School Outreach

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 –

February 26, 2024

in Alleviation of Poverty, Church, GiveHope, Local, Outreach, School Outreach

Spring Serving Opportunities 2024

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and all is right with the world! Ok, 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. It turns out we are living in a lost and wounded world that is in desperate need of the hope of Jesus. And God wants us to show up consistently in trustworthy relationships with our neighbors in order to share that hope with them. Below you will find serving opportunities, trainings, and events to equip you to do just that. Hover on each event to see the link to register or RSVP for an event. If you have any questions be sure to email Carissa at cfiggins@harvester.cc

Event	Description	Date	Time	Location
Local Outreach/Guest Services Gathering #1	Training for Local Outreach Guest Services serving teams focusing on safety	2/29/24	6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.	Mission Café- St Charles Campus
Harvest Ridge Pancake Dinner	Prepare and Serve Pancakes for Harvest Ridge Elementary Families	3/7/24	3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.	Harvest Ridge Elementary 1220 Harvest Ridge Dr. St. Charles MO 63304
Becky David Elementary Literacy Night	Help Becky David students prepare trail mix at Literacy Night	3/7/24	5:45 p.m.-7:00 p.m.	Becky David Elementary 1155 Jungs Station Rd St. Charles MO 63304
Heart & Soul Fellowship Meal (sign-up link coming soon)	A “no agenda” time to enjoy a meal with Local Outreach/Guest Services team members and their families	3/10/24	12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m	Lower Level of Church Offices
Come & See: Faith Haven House	A field trip to Faith Haven House to learn firsthand about the ministry	3/14/24	6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.	Faith Haven House 7338 Mexico Rd St. Peters, MO 63376 Limited parking, carpooling recommended
Come & See: The Sharing Shed	A field trip to The Sharing Shed to learn firsthand about the ministry	3/16/24	9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.	The Sharing Shed 923 E. Terra Ln O’Fallon, MO 63366
The Sharing Shed Serve Day	Volunteers receive donations, clean, and assist clients in picking out basic household items, delivery of items is helpful	3/16/24	9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.	The Sharing Shed 923 E Terra Ln O’Fallon, MO 63366
Teacher Appreciation Card and Gift Assembling	Write cards of encouragement and assemble small token gifts of appreciation	3/19/24	1:00-3:00 p.m.	Local Outreach Storage Room in Annex- Enter Door 15 on Veterans Memorial side
Kona Ice Days at Barnwell Middle	Volunteer at Barnwell Middle to help hand out Kona Ice	3/21/24	11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.	Barnwell Middle School 1035 Jungs Station Rd St. Charles MO 63304
Election Day (Sign-up link coming soon)	Greet voters as they come to HCC as their polling place	4/2/24	Various times all day	HCC Worship Center
Stewards of Children: Darkness To Light Training (sign-up link coming soon)	Child abuse prevention training with Child Advocacy Center	4/11/24	11:30-2:00 p.m.	HCC Family Life Center

November 7, 2023

in Church, Guest Services, HCC Basketball-Cheer, Local, Outreach, School Outreach

The Gathering Recap

“ So much time and energy is put into religious concerns-church buildings, church committees, church programs, and activities – that the secular world suffers from pure neglect. But it is in that very world, Christians spend more of their time. If the Christian faith is going to have any kind of impact at all, it must address how believers live in the secular world. Ordinary people must learn to live as disciples of Jesus when they are NOT at church. Perhaps we need a new category of saint – a ‘ secular saint’ who lives passionately for Christ while serving as a banker or teacher or construction worker or artist.”

Gerald Sittser – Waters From a Deep Well

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 2 weeks since we had our Guest Services and Local Outreach team Gathering! But it’s true, the days have flown by and it is time to prep for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

If you were able to join us for the Gathering, the quote above was one I explained that stood out to me when I read it but I wasn’t sure why at the time. But as I continued to think about and stew on the quote, it finally dawned on me…..

As a Guest Services and Local Outreach team, you are fulfilling this quote.

