Sunday, October 17, 2021
In Person Church and Live Streamed at the
9am Traditional & 11am Contemporary Worship
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Sermon Message:
"Used People: Making A Difference" Part 2
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30
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From The Pastor
Harvester Happenings!
Fishing Trip
We almost have 30 who have signed up for our deep-sea fishing trip! We will head out at 8am and return around 1pm. If you are attending, it is recommended that you arrive an hour ahead of time (7am), so that means for those who will be carpooling from the church, we will need to leave by 6am. For a list of things you can and cannot bring with you, please visit the Hubbard’s Marina website at http://www.hubbardsmarina.com. Also, if you have not paid, you can give through the church’s online giving as “other,” or bring a check payable to Harvester on Saturday. We have already paid for each person’s trip ($65) and pole ($7.50), except for Doug who has his own gear! If you have any questions please call me at 813-713-6151.
Pumpkin Patch
The answer to last week’s question was, “We is!” After being told about a two day delay, the truck driver decided to watch “Smokey and the Bandit” and to drive the pumpkins to the church in record time! I am so thankful for the small army who worked for 2 1/2 hours and delivered 1400+ pumpkins!! (For some reason I am still sore!) Thanks to all of you! We will have another Playtime in the Patch on Monday, October 18, at 10am for the children in our community. If you want to attend and help out, or greet the community we would love to have you! We also have several time slots where we need volunteers to sell pumpkins as well, so check the “Pumpkin Board.”
I will also hint that we have two very special announcements that will be made this Sunday at both services so tune in or show up! Please continue to love and pray for our church family, and know that your pastor loves and prays for all of you!
Pastor Russ
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Connect with Harvester
For Online Giving click the Harvester link above and look for online giving in the upper right-hand corner.
For those who use the Push Pay App, you will now need to call the toll free number (833) 398-2468 instead of texting 77977. Major wireless carriers are no longer supporting these short codes. Those of you who already registered your account for Text Giving using 77977 will not need to re-register with Harvester's new toll-free number (833) 398-2468.
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From Pastor Gary
Holly and I got to spend a great four days in Illinois. My mom was so surprised she was literally shaking. It was a great surprise. It was also great to spend time with two of my siblings. God blessed us with some family time we had needed for a long time.
I need to thank you all for continuing to pray for my right eye. The work to correct this eye began in February and Monday I had my follow up to see how it had healed from the final attempt to fix it. They reshaped my cornea and this week was going to determine whether I would wear glasses the rest of my life or not. After a few eye tests, I was told that my right eye was 20/20. It was a long process, but it was well worth it. Thank you for the prayers and the concern. Never did a week go by that someone in my Harvester family didn't ask me about my eye. I love you all!
Go and Make Disciples!
Peace,
Pastor Gary
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Children's Sunday School is during the 11am Worship
For Children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade!!!
Nursery is also available at both the 9am & 11am worship!
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Children's Ministry Director
Holly Hallam
Upcoming Events
Playtime in the Patch
October 18th (Preschool -5th)
10:00 – 11:00am
If you are willing to volunteer to help with Playtime in the Patch, please email Holly at [email protected]. I promise that all you’ll need to do is show up and run one of the stations. Stations have already been planned.
Trunk or Treat: October 30th from 5:00 – 6:30 in the church parking lot!
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Children's Ministry News
This past Sunday we heard the story of Jesus eating dinner with Matthew and the other tax collectors, thus making the religious leaders very upset. Jesus explained that he came to save those who did not yet believe, not those who already believed. He loves ALL people, saved and sinners alike. This week we will hear the story of Lydia and how she used her special gifts to help others. The children will be encouraged to do the same.
Monthly Memory Verse
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well." Psalm139:14, NIV
Monthly Life Application
INDIVIDUALITY - Discovering who you're meant to be so you can make a difference.
Basic Truth
I can trust God no matter what.
Parent Cue
Meal Time: At a meal this week, ask your child, "What is one way each of us could use something we are food at to help someone else?" Make a plan to put your ideas into action.
REMEMBER... MONDAY, OCTOBER 18TH....PLAYTIME IN THE PATCH......10:00 - 11:00.....AGES PRESCHOOL - 5TH GRADE
Thank you for sending your children to us!
God Bless,
Holly
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Sunday, October 17th
Activate! Youth Group
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Harvester's Youth Group meets in person on Sunday evenings from 5:30-7pm in the Youth Room. It is open to all Middle School and High School Students. Come join the fun and weekly activities! For more information, contact Pastor Russ at [email protected].
