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July 30, 2025
in HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach, Serve Teams
by cefiggins
0 Comments

Local Outreach July 2025 Newsletter

Hey oh!!!

What a wonderful summer we have had so far with the Good Neighbor Challenge! It has been encouraging to see committed volunteers regularly serving their neighbors. We have also seen new faces stepping out in faith and trusting God to learn more about what it means to Love God and Love Others. It has been great to see our O’Fallon campus crews come together through serving our neighbors! August will continue to be jampacked, but before we jump there, let’s take a look back on what God did through all of us in July.

July ReCap

We started the month with daily Good Neighbor Challenges. If you signed up, you know these came as daily texts with a scripture and prayer to help us focus on the art of neighboring. It also included a basic Love Your Neighbor challenge. Some of mine included dropping a note at a neighbor’s house and letting them know how much I appreciated the effort they put into their yard and garden. Another one was dropping off some produce from my garden, and a recipe for the zucchini. I also went on several prayer walks to different places around St Charles County where I regularly spend time.

Then we jumped right into Good Neighbor Serving Opportunities with Pack A Pack, Boys and Girls Club Back to School Bashes. To date HCC has provided over 600 backpacks to the Boys and Girls Club and shared 40 more with our Troy campus. Shoutout to Gina and David Aubuchon serving for the first time as Event Crew Leaders at the O’Fallon Unit, and Ronda Grigg serving again as the Event Crew Leader for the St Charles Unit. We had a new serving opportunity this year of card-making. Local Outreach writes and sends out hundreds of cards every year to our local school teachers and ministry partners. It was a blast to see HCC members using their spiritual gifts of creativity, encouragement, and hospitality. Nancy Picker and her bible study regularly make cards and we didn’t know it. They didn’t know that we write and send cards. It was a blessing to come together, make new friends and connections, all to glory God to our neighbors.

In addition to many more Good Neighbor Serving Opportunities in July, such as serving our community and ministry partners of REACH St Charles, the Child Advocacy Center, Love the Lou, we are also providing a worship service for the first time to the Boulevards Memory Care on July 30. We are also hosting a Blood Drive on Thursday, July 31 from 1-5 p.m. Donors are still needed. You can register to donate here or just walk in. Check below for more Good Neighbor Serving Opportunities coming up in August.

 

HCC Cooling Center

In the middle of all these serving opportunities, HCC Local Outreach was activated as a Cooling Center as part of the county-wide Emergency Weather Response Team. HCC is on call this summer July 27-August 2 and August 17-30. When the temperature is forecasted as a heat advisory of 100 degrees for two plus days we will open the Annex Lobby for our unhoused guests. We provide snacks, water, and Gatorade. But the biggest thing I have seen our volunteers provide this week is just conversation. Our guests have enjoyed just normal human interactions rather than crisis interactions. We have prayed every day to be a place of peace and to be people of peace. The Holy Spirit’s presence has been so evident. If you would like to learn more of serving with our Emergency Weather Response Team either during the day this summer or overnight this winter, just send me an email at cfiggins@harvester.cc.

Our Spiritual Gifts to Guide Our Serving

Pastor Nick mentioned the opportunity to take a Spiritual Gifts Assessment in a recent sermon. The S.H.A.P.E. test helps pull out what your spiritual gifts, heart abilities, personality, and experiences are. I am a sucker for any type of personality test, leadership test, or what shade of nail polish test, so I was really looking forward to seeing the results of this spiritual gifts assessment. I knew my gifts were centered in pastoring, equipping and empowering others, visioning, and empathy. What surprised me with the S.H.A.P.E. test was the names of the spiritual gifts. I realized I had been leaning more on the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) rather than my actual gifting. My top gift was Mercy. In general, this gift is the ability to empathize with and compassionately respond to those who are suffering, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally, and then move to practical acts of service and support. I knew this area is my happy spot- the place I feel the closest reliance on God and the place where I find the most fulfillment. But the term mercy caught me up. That took me on a deeper dive into scripture that mentions mercy. I loved the reminders of receiving God’s mercy, and freely giving out mercy were lovely. I encourage you to sign in to the S.H.A.P.E. test with your Harvester account so your results are linked to your profile. Then you always have access to it, but it’s also incredibly helpful for all ministries to search for certain gifts and experiences to guide you towards serving opportunities that honor the Holy Spirit’s gifts in your life. You can find the link to S.H.A.P.E. here.

