What’s New on Higher Ground

The Summit

The Whirlwind

The Church on Higher Ground is on the brink of a cataclysmic spiritual explosion. The fire is burning, and this furnace is building a unity in the Body of Christ worldwide. We are the ones to see “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. (Matt 6:10)

We are an Upper Room Church !  Higher Ground Ministires an “Upper Room Experience” We believe that even as God had the Disciples wait in the upper room until he endowed them with power in the Holy Ghost. Likewise we will have a Holy Spirit Explosion!

This induction of the fullness of His reign is being manifest in our city. Danbury will never be the same again. This is when all things will be reconciled back to the Lord. Danbury will be filled with the knowledge of His Glory just as it is in Heaven. The Bride is making herself ready. She is going on to collect all that is hers. Danbury is our inheritance and our restitution!

In His Word, the prophets prophesied in Acts 3:21, “Whom the Heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.”  These things must all occur before His return. Just as things had to be in order and fully prepared for the rains that would come, just as in the days of Noah, so must also all things be ready and prepared for the return of Jesus. This is when the rains of the Spirit will flood the earth.

My Brethren, we already know He is going to pour out His rains on Higher Ground. It has been foreseen and prophesied by many. This is our opportunity to get what is rightfully ours, and take it back with interest. This moving to another facility, which will house hundreds more, is just evidence of His goodness and promises being fulfilled to us as a body. How exciting!

Evangelism & Outreach Program Update

We have had so many things happen since the news of our moving on. So many souls have been birthed into the Kingdom. . It is so great to see that the harvest has been made ready.And that the fields are ripe and ready for harvest.

But, this is NOT enough.  People, we need to be just as jealous as the Lord. We need to be just as vigilant. The laborers are so few. Lest there be a heart change, many will fall to the wayside. My prayer is to have a revelation of His heart. Love means laying our lives down for our neighbors. We must labor together! We must love together! We must expect more!

Those that have worked as part of this committee are such a dedicated group of die hard workers. We corporately want to thank you for your hearts and loyalty to His Great Commission. . All are welcome to join. The question is: Are you willing to love enough to labor alongside your brethren? We sure hope so!!!

Children’s Ministry Update

The Children’s Committee has reported many good things have happened and are up and coming. They have reported that this past summer was fantastic. They have learned so many good things. They studied about men of the Old Testament, such as Moses, Isaac, Abraham, and Jacob. They took specific watch on learning their strengths and weaknesses. Please do not forget that they learned how to apply that knowledge to their own lives. They also learned of ways to help others. This showed them how God shows love. Isn’t God good? Our God is so funny. corporately, we learned the same things!

One thing the children got to do this summer was to go to Lake Compounce.  We are planning another such trip for summer of 2010. The children would like to offer their thanksgiving to our Pastor and Church Family for providing this opportunity to them. Fun was had by ALL!

Now that summer has ended and school has begun, they must say goodbye to a few of their friends: Dean, Samantha, and Daniel. They have graduated from the Children’s ministry to now be with the rest of the church. This is always a new and exciting time for them. Please let’s all make them feel welcomed and loved. Change is not always the easiest thing to deal with, so please do help our young people adjust to this time. Thank you!

The Children’s ministry is now studying more in depth the life of Moses and the children of the Israel. The life in the wilderness will be discussed also.There is always growth and change happening here. We’ve recently welcomed  new children into the children’s ministry.

Some real exciting news for our youth is the up and coming Harvest Party on October 31^st. All are welcome to join in. Costumes must be worn. This year we are allowing you to pick your costume. Please, nothing evil or having connotations toward the same. We ask that all bring candy in for the children. We want to knock their socks off. They need to see that the Lord blesses those who obey Him. Celebrating Halloween is not Godly. The Church on Higher Ground wants to bless them with a better alternative. So, please bring your children and allow them to be blessed!

Greeter’s Ministry Update

The Meet and Greet Committee has been doing splendidly. It is so wonderful to see the Lord use a simple smile and a welcoming spirit. We just want to thank all those who participate in this Ministry. You are the first and last people seen. You are an important Ministry. We just want to remind all those who participate to be looking at your schedule. If you cannot be there for the scheduled day, please do find a replacement. This will make things run smoothly and efficiently. Thank you! Anyone is welcome to become a part of this ministry once they have finished New Members Class and are enrolled and participating in Catalyst.

Hospitality Ministry Update

Hospitality has been such a blessing to us over the years. Well, there is a whole new era for this Committee starting as the new facility opens on the 11-October-2009. Please remember to smile and thank this Committee for all that they do. They are the servants behind the scene. They are NOT forgotten. They are our right hand women! Thank you so much for your service. Come and say hello at the tables after church and if you are a new visitor please take one of the free gifts made just for you. Also stop by and say hello to Pastor before you leave.

