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Author: Brendon

August 9, 2023

in Church, Discipleship, DTOTD, Guest Services

by Brendon

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DTOTD – Seasons

Seasons come. Seasons go.

That is the phrase and saying that we say about life. Have you ever used that phrase in a conversation with anyone?

Sometimes, that can bring a sense of peace to those that are working through a hard time or maybe even someone who is a season of plenty.

The interesting thing about that phrase is that it also pertains to our discipleship process.

In a conversation yesterday, along with a few others from across the country, a conversation centered around serving and what it means and how it is beneficial to our becoming like Jesus.

In this conversation, I was struck by something that was said by the leader of the cohort. He said this, ” People must serve to be discipled.”

Strong statement.

However, that statement is one that I would truly stand by. But…..

That statement does not mean that if you have a season of life come about that does not allow you to serve or is not the right time, then that season is for you to step away.

Jesus came to this earth to show love and grace and truth and to serve others, ultimately to give his own life as a sacrifice for ours on the cross.

The Gospel of Mark states in chapter 10, ” The son of man came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.”

We continually see Jesus serving and teaching and serving and teaching.

But there is something about Jesus’ life that can sometimes get overlooked. That in reality might not be nearly as long as what we think about it, but there are times when Jesus need to have a moment of rest or retreat from the continual serving that He did.

Multiple times in the Gospel we see Jesus retreat to a quiet, desolate or place of loneliness to be alone with his heavenly father. He would go to be quiet and to pray and to reset his heart.

In our lives, we all have those seasons. Where we feel an immense pressure to serve or succeed or to do things. But in those seasons we also seem to feel the weight of serving more and more.

Jesus said this in Matthew 11: ” Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

When you find yourself in a season where you are overwhelmed and feel an immense burden of responsibility……maybe it is time to take a season of rest.

I was once asked the question, ” Brendon, are you having fun with what you are doing?” The question came at a very weird time in my life, one that I was not ready for or expecting. However that question led to one of the darkest but yet life giving seasons of my life. The follow up to my answer, ” I think I am.” was this….” That’s good. Because if you are not having fun with what you are doing, then it might be time to take a step back and find the next thing God has planned for you.”

It takes a lot of courage and patience and prayer to follow that guidance to take a step away. Especially if you are taking a step back to reconnect with God in a way that you have not had time to do so.

But if you do find yourself in a season of stepping back, do not fill the time with other things.

Fill the time that you used serving, with a chance to run to Jesus and allow him to embrace you and give you the rest you need.

Season come. Seasons go.

Jesus’ peace and rest is always available.

July 18, 2023

in Church, Discipleship, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach

by Brendon

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Story Teller Series

” For the son of Man, did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Over the past few years, I have been able to be blessed by meeting a lot of great people. People of all ages, backgrounds, upbringings, experiences and teachings. Some of these people have become friends, some acquaintances and some have become people that I am able to do life with.

We started the Story Teller Series last month as we got to meet a volunteer that took her role as a mom to the next level getting involved in a school partnership and has become a champion volunteer there. Today we get to dive into a story of someone the has been around Harvester Christian Church for a long time. The Hances, Darren and Suzanne….

No photo description available.

…. have been serving with Harvester for a long time. They have been able to become a critical piece in our Local Outreach ministry by serving in the schools, both inside and out. They have been part of the Pack-a-Pack initiative for many years and have become leaders for one of our local school partnerships. I was able to ask Darren a few questions about serving, more specifically about serving in our local school outreach teams and here is what he had to say:

1) Mark 10:45 states, “ for the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” This is one of my favorite verses when it comes to serving. Do you have a verse that you come back to that keeps you grounded that you are serving for the Kingdom when you serve during Pack a Pack?

a. Darren – Galatians 6:2

b. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

2) How did you fall into serving with schools?

a. Darren H – HCC Connection Point, Small Group Serving, City wide serve days.

3) You and your wife Suzanne, have been serving with Pack a Pack for a long time…why do you continue to serve in such a selfless way?

a. Darren H – First, we are Commanded to serve others. I thoroughly enjoying serving the younger groups and connecting with future Followers of Christ.

4) Can you remember a specific time that stands out to you during an event or conversation where you felt you were in the right place for serving?

a. Darren H – All serving events have been special to me. Whether, local or abroad the opportunity to serve the Lord and Others is always humbling which provides a feeling of unity and community.

5) What are your dreams for serving through Pack a Pack? How do you hope to partner with God and impact the families you serve for the kingdom?

a. Darren H – My goals are not a dream, but reality as a part of the Christian faith. Just one of many commands from our Lord and Savior.

6) What has been your favorite part of serving with Pack a Pack over the past few years?

a. Darren H – The kids, parents, and teacher’s reactions. So many smiles, joys, and relief that there is a community of Christ followers who care about their needs.

7) What would you hope to communicate to others that might be on the fence about serving, whether in general or on a school team?

a. Darren H – Jump in and try it, you won’t be disappointed. Accept Christ command to serve others and bear their burdens. Be open and alert to opportunities to serve. Remembering that our Lord provides these opportunities every day.

Darren and Suzanne have done some amazing things over the years…but what I love most about them, is that they continue to serve others, no matter the cost or season of life they are in. Darren and Suzanne are grand parents and our very proud of their daughter and grand baby, but that love does not hinder them from continually serving those around them in unleashing the hope of Jesus however they can.

