Church

September 2025 Newsletter

Who Is My Neighbor?

In Luke 10, a man asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” hoping to justify himself. Jesus responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan—a story that reminds us that our “neighbor” is not limited by proximity, similarity, or convenience. Instead, our neighbor is anyone in need, and love is demonstrated not just with words but through presence, compassion, and action.

As followers of Jesus, we don’t get to choose our neighbors. God places people in our path daily—at schools, workplaces, our community, and even across our social media feeds. The question is: will we stop, notice, and serve? Will we choose to see each and every person we encounter in person or online as someone made in the image of God? This fall, let’s open our eyes to see our neighbors as Jesus sees them, and be ready to respond with His love.

October Opportunities to Serve

Do you know someone who is looking to get plugged in at Harvester through serving? Send them this link to get the conversation started! ==> https://harvestercc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/265/responses/new

Black Cat Coffee Cafe Pop Up

Date: Saturday, October 11 | 9:00–12:00 a.m.
Location: Mission Cafe- enter through the South Entrance
Although there is no serving opportunity with this event, it is a great chance for you to bring a friend to the Mission Cafe and be served by teens and young adults living with disabilities as they gain vocational skills with hands-on experience in a welcoming, supportive environment. All treats and drinks are complimentary. Cash-only tips are welcome to support the Coffee Crew.

The Sharing Shed Saturday Crew

Date: Saturday, October 19 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: 923 E Terra Ln, O’Fallon, MO
Serve by receiving donations, shopping with clients, delivering furniture, and offering encouragement.

Monthly Pray & Prep

*Dates: October 13 & 20 *Note change from October 6
Location: Annex Lobby enter through Door 10
Serve by praying over our local schools, students, teachers, and administrators. Make and write cards of encouragement. Prep for holiday gifts to teachers.
RSVP through the School Outreach Calendar in the Harvester app

Multiply: Living Out The Great Commission

Dates: Sundays, October 19- November 9 | 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Location: TBD on HCC St Charles Campus
In this four-week group, we will dive into a different topic each week. We will learn about God’s heart for the lost and what He has asked us, his people, to do! We will spend time identifying the lost, what our role is in praying, how we make disciples, and what our next steps are. There will also be optional times of sharing/FISHing together in the community to live out what we have learned each week. If you have questions regarding this group, please reach out to Grace Gischer, ggischer@harvester.cc
Sign up here==> https://harvestercc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/722/responses/new

Unhoused Solutions Book Discussion- Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call To End Homelessness

Date: Monday, October 20 | 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Location: Carissa’s home
Whether you have read the book or not, join us as we discuss how to demystify homelessness and how we reimagine our theological approach to these matters.

The Sharing Shed YAM Crew

Date: Wednesday, October 22 | 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Location: 923 E Terra Ln, O’Fallon, MO
Serve by receiving donations, shopping with clients, delivering furniture, and offering encouragement.

Did you know?

Good Neighbor Serve Crew receives requests from HCC members and our neighbors to help with things like moving, mowing, simple repairs, and landscaping. Needs are posted in this group and grabbed as schedules and skills allow. Want to be added to the group? Email Jillian at jhohensee@harvester.cc

We are actively recruiting volunteers to serve at Faith Haven House in the afternoons and evenings, 3rd-grade math tutors at Central Elementary, regular monthly serve team volunteers for Becky David and Hackmann Rd EC, and chaplains at the Child Advocacy Center. Email Carissa at cfiggins@harvester.cc if you are interested in any of these options.

Our Foster/Adoptive Parent Group is growing! If you are a foster parent or adoptive parent at HCC, let us know so we can add you to that group for support, prayers, and LOVE!

Food Pantry and Food Backpack Ministry recipient numbers are growing almost weekly! Please keep those recipients in your prayers, as many of them are navigating the need for programs and services for the first time.

We may be ready for cooler weather, but perhaps not the dangerously cold weather coming in a few months. We are getting ready for the week our EWR volunteers host the Warming Center in January for our unhoused neighbors. If you have never served in this capacity and you’re wondering where you fit in, let’s chat! Schedule time with me by clicking on this link! ==>Book time with Carissa Figgins

Whenever you serve and wherever you serve, PLEASE CHECK IN ON THE HARVESTER app. We need this information for safety and security reasons. We also need to track the number of volunteers that serve in Local Outreach, whether it is the food pantry, school outreach, EWR, Sharing Shed, or any other ministry at HCC. If you are unsure how to do this, just ask!

