Word of the Week
January 17, 2019
 
From The Pastor

Who are you listening to?
        
I know you already know what I'm about to mention, but I'm going to do it anyway. The Bible talks about spiritual forces that are all around us. Most of us know we can't see them directly, but we know they exist.
      
On the one hand you have the side of evil - the dark side. Satan and his bunch are all about trying to defeat and destroy the people of God. They want us to believe that God could never really love or forgive anyone like us. He doesn't have to try very hard to convince us because we already are prone to doubt God's presence and love anyway.
       
On the other hand, we have an amazing presence of light and hope that calls us to lift our eyes to our risen Savior, Jesus, and to realize His grace, mercy, and love that wants to unite us all in Him! He wants us to remember how He has moved in our past, and to believe that He is with us and will continue to give us hope in spite of anything we are facing!
      
I know these are very simplistic statements about that whole spiritual realm, but as your pastor I feel called to remind you (even once again!) who our God is, and who we are because of Jesus! I continue to hear about my brothers and sisters in the faith that are feeling defeated and who are ready to give up. In spite of what God has done in your own life, and in the lives of so many in the world, and even in the life of our church, there is a tendency to abandon God at the first sign of difficulty. Really it's nothing new. Israel's wishy-washy faith is well chronicled in the Old Testament, but so is God's faithfulness!
      
I know some of you are still struggling with the recent actions of our District Superintendent. I understand, but rather than believe the lies and play out every "possible" scenario about our defeat that may never happen, let's focus on what God is doing and remain united in Him!! I have no idea what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future! My prayer is that we would all listen to His Word, and unite with His people to do the work He has called us to do, and may He alone be glorified!! Please submit your Daring Faith Commitment forms as a result of your resolve, and never forget how much I love you!
      
Pastor Russ

 

A Gulf Central Learning and Application Event 

Our District has challenged Harvester to have a minimum of 30 people attend this event. Let's rise to the challenge! 

  The Why, What & How with a Mid and Small Local Church focus. February 16, 2019 from 9am-3pm at Anona UMC, 13233 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. Just a few great sessions include: Reaching into your community-The power of Asset Mapping, Reaching children through growing School Partnerships, Digital & Websites for the novice, How to buy Technology smartly, Sharing the Gospel when you're scared to death, and Keeping our sanctuary safe in today's world. Child care is available. Spa nish translation provided. Register online at https://bit.ly/2seqAtV    After filling out the registration form, click the bar that says "We will see you at the event" and then you will get an email confirmation.

 

Connect with Harvester

 

To see additional Harvester Information click on this link  http://www.harvesterumc.com/

 

For Online Giving click the Harvester link above and look for online giving in the upper right-hand corner

 
 
From Pastor Gary

I want to thank God for my Harvester family.  As we prayed for our church last night in the sanctuary, I was reminded of how much each person has a story for why they are here.  Some of you may not know this story, but it is one worth sharing.  
     
One Saturday morning, when Holly and I knew that we would no longer be serving at Grace, Holly left the house to go shopping.  She was on Collier right in front of Harvester and she asked God that if there was anyway He could use Gary at Harvester, to let us know.  On the following Tuesday, God took her request, placed it in Pastor Russ's heart and the talks began.  We are blessed!  What did Pastor Russ tell us "blessed" meant last week?  Happy!
      
I say all this because I want you to know how much Holly and I appreciated your gifts, cards and kind words during Pastor Appreciation Month and at Christmas.  Harvester is such a loving and giving family.  I heard again last night how much this place means to those who came to pray.  
     
Now, I am going to ask your prayers for something that is on my heart this past week.  I want us to pray for those in our country that are without paychecks through no fault of their own.  There are some who are being forced to work without paychecks, too.  "Lord, help our government get past their egos and remember who it is they serve.  God help those hurting to find food, shelter, fuel and clothing during this time of craziness.  Help our country to focus on You and guide them to make the right decisions.  Amen!"
      
Go and Make Disciples  

 
 

Children's Ministry
 

On February 3 and 10, our children will be selling cookies again to raise funds for Heifer International.  They will have a table set up in the hallway as you leave the services to head home.  We plan to save our donations this year until we have the opportunity for a Triple Match from Heifer.  We will then help three times the amount of people as we donate ducks, rabbits, cows, pigs, llamas, and whatever animal we know will help families survive in the Third World countries.   
                     