I love what Darren said in the last question, ” Jump in and try it..” I think that is an awesome way to look at serving, especially outside of the church walls. Some of us have never been in the position to serve outside the church walls and so we may not know what we like to do or what our passions might be….but to jump in and try it out for a season to see how it goes and what it looks like and how it feels….it just might be worth the jump.

So will you take the jump?? Will jump in and get involved with us? Maybe it is during Pack-a-Pack or maybe it is down the road……but don’t miss the opportunity to love others for their benefit.

June 27, 2023

in Church, Discipleship, DTOTD, HCC, Local

by Brendon

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DTOTD – The Lost Art of _______

” Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, ” What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, ” he seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities’ – because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.” – Acts 17:18

There are a lot of things in our world that seem to be mystifying. Things that blow our minds as to why they happen, or where they happen or when they will happen next. There are also things in our world that shock us more than we can comprehend. Like when someone does something good for someone else, or someone helps someone else for no apparent reason. In the book of Acts, we see that the spread of the Gospel is a mystifying event. It is something that is so different to people that it draws them in to listen. It captures the attention of people that like to sit around and talk all day long. It attracts conversation with people of all sort of backgrounds and history and literacy rates.

In this current section of Acts 17, we see that Paul is by himself in the city of Athens, waiting for the other disciples and crew that were traveling with Paul to catch up to him after they made Paul flee from Berea, the last city they were in. Paul found himself with an urge and push from the Holy Spirit to talk with the people of Athens and all of a sudden Paul finds himself in the middle of one of the largest conversations he could have found himself in.

” So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said ” Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription ‘ TO the unknown God’. What therefore you worship as unknown , this is I proclaim to you…..” Acts 17:22 & 23

What I love about Paul and the way that he interacts with people of different cultures and cities and backgrounds, is that he takes the time to know them, before he introduces them to anything new. Sometimes it takes longer than others. But here we see that Paul finds himself in a surrounded space with people that literally sit and talk all day long about religion and gods and anything else they can muster up a conversation about.

There is no where to do that in todays world. If you track along with Paul and his missionary journey’s throughout the book of Acts, you will see that it is full of conversations that he is having with other people. Whether the people accept what he has to say is another question, but there is something that Paul has that seems to have been lost over time. Something that would really change the way that life could react and respond too if we all took the time to do this…

There is a lost art of listening to each other in our culture.

We live in a world that demands to be right and demands to be the best. No matter what it might be, whether it is a work promotion, adult recreational basketball league game, kids swim meet, or how good your lawn looks compared to your neighbor that you don’t particularly care for. We live in a world that demands a certain amount of callousness versus porousness towards one another.

What I love about the rise of Christianity and the spread of the Gospel, is that it was determined on the ability of the disciples to be bold in what they believed, which was that Jesus is the son of God and he died and rose again for the forgiveness of sins and that Jesus is coming back. But they also had the ability to listen to those people that were sent too. They did not take offense to each and every single person that said something against what they believed, they listened and either decided to move on like Jesus commanded them too back in Matthew 10. But they listened before they approached.

What would it look like if we took that approach in today’s world?

If we fully listened to another person or another party and instead of jumping at the first chance to we have to prove them wrong or to show our disdain to what they said, we listened all the way through the conversation and gave the other party some dignity even if we don’t believe everything they say.

The lost art of listening to each other could change the way we view everything.

Instead of seeing just the billboards or the ideologies being pushed through tv shows or books or memes or whatever media. Instead of seeing someone wearing something different than you and you immediately judging them, instead of jumping to conclusions of why someone went to a place that you would never go, instead of a blasting someone on facebook for supporting something….

what if we started an open-hearted conversation and listened to each other?

” Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, ” We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed. among whom were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.” Acts 17: 32-34

Even the people of Athens that were intrigued at what Paul was teaching wanted to ‘ hear ‘ more about what Paul was talking about. And in the end, their ability to listen by Paul and their willingness to listen to the message of the Gospel, Dionysius goes on to lead the church of Athens and is now considered a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. There is a very large difference in a conversation between hearing and listening.

When you find yourself in a conversation, try listening, wholeheartedly. Better yet, the next time you spend time in prayer with God, try this…..

Just listen for his still and quiet voice.

June 14, 2023

in Church, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach

by Brendon

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Story Tellers Series

” And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave or servant of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10: 42-45

If you have been around Harvester Christian Church for any given amount of time, you have heard us talk about serving and loving people as they are. Well, it’s true. We have a heartbeat of serving and invite anyone that calls Harvester home to join us in our mission to serve others. You will hear this phrase a lot:

UNLEASH THE HOPE OF JESUS into our World.

One way we do this whole thing is through our School Outreach programs. One in particular that is coming up, which is the entire month of July, is our Pack-a-Pack initiative. Last year we saw close to 1000 back packs packed and given away to love on families of St Charles County. This year we hope to collect and distribute more than 1k to help and serve with 5 other organizations to Unleash the Hope of Jesus into the lives of families throughout the Francis Howell and St Charles School district. We will be serving with the Boys and Girls club of O’Fallon and St Charles, Harvest Ridge Elementary, Becky-David Elementary, The St Charles School District and We Love St Charles.