Mark your calendars for our final LO/GS Gathering on November 13. Everyone who serves with Local Outreach, Food Pantry, and Guest Services is coming together for a fellowship meal, brief training, and to hear the vision for 2026. RSVP today using this link! ==> https://harvestercc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/584/responses/new

Discipleship Reflection

When Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan, He ended with this command: “Go and do likewise.” As you think about the weeks ahead, consider this question:

What might it look like for me to “go and do likewise” for the neighbor God places in front of me today?

Pray for eyes to see, a heart that responds, and hands that serve.

Stay Connected

Visit harvesterccoutreach.org for updates, information, and devotionals. serving opportunities. Follow our Facebook page for serving opportunities too!

Together, let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus—answering the question, “Who is my neighbor?” with action, compassion, and love.

September 25, 2025

in Church, DTOTD, Guest Services, Local, Outreach, Serve Teams

Leadership Lessons from the Lightkeeper

Years ago, there was a lighthouse keeper on a rugged stretch of coastline. He was given just enough oil each month to keep the light burning through the nights. The light wasn’t for him—it was for sailors out at sea who depended on it for safety. He had one job—you guessed it- keep the light burning. Pretty straightforward, right? Don’t let ships crash into the rocks. Not complicated. But the guy was super nice. Maybe too nice. The neighbors would show up:

“Hey, can I borrow some oil for my lamp?”

- “Sure, no problem.”

“I need a little for cooking.”

- “Of course, anything for you.”

“My tractor’s squeaky, think a little lamp oil will help?”

- “Absolutely, take all you need.”

By the end of the month, guess what? Yep—the oil tank’s bone dry. And wouldn’t you know it, the night he runs out just so happens to be the stormiest night of the year. The lighthouse goes dark, ships slam into the rocks, and chaos ensues.

And when the authorities ask him what happened, he’s like, “Well… I was being helpful! People needed me! I didn’t want to let them down. I didn’t want to make them mad at me. It was easier if I did it than if someone else did, I was called to do these tasks, I was meeting needs!”

Except—his actual job was to keep the light burning.

And that’s leadership in the church, isn’t it? Everyone wants just a little more oil from you. Everyone’s got just one request this one time. And as leaders, we’re tempted to say yes to everything, because it feels good to be needed. And as leaders, we think we can handle all the extra responsibilities. But if we forget the one job—keeping the light of Jesus burning bright—then the whole thing falls apart.

There are some lessons to learn from the Lighthouse Keeper.

Leadership is both a privilege and a weight. Weariness can creep in—there will always be another need, another event, another demand, not enough people. We have the weight of temptation. We can start to wonder if the work matters, or can someone else do this, or to say yes to everything. Satan may convince us we are the only ones doing the work or we are the only one with this calling.

This is why it is crucial to listen to what God says to combat Satan’s lies. Galatians 6:9 reminds us that our labor is not in vain; God will bring a harvest in His time. 1 John 3:17–18 tells us that leadership gives opportunities to love with action, not just words. We read in Hebrews 10:24–25 that we lead as part of a body; we are not the entire body, we inspire and encourage one another and would be nothing without each other. Finally we land on Romans 12:11–12 – “Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Cheerfully expectant, don’t quit in hard times. “

How do we keep ourselves fueled and aflame as leaders with the ultimate responsibility of keeping the light burning for Jesus?

Keep pointing teams toward loving God first. We lead others to find and follow Jesus by living a compassionate, Christ-centered life, praying for guidance and preparation in others’ hearts. We build genuine relationships with the people He places in our lives both inside the walls and outside the walls of Harvester. We humbly share the Gospel message of God’s love, sin, salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice, and eternal life. This is our greatest responsibility, and this is what we need to be obedient to before anything else.

Keep reminding your teams that loving neighbors matters deeply. If the teams you lead run into difficult people or messy complicated lives Satan will tempt them into turning away with apathy or fear or responding in anger or frustration. Loving each other is the key to what God has truly called all of us to.

Know your purpose in God- why do you do what you do – is it to please man or is it to please God? We find our purpose by seeking God’s guidance through prayer, studying the Bible for wisdom, and using our spiritual gifts to honor God in service to others.

Pause before saying yes, seek God first- high-capacity volunteers and leaders are typically able to do more than others. However, that does not mean that God necessarily wants you to do more. Seek His will first. Don’t rush to the yes.

Lead from a place of rest– not from a place where you have to rest. Truly godly leaders prioritize rhythms of rest and Sabbath. Listen to yourself. If you are constantly saying how busy you are, if you are always running late, if your conversation is all about how you are tired, how exhausted you are, you may have prioritized the God of Busyness and bringing attention to yourself rather than from a place of rest where you can be the light to show people who Jesus is.

