Ministry Partner

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Ministry Partner

April 16, 2026

in Child Welfare, Ministry Partner

by cefiggins

0 Comments

Ministry Spotlight: Safe Families for Children

As we continue sharing resources during Child Abuse Awareness Month, we want to highlight the work of another one of our incredible ministry partners, Safe Families for Children.

Safe Families for Children is a national movement of compassion that gives hope to families in crisis by providing temporary care for children and relational support that helps families move toward stability.

The three goals of Safe Families are child abuse prevention, child welfare (foster care) deflection, and family support and stabilization. In St. Charles County, most of the families served are facing homelessness or other significant hardships such as job loss or hospitalization. Volunteer host families provide temporary homes for children while parents navigate these difficult circumstances. Alongside hosting children in their homes, volunteers help expand a family’s circle of support through relational care and practical connection. Safe Families believes everyone should have a community of support in times of crisis.

Historically, in the Greater St. Louis area, 98% of parents who use Safe Families services have their children returned to them and avoid foster care. Many families also remain connected with their host families long-term, forming ongoing relationships that function as an extended family. Host families themselves often share that their own lives have been deeply impacted as they serve. Safe Families creates connections between people who may have never met otherwise and brings awareness to the realities of poverty.

There are several meaningful ways the community can support this work and serve families in crisis.

Host Families temporarily welcome children into their home while a parent works through a crisis. The average stay is 2–4 weeks. The approval process includes an application, references, background checks, including fingerprinting, online training, and a home safety assessment.

Family Friends support both host families and parents by offering help such as babysitting, transportation, mentoring, assistance with resources, or simply being a consistent, supportive presence. The approval process includes an application, references, background checks including fingerprinting, online training, and an interview.

Resource Friends provide tangible support such as diapers, meals, clothing, and other needed items for families in crisis.

There is an upcoming Info Meeting via Zoom on May 7th at 7 pm for those who would like to learn more about Safe Families and ways to get involved. Register for the info meeting by clicking this link.
https://bethany.org/locations/us/mo/st-louis/events/sffc-info-meeting-5-7-26-5-7-2026

To learn more or get involved, visit:
bethany.org/sffc

https://www.facebook.com/sffcStLouis

Please also keep Safe Families and the children and families they serve in your prayers this month.

Blog written by Christina Bollinger

Local Outreach Communications Volunteers

March 25, 2026

in Ministry Partner

by cefiggins

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Ministry Partner Spotlight: Joni & Friends MO

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. What a great month to highlight one of our ministry partners, Joni and Friends Missouri! Joni and Friends helps connect individuals living with disability and their families to the local church and equips the church to better serve those individuals and their families. Read all about Joni & Friends Missouri below and be sure to cover this ministry in your prayers this month.

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All people are made in the image of God. At Joni and Friends Missouri, Area Director Kevin Mullins is committed to bringing hope and belonging to individuals and families impacted by disability.

“Our vision is a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ,” Kevin explains. “Our mission is to glorify God as we communicate the Gospel and mobilize the global church to evangelize, disciple, and serve people living with disability.”

“People living with disability are often seen as ‘less-than ’or not seen at all,” Kevin says. “However, everyone, regardless of ability, is created in the image of God, needs Jesus, and needs community.”

Joni and Friends brings Gospel hope and practical resources to families affected by disability by equipping churches to become welcoming, inclusive places of belonging.

Joni and Friends also offers Family Retreats that provide a safe, nurturing space for families to find rest, hope, and support.

“We value each person as an image-bearer, worthy of dignity and respect. We strive to create a rich, Christ-centered environment at every Family Retreat that is safe and accepting for all members of the family.”

Marriage Getaways are also offered for couples navigating the disability of a spouse or child, providing community with others who understand the unique challenges they face, along with respite and Christ-centered encouragement.

Families who attend these retreats, made possible by supporters and volunteers, say the five days provide a chance to come up for air, find rest, and be encouraged, helping them lean on Christ throughout the rest of the year.

Joni and Friends also hosts educational events, such as the Disability Resource Seminar for Parents and Caregivers on May 9, 2026, at the St. Louis County Library-Grand Glaize Branch. This seminar equips families with practical, Christ-centered strategies for financial and legal planning, preserving benefits, and long-term care.

