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Troy Ignition 2016 – Wrap Up

November 3, 2016 by Tim Price Leave a Comment

Praise the Lord for the opportunity to host Ignition this fall! There were over 200 middle school students and leaders present during the weekend. The goal of the event is to ignite the faith of middle schoolers. We try to accomplish this through worship times, seminars, small groups, community fun and connections. Our prayer is that all of this together will be a step in the faith journey of these students, that they would be drawn to Jesus, his grace and his love. We want to them to go deeper in faith and have great memories of church, Christian community and fun.

Thanks, Jamie for speaking at Ignition! Thanks Juggling Jeff for your fun part of the weekend. Thanks to the Harvest Team and leaders for serving during the weekend. Thanks to Troy United Methodist Church for hosting and your awesome hospitality.

And thanks to the churches who attended Ignition! It was a great weekend and we are praying for you!

LINKS and RESOURCES:

Ignition Photo Album

Instagram Posts tagged #troyignition2016

Harvest on Facebook

Next year’s Ignition Conference – October 27-28, 2017

Hosting Harvest At Your Church – One Simple Idea

October 6, 2016 by Tim Price 164 Comments

ONE OF MY EARLY MEMORIES

When I was in kindergarten, a group came to our church to sing. Being so young, I don’t remember much about the music or the people. But I do remember they came to our house for dinner (or to spend the night or something). I have a vivid memory of two people sitting in our Wood River, Illinois living room and singing the most hilarious song. I remember laughing really hard. Sometimes I wonder if there was a seed planted in my life that night. I don’t dwell on this moment of a memory, but it comes to mind once in a while when I’m making up silly little songs for kids. I thought those people that night were amazing. And for years now, I have spent time singing in churches, having dinner with people, staying in host families and sharing music in churches. It’s been a big part of who I am.

ONE WAY YOU CAN UTILIZE HARVEST MINISTRY

If you are a pastor, youth pastor, children’s pastor or church member, one way you can utilize Harvest Ministry is to host a Sunday evening all church gathering. Have a meal together and then Harvest can lead in a family ministry event including music, some fun stuff and a message. The schedule could look something like this:

Sunday Evening
3:30 – Harvest arrives to set up
5:00 – All church dinner
6:00 – Night of Worship and Fun

Or it could be like this:
Sunday Evening
3:30 – Harvest Arrives
5:00 – Worship Concert for the whole family
6:00 – Dinner

Or something more simple:
Friday, Saturday or Sunday Evening
4:00 – Harvest Arrives
6:30 – Worship Concert
7:30 – Refreshments

Here are some benefits for an event like this in your church:
– all ages can come
– doesn’t require lots of set up
– helps pull people together for a time of community that’s not on Sunday morning
– gives people an opportunity to invite friends and family
– something different for the church

Here are some of the basic steps to hosting this kind of event:
– contact Tim Price and Harvest to set up a date
– select a key organizer / team from the hosting church
– publicize the event using tips and information from the harvest website
– invite personally to attend
– invite several people to help with the evening, serving as greeters, hospitality, etc.
– pray for the evening
– enjoy it!

Other Details:
– Harvest can work into most sanctuary audio systems
– Sound support can be rented in necessary (Harvest doesn’t own any equipment, we always rent if needed).
– We ask the church to send the travel expenses in advance.
– We ask the church to provide a meal for the team (either as part of the whole event or before if a meal isn’t being planned).
– For an all church, evening ministry event, we invite the church to receive a love offering to help support Harvest Ministry.

We’d love to be a part of your church! Contact us to talk through the possibilities!

Harvest Ministry
Tim Price, Director
618-541-8291
tim@harvestministryteams.com

(If you’re wanting to book Harvest Worship Band for a camp or conference, you can use the booking form or contact Tim Price)

Weary in Prayer

October 5, 2016 by Tim Price Leave a Comment

For the most part, I think prayer is comfortable for me. It’s mystical, it’s personal and it’s powerful. It’s part of a discipline to seek God and to be in communion. I have times of prayer set aside – like the morning, before meals, at church, and at bedtime. I’m grateful for this heritage in which I grew up.

I read a devotional book today from Dennis Kinlaw who said “As he gets older, he’s realizing the most important thing any Christian can do is to pray – to intercede.” A couple weeks ago, I attended the New Room Conference, I was reminded the heart of God hears the desperate cries and pleas of his people.

