Dothan, Alabama December 21, 2011 334-702-6555 INSIDE THIS ISSUE In The Spotlight...2 Group Life...3 In His Family...4 Harvest Worship...4 Harvest Kids...5 Harvest Youth...6 Advancing His Kingdom...6 Major Church Activities...7 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 From Pastor Ralph... Only a couple of days left til Christmas by the time this newsletter comes out. If you still have gifts to buy and preparations to make, it s time! I hope you are enjoying the Christmas season. I always feel a little torn at Christmas. It is such a wonderful time for most, but such a difficult time for so many. At some point in childhood, most of us looked at Christmas as the greatest day of the year. Twinkling lights, beautiful decorations, smiles and well wishes, cookies and treats, Santa Clause, and most of all presents! All of these produce such great sense of mystery, wonder, excitement, and expectation in a child. Many adults continue to enjoy Christmas through their children or grandchildren. We still like the decorations and gifts along with the family time, great memories, and time off from work. But for many, Christmas magnifies hurt, loss, and loneliness. The pain of divorce seems more acute. The loss of a spouse or loved one feels all the more tragic. Family hurts, disappointments, and loneliness can seem deeper. Yet, it is because of His coming that we have hope in spite of hurt and loss. He was not willing to leave us without hope. As the Christmas carol so aptly reminds us, Long lay the world in sin and error pining til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth. Because He has come, we need never be lonely. He promises to be with us always, and the reality of His presence and voice can grow increasingly real to us. He is the one who can heal our hurts and redeem our disappointments and loss. His presence brings hope in our pain. For those who know Him, weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Because He has come, darkness does not have the final word. The joy of Christmas is not about our circumstances. True joy is never about circumstances. Joy is about His presence. Joy comes as we focus on what He has done, on who He is, and on what He promises to do. Joy comes as we choose to rejoice even in our pain. We rejoice because our pain is temporal, and His coming guarantees ultimate victory if we follow Him. It is a time of wonder because He is wonderful! It is a time of mystery because we know Him only in part. It is a time of excitement and expectancy because He is able to do more than we ask, or even imagine (Ephesians 3:20), and promises to do it. It really is the greatest day of the year because He as come! Set your eyes on Christ this Christmas, and let every reminder of Him draw you into adoration and praise. His coming changes everything!
Jeff Burnett Youth Pastor Keith Frith Director of Ministries Wilson Garzon Pastor of Hispanic Ministries Cheryl Hidle Director of Worship and Performing Arts Josh Moore Assistant to Pastors Sean Nix Pastor of Small Groups Debi Parnell Children s Director Bob Pitcher Church Administrator Roy Rogers Congregational Care Pastor Will Siscel Assistant Pastor of Congregational Care Ralph Sigler Lead Pastor December 11 1,429 8:45 716 10:45 713 In The Spotlight Christmas Day Service Sunday, December 25, 11am-noon, Worship Center. Bring your own coffee! We will not be having a come-and-go Christmas Eve communion service this year. Please note that the church office will be closed December 26 and 27. Perspectives Course January 17 - April 24, 2012. Tuesdays, 6:20-8:50pm. This course is being offered through the coordination of a team made up from several Dothan churches. It was created to help you discover the vital roles you can play in God s global purpose and how you can use your gifts, skills, and passions for God s glory. Published by the US Center for World Mission and taught in over 200 locations, this is the first time the course has ever been offered in Dothan! You will hear 15 mission leaders speaking on the biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic work of God around the world, including: a worker with Chinese immigrants in Alabama, a professor of Old Testament and expert in missions from Asbury Seminary, presidents from two international mission agencies, church planters in Columbia and Russia, a 15-year missionary to Kazakhstan, and many more. Location for sessions: Wiregrass Foundation Conference Room. Cost: $265 ($245 early registration; $100 rebate upon completion). Registation and information: visit www. perspectives.org or contact Reverend Mike Hoppe at hoppemail@yahoo.com or 793-4440. Courageous Movie Night We are showing the movie Courageous on Sunday, January 22, at 6pm in the Worship Center. Join us! Night of Worship: 2012... Total Dedication Friday, January 27, 7pm, Worship Center. Membership Class Sunday, January 29, 5:30-8:30pm, Office Building. Page 2
