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Church Tag

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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August 9, 2023
in Church, Discipleship, DTOTD, Guest Services
by Brendon
0 Comments

DTOTD – Seasons

Seasons come. Seasons go.

That is the phrase and saying that we say about life. Have you ever used that phrase in a conversation with anyone?

Sometimes, that can bring a sense of peace to those that are working through a hard time or maybe even someone who is a season of plenty.

The interesting thing about that phrase is that it also pertains to our discipleship process.

In a conversation yesterday, along with a few others from across the country, a conversation centered around serving and what it means and how it is beneficial to our becoming like Jesus.

In this conversation, I was struck by something that was said by the leader of the cohort. He said this, ”  People must serve to be discipled.” 

Strong statement.

However, that statement is one that I would truly stand by. But…..

That statement does not mean that if you have a season of life come about that does not allow you to serve or is not the right time, then that season is for you to step away. 

Jesus came to this earth to show love and grace and truth and to serve others, ultimately to give his own life as a sacrifice for ours on the cross.

The Gospel of Mark states in chapter 10, ” The son of man came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” 

We continually see Jesus serving and teaching and serving and teaching.

But there is something about Jesus’ life that can sometimes get overlooked. That in reality might not be nearly as long as what we think about it, but there are times when Jesus need to have a moment of rest or retreat from the continual serving that He did.

Multiple times in the Gospel we see Jesus retreat to a quiet, desolate or place of loneliness to be alone with his heavenly father. He would go to be quiet and to pray and to reset his heart.

In our lives, we all have those seasons. Where we feel an immense pressure to serve or succeed or to do things. But in those seasons we also seem to feel the weight of serving more and more.

Jesus said this in Matthew 11: ” 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 your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

When you find yourself in a season where you are overwhelmed and feel an immense burden of responsibility……maybe it is time to take a season of rest.

I was once asked the question, ” Brendon, are you having fun with what you are doing?” The question came at a very weird time in my life, one that I was not ready for or expecting. However that question led to one of the darkest but yet life giving seasons of my life. The follow up to my answer, ” I think I am.” was this….” That’s good. Because if you are not having fun with what you are doing, then it might be time to take a step back and find the next thing God has planned for you.”

It takes a lot of courage and patience and prayer to follow that guidance to take a step away. Especially if you are taking a step back to reconnect with God in a way that you have not had time to do so.

But if you do find yourself in a season of stepping back, do not fill the time with other things.

Fill the time that you used serving, with a chance to run to Jesus and allow him to embrace you and give you the rest you need. 

Season come. Seasons go.

Jesus’ peace and rest is always available.

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July 18, 2023
in Church, Discipleship, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach
by Brendon
0 Comments

Story Teller Series

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

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

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

No photo description available.

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

1) Mark 10:45 states, “ for the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” This is one of my favorite verses when it comes to serving. Do you have a verse that you come back to that keeps you grounded that you are serving for the Kingdom when you serve during Pack a Pack?
a. Darren – Galatians 6:2
b. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
2) How did you fall into serving with schools?
a. Darren H – HCC Connection Point, Small Group Serving, City wide serve days.
3) You and your wife Suzanne, have been serving with Pack a Pack for a long time…why do you continue to serve in such a selfless way?
a. Darren H – First, we are Commanded to serve others. I thoroughly enjoying serving the younger groups and connecting with future Followers of Christ.
4) Can you remember a specific time that stands out to you during an event or conversation where you felt you were in the right place for serving?
a. Darren H – All serving events have been special to me. Whether, local or abroad the opportunity to serve the Lord and Others is always humbling which provides a feeling of unity and community.
5) What are your dreams for serving through Pack a Pack? How do you hope to partner with God and impact the families you serve for the kingdom?
a. Darren H – My goals are not a dream, but reality as a part of the Christian faith. Just one of many commands from our Lord and Savior.
6) What has been your favorite part of serving with Pack a Pack over the past few years?
a. Darren H – The kids, parents, and teacher’s reactions. So many smiles, joys, and relief that there is a community of Christ followers who care about their needs.
7) What would you hope to communicate to others that might be on the fence about serving, whether in general or on a school team?
a. Darren H – Jump in and try it, you won’t be disappointed. Accept Christ command to serve others and bear their burdens. Be open and alert to opportunities to serve. Remembering that our Lord provides these opportunities every day.  
Darren and Suzanne have done some amazing things over the years…but what I love most about them, is that they continue to serve others, no matter the cost or season of life they are in. Darren and Suzanne are grand parents and our very proud of their daughter and grand baby, but that love does not hinder them from continually serving those around them in unleashing the hope of Jesus however they can.
I love what Darren said in the last question, ” Jump in and try it..” I think that is an awesome way to look at serving, especially outside of the church walls. Some of us have never been in the position to serve outside the church walls and so we may not know what we like to do or what our passions might be….but to jump in and try it out for a season to see how it goes and what it looks like and how it feels….it just might be worth the jump.
So will you take the jump?? Will jump in and get involved with us? Maybe it is during Pack-a-Pack or maybe it is down the road……but don’t miss the opportunity to love others for their benefit.

