PLANNING A VISIT?
We are excited you are interested in Highland Valley. Each week, we are privileged to have several people attending for the first time; and we want everyone to feel welcome.
To help you become more familiar with our church, we have outlined some of the basics for you in the "Frequently Asked Questions" below. If you have questions that are not addressed on this page, please call us at 224-6047 or send an e-mail to churchoffice@hvumc.org.
We look forward to seeing you Sunday!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE IS HIGHLAND VALLEY LOCATED?
HIGHLAND VALLEY UMC
15524 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211
We are located in west Little Rock at the intersection of Chenal Parkway & Kanis Road East, approximately 2 miles west of the intersection of Markham Street & Chenal Parkway.
Driving Directions:
- When coming to HVUMC from I-430 or I-630, take the Shackleford Road Exit.
- From the intersection of I-630 and Shackleford Road, go west on Financial Center Parkway.
- After two blocks, Financial Center Parkway becomes Chenal Parkway. Continue west on Chenal Parkway for approximately 3 miles.
- Highland Valley UMC is located on the right side (north side) of Chenal Parkway, next to the Acura car dealership and across the street from Kroger.
WHERE DO I PARK?
When pulling into the parking lot from Chenal Parkway , there are several parking spaces reserved directly in front of the Sanctuary for our guests-just look for the "Visitor Parking" signs. If these spots are already taken when you arrive, additional parking is available on all sides of the church.
FOUR BUILDINGS, HOW DO I KNOW WHAT ONE TO ENTER?
Yes, Highland Valley is made up of 4 connected buildings:
- Wesley Building: The two-story building on your left (to the west) when facing the church; includes adult classes downstairs and youth wing upstairs.
- Galloway Family Life Center: Next to the Wesley Building; includes the Parlor, Kitchen, Gym, Conference Room and Offices.
- Sanctuary: The building with the Cross and Steeple; includes the Sanctuary and Church Offices.
- Jones Education Building: The last building on your right (to the east); includes Hart Chapel, nursery, children's classrooms and Choir Room.
To attend any of our three Sunday morning Worship Services, just go to the Sanctuary and enter at any entrance. Ushers are available to greet you and answer any questions you may have.
WHERE IS THE NURSERY?
The Infant Nursery is located in the Education Building and is staffed from 8:15am-12:15pm by our Nursery Caregivers. The purpose of the Nursery is to provide a safe, loving and comfortable environment for your child. We believe your child is a special gift from God, so we want to provide the best love and care possible.
WHEN ARE YOUR WORSHIP SERVICES?
We have three worship services each Sunday morning:
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Service
The 8:30am service is a traditional-blended worship service in the Sanctuary.
9:40 a.m. Informal Worship Service (Casual Service)
Come as you are! This casual worship service is held in the Sanctuary, but has a more relaxed atmosphere than the traditional service.
10:45 a.m. Traditional-Blended Worship Service
The 10:45am service is a traditional blended worship service held in the Sanctuary.
WHAT ELSE TAKES PLACE ON SUNDAY MORNINGS?
9:00 a.m. Fellowship Time
Everyone is invited for coffee, juice and breakfast snacks in the Family Life Center (Gym) between 9:00 a.m. & 9:40 a.m. each Sunday. In addition to enjoying a selection of gourmet coffees and some delicious treats, this is a good time to meet others and ask about Sunday School Classes or directions if needed.
9:00 a.m. Fellowship (Telephone) Class
The Fellowship Class, often called the Telephone Class, is composed of members who are home-bound connected by speakerphones via a conference call originating from Highland Valley UMC. This class enables them to stay "connected" to the church by participating in prayer, music, scripture and a lesson each Sunday with others. The class uses the "Adult Bible Studies" literature.
9:30 a.m. Sunday School Classes for All Ages
"It's all about Relationships." Sunday School Classes covering a wide variety of topics and teaching styles (lecture, discussion, etc.) are held throughout the church facility for all ages. These classes are vitally important in the development of your faith and feeling "connected" to a small group in a large church. To see a more detailed listing of class information, go to the main page for the specific age group in which you are interested--Children, Youth or Adults.