Pretty cool eh?

What else is pretty cool, is that we have people in our midst that are champions of serving in certain schools or areas. One of those champions is Rachel Vandermeulen:

Rachel along with her husband Brett and two girls Avery and Emma, live in the St Charles area and attend Harvest Ridge Elementary. Rachel has watched Avery go through all grades and is ready to see her move on to Middle school after next year and Emma just a few years behind. Rachel has served on the PTO as president that last few years at Harvest Ridge which has allowed a unique partnership with Harvester Christian Church to be able to love and serve on the families that attend Harvest Ridge Elementary.

I reached out and asked Rachel about her time serving the families at Harvest Ridge and what she has dreams of for impacting the Kingdom of God in the lives of those families, here is her heart:

Mark 10:45 states, “ for the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” This is one of my favorite verses when it comes to serving. Do you have a verse that you come back to that keeps you grounded that you are serving for the Kingdom when you serve at Harvest Ridge?
- RV – Honestly, not really. God just keeps reminding me that it isn’t about me. It’s about bringing others to Christ and showing them His Love. I still find myself amazed how God is using me to serve His Kingdom in a public school setting. God works in ways we never would have imagined.

How did you fall into serving with schools? Why do you continue to do it?
- RV – When we moved to STL I didn’t have friends and felt so lost. Life felt very foreign to what I knew in KY. I threw myself into the PTO as an attempt to make friends and get to know the school. I continue to serve the schools because I feel that is where God has led me. Showing the love of Christ through a cup of lemonade or an event to feed hundreds has brought multiple HR families to experience the difference at HCC.

I know that your girls go or will go to Harvest Ridge, how do you show love to the other students and families on a day to day basis when you are in the school?
- RV – Some days it’s a simple smile, delivering notes of encouragement, or passing out a delicious cup of coffee. Other days it’s planning large events that are affordable and convenient for families to attend.

Can you remember a specific time that stands out to you during an event or conversation where you felt you were in the right place for serving?
- RV – Recently we had a family attend HCC because the church continues to show up at HR. HCC wasn’t and hasn’t pushed a message or a motive but shows love and support to families and staff. This family recognized something was different about HCC and felt led to see what HCC was all about. While I’ve always understood the mission, I don’t know that I have ever truly experienced it like this. Showing up and doing the small things really makes a big impact. I was brought to tears finally understanding why God has placed me on this journey to serve at HR.

What are your dreams for serving at Harvest Ridge? How do you hope to partner with God and impact the families you serve for the kingdom?
- RV – I pray that I can continue to be a vessel to show families God’s love. Whether that is generating different events to feel included and a part of the community at HR, or feeding them a meal to ease a financial burden. I pray that He will continue to open doors in the public schools for our church to be a partner and support for families in need.

What has been your favorite part of serving at Harvest Ridge over the past few years?
- RV – For me it is planning events. I love the logistics of a good, organized event but I didn’t realize the impact it had on others. Allowing families time to enjoy things together, to join in community with others, to kindle friendships that will last forever.

What would you hope to communicate to others that might be on the fence with serving, whether in general or on a school team?
- RV – God has a plan and a purpose for us all. Step outside of your comfort zone and listen to what the Holy Spirit is calling you to do. Be the light for someone in the small moments and serve the Kingdom of God.

I love her heart for serving others and loving people for their benefit and allowing God to lead where she walks. I also love the encouragement she gives to anyone that is on the fence about serving or getting involved at a school.

If you are interested in getting involved with our School Outreach Team reach out to Carissa Figgins or Rachel herself!

June 1, 2023

in Church, Discipleship, DTOTD, Outreach

by Brendon

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DTOTD – How do you stand out?

” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them ( Saul and Barnabas ) and sent them off….” Acts 13:3

My family moved into a new house about a year and a half ago. It was a needed move since we had 3 kids and a dog in a relatively small house. The house we moved into, was larger and has become our home. With projects going and new paint and new murals on the walls….made by the kids, with toys all over, with comfy chairs and a long comfy couch and a fireplace and a back deck that we use all the time. We love our home. Do you love your home? You probably have memories just like we do in your home or you have your favorite spot in the living room or your bedroom.

What if you were called to leave your home? Called not for a new job or a new opportunity or retirement or anything like that. But what if you were called to leave your home and enter the world as someone who is going to preach the good news of Jesus to anyone that will listen?

Would you?

Seems kind of crazy.

The book of Acts brings this thought to mind. In Acts 13/14 we see that Saul (Paul) and his ministry partner Barnabas are sent off on their first missionary journey. They were in Antioch, the birth place of the term Christian. They were there with there friends and possibly family, but in a time of prayer and fasting, Paul and Barnabas are lead off. The whole reason for their journey was for them to go into the Gentile cities, cities that were not primarily Jewish, to preach and open the hearts and ears of the Gentile people to the sacrifice and grace of Jesus Christ.

They were sent off for evangelism.

Evangelism is an interesting term. Because there are times when it is tied to only a certain type of person or rally or revival. Evangelism is the mission of telling people about Jesus. Whether it is in a home or in a stadium or a coffee shop. Evangelism is the encompassing term for the Great Commission of Matthew 28. It is what we as Christ followers are called to be a part of in our lives.

The problem with Evangelism, is that is requires you to stand out.

