News
The Hotbox with Dan Deeble
 eNews: Looking back at 2008, what were your highlights for the year?
Dan: 2008? Are you serious?
eNews: Hey, we were supposed to do this in January.
Dan: Right. My bad. Well, on the personal side... my highlights were going to China and bringing home our eldest daughter, Mia. Second, when Hadley Barton Deeble was born and, third, when the Yankees did not make the playoffs.
eNews: You have a mean streak.
Dan: Not mean, my friend, just justice. Sweet justice.
eNews: How about HCC stuff - what's rockin'?
Dan: The South Service continues to rock. While everyone - everywhere - is serving at such a high level, it is amazing to see what's going down on the Southside. Their level of passion and ownership is stunning. I mean, these folks have to literally set up and tear down church within a four hour window every Sunday!
eNews: When you think of our mission, what story comes to mind? (To read more click here.)
This Sunday Morning - Parental Discretion Advised
 Dan Deeble will be preaching on Genesis this Sunday morning and covering the topic of the rape of Dinah. Because of the delicate nature of this Sunday's message, Sexual Abuse, we want to let you know that Parental Discretion is advised.
Food Drive, Sunday April 5th
 YOU can help hungry folks at Heartland and around the KC area - just grab a few extra items next time you're at the grocery store and drop them off at the GO Space on Sunday, April 5! Items of particular need include: boxed cereal, oatmeal (packets or quick oats), saltines, dry or canned pasta, tuna, peanut butter, Velveeta Shells and Cheese, and boxed dinners (like Hamburger or Tuna Helper). Thanks for helping feed those in need!
Heartland Running
 Jordanne Bonfield and Tom Brawner invite you be a part of Heartland Running. What is Heartland Running? It is an informal group of runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels who will be gathering together periodically throughout the year to connect around fun and fitness by participating in local running/walking events. Our inaugural event is the Run for Mercy, benefiting Oceans of Mercy Orphanage in South Africa, will take place on Saturday, April 18th at Mill Valley High School with a start time of 8:00am. The event offers a 10K Run (6.2 miles), a 5K Run-Walk (3.1 miles) and a Kids Fun Run. Anyone who wishes to join us should click here to register online for the event. You can download all the pertinent information from their website. We will find each other at 7:30am around the late registration area. We hope you'll join us in this fun and meaningful experience. - Jordanne and Tom
First Impressions Team
 First Impressions matter. Help create a great first impression at Heartland. We're launching a new initiative in the front office. Could you volunteer a regular morning or afternoon each weekday to answer phones, help people get connected to the right person and resources and complete other administrative tasks? It's a great opportunity to dive in to the life of the church. If interested in being that first contact for those who call or visit Heartland click here to email Angela Horton or call 913.766.6460.
New Babies at Heartland
 It's a pleasure to announce the new babies: Madelyn Grace Hunt (right) 3.23.09 (daughter of Jilian and Ethan), Leah Jane Davis 3.17.09 (daughter of Melanie and John), Luke Robert DeBruyn 3.20.09 (son of Elizabeth and David). New baby? Let our
front office know by clicking here.
Women
Women at the Well - Volunteer Opportunity
 Want to serve using your hospitality or helps gifts? On Tuesday, April 21st at 6:30 pm we will be experiencing a Seder Dinner at Women at the Well. We need many women to help prepare the food and ambience for the evening. Click here to contact Lori Roy if you're interested in volunteering. Our special guest Fran Wohlers will be leading that evening.
New Mom's Small Groups
New Baby? Join a New Mom's Small Group and bring your babies! Expecting Moms or Moms with babies 0 - 12 months are welcome. Childcare available for older kids. We meet the first and third Thursdays 9:15 - 11:00 am in Room 5N. Click here to contact Kyran Wilson for sign up or if you have questions.
Men
Every Man Friday, April 3rd
Have you ever wondered why you're not experiencing everything that God promises? Is there a gap between where you are and where you want to be? We all have a past... some of it is good and some past we would rather forget about, but the key to our future is getting past our past. On Friday April 3rd a special Heartland guest will share his personal journey of how his past impacted his relationship with God and others, yet because of God's Grace and healing he is bridging the gap to living the promises of God. I know you will be encouraged and challenged from his message for your own journey!
