Matthew 26:14-16 – Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
Rich, Pure, and Strong
This morning in my quiet time I was thinking about the love of God and the following song came to mind. I invite you to read the words.
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell
The guilty pair, bowed down with care
God gave His Son to win
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin
Than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell
The guilty pair, bowed down with care
God gave His Son to win
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin
Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade
And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky
Would drain the ocean dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song
A few observations:
God’s love is perfect. (O love of God, how rich and pure) The nature of God’s love is such that it is flawless. This should matter to us because in this fallen and sin-sick world we need perfect love to counter our imperfect selves. God’s answer for us, in our sinfulness, was love communicated, demonstrated, and given through Jesus Christ.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.- 1 John 4:16-18
God’s love is sufficient. (How measureless and strong) No matter our situation, no matter our worry, no matter our burden, God’s love is enough to empower and encourage you. People talk a lot about inner strength and most of the time it means relying on our own power. Friends, we don’t need more of our power, it is insufficient and limited. We need the power of God and His Holy Spirit to work in and through us. Strength comes in dependence on God, not in ourselves. #Godstrong, #Jesusstrong, #Icantbestrongenoughwithouthim
But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. – 1 John 2:1–2
God’s love incites a response. (The saints’ and angels’ song) What song does your life sing? In other words, what do you communicate with your words, your actions, your responses to God’s love. You either receive God’s love and become a messenger of that love or you reject God’s love and become a servant of the evil one, who works against the love of God. Our love of others, especially those who are difficult to love, is the response of those who love, serve, and are devoted to Jesus.
11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. – 1 John 4:10–12
May you dwell on the love of God this day and the days ahead. His love is perfect, His love is sufficient and it requires a response. Be a vessel, an instrument, an ambassador of God’s love with the boldness of a lion and the gentleness of a lamb. Look for ways today to love God and love others.
Take care of yourself and take care of one another!
Sharing Life, and Sharing Christ together!
Pastor Dan
Connections – We’re Better Together
We see throughout the words of the New Testament the call to “love one another.” This is primarily about serving in humility out of obedience to Jesus, but it is also recognizing the God-designed nature for us to be in relationship. Relationships are vital for health and well-being and there is no greater need for those relationships than in these days of physical distancing and isolation.
As I look at the gospel accounts of Jesus walking with the twelve, I see the necessity of those relationships in each of them learning about the ways of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. I also see God using those relationships to sharpen and encourage one another. Yeah, there are some pretty rough spots, like when their vying for position next to Jesus. However, there are also some really sweet moments, like when Jesus sends them out together in Matthew 10 to minister to others as a team.
Yesterday I listened to a brief message by Dr. Henry Cloud, a Christian psychologist and author of the famous “Boundaries” for relationships series. He shared that in this time of crisis, when our brains and emotions want to react impulsively and fix the chaos we are experiencing, we should be intentional about connecting with others.
If you find yourself emotionally and spiritually challenged and even drained in this season (that would be all of us in one way or another), then make it a point to be intentional about your connections with others. I know it’s different and I know it’s difficult, but it’s not impossible. Make a phone call, set up a video call or group call on Zoom or other app, or text. You can and should make a connection today for your own health and the health of others. And after all, God’s church is equipped to do this because of the grace and love poured out upon us by Jesus Christ.
The point in making these connections is to be intentional. Talk with others about your challenges and also God’s gracious gifts during this time. Allow this time to bring encouragement and help to you and to those to whom you are connecting. Here are a few suggestions for making this a reality:
- Make a list of friends and family and reach out to one or two of them a day.
- Make a calendar schedule of people to contact.
- Set reminder alarms on your phone.
- In your daily prayer time ask God to give you names of others to reach out and connect.
- Set a specific time each day to make connections that works around your schedule.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 15:5–6
While this season can bring weariness and discouragement, making intentional connections with others will be a practical way to “Share Life and Share Christ.” I hear on almost a daily basis of how you are connecting with others during this time. Keep it up!
Take care of yourself and take care of one another!
