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From The Pastor
Another Saga!
Since I have been at Harvester, I've noticed that every year when it comes time to deliver the pumpkins we receive for the season there are always complications. Each year we are asked by the company the date and time we want to receive delivery, and without fail, each year that agreement is changed by the company. This pattern has become somewhat comical for the church staff, and this year was without exception!
On top of another delivery delay, 2020 added an extra degree of difficulty because of concerns with the pandemic. How can we offload pumpkins and socially distance at the same time? Well the collective efforts of our church leadership (along with God's help!) began to creatively discern the best way to tackle this challenge.
Many thanks to Denny Johnson who was led to inquire of a local sod company to use a sod-forklift, and because of the owner's Christian faith, a forklift and driver were donated free of charge! On top of that, another of our members, Wayne Williams, was able to secure a hand lift to be used inside the semi truck as well as many new pallets! Sheila Fitzgerald, as usual, purchased and iced down cases of water bottles in anticipation of those who would arrive at our new time and date to offload the truck! Their combined efforts, along with many others, allowed us to unload a record number of pumpkins (1,802), just before dark!
Needless to say I am so grateful for everyone's efforts, but there is still much to be done. We still need so many to be willing to work to sell the pumpkins, and welcome our community who look forward to this season each year. As we are known as "The Pumpkin Church," we also want to use this opportunity to also connect and invite our community to know Harvester for so much more than just pumpkins. For those who will work in the patch, we have the opportunity to encourage them to connect, even virtually, with the ministries of our church. And as we do, may God be praised and glorified in our deeds! Thank you, Harvester, for all you do, and know that I love and pray for you!!
Pastor Russ
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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
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From Pastor Gary
Joshua 24:15 Talks to us about serving. It ends with "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I'm so thankful for God in my life. When I chose to get serious about having God in my life, He began working on me in so many ways. Then one day He called me into the ministry. I know the God that I am serving has put me here to help others know God in a way that they may never have known.
God has challenged me the past week and a half. I don't think He is mad at me or trying to teach me a lesson, but I feel he is wanting me to grow closer to Him. My stepmom has been in the hospital for more than a week now and she hasn't gotten much better than when she arrived. My dad is struggling, because he counts on her for so much. It has become my responsibility to communicate with the doctor, nurses, dad, sister, aunt, wife and kids over and over. It gets exhausting! There are a lot of unknowns I don't have the answers for in trying to keep my parents safe. Wednesday I visited Keystone Place at Terra Bella and began looking at the possibility of bringing them from Clermont to Land O Lakes. It would make life so much easier for a number of people. Now it is important to convince them it will be easier for them, too.
God and I have talked a lot this week as I prayed for Daisy's health. I have talked to Him about my dad's safety. I have asked Him to guide my thinking and how I say things and to help me be like Jesus to my dad and Daisy. I know that as He draws me closer to Him and as I work to make my family safe and to get them closer to us, He is also preparing me to help His family here at Harvester as others struggle in the same situations. Thank you Lord for your guidance and love. It is helping immensely. Pray for me and my family during this time and know I am praying for you, too!
Go and Make Disciples!
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Children's Ministry
Happy Fall Friends!
Pumpkin Patch is coming!
Sign-up for a time to volunteer.
Check out our TGIF video this Friday for a fun message!
Check out our YouTube channel Harvester Kids for our video message and worship!! Don't forget devotionals and tons of resources on your Parent Cue App.
We're here for you and we are covering your families in prayer.
God Bless, Kristina
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"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
Sunday, October 18
Activate! Youth Group
5:30-7:00 PM
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 and don't forget to bring your face mask! For more information, contact Pastor Russ at revmckee@aol.com.
Youth & Parents: Join our Instagram @harvesterstudents to keep in touch, and up to date on Activate Youth Group happenings!
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Samaritan's Purse
Operation Christmas Child
Shoe Boxes
Hello Harvester! Thanks to all of you, we're just about ready for our Packing Party on Sunday, November 1. However, we still need SOCKS. We had 10 pairs donated this week, so we need another 40 to cover our party boxes. Check Dollar Tree as they have fairly decent socks in 2- and 3-packs for only $1.00 per pack, or I'd be happy to shop for you, just let me know if this would work better for you.
Thanks to Cindy Kitchen, Cindy Thompson and Robin Phillips for volunteering to help at the party. We could still use a few more volunteers, so please let me know if you feel comfortable to help out. You can reach me at jasass@hotmail.com or our new campaign email harvester.occ@gmail.com.
