Heart for the House 2024 by HRCStrengthenedForLife

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

What is it ?

Heart for the House is a special time of year for our church, celebrating all God has accomplished in the past year and prayerfully considering how each of us can partner financially to help our church move forward with our vision to strengthen more people for life.

Why is it important?

As believers, we are part of God’s family, sharing a commission to reach as many people as possible with the good news of Christ. HighRidge carries out this mission with a unique approach and passion, expressed through various ministries in our church and our community.

This year, we celebrate and highlight what God has accomplished through Chosen ministry, NextGen ministries, and Marriage and Family ministry. We look forward with expectancy toward all the possibilities ahead, reaching more people and helping them Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference.

HIGHRIDGE HAS MY HEART

“I’ve been attending Highridge for quite a while and it’s such an amazing place…Everybody makes you feel at home.”Erick S.

“I have had the privilege to call this house my home for over 16 years. The worship is always so full of life. The messages are always insightful and encouraging. There is great ministry for kids/youth/young adults. If you’re even slightly considering it, just come experience it for yourself!” -Sam G.

“I’m so proud to say HighRidge Church Parker County is our new home! All the volunteer workers absolutely love what they do from opening doors to serving coffee. Can’t wait for Sundays!!!” - J L.

“This is a great church that feels like home. Inspiring messages, beautiful facility, and friendly people. Also great children’s and youth ministry. Love it!” - Lisa C.

I WAS GLAD WHEN THEY SAID TO ME, “LET US GO TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD!” PSALM 122:1 ESV

LETTER FROM OUR PASTORS

Imagine a church that reaches out into the heart of Fort Worth and Parker County, where the focus continues to be strengthening people for life; a place for children, students from middle school, high school, and college, single moms, young marrieds, families, adults of all ages and seasons, to gather together to receive the Word, worship the Lord, and serve. Imagine a place where people in crisis or hard times can come and receive the help they need, where they can get connected and encouraged; a place for raising and training young people for ministry and the future; a place where people find hope, know they are loved and that God has a plan for their lives; and above all, a place where the love of God is poured out and many come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Many years ago, the Lord gave us a vision for a church where people could come together to experience the fullness of the abundant life that the Lord desires for His people to live. That vision grew from our living room to a local shopping center, to the church set high on a hill in Fort Worth. It grew to sending out pastors, adopting churches, and planting churches. It expanded

to Parker County with a new campus to reach a growing community. We have seen the Lord do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever ask or think. Our God is amazing!

As we look ahead, we know there is so much more for us - more people to reach, more communities to strengthen, more relationships to develop, and more opportunities to build the Kingdom of God. This season of Heart for the House helps us prepare for what we are praying for.

We want to be a church that makes a difference in people’s lives; a church God uses to strengthen others, giving them hope for the future. We believe that God is calling us to do and be more, to do all that we can to be His hands and His feet.

As we enter into this season, ask God how He wants you to be a part of making room for more people to know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference.

This is our heart for this house, Pastor Jeff and Dawn

FAMILY OF CHURCHES

Zach

Executive

Teaching Pastor

A FAMILY

and Miranda Gryder

Jonathan and Adyson Klingenberg

Fort Worth Campus

Ryan and Danielle Sims

HighRidge Mineral Wells

Justin and Jessica Moore

Parker County Campus

Tim and Tina Ingram

CHURCHES FAMILY OF CHURCHES

Layne and Mary Kramer

Lead Elder

HighRidge Graham

HighRidge Longview

EVERY NUMBER HAS A NAME

WHAT WE WERE ABLE TO DO BECAUSE OF YOU

“YES” AND TAKE A STEP TOWARD CHRIST

OF OBEDIENCE BY BEING WATER BAPTIZED

FAMILY THROUGH MEMBERSHIP CLASS AND OTHER FUN SPACES TO STRENGTHEN EACH OTHER FOR LIFE AND GREW SPIRITUALLY THROUGH GROUPS