It requires for you to be set a part from others. It requires you to act differently. It requires you to look at the world differently. It requires you to talk with people differently. It requires you to listen to people differently. It requires you to love differently.

For Paul and Barnabas, it wasn’t hard for them to stand out. We see in these two chapters, Paul and Barnabas immediately found a way to stand out by trouncing into a Jewish synagogue in every city they went to and they stood up and preached the word of God boldly. In chapter 13 of Acts, we see that Paul & Barnabas are in the Pisidian Antioch, and when the time came for Paul to stand, he gives one of the most pointed messages I have read. It starts at the beginning and walks through the history of Jewish/Israelite people all the way to Jesus. Paul doesn’t stop with just the arrival of Jesus, he boldly calls out the people of the crowd that were a part of the Jews that lead Jesus to his death.

” And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed.” Acts 13:28

Ouch. Paul goes on to tell the good news of Jesus by declaring how God raised Jesus from the grave and how Jesus’ death and resurrection leads to freedom.

” Let it be known to you therefore brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from you could not be freed by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39

Paul and Barnabas in just these two chapters, traveled to at least 16 different cities.

How many of you could say that you have traveled to 16 different cities in one trip? Better yet, how many of us can say we have left our home state for the sake of Jesus at any point?

Evangelism requires you to stand out. Even to the point where your life might be in danger.

In chapter 14, we see Paul and Barnabas have began to leave a trail of emotion behind them as they continued to travel through these cities. They find themselves in Lystra, a city in Lyconia, and we see Paul and Barnabas preaching the good news of Jesus to the people there. Paul in Lystra see’s a man that is crippled, his feet didnt work from birth and was never able to walk. Paul looks at him intently and tells him to rise and walk, immediately this man is healed and in the wonder and amazement to the crowd, they begin to call Paul and Barnabas gods and want to sacrifice things to them. In quick haste, Paul pleads for the people to knock it off since they are just men and the power is in Jesus. But in this moment, the trail of emotion that Paul and Barnabas left caught up with them.

” But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing he was dead.” Acts 14: 19

But what about us? We do not live in the same period of time that Paul and Barnabas lived. We do not have to walk from city to city, we can drive. We do not have to sail and risk open water, we can fly. We do not have to go into a synagogue to preach people, we have the internet. We do not have to worry about being stoned, because we live in a free country. So what do we have to risk in order to be a part of this evangelism?

What does evangelism look like in our life?

if evangelism requires us to stand out…how do we stand out as christ followers?

There are countless things we could say here. We could talk about how we use our phones or how we talk with people or how we communicate on Social Media or where we hang out.

The big question here, is whether your heart is in the place to talk about Jesus when it is not easy.

We live in a world where inclusivity is important. We all want to be known and we all want to be a part of something larger than just us. We want to be accepted for who we are and where we are. We want people to respect us and give us the chance to prove ourselves. We want the world to know who we are whether we have done something or not. We live in a world where social media posts almost outweigh anything else that we do in life. We live in a world where our homes, which should be a refuge, where we can rest and retreat and be together with family and friends, become hot spots for arguments and bickering and quarrels and heart ache.

How do we stand out?

When our words match up to what Jesus has called us to, to love Him and love others. When we act differently than even those closest to us that don’t know Jesus. When our social media posts look and sound different than those of the rest of society that rages with anger and divisive comments. When our hugs go beyond the normal ‘ hey how are you’. When our hearts constantly strive after this Jesus that died on a tree for you. When our conversations over coffee at our favorite coffee shop are open and bold for the love that Jesus has for you and for who you are with. When our homes look and sound different than the homes around you, not because we are better than them, but because the peace and grace that Jesus gives us each and every day is flourishing in every room in the house.

How do we stand out?

We stand out, when we live our faith boldly to those around us.

It’s not easy. It’s not natural. It’s not always going to work. But when we continue to do it, to stand up for what we believe and what Jesus calls us too, we begin to have a part in this thing we call evangelism.

Stop and read Acts 13 and 14.

Celebrate today what Jesus has given you in your lives. But also pray for the opportunity to tell or show someone else about the love of Jesus.

May 30, 2023

in Church, Guest Services, Outreach

by Brendon

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GST #2 is a wrap!

” When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So theytook his advice, ” Acts 5:33-39

We had a great night to celebrate and gather together last Thursday night! We gathered to be together, to fellowship with cookies and coffee and to learn some things.

As a Guest Services team, we do not always get a chance to see each other since we are spread out all over the place on a Sunday morning. So as a team we are going to be getting into an annual rhythm of meeting together 3 times a year.

The first Guest Services Training ( GST ) will be at the beginning of the new year with a focus on safety and security things that we as a team should be aware of.

The second GST will be towards the end of the school year so that we can learn and be together before the summer travels begin.

We will gather together one more time at the end of the year, normally October before the holidays start to celebrate together what God has done throughout the year and what to expect as we finish the year strong!

Below is the Power Point presentation we walked through with lots of information. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me or your coach/leader for more information!

Guest Services Training #2 Power Point. Download

Thanks so much for being a part of our Guest Services Team!

