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## Sitemaps
- [XML Sitemap](https://vhchurch.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Blog
- [PC Update – May 2018](https://vhchurch.org/pc-update-may-2018/): Thank you,
- [PC Update – April 2018](https://vhchurch.org/pc-update-february-2018-2-2/): You can help prepare for these efforts by:
- [PC Update – March 2018](https://vhchurch.org/pc-update-february-2018-2/): You can help prepare for these efforts by:
- [Organic Farm Box Pick-up Program](https://vhchurch.org/organic-farm-box-pick-up-program/): Rodgers Greens and Roots Certified Organic Farm Boxes will be available to pick-up at Virginia-Highland Church this year. Sign-up and receive 7-8 different locally-grown, organic vegetables each week for $30. Pick-up is every Tuesday at our church from 4 pm to 8 pm.
- [Sunday Mornings with Children’s Ministry](https://vhchurch.org/sunday-mornings-with-childrens-ministry/): Our children's ministry continues to grow! And so too must our volunteers! We're looking for more adult volunteers to help out with our Children's Ministry during Sunday morning worship. To keep our children safe, we need to have at least two adults with them when they are not in worship on Sundays. After you've completed our Safe Church training and a background check, you can sign up for Sundays, during which you will leave worship with the kids and participate in the children's scripture exploration lessons. Sign up to either teach a lesson or assist a teacher. Teachers will receive a lesson plan from Jocelyn on the prior Thursday. Assistants show up on Sunday and work with the Teacher as you play games, laugh at jokes, wonder about the mystery of God, and help faith grow.
- [Calling all middle and high school youth!](https://vhchurch.org/calling-all-middle-and-high-school-youth/): All students in grades 6-12 are invited to VHC Youth Gatherings! Let us know that you'd like to be a part of these by filling out the form below and have your parent/guardian fill out this permission form.
- [Volunteering with Youth Ministry @ VHC](https://vhchurch.org/volunteering-with-youth-ministry/): If you have a heart for our young people and would be interested in mentoring and leading youth in grades 6-12, let us know below.
- [VHC Faith Formation Team!](https://vhchurch.org/vhc-faith-formation-team/): Want to be a part of the dream team? Are you interested in investing in the spiritual growth of our community? The Faith Formation Team will be putting together all of these pieces that help form disciples of Christ. Join the team!
- [PC Update – February 2018](https://vhchurch.org/pc-update-february-2018/): Your Parish Council met after church on February 11 for our regular monthly meeting. I wanted to share a few highlights from that meeting to help you stay informed.
- [ALT-Jesus?](https://vhchurch.org/alt-jesus/): I intended to boycott the State of the Union address. Then my kids made a compelling case for being “informed citizens.” Dang.
- [It’s Time For The Dream To Continue](https://vhchurch.org/time-for-the-dream-to-continue/): As I reflect on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday, so much gets stirred up for me and in me. In years past, I would reflect on Rev. King’s dream for the future, the service projects conducted on that day and the Civil Rights Movement itself. I would categorize those reflections in the context of Rev. Dr. King’s dream and I would ask: what is the status of the dream at that moment?
- [Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire](https://vhchurch.org/fire-and-fury/): Well Happy New Year to each of you!
- [A Letter To All, Particularly For Women](https://vhchurch.org/a-letter-to-all/): A Message to All, Particularly for Women,
- [Congratulations Virginia-Highland Church!](https://vhchurch.org/congratulations-vhc-2/): Praises to God in your moving forward and voting to have Rev. Matt Laney as the next Senior Pastor of Virginia-Highland Church. Your vote is an indication of the strong belief that you have in God, who is the Great Convener, the One who has joined Rev. Laney to this church at such a pivotal time. Exercising your faith with this vote shows that you are willing to do God’s work and you desire a space for God’s will to be done.
- [Removing the Masks, Revealing my Talents](https://vhchurch.org/removing-the-masks-revealing-my-talents/): I recognize last week’s sermon may have been a lil’ heavy for some. It was tough for me also. I mean, who really comes to church expecting to hear to remove the masks that we have been wearing for so long? Personally, I am not that keen on being reminded that I have flaws that I have been covering up, that we all have flaws. The beauty; however, is that we (all of God’s children) have flaws! Not only do we have some huge flaws, yet God with all infinite wisdom and compassion loves us beyond our faults and sees our needs.
- [Many Rivers To Cross](https://vhchurch.org/many-rivers-to-cross/): These words from the classic song by Jimmy Cliff (1969) certainly hint of being downtrodden, down on one’s luck and just – down!
- [Prayers For Sutherland Springs, TX](https://vhchurch.org/prayers-for-sutherland-springs-tx/): Once again, another senseless shooting has occurred.  At least 26 people were killed as they attended services at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, TX.
- [Can You Imagine?](https://vhchurch.org/can-you-imagine/): What an amazing and moving Reformation Sunday!
- [Mes De La Herencia Hispana](https://vhchurch.org/mes-de-la-herencia-hispana/): Today's "Liberating Word" was written by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, senior minister at Middle Collegiate Church, which is Rev. Michael Piazza's new church home. Each week, Rev. Dr. Lewis writes a letter of sorts to the Middle Church family, and Rev. Piazza thought sharing it with you would be an excellent way for you to get to know his friend and colleague, which he is anxious for you to do.
- [Las Vegas: Do More Than Pray](https://vhchurch.org/las-vegas-do-more-than-pray/): Like you, I awoke yesterday to the horrible news of another mass shooting, this time in Las Vegas. As of this writing, 59 are dead and more than 500 were wounded.
- [Jesus Was A Foodie](https://vhchurch.org/jesus-was-a-foodie/): Yesterday, I preached my first sermon as the executive pastor of Middle Collegiate Church in New York City's East Village. It was World Communion Sunday, and these are some of the words I offered:
- [Bill Is Not Here](https://vhchurch.org/bill-is-not-here/): So, I am in Ohio today to work with a wonderful congregation in Middleburg. Tomorrow, I get to be with the good folks of Hudson, Ohio. Then, on Saturday, I'm doing my favorite workshop, "Vital Vintage Worship." When it is finished, I have to catch a plane to New York. I get there about 9:15 p.m. ... 12 hours before I preach at Middle Collegiate Church, which is my new assignment.
- [Racism Infects Every White Person](https://vhchurch.org/racism-infects-every-white-person/): The popular-vote loser in the White House insists that his opposition to protests by players in the National Football League is not about race. Before I throw the B.S. flag, I want to say I think he actually believes that. Although I've spent my entire life (until this coming Sunday) living and working in the South, I don't think I've ever met a living soul who thinks they are racist.
- [Profiting From Illness](https://vhchurch.org/profiting-from-illness/): I have a dear longtime friend who recently learned he has lymphoma. He managed to get an appointment at the Mayo Clinic, and their oncology department told him that, with quick treatment, he stands a good chance for a complete recovery. They went on to design a chemotherapy regimen to begin ASAP. A couple of weeks later, he returned for treatment, only to learn that his health insurance provider (Molina Healthcare) will not pay Mayo to treat him. Despite repeated appeals, he finally returned home to Dallas to find an oncologist there who can administer Mayo's planned treatment. Once he found one, he was stunned to learn that Molina also won't pay them. He is in the process of appealing once again.
- [Take A Knee](https://vhchurch.org/take-a-knee/): Yesterday, many players in the National Football League, and even a couple of owners and coaches, used the National Anthem to call attention to racial inequality in this country. The dramatic increase in these protests was a direct result of the resident of the White House classlessly calling protesters "sons of b*tches" and advocating that they be fired. He was speaking to an, essentially, all-white audience in Alabama.
