I got a call today from Karen Vandermeer with Neighbors For the Preservation of the Neighborhood, in University Park. At issue, if you’ll recall, is a proposed new parking lot for Highland Park Presbyterian Church — one that could involve demolition of some church-owned houses, and which has surrounding residents fired up about aesthetics, potential harm to property values, and HPPC’s relationship with the community in general.

I’ve yet to confirm anything on the church’s end, but Vandermeer tells me HPPC’s governing body voted 23-14 last night to move forward with rezoning for parts of University and McFarlin, and that plans could be in the works within about a week. Meanwhile, she said, more than 80 yards in the nine-block area surrounding HPPC now sport the sign you see above.

Click here to see the neighborhood committee’s blog.

UPDATE: Rezoning progress confirmed. To see design plans and renderings of the proposed changes, drop by HPPC’s welcome center.

Kessler Park UMC is a caring and inclusive congregation, celebrating God’s love for all people. The congregation combines a tradition of vibrant worship with a relevant and progressive message as well as concern for the real issues, challenges  and possibilities of today’s world.

We seek to nurture and strengthen persons of all ages for spiritual growth expressed in love of neighbor and servant ministry.

Children’s programs include out exciting “Carpenter’s Corner” Sunday School, where children gather for songs and snacks before rotation each week into age-appropriate classes for lessons, storytelling and hands-on activities in our “Holy Word Theater,” “Solid Rock Cafe: and other creative settings. Annual events include Vacation Bible School, an innovative Religious Arts Academy each summer, a parade and egg hunt at Easter, a Christmas Pageant, and much more.

Our dynamic group enjoys weekly fellowship and teaching events while also emphasizing service projects and missions both locally and on extended mission trips. Youth-sponsored activities include seasonal retreats, a fall carnival, and a “living nativity” at Christmastime.

Adults find an open and accepting place to explore their spiritual journey in a cross-generational environment. Adult Sunday School classes, seasonal events, Bible studies, weekly church suppers and other fellowship activities allow ample opportunities for members to come together in the love of Christ.

Together we strive to live out our mission statement:

We are a community of hope, founded in faith, fostering spiritual growth and meeting human needs by reflecting God’s love in Christ’s name.