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Hear from our current Congregational Life Captain
Tell us about yourself
Heather Earnhart
Husband David, daughter Gabriella, son Nicholas, beagle Sir Winston
I was born in Oregon, lived in Arizona briefly and was living in Southern California from 2nd grade until I graduated from Yucaipa High School. I then went to Nashville for the next four years, where I received my Bachelors degree from Lipscomb University and then moved to Chicago to attend graduate school at DePaul University. I received my Masters of Music while studying with the principal flutist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and playing in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. I remained in Chicago for 25 years with a brief three year break living in the D.C. area. As of common for one holding degrees in music performance, I have worked in many and varied professions: orchestral musician, freelance musician (gig musician), chamber musician, private studio teacher, Human Resources professional, writer for local news channels and publications, executive assistant, substitute teacher, and office manager. I have also been an active volunteer in school connected organizations, non-profits, churches and the Inspiration Corporation. After Thanksgiving, I will begin working as a Paraeducator at a local elementary school in my neighborhood.
Fun Facts: I was in the front row of the Oprah show with Diana Ross and The Supremes and got to sing with them. I have a strong interest in the healing power of music and am pursuing several ideas related to that.
How did you find Harbor? Anything in particular that kept you coming back?
When we moved here about three years ago we were still attending our church in Chicago on zoom. After awhile, we began visiting local churches. We first noticed HCC when driving down Irvine Avenue because of the Black Lives Matter sign. It's not something you see much around here, so we looked up the church online. It was on our list to visit, but we hadn't made it to a service yet. Nicholas was presenting to the Newport Beach City Council and there was a pastor there to lead the Invocation. It was Pastor Sadie! She came up to meet us and we visited Harbor shortly after that. Then by the Fall of 2022 we visited a second time and decided we would be coming back regularly. For us the draw to Harbor was the community of people who cared for one another. The Blue Theology program also drew us to Harbor. It was so incredible to see how the church was involved with this work and teaching others how to care for God's world.
As of now what areas of church life does Congregational Life support?
Congregational Life is the part of Harbor's ministry that supports gathering as a community to fellowship together. These can be fun events we create just as an excuse to gather, like the Autumnal Equinox Garden Party or The Tamalada. And also the events to celebrate special occasions like Advent, Thanksgiving, Easter and Blue Theology group visits.
What hopes, visions, plans do you have in the upcoming year? How can Harbor support?
This Advent Season I'm looking forward to the return of our Cookie Exchange on December 22nd and our newly imagined Advent Festival & Market on December 14th. In the upcoming year I hope to add at least one new community led event that will be new to Harbor. When we all pitch in to help, gathering is not a burden, but a joy. I hope to add more committee members to help with the vision for these events, so please reach out if you would like to join us. The best support is having you all fill the sign-up slots when we ask for help!
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