 

Upcoming Serving Opportunities– Just a note: it’s very important to sign up for events and not just show up. In many situations, there is a specific number of roles available, but in some situations, serving opportunities have to change location, time, or date. When you register for a serving event, we have everyone’s contact information in one spot, and we can effectively communicate to you serving opportunity details. If you need help accessing groups, schedules, or sign-ups, let me know, and we can sit down, and I can walk you through that either on your laptop or your phone.

Good Neighbor Serving Opportunities– Click here to see the Good Neighbor landing page. Complete the top part of the form to be able to scroll through serving opportunities on pages 2 and 3. Below are the remaining Good Neighbor Serving Opportunities. Italized opportunities need the most volunteers.

Thursday July 31, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Donate blood in HCC Worship Lobby

Friday August 1, 5 pm. – 7 p.m. The Sparrow’s Nest Children’s Center

Saturday August 2, 9 a.m.- 11 a.m.  Faith Haven House

Sunday August 3, 7 p.m. St Charles Campus Prayer Walk

Monday August 4, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Barnwell Middle School Spruce Up

Tuesday August 5, 4:30 pm.-6:30 pm. Harvest Ridge Elementary Spruce Up

Wednesday August 6, Harvest Ridge Elementary Back to School Bash

Thursday, August 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Love the Lou Tornado Relief

Friday August 8, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 pm. Good Neighbor Market

Saturday, August 9, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Welcome Jasper Apartment Residents to the Neighborhood

Sunday, August 10, REACH St Charles Pop Up

Monday, August 11, 7:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. Harvest Ridge Elementary Back to School Breakfast for Teachers

Tuesday August 12, 3- 6 p.m. Francis Howell North High School Immunization Clinic

Upcoming School Outreach Serving Opportunities- If you have expressed interest in or have served at a school event, you are in the School Outreach group. You can access the calendar and sign up for that group. If you are interested in serving at a school event, please email jhohensee@harvester.cc, and she can add you to that group. 

Monday August 11 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Pray & Prep, card making and card writing for schools

Friday August 15 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Becky David Back to School Breakfast for Teachers– FULL

Friday August 15 11:30 a.m. Barnwell Back to School Lunch for Teachers

Saturday August 16 9 am. -11 am. The Sharing Shed

Sunday August 17- Saturday August 30 HCC on call as Cooling Center, shifts 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday August 24 1 p.m.Local Outreach/Guest Service Potluck Lunch in lower level of offices – more information coming

 

 

 

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June 23, 2025
in Church, Discipleship, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, Serve Teams
by cefiggins
0 Comments

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.

 

 

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June 12, 2025
in Alleviation of Poverty, Child Welfare, Community Partner, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach
by cefiggins
2 Comments

Pack A Pack 2025 Season has begun!

Our Harvester family always looks forward to Pack A Pack season. This is an annual initiative where Harvester Christians intentionally pray over our local school children whose families struggle to purchase all the school supplies required to help their child experience success in the classroom.

This year, we have a goal of 900 packed backpacks. These backpacks will go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of St Charles County, families at schools right in our backyard, as well as our inaugural Good Neighbor Market where local families will come to the church for a storefront experience to “shop” for their child’s school supplies (more to come on this.)

For now, we need Harvester Christians to pray, shop, share, and serve during this initiative. Below is the generic shopping list you can use to buy 1 item, collect a few others from neighbors, or maybe you will choose to fill a whole backpack. You can drop these supplies in the worship lobby on Sundays. Don’t delay, though! Our first delivery of backpacks is Thursday, July 17! 

Elementary backpacks

  • 1 sturdy book bag
  • 2 plastic folders with pockets and prongs in different colors
  • 1 pencil box
  • 1 wide ruled notebook
  • 2 glue sticks
  • 1 pack of 24-count crayons
  • 1 scissors
  • 1 pack of 12 markers
  • 10   #2 pencils
  • 1 ruler
  • 1 water bottle

Middle/High School backpacks

  • 1 sturdy book bag
  •  5 plastic folders with pockets and prongs in different colors
  •  1 pencil pouch
  •  3 college-ruled notebooks in different colors
  • 10 #2 pencils
  • 2 three three-ring binders
  • 3 highlighters
  •  10 blue or black in pens
  • 1 ruler
  • 1 pack of colored pencils
  • 1 pack of loose-leaf college ruled paper
  • 1 calculator
  • 1 water bottle

 

You can also use our Amazon wish list to choose your donated items and have them sent directly to Harvester St Charles.

