The mission of Highland Park United Methodist Church is to help you become a deeply devoted follower of Jesus Christ. We believe that one of the biggest ways to grow closer to Jesus is by learning about him on Sunday mornings.

So to help usher in 2017, we gathered a few of the most-watched messages of 2016.

10. Hello Hurricane: Red Skies

Often in life we are able to see the imminent danger of the various storms in our lives, and we do all we can to prepare and ready ourselves for them. However, there are other times we simply do not see the storm coming. HPUMC Senior Minister Rev. Paul Rasmussen shares what to do when the storms of life catch you off guard. Watch now!

9. This Time Counts

"Teach us to count our days" may sound like a depressing reminder that eventually we all die, but it is this realization that allows us to value the time we have. It is a realization that we don't have to wait until time is running out to live the way we want to live, to accomplish what we want to accomplish, to fulfill the call to which God has called us. Watch now!

8. Poison Control: Poisonous Thoughts

The dictionary defines poison as, "a substance that usually kills, injures, or impairs an organism." Thoughts may not be a substance, but it is easy to see how negative thoughts can act as a poison to our attitude, our relationships, our well-being, and even the future we experience. Rev. Rasmussen shares how to deal with the poisonous effects of negative thoughts. Watch now!

7. Hello Hurricane: Foundations

We all experience hardships in this life. That is a given. The question is, are we prepared for them? In Matthew 7, Jesus addresses this very topic. He reveals that simply believing in him is not enough to build a firm foundation that can protect us when storms strike. Rev. Rasmussen unpacks this scripture and its implications for building a solid foundation against the storms of life. Watch now!

6. Hello Hurricane: Eye of the Storm

In the 23rd Psalm we are reminded no matter how much we prepare, at some point, we will find ourselves in "the darkest valley." The truth of this psalm is though we long for a God of maximum protection, we have a God of maximum support. Even in the "darkest valley" God continues to guide and provide for us. Watch now!

5. Poison Control: Poisonous Relationships

Becoming aware of poisonous people is the first step in moving toward healthy relationships, but awareness doesn't rid relationships of the toxins. As Rev. Rasmussen explains, in order to combat the poison we must learn to set appropriate and healthy boundaries. Watch now!

4. Hello Hurricane: Interview with Dallas Sonnier

During the series Hello Hurricane, Rev. Rasmussen sat down with Hollywood filmmaker and HPUMC member Dallas Sonnier. Dallas and his family have endured one a harrowing storm and his story is a powerful look at how faith helps us in our darkest times. Watch now!

3. Easter Sunday

Easter is about the dawning of a new day. While celebrating Easter Sunday at Moody Coliseum, Rev. Rasmussen challenged the congregation to not ignore what God is doing through the light of Easter. "Easter is really about God reaching down into darkness and yanking out the sunlight," he said. "Easter is about the dawning of a new day.” Watch now!

2. Beyond 100

When it comes to monumental occasions, often we do a lot to prepare for the occasion, but not a lot to prepare for that which takes place beyond the occasion. Vision requires preparedness for tomorrow rather than happiness for today. Rev. Rasmussen shares his vision for HPUMC as we prepare to move beyond our 100th Birthday. Watch now!

1. Dear Mr. President-Elect

“The tragedy of our day, Mr. President Elect, is that there are so few people who acknowledge a power greater than themselves. Will you be one of them? We are praying for that.” Rev. Rasmussen shares the powerful letter he wrote to President-Elect Donald Trump after the November election. Watch now!