November 20, 2013

Dothan, Alabama

334-702-6555

From Pastor Ralph... INSIDE THIS ISSUE In The Spotlight..................2 Group Life .........................3 Harvest Worship.................3 In His Family......................4 Advancing His Kingdom...4 Harvest Kids......................5 Harvest Youth.....................6 Calendar Events.................7

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4

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oon we will celebrate Thanksgiving, and then Christmas less than four weeks later. These holidays really have no point apart from God, and that makes this an excellent time to invite people to church. Everyone will be celebrating the holidays, and they will experience more meaning, peace, and joy if they can celebrate the real meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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or those who are not living for Christ, the message I am planning for this Sunday should change their understanding of Thanksgiving. The messages on December 8, 15, 22, and Christmas Eve will all relate to the truth of Christmas and the difference that makes for all of us. Ask the Lord to show you who to include this year and invite them to these services.

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y love for Thanksgiving has grown over the years. It really is a blessing to have a season each year to focus on giving thanks to God and being thankful people. Thanksgiving is powerful! The Bible repeatedly tells us to give thanks. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is

God’s will for us in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).

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od hates grumbling and complaining, but loves thanksgiving. Our sinful nature is never grateful or content. It focuses on what it doesn’t have, always wanting more and more and is never content. Perpetual emptiness defines our souls apart from God. But Christ came to give life in all its fullness, and in Him we can learn to be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:12). Thanksgiving is a key to learning contentment. It focuses on the goodness of God and His blessings to us. It draws us into His presence (Psalms 100:4). It makes us aware that God is good and that through Jesus we have been given immeasurably more than we could ever deserve! It focuses our mind on all we have instead of what we don’t have. It brings fullness to life and results in joy.

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hanksgiving should be part of our daily prayer time as we “take every thought captive” (II Corinthians 10:5) and learn to receive this truth in our minds: God is abundantly gracious. If we are His, we can develop a thankful heart. What better time than during this season of Thanksgiving?

Cheryl Hidle

Director of Worship and Performing Arts

In The Spotlight

Debi Parnell

Children’s Director

David Beaty

Congregational Care Assistant

James Keeler

Assistant Pastor

Jeff Burnett

Ministry Teams Pastor

Joel Sigler

College & Career Pastor

Josh Moore Youth Pastor

Keith Frith

Small Groups Pastor

Ralph Sigler

Founding and Lead Pastor

Roy Rogers

Congregational Care Pastor

Wilson Garzon

Pastor of Harvest En Español

November 3

1,738

8:45

890

10:45

848

November 10

1,597

8:45

786

10:45

811

Women of Harvest Christmas Party: “Joy to the Girls”

Friday, December 13, 6:30-8:30pm, Worship Center Join us for a joyous celebration of our Lord’s birth with singing, laughter, and delectable bites. Let us know if you will share in this special time by writing “Women’s Christmas Party” on the back of your communication card on Sunday morning. Childcare will be provided for our single moms only (must make reservations for your children).

Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes are due back by this Sunday, November 24! For more info, visit www.HarvestDothan.com.

Online Offerings Many people have been asking if we accept online contributions. There are two ways you can give online: 1. Use online bill pay through your bank. 2. Send money using your PayPal account. Once you login to PayPal, use the Send Money tab to designate the amount and send to [email protected]. To avoid fees, designate “Gift” on the Personal tab. Press Continue for the “Confirmation” screen where you may type a message about your contribution if you would like. Next, enter your name and address so that your donation will be recorded correctly. Page 2

Keith Frith

Small Group Holiday Schedule: • November 27 – no groups meeting and no childcare available • December 11 – last open small group meeting of the year • December 18 – childcare only available by request • December 25 & 29 and January 1 & 5 – no groups meeting and no childcare available

Small Group Pastor

If you are interested in joining any of the following groups or would like to receive more information about other groups, please contact [email protected] or 334-702-6555 x232.

Holy Spirit Study - Wednesdays, December 4 and 11 at 6:30pm in the Worship Center. Study on the Book of Mark - Sunday mornings at 8:30am in room 106, led by Carey Slay. 40 Days in the Word: Churchwide Study - At the beginning of the year, all of our groups are going to be doing the study 40 Days in the Word. This will be a great unifying season. We will begin with a kick-off celebration on Sunday PM, January 12. More details to come.

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The Harvest Family Christmas Service - Sunday December 8, 6:30pm in the Worship Center. This is a special time for us to join together and celebrate the birth of our Savior. “Come and Behold Him” as the drama team, children’s choir, the adult choir, and others share songs of the season. Remember to bring cookies for the refreshment time afterwards (please no sprinkles, icing or powdered sugar). The Harvest Performing Arts Academy presents their Christmas recital Tuesday, December 17 at 6:30pm in the Worship Center. Students will share songs through dance, voice, piano, and guitar. Getting To Know Our Harvest Worship Team Featured Member: Cheryl Meadows My life began in Steelville, Missouri, but I spent most of my childhood and young adult life in Casper, Wyoming and Eufaula, Alabama. I graduated from Eufaula High School and later obtained my Associate of Arts degree in Vocal Music from Casper College. I moved to Dothan from Casper in 1985 and for the next 10 years worked in the fitness industry.