Youth & Parents: Join our Instagram @harvesterstudents to keep in touch, and up to date on Activate Youth Group happenings!
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Help Sell Pumpkins!
Volunteers are needed to help sell pumpkins now through October 31st. Each shift is two hours and children & youth must be accompanied by an adult. Each Youth needs to sign up two times. The proceeds will help offset the cost of the Youth Summer Conferences.
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Playtime in the Patch
Invite your children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors to join us for Playtime in the Patch on Tuesday, October 12th or Monday, October 18th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. There will be games, snacks, story time and photo opportunities in the Pumpkin Patch. It is open to all toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/guardians.
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October is Pastor Appreciation Month! |
We would like to thank Pastor Russ and Pastor Gary for all they do for Harvester. If you would like to send cards of appreciation, we have baskets available in the Welcome Center or you can mail them to the church or to their homes.
Harvester ~ 2432 Collier Parkway, Land O Lakes, FL 34639
Pastor Russ ~ 2718 Billingham Drive, Land O Lakes, FL 34639
Pastor Gary ~ 4632 Carroway Drive, Land o Lakes, FL 34639
We will celebrate our Pastor's on Sunday, October 31st at our 5th Sunday Pot Luck. Harvester will provide desserts!
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Town Hall Meeting
We will have a Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, October 24th at 3:30pm in the Sanctuary to discuss our current happenings. Everyone is welcome to attend and then join us for our Annual Charge Conference at 4:30pm in the Sanctuary.
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Harvester's Annual Charge Conference |
This year's Annual Charge Conference will be live streamed on Sunday, October 24th at 4:30pm in our Sanctuary. Everyone is welcome to join us. |
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Confirmation Class will begin October 27 at 6pm in Fellowship Hall. Children who are mature 6th graders through adult are invited to participate in this 6 week course. We will also attend the worship services of other religions and denominations. Those who complete the class and are ready, will be baptized if necessary and will join the church. Sign up on the bulletin board in the hallway or email Pastor Russ at [email protected]. |
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Trunk or Treat
Join us on Saturday, October 30th from 5:00 to 6:30pm in the Harvester Parking Lot!!
Bring the kids for some fun and safe trick or treating!!!
Volunteer to decorate your vehicle and pass out candy. If you are unable to participate, candy donations are gladly accepted.
Sign up sheets are on a bulletin board in the church hallway.
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5th Sunday Combined Worship & Pot Luck |
October 31st we will gather for our 5th Sunday combined worship at 10am followed by a Pot Luck Lunch. Members, visitors, guests, EVERYONE IS INVITED! Sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletin board in the hallway with suggested food / beverage items. Desserts will be provided by Harvester to celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month!
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Performing at Harvester on Sunday, day, October 31st following our 5th Sunday Pot Luck Lunch. Join us in the Sanctuary for this fun and free event. Invite Friends and neighbors! |
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We would like to reach out to our Harvester college students to let them know we love and care about them. The Sisters In Spirit are collecting notes and cards of encouragement, treats (gum, mints, lip balm), snacks (candy bars, cereal bars, trail mix, cookies), gift cards ($5 or $10 to Dunkin Donuts, Taco Bell, etc.) and anything that would let them know we are thinking of them during the challenging time of exam week before winter break. We have a bin in the church hallway and will be collecting items between now and November 14th. Your support is appreciated! |
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Resumes on Saturday, November 6th. Join us at Harvester at 8:30 am on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month for breakfast and Bible study beginning on November 6th. Contact David Haqq for details at [email protected].
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Open to everyone!
Thursdays at 12pm in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for Bible study and bring a bag lunch.
Contact Gary Evans for more information at
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Students In Transition
S.I.T. Food Bags
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We supply 35 food bags for students at Marlowe Elementary each week. This is such a wonderful mission for our church and we are grateful to partner with other churches to fulfill this need.
Please consider donating individual serving, non-perishable items so that we can meet this need. Items such as individual peanut butter cups, cereal boxes, and fruit & pudding cups would be great! Thank you all for your help in this mission!
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Janet Sass
OCC Project Leader
813-598-1783
Thanks for you continued support!
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Hello Harvester! Just got an update on our Spare Change bottles -- more than $1,058 has been collected which means we are covered for 117 boxes! So that's 117 children who will come to learn about Jesus, what a blessing 🙂 And, we've already had one packed box turned in from a Harvester member who picked up a GO box and filled it at home with all sorts of goodies!
