A New Chapter
On August 14, 2022, The Harbor's founding Senior Pastor,
Rick Baldwin, retired after almost 25 years of leading the church. On that day Jeff Maness began leading Chapter 2 of The Harbor’s kingdom work in the Senior Pastor role. God created much excitement for Chapter 2 even before then as Rick and Jeff began co-leading at the end of March.As our church leadership has been praying about God’s plans and dreams for The Harbor in Chapter 2 of the church’s history, we have clearly sensed it is time to restore and refresh our well-maintained church campus. Church surveys have suggested that when a person visits a church for the first time, they make up their minds in the first 5-10 minutes whether they will return for a second visit. You can imagine in that short period of time the two most obvious dynamics they experience are the people they encounter and the facility they see around them.
one chance to make a first impression
From the entrance of our parking lot, along the walk-up to the Worship Center, and as they enter the church, our Open Door Ministry greets and welcomes people with warmth and sincerity that makes a difference! We have heard countless stories of how lives have been changed over these almost 25 years because a guest was made to immediately feel welcomed and valued before they ever step foot into the building! Over the years, God has continued to provide a fresh supply of people with big smiles and genuine love that capture the hearts of guests. As we enter Chapter 2, we know God has given us everything we need to make a great first impression with our people. Now after 18 years in our building, God wants to revitalize the way in which impressions are created with the facility itself.If you were in attendance on-site or online on Sunday, June 5th, you have heard the vision for this from Rick in his message, "Uncompromising Relevance". If you did not hear it live, click here to watch the video, so you can hear the vision and why it is so important.
Much prayer and planning
Over the course of our 24+ year history, faithful Harbor attenders have always been a part of both building and maintaining our campus through capital campaigns, the last of which ended in the fall of 2016.In 2022, God again invited those that call The Harbor home to invest time and prayer into how each of us can play our part in the launch of Chapter 2. Our Harbor family faithfully joined together in praying through our Chapter 2 prayer calendar for 21 Days of Prayer and participated in 24 Hours of Prayer at home and in person.
Thank you for taking part in the simple yet profound step of humbly seeking guidance from God on what your part may be in the restoration effort, and letting God lead you to give above and beyond your normal giving to The Harbor. As a result, we have received commitments for well over our need of $930,000! We praise God for providing this awesome blessing!
to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
-- Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
The Clean Team
If you visited The Harbor in July or August, you may have noticed the changes that are happening around the first floor! During the week, the restoration is going on, and things get pretty messy while that is happening. But we still need to use our Worship Center, Children's areas, restrooms, and hallways on Sundays. That is where The Clean Team comes in! We are grateful to these volunteers for giving up part of their Saturdays to get us in shape for Sunday services!
The vision
Lobby / Entrance to Worship Center with enhanced information areas
The left side of lobby shows Our Vision to all who enter. Stone on the walls will match the stone outside the building.
The right side of the lobby has Harbor Stories and clear direction markers. Information cards are on each pillar.
Big impact video wall that we rented for Easter, but would like to purchase to use in all services
New Kid's entrance with expanded fellowship area
New Children's activity area with ocean and island motif, sail boat mural, and magnet wall for teaching and activities
Office reception area and hallway to Harbor Rooms and Children's areas
Harbor Stories - Macie Robertson
Growing in God through The Harbor Children's Ministry
As a child, Macie attended children's services at The Harbor regularly. Through our children's programs, she learned more about Jesus and the importance of spreading His love to others. Now she volunteers in the same Children's Ministry that had an impact on her as a child. In this video, she tells her story of how God's love for children through The Harbor Children's Ministry came full circle in her life.