Dear Friend of Harvest This has been an incredible year in the life of Harvest Bible Chapel of North Indianapolis! This year our church has seen continued growth both spiritually and numerically as we continue to lay a strong foundation for a life-changing church here in North Indianapolis. God continues to show us much favor as we accept His mission to accomplish His Kingdom Work! May it always be for His glory!
While this past year has been a year of strengthening our foundation, we look anxiously toward 2009 with hearts that overflow with excitement for the next set of assignments God has for us as a church family. We want to be ready to build upon the foundation that God has seen fit to put in place at HBCNI. With a commitment to excellence and intentionality, the Leadership Team and Staff of Harvest call the church to this season of stewardship to help us prepare for 2009. This three-week emphasis is designed to help us evaluate our spiritual growth, our service and our giving.
Spiritual Growth: Please note on the left hand portion on the top of the back page how you prayerfully plan to grow in the coming year in any particular area of spiritual discipline that needs attention.
Christian Service: Please carefully evaluate the serving opportunities section on the bottom of the back page. As we continue to “work for Christ” together with other believers at Harvest and in the world, please take the time to consider how you may use your gifts, skills and talents for God’s glory and service.
Financial Giving: We ask our church family to consider their future giving, as the Scripture does, in terms of “tithes and offerings” (cf. Malachi 3:8). Yes, we live in the New Testament age of grace, but we see such terminology as providing helpful guideposts for believers today. Our tithes (from the biblical word meaning “tenth”) are what we do to support the regular ministries of the church. We are asking each person to consider committing themselves to this kind of faithful giving in 2009. We would encourage you to take God at His Word when He says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse...and test me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” (Malachi 3:10)
The Bible also speaks of “offerings.” In 2009, we anticipate intentional movement forward on the long-term lease or purchase of a facility that will serve as the home of Harvest Bible Chapel, North Indianapolis. Because we must budget current expenses for the short-term lease of office and worship space, the securing of finances for this project must be sought “above and beyond the tithe.” While each person’s situation will be different, we are asking the average family at Harvest to consider giving a monthly offering toward the Future Facilities Fund.
Please commit these items in prayer before the Lord and seek His will regarding your stewardship of His resources in your life. We are asking that all those attending Harvest complete a Stewardship Commitment card. This can be done at the worship service or we have also made it available online.
For the Kingdom,
Your Pastors and Leadership Team