As a team, we welcome guests onto our campus and inside our doors and in our worship center. As a team, we go into the community and serve many different schools, organizations and people of all kind to be the hands and feet of Jesus to each of them. As a team, you are all secular saints. People that do not do ministry full time as a career, but a group of people that have fallen in love with Jesus and are genuinely passionate about Jesus and wanting others to know who Jesus is, all the while being that secular saint in your work places and homes that are in the secular world. The premise that Mr. Sittser speaks of in this quote, is that ordinary people learning to live as disciples of Christ in a secular world is one of the hardest but most fulfilling roles to have in life. And as a team, you are all a part of that premise and are doing amazing at it!

Before I get to any sort of information or details about a few things that will be coming in 2024, let me encourage you going into a very busy time of year:

” Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for i am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for you souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-20

Jesus speaks these words when he is talking with his disciples as well as disciples of John the Baptist. Jesus says these words also to each and every one of us. That when we are in the craziness of life, the mundane daily tasks, the transportation company that is your vehicle to practice and games and concerts and friends houses, that Jesus is the best place to find rest.

My hope for you individually, is that you are able to find rest in Jesus. I hope that you find the rhythms that find you resting in Jesus far more often than you have at any other point in your life. That 2024 can be a year that is a catalyst for a life long journey with Jesus as not just a need or help in dark times, but the source of light and life in your every day.

We are going to need it. Because in 2024, there will be two big things changing on an every week level that you need to know about:

A new Database – ChMS – Some of you reading this are probably thinking…huh? Why is this important? Well, in years past it may not have been. But this year, mainly for our Guest Services teams, this change to a new database is going to be a pretty large move, due to the additions of:
1. Self Logins – meaning, you will have access to this database. You will be able to create a login username and password for you to have access to ChMS. Sure, still may not seem like a big deal, but our reach just became massive! Having your own login will allow you to be just as big of a resource as a coach or leader because we all become ambassadors for our teams and our church. Recruiting is a massive task and when all of us have the ability to recruit and contact people, it makes recruiting an easier opportunity.
2. Scheduling – did you know that there are 8 teams that make up the Guest Services team as a whole?? Parking, Golf Carts, Greeter, Communion tables, Section Hosts, Living Room Guides, Guest Central, First Aid and our Mission Cafe is a huge partner with us. All of those teams have their own schedules right now….that is a lot of schedules to keep track of. In January 2024, we will be moving to using ChMS as our primary way of signing up to serve and keeping schedules. This will also allow ALL members of the Guest Services teams to see who is serving and where. As an individual team, it can seem a little lonely, but when we see the whole picture, we know that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. There will be more talk about the online schedules in the coming weeks.
The Belong Experience, wont Belong anymore – man that sounds so depressing, and it kind of is. But, we are brining our Belong Experience to a close so that we can start something new!
Enter – Discover Harvester – Discover Harvester, starting in April, will be our new space to invite and push new guests and anyone wanting to get more involved with Harvester CC. Just like Belong, Discover Harvester will be where people can learn about who we are as a church, what we believe and how they can get involved. But instead of attempting to do that in one hour, it will be broken down into TWO parts:
1. Week 1 – this will be very similar to what our Belong Experience is right now. It will be video driven and information based. However with filming new videos, it will also free up a ton more time for table conversations all about Harvester. Think these two things about week 1 – we want people to make a decision for Jesus and then Harvester.
2. Week 2 – part 2 of Discover Harvester will also be video driven but will be geared and designed specifically to help people have more time to see where it is that God might be calling them to take a next step. Through video stories, table conversations and hosts, week 2 should be a great chance for not only the hosts of the morning, but also the attenders to make a great decision on where God is calling them to be involved with HCC.

The last thing about the Gathering that I do not want to over look is this:

Our goal for 2024 – is to not get stuck in what was, but embrace what could be.

The great theologian, Olaf the Snowman said this in Frozen 2 – ” Oh how I wish this could last forever. And yet change mocks us with our beauty.”