Members of Harvester who feel led to serve can get involved in a variety of ways. Short-term missionaries are needed at the Missouri Family Retreat, August 3-8, at Cross Pointe Retreat Center, Lake of the Ozarks, serving as one-on-one buddies for kids and adults with disabilities. Training is provided, and the only requirements are to love God, love people, and be willing to serve. Additional volunteer opportunities for Fall Respite events will be shared soon.

To learn more about Joni and Friends Missouri, visit https://joniandfriends.org/missouri/

For additional resources from Joni and Friends, visit https://joniandfriends.org/

Blog written by:

Christina Bollinger

Local Outreach Communications Volunteer

August 22, 2025

in Alleviation of Poverty, Ministry Partner, Outreach

by cefiggins

0 Comments

Ministry Spotlight: Faith Haven House

At Harvester Christian Church, we love celebrating the ways God is at work through our ministry partners. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Faith Haven House, a place where compassion meets practical support for unhoused men in need. Faith Haven House provides safe shelter, stability, and hope, walking alongside individuals as they take steps toward rebuilding their lives. Their mission beautifully reflects Christ’s love in action, and we’re honored to partner with them to make a difference in our community.

We recently asked them to share an update on how things are progressing and wanted to share that with you. Read on then comment with your prayers for Faith Haven House in the comments.

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

{As of May} we have had 2 graduates of the program so far this year. Harvester’s Give Hope Funds allow us to continue to operate by helping homeless men get off the streets to stabilize themselves and not worry where their next meal will come from, giving them a warm, dry, safe place to stay while they work to get back on their own feet.

If Harvester Christians have served at your organization, what impact have they had on the community you serve?

We have volunteers from Harvester who serve as house monitors, provide meals, and build relationships with the men who are staying here at Faith Haven House. We were also able to partner with the Sharing Shed to help one of our graduates furnish his new place.

Please share a brief client-success or services-success story we can share with Harvester Christian Church. Specific identifying information is not needed

Our most recent grad came to us after being on the streets for several days and had not eaten for a couple of days when he first reached out. We were able to provide food and get him moved in. While here, he started attending church again for the first time in many years and is also attending Celebrate Recovery. Upon moving out, he has been spending time with family fishing, and is most excited and will tell everyone who will listen that he is extremely excited for his grandkids to be able to come stay with him at this new place. Seeing the smile on his face and the newly found confidence will make anyone’s heart smile.

What existing volunteer needs can we share with Harvester Christians?

We need volunteers who are willing to come spend time at the house and build relationships with the guys who are here. Many times, the guys just want someone to have a conversation with or someone to watch a game with on the television.

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

We would like to start a mentor program. Assign a volunteer to a resident and have funds available for them to go out and do things together, whether that is a game, dinner, concert, or other events that interest the guys. The estimated cost is $10,000.

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

How can Harvester Christians pray for Faith Haven House?

Please pray for the guys who are here and all new ones who will be coming soon. Please pray for more volunteers, and pray for the staff to continue to seek God’s wisdom in situations that arise and the strength to endure.

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

Nothing at this time. We truly appreciate the continued support of Harvester Christian Church staff and members.

July 16, 2025

in Alleviation of Poverty, HCC, Local, Ministry Partner, Outreach, Serve Teams, Volunteer Spotlight

by cefiggins

0 Comments

Volunteer Job Description: The Sharing Shed Volunteer

Volunteer Job Description: The Sharing Shed Volunteer

Position Title: The Sharing Shed Volunteer

Service Schedule: 3rd Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Location: 923 E Terra Ln, O’Fallon, MO 63366

Purpose:

Serve the community by supporting The Sharing Shed’s mission to provide essential household items to those in need.
“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” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Key Responsibilities:

Receive donations of household goods and ensure items are properly logged.
Clean and prepare donated items for distribution.
Assist clients in shopping for household items.
Deliver furniture and larger items to client homes.
Assist clients with assembling furniture and other items as needed.
Maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for all clients.

Qualifications:

Commitment to the mission and values of Harvester Christian Church.
Membership at Harvester Christian Church and completion of Belong and/or Discover Harvester class is highly recommended but not required.
Ability to lift at least 10 lbs.
Willingness to work outside at times and engage in physical activity.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Dependability and punctuality for scheduled volunteer shifts.

Additional Information:

Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity and outdoor work.
Training will be provided to ensure volunteers are equipped to handle tasks effectively.
This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity on the 3rd Saturday of each month, and regular participation is encouraged to build relationships and consistency in service.

Reporting to: Sharing Shed Crew Leader

Contact:

For more information or to sign up, please contact

Carissa Figgins

Local Outreach Pastor

cfiggins@harvester.cc

June 6, 2025

in Alleviation of Poverty, GiveHope, HCC, Local, Ministry Partner, Outreach, Serve Teams, The Sharing Shed

by cefiggins

1 Comment

Ministry Partner Spotlight: The Sharing Shed

Halfway through each calendar year, I ask our ministry and community partners to share how your giving has impacted their mission. These partnerships outside the walls of the church meet tangible needs and unleash hope in ways we could never do on our own. Thank you for your continued ongoing generosity to support local outreach efforts like these.

This week, I want to share the responses from The Sharing Shed. The Sharing Shed is a longtime ministry partner with Harvester Christian. Their mission is to meet the needs of those in crisis, together for the glory of God, as they strive to provide their clients with anything from a bed to sleep on, a sofa to sit on, and a table to eat from. While our HCC volunteers are there serving each month, their focus is to share love and hope with those they are fortunate enough to serve through The Sharing Shed. After you read through their responses, be sure to comment below with words of encouragement or a prayer for the staff and volunteers at The Sharing Shed.

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

We have been incredibly blessed to count Harvester among the very few churches, just two—that support us with consistent financial contributions. Your partnership through Give Hope has truly allowed The Sharing Shed to flourish.

Because of this support, we’ve become a cornerstone for local agencies and churches that rely on us to help families recovering from abuse, mental health challenges, homelessness, and other life transitions. Our role is to provide essential household items that help families move toward independence and sustainable living. Your generosity directly supports these efforts.

Give Hope funding has also made it possible to complete our long-awaited renovations, transforming our space into one that reflects our values—serving families with dignity. The Shed has always been filled with warm, welcoming volunteers, and now, thanks to you, our environment reflects that same warmth and care.

Harvester has become a safety net that helps us stay mission-focused. When we run low on critical items, Give Hope funds allow us to quickly respond and fill the gap—whether it’s bunk beds, mattresses, vacuums, or simple essentials like pillows, sheets, trash cans, or cookie sheets. These items may seem small, but they bring immense comfort, dignity, and stability to the families we serve.

If Harvester Christians have served at your organization, what impact have they had on the community you serve?

The volunteers from Harvester continue to be a vital part of the work we do at The Sharing Shed. Month after month, they show up with compassion, dedication, and a heart for service—bringing hope and dignity to every family they encounter.

Their attention to detail ensures that families not only receive what they need, but feel seen and cared for. Whether it’s helping choose the perfect bed for a child or selecting a kitchen table that makes a house feel like a home, Harvester’s volunteers consistently go above and beyond.

But their service goes deeper than just meeting physical needs. Through prayer, kind words, and genuine encouragement, they pour into each family’s spirit—reminding them that they are not alone and that they matter. Their impact is felt far beyond the moment of service, and we’re deeply grateful for the way they help us carry out our mission with such love and grace.

Please share a brief client-success or services-success story we can share with Harvester Christian Church. Specific identifying information is not needed.

The impact of the services provided by The Sharing Shed is truly life-changing. Every week, we see firsthand how essential household items can restore dignity, bring hope, and help families move forward. Here are just a few recent stories that show how your support is making a difference: A gentleman who had been homeless for three years recently secured housing and was working to reunite with his three children. He came to us needing everything. We were able to provide him with beds, dressers, living room furniture, a kitchen table and chairs, bedding, bath linens, and all the kitchen essentials he needed. He was overjoyed—not just for the items, but because he could now welcome his children into a real home. He couldn’t wait for them to see the space and feel safe and settled.

We also served a family of four who had recently moved from Cuba. After living with a host family for a year, they finally found a place of their own. The Sharing Shed helped them turn their house into a home with furniture and household essentials. The mother was overwhelmed with gratitude. She said she had never heard of an organization that helps people like this and couldn’t believe the kindness she was receiving from complete strangers. Another mother came to us after escaping an abusive relationship. She was starting over with her two boys and had nothing. Through The Sharing Shed, she was able to furnish their new apartment and meet their basic needs. She told us she had no idea how she was going to provide for her children—and broke down in tears as she realized she finally could. It was a powerful reminder of how far a little help can go in restoring stability and hope. These stories are just a glimpse into the lives that are being changed thanks to Harvester’s continued support. Your generosity is helping families rebuild, recover, and thrive.

What existing volunteer needs can we share with Harvester Christians?

Harvester currently serves at The Sharing Shed on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9-11 AM, helping families in need select furniture and household items. Additional help is also needed for furniture pickups during this time. We’re also excited to offer a new serving opportunity for Harvester’s Young Adult Group! They’ll be serving families on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 6-8 PM, starting in June and July. Whether it’s loading furniture, organizing donations, or offering encouragement to families, these are great ways to make a meaningful impact. We’d love to have you join us! We are also looking for a volunteer to help with our administrative duties, and 2 new team leaders for our warehouse on the first and second Monday nights. Training is required.

Please list any upcoming NON-fundraising events your organization is hosting in the next 90 days. These could be tours, meet n greets, trainings, etc.

The Sharing Shed will be hosting a 10-Year Anniversary and Remodel Celebration on Friday, June 21st, from 8:30 to 11:00 AM. This special event will honor our ongoing partnership with Harvester Christian Church and highlight the transformation of our facility. Guests are invited to enjoy refreshments, take guided tours of our newly renovated space, and connect with board members to learn more about how to get involved. We also welcome donations of hygiene items, which will directly benefit the families we serve.

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

We are currently exploring the option of wrapping our pickup and delivery truck to help increase awareness of our services throughout the community.

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

Wrap would cost between $2,000 and $3,000 depending on package option

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

We are deeply thankful for your willingness to pray for The Sharing Shed. Your prayers are a vital part of the support that sustains our team, our volunteers, and the families we serve. Please pray for clarity and discernment as we continue to grow. As the needs in our community expand, we are seeking God’s guidance in how to respond faithfully—with the right resources, the right people, and a heart rooted in compassion. Pray for our volunteers and staff—that they would be refreshed, encouraged, and filled with wisdom as they serve. Many carry heavy burdens alongside the families they support, and we ask for strength and joy in their work.

Lift up the families who come through our doors, often in times of deep transition and hardship. Pray that they would experience not only the practical help we provide, but also the love, dignity, and hope that reflect the heart of Christ. Finally, pray that The Sharing Shed would continue to be a light in our community—a place where people feel seen, supported, and uplifted, and where God’s love is evident in every interaction. We’re so grateful to know we are being covered in prayer as we continue this important work.

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

Harvester Christian continues to be a tremendous blessing to The Sharing Shed. Your volunteers consistently show up eager to serve, and they do so with kindness, flexibility, and compassion toward our clients. Your leadership—especially through Lisa and now Stephanie with the young adult group—has been outstanding. Communication has been clear and supportive, and we feel truly cared for. At this time, we honestly can’t think of anything you need to do differently. Just continuing to walk alongside us with the same heart and commitment means the world. Thank you for being such a faithful and valued partner in this ministry.

Any additional thoughts, questions, opinions, comments, or feedback?

May 19, 2025

in HCC, Local, Ministry Partner, Outreach

by cefiggins

0 Comments

Tornado Relief Update

Our St Louis neighbors are hurting after the May 16 tornado. Harvester Christians can meet tangible needs TODAY as we wait for processes and protocols to roll out from disaster relief services such as SEMA, United Way, American Red Cross, and Salvation Army. We are focusing our support on our long-term ministry partner, Love the Lou. Our partners there have generated a list of resources they are gathering. You can drop these items off at the church offices any time this week, 8:30 -4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and we will deliver them. Another way you can help is to use the Amazon wish list. The items will also be delivered here to the church, and we will deliver them. If you want to sign up to help Love the Lou with clean up, go directly to their tornado relief sign-up page on their website and click on the days you can serve. Don’t forget to pray every day for our neighbors suffering to find relief through God and His people.

Resources needed for Love the Lou Tornado Relief

Bottled water
Batteries
Flashlights
Dust masks
Safety glasses
Work gloves
First aid kits
Lanterns
5-gallon buckets
Trash bags
Diapers/wipes
Infant formula
Extension cords
Disinfecting wipes
Hand sanitizer
Phone chargers
Surge protectors
Pop Top canned fruits & vegetables
Pop top Canned chicken/tuna
Rice
Cereal
Oatmeal
Applesauce
Fresh fruit such as bananas, apples, oranges
Crackers
Instant mashed potatoes
Trail mix
Peanut butter
Jelly
Bread
Jiffy cornbread mix
Mac n cheese add water only
Pop top Canned soups
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Hand wipes
Feminine products

Cannot accept homemade food, open or used items, unlabeled food, rusty or dented items.

Amazon wish list available https://a.co/cVxtN6t

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

by cefiggins

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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 26, 2025

in Discipleship, DTOTD, Guest Blog, Ministry Partner

by cefiggins

0 Comments

Finding Joy in the Unexpected Ring: A Lesson in Divine Timing

At one point or another, we can all relate to wrestling with God in the middle of the night. We seek him for reason, purpose, and peace. I think you will enjoy this guest blog post from Michael Wilson, a Harvester Christian deeply invested in one of our ministry partners, Bad Boyz Jail Ministry. Look for themes of joy and purpose and comment below on how God has provided joy in your life no matter the circumstances.

Finding Joy in the Unexpected Ring: A Lesson in Divine Timing

Guest Blog by Michael Wilson

The pre-dawn hours often feel like a battleground. For me, they were a daily struggle, a restless dance of body and mind. The joyless start to my day was a persistent shadow, a stark contrast to the light I longed for. Seeking a shift, I turned to a devotional titled, “Finding Joy Despite Our Circumstances,” hoping to illuminate a path through the darkness.

The devotional presented four pillars of joy: confidence, purpose, the Holy Spirit, and fellowship. That Friday morning, I immersed myself in the first principle, confidence. The questions posed were simple yet profound: “What areas of your life do you feel confident in? And, how does that confidence impact your overall joy?”

My answer was immediate: teaching. After 25 years in the classroom, even seven years into retirement, my confidence in my ability to educate remained unwavering. The devotional then challenged me to consider how to cultivate greater confidence in God’s work in my life, based on that established confidence. My response, penned in my journal, was a tentative, “Perhaps I could get back in the classroom.”

The ink was barely dry when my phone rang. The caller ID revealed the principal of my former school. An invitation to substitute teach for the next few days followed. The timing was nothing short of miraculous, a clear affirmation that God was actively orchestrating my journey.

The following days were a testament to the power of aligning with one’s God-given purpose. Stepping back into the classroom was like returning to a familiar, beloved home. The confidence I held in my teaching ability translated into a tangible sense of joy. The familiar rhythm of the school day, the eager faces of the students, and the satisfaction of imparting knowledge filled a void I hadn’t fully recognized.

Remarkably, the restless mornings ceased. The usual tossing and turning were replaced with a sense of anticipation, a quiet contentment. I realized that my joy wasn’t merely tied to the act of teaching, but to the divine confirmation that I was operating within my purpose. This experience served as a powerful reminder that God’s timing is perfect, often exceeding our wildest expectations. He uses our strengths and passions to guide us, revealing his presence in the most unexpected ways. God is indeed good, all the time, and sometimes, he answers our whispered prayers with a ringing phone.

Michael Wilson is a devoted Christian husband of 37 years and father of two adult children. Upon leaving the classroom after 25 years, Michael volunteers at various ministries/organizations around the area. Michael “sharpens his saw” by creating and building around the house.

March 6, 2025

in Community Partner, Food Backpack Program, HCC, Local, Ministry Partner, Outreach, packapack, Safe Families for Children, School Outreach, Serve Teams

by cefiggins

0 Comments

Is Your Small Group Ready To Serve?

With winter finally melting away and Daylight Savings time just around the corner many of us are also coming back to life! I have heard that many small groups have been on hold since the holidays with the onslaught of rough weather and long weeks of illness. Is your small group coming back to life? Are they starting to talk about how they can serve their community? Here are a few ideas to get them going!

1. The HCC Food Backpack Ministry serves about 100-120 local students every week. Your small group can help these children who experience food insecurity by hosting a food drive. This is an easy way to get neighbors involved near your host home as well. Collect canned ravioli, individual mac n cheese, nut-free snacks such as granola bars, beef jerky, and healthy fruit snacks. Plan a special time to pray over these students and families hit with hard times.

2. In the same vein, on average the HCC Food Pantry provides groceries for 130 clients. Could your small group consider hosting a canned food drive to help keep the pantry shelves stocked?

3. Does your small group enjoy being outdoors? Could they consider weeding and mulching at one of our local schools on a weeknight? Would they enjoy helping to keep the Journey Trails free of weeds and trash?

4. Does your small group have the gift of hospitality? Could they consider hosting one of our teacher appreciation breakfasts or lunches? Could they stock and deliver our WOOT WOOT cart, a snack and drink cart, to one of our local school partners?

5. Does your small group love shopping? Could they consider collecting 24 packed backpacks this summer for Pack A Pack? Could they purchase children’s socks and underwear for HCC Back To School events?

6. Is your small group packed with Prayer Warriors? Could they consider joining our monthly School Outreach Pray and Prep where we pray over local schools, administrators, teachers, and students?

7. Does your small group like to plan and host parties and fun events? Could they consider helping to organize community breakfasts or dinners for our community and ministry partners to come to HCC to be encouraged? Or help plan a teacher appreciation dinner?

8. Does your small group love children? Could they consider becoming a Family Friend or a Host Family with Safe Families for Children?

9. Does your small group have a heart for individuals living with disabilities? Could they consider connecting with our ministry partner Joni & Friends and serving at summer camps or family retreats this summer?

10. Does your small group’s heartbreak for our unhoused neighbors? Could they consider serving at a cooling center this summer or a warming center in the winter?

BONUS option: Does your small group want to serve but is not sure where to start? Consider inviting Carissa Figgins, our local Outreach Pastor to visit your small group and learn more about how your small group can lead others to find and follow Jesus!

Make sure each of your small group members subscribes to this blog and is following the HCC Outreach- St Charles Campus Facebook page to stay up to date on serving opportunities and more!

March 3, 2025

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

by cefiggins

0 Comments

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 Child Welfare, HCC, Local, Ministry Partner, Outreach, Safe Families for Children, Serve Teams, Volunteer Spotlight

by cefiggins

2 Comments

Volunteer Job Description: Family Friend

Volunteer Job Description: Family Friend

Purpose:

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.”
Harvester Christian Church is dedicated to caring for the least of these. One of the ways we do this is by providing support and encouragement to Harvester Christians who have made the decision to be Safe Families, Foster Families, or Adoptive Families. Safe Family Friends play a crucial role in encouraging and strengthening these families through various means of support.

Key Responsibilities:

Prayer Support: Commit to praying regularly for Safe Families, Foster Families, and Adoptive Families within the Harvester community.

Practical Support: Provide practical assistance such as:

Dropping off diapers or essential supplies.
Preparing and delivering occasional meals.
Offering babysitting services for a few hours to give parents a break.
Providing transportation to appointments or school.

Emotional Support: Offer encouragement and a listening ear to families, providing a sense of community and understanding.

Flexible Assistance: Be available for other support tasks as needed, ensuring families feel supported and valued.

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).
A heart for serving and supporting Safe Families host families, foster or adoptive families in need.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to handle sensitive situations with confidentiality and compassion.

Time Commitment:

Flexible and variable based on the needs of the families and the availability of the volunteer.
Regular check-ins with the Safe Family/Foster/Adopt Crew Leader to ensure families’ needs are being met effectively.

Training and Support:

Initial orientation and training will be provided to familiarize volunteers with the role and responsibilities.
Complete Core Training and Sexual Abuse Prevention Training through Safe Families for Children
Ongoing support and resources will be available through Harvester Christian Church.

Benefits:

Spiritual Growth: Deepen your faith through acts of service and prayer, fulfilling the call to love and support others as Christ loves us.

Community Connection: Build meaningful relationships with other volunteers and families within the Harvester Christian Church community.

Personal Fulfillment: Experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from making a positive impact on families who are caring for children in need.

Skill Development: Enhance your skills in areas such as caregiving, communication, and organization.

Flexibility: Enjoy a role that offers flexible hours and tasks that can fit into your personal schedule.

Reporting To: Crew Leader for Safe Families/Foster/Adopt

By serving as a Family Friend, you will be making a tangible difference in the lives of families who have opened their hearts and homes to children in need. Your support, whether through prayer, practical assistance, or emotional encouragement, helps to build up the body of Christ and strengthens our community.

Contact:

For more information or to sign up, please contact

Carissa Figgins

Local Outreach Pastor

cfiggins@harvester.cc

December 18, 2024

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

by cefiggins

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Local Outreach Ministry Partner Spotlight: Joni & Friends

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

Joni and Friends

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

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

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

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

What existing volunteer needs can we share with Harvester Christians?

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

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

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

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

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

2025 Family Retreat, 2025 Marriage Getaway, 2025 Warrior Getaway

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

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

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

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

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

Encourage volunteers to serve with us in ministry.

Ministry Partner

Blog written by:

Christina Bollinger

Local Outreach Communications Volunteer

From the HCC Outreach Team: