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Serve Teams

January 5, 2026
in Serve Teams, Uncategorized, Upcoming Events
by cefiggins
0 Comments

YAM Serve With Friends

Serve With Friends Menu 

One‑Hour Serving Opportunities  

(January 2026 – February 2026) 

Looking for an easy way to serve—and bring your friends with you? Harvester Local Outreach now offers one‑hour, Serve With Friends serving opportunities! From blessing neighbors to prepping kits for ministry partners, these simple projects make a big impact. Grab a friend, pick a night, and serve with joy. Check out the Serve With Friends Menu and jump in! These serving opportunities are designed for friends to serve with each other, not just for something to do. Each opportunity focuses on simple, meaningful tasks that can be accomplished in 60 minutes that make a real impact outside the walls of Harvester with our community and ministry partnerships. The majority of supplies and ALL the information will be provided to you before you serve. Pray how God wants Him to use your spiritual gifts to unleash hope in St Charles County!

January Serve With Friends Options – use the QR code to sign up with a friend!

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Option 1: Meal Kit Prep for Emergency Weather Response (EWR) 

Task: Assemble nonperishable meal kits and warm welcome notes for guests who will stay at HCC during freezing nights.
Who You’re Serving: Neighbors experiencing homelessness who need safety, warmth, and dignity in harsh weather.
Why It Matters: These kits provide nourishment during vulnerable moments and communicate the love of Jesus clearly. 

__________________________________________________________

Option 2: Encouragement Cards + Care Kits for First Responders 

Task: Make handwritten encouragement cards and assemble small care kits.
Who You’re Serving: Central County Fire Department.
Why It Matters: First responders often face high stress and trauma exposure. A word of gratitude speaks life and reminds them the church sees and supports them. 

__________________________________________________________

Option 3: Birthday In A Box for Children in Foster Care  

Task: Create birthday celebration box for children in foster care (cake mix, frosting, decorations, small gift, card). 

Who You’re Serving: Local foster families to empower them to create joy-filled memories when their foster child is enduring hardship.  

Why It Matters: Every child deserves to feel celebrated, seen, and valued. This simple bag sends joy straight into a family’s home. 

__________________________________________________________

Option 4: Find and Fill 

Who You’re Serving: Literal neighbors who may not know the love of Jesus and the community of His people.  

What You’ll Do: After the group prays together, reflects on where the Holy Spirit is nudging them, they go into the neighborhood, find a need, and fill that need in 60 minutes or less.  

Why It Matters: Spiritual maturity comes from time with God in prayer and being obedient to how He leads us.  

Choose one of these items from the menu, click here to  sign up with a friend, and communication will follow on where you can pick up supplies!

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February Serve With Friends Options – Sign up coming soon

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Option 1: Deep Clean at Faith Haven House  

Who You’re Serving: Residents who live in the transitional shelter. 

What You’ll Do: Wipe down common spaces, clean baseboards, clean bathroom and kitchen, dust, mop, vacuum 

Why It Matters: A clean and peaceful environment gives the residents stability and comfort during a crisis and transition. 

___________________________________________________________

Option 2: Encouragement Night for Community/Ministry Partner Staff 

Who You’re Serving: Choose one of our community or ministry partners staff: Bad Boyz Jail Ministry, Boys and Girls Club St Charles, Boys and Girls Club O’Fallon, Broken & Beautiful Ministry, Child Advocacy Center, Faith Haven House, Habitat for Humanity, Joni & Friends, One Heart Family Ministries, REACH St. Charles, Safe Families-Bethany Christian, The Sparrow’s Nest, The Sharing Shed 

What You’ll Do: Write thank‑you notes, create simple care bags (coffee cards, Scripture cards, snacks). 

Why It Matters: These staff members pour out constantly—your encouragement helps sustain them emotionally and spiritually. 

__________________________________________________________

Option 3: Neighbor Encouragement Drop  

Who You’re Serving: People living near your small group host home. 

What You’ll Do: Deliver 5–10 small blessing bags (tea, homemade baked item, chocolates, an encouragement note, invite card). 

Why It Matters: Good neighboring opens doors for connection and future relationships. 

__________________________________________________________

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September 25, 2025
in Church, DTOTD, Guest Services, Local, Outreach, Serve Teams
by cefiggins
1 Comment

Leadership Lessons from the Lightkeeper

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

  • “Hey, can I borrow some oil for my lamp?” 
    • “Sure, no problem.” 
  • “I need a little for cooking.” 
    • “Of course, anything for you.” 
  • “My tractor’s squeaky, think a little lamp oil will help?” 
    • “Absolutely, take all you need.” 

