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Highlands United Church · Edmonton
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Programs

Plenty of ways in — pick one that feels like you.

Music, conversation, treasure-hunting, pancakes: the life of this church happens all week long. You don’t need to be a member (or even sure what you believe) to take part.

Rows of polished handbells laid out on the rehearsal table beneath a stained-glass window

Music at Highlands

You don’t need any background in church — or music.

For many people, music is the easiest way to connect: feeling inspired, finding a moment of calm, or simply enjoying being part of something together. Some people connect to faith through music right away; others just enjoy the experience. Both are perfectly okay.

Choir

Sundays, 9:30–10:00 am · Upper Hall · September to June

The Highlands United choir is a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of musical experience. A short practice before the 10:30 service leads into anthems (about twice a month), hymn support, and harmony pieces — with extra preparation for the Christmas and Easter seasons.

Some members sing year-round; others join for a month or a season, like Advent. If you’ve ever had an interest in singing — whether you read music or not — you’re welcome in our small but mighty choir.

Handbell choir — Bell Canto

Tuesdays, 6:45–8:15 pm · Sanctuary · September to May

Handbells are a unique, beautiful, and genuinely fun part of our music program. The group plays a full set of handbells and handchimes, creating rich, layered music — and plays in worship about 8–10 times a year.

  • New to music? No problem — we’ll teach you everything.
  • Open to anyone aged 12 and up; friends and family can join together.
  • We typically welcome new ringers in September and January.

Our bells have been lovingly donated over the years in memory of friends and family, adding an extra layer of meaning to the music.

Singers of all ages gathered around the grand piano with Music Director Wendy Nieuwenhuis
Our choir today — all ages, around the grand piano before a service.

Thinking about joining in? You’re always welcome to listen and enjoy, sing along during a service, or try one of our groups. There’s no pressure and no expectations — just an open invitation.

Music Director Wendy Nieuwenhuis at the console of the church's pipe organ, the sanctuary behind her
Wendy at the 1970 Neutel pipe organ — 862 pipes behind those stops.

Discussion & learning

Bring your questions. Curiosity is the only prerequisite.

No background knowledge needed — just a willingness to listen and share. The Tuesday group meets in the Burrill Room, up the steps after you enter the main doors; discussion series dates are announced as each one approaches.

Tuesday Conversation Group

Tuesdays, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon

An informal, wide-ranging discussion of the scripture passages coming up on Sunday. We hear historical context and explore how these ancient readings connect to our everyday lives and our community involvement. All are welcome.

Discussion series

Occasional sessions, on different days through the year

As our world becomes increasingly diverse, we are creating opportunities for conversation, learning, and understanding about the social realities that shape our community and our world.

First up: a Muslim–Christian Dialogue with our Turkish Muslim friends from the Intercultural Dialogue Institute — Saturday, September 26, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm.

Other upcoming discussions will explore:

  • The questions and implications of this fall’s Alberta referendum
  • The rise of antisemitism in our communities and society
  • What it means for Highlands United to become an Affirming Congregation — inclusive and supportive of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, races, ethnicities, abilities, and economic circumstances
  • Our congregation’s future ministry, as the Search Team works with us to define our congregational profile

Watch for more details as each discussion approaches — and if there are other issues or social realities you think we should explore together, we welcome your suggestions. Everyone is welcome, church member or not. Join us for one discussion or all of them. All means all!

Four members of the Tuesday Conversation Group around the Burrill Room table, coffee in hand
Tuesday mornings in the Burrill Room.

Highlands Thrifted Gems

Our cosy thrift boutique

Thrifted Gems offers an ever-changing collection of donated items — vintage pieces, collectibles, kitchenware, household goods, books, décor, and other unique finds. It’s a place for gently used items to find new homes, and a gathering spot for anyone who enjoys browsing for treasures from the past.

All proceeds support the life and work of the church. Donations are welcome during boutique hours.

Hours

  • Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Sunday: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Want to lend a hand? We’re always glad for volunteers to cover a shift.

The sunlit Thrifted Gems boutique: shelves of teacups, a globe, vintage shoes, and linens

Annual events

The seasons our neighbourhood looks forward to

Three signature events anchor the year — current dates and details are always on the events calendar.

Next to New Sale

Late April

One of our biggest (and busiest!) days of the year. The community donates gently used goods — household items to hidden treasures — and the church becomes a one-day sale. Expect lineups at the door, lots to browse, and lunch available while you shop. Proceeds support church programs and outreach.

Dates & details

Community Garage Sale

June

Each June the whole Highlands neighbourhood comes alive with garage sales — and we join in with a smaller Next to New (no clothing, plenty of great finds) plus a hot dog stand. A fun, relaxed way to enjoy a summer day. Funds raised support our community work.

Dates & details

Christmas Bazaar

Saturday, November 21 · 10 am – 3 pm

The church turns into a festive holiday market: over 20 local crafters and vendors, a popular baking table (it sells out fast!), a “white elephant” table of gently used Christmas items, and lunch with soup, sandwiches, and pie. Proceeds support church life and outreach.

Interested in being a vendor? Register here.

Dates & details
Shoppers browsing tables of glassware and household finds at the community sale, sunlit windows behind
Sale day — tables filled and the neighbourhood browsing.

Fellowship

Easy, low-key ways to be together

Lenten Pancake Breakfast

Late winter, after a Sunday service

A relaxed pancake breakfast marking the beginning of Lent — a season of reflection and renewal leading up to Easter. Don’t worry if that’s new to you: this event is really about sharing a meal and connecting with others.

Fall & Spring BBQs

June and September

Twice a year we fire up the grill: good food, friendly faces, and a chance to meet people and catch up. Perfect if you’re new and just want to stop by and get a feel for the community.

Children and adults around a table at the church BBQ, burgers and salads in front of them
Burgers and every generation at one of our BBQs.

Get involved

Start small. Find what feels right.

Curious about becoming more connected? Whether you’re brand new to church or have been around for years, there’s a place for you here — no experience needed.

Ready to wade a little deeper?

  • Share a loonie and a concern, prayer request, or celebration during the Life and Work part of worship
  • Join a session of the discussion series
  • Join the choir or handbell choir — no auditions, just a love of music
  • Read a short passage in a Sunday service (we’ll guide you through it)
  • Team up with a friend to host a coffee time after worship
  • Volunteer for a shift at Thrifted Gems

Ready to dive in?

  • Join a project team — like the Affirm Team or Legacy Team
  • Be part of an ongoing team: worship, finances, building care, or supporting staff
  • Take on a leadership role guiding one of these teams
  • Join the Board, where bigger-picture decisions are made
Meet the teams

A note for newcomers: if words like “Bible study,” “worship,” or “committee” are new to you — that’s okay. There’s no one “right way” to belong here. Ask questions, come as you are, and take part at your own pace.

Volunteers currently needed for: shifts at Highlands Thrifted Gems.

Take the next step

Ask about a program

Tell us what you’re curious about and we’ll get back to you — usually within a few days.