4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. [Gen 1:4 NIV]

In the beginning of all things, GOOD is the word God used to describe his creation. (Gen 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25) until the last statement he makes as he gazes at the whole of his creation he says everything was VERY GOOD.

From the beginning of time, Goodness was equated with what God makes. My son, Owen was playing with a toy yesterday and he just stopped and looked directly in my eyes and smiled at me. And it wasn’t just any smile, it was a smile that lasted a solid 10 seconds of sheer joy and happiness. My immediate thought was, “This is GOOD.” My daughter Lily has begun reading and Amanda and I can’t help but stare and marvel as to where our little girl has gone and wonder at how quickly she’s grown. I can’t help but think, “This is GOOD.” I’ll spare you stories of Judah and Theodore.

Truth be told, I did very little in the making of these children. God gets most of the credit, and my wife Amanda gets the rest. But as you’ve seen, there is something innately GOOD about God’s creation. As we also know from the Creation event, though, GOODNESS is a choice.

There are two trees in the Garden. The Tree of Life and The Tree of Knowledge of GOOD and Evil. Out of God’s kindness, he pushes humanity to partake in the Tree of Life. To commune with Him, unite ourselves with Him, and enjoy His presence. He warns us the “other” tree’s fruit brings death. The “other” tree gives us freedom to define “good and bad” for ourselves ultimately denying the one who knows what true GOOD is. And thus enters the human struggle. The struggle we face daily, hourly, for some minute by minute.

But there is HOPE! For through Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, we are given the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And from the Holy Spirit we are able to possess GOOD once again. We no longer need the world to define for us what is “good and bad”, instead we now rely on the Creator (the one who invented GOOD), as He dwells in us to remind us of what is GOOD. Therefore, let us take every opportunity to live out that GOODness for the world to see.

In our current sufferings (some suffering more than others), we are bombarded with much bad news. It is imperative we find opportunities to seek out the GOOD in life. Luckily, it’s not that hard to find, because people are not letting this virus scare them into silence. No, we are seeing many in the world respond with the GOOD God created in humanity to begin with. For those of you who would like some GOOD news… I’d like to direct you to a video that is trending #1 on YouTube right now. It’s called Some Good News.

Happening This Week

Tuesday, March 31 (7:00-8:00)- Table Talk – Hosted by Pastor Dan. A time to share with one another about life and faith in this season.                                                                     Click here to participate in “Table Talk”

Wednesday, April 1 (6:00) – “Threads” Bible Study – Hosted by Pastor Josh.                         A time to study God’s Word.  Click here to participate in “Threads” Bible Study 

Thursday, April 2 – (6:30-7:30) REFIT® – Hosted by Brandie Back. Click here to particpate in REFIT®.

Friday, April 3 – Movie Night Ideas & Lessons – Details coming soon.

Sunday, April 5 – Sunday Morning Worship – Access at eatoncommunitychurch.org

Do you remember the trendy wave a few years back, known at R.A.K.? Random Acts of Kindness. It spurred thoughtful, and beneficial care among many people. Primarily it taught people to not just think of themselves, but to be considerate of others and their lives, their circumstances, and their challenges. People were challenged to show kindness in unexpected, surprising, and generous ways.

Paul, in his letter to Titus, says, 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. –  (Titus 3:3–8).

Paul takes us back to the great model of kindness found in Jesus Christ. Selfless, compassionate love expressed in kindness is best seen in what Jesus did for us on the cross. It was and still is so necessary to bring change and renewal to lives that are consumed by the ways of the world and in disobedience to God.  Kindness changes things…and people. It brings us closer together and in this season of pandemic can be an expression of great love that some people have rarely experienced.

As you may know my mom and dad are now in assisted living at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenvile. For the last week and a half , for their safety, the residents have not been able to have visitors and since last Thursday they have been quarantined to there rooms and only allowed to walk out in their hallway. It is a necessary step to help them stay well. On Friday my dad turned 85! While we wanted to spend time together face to face, we instead, with the help of a BRC employee had a surprise video call with my dad to talk with him and celebrate his birthday. This was a new experience for him and he was overwhelmed with emotion and joy as it made his day. It was a simple act that he was still talking about last night in our phone conversation. He also mentioned to me last night, with tears, that he had received multiple letters from individuals in our congregation over the past week. He spoke of how thoughtful and kind they were to him in this time. Yet again, simple acts that have made a very difficult time, a special time in many ways. Personally, let me say how much this has blessed me! Thank you!

