an Open and Affirming Congregation on January 13, 2013. Highlands has been represented at Indivisible Springfield Rallies, Springfield PRIDE, Springfield Culturefest, city council meetings concerning equal protections in employment and housing for LGBTQ persons, Springfield Soup kitchen, Vigils for LGBTQ folks who met with violence. Interfaith Hospitality, Rallies for our Muslim Neighbors, and support for the Open Hands Free Store.  In addition, Highlands has long valued a strong sense of fellowship through dinners, coffee hours, picnics and social events.  Highlands closes out 134 years of ministry in Springfield by leaving a legacy for other ministries within Springfield and the world to be strengthened. We leave this building to share God’s love in other places in the world.

You read that final portion correctly. Highlands UCC will be closing later this year. Their final service will take place at 3pm on November 19th. If you are available, please plan to attend to celebrate all the marvelous works that have been carried out in Springfield at the hands of Highlands UCC and those in their ever-widening circle of influence.

I am so grateful for the presence of Highlands UCC in Springfield. Their prophetic voice has left an unmistakable impression on our collective culture, and the lives and work of members of Highlands UCC have inspired me to elevate the conversation whenever possible, to extend welcome to all of my neighbors regardless of their background, and to be courageous in the face of criticism.

There is a lot of good to be found in our community, and Highlands has exemplified that good for over 100 years. Congratulations on the work you have done, Highlands UCC. Thank you for your influence. Well done, good and faithful servants.