A Word from Pastor Jeff

Hey Harbor family, 

August is here, and while it's still hot, we are getting ready to kick off our Fall ministry season, which means a lot is happening. As always, we encourage you to stay up to date with the opportunities at The Harbor by checking the Events page of our website and all of our social media channels. 

To begin with, though, I wanted to tell you who the President should be. Jesus. If anyone could lead our country perfectly, it's Him. But since Jesus is the King of God's Kingdom and isn't going to be our President, we need to know how to engage in the earthly kingdom in which we live. That's why we are starting a new series on August 11th called, Undivided Kingdom: Living Beyond the Left and Right. 

Undivided Kingdom: Living Beyond the Left and Right Sermon Series — As we approach another divisive and contentious election season in our country, the debate and divide between the Left and Right continue to grow. Battle lines are clearly drawn. The "us vs. them" mentality is at an all-time high. For followers of Jesus, how are we to engage in the politics of our earthly kingdom without abandoning our purpose in God's Kingdom? How can we be proud of our country without putting our faith in it and its system? How can we be patriotic without being partisan? Can we? Jesus and the writers of Scripture seem to think so. But in order for us to display an "Undivided Kingdom," we must begin "Living beyond the Left and Right." 

I would encourage you to begin praying about who you can invite to participate in this series and to continue praying for our unity. The enemy tries to divide us in this area the most. Let's approach this subject with kindness, gentleness, and humility. 

Below are just a few of the things happening at The Harbor in August.

Night of Worship — On Sunday evening, August 11th, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, we will gather for a Night of Worship. Nothing unites God's people more than lifting up the name of Christ together. Childcare is provided for kids two months old through new Kindergarteners. Older children are welcome to join us in praising our mighty God in the Worship Center.

Women's Bible Study - Women's Bible study will be starting on Tuesday, August 27th, at 10:00 AM or 6:30 PM. Childcare is provided and registration is required. This semester, they will study a book that overviews the Bible's book of Jude. It's called Jude - Contending for the Faith in Today's Culture by Jackie Hill Perry. Click here to register today. Registration ends on August 11th. 

Super Sixer - Coming up on Wednesday, August 14th, we are hosting an event for all incoming 6th graders to get to know our Student Ministry. From 6:30 - 8:00 PM, all 6th-grade students and their parents (guardians) are invited to come enjoy some food, meet our Student Ministry staff and leaders, hear about what to expect at Harbor Students, and ask any questions you may have. RSVP by clicking here by August 11th.

Baptism—On Sunday, August 25th, we will once again celebrate baptism together. Baptism is your next step after putting your faith in Jesus. If you are a follower of Christ, at least eight years old, and have never been baptized, please sign up here by August 18. For all those under 18 years old, one of our Harbor Student or Kids Ministry leaders will meet with you for some important baptism information prior to that Sunday. 

Lastly, if you could not be in service last Sunday, you will want to watch online to get caught up. In the service, Chris Taylor and I told everyone about a "brand new thing" God has called him and his family to pursue. For several months, some leaders at The Harbor and I have been walking with Chris through a discerning process of where God was leading. As Chris' gifts have continued to grow and expand in preaching and leadership, God has been more and more apparent and confirming that He was preparing Chris for a Lead Pastor position of some kind. 

Through many confirmations, God has made it abundantly clear that Chris and Cait are called to plant a church in the Colorado Springs area. Right now, we are unsure of his last day (most likely sometime this Fall). We are continuing to walk with Chris and Cait as they determine the next steps to be taken. Lord willing, they will enter a church planting residency (training) in the Colorado Springs area as a next step. 

When we learn more details about his transition, we will share them with you. Until then, let's lift the Taylors in prayer and celebrate all that God has done through them. I am so thankful for Chris' dedication and commitment to Jesus and our church. He has walked through his entire time with us, as well as this process of discernment and calling, with great integrity, humility, submission, and honor. He will be greatly missed, but we trust God with him and our church, and we are fully confident in the incredible Worship Arts team he has helped build and lead over the last four years. 

That's all for now, fam! I am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. 

Til the end, 

Pastor Jeff