Sunday December 14, 2014

Greetings! I hope you are finding joy in this holiday season.

On Sunday I will continue our Advent series: "Rejoice." As Christians we have so much reason for joy. So many blessings just being part of God's family. This Sunday I am preaching from Isaiah 9:2-7.  The people in darkness have seen a great light. How can those even in the most terrible of situations find reason for joy this holiday season? Is there joy for them?

How can you find joy in the midst of your circumstances? Come and find out!

Sunday December 7, 2014

Advent is a great time of rejoicing and anticipation as we celebrate the Nativity of Jesus Christ. For every person who knows Jesus as their Savior - there is reason to rejoice, despite the circumstances of life.

On Sunday I will preach from Luke 1:41-44, about Elizabeth. What kind of joy do we have just being in the presence of Christ? Join us as we celebrate and worship.

Know that you are loved,
Pastor Shannon

Sunday November 30, 2014

I hope that you have a blessed Thanksgiving this year - that you get to be with family or friends and that you recognize the blessings that the Lord has given you. 

On Sunday we start Advent. Advent is the anticipation of the celebration of Jesus coming to the world! This Advent season we will be focusing on rejoicing in what Christ brought to the world. The theme scripture is Luke 1:46-47 "My soul glorifies the Lord  and my spirit rejoice in God my Savior!"

Join us as we celebrate Jesus Christ  who is Emmanuel (which means God with us), this Christmas season. Know that you are loved!

Pastor Shannon

Sunday September 28, 2014

Greetings! What an exciting week this is! We have been working towards a building for 13 years and this week we will get to see that vision moving forward in a real way. Myler, our hired design build company, will be sharing with us the drawings for our very own building! Please come and plan to stay afterwards for a luncheon and a special presentation by Myler. 

This week we will conclude our vision series, where we have been talking about how to move forward as God is leading. We want to move forward, but are we afraid? Check out Deuteronomy 1:6-8 and 19-33 in preparation. 

Know that you are loved~

Pastor Shannon

Sunday September 21, 2014

Hello! This week we officially enter "fall." What a blessing to be able to experience the changing seasons. 

We are in the midst of a vision series, talking about how to move forward as God is leading. We are dealing with the "how" question. How do we implement this vision? With the Acts 2 church as our example we look at how to move forward within the vision God has laid out for Harvest Point Church. Implementing the vision takes total commitment in three areas: prayer, service and giving. This week we will focus on giving. Where and how can you give to enable the vision? Join us as we worship together.

This week we also have the privilege of dedicating a child to God - pray with us as we dedicate Milo New.  

Blessings for your week~

Pastor Shannon

Sunday September 14, 2014

Hello! How are you enjoying this beautiful summer weather in September? There have been some very nice days! 

We have been discussing Vision for the last month, we are dealing with the "how" question. How do we implement this vision? With the Acts 2 church as our example we look at how to move forward with our vision. Implementing the vision takes total commitment in three areas: prayer, service and giving. This week we will focus on service. Join us as we worship together. 

I am praying for each one of you! 

Pastor Shannon

Sunday July 13, 2014

Greetings! We are in the midst of our series about Biblical hero's. We all have people in the Bible that we relate to more. What Biblical character is a hero or an example for you? Which Biblical person do you relate to the most? Our preachers will be sharing with you about a Biblical character who has shaped their life!

On Sunday we get to hear from PA State Pastor, Rebecca New-Edson! She is a fantastic preacher and you will not want to miss her story as she shares about the woman at the well: John 4:1-42. How has this woman influenced Pastor Rebecca? Come and find out!

This week starts the North East Ohio camp meeting (July 19-27).  Be sure to check out the schedule of events and get involved: NEO Camp Meeting.

Sunday June 29, 2014

Greetings! We are in the midst of our series about Biblical hero's. We all have people in the Bible that we relate to more. What Biblical character is a hero or an example for you? Which Biblical person do you relate to the most? Our preachers will be sharing with you about a Biblical character who has shaped their life!

This Sunday we get to hear from Brett Spangler! He will be preaching about Zacchaeus from Luke 19. What does Zacchaeus have to do with outreach? Come and find out!

Sunday June 1, 2014

Greetings! For the next few months we are hearing about Biblical hero's. We all have people in the Bible that we relate to more. What Biblical character is a hero or an example for you? Which Biblical person do you relate to the most? Our preachers will be sharing with you about a Biblical character who has shaped their life!