Friday April 3rd, Heartland Auditorium 6:30am - 7:30am sharp (coffee/donuts at 6:15am)
Men's Adventure Trip June 2009
 Don't miss this exciting opportunity for fellowship and fun with other Heartland Men. The dates are Thursday June 25 through Sunday June 28. Click here for more details or click here to sign up. Questions? Click here to contact Michael Maybee or call Michael at 816.695.3080.
Singles
Fusion Sunday Night
 On Sunday April 5th our normal programming is suspended so we can fully participate in Pray 168. Come pray during one or more of the one-hour blocks of time during our normal meeting times. 6-7PM, 7-8PM, or 8-9PM. Childcare will be provided during the 6-7PM hour block.
Our next time to meet with regular programming is April 19th our speaker is Courtlan Telford and our topic is "love in relationships". Fusion is about "helping singles live well". If you're looking for a community to encourage you to live your life to its fullest as a single person, you must get involved with Fusion. We meet in the Gallery for worship, teaching and enjoy dinner together afterwards. We organize days of mercy, Fusion folks host parties, movie nights and other weekend adventures. Come to find your life. Leave to give your life away. Childcare provided for kids 1 yr to 5th grade. Click here to check out our calendar.
Singles Sitting Together
Sit on the right side of the auditorium during the 11:00 am service at either the north or south service to meet other singles. Many of the singles enjoy going to lunch together after the service.
Couples
New Couples Small Groups
 Couples Ministry Heartland is launching our new couples ministry focused on cultivating marriage mentoring through small groups of couples in all life stages. We have two opportunities for you to start growing in your journey with God and each other.
Couples Launch Group - Couples looking for your next step? Join us for a 4 week small group. This small group will begin on Sunday, April 5th. We will meet at Heartland in Room 5N from 10:45am-12:15pm. If you have questions or would like to attend, click here to email Britton Gregory.
Sunday Night Small Groups - These mixed generation groups will be studying "The Five Love Languages" or the "I Promise" marriage study.
For more information click here to email Britton Gregory or stop by the Grow Space.
Marriage Tune-up
 Make plans now to join us for our next Marriage Tune-up on Friday, April 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Gallery at 8301 Lamar. Amy and Chris Habben will be our special guest leaders. The event is open to all married couples and their guest couples. Click here to sign up and register for this event.
Children
Easter Family Celebration
 We want to make you the master storyteller of the Easter story to your kids. Come to our Easter Family Celebration from 10am-11am, Saturday April 4th (note new date) in the gym at 8301 Lamar to make Resurrection Eggs together. Resurrection eggs are a way to tell the Easter story with object lessons. If you bring an empty egg carton for a dozen eggs and your kids (birth through 5th grade) we will provide everything else. And, of course, you don't call it a celebration unless you have snacks! Don't miss out on this great family time to prepare for Easter. Click here to contact Sara Stauffer with questions.
Donations needed for Heartland Family Adventure
 Got dusty, fake plants or greenery you would like to get rid of? Well, the decorating team for Heartland Family Adventure wants it. Any fake plants, ivy, moss, ferns, willows or anything green is needed to create an awesome environment for this summer's Heartland Family Adventure. Click here to contact Liz Sears to make a donation. We are also looking for a canoe or small row boat we can borrow.
Youth
 Parent/volunteer Youth Meeting, Sun. March 29th
In an effort to help build community and gain momentum, we are going to have just one place for students to gather on Sundays.
Here's what it means:
All Middle School and High School gatherings will be at 11:00 am beginning April 19th. Many of you have expressed an interest by saying, "Let me know how I can help..." Well, here's your opportunity!
You're invited to attend a Youth Meeting for Parents and Volunteers at 9:00 am This Coming Sunday morning, March 29th in 5 North at 8301 Lamar. If you're interested in learning more, serving as a leader or helper, we would love to see you there. Click here to RSVP for the meeting and join the others who have already signed up. We're excited to share what's in store. Click here to email Caley Bowen regarding high school and here to email Shibu regarding middle school.
Missions
Missions Update
 On the Heartland Missions website, check out the video report from the Gulf Coast team of almost 50 youth and leaders who spent their Spring Break week serving the needs of those still struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina. God used them in a mighty way! Click latest news to read the exciting story of the family they served from Caley Bowen, High School Director and team facilitator.
 We would like to introduce you to Jolynne Myers, a Heartlander and nurse practitioner, who is preparing to serve long-term in Mexico! She will be leaving on August 29 for Global Frontier Missions in Oaxaca, Mexico, to attend their missions training program. Find out more about Jolynne here. If you are interested in helping Jolynne see her dream realized, please contact her at jolynne.myers@live.com.
 Pray 168 is happening beginning 6:00 am April 5th until 6:00 am April 12th in the Gallery. We hope you'll find time to come and pray with your family, friends, small group or just spend time alone with God. Whether you have 10 minutes or can come for an hour we know you'll be blessed during this designated time of prayer. Click here to watch a video about the event. Questions? Click here to contact Cynthia Pincombe or call 913-341-5820, ext. 120.
General Information
Easter Weekend Services
 Good Friday services will be held Friday evening, April 10th at 7:00 pm at 8301 Lamar. Childcare will be available for ages infant - 5th grade.
Easter Services will be held Saturday evening April 11th at 7:00 pm and Sunday morning April 12th at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. There will be programming for all children aged infant through 5th grade. There will not be a South Service on Easter Morning. If you're a regular, please use the shuttle lot that day to make room for new people.
In addition, you can experience Easter service in whole new way at Heartland. We are offering an alternative worship experience during both the 9AM and 11AM service times. Easter Unplugged will be held in The Gallery, located on the North end of 8301 Lamar. The message is the same as given in the auditorium. The experience is relaxed and intimate with a live acoustic band for worship.
About Heartland
 Interested in finding out more about who we are and why we do what we do? Then we'd love to have you take part in our next About Heartland class. The class meets from 12:30-2:30pm on Sunday, April 26 here at Heartland. Lunch and childcare are provided, free of charge. We just need you to register by a week prior to the class. To register, just click here.
Small Group Leader Training
Are you feeling the nudge to lead a small group, but not sure what to do? If you said "yes" then plan on attending the Small Group Leader Training. You will learn Heartland's vision for leading a small group and practical tips to lead a group of spiritually hungry people. Our next training is Thursday, April 9th from 6:30-8:00. Childcare is available for $5 per child.
Click here to sign up online for the training and here to sign up for the childcare.
1:1 Spiritual Mentor Training
Interested in becoming a spiritual mentor or need a refresher? This training is for those interested in becoming a spiritual mentor or those who have been mentored and are ready to pass along the legacy of discipleship. It is designed to practically equip you in a way that builds your skills, confidence and readiness to be a 1:1 spiritual mentor. Our next training is Thursday, April 9, 6:30-8:00pm. Childcare is available for $5 per child. Click here to sign up online for the training and here to sign up for the childcare.
Learn to ballroom Dance for free
 Join Mario Orelus and Kelsy Crow from 1:00 - 3:30pm on Saturday, April 4th to learn how to waltz, tango, cha-cha and more with others from
Heartland Community Church. The class will be held on the first Saturday of the month in the gym at 8301 Lamar.
The first portion will be spent teaching the steps and the second portion will be decated to practicing what you have learned. This is a FREE and OPEN ballroom group class, so feel free to invite your friends.
Click here to email for more information or call 913.481.1721
Dave Ramsey Live! Event, May 2nd
 Dave Ramsey is coming to Kansas City for one day, Saturday, May 2nd from 1:00 - 6:00 pm. You may have been through Financial Peace University or and would like to take a friend. You might listen to Dave on the radio and desire to see him in person. Now you can attend at our reduced rate. Click here to watch a brief video about the event. Click here to register and use "Heartland" as the Promotional Code for a $10 discount!