Olaf could not be more right. The machine is clicking right now. Things are working and each week, as teams fulfill our team goal of being the most welcoming church anyone can experience.

The danger that we run, especially in a season like it is right now, that if we do not begin to change or think about how things get better and move towards that, we get stuck and end up behind the game. And it is much harder to catch up instead of trying to be ahead of the curve.

So come along with us for another great year of welcoming guests and being the hands and feet of Jesus to our church, community and world!

Oh yea, here are some dates you might want to know:

Christmas 2023: all services are full programmed except the 11pm service on the 24th.

Friday, December 22nd – 6pm
Sunday, December 24th – 8am/9:30am/11am & 3pm/4:30pm/11pm

Guest Service and Local Outreach Trainings 2024:

Thursday, February 29th – 6:15-8:30pm in the Mission Cafe
Thursday, May 16th – 6:15-8:30pm in the mission Cafe
Thursday, October 24th – 6:00-8:30 – The Gathering in the Landing

feel free to reach out if you have any questions!!

Love you guys, thanks so much for serving!

September 14, 2023

in Alleviation of Poverty, Food Backpack Program, GiveHope, HCC, Local, Outreach, School Outreach

People Are Hungry

Food Insecurity is a hard word to describe in our presumed affluent St. Charles County culture. Food insecurity is when you don’t have enough money to buy the healthy foods you need, or if you have to skip meals because you don’t have enough money to buy more food. The reality is St. Charles County actually has the third largest percentage of people facing food insecurity in The St. Louis Area Foodbank service area. Food insecurity can be caused by many things – an accident, an unexpected illness of a family member, underemployment, or simply having children not in school during holidays, spring breaks, or the summertime.

HCC Food Backpack Ministry is another aspect of our School Outreach to meet the physical needs of our neighbors. Each week our dedicated teams of volunteers pack nondescript food backpacks to meet the physical needs of about 100 local school children in 8 different schools across St. Charles County.

“Our program sends a bag of food home with a student each week. The bag is designed to feed the student for the weekend with simple meals and snacks. We don’t have any qualifications to participate in this program. The program is mostly utilized by the “Free and Reduced Meals” families. Free and Reduced Meals is a federally funded program that provides breakfast and lunch at school for students based on financial need. Our program has the unique ability to also help students during short-term events that don’t require a family to apply for Free and Reduced meals. All of the students participating are selected by the counselors in the schools we serve.”

-Shelly Swart, HCC Food Backpack Crew Leader

Here are a few ways you can support this ministry.

Pray. Yep, you guessed it. I think prayer is kind of a big thing. Prayer is constantly needed to help increase all of our faith in God. Prayer is needed for all of us to understand that we can trust God in hard situations like these. Pray about how God might want you to serve in this program or how He wants you to continue serving in this program. Pray for the children and families receiving this supplemental food so that they will see how God is providing for them. Pray for volunteers serving in this ministry that God would provide divine opportunities to unleash hope to the school, families, and children.

Collect food. Consider hosting a macaroni and cheese drive, canned ravioli drive, or protein/granola bar drive. Donate these items to the HCC Food Pantry to be used in the Food Backpack Program. This is a great way to get your neighbors involved in addressing food scarcity in our community and to raise their awareness about the needs around them as well as introduce them to some of the ways HCC serves St Charles County.

Serve. Join one of the packing teams. Consider serving as a driver to deliver to the schools. One of the wonderful things about our School Outreach Teams is that a child or his family can interact with a Harvester Christian in so many instances. Perhaps a child who attends Becky David and sees Harvester Christians delivering coffee to her teacher. Then the next week that same child saw Harvester Christians dropping off a food backpack to supplement what was missing from her pantry that week. Perhaps this child utilized a scholarship in order to participate in HCC Basketball-Cheer and begins to hear the Good News from her coach and other caring adults in the league. All of a sudden the child has a network of support grounded in biblical motivation. All of this creates a trustworthy relationship and a bridge to the church. We have served out of love and obedience. God does everything else.

