Seasonal Warmth

The Christmas season is upon us and as long as there is a fire in the fireplace I am loving it! One of the fun things is celebrating and remembering the season as a Church family and so I look forward to our Church potluck. Food and friends...what could be better? So, mark your calendar for Sunday December 13th. Potluck after the morning service (which is our children's Christmas Program). If your last name begins with A-M please bring a salad and main dish. If your last names begins with N-Z please bring a main dish and dessert. See you Sunday!

Engaging Culture

It's true. We are pregnant with another child. Harvest Community Church is pregnant that is as we look forward to a new Church in Melrose under the pastoral leadership of Paul Klassen and his team. I think the biggest comment I get is, "it's only eight miles away"! And so it is. Here is the thing, the gospel can never go static. Either we are part of advancing the Kingdom of God or we are watching it slip. That is why we must and we are engaging the local culture. It will happen in Melrose as that team gets up and running and connecting with people and inviting those people into relationship with Christ. It will happen in Sauk Centre as we connect with people and invite people into relationship with Christ. It is not wrong to look around and be comfortable, it would be wrong to stay there. And so the call in Melrose, and the call in Sauk Centre, and the call wherever God's people are located and in whatever places of influence He has put us, is to engage the culture and the people in it. Our Lord led the way!

St. Louis recap

Aaron and I got back from St. Louis on Friday after a week with eight of our senior high youth on a mission trip with an organization called Youthworks. This is the fifth mission trip for our youth and the fourth one with Youthworks. Having been on all of them so far I would say that it was probably the best experience so far! The reason for such platitudes is that the group we took down was overall different than any other and I think perhaps more impacted than any other. I have to say that there is something that these mission's trips provide that you can't make up or create in any artificial way. We were eating lunch with women who had just recently come off the street, playing with kids who thought a squirt bottle and some attention were heavenly, and praying for people with nothing but difficulty as immigrants and who at the same time wanted to express their thanks in some very tangible ways. I have to say that even a forty something pastor who has been in a lot of places can't help but be touched and challenged by interacting at that level. The challenge is to take those lessons and apply them in a more local context, which is the ongoing challenge to all of us to make application to what we know. I for one believe that these kids come home and are not quite the same as when they left. They will of course have the same challenge of having to apply what they experienced to their life going forward, but they now have a responsibility to the things they saw and I trust that by the Spirit it will make a difference first in them, and then ultimately through them. This must be our prayer.

Crises Response

Our 'Wednesdays in July' time will continue throughout the month. I want to tell you about the last two Wednesdays, July 22 and 29. It will be a discussion I am referring to as 'Crises Response'. During these two weeks we will be discussing how we ought to be using Crises to bring real help in times of hurt while at the same time communicating the gospel of Christ. We are going to be thinking through what kinds of things the Church ought to be involved in, how we determine what we will and won't respond to, and what structures need to be in place to respond effectively. We will also get practical and discuss how to recruit and make it happen. I think it is going to be significant time and I hope you will consider being part of the discussion!

Habla espanol?

Ben is going to be conducting a few weeks of introductory Spanish lessons for all of us who would like to be a little more friendly to our neighbors. I hope you will take advantage of Ben's guidance as he has been where you are oh so recently. I have spent some time with Ben around Spanish speakers and I must say he impresses! The guys we have been around have all been very complimentary of Ben, and he will be a help to you and I as well. See you on Monday nights starting this week; 7:00 p.m. at the Ministry Centre.

Love the initiative

I am thrilled to hear of the efforts of some of our women to make a pro-life statement at the upcoming Stearns County Fair by providing a family-friendly booth. That is the kind of thing that brings a smile to my face as it is followers of Jesus taking the initiative to share his love where people are gathered. It isn't a ministry of the Church, yet it is the hands and feet of Jesus. By the way, we are calling people to the person of Christ anyway, whether or not they ever walk through the doors of HCC. Maybe other fellowships will be blessed as well. To God be the glory!

Wednesdays in July

Wednesdays in July are an opportunity to get out and bolster your faith. Let me tell you about the first three Wednesdays. We are going to be meeting at the Ministry Centre to talk about 'Sharing Your Faith'. Now, as soon as you hear that, it may not sound like the information you have been waiting to get to. But, it is a topic of prime importance for those who name the Name of Christ because we have to know the answer to that question of the hope that we have in us and we are called to do so with gentleness and reverence. We can do that and I hope you will consider coming for three weeks to sharpen up on how we can do just that. It will be very practical with plenty of interaction time, so it promises to be fun. Really. And catch this, even if you can't make it all three weeks, come one or two times and you will still get some good stuff out of your investment of time. And that is a teacher's guarantee you can take to the bank! Hope to see you at 521 Sinclair Lewis Avenue on Wednesdays July 1st, 8th, and/or 15th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.!

Baptism Sunday

We have a Baptism time along with a picnic coming up on June 28th. We will be out at Lion's Park at Fairy Lake in the afternoon to share a potluck picnic together and then go get some people wet in the Lake! It is a great time and if you are considering baptism, then be sure to let Pastor Carlyn know or any of the guys on the Pastoral Leadership Team.

Just a couple of thoughts about baptism that I would like to share. If you read the book of Acts you come away with a definite understanding that in that day they "believed and were baptized". Then, when you look at Harvest Community Church you notice that we only baptize once a year. What gives? Well, other than the fact that the lake is cold and/or frozen most of the year, there is one difference between our day and the days recorded in Acts. In those days it was without question a big deal to be baptized. You were at that moment making a public declaration that you were now serving a different King...the stakes were high and everybody knew it. In our day the culture is maybe ambivalent at best, nobody really cares. Therefore it is imperative that we are sure we understand as best we can what the motive is behind those that seek baptism. In the early church is was clear, today we have to be sure that it is about making a public declaration for Christ.

It is in this line that I would suggest that our kids be at least 12 years old when they get baptized. I will of course honor a parents desire, but my reason is so that public and memorable aspects of the baptism be seen. I have witnessed, I am sure you have too, that kids begin to think differently around that time. The first time we here about the boy Jesus was around that age as well.

So, not to discourage anyone, but let's make baptism a time of celebration and commitment. Celebration that it is Jesus, and Jesus only who saves from sin. And commitment, the commitment of the one to Jesus our Lord.

Looking forward to it. Hope you can mark that day on the calendar and be there. And hopefully you would consider baptism as a act of commitment if you haven't done so already!

Orphanage help

Just made the deposit today from our Rice Bowls emphasis. $180 and change was collected! I believe this is enough to support an orphan in the Congo for a year! Pretty cool, and a great way to lead into Easter. Knowing Jesus and the power of the resurrection ought to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Thanks for showing His power through you.

Do we trust God?

If my prayer life were the barometer used to determine my love for the Lord it might best be described as a low pressure cell. Hmmm, not good. Well, rather than beat myself up I am determined to do something about it. Guys, I am planning to be a man of prayer and if you will join me we can learn together/from each other. My plan would be to pray from 5:30-6:30 in the mornings, then head over for coffee and discussion at Jitters afterwords. Stay tuned...please check the bulletin and website for final confirmation...or wait to read it here again. Hold me to it, and let's be men of prayer!

Rice Bowls

Easter is coming! During this lenten season many of us have been collecting change and maybe even coupling that with some fasting as we look forward to the celebration of the risen Savior. If you have been collecting change for the Rice Bowl emphasis thanks, and please bring your collection box this Sunday, or the next if you should be out of town. All monies collected are going to support an orphan in the Congo. A great season, a great way to contribute to another's life, and an awesome Savior!

R U signed up?

Sign up deadlines are fast approaching. Please be reminded:
Camp Lebanon - Sunday March 29th
Youthworks summer trip to St. Louis - Sunday March 29th
Men's Kayak Kaper - April 15th

Don't miss out because you missed the deadline!