As I watch my parents age, God is teaching me that I don’t need to create huge, complex, over the top ways to show kindness to them and others. Most often the simple acts of kindness are more powerful. These acts of kindness make an impact, not because of their grand nature, but because of hearts that seek to show the kindness that was given to us in Jesus Christ.

Tonight we are challenging everyone in the congregation to engage in a night of “Care Cards and Care Calls”. We encourage you to turn off the tv, set aside your to-do list and participate in acts of kindness to at least 3 others through making a “Care Call” or a “Care Card”. This may be a neighbor, a family member, a church family member, or anyone else that the Lord brings to your heart. Use this evening to demonstrate kindness to others. Here’s a few more tips:

• Pray before you begin and ask the Lord to lay someone’s name on your heart.
• Write out a prayer in their card and pray over the card as you send it.
• Join together as a family and make your own cards. (Homemade cards are always extra-special.)
• With a phone call, ask if their is anything they need or an errand you can run for them.
• Pray with them over the phone.
• Ask them how they are doing.
• Keep it simple and think about how you can express the love of Jesus Christ that has been given to you!

Let’s flood this community with acts of kindness today! Better yet, let’s keep it going as acts of worship to God! I’d love to hear any stories about how you and your family chose to “Share Life, and Share Christ” in this way. Send me an email at dan.denlinger@eatoncommunitychurch.org

Happening This Week

Tuesday, March 31 (7:00-8:00)- Table Talk – Hosted by Pastor Dan. A time to share with one another about life and faith in this season. Link sent out tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 1 (7:00) – “Threads” Bible Study – Hosted by Pastor Josh.                         A time to study God’s Word.  Details and link coming soon. 

Thursday, April 2 – (6:30-7:30) REFIT® – Hosted by Brandie Back. Link coming soon.

Friday, April 3 – Movie Night Ideas & Lessons – Details coming soon.

Sunday, April 5 – Sunday Morning Worship – Access at eatoncommunitychurch.org

Take care of yourself and take care of one another!

Pastor Dan

I encourage to read, meditate and reflect on the following Psalm today.

Psalm 105
1 Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
4 Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.

Since we will not be gathering this weekend in one place, let’s gather as one people in many places. Here’s a few practical things to help us gather in worship.

• Worship through Song (sing along through using a video or audio recording)
  • Song – “God Is Able” – Hillsong
  • Song – “How Great Thou Art”
• Worship through the Word
  • On Sunday morning, this week’s message will be available on our website. Simply go to eatoncommunitychurch.org and you will find a link to the video message on the home page.
• Worship through Giving
  • Give online through Simple Give at eatoncommunitychurch.org/give
  • Mail your offering to the church office.

Upcoming Activities

TONIGHT! – Friday, March 27  – “ECC Family Photo Scavenger Hunt” – Led by Miss Coleen. This will be a great activity for a few hours or over the weekend as you look for objects that connect to stories of the Bible.                                                                              Click here for details and instructions.

Monday, March 30 – Care Calls & Care Cards – Take this night and make a few calls and/or send a few cards to others as an act of care. We will post some suggestions and tips on Facebook and in LifeShare on Monday.

Tuesday, March 31 (7:00-8:00)- Table Talk – Hosted by Pastor Dan. A time to share with one another about life and faith in this season. Link coming soon. 

Wednesday, April 1 (7:00) – “Threads” Bible Study – Hosted by Pastor Josh.                         A time to study God’s Word.  Details and link coming soon. 

Thursday, April 2 – (6:30-7:30) REFIT® – Hosted by Brandie Back. Link coming soon.

Friday, April 3 – Movie Night Ideas & Lessons – Details coming soon.

Sunday, April 5 – Sunday Morning Worship – Access at eatoncommunitychurch.org

Take care of yourself and take care of one another!

Pastor Dan

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.- James 5:10–11

Scholar D.J. Moo, in his commentary on James, says of this passage, “Doing God’s will, James is suggesting, will often lead to suffering. What is needed is a willingness to bear up under the suffering, maintaining spiritual integrity and waiting patiently for the Lord himself to intervene to transform the situation.”

