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It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that the Rev. Dr. David Thaddeus Lee passed from this life on January 22, 2021, from cancer. He was 65 years old, born on August 14, 1955. Dr. Dave, as he was affectionately called by many, served as Pastor of Highlands United Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville for 24 years. Even as we grieve, we remember with confidence and gratitude that he has entered the joy of Life Eternal with our gracious and loving God.
Before he was called to Highlands in 1996, Dr. Dave served two churches in North Carolina. He received both an M.Div. degree and a D. Min. degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, and was ordained by Salem Presbytery in 1981.
Watching David in the kitchen at Logos, hearing his sermons, seeing him baptize a child of the congregation, serving with him as a friend and colleague in the presbytery, was to witness a life wholly devoted to God and serving God’s people of all ages. His prophetic and inspiring preaching and his deep compassion for justice locally and globally are deeply implanted in the mission and vision of Highlands United Presbyterian Church. In 2016, David was named the Parish Pastor of the Year by the Academy of Parish Clergy. In the spring of 2020, David was a pastor to the pastors of this presbytery as he hosted regular meetings for prayer and the sharing of joys and concerns, including an opening devotional that he would offer for our strength and inspiration.
“In our acts or praise, our enthusiastic prayers, our music, the preaching of the Word, and our honored participation in the sacraments,” David wrote, “we are granted the opportunity to take part in our most important calling – the worship of God.”
A service of worship and witness to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and his servant, Rev. Dr. David Thaddeus Lee was held on Saturday, January 30, at 11:00 am by Zoom. Those who were unable to attend are able to watch the service recording using the link below:
As we joyfully affirm our faith in the resurrection and Eternal Life in Christ Jesus, we also give thanks for David’s life and lift our prayers for his wife, Susan, for David and Susan’s extended family, and the Highlands family in their time of grief and loss.
Expressions of sympathy and compassion may be sent to the family through the church:
Highlands United Presbyterian Church
10900 McCormick Road/ Jacksonville, FL 32225
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be given in Dr. Dave's honor to Highlands United Presbyterian Church.
Weekly Worship & Nurture Opportunities
Sunday School
Sunday Morning
9 am
Classes for all ages
Worship
Sunday Morning
10 am
All are Welcome
LOGOS
Wednesday Afternoon
4 pm to 7 pm
3 years old through 12th grade
All Worship and Nurture activities are happening on Zoom.
We'd love to have you join us!
Please email hchurchjax@gmail.com for login information.
We are the 'Body of Christ' known as Highlands United Presbyterian Church...
Highlands is a family of faith guided by God in the love we share for Christ and the church. We strive to put that love into practice in our worship and in our ministry to one another and to our community. Our mission is to glorify and serve God with all of the resources that God has made available to us.
ABOUT OUR CHURCH
With a membership of 350, Highlands is a caring congregation of very active people seeking to live their call to be disciples of Jesus Christ in the world today. We are located in the 'East Arlington' section of Jacksonville.
Whoever you are, wherever you are in life, you are welcome here!
HIGHLANDS PRECIOUS GIFTS PRESCHOOL
Highlands provides the perfect environment for the nurturing of young children. Our preschool provides a developmentally based, literacy-focused, educational environment for children ages 12 months through 5 years old.
By creating a fun and exciting early learning experience, we hope to foster a sense of healthy curiosity and a life-long love of learning.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We are hoping to transition to hybrid worship in April with some participants worshiping in-person and other continuing to worship at home through Zoom.
Click on the picture above for more information about our reopening plan.