- [A War On The Poor](https://vhchurch.org/a-war-on-the-poor/): It was my plan to tell you today about my final sermon as senior pastor of Virginia-Highland Church, which I will preach on Sunday; however, I'm too angry to talk about that right now.
- [Awakening To What Is In Our Hearts](https://vhchurch.org/awakening-to-what-is-in-our-hearts/): Last Sunday, I was at what is soon to be my new assignment in life. I had never heard Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis preach at Middle Collegiate Church. Oh, I have heard her preach; we met many years ago when we both were preaching and teaching at a large conference of Unitarian pastors. I was awed then and have been impressed by her every time since. I know how amazingly gifted she is, which is why I'm excited about serving Middle Collegiate Church with her.
- [Second Guesses](https://vhchurch.org/second-guesses/): Last night, I slept on an inflatable mattress in my new apartment in Manhattan. That certainly doesn't make me a New Yorker, but it is one step closer. Today, I will return to Atlanta, to Brix, to my condo, and to Virginia-Highland Church. Although I have not yet gotten on the plane to Atlanta, I can make one prediction with confidence: I will spend the next few days second guessing my decision and wondering if grief has caused me to lose my mind.
- [There Are Two Sides To Every Story … NOT!](https://vhchurch.org/there-are-two-sides-to-every-story-not-2/): This Liberating Word first appeared on September 17, 2015. I hope when you read it you will agree that it bears repeating.
- [The Scandal of Grace](https://vhchurch.org/the-scandal-of-grace/): One of the painful things about reading the Gospel is that Jesus extends grace to people even when they need it. I know that sounds strange, but if you have hung out in churches for any length of time you know we love to sing about grace and talk about grace only until someone really needs grace. Then we suddenly become the Christians Mark Twain described as "good in the worst sense of the word."
- [Steadfast Love](https://vhchurch.org/steadfast-love/): There is a blog that asks, "What if God's love really does endure forever?" Two of my favorite books are If Grace is True and If God is Love. All three challenge us to believe things that are contrary to the evidence of our secular experience, yet they are tenants of core Christian beliefs. To engage these truths fully and to live as if they are real is revolutionary and absolutely contrary to the lifestyle and patterns of modern American life.
- [We Who Have Known Grace](https://vhchurch.org/we-who-have-known-grace/): Dr. Carol Bechtel, a professor of Old Testament at Western Theological Seminary, wrote a book entitled Life After Grace. In one chapter, she describes an episode from the TV series "Antiques Roadshow." A young couple stands fidgeting as they await the verdict from the antiques dealer. He is about to tell them how much Great-Aunt Gertie's cherished dresser is worth.
- [Becoming The Caregiver](https://vhchurch.org/becoming-the-caregiver/): It is a difficult experience to shift from being cared for to being the caregiver. I've talked to many people who had to make this shift suddenly with their parents. In the best of circumstances, becoming the caregiver can be a challenging time. We either are young enough to care for those who are younger than we or old enough to care for those who are older. I had lunch with my own parents recently, and I am grateful that they are doing so well considering they are in their mid-80s, and considering I am moving even further away from them.
- [Some Things Just Happen](https://vhchurch.org/some-things-just-happen/): So, I'm working on my sermon, and I am finding the job very difficult. Partly that is because this will be the penultimate sermon I will preach as senior pastor of Virginia-Highland Church. Our modern lesson on Sunday will be from the movie "La La Land," and next Sunday our homeless ministry, called The River, will lead the service. The last Sunday of the month will be my last sermon at the church.
- [Insecure Evil](https://vhchurch.org/insecure-evil/): I wonder how much evil has been done because a person with power is insecure. I know that almost everything I regret doing or saying in my life came from that broken place in my soul. You'd think I'd be over it by now, but the best I can say is that I'm more aware of it and better able to resist it ... sometimes.
- [College Football Saturday](https://vhchurch.org/college-football-saturday/): My youngest daughter, who graduated from the University of Georgia, came to Atlanta to see me this weekend. On Saturday, we drove to Athens to see the first game of the football season. We even went over early to tailgate with about 20 other folks. It was fun, though I clearly was old enough to be everyone else's father. So, it was a bit awkward for me ... and perhaps just a bit for everyone else. Still, it was opening day, and Georgia won pretty easily.
- [Hero, Heroine, or Héro?](https://vhchurch.org/hero-heroine-or-hero/): The word "hero" most often summons male images. In part, that's because we most often use "hero" for men and "heroine" for women, at least until recently. I'm glad we are abandoning that convention, as well as the distinction between actor/actress, though it is interesting that we have retained the traditional male terms. There is one exception to that. I recently had to complete a form, and I checked the box labeled "widow." Since then, I've been wondering if that is the new standard for a person, male or female, who has lost a spouse.
- [Other Half, Lover, or Partner?](https://vhchurch.org/other-half-lover-or-partner/): When people would ask Bill or me how we managed to keep our relationship going for so long, often I would say that part of the secret was that we built our lives as two people who didn't need one another to be complete. Instead, we chose to be together, so everything we gave to one another was a gift, not a demand or payment. That seems right. We both were pretty self-contained, and Bill was convinced that, even after he was gone, I would find my way.
- [The Tool Of Unvarnished Honesty](https://vhchurch.org/the-tool-of-unvarnished-honesty/): On Sunday morning, I quoted an article by Ann Lamott entitled "Becoming the Person You Were Meant to Be." She wrote, in part:
- [Indulging The Indulgent](https://vhchurch.org/indulging-the-indulgent/): I recently was standing in line at the airport to board a flight home. Fortunately, because I fly so much, I had been upgraded and was in the first group. They, of course, invite folks who need a little extra time to board first, so a few people in wheelchairs, along with the elderly and those with other challenges, go to the head of the line. When Bill was boarding his last flight last year he had enough strength to walk down the jetway, so he didn't particularly look like he needed help, but he did.
- [New Rituals](https://vhchurch.org/new-rituals/): This Sunday will mark our third year celebrating Water Communion at Virginia-Highland Church. Last year, Miss Blanche, who is closer to 100 than to 90, led the procession to bring water to the chancel. I asked her if she would bring the water that Bill collected from the River Jordan during our honeymoon. That was one of the most beautifully sacred moments in my church life. I thought I was handling it all pretty well until she started down the aisle on the arm of a deacon and the entire congregation started to sob simultaneously.
- [Follow-Up To “My Health Insurance”](https://vhchurch.org/follow-up-to-my-health-insurance/): Last week I wrote a Liberating Word designed to motivate us all to advocate for universal health care in the United States. Because we have the most expensive health care in the world, which no one ranks as the best, you would think it would be provided for everyone, just as it is in EVERY other major industrialized nation.
- [Euthanasia](https://vhchurch.org/euthanasia/): Last week I read a story about a 91-year-old couple in Denmark who had been married 65 years. They kissed one another tenderly and then died together holding hands.
- [Well, I Never Thought About That…](https://vhchurch.org/well-i-never-thought-about-that/): "Well, I never thought about that ..."
- [Hidden Figures](https://vhchurch.org/hidden-figures/): This Sunday at Virginia-Highland Church, the modern lesson will be taken from the movie "Hidden Figures." If you have not seen it, you must. It is, of course, the story of the African-American women who were the "hidden figures" that made early space exploration possible and successful. It is an amazing story based on several heroes who names we never knew. I found their stories deeply moving and a bit disturbing.
