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.