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

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

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

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

There are some lessons to learn from the Lighthouse Keeper.

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

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

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

  • Keep pointing teams toward loving God first. We lead others to find and follow Jesus by living a compassionate, Christ-centered life, praying for guidance and preparation in others’ hearts. We build genuine relationships with the people He places in our lives both inside the walls and outside the walls of Harvester. We humbly share the Gospel message of God’s love, sin, salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice, and eternal life. This is our greatest responsibility, and this is what we need to be obedient to before anything else. 
  • Keep reminding your teams that loving neighbors matters deeply. If the teams you lead run into difficult people or messy complicated lives Satan will tempt them into turning away with apathy or fear or responding in anger or frustration. Loving each other is the key to what God has truly called all of us to.  
  • Know your purpose in God- why do you do what you do – is it to please man or is it to please God? We find our purpose by seeking God’s guidance through prayer, studying the Bible for wisdom, and using our spiritual gifts to honor God in service to others.  
  • Pause before saying yes, seek God first- high-capacity volunteers and leaders are typically able to do more than others. However, that does not mean that God necessarily wants you to do more. Seek His will first. Don’t rush to the yes.  
  • Lead from a place of rest– not from a place where you have to rest. Truly godly leaders prioritize rhythms of rest and Sabbath. Listen to yourself. If you are constantly saying how busy you are, if you are always running late, if your conversation is all about how you are tired, how exhausted you are, you may have prioritized the God of Busyness and bringing attention to yourself rather than from a place of rest where you can be the light to show people who Jesus is.  
  • Keep praying—for endurance, joy, and unity. Praying without ceasing reminds us not to rely on our own strength, our own understanding, or wisdom. Praying for yourself to follow Jesus, for your team to help people to find and follow Jesus, and for the people they are serving to come to know how much Jesus loves them allows God to increase our faith and trust in Him. 
  • Trust the promise: There will be a harvest. God calls us to join in the work as laborers. But we are not responsible for the harvest. We cannot put our place in God’s place. God directly oversees the growth and the outcome. He just calls us to be obedient to Him.  

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

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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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July 16, 2025
in Alleviation of Poverty, HCC, Local, Ministry Partner, Outreach, Serve Teams, Volunteer Spotlight
by cefiggins
0 Comments

Volunteer Job Description: The Sharing Shed Volunteer

Volunteer Job Description: The Sharing Shed Volunteer

Position Title: The Sharing Shed Volunteer

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

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

Purpose:

  • Serve the community by supporting The Sharing Shed’s mission to provide essential household items to those in need.
  • “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Key Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications:

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

Additional Information:

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

Reporting to: Sharing Shed Crew Leader

Contact:

For more information or to sign up, please contact

Carissa Figgins

Local Outreach Pastor

cfiggins@harvester.cc

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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 6, 2025
in Alleviation of Poverty, GiveHope, HCC, Local, Ministry Partner, Outreach, Serve Teams, The Sharing Shed
by cefiggins
1 Comment

