This Sunday, we recognize God’s faithfulness as we celebrate the bringing in of the harvest. Our farming families have been faithful in their work to bring in the crops that were planted months ago in anticipation of God’s faithfulness. I love serving in a community that has deep agricultural roots because I am reminded every year that we are invited into a stewarding partnership with the Almighty God. God makes the crops grow, but our farmers must commit to their task of tending the soil, planting the seeds, fighting against disease and insects, and finally bringing in the harvest. For all their work, every farm family I talk with acknowledges that their best efforts do not guarantee a successful harvest if God doesn’t send the rain, hold back the hail and winds and provide the warmth of summer. Farming is a partnership!
Jesus used images of the harvest field in emphasizing the Disciple’s work of bringing wayward souls into a life-transforming relationship with the Father, through faith in the Son. Christians are both the harvest fields and the harvesters working the fields. God’s plan all along has been to transform rebellious people into His adopted daughters and sons. Transformation is at the very center of God’s work. In writing to the Church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 3:18), the Apostle Paul emphasizes the transformational work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Often we want God to change things around us, but not necessarily in us. Yet, it seems that God transforms communities THROUGH the transformation of those who turn to the LORD in faith. In other words, as we're transformed, God expands the work of transformation to others.
The theme of this year's Harvest Celebration is transformation. Each of our ministry partners (Covenant World Relief & Development, Santiago Partnership, and Arrive Ministries) is committed to seeing God transform lives through relationships with Christians who understand what it means to be transformed themselves. Join us as this year we respond to God’s faithfulness by pooling our financial gifts and raising $30,000.00 to further God's transforming work both here in Willmar and around the world. If you have not yet done so, please take the time to learn more about our Harvest Celebration partners.
Harvest Fest Live
November 21, 2021 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus
"Seeing is Believing"
March 31, 2024 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • John 20:1–18
This Sunday marks the high point in the Christian year - the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In John’s account of the Gospel of Jesus, we are introduced to the Son of God, the Messiah - sent by God to give eternal life to all who put their trust in him. The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection are central to our faith. That Jesus rose from the dead isn’t a secondary issue for Christians to “agree to disagree.” There is no point in being a follower of Jesus if he did not die for our sins, rise from the dead, and ascend into heaven. This is plainly revealed in the ancient creeds of Christianity. What we celebrate and declare with trumpets and loud hymns of praise was originally a morning of confusion, heartache, and desperation. As the sun set on Friday afternoon, Jesus’ friends and followers felt defeated, abandoned, and betrayed. But Sunday morning revealed Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and the devil. “Believe that Jesus is the Messiah - the Son of God - and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31).
The Pursuit of Holiness
December 31, 2023 • Pastor Rocky Hovda • 1 Peter 1:13–16
"Greetings church family! Another year is upon us, which means new opportunities to seek holiness in our lives. What is Holiness? Why is it so vital in our lives as followers of Jesus? How has the world pulled us away from the Word? Let's set ourselves up for a great year by pursuing holiness -- as well as our King who was born in a manger bed." In preparation for this week's message read 1 Peter 1: 13-16
"Grateful for a Loving Heavenly Father who is Merciful" Sunday Service
November 19, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Psalm 51, Psalm 103:10
We wrap up our month of giving thanks to God by pondering God’s mercy. Over the past two weeks, we have considered God’s steadfast faithfulness and generosity. This week you will be invited into the merciful arms of our Heavenly Father through Psalm 51. As King David comes to terms with the magnitude of his sin and deception before the LORD, he likewise discovers the depth of God’s mercy. As we conclude our month of praising God for who he is, we must not neglect to recognize and appreciate that God does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities (Psalm 103:10). During the morning service, we will also be announcing the dollar amount raised through this year’s Harvest Offering. In celebration of God’s Faithfulness, Generosity, and Mercy, we will gather together after the service for banana splits and we will hear from Shalese Sands as she shares her gift of art and bears witness to God’s calling on her life.