Peace,
       
Pastor Gary

 
 
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 
1 Timothy 4:12   

Switch Rehearsal (Youth Worship Band) 
Sunday, January 20th 
4:00-5:15 pm
Open to all Middle School and Senior High students. For more information, contact Eric Halvorsen at Sillysamsings@yahoo.com 

Activate! Youth Group 
S
unday, January 20th 
5:30-7:00 pm
Open to all Middle School and Senior High students. For more information, contact Pastor Russ McKee at revmckee@aol.com 

 

Sisters In Spirit


January 26th Kumquat Festival in Dade City. Arts & Crafts, food, antique car show. Great family activity. No admission fee, but pay to park. Carpool leaving Harvester at 10am, email Linda Smith if you want to carpool johlinsha_3@msn.com 
 
January 27th (Sunday). Souper Bowl Sunday. Soup and Chili cook off at the church. Tasting starts at 10am. Need some planners to help with this.  Look for the sign up sheet on the SIS bulletin board.

 

Class 101 & 201

Pastor Russ will be hosting Class 101 THIS Saturday, January 19th at 10am and Class 201 is on Saturday, January 26th at 10am. Both classes will be held in the Youth Room. The Classes must be taken in consecutive order. If you are interested in becoming a member of Harvester then plan to attend Class 101. You can email Pastor Russ at revmckee@aol.com, or sign up on the bulletin board in the church hallway or just show up!

 

Prayer for Harvester 
 
Pastor Gary is leading a prayer group in praying for Harvester on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm in the Sanctuary. Last week we had 21 show up!! Let's keep it going! Everyone is welcome. Please join us.

 

Roof Campaign Update
from Debbi Isom

First year down and 2 to go! WOW! Praise be to God! We met the first year goal of $7,700 and slightly exceeded it so we are off to a super start for 2019! The weekly goal is $1 each Sunday per member. That's $52 a year. Some pay the whole year at once while others pay weekly or monthly. Either way it all adds up to the goal. Check out the model on the table outside the sanctuary to see the progress. Each post-it note roof tile equates to $100 raised for the new roof. We are so grateful to everyone for making the first year a success! The body of Christ at Harvester is doing great things to grow God's kingdom. Amen!    

 
  
Let's Do THIS
    
Here is the update for upcoming events for the Brothers and Sisters of Christ at HUMC!  Let's get out in the community and spread the light and love of Jesus!   To add an event, fill out the insert in the bulletin and turn it in at the Let's Do THIS! Bulletin Board  OR Contact Debbi Isom (813) 787-3535 if you have an event you would like us to help you get started!   
    • January
    • 26 - Dade City Kumquat Festival 9AM - 5PM
    • February 24
      • Toby Mac Hits DEEP Tour at Amalie Arena
      • Cost $18 and up via ticket master 
    • March 22 - SWITCHFOOT Concert
      • Friday at The Ritz Ybor, Tampa  
      • Cost $35 - $48 at Ticketmaster   -  can try for group rate? 
    • March or April
    • Sunken Gardens - St. Petersburg, FL
    • $10 adults, $8 Seniors (62+) $4 Children (2-11) 
    • June
      • Jesus Freak Cruise -  jesusfreakcruise.com  for full details
      • June 10-14 Royal Caribbean's mariner of the seas sailing from port Canaveral Nassau-Bahamas coco cay
      • DC Talk, Newsboys, toby mac, kevin Max, John Christ, Mandisa, Ryan Stevenson, Aaron Cole, Heath Arthur,
      • Formal night, 80's night, luau night
 

 




Thank you to everyone helping in the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings! We appreciate you making coffee, setting up snacks and cleaning up after the 11am worship! You are all wonderful servants.

Thank you to Joanie Einemann for helping out in the church office each week. You are a blessing!
   
