All About Highland Lakes UMC
Highland Lakes United Methodist Church is a joyful and welcoming community of love and grace. Some have been in the area for years and their connections run deep; many of us have moved to the beautiful lake communities that surround Buchanan Dam and are making new friends; and a few have more than one home and attend seasonally, finding a ready home for their months away from home. We come from different places and have different life experiences. We give thanks for all that God has been doing, and is doing, within each person. We cherish one another. We do not all think alike, but we are drawn together by the love of Jesus Christ and his mandate to love one another and our neighbors. We choose to be UNITED, with joy, in the love of God. To that end, we are opening hearts and minds as:
- We celebrate God’s presence through heartfelt music, worship, and prayer. Hymns are the hallmark of our worship style. We have a great music director, a small voice choir, and handbell choir. And we welcome new singers and ringers. The prayer and worship here are meaningful, sincere, and full of grace. Real Bible meets real life in ways that touch hearts and lives.
- We fuel the love of God through ongoing Bible studies, Sunday School, Emmaus, and fellowship groups; and we like to eat together in potlucks, restaurants, and one another’s homes.
- We communicate God’s love as a joyful church family, building friendships and deepening connections. We like to laugh and enjoy each other’s presence.
- We demonstrate God’s compassion through mission and service. We are involved in our community, volunteering with other churches in important community service ministries, as well as developing outreach from within.
We invite you to join us in the great adventure of loving God and neighbor!
For Our Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What do United Methodists believe?
As a part of the worldwide United Methodist Church family, we follow a set of Bible-based, God inspired beliefs set forth by our denomination. To learn more about our beliefs, CLICK HERE.
Where is the entrance?
All 3 buildings face a common courtyard in the center of the property. A church bell, bench and roses are in front of the sanctuary doors, an angel statue marks the steps to Roe Hall where both Sunday Schools and most weekday events meet. Jordan Hall is where we meet for church potlucks the second Sunday of each month.
Is there handicapped parking available?
Absolutely! A drop-off driveway is also available for front-door-service.
When is Communion and can I partake?
Communion is shared on the first Sunday of the month, plus special holidays. All are welcome to participate.
What should I wear?
Whatever you like.
Is there Sunday School?
Yes, two adult classes. We meet for coffee conversations at 9:15 and move into the classrooms at 9:30 a.m.
Is there Children's Church or a Nursery?
No, we do not have a staffed Nursery at the present time. We do offer a Kids Zone room in the sanctuary restroom hallway with a changing table, sink, supplies, books & toys, and a children’s size bathroom for use with parent supervision. You are invited to take books and toys into the sanctuary. Children are welcome in worship.
Is the church available for events (i.e., weddings, funerals, etc.)?
Yes, we have building use opportunities.
Contact the church secretary at 325-388-4187 for building use policy and availability.
How do I join the church?
Speak to the pastor or call our church office to schedule an appointment with the pastor.
Who We Are
Meet Our Staff/Pastor
Rev. Roberta Goodman
Pastor
Pastor's Bio
Reverend Roberta B. Goodman was appointed as pastor of Highland Lakes UMC in June of 2021. At the age of 9, Pastor Roberta first felt the call of God on her life to serve God by serving his Church. She began preaching at the age of 16 in nursing homes and prison ministries. While she pursued a B.A. in Cross-Cultural Missions, she interned as a counselor in a residential drug rehab facility and a domestic abuse clinic. She went on to get her Master of Divinity degree at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, and began serving as a United Methodist Pastor in 1992. She was ordained as a full elder in the United Methodist Church in 1996. She has dedicated herself to the love of every church and community in which God has placed her, which has included 12 years on Texas’ southern border, and churches in San Antonio, and the Texas hill Country.
Pastor Roberta continues to be driven by her joyful love of God and people. Her passion is to preach, teach, and pastor in ways that assist people in finding a deeper connection to God, deeper friendships with each other, and meaningful action in the world. She says, “I consider it an honor to be invited in to witness a piece of someone’s life story. To walk alongside them for a while in their faith journey is a sacred privilege.”
Her guiding verses include:
- John 3:17 — “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
- Psalm 27:13 – “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
Roberta is married to Devlon Goodman, who is a pastor and musician. They have two adult children. Roberta enjoys nature walks, fall leaves and acorns, wildflowers, and reflections on the water. She “geeks out” over archeology and the endless things there are to learn in God’s world and God’s Word.
Steve Gennette
Music Director
Irene Ditmore
Church Secretary
Shana MacFarland
Finance Clerk
Sally May
Member Care/Programs