Wait patiently in suffering…

Patience can be defined as a state of emotional calm in the face of provocation or misfortune and without complaining or irritation. It’s one thing to wait, but patience is waiting in a state of emotional calm. That means not getting angry with others, not being consumed by worry, not speaking out in frustration with unkind words. There’s plenty more examples, but you get the idea. Patience, as a Christ-follower, is grounded in trusting the Lord’s compassion and mercy. In other words, Jesus knows your suffering, Jesus knows your pain, and Jesus is present to uphold you, sustain you, and strengthen you. He will take care of things.

Waiting patiently in suffering is about waiting on the Lord to accomplish what He desires in and through your suffering for His Kingdom. To practice patience is to further the Kingdom of God because you have committed to make your life about the work of Christ and not your needs. Whenever we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, God gets the glory. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit because it is evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in you.

My friends, none of this is easy in normal situations. Now, perhaps more than ever, our patience is being tested as the challenges mount in this pandemic. Thankfully, God is not taken back or surprised by our circumstances. He is giving us opportunity to experience the riches of His grace as we wait upon Him…patiently.

I encourage you this day to pray for patience in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ at ECC.

Here are some other opportunities to connect this week:

Thursday March 26, April 2 – (6:30-7:30) REFIT® – Hosted by Brandie Back. This class is focused toward women.         Click here to participate in REFIT

Friday, March 27 (6:00pm Launch) – “ECC Family Photo Scavenger Hunt” – Led by Miss Coleen. Details will be posted on Facebook. This will be a great activity for a few hours one evening or over the weekend as you look for objects that connect to stories of the Bible.

Sunday, March 29 – Sunday Morning Worship – Access at eatoncommunitychurch.org

Take care of yourself and take care of one another!

Pastor Dan

“I need a little peace and quiet.” I remember hearing my my mom say that from time to time when I was a kid. She probably said it more than I realized because I was too busy not being peaceful or quiet. As I’ve gotten older I’v learned that we all want that from time to time because it’s healthy for us. It’s healthy because it often requires us to slow and be still. The fast and furious lifestyle not only wearies the body, but also wearies the soul.

However, over the years I have realized that as good as quiet can be for our soul, it, in and of itself does not guarantee peace. Sometimes extended quiet fuels anxiety and worry because our hearts are not at peace. We are troubled, we are concerned, we are unsettled about something going on in our lives. Quiet without peace can be a place of captivity.

Jesus, just before he was led off to be beaten and crucified, spoke of the true peace which only comes from God. He says to the disciples, “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.  “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:31–33

Jesus has overcome the world and when you and I believe in his person and his work, we will have peace. Even when quiet moments are few and far between, we live in peace when we live with the promise, assurance, and hope of Jesus Christ. We live this through a relationship with Him. His life, his death, and his resurrection made the way for us to be right with God. “Do you now believe?” If so, “take heart” because he will give you peace.

My prayer for each of us, is that in this time of disruption and uncertainty, we will have peace because Jesus is our Savior and our Lord. He never promised that trouble wouldn’t come (it won’t be quiet), but He did give us the hope that He has overcome and that He will be with us. He has the last word!

For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… May you bear the fruit of peace today.

New Opportunities

Last night I had the joy of hosting our first Zoom “Table Talk”, with about 30 of you from ECC. It was a lot of fun and so encouraging as we talked about coping through this time of physical distancing and isolation. Stories were shared about how God was teaching each of us lessons of walking in faith at this time. It was a sweet time together!

Here are some other opportunities to connect this week:

Wednesday March 25 (7:00) – Prayer Gathering – Hosted by Pastor Dan and Miss Coleen. A time to pray for our church, our community, and our nation.                                        Click here to participate in Prayer Gathering

Thursday March 26, April 2 – (6:30-7:30) REFIT® – Hosted by Brandie Back. This class is focused toward women.         Click here to participate in REFIT

Friday, March 27 (6:00pm Launch) – “Family Scavenger Hunt” – Led by Miss Coleen. Details will be posted on Facebook. This will be a great activity for a few hours or over the weekend as you look for objects that connect to stories of the Bible.