I began working for Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center, a vocational rehab facility here in Dothan, in 1995. I am now working on my 19th year at WRC and am currently in the accounting department. Seven years ago, a very dear friend invited me to Harvest. I was reluctant because it had been many years since I had attended church on a regular basis, but she was persistent so I agreed. During these past seven years, I have been afforded so many opportunities to grow in my walk with The Lord through small groups, spiritual maturity

classes, conferences, and ministry teams. I believe it was through these opportunities that the Lord provided the unconditional love, encouragement and support that I needed to help me through one of the lowest points in my life. Serving on the Worship Team has not only opened a door for me to minister and serve but also to experience community and fellowship. I believe that as we worship all voices become one to the Father. I am most humbled during worship when the instruments soften or still and the fullness of the voices can be heard. What a privilege to be a part of our one voice.

To get involved, contact Cheryl Hidle, [email protected] or 702.6555, x247 Page 3

& Performing Arts

Cheryl Hidle

Director of Worship

With Sympathy Please be in prayer for the following families: • Phillip Wilson and family for the loss of his father, Finley Wilson • Whitefeather Godwin and family for the loss of her brother, Chester Faulker • Margaret Easterly and family for the loss of her husband, Jim Easterly • Monte Killebrew and family for the loss of her brother-in-law, Jack Holt Baptisms The following people were baptized on Sunday, November 10: • Scout Hart • Dustin Roberts • Amya Thomas

• Anthony Thomas • Trinity Thomas • Hannah West • Tara West

Care Pastor

Congregational

I n H i s F a m i ly

Roy Rogers

Baby Dedications The following children were dedicated to the Lord on Sunday, November 10: • Lillyana Rodriguez (parents: Eusebio & Alice Rodriguez, Jr.) • John David Wimberly and Zachary Elijah Wimberly (parents: Jake & Brittany Wimberly) New Baby Khloe Ann Grace Smalley, daughter of Karen and Jeremy Smalley, was born on Sunday, November 17.

Support Our Troops - We are going to be sending care packages to our troops to encourage them while they are away at Christmas. We’ll be collecting donated items for these boxes at the Welcome Center until Sunday, December 8. If you would like to help put these packages together or contribute financially to postage, please contact Pastor Jeff Burnett at [email protected]. If you have a family member who is currently deployed and would appreciate a care package, please send their address to [email protected]. Visit the Welcome Center or www.HarvestDothan.com (click on slide #1) for a list of suggested items.

Honey Visitation Team - This team is looking for more members! We make a personal connection with our first-time guests by visiting them at their homes on Sundays after each service. We deliver a jar of honey, thank them for coming, and invite them back. If you want to join the team, please email [email protected] or write “honey visitation team” on your communication card on Sunday morning. Perspectives Class - Perspectives on the World Christian Movement will help you understand God’s plan for the world–and for your life–as you explore the biblical, historical, strategic, and cultural ways God is at

Pastor

ADVANCING HIS KINGDOM

Jeff Burnett

Ministry Teams

work. Come and learn how you can join God in His goal to reach the nations… no matter your location or vocation! Space is limited. For registration, costs, and other information, visit www. HarvestDothan.com. Sign up now to receive the Early Bird discount! Class Info: January 20, 2014–May 5, 2014 | Mondays from 6:159pm at Friend Bank (Community Room) 3105 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36303. Coordinators: Janet Stone ([email protected] or 334794-9378) & Bob Willis (rwillis@ troy.edu or 334-714-1123)

To get involved in the ministry of Harvest, contact [email protected]. Page 4

Debi Parnell

Children’s Ministry

Thanksgiving Holiday We are so thankful for the opportunity to worship, serve, and grow with Harvest families. The Lord has richly blessed us. There will be no children’s classes or childcare on Wednesday, November 27. XTREMEKIDZ is visiting Professor Playtime’s Christmas Shop of Wonders! Each week, the professor will help them understand the true meaning of Christmas through the eyes of people who were actually there! Classes for K-2nd grades and 3rd4th grades meet Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. It’s XtremeKidz for an Xtreme Jesus! Praise Kids (K-6th Grades) is currently rehearsing songs for the Harvest Family Christmas Service

(December 8). Join us Sunday evenings at 6:30pm in room B-210. SITE56 - Wednesdays at 6:30-8pm for preteens (5th/6th graders). Check out our upcoming event: •

Christmas “Minute-to-Win-It” Game Night on Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30pm.

The New Slide - We are all having fun sliding down now from our 2nd floor KZ room to the “slide room” on the 1st floor. Come by and take a look! The children especially want to thank Joe Bowen and Ty Harris for arranging the purchase and installation of the slide. We have been waiting a long time for this, and you got it done! To get involved, contact Debi, 702-6555, x236 / kids@ harvestdothan.com.

The Giving Tree If you would like to sponsor a Harvest child in need for Christmas this year, please select an ornament hanging from the tree in the lobby of the Education Building. All gifts should be wrapped and returned to the church office by Sunday, December 15. If you have any questions contact us at 702-6555 x234. For more Harvest Christmas giving/outreach opportunities, please visit www.HarvestDothan.com.

Hi from Noah’s Park!

Preschool/Nursery

Dana Britto

We had a good start collecting canned goods for the Dothan Food Bank on Sunday. Let’s keep the cans coming! We have until November 24 to fill our tubs. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. The 3, 4, and 5 year olds will be singing at the Harvest Family Christmas Service on December 8 at 6:30pm. We are so excited to be singing about Jesus and His birth! We hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving! I’m so thankful for my Harvest church family. God is good! To get involved, contact Dana, 702-6555, x241/[email protected]. Page 5

Main Meeting

Small Groups

Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm upstairs Education Bldg.

Sundays, 6:30-8pm upstairs Education Bldg.

Night of Worship - Saturday, November 23, 6pm. We’re joining with the College&Career group for a night of worship, communion, and prayer.

Please Note - There will be no youth meeting on Wednesday, November 27. Happy Thanksgiving!

Broom Ball and Christmas Shopping - Saturday, December 14 in Columbus, GA. We’ll leave from Harvest at 11am (eat lunch before you come) and return around 9pm. Bring $10 for broomball plus extra money for Christmas shopping and dinner.

Youth Christmas Service - Wednesday, December 18, 6:30pm. Ski TRip - Our Youth Ski Trip to Sugar Mountain is January 19-22, 2014. Cost to ski: $220

Visit HarvestDothan.com/Youth for more information about Harvest Youth and our upcoming events. Find us on Facebook: search “HARVEST YOUTH.”

Josh Moore

or $235 with lesson. Cost to snowboard: $245 or $260 with lesson. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due Sunday, December 1. Total payment is due Sunday, Youth Pastor January 5.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For more information, email Wes at [email protected].

COLLEGE &and CAREER

(18-29)

Join us on Tuesdays at 7pm in the Youth Room | Contact: [email protected] Find us on Facebook! Search “Harvest College and Career”

Thanksgiving Dinner - We are going to have a C&C Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday, November 26 at 7pm (in place of our normal meeting). This will be a potluck meal, so be sure to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

C&C Pastor Joel Sigler

Night of Worship - Saturday, November 23, 6pm, Youth Room. You’re invited to an awesome night of music, scripture reading, and communion. The youth group is invited, too. Come worship with us!

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m ajor ch urch ac t iv it ies

November/December 2013

Su n

Mon

25

24 Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 or 10:45

Tue

We d

Th u r

26 Community Prayer 2-4pm

27 Office closed

28 Office closed

College & Career Thanksgiving Dinner 6:30pm

Adult Choir 5:15pm Youth Small Groups 6:30pm SMC 6:30pm

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1 Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 or 10:45

Adult Choir 5:15pm Youth Small Groups 6:30pm SMC 6:30pm

Emergency: Pastoral Care Only If you have an emergency and need to contact a pastor on the weekend or after hours, please call 648-0270. The pastor oncall will return your call as soon as possible.

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8 Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 or 10:45

Harvest Family Christmas Service 6:30pm

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No groups meeting

Fri

Sat

29 Celebrate Recovery 6pm

30

6 Celebrate Recovery 6pm

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Join the Yahoo Prayer Group without a Yahoo account. Send a blank email from your email address to: harvestchurchsubscribe@ yahoogroups. com. The facilitator will approve you shortly afterward.

Happy Thanksgiving!

3 Community Prayer 2-4pm

4 Xtreme Kidz 6:30pm

College & Career Group 7pm

Youth 6:30-8pm

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SITE56 6:30pm Open Small Group 6:30pm

Missed Sunday Morning’s Message? You Can Listen at www.HarvestDothan.com or pick up a CD at the Welcome Center.

10 Community Prayer 2-4pm

11 Xtreme Kidz 6:30pm

College & Career Group 7pm

Youth 6:30-8pm

SITE56 6:30pm Open Small Group 6:30pm

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13 Celebrate Recovery 6pm

Harvest Nametags

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To request a permanent nametag, mark “I would like a permanent nametag” on your Communication Card on Sunday mornings or call the church office, 702-6555. Please allow one week for processing. They can be picked up Sun mornings at the Welcome Center, main lobby.

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DOTHAN, AL PERMIT NO. 87

Worshiping on Sunday mornings at 8:45 & 10:45am