 
 
The Breakfast Club 

***Reminder Breakfast Club THIS S aturday, 
January 19 th***
It's like Saturday Detention... with breakfast
 
Please consider yourself invited to the Breakfast Club. We meet at Harvester and start serving around 8:30 am. We will have a full breakfast and great conversation. We meet the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. 
 It's like Saturday Detention... with breakfast
***Reminder Breakfast Club THIS Saturday, January 19th***

 

God has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggle, and a reward for your faithfulness. Trust Him and don't give up!

Submitted by Deborah Alexander

 
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 (813) 948-2311 or harvesterumc@verizon.net.

 
 
Our 2019 Study
      
Red Sea to the Jordan River
The story of God's faithfulness in delivering the Israelites to freedom and the trustworthy foundation He provides for our lives still today.
       
Thursdays
9:30-11:30 a.m. 
      
Offering excellent Nursery, Preschool and 
Homeschool Ministries
       
Harvester UMC
      
For more information or to register: 
Pan Ayers (760) 315-0347  payers.0347@gmail.com 

 

CSS Volunteers Needed!!!  


Volunteers are needed at Christian Social Services anytime Tuesday through Saturday from 10am - 4pm. Come for an hour or stay longer! No experience or special ability needed, just a willingness to help! It's a great place for youth to get credit for school (youth younger than 15 yrs. old must be accompanied by an adult.) Call or email Llurah Utt with questions, concerns or just show up at CSS ask for Tina and she'll be SO HAPPY to get you started. You will be a blessing and YOU WILL BE BLESSED! Llurah - (813) 996-6926 or  thriftygirls2@yahoo.com   

 
 
Cancer Support Group

Cancer patients and/or family members are welcome to attend the cancer support group at First UMC of Land O Lakes the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. You can contact the facilitator, Jennifer Barolo who is a nurse specialist trained in this field at 727-255-9424 or just show up.    

 

Lap Robes Available

Feeling chilly in the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings? We have a bunch of lap robes and they are available in the back of the Sanctuary on the table next to the sound booth. Feel free to borrow one and put it back in the basket at the end of service. We will have them available each week.
 
 

 
Join Larry Young and the prayer group on Friday mornings at 10:00 am in Room 38

There are so many needs in our church and beyond that must be covered in prayer. If this is something that you would love to participate in, then just show up or contact Larry Young at  813-846-4342.

You can also text your prayer concern to the prayer chain at 81 3-846-4342 or contact the church office.

 
Church Library 

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 are always accepting donations of  Christian books (non fiction or fiction) and are happy to add them to the collection.
 
 
 
Harvester APP
   
You can now download the  Harvester App   through the App Store for either Apple or Google! Search: HarvesterUMC
 
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!
Be sure to turn your notifications on to receive messages from the church.

 

Ministry Teams

 

If your Ministry Team would like to have an announcement in the WOW, please submit one to the church office via email, by noon on Wednesdays to harvesterumc@verizon.net  

 

 

To All The Men at Harvester
    
We are meeting at 8:00 am every Tuesday at Panera Bread 
at the corner of SR 54 and Livingston Rd.
 
PLEASE COME FOR FELLOWSHIP and GOOD FOOD
 
LARRY YOUNG
813-846-4342  cell
 
 
 
Church Office Hours

Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 3:30 pm. 


 
Worship Times &
Sunday School

 

 

Sunday Mornings

 

9:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship

Nursery available

 

11:00 a.m.

Contemporary Worship

 

11:00 a.m.

Nursery 

Children's Worship Hour

Middle School Sunday School 

 

 
Upcoming Message


Sunday, January 20

Sermon Series: 
Don't Worry, Be Happy!

This weeks message:
"When You're Hurting "
 
Scripture: Matthew 5:4

  Pastor Russell O. McKee lll

 
Youth Schedule
 

Sunday, January 20

Switch Rehearsal 
4:00 - 5:15 pm

Activate!
5:30-7:00 pm


 
Church Contact
Information


 Office
(813) 948-2311

Web Site

Pastor
Russell O. McKee lll
revmckee@aol.com 

 
Family Ministries Pastor
Gary Hallam
ghallam517@aol.com 

Worship & Creative Arts
Phillip Brown
pbrown110@verizon.net 

Office Administrator
Sheila Fitzgerald
harvesterumc@verizon.net 
 
Nursery Coordinator
Christina Monette
christinajp@aol.com