A Place to Deepen Faith
- By helping people explore different dimensions of spirituality, grounding it in scripture and prayer
- By providing a variety of education and worship opportunities to nurture our Christian faith
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
-Hebrews 11:1
Worship
Worship services are held at 783 West Highland Avenue, Elgin (at the corner of Highland and Larkin) at 9:30am Sunday mornings.
See our Sermons and Meditations blog for recent sermons.
Older sermons (before June 12, 2005) can be found in our Sermons Archive.
Christian Education
Sunday school at Highland Avenue begins at 10:50 a.m. (following worship and fellowship time in Fellowship Hall), until 11:45 a.m.
Children’s Classes
Children’s classes meet September through May; during the summer months 4 year olds through 5th graders are invited to Summer Gather 'Round. After the children's story during worship, children will meet the leader to go downstairs to the Fellowship Hall together as a group.
Highland Avenue utilizes the Gather Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News curriculum, co-published by Brethren Press, publishing house of the Church of the Brethren, and Mennonite Publishing Network, publishing ministry of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. Many know us for our longtime commitment to peace, service, and Christian discipleship.
Gather ’Round Talkabouts are available on the table in the Narthex, one for each family. Content is connected to the weekly lessons.
- Infants: Up to age two – Nursery.
- Preschool/toddlers: Ages 2–3 – Toddler Room.
- Kindergarten: Ages 4–6 – Kindergarten Room.
- Primary: Grades 1–3 – Primary Room.
- Middler: Grades 4–5 – Middler Room.
Youth Classes
- Junior High: Grades 6–8 – Junior High room.
- Youth: Grades 9–12 – Senior High room.
Classes for Adults
Sunday Morning, 10:50am
- Finders Class. The Finders Class is an open discussion forum for young adults (age 18-30). Topics range across the spectrum of faith in the context of the Bible and the ideas, experiences, and traditions of the Church of the Brethren. Doubts and questions are welcome. Videos are often used. Throughout the year there are also social events and retreats. Led by Jim Lehman. Centennial Room, third floor.
- God, the People, and the Covenant. The spring Guide to Biblical Studies explores ways the ancient Israelites wavered between faithfullness and faithlessness and the role of various prophets, kings and leaders in restoring the covenant relationship with God. Led by Mabel Rice and Marcus Valazquez. Fellowship Room, sanctuary level.
- Adult ‘elective’ classes are held during the regular Sunday School year, September through May. The 2010-2011 year included Renewal: America’s Religious-Environmental Movement, Spirituality in the Twilight Zone, and many more.
Wednesday Morning, 10:00–11:30am
- Bible Study. All adults are welcome to join our spirited discussion on topics from Motherhood in the Bible to the book of Revelation. Be ready for honest questions, bold statements, gracious discussion and a lot of laughter. Led by the pastors in the Lounge, on the main floor just across from the sanctuary. Drop-ins are welcome.