If you are interested in joining this Committee, please do see Karen McDonald at your earliest convenience. It would be more then appreciated. “The greatest of these is a servant of all….Once again you must have finished New Members Class and are enrolled and participating in Catalyst class.Thank You!

PRAYER MINISTRY UPDATE- ” ENCOUNTER”

Soaking prayer has been awesome! However we have encouraged our people that soaking prayer is most effective when done privately ,in this way when we come together for prayer we will be able to minister first to God through worship and prayer and then to the body as a whole and individually. We will be starting something new and we are calling “ENCOUNTER” We are working behind the scenes as we believe that this is the leading of the lord for this season ,we will be starting this in the month of June as we will be having  a very anointed worship leader joing us. Until then we will be meeting for intercessory prayer ,seeking guidance and direction from the Lord. Prayer impacts our lives and we take the ministry of prayer very seriously.One must soak alone in his presence in order to come away filled with heavenly fuel for prayer. It is in his presence that we begin to see things from a heavenly perspective .God has been speaking to pastor that a shift in the heavenly atmosphere is taking place and that the atmosphere is changing.We desire to be on the cutting edge with God.

Information Technology Update

The Information Technology department has been undergoing so many changes and revamping. Tony Vitable has been reinventing our church site. It is really amazing. Along with the move to the Broadview Middle School Auditorium for Sunday Service, and the change in the Church’s name, work on a new web site was started in June. The new site addresses a number of issues we had with the current web site, . We also have a new web-site of ministry for the “Catalyst Class that we have been doing and have had over 302 members sign up as of today.( www.theperfectstorm-catalyst). Where any and everyone can go on and view the class with us and learn the principles of grounded Biblical end times leadership. Feel free to sign up and join.There you can post questions and recieve answers back from the ministry staff.

The new web site, http://churchonhigherground.org, was built using free “open source” software.  The total cost to the church of the new web site to date has been less than two months of service charges on the current web site, and the Church will not have to make another payment until next June.

The new site has pages describing the Church and our beliefs, ministries, and people.  There is a calendar that shows all regularly scheduled events.  All events for the upcoming week are displayed on the right hand side of every page.  There are even a number of photo galleries showing photos from various church events.

Most recently, development work on a “plug-in” for the Sermons Archive has been completed.  This plug-in allows the visitor to the site to search our archives of sermon video for a sermon they are interested in viewing.

Come visit the church’s new web site and give us your feedback.

Praise & Worship Ministry Update

The Praise and Worship Team has undergone some drastic changes, yet one more time. However this is truly by the hand of God and we believe it is for the better and the faithfulness of the team  has brought us into the throne room time and time again. And

as you are keeping your eyes and hearts steadfast on the king. He cannot help but be pleased, Thank you again.

Expect some differences; the Lord is moving in a whole new direction in our worship. We, as a team, are excited to see what the Lord does with us. We welcome Kathy Bartrum to the worship team.

We also want to welcome Raylene Hargis for rejoining the Ministry once again.

Public Relations Team Update

The Public Relations Committee is in full swing. News articles have been designed and are already running in a few of the local newspapers. Praise the Lord! Monthly feedback from all of the committees were obtained and made useful for the monthly newsletter to be created and passed out. Email lists are being created and a mass email newsletter is about to be sent out. Please make sure, if you want to be part of this, that you give your email address to either The Usher or the Ministry team. We want all

to be blessed and informed.

If anyone would like to write to Frank Baptiste, please do so ,we are asking all who can to please write him or send him a postcard.We will supply you with his address. Frank is doing very well and sends his love to all. Pastor visits with him monthly. Also Frank has requested that he would like to send some articles that he has been writing and asks if we would post these in the church bulletin,we said yes and are looking forward to hearing from him as well. If you would like to donate some money for Frank please see Pastor. Please lets not forget our brother “We are our brothers keeper”.

This Committee is asking you all for any and all photos of the Church and Church events. These will be used for the newsletter/ emails. Thank you in advance!