May 16, 2023

in Church, DTOTD, Outreach

by Brendon

0 Comments

I saw a reel

“……that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead – by him this man is standing before you well.” – Peter from Acts 4:10b

I saw a reel today…

How many times have you said this in a conversation? As our culture shifts to more and more of a digital landscape, seeing the bits that a reel provides, has started to shape the way we view the world. It shows the highlights and maybe sometimes shows the vulnerability that we as humans tend to show much more seldomly.

The book of Acts is one that is intriguing and one that provides a ” reel ” into what the early church operated as. A place of belonging and love and forgiveness and grace and teaching and sharing and eating and being with one another. It gives us a view into the world that the apostles and those that followed Jesus, both during his life and those that came to believe in Jesus after the Ascension to Heaven. It gives us a glimpse into what the Holy Spirit gives us the power to do.

” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…..” Acts 4: 8a

” And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance…..and at this sound the multitude came together and they were bewildered because each one was hearing them speak in his own language and they were amazed and astonished….” Acts 2:4 and 6-7a

” And they were all filled the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31b

Imagine what the Instagram or TikTok world would look like if these were the reels that people saw?

Imagine what our world would look like if these were the reels that we saw on a daily basis?

The book of Acts shows us also that this group of believers, a very small group of believers, made waves of impact. In todays culture, making an impact in the world is much harder than ever. There is an ever growing conception that the church is not useful or the church is not relevant. But in todays world, the church, might be the most important gathering place of all. There are culture wars, there are political wars, there are actual wars where people are dying, there are wars in our schools over what is needed and what is not, there are wars in our neighborhoods about what should be allowed and what shouldn’t be. There are wars in our own homes that can lead to devastating outcomes.

I saw a reel, just earlier today with a young person challenging a pastor about repentance. Her question was a valid one, it went something like this, ” what good is repentance if you just stated that we are all going to suffer no matter what? Why should I repent if I am still going to face suffering?” The pastors response was received, whether or not the young person believed him is another question. The pastor, filled with the Holy Spirit began to speak about the hope and the light at the end of the suffering that as a Christian we have, that when we give our lives to Jesus and we allow him to be a part of the suffering, that there is hope that those that do not believe in Jesus just don’t have.

” And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Here is a reel for you….

I saw a reel and went something like this:

” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13

You have the same Holy Spirit as Peter and John and the rest of the believers of the Early Church. You have the same Holy Spirit that fills you with a boldness that gives you power and strength to speak the truth in love and grace. You have the same Holy Spirit in you that gives you access to the creator and author of Life. You have the same Holy Spirit that brings life back from the dead. You have the same Holy Spirit that heals wounds. You have the same Holy Spirit that mends relationships. You have the same Holy Spirit that carries in tough times. You have the same Holy Spirit that gives light to the darkness.

I saw a reel, that showed the church rise up in a way that no one expects to unleash love and hope and grace and truth in a world that needs more and more of all of those.

The book of Acts is a reel…of how some uneducated and common people took the message of Jesus to a culture that did everything it could to stop the spread of that reel. What that culture didn’t know….

is the that the reel would continue to spread to the ends of the earth and there is nothing they can do to stop it.

May 3, 2023

in Church, HCC

by Brendon

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GST #2 is Coming!

As a Guest Services Team, we started the year with some goals in mind. One of those goals was to gather more often and more intentionally. We entered into the 2023 year with 4 things on the calendar that would bring about an annual calendar rhythm. Two trainings and two gatherings. The trainings come in the front half of the year and the other two are specific gatherings, one for coaches and leaders and then one for all Guest Services to come together and celebrate the year and look towards the new year.

We are gathering together for our second training of the year on May 25th!

The first training we gathered for was mainly for a quick recap of who Harvester Christian Church is and what we believe as well as a great walkthrough from our safety team about what the process looks like if there was ever a severe weather event on a Sunday morning.

This upcoming training will be more about on-the-ground training. We will talk through how we handle the exterior entrance doors all the way through what to do if someone wants to get baptized. I hope that you will make the time in your schedule to join us in The Landing from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Click on this link: GST #2 – to register to come and be with us!

April 8, 2023

in Church, Discipleship, DTOTD, HCC

by Brendon

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Holy Week

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.”

– John 16:25-30

In a moment when Jesus is giving his final words for not only the disciples to learn from, but also the final words we see given to us to be able to learn also, Jesus gives a plain thought for the disciples to understand and to hear. 3 years….that is how long the disciples were with Jesus and on the eve before Jesus would go to the Cross, the disciples feel as though they finally get what Jesus has been trying to tell them all along. There is another moment in scripture when Jesus speaks plainly to the disciples, it was early in the ministry of Jesus, you can see it in Matthew 13. Jesus finished teaching multiple parables in this chapter and the disciples question him of why he always speaks in parables. Jesus then takes the chance to speak plainly to the disciples and he explains 2 of the parables that he speaks.

In this moment though, I ask myself the question – would I be relieved to understand what Jesus is saying to me as a disciple or would I continue questioning what Jesus is saying?

Think about it. Jesus is now telling the disciples that He has come for a purpose from his Father in heaven and now he is getting ready to go back to heaven to be with his Father. The disciples, even though seemingly relieved that they understand what Jesus is saying, most likely have the doubts still creeping in as to whether they can really trust Jesus in this moment or is it the dream that they have been living in coming to a screeching halt.