Ministry Partner Spotlight: The Sharing Shed

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

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

What is one specific way Harvester Christian Church’s GIVE HOPE contributions have unleashed hope in your organization or to the community through your organization?
We have been incredibly blessed to count Harvester among the very few churches, just two—that support us with consistent financial contributions. Your partnership through Give Hope has truly allowed The Sharing Shed to flourish.
Because of this support, we’ve become a cornerstone for local agencies and churches that rely on us to help families recovering from abuse, mental health challenges, homelessness, and other life transitions. Our role is to provide essential household items that help families move toward independence and sustainable living. Your generosity directly supports these efforts.
Give Hope funding has also made it possible to complete our long-awaited renovations, transforming our space into one that reflects our values—serving families with dignity. The Shed has always been filled with warm, welcoming volunteers, and now, thanks to you, our environment reflects that same warmth and care.
Harvester has become a safety net that helps us stay mission-focused. When we run low on critical items, Give Hope funds allow us to quickly respond and fill the gap—whether it’s bunk beds, mattresses, vacuums, or simple essentials like pillows, sheets, trash cans, or cookie sheets. These items may seem small, but they bring immense comfort, dignity, and stability to the families we serve.
If Harvester Christians have served at your organization, what impact have they had on the community you serve?
The volunteers from Harvester continue to be a vital part of the work we do at The Sharing Shed. Month after month, they show up with compassion, dedication, and a heart for service—bringing hope and dignity to every family they encounter.
Their attention to detail ensures that families not only receive what they need, but feel seen and cared for. Whether it’s helping choose the perfect bed for a child or selecting a kitchen table that makes a house feel like a home, Harvester’s volunteers consistently go above and beyond.
But their service goes deeper than just meeting physical needs. Through prayer, kind words, and genuine encouragement, they pour into each family’s spirit—reminding them that they are not alone and that they matter. Their impact is felt far beyond the moment of service, and we’re deeply grateful for the way they help us carry out our mission with such love and grace.
Please share a brief client-success or services-success story we can share with Harvester Christian Church. Specific identifying information is not needed.
The impact of the services provided by The Sharing Shed is truly life-changing. Every week, we see firsthand how essential household items can restore dignity, bring hope, and help families move forward. Here are just a few recent stories that show how your support is making a difference: A gentleman who had been homeless for three years recently secured housing and was working to reunite with his three children. He came to us needing everything. We were able to provide him with beds, dressers, living room furniture, a kitchen table and chairs, bedding, bath linens, and all the kitchen essentials he needed. He was overjoyed—not just for the items, but because he could now welcome his children into a real home. He couldn’t wait for them to see the space and feel safe and settled.
We also served a family of four who had recently moved from Cuba. After living with a host family for a year, they finally found a place of their own. The Sharing Shed helped them turn their house into a home with furniture and household essentials. The mother was overwhelmed with gratitude. She said she had never heard of an organization that helps people like this and couldn’t believe the kindness she was receiving from complete strangers. Another mother came to us after escaping an abusive relationship. She was starting over with her two boys and had nothing. Through The Sharing Shed, she was able to furnish their new apartment and meet their basic needs. She told us she had no idea how she was going to provide for her children—and broke down in tears as she realized she finally could. It was a powerful reminder of how far a little help can go in restoring stability and hope. These stories are just a glimpse into the lives that are being changed thanks to Harvester’s continued support. Your generosity is helping families rebuild, recover, and thrive.
What existing volunteer needs can we share with Harvester Christians?
Harvester currently serves at The Sharing Shed on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9-11 AM, helping families in need select furniture and household items. Additional help is also needed for furniture pickups during this time. We’re also excited to offer a new serving opportunity for Harvester’s Young Adult Group! They’ll be serving families on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 6-8 PM, starting in June and July. Whether it’s loading furniture, organizing donations, or offering encouragement to families, these are great ways to make a meaningful impact. We’d love to have you join us! We are also looking for a volunteer to help with our administrative duties, and 2 new team leaders for our warehouse on the first and second Monday nights. Training is required.
Please list any upcoming NON-fundraising events your organization is hosting in the next 90 days. These could be tours, meet n greets, trainings, etc.
The Sharing Shed will be hosting a 10-Year Anniversary and Remodel Celebration on Friday, June 21st, from 8:30 to 11:00 AM. This special event will honor our ongoing partnership with Harvester Christian Church and highlight the transformation of our facility. Guests are invited to enjoy refreshments, take guided tours of our newly renovated space, and connect with board members to learn more about how to get involved. We also welcome donations of hygiene items, which will directly benefit the families we serve.
What is a future program or project that could benefit from an investment of Harvester Christian GIVE HOPE funds?
We are currently exploring the option of wrapping our pickup and delivery truck to help increase awareness of our services throughout the community.
What is the estimated cost of this future program or project?
Wrap would cost between $2,000 and $3,000 depending on package option
How can we pray for your organization, staff, volunteers, clients, and the community your organization serves?
We are deeply thankful for your willingness to pray for The Sharing Shed. Your prayers are a vital part of the support that sustains our team, our volunteers, and the families we serve. Please pray for clarity and discernment as we continue to grow. As the needs in our community expand, we are seeking God’s guidance in how to respond faithfully—with the right resources, the right people, and a heart rooted in compassion. Pray for our volunteers and staff—that they would be refreshed, encouraged, and filled with wisdom as they serve. Many carry heavy burdens alongside the families they support, and we ask for strength and joy in their work.
Lift up the families who come through our doors, often in times of deep transition and hardship. Pray that they would experience not only the practical help we provide, but also the love, dignity, and hope that reflect the heart of Christ. Finally, pray that The Sharing Shed would continue to be a light in our community—a place where people feel seen, supported, and uplifted, and where God’s love is evident in every interaction. We’re so grateful to know we are being covered in prayer as we continue this important work.
What is one thing Harvester Christian can do to improve how we serve your organization?
Harvester Christian continues to be a tremendous blessing to The Sharing Shed. Your volunteers consistently show up eager to serve, and they do so with kindness, flexibility, and compassion toward our clients. Your leadership—especially through Lisa and now Stephanie with the young adult group—has been outstanding. Communication has been clear and supportive, and we feel truly cared for. At this time, we honestly can’t think of anything you need to do differently. Just continuing to walk alongside us with the same heart and commitment means the world. Thank you for being such a faithful and valued partner in this ministry.
Any additional thoughts, questions, opinions, comments, or feedback?
We cannot thank you enough for your support! It has been such a blessing.
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May 1, 2025
in Local, Mental Health, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach, Serve Teams, The Sharing Shed
by cefiggins
0 Comments