” CATALYST “

For a very long time our Pastor has been checking out many Bible college courses that she would want to see the people here at Church On Higher Ground to have the availability to attend. After much prayer and diligent research she has linked up with C3Ashville Church. An affilate of Christian City Church. Pastor Nick has set up and created a very powerful impact study for those aspiring to be in “Leadership” . We are committed to producing sound ,grounded and seasoned leaders . Many are called but few are chosen .We believe that we are training and raising up chosen leaders that will take the Northeast Region for the Glory of God in this day and hour. This once a month class is open to all who want to be prepared for the last great  hour in history.You can also follow these classes on the web. Our classes are great and we have had a very positive response from those who have attended and we have had much more attend then expected. In Catalyst we learn that “Culture” is a key componenet of success. And that leadership is “Parental”. Come and check us out the last saturday of the month,we meet at 9:30 for breakfast and prayer and then we get down to the business of making a difference in the Earth today.

Catalyst Class has been a huge success and we have just finished our 4th. class .We will resume classes again on the last Saturday of September.If you would like to be a part of the class you may join in at any time,SImply come in and get the material and view the videos of the classes you missed.Then after reading the required books and answering the H.W. questions you will be able to  jump right in. Also all of this can be done while you are attending the classes also. Our goal is to raise up mighty influential leaders who have the integrity and character development required to lead . We wish to equip them to do this.

Remember the Bible tells us to be diligent in our study to show ourselves approved of God a workman not needing to be ashamed. Those who prepare well end well!

“CONNECT GROUPS”

We will be starting connect groups in  the month of June. Here at “Church On Higher Ground” we believe that we are family and that fellowship is the number one most important component to evangelism. So we’re putting our money where our mouths are.

There will be all sorts of things such as “Dinner and a movie” “Teen Groups” “cooking Classes” “Men and the Fights” or perhaps you like to discuss current affairs in the world and church the you will want to attend Elder Jacks cconnect group.You may want to attend the many other groups that will be offered , or you may so enjoy this that you will want to attend them all,go ahead and knock yourself out because all are free and  for the soul purpose of fellowship.

We see that Jesus greatest ministry was always done around a table or a meal of fellowship.

Pastor will be doing a book club once a month at Elder Elaine’s house, The first book will be ” letting go of Insecurity ” by Beth Moore. Just pick up a book and join us. This starts in June so we may even get to picnic during a group. And oh yea Pastor has a pool.

Speaking of Pastor Evelyn did you hear the new’s she has written her first book and it will be available for sale in the begining of early Fall 2010. Her editor thinks it’;s a winner. You will be able to order it right from our store where you will be able to order dvd’s of services and cd’s of music that is played during prayer, you amy want to buy books and other items we are set to bless you in every way we can.

We are happy to announce that on June 25th. we started our connect groups.The first group to have met is a fellowship group over at Bobby and Karen McDonalds home. It was a great success and George Jimminez was quoted to have said “I can’t laugh anymore “.

If you are feeling alone come and see if one of the connect groups is a way for you to connect and have fellowship.

Bobby and Karen are doing their group twice a month,on the first and third friday of the month. The name of their group is:

Fellowship and Wii. Even our youth loved the group.

then there is Kathy Carnazza’s group and she is doing it on the second and fourth friday of the month.The name of the group is “Scrap Booking ” Have any old pictures laying around? This might be the very group for you.

Elder Elaine is having a Crochet and knitting group that will meet at her house every other wednesday of the month beging on july 14th. Our teacher is Maranatha Corley, she is ver talented and gifted in this area,we are thankful to have her teach this group .So ladies get out your crochet and knitting needles and lets talk.

Pastor Weber is even in on the fun and she is going to do a group with the ladies the first and third thursday of every month and the name of her group is ” So Long Insecurity” We will be using the book by Beth Moore. Morning Star Bookstore has agreed to give us a very good discount for each book so be sure to get yours while they are available. All you need to do is ask for Tony the manager and tell him you are from our church and you will get the discount.

In August George and Amelia Banettiz will also be doing a group. We will give you the details as the dates draw near.

Each group will last twelve weeks at which time you will decide on another group or if you have truly enjoyed the group your in feel free to stay put ,as long as the group continues.

” have you considered”Church On Higher Ground“?

We are located at 257 Main Street in Danbury,Ct. we meet here every Thursday for Music practice,Bible Study,and Prayer. Our Sunday serv ices are now being held at Broadview Middle School in Danbury,Ct. As we are currently in search of a bigger building to meet all of our needs. If you need further help please call the church at (203) 730-2303 .

Move Committee Update

The Rekon Ministry has been sighted behind the scenes. They have scouted out the new facility. They have prepared in advance the up and coming move. They have signed the contracts and everything is in full swing!

Services are at the same times. The only thing different will be the setting and the way things will be run. Please work with us as this is brand new to us all. We pray that the move will run smoothly, but if there are any glitches, thank the Lord anyway. He is still the same God yesterday, today, and forever! He is the only constant.

The times for the services are as follows: Sunday Morning at 9:15 to 10am is pre-service prayer and evangelism; 10 am is Sunday School and New Members Classes; 11 am is Service as usual. The new classrooms will be utilized! Since th emove it has been wonderful to see Jesus one by one bring his sheep into the fold,we are blessed to meet and welcome each and everyone of you!

Ushering Ministry Update

Last but NOT least is our Ushering Ministry. Thank you to those who have remained faithful to this Ministry. It is not an easy task, we know, but you are so needed here. Thank you for keeping us all safe and accounted for. You truly are a blessing! Thank you!!!

Many things have occurred these past few months. Committees were formed and are hard at work to get things done. The Lord gave us a NEW BUILDING! He is moving us into a temporary place were He has promised to show up and show out. His rains are coming, folks! It is His promise to us. He is restoring all that is rightfully ours. It is our restitution! All these things and MORE! We also welcome Minister Vikki Breece as the new Usher Committee leader. Thank you Vikki !

The Ridgefield Crew / Revolution Update

Pastor and the Ridgefield Crew/ Revolution Committee have been meeting monthly on  the firstTuesday night of the month. There have been over 10 salvation’s since it began. The young people are very hungry. They ask so many questions and listen intently. They have also gone out in the city to pass out blankets, and sandwiches that they made. This was a big hit among the group. There were tears and laughing. There were prayers over the homeless.

Due to this very action and the dedication of our Pastor, I took it upon myself to report it to an “Above and Beyond” contest. They all were unaware of this. We have been chosen. We won!

The Contest ran as follows:

If you catch someone going Above & Beyond today, if you’ll message me their address, I’ll send them a wristband that says “Go Above & Beyond Aspire Higher”, and let them know they were caught going Above & Beyond . . . and don’t forget, YOU go Above & Beyond today — God is watching.

Here was my response:

I wrote:

I know someone who WILL do the above and beyond today, my Mother. She is a Pastor here and recently lost her son who was also a Worship Leader here. He had many youth in the city here that followed after him and aspired to be like him. He really was amazing! God really used him.

Well, since his very untimely death, she and I have taken over that group and have met with them every week since his death. This has brought many of them to the Lord and has been opening the door for a second Church (one without walls) for a group of 15 to 25 year olds. They have changed so much since Vin’s death.

I am so proud of my mom. I really hope to be just like her one day. She puts aside her own pain and thinks of others and their feelings through this time! I wish you knew the woman I see with my own eyes.

Anyway, today is the day we meet with our “Ridgefield Crew or Revolution”, as Vin called them.  Tonight we get to see them change a little more and more.  The Lord is really amazing!

One person said :

Wow, Chrysi…I’m so sorry about your brother’s death. And your mom does sound like an Above and Beyonder….HUGS to you.

Another said:

I felt led  to give the wristband you gave me to someone else after hearing that.

I replied with:

It is sad to not sing with him anymore, but I just know he is now SINGING in front of HIM! How could I ever want him back now? He is doing what I am aspiring to do….I cannot fault him for that! God knows it hurts and forever will, but I am so HAPPY for him. So is my Mother, just hard to accept it all…as you can imagine or understand! The Lord planned this from day 1, so we just keep on keepin on…

Teresa Ward, the Head of this Contest, replied with:

Chrysi – message me an address and how many come to the group, and I’ll send wristbands for all of them, as a reminder to go Above & Beyond.

I replied with:

Wow- Really? That would be AMAZING!!!! I will send the info in an email. I will go tonight and take a count and get that to you too. Also, this will speak volumes to them. See, we just went out together as a group and fed the homeless on the street and gave them blankets. They NEVER did this before. They ALL come from well to do families as Ridgefeild is VERY well to do. So, it made a few cry, it made them see that THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I will SO get you that information!!! Thank you so much for picking us, “The Ridgefield Crew/ Revolution”….My Mother will be most pleased and honored!!! Thank you once again! I am blessed in just seeing your heart exposed so kindly!!! Thank You!!!

Teresa then wrote me a letter with the following:

Chrysi,
I’ll get them in the mail, hopefully, today. Thanks for going Above & Beyond!

Do not grow weary in doing good!

All our love & appreciation,
Teresa & the team at
Above & Beyond

So see, The Lord is moving in the city. Pastor is going above and beyond to see that the Lord fulfills His promise to Higher Ground. The Church is growing and moving by leaps and bounds. This is definitely a whirlwind. She expects to see Him fill the seats and move like never before. We just have to sit back and enjoy the ride. It’s exciting…..

See you in the Whirlwind!