March 14 will be an exciting day at Harris Prairie. On this day we will be confirming elders, voting on the bylaws, and having a congregational meeting. During this meeting we will be talking through the bylaws to ensure that everyone is on the same page. The bylaws are much more thorough than our previous bylaws and will prove to be helpful in bringing the organization necessary to running a church in the 21st century. We encourage everyone to attend this meeting, as we will be discussing some very important issues. If you have any questions regarding the bylaws, please submit those questions to Larry or any of the elders prior to the congregational meeting so that these questions can be answered at that time. You can submit your questions via email or on the connect card in the weekly bulletin.

We will also have a potluck luncheon during this meeting, so please bring a dish to share. If you cannot attend the meeting, absentee ballots will be available. Please see the bulletin board for all the details.

On Sunday, February 28, I [Larry Williams] both prepared and presented our annual "State of the Church" address. This caused me to reflect on this past year. The New Year always brings great hope for the future. It also brings time to reflect on the past. Thinking back on 2009 brings mixed feelings as both an individual and a church. 2010 brings great hope for our church with some challenges. God is doing some great things among us.

Last year brought some great moments that were meaningful for our church. We had many wonderful times together where we were able to love one another and show acts of compassion to each other. We had an outstanding VBS. We saw our children's ministry make real improvements. We did the largest community project (Home for Christmas) that we have ever done. We had many wonderful times of worship together. Many of our LifeLinks are doing well.

There were also several things that did not go as well. We were not always able to unite together as a church. We saw some decide to leave our church. Change and execution of plans have not happened as quickly as many of us desired them to happen. We still have to find better ways to reach out to new people, improve our youth ministry, and continue to improve how we help people grow in Christ.

Whether you consider 2009 as good or bad, we need to remember that our God was among us and showed us grace. God has helped us. He has stood beside us. What is special in our church is his doing and not ours. The hope of our future is not our planning, intelligence or strength - it is the presence of holy good living among us. Pray that God will be active among us in 2010.

New Sermon Series: During the month of March our teaching series will be, So You're Dead, Now What? During this series we will be looking at what the Bible teaches us about the afterlife.

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Congregational Meeting Moved to March 14:  Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have changed the date for the  congregational meeting.  It will be held on March 14 in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the worship service. We will be having a potluck luncheon so please bring a dish to share.  If you cannot attend the meeting, absentee ballots will be available. Please see the bulletin board for all the details.

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Discovery Class:  Ashley Swanson will be teaching Discovery class from February 28 to March 28 in Room 6, by the children’s hallway.  This class is for new and seeking Christians alike as well as for those who wish to place membership with us.  Discovery will create an understanding and knowledge of key biblical ideas that will make a difference  in your life.  This class will help you to find a deeper relationship with Jesus and understand and develop a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ.  

 

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Monthly Ladies Night:  We will be changing the regular ladies night for March to Saturday, March 6 at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We have met several new people in the last few months, and would love to meet and really get to know more of you ladies. Come join us for a very fun filled and relaxing evening. Bring your favorite game to play  and a snack to share while we all get to know one another better. If you can't make it this month, plan on joining us next month!  We meet on the first Friday of every month, so join us when you can!

 

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Divorce Care Program:  It is time again for another session of our Divorce Care Program. We will start with a meet and greet night next Sunday, March 7.  We meet at the church at 6 p.m. in Room 6.  This is a 14 week program run by Steve and Ronni Redman.  Please tell anyone you know who is going through this tough life-changing situation about our group. 

 

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