September 2019 Update
The elders are grateful for all who served the Lord’s church during this Summer of Simplicity. A big thank you to the volunteers, deacons, and staff who helped with events such as the National Day of Prayer, Vertical Kids Week, Church in the Park, Much More, Act Like Men nights, the Harvest Students Worship Retreat, and small group baptisms. We are excited to pursue God, along with you, as we head into the Fall Launch with the initial series of the 2019-2020 ministry year: “Follow Me.”
This Summer, the elders met on May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, June 5, June 12, August 3, August 14, August 21, and August 28. They focused on the following:
STAFF TRANSITIONS:
This summer, three of the church’s staff members: Chris Persons, Ben Levno, and Mallory Gregory, decided to leave their employment at Harvest. This was a time of deep sadness and reflection for our elder team. We have felt the weight of this transition in the church body and personally as well. In the time leading to their departures, there had been months of prayer, meetings, and counseling in an attempt to reconcile relationships. We are seeking the Lord and trusting in His timing as we continue pursuing reconciliation.
As shepherds of this church, we have provided communication and support to church members through a family chat, answering emails directed to the elders, and meeting with individuals.
LEARNING AND MOVING FORWARD:
The elders again sought deeper insight from Lee Lewis, a Biblical counselor who had previously been in Rochester in March 2019 to provide soul care for the staff.
The elder team has engaged the expertise of Lyle Wells, a consultant from Integrus Leadership, to coach our Lead Pastor, our elder team, and our staff from now until the end of 2020 to promote unity and growth among the leadership teams.
Training has been held for the elders, staff, and key leaders by Gregg Caruso of Vital Church Ministry on policy governance. The goal of this training was to teach how to clearly set expectations and roles for those in leadership. We continue to work towards implementing all that we have learned.
Based on a recommendation from Lee Lewis, the elders facilitated a counseling intensive for Steve and Kimberly. This has been a challenging time for both of them as they navigate through the difficulties of ministry. The elders desire to strengthen them in their relationship with Jesus and with one another, so they will attend the counseling intensive in September.
Tyler Drewitz, owner of myXP, was hired as the new bookkeeping services for Harvest. We are excited for him to work on the budget for 2020 in the Fall.
BUILDING TEAM (CHURCH HOME FOR HARVEST):
The elders prayerfully decided against having a Financial Campaign in the Fall of 2019. The deacons did some maintenance on the 37th St. property and had a night of worship and prayer with some small groups on the land.
PRAYER:
The elders have spent much time in prayer this summer, seeking the Lord and His direction for the church. The elders planned the week of prayer that will be executed in September. They look forward to joining together with the church to pray for the people of Rochester.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Pray for comfort for the people at Harvest who are grieving from the loss of the staff, and for wisdom for the elders to shepherd them well.
Joy, patient endurance, and unity among the staff, volunteers, and elders as we carry a weightier load until additional staff are hired.
God’s Spirit to move in our community. Many are without hope and we want to proclaim the hope that is found in Jesus to those who come into our lives. Let us be ambassadors for the King in daily life and may His Spirit draw in those who need him on Sunday morning as well.
Praise God for Pat Wester, who is serving in the role of Interim Pastor of Harvest Kids. We appreciate Pat stepping into this role on an interim basis and appreciate the ministry experience and wisdom that he brings.
*This is an update for May - August 2019