In a perfect world, a child would not have to depend on a food backpack to get them through the weekend or a school holiday. All of their needs would be met. But even in a lost and wounded world, we can unleash hope through cans of ravioli and boxes of mac n cheese.

Important upcoming dates:

Food Backpack Program resumes on September 11

HCC Basketball-Cheer Registration opens September 25th at 8 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!

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

September 14, 2023

in GiveHope, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach

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!

September 14, 2023

in HCC, HCC Basketball-Cheer, Outreach, School Outreach

Does anyone have TOO much hope?

Basketball Cheer Season is coming up fast! We have been doing a TON of behind-the-scenes work to get ready for this next season. We are rolling out a new registration form for players and volunteer applications for coaches, referees, and all the other tons of volunteers needed to make the season run as smoothly as possible. We have been adding resources to this site to help coaches and referees feel as confident and supported as possible in their roles. We have been gathering bids on uniforms. We have been designing new banners and information signs to hang in the gym as another form of communication. By themselves, these tasks are not all terribly fun at all. But what IS fun is leaning in anticipation of what God will do using basketball and cheer to lead people to find and follow Jesus.

The energy in the Annex every Saturday from January through March is just incredible. We get to see kids of all ages learning the fundamentals of basketball and cheer. There will be so many applications later in their life from what they learn from being on a team and in the league. But the real difference will be HCC Basketball and Cheer Coaches planting seeds of faith and hope during devotional huddles during practice. The transformation will come from our volunteer leadership team continuously praying for people to find and follow Jesus. The Holy Spirit will move during devotionals and testimonies shared during halftime to parents, grandparents, and spectators. I don’t know anyone who has too much HOPE in their lives. HCC Basketball-Cheer is one way we get to unleash hope in our community.

Here are two simple ways you can unleash hope too.

Pray over registration. I know this sounds a little odd. But the relationship between the coaches, families, and players is powerful. Pray coaches are connected with families and players where a real difference can be made. Maybe it will be by the way the coach models themselves as a godly caring adult. Maybe it will be through the sharing of scripture or prayer as a source of hope.

Consider volunteering. HCC Basketball-Cheer League is run almost entirely by volunteers. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to coach, referee, share a devotional or testimony during half time, keep score, work in concessions, keep the gym safe and clean and so much more. If you have served in one or more of these ways in the past thank you so much! The league literally would not function without you. If you would like more information, not to sign up I promise, just more information send me an email.

Important upcoming dates:

Food Backpack Program resumes on September 11

Registration opens September 25th at 8 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!

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

Parent Meeting Option #1 November 16

Parent Meeting Option #2 November 19

Coaches/Referee Clinic November 27

Practices begin the week of December 4

Games begin on January 6

August 21, 2023

in Local, Outreach, School Outreach

Deliver Hope: Praying for our local schools

Today a small group of us met to pray over all students whether homeschooled, public, or private, their teachers, administrators, and families. I would love for you to use this prayer guide over the next nine months to constantly keep children and families in prayer whether they are in our local Francis Howell School District or beyond. Let’s pray for God to move in the lives of all of us in this community in a way that unites us in love.

Deliver Hope Prayer Guide

As students around our county and city return to school let’s cover them all in God’s love, grace, mercy, and truth through prayer.

Homeschool, public school, and private school students will always need the adults in their lives continually lifting their names and hearts to our Father God.
The families of these students will always need the guidance and direction from Jesus to guide and direct these students to truth and love.
Administrators, school board members, teachers, and staff will always need the blessing of knowledge, wisdom, and courage from the Holy Spirit and a covering of peace that passes all understanding as they teach these precious children.
Harvester Christians will always need God to shape us in humility and gentleness as we strive to serve as godly neighbors to our local schools.

Feel free to use this prayer guide however you feel called. Where there is a blank you can enter the names of specific school board members, principals, teachers, or students, or Harvester Christians serving in the schools that you know or pray for all of them in general.

