We gathered at our Aurora Campus for our October 20, 2026, Elders’ meeting. After sharing a meal and praying, Mike Vanlaningham led us in a theological discussion on three topics:
- the characteristics of Scripture,
- the canon of Scripture,
- and the Trinity.
We are grateful for these times to grow together in God’s Word and to be reminded of the truths that shape our faith, guide our leadership, and unite us in the work He has given us.
Celebrating Elgin
Last month, we reflected on God’s work at our Crystal Lake Campus. This month, we celebrate His work at our Elgin Campus. Across all our campuses, we see Christ building His Church, often through the faithful, everyday service of His people.
Our Elgin Campus is now fully staffed. Praise God for His provision and answered prayers! We are thankful to welcome:
- Rebecca Burlock as Senior Administrative Assistant,
- Gaby Baltazar as Director of Harvest Kids,
- and Dave Pearson as Director of Seniors Ministry
Please join us in thanking the Lord for them. Pray that He would give them wisdom, joy, and perseverance as they care for our church family and advance the gospel.
We are encouraged by a growing commitment to prayer, both on Sunday mornings and through our campus prayer team. Special thanks to Norm and Larry for helping cultivate this spirit of dependence on the Lord. It is a blessing to see our church family seeking God together, knowing that lasting fruit comes through His grace and power, not our own strength. We are also thankful for our growing college ministry and the chance to help students deepen their faith and follow Christ.
As we look ahead, please pray that the Lord would deepen engagement across the Elgin Campus: in classes, small groups, serving, and prayer. Pray that more people would move beyond weekend attendance into meaningful participation, using their gifts to build up the body of Christ. Please also pray for those experiencing change fatigue. Ask the Lord to renew their strength and joy, and to give all of us patience as we navigate this season of transition together. May He keep us united in Christ, remembering that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Lifezone 360 Purchase Update
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support as we seek a permanent home for our Elgin Campus. We are grateful for how our church family has embraced the hope of a place where people can worship, grow as disciples, and hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
In the Lord’s providence, the purchase process met significant obstacles, and it became clear we could not move forward in the foreseeable future. After careful consideration, we made the difficult decision to terminate the purchase contract. While this is disappointing, we continue to trust in God’s sovereign goodness. Our confidence rests not in a property or a plan, but in the Lord Himself, who leads His people with perfect wisdom and timing.
Please keep praying that the Lord would either reopen this door in His timing or lead us to another property that will serve our church family and community well. Pray for wisdom for those leading the search, patience as we wait, and unity as we move forward. Whether this door opens or stays closed, our calling to make disciples and proclaim Christ remains the same.
The Follow Initiative: Building Up and Sending Out
Through God’s provision and your faithfulness, the Follow Initiative is taking shape across our campuses.
Thank you for your generosity, which is helping us invest in ministry, strengthen our congregations, and build up and send out disciples of Jesus Christ.
Visit the Follow Initiative page to learn more about the vision behind Follow and see how the Lord is using it across Harvest. Thank you for your continued partnership and prayers as we seek to steward well all that God has entrusted to us.
2027 Preaching Outlook
We praise God for the faithful teaching pastors He has given our church family. Through the preaching of His Word, we are called to know God more deeply, grow in Christlikeness, and live out our faith in the world around us. Lord willing, we will finish the Gospel of John in early December. From there, we will move between the New and Old Testaments, exploring the unified story of God’s redemptive work in Christ:
- Good News of Great Joy — December
- Marks of a Disciple — January
- The Surprising God (attributes of God through the Old Testament) — February through April
- Charge It to Me (Philemon) — May
- Summer in Proverbs — June through mid-August
- Relationship Goals — mid-August through late September
- Hold Fast (Thessalonians) — late September through November
- Christmas — December
Please pray for our teaching pastors as they prepare and preach. Ask the Lord to give them clarity, conviction, humility, and faithfulness to Scripture, and to prepare our hearts to receive His truth with obedience.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 ESV
With love, and with our eyes fixed on Him,
The Harvest Elders