And my apologies if my statement last week about boxes for individual packers was confusing. Just to clarify, there are two opportunities to pack boxes. First, we plan to pack 50 boxes at the party on November 1. Second, if you prefer to pack at home, those boxes are in the main hallway and the hallway to the Youth Room. You can pick them up on Sunday morning or during Sheila's office hours and each one contains all the information you need to be a successful packer.
Whether packed at the party or at home, all boxes are due back to church no later than Sunday, November 8.
Thanks again for your continued support!
Janet Sass
OCC Project Leader
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THANK YOU
To everyone who helped offload the pumpkins!
Thank you all for your patience and support!!! We couldn't do it without all of you!
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Help Sell Pumpkins!
Volunteers are needed to help sell pumpkins once they arrive. 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.
The sign up sheets are on the rolling board in the church hallway. You can also call the church office to sign up and see what dates & times are available. Just call 813-948-2311.
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We are getting ready to order our
2021 Offering Envelopes
Many in our congregation are giving online but if you would still like to receive a box of 2021 Offering Envelopes, we will gladly order you a box. Please email us at harvesterumc@verizon.net if you would like us to add you to our order.
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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 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
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Harvester's Annual Charge Conference
This year's Charge Conference will be live streamed on Sunday, November 1st at 1:30pm in our Sanctuary. You are welcome to join us or you can view it from home on your computer. We will provide a link as we get closer to the date.
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Christian Social Services /
Harvester Helpers
Christian Social Services Thrift Store and food pantry are open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. They are now able to accept food and other donations. Donors need to call first (813) 995-0088 and check with Jacquie or Tina to be sure they can be received. Harvester Helpers can volunteer the last Saturday of each month from 10am to 12pm. CSS is closed the last Saturday of November and December.
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Ushers & Greeters Needed
Volunteers are needed at the 9am in person church service on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in serving, contact coordinators Lloyd and Claire Evans at 813-991-4523 or email them at d0naldduck9@yahoo.com or nunclaire@yahoo.
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Gulfside Hospice is in need of
compassionate volunteers
With the governor lifting mandates and reopening the state, Gulfside Hospice is in desperate need of volunteers to serve our precious patients and families who have really struggled with isolation during this pandemic. As it takes unique people to serve with hospice, we are searching for those individuals with the heart and passion specific to walking with and supporting families through end-of-life transitions. They provide training specific in each role after completion of our orientation onboarding.
Immediate needs include:
New: Virtual Patient and Caregiver Support: Provide support virtually through Zoom, Skype, or phone from the safety of our office using our computers/phones. Tech support available if needed. Full CDC guidelines are strictly adhered in our offices.
Patient and Caregiver Support: Provide "respite" time for caregivers to have a break; play card games, read scripture, pray with or over our precious ones, or just be a listening ear...
Musicians: Play for our patients at the Rucki Center in Zephyrhills and in care facilities around Pasco county. Music brings a unique comfort, peacefulness, and joy. No musical experience necessary for those who want to serve this way - we have dulcimer harps available and if you can strum, you can play.
Office/Administrative Support: Full CDC guidelines are strictly adhered in our offices with masks, screenings, distancing and temperature checks.
Crafters: Card-making parties in our secure offices (with distancing, masks, and CDC guidelines) or at home with online instruction, or create blankets, stuffies, or other items to comfort our patients.
Thrift Shops: process donations and assist customers. (please note: masks are required for all, but there will be a few customers that try not to comply)
They are searching for volunteers for all areas:
Grocery Pick up and Drop Off, deliver blankets and cards or even pet food and supplies
Light Housekeeping
Support Animals to visit patients
Partnering with the We Honor Veterans program that connects veteran volunteers with veteran patients
Singing and/or playing instruments to offer comforting music to patients
Caregiver Support: To relieve patient caregivers to attend weekly support group sessions.
Providing spiritual care for patients by reading scriptures and praying with them
Visiting patients and families receiving hospice care in their home
Providing support to patients at the very end-of-life (Gift of Presence)
Please don't hesitate to call with any questions.
Iz Holidae
Patient Care Volunteer Outreach Specialist, Gulfside Hospice
Gulfside Healthcare Services
Phone: 800-561-4883 // Referral: 800-817-9941
http://www.gulfside.org/
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Join the Ground Hogs!