Before praying with your group or the people at your table, prepare yourself for this prayer time as an individual child of God through the practice of Lectio Divina.

Lectio Divina is a way of developing a closer relationship with God by reflecting prayerfully on His words. In general the chosen scripture is read four times. The first reading is an opportunity to get to know the Scripture passage. Simply read the scripture to yourself. Listen carefully for any words or phrases that seem to jump out. It’s important not to force things, but wait patiently for God to give gentle guidance. The second reading of the same passage focuses further on the points you become aware of during the first reading. You may want to re-read a few verses so you can reflect carefully on where God has nudged you.

Then it is time reflect on what you believe God is saying to you through the scripture. After a third reading, it’s time to respond. You may want to record your thoughts by journaling in the section provided below. We can respond in prayer too, which gives us the opportunity for a conversation with God. After the fourth and final reading, spend around 2-3 minutes in silent contemplation. This isn’t a time of prayer or meditation — just sit quietly and allow God to work. When your mind starts to wander and dart here and there, just bring it gently back to stillness and into the presence of God again.

Lectio Divina- Ephesians 4:1-5

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Lectio Divina response, notes, questions, curiosities, nudges, contemplation, reflection:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The prayer guide is truly just a guide. Feel free to use part, all, or none of it. We are praying for HCC’s specific school partners today in addition to schools, students, families, teachers, school board members, and administrators in any setting all over our county. Below are the names the schools and administrators HCC partners with as well as the HCC School Outreach Crews who serve at each school or serve children in HCC Basketball-Cheer League.

FHSD School Board Members
President	Adam Bertrand
Vice President	Randy Cook
Treasurer	Jane Puszkar
Director	Ron Harmon
Director	Chad Lange
Director	Mark Ponder
Director	Janet Stiglich
FHSD Superintendent	Dr Kenneth Roumpos

Becky David Elementary
Principal	Mrs. Jill Oetting
Assistant Principals	Mrs. Krista Boardman Dr. Sarah Sides
School Crew Leader	TBD
School Crew Members	TBD
Food Backpack	Not applicable

Harvest Ridge Elementary
Principal	Dr. Natalie DeWeese
Interim Assistant Principal	Mr. Nathan Mackiewicz
School Crew Leader	Rachel Vandermuelen
School Crew Members
Food Backpack Crew Members	Shelly Swart, Carol Steinmeyer

Hackmann Rd Early Childhood
Principal	Mendi Hopper
Educational Support Counselor	Beth Reed-Treadway
School Crew Leader	Suzanne & Darren Hance
School Crew Members	TBD
Food Backpack	Not applicable

Barnwell Middle
Principal	Mr. Dave Eckhoff
Assistant Principals	Dr. Erin Thurston
School Crew Leader	Janice Davis
School Crew Members	Kari McCann, Jordan Burt, Jessica Krieger, Issac Brown, Larry Davis
Food Backpack Crew Members	Shelly Swart, Denise Sabo, Linda Beeler

Additional Food Backpack Schools
Bryan Middle	Jen Bolina, Jennifer Shulters
Castlio Elementary	Jen Bolina
FHC	Jen Bolina, Kari Mc Cann
FHN	Shelly Swart, Stacey Enders, Shannon Sebastian
Saeger Middle	Jen Bolina, Kari McCann
Westwood Trails Academy	Shelly Swart, Jane & Stewart Topper

HCC Basketball-Cheer League
League Director	Jeremy Lawyer
League Co-Director	Danielle Cochran
Coaches Coordinator	Brendon Foulke
Cheer Coaches Coordinator	Gabby Lahey
Referee Coordinator	Rebecca Lilienthal
Referee Co-Coordinator
Devotional Coordinator	TBD
Concessions Coordinator	TBD

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray that every part of the school districts will agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among them, but that they be perfectly united in mind and thought.

1 Corinthians 1:10

When _________ is in need may she approach your throne with confidence and find help. Hebrews 4:16

When _________ is weary and faint may you refresh and satisfy her.

Jeremiah 31:25

Christ, may the staff and students at _____________ become a new creation

2 Corinthians 5:17

Lord may the staff and students at ____________ know that nothing in all creation is hidden from your sight.

Hebrews 4:13

Lord may we be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bring forth its fruit in season

Psalm 1:3

God may you bring the staff and students at _________ who are far from you near you. Ephesians 2:13

Lord may your joy be in the staff and students at ___________.

John 15:11

God be gracious to ___________ and bless her and make your face shine on her.

Psalm 67:1

Father God we pray the staff and students at _____________ confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to your glory.

Philippians 2:11

God may _________ know and rely on the love you have for her.

1 John 4:16

Lord may the staff and students at ___________ exalt you.

Psalm 46:10

Father God, may you help anyone who enters _____________ to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and trustworthy.

Philippians 4:8

Pray that God would grant them godly wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy (James 3:17).

Ask the Lord to help them be a model of good works in every regard, and to show integrity, dignity, and sound speech in their teaching (Titus 2:7-8).

Thank God for gifting teachers in a way that allows them to fulfill His calling. Pray that they would be good stewards of the gifts, using them to serve others (I Peter 4:10).

Pray that their teaching would drop as gentle rain upon tender grass, being well-received by their students (Deuteronomy 32:3).

Praise the LORD for His gracious and merciful character, and for being slow to ander and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8). Ask Him to help teachers follow in His footsteps and emulate this example.

Pray that teachers would work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. Ask that they would be encouraged in their labor, knowing that they will be rewarded by God, since it is the Lord Christ whom they serve (Colossians 3:23-24).

Acknowledge God’s plan that students should be submissive to their teachers, as authorities placed over them by God (Romans 13:1). Pray that students would be respectful of their teachers.

Claim God’s promise that teachers can do all things through Christ who strengthens them (Philippians 4:13). Ask the Lord to fulfill His promise to thoroughly equip teachers for the good work He has designated for them.

Dear Heavenly Father, You are so good to give us teachers. I pray that You would bless the teachers in my life. They have been issued a sacred task, and one they cannot fulfill on their own. Please thoroughly equip them with wisdom and patience, and allow the joy of the Lord to be their strength. It’s in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I pray. Amen.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” 1 Tim 2:1-4 (NKJV).

We are to pray with the clear understanding that government authority is established by God. “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” 1 Peter 2:17 (NKJV). Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Romans 13:1 (NASB)

Help our leaders at ______________________ School to accept wise counsel. “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22)

Give our leaders discretion, foresight, and understanding in making decisions. “Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge…” 1 Chron 22:12 (NKJV).

Protect our leaders from harm, and bless and protect their families. “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” 2 Thess 3:3 (NKJV).

Enable our school leaders to carry out their duties duties with humility toward you and toward others. “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble’” 1 Peter 5:5 (NKJV).

Give our leaders a tender heart of compassion toward those they lead and serve. “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering” Col 3:12 (NKJV).

Dear God, we come to you today asking your blessing on our school administrators. Thank you that they have answered the call to lead our teachers and schools so that our children might learn in a safe and nurturing environment conducive to academic and personal success.

Bless our school administrators with wisdom, integrity, a sense of humor, patience and the physical and mental energy equal to their tasks. Bless them with strong support from parents, teachers and the community.

Give them insights into each teacher’s unique gifts, strengths and abilities so that they might use each teacher in ways that contribute greatly to the common good. Reward them by allowing them see the fruits of their labor displayed in the success of their teachers and students. Accept our prayer today as an expression of our gratefulness to you and to them for their dedication in making our schools a central and vital part of our community.

Amen

Pray students will honor and respect their teachers/office admin/staff.

l Peter 2:13-14)

Pray each teacher, board member, staff, will know and believe they are loved and cherished by God who created them. Psalm 139:13-14

Pray that they are continually encouraged in and by the Spirit of God and by each other.