 

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June 14, 2023
in Church, HCC, Local, Outreach, packapack, School Outreach
by Brendon
0 Comments

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!

 

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May 16, 2023
in Church, DTOTD, Outreach
by Brendon
0 Comments

I saw a reel

 

“……that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead – by him this man is standing before you well.” – Peter from Acts 4:10b 

 

I saw a reel today…

How many times have you said this in a conversation? As our culture shifts to more and more of a digital landscape, seeing the bits that a reel provides, has started to shape the way we view the world. It shows the highlights and maybe sometimes shows the vulnerability that we as humans tend to show much more seldomly.

The book of Acts is one that is intriguing and one that provides a ” reel ” into what the early church operated as. A place of belonging and love and forgiveness and grace and teaching and sharing and eating and being with one another. It gives us a view into the world that the apostles and those that followed Jesus, both during his life and those that came to believe in Jesus after the Ascension to Heaven. It gives us a glimpse into what the Holy Spirit gives us the power to do.

 

” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…..” Acts 4: 8a

 

” And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance…..and at this sound the multitude came together and they were bewildered because each one was hearing them speak in his own language and they were amazed and astonished….” Acts 2:4 and 6-7a

 

” And they were all filled the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31b

 

Imagine what the Instagram or TikTok world would look like if these were the reels that people saw?

Imagine what our world would look like if these were the reels that we saw on a daily basis?

The book of Acts shows us also that this group of believers, a very small group of believers, made waves of impact. In todays culture, making an impact in the world is much harder than ever. There is an ever growing conception that the church is not useful or the church is not relevant. But in todays world, the church, might be the most important gathering place of all. There are culture wars, there are political wars, there are actual wars where people are dying, there are wars in our schools over what is needed and what is not, there are wars in our neighborhoods about what should be allowed and what shouldn’t be. There are wars in our own homes that can lead to devastating outcomes.

I saw a reel, just earlier today with a young person challenging a pastor about repentance. Her question was a valid one, it went something like this, ” what good is repentance if you just stated that we are all going to suffer no matter what? Why should I repent if I am still going to face suffering?” The pastors response was received, whether or not the young person believed him is another question. The pastor, filled with the Holy Spirit began to speak about the hope and the light at the end of the suffering that as a Christian we have, that when we give our lives to Jesus and we allow him to be a part of the suffering, that there is hope that those that do not believe in Jesus just don’t have.

 

” And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

 

Here is a reel for you….

I saw a reel and went something like this:

” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13 

 

You have the same Holy Spirit as Peter and John and the rest of the believers of the Early Church. You have the same Holy Spirit that fills you with a boldness that gives you power and strength to speak the truth in love and grace. You have the same Holy Spirit in you that gives you access to the creator and author of Life. You have the same Holy Spirit that brings life back from the dead. You have the same Holy Spirit that heals wounds. You have the same Holy Spirit that mends relationships. You have the same Holy Spirit that carries in tough times. You have the same Holy Spirit that gives light to the darkness.

