Top 10 Most-Clicked Stories of 2023
December 26, 2023 by Analise Narine
Stories can make us smile, cry, laugh, and discover inspiration. Click below to see the 10 most-viewed stories of 2023—stories that show God working through HPUMC. Read about impactful ministries, big events, and the lasting legacies of congregants who have passed on.
Can you believe it? A new year is almost here!
We’re celebrating by highlighting some key moments at HPUMC from 2023, including top stories and the most-watched messages. We are also celebrating a few things coming up in 2024 to get excited about!
10. MEANINGFUL MEMORIES: NIGHT OWLS FAMILY CAMP PROVIDES OUTDOOR RETREAT
HPUMC Belong Disability Ministry’s Night OWLS (Out With Loving Sitters) program is a monthly faith-based program for children with disabilities and their siblings that provides respite for parents. From Friday, October 20 to Sunday, October 22, Night OWLS Family Camp brought families together in a refreshing weekend outdoors for the first time since 2019.
9. RESTORATION MINISTRY HELPS WOMEN HEAL WITH GENESIS WOMEN’S SHELTER
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and brings with it an opportunity to highlight the epidemic of abuse and remind victims that they are not alone. One of the ways HPUMC participates in this effort during this month is with the UMW Restore Her Luncheon: Women Helping Women, benefiting Restoration Ministry.
8. LARGEST CLASS OF CAMP-TO-CAREER HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS GRADUATE, ATTEND COLLEGE
This spring, HPUMC’s Camp-to-Career program celebrated the graduation of 15 seniors, the biggest graduating class to date in the program. The Camp-to-Career class of 2023 has been on a journey that started years ago with HPUMC.
Highland Park United Methodist Church aims to make our big church feel small. One of the ways we accomplish this is through Small Groups. Each semester (fall and winter/spring), Small Groups allow church friends to become real friends as they connect with each other and grow in Christ together. Small Groups are available for every age and life stage.
6. EASTER AT HPUMC CELEBRATES A LIVING HOPE
Across HPUMC’s Holy Week and Easter Sunday worship services, more than 15,000 people gathered at Highland Park United Methodist Church or joined online in celebration of our living hope, Jesus Christ. Congregants new and old gathered in each venue to honor that Christ is risen.
5. ISRAEL: WHERE FAITH COMES TO LIFE
Israel is where my faith came to life. Where my faith became tangible. Visiting Israel gave me a whole new perspective on what is important. I walked where Jesus walked. I prayed where Jesus prayed. My faith grew in ways I never thought possible. The Bible came to life here. This trip changed me, and for that, I will forever be grateful.
4. A JOURNEY IN MINISTRY: REV. ELIZABETH MOSELEY LEAVES LASTING IMPACT
Rev. Elizabeth Moseley, Associate Minister of Uptown Church, has received a new pastoral appointment with the Methodist Church to serve at First United Methodist Church in Dallas after 18 years of working at HPUMC and Uptown Church. Elizabeth has made an incredible impact in those 18 years.
3. FROM THE GROUND UP: CARPENTERS FOR CHRIST REACHES #125
Carpenters for Christ, a ministry of Highland Park United Methodist Church, built its 125th house this past fall, making it the largest contributor to Habitat for Humanity of any faith-based organization worldwide. This accomplishment took years of meetings, donations, and sweat equity. And it all started with six congregants who had a vision for Habitat for Humanity at HPUMC: Doug & Jeanne Reinelt, Philip Wise, Kent & Susan Roberts, and Stephen White.
2. REMEMBERING JAMES T. "BRAD" BRADLEY
Highland Park United Methodist Church is mourning the loss of congregant James T. “Brad” Bradley, who passed away on Friday, October 13. Brad was 101 years old, and his legacy is as vast as his life was long.
1. SEASONS OF SMILES: THE CHANCE URSCHEL STORY
How do you measure a life? Is it in years, or is it measured by the lives you impacted, the smiles you shared, the memories you made, and the hearts you changed? The life of Carter Chancellor “Chance” Urschel might reveal the answer.