A DIFFERENCE

LEADING A GROUP

THEMSELVES AND OTHERS BY TRAINING AS GROUP INTERNS

Stories from

As a HighRidge of Robert and know the profound would have kids, the Perez And through way. “They’ve for help. It’s sentiment, and have the

The Perez family’s started to pray a boy named the Perez family biological children. can imagine, HighRidge so many ways. support and around the we celebrate love and care

from the Heart:

Robert and Julia Perez

HighRidge family, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible journey and Julia Perez. When this couple got married in 2015, little did they profound calling God had for them or the impact our church community have on their lives. After hearing about HighRidge’s heart for vulnerable Perez family felt called to open their hearts and home to children in need. through it all, our church has been there to support them every step of the “They’ve always been there,” Robert shares. “We’ve never had to call and ask It’s always been answered before we needed to ask.” Julia echoes this saying, “The generosity is overwhelming. We’re able to continue this, the support we need to stay strong in our calling.”

family’s adoption journey began in our church groups, where they pray about expanding their family through adoption. They heard about named Andrew and felt the Lord calling them to adopt him. Since then, family has grown to include eight adopted children, in addition to two children. That’s right, the Perez family now includes ten kids! As you imagine, this journey has brought both beautiful and challenging times, and Chosen Ministry has had the honor of coming alongside this family in ways. From practical aid like meals and financial assistance to emotional and a network of prayer warriors, our church has wrapped its arms Perez family, doing our best to ensure they are strengthened for life. As celebrate the Perez family’s story, let us be inspired to continue embodying the care that defines our HighRidge community.

The Heart of this House: Chosen

Our Chosen ministry supports HighRidge families who are fostering or adopting, whether locally or internationally. Currently, there are 143 million vulnerable kids worldwide. Together, we can change these numbers for God’s children!

As we look to the future, our heart is to see the positive impact of our Chosen Ministry multiplied, expanding and growing our Fort Worth campus ministry and initiating this ministry at our Parker County Campus. Texas ranks third-highest among states with the number of children in Foster Care. Our Fort Worth Chosen ministry has already been able to see over 50 kids adopted into HighRidge families. Establishing Chosen Ministry at Parker County will help us get more vulnerable children into loving Christian homes, provide education and awareness for this county, and offer financial, emotional, and spiritual support to Parker County families who are called to foster or adopt.

GENERATION 2025

Stories from the Heart: Carmen Valladares

When Marcus and Damaris Valladares first stepped through the HighRidge Church in 2010, they were searching for a welcoming community home. Little did they know the profound and lasting impact this church would on their family, especially their daughter

“We came to HighRidge on a night of worship, and we just knew this was for us,” Marcus recalled. The Valladares quickly found that sense of community they were looking for, with Damaris getting plugged into mom groups kids diving into Wednesday night activities. But the real transformation in Carmen, who blossomed in her faith journey. “Carmen has just grown relationship with Jesus,” Damaris beamed. “She has several mentors into her life. She’s learned more about Scripture. She’s had a desire to pretty launch into her own relationship with God.” Carmen’s experience growing HighRidge’s kids ministry laid the foundation for her faith, introducing teachings and community that would shape her

Now 15 years old, Carmen has wholeheartedly embraced the opportunities HighRidge has provided, especially in youth ministry. “What I love most HighRidge is the community and how it’s not just, like, come to church you leave straight after, but it’s like, come to church and then after church, still in the lobby talking to people and growing with people and telling them your week,” Carmen shared. The Valladares are deeply grateful to call their home and are excited to see how God will continue to use this vibrant community to shape the faith and lives of the next generation.

Valladares

the doors of community to call would have daughter Carmen.

was the place community groups and the transformation happened grown in her mentors that pour pretty much growing up in introducing her to the her journey. opportunities most about church and then church, you’re them about HighRidge vibrant church generation.