P.S. Dave only takes debit cards and bank drafts. No surprise here. He will take your credit card but only to cut it up!
Heartland Assist Line Change
Assist is a comprehensive care and counseling ministry that provides prayer, relational support and help in connecting those in need with the appropriate resources. Click here for more resources. Have an immediate need? Please contact our confidential Heartland Assist at 913.341.5820 ext. 330
Leadership Community, Saturday May 2nd
If you are actively serving at Heartland or completed the What You Do Best Class, please plan to be at Leadership Community Saturday, May 2 from 9 - 11am in the auditorium. 2009 is going to be a big year in the life of our church. You will leave Leadership Community equipped and recharged after a morning of connecting with God and other leaders. Click here to register and if you need childcare.
Creative Volunteers Needed
Calling all creative people! Program and Production is looking for graphic designers, video editors, craftsman/set designers, lighting designers, PowerPoint gurus or people who have fantastic and creative ideas. Click here to email Jenae Weinbrenner for more information.
Update on the South Campus Construction
 The new facility is abuzz with plenty of action this week. Click here for a slideshow. The bulk of the framing has been done in children's ministry, the auditorium and the office area. In addition, the floors are being finished in the atrium. Drywall is installed in most of the classrooms. The exterior of the building is getting the decorative etching done on the concrete panels and sandblasting is being done to reveal the natural grey color. Structural steel has been ordered and they are looking to opening up the building to put in glass next month. Click here to view the current webcam image.
Prayer Needs
To request prayer, you may click here to submit a prayer request or praise report and one of the members of our Prayer Team will pray for you. Heartland's Prayer Request Team is receiving many sincere requests for prayer, and these as these come in they are emailed to our team dedicated pray-ers. Click here if you would like to join the Prayer Team. Back to top
Dan: Hmmm. How to choose... Can I share two?
eNews: Shocker.
Dan: How about the woman who walked into Don Mardock's office the other day and said, "I'm a bus driver and, every day on my route, I would see your sign on the old Rhodes building." Apparently, she looked us up on the web.
eNews: You're kidding.
 Dan: Nope. She said that she and her two daughters have been attending the South Service and they totally dig it.
eNews: Yeah. What's your second story?
Dan: Well, there's Kathleen who came all alone a few Sundays ago for the first time when her life took a tumultuous turn. I then met her at our Wednesday prayer time. She walked in with that "should I even be here?" look and man, she has been growing in Christ like a weed. She's been to our "About HCC" class, she's gone through our "What You Do Best" class, and she is already in a 1:1 Spiritual Mentorship. She now wants to start a ministry for single grandparents. How cool is that?
eNews: Way cool.
Dan: She even said to me not too long ago, "You know, I was a little disappointed when I heard you all were moving. But then I thought, I'll just move with you guys!"
eNews: speaking of which, how do you think people are feeling about the move?
Dan: On the whole, I think there's quite a bit of energy around it - especially as the walls are now going up in the new building. I can't wait for everyone to get a tour and see all the progress.
eNews: I agree, but what would you say to the person who's still struggling with the move?
Dan: Hmm. I'd say, "I get it. Change is hard. So pray. And, before rushing to a decision, come and try it on for a while."
eNews: That's it?
Dan: In a nutshell. Look, one of our Trustee elders said it most practically. She said, "Many have made the decision to drive a long way to come to Heartland for years now. Now, that's reversed - many who have never had to make that decision will."
eNews: You gotta love a Trustee's dogged pragmatism.
Dan: I do. But I remember meeting a guy who drives his family in from Bates City, Missouri (which, because I later looked it up, is 43 miles away). I said, "Bro, why do you drive all this way?" He just shrugged and said, "You'll drive anywhere where there's life." I hope that's true about us.
eNews: The church seems a little more focused on money in the past few months. Why is that?
Dan: Whoa. Could you lob me a softball any time soon?
eNews: hey, we don't call this the hotbox for nothing.
Dan: Indeed. Well, I guess it's because we are.
eNews: Ha! I knew it. You've become the evil empire.
Dan: No, that's still the Yankees. But, you know, on a real practical side, we've vastly improved our ability to communicate - online stuff, the newsletter, etc - and so that could also explain why it feels that way. But it's also fair to say that we're on a steep learning curve about how to address financial issues thoughtfully.
 eNews: What are you learning?
Dan: Hmm. How to never let money become an obstacle to our mission but also how to not let money become an obstacle to our mission. You know?
eNews: Well said, Yogi.
Dan: But seriously - and I've said this before - heaven forbid we ever let money get in the way of someone coming to Christ. But, in the same way, heaven forbid we ever let money get in the way of someone growing in Christ.
eNews: Say more.
Dan: Well, when I first became Senior Pastor, I naively thought that I would never talk about money and -
eNews: And then you were corrupted by greed and power?
Dan: {Laughing} I hope not. I realized that money was intricately linked to our hearts and therefore intricately linked to our ability to grow in Christ. In other words, dealing with money is always discipleship issue. So it would be irresponsible as a pastor to NOT address it directly and consistently.
eNews: Why again?
Dan: Well... I'd just simply say three things: first, the Scriptures address money a ton - more than most things. So much so that it would be impossible to teach the Bible without also teaching on money. Secondly, to not talk about it makes it taboo and, when you do that, you give it power. Third, confronting money in our hearts is, as I've said, a discipleship issue. You cannot grow if you do not give. Period. Fourth, it's a spiritual issue and we (myself included) are always going to grapple with the mention of money because it tugs at that spiritual idol in our hearts. Fifth, we -
eNews: Um, Pastor, you said "three."
Dan: I know, but you got me going. Fifth, we really believe in our mission and that eternity is at stake. We're not just trying to keep the country club going here. We're trying to change the world.
eNews: How has HCC handled the budget in light of the economic conditions?
Dan: We reduced our budget by 14% - which, it's worth noting, includes many increases necessary for our move. So essentially we cut far more than that - and from every area: personnel, ministry budgets, printing, professional expenses, raises, and pension contributions - to name a few.
eNews: Why couldn't we have used  some of the "go" capital campaign money that's going towards a building and move it to our ministry fund to help?
Dan: Simple. Because those are "designated funds." So we would betray the donors' intent and thereby not only upset them but also auditors. So it wasn't even an option.
eNews: That's helpful. How are we doing financially today?
Dan: You know, it's all pretty amazing news - all things considered. Our giving is just under flat compared to last year.
eNews: That's pretty incredible - given what's going on in our economy.
Dan: It is beyond incredible.
eNews: How about attendance? It seems up.
Dan: It is. We've grown over 20% over this time last year among kids and adults.
eNews: Sounds like we need a new building, huh?
Dan: Yep.
eNews: What's our move in date?
Dan: We're targeting for the middle of fall.
eNews: This year?
Dan: Yup. This year. Hey let me ask YOU a question.
eNews: What concerns you most about our move?
eNews: Hmmm. Maybe the fear that we are just about getting big, you know?
Dan: what do you mean by big?
eNews: well, corporate-like.
Dan: Yeah. That's a valid fear. Well, if by corporate you mean, "cold, personal, and calculating" then hopefully no. But if by "corporate" you mean running a smart organization, being well organized, and stewarding our resources well, then yes - that we must do. Stephen Covey has this great axiom which says, "We need to be efficient with things, so that we can be more effective with people." And that's the goal: Jesus-centered life-change.
eNews: What are you reading these days?
Dan: Finally. You lobbed me one.
eNews: Quit your whining.
 Dan: Okay. Other than sermon research stuff, I've got 3 books in the hopper. I'm reading Three Cups of Tea, Provocations by Kierkegaard, and Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge.
eNews: And the Royals? Your prediction?
Dan: Dude. I have know idea but I did get a tour of the stadium. It's gonna be sweet!
eNews: How are the girls?
Dan: Well, there are 6 ear infections in my house right now.
eNews: SIX? How's Elise?
Dan: Her ears account for two of them.
eNews: Yikes.
Dan: Yep. Amoxicillin is our friend.
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