January 2017 Update
The elders would like to express our thankfulness to the members and friends of this church for a fruitful year of discipleship. God is building His church and we are grateful that you are part of it.
“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.” Eph 2:20
10-YEAR VISION:
After one year of our ten-year church vision we would like to review two of the vision items:
“Your God Story” This fall, we started a study in the book of Acts with the sermon series: “Unstoppable: The Power within the Church.” Our Small Groups have been focusing on writing our story of salvation and sharing testimonies. It is very encouraging to hear the stories of how God has moved in people’s hearts and is redeeming lost people to Himself. Now that you can articulate your story and have practiced it, ask God for opportunities to share it with others.
“Intentionally Disciple Someone” The elders are committed to his vision by discipling another person at Harvest for six to twelve months. Our hope is to equip others to disciple, as well as mentor future leaders.
As elders, we would ask each of you to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. We live in a community and a world where many have no hope. You can be the light someone needs in their darkest hour.
STAFF:
Additionally, we are blessed with staff who serve the church faithfully in vocational ministry leading, and equipping us, who call Harvest home. Take time to pray for them and their families as they continue to equip the saints for the work of the ministry.
ELDER INSTALLATION:
We are excited that Ben Levno has been installed as an elder. After a four-month apprenticeship, he has been installed to serve our church in this capacity.
BUILDING UPDATE:
At our elder meetings, and individually, we have been seeking the Lord’s direction in prayer for the building that He wants to call His home in Rochester. As part of that process we have looked at several buildings. We have pursued one opportunity in particular but do not have anything to report as of this time. We would ask for you to continue praying for the Lord’s will and timing in this process.
CHURCH PLANTING:
In the past year, Steve Buehler and Steve Deedrick attended meetings at Harvest Chicago regarding a coaching role for new church plants. In our five years we have assisted nine Harvest churches through discipling, finances, or personnel. We are excited for how God will use our church in the future. One of our most recent activities is in Madison, WI where there is a core group forming around a couple from Rochester. Harvest Rochester has helped bring this before the Harvest Bible Fellowship, and we are seeing God move as He stirs up a vertical church in Madison.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Please pray with us in these specific areas:
Roni Mugaki launches Harvest Downtown Minneapolis on February 12!
Continue to pray for him and the core group and prayerfully consider driving up to help at their first service.
Church Planting- pray for the core groups forming in Madison, WI, Seattle, WA, and Jamaica.
“Unstoppable: The Power of Making Disciples” – pray for our continued study in the book of Acts and for the opportunity to make disciples as we apply God’s Word to our lives.
Building – ask God to guide us to the gathering place He wants Harvest to call home.
*This is an update for September-December 2016