If you want to do the same, we still have GO boxes on our table in the church hallway if you want to pack them individually or as a family outside of the packing party. Inside are instructions on what to and not to pack, how to track your box, some other Samaritan's Purse information, and two rubber bands. Once you've packed your box, please pray for the child who receives it as well as their family and every person who might touch that box once it leaves your hands. God will find the right child for every box!
Harvester's new adventure as a local drop-off church is nearing. We will be open for a minimum of 2 hours each day between Monday, November 15, and Monday, November 22. Our Sisters in Spirit have signed up to help out, but we could sure use more help. A sign-up sheet is on the OCC bulletin board in the main hallway. Please take a look and sign up for a slot if you can help out. There is also a column for "Truck Transporters" -- we'll need folks with pick-up trucks or large SUV's who would be willing to take any cartons we fill over to the Zephyrhills central drop-off location. This will be needed several times during the week, but not every day since the central location closes early on several of our "later" days. If you can help us with this, please sign up and we'll coordinate the days and times with the volunteers.
Please keep filling the Spare Change bottles! Each $9 we collect is another shoebox that can bring a child closer to Jesus! The collection bottles are on our table in the main hallway. When you bring back your filled bottles, just hand them to me on Sunday morning or leave them in the plastic shoebox on the table, or you could leave them on the back counter in the church office.
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December 18th
Carols, Cocoa and Community
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Join The Praise Band!
Guitar players, drummers and vocalists are needed!!
If you don't sing or play, but would like to help with sound or video, you are invited, too!
Anyone interested contact Phillip Brown at [email protected] or 813-777-3025. You do not have to be a member of Harvester to be in the band!
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Join us as we decorate the Sanctuary and church hallways for Christmas on Saturday, November 27th at 10am.
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Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday, December 5th at 4:30pm in the Sanctuary to sing Christmas Hymns and celebrate Harvester’s 27th Anniversary! Bring a dessert or finger foods to share.
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The 2022 Altar Flower Chart
is on a bulletin board in the Church hallway
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You can order them in honor of or in memory of a loved one. You can also contact the church office and we can sign up for you. We get our beautiful flower arrangements from Publix each week and the cost is $25.
Those providing flowers are encouraged to take them home
after worship to enjoy!
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C.L.A.S.S.
(Christian Life And Service Seminars)
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CLASS 101 (Discovering Church Membership) TBA
CLASS 201 (Discovering Spiritual Maturity) TBA
CLASS 301 (Discovering My Ministry) TBA
CLASS 401 (Discovering My Mission) TBA
Remember that each CLASS must be taken in order (i.e., you must take 101 before 201, and take both 101 and 201 before taking 301, etc.). Childcare is provided upon request.
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If you are interested in taking:
CLASS 101, CLASS 201, CLASS 301 or CLASS 401 email Pastor Russ at [email protected] and he will schedule a class time and date that is convenient for you.
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Harvester ladies gather at the church on Thursdays at 11:30am to enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant.
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It's Still Mowing Season At Harvester!!! |
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Join the Ground Hogs and help keep our property mowed, edged and looking good! No experience needed and training is provided!
We are in need of someone who can do the edging and blowing either on Thursday mornings or on Saturday morning.
If you are interested or want more information, contact Elvis Goddard at 813-220-2464 or Denny Johnson at 813-431-7939.
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Family Dinner Night at Pizza Villa |
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Any questions contact
Earl & Joan Heiden at
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Come out and enjoy the food, fellowship and fun!
Everyone is welcome to join us at 5:00 p.m. at the Pizza Villa Restaurant in Land O Lakes the second Saturday of each month. We can't wait to see you all there!
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The Adult Sunday School Class is on Sunday mornings at 10:15am in Rooms 117 & 118.
We are studying A guide To James, "Growing In The Christian Life." Larry Young will facilitate the class.
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Volunteer at Christian Social Services |
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Christian Social Services Thrift Store and food pantry are open Tuesday - Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Donations accepted until 3pm (some days donation receiving closes earlier - call (813) 995-0088 before you bring your donations.
Harvester Helpers can volunteer the last Saturday of each month from 10am to 12pm. No experience needed, just show up!
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Our prayer group meets at 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays. We meet via Zoom and everyone in the church is invited. If you are interested in joining, email Pastor Gary at [email protected]
Here is the Zoom information you need. If you need help, please call Pastor Gary at 813-727-5556 and he will get you set up.
Meeting ID: 614 144 8568
Password: 164573
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Thank you for your faithful giving!