Pastor Dan
Community Blood Drive @ ECC
As you may have noticed, we are hosting a previously scheduled community blood drive this Thursday, April 16th at our facility. While the building is closed for all other activities and events, we believe that providing a space for this community activity is important at this time more than ever. In order to create a safe environment during and following the event, the following precautions are in place by the Community Blood Center:
- Following guidelines of social distancing and limited amounts of people entering at one time into the building.
- Taking temperature upon entrance.
- A sign place at the entrance stating…IF YOU CAN SAY YES TO ANY OF THE QUESTIONS BELOW PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING!IN THE LAST 28 DAYS HAVE YOU:· HAD A COUGH · ANY RESPIRATORY ILLNESS SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING SHORTNESS OF BREATH · FEVER GREATER THAN 100.4 · CLOSE CONTACT WITH ANYONE KNOWN TO HAVE COVID-19 · TRAVELED TO AREAS WITH WIDESPREAD ONGOING TRANSMISSION
In addition, ECC will have the building cleaned on Friday morning with extra disinfectant cleaning in the areas used for this event. If you have any questions please contact the church office by phone or email.
Take care of yourself and take care of one another!
Pastor Dan
Holy Week – Easter Sunday Worship
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 on this different Easter Sunday.
Access our Easter Sunday Worship Video Here (Beginning Sunday Morning)
- Worship through Song (Included in Easter Sunday Worship Video)
- Song – Glorious Day
- Song – Christ the Lord is Risen Today/ He Is Not Dead
- Worship through the Word (Included in Easter Sunday Worship Video)
- On Sunday morning, this week’s message will be available on our website.
- Questions for reflection and discussion:
- What activities and traditions have typically been a part of your celebrations of past Easter Sunday’s?
- What is necessary for a pure and sincere response of worship to Jesus?
- How could typical activities and traditions become a distraction to pure and sincere worship?
- Share with someone how you want to respond this Easter to the resurrection of Jesus.
- Worship through Giving
- Give online through Simple Give at eatoncommunitychurch.org/give
- Mail your offering to the church office.
- Different Worship Suggestions
- Stop and Listen in quietness and trust of God.
- Say a prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus’ resurrection and defeat of death.
- Read the four gospel accounts of that first resurrection Sunday.
- Write a response to how Jesus’ resurrection has changed your life and share that with someone.
- Consider and discuss how God is preparing you to Share Life and Share Christ in new ways beyond our current health crisis.
All resources located on eatoncommunitychurch.org
Take care of yourself and take care of one another!
Pastor Dan
Virtual Egg Hunt
This Saturday at 2pm, all ECC kids are invited to join us for a Virtual Egg Hunt! Here’s how it will work:
- We hid a bunch of eggs around the church and took photos of them.
- Kids figure out the general area of where to look by looking up a Bible verse that will be shown on the screen.
- Once someone correctly names the general area of the church, we then show a series of photos in which the egg is hidden. The first person to spot the egg and names its specific location wins that round.
- After each egg is found, everyone will be challenged to unscramble the letters to find the name of a person involved in the Easter story.
This activity is targeted to grades 2 and up due to the need to be able to read and look up Bible verses (younger children may join but may not find it easy to do). The information to join us is below; note that there is a password being used for security purposes. Children need their parent’s permission to join us.
You are welcome to read the Easter story together before you come to the Zoom Egg Hunt. Have your Bibles nearby but closed as we begin the meeting.
Please try to label your video with your names so we know who is on screen and, if at all possible, enable your video. There is an icon in Zoom that will allow you to raise your hand.
Zoom Meeting Info:
Meeting ID: 373 254 1078
Password: ECC Kids
Password: ECC Kids
We’re looking forward to spending this time with our kids!
Miss Coleen
Holy Week – Arrested, Convicted, and Crucified – John 18:1-19:42
Before you take a look at the video devotional I invite you to read John 18:1-19:42. Ask yourself why Friday was good.
Click here to watch the Good Friday Devotional Video.
Take care of yourself and take care of one another.
Pastor Dan
Holy Week – The Upper Room
Click Here to watch the Video Guide for Maundy Thursday Worship at Home
Maundy Thursday Online Worship Guide
Things to keep in mind:
- Print out this Worship Guide to follow along.
- Get your Bible to read along.
