The staff at Church of the Highlands has spent many years committed to Christian service. Our staff enjoys serving our community, whether in sharing our faith or just lending a helping hand. If you would like to contact a staff member, please click on the name you wish to contact.

Mike Sehon

Title: Lead Pastor

Areas of Ministry: Leading the Church, Vision Casting, Leadership Development and Teaching.

Who I Am: I am a disciple…

FAVORITES
Book: Bible
Food: Cajun, Italian, Chinese and Mexican
Movie: Lord Of The Rings Trilogy
TV Show: 24, Heroes, Leverage
Music: All but rap and hip hop
Season: Fall
Hobbies: Dreaming and building…
Scripture: Matthew 6:33
Quote: “All men die, only some men truly live.” – William Wallace
“We teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are.” – John Maxwell

Three People I’d Like to Meet: Paul the Apostle, George Washington and Rush Limbaugh

Email: mike@portorangehighlands.org

Where to Find Me: Facebook, Twitter, Typepad

Charlie West

Title: Worship Pastor

Areas of Ministry: Worship Pastor, Animal Trainer

Who I Am: God has called me to be a worship leader! I love to write songs and I have an affinity for australian shepherds and Star Wars toys.

FAVORITES
Book: My Utmost for His Highest, X-Men #94, The Book of Psalms
Food: Japanese, Chinese, Cuban, Greek
Movie: Raising Arizona, Star Wars, The Terminator (honestly anything with time traveling robots and big explosions, I’m not that picky)
TV Show: I love 30 Rock, Family Feud (Richard Dawson era)
Music: hmmm, really? Larry Norman, Cake, Presidents of the USA, Copeland
Season: Endless Summer
Hobbies: Collecting beef jerky packages from all around the world
Scripture: Psalms 71:17
Quote: “Every word I say by definition is a promise” – Marlon Brando in The Freshman

Three People I’d Like to Meet: Mr. T, The Original Flipper, The Brawny Man

Email: charliewest@portorangehighlands.org

Where to Find Me: Facebook, Myspace

Chris Gray

Title: Creative Arts Director

Areas of Ministry: Media, Worship, Taxidermy

Who I Am: My family and I recently moved here from Texas when God called us to be a part of this church. I have a heart for worship and a love for strange t-shirts.

FAVORITES
Book: Mere Christianity, The Hobbit, the Harry Potter series
Food: Mexican, Thai, Japanese
Movie: Bottle Rocket, Star Wars, Waiting for Guffman, The Goonies
TV Show: 30 Rock, Lost, Top Chef
Music: Radiohead, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, David Bazan, Phil Wickham (way too many to name)
Season: Fall
Hobbies: comics, music, cooking, and computers (yes, I know I’m a nerd)
Scripture: Hebrews 12:14
Quote: “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” – attributed to St Francis of Assisi

Three People I’d Like to Meet: Steve Jobs, Rick Bayless, President Obama

Email: chrisgray@portorangehighlands.org

Where to Find Me: Facebook, Twitter, Myspace

Shana Ochiuzzo

Title: Ministry Assistant

Areas of Ministry: Assistant to Pastor Mike, Outreach

Who I Am: I am a laid back person with a passion for God, my family, and people!

FAVORITES
Book: The Bible, and most recently, What To Expect When You’re Expecting
Food: Varies moment to moment!
Movie: The Notebook, P.S. I Love You, Hope Floats
TV Show: Fox 35 News, America’s Funniest Home Videos
Music: A little bit of mostly everything
Season: Fall
Hobbies: Time spent with my husband and family, and of course, shopping!!!
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
Quote: “Don’t worry about the future, God is already there!”

Three People I’d Like to Meet: Grandpa Pignato and Tim Tebow

Email: churchofthehighlands@yahoo.com

Where to Find Me: Facebook

Toni Sehon

Title: Administrator

Areas of Ministry: Children’s ministry, Women’s ministry, Office management

Who I Am: I am a daughter of the King who is in love with her Savior. I am passionate at whatever I put my hand to do. It’s all or nothing. I love what we do and couldn’t see myself doing anything else.

FAVORITES
Book: Bible by God, Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, Epic by John Eldredge & most anything else by Eldredge. I also like reading Erwin McManus.
Food: Chocolate & Cajun
Movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Everafter, Ella Enchanted, Pride & Prejudice (I am a woman)
TV Show: Fox News, 24, Heroes, Emeril Green
Music: Worship & classic 70’s rock
Season: Fall
Hobbies: When there is time (What’s that?) I like to quilt & cross stitch.
Scripture: Too many to put them all but here is one – Luke 24:32
Quote: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose” – Jim Elliot

Three People I’d Like to Meet: Corrie Ten Boom, King David, Abraham the Patriarch

Email: toni@portorangehighlands.org

Where to Find Me: Facebook

Need a Change?

Whether you are seeking or not seeking God, whether you love Christians or hate Christians, whether you like church or hate church, whether you think you are a good person or a bad person, you are welcomed here. Our desire is to help you in your spiritual journey, understand and live out God’s purpose for your life. We’re not focused on the rituals and religion we are more focused on you following Jesus.