I have to say, I’m not sure if I’m desperate when I pray. It seems to be more of a holy containment.

This morning, I read a verse from Isaiah 43…

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland….Yet you have not called on me, you have not wearied yourselves for me, Israel. Isaiah 43:18,19, 22

You have not called on me. You have not wearied yourself for me.

I weary myself on many fronts – schedules, ministry opportunities, computer screen time for the church and Harvest, family fun, driving around, activities, projects, and the list goes on.

But I can’t recall the last time I wearied myself in calling on God. I can’t remember the last time I emptied myself in prayer. I know I have fallen asleep praying many times. But I’m talking about investing, setting aside, praying until our hearts are in line with God’s heart kind of prayer.

It’s been noted that no great revival has ever come that hasn’t begun in small, quiet, humble and earnest prayer.

It may be conviction, it may be desperation, or it may be my age. But, I’m beginning to agree with Dr. Kinlaw and many other saints. The best thing I can do is pray. It’s the thing I must do.

To begin, I have set aside each Wednesday in October as a prayer focus day. Specifically, I’m committing to pray each Wednesday evening in October at 6:30 pm in room 161-163 at Troy United Methodist Church (it’s the room near the kitchen). If you’ re in the area, you’re invited.

I’m praying specifically this month for the souls of kids and students in our culture and in our church. I’m also praying for their families, their pastors and their ministry leaders. I’m praying for renewal and revival in the church and for Harvest Ministry as we seek to serve.

I’m praying that God’s Holy Spirit will invade a generation of calendar stuffed, over scheduled, under-committed, small visioned, phone connected, inward focused, hyper extended, individualistic, fearful, people like me. Crying out to you Lord that you will help us to love you more than anything else and that we would be your people – your church in the world around us. – Tim Price

The Why Behind The Well

September 14, 2016 by Tim Price Leave a Comment

Proverbs 15:22 is an important verse for ministry leaders: Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Local church youth workers need to be equipped, connected and encouraged. This happens as you visit with your pastor, meet with students and families and serve along side your team, but don’t underestimate the need for ongoing, outside your church training and equipping.

Ideas, new insights, and clarity often come when you are working on your ministry, not just in it.

This is why we have designed The Well, a seminar for youth workers. The Well, a three hour meeting format with a meal together, is hosted in six areas around the state of Illinois with the purpose of providing excellent close-to-home quipping for those who work in local church student ministry. Our goal is to come to you (and any of your volunteer or paid student ministry leaders), connect you with others in your home area and help move your ministry forward in reaching and discipling students for Christ.

You’re invited to register for The Well today!

Another big reason behind The Well is that for twenty years, I have felt a call to partner with and help student ministry leaders around Illinois. I have had the privilege of working with many leaders through weekend events, ministry gatherings such as Ignition and Fire-Up and through summer camp ministry. I’m both grateful for the work of student ministry leaders and understanding of the hard task ahead.

We have hosted The Well each fall since 2005 and hundreds of student ministry leaders have attended representing many denominations. You’re invited to attend this fall!

Troy, IL – October 10 – 5 pm

Fairview Heights – October 11 – 9 am

Jacksonville, IL – October 11 – 5 pm

Peoria, IL – October 12 – 9 am

Mt. Vernon, IL – October 17 – 5 pm

Chrisman, IL – October 20 – 5 pm

Highlights and Updates

August 9, 2016 by Tim Price 1,744 Comments

A special thanks to the Harvest Team Members this year. They made a world of difference. Leanne Willis from Maryville, IL was an anchor. She not only served at every camp and event, she was instrumental in getting the summer team assembled for 2016. I appreciate her part in the ministry. Emily Gray was the other core team member who joined in most all the weeks of the summer. We also appreciated Stephen De Jong who joined us from Michigan. Stephen heard about Harvest in a round about way and was a great asset to the 2016 ministry team. Each week, the team made and impact and I’m grateful for each person who traveled long term or short term! Team members who traveled this summer included: Blake Stahlhut, James Deming, Trenton Gonzalez, Clint Benesh, Daniel Tatenjorst, Amber Moore, Brandon Huffman, Jackson Hallquist, Drew Allsman, Jordan Harper, Brian Donelson, Erin Kossakoski, Jessie George, and Loren Fear served during Beulah Family Camp.

