Word of the Week ~ March 16, 2023 | |
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Sunday, March 26, 2023
In Person Church and Live Streamed at the
9am Traditional & 11am Contemporary Worship
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Message:
"Friend To Friend:
It's Pretty Simple"
Scripture: John 3:1-1
Pastor Gary Hallam
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From Pastor Gary
In the weeks leading up to Jesus going to the cross for our sins, Jesus could have been upset about many things. Even if He was upset, He handled it much differently than most of us would have. You could call Him the "perfect" example of how to behave in all situations.
What if Jesus were walking this planet today? Would He run into more issues than He did two thousand years ago? Would people be less tolerant of Him? Could he make a difference in our politicians or those in power? Would He cry more often? Just remember, He uses us when He is not here. How would we behave? The more we study Him, the more we might be able to control our emotions. Maybe we would be kinder to those around us. God, help us to be more like Jesus!
Go and Make Disciples!
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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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Children's Ministry Director
Holly Hallam
harvesterkids2432@gmail.com
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 News
The lesson for the week was titled "Mercy, Mercy Me" found in Matthew 18:21-35. It was the story of the unmerciful servant who had been forgiven the large amount of money he owed to the King, but did not show the same mercy to another servant who had owed him a much smaller amount. The monthly virtue is "Forgiveness - deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn't have to pay." We talked to the children about how forgiving others and also being forgiven ourselves lightens our hearts. We learned that you can forgive others because God forgives you. He does this time and time again. Because of that, we should forgive others. We completed an obstacle course with backpacks. One backpack was heavy, the other was very light. We talked about how if we carry anger and hurt in our hearts it can weigh us down. However, if we forgive others, it will not only lighten others hearts, but will lighten our hearts as well.
Today's Bottom Line
Forgive others because God forgives you.
Monthly Memory Verse
"Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you."
Colossians 3:13, NIrV
Monthly Virtue
Forgiveness - deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn't have to pay.
Basic Truth
I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
Parent Cue
Bed Time - Pray for each other: "God, thank You for forgiving us. Help us to follow your example and forgive others."
Just a reminder to parents/grandparents - Please don't allow your children to bring food/drinks/ into the Sunday School classroom. When this happens. other children then want to go to the Fellowship Hall to get treats as well. They are more than welcome to visit the Fellowship Hall for snacks AFTER the Sunday School hour. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Thank you for sending your children to us!
God bless,
Holly, Missy, Cindy and Rachel
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EGG HUNT (4/1/23) and VBS (June 19 - 23)
Children's Ministry needs YOU! We are still in need of volunteers, wrapped candies, Chocolate Bunnies, Stuffed Bunnies/Chicks for the Egg Hunt on April 1, 2023.
The Sign - Up sheet is posted on the Children's Ministry Bulletin Board.
A HUGE thank you to those of you who have already volunteered and/or have donated candy and prizes!!!! You are AWESOME!
VBS Needs
We are still in need of 4-5 volunteers to help with VBS. Needs are for Crew Leaders, Mission Leader, and help with registration.
VBS Meeting
We will be having a VBS meeting THIS Saturday, March 25th at 10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.
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As we prepare to open the Harvester Sheffield Christian Prechool in August, a number of items are needed to help us get up and running. Many of these items you may have in your home already.
We are looking for used items and nothing too fancy.
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Here are some things you may be able to help us with:
4 kids play kitchens, empty food boxes ( cereal, mac n cheese, rice), empty tin cans like soup cans, old kitchen utensils (pots, pans, lids, plastic plates, plastic bowls, small plastic cups).
Used clothes (adult smaller sizes for dress up, shoes, men’s or women’s T-shirts to be used for art/painting)
Any outdoor playground equipment (balls, hula hoops, anything that can be used on playgrounds)
Medium size Legos
Puzzles (nothing with lots of pieces)
Three area rugs
Playground needs:
Shelves on both playgrounds for teachers clip boards, first aid kits, kid’s cups
A sand box on each playground, Sand
Water table on each playground
Peace,
Pastor Gary
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Danny Esposito
Student Ministries Director
Harvester Community Church
813-843-5611
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We have an amazing year in store for our Youth and we've hit the ground running! Our Sunday Night Youth Gatherings continue on at 5:45 pm with special guest speakers and we are now covering the theme of what it means to be "Transformed by God." We also have some incredible things in store...
Here is an overall look at some of our major upcoming events:
- Parent Seminar @ Harvester
April (Specific Date & Topic TBD / Stay Tuned)
- Generate Youth Camp @ Deland FL.
June 13th - June17th
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Join The Ground Hog Team
Harvester’s mowing team is gearing up for a new season! New volunteers are always welcome! No experience necessary and training is provided. For more information, contact Elvis Goddard at 813-220-2464 / tgoddard1@verizon.net or Denny Johnson at 813-431-7939 / 9johnson@gte.net.