At Church of the Highlands, we have a heart like Jesus did for those who are far from God. We love to see people who have dropped out of church get a new start and become reengaged with God. We believe that Christ calls us to be servants and we want to be ’salt and light’ in our community as we are loving, serving, and helping others. We want to saturate a community with new churches so that every person has the opportunity to connect with God and follow Him.

Connect with Us!

We’d love for you to connect with us and attend the worship service at the YMCA located at 4701 City Center Pkwy, Port Orange, FL (click on the link for directions or use the map below). If you have any questions or need help in any way, please feel free to email us at info@portorangehighlands.org. You can also call us at: 386-252-4484. We look forward to seeing you soon.

View YMCA in a larger map

Here is what you can expect when visiting Church of the Highlands:

We are Fun

We think church should not be boring and we don’t take ourselves too seriously! In fact, we think it’s a good idea to laugh…a lot!

We are Relevant

We deal with real issues that people face everyday and give practical Biblical teaching on how to deal with their life situations.

We are Relational

We believe everyone needs good friends – not just acquaintances. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to meet other new people like yourself.

We are Authentic

We are not afraid to admit that we are imperfect. We do our best to help one another so that we can honor God in our lives.

We are Risk Takers

We don’t play it safe. We operate in faith and encourage people to put it on the line for God.

What we Offer

* A high energy children’s Sunday morning service.
* Teen activities and youth group during the week.
* Marriage and parenting seminars and activities for the entire family.
* Small group bible studies that meet in homes.
* Ministry and missions opportunities.

About God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God.

Genesis 1:1; 26-27; 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, I Peter 1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14

About the Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 30:5

About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead three days later to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth reigning as King of King’s, Lord of Lord’s.

Matthew 1:22,23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5; 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, I Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3,4 Acts 1:9-11, I Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13

About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living, understanding to the spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian should seek to live under His control on a daily basis.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

About human Beings

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by and attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God.

Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2

About Salvation

Salvation is a gift from God to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer to forgiveness, can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

About Evil

While God will one day do away with all evil, He currently allows evil in the world – which provides mankind a choice. Satan is the source of all evil and will suffer an eternity of separation from God for his choices. (Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his demons.) Evil is present in the world because of mankind’s choice in the Garden of Eden. Because of Jesus, we have the opportunity to choose the goodness of God’s grace over evil. While God could eliminate evil immediately, He endures the grief of waiting to do so in order to give more people the opportunity to come to faith in Him. God is able to cause all things, even the evil in this world, to work together for the good of those who love Him.

Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:1-24; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Psalm 100:5; John 3:19; Psalm 81:12; Revelation 12:7-9; Revelation 20:10; 1 Corinthians 15:56; Colossians 2:15; 1 John 2:2; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 8:28-29

About Eternity

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in unison with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.

About eternal Security

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for all of eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.

John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10-14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

About the Church

The Bible tells us that the church is the body of Christ in the world today. The New Testament tells us the church is a local body of baptized believers. The head of the church is Jesus Christ. The biblical purposes of the church are worship, evangelism, fellowship, discipleship and ministry to others.

Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3

About the Second Coming of Jesus

God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness.

Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13

At Church of the Highlands we truly believe that we are better together! That’s why we think Community Groups are really important. We have many amazing community groups to choose from.

Check out our community groups below and try one out today!

Sabal Creek Group

Community Group
Thursday 6:30 pm – Open to all
contact Mike or Toni

6138 Sabal Point Circle Port Orange, FL

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New Smyrna Beach Group

Community Group
Monday 7:00 pm – Open to all
contact Charlie

592 Mount Olympus Blvd New Smyrna Beach, FL

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Middle School Group

Sunday 9:00 am

“Fuel” Middle School meets Sunday morning at the YMCA during our first service.

Thrive Women’s Group at Java Jungle

THRIVE UPDATE:

We will be changing our regular schedule from May through the summer months because of extra activity & vacation time. We still have some fun stuff planned & will announce those dates as they near. We’ll kick off again in the fall with a new book. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of you. I’m excited to see what God is doing in each of you. Remember to keep God in the mix & Thrive wherever He has you. I look forward to the journey ahead. – Toni Sehon

The following is our listing of times and may include times for other regularly scheduled events and programs. Please note that times may change during the holidays and summer months. Feel free to email us at churchofthehighlands@yahoo.com. We look forward to worshiping with you and your family.

Sunday Mornings

9 am & 10:30 am at the Port Orange YMCA
Click here for directions.

IGNITE

A fast pace, fun, modern children’s program that takes place during the 9 am service. Kids have fun while parents enjoy the service.

Fuel Middle School

Sunday Mornings at 9 am

Community Groups

Meeting in homes across the community at various times during the week. Click here for more information.

Would You Like More Information?

Please email us at churchofthehighlands@yahoo.com if you have any questions about our times or would like to know about other events that may not be listed here.