EPWORTH REPORT

Harvest led worship for the all new Epworth Journey Camp in Greenville, IL. After the Epworth Camp was sold in Louisville, IL, the people moved the program to Durley Camp in Greenville, IL. It was a strategic move that not only landed Epworth as the closest camp to the UMC district with the largest number of large churches, it was a creative schedule that created lots of energy. There were 115 people in attendance for the Jr. / Sr. High Week. Students loved the lake, the zip line, the tabernacle and the set up of the camp in general. Though the whole group attended worship together, the jr. high kids had their own classes and some of their own activities. The Sr. High students also had their own classes and they had special late night activities as well. It was the merger of what was formerly two separate weeks and it was super smooth.

The following weekend, Epworth Journey hosted the kids camp and Generations Family Camp. The Friday through Sunday event was two different tracks, but the groups came together for worship and meals. It was an awesome weekend of ministry with over 100 in attendance for the weekend. There was a fun and renewed energy at Epworth this year! Thanks to Deborah, Tim, Gary, Amy and Lee for your work in getting it all together.

BEULAH REPORT

All of the Beulah Camps where Harvest served were up in attendance from last year. There were over 160 people on the grounds for Beulah Bible Camp (4th-6th grades) and the Beginner Camp, the two days following that was also great! Jr. High Alive more than doubled in attendance from last year and is on a growing trend. It was a blast to lead worship for these two weeks of camp. We also enjoyed serving as the youth ministry team for Beulah Holiness Camp the first week of August. This week is different than the other Beulah Camps, but there is a great spirit of close community for the students and leaders who are in attendance. During the week, we led worship, led Bible Studies for Jr. High, Sr. High and Post High, we set up mission projects and we took part in lots of recreation. I praise the Lord for the continued work of the spirit at Beulah Camp. It’s been going more than 100 years and is still strong in terms of impact and power.

SILVIS, PADUCAH, CARLINVILLE, AND GRANITE

Much of our role for summer ministry is in assisting. We assist in creating worship times, helping to lead where needed, take part in small groups, lead games and in general, help the camp happen effectively. A few places we served weren’t at camps, but in churches and other events. It was great to be a part of Silvis, IL Church as we invited kids to come each evening for VBS. During the day, Harvest led music and games at the City Park Program then in the evening, we would lead music and lessons for the kids who came to the church that night. The last night, we invited kids to stand if

they would like to follow Christ and we prayed for lots of them that night! It was powerful and I’m praying for those kids even now. We also enjoyed leading worship for an event with Rex Hendrix in Carlinville, IL It was great to meet with his church and the intern team that evening. A special thanks to Mark Myers who invited us to lead music for the FIGS / TWIGS group in Granite City this summer. Harvest had a great time there. The final stop for the summer was in Paducah for a community outreach event at Lone Oak UMC. They had a great schedule for that afternoon and Harvest let music and a devotion. Following the devotion, I invited the kids to pray. Almost immediately one boy stepped up onto the platform and tapped my leg all while raising one hand in the air. I stopped to ask if he had a question and he said, “I don’t know how to pray.” I stopped and explained to him and all the children what it meant to pray. It was a great moment and a reminder that we have lots of opportunities to change lives in the name of Jesus. We never know who we will be sharing with and what journey they are on. I give God glory for those moments!

QUEST, MMDC AND TROY UMC

Harvest was invited to serve for two events at Troy UMC (our home base church). Quest Camp is the Troy UMC three day kids camp for children in first – fifth grade. This summer was the second year for the event and it more than doubled in attendance this year, with nearly 50 kids and adults attending. Harvest led worship and speaking around the theme of REACH. After each worship time, we split into groups, which were led by Harvest Team members and the children’s ministry intern at Troy. Harvest loved being a part of the week — it was a great camp, a great facility and lots of impact among those from this church! Thanks for the invitation, Natalie.

Harvest also led a weekend trip with the middle school students from Troy UMC. The group, led by Rev. Kurt Stone (Student Ministry at Troy UMC) went to the Midwest Distribution Center in Chatham, IL. This place is a great place for a youth mission trip, especially for younger students. The MMDC is highly organized and really hospitable. Harvest led worship and devotions during the evening and we worked along side the students during the days. I have learned over and over again that music may be the tool, but relationships with teens really makes the impact as we travel and serve in the name of Jesus. Another cool thing about the week was the number of bikes that were donated and taken with the group to Chatham!

