Harvest Evangelical Free Church

WHAT IS A GATHERING?

In a Gathering you will meet friends-for-life, people with common needs, people who will encourage you, rejoice with you, and pray with you.
Our Gatherings also help you take take the timeless truth of God’s Word and bringing it to life in your life.

Led by a facilitator, each Gathering is designed to help you grow as a believer, to help you have victory in your daily walk with the Lord, and to serve Him with your own unique gifts and talents.

Whatever your age or stage in life, there’s a group for you. So select a class, grab a cup of coffee, build some relationships, relax, meet people just like you, investigate the Bible and grow spiritually.

WHY DO WE HAVE GATHERINGS?

• Fellowship. Surveys show that the number one reason adults come to such groups is for fellowship. Relationships! Getting to know others. Therefore, the Gathering is built around it and so is the Bible study.
• Bible. Gatherings help adults to study God’s Word and apply it. We desire for you not only to believe the Bible, but to apply it in life.
• Ministry. Gatherings present opportunities to fulfill some of the commands of the Bible related to caring about others.

WHICH GATHERING SHOULD I ATTEND?
There are four Gathering classes for you to choose from. They all meet at 9:45 on Sunday mornings at our ministry center.

1. Upward Gathering

• Location: Lower level, Room 015
• Teachers: James Webb and Erik Ringsby
• Dates: Sept. 11 to November 27, 2011
• Audience: All Adults
• Resource: "Practicing the Way of Jesus"
• Summary: This study goes beyond theory about Christian living to explore daily ways we can act on Jesus’ teaching. Discover how to put your faith to work in daily life and taste the joy of life-change!

2. Couples Gathering

• Location: Lower level, Room 005
• Facilitators: Paul Oakland and Brian Wilson
• Date: September 11 - October 16, 2011
• Audience: Young Married Couples
• Resource: "Sacred Marriage"
• Summary:Some believe the focus of marriage is happiness. Gary Thomas argues that the real focus is developing Christ-like character: how to grow in forgiveness, love respect, and perseverance.
• Note: Workbook required

3. Women's Gathering

• Location: Upperlevel, Room 130
• Teacher: in process
• Date: September 11 - November 20, 2011
• Audience: Women
• Resource: "Boundaries"
• Summary: We all benefit when we understand how to make wise choices. Boundaries, based on the book from Henry Cloud and John Townsend, can help us work within the framework of who we are and say “yes” or “no” for the right reasons.
• Note: $8 workbook required

4. Connection Gathering

• Location: Lower level, Room 031
• Facilitator: Joe Lara
• Date: February 5, 2011- May 27, 2012
• Audience: All Adults
• Title: "Nehemiah: Partnering with God to Change your World"
• Summary: This study examines the partnership between God and Nehemiah as this courageous man stepped out on faith and discovered how God could use him to fight an array of obstacles and stimulate obedience and hope to the people of his world.

We also have a team that loves to chat with visitors and newcomers in the foyer between services. They can answer questions, direct you to classes, and to help you learn about the vision, mission and heart of Harvest. If you are a newcomer, we invite you to stop around our new "Coffee Corner" for tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. One of our volunteers will be glad to answer your questions about Harvest and its ministries.

If you have questions, please call the church office (515.733.5360) or email Pastor Jim.