Dear Harvest Family,
We held our February Elders’ Meeting this past Tuesday, and we are humbled to serve such a loving church. Thank you for your prayers, your tireless service, and the faithful way you love one another.
We began our evening by connecting with and praying for those who were able to come for prayers of healing. We recognize that not all of you can attend our meetings—or even our services—due to scheduling conflicts, health concerns, hospitalization, or being homebound. In an effort to be faithful to our shared responsibility in James 5, we invite you to reach out if you are in need of prayer for healing. Please contact your campus elder or email us if you or a loved one would like this care.
After additional prayer, we were encouraged by words from our board chair, Kevin Boldog, from 1 Peter 5:1–11. He reminded us of God’s faithful care for His flock and the calling of leaders to shepherd with humility and trust in the Chief Shepherd.
We then heard updates from each campus. Please join us in praising God for all He is doing among us.
Our Crystal Lake Campus is experiencing God’s provision through new staff, faithful service, and continued growth (mostly younger families). The Aurora Campus welcomed Averie and Jared, two new residents who are serving faithfully and helping build up the body—be sure to thank them for their service. God is restoring mental health among congregants and gathering scattered sheep back into His fold. Partnerships with local organizations, including Caring Network and Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, continue to strengthen. They are still seeking a youth leader and a worship leader, so please pray for God’s provision.
At the Elgin Campus, a focused study on anxiety recently concluded and has led many into Freedom Groups, which remain healthy and active. Deacons are serving with love and faithfulness, men’s ministry is growing, and many are intentionally caring for the most vulnerable among us. The Rolling Meadows Campus recently wrapped up “S’winter,” a Harvest Kids event featuring lunch, fun activities, and a Gospel presentation that strengthened connections among families and children. God is growing His church with new families, especially little ones (that Sunday following S’winter Harvest Kids had more in attendance than last Easter). They are seeing God provide in many ways. The North Shore Campus has seen strong participation in the Worshiping the Trinity class and growing interest in the upcoming Resurrection: Fact or Fiction apologetics conference on February 27–28. They also recently welcomed Zuri and Abbi to their staff—please introduce yourself and give them a warm welcome.
Additionally, our preaching team returned from a refreshing retreat focused on prayerful planning and preparation for upcoming teaching in the Gospel of John. Please pray for God’s Word to be boldly and lovingly proclaimed. We look forward to continued growth through Scripture and increased live teaching across campuses.
We also broke into small groups to pray for the needs of our church family and for God’s kingdom work. It was a sweet reminder of our dependence on the Lord and our shared privilege of bringing every concern to Him together.
In matters of direction and stewardship, we discussed building transitions, leadership training, and the ongoing Follow Campaign. As we focus on “building up” and “sending out,” we are in a season of thoughtful planning and careful stewardship—exploring ways to make our campuses more hospitable, secure, and aligned with our mission. This includes addressing current space needs, considering future facility plans, and evaluating potential energy solutions that could provide long-term cost savings.
To that end, our staff has begun working with Risepointe, an architecture firm specializing in church design, to update key areas across our campuses this year. More specific details will be shared at each campus in the coming months. All of this is being approached with prayerful wisdom and discernment. Please continue to pray as we seek God’s will and aim to serve in ways that please Him.
We are grateful for the twelve faithful members currently participating in our eldership training course. We also want to share that Rob Hamann, who joined our board in 2020, has completed his two terms of service. Please take a moment to thank Rob and Kelly for their faithfulness to God and to our church—especially through some of the most difficult seasons. We ask that you pray for current and prospective elder candidates as we seek wisdom and discernment in identifying new elders.
We also discussed a difficult but necessary matter regarding church discipline. Please pray that we would follow the Lord’s leading with faithfulness, humility, and love—and pray for repentance, reconciliation, healing, and grace.
As we move forward, we ask you to continue praying with us—for unity, spiritual health, wisdom for leaders, provision for facilities and staffing, compassion in church care, and boldness in our witness to the gospel.
We are listening and learning from you, and we thank you for your feedback and patience. We are grateful to those who have helped us see how we can better serve you, particularly in how we communicate. Thank you to all who have reached out and shared your hearts with us. We serve an awesome God and belong to a beautiful Bride.
With gratitude and hope in Christ,
The Elders of Harvest Bible Chapel