I saw a reel, that showed the church rise up in a way that no one expects to unleash love and hope and grace and truth in a world that needs more and more of all of those.

The book of Acts is a reel…of how some uneducated and common people took the message of Jesus to a culture that did everything it could to stop the spread of that reel. What that culture didn’t know….

is the that the reel would continue to spread to the ends of the earth and there is nothing they can do to stop it.

 

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May 3, 2023
in Church, HCC
by Brendon
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GST #2 is Coming!

As a Guest Services Team, we started the year with some goals in mind. One of those goals was to gather more often and more intentionally. We entered into the 2023 year with 4 things on the calendar that would bring about an annual calendar rhythm. Two trainings and two gatherings. The trainings come in the front half of the year and the other two are specific gatherings, one for coaches and leaders and then one for all Guest Services to come together and celebrate the year and look towards the new year.

We are gathering together for our second training of the year on May 25th! 

The first training we gathered for was mainly for a quick recap of who Harvester Christian Church is and what we believe as well as a great walkthrough from our safety team about what the process looks like if there was ever a severe weather event on a Sunday morning.

This upcoming training will be more about on-the-ground training. We will talk through how we handle the exterior entrance doors all the way through what to do if someone wants to get baptized. I hope that you will make the time in your schedule to join us in The Landing from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. 

Click on this link: GST #2  – to register to come and be with us! 

 

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April 8, 2023
in Church, Discipleship, DTOTD, HCC
by Brendon
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Holy Week

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech.  The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 

– John 16:25-30

 

In a moment when Jesus is giving his final words for not only the disciples to learn from, but also the final words we see given to us to be able to learn also, Jesus gives a plain thought for the disciples to understand and to hear. 3 years….that is how long the disciples were with Jesus and on the eve before Jesus would go to the Cross, the disciples feel as though they finally get what Jesus has been trying to tell them all along. There is another moment in scripture when Jesus speaks plainly to the disciples, it was early in the ministry of Jesus, you can see it in Matthew 13. Jesus finished teaching multiple parables in this chapter and the disciples question him of why he always speaks in parables. Jesus then takes the chance to speak plainly to the disciples and he explains 2 of the parables that he speaks.

In this moment though, I ask myself the question – would I be relieved to understand what Jesus is saying to me as a disciple or would I continue questioning what Jesus is saying?

Think about it. Jesus is now telling the disciples that He has come for a purpose from his Father in heaven and now he is getting ready to go back to heaven to be with his Father. The disciples, even though seemingly relieved that they understand what Jesus is saying, most likely have the doubts still creeping in as to whether they can really trust Jesus in this moment or is it the dream that they have been living in coming to a screeching halt.

Jesus finishes John 16’s conversation that leads into a prayer where we see Jesus in some of his most vulnerable moments and to be honest, some of the most hopeful words that we can read.

 

” I do not ask for these only, but also for THOSE WHO WILL BELIEVE in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  – Jesus, John 17: 20-21 

 

Read those words again slowly.

Jesus is praying for you.

Jesus is setting the stage for what is to come, not what is current. In all of the emotions and situation Jesus found himself in, Jesus stopped and prayed for you. Something that stands out in these words of Jesus: The call to be one together.

In a world full of chaos and war and anger and fear and arguments and distrust, Jesus calls those who believe to be one just like He is one with the Father. That implies some things that we all need to take in to account when it comes to the way that we interact with those around us.

First, it implies that we will think the best of one another and not the worst. We have all been guilty of this at some point. We see someone and we let the external voices and situations sway our opinions of those people. Now, this is not an argument for kum-bya with every single person that we interact with. Given that we live in an imperfect fallen world, there is not expectation for us to be able to attain a good status with all people. Jesus was not able to do that, in fact, Jesus if you really think about it, spoke words of truth that scared people away.

Second, it implies that we understand what Jesus is saying when he says we are together as he and the father are. In fairness, that is a lofty goal and one that really isn’t attainable. Because of our imperfection and the fall and the inherent sin that we have inside of our hearts, it makes it incredibly difficult for us to do this by our own strength or behaviors. I believe what Jesus is trying to get across in this situation is not that we can be one, but we can all be one in our abiding in Jesus as Jesus abides in the Father. This IS something that we can all work towards. Knowing that Jesus abided in his Father to give him strength and love and grace and power and direction, we too can look to Jesus as one to gain strength, love, grace, power and direction. As one, we can be with Jesus, and Jesus can be with us, just as Jesus was with the Father and the Father with him.

Finally, it implies that there is someone that will teach, preach or communicate the words of Jesus to us. This is something that we all have the ability to do, especially when we abide in Jesus and Jesus abides with us. Our purpose and mission on this earth while we are here is to be part of the reconciliation process of God’s creation, bringing those that will hear the words of Jesus and believe in them to create an everlasting relationship with Jesus. But that means that we as a whole, have a part in accomplishing or executing that purpose. Yes, the first calling of our being is to abide with Jesus. We are called to learn from Jesus, pray to Jesus, spend time with Jesus and love Jesus. The second calling however is to love our neighbors as ourselves. There is not much better than doing our best to love our neighbors by, showing Jesus’ love to them, serving them in love, forgiving them in love, helping them through a crisis in love. We have the ability to shares God’s love through his son Jesus in so many different ways, that it can almost feel overwhelming.

Whatever the means that we find the ability to share the love of Jesus with those around us, so that we can help the world believe in Jesus, we should. Even when it is hard, even when it seems impossible, even when the outcome is not what we hope for.

Just like Jesus taught in Matthew 13, the seeds are sown into the soils by those who are not afraid to speak the love of Jesus together.

On this the last post of Holy week, know that as Jesus is beaten, flogged, mocked, spat on and then eventually hung to a tree, Jesus do so for you and me. If we believe this message and accept this grace and love that Jesus offers to all that will believe, we have the ability and purpose to tell others about it.

Pray today that God will open up a space or a chance for you to share the love of Jesus with someone.

Also pray for the courage to speak boldly.

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April 6, 2023
in Church, Discipleship, DTOTD, HCC, Jesus, Local, Outreach
by Brendon
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Holy Week

” When He had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place he said to them, ” Do you understand what I have done to you?” – John 13:12

The Upper Room would have been a site to see. In John 13 we see Jesus with his disciples for a final meal not just together but for the last meal that Jesus will have on earth. It is filled with emotion. The crowds are closing in on Jesus and the ministry that He has started is getting ready to come to and end and the baton will be passed on to the people in the room he is eating with. We saw yesterday that Jesus got up from his place at the table, got down with a basin of water, and washed each of the disciple’s feet. There was a significance to that washing of the feet because Jesus took on the place of a servant to the disciples even though he was sitting at the head of the table. It was also significant because Jesus was setting the stage for his final true command for the disciples to carry on after he ascends into heaven.

” You call me teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another’s feet. For i have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. ” – John 13:13-17

The disciple’s heads must be spinning at this point. They just had their teacher, and their rabbi gets down and wash their feet. The way a servant should. But now Jesus gets back to his place at the table he looks at them and tells them they need to wash each other’s feet. That Jesus’ example should be followed in the realm of serving those around you. What does serving have to do with this whole scene? What is Jesus trying to accomplish here in showing the disciples what it means to serve one another? Jesus answers this question this way:

” When he had gone out, Jesus said, ” Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at one. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you, Where I am going you cannot come. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as i have loved you, you also are to love one another. BY THIS all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. ” John 13:31-35

If we love one another, we will serve one another. If we serve one another, that means we love one another, which will show the world that we are Jesus’ disciples. Jesus in this moment, knows that the betrayer has left and that Satan has filled the heart of one of the men that followed Jesus. So Jesus with the rest of his disciples answers maybe the question in which the disciples were asking after Jesus washed their feet and told them they also must wash one another’s feet to serve them. Jesus gives us the way people will know that we know Him. By the way we love one another. Jesus loves us so much, that in just a few short hours after this intimate moment with his closest people, He would be falsely arrested, brought to a crooked trial, beaten until almost dead and then would have to carry his own object of death to be nailed to it. Jesus shows us how to serve and how to love one another when He does not turn away from the end of his mission of restoring a relationship that was broken so long ago. When we serve one another, we are being the hands and feet of Jesus. When we get down from our high place at the table and learn what it means to serve all those around us, then we are showing the love of Jesus to them.

When we love one another, we serve one another. When we serve one another, we show the world that we are Jesus’ disciples because we love the way he loved us.

Today, on the night before Jesus dies for us on a tree, think about the love He has shown you not just from the cross, but also throughout your walks in life.
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April 5, 2023
in Church, Discipleship, DTOTD, Jesus, Local
by Brendon
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Holy Week

” Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” John 13:1

My son Grahm got out of bed last night, about 3 minutes after Amanda and I walked out of his room, came down to the living room where we were and just stood for a few seconds before asking a question that sparked a thought. Here is what Grahm asked:

” Dad, why dont you just watch the last episode to see who wins and then chose whether you watch the whole thing or go back and watch the whole season? “

Interesting thought from the almost 8-year-old sage. Why don’t we find out what happens at the end and then chose if we want to go to the beginning? I don’t think Grahm knew that he would be asking a question that defines what we see here in John 13, but he did.

Imagine Jesus at this moment in John 13. He has come to the moment in time that He was sent here for. Jesus knew the end was near. Jesus knew his betrayal, beating and death was close. So Jesus does what He needed to do, he takes his closest friends into a room and spends his last moments with them eating and celebrating the Passover. Then Jesus did something that no one thought he would do or even should do.

” Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things to his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet and top wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘ Lord, do you wash my feet?’ Jesus answered him, ” What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, ‘ You shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered him, ” If I do not wash wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, ‘ Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ” The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, ” Not all of you are clean.” ” John 13:3-11

Let’s just take a moment to understand the situation that Jesus and the disciples are in. Jesus is the only one in the room that knows what is about to happen and what he is about to endure. Jesus is the only one in the room that knows what the Devil is doing inside of one man’s heart. Jesus is the only one to know that the person that will start and lead the Church here on earth is actually going to deny knowing him 3 times in the coming hours. Jesus knew……that anyone that would hear and believe what is about to happen to him, is worth it.

The act of washing the disciple’s feet is one that Jesus should never have done. It was the job of a servant or a slave. Like Jesus mentions, the only thing that most people would need to clean is their feet because they didn’t have shoes or anything to keep the dirt from coating their feet. So Jesus not only did something that was probably absolutely disgusting, but Jesus is continuing to teach and lead the disciples in a way that makes them continue to unlearn what they have always known or done.

As we move through Holy Week, according to John, the story now shifts from what Jesus did or was doing to where Jesus is going. Jesus is going to start the last hours he would be here on earth. He would be going towards a wild and raucous crowd that would eventually lead him to his crucifixion. Jesus knew he was going towards a tree that he would have to carry through the streets of Jerusalem up to a rock shaped as a skull. Jesus knew the hour had come for him to sacrifice His life for all those that will believe in Him.

Holy Week does not just remember what Jesus did in the moments leading up to his death and resurrection…..

Holy Week reminds us that Jesus had you in mind.

Holy Week reminds us that in the moments leading to Jesus’ death – he had you in mind.

Holy Week reminds us that Jesus has you in mind, because his Spirit is now here with us.

Holy Week is Holy Week because Jesus knew He was going to die and He chose to follow through.

Jesus shows us in washing his disciple’s feet, that he will do anything for you, including getting down and dirty to make you clean.