Our mowing team is in need of two more volunteers interested in mowing our church grounds. We currently have two teams that rotate mowing weeks. If we add two more people then we would have three mowing teams and could rotate the teams every third week! Anyone interested in helping can contact Simon FitzPatrick at 203-554-4010 or contact the church office at 813-948-2311
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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 harvesterumc@verizon.net or (813) 948-2311
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Watch our Sermon's Live on Sunday mornings
You can watch even WITHOUT your own facebook account!
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. 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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Virtual Attendance Pad
Now on the Harvester Web Site!
Help us to still keep track of our attendance at the 9am 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!
If you have any trouble at all, email harvesterumc@verizon.net or call 813-948-2311.
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Students in Transition
(SIT Food Bags)
We are currently packing food bags each week for the children at Marlow Elementary who are at risk of going hungry over the weekends.
We are collecting individual pudding cups, pop tarts, fruit cups, crackers & Vienna Sausage.
Thank you for your support!
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Thank you for your faithful giving! Attendance, Tithes and Offerings
Online Views Sunday, October 11.........................283 Operating Received Sunday, October 11.............$8,135.00 Operating Received Year to Date.......................$313,128.00 Operating Year to Date Budget..........................$346,844.01
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Prayer for Harvester
We will be meeting through Zoom
Contact Pastor Gary if you would like to join
Pastor Gary is leading a prayer group in praying for Harvester every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Everyone is welcome. Please join us.
Meeting ID: 614 144 8568
Password: 164573
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Thank you to Joanie Einemann and Eloisa Garcia for packing up the SIT bags each week that go to the children in need at Marlow Elementary. We appreciate your time and effort!
Thank you to everyone that donates food for our weekly SIT Bags (Student's In Transition food bags.) The children greatly appreciate them. Thank you to our Ground Hogs, Simon FitzPatrick, Tom Herrin, Denny Johnson, Randy Ayers, Bruce Kitchen, Ron Ford, Keith Swan and Bob Cursey for keeping our grounds mowed and looking terrific! We appreciate all of you!
Thank you to Denny Johnson, George Alexander and Lloyd Evans for helping with various work projects around the church and grounds. We appreciate all of you! |
Church Office Hours
Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 3:30 pm. Contact Sheila at 813-948-2311 or email harvesterumc@verizon.net 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.
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Harvester's 25th Anniversary begins December 2020! We will celebrate next year when we get a vaccine and it is safe to all be back together!
Our Daring Faith Team is working on special events and needs your help. We would like to collect pictures and "memories" from our church members from their time with Harvester - please think about any special, funny, touching moments you have had at Harvester or because of Harvester and share them by emailing to harvesterdaringfaith@gmail.com. We would also like to do some short video member interviews where members can talk about an experience with Harvester that can be compiled with others.
Please email harvesterdaringfaith@gmail.com if you are willing to participate. We would love a variety of content - Harvester helping you come to Christ (anyone take Pastor Gary's Evangelism class or Class 401?), memories of getting married/baptized, funny memories, memories of meeting lifetime friends, etc.
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The Prayer Group will NOT be meeting on Friday mornings until further notice. With the rise of Covid cases, we are trying to keep everyone safe.
Contact Larry Young and the prayer chain at 813-846-4342 if you have a prayer concern. We can all stay connected and pray for each other.
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Women of Faith
(Cancelled until further notice)
Women of Faith meet on the first Monday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the adult Sunday School Rooms 117 & 118.
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Congregational Care For Our Harvester Family
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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Like us on Facebook!! Harvester has several new groups on Facebook, so check them out!
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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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 have a really nice collection.
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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.
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Worship Times &
Sunday School
Sunday Mornings
9:00 a.m. On Campus
Worship &
Live Streaming
Nursery is not available
at this time.
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Upcoming Message
Sunday, October 18
In Person Church and
Live Streaming at 9am
Sermon Series:
"Refocusing On What
Matters Most"
Message:
"The Problem With Sin"
Scripture: James 1:13-15
Pastor Russell O. McKee lll
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Youth Schedule
Sunday, October 18
Activate! Youth Group
5:30-7:00 PM
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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
Administrative Assistant
Sheila Fitzgerald
harvesterumc@verizon.net
Nursery Coordinator
Christina Monette
christinajp@aol.com
Director of Children's Ministry
Kristina Nast
kknast13@gmail.com
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