Harvest Church, a newly launched church in Big Lake, held its first “Love Our Community Sunday” this past weekend—a 5th-Sunday initiative where the church cancels its regular worship service to serve the community through hands-on projects that meet real needs.

Instead of gathering for a service, families of all ages spread across the community to bless local organizations by serving. 

Volunteers completed three service projects:

• Big Lake Food Shelf – Birthday Kits

Teams assembled birthday kits filled with essentials to ensure local families can celebrate their children, regardless of financial hardship;

• Cherrywood Nursing Home – Resident Connections

Children, teens, and adults spent time with residents, playing bingo, sharing stories, and building relationships with individuals who often receive limited visitors;

• Big Lake Schools & Police Department – Gratitude Bags

Volunteers created appreciation bags to encourage teachers, support staff, and officers who tirelessly serve the community.

A fourth project was planned with Faith in Action to rake leaves for a shut-in but unfortunately the weather was not cooperative. 

“Our mission is simple — Gather, Grow, Go,” said Pastor Kevin Drehmel. “We want to be a church that doesn’t just meet on Sundays but lives out the love of Jesus in practical ways. ‘Love Our Community Sunday’ is our chance to pause our service and become a service to our city.”

“Love Our Community Sunday” will take place every 5th Sunday throughout the year, with rotating projects chosen based on real needs within Big Lake and the surrounding area.

Harvest Church began gathering in the Fall of 2025 and has quickly grown through its emphasis on community, family, and practical service. The church meets weekly and offers programs for kids, youth, and adults, with a mission to help people take one step closer to Jesus.