GREENLAKE AND ROSCOE

Each year, for the past several years, I (Tim) have been invited, along with my family, to lead music for the family conference at Greenlake, WI. It’s a beautiful place and an awesome week. We enjoyed having the opportunity to reconnect again this year with old friends, watch July 4 fireworks on Greenlake, spend time leading music at morning sessions and campfires and hanging around with the family! It was a blast. On the way up to Greenlake, we stopped at the church in Roscoe, IL to lead music in each of the three morning worship services. It was a blast to have Ruby join me in music there.

FUN

One of the songs Harvest wrote this summer has these lyrics:

I want to walk with you, To talk with you,

To hear from you

I want to worship you, Because you are my God.

I want to live my life, You fill me with the brightest light

You are majesty, And you are my King.

I found myself humming this song most every day this summer. And the line “I love to live my life, you fill me with the brightest light” came to mind each time Harvest had fun. Jesus says he came to give us life and life abundantly! In addition to the fun of ministry, we have the fun of hanging out together, living life and modeling Christ’s great love!

Here are just a few of the fun moments this summer:

Garden of the

Gods

Boating

Sonic

Budget Nook

Marcoot Creamery

Coffee Shops

Sonic

Swimming

Dairy Barn

Hiking

Sonic

John Deere Pavilion

American Pickers Store

Sonic

Live Videos

Bean Boozled

Marion Hub

Nertz

Golf Carts

Spinning Chairs

Nine Square

Sonic

We give God praise for the 2016 Summer Ministry!

SUMMER PICTURES

JOIN THE HARVEST PRAYER TEAM

BOOK HARVEST FOR A CAMP, CONFERENCE OR CHURCH EVENT

SUPPORT HARVEST MINISTRY

Summer Ministry: So Far, So Great.

July 15, 2016 by Tim Price 1 Comment

Prayer circles. Coffee shops. Conversations. Late nights. Worship music. Altar times. Changed lives.

I feel like I’m living the book of Acts each summer of ministry. It’s awesome to be connected to people in kingdom ministry. It’s amazing to spend so much time in worship, study, prayer and serving. And I love seeing the church in action on so many fronts.

Summer camp is one great vehicle for ministry to students. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to invest time each summer serving through Harvest Ministry.

Here’s a recap of some of the work from the last few weeks:

BEULAH:

We’ve spent a couple weeks leading camps at Beulah. The number of students has been amazing. I think the first week, during Beulah Bible Camp there were approximately 160 people on the grounds and there were about 25 kids who walked on to register that day. The Jr. High Camp at Beulah more than doubled in attendance this year. The speakers for the events were all great! Thanks to Steven, Tim, Luan, and Anita for sharing during the camps. We praise the Lord for and continue to pray for the students who gave their lives to Christ and are continually growing in faith.

Also a huge thanks to the directors and leaders for the weeks at Beulah! Great leadership, programming and organization. Thanks for your work.

You can’t cram spiritual maturity and camp is one way to invest a chunk of time each of a student’s growing up years in building into their faith journeys and relationship with Christ! Pastors and Parents: Church camp needs to be a priority.

TEAM:

Thanks to the Harvest Team Members for the last few weeks…

Emily Gray, Leanne Willis, Stephen De Jong, James Deming, and Blake Stahlhut. A special welcome to Stephen who joined us for this month! Stephen is from Alma, MI and we are glad to have him serving with Harvest.

WISCONSIN CAMP:

The Summer Family Adventure Camp was awesome. Though the Harvest group doesn’t attend this event with me, I always enjoy taking our family and leading music for this event. We have been up there about seven years and this year was awesome! Thanks to Sandra and the team for leading. And thanks for the invitation to serve in ministry with you.

SONGS:

Here are some of the songs we have been singing this summer:

Deep Cries Out, Oh Our Lord, All The People Said Amen, Holy Spirit, Good Good Father, Spirit Of The Living God, Meet With Me, Ever Be, Fierce,

Some of the kids songs have been: Pharaoh Pharaoh, Higha Higha, Walk With You, Word, Happy Day, Bananas United, Kumalata, Whose Side, Cross Clap, and others.

Troy Ignition 2016 – Wrap Up

LINKS and RESOURCES: