Author: cefiggins

Volunteer Job Description: Administrative Ministry Volunteers

Volunteer Job Description: Administrative Ministry Volunteers

Purpose:

Local Outreach is in need of administrative volunteers. Administrative Ministry Volunteers play an essential role in the life of the Local Outreach, contributing to the effective administration and coordination of ministry tasks and activities. This is a wonderful opportunity to use your skills to serve the community and support the mission of the church.
Ephesians 4:11-12: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Key Responsibilities:

Database Entry: Maintain and update Local Outreach databases with accurate and timely information.

Sorting and Organizing Supplies: Manage and organize ministry supplies, ensuring everything is in order and accessible.

Event Preparation: Assist in preparing for events, including setting up materials, coordinating logistics, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Copying and Printing: Handle copying and printing tasks for various ministry needs.

Administrative Support: Provide general administrative support to the Local Outreach team, including answering phones, responding to emails, and other tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

Commitment to the mission and values of Harvester Christian Church through membership.
Completion of Belong and/or Discover Harvester class (highly recommended, though not required).
Strong organizational and administrative skills.
Proficiency with basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
Attention to detail and accuracy in completing tasks.
Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Time Commitment:

Flexible hours based on volunteer availability and ministry needs.

Regular commitment preferred (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly).

Training and Support:

Initial orientation and training provided to familiarize volunteers with their roles and responsibilities.
Ongoing support and resources available through the Local Outreach team.

Benefits:

Spiritual Growth: Deepen your faith through acts of service and contributing to the mission of the church.

Community Impact: Play a vital role in supporting the church’s outreach efforts and making a positive difference in the community.

Personal Fulfillment: Experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from using your skills to support ministry activities.

Skill Development: Enhance your administrative and organizational skills in a practical setting.

Networking: Connect with other church members and volunteers who share a commitment to serving the community.

Flexibility: Choose volunteer hours that fit your schedule, allowing you to serve in a way that complements your personal and professional commitments.

Reporting To: Outreach Ministry Coordinator

Contact:

For more information or to sign up, please contact

Jillian Hohensee

Outreach Ministry Assistant

jhohensee@harvester.cc

By serving as an Administrative Ministry Volunteer, you will be making a significant contribution to the effective operation of Local Outreach activities and events. Your dedication and skills will help build up the body of Christ and support the church’s mission to serve the community.

February 27, 2025

in Church, HCC, Local, Outreach, School Outreach, Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Job Description: School Outreach Crew Member

Volunteer Job Description: School Outreach Crew Member

Position Title: School Outreach Crew Member

Vision: To meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of students, teachers, staff, and/or families while building trusting relationships that lead them to find and follow Jesus.

Purpose:

Ephesians 4:11-12 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

To support local schools through various service projects, encouragement of teachers, and maintenance activities. Volunteers will also participate in monthly meetings for prayer and preparation of upcoming needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Participate in at least one school support activity per month. Activities may include:

Supporting school events
Encouraging teachers through thank you notes, small gifts, or other forms of appreciation
Providing maintenance assistance as needed
Prepping food for the Food Back Pack program
Sorting and organizing backpacks and school supplies

Attend monthly meetings at Harvester Christian Church to:

Pray for the schools, teachers, students, and upcoming activities
Prepare supplies for upcoming service projects
Handwrite thank you notes to teachers and staff
Assemble gifts for teachers and staff

Qualifications:

Commitment to the mission and values of Harvester Christian Church through membership
Completion of Belong and/or Discover Harvester class (not required but highly recommended)
FHSD Background Check (not required but highly recommended
A heart for serving the community and supporting local schools
Good organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work well in a team and follow instructions

Time Commitment:

At least one service activity per month at a local school
One monthly meeting at Harvester Christian Church for prayer and preparation

Benefits:

Opportunity to make a positive impact on local schools and the community
Fellowship and connection with other church members
Spiritual growth through prayer and service

Contact:

For more information or to sign up, please contact

Carissa Figgins

Local Outreach Pastor

cfiggins@harvester.cc

February 27, 2025

in Local, Outreach, Serve Teams

Volunteer Job Description: Emergency Weather Response (EWR) Crew Member

Volunteer Job Description: Emergency Weather Response Crew Member(EWR)

Vision: We envision the area churches in St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren County will provide safe overnight sleep to protect our homeless neighbors from dangerous inclement weather.