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April 4, 2023
in Church, Discipleship, DTOTD, HCC, Jesus, Local
by Brendon
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Holy Week

Posted on  by Brendon

” And Jesus cried out and said……” John 12:44a

Preachers. Some love them and some loathe them. There are different types of preachers all throughout the world and history. There are loud preachers, soft talkers, yellers, fire and brimstone, health and wealth and so many other ways to describe a preacher.

Jesus was a preacher. He was a very famous preacher, some might say arguably the best preacher of all time. I mean take a look at the sermon on the mount, some say if you want to know Jesus and what he was all about, read his sermon on the mount message. Seems to be the trendy thing right now…..I love reading Jesus’ teachings/preaching, I wish very greatly that I could ‘hear’ his sermons at some point or wish there were iPhones when he was alive there could be a secret society of people that keep all of his sermons that they were able to capture from wherever and whoever they could……ok, wishful thinking.

” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘ Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to who has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’ Therefore they could not believe. Again Isaiah said, ‘ he has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them’. Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man rather than the glory that comes from God.” John 12:36b-43

Here we read a few things, first off we read that Jesus in the last moments with a crowd… hides himself from them? Why does he do that? Why in the last moments he has in a public place would he hide himself? Not a scholar by any means, but when you think about the weight that had to be on Jesus’ shoulders in this moment, after coming right out and saying that he is going to die and that he had to be lifted up on a tree…and knowing all of the things had had shown and done and healed in front of these people he was surrounded by and they still did not believe…..anyone would need a moment to breathe. Second, we see that this also fulfills another prophecy about Jesus that was written in the book of Isaiah. Another sign that the crowd did not realize at the time. Lastly, we see that there is fear amongst the people that did believe so they didn’t do anything with their belief. Imagine believing in something but because of the fear of what another group would do or say or ban you from doing……so you keep it hidden for no one to see and you never act upon that belief…..that sounds oddly familiar.

Then we read the last collection of words that Jesus gives before He celebrates the Passover with his disciples and those closest to him and his betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion.

” And Jesus cried out and said, ” Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does keep them, I do not judge him, for I did not come to the world to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment – what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father who told me.” John 12:44-50

Can you take a moment and read those words again and let them sink in……..breathe these words in…….

To be honest, I had a question about this text, and when asked it started an over an hour-long conversation about the entire Gospel of John. There is a lot in here to unpack, but let’s keep it simple.

First off, Jesus cries out. As a preacher, emotion is one thing that can be a great thing but also can be a hindrance. Because sometimes a preacher uses to much emotion that it takes away from the potential words he will say. On the other hand, emotion can evoke emotion in someone else which will allow what is being said to stick with the listener(s). So right off the bat, know that if Jesus was up in front of you or a group of people or He was preaching at church this Sunday and he was closing with these words…..His voice would be slowly getting louder and louder and louder until he might sound like he is yelling, but this is the main thing!

Second, Jesus here clarifies and cements why he is here. Jesus was sent to this place to save the world and not judge it. Jesus doesn’t discount or disregard the notion of judgement, but He, Himself came to this world to give the chance for saving to take place. There are lots of big philosophical words we could use, but simply put, Jesus came because the one who sent him Loves his creation and Jesus came to prove that to those who will hear the words and walk with Jesus the rest of their life.

Finally, Jesus wants us to know where He was sent from and who sent Him. Jesus and the Father are one, and Jesus is the majestic representation of the omniscient God that created everything through and with Jesus. Jesus wants us to know that He did not come from anywhere but the heavens and that the one in heaven is the one who has given him the strength and power and mission to bring all those that will believe to know and be known by the Father that Jesus knows.

If you do anything else today….rest in these words and know that Jesus desires to know you and for you be known. Jesus desires to walk with you as light in the darkness so that you may also become a light in the darkness. Know that Jesus is with God as the Holy Spirit is with us. Know that when you believe the words that Jesus says, you have a power in you that is released for you to be light in a dark world for all people to see.

