Upcoming & Ongoing Events

Ongoing

Men's Breakfast

Join us the last Friday of each month at 8:00 AM for our Men’s Breakfast at Country Kitchen.

It's a great time for fellowship, conversation, and starting the day with good food and good company.

Whether you're a regular or it’s your first time, we’d love to see you there!

October 2026

Sanctuary Sounds: Halloween Haunting

Saturday, October 24th: 2:00 PM

Ghost-themed Chamber Music by:

BACH

BEETHOVEN

SAINT-SAENS/LISZT

BOLCOM

ILYA LEVINSON

Susan Merdinger, piano

Steven Greene, organ

Alex Koffman, violin

Martine Benmann, cello

Karen Kaplan, narrator/author

November/

December 2026

All Saints Sunday: November 1,

On All Saints Sunday, we will gather to give thanks for those who have gone before us: the saints whose love shaped us, whose faith carried us, and whose absence we still feel.

This year, we invite you to help make that remembrance visible. Please bring a photograph of a loved one who has died, along with a few words about them. It might be a favorite memory, something they always used to say, or simply what you want others to know about who they were. These will become part of our worship that morning, so that we are surrounded by the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) as we sing, pray, and remember together.

Whether your loss is recent or long ago, whether your grief is still sharp or has softened into gratitude, there is room for you and for the ones you love.

A few practical notes: Please write your loved one's name and your own name on the back of the photo so we can return it to you. If you'd rather not part with an original, a printed copy works well. Photos may be dropped off at the church office beginning Sunday, October 18, or brought with you on All Saints Sunday morning.

Holiday Rummage Sale

Opening Day- Saturday, Nov. 21st: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Closing Weekend- with Cookie Walk- Saturday, December 5th: 8:00AM - 3:00 PM and Sunday, December 6th: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Sanctuary Sounds: Holiday Cheer!