Sunday, March 29 – Sunday Morning Worship – Access at eatoncommunitychurch.org

Take care of yourself and take care of one another!

Pastor Dan

The Carpenter’s (a brother and sister duo from the 70’s) sang a song entitled, “Rainy Days and Mondays”. This song has a great beat and I can dance to it. (Just kidding.) The song talks about being down, bored, and not sure what to do. A real “pick me up” kind of song. (sarcasm emoji here). Sorry, I’ll get to the point now. The chorus of the song says,

“Funny, but it seems that it’s the only thing to do
Run and find the one who loves me”

I don’t know who they we’re talking about in that song, but there is a great truth embedded in this chorus for all of us. “Run and find the one who loves me.” As we enter a new week on a rainy, Monday, with the latest stay-at-home guidelines, we can relate in some way to being down and not sure what to do. Our emotions can be all over the place. For some, you are still heading to your workplace and the bored thing doesn’t apply. The point is that we have one who loves us, no matter how we feel. We should run and find the ONE who loves us more than anyone else. Let me say that again, each and every one of us, no matter how lonely you feel, has “One who loves you.”

The apostle Paul wrote (Romans 8:31-39) about this love when he says,

If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I know it’s tough right now and am also feeling the heaviness of these days. It can bring sadness and discouragement at times. When we find ourselves in these moments let’s be reminded of the ONE who is always near and waiting to extend His love to us in new ways. Run to Him. Find Him. He will always pour out His love on you as you look to Him. Read through 1 John 4, for more truth about God’s character of love.

Let me add in closing, it’s not the only thing to do, but it’s the only thing that really matters.

A Few Reminders

• The church building is closed. You can reach the staff through email or in an emergency reach out to Pastor Dan, Pastor Josh, or Miss Coleen.
• Continue to check out LifeShare each day for our daily devotionals and also for important ministry updates.
• Go to eatoncommunitychurch.org for Sunday’s message and giving options.
• Reach out to someone with a phone call or note to care for them.

Take care of yourself and take care of one another!

Pastor Dan

4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.             1 Peter 2:4–5

The apostle Peter speaks of what God is doing in building us together as a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. These two images speak to an identity that rises up out of belief and commitment to Jesus Christ. Our identity is then lived out in how we offer spiritual sacrifices in every context in which we live. We gather to encourage one another, admonish one another, sharpen one another, and care for one another. In this very different time, the church must remember that although the way we gather has changed, it does change the source or scope of our identity. What has primarily changed in this season is the way we live it out. While gathering is vital to long term health as a church we have an opportunity to learn to demonstrate our identity in ways that should last long after the crisis passes.

There is no doubt that our standard practices as a church have changed. It has impacted us, but it should never prevent us from being God’s church. Look for opportunities to worship, study the word, and pray with others in different ways in the days ahead.

I can’t wait for us to gather again in person. I miss being with you all and miss the gatherings that we share. There is so much life in the church being together and we can’t replace it. We should never give up on meeting together, but in this season we have to adapt out of love and care for everyone. It is a sacrifice that speaks love in a practical and selfless way. However, even in the absence of our physical gatherings, I am more confident than ever that God will teach us something life-giving for the future church. In this season we are going to learn about how to live more strongly as His church. Unfortunately, sometimes our practices limit God and limit us. Let’s not stop being the church because our practices have to be altered for a while. Let’s instead learn new practices that can help build God’s Kingdom and show the love of Christ more completely that ever.

Since we will not be gathering this weekend in one place, let’s gather as one people in many places. Here’s a few practical things to help us gather in worship.

• Worship through Song (sing along through using a video or audio recording)
  • Song – Everlasting God
  • Song – Great Is Thy Faithfulness
• Worship through the Word
  • On Sunday morning, this week’s message will be available on our website. Simply go to eatoncommunitychurch.org and you will find a link to the message on the home page.
• Worship through Giving
  • Give online through Simple Give at eatoncommunitychurch.org/give
  • Mail your offering to the church office.

May we continue to witness and experience the grace of God in these days.

Take care of yourself and take care of one another!

