INSIDE THIS ISSUEIn The Spotlight...................2Group Life .........................3 Advancing His Kingdom....3In His Family......................4Harvest Worship.................4Harvest Kids......................5Harvest Youth.....................6Major Church Activities.....7

Dothan, Alabama November 23, 2011 334-702-6555

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Ask the Lord of the harvest,

therefore, to send out workers into

his harvest field.”Matthew 9:36-38

As much as some people have tried to secularize

Christmas and Easter, it is still understood that they are Christian holidays.

But many people don’t see the significance of Thanksgiving for Christians. Many Christians don’t even see it, and fewer still really observe it.

Being “thankful” implies that there is someone to be thankful to. The first Thanksgiving was

organized by Christians (Puritan pilgrims) as a time to celebrate and give thanks to God for His provision and blessings. Years later, Abraham Lincoln designated the day as a time to give thanks to almighty God.

Thanksgiving is not about a wonderful meal, time off from school or work, or the Christmas shopping extravaganza. Family is not even the main thing. It’s about acknoweldging the goodness and faithfulness of God!

God wants us to be thankful people! “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks

in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4).

Being thankful means understanding that God has blessed us beyond what we deserve. It is being humble, which means we see ourselves as we really are - as God sees us. Being thanful guards us from bitterness, resentment, and depression. Self-centeredness never has enough, rarely gets what it deserves, and is treated unfairly. But when we’re thankful, we understand that God gives us all we need, gives us more than we deserve, and treats us with mercy and grace - way better than fairness!

Thanksgiving leads us into God’s presence, and He delights in those who are thankful.

Thanksgiving is powerful! It is the key to living life in the truth and in living in victory!

When you read this newsletter, I want to encourage you to get alone for a few minutes with the Lord and give praise and thanks to Him. Ask Him to show you what you have to be thankful for. Take your time - this could be the most important thing you do this Thanksgiving. Ask Him to help you praise Him. Ask Him to give you the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5-16), and take a minute to silently focus on and listen to Him. Ask Him to give you a thankful heart.

From Pastor Ralph...

Jeff Burnett Youth PastorKeith Frith Director of MinistriesWilson Garzon Pastor of Hispanic MinistriesCheryl Hidle Director of Worship and Performing ArtsJosh Moore Assistant to PastorsSean Nix Pastor of Small GroupsDebi Parnell Children’s DirectorBob Pitcher Church AdministratorRoy Rogers Congregational Care PastorWill Siscel Assistant Pastor of Congregational CareRalph Sigler Lead Pastor

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The SpotlightInRevelation StudyLed by Pastor Ralph, Sundays at 6:30pm in the Worship Center. Each session can stand alone, so join us. 1 week left!

Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner Join us for our annual potluck Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 24, 11:30am-1:30pm in the Office Building. Bring a covered dish; Meat will be provided. Contact Staci Spears at 702-6555 for more information.

Love In Action Movie NightThe movie End of the Spear will be shown at the Love In Action Minis-try Center on Friday, December 2, at 7pm. This movie is a true story of a group of Christian missionaries in Ecuador who set out to reach the Waorani tribe. Following the movie, the Love In Action team members who recently traveled to Ecuador on a mission trip and met with elders of the Waorani tribe will share photos and stories about their trip. We will also talk about future mission trips to Ecuador for those interested. Join us!

Ladies Trip to MontgomerySaturday, December 3. If you’ve signed up, plan to meet at the back parking lot of the church at 8am to travel to Montgomery for some shopping and A Christmas Memory at the Shakespeare Festival. We will return around 8pm.