- [My Move Is Indicting Me](https://vhchurch.org/my-move-is-indicting-me/): I am headed to Manhattan today to look for an apartment. Searching for one online has me stressed to the point of distress. How on earth can people afford to live in the city?!? I found one place close to the church that is just more than 500 square feet and costs only $60,000 a year to rent. My bedroom, closet, and bathroom in Atlanta are about 500 square feet, and my home is paid for.
- [My Health Insurance](https://vhchurch.org/my-health-insurance/): I signed up for COBRA yesterday. Frankly, I don't even know what the acronym means. I just know that it allows you to continue your health insurance. I am grateful for that. Bill's company allowed me to remain on his policy for one year, and that saved me a lot of money. The policy now is four times what it was. I'm truly grateful to have it, though, because the United Church of Christ's insurance turned me down due to "pre-existing conditions." (I've had high blood pressure since we started building the Cathedral of Hope.)
- [Many Sides](https://vhchurch.org/many-sides/): I currently am preaching a sermon series called "Faith & Film." Yesterday, we used "Spider-Man" as the modern lesson, and last week we used "Wonder Woman." So, yesterday, I talked about what it means to be a superhero.
- [Too Many Choices](https://vhchurch.org/too-many-choices/): This Sunday's modern lesson is "Spider-Man." I didn't really enjoy the most recent movie, but that's okay because it isn't out on DVD yet, so I can use clips from previous movies. It is nice to have choices ... usually. It also can be a bad thing.
- [“It Is Not About Deserve”](https://vhchurch.org/it-is-not-about-deserve/): Last Sunday, I used "Wonder Woman" as the modern lesson through which our still-speaking God shared wisdom. I had to watch clips of it several times to be sure I quoted it right. There were so many lessons to be gained that it was an easy movie from which to preach.
- [Moving Without Bill](https://vhchurch.org/moving-without-bill/): Last Sunday, I announced that I am leaving Virginia-Highland Church and going to Middle Collegiate Church in Manhattan. It was a tough announcement to make because I really love this church. They got me through the hardest year of my life. Oh, I know there will be other tough times in my future, but life has done the worst that it can do to me and they were there.
- [Sticks And Stones](https://vhchurch.org/sticks-and-stones/): I recently was talking to a couple at church who had JUST found out they were pregnant. Even though they did not know the gender of the child, they already had pick out a name ... a unique name. They explained that they didn't want him or her ever to be confused when someone called their name. I bit my tongue, but I wanted to tell them that the kid better be tough because they were in for many years of teasing by the other kids.
- [Wonder Woman](https://vhchurch.org/wonder-woman/): This Sunday, the film "Wonder Woman" will be the modern lesson at Virginia-Highland Church as we start our sermon series Faith & Film. On Friday nights during this series, we will show the movie the sermon is based on. The trouble this week, though, is that WW is still in theaters and a big hit, so it isn't out on DVD or available for streaming quite yet. No worries, though; we have episodes of the old TV show.
- [From Mere Disciple To Saint](https://vhchurch.org/from-mere-disciple-to-saint/): Sunday, during the Gospel concert at Virginia-Highland Church, I couldn't help but recall that it was for one of these July concerts in 2016 that Bill was last in the church. He was weak, but people were so happy to see him. He wanted to be supportive of the music program, who later would do a magnificent job at his memorial service.
- [The Pearl Of Great Price](https://vhchurch.org/the-pearl-of-great-price/): Although much of Gospel music speaks of heaven and the next life, in the parables Jesus told we learn how God's reign really comes on earth as it is in heaven. What would it look like for God to reign in your life? What would it take for you to become a living expression of God's Realm on earth? And how can that happen?
- [Learn One Another’s Songs](https://vhchurch.org/learn-one-anothers-songs/): Yesterday, I attended a wonderful Gospel and classical concert at Virginia-Highland Church. It was an amazing illustration of the gifts at our church. The two powerful sopranos were African-American. One of the singers is right at home singing Gospel-style country and folk music and playing in the string band, though by day she is a professor at Georgia Tech. One member of the choir has a great tenor voice and presents as a woman, but doesn't identify with either gender. One of the tenors is Vietnamese. I could go on about each member of the music program and tell you what makes them unique and special.
- [Healing Division By Celebrating 94 Years](https://vhchurch.org/healing-division-by-celebrating-94-years/): This Sunday is Virginia-Highland Church's 94th birthday. It doesn't look a day over 70, but there was a time when people thought it would never live this long. The past few years have seen a great rebirth, and it is now a strong, vibrant, serving, diverse congregation. It is the kind of church I always dreamed of being a member of. Black, white, Hispanic, and Asian people gather for worship. They are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight. Miss Blanche joined the church in the earliest days and has remained almost all of her nearly century-long life. We also have a nursery full of babies and toddlers. I love this place.
- [We’re In Amaze](https://vhchurch.org/were-in-amaze/): In his book The One Life We're Given, poet and philosopher Mark Nepo talks about how there are, essentially, two fundamental kinds of work. The first is the work that is necessary for our survival, that which keeps us fed, clothed, and sheltered. This work keeps us physically cared for and protected.
- [I Hate Exercise](https://vhchurch.org/i-hate-exercise/): Bill used to say that exercise made him feel better. He was very devoted to it, going to the gym even through chemotherapy. Calling to cancel his gym membership was a clear sign that the end was near and he knew it. His gym pass is one of the useless things I haven't been able to throw away.
- [A Gift Of Grace](https://vhchurch.org/a-gift-of-grace/): On Friday, I was talking to a friend who was complaining about something they did because it needed to be done. My response was directly from Bill. We discovered early on in our relationship that each of us had different priorities when it came to housework and how we spent our only day off every week.
- [A Lesson On Prayer From Rev. William Barber](https://vhchurch.org/a-lesson-on-prayer-from-rev-william-barber/): Rev. William Barber, the founder of the Moral Monday movement in North Carolina, wrote an open letter to the clergy who recently met and prayed with the president. It reads, in part:
- [We Are NOT The Artist](https://vhchurch.org/we-are-not-the-artist/): Our lives are works of art, but we are not the artist. That is a hard truth to accept, and I suppose some never do. I remember a poem I memorized as a kid that says:
- [Why Are We Here ?!?](https://vhchurch.org/why-are-we-here/): According to Buddhist teachings, there are three poisons that make us forget why we are here and what really matters: ignorance, greed, and delusion. The trouble is we don't know what we don't know. Or as Mark Twain said, "It's not what you don't know that hurts you, but what you know for sure that just ain't so." I suppose that is where delusion comes in.
- [Consumed With Gratitude](https://vhchurch.org/consumed-with-gratitude/): Today is 7/17/17. It is also my birthday. No matter what happens today, it will be a better day than last year.
- [A Return To Prayer](https://vhchurch.org/a-return-to-prayer/): One year ago today, I stopped praying. We had reached the place in Bill's illness where it was clear that the miracle for which we had been praying was not going to happen. As impossibly painful as it was, I had to let him go, so I stopped praying. A couple of weeks earlier, Bill had described a vision/dream in which he was walking on the beach with Jesus who invited him to quit fighting and come with him. I responded by saying, "Jesus should mind his own damn business."
- [Dejuan Guillory](https://vhchurch.org/dejuan-guillory/): This beautiful young man is Dejuan Guillory. You may never have heard of him, but you should have. On July 6, he was shot dead by a rural Louisiana sheriff's deputy. His crime? He was riding an all-terrain vehicle on a rural gravel road.