Jesus. The reason for Holy Week.

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April 3, 2023
in Church, DTOTD, HCC, Jesus
by Brendon
0 Comments

Holy Week

Posted on  by Brendon

“ His disciples did not understand these things at first…” John 12:16a

Each year we come to this season where it is a conglomerate of things to come. It seems like this season gets busier and busier each year due to what is to come. It starts the warm weather, the sun gets up earlier and settles later, the birds are chirping all day long, the play time seems to increase more and more, Baseball is back in full swing, The NFL draft is coming up shortly, Hockey season is winding into the playoffs, March Madness is just about to end and best of all, its Masters Week. Throw in the new practices, game schedules, play practices, recitals and school winding down…you have the making of just a season of chaos….and it happens all within a month time!

But what about Easter…..you know that time we come to each year to remember and celebrate the man Jesus that sacrificed himself on a tree for you and for me?

Where does that fit in to the schedule?

Coming in to this Holy Week, I personally feel the burn of busyness. I am reminded by the to do list and tempers flaring at home. But is this what Holy Week should be like? Is this how we should remember the sacrifice?

The disciples probably felt the same way. These men and the women that were taking care of them and with them always are walking into the last week of Jesus’ life, not knowing what is to come, not knowing what their responses would be, and for sure not knowing what Jesus was about to do.

In John chapter 12, we see all sorts of things that are going in Jesus’ life – there is a plot thickening to kill him, there is a plot to kill Lazarus( a man that Jesus just rose from the dead ), Jesus is anointed with oil at Bethany the day before he is to arrive into Jerusalem to begin the long agonizing walk to his death, and then we find Jesus talking with both Jews and Greeks during a feast:

” Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: ” I have glorified it and I will glorify it again.” The crowd stood there and hear it said and it had thundered. Others said, ” an angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, ” This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgement of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all people to myself. He said this to show by what kid of death he was going to die. So the crowd answered him, ” we have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the son of Man bmust be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” So Jesus said to them, ” The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” John 12: 27-36 esv

 

Holy Week leads to a heaviness of soul for Jesus.

The first line in this section shows how ever-present Jesus is to the situation or people that are around him, all the while continuing to be present and prayerful with his Heavenly Father. Jesus’ soul was troubled in this moment, probably due to the coming pain and suffering that he would endure for not just the people that are surrounding him now, but also all that come after them. Jesus’ soul was troubled because not only was he preparing the people around him for his death and giving them instruction, he had to convince them that what is saying is true. Jesus is a masterful teacher and when we think about Jesus’ teaching in the sermon on the mount when Jesus says seek first the kingdom of heaven and then here in John 12 Jesus says, ‘ walk while you have the light with you, so that you do not fall into darkness’.

Holy Week leads Jesus to his human side a lot.

The primary illustration of Jesus asking God to take this cup away from him is in Luke 22, but here in John 12, we see another instance where Jesus is crying to his heavenly father to take this away from him. How many times have we asked that of God?

God, take this fight with my spouse away…

God, take this problem at work away….

God, take this hard task of parenting a pre-teen away…

God, take my sorrow away…

God, show up in a way I don’t expect….

God, take this cup away from me…

Jesus though, knows that this is the reason that he is here. This is the reason that Jesus was sent to this earth. Jesus knows the Holy week leads to the purpose of him being away from his Father. So not only does Jesus walk back his prayer with ‘ Father, glorify your name.’ God tells Him, “I have glorified it, and I will again.” What if we received an answer from God from the heavens when we prayed those prayers of desperation or of need?

Holy Week leads to responding to the Light.

Jesus says, the light is only here for a little while longer….so stick with that light unless you want the darkness of the day to overtake you. Stay with the light so that you may become a son of light when the light is gone.

Holy week can be our response to the light that is betrayed, tried, beaten, mocked, and dragged up to a rock shaped like a skull where the light is hung on the tree for you and me and the light goes out…….

This is just the beginning…of Holy Week and what our response could be to the light.

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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.