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May 1, 2025
in Local, Mental Health, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach, Serve Teams, The Sharing Shed
by cefiggins
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May 2025 Newsletter

First Things First

In the busyness of outreach—packing groceries, loving teachers and schools, caring for our unhoused neighbors, mentoring kids—it’s easy to pour ourselves out until we’re running on empty. But God never meant for our service to come from exhaustion. He calls us to serve from a place of rest. 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
—Matthew 6:33 (ESV) 

God established the Sabbath not as a burden, but as a gift—a rhythm of rest and renewal that reminds us: our worth is not in what we do, but in Whose we are. 

As HCC Outreach volunteers, we love well when we live well—rested, rooted, and responsive to the Spirit. When we put God first in our weeks, our days, and our decisions, everything else falls into place—not always easily, but in order. The Sabbath helps reorient our hearts so we can give our best, not just what’s left. 

This month, let’s choose to rest with God before we work for God. Saving the best of ourselves—our time, our attention, our affection—for Him first is the most powerful way to love our neighbors well. 

May Serving Opportunities Looking for serving opportunities? Check out our new link on the  “big” church website! https://harvester.cc/outreach-events 

FHSD: God is opening doors for us left and right in the Francis Howell School District. However, it does require us to have many more volunteers complete the volunteer background check through FHSD. Even if you are cleared to serve at HCC you must complete the FHSD process. We will need at least 8 clear volunteers to serve at an immunization clinic in August and 15 cleared volunteers to participate in a pilot math tutoring program later this fall. Processing can take up to six weeks. Let’s get this done by June please!  

Good Neighbor Serve Group: Did you know we have a group of Harvester folk who answer the call when our members or neighbors need lawns mowed, simple repairs, or heavy items fixed? Let me know if you would like to be added to this group to be notified of needs.  

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9. We have a ton of ways to show our local school teachers and staff how much we appreciate all they do in our neighborhoods!  

Sharing Shed: We have had such a response to serving at The Sharing Shed. They have provided a few more opportunities, but we need your input on how we are going to best divide this serve group. Be sure to complete this survey so we know the best way to communicate with you. It’s very important to RSVP to the event as a limited number of people can serve effectively at The Sharing Shed.  

Work Day at The Sharing Shed 

Saturday, May 17 9:00 –11:00 

Pack A Pack 

We have a goal to collect enough school supplies for 800 local children in need this year! Are you a small business owner or have access to a doctor, dentist, insurance agent, or small shop? Could you consider serving as a Pack A Pack Collection site June 1-30? Email Carissa to learn more about how you can have an impact on the community using your gifts, talents, and blessings. Huge shoutout to those HCC businesses who have already said yes! We have a goal to have ten businesses in total.

  • CC3 Solutions 
  • Dailey Chiropractic 
  • Edward Jones 
  • Midwest Scuba 
  • Tequila Restaurant  
Prayers: 

Pray the most audacious prayers this month for our neighborhoods. Pray for those seemingly impossibilities! Is it Satan’s release on someone’s mental health or freedom from addiction? Is it curing someone of cancer? Is it for safe, affordable housing for our unhoused neighbors? Is it for child abuse and neglect to be non-existent in St Charles County? Is it for 300 foster children in St Charles County to return to safe homes or find safe havens in adoptive families?

Comment below what you are praying for!  

 Resources:  

In these present times, our mental fitness requires us now more than ever to renew our minds with the Lord. Check out this new study from Kyle Idleman in Right Now Media.  https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/920259 

“Jesus said, ‘Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest.’ This You Version plan is an invitation to partake in God’s abiding rest with many practical ways to make rest a lifestyle. This one discipline could deepen your intimacy with God and change the fruitfulness of your life.” Check out this Bible Study by yourself or with a friend! https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/25341-sabbath-living-from-rest 

Here is an interesting podcast from the Think Biblically Podcast How does a Christian view of mental health compare and contrast with a secular perspective? Are we in a mental health crisis today? And how do we best love our family and friends who are suffering from mental illness. In this video and podcast, Sean and Scott talk with Rosemead Professor Chris Adams about these questions and more. Dr. Adams shares about the new Flourishing in Ministry resource that helps pastors and churches address mental health. See www.flourishinginministry.org. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd0DoddNSCs 

 Recommended Reading:  

The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk  

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst 

Troubled Minds by Amy Simpson 

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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
0 Comments

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.

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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!