Attendance, Tithes and Offerings
In Person Attendance Sunday, October 10...............119
Online Views Sunday, October 10...............................184
Operating Received Sunday, October 10........................$9,044.42
Operating Received Year to Date.......................................$299,030.76
Operating Year to Date Budget...........................................$346,844.01
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Watch our Sermon's Live on
Sunday mornings
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No Facebook account? No problem! Click the link below and watch our Sermon's live on Harvester's Facebook page at 9:00 a.m. for our Traditional Service or at 11 a.m. for our Contemporary Worship on Sunday mornings or tune in later to watch the video.
Just click the link the link above and it will take you directly to the Harvester facebook page. To the left of the screen, click on "Videos". Then it will take you to our most recent sermon's. When you click on the most recent video, in the bottom right corner on the video screen, there is another volume button. Make sure it is all the way up.
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Worship with us Sunday mornings at our 9am Traditional Service or at 11am for our Contemporary Service.
No reservations are required!
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Virtual Attendance Pad
Now on the
Harvester Web Site!
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Help us to still keep track of our attendance at the 9am & 11am live streaming service.
Just click the link and it will take you to the Harvester web site
Scroll down a little bit and click on the purple tab that say "Let Us Know You Were There"
Then type in your name and information then hit "Send" ! It's just that easy!
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Thank you to our Groundhogs, Elvis Goddard, Keith Swan, Tom Herrin, Denny Johnson, Bob Cursey, Randy Ayers, Skip Henk, Bruce Kitchen and Ken Lemanowicz for mowing and edging our church grounds! They look beautiful and we appreciate all your time and hard work!
Thank you to Randy and Pan Ayers for providing and maintaining the lovely flowers at our main entrance each week.
Thank you to Joanie Einemann for helping out in the Church Office each week. You are truly a blessing!
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Church Historian Needed at Harvester |
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Are you organized and creative, interested in our church's history, have the ability to gather information from various resources and have a servant heart? Then Church Historian could be the position for you!
We are seeking a volunteer to help to continue to maintain our church records by documenting, collecting and preserving materials from our activities, events, milestones and anniversaries! Much of the information is already provided to you through our weekly email newsletter the WOW and bulletin.
Collecting the information and coupling it with materials and/or photos would be all you need to be successful. If you are interested or would like more information, contact the church office at 813-948-2311 or [email protected] or contact Cindy Kitchen at [email protected].
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Our Congregational Care Team leaders are Deborah Alexander (813-994-2538) and co-chair Sandi Newby (813-996-2825). If it is an emergency and you need someone immediately, call or text Pastor Gary at 813-727-5556. Please feel free to call the church 813-948-2311 anytime day or night for things that don't need immediate attention. As soon as someone is in the office, they will return your call or forward your message to the appropriate person. The church office hours are 8:00 am - 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday. |
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Our Church Library is available for everyone to use! Stop by and check out some materials and feel free to borrow what you like! We have a really nice collection.
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Church Contact Information
Office
(813) 948-2311
Web Site
Pastor
Russell O. McKee III
Family Ministries Pastor
Gary Hallam
Worship & Creative Arts
Phillip Brown
Administrative Assistant
Sheila Fitzgerald
Nursery Coordinator
Christina Monette
Director of Children's Ministry
Holly Hallam
Director of Youth Ministry
Daniel Esposito
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Church Office Hours
Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 3:30 pm. Contact Sheila at 813-948-2311 or email [email protected] with any questions, concerns or needs.
As you all know, I mostly work from home but do keep some office hours at church. If you should need to get into the church for any reason, feel free to contact me and I can get there quickly. The best way to contact me is my cell 813-857-2602.
Room Availability At Harvester
Any Ministry Team, Bible Study Group or anyone needing to reserve a room, multiple rooms or the church property, please contact Sheila in the church office to confirm availability and to schedule your meeting and/or event at [email protected] or (813) 948-2311
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Like us on Facebook!!
Harvester has several groups on Facebook, so check them out!
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Harvester Women - Sisters in Spirit
Harvester Youth - Activate
Harvester Kids - Children's Ministry ***this is a closed group - meaning that only members will be able to see the information in it for the safety of our children -- but all you have to do to be a part of it is request to join -- there are 3 questions (are you a member/regular attendee of Harvester?, What Harvester Children's activities have you/do you plan to attend? What ages are your children? Once the admin approves it, you will have access to the pages.
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Harvester APP
You can now download the Harvester App through the App Store for either
Apple or Google! Search: HarvesterUMC
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With our App you can:
View previous sermons
See our church calendar
Find out more information about HUMC
Submit a prayer request
Make a donation
Read the Bible
Receive updates about Harvester
And so much more!
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Be sure to turn your notifications on to receive messages from the church. |
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