Jesus finishes John 16’s conversation that leads into a prayer where we see Jesus in some of his most vulnerable moments and to be honest, some of the most hopeful words that we can read.

” I do not ask for these only, but also for THOSE WHO WILL BELIEVE in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” – Jesus, John 17: 20-21

Read those words again slowly.

Jesus is praying for you.

Jesus is setting the stage for what is to come, not what is current. In all of the emotions and situation Jesus found himself in, Jesus stopped and prayed for you. Something that stands out in these words of Jesus: The call to be one together.

In a world full of chaos and war and anger and fear and arguments and distrust, Jesus calls those who believe to be one just like He is one with the Father. That implies some things that we all need to take in to account when it comes to the way that we interact with those around us.

First, it implies that we will think the best of one another and not the worst. We have all been guilty of this at some point. We see someone and we let the external voices and situations sway our opinions of those people. Now, this is not an argument for kum-bya with every single person that we interact with. Given that we live in an imperfect fallen world, there is not expectation for us to be able to attain a good status with all people. Jesus was not able to do that, in fact, Jesus if you really think about it, spoke words of truth that scared people away.

Second, it implies that we understand what Jesus is saying when he says we are together as he and the father are. In fairness, that is a lofty goal and one that really isn’t attainable. Because of our imperfection and the fall and the inherent sin that we have inside of our hearts, it makes it incredibly difficult for us to do this by our own strength or behaviors. I believe what Jesus is trying to get across in this situation is not that we can be one, but we can all be one in our abiding in Jesus as Jesus abides in the Father. This IS something that we can all work towards. Knowing that Jesus abided in his Father to give him strength and love and grace and power and direction, we too can look to Jesus as one to gain strength, love, grace, power and direction. As one, we can be with Jesus, and Jesus can be with us, just as Jesus was with the Father and the Father with him.

Finally, it implies that there is someone that will teach, preach or communicate the words of Jesus to us. This is something that we all have the ability to do, especially when we abide in Jesus and Jesus abides with us. Our purpose and mission on this earth while we are here is to be part of the reconciliation process of God’s creation, bringing those that will hear the words of Jesus and believe in them to create an everlasting relationship with Jesus. But that means that we as a whole, have a part in accomplishing or executing that purpose. Yes, the first calling of our being is to abide with Jesus. We are called to learn from Jesus, pray to Jesus, spend time with Jesus and love Jesus. The second calling however is to love our neighbors as ourselves. There is not much better than doing our best to love our neighbors by, showing Jesus’ love to them, serving them in love, forgiving them in love, helping them through a crisis in love. We have the ability to shares God’s love through his son Jesus in so many different ways, that it can almost feel overwhelming.

Whatever the means that we find the ability to share the love of Jesus with those around us, so that we can help the world believe in Jesus, we should. Even when it is hard, even when it seems impossible, even when the outcome is not what we hope for.

Just like Jesus taught in Matthew 13, the seeds are sown into the soils by those who are not afraid to speak the love of Jesus together.

On this the last post of Holy week, know that as Jesus is beaten, flogged, mocked, spat on and then eventually hung to a tree, Jesus do so for you and me. If we believe this message and accept this grace and love that Jesus offers to all that will believe, we have the ability and purpose to tell others about it.

Pray today that God will open up a space or a chance for you to share the love of Jesus with someone.

Also pray for the courage to speak boldly.

April 7, 2023

in Church, DTOTD, HCC

by Brendon

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Holy Week

” I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.”

Jesus, John 14:6

The supper was done. The one that was going to betray Jesus had left to do his part in fulfilling the prophecies and the plan to lead Jesus to the cross. The disciples sat with Jesus after the Passover meal was had and they listened to him give what is known as Jesus’ Farewell Discords. After talking with Roger Clark, he said, ” I think we should pay attention a little more to the last words than we do sometimes.”

What if I told you that even in the most intimate settings and the most intimate of conversations that Jesus had with his best friends and those that would continue his message of love and grace and freedom….that Jesus was thinking about you?

We see in John 14, the conversation starts with Jesus simply stating the truth. That the only way for anyone to get to the Father, God, is through him. That Jesus is the truth, meaning we should pay close attention and learn from everything that he says. That Jesus is life, meaning in Jesus there is a life of freedom that no one can experience unless coming to Him. For the disciples, I have a feeling there was a little bit more understanding to what he is saying, but for Thomas, Thomas asked the question that led Jesus to the answer he gives in 14:6.

” Thomas said to him, ‘ Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

John 14:5

I have a feeling that if we were all truly honest with ourselves, we all are a bit more like Thomas that the rest of the disciples. We ask the questions to get better understanding. We doubt because we just don’t know if we can truly trust the words of Jesus. But in the end, when we have a transcending moment with Jesus, we fall to our knees and cry out ” My Lord and my God!!” John 20:28.

The Farewell Discord is one that is full of things to unpack and think about, but today, on what would have been the day that Jesus is betrayed and led to a crooked court…..ask yourself this question…..

What would you be thinking if you were the disciples? How would you react with some of what Jesus is saying after spending 3 years with him?

Those thoughts that you might have, might get blown away in just a little while when we get to John 17 where Jesus prays for you. Jesus knows you and sees you and knows every area of your life that you try to keep hidden.

But Jesus, never turns away.