Saturday, December 5th: 2:00 PM

Featuring works by Leroy Anderson, G.F. Handel, Ilya Levinson, and Tchaikovsky

Susan Merdinger, Conductor

Sheridan Solisti

Chamber Orchestra

HPPC Choir and Soloists

Past Events 2026

Sunday, September 13th: 10:00 AM
Fall Kick-Off Sunday is set for September 13, 2026. We will move back into the sanctuary. There will be a brunch offered after the service and we will celebrate the beginning of another school year and coming back together after the summer.
Friday, August 21st: 7:00AM-5:00PM
Saturday, August 22nd: 8:00AM-2:00PM
We will be blessing backpacks, purses, briefcases and tote bags during service on 8/16. Whether you are beginning a new grade, starting a new program, or continuing your daily work, bring your bag to be blessed. Tags can be easily attached to any bag and they provide daily reminders to help those around you, to listen well and to provide a safe place for others to grow in faith, love and learning this school year.
WHAT: Five mornings of fun with Ms Ginny learning Bible stories, making crafts, singing songs and playing games
WHEN: June 8th-June 12th, 9am to 11:30am
WHERE: In the chapel and on the grounds of HPPC
WHO: All children entering K-6th grade
COST: payment of $10 per child per day of attendance given to Ms Ginny on the first day of camp or dropped off at the church office
HOW: Fill out this form by June 5th and bring your campers to the chapel at 9am on 6/8
WHY: Because, why not? We can’t wait to see you there!
As Coksebury Publishing describes, “Get ready for Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS 2026! This program invites kids to an exciting winter sports event, where they become Challengers, gearing up for frosty games, snowy surprises, and hands-on lessons about resilience and faith.
Your kids will be guided daily by Ms Ginny and the lovable Ollie the Arctic Seal puppet, who is reporting on the events. Challengers aren’t just playing games; they learn to draw strength from their faith through powerful stories of courage and hope. With a unique winter theme and solid theology at its core, this VBS delivers joy and meaning in equal measure, teaching kids that “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NRSV).
We will have a fun filled week of laughter, life lessons, and lasting faith. Join the Snowball Mountain Challenge and find your strength in God!”
Sunday, June 7 — Memorial Park (after worship)
Hot dogs, dessert, and beverages provided. Please bring a side to share and your own lawn chairs.
Lawn games for all ages. Rain or shine.
When: Sundays at 11:30 am
Where: Church Parlor
For years, our Sunday morning adult education program has been known as “Adult Forum.” While meaningful in its intent, the name hasn’t always reflected the heart of what we’re doing together. Beginning this fall, we’re reintroducing the program with a new name: Faith Matters.
The name carries a double meaning: we gather to talk about the matters of faith — scripture, theology, contemporary issues, and how our beliefs shape daily life. And it’s also a reminder that faith matters — it is vital, relevant, and worth engaging deeply.
Faith Matters meets Sundays at 11:30 a.m. in the Parlor, following fellowship. It’s a time for conversation, learning, and connection as we explore how our faith speaks into the world around us. Everyone is welcome to pull up a chair, bring your questions, and join the dialogue.
Maundy Thursday – Agape Meal Thursday, April 2nd at 6:00 PM
We will gather for our annual Agape Meal, a simple worship service built around shared table fellowship, prayer, and remembrance. An agape meal (from the Greek word for self-giving love) is an early Christian-style meal that reflects the love and unity of the church as we remember Jesus’ last meal with his disciples. Communion will be included. The service will be held in the upstairs dining room.
Good Friday Service Friday, April 3rd at 7:00 PM
This year we will join the Northshore UU Congregation at their church for our Good Friday service. Together we will enter the solemnity of the cross through worship, reflection, and prayer. Northshore UU is located at 2100 Half Day Rd in Deerfield.
Easter Sunday Worship Sunday, April 5th at 10:00 AM
Celebrate the joy of resurrection with us on Easter morning in our sanctuary as we proclaim the good news:
Christ is risen!
Sunday Presence at St. James, Highwood
Please join Quincy and members of HPPC at St. James Church in Highwood at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday to be present with our neighbors in the Hispanic community and to begin building relationships rooted in trust, listening, and care.
We believe that faith is formed not only by what we say, but by where we show up. Again and again in scripture, God meets people through presence—through walking alongside one another, sharing life, and learning to see Christ in our neighbor. This is an invitation to practice that kind of faithful presence together.
This is not about fixing or leading, but about showing up with humility, consistency, and openness to relationship over time. If you are interested in attending on Sundays or would like to learn more, please email the church office.
St. James Church is located at 140 North Ave, Highwood, IL 60040
Lunch After Worship
Introducing something new! Dining Adventures.
Join us at Noon Kabob (244 Green Bay Rd in Highwood) at 12:00 on Sunday March 1st for lunch.
The Rundells chose this restaurant as one of their favorites. Lunch is "Dutch Treat" (everyone pays for their own meal).
Please confirm your attendance by signing up here or contact the Rundells (jrundell2@comcast.net) by Sunday February 22nd so we can make reservations.
We begin Lent the only honest way: with truth.
Ash Wednesday is not the Church being gloomy. It’s the Church refusing to lie. We live as though we are endless—busy, defended, in control. But the gospel does not meet us in our fantasies. It meets us in reality: we are dust, and to dust we return.
And then—here’s the strange mercy—God does not turn away from that fact. God turns toward us in it.
To receive ashes is to stop negotiating with God. It is to let God name us: finite, dependent, not self-made. It is to confess that we cannot save ourselves from time, from sin, from death—and to hear, again, that we do not have to. We are not held by our strength or our progress or our best intentions. We are held by the God who speaks life where we see only endings.
Lent begins here: not with a project, but with a summons. Not “try harder,” but “come home.” Come tell the truth. Come be marked—not as the people who have it together, but as the people who belong to Jesus Christ.
Join us for a reflective, holy Ash Wednesday service of scripture, prayer, silence, and the imposition of ashes. All are welcome.

