Harvest Family,
PRAYER
We began our evening praying together with congregants from our Aurora Campus. Thank you to all who came and shared that time with us. To anyone carrying burdens quietly right now, do not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:16). The Lord sees you, knows you, and draws near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). We know many among us are walking through difficult seasons, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Would you consider joining us at one of our elder meetings or reaching out before or after a service? Part of loving one another as the body of Christ is sharing in one another’s burdens. It is truly our joy and privilege to listen, pray with you, and walk alongside you. And if coming to us is difficult right now, we would gladly come to you.
UNIQUELY PLANTED
We also spent time reflecting on God’s sovereign care and purpose for each of our lives. We believe God has uniquely planted each one of us exactly where we are for a reason. You are not there by accident. The Lord has placed you in your neighborhood, workplace, school, and community to go and be a light for the Gospel.
Would you prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to engage your community this summer? As you go, who can you begin praying for by name, expectantly waiting for the Lord to move (Psalm 5:3)? What opportunities might God be opening for you to show hospitality, kindness, or encouragement to a neighbor? Perhaps you might even invite someone to one of the summer outreach events happening across our campuses. And if stepping out in faith feels intimidating or overwhelming, please know you do not have to do it alone. We would be honored to come alongside you, encourage you, and help walk through those next steps together.
GO OPPORTUNITIES
Here are a few outreach events happening beyond our campus walls this summer:
• Elgin will be worshiping at Judson University this weekend. They are also planning outdoor activities, including a cookout, pool time, and park fellowship.
• Crystal Lake is planning a beach or pool gathering, cookouts, High Five summer camp for kids outreach, and neighborhood door-knob hanger opportunities inviting people to a weekend gathering at a local pavilion.
• Rolling Meadows is preparing summer socials, park days, student activities, and High Five.
• Highland Park will be celebrating Pentecost Sunday this weekend. They are also planning cookouts, movies in the park, bouncy houses, and other community gatherings. They are preparing a float for the Fourth of July parade.
• Aurora is partnering with the Fox Valley Park District through Harvest Kids and Splash Country, hosting cookouts at nine different homes to invite nearby neighbors, providing Sunday morning treats, and volunteering with Feed My Starving Children.
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL UPDATE
Harvest Christian Academy, now River Valley Christian School, has officially wrapped up its 22nd year—praise God for His faithfulness! Thank you to all of our teachers, administrators, volunteers, and everyone who serves in education. Please take time to encourage and thank them for their faithful work. And congratulations to all of our graduating seniors! We are praying that the Lord would guide you, strengthen you, and pour out His favor upon you in this new season. Trust in Him above your circumstance; our God is faithful.
FUTURE APOLOGETICS CONFERENCE
We are also prayerfully working toward hosting an apologetics conference at Harvest next spring. Please join us in praying for wisdom, discernment, and fruitful preparation. More details will be shared in the coming months.
ELGIN CAMPUS UPDATE
Please continue praying as well for wisdom and discernment regarding the available options and next steps for our future Elgin Campus site. We are trusting the Lord to lead clearly in His timing.
MEMORIAL DAY
As we enter Memorial Day weekend, may we pause to remember with gratitude and honor the men and women who gave their lives while serving in our U.S. military. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). We thank God for their sacrifice and pray for comfort and peace for the families who continue to carry that loss.
With great love for you,
The Elders of Harvest Bible Chapel