April 6, 2023

in Church, Discipleship, DTOTD, HCC, Jesus, Local, Outreach

by Brendon

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Holy Week

” When He had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place he said to them, ” Do you understand what I have done to you?” – John 13:12

The Upper Room would have been a site to see. In John 13 we see Jesus with his disciples for a final meal not just together but for the last meal that Jesus will have on earth. It is filled with emotion. The crowds are closing in on Jesus and the ministry that He has started is getting ready to come to and end and the baton will be passed on to the people in the room he is eating with. We saw yesterday that Jesus got up from his place at the table, got down with a basin of water, and washed each of the disciple’s feet. There was a significance to that washing of the feet because Jesus took on the place of a servant to the disciples even though he was sitting at the head of the table. It was also significant because Jesus was setting the stage for his final true command for the disciples to carry on after he ascends into heaven.

” You call me teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another’s feet. For i have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. ” – John 13:13-17

The disciple’s heads must be spinning at this point. They just had their teacher, and their rabbi gets down and wash their feet. The way a servant should. But now Jesus gets back to his place at the table he looks at them and tells them they need to wash each other’s feet. That Jesus’ example should be followed in the realm of serving those around you. What does serving have to do with this whole scene? What is Jesus trying to accomplish here in showing the disciples what it means to serve one another? Jesus answers this question this way:

” When he had gone out, Jesus said, ” Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at one. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you, Where I am going you cannot come. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as i have loved you, you also are to love one another. BY THIS all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. ” John 13:31-35

If we love one another, we will serve one another. If we serve one another, that means we love one another, which will show the world that we are Jesus’ disciples. Jesus in this moment, knows that the betrayer has left and that Satan has filled the heart of one of the men that followed Jesus. So Jesus with the rest of his disciples answers maybe the question in which the disciples were asking after Jesus washed their feet and told them they also must wash one another’s feet to serve them. Jesus gives us the way people will know that we know Him. By the way we love one another. Jesus loves us so much, that in just a few short hours after this intimate moment with his closest people, He would be falsely arrested, brought to a crooked trial, beaten until almost dead and then would have to carry his own object of death to be nailed to it. Jesus shows us how to serve and how to love one another when He does not turn away from the end of his mission of restoring a relationship that was broken so long ago. When we serve one another, we are being the hands and feet of Jesus. When we get down from our high place at the table and learn what it means to serve all those around us, then we are showing the love of Jesus to them.

When we love one another, we serve one another. When we serve one another, we show the world that we are Jesus’ disciples because we love the way he loved us.

Today, on the night before Jesus dies for us on a tree, think about the love He has shown you not just from the cross, but also throughout your walks in life.

April 6, 2023

in Church, Global, Outreach

by Brendon

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Serving Spotlight – Emily Windsor

Meet Emily Windsor!

I enjoy serving because _______,

It humbles me. It is a continual reminder that this life I am living isn’t about me. The things that I do and the accomplishments that I achieve aren’t for my glory, but for God’s. I love seeing the impact that I can make by simply showing up.

I got to serve and see this impact on ________

There are so many stories that I could share. A fond, impactful memory I have is when my team traveled to Haiti in 2016 to spend our spring break with orphaned girls at the House of Hope. We stayed there for a little under a week and got to share the love of Jesus Christ through storytelling, craft making, wall painting, and quality time. That week was very memorable for all of us and on the final day, when we were leaving the orphanage, I remember looking back at the kids, who were ever so sad to see us go. Seeing their eager waves goodbye and the smiles on their faces is when I knew, just by showing up, Christ’s love is revealed to others.

Serving has impacted me through, by ________

Sometimes in life, we don’t feel like we have the energy to serve others. As an introvert, I get this feeling more often than I wish. However, every time I do serve, especially if it’s with the right heart, I feel refreshed and renewed. I feel closer to Christ and am reminded of the many blessings I have and the opportunities that are right before me. Through serving, I am humbled and get to see things from a new perspective.

Where did/do you serve?

My passion is serving internationally! I have served in other areas of the church, such as in the nursery for many many years, but currently my passion is missions. For the past couple of years, I have heard God’s calling in my life toward international missions. It has only grown stronger after my return from Lebanon in 2022. I’ve been seeking out other avenues/locations to see what the Lord is doing and have trips planned to Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Middle East, and hopefully more!

What is your favorite thing about serving?

Growing Christ’s kingdom. To see more and more knees bow to the Lord. To see a lost person open up the Holy Bible and read about this man named Jesus. To be able to answer questions, to guide, and to be a friend. To experience other cultures and see how they praise the Lord. To be humbled.

What did/do you do while serving?

Every experience is different and I never assume what I will come across! The Lord has a way of showing you things you would’ve never thought you could do. I’ve loved on the little kiddos who come to Harvester, I’ve gone on service trips, such as the one mentioned earlier to Haiti, I’ve also done evangelistic trips and more. Personally, I love the trips where I get to share the gospel! I’m always taken back to the story of the woman at the well in John 4. This Samaritan woman, who only had a short encounter with Jesus and immediately went to tell the people about Him makes me wonder, where is our boldness and courage as Christians?! I have been prayerfully asking God to give me just that and He has! I can feel the Holy Spirit inside me as I write this, excited to be able to share my passion for the lost. There are so many people in this world, in our communities, and in our own homes who need to hear about Jesus Christ. It is my encouragement to you to be that woman at the well and go! Share about this man who knows you so personally that He can name your 5 husbands (John 4:18) and doesn’t condemn you but chooses to love you!