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December 17, 2024
in Food Backpack Program, Guest Services, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach, Serve Teams, Volunteer Spotlight
by cefiggins
0 Comments

Volunteer Spotlight: Ken Sabo

At Harvester Christian Church, we love highlighting how God works through our volunteers, and Ken Sabo is a powerful example of His hands at work. Ken’s service is not about recognition but about responding to God’s call to impact His kingdom. Through Ken’s obedience and heart for others, God brings hope, joy, and transformation to those he encounters. This story isn’t about Ken; it’s about the incredible things God is doing through him to glorify His name and lead people to find and follow Jesus. Continue reading below to learn more about Ken and his obedience to God through service to others!
Where do you serve with Local Outreach? 
I serve in the Food Pantry, the Parking Crew, the Backpack Program (which provides food for children at local schools who may not have the means to be fed on weekends), Local Outreach events at schools in the area, and other service projects through the church as needed.
How are your gifts and talents used in this service?
God uses my ability to serve others and to help meet their needs.
What inspired you to start volunteering with Harvester Christian Church Local Outreach?
When I first started serving, I was at Guest Central. One hot Sunday, our Then-Local Outreach pastor (Kevin Hamilton) asked me to drive the golf cart to pick up people and take them to the Worship Center. At that point, I wanted to keep doing more.
How has serving impacted your personal relationship with Jesus?
It has brought me closer to Him. Realizing that He made sacrifices for me, I should sacrifice my time and talents to help increase the size of the Kingdom and show His love to others.
What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for Local Outreach at Harvester?
It is real easy to get plugged into a program that needs help. You can try one and if you feel that is not a fit for you, switch to another until you find one that works for you.
How do you see God working through the Local Outreach efforts at Harvester?
I see that we can all help to grow the Kingdom in some way, whether it is large or small part. Every part counts.
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December 9, 2024
in Discipleship, HCC, Jesus, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach, Volunteer Spotlight
by cefiggins
0 Comments

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Shannon Sebastian

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

Where do you serve with Local Outreach? 

Food Pantry, pack a pack. Tree House of Greater St Louis
How are your gifts and talents used in this service?
I love doing anything that I know is going to help kids. I also love to organize so packing backpacks for back to school and packing food for the schools is my jam! Also, I have been around horses most of my life so working at Tree House was working with therapy horses and kids. The looks on the kids’ faces when they were riding was all I needed to know I was where I was supposed to be.
What inspired you to start volunteering with Harvester Christian Church Local Outreach?
I started volunteering at HHC when my kids were little, I worked in the nursery. I worked full time back then so Sunday was pretty much the only day I didn’t work and I felt that I wanted to know the people I was going to church with and be part of the community. Over the past several years I have been fortunate to have more free time, so I have been able to do more with Food Pantry and the Pack a Pack programs.
How has serving impacted your personal relationship with Jesus?
I feel like God knew where I needed to be. I always knew I wanted to serve but wasn’t sure where. He pointed me in the right direction because He knew where my passion for kids would be put to good use.
What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for Local Outreach at Harvester?
Do it!! There are so many opportunities, find what calls you. So many people think they don’t have time, it doesn’t take much to make an impact on a person in need. Once you start, you will want to do more! Get involved as a family or a couple, it can start all kinds of amazing conversations.
How do you see God working through the Local Outreach efforts at Harvester?
HCC is such a generous church. I have seen individuals and groups at our church do good things in the community and around the world. God knows that and He points us in the direction of where He knows we will share our love of Jesus and lead others to follow Him.
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July 15, 2024
in Alleviation of Poverty, Child Welfare, GiveHope, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach
by cefiggins
0 Comments

2024 Pack A Pack School Supply Lists

Middle & High School Backpacks

  • Plain Backpack (neutral, gray, black, navy)-1

Main Pocket of Backpack

  • Binder -1
  • Spiral bound, 70-sheet, college ruled notebooks-3
  • Pocket folders-5
  • Water bottle -1

Middle pocket of backpack:

  • 12 pack of pencils-1
  • 12 pack of colored pencils-1
  • 8 pack of black pens-1
  • Pencil pouch-1
  • Calculator-1
  • 100 pack of index cards-1

 

Small front of backpack– leave empty

Top loop of backpack: hook on green tag to designate as middle/highschool

 

  • Backpack 1

Main pocket of backpack

  • Spiral bound 7- sheet wide ruled notebooks-3
  • Pocket folders-5
  • Water bottle-1