Boarding for Berlin

Please be in prayer for four from our midst who will be leaving for Germany March 31st and returning April 9th. Our partnership with the church plant in Berlin has a five year history which dates back to the time before any 'on the ground' activity was taking place in Pankow, Berlin. Now this time we are further strengthening those bonds by being an encouragement and by bolstering our prayer partnership them.
Please be sure to prayer for all those things we take for granted: safe travel, good health, health and well being for those left at home...but also be praying for times of encouragement both for those going and those being met, pray for the deepening of relationships, pray for the expansion of the church, pray for a revealing of God's will and way as we seek to see our partnership be meaningful and helpful, both to us and to them. Of course we can't all go, at least not at once, but we can do our part by being faithful in our prayers for this group of four. Pray!

Member, what's a member?

Membership implies reward and responsibility. Church membership is an interesting thing because you can attend all your life without joining in any formal way and for the most part I guess nobody cares. It certainly doesn't impact your eternal standing before God. Yet, there is something to be said about signing on with any group in such a way that you are in effect saying, "I stand with this group of people and I believe in the direction we are going". That is the kind of opportunity we want to provide: an identification with Harvest Community Church as one of the expressions of what God is doing in this community.

This Sunday, March 22nd, right after the morning worship time at the Little Theater, we will meet over at the Ministry Centre to talk more about why we do what we do. It is a relaxed time to ask and understand what goes into making HCC what it is. There is responsibility involved mainly in the form of committment to a vision of what God would do. There is also reward in partnering with a group of people to be used of God in ways we may not even imagine today. There is a more immediate reward too: lunch! Hope to see you Sunday!

I Can't Wait for Summer!!!

I just saw the forecast and it promises above freezing temps for more than one day in a row! Party!!! Warmer weather, the promise of summer...God is good!

We have at least four things on the summer calendar that are special events that you may want to be aware of.

• Men's Kayak Kaper - Jim Umhoefer is heading up a guys only trip to Wisconsin. June 12-14th
• Summer Camp at Camp Lebanon - we are a member church at one the truly great camps around. Our sign up deadline is March 29th, so get (on the information table) and fill out a registration for your favorite camper. You can either pay in full or set up a payment plan. This is one investment that won't lose value!
• Youthworks trip to St. Louis - those going in to 9th grade through those graduating seniors are eligible for the trip to the Gateway Arch! Youthworks staff do an amazing job of providing a great experience which makes the teaching come to life. It is life changing and eye opening...I think every kid needs to get themselves on this kind of trip, only one problem...we only have openings for eight youth. So, $100 deposit by March 29th gets you on the list
• Burning Man experience - a week of instant community in the Nevada desert. This one isn't for those looking for a nice vacation. This will be a test of ones faith, and living that faith out, with 50,000 others from all over the world. It is artsy and fresh, and not for everyone. Curious? Check out www.burningman.com

Also on the calendar is our annual baptism and picnic at Fairy Lake. Thinking of getting baptised? Talk to Pastor Carlyn!

Calling all Campers

We are currently in the middle of sign up for summer camp out at Camp Lebanon. Our deadline for sign up us Sunday, March 29th so that we can send them in all together and get the sign up bonus from Camp. So, here is what you need to get done: fill out a camper form (if you didn't get one in the mail we have a TON of them on the info table), and include full payment, or talk to Brenda Morton or myself to put a payment plan in place. That's it, but do so by the 29th. And if what you really need is some financial help to make it happen, talk to me. I want your kid going to Camp as it is one of the life changing activities that you can send your kid to.

Spring ahead

Don't forget to set the clock ahead Saturday night! If you don't I fear that you may arrive at worship on Sunday morning only to find out that the donuts are gone and all that you will be left with is the sermon...well, we could try to reserve some coffee for you! Seriously, set your clock ahead so you can hear from Pete, the youth guy out at Camp Lebanon. Pete will light a flame for summer camps and you won't want to miss it!

Church is Cancelled?

Our annual Winter Retreat starts today with arrival time starting at 5:00 p.m. and supper served continuously from 6-6:30...our first session starts at 7:00.

