October 2025 Newsletter
Just pretend when you open this newsletter it’s still October because I am sure most of you are like me, thinking: “What the what, how did November and that Vile Daylight Savings Time Sneak In!
God and I have been simmering in Matthew 9 and Ephesians 4 for many weeks now. For this month, I want to invite you to settle into Matthew 9:37-38.
In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Is it just me, or is there an actual command from Jesus that says to pray for laborers to be raised up and sent out? What does that mean for us at HCC Local Outreach? I often tell others that people who choose to serve with Local Outreach really do see the world differently. They have a very hard time passing by those who are suffering. It almost physically hurts them to overlook those who are hungry, those who are thirsty, those who are naked, those who are in prison. My heart, mind and soul have been especially burden this month with the increasing needs of our community. Recently I have often felt overwhelmed and ineffective. It has been a beautiful thing though, because it reminds me to daily and almost hourly surrender to God, submit to His authority, and trust in Him. It has also been a reminder that I am to be obedient to His calling, but I am not responsible for the outcomes. Those battles belong to the Lord.
Your faithful service in the HCC Food Pantry, school outreach, the Sharing Shed, or any part of being a Good Neighbor and serving with HCC Local Outreach is a living answer to that prayer. You are the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting physical needs and planting seeds of hope in our community.
Thank you for your compassion, your time, and your heart for people. Whether you’re stocking shelves, praying with families, or simply offering a smile, you are making an eternal impact.
We’re praying for more laborers to join this beautiful work. If you know someone who might be interested in serving, invite them to one of our upcoming VIP Tours—a behind-the-scenes look at how ministry happens at Harvester and how others can use their gifts and talents to unleash hope in our city.. These tours are a great way to connect, learn, and take the first step toward volunteering.
Volunteer recruitment is ongoing, and we’d love to welcome new hearts into this mission. Let’s continue to pray for God to stir hearts and send more workers into His harvest. Our world needs us more than ever.
Upcoming Events
November 1: As you have heard in the news, SNAP benefits are suspended during the federal government shutdown. We are anticipating more of our neighbors needing support during this unusual time. The food pantry always needs canned meat, canned meals, fresh meat ( venison too!), and cereal. Our HCC food pantry also needs your plastic grocery bins. You can drop off donations in the covered bin outside of the South entrance, Monday through Thursday, or in the wooden bin near the TV in the Mission Cafe on Sundays. We love hearing stories of Harvester Christians like Stacey Floweree mobilizing her neighbors to give to their neighborhood food drive to support the pantry. Thank you Stacey and friends!
Tuesday, 11-4-25 There is nothing on the ballot in our area so HCC is not needed as our neighborhood’s regular polling site. The next time we will serve our neighbors in this way is April 2026.
If you plan to serve in any capacity during the warming centers in January or February 2026, I highly encourage you to attend this EWR training at Wentzville Christian Church from 6:30 to 8:30. If you need to carpool, we are meeting at the church at 5:50 PM and leaving at 6 PM. Not only will this provide a clear vision of why we do this, but also how we do this, and as you know, knowledge is always power!
Thursday 11-6-25
The closure of the O’Fallon Salvation Army Shelter has left people, including children, without a safe place to go. Specialty shelters are nearly full, and families in crisis are being sent outside the county for help. Temperatures are cooling in St. Charles County, and it has been 637 days (nearly TWO YEARS) since we’ve had an option for our families seeking emergency shelter.. Over 600 of our neighbors are at risk. The Continuum of Care for St. Charles, Warren, and Lincoln Counties is actively looking for resources and partners to address this urgent need. Together, we can do better for our neighbors. Our community is invited to attend Community Coffee Conversation: No Place To Go at Saints Joachim and Ann Care Service to hear directly from those on the front lines, share ideas, and explore urgent solutions.
9:00 – 9:15 am Member announcements
9:15 – 10:00 am Presentation/ Discussion
10:00- 10:20 am Round Tables and Resources
10:30 am Meeting adjourned
Community and Ministry Partner Updates
Tuesday, 11-11-25 Joni & Friends has its St Charles County Church Network Meeting for Disability Ministry Leaders and Volunteers at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, MO. The guest speaker will be DeAnn Yount, licensed counselor from Crossroads Counseling Centers. DeAnn will offer encouragement and hope for those who give of themselves to meet the needs of others. The meeting will explore the sustaining power of Christ’s presence and the renewal of our spirits when the work feels overwhelming. Please RSVP HERE
Wednesday, 11-12-25 Child Advocacy Center is celebrating its 25th Anniversary at Bogey Hills Country Club from 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. 
Immediate Volunteer Needs
Did you know? The Good Neighbor Serve Crew receives requests from HCC members and our neighbors to help with one-time tasks such as moving, mowing, powerwashing, simple home or car repairs, or trimming trees and bushes. Needs are posted in this group and grabbed as schedules and skills allow. Want to be added to the group? Email Jillian at jhohensee@harvester.cc
SAVE THE DATE(S)!
HCC has committed to being on call as one of the area warming centers the week of January 18-24, 2026, and February 15-21, 2026. The EWR warming centers are activated if the temperature is forecasted to be 20 degrees or less. This program is a death prevention intervention to keep our unhoused and most vulnerable neighbors safe in extreme weather conditions. This program is even more needed this year with the closure of the O’Fallon Salvation Army. There will be MANY volunteers needed to serve in MANY capacities. Prayer Warriors, Hospitality to cook and serve meals, Laundry, Set Up, Clean Up, but ESPECIALLY volunteers to stay overnight on the nights we are activated. Pray how God wants you to support this ministry, and mark your calendar now for this critical event. Sign-ups will be available soon.
Bernice Bundren is a Harvester Christian. Bernice can be seen expressing her love of Christ through service at The Sharing Shed, Discover Harvester, Guest Services, School Outreach, local nursing homes, Life Group Leader, and wherever else God calls her.