Keep praying—for endurance, joy, and unity. Praying without ceasing reminds us not to rely on our own strength, our own understanding, or wisdom. Praying for yourself to follow Jesus, for your team to help people to find and follow Jesus, and for the people they are serving to come to know how much Jesus loves them allows God to increase our faith and trust in Him.

Trust the promise: There will be a harvest. God calls us to join in the work as laborers. But we are not responsible for the harvest. We cannot put our place in God’s place. God directly oversees the growth and the outcome. He just calls us to be obedient to Him.

Keep the light burning- do the one job of managing the challenge of leadership through posture, pausing before saying yes, rest, prayer, and trusting the promises of God.

June 23, 2025

in Church, Discipleship, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, Serve Teams

June 2025 Newsletter

Hello!
It’s been a hot minute! The first part of this month’s newsletter will be a rapid-fire bulleted list of updates.

We wrapped up May with all kinds of end-of-the-year celebrations from teacher appreciation luncheons to handing out lemonade in the parent pick up line at Harvest Ridge.
I have been meeting with so many new people, trying to get plugged into serving at Harvester and joining groups. Keep your head on a swivel for new faces and ask our age-old question, “How long have you been attending Harvester?”
I also had many of our Local Outreach Crew Leaders over to my house for a time to connect with each other and lean into the idea of honoring Sabbath, Silence, and Solitude. We talked about the need to lead from a position of rest rather than weariness. I encourage you to explore what God’s word says about creating rhythms of rest. I personally really get a lot of studies created by John Mark Comer. Here is a free one through your Right Now Media account called The Sabbath Practice.
The Sharing Shed hosted an open house for Harvester on June 21. It was incredible to walk in and see our Harvester folks being the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting the physical needs of our neighbors. You can see some of the pictures of the event down below.

You will remember that Harvester participated in the EWR network this past winter, offering an overnight warming center for our unhoused neighbors. This summer, we are a part of a Cooling Center pilot program. HCC will be on call the weeks of July 6-12, July 27-August 2, August 17-23 and August 24-30 from 12 – 6 p.m. We will be mobilized if the temperature is expected to be over 100 degrees for 2 days in a row. Volunteers will be needed during the day to offer cold drinks, light refreshments, and extend a hospitable hand to our neighbors should they need a cool spot to come to get out of the heat. If you would like to be added to the Cooling Center group to have access to schedule please email me at cfiggins@harvester.cc

Our big push for the summer is to engage as many people as possible with the Good Neighbor Challenge. This is a serving opportunity for the entire church across all campuses to Love God and Love Our Neighbors as a concerted effort of unity, as mentioned in John 17. I encourage you to sign up for the daily texts and join in reading the same scripture, praying the same prayer, and taking on the same daily neighboring challenge as hundreds of other Harvester Christians. Don’t delay signing up to serve with your neighbor, family, co-workers, or small group in at least one of the serving opportunities between July 24 and August 12th.

Included in the Good Neighbor Challenge are all of our Pack A Pack projects. We need to fill 900 backpacks between now and July 27. You can purchase directly from our Amazon Wish List and have items shipped directly to Harvester, or print off this list or pick up one in the worship lobby. Drop off your items in the worship lobby any Sunday between now and July 20. When you scroll through all the serving options at the Good Neighbor Challenge, you will see our typical Pack A Pack events like the Boys and Girls Club Back to School Bashes, weeding and mulching at our local school partners, preparing food to serve for teachers as they return to school but also some new events. We are hosting our first Good Neighbor Market on August 8. For several years, there have been 20-30 families who come directly to the church for their school supplies. But we have never shared the gospel with them. The Good Neighbor Market will be an opportunity for us to share how much God loves these families and then provide a dignified storefront experience for families in need to “shop” for school supplies. Francis Howell has invited us to serve at their immunization clinic on August 12. It is required to go through the FHSD Volunteer Background Check. We need more people to become cleared volunteers to serve with the schools, so I highly recommend going through this process as soon as possible.

Summertime for Local Outreach is always jam-packed. I am hoping you can commit to at least one serving opportunity this summer to receive a a new and fresh blessing from God over your life.

Prayers:

Prayers for our church family to engage and commit to the Good Neighbor Challenge, and that they learn to incorporate serving their neighbors as a lifestyle rather than an event.

Prayers for the families and unhoused neighbors making the choice to trust the church and come to use to help meet their needs. Pray authentic relationships are formed.