How has serving helped you grow in your relationship with God?

When I don’t serve, when I am dormant, I feel distant from God. I get stuck with my thoughts and that’s where the devil likes to attack. He likes to find us when we are focused on ourselves and then feeds us lies. I felt this way when I was in early high school. I was lost. I didn’t understand what my life was for and it wasn’t until I started serving with the right heart that I began to see that this life isn’t for me, it’s for God! I was put here on this earth to serve Him and to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Whenever I serve, I am reminded of what Jesus spoke here and feel close to Him.

How has serving helped you or others find and follow Jesus?

I will share a specific story from my month in Lebanon. There is a student, I’ll call him Mohammed, who is of the Muslim faith. He drew a liking to the group of Americans on his campus and began to tag along with us wherever we went. To the coffee shops, to the mall, on our excursions, everywhere and anywhere! He quickly became one of our closest friends. Every Sunday, our group attended church and every Sunday, Mohammed was invited but never came. Fast forward to our final Sunday there. It was routine

I didn’t expect to see any of our Lebanese friends come, but here he comes, walking down the aisle to sit with our group! My heart was overwhelmed with happiness, pure joy! This student, our friend, who was very devoted to the Muslim faith was sitting in a Christian church service! He got to hear how the Lord loves him in a way that was so foreign to him. He got to see our hearts pour out to a God who sees our sins and forgives us. It is my prayer that Mohammed has continued to wrestle with who Jesus Christ is. That the Lord is revealing Himself every day and that Mohammed can one day truly find and follow Jesus! Through serving, I get to share in these experiences and walk hand in hand with someone as they discover Jesus for themselves.

How has serving helped you unleash hope into our community?

My passion for international serving has fueled me while I am stateside! I get to share my experiences with coworkers, bosses, guests (I’m a server), friends, and family! It has been so special getting to share about what God is doing out of our borders with strangers. Every person who gets sat at my table, I try and strike up a conversation. I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve been able to share my faith with while at work. It always brings a smile to their faces and many ask where I go to church. Being able to have a job opportunity like this is a way I can serve right here in our community. It provides me with countless open doors to share the gospel and I know the Lord is using it to make a difference.

How did you get involved and start serving?

I grew up in the church. For as long as I can remember I’ve been serving in some capacity. As far as international serving goes, the first trip I took was in 2016 to Haiti. This trip really sparked my interest in overseas missions. After that, I followed what society tells a young girl to do. I went to college, got married, and got a “big girl job” (as I like to call it). All of that changed in 2021 when I found out that my husband was having an affair and wasn’t willing to repair what was broken. Now, still going through a divorce, with a different job, and with only an Associate’s Degree I see that what society says is the right path isn’t always so. I am blessed to be where I am today and know that the path the Lord made was so much more beautiful than my own. Christ rekindled the flame in me toward missions and I am doing my best to be faithful to this calling!

What leads you to serve?

The joy that it brings me! Knowing that I am giving someone the hope of Jesus will never be a waste of time.

We would love to hear your testimony .

Hi, my name is Emily Windsor and I am 24 years old. I grew up going to church, reading Bible stories, and learning about who Jesus was. It wasn’t until I was in middle school, however, that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Before then, I always knew He loved me, but I didn’t understand just how deeply. I didn’t grasp that I was a sinner in need of a Savior. But one Sunday, I remember the Pastor speaking about how we are full of sin and don’t deserve forgiveness or grace, but God gives it to us regardless. All we must do is believe in Him, believe in His son and what He did for us on that cross, and ask for forgiveness. I remember praying at that very moment for the Holy Spirit to enter my life.
Fast forward a few years, I was in college and thoroughly enjoyed every Sunday. Going to church and spending time with fellow believers is something I cherish. One such person I met, I fell in love with and we got married shortly thereafter. Sorrowfully, after just shy of a couple of years of marriage, I discovered that my husband was having an affair. I will spare you the full details and state that, if it wasn’t for Christ, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He was with me every step of the way. He showed me that, even though He may have orchestrated our marriage, the devil is powerful, sin is powerful and it led my husband to do some awful things. Now, today, I can say that I have forgiven my husband for what he did. Being a follower of Christ doesn’t mean that I will live a cushy life with no pain. But it does guarantee that I have Him to run to for refuge, for comfort.
After the separation from my husband, I rediscovered my love for mission work. My experience gave me a new perspective on how I had been living and what was driving my day-to-day life. I wasn’t living for God’s glory, but my own. I’m not saying I’m perfect today, far from it in fact, but I can say that it has made me realize that life is too short here on this earth to not share my faith. I yearn for everyone to have that rock to lean on and that steady hand to guide them in difficult times.
Since then, I have been out of the country twice and have loved every single moment! From the Middle East to Europe, I yearn for God’s ultimate calling on my life. I continue to seek opportunities and am asking for prayer as I go through this journey. I pray that I can be an encourager to those in my community and to those around the world. My hope and prayer for you, dear reader, is that you find the calling the Lord is placing on your heart. But remember, in all things, go and make disciples!

Author: Brendon

Meet Emily Windsor!

From the HCC Outreach Team: