INSIDE THIS ISSUE In The Spotlight.................2 Group Life..........................3 In His Family ......................3 Celebrate Recovery ............4 Advancing His Kingdom....4 Harvest Worship.................4 Harvest Kids......................5 Harvest Youth.....................6 Major Church Activities.....7 Dothan, Alabama February 9, 2011 334-702-6555 “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:36-38 J esus is the way to become the person God made you to be and to accomplishing the purpose God created you for. e key to following Jesus is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:28-31, Matthew 22:36- 40). Jesus said this is the greatest commandment. Loving God with your mind is to use your mind to its fullest potential and allowing God to guide your thoughts. oughts can come from you, the world around you, from God, or from Satan. II Corinthians 10:3-5 says to take every thought captive and make them obedient to Christ. You need to think about what you are thinking about. Most temptation begins as a thought. Your thought life so shapes everything about you that you need to be aware of these things: 1. Your thoughts shape your beliefs. 2. You think about the things you are exposed to. 3. You become what you believe. 4. e mind is the gateway to the heart. 5. All actions begin in the mind. 6. Your thoughts govern attitudes, moods, values, and priorities. Whether you are happy or sad, content or discontent, worried or peaceful, fearful or confident, angry or joyful, bitter or thankful, rejoicing and praising and faith-filled are all shaped by your thoughts. 7. You can control your thoughts. When you invite Jesus to be Lord over your thoughts, He will make you aware of your thoughts and show you which are true and good, which are false and destructive. 8. Your mind is an incredible servant for you to use. W hat are you feeding your mind? Television, movies, websites, music, magazines, books, friends and family are all shaping your thoughts. What influences are drawing you closer to God and helping you become the person you want to be? What helps you be the friend, the parent, the grandparent, the spouse, the co-worker, the classmate, the disciple you want to be? What influences draw you away from God? A simple step in winning the battle of the mind is getting rid of influences that draw you away from the person you want to be and increasing those influences that draw you toward God and toward becoming the person you want to be. F ocus each day for a week on making the things that influence you those things that draw you closer to God. Begin each day with this simple prayer, “Lord, show me how to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.” You will be amazed at the transformations He will bring in your life! FROM PASTOR RALPH...
Transcript
INSIDE THIS ISSUEIn The Spotlight.................2Group Life..........................3In His Family ......................3Celebrate Recovery............4 Advancing His Kingdom....4Harvest Worship.................4Harvest Kids......................5Harvest Youth.....................6Major Church Activities.....7
Dothan, Alabama February 9, 2011 334-702-6555
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore,
to send out workers into his harvest
field.”
Matthew 9:36-38
Jesus is the way to become the person
God made you to be and to accomplishing the purpose God created you for. The key to
following Jesus is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:28-31, Matthew 22:36-40). Jesus said this is the greatest commandment.
Loving God with your mind is to use your mind to its fullest potential and allowing God to guide your thoughts. Thoughts can come from you, the world around you, from God, or from Satan. II Corinthians 10:3-5 says to take every thought captive and make them obedient to Christ. You need to think about what you are thinking about. Most temptation begins as a thought. Your thought life so shapes everything about you that you need to be aware of these things:
1. Your thoughts shape your beliefs.2. You think about the things you
are exposed to.3. You become what you believe.4. The mind is the gateway to the
heart.5. All actions begin in the mind.6. Your thoughts govern attitudes,
moods, values, and priorities. Whether you are happy or sad, content or discontent, worried or peaceful, fearful or confident, angry or joyful, bitter or thankful, rejoicing and praising and faith-filled are all shaped by your thoughts.
7. You can control your thoughts. When you invite Jesus to be Lord over your thoughts, He will make you aware of your thoughts and show you which are true and good, which are false and destructive.
8. Your mind is an incredible servant for you to use.
What are you feeding your mind? Television, movies, websites,
music, magazines, books, friends and family are all shaping your thoughts. What influences are drawing you closer to God and helping you become the person you want to be? What helps you be the friend, the parent, the grandparent, the spouse, the co-worker, the classmate, the disciple you want to be?
What influences draw you away from God? A simple step in winning the battle of the mind is getting rid of influences that draw you away from the person you want to be and increasing those influences that draw you toward God and toward becoming the person you want to be.
Focus each day for a week on making the things that influence
you those things that draw you closer to God. Begin each day with this simple prayer, “Lord, show me how to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.” You will be amazed at the transformations He will bring in your life!
From Pastor ralPh...
Les has ministered here a number of times since 2000. The Lord has used him in many of our lives, and in shaping Harvest Church. This is an opportunity for real renewal and growth, so put these two services on your calendar and ask the Lord to meet us in these services.
Every year, Methodist churches are asked to submit an End-of-the-Year statistical report. This report is used to evaluate whether the church is meeting its mandate of reaching the world for Jesus Christ. It is also a good gauge of the effectiveness of the various ministries of the church and whether we are truly making disciples for Jesus Christ. These figures are more than just numbers. They indicate lives that are being changed for the sake of the Gospel and are good measurements of whether a church is healthy and thriving.
It is exciting to be a part of just such a church. At Harvest, we are reaching new people for Jesus as well as helping believers grow in their walk with Him. Total church membership and average worship attendance are two indicators that Harvest continues to be a healthy church. At the beginning of the year, our membership was 1394. During 2010, we grew by a net of 133 people to end the year with a total membership of 1,527. Of the growth, 82 were first time professions of faith with the remainder being recommitments or transfers from other churches. Another mark of a healthy church is an increase in the average attendance in worship. Our 2009 average was 1517. We closed 2010 with an average attendance in worship of 1633. Our highest attended Sunday was September 12 with 1860 in worship.
Another indicator of a healthy church is the number of people involved in Christian formation groups. At Harvest, we offer Spiritual Maturity classes, Life Groups, Discipleship Groups, Baptism Classes for children and Encounter Groups for youth. In 2010, we had 1687 children, youth and adults
participate in at least one Christian formation group. In addition, to Christian Formation, service is another mark of a strong church. At Harvest, there are over 40 Ministry Teams with almost 650 people involved. When we add the volunteers in children and youth ministries, we have almost 1000 people actively engaged in ministry.
A final indicator of a church’s health is its financial stability. Despite a down turn in the economy and numerous job losses, God blessed Harvest with a strong year financially in 2010. Our total tithes and offerings exceeded $2.4 million. This combined with a strong effort by church staff and leadership to be even better stewards of God’s money allowed us to pay almost $500,000 towards our building indebtedness, as well as make several capital improvements to the buildings and grounds. We paid 100% of our apportionments (as we have done every year since our founding); paid over $163,000 to international, national and local missions; supported several seminary students and paid all of our expenses on time. Even with those payments, we ended the year $215,000 under our anticipated budget. Finally, the Leadership Team adopted an operating budget for 2011 of $2,092,073.
By every statistical indicator, Harvest continues to be a healthy thriving church. Of course, statistics can never tell the entire story of a church. The proof that Harvest is a healthy church is that the love of Jesus Christ is real and powerful, where the Gospel of Jesus Christ is lived and preached, and where the Holy Spirit is changing lives daily. I pray you will continue to find that Harvest is truly a healthy and thriving church.
Page 2
the spotlightinRalph Sigler Lead Pastor
Marty Hamilton Executive Pastor
Sean Nix Pastor of Small Groups
Roy Rogers Congregational Care Pastor
Cheryl Hidle Director of Worship and Arts
Keith Frith Pastor of Ministries
Jeff Burnett Youth Pastor
Debi Parnell Children’s Director
Josh Moore Assistant to Pastors
Feb 6 1,748
8:45 864
10:45 884
Jan 30 1,799
8:45 881
10:45 918
Page 3
For more information on finding a group or leading a group,
please contact Pastor Sean Nix at 702.6555, x232 or [email protected].
Sean Nix Small G
roups
I n H I s F a m I l yWith SympathyOur prayers are with Rod & Diane Beech and family on the loss of Diane’s father, Ralph Carlisle.
Our prayers are with Sidney & Alycia Mathis and family on the loss of Sidney’s father, Charles Mathis.
Our prayers are with Larry Vann and family on the loss of his wife, Gloria Vann.
Birth AnnouncementsHayden Grace Waterson, daughter of Michael & Jessica, was born on January 25, 2011.
Myranda Rose, daughter of Jaromy & Myrna Henry, was born on February 4.
New Members The following people joined Harvest on Sunday, January 30, 2011.• Julie Anderson• Ronnie & Shasa Anderson
Children: Danny & Sierra• Twila Anderson
Children: Anna, Cheyanne, & Jonathan
• Richmond D. Ard• Kelly Barden
Children: Sarah and Frances• Brian Blume• Billy & Ouida Bond• Sharron Buie• Katrine Cherry
Child: Austin• Tom Connors• Jarrod Craven• Regena Davis• Fred & Marlene Dixon• Elizabeth Frankel
• Kenneth & Natalie Fulford Child: Nathaniel
• Sammie & Mary Glover• Will Goolsby• Cary & Lorna Lingo
Children: Alexis & Ezra• Belinda Marquez
Child: Katelynn• Cheryl Meara• Lee Roberds Jr.
Child: Andre• Richard & Samantha Sanders
Children: Savannah, Skylar & Sophia
• Scott Snider• Cindy Tracy
Child: Dakota• Michael & Mindy Vuick
Child: Clay
Choices Matter: Choose Wisely
Today, the average person will make hundreds more choices than someone who lived in the last century. Sociologists are now studying the implications of information and choice overload. One finding suggests that too much choice produces a crash like a computer whose software overloads the hardware.
The implications are great. Consider the following areas where society appears to be crashing: marriage and family, government and politics, schools, businesses, social issues (poverty, human trafficking, etc). The American psychologist and
philosopher, William James, once said, “When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself a choice.” These words challenge us to live intentionally and deliberately.
Seeing the lethargy in the church of Ephesus, the Apostle Paul says, “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:14-18
Now more than ever we need to:1. Remain awake and sober—
understanding that the days are evil, but Christ shines on those who are awake.
2. Making wise choices—the key is to make choices and not allow them to be made for us by indecision.
3. Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
What choices are you making about the most important areas of your life? The choice is yours. Choose today to be intentional and deliberate to live your life in such a way that is pleasing to God and reflects his will for your life.
Congregational Care Pastor Roy Rogers
Page 4
Celebrate Recovery
Are you ready to celebrate your recovery in Christ, from any of life’s hurts, hang-ups or habits?
CR is the place for you!
Friday Evenings 6pm
The Youth RoomMen Contact Mike, 479-8448 or 702-6555.
Women Contact Stacey, 479-8448 or 702-6555.
celebraterecovery @HarvestDothan.com.
Stephen MinistersGoing through a difficult time emotionally, spiritually, or relationally? Are you lonely, experiencing a crisis or simply stressed by everyday life? You don’t have to suffer alone, you can call Staci Spears, 791-6497 to connect with the Stephen Minister who is best suited to help in your time of need. It’s free. It’s confidential. And it will make a difference in your life!
Listen to Sunday Morning’s Message at www.HarvestDothan. com or pick up a CD at the info table.
ADVANCING HIS KINGDOM
Keit
h Fr
ith
Pastor of Ministries
Chery
l Hidle
Dire
ctor
of
Wor
ship
&
Performing Arts
Psalm 66:4 - Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.
h
Many people think that praise and worship is only singing songs, but it is so much more! Worship is an expression of love and awe to the God who gives us much more than we deserve. Whether you express your worship by singing, playing music, dancing or in some other way, remember that you are called to worship God with your every action, every day of your life-not just on Sundays. God is holy, loving, and worthy of all our worship and devotion.
Dance Team - Mondays, 4-6pm, Rm B106, Ed Bldg.
Drama Team - Monday, 6:30pm, upstairs Ed. Bldg.
Night Of Worship - Friday, February 25, 7pm, Worship Center. Mark your calendars for a powerful time of praise and worship.
Choir - Sundays, 5pm, Ed Bldg.
To get involved, contact Cheryl Hidle, [email protected] or 702.6555, x247.
To get involved in the ministry of Harvest, contact Keith Frith @ 702.6555, x239 or [email protected].
Sunday, January 30 was another great day for Ministry Teams here at Harvest. The Celebrate Recovery Ministry sold chili in the Harvest Café to raise funds to send leaders to a leadership training event. They raised enough money to send 10 leaders. Thank you, Church, for your support.
I’d like to take this be opportunity to tell you more about Celebrate Recovery.
The Celebrate Recovery ministry reaches out to much more than just chemical dependency issues in people’s lives. The goal of the ministry is to facilitate Christ’s healing to anyone who desires support, encouragement, and redirection after the hurts of life have swept over them.
Hurts, habits, and hang-ups—who among us has not had one or possibly two of those in our life at some time? Most of us never really invested much time in the discovery process asking, “How did all of that happen? Or, “How is all this happening to me?” The phrase, “Those who are ignorant of the past are condemned to repeat it,” comes to mind, not as a statement of judgment, but more as an astute observation.
As a church we would like to help our people and others to avoid the future pitfalls that can emotionally handicap and sabotage our lives. Why not consider coming out one Friday night at 6pm to the Youth Room in the Ed Bldg to be encouraged and for some, liberated.
Kids’ Baptism Class - This is a 4-week session beginning Wednesday, February 16, 5:30-6:15pm for elementary-age kids to learn what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus and the commitment necessary for baptism. Please register no later than Sunday, February 13 online at www.kids.HarvestDothan.com or contact the Children’s Ministry Office,
702-6555, x236.
Baby Bottle Boomerang - Pick up your bottle today in one of the Harvest Church lobbies or the Noah’s Park Registration Desk. Simply fill the bottles with change, cash, or checks and return them to the church as soon as possible. What a fun way for everyone in the family to get involved in helping mothers and babies in need!
God is good! We have a new month (February) to focus on in our Preschool area. This month we will be learning “God made everything.” –Genesis 1:1. We start our new curriculum “Play and Worship,” so be praying all goes well. We have music CDs that go with the monthly lessons. If you would like one for your family, let the teachers know and we will get one to you. Music is a great learning tool and preschoolers love to sing.
Have a blessed week and see ya Sunday.
BABY BAPTISM/DEDICATION
Sunday, February 27, during the morning worship services. To
plan to have your baby baptized or dedicated to the Lord, please contact Pat at the church office,
Youth Group - Wednesdays, 6:30pm, upstairs in the Ed Bldg. Encounter Small Groups - Sundays, 6-8pm, upstairs in the Ed Bldg. Student, pray - Saturday, February 12, 6:30-8:30 pm, Youth Room. This is a night of student-led prayer and worship. We will be praying for our schools, churches, city, nation, and the world.
Third Annual War & Peace Games - Monday, February 21, 1–3:30pm. Meet in the Youth Room, and bring your game face. You DON’T want to miss this!
Youth Movie Night - Saturday, March 5, 6:30–9pm. Bring your favorite DVDs and
join us in the Youth Room.
Youth Spring Retreat: “Passion Means Purity” - March 17–20,
Thursday-Saturday.
YOUTH: ARE YOU HAPPY?Today we have more access to entertainment, friends, social networking, education, and material “stuff ” than any other time in human history, yet ours is a generation that often feels more alone, confused, and empty than ever.
Throughout the month of March the Youth Sunday evening Pillar small groups will engage in a four week study that challenges students to share the trials and struggles they face in their search for happiness. In doing so we’ll also gain biblical insight into the fleeting nature of happiness and the true meaning of joy. All 7th-12th grade students are invited to join us from 6-8pm on Sunday nights as we examine the sources of happiness and joy.
Jeff Burnett Youth Pastor
SMC 101 New Believers Covers the basics of following Jesus. If you are a new believer, this class is for you. This class will be taught by Pastor Marty.
SMC 201 Growing in Christ Focuses on four habits of successful Christians and looks at other means of spiritual growth. This class will be taught by Bill Dorminy.
SMC 301 Walking in The Spirit This class is about being filled with the Holy Spirit and learning to live life under His Lordship, Anointing and Power. We learn to live a victorious life as the character
of Jesus becomes the character of our lives. This class will be taught by Ralph Sigler.
SMC 401 Finding Your Gifts and Ministry This class will help you deepen your walk with Christ by identifying your spiritual gifts and show you ways to use them. This class will be taught by Pastor Keith.
SIGN UP FOR A CLASS NOW! Call the Church Office, 702-6555.
SPIRITUAL MATURITY CLASSES: Begin Sunday February 27, 6:30-7:45pm The goal of these classes is to provide teaching to equip us to be successful followers of Christ. The classes should be taken in sequence, are offered twice a year, and everyone at Harvest is encouraged to complete the series.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri SaT13Encounter 6-8pmPGR-Parenting Class 6:30pm
14 15Community Prayer 10am-12pm
16Kid’s Baptism Class 5:30-6:15pmXtremeKidz 6:30pmSITE56 6:30-8pmYouth Group 6:30-8pmOpen Life Group 6:30pm
17 18Celebrate Recovery 6pm
19
20Les Beauchamp Am Services & 6:30pmEncounter 6-6:30pm
21Youth War & Peace Games 1-3:30pm
22Community Prayer 10am-12pm
23Kid’s Baptism Class 5:30-6:15pmXtremeKidz 6:30pmSITE56 6:30-8pmYouth Group 6:30-8pmOpen Life Group 6:30pm
24 25Celebrate Recovery 6pm
NOW 7pm
26
27Encounter 6-8pmSMC Begin 6:30pmPGR-Parenting Class 6:30pmChurch Prayer 8pm
28 1Community Prayer 10am-12pm
2Kid’s Baptism Class 5:30-6:15pmXtremeKidz 6:30pmSITE56 6:30-8pmYouth Group 6:30-8pmOpen Life Group 6:30pm
3 4Celebrate Recovery 6pm
5
Page 7Page 7
m a j o r c h u r c h a c t i v i t i e s
Deadline for the next newsletter is Wednesday, February 16 by Noon.
F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1
New Phone Number, E-mail, Mailing Address, or Name Change? Keep in touch! Please note updates to any of your contact information Sunday mornings on your communication card or e-mail Pat Beech anytime, [email protected].
Join the Yahoo Prayer Group without a Yahoo account. Send a blank email from your email address to: [email protected]. The facilitator will approve you shortly afterward.
February Angel Food Orders Onsite: Due Sun, Feb 13 by 12:30pm. EBT & SNAP: Due Thurs, Feb 17 by 3pm. Online: Due Sun, Feb 20 by 10:59pm. Distribution: Sat, Feb 26, 8:30-10:30, Ed Bldg drive thru. Menus available at Welcome Center and Info Centers. $1 per box goes to Harvest Benevolence Fund.