Ephesians 3:18-19, 1 Samuel 30:6 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Pray our schools will have Godly teachers, school board members, administrators, staff and employees. That all teaching is based on the Truth of God that any teaching which is not founded on the Truth of God, would fall on deaf ears. That each teacher would boldly and clearly speak Truth and that each conversation would be full of grace. That each answer would be gentle and not harsh.

1Timothy 3-4, Colossians 4:3-6, Proverbs 15:1

Pray that teachers, office staff, administrators, and school board members would see every child as the Lord sees him/her, as a person created and valued by God.

Psalm 139

Help each teacher be clothed with ‘compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. To bear with each other and forgive and above all to create in each heart a brotherly love for all they come into contact with each day.

Colossians 3:12-14

That each teacher, office staff, administrator, and school board member would strive to work in a way that delights the Lord, so that his/her steps will be made firm. Pray that he/she would use Godly wisdom arid that God has a plan for them. Pray that whatever they do, they work as if working for the Lord.

Psalm 37:23, Jeremiah 29:1, Colossians 3:17 & 23

Pray for each marriage and family of each school employee, that the Lord protects against anything that could tear those relationships apart. Keep each teacher, office staff, administrator, and school board member ‘self controlled and alert.’

1 Peter 5:8

Pray that students coming from difficult home situations are shown love, mercy and compassion by other students, administrators, and teachers. Pray that their needs are met, and students look toward the needs of others.

Philippians 2:4

Pray that each student has a friend and that God will watch over that friendship. Let no student feel alone or lonely.

Bless the parents, grandparents, guardians, and families with lives of peace and joy. Let their days be filled with contentment and love from those around them. Help them to remember that You are always by their side, guiding and protecting them. Romans 15:13

Grant the parents, grandparents, guardians, and family’s spiritual discernment as they make important decisions in life. Let them be able to hear Your voice clearly so they can follow Your leading. And help them to trust Your will for their lives so they can walk in the path You have set out for them. Matthew 6:33

Fill the teachers school year with abundant favor and blessing. Pray no detail will be left undone for them for this year; everything they need will be provided for them.

Philippians 4:19

Father, fill our School Outreach Crews and HCC Basketball-Cheer Leadership with Your Spirit, producing fruit that never spoils. Help us to love unconditionally, be filled with joy overflowing, remain peaceful and patient, be kind to others, walk in goodness, faithfulness and gentleness and maintain self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23

When anyone begins to fear, remind us that You are with us all . Help everyone with connections to the schools to be brave when confronted with new people, new situations, or new assignments. Help us all to not back down from new things or allow intimidation to hold us back.

Joshua 1:9

Lord teach everyone to walk into this year completely dependent upon You. When we begin to lean on our own understanding, remind us that Your ways far surpass ours. Thank you in advance for showing us the right paths and leading us in the way we should go.

Proverbs 3:5-6

July 18, 2023

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

Story Teller Series

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

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

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

No photo description available.

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

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

a. Darren – Galatians 6:2

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

2) How did you fall into serving with schools?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 14, 2023

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

Story Tellers Series

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

Mark 10: 42-45

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

UNLEASH THE HOPE OF JESUS into our World.

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

Pretty cool eh?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 8, 2023

in GiveHope, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach

Just follow this link to our Amazon wish list.

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Easy Peasy Way to Pack A Pack

We get it. We wait and wait for the laidback days of summer only to find the days are packed even more. If you are having a hard time finding time to get to the store to purchase school supplies for the Pack A Pack campaign or maybe the list seems overwhelming to you WE HAVE AN EASY PEASY SOLUTION FOR YOU!

Click on whatever items catch your eye and add them to your cart.
Pray that the child or teacher who receives these supplies is blessed and it creates a curiosity for them to find and follow Jesus.
Hit submit and your gift of any amount and any kind of school supply is shipped directly to Harvester Christian.
Then you can think about possibly serving in a way to sort, organize, pack or deliver these items to all the groups we will be serving in July and August!

June 6, 2023

in Church, Local, Outreach, School Outreach