Sean Nix What Does it Take to Change the World? Everyone has a dream. We all begin with big, seemingly boundless imaginations. We were those who said, One day I will So what is it that prevents most people from ever seeing their dreams become reality? Keep reading, and I will give the answer. I have big dreams in my heart dreams to change the world. No one has ever accused me of thinking small. I truly believe God has given of us all dreams to change the world. For many, all they do is dream, but dreams are the birthplace of vision, and vision is the architecture of change! If we are to change the world (our life, family, school, community, region, state, nation, people groups, nations) we must move beyond dreaming. In his book The Richest Man that Ever Lived: King Solomon s Secrets to Success, Wealth and Happiness, Steven Scott says the distinction between a dream and vision is that vision is a precise, clearly defined goal with a detailed plan and timetable for achieving that goal. I see several requirements (or ingredients) necessary for dreams to become reality Vision. Leadership required: By this I 1 do not mean leaders. There is a difference between leaders and leadership. One only has to look to the media for numerous poor examples of politicians, business leaders, educators, pastors, and parents demonstrating bad leadership. To be a leader (in a position of authority) does not equate to being a person who leads well. We need leadership Mentors and Masters! Here are a couple of my definitions of a leader: 1. The first one to do the right thing; 2. The one who understands that authority is given to them for the benefit of those they are under the authority of. Followers required: students 2 and learners. In the age of independence, everyone wants to be the head. Paul challenges us to be the body (I Corinthians 12); everyone can t be the head. When the parts are discontent with their role or attempt to redefine it, chaos rules. John Maxwell gives us three characteristics of a true leader: Character, Competence, and Connection. Mission required: kingdom 3 purpose coupled with action doers of the word (James 1:22), not just hearers and talkers. We must revisit the RED LETTERS OF JESUS to find the mission of Jesus, and then we must live it out. Everything we do should begin with the question, Does what I am doing reflect what Jesus would be doing and the mission he has called me to? That mission is to finish what he started, and bring him back to the earth. Community required: God created us for connection. To him 4 and to each other. The early church grew as a result of the people of God leading and following the mission of Jesus in community. Buildings are good for gathering, but they don t change people. God uses people to change people. In the context of community (small groups), true transformation occurs. Dreams cause us to see things from new and different perspectives. When dreams grow into a vision and a leader finds a community of people committed to the mission of Christ everything changes. We need a new brand of change in our families, communities, nation, and the world. I challenge you to dream and allow God to transform your dreams into vision. I challenge you to lead where you are called to lead and follow well where you are called to follow. I challenge you to live beyond ministry and live the mission of Jesus, and then do the ministry of the mission. I challenge you to be a part of a community of others who are doing this. I challenge you to change the world! May his kingdom come and his will be done [through you] on earth as it [already] is in heaven! For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen. Visit www.harvestdothan.com for more information about groups or Group Life events. Small Groups ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For more information on finding a group or leading a group, please contact Pastor Sean Nix at 702.6555, x232 or grouplife@harvestdothan.com. Page 3