- [As Long As Ever I Can](https://vhchurch.org/as-long-as-ever-i-can/): What do you do when your future disappears? Fortunately, Bill and I tried to live every day fully. We were blessed with lots of fantastic days and looked forward to many more. Bill looked forward to retiring sooner rather than later so he could travel with me and work with me. He loved church work as much as I do and was ready to use his energy doing that even more than he did.
- [Social Media Ministry](https://vhchurch.org/social-media-ministry/): The general synod of the United Church of Christ was held last week. It was great to see people I have come to love, but I didn't expect to meet so many people who read Liberating Word whom I had never met in person. A great number of people came by to talk to me about Bill. It was very touching and meaningful to know that you can connect with people on a profound level through social media. This must be true for all ages considering most of these new friends were over 40 or 50, and many are retired.
- [I Am Mad As Hell](https://vhchurch.org/i-am-mad-as-hell/): I am mad as hell. Admittedly, much of that anger is rooted in my grief at the loss of Bill, my dreams, my future, and so much of who I am and was becoming as we went through life together, but I'm also really pissed at what is happening in our country. How can people let our nation's values and principles be eroded so crassly?
- [A Soul-Friend](https://vhchurch.org/a-soul-friend/): Author, educator, and activist Parker Palmer said, "When the heart breaks, it takes only one soul-friend to help it break open instead of apart."
- [Who Knew?](https://vhchurch.org/who-knew/): Who knew? This has been a very difficult time, which I didn't expect at all. Grief takes you on its own journey, and, although you can try to dictate the terms, in the end, it always has its way with you. Ironically, leading such a social media-connected life has contributed greatly to my current sense of loss.
- [TrumpCare](https://vhchurch.org/trumpcare/): No matter how Republicans spin it, the latest version of "Trumpcare" gives a massive tax cut to the richest 400 families in America and severely punishes the poorest and least-able Americans. Kellyanne Conway says that all those on Medicaid should get jobs. She is a part of the arrogant, white, privileged class this proposal represents.
- [Celebrating Diversity](https://vhchurch.org/celebrating-diversity/): This Sunday at Virginia-Highland Church, we are celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride. We haven't done that in June since I've been the pastor. The city of Atlanta celebrates gay pride in October, but most of the country observes it near the anniversary of the riots at the Stonewall Inn, which occurred on June 28, 1969.
- [A Disco Life](https://vhchurch.org/a-disco-life/): Since Pentecost, I have been reprising an old sermon series called iGod: Downloading Tunes from Heaven. Each week, we use a different musical genre to illustrate the assigned scripture lesson. Last week, we listened to, and I preached about, classical music, and the service began with an oboe piece played by our music director in which he accompanied himself on the organ. The special music was a classical piece sung by a member who has a glorious voice. The first week we used country music, and that was lots of fun, especially when Dolly Parton made a special appearance during the prelude.
- [Georgia’s Sixth District](https://vhchurch.org/georgias-sixth-district/): Democrats were deeply disappointed last night to lose the most expensive congressional election in history. The outcome in Georgia's sixth district might have been disappointing, but it should not have come as a surprise. Sure, the polls were close, but, in the end, the Republicans won by almost six percent, which was three times the margin of victory by which President Trump won.
- [I Am Over Caitlyn Jenner](https://vhchurch.org/i-am-over-caitlyn-jenner/): A crowd at the College Republican National Committee convention erupted in laughter and applause on Friday when featured speaker Caitlyn Jenner joked about an attack on a group of Republican lawmakers, saying, "Liberals can't even shoot straight."
- [Philando Castille](https://vhchurch.org/philando-castille/): I wish I could say I was shocked by the Philando Castile verdict, but, unfortunately, it seemed entirely predictable. I was driving when I heard the news, and I wanted to pull over to the side of the road and cry, cry out against the injustice of it all. I did find myself screaming aloud, "What does a black man have to do in this country to get justice against the police?"
- [Let’s Harmonize](https://vhchurch.org/lets-harmonize/): Last Sunday was Pentecost, and, in my sermon, I talked about how no one other than an exuberant, extravagant, effusive God would mix together fire and wind in a locked upper room. So, given the dramatic action of God to empower disheartened people, I decided to revive a sermon series I preached 15 years ago.
- [The Ketogenic Diet](https://vhchurch.org/the-ketogenic-diet/): Inspired by a dear friend who has lost a ton of weight on the Ketogenic Diet
- [Be More Like Donald Trump](https://vhchurch.org/be-more-like-donald-trump/): Like many of you, I have been apoplectic about the hubris demonstrated by pulling out of the Paris Agreement. I was anxious to see what the polls said about the decision. Democrats, of course, were overwhelmingly opposed to Trump's action. To my surprise, Republicans disagreed with him, too. Even Trump voters were opposed by a small margin.
- [Unsubscribe](https://vhchurch.org/unsubscribe/): During the 12 or 13 years that we have produced Liberating Word the number of "subscribers" has waxed and waned. These days, it often is read from Facebook or Twitter, so tracking readership is more challenging. One thing we always have tried to monitor is the number of people who unsubscribe and why.
- [Fear Of Immigrants](https://vhchurch.org/fear-of-immigrants/): Immigration is very controversial, especially of late, but concerns about immigrants isn't a new phenomenon. Ben Franklin feared that German immigrants would cause the colonies to forget their English heritage. At the turn of the 20th century, a wave of Irish and Italian immigrants stirred fear that the country would become Roman Catholic and the pope would determine our laws and policies.
- [A Book Written By, And For, Immigrants](https://vhchurch.org/a-book-written-by-and-for-immigrants/): My sermon on Sunday was entitled "Rise Up for Immigrants." I talked about how the "America First" philosophy stands in direct conflict with the Bible's clear instructions. To make my point, I quoted one scripture after another:
- [With Liberty And Justice For Whom?](https://vhchurch.org/with-liberty-and-justice-for-whom/): Every morning when I was in elementary school we would stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance "to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
- [Male And Female God Created Them](https://vhchurch.org/male-and-female-god-created-them/): The abuse and unequal treatment of women, and the abuse and unequal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, is rooted in sexism, and sexism is rooted in our faith. I have been preaching this for six years at Virginia-Highland Church, and for decades before that, but we are so conditioned that I think we still don't get it.
- [Sexism](https://vhchurch.org/sexism/): I remember how much of a shock it was to my then young daughters when they learned that there has never been a woman president. They now are voting age, but that shameful fact of American history remains unchanged.
- [These Are Difficult Days](https://vhchurch.org/these-are-difficult-days/): During the season of Easter this year at Virginia-Highland Church we are listening for the voice of the Resurrected Christ calling us to "Rise Up." Perhaps more than any time in our lives, it is imperative that we hear the Spirit's call to rise up and do justice. These are difficult days:
- [Where Everybody Knows Your Name](https://vhchurch.org/where-everybody-knows-your-name/): I was sitting on the floor of the garage one day this week, going through a bin of paperwork to decide what needed to be kept, shredded, and trashed. I happened upon the summary of yearly expenditures that American Express sent in January. I suppose it used to be a person's checkbook that told the truth about their values; now, it is our credit card statement. Bill managed our finances and had us charge everything and pay it off every month. He would have broken out in hives if we ever paid interest on a credit card. Since he died, I've just carried on what he set up.
- [Rise Up!](https://vhchurch.org/rise-up/): One of the assigned readings for Sunday is the stoning of Stephen. We will read only the end of that story, but what proceeds the reading is Stephen's "sermon" to the fundamentalist leaders of his day. It was a powerful reminder to his listeners that history indicts them for killing prophets who had spoken truth to power, prophets killed by the very people they were calling to repent.
- [The Pain Of Moving](https://vhchurch.org/the-pain-of-moving/): As I was growing up, my family moved more than most. Bill and I lived in seven different places during the almost 36 years we were together. This week, I am packing everything to move again, but Bill isn't here to help or organize.
- [Everything Happens For A Reason?](https://vhchurch.org/everything-happens-for-a-reason/): During the season of Easter, most of the assigned Gospel lessons are from John 10. It paints a picture of shepherds tending their sheep and ends with Jesus saying that he is the gate through which we must enter.
- [Purging](https://vhchurch.org/purging/): After spending six years in our current house, the time has come to move. My daughter who went to the University of Georgia has graduated and moved to Chicago, and my beloved Bill has graduated and moved on, too. There is no need for a four-bedroom house, and, before his illness, Bill talked about downsizing, finding a modern house, selling all our furniture, and starting over. Well, that is exactly what is happening.
- [Be An Expert](https://vhchurch.org/be-an-expert/): Yesterday was the last day of the semester at Hartford Seminary. The class I taught on Tuesdays has been wonderful and challenging. When the dean suggested I teach a class about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning history and theology I thought, "Sure I've lived most of the history. How hard can it be?" Famous last words.
- [Time Is Flying](https://vhchurch.org/time-is-flying/): How on earth can May be here? Even though this has been the unhappiest year of my life, time still seems to fly by. Although his absence has been excruciating, I can't believe that Bill has been gone nine months. Generally, I find time dragging when the experience is painful or unhappy. That hasn't been the case with this pain. Time has continued its rapid pace.
- [The Last Supper?](https://vhchurch.org/the-last-supper/): Yesterday's assigned Gospel lesson was the story of the resurrected Christ walking along the road to Emmaus with two disciples who didn't recognize him until he took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it.
- [Inspire AND Provoke](https://vhchurch.org/inspire-and-provoke/): After taking the week after Easter off from writing Liberating Word, I apparently returned determined to make everyone mad about something. I began the week by praising the company of doubters and naming Jesus among their number. The next day I talked about how a predominantly African-American event left Tybee Island trashed. Then, yesterday, I was apparently not supportive enough of the military. All in all, it has been a good week. LOL.
- [Soliders vs. Firefighters](https://vhchurch.org/soliders-vs-firefighters/): Last Saturday I got to reunite with my colleague and friend Rev. Kathy Burton. Since she retired last May, the only time I have seen her was when she left her beach home in North Florida to drive to Atlanta for Bill's memorial service. It was great to be together for a happier day. The other treat of the day was to spend time with Rev. Burton's partner, Cathy.
- [Orange Crush And Racism](https://vhchurch.org/orange-crush-and-racism/): This past weekend thousands of college students and their friends invaded Tybee Island for an annual tradition called "Orange Crush." Orange is the color of the college that used to sponsor this event as part of their spring break. We left the island for the day to visit Rev. Kathy Burton and her partner and had a wonderful day with them.
- [Doubting Michael](https://vhchurch.org/doubting-michael/): I've been away from church working on a writing project, so, yesterday, we worshiped at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church in Savannah. It is a great church for lots of reasons and the only Methodist church to invite me to preach since that denomination kicked me out for being gay 36 years ago. Asbury was nearly dead until Rev. Billy Hester asked to be assigned there in 1993. Since then, the church has welcomed everyone, grown, and created a dynamic and transformational presence in the city of Savannah.
- [In The Face Of Resurrection](https://vhchurch.org/in-the-face-of-resurrection/): Today is Maundy Thursday. Lent is almost over, and Easter is almost here. I have been dreading Easter in Bill's absence because it was always our favorite holiday. We didn't exchange many Christmas presents; instead, we gave each other Easter baskets.

## Pages
- [Bot help](https://vhchurch.org/bot-help/): Our church is a part of the United Church of Christ (UCC) denomination. We do affirm the Nicene Creed, also known as the Nicene- Constantinopolitan Creed, this classic testimony of the faith was the consensus of ecumenical councils in Nicea, 325, and Constantinople, 381. The creed was a response to the “Arian” movement, which challenged the church’s teaching that Christ was both fully human and fully divine. Arians emphasized the humanity of Christ, and therefore believed he was “subordinate” to the Father. But the faith proclaimed in Constantinople was in a Christ who was both, and therefore “of one being” with the Father. This creed is recited in the Sunday worship of the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, and many Lutheran and Reformed congregations also use the creed when they celebrate Holy Communion.
- [Hear from our people](https://vhchurch.org/hear-from-our-people/): 00:41 What VHC Means to Vanessa 03:13 What VHC Means to Phil 03:48 What VHC Means to Sarah 01:58 What VHC Means to Dallas and Hailee 01:18 What VHC Meant to Ashleigh 02:51 What VHC Means to Kay 02:10 What VHC Meant to Boghuma
- [Player Embed](https://vhchurch.org/player-embed/)
- [User Videos](https://vhchurch.org/user-videos/): 7 videos found 00:41 What VHC Means to Vanessa 19views 03:13 What VHC Means to Phil 20views 03:48 What VHC Means to Sarah 10views 01:58 What VHC Means to Dallas and Hailee 20views 01:18 What VHC Meant to Ashleigh 11views 02:51 What VHC Means to Kay 17views 02:10 What VHC Meant to Boghuma 19views
- [Search Videos](https://vhchurch.org/search-videos/): 7 videos found 00:41 What VHC Means to Vanessa 19views 03:13 What VHC Means to Phil 20views 03:48 What VHC Means to Sarah 10views 01:58 What VHC Means to Dallas and Hailee 20views 01:18 What VHC Meant to Ashleigh 11views 02:51 What VHC Means to Kay 17views 02:10 What VHC Meant to Boghuma 19views
- [Video Tag](https://vhchurch.org/video-tag/): No tags found
- [Video Category](https://vhchurch.org/video-category/): No categories found
- [Privacy Policy](https://vhchurch.org/privacy-policy/): PRIVACY POLICY AND DIGITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT ACT NOTICE
- [Plan Your Visit](https://vhchurch.org/plan-your-visit/): As a visitor, you may feel a little nervous, but we want you to know that you are welcome.
- [Easter Holy Week 2024](https://vhchurch.org/easter-holy-week-2024/): Join us for Holy Week and especially for Easter on Sunday, March 31 at 11 a.m. ET.
- [Events](https://vhchurch.org/events/): You are welcome to join us at these upcoming events. Click on an event to learn more details. If you have questions, feel free to email info@vhchurch.org.
- [Our History](https://vhchurch.org/our-history/): We're proud of our nearly 100-year history of progressive Christian faith.
- [Home 2022](https://vhchurch.org/): We are an anti-racist, LGBTQ-affirming, and progressive community of faith in the heart of Atlanta. No matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here! We offer worship in-person, on Facebook, and YouTube.
- [Donor Dashboard](https://vhchurch.org/donor-dashboard/)
- [Donation Failed](https://vhchurch.org/donation-failed/): We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support.
