Beyond PICNIC IN THE PARK
For several years, Heartland Vineyard Church has had a vision to plant a church in Waterloo’s urban community. In the 1990’s Heartland launched a community “free meal” in Lincoln Park, (known today as PICNIC IN THE PARK) as a means of spreading God’s love and a way to introduce the “Vineyard” to the downtown neighborhood. The picnic-styled outreach - consisting of a hot meal, inspiring music, friendly fellowship, and prayer - helped to establish a bond of familiarity and trust between volunteers and park attendees.

The vision advanced in June of 2003; An outdoor church service referred to as THE GATHERING was added at the end of each “picnic”. An invitation to stick around for worship, teaching, testimonies, and one-on-one ministry was well received by a typically “hard-to-reach” community. This non-traditional approach became the prelude to establishing a church on Waterloo’s culturally diverse, East Side. 

HARVEST TIME
At the close of Picnic In The Park 2003, our prayers were answered; The Gathering was brought indoors. Our “new” name now reflects the divine process by which this visionary journey began; Harvest Vineyard Church officially opened on November 2nd, 2003 at 325 E. 4th Street Downtown, Waterloo. Within a year and a half, we outgrew that space and on June 5th, 2005 relocated across the Cedar River to 303 Jefferson Street. After a brief but prosperous one-year stay, we had to move once again to make way for the Dan Gable Wrestling Museum. On July 2nd, 2006 we began services back on Waterloo's Eastside at the Senior Center (415 E 7th St - the corner of Franklin & E 7th). Joining us is La Cosecha - our Spanish-speaking extended church family, that formed during our stay on Jefferson Street. After hopes of purchasing the Senior Center failed, we were able to obtain a vacant building owned by The Boys & Girls Club located at 715 E 4th Street. Remodeling began in the fall of 2007 and on February 3rd, 2008 we held our first Sunday Service in our new permanent residence. We look forward to seeing what God has planned for us in our new neighborhood. 

THE FOUR “R’S”
Using a simple, informal format, our intent is to present the Gospel & Kingdom principles by means of practical application, relevant to the needs & concerns of this unique community. We want to be...

RESPONSIVE to the Holy Spirit,
RELATIONAL to communicate openly
RELEVANT to address today’s issues
REAL to authenticate the Truth

We place a high value on “relationships” in order to earn trust and establish a solid foundation for the Word.