Mission Statement

Celebrating Christ, Sharing Love, and Serving God.

Vision Statement

We believe God has called us to be a community of faithful Christians where all persons are welcomed regardless of race, economic status, age, and ethnic origin.

We are called to reach the unchurched and to help persons develop a deeper spiritual life through inspiration and experience.

Our Statement of Belief

We believe...

In relationships - to God - to Jesus Christ - to one another. We believe the Bible encourages us to live in responsible relationships with all people.

We believe...

It is our responsibility to serve, challenge, and support individuals. Our outreach Ministry starts at home and extends throughout the world. This includes weekly giving to mission and special mission projects. Our programs range from Bible study to support teams.

We believe...

In offering our building to Scouts, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Meals on Wheels, "I Care" for food distribution and other service groups.

Our Staff

Pastor, Javier Rios, joined us on July 1st, 2019. He comes to us from serving two churches; Neosho Falls United Methodist Church and Yates Center United Methodist Church. Pastor Rios formerly was the Pastor of Eastside United Methodist Church in Topeka. He and his family also worked with Fellowship and Faith Ministry and was the Executive Director while in Topeka.

Pastoral Leaders

HPUMC is part of the United Methodist denomination and as such there is pastoral leadership at higher levels of the organization that stands ready to help and challenge us. They are:

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., is the resident bishop of the Great Plains Episcopal Area. He oversees the ministries of United Methodist churches throughout Kansas and Nebraska.

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. is assisted by other pastors who oversee the work of smaller groups of churches organized into Districts. HPUMC is part of the Topeka District and our District Superintendent is Rev. Kay Scarbrough, based in Topeka. You may contact her at kscarbrough@kansaseast.org.

Retired Pastors

Highland Park is also blessed to have a number of retired pastors in special relationship with the church. Some of these pastors help us on a regular basis. The retired pastors are:

Rev. Donald Anderson

Rev. Ron Farrell

Rev. Jean Marie Grabher

Rev. Tedd Inman

Rev. Barbara Moore

Rev. Karel Ramsey

Office Staff

We are blessed to have several talented staff members at Highland Park Church. They are:

Church Secretary -- Kerry Harris

Custodian -- David Arasmith

Organist and Wesley Choir Director -- Shane Galentine

Church Outreach Worker -- Barbara Stodgell

Various child care attendants and helpers

Church staff can be contacted through the main church phone number:
785-266-6555.

Highland Park Church Office is open:
Monday thru Friday, 8:30 am to 12 noon and 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm.

Our E-mail address is:
highlandpark@hp-umc.org

Highland Park United Methodist Church
2914 SE Michigan,Topeka, Kansas 66605
785-266-6555