DO YOU OFFER CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP?
Yes, childcare and/or children's classes are available during all worship services. Care is provided by our paid caregivers assisted by adult church volunteers. During the 8:30am worship service, childcare is provided in the Education Building for Infants and Preschoolers.
During the 9:40am service, there is a Nursery in the Education Building and Sunday School Classes for older children to attend.
During the 10:45 worship service, care is provided for Infants – 2 year olds in the Education Building. Children’s Church is offered for children ages 3 years through 1st grade. Children begin the 10:45 service in the Sanctuary with their parents. Then, following the Children's Sermon, the children are invited to go with a team of dedicated parent volunteers to the Education Building for stories, crafts, games, videos, and a light snack. Children may then be picked up by their parents following worship.
MAY I BRING MY CHILDREN TO THE WORSHIP SERVICE?
Children are always welcome in worship! This decision for them to stay in church with you or be taken care of in the Nursery or attend a class is left totally up to the parents. We support whichever decision you make.
If your child stays for the worship service, they may enjoy a "Kid's Kit" which can be picked up in the narthex of the Sanctuary or from any usher. Following church, the kits may be left on the pew or returned to the narthex.
WHERE DO I TAKE MY CHILDREN FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL?
Children 5th grade and younger meet in the Education Building.
The 6th through 12th Graders meet in the Youth Wing on the second floor of the Wesley Building.
Sunday School Classes for Adults are held throughout the buildings. If you're not sure which class to attend, you can see the descriptions about the various classes offered under the "Adult" section on this website or call the Church Office.
CAN I TAKE A TOUR OF THE CHURCH?
Yes! Just drop by any time Monday through Friday between 9am-4pm, and we would love to show you around. If you would prefer to set up an appointment for a tour, just call the church office.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO CHURCH?
We want you to feel comfortable in whatever you choose to wear, whether it's casual or dressy. On Sunday mornings, you'll see everything from jeans to business attire.
WHAT IS THE STYLE OF MUSIC DURING WORSHIP?
There is truly something for everyone here at Highland Valley. On any given Sunday at Highland Valley, you might sing traditional hymns from our United Methodist Hymnal or hear beautiful solos from several of our gifted choir members, contemporary songs, Christian rock songs by our Youth band, "Go Fish", uplifting music sung by "Awakening" or a wide variety of wonderful anthems by our Chancel Choir.
WHAT IF I'M NOT A UNITED METHODIST; WILL I BE ABLE TO FOLLOW THE SERVICE WITHOUT FEELING LEFT OUT?
We do everything we can to explain the different parts of our worship service so you will feel included as we worship God. When you enter the Sanctuary, one of the ushers will greet you and give you a church bulletin.
SINCE I AM NOT A UNITED METHODIST, WILL I BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION?
Absolutely. We have what is called an "Open Table" approach to Holy Communion. A person does not have to be a United Methodist or a member of this particular church. We invite all who seek the presence of Christ in their lives and desire to receive God's grace to receive Holy Communion.
I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN. CAN I STILL ATTEND WORSHIP AT HIGHLAND VALLEY ?
Yes! We know that the age we live in can be troublesome, confusing and heartbreaking. In times such as these, it isn't unusual to seek something deeper in life, something that offers hope, a sense of purpose and family. God wants to be part of your life. He stands ready to heal the heart and transform life itself; and we always stand ready to be a part of God's work in peoples' lives. Being in worship is a wonderful place to begin.
WILL I HAVE TO STAND UP OR BE SINGLED OUT DURING WORSHIP BECAUSE I'M A VISITOR?
Relax! You're with friends... or at least friendly people! We won't flag you, tag you or point you out as being "new." Nor will we embarrass you by having you stand up to be recognized as a visitor, raise your hand or anything else you don't feel comfortable doing. We do encourage you to sign the registration sheet as it is passed down the pew so that we can send you our church newsletter with additional information about Highland Valley.