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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 stressful time of final exam week. We have a bin in the church hallway and will be collecting items between now and April 16th so that we will have time to mail them.
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Wonder Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 6th
from 9:00AM-12:00PM starting at Hyde Park UMC and walking up and back along Bayshore Boulevard.
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The online site has been set up and you can go ahead and register at https://cornerstonefamilyministries.org/wonderwalk/ and follow the prompts at the bottom of the page to register to walk.
Please let Ruth Reilly know if you are interested in walking with the Harvester group. More information will be forthcoming.
We look forward to walking with you along Bayshore Boulevard on May 6th!
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S.I.T. Food Bags
(Students in Transition)
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Thank you so much for helping us provide food for the students of Marlowe Elementary! We would not be able to do this without you and your generous donations.
We are nearing the end of the school year - only 10 weeks to go! With your continued help, we will finish easily.
Thank you again for your generosity. We really appreciate it!
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At Harvester on Friday, April 21st | |
Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings will be at Harvester on Friday, April 21st. Ultrasound screenings help to identify risk factors for Cardiovascular disease including; Carotid Artery (plaque buildup a leading cause of stroke), Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (an enlargement or weak area in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body), Peripheral Arterial Disease (hardening of the arteries in the legs), a Heart Rhythm Screening (an EKG to detect Atrial Fibrillation-irregular heartbeat) and an Osteoporosis Risk Assessment for men and women. Being proactive about your health by knowing your risks helps you and your doctor address problems early. Register today at 1-877-792-8479 to receive your preferred appointment time. | | |
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Harvester Community Movie Night
April 21st at 6:30 PM
LETTERS TO GOD
A young boy fighting cancer writes letters to God, touching lives in his neighborhood and community and inspiring hope among everyone he encounters. An unsuspecting substitute postman with his own troubled life becomes entangled in the boy's journey and family by reading the letters. They inspire him to seek a better life for himself and his own son he's lost through his alcohol addiction.
Invite Friends, Neighbors and Family to
this special Movie Night
Popcorns and fellowship included
NO charge!!!
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Usher / Greeter
If you are interested in welcoming and assisting our congregation once a month at the 9am or 11am worship, contact our coordinator Regina Grisales at 813-573-9493 or grisalesregina@gmail.com and she will be glad to get you started!
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Hospitality Committee Volunteers Needed
Committee members host and serve refreshments on Sunday mornings after the 9am and 11am worship. If you have a heart for service and the gift of hospitality and would like to serve as Hospitality Host one Sunday a month or once every other month, contact Sheila Fitzgerald at 813-948-2311 or harvesterumc@verizon.net to learn more about this wonderful opportunity that is so appreciated by our congregation.
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Carry & Concealed Weapon Class
Sunday, April 23rd from 2-5pm in the Fellowship Hall. The fee is $40.00, payable to Ex Umbra Defense Solutions. The money will be donated back to the church. On completion students will receive a certificate of training which can be used in making an application for the State of Florida Concealed Weapons License. Sign up on the bulletin board in the church hallway. For more information, contact Bret Bartlett at 813-309-0958.
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We would love to add this happy little fellow to each of the OCC Shoeboxes! Along with him will be a little note attached.
"This little heart was made with love. Hold it close and know that no matter what you are going through, you are loved! "
Love Each Other As I Have Loved You!!
(John 15:12)
If you have an interest and the time contact Robin Phillips or Janet Sass for more info
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Janet Sass
OCC Project Leader
813-598-1783
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Hello Harvester! Sorry, no updates on our last ten boxes 🙁 I'll keep checking on them.
I'll be in Orlando March 31 thru April 2 for the OCC Global Connect Conference. I'm registered for several informational sessions which I hope will enhance our OCC Ministry here at Harvester and I'm really looking forward to hearing updates from Franklin Graham and other OCC leaders in person, as well as attending the 200 Millionth Shoebox celebration! Unfortunately, I'll miss our service at Harvester on April 2, but I'll be sharing devotions with Franklin Graham and other OCC leaders and volunteers to close out the conference. Please join me in praying for a great conference, wonderful fellowship, safe travels, and an awesome future for OCC both locally and globally!
I hope you get a chance to check out the latest issue of OCC Special Report on our table in the hallway. It shows on the cover the recipient of the 200 Millionth shoebox, a young girl named Natalya in Ukraine. This very special gift was carried on a nationwide tour by a woman named Elizabeth who received a box as a child in a Ukrainian orphanage. She made stops at each Processing Center, adding a specially selected item to the shoebox, including a stop in Punta Gorda where volunteers were working out of an OCC partner church to aid victims of Hurricane Ian. Elizabeth was even able to travel to Ukraine and personally present the gift to Natalya!
Robin Phillips found a pattern for a crocheted heart that we'd like to put in each box, if we can find some talented crocheters. If you're interested, the pattern is available on our table in the hallway; note that the directions are on one side and the photo is on the other.