One of the fun things that I like telling other people is that on the Sunday of the Retreat, that would be this Sunday, February 8th this year, we cancel our normal Sunday morning service at the Junior High Little Theater in Sauk Centre. I think it is a fun thing to communicate because many times it is met in almost disbelief that we would cancel. What if visitors show up? What about those who can't make it to the Retreat? Not to minimize those questions, I like to explain what Church is really about...a people gathered. Leaving the building is a healthy thing in that it reminds us of what the Church, any local Church, really is...a people of God gathered together in His name. So it is OK to not be where we 'normally' are on Sunday morning. And while there is of course the possibility of misunderstanding, I would suggest that it is more than offset by the very real understanding that comes from being somewhere else...not to mention the awesome benefits to the Body of being in an unhurried setting laughing, playing, eating, and living together. There is something way more authentic about that picture than any Sunday morning 'service' in which we would participate.

So, Harvest Community Church family, see you at Camp Lebanon. Oh, and if you were going to come visit us this Sunday I am sorry we won't be there. We will be back at 10:00 a.m. on February 15th. Until then, the Church has left the building!

The Growing Church Family

Charlie George Heipel
Born this morning around 9:00 a.m. Hopefully I can post a picture tomorrow and we can get the first ever web published pics of CH!
Thank You Lord for the goodness You bestow and of which we are no more aware than when we see new life brought into this world. You alone are the miracle working God, Creator, Sustainer, and Giver of Life. Praise, praise, and praise again to You oh Lord.

Prayer

A couple things you might pause to remember:

Berlin - They are having a leadership team retreat, a first ever sort of thing. I really like the direction they are going and so let's be sure to be an encouragement by praying for them.

Retreat - Specifically remember Jeff Brown as he finalizes the messages that God has laid on his heart for us.

Pancakes Anyone

Because of our annual Winter Retreat, we normally miss the annual Lion's Club pancake breakfast which is held in the school cafeteria. Great news! We are still having our annual Harvest Community Church Winter Retreat, but this year it is on a different weekend than the breakfast! More good news! Paul Klassen, our Church Planting Intern, is also a member of the Lion's Club and is your inside source for all things breakfast, including tickets. So, grab Paul this Sunday, or contact him before if you would like, 352-4034, and get your tickets and support this worthy cause. Here is my suggestion: meet me for Church at 10:00 a.m. this Sunday, then let's eat pancakes together down the hall! It's going to be great...see you there.

Winter Retreat

It is going to be a blast! If you haven't signed up yet, there are half sheet sign up papers on the information table by the lobby area. We are quickly approaching final sign up, which is February 1st. I think you should be there, even if the topic isn't all that good. And, you don't even need to worry about that because it is going to be great! God.com is our theme with Pastor Jeff Brown leading us into a discussion about communicating with the Creator. The people are going to be a blast to be around and the venue is second to none. You are signed up aren't you? If not, call the church office at 351-4089 and leave me a message, or email me pastorcarlyn@harvestcomchurch.org and we will get things squared away!

Less is More

I saw this photo from our friend Ben who is taking a post high school year to do ministry in Latin America. As I write I haven't heard the explanation for this picture, but it seems clear that this is the food pantry that Ben has for his food supply. The last picture I saw of him was one in which he looked good, so it must not be too bad...

This past couple of weeks has got me to thinking about all the things I pursue to gratify the senses. Perhaps if you are a resolution maker like I am (I prefer 'goal setter') then you only need to look to your list for 2009 to find something on the "I could do with less" category. Mine includes one for a lessoning of the midsection...about 10 pounds worth.

But even in a spiritual sense, I am becoming more aware that I am oftentimes looking for the 'gratifying' part of being obedient and walking with Christ. I don't do things for Christ to be noticed...but then again it is nice. It kind of goes something like, 'gee, did anybody hear that sermon?'. The question I am pondering as I get alone with God is, "am I satisfied with just Him"...I suspect that honesty is going to be difficult, but a step in the less is more direction. Less need for human applause (or notice) is more, or leads to more of a rightly related son to the Father.