- [Donation Confirmation](https://vhchurch.org/donation-confirmation/)
- [Office Spaces Available](https://vhchurch.org/office-spaces-available/): Rooms 302 & 303 are available to rent, for more information please contact Edna VHC Property & Office Manager at edna@vhchurch.org
- [Video Gallery Test](https://vhchurch.org/video-gallery-test/): 7 videos found 00:41 What VHC Means to Vanessa 19views 03:13 What VHC Means to Phil 20views 03:48 What VHC Means to Sarah 10views 01:58 What VHC Means to Dallas and Hailee 20views 01:18 What VHC Meant to Ashleigh 11views 02:51 What VHC Means to Kay 17views 02:10 What VHC Meant to Boghuma 19views
- [Online Worship & Videos](https://vhchurch.org/worship-live-video/): Our church offers streaming options so you can worship and grow your faith anytime, anywhere.
- [Prayer Groups](https://vhchurch.org/prayer-groups/): Mondays, 7:00 PM through March 30
- [Home New](https://vhchurch.org/home-new/): JTNDaDElM0UlM0NzcGFuJTNFV2VsY29tZSUyMHRvJTNDJTJGc3BhbiUzRSUzQyUyRmJyJTNFVmlyZ2luaWEtSGlnaGxhbmQlMjBDaHVyY2glM0MlMkZoMSUzRQ==
- [Clergy And Staff](https://vhchurch.org/clergy-and-staff/): Co-Pastor
- [Subscribe](https://vhchurch.org/subscribe/): The best way to stay updated on what's happening at our church is to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
- [Membership](https://vhchurch.org/membership/): MEMBERSHIP
- [VHC Youth](https://vhchurch.org/vhc-youth/): Virginia-Highland Church is dedicated to welcoming everyone, which includes youth of all ages, abilities, and from all types of families. We believe that a vital youth ministry is an integral part of fulfilling our mission to Do Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly.
- [– Faith Formation –](https://vhchurch.org/faith-formation-2/): Whether you've been attending church your whole life, or just beginning your faith journey, we have options to help you.
- [Adult Small Groups](https://vhchurch.org/adult-small-groups/): Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, small groups as a way to connect with others, grow in your faith and put your faith into action.
- [Serve](https://vhchurch.org/serve/): There are many ways you can bless our church with your time and talent. We welcome your involvement.
- [March For Our Lives](https://vhchurch.org/march-for-our-lives/): On Saturday, March 24, the kids and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets of Atlanta, GA to demand that their lives and safety become a priority. The collective voices of the March For Our Lives movement will be heard.
- [The River Donates To City Of Atlanta](https://vhchurch.org/the-river-donates-to-city-of-atlanta/): ATLANTA - The Atlanta City Council approved legislation Monday authorizing the city to accept a $120,000 donation to support the Office of the Public Defender.
- [Volunteer Info and Disclosure Form – Children and Youth Ministry](https://vhchurch.org/volunteer-info-and-disclosure-form-children-and-youth-ministry/)
- [Family Info and Permission Form](https://vhchurch.org/family-info-and-permission-form/)
- [Faith Formation](https://vhchurch.org/faith-formation/)
- [Parish Council](https://vhchurch.org/parish-council/): Our church is led by our Parish Council, a group of volunteers who work closely with church staff to manage the operations, finances and our building. 
- [40 Days Of Faith In Action](https://vhchurch.org/40-days/): This Lent, we will explore as a community what it means to put our faith in action. Every day of Lent, you are encouraged to do the assigned activity. If you are engaged in social media, you can tag Virginia-Highland Church and use the hashtag #DoLoveWalkVHC. Take pictures, blog about it, write a journal and share your experiences with us. If you fail to do one activity, be gentle with yourself. It is not a competition. It is just a way to weave justice, mercy, and humility into our daily lives, so it becomes a way of living. Ask friends at work or school to follow this! If you need to tweak it in order to accommodate different faith traditions (or no tradition), do it or ask Claudia for advice on how to do it.
- [Minute Message from Matt](https://vhchurch.org/minute-message-from-matt/): Take a minute to listen to a message from Rev. Matt Laney.
- [Rev. Matt Laney](https://vhchurch.org/rev-matt-laney/): Rev. Matt Laney was born and raised in mid-coast Maine (ayuh!) and attended high school in the Philadelphia area. He’s a graduate of Kenyon College, B.A. in Religion, but Matt spent most of his time in the theater scoring the precious few roles reserved for extra tall men who can’t sing.
- [Ash Wednesday PowerPoint Backgrounds](https://vhchurch.org/ash-wednesday-powerpoint-backgrounds/): The templates we will be using for Ash Wednesday PowerPoint backgrounds can be found here.
- [We Recommend Progressive Church Media](https://vhchurch.org/recommend-progressive-church-media/): Virginia-Highland Church regularly uses worship media from Progressive Church Media. For communities of faith looking for Christian worship media that actually reflects your theology, they are hard to beat.
- [Meet Rev. Laney](https://vhchurch.org/revlaney/): On December 3, 2017, the congregation of Virginia-Highland Church voted overwhelmingly to formally call Rev. Matthew Laney to be our Senior Pastor. Rev. Laney has accepted this call.
- [Compassion Sunday](https://vhchurch.org/compassion-sunday/): Compassion Sunday is the day our church give thanks for God's bounteous blessings by giving to others.
- [Rev. Krista Forbes](https://vhchurch.org/rev-krista-forbes/): Rev. Forbes is a native of Virginia and has lived in Atlanta since 2012.  She currently serves as an associate minister at Providence Missionary Baptist Church and is a board-certified chaplain. She is pursuing a master’s degree in public health at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.
- [What We Can Do](https://vhchurch.org/what-we-can-do/): There is always something we can do to prevent tragedies such as the mass shooting that has happened in Las Vegas.
- [Michael](https://vhchurch.org/michael/): Sunday, September 24, will be Rev. Michael Piazza’s last Sunday as our senior pastor as he begins his call as executive minister of Middle Collegiate Church in New York City on October 1. Following worship on the 24th, at which Rev. Piazza will preach, we will gather in the fellowship hall for a potluck lunch and a time of fellowship to say goodbye. Please bring a side dish, salad, bread, and/or dessert to serve at least eight people to the fellowship hall before the service that day. (Entrees will be provided.)
- [Children’s Ministry 2](https://vhchurch.org/childrens-ministry-2/):  
- [Faith & Film 2017](https://vhchurch.org/faith-and-films-2017/): As a member of the United Church of Christ, at Virginia-Highland Church, we believe that “God is still speaking.” We believe that one of the ways that God can do that is through contemporary popular culture, including books, television shows, and, of course, movies. To that end, our popular sermon series Faith & Film, which explores the surprising ways that God speaks to us through Hollywood, will play a return engagement beginning Sunday, August 6.
- [Pledge](https://vhchurch.org/pledge/): Your donations allow us to use our Summer Music Festival to support organizations we have partnered with, such as Forever Family, to be a blessing in our community. Thank you for your support.
- [Virginia-Highland Music Festival](https://vhchurch.org/summer-music-festival-2017/): Virginia-Highland Church celebrates a diverse selection of music during the month of July with the Virginia-Highland Music Festival. We've put together a great selection of musical performances, and you are, of course, welcome to join us every Sunday at 11 a.m. for our regular worship service. We are blessed to enjoy great music every week during worship.
- [David Gillespie](https://vhchurch.org/david-gillespie/): David is a native of Texas, and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M University and a Master of Education from the University of Georgia. He brings 29 years of marketing and sales management experience in education technology to his work as the Executive Director of Outreach at Virginia-Highland Church.
- [My Info](https://vhchurch.org/my-info/): Add/update your contact information, and track your attendance.