Truth 40th Anniversary Christmas ConcertTruth’s 40th Anniversary Christmas Tour with special guest: Alicia Wil-liamson Garcia, lead vocalist from Truth 1991, is coming to Harvest on

Saturday, December 10, at 6:30pm in the Worship Center. Enjoy an evening with Truth as they present classic favorites and sounds of the season with their live brass section and incredible vocal harmonies. Admission is free, but a love offering will be received. Harvest Giving Tree (located in the Education Building lobby) If you would like to sponsor a child in need for Christmas, please select an envelope from the tree and return your wrapped gifts to the Of-fice Building by Sunday, December 18. Perspectives Course January 17 - April 24, 2012. Tues-days, 6:20-8:50pm. This course is being offered through the coordina-tion of a team made up from several Dothan churches. It was created to help you discover the vital roles you can play in God’s global purpose and how you can use your gifts, skills, and passions for God’s glory. Loca-tion for sessions: Friend Bank. Cost: $265 ($245 early registration; $100 rebate upon completion). Registation and information: visit www.perspec-tives.org or contact Reverend Mike Hoppe at hoppemail@yahoo.com or 793-4440.

November 13 1,364

8:45 723

10:45 641

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Sean Nix Small G

roups

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For more information on finding a group or leading a group,

please contact Pastor Sean Nix at 702.6555, x232 or grouplife@HarvestDothan.com.

Young at Heart Women’s Group This new small group for woman ages 30+ begins Sunday, November 27, at 6:30pm in the Education Building, rm 206. Enjoy a 4-week DVD-driven series by Rick War-ren, “The Purpose of Christmas.” Purpose #1 is to celebrate, so come celebrate Christian fellowship with this new Group facilitated by Katie Hart. Space is limited, so please contact 702-6555 or write on your communication card on Sunday if you would like to attend! We are also in the process of forming this same group for women ages 20+. Contact 702-6555 x232 to be added to this group’s roster.Women to Women in the Spirit of

Love - This Christian support group meets on Mondays at 6:30pm in the Ark. For more info, contact Amy Thompson at 596-8858.

Journey to Christmas - This new Wednesday night open small group series begins November 30 at 6:30pm in the Worship Center. If you’re looking for a new way to discover the richness of the Christ-mas season, we invite you to join us for a four-part documentary series following the journey of five diverse people as they experience the Holy Land for the First time. Their goal (and yours): To discover if there is more to Christmas than

what we typically experience here in North America. Guided by a local scholar and other experts, viewers will watch as the Christmas story unfolds through the eyes of each member on this pilgrimage as they search for answers to their ques-tions about the deeper meaning of Christmas.

Upcoming Groups: Wednesdays at 6:30pm - Disciple-ship I mixed group & Women’s 50yr+ small group. Sundays at 6:30pm - Men’s small group. Con-tact the church office at 702-6555 to be added to these new groups rosters before space fills up!

ADVANCING HIS KINGDOM

Keit

h Fr

ith

Pastor of Ministries

To get involved in the ministry of Harvest, contact Keith Frith @

702.6555, x239 or kfrith@HarvestDothan.com.

Harvest Online - We are in the process of forming a team who would be interested in putting together an online campus of Harvest Church. If you have any background in working with streaming video or cam-era work, please contact Keith Frith at 702-6555 x239 or kfrith@harvestdothan.com. Refreshment Team - We need servers to help on the refreshment team in the balcony before the break. You only need to serve once a month at the service of your choice; we are particularly in need of volunteers for the 8:45 service. Contact Cheryl Frith at 334-702-6555 x231 or cfrith@harvestdothan.com if you can serve. Love in Action - Our local homeless ministry is in need of blankets and coats. Please drop these off at the church office Mondays-Thursdays from 9am-3pm.

Special thanks - We have several teams that need to be acknowledged for of all the hard work they have put in through a busy fall schedule. Tim Walker and the Security Team; Rick Mercer, Jeff Donner, and the Flower Bed Team; Rhonda Willis, Martha Dobbs, and the Re-freshment Team; all the worship team volunteers that worked multiple events; small group leaders who worked multiple events; children’s ministry volunteers who worked multiple events; and Tony Payne, Terri Lavin, Chris Adkins, and all the Orphan Advocates Team. Thank you and great job to all the volunteers!

Worship Center Christmas Decorating - If you would like to help put up Christmas decorations in the worship center, join the Furnishings Team Tuesday, November 29, from 9am-noon in the lobby.

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Chery

l Hidle

Dire

ctor

of

Wor

ship

&

Performing Arts

-

Truth Concert - The Truth 40th Anniversary Tour will be coming to here to Harvest Church Saturday, December 10, at 6:30pm with special guest, Alicia Williamson Garcia. During the late 1960s, John Roger Breland had a dream to start a Christian band. His goal was to share the message of the Gospel through music. In June of 1971, Breland’s dream became a reality with the formation of the group Truth. Over the years that Truth toured, 60 albums were recorded, and about 300 to 400 people were a part of the group. Some of the former members include the guys from 4HIM, Alicia Williamson Garcia, Jody McBrayer and Melissa Greene from Avalon, Russ Lee of Newsong, Natalie Grant, and Leigh Cappillno from Point of Grace. Truth’s local concert at Harvest Church will feature alumni guest, Alicia Williamson Garcia, lead vocalist from Truth 1991. Alicia has been privileged to partner with The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, The Gaither Homecoming, INSP, and many more! She is also the author of two books, Hold Nothing Back!: How Sacrificial Obedience Leads to Intimacy with God and A Seeking Heart: Rediscovering True Worship. Make plans to enjoy this free concert with Truth and Alicia Williamson Garcia on Saturday, December 10, at

6:30pm as they present classic favorites and sounds of the season with their live brass section and incredible vocal harmonies.

Advent Season - Sunday November 27 through December 24. The word advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life.

To get involved, contact Cheryl Hidle, chidle@HarvestDothan.com or 702.6555, x247.

I n H I s F a m I l y

Congregational Care Pastor Roy Rogers

Christmas Meal Gift Card Congregational Care invites all Harvest small groups or individual families to donate a $25 gift card from a grocery store of your choice

for a Christmas meal for a needy family. Please drop off gift cards to the church office (marked Attn: Congregational Care) by Sunday, December 18.

Spotlight on Business Harvest Booth - Preparations have begun for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Spotlight on Business trade show which will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at the Dothan Civic Center from 3-7pm. The theme for 2012 will be Business Around the World. 2012 will be the fourth consecutive year for Harvest to participate in the show. We have found it to be a very effective tool for community outreach. This is your opportunity to reach over 1,500 potential people for Christ. “…When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.” John 12:32

Display Items Needed - Here are some examples of items that could be helpful to decorate our tradeshow booth to illustrate Business Around the World (items should be brought to the church office. If the item is to be returned, label it with your name and phone number): · Oversized map of the world, the bigger the better – wall size would be ideal. · Any large item which could be used to illustrate geographic locations around the world. · Globes or other topographic display items · National Geographic magazines we could cut photos out of.

Praise Kids and PK2 Kids Worship Arts Groups: Aloha Christmas Musical Rehearsals are Sundays at 6:30pm in Konstruction Zone Theatre. Please note these important dates: Final Dress Rehearsal - Saturday, December 3, 9am-noon. Aloha Christmas Musical - Sunday, December 4, 6pm. Praise Kids need to meet in the Worship Center at 4:45pm for a final sound/staging check.

Jinglebell Jam - A Joyful Worship Celebration of Jesus’ Birth. Christmas Day, 11am-noon in Konstruction Zone for Grades K-4th grade.

For KZ Parents: On the Children’s KZ webpage, you can now see a video about our monthly themes. You’ll enjoy these inspirational videos and understand what your kids are learning.

• December:

Memory Verse: “Be rich in good deeds… be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18, NIV

Virtue: Generosity—making someone’s day by giving something away.

To get involved, contact Debi, 702-6555, x236/childrensministry@HarvestDothan.com.

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D

ebi P

arne

ll

Children’s M

inistry

Happy Thanksgiving to All,

In the Preschool/Nursery, we have been learning to “Thank God for the big and little things in Life.” We have collected canned goods to give to others who are in need, and the children are responding with loving hearts. Parents, thank you for encouraging your little ones to help in the cause. We are also practicing Christmas music with the 3 and 4 year olds on Wednesdays from 6:30-8pm in the Bison room. We will be presenting our talents on Sunday, December 18, at the Harvest Christmas program at 6:30pm. It is not too late to sign up and be part of the group. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Stay safe, and God bless.To get involved, contact Dana, 702-6555, x241/childrensministry@HarvestDothan.com.