On Sunday, I will be preaching about one of my biblical examples: Jonah. Read the whole book in preparation, it's not very long, only three chapters: Jonah. Come and hear how the story of Jonah has influenced me.

You are loved!
Pastor Shannon

Holy Week: Easter Sunday

Holy Week Readings: Easter Sunday April 20

This week I am going to post every day readings so that you can walk with Jesus through his final week on earth. Consider the historical, personal and theological ramifications of these things. Allow yourself to be drawn into a more intimate relationship with God. Choose one of the readings for each bullet point or read them all to see how the different gospels deal with it:

* Resurrection witness (Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18)

* Resurrection appearances (Matthew 28:9-20; Mark 16:9-18; Luke 24:13-53; John 20:19 - 21:25)

Prayer: Pray for understanding of seeing Christ risen from the grave. Give thanks to God for such an amazing act of power. Allow yourself to be amazed at what God has done.

Join us for Easter Sunday Service this morning at 10am. 

Holy Week: Saturday

Holy Week Readings: Saturday April 19

This week I am going to post every day readings so that you can walk with Jesus through his final week on earth. Consider the historical, personal and theological ramifications of these things. Allow yourself to be drawn into a more intimate relationship with God: 

This day is sometimes called Holy Saturday or Black Saturday.  Everything was still - the disciples mourned.  

Prayer: Spend time getting into the mindset of Christ's followers - Christ was crucified. What must they have been thinking, what must they have been feeling? Spend time in silence and allow God to speak to you. 

Join us tomorrow morning at 10am for our Easter Sunday celebration. 

Holy Week: Friday

Holy Week Readings: Friday April 18

This week I am going to post every day readings so that you can walk with Jesus through his final week on earth. Consider the historical, personal and theological ramifications of these things. Allow yourself to be drawn into a more intimate relationship with God. Choose one of the readings for each bullet point or read them all to see how the different gospels deal with it:

* Betrayal and arrest (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-50; John 18:1-12)

* Jewish Trial - Jesus appears in three phases in front of 1) Annas (John 18:13-24); 2) Caiaphas and partial Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-65); 3) Sanhedrin fully assembled (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1)

* Roman Trial - Jesus appeared in three phases before 1) Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5); 2) Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6-12); 3) Pilate (Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15)

Between 9am and 3pm

* Crucifixion, Death and Burial (Matthew 27:27-66; Mark 15:16-47; Luke 23:26-56; John 19:1-42)

Prayer: Spend time contemplating what was done this day - spend time considering that this was so that you might have life.  Spend time contemplating how the disciples and family must have mourned.  Allow the events of this Friday to overwhelm you and remind you of your faith journey.  Spend time praying and speaking to God about all of these things. 

Join us tonight for a Good Friday Tenebrae Service - a somber service of remembrance at 6pm. 

Holy Week: Thursday

Holy Week Readings: Thursday April 17

This week I am going to post every day readings so that you can walk with Jesus through his final week on earth. Consider the historical, personal and theological ramifications of these things. Allow yourself to be drawn into a more intimate relationship with God. Choose one of the readings for each bullet point or read them all to see how the different gospels deal with it:

* Preparations for Passover (Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16)

After sundown:

* Passover meal and Last Supper (Matthew 26:20-35; Mark 14:17-25)

* Upper Room Discourses (John 13-17)

* Prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42)

Prayer:  Spend time thinking about what it would have been like in that upper room, how would you have felt with all that Jesus said? How would you have felt when he washed your feet? Pray that God would guide you and lead to serve as Jesus served.  Pray for a humble heart. 

Join us tonight for communion and foot washing at the church at 6pm!

Holy Week: Wednesday

Holy Week Readings: Wednesday April 16

This week I am going to post every day readings so that you can walk with Jesus through his final week on earth. Consider the historical, personal and theological ramifications of these things. Allow yourself to be drawn into a more intimate relationship with God. Choose one of the readings for each bullet point or read them all to see how the different gospels deal with it:

Jesus and the disciples remain in Bethany for a last time of fellowship

* Judas returns alone to Jerusalem to make arrangements for the betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:1-2 and 10-11)

Prayer:  Pray for understanding of Judas' actions, why would he do this? Ask God to bring to your mind any times when you have betrayed God, ask for forgiveness and spend time thanking God for amazing grace.

Holy Week: Tuesday

Holy Week Readings: Tuesday April 15

This week I am going to post every day readings so that you can walk with Jesus through his final week on earth. Consider the historical, personal and theological ramifications of these things. Allow yourself to be drawn into a more intimate relationship with God. Choose one of the readings for each bullet point or read them all to see how the different gospels deal with it:

* Reaction to cursing the fig tree on the way back from Jerusalem (Mark 11:20-26)

* Debates with the religious leaders in Jerusalem and teaching in the temple (Matthew 21:23 - 23:39; Mark 11:27 - 12:44)

* Eschatological Discourse on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:3-44; Mark 13:1-37)

Prayer: Spend time thinking about these conversations, what do they mean to you? Pray for understanding. 

Holy Week: Monday

Holy Week Readings: Monday April 14

This week I am going to post every day readings so that you can walk with Jesus through his final week on earth. Consider the historical, personal and theological ramifications of these things. Allow yourself to be drawn into a more intimate relationship with God. Choose one of the readings for each bullet point or read them all to see how the different gospels deal with it:

* Cursing the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14)

* Clearing the temple (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17)

* Miracles and challenges in the temple (Matthew 21:14-16; Mark 11:18)

* Return to Bethany (Mark 11:19)

Prayer: Pray that you might come to a greater understanding of what the disciples were feeling as they watched Jesus through this week. Pray for understanding of what Jesus might have been feeling/experiencing.  Pray for an open mind to hear this Holy Week message in a new and powerful way. 

Holy Week: Palm Sunday

Holy Week Readings: Palm Sunday April 13

Every year I encourage you to walk with Jesus through Holy Week. Take this time to remember why it is that we meet together, what it is that we have that gives us hope! 

During this week I am going to post readings daily so that you can walk with Jesus through his final week on earth.  Consider the historical, personal and theological ramifications of these things.  Allow yourself to be drawn into a more intimate relationship with God.  Choose one of the readings for each bullet point or read them all to see how the different gospels deal with it:

* Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; John 12:12-18)

* Return to Bethany (Matthew 21:17;  Mark 11:11)

Prayer: Pray that God will open your heart and mind up to a better understanding of what the disciples went through.  Pray that you will experience Jesus fully this week. 

Sunday March 23, 2014

Greetings! We finally are having some spring weather - rain and warmth!

We are in a series following our small group book study.  On Sunday we will be continuing our conversation from Chasing Daylight. We are only given so much time, so we are called to make the most of every moment...every opportunity.  It is focused on the life of Jonathan - a man of God who stepped out in faith.

This Sunday we are going to take a look at uncertainty.  We are all uncertain at times - especially about what God wants from us or where God wants us to go.  How do we find the right path? We are going to look at Exodus 3-4 and the story of Moses.  Moses was uncertain that God could use him, have you ever felt that way? Uncertainty is not a good thing in making the most of our moments.  Come as we discuss it!

Know that you are loved!
Pastor Shannon

Sunday March 9, 2014

Greetings! I hope that you are well on this brisk March day.  My goodness, will the cold never cease!?

On Sunday we will be continuing our conversation from Chasing Daylight - our IOU group study book. We are only given so much time, so we are called to make the most of every moment...every opportunity.  It is focused on the life of Jonathan - a man of God who stepped out in faith.

This Sunday we are going to take a look at our choices. Every choice you make is an opportunity for good. I am going to be preaching on the life of Rahab, the prostitute, from Joshua 2. Can our choices change our life? Come and find out!

I am praying for each one of you!
Pastor Shannon

Sunday March 2, 2014

Greetings! I hope that this finds you well.  As I sit and look out at the snow coming once again I am trying to see the glory of what God creates.  Even though it's been a winter that seems to go on forever, I know that spring and new life is coming eventually. God is faithful!

This week we have started our IOU (small) groups.  You are still welcome to join if you would like! I will begin preaching this week along with our series. Don't worry, the messages are still relevant even if you aren't part of a group! This week I will preach about Jonathan and Saul from 1 Samuel 14:1-23. How does being connected with God affect our actions and our potential? God directs our steps when we are connected to him! Join us for worship!

Blessings~
Pastor Shannon