Stories from the Heart: Judah Reidland

Mark and Chelsea Reidland have been part of the HighRidge family since the very beginning, back in 2007. As Chelsea puts it, “We were looking for a spirit-filled church to raise our kids, and HighRidge has been the perfect fit.” The Reidlands have poured their hearts into this church, and in turn, HighRidge has poured into their family. All of the Reidland boys - from the oldest to the youngest - have benefitted from the faith-building atmosphere at HighRidge. “Our kids have all come to know the Lord and been baptized here,” Mark says with a smile. “HighRidge has really become the foundation of our family.”

Their son Judah, now a 10th grader, has been soaking up everything HighRidge’s kids and youth ministries have to offer. “Serving in kids ministry and being on the youth leadership team has really helped me grow,” Judah shares. “It makes me think harder about my actions and how I can be a good role model.” Judah loves having a community of believers his age to connect with. “It’s awesome to have friends who love Jesus just as much as I do,” he says.

The Reidlands are grateful for the way HighRidge has encouraged Judah’s faith. As Judah puts it, “Without Jesus, I really don’t know how to do any part of life. It’s impossible to do without Him.” Mark reflects, “We’re just so thankful our kids have been raised in this church.” From kids ministry to youth group, the HighRidge family has constantly supported Judah as he has grown in his relationship with Jesus, and now he is part of providing support to the children in kids ministry who are following him. It’s clear that HighRidge Church is fully committed to the next generation, investing in amazing kids like Judah and raising up the leaders of tomorrow.

HEART FOR THE HOUSE HEART FOR THE HOUSE

The Heart of this House: NextGen

This year, we’ve celebrated with families dedicating 55 children to the Lord! It’s heartwarming to see parents prioritize God’s Word and community in raising their kids. The seeds we’re planting are yielding amazing fruit!

We also celebrated 74 kids and youth who took the important step of water baptism this year. In our youth ministry, 89 kids have begun their journey with Jesus! We’re thrilled to witness how the next generation is embracing God’s love and the good news of the gospel.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our NextGen ministries! In Kids Ministry, we plan to enhance our Buddy Program, which ensures children with special needs can fully participate in our weekly activities. We aim to grow this program in Fort Worth and launch it at our Parker County Campus too!

Our Youth Ministry has seen incredible growth this fall, and we’re committed to creating more opportunities for connection and faith development. We’re eagerly preparing for a youth conference in July 2025—an epic event for students to invite friends and showcase the joy of a life of faith!

Our Young Adult Ministry is experiencing profound spiritual growth, with 33 young adults getting baptized this year. Many are also training as group interns, preparing to lead others in their faith journey.

In a time when many are struggling with identity and faith, we see God moving powerfully in our NextGen Ministries. By providing more opportunities for connection and growth, we believe they will flourish and boldly declare the greatness of our God in their generation!

Stories from When Johnnie in 2017, their infidelity, the a way to rebuild that would needed.

“I heard about kids and they HighRidge, impact. “The driving us towards hear God’s life.” After months the couple HighRidge celebration,” a future.”

Now, the Coomers testimony to would tell them With grateful even the most

from the Heart: Johnnie and Lindsey Coomer

Johnnie and Lindsey Coomer first started attending HighRidge Church their marriage was on the brink of collapse. Because of addiction and the couple had divorced, leaving them both hopeless and searching for rebuild their lives and family. It was a chance encounter with a neighbor ultimately lead them to the community and support they so desperately about HighRidge from my neighbor,” Johnnie shared. “He had a bunch of they went to church all the time, so he got us to go with them.” Once at the powerful messages and supportive community had an immediate “The messages were always on point, tugging at our heartstrings and towards God,” Johnnie continued. Lindsey added, “We were able to voice through the messages and start rebuilding the pieces of our new months of attending groups and finding support and accountability, made the bold decision to remarry, surrounded by their newfound family. “The day we got remarried was a day of restoration and celebration,” Lindsey reflected. “It was a reminder that the Lord gives us hope and

Coomers are actively involved in the HighRidge community, using their to encourage others who are struggling. “If I could encourage anyone, I them that you’re never too far gone for God to redeem,” Johnnie stated. grateful hearts, this couple is living proof that through faith and community, most broken marriages can be restored.

The Heart of this House:Marriage and Family

Over the past year, we’ve seen God do amazing things through our marriage groups at HighRidge. With 28 groups meeting and four new curriculums introduced, couples have experienced deeper unity and greater victory in their marriages. Many have also reached out for additional support through our pastoral care counseling, finding new hope and wisdom for their journey together.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re filled with excitement. New Marriage and Family Groups will launch on February 2, bringing even more strength and connection. On February 8, we’ll host our first One-Day Marriage Conference, Thrive! Whether you need to overcome challenges or you just want to make your marriage stronger, this event will offer encouragement, practical resources, and spiritual nourishment to enhance the hope and health of your relationship. We are also developing a mentoring program for marriages, similar to the successful ones we’ve established for men and women. Plus, we’re planning fun date-night events to help couples bond with each other and with others in our community. The year ahead is full of promise, and we can’t wait to see what God has in store!

GROWING HEART GROWING HOUSE

HEART FOR THE HOUSE HEART FOR THE HOUSE

As we celebrate all God has done in the past year through this house, we know that God has even more for us to accomplish together! We look forward with great faith to see more families and volunteers joining our Foster and Adoptive ministry, Chosen; more people serving in our NextGen Ministries; so more children, youth, and young adults can grow in their faith and purpose through increased opportunities to connect in spiritual community. We also look forward to seeing more marriages and families flourishing because of our marriage groups, datenight events, mentoring relationships, and our upcoming 2025 Marriage Conference, Thrive. We are excited for more people to join us on Sundays and find hope by beginning a life-giving relationship with Jesus!

For 15 years, our Fort Worth Campus has had a wonderful but increasingly perplexing problem; more people attending on Sundays than our parking lot can handle! We have spent countless hours praying, researching, petitioning, and advocating for a solution. Last year, we saw God do exceedingly more than we could ask or imagine, as we opened our Parker County campus, becoming ONE CHURCH, TWO CAMPUSES. Our Parker County attenders now have a campus a little closer to home with room for their family and friends to join them, and our Fort Worth Campus has some room to grow too… just in time!

In the area immediately surrounding our Fort Worth Campus, there are imminent plans for huge developments, including roadways, housing subdivisions, new schools, restaurants, and businesses. With all this movement, God has provided a door of opportunity for our church to pursue the possibility

of opening up a new driveway on the northwest side of our property. This is exciting news for our church and would be a BIG answer to prayer!

As more people move into the area surrounding our HighRidge campuses, the heart of this house is to welcome and invite them in, encourage, and strengthen them for life. We know that as our heart grows, so will our house! Your Heart for the House offering will fuel plans to make room for more ministry. Imagine a brand new worship center at our Fort Worth Campus with capacity for 1,000 people, an expanded kid’s wing to invest in the next generation, and at Parker County, imagine outgrowing Phase I and moving to Phase II, with a new worship center and NextGen Facility. There is no limit to what God can do! Your generosity toward Heart for the House will impact people’s lives, both now and for all eternity!

CLICK TO VIEW VISION VIDEO HERE

BE A PART OF THE HEART

Your Giving Makes a Difference!

Our church is who we are because of the people who belong to this house! 17 years of faithfulness and generosity have generated growth, from a handful of people in a living room to 6 locations and thousands of people worshipping and serving the Lord together. While you may not have been here to see our first moments as a church, you were the reason for it all. HighRidge is not just a church, it is your church!

No matter how much of our history you share, we all share a heart to build a legacy for the next generation!