Middle pocket of backpack

  • 12 pack of #2 pencils-1
  • 1 Pack of markers-1
  • 24 pack of crayons-1
  • Pencil pouch-1
  • Glue sticks-2 (insert into pencil pouch)
  • Scissors-2 (insert into pencil pouch)

Small front pocket of backpack leave empty

Top loop of backpack: hook on a tag: yellow to designate elementary

 

 

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May 13, 2024
in Alleviation of Poverty, Child Welfare, Church, DTOTD, Global, Guest Services, HCC, Local, Natural Disaster Response, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach, Serve Teams, The Sharing Shed
by Brendon
0 Comments

Faith without works, is dead

 

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you say to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled”, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

– James 2:14-17

 

Serving others, out of a humble heart, is not an easy choice that not everyone will make. 

 

In the church, we talk about serving all of the time. And to be honest, we have too. Serving is of vital importance to every church’s existence and operational ability. The church was not created to be a paid enterprise organization that is able to pay every single person that changes a diaper or leads a small group. As crazy as it sounds, the church was created to be a vessel of people that would pour into the people around them and inside the walls of the church building to be able to lead those to knowing and following Jesus.

 

There is one thing about learning about God from an academic stand point, but it is something completely different when it comes to following Jesus’ example of life here on earth.

 

When we see the disciples, which eventually become Apostles in the book of Acts, get called by Jesus, very early on we see the disciples both learning things and unlearning things. The disciples are learning from Jesus about what life could look like and unlearning what they have been taught since they were kids. Jesus also takes the moments to send his disciples out, very often, the disciples are sent out to serve and to preach the good news of Jesus.

 

You see when you begin to follow Jesus, and become his disciple, we find that serving is intertwined with your faith and your deepening understanding of who Jesus is for us and through us.

 

The problem we all face, is that serving has become somewhat of a ‘glamour’ seeking endeavor. Serving has been distorted to be into something that we can brag about. If you read Thought #8, you may be thinking, this sounds a whole lot like hospitality, well because serving and hospitality go hand in hand with our discipleship to Jesus.

You see as we get closer to Jesus, we see that Jesus had a natural rhythm to life that we can emulate. It may not be as deep or as perfect as Jesus’, which is no surprise, it can be lived out in a daily way.

 

” ………….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 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 10:43-45

 

Serving is not about your ability to brag about where you serve or how many people you serve. Serving is about the love you have for Jesus overflowing out of our hearts towards others. It could look like this:

 

Having a meal with family friends that don’t know Jesus. (hospitality)

 

Planning a VBS while on a mission trip in Ethiopia. (serving)

 

Wiping the nose of an upset 3 year old at church in the middle of the summer. (serving)

 

Stopping to listen to a hurting friend or coworker. (hospitality)

 

Cleaning the bathrooms at a church that doesn’t have anyone to clean the church on a regular basis. (serving)

 

Reaching out to your neighbor about the doctors appointment they had. (hospitality)

 

Could it be hauling furniture from The Sharing Shed to a family in our community? (serving)

 

As our love for Jesus grows, our hearts for hospitality and serving increase.

 

There is a forward-facing part of serving and hospitality that is undeniable and very real.

 

When we serve someone or a group of people, there is a very real and undeniable focus put on you and the same goes for when you show hospitality to someone or a group. As Christians, we are called to go and make disciples of all nations, of anyone that will listen and accept the good news of Jesus and to lead them to following Jesus and his commands. Which means we will be looked at and unfortunately, potentially judged for our actions.

 

Jesus gave us a new command in John 13 by saying ” we must love one another, like I have loved you…..BY THIS, all people will know you are my DISCIPLES.” – John 13:34 & 35

 

Then again in John 17, Jesus says ” I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of this world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world…..I do not ask this for these only, but also for those who WILL believe in me through their word, that they may be one just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me….” – John 17:15-21

 

To James’ point, can we have faith with out works….yes but it doesn’t mean much. On the flip side of that, can we just serve others with out the faith behind it….sure but that also doesn’t mean much because there is nothing attached to the deed. Sure you could be looked at a good person, but in the discourse of salvation, serving to check a box on a to-do list, doesn’t lead to being a disciple of Jesus.

 

Serving should first and foremost always come from the outpour of love that Jesus has given you and now you attempt to give to others.

 

As much as bible study and worship and small groups and prayer and silence and solitude are important to your discipleship with Jesus, if we neglect to serve also, then we are missing the whole picture of being a disciple of Jesus.

 

The question then is, where will you serve to be able to breath the life and love of Jesus out to others?

 

If you are reading this and are not serving, here is a painted picture worth thinking about: 

 

Here at Harvester Christian Church, there are hundreds of places you can serve…….hundreds really. 

 

Recently I asked just some of the ministries around HCC, what kind of volunteer numbers could they use right now…….150…..Meaning, we could use 150 more people to come and serve the church and the guests that are coming to church each and every week and month. 

 

That number gets even larger when asked what would a dream number of volunteers be….one ministry said 200, another said 270!! 

 

Imagine the kingdom impact we could make as a church if we all took one opportunity to serve in some way….what would it look like, what would it feel like, how would you be used to impact someone else’s life? 

 

Can I challenge you…..take a moment and think about where you would want to serve, just TWO TIMES…what ministry would be it, how would you be serving? 

 

Could it be that you want to help guests find a parking spot with our parking team? 

Could it be opening a door for one of our disabled guests that struggle to open the door themselves? 

Could it be serving behind the cafe counter helping our guests with some donuts to make the environment of Sunday morning warm and welcoming? 

Could it be holding a crying baby until they fall asleep in your arms so that the parents can go and worship? 

Could it be leading a small group of 2nd graders to help them understand how much God loves them? 

Could it be flipping switches on our tech team in that back where if we didn’t have people, our services wouldn’t happen? 

Could it be having conversation with our online guests to welcome them and help them have the best online experience they can? 

Could it be helping a new family walk from Guest Central to Kids Check in to help them feel calm and welcomed as they bring their kids to Harvester Kids? 

 

There are so many opportunities for you to step out, in faith, and serve those coming to Harvester Christian Church.

 

The question is, will you? 

 

If you are interested, let us know or join us for Discover Harvester on June 9th, here is a link – Discover Harvester – 

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September 14, 2023
in GiveHope, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach
by cefiggins
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How God Used Hotdogs & Expo Markers To Unleash Hope

God has always used the weirdest things to guide people to Him. Aaron’s staff. Rahab’s scarlet cord.Baalam’s Donkey. Hotdogs from Harvester Christian. You know. Those kinds of things.

Yep, you read it right. Hotdogs from Harvester Christian Church provided a pathway to meet people in our community this summer. Whether at the Boys and Girls Club of St. Charles County or the City of St. Charles School District Back to School Bash you showed up to show love through the most unlikely of things. Just like God. Through Pack A Pack and all the bajillion back-to-school events, you served almost 1000 hotdog meals and provided just as many backpacks and school supplies to local teachers, families, and students.

HCC Local Outreach to our local schools is not limited to the summertime. We have School Crews consistently serving every month at Becky David Elementary, Harvest Ridge Elementary, Hackmann Rd Early Childhood, and Barnwell Middle. It’s important for our School Outreach Crews to commit to being as consistent as possible and as regular as possible at our schools to build trustworthy relationships. Our school crews provide relief and encouragement to administrators and teachers through teacher appreciation events. For example, on Thursday, September 21 the Barnwell School Crew will be volunteering to manage the Kona Ice fundraiser. On  Friday, September 22 we will The Harvest Ridge Crew is serving a bagel breakfast to teachers. School Crews have done everything from spreading mulch, cleaning school toilets, delivering school supplies and cards of encouragement to handing out hot chocolate and candy at Trunk or Treats and the parent pick-up line.

It could be easy to dismiss how showing up again, again could possibly lead someone to find and follow Jesus. But I bet in your own life you can point to the people who consistently showed up in your life with simple acts of kindness, grace, and mercy that caused you to encounter Jesus for the first time or become more like Jesus as you grew in your faith.

Sometimes it’s a bible in your hand. Sometimes it’s a package of expo markers. God asks for our trust and obedience in any situation. God can DO ANYTHING!

Important Dates

Food Backpack Program resumes on September 11

HCC Basketball-Cheer Registration September 25

See You At The Pole September 27 at 7 a.m.

Guest Services/Local Outreach Gathering- we want to celebrate all of our volunteers. Join us on October 27 for a little food, fellowship, and vision for the coming year!

Check back soon for your opportunity to join a School Crew and serve monthly at one of our local schools or email me to learn more!

 

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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.

 

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From the HCC Outreach Team:

Thanks so much for stopping by the Harvester Christian Church Outreach Team’s blog! We hope you find this resource helpful, insightful and encouraging as we strive to Unleash the Hope of Jesus back into our world!

This resource belongs to Harvester Christian Church in St. Charles, Mo.