Purpose:

Harvester Christian Church is a part of a county-wide initiative called Emergency Weather Response (EWR) that is activated if the temperatures are predicted to be 20 degrees or below overnight. We are part of a network that opens its doors as a Free Warming Center 1-2 weeks a year to provide our homeless neighbors safe sleeping accommodations for the night. Each night of activation, teams of 3 volunteers serve 4 or 8-hour shifts between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. to provide hospitality to these homeless neighbors.
Ephesians 4:11-12: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Key Responsibilities:

Hospitality: Welcome and assist homeless neighbors as they arrive, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable.

Monitoring: Supervise the warming center throughout the night, maintaining a peaceful and secure environment.

Support Services: Provide basic amenities such as blankets, hot drinks, and snacks.

Assistance: Help with setting up and cleaning the warming center before and after use.

Coordination: Communicate with other volunteers and team leaders to ensure smooth operation during shifts.

Qualifications:

Commitment to the mission and values of Harvester Christian Church through membership.
Completion of Belong and/or Discover Harvester class (highly recommended, though not required).
Compassion and a heart for serving the homeless community.
Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively.
Flexibility to serve during late-night and early-morning hours.
Willingness to undergo any necessary training or background checks.

Time Commitment:

Flexible shifts of 4 or 8 hours between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. during activation periods from November to March.

Harvester Christian Church is expected to provide volunteers to serve 1-2 weeks per year during activation periods. 2024-25 Schedule TBD

Training and Support:

Initial orientation and training are provided by the EWR Network typically in early November to prepare volunteers for their roles.
Ongoing support and resources are available through Harvester Christian Church and the EWR initiative.

Benefits:

Spiritual Growth: Deepen your faith through acts of service and compassion, living out Christ’s call to serve the least of these.

Community Impact: Make a tangible difference in the lives of our homeless neighbors during extreme weather conditions.

Personal Fulfillment: Experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from providing critical support to those in need.

Skill Development: Enhance your skills in hospitality, crisis management, and teamwork.

Flexible Scheduling: Choose shifts that fit your availability, allowing you to serve in a way that complements your schedule.

Reporting To: EWR Crew Leader

Contact:

For more information or to sign up, please contact Carissa Figgins

Local Outreach Pastor

cfiggins@harvester.cc

By serving on the Emergency Weather Response Team, you will be providing essential support to our homeless neighbors during extreme weather conditions. Your dedication and compassion will help build up the body of Christ and demonstrate the love of Jesus to those in need.

February 19, 2025

in DTOTD, Jesus, Mental Health

The Darkness Has Not Overcome- DTOTD

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

Before this particular winter season, I like to think I created the hashtag #Ihatecold. Before this year I despised winter. Not even joking, winter has always brought on intense panic for me. Before this season winter has always been a race for survival for me. I think I have felt truly threatened by what I perceived as the power of winter. The lack of yellow sunlight, the lack of warmth, the perceived prison of the indoors, the perpetual grayness, and the phrase “weather permitting” have always made me feel like I am suffocating as I will truly not survive another winter. My brain plays tricks on me that I really might not survive and depression and anxiety have ruled the day in the winter months. Even if we have crazy days of spring pop up like they leave me feeling yanked around and psychologically messed with. The darkness, and the lack of light, in the past have given me a feeling of fear that I had convinced myself I needed to fight off, not succumb to, to overcome myself. Instead of winter being a season of rest and a time to slow down, I have been frenzy not to let it “get me.” New journals, new self-help strategies, new bright-colored clothing, new light therapy, a new therapist anything I could think of to outrun the darkness. It has always been exhausting and it has rarely worked as winter deepens, the days are short; darkness claims more hours than light. In this season, it is too easy for me to feel the weight of the shadows—both physical and spiritual. The world can feel heavy, cold, and uncertain for me.

However…

Over Christmas, I found a book that has drastically changed my perspective and mindset about winter. How to Winter: Harness your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, and Difficult Days shares themes of anticipating winter, looking forward to the times of rest, allowing a sense of wonder and awe to lead how we view the world, and most importantly for me, to embrace the darkness of the season. This has been a key mind shift for me to not only survive winter but also reflect on my own walk with the Lord. I am not talking about embracing the darkness that Satan tempts us with. But more in how the author shares in this passage. “No other strategy embodies the spirit of shifting your wintertime mindset as completely as finding joy in the darkness: faced with something we have no power over, we can push back and complain or we can collaborate with the night to transform darkness from oppressive gloom to cozy wonder. “

When I read this part of the book, I was reminded of our decision to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as we find and follow Jesus. My spirit was convicted that I once again had walked right into one of Satan’s oldest and stupidest lies: that I am alone and must overcome alone with my strength and understanding.

But John 1:5 reminds us of a powerful truth: the light of Christ shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

In the stillness of winter, the bare trees and silent cold may convince us that we will wait forever for warm sunny days, but waiting does not take away our joy. Just as creation rests during this time and waits to grow again, so we, too, are called to joyfully wait on the Lord because He is coming. I have always struggled with The Waiting. I feel I need to be doing something proactive. But Waiting is not a passive act; it requires a reaction of trust, surrender, and hope. It requires strength to let go and become weak. It is an invitation to lay down our burdens and let God take control.

So often, we want to fight our battles in the darkness, relying on our own strength, reasoning, or plans. We may feel we need to keep our battles in the darkness because no one else understands what we are going through or we can’t believe we are in this particular darkness again. Yet, our finite understanding can only be seen so far. Living life this way allows Satan to steal our joy. The battles we face—be they against fear, uncertainty, anxiety, or grief—are not ours to fight alone. As we read in Psalm 27:1 The Lord is our defender, our light, and our salvation.

I am wondering if you are like me and need to be reminded to take heart in knowing that Jesus is not intimidated by the darkness. He is not overwhelmed by the despair the winter seasons bring into our lives. He stepped into it, bringing a light that the shadows cannot extinguish. When we feel overwhelmed or unsure or overcome by the vastness of the darkness around us and in us, we can rest in and be joy-filled with His promise in Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

As we enter hopefully the last part of this winter, let’s be brave together and wait in the darkness with a joy that really makes no sense for Jesus to rescue us. Once again, let’s surrender our struggles to the One who sees the end from the beginning. Let us trust in His light, and choose joy that illuminates the path even when it feels hidden. His light is not just for overcoming but for guiding, warming, and restoring. I pray the light of Christ fills and refills your heart today. I pray you feel His presence in a new way today and that it reminds you that darkness never has the final word. Be brave and joyfilled and rest as you wait in the darkness for your defender.

Prayer:

Hey God, thank You for being the light that shines in the darkness. In seasons of waiting, help us to trust in You and surrender our battles with the darkness into Your hands. Remind us that Your light is stronger than any shadow we face. Teach us again and again to rest in Your promises, knowing that You are our refuge and our strength. Be our defender, our source of joy, and our hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

February 13, 2025

in Church, HCC, Jesus, Local

Valentine’s Day Prayer

Hey God,

You are the God of love, the One who first loved us and calls us to love others in the same way. Thank You for the example of Jesus, who showed us what it means to love without condition, to serve with humility, and to give without expecting in return.

Lord, soften our hearts toward our neighbors. Remove any barriers of pride, fear, or indifference that keep us from seeing them as You do. Help us to love not just in words, but in action—to listen with compassion, to serve with joy, and to give generously of our time, resources, and kindness.

When it is difficult to love, remind us of the grace You have shown us. When we are tempted to turn away, strengthen us to lean in. Let our love reflect Your heart, so that our neighbors may come to know You through our lives.

May our homes, churches, and communities be places where love flourishes, burdens are shared, and hope is unleashed. Teach us to love as You love, for Your glory and the good of those around us.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen.

January 30, 2025

in Church, Food Backpack Program, HCC, Jesus, Local, Outreach, Safe Families for Children, School Outreach, Serve Teams, The Sharing Shed

Local Outreach Updates:
God was glorified when HCC hosted the (EWR) Warming Center on January 19-25. We were activated four nights and provided a total of 115 beds to our unhoused neighbors. I couldn’t believe it when I saw three of them on Sunday morning in services and chatting with Warming Center volunteers! We will start planning to provide a cooling center this summer when the temperatures are not safe for humans to be outside for extended periods of time. Let me know if you would like to be a part of that planning.

Our Safe Families/Foster/Adopt Serving Group is really coming together. This group is made up of HCC families who already serve as Host Families with Bethany Christian Safe Families or who are Foster/Adoptive Families. The group also includes Family Friends who may provide physical needs such as formula or clothing but they can also help provide meals, transportation, or babysitting to our HCC families.

Food Pantry and Food Backpack Volunteers are just beasts! They have continued to serve in ridiculous weather situations. Talk about discipleship at the cost of comfort. Thank you so much for your dedication and commitment!

FOR THE ONE VISON NIGHTS: We’re just over two weeks away from launching our FOR THE ONE Campaign, and we want to make sure you’re in the loop about this!! This campaign is all about boldly reaching the lost in our region through our third campus in O’Fallon and updates at our Troy Campus. To help everyone catch the vision and understand how we can all be part of it, we’re hosting three identical Vision Nights in February:

Tuesday, February 11th @ 6:30 PM (STC)
Wednesday, February 12th @ 6:30 PM (Troy)
Sunday, February 23rd @ 6:30 PM (STC)

Childcare will be provided for all three nights, and you only need to attend one. Please take a moment to sign up for the Vision Night that works best for you by clicking the link.

Upcoming Service Opportunities

School Outreach Monthly Pray & Prep
Monday 2/3/25 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. HCC St Charles Campus Annex Door 10
Join us each month to pray for our local schools, teachers, staff, families, and children. We also use this time to assemble simple appreciation gifts and write thank you notes to local school staff. Click to RSVP here

The Sharing Shed
Saturday 2/15/25 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. 923 East Terra Ln. O’Fallon, MO 63366
Our HCC Sharing Shed crew serves every 3rd Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Volunteers are needed to receive donations, clean them. and occasionally help deliver the items or serve as personal shoppers to Sharing Shed Clients. Volunteers are especially needed who can lift and deliver heavy household items. Sign up Here

LO/GS Spring Training
Thursday 3/13/25 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Mission Cafe
This training is for anyone serving in Local Outreach, Food Pantry, or Guest Services. We will be focusing on safety. SCAAD will be here to demonstrate basic lifesaver CPR. We will have a brief training from our Security Team on what to do in the event of an emergency. We will also have tips and tricks on how to de-escalate and manage difficult conversations. RSVP here

Safe Families Training #1 & #2
Safe Families Core Training Monday 3/24/25 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Mission Cafe
Host Family Training Monday 3/31/25 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Mission Cafe

Bethany Christian- Safe Families is hosting two in-person trainings at HCC on March 24th and March 31st from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Mission Cafe.
For anyone wanting to serve as a Family Friend either for Safe Families or to support HCC families, you need to complete Safe Families Core Training on March 24th. Click this link to sign up for Core Training. For anyone wanting to serve as a Host Family for Safe Families, you will need to complete the Core Training on March 24th and the Host Family training on March 31st. Click the previous link to sign up for Core Training. In addition click this link to sign up for Host Family Training.
The Sexual Abuse Prevention Training for Family Friends and Host Families will need to be completed online. Email Madison Witte to enroll in the Sexual Abuse Prevention Training. Feel free to email Madison Witte from Safe Families, mwitte@bethany.org, for any additional information about what Safe Families is, what a Host Family does, or the critical importance of a Family Friend.

Prayers
Pray for one specific neighbor to be curious about your faith.
Pray for God to provide an opportunity for you to share a message of hope and love.
Pray for God to raise up a HCC member to serve as the Hackmann Rd Early Childhood Crew Leader.
Pray for HCC members to form a consister serving crew at Hackmann Rd Early Childhood.
Pray for God to raise up a HCC member to serve as the Becky David Crew Leader.
Pray for the health and healing of so many of our Local Outreach and Food Pantry volunteers.
Pray Local Outreach volunteers will not slip into humanitarian tasks but will boldly unleash the hope of Jesus through justice and generosity.

Resources for you to grow in your faith and Become more and more like Jesus through service

More Ways to Stay in the Loop

Like and Share posts from HCC Outreach- St Charles Campus Facebook Page
Like and Share posts from HCC Food Pantry
Subscribe and follow HarvesterCC Outreach Blog
In the Harvester app: Log into the app. At the bottom right hand corner click “More.” On the next screen click “Groups.” Click on any group you are assigned to see the calendar, and messaging about needs, events, or serving opportunities. If you would like to be added to any group such as Food Pantry, School Outreach, EWR Warming Center, Safe Families/Foster/Adopt, Natural Disaster Food Backpack Ministry, Elections, or Sharing Shed, please email our Ministry Coordinator Jillian Hohensee at jhohensee@harvester.cc

January 25, 2025

in Alleviation of Poverty, GiveHope, HCC, Jesus, Local, Outreach

Reflections after our first Warming Center Experience

I don’t know if there are human words to express what we experienced this week hosting the overnight EWR Warming Center for our unhoused neighbors. Over 4 nights that dropped below the threshold of 20 degrees, HCC provided 115 beds to our homeless neighbors. As the temperatures plummeted outside it forced some of God’s most beautiful creations to come inside to us I’m not even sure how to organize my thoughts here to share our experiences.

I sway between being in awe and humility of God entrusting us with these people. I am grieved and saddened that God’s creations are so marginalized and so unseen. I swing back to being so proud of our volunteers stepping into the unknown and the uncomfortableness and watching them love and serve. I am blown away by God’s provision not only for us in the facilities that we have, and services we have and the generosity of Harvester Christian folk through our Give Hope campaigns to His provision and our volunteers of providing energy, stamina, and love. We had young adults to retired folk provide hot meals and drinks. We had our neighbors at O’Fallon Christian help us with all the pounds of laundry and packing the trailer. We had Harvester volunteers in the thick of their own battles step in to serve. We had volunteers sacrifice sleep all night and then go work a full-time job the next day.

I don’t want to say that we provided shelter for our homeless neighbors because I think that puts a worldly understanding of a human being in your mind which is probably inaccurate. When I say the word homeless, I think we tend to jump to preconceived ideas and judgments about why someone might be in that situation. I could tell you that we served addicts. I could tell you that we served convicts. I could tell you that we served the mentally ill. I could tell you we served veterans. I could tell you that we served women who had experienced horrific sexual abuse and domestic violence but those are labels that limit and do not give honor to God’s creation. These are His people who were fearfully and wonderfully made who are just as lost and wounded as you and I. I will tell you instead that God provided us the opportunity to serve men and women and sons and daughters and husbands and wives. I can tell you that God provided the opportunity for us to serve someone’s child.

The final night that we were activated I was running on fumes. I’d had extremely little sleep all week long. Every day I was struggling to find the right number of volunteers, and food, and replace things that we had run out of while trying to take care of myself and my family as well. I rushed around getting the laundry and trying to have things ready for our volunteers as they arrived. As I pulled into the church parking lot the song “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake came on Joy FM. If you know me at all you know that this song absolutely wrecks me and brings me to tears. I reached up to turn the volume down and said “Lord, Really? Gratitude? I cannot do this right now. I cannot break down. I have to keep going for the volunteers, our guests, and you!” The Lord’s response to me was,

“Baby girl, you know that you were never meant to do this on your own. I need you to remember to start and stop with gratitude. Don’t be just grateful that you are not homeless. Don’t be grateful that you do have a warm home to go to. Don’t be grateful that in the event of a major life crisis, you would have safety net after safety net after safety net. Don’t be grateful that you have insurance and that you are healthy. Don’t be grateful that you don’t have to sleep in your car. Be grateful for who I am and who I say I am and the things that I have done and will do.”

Talk about perspective.

The coming days, weeks, months, and potentially years will be challenging as a community to provide resources to serve a variety of people. Whether it’s people dealing with mental illness, homelessness, job loss, a family with a child with autism or cerebral palsy, or people trying to acquire job skills. It will be tempting to hunker down for all the things God showed me I was holding onto. It will be tempting to allow Satan to convince us to shield our eyes, to guard our hearts, to proceed in ignorance and judgment, to ignore the issues, and to go along with the status quo. My prayer for us after this week is that we won’t be able to help ourselves in serving others no matter the cost. My prayer is that we will all cooperate with the Holy Spirit and not assume it is the church’s responsibility to provide an event or program. My prayer is that when it is the most uncomfortable, when it is the most unknown we will turn to God first and trust him to guide our steps and to provide wisdom and discernment. I pray we will be obedient to the Greatest Commandment of Loving God and Loving Others. I pray as Harvester Christians that we would continue to live out justice and generosity in our families, literal neighborhoods, in Saint Charles County, and across the globe.