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
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April 2025 Newsletter

New Life in Christ: A Season of Baptism and Service

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

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

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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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March 3, 2025
in Church, Community Partner, HCC, Local, Ministry Partner, Outreach, Safe Families for Children, School Outreach, Serve Teams, The Sharing Shed, Uncategorized
by cefiggins
0 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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February 27, 2025
in Child Welfare, HCC, Local, Ministry Partner, Outreach, Safe Families for Children, Serve Teams, Volunteer Spotlight
by cefiggins
2 Comments

Volunteer Job Description: Family Friend

Volunteer Job Description: Family Friend

Purpose:

  • Ephesians 4:11-12: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
  • Harvester Christian Church is dedicated to caring for the least of these. One of the ways we do this is by providing support and encouragement to Harvester Christians who have made the decision to be Safe Families, Foster Families, or Adoptive Families. Safe Family Friends play a crucial role in encouraging and strengthening these families through various means of support.

Key Responsibilities:

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

Practical Support: Provide practical assistance such as:

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

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

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

 

Qualifications:

  • Commitment to the mission and values of Harvester Christian Church through membership.
  • Completion of Belong and/or Discover Harvester class (highly recommended, though not required).
  • A heart for serving and supporting Safe Families host families, foster or adoptive families in need.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to handle sensitive situations with confidentiality and compassion.

 Time Commitment:

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

Training and Support:

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

Benefits:

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

Contact:

For more information or to sign up, please contact

Carissa Figgins

Local Outreach Pastor

cfiggins@harvester.cc

 

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February 27, 2025
in Church, HCC, Local, Outreach, Serve Teams, Volunteer Spotlight
by cefiggins
1 Comment

Volunteer Job Description: Administrative Ministry Volunteers

Volunteer Job Description: Administrative Ministry Volunteers

Purpose:

  • Local Outreach is in need of administrative volunteers. Administrative Ministry Volunteers play an essential role in the life of the Local Outreach, contributing to the effective administration and coordination of ministry tasks and activities. This is a wonderful opportunity to use your skills to serve the community and support the mission of the church.
  • Ephesians 4:11-12: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Key Responsibilities:

Database Entry: Maintain and update Local Outreach databases with accurate and timely information.

Sorting and Organizing Supplies: Manage and organize ministry supplies, ensuring everything is in order and accessible.

Event Preparation: Assist in preparing for events, including setting up materials, coordinating logistics, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Copying and Printing: Handle copying and printing tasks for various ministry needs.

Administrative Support: Provide general administrative support to the Local Outreach team, including answering phones, responding to emails, and other tasks as needed.

 

Qualifications:

  • Commitment to the mission and values of Harvester Christian Church through membership.
  • Completion of Belong and/or Discover Harvester class (highly recommended, though not required).
  • Strong organizational and administrative skills.
  • Proficiency with basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in completing tasks.
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Time Commitment:

Flexible hours based on volunteer availability and ministry needs.

Regular commitment preferred (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly).

 

Training and Support:

  • Initial orientation and training provided to familiarize volunteers with their roles and responsibilities.
  • Ongoing support and resources available through the Local Outreach team.

Benefits:

Spiritual Growth: Deepen your faith through acts of service and contributing to the mission of the church.

Community Impact: Play a vital role in supporting the church’s outreach efforts and making a positive difference in the community.

Personal Fulfillment: Experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from using your skills to support ministry activities.

Skill Development: Enhance your administrative and organizational skills in a practical setting.

Networking: Connect with other church members and volunteers who share a commitment to serving the community.

Flexibility: Choose volunteer hours that fit your schedule, allowing you to serve in a way that complements your personal and professional commitments.

 

Reporting To: Outreach Ministry Coordinator

 

Contact:

For more information or to sign up, please contact

Jillian Hohensee

Outreach Ministry Assistant

jhohensee@harvester.cc

 

By serving as an Administrative Ministry Volunteer, you will be making a significant contribution to the effective operation of Local Outreach activities and events. Your dedication and skills will help build up the body of Christ and support the church’s mission to serve the community.

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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.