January 2019 Update
This fall and beginning of winter, the elders met on the following dates:
September 12, 19, 26
October 10, 24
November 7, 14, 28
December 5, 12.
We focused on the following topics over the course of those meetings:
2019 VISION & DIRECTION:
The goals for our church’s ministry year (Sept. 2018-August 2019) have been finalized!
Lead our people by prioritizing prayer.
Help our people take their next step with Jesus.
Utilize outreach opportunities to increase our influence in Rochester, MN.
Also, we worked alongside the Operations Director (Ben Levno) and Finance Coordinator (Jared Kidder) to establish the 2019 budget. Our 2019 budget was set at $913,000, which is a 9% percent increase from 2018. We are grateful for the faithful, cheerful, and generous giving of God’s people!
CHURCH HOME:
Much time praying, evaluating, and planning went into the consideration of purchasing the 37th street property and by God’s provision, we were able to finalize the acquisition of the land in early January. We are grateful to the landowner for the willingness to sell the property at below-market cost and excited to see what God has in store for our church there! We believe this land will have a direct and positive impact on the mission of Harvest to make disciples. In addition, this purchase demonstrates our long-term commitment to the city of Rochester and our excitement to be good neighbors to those that live around us.
As part of the land purchase process, a significant down-payment was needed. The 5G Opportunity helped us all take our next steps to mature in our walk with Christ by being believers who are glorifying, growing, gracious, generous, and grateful. The total received by the end of the year for the building fund was $327,201.26. By being able to put $500,000 down, we have a manageable mortgage of $900,000 that fits into our already budgeted facilities costs.
SERVICE TIME CHANGE:
Due to an imbalance of attendance during Sunday morning services and in Harvest Kids, the staff and elders surveyed our church body and then elected to change the service times to 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The staff communicated the new times to the church body and the change was made on January 13, 2019. It was well received and we have already seen a balancing of attendance. We will continue to monitor the attendance with the new service times and make adjustments as needed. We praise God for growing His church!
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:
Deacons began joining the elders once a month in our meetings starting in September 2018.
73 people from our church attended Vertical Church Conference in Chicago and were strengthened in their relationship with Jesus and were equipped to serve Him.
Kendall Koens and Adam Sawatsky were installed as elders in November 2018.
OUTREACH:
By God’s grace, we are continuing to grow our outreach and compassion ministry. Here are some highlights:
On October 11, 2018, many of the staff, elders and deacons attended the Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge Rochester Gala. It was a great evening to support this ministry and hear testimonies of how God is using this ministry to help those who struggle with addictions.
This fall an opportunity was presented to partner with one of our regular attendees to purchase 50 soccer balls for “Can Do Kids International” in Kenya. Because of this purchase, they were able to host a community soccer tournament in Muranga County in Central Kenya and the gospel was presented.
In December 2018, we partnered with Friendship Place in their goal to reach out to the children and families of southeast Rochester. We purchased winter gear (hats, gloves, and socks), a book, and a hand-written note for each of the families that regularly attend tutoring at Friendship Place. Through this, we were able to bless 18 families and 61 children by meeting practical needs and showing them the love of Jesus
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Pray for our church to be a house of prayer. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to move on Sunday mornings in people’s hearts. We would love to see spontaneous prayer continue to happen throughout Kellogg Middle School every week.
Pray for the elders as they explore outreach opportunities to increase our influence in Rochester.
Pray for unity among our elders, deacons, staff, Small Groups, serving teams, and members.
Pray for a fresh start for our church body as we focus on repentance, forgiveness, and love.
*This is an update for September - December 2018