December 18, 2024

in Child Welfare, GiveHope, Jesus, Local, Mental Health, Ministry Partner, Outreach, Uncategorized

*Click here to check out some great pics from last year’s Family Retreat!

Local Outreach Ministry Partner Spotlight: Joni & Friends

This is one of my favorite times of the year. We ask each of our Local Outreach partners to send brief impact reports back to us. This allows us to glimpse what God is doing to unleash hope in our community through your generous Give Hope gifts. This week we are spotlighting our ministry partners Joni & Friends. Be sure not to skip over the success story section!

Joni and Friends

What is one specific way Harvester Christian Church’s GIVE HOPE financial contributions or in-kind donations have unleashed hope in your organization or to the community through your organization?

The funds gifted to Joni and Friends helped us reach individuals and families living with disabilities and allowed us to serve and care for them through our Retreats and Getaway outreaches. Our Family Retreat in August was our most impactful event. Families living with disabilities were welcomed, cared for, and loved on in a fully accessible, fully inclusive environment. God’s presence was felt throughout the week, and our families were refreshed and filled with the love of Christ.

Without sharing identifying information, please share a brief client-success or services-success story we can share with Harvester Christian Church.

There are many success stories to share. One specific story is about a family from the St. Charles County area. This family has a recently divorced single mom, a 16-year-old typically developed daughter and a 13-year-old daughter with Down syndrome. The mother was very hesitant about attending, as was her oldest daughter. But one of our other families convinced them to come and try it. On the first day, they were very shy and withdrawn. But each day, we could see them becoming more and more at ease and enjoying themselves. By the fourth and fifth day, they fully participated in worship, and activities, and the youngest daughter with Down syndrome participated in our talent show. The mother stated the family retreat experience was amazing – it restored their family after going through a tough season, strengthened their faith, and gave them a community of other families that live with disability.

What existing volunteer needs can we share with Harvester Christians?

We need volunteers to serve at our Family Retreat in August and our Warrior Getaway in November. For those interested in an out-of-country mission trip, we need volunteers for our Wheels for the World outreach to the Philippines in June.

Please list any upcoming non-fundraising events your organization is hosting in the next 90 days.

We will have a Church network meeting for disability ministry leaders and volunteers in St. Louis on January 14th, and in St. Charles on March 11th.

What is a future program or project that could benefit from Harvester Christian GIVE HOPE funds?

2025 Family Retreat, 2025 Marriage Getaway, 2025 Warrior Getaway

What is the estimated cost of this future program or project?

The total cost for these outreaches comes to about $75,000.

How can we pray for your organization, staff, volunteers, clients, and community your organization serves?

Please pray for the families we serve, asking God to continue to give them the strength, stamina, and energy needed to be the caretakers for their family members with disabilities. Please pray for God to send us the volunteers needed, and for the financial means to continue to do ministry well.

What is one thing Harvester Christian can do to improve how we serve your organization?

Encourage volunteers to serve with us in ministry.

December 17, 2024

in Food Backpack Program, Guest Services, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach, Serve Teams, Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: Ken Sabo

At Harvester Christian Church, we love highlighting how God works through our volunteers, and Ken Sabo is a powerful example of His hands at work. Ken’s service is not about recognition but about responding to God’s call to impact His kingdom. Through Ken’s obedience and heart for others, God brings hope, joy, and transformation to those he encounters. This story isn’t about Ken; it’s about the incredible things God is doing through him to glorify His name and lead people to find and follow Jesus. Continue reading below to learn more about Ken and his obedience to God through service to others!

Where do you serve with Local Outreach?

I serve in the Food Pantry, the Parking Crew, the Backpack Program (which provides food for children at local schools who may not have the means to be fed on weekends), Local Outreach events at schools in the area, and other service projects through the church as needed.

How are your gifts and talents used in this service?

God uses my ability to serve others and to help meet their needs.

What inspired you to start volunteering with Harvester Christian Church Local Outreach?

When I first started serving, I was at Guest Central. One hot Sunday, our Then-Local Outreach pastor (Kevin Hamilton) asked me to drive the golf cart to pick up people and take them to the Worship Center. At that point, I wanted to keep doing more.

How has serving impacted your personal relationship with Jesus?

It has brought me closer to Him. Realizing that He made sacrifices for me, I should sacrifice my time and talents to help increase the size of the Kingdom and show His love to others.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for Local Outreach at Harvester?

It is real easy to get plugged into a program that needs help. You can try one and if you feel that is not a fit for you, switch to another until you find one that works for you.

How do you see God working through the Local Outreach efforts at Harvester?

I see that we can all help to grow the Kingdom in some way, whether it is large or small part. Every part counts.

December 9, 2024

in Discipleship, HCC, Jesus, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach, Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Shannon Sebastian

Meet Shannon Sebastian, a dedicated Local Outreach volunteer at Harvester Christian Church who humbly embodies a heart for service. While volunteers like Shannon rarely seek the spotlight, we believe it’s important to highlight how God is moving through individuals to transform our community. Shannon’s commitment to unleashing the hope of Jesus shines through in her faithful service, and her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of generosity and compassion. Let’s celebrate what God is doing through Shannon and the ripple effects of her faithful work in our local outreach efforts!

Where do you serve with Local Outreach?

Food Pantry, pack a pack. Tree House of Greater St Louis

How are your gifts and talents used in this service?

I love doing anything that I know is going to help kids. I also love to organize so packing backpacks for back to school and packing food for the schools is my jam! Also, I have been around horses most of my life so working at Tree House was working with therapy horses and kids. The looks on the kids’ faces when they were riding was all I needed to know I was where I was supposed to be.

What inspired you to start volunteering with Harvester Christian Church Local Outreach?

I started volunteering at HHC when my kids were little, I worked in the nursery. I worked full time back then so Sunday was pretty much the only day I didn’t work and I felt that I wanted to know the people I was going to church with and be part of the community. Over the past several years I have been fortunate to have more free time, so I have been able to do more with Food Pantry and the Pack a Pack programs.

How has serving impacted your personal relationship with Jesus?

I feel like God knew where I needed to be. I always knew I wanted to serve but wasn’t sure where. He pointed me in the right direction because He knew where my passion for kids would be put to good use.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for Local Outreach at Harvester?

Do it!! There are so many opportunities, find what calls you. So many people think they don’t have time, it doesn’t take much to make an impact on a person in need. Once you start, you will want to do more! Get involved as a family or a couple, it can start all kinds of amazing conversations.

How do you see God working through the Local Outreach efforts at Harvester?

HCC is such a generous church. I have seen individuals and groups at our church do good things in the community and around the world. God knows that and He points us in the direction of where He knows we will share our love of Jesus and lead others to follow Him.

November 21, 2024

in HCC, Jesus, Local, Outreach, School Outreach, The Sharing Shed, Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Katy Pursell!

At Harvester Christian Church, we know that our volunteers don’t serve for recognition—they serve out of love for Jesus and a desire to make a difference. But we can’t help but celebrate how God is working through their faithfulness to unleash hope in St. Charles County. This week, we’re shining a light on one of our incredible volunteers, not to highlight their efforts alone, but to showcase the ways God uses ordinary people to bring extraordinary transformation in our community.

Meet Katy Pursell!

Where do you serve with Local Outreach?

Local school outreach. Katy also coordinates and leads all of our Teacher/Staff Appreciation Cards and Gifts.

How are your gifts and talents used in this service?

Organization, writing cards, being an extra set of hands wherever needed.

What inspired you to start volunteering with Harvester Christian Church Local Outreach?

During the “Become a Great Church” series, I felt pulled to help people to find and follow Jesus. I had been putting off what I was capable of to stay comfortable. I realized that my heart needed to open to others. Jesus told me it was time to step out of my comfort zone and spread His word through my actions.

How has serving impacted your personal relationship with Jesus?

I have a whole new perspective of community. Serving has created a stronger connection to the people around me. I have realized that serving others, helping spread joy, and showing people the love of Jesus through actions takes priority over my own personal comfort of staying in the background.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for Local Outreach at Harvester?

Step out of your comfort zone. You may learn a lot about yourself while helping others to find and follow Jesus. You will grow closer to Christ as he works through you by helping others.

How do you see God working through the Local Outreach efforts at Harvester?

Serving provides a physical representation of God within the community. For some, It may be the first or only representation that they have experienced. Every time we express God’s love, through our actions,it could guide someone to Him. Planted seeds will grow.

November 4, 2024

in Guest Services, HCC, Local, Outreach, Serve Teams, Uncategorized