Past Events 2025

On the Sunday after Christmas, we will continue our annual tradition of worshiping together with our friends at Trinity Episcopal Church. This year’s joint service will be held on Sunday, December 28 at Trinity.
It’s always a joy to gather as one community during Christmastide—sharing scripture, song, and the hope that carries us into a new year. We hope you’ll join us for this beautiful expression of unity and fellowship.
All are welcome. Come as you are, bring your Christmas glow, and let’s celebrate together.
As winter deepens and the days grow shorter, we gather to celebrate the Light that no darkness can overcome. This Advent and Christmas season, join us for music, reflection, and worship as we wait and wonder together.
On Christmas Eve, we’ll offer two services:
4:00 PM — Service of Lessons and Carols
A joyful, family-friendly celebration filled with beloved carols, scripture readings, and the story of Christ’s birth retold in word and song.
10:00 PM — Candlelight Service of Word and Song
A peaceful, contemplative gathering welcoming the mystery and quiet beauty of Christmas night. Surrounded by candlelight, we’ll reflect on the story of Christ’s birth and lift our voices in gentle carols and prayer.
Come as you are, bring a friend, and be part of the warmth and wonder of Christmas at Highland Park Presbyterian Church — where even in the darkest night, the light still shines.
Rummage & Bake Sale
- Saturday, Nov. 22nd 8:00a-4:00p
- Saturday, Dec. 6th 8:00a-4:00p
- Sunday, Dec. 7th 12:00p-3:00p
We are excited to share that Highland Park Presbyterian Church and Makom Solel Lakeside will be joining together for a special Interfaith Weekend of worship, learning, and fellowship.
On Friday, November 14th, Pastor Quincy will be preaching at Makom Solel’s evening service. All are warmly invited to attend and share in this time of worship with our neighbors.
Then, on Sunday, November 16th, we are honored to welcome Rabbi Ike Serotta, who will be preaching during worship and leading our Faith Matters forum following the service.
This weekend is an opportunity to grow in friendship, deepen our understanding, and celebrate the ways God’s Spirit moves among us across traditions. More details will follow soon—mark your calendars now!
The next membership class will be held Sunday, September 21st after worship.
The following Saturday, September 27th, all of the class members are invited to the Rundells' home for a supper.

During worship on October 5th those who wish to join will be welcomed to the congregation as new members.

For more information contact Judy Rundell - j rundell2@comcast.net.
Join us after worship in the parlor for our first Faith Matters. We are delighted to welcome Bobbie Hinden, Center Director of Family Focus Highland Park, who will share about the organization’s important work supporting families in our community.
Bobbie is an accomplished leader in family services and non-profit management with decades of experience in education, after-school programming, and community outreach. Since 2018, she has directed Family Focus Highland Park, overseeing programs that support low-income families with young children, expand bilingual early childhood education, and connect Latino families in Lake County with vital resources. Her leadership has grown services to reach 17 Lake County communities, while also developing innovative early childhood and after-school programs.
About Family Focus Highland Park:
Family Focus (formerly Family Network) is dedicated to supporting parents in their role as the first teachers of their children. Through programs like home visiting, parent education, and early childhood development, Family Focus Highland Park strengthens families and builds community connections. Learn more at family-focus.org/highland-park.
Come hear from Bobbie about the transformative impact Family Focus is making in our community, and join the conversation about how we can partner in nurturing families and children.
Mark your calendars and join us for a joyful start to the new program year!

During worship, we’ll celebrate our Blessing of the Backpacks—kids, youth, and adults are encouraged to bring backpacks, briefcases, or bags to receive a prayer for the year ahead.

After worship, stick around for a potluck lunch, fun, and games for all ages! It’s a great chance to reconnect, meet new faces, and enjoy time together as a church family.

We’ll also be relaunching our Christian Education program for the fall—more details coming soon.

Come ready to worship, celebrate, and kick off the season together!
Where:
Highland Park Presbyterian Church
When:
- Friday, Aug. 22nd, 8AM-5PM
- Saturday, Aug. 23rd, 8AM-1PM
Where: Memorial Park
405 Laurel Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035
When: July 6th
On the first Sunday after Independence Day, we gather with our sisters and brothers from Trinity Episcopal Church for a single, shared service in the park directly across from our church.

This tradition was born in the aftermath of the July 4th tragedy as a way to stand together—mourning, healing, and hoping—while proclaiming the love of Christ in the open air of our community. Three years later it has become a cherished moment of unity and joy, reminding us that worship can knit our hearts together even beyond church walls.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket, wear comfortable summer attire, and join us at 10:00 AM on July 6 as we lift our voices, break bread, and celebrate God’s grace side by side.
All are welcome—neighbors, friends, visitors, and anyone who longs for peace and companionship.
In the event of rain Trinity will host the service.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” — Psalm 133:1
Begin Worship in the Chapel
When: June 9-13th, 9am-11:30am
Where: HPPC Chapel
At True North Vacation Bible School, kids discover what it means to trust Jesus in a wild world! Kids participate in memorable Bible learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, enjoy yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of Jesus’ love, and test out sciency-fun experiments they’ll never forget. Plus, kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes with a Compass Closing that gets everyone involved in living what they’ve learned.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/2qDCeu3eMK8cdtxf8
Graduation Sunday and Church Picnic- June 8th, 2025
Join us in welcoming our new music director Steve Greene.
Join us as we celebrate the recipients of this year's scholarships, Gracie Collins and Jim Shivak.
On the Sunday after Easter, April 27, we will welcome our neighbors from Trinity Episcopal Church for a joint worship service here at Highland Park Presbyterian. Worship will begin at our regular time, 10:00 AM. This is a beautiful opportunity to come together in the spirit of resurrection and unity. We hope you’ll join us for this shared celebration of faith and community!
When: Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM
Where: The Sanctuary
Celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ with us on Easter Sunday! The service will be a joyful celebration of Christ's victory over death and a time of hope and renewal. We look forward to worshiping together in this season of resurrection.
We hope you can join us for these special services as we observe the sacred days of Holy Week and celebrate the hope of Easter!
When: Friday, April 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: The Sanctuary
We will observe Good Friday with a joint service with Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church. This service will be a time of reflection and solemn remembrance as we mark the crucifixion of Jesus. Please join us for this powerful and contemplative service as we enter into the depths of the story of our salvation.
When: Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Where: Upstairs Dining Room
On Maundy Thursday, we will gather for a special Agape Feast, a simple meal shared in fellowship as we remember the Last Supper. The word "Agape" means selfless love, and this meal is a symbolic act of love and communion with one another. As we partake in this meal, we reflect on Christ's command to love one another, as He loved us. All are welcome to join us for this meaningful time together.
We invite you to join us for our Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary. This meaningful service will include the Imposition of Ashes, marking the beginning of the Lenten season—a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. We hope you will come and worship with us as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
All are welcome! If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the church office.
Join us Sundays at 4pm in the library. Our current book is the groundbreaking work The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels. This fascinating book delves into the discovery of ancient Christian texts hidden for centuries in the Egyptian desert, shedding new light on the early Christian movement. Pagels explores the diversity of beliefs in the early church, the struggles over authority, and the profound questions these texts raise about faith, spirituality, and the nature of God.
Why join us?
Challenge and Expand Your Understanding: Discover how early Christians wrestled with questions that still resonate today—about Jesus, the nature of divine authority, and what it means to live a life of faith.
Engage in Thoughtful Conversation: This isn’t just a history lesson. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how these ancient writings can speak to our modern spiritual journeys.
Build Community: Share insights, ask big questions, and connect with others in meaningful dialogue.
No prior knowledge is needed—just a curious mind and an open heart. Whether you’ve been part of our discussions before or are looking for a new way to engage, we’d love for you to join us.