March's collection items which are Quality Crafts; also included are craft kits, sewing kits, fishing kits, etc., in this category. Many of the items needed to assemble sewing kits are on our Amazon list, so please consider ordering one or two for us. There are many ideas available for fishing kits if we have any fisher-people in our congregation; let me know and I can provide you with links.
Here's the link for our Amazon wish list:
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2MJIXAPCEKFDL/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2
Keep working on those Spare Change bottles! We had several more come in this week! If we keep this up, we'll be in great shape for our 300 box goal for 2023. We appreciate every penny 🙂
Thanks again for your ongoing support!
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5514 Land O Lakes Blvd, LOL
813-995-0088
CSS Contact- Sandy
OPEN
Tuesday- Saturday
10am-4pm
Harvester Contact
Robin Phillips
813-345-8631 landline
robinphillips008@gmail.com
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Christian Social Service
Thrift Store and Food Pantry
Share
Donate gently used items Tues. - Sat. 10am-2pm
Serve
You can volunteer anytime BUT Harvester’s designated day is the last Saturday of each month 10am-12pm. Mark your calendar for March 25th.
Shop
Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm Special discounts and sales are posted on the CSS Facebook page. Don’t forget “Fill a bag” for $2 the last few days of the month.
Thank you for the food pantry donations! Any type of non-perishable food, and/or hygiene items are greatly appreciated. Current food pantry needs are posted on the Mission bulletin board.
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Sisters In Spirit Beach Retreat | |
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Ladies, we are going back to Anna Maria Island in the Spring on Friday, May 19th through Sunday, May 21st for two nights at the BridgeWalk Resort! The cost is $60 per lady, per night. Here is the link to type in your browser and complete the form to let us know you are interested:
https://form.jotform.com/221378385157160
More information is available from Linda Smith or Debbie Young.
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Sisters In Spirit Gathering
All ladies are invited to join us on Monday, March 20th as we gather for prayer, a devotional and fellowship. We will meet at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, contact Linda Smith at johlinsha_3@msn.com.
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Ladies Lunch
The Harvester ladies meet on Tuesdays at 11:30am to enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant. For more information contact Joan Heiden at 813-929-8631 or earlonpearl@hotmail.com or just show up at church on Tuesdays at 11:30am. You are welcome to invite friends!
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Family Dinner Night at ABC Pizza | |
Come out and enjoy the food, fellowship and fun!
Everyone is welcome to join us at 5:00 p.m. at ABC Pizza on 4005 Land O' Lakes Blvd. the second Saturday of each month. We can't wait to see you all there!
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Online Giving Option available with Zelle
It's free and simple to set up and is offered by most banks and credit unions. To send money to Harvester, you will use this email: HumcFinance2432@gmail.com. This is not designated for a specific fund, but if you want it to go to a fund other than the General Fund, just email our Treasurer, Fran, at fran121298@aol.com to let her know what fund you would like it to go to.
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The Breakfast Club
Everyone is welcome to join the Breakfast Club on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month for Breakfast and Bible Study!
On the 1st Saturday we will meet at Harvester at 8:30am and the 3rd Saturday of every month we will meet at Brunchies on SR 54 in Land O Lakes at 8am. Contact David Haqq for details at dhaqq18@gmail.com.
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We have an Alcoholics Anonymous group that meets at Harvester on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at 7:30am in the Fellowship Hall. This is open to anyone wanting to attend.
For more information, contact the group leader, Michael Cook at nymc75@gmail.com or 813-523-3374 or just show up!
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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
gary-evans@verizon.net
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The 2023 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 revmckee@aol.com and he will schedule a class time and date that is convenient for you.
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Harvester's Men's Group
Meets at Village Inn
SR54 in Land O Lakes
8am on Tuesday mornings
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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 ghallam517@aol.com
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, March 19.........................168
Online Views Sunday, March 19........................................301
Operating Received Sunday, March 19.................................$9,424.22
Weekly Giving Goal....................................................................$8,459.61
Operating Received Year to Date..............................................$118,172.14
Operating Year to Date Budget............................................................$101,515.32
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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.
https://www.facebook.com/harvesterumc/
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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Thank you to this weeks Welcome Center Host, Joyce Eary!
Everyone appreciates the set up, clean up and yummy refreshments!
Thank you to Lloyd and Claire Evans for organizing the seasonal outdoor banner closet! We appreciate your time and effort.
Thank you to George Alexander, Lloyd Evans and Denny Johnson for helping out around the church each week with special projects! We appreciate all you do!
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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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
Administrative Assistant
Sheila Fitzgerald
Nursery Coordinator
Rachel Sisemore
rssisemore@gmail.com
Director of Children's Ministry
Holly Hallam
harvesterkids2432@gmail.com
Director of Youth Ministry
Danny Esposito
activateyouth@yahoo.com
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Church Office Hours
Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 3:30 pm. Contact Sheila at
harvesterumc@verizon.net or call 813-948-2311 with any questions, concerns or needs.
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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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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