- [Activate](https://vhchurch.org/activate/)
- [Register](https://vhchurch.org/register/)
- [Members](https://vhchurch.org/members/)
- [GA Unites](https://vhchurch.org/ga-unites/): Right now, Georgia is one of the only states that lacks a statewide civil rights law.
- [NPR](https://vhchurch.org/npr/): Virginia-Highland Church would like to become an official sponsor of local National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate 90.1FM WABE.
- [Opportunities to Do Justice](https://vhchurch.org/do-justice/): Virginia-Highland Church takes our mission from Micah 6:8, which implores us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. As the West African proverb teaches us, "when you pray, move your feet." You can find opportunities to move your feet here.
- [Sermons](https://vhchurch.org/sermons/)
- [Now What](https://vhchurch.org/now-what/): Virginia-Highland Church is a progressive and inclusive community of faith in the heart of Atlanta - a city that gave us such civil rights heroes as Nobel Peace Prize-winners Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Jimmy Carter. We seek to embody the values of justice and peace for which they both worked so hard. Our congregation has a rich history of standing up for the inclusion of women, and lesbian, gay, and transgender folks and, as a result, had to give up their place in the Southern Baptist and Georgia Baptist Conventions. We honor the courage of those who led those efforts.
- [Order Status](https://vhchurch.org/store-2/order-status/): If you have your order ID you can look it up using the form below.
- [Checkout](https://vhchurch.org/store-2/checkout/)
- [Cart](https://vhchurch.org/store-2/cart/)
- [Products](https://vhchurch.org/store-2/products/)
- [Store](https://vhchurch.org/store-2/): Welcome to our online store! Feel free to browse around:
- [Jocelyn Wildhack](https://vhchurch.org/jocelyn-wildhack/): Jocelyn serves as our Director of Children's Ministry. Originally from St. Petersburg, FL, Jocelyn is currently a student of Columbia Theological Seminary pursuing a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT) with a focus on Christian Education with Children and Youth. Jocelyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University.
- [12 Days](https://vhchurch.org/12-days/): This holiday season, our church is partnering with Intown Collaborative Ministries to meet the needs of our neighbors who are homeless or hungry.
- [Luciana Magnoli](https://vhchurch.org/luciana-magnoli/): Luciana Magnoli is a graduate of the Sign Language Interpreting Program at Georgia Perimeter College. Originally from Brazil, she has lived in New York most of her life.
- [Brianna Gilliam](https://vhchurch.org/brianna-gilliam/): Brianna is excited to be a part of the Virginia-Highland church family. She is a recent graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, where she was also a Young Artist with the Springfield Regional Opera. Recent roles include the title role of Suor Angelica with Missouri State and Sister Rosa in Tent Theatre’s production, Leap of Faith.
- [Rev. Michael Piazza](https://vhchurch.org/rev-michael-piazza-esp/): Rev. Michael Piazza, nuestro pastor, es un visionario espiritual, autor y defensor de la justicia social que vino a Virginia-Highland Iglesia después de 23 años en la Catedral de la Esperanza en Dallas, Texas. Bajo su liderazgo valiente como pastor principal y más tarde decano, la Catedral de la Esperanza hizo historia religiosa mediante la reivindicación de cristianismo como una fe de gracia extravagante, inclusión radical, y la compasión implacable mientras que cada vez más grande de la iglesia cristiana liberal del mundo, con un predominantemente lesbianas, homosexuales, bisexuales y la divulgación transgénero. Un nativo de Georgia, Rev. Piazza ha pastoreado iglesias en Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma y Florida. Posee una licenciatura en historia y la psicología de la Universidad Estatal de Valdosta y una Maestría en Divinidad de la Escuela de Teología Candler de la Universidad de Emory en Atlanta.
- [Rev. Claudia Aguilar Rubalcava](https://vhchurch.org/rev-claudia-aguilar-rubalcava-esp/): Rev. Claudia Aguilar Rubalcava actualmente sirve como Pastor para la Justicia y Testigo en VHC. Ella fue ordenado en la Iglesia Presbiteriana (EE.UU. A.) en 2012. Claudia obtuvo su Maestría en Artes (Estudios Teológicos) grado en la especialidad de Ética Cristiana en Columbia en 2008 y su Maestría en Divinidad en 2011. Se ha desempeñado como pasante de pastoral en el Mercy Community Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church de Santa Fe, Nuevo México, y como ministro del campus de la Universidad Pontificia de Chile y en su alma mater, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, donde obtuvo su Licenciatura Licenciada en Relaciones internacionales.
- [Practicar + Amar + Caminar](https://vhchurch.org/practicar-amar-caminar/): La iglesia Virginia-Highland es una comunidad de fe progresiva e inclusiva localizada en el corazón de la ciudad.
- [Todos Son Bienvenidos](https://vhchurch.org/todos-son-bienvenidos/)
- [Contáctenos](https://vhchurch.org/contactenos/)
- [Direcciones](https://vhchurch.org/direcciones/): Además de estacionamiento gratuito en las calles alrededor de nuestra iglesia, usted puede utilizar el estacionamiento en Inman Middle School (frente a la iglesia) y también el estacionamiento de Georgia Power cerca de nuestra iglesia.
- [Beatitudes of Broadway 2016](https://vhchurch.org/beatitudes-of-broadway-2016/): Jesus used the cultural images of his day to illustrate spiritual truths. At Virginia-Highland Church, we try to do the same, using excerpts from children's books, popular movies, television shows, Broadway musicals and more as modern lessons.
- [Rev. Claudia Aguilar Rubalcava](https://vhchurch.org/rev-claudia-aguilar-rubalcava/): Rev. Claudia Aguilar Rubalcava is our Associate Pastor for Justice and Witness. She was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S. A.) in 2012. Claudia earned her Master of Arts (Theological Studies) with a specialization in Christian Ethics from Columbia Seminary in 2008 and her Master of Divinity in 2011. She served as a pastoral intern at Mercy Community Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and as a campus minister at the Pontifical University of Chile and at her alma mater, Monterrey Institute of Technology, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations.
- [Celebrating Bill Eure](https://vhchurch.org/celebrating-bill-eure/): William Carlyle Eure September 8, 1955 - July 18, 2016 In Southern Protestant churches communion tables often have the words "In remembrance of me" engraved across the front. That phrase comes, of course, from the last words of Jesus spoken around the table with his family of choice at the end of his life.   Bill and I talked briefly about what he wanted done in remembrance of him. Ever the pastor's spouse, he immediately thought about what Virginia-Highland Church needs. We had talked several times about how we need new communion ware and more contemporary paraments. One of the many things Bill has done since we arrived in Atlanta is take responsibility for our weekly communion. Only after his diagnosis did we finally get around to training others to do that task.   The fact that Virginia-Highland Church practices weekly communion, just as our church in Dallas does, has always meant a lot to both of us. Hardly a Sunday went by that I didn't get a little choked up serving Bill communion. I had no idea that the last Sunday of June would be the final time I'd have that honor. Still, I will never again talk about the "communion of the saints" or that "great cloud of witnesses" without picturing one particular face.   So, we will buy new communion ware in memory of Bill as he had been after me to, and add additional servers on Sunday because the church has grown so much. Still, that doesn't seem like enough, at least not to me.   In remembrance of Bill, I will try to be more disciplined about my devotional life; in remembrance of Bill, I will seek out the shyest people at church and make sure they feel included; in remembrance of Bill, I will resist the urge to save the best wine for special occasions and, instead, try to make every day a special occasion; and, in remembrance of Bill, I will seek more ways to serve others that no one ever knows. In remembrance of Bill, I will seek to become the person he believed I am, the one he tried so hard to love me into being. In remembrance of Bill, I will seek to embody the sweet, bighearted, warm man who lived and loved among us, and who lives and loves within us now.     Blessings,           Rev. Michael Piazza   Memorial services for Bill Eure have been set. The first will be Saturday, July 23, at 1 p.m. (please note the corrected date) at Virginia-Highland Church in Atlanta. A second service will be hosted by the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas on Monday, July 25, at 6:30 p.m.    In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Virginia-Highland Church altar guild. Donations can be made online using the link at the right.   Cards can be sent to: Virginia-Highland Church 743 Virginia Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306.  
- [Widening The Welcome](https://vhchurch.org/widen/): Set-Up Your Recurring Gift Today. Select "Building Fund" When Making Your Gift
- [Summer Music Festival 2016](https://vhchurch.org/summer2016/): Virginia-Highland Church celebrates a diverse selection of music during the month of July with our Summer Music Festival. We've put together a great selection of musical performances for you to enjoy. You are also, of course, welcome to join us every Sunday at 11 a.m. for our regular worship service. We are blessed to enjoy great music every week during worship.
- [VHC T-Shirt](https://vhchurch.org/tshirt2017/): Designed by our very own Will Thompson, our exclusive T-shirt features our mission and vision based on
- [Express](https://vhchurch.org/store/express/)
- [Receipt](https://vhchurch.org/store/receipt/): Your Receipt
- [IPN](https://vhchurch.org/store/ipn/)
- [Checkout](https://vhchurch.org/store/checkout/): Checkout
- [Cart](https://vhchurch.org/store/cart/): Your Shopping Cart
- [Store](https://vhchurch.org/store/)
- [Pastor for Justice and Witness](https://vhchurch.org/pastor-for-justice-and-witness/): The Virginia-Highland Church is a growing, diverse, progressive congregation affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the Alliance of Baptists. Our Mission is passionately based on Micah 6:8 and we seek to “do justice, love mercifully, and walk humbly with God.” We are blessed to have an immediate opening for a new clergy position (details below). For consideration, please contact Rev. Michael Piazza.
- [Accessible And Inviting](https://vhchurch.org/accessible-and-inviting/): As a faith community we often say, “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
- [Miracle At Virginia-Highland](https://vhchurch.org/miracle-at-virginia-highland/): On Sunday, April 17, 2016 before worship we announced that Virginia-Highland Church has received a gift of $250,000 that will allow us to hire an associate pastor and more fully resource our homeless program, which we call The River. It was an exciting announcement, especially considering the check is almost equal to our entire church budget for this year. (You can watch the announcement by clicking the link below.)
- [Prayer Requests](https://vhchurch.org/prayer-requests/)
- [Commemorating Dr. King](https://vhchurch.org/mlk/): Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for worship on Sunday, April 3 at 11 a.m. when we commemorate the martyrdom of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, TN. We'll welcome our special musical guests, the Spelman College Glee Club, for this service.
- [T-shirt](https://vhchurch.org/t-shirt/)
- [Easter](https://vhchurch.org/easter/): Virginia-Highland Church invites you to join us for Easter Holy Week. Led by Senior Pastor Michael Piazza, we will host a series of special worship services. No matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
- [Happy Anniversary](https://vhchurch.org/happy-anniversary/): On March 6, 2016, we celebrate the 5th anniversary of Rev. Michael Piazza joining our congregation. Take a moment to use the form below to write a note of appreciation for Rev. Piazza (and his partner Bill Eure and David Plunkett) for their service and dedication to our church. We'll compile all of the notes into a special gift for them (which is meant to be a surprise - so help us keep the secret!).
- [Do + Love + Walk](https://vhchurch.org/do-love-walk/): Virginia-Highland Church is a progressive community of faith located in the heart of Atlanta.
- [Tribute Giving](https://vhchurch.org/tribute-giving/): We'll send them a special note letting them know a gift has been made on their behalf. It's easy to do and makes a perfect, meaningful, and easy holiday gift.
- [Happy Birthday, VHC!](https://vhchurch.org/birthday/): You came to Virginia-Highland Church for your own reasons, and, whatever they may have been, you are a different, and better, person because of your involvement here. Although the future of our church is bright, we need your extra help to manage a temporary financial challenge. With your assistance, we can sustain our momentum in the short-term and continue to grow our ministries for the long-term.
- [Summer Concert Series](https://vhchurch.org/summer-concert-series/): Cool off this summer and enjoy great music during our July Summer Concert Series.
- [Brittney Boykin](https://vhchurch.org/brittney-boykin/): Brittney, our assistant director of music, is a native of Alexandria, Virginia and comes from a musical family. She pursued classical piano studies at Spelman College and was the student accompanist for the Spelman College Glee Club, in addition to composing and arranging choral compositions for them, during her four years there. Brittney won 1st place at the 2009 James A. Hefner HBCU Piano Competition at Tennessee State University. After graduating Spelman College in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Brittney continued her studies at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey. She continued to compose music during her time at Westminster and was awarded the R and R Young Composition Prize just a few months shy of graduating. In May of 2013, Brittney graduated with a Master of Music in Sacred Music with a concentration in choral studies. In addition to her work at Virginia-Highland Church, Brittney serves as a faculty member of the Spelman College Music Department where she is a lecturer and accompanist for the department, as well as the assistant director for the Spelman College Glee Club. Brittney currently publishes all of her music through her company Klavia Press.
- [Randy Elkins](https://vhchurch.org/randy-elkins/): Randy, who grew up in Roswell, Georgia, leads our music ministry. Randy holds a bachelor’s and a master's degree in organ performance and church music from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Randy brings more than 30 years of experience in music ministry to Virginia-Highland Church having served churches in Georgia, Indiana, Texas and Arkansas.
- [Darrell Lee](https://vhchurch.org/darrell-lee/): Darrell is our Director of Children's Ministry. He's working with a team of clergy and parents to grow our church's children's programming in new and exciting ways. You can learn more about how you can get involved here. Darrell holds a bachelor's degree in mass communication, speech, and dramatic arts from Jackson State University, and a master's degree in communications from Mississippi College. Darrell spent many years supporting educational outreach for Mississippi Public Broadcasting, and also working as a senior account manager for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. A certified elementary school teacher, Darrell currently teaches literacy to students in Grades K-3 at Chesney Elementary in Gwinnett County. Darrell is also a certified personal trainer. Prior to joining the staff, Darrell was active in the life of the church, singing in the choir and serving as a lay reader. Darrell enjoys gardening, working out, maintaining his Koi pond, and playing with his German Shepherd, Spartan.

## Videos
- [What VHC Means to Vanessa](https://vhchurch.org/video/what-vhc-means-to-vanessa/)
- [What VHC Means to Phil](https://vhchurch.org/video/what-vhc-means-to-phil/)
- [What VHC Means to Sarah](https://vhchurch.org/video/what-vhc-means-to-sarah/)
- [What VHC Means to Dallas and Hailee](https://vhchurch.org/video/what-vhc-means-to-dallas-and-hailee/)
- [What VHC Meant to Ashleigh](https://vhchurch.org/video/what-vhc-meant-to-ashleigh/)
- [What VHC Means to Kay](https://vhchurch.org/video/what-vhc-means-to-kay/)
- [What VHC Meant to Boghuma](https://vhchurch.org/video/what-vhc-meant-to-boghuma/)