Prayers for me because between the Cooling Center and the Good Neighbor Challenge, I have a lot of moving parts to manage. Pray I also, like you, can serve from a place of rest rather than weariness.

June 5, 2025

in Church, DTOTD, Jesus

A Contemplative Time to Focus On God’s Holiness.

Lauren McCleester, our Media Arts Pastor led us in this contemplative time during our Staff Chapel on June 3. I was so impacted by how the Holy Spirit ministered to me during this time that I really wanted to share it with you. Make some time, pull up a chair for God, and rest in these beautiful truths.

Staff Chapel Tuesday June 3, 2025

Lauren McCleester

Adapted from Lectio Divina 365

PRAY

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, to love what is holy.

READ | Psalm 65:9-11

9 You visit the earth and water it
    you greatly enrich it;
the river of God is full of water;
    you provide their grain,
    for so you have prepared it.
10 You water its furrows abundantly,
    settling its ridges,
softening it with showers,
    and blessing its growth.
11 You crown the year with your bounty;
    your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.

PAUSE AND BREATHE

READ | 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever.”

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 

We often fall into the trap of scarcity — believing there’s not enough time, energy, money, or attention. And most days, we feel like we have the evidence to prove it, even if it’s a lie. But Paul reminds us of a better and truer story. Everything we hoard in fear of losing eventually withers, but whatever we sow — surrendered to the grace of God’s leading — multiplies and bears fruit beyond what we can see. Nothing we give to God is wasted.

Where do you feel tempted to have a scarcity mindset in your life right now? Write your thoughts or a prayer to God.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

PRAY

Lord, free me from the lies that pull me away from confidence in you and your ability to provide. Turn my heart and mind back to your faithfulness and nurturing presence in my life.

READ 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 again, as you do, look for a particular word or phrase that the Holy Spirit seems to be highlighting to you today.

REFLECT: Take a moment to reflect now on any word or phrase that the Holy Spirit is highlighting:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

When I try to manufacture peace, purpose, and provision, I place myself where only God belongs. He is the source of all that is good in my life — the well that never runs dry, the vine that never withers. I am not required to be enough, only to remain in the One who is. Everything I need flows from him: strength for today, and grace for tomorrow.

PRAY

Father, remind me I’m not the source — you are.

Give me open hands and a willing heart.

Let my giving be full of joy, my living full of praise, and my life a testimony to your endless generosity.

March 31, 2025

in Child Welfare, Church, Community Partner, Discipleship, Food Backpack Program, HCC, Local, Ministry Partner, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach, Serve Teams, The Sharing Shed, Uncategorized

April 2025 Newsletter

New Life in Christ: A Season of Baptism and Service

Spring is a season of renewal, a time when we can usually shake off any worries of bleak winter days and look forward to days that just burst with vibrant new life. It is so wonderful to be able to celebrate Easter in this season—the ultimate reminder that Jesus conquered death and offers us new life in Him. At Harvester Christian Church, we see this truth come alive in so many ways, but few are as powerful as witnessing baptisms during this time of year.

Baptism is a public declaration of faith, a moment when someone steps into the water to proclaim that they are leaving behind their old life and stepping into a new life with Christ. Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” This new life is not just about our own salvation—it calls us into something greater: a life of service, generosity, and love for others.

March 20, 2025

in Alleviation of Poverty, Church, HCC, Jesus, Local, Mental Health, Outreach, Uncategorized

Take a risk in the name of the Lord

There is not a set formula that leads someone to live unhoused. We can’t be so naive and judgemental to assume someone got into drugs, lost their job, doesn’t want responsibility, and is now living on the streets. In St Charles County homelessness is becoming a crisis. The situation is fueled by the lack of affordable housing, lack of transportation, and affordable child care, mental health challenges, job loss, and other life crises that create depression and despair.

What is the cause of homelessness?

If you talk to any HCC volunteer who served in the Warming Center they will all humbly share that they entered that serving opportunity with a preconceived idea of why someone would be homeless. In reality, there are so many situations that can lead to homelessness. Many of us in the church are just one hospitalization away from being homeless ourselves.

Homelessness can mean :

Earning a wage that is insufficient to meet housing costs.
Aging out of foster care and not having a permanent place to live.
Fleeing an abuser as they seek a safe place to live.
Living in a constant state of survival mode.
Being arrested for sleeping in a public location, despite having nowhere else to go.

So what does this mean for us at Harvester Christian Church? What can we possibly do?

Pray

For sure, I can share all the ways I know how to serve our unhoused neighbors, but I don’t know specifically how God is calling you. Pray for God to give you eyes to see His children who are experiencing homelessness. Pray for your heart to break for the things that break His heart. Pray for God to open your mind to the possibilities of service through justice and generosity. Pray you are obedient to the command of Loving God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul. Pray you are also obedient to the command of loving your neighbor as yourself.

Educate yourself and others

As I mentioned before there are lots of reasons for homelessness but there are solutions that work to end homelessness as well. The solution to ending homelessness is simply housing. “Rapid re-housing provides short-term rental assistance and services. The goals are to help people obtain housing quickly, increase self-sufficiency, and stay housed. It is offered without preconditions (such as employment, income, absence of criminal record, or sobriety) and the resources and services provided are typically tailored to the needs of the person.” Rapid re-housing can end homelessness by quickly connecting people to a home and services. We need Christian landlords willing to provide truly affordable housing with limited barriers. We need policies that encourage and incentivize business owners and community leaders to support rapid re-housing initiatives. We need many more second-chance employers to provide employment opportunities at a living wage. We need to be well versed in what God’s word sets as expectations and commandments for serving the poor and marginalized.

Practical and Tangible Help for Transportation

Many of our unhoused neighbors have been able to hold onto a car of some form or another. This provides their access not only to employment but also serves as their home Many of our unhoused neighbors share that transportation is a barrier that hinders access to services and opportunities. Challenges can include high maintenance costs and unreliable vehicles. You can help by donating bikes, and gas/Uber cards, supporting small repairs (Jiffy Lube GCs), and offering to pay directly to insurance providers to make sure their cars are properly insured for 30,60 or 90 days. Or make a financial contribution to local organizations that provide direct services.

Take A Risk

Ultimately we need Christ’s followers to live their faith in action. We need Christians to be obedient to God’s calling in their lives and take a risk in the name of the Lord. We need to walk into loving others knowing that yes we may get taken advantage of, yes we may be inconvenienced, yes, our efforts may not work out, and yes something we own might be mistreated or abused. Yes, the individual we are helping may not know how to properly express gratitude. Yes, it might be messy and take a long time. Yes you may not get to see the results of your efforts and investment of your time, talents, and treasure in this individual. But all of those things are of this world. All of those excuses are really about pleasing ourselves and man rather than God.

I don’t know where is God is leading you in meeting this need in our community. But I do know we have to step out of faith and be much more intentional in our actions of serving those women, children, and men who are experiencing homelessness. If you want to learn more about homelessness in our community let’s schedule a coffee soon. We CAN do something about this issue not because of who we are but because of WHOSE we are.

March 3, 2025

in Church, Community Partner, HCC, Local, Ministry Partner, Outreach, Safe Families for Children, School Outreach, Serve Teams, The Sharing Shed, Uncategorized

March 2025 Edition: What’s Coming in HCC Local Outreach & Beyond

March 2025 Edition: What’s Coming in HCC Local Outreach & Beyond
Thank You Father

On Sunday Nikomas preached on Gratitude. I had the vantage point of sitting up top during the third service. As I looked down I saw two of our warming center guests praising God with all of their might during a sermon on gratitude I saw one of our members who I know is battling harsh health issues praising with all their might during a sermon on gratitude. I saw one of our Local Outreach volunteers who I know is going through a rough family season praising with all of their might during a sermon on gratitude. That was one of the “Thank You Fathers” I wrote down in my phone. Thank you Father for examples of spiritual giants who praise you and thank you and keep a laser focus on you no matter what life throws their way.” I would love for you to share one of your “Thank You Fathers” in the comments of the blog!

Local Outreach Updates:
In order to focus on the For The One Campaign we had very few events in February. But if you attended one of the vision nights I know you got a piece of the momentum and excitement. I personally loved when we turned to our neighbors and prayed with 3-4 people seated around us for courage and for our One. Be sure to sign up for a time slot for the 24 Hours of Prayer. Commitment Sunday is coming up on March 9th. Continue praying about how God wants you to share his gifts to go above and beyond your normal giving.

I have been working hard to build out this blog with useful information. You can now find an overview of all current serving opportunities as well as many specific volunteer descriptions. Make it a goal to share those links with people in your small group this month.

February 27, 2025

in Church, HCC, Local, Outreach, Serve Teams, Volunteer Spotlight

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 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

August 22, 2024

in Alleviation of Poverty, Child Welfare, Church, Discipleship, Jesus, Local, Outreach

by Brendon