Pastor Dan

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  (Psalm 34:18)

In these days of the COVID-19 pandemic many of us have seen and are experiencing heartache in unprecedented ways. Just a few of those losses are:

• Adults being temporarily laid off or losing their jobs.
• Singles spending much time alone due to social distancing.
• People experiencing sickness.
• Kids and teens trying to learn in very different settings and routines.
• All of us missing our church family and friends.
• And many more…

While the bible speaks much about loss and grief, we often associate it only with death.  The reality is that in any change, even good change, their is loss and grief. We are all undergoing grief and loss in this time and we shouldn’t underestimate it’s impact on our lives. Each of us grieve differently, even if we grieve the same thing, and we should help one another walk through these changes. As we care for one another don’t underestimate or assume we know how or what people are grieving. Our role is to love and care for them and remind remind them that God has given us emotions to process and heal from loss and grief. Even more importantly we can pray for them and point them to the promises of God. We must place hope and confidence in the words of Jesus when he says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1) Let’s pray that over one another, whether or not we are together or apart. 

As we continue to walk through this as God’s church we’d like to continue to encourage you to look to the promises of God and reach out and pray by phone with one another. Families, make this a new season, full of new practices of prayer with each other. God will provide, you will draw strength and comfort and He will be glorified.

Please remember that if you have any prayer requests that you would like to share with others at ECC, simply email them to prayerchain813@gmail.com

In this time we have set up a prayer team to pray privately with you over the phone. If you are in need of prayer contact the church office by phone or email or fill out the form below. Someone will reach out to you soon.

Prayer Form

Take care of yourself and take care of one another.

Praying with you and for you,

Pastor Dan

Teachers offering to help students and parents with schoolwork while schools are closed.

Individuals offering to go to the store and purchase groceries for a Sr. adult who can’t go out.

Stay at home mom’s offering to provide childcare to families while students are out of school.

A mom and her boys offering to pick up and deliver free meals given out by the Preble County Success Program.

A family offering their internet password to their neighbors to help students complete their online studies.

Countless individuals giving donations to the community organizations helping those off work and school.

Individuals picking up the phone and checking on friends, family, and neighbors to offer any help they might need.

These are just a few of the examples of people at ECC who are serving others in this time with hands devoted to caring. It is our collective value of generous living being demonstrated in relevant and practical ways an in the days ahead there will be more opportunities, with more people, to extend our hands to care for others. In this opportunity it’s important to ask, “How do we best care for others?”

In the Old Testament there’s a boy named Samuel who’s words to God can be a guide for us in these days.  1 Samuel 3:8-10 says,

8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

That’s it! That’s where serving begins. It begins by the practice of stopping before God. When we STOP, our call to God is one of seeking and listening. Serving begins with a heart turned toward God in expectation of hearing from Him. When we do this, we serve others best because:

• We understand God knows best for us and others and we seek him first.
• We humbly understand our role as servants, to selflessly care for others.
• We depend on God to lead us through his spirit and not just our preference.

As we move forward in the days ahead, I challenge each of us to STOP before God and offer these words to Him. He will give us great opportunity, even a a time of social distancing, to Share Life, and Share Christ with others as the body of Christ in eternal, life-changing ways.

Here are a few things to help one another during this time:

• Wellness Checks – We are encouraging everyone to touch base with your circles of family, church family, and friends and see how they are doing. I encourage us to do this by phone as it gives a much-needed personal touch in this time. It is a great way to offer to pray for someone or offer to help with any needs. (Please be especially intentional with Sr. Adults, families with young children, or those who have compromised health conditions)
• Do you know of a need?
  • There are many great organizations in our community that are providing assistance during this time. We want to help point people in the right direction or provide help in some other way.
  • Please contact the church office by phone or email if you are aware of someone in the church that has a need.
• Can you help?
  • The best way to help is for all of us to check-in with others and ask if there are needs. But in the cases where we have some other specific needs to be met, we would like to see who could help.
    • Some ways to help:
      • Pickup groceries for someone.
      • Wellness check phone call.
      • Childcare for working parents.
      • Financial assistance for those off work.
      • Or anything else.
    • Please contact the church office by phone or email if you are able to help meet a need that may arise.

I pray that God will help you devote your hands to caring in the days ahead. While we don’t know what each day might bring, we do know that God holds each day in His hand. God will provide, God will sustain, and God will care for those who trust in Him! Let’s invite Him to speak and then listen as His servants.

Take care of yourself and take care of one another!

Pastor Dan