- Gather your communion elements (bread, juice or water w/red food coloring)
- Elements – The Meal and Footwashing will be addressed but not re-enacted in our time. (You are welcome to pause the video and celebrate these elements.)
Welcome & Prayer
Reading….. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His blood
See from His head, His hands, His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of Nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all!
The Fellowship Meal
Scripture & Reflection…………………………. Luke 22:7-16
A Time of Preparation & Personal Examination
The Betrayal………………………………… Matthew 26:20-25
Examination…………………………. 1 Corinthians 11:27-32
Prayer /Lord’s Prayer………………………………………………………….
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth,
As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Forever. Amen.
Feet Washing
Scripture………………………………………………… John 13:1-17
The Bread and The Cup
Scripture……………………………………………. Mark 14:17-25
Sharing of the Bread
“The bread which we break is the
communion of the body of Christ.”
Sharing of the Cup
“This cup of the New Testament is the
communion of the blood of Christ.”
Closing Prayer
Holy Week – Wednesday – What Will You Give Me? – Matthew 26:14-16
“What will you give me?” These words could be the slogan for sin. Sin is always focused on our gain or our benefit, without any consideration of God or others. It is ridiculously centered on us and how we might get ahead and build our kingdom.
Judas is a painfully familiar character to us all. He is a reminder of our sinfulness. We don’t like to talk about him because we can associate with him all to well at times. At our worst, in our shamelessly sinful plots through some of life’s circumstances, we proclaim the words of Judas, “What will you give me?” It hurts to admit it and even brings denial and shame of our sin, both of which Jesus died to forgive. Nonetheless, we can all associate with this betrayer.
Sin always costs us something and often more than we ever take into consideration. Although Judas knew the teachings of Jesus, he believed the promises of Satan rather than God and thought he would be happier and better off. He was focused on what he would get from others, but not from Jesus.
On this Wednesday of Holy Week, a somewhat quiet day in the events of this week, I encourage you to reflect on what Jesus was willing to give Judas…and what He is willing to give you. But like Judas, we have to believe in faith, that what Jesus gives is always better, if sometimes different than what we expect. Let these reflections build your faith on the source and giver of life. It astonishes me that even in our wants and desires, when we go to the right source (Jesus), he will shape and restore them for His glory and not our own. What has Jesus given you?
As we continue to walk through Holy Week take time to STOP. This different season calls for prayer and worship in different ways but to the same Jesus that died on the cross for you and me over 2,000 years ago.
Holy Week Worship
- Thursday, April 9 – Maundy Thursday Worship From Home
- We will be sharing a video and written worship guide for all to worship Jesus on this day of remembrance for Christ’s sacrifice.
- Mark out time today for a time of worship tomorrow.
- Friday, April 10 – Video devotional for commemorating Good Friday
- Saturday, April 11 – Virtual Easter Egg Hunt – Details to come.
- Sunday, April 12 – Easter Worship Service – eatoncommunitychurch.org
Holy Week – Glory in Tribulation (John 12:27-33)
Click Here to watch Pastor Josh’s Video Devotional
Happening This Week
- Daily devotionals – Remembering the Passion of Christ
- Thursday, April 9 – Maundy Thursday Worship From Home – Details to come.
- Saturday, April 11 – Virtual Easter Egg Hunt – Details to come.
- Sunday, April 12 – Easter Worship Service – eatoncommunitychurch.org
Holy Week – Mary’s Worship – John 12:1-11
Years ago, I stood in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. We were on our way to a mission trip in Egypt and our flight layover in Rome provided a chance to stop by a few world-famous places. There, at what some would consider the holiest place in the world, I waited for awe to creep in. But instead I found an incredible sadness…a sense of disconnect. “This isn’t what He would have wanted!”, I thought. This ornate, grandiose portrayal of man’s idea of what it meant to worship God – it just wasn’t Him! I was feeling that, were Jesus Himself standing there, He’d be shaking His head at us, saying we’d got it all wrong.
But in the years that passed since then, I’ve come to realize that there was an aspect of God that I was missing. Yes, He is the meek, the lowly, He models for us how to seek the lowest place and how the humble will be exalted. Yet there is also another part of Him that we’ve not yet