Dana Britto Preschool/Nursery

SUNDAYS: Noah’s Park

(6 weeks-Preschool)

8:45 & 10:45am Konstruction Zone

(K-4th grade)8:45 & 10:45am

WEDNESDAYS:XtremeKidz(K-4th grade)Wednesdays

6:30-8pmSITE56

(5th-6th grades)6:30-8pm

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.

LORD my God, I will praise you forever.Psalm 30:11-12

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The Way - Wednesdays, 6:30pm, upstairs in the Ed Bldg.

Encounter Small Groups - Sundays, 6-8pm, upstairs in the Ed Bldg.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information, contact jburnett@HarvestDothan.com.

You

th P

asto

r

Jef Burnett

Harvest Youth

Broom Ball & Shopping Join us on Friday, December 2, at Eastdale Mall in Montgomery for a fun night of Broom Ball and Christmas shopping. We will leave the church at 3:45pm and return back home around midnight.

Small groups on December 4 will begin at 7pm (Children’s Aloha Christmas Musical at 6pm).

Youth Christmas Party Friday, December 9, 6-9:30pm, at the Nix home. Everyone bring a wrapped “Dirty Santa” gift ($5 limit). Guys, bring a salty snack; girls, bring a sweet snack. Join us!

Board Game Day - Saturday, December 17, 1-4pm, Youth Room. Everyone bring a board game and a sweet or salty snack to share.

2012 Youth Ski Trip - January 15-18 at Sugar Mountain, North Carolina. We will leave from the church at 8am on Sunday the 15th. What to pack: Bible, notepad, pen, food, money, extra blanket/pillow, toiletries, clothes (bring

ski apparel and plan to dress in layers), etc. Cost: Basic ski package - $225; Ski trip with lesson - $240; Ski trip with snowboard - $245; Ski trip with snowboard & lesson - $260. Lessons are required for all first time skiers and snowboarders. A $75 deposit is due December 11; balance is due January 8. For more information, pick up an event brochure at youth on Wednesday or contact the church office at 702-6555.

The Youth would like to thank everyone who made both our wrapping paper fundraiser and our Harvest Fest concession booth such an enormous success! We raised over $700 at our concession booth, which will go directly toward our overseas mission trip next summer! We owe a special thanks to the Hollands (and Harley Davidson of Dothan) for allowing us to use their grill for the event, and to the Emmaus Group who donated chili for us to serve chili dogs. We appreciate all of the love and support that you our church family bless us with year after year!

S u n M on Tu e We d Th u r Fri Sat27Revelation Study 6:30pm

28 29Community Prayer 10am-12pm College & Career Group 7pm

30XtremeKidz 6:30pm SITE56 6:30pm Youth Group 6:30-8pm Kingdom Life 6:30pm

1 2Celebrate Recovery 6pm

3Ladies Trip to Montgomery

4Aloha Christmas Musical 6pm

5 6Community Prayer 10am-12pm College & Career Group 7pm

7XtremeKidz 6:30pm SITE56 6:30pm Youth Group 6:30-8pm Kingdom Life 6:30pm

8 9Youth Christmas Party 6pm

Celebrate Recovery 6pm

10Truth Christmas Concert 6:30pm

11 12 13Community Prayer 10am-12pm College & Career Group 7pm

14XtremeKidz 6:30pm SITE56 6:30pm Youth Group 6:30-8pm Kingdom Life 6:30pm

15 16Celebrate Recovery 6pm

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N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Harvest Nametags 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.

m aj or c h u rc h ac t i v i t i e s

Missed Sunday Morning’s Message?You Can Listen at www.HarvestDothan.com

or pick up a CD at the Welcome Center.

Join the Yahoo Prayer Group without a Yahoo account. Send a blank email from your email address to: harvestchurch-subscribe@

yahoogroups.com. The facilitator will approve you shortly afterward.

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 on-call will return your call as soon as possible.

Worshiping Sunday Mornings: 8:45 and 10:45am

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDOTHAN, AL

PERMIT NO. 87

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