I n H i s F a m i l y Births Gabriel Martin Campbell, son of Ronnie & Krista Campbell, was born on December 6, 2011. Tyler Corban Johnson, son of Mark & Jennifer Johnson, was born on December 9, 2011. Baby Dedications Kaia Joy Burnett (7 months), daughter of Jeff & Carrie Burnett, was dedicated to the Lord on December 11, 2011. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 Congregational Roy Rogers Care Pastor News from Japan - For those interested in news about Daniel Sigler s ongoing recovery work in Japan with Samaritan s Purse, you can read his updates on our website at www.harvestdothan.com. Mouse over events at the top and click on News from Japan. Decorate Booth: Volunteers Needed - Preparations have begun for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce s annual Spotlight on Business trade show which will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at the Dothan Civic Center from 3-7pm. The theme for 2012 will be Business Around the World. We are looking for volunteers to help plan and coordinate the Harvest booth. Interested? Questions? Call Laura Sukey at 702-6555 x222. End of the Year Contributions -Please remember that the church must receive all gifts by Thursday, December 29 or they must be postmarked by December 31 to be included in the 2011 contributions. Thank you for all you do to support what God is doing at Harvest. - Thank you to all of the volunteers who served during the Truth concert December 10. The members of the band were very appreciative for the church taking such good care of them! Night of Worship 2012 Total Dedication - Mark your calendars for our next Night of Worship on Friday, January 27, at 7pm in the Worship Center. If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24). I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. May the peace and love of Christ reign in your heart this holiday season and throughout the new year! Blessings to you and your family. Angels from the realms of glory, wing your flight o er all the earth. Ye who sang creations story, Now proclaim messiah s birth. Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the new-born king. To get involved, contact Cheryl Hidle, chidle@harvestdothan.com or 702.6555, x247. Cheryl Hidle Director of Worship & Performing Arts Page 4
Debi Parnell Children s Ministry Konstruction Zone - Sundays, 8:45 and 10:45am. KZ is a creative worship setting for children in Kindergarten through fourth grade. Kids see Bible lessons come to life through dynamic dramas, enjoy exciting worship music, and build relationships in agelevel small groups. SITE56 Preteen Ministry (5th/6th Grades) Wednesday Evenings, 6:30-8pm. S56 is a dynamic ministry designed to meet the special spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of 5th and 6th graders. SITE56 ers build relationships as they discover Biblical principles to help them with the unique issues that preteens encounter. Join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm! Please note that there will be no classes Wednesday December 21, 28, and January 4 so that you may enjoy the Holidays with your family. XTREMEKIDZ features a high energy focus on Bible study, prayer, and relationships. Classes for K-2nd grades and 3rd-4th grades meet Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. It s Xtreme Kidz for an Xtreme Jesus! Please note that there will be no classes Wednesday December 21, 28, and January 4 so that you may enjoy the Holidays with your family. Jinglebell Jam - A Joyful Worship Celebration of Jesus Birth. Christmas Day, 11am-noon in Konstruction Zone for Grades K-4th grade. Christmas Schedule for Sunday Evenings: There will be no classes on December 25 or January 1. Father Daughter Banquet - Last year we hosted a special dress-up night for dads to celebrate and share with their daughters. This year we would like to be able to host this event again if we can organize an event team. If you would be interested in serving on this team for the Father Daughter Banquet, please email Debi Parnell at kids@harvestdothan.com. To get involved, contact Debi, 702-6555, x236/ childrensministry@harvestdothan.com. SUNDAYS: Noah s Park (6 weeks- Preschool) 8:45 & 10:45am Konstruction Zone (K-4th grade) 8:45 & 10:45am WEDNESDAYS: XtremeKidz (K-4th grade) Wednesdays 6:30-8pm SITE56 (5th-6th grades) 6:30-8pm Our memory verse for December is Luke 2:7, Mary gave birth to her first baby boy and she named him Jesus. Christmas and children are a great combination for the season. We are talking this month not only about the birth of our savior but also giving to others. It s wonderful to see smiling, excited faces of children bringing food items for others. We have had a wonderful year in the preschool/nursery. THANK YOU to everyone who made a difference. Keep on giving so the name of Jesus keeps on living. Everyone have a blessed Christmas in the name of Jesus! To get involved, contact Dana, 702-6555, x241/childrensministry@harvestdothan.com. Dana Britto Preschool/Nursery Page 5
The Way - Wednesdays, 6:30pm, upstairs in the Ed Bldg. Harvest Youth Encounter Small Groups - Sundays, 6-8pm, upstairs in the Ed Bldg. 2012 Youth Ski Trip - January 15-18 at Sugar Mountain, North Carolina. We will leave from the church at 8am on Sunday the 15th. What to pack: Bible, notepad, pen, food, money, extra blanket/pillow, toiletries, clothes (bring ski apparel and plan to dress in layers), etc. Cost: Basic ski package - $225; Ski trip with lesson - $240; Ski trip with snowboard - $245; Ski trip with snowboard & lesson - $260. Lessons are required for all first time skiers and snowboarders. A $75 deposit was due December 11; remaining balance is due January 8. For more information, pick up an event brochure at youth on Wednesday or contact the church office at 702-6555. Treasure Hunt - Saturday, January 28, 1-4pm. Meet in the office building. Join us as we roll around town looking for a series of clues that will lead you to a treasure. The first group to make it back to the church will win! Please note: There will be no Encounter small groups on December 25 and Jefff Burnett January 1. Youth WILL be meeting on December 21, 28, and January 4. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information, contact jburnett@harvestdothan.com. Youth Pastor ADVANCING HIS KINGDOM Men s Breakfast - Saturday, January 14, from 8:30-9:30am in the Youth Room. Special guest: Christian Comedian, Steve Durkac. Ministry Opportunities: Jail Ministry - After the first of the year, we are hoping to start going to the county jail to facilitate lunch or afternoon meetings with inmates in a classroom setting. The chaplain said they have more need for a teaching format than preaching right now. If you have interest in being involved with the jail ministry, please contact Keith Frith at 702-6555 x239 or kfrith@harvestdothan.com. We will train you with a curriculum and work out a schedule that fits your schedule. Refreshment Team - We need refreshment team volunteers who would work at a table pouring juice and water at both services. You only need to work once a month. Interested? Please contact Cheryl Frith at 702-6555 x231 or cfrith@ harvestdothan.com. Keith Frith Usher Team - We need ushers for both services on Sunday mornings. Are you assertive, friendly, and enjoy meeting new people? The usher team would love to have you join. You only would need to serve one Sunday per month during the service of your choice. Please contact Cheryl Frith at 702-6555 x231 or cfrith@harvestdothan.com if you are interested. Pastor of Ministries To get involved in the ministry of Harvest, contact Keith Frith @ 702.6555, x239 or kfrith@harvestdothan.com. Page 6
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat 25 Christmas Day Service 11am 26 office closed major church activities December/January 2011 27 office closed Community Prayer 10am-12pm 28 The Way 6:30-8pm 29 30 Celebrate Recovery 6pm 31 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, pbeech@harvestdothan.com. 1 Happy New Year! 2 office closed 3 Community Prayer 10am-12pm 4 The Way 6:30-8pm 5 6 Celebrate Recovery 6pm 7 College & Career Group 7pm Missed Sunday Morning s Message? You Can Listen at www.harvestdothan.com or pick up a CD at the Welcome Center. 8 9 10 Community Prayer 10am-12pm College & Career Group 7pm Join the Yahoo Prayer Group without a Yahoo account. Send a blank email from your email address to: harvestchurch-subscribe@ yahoogroups.com. The facilitator will approve you shortly afterward. Page 7 11 XtremeKidz 6:30pm SITE56 6:30pm The Way 6:30-8:30pm Kingdom Life 6:30pm Emergency Pastoral Care Only If you have an emergency and need to contact a pastor on the weekend or after hours, please call 648-0270. The pastor oncall will return your call as soon as possible. 12 13 Celebrate Recovery 6pm 14 Men s Breakfast 8:30-9:30am Harvest Nametags To request a permanent nametag, mark I would like a permanent nametag on your Communication Card on Sunday mornings or call the church office, 702-6555. Please allow one week for processing. They can be picked up Sun mornings at the Welcome Center, main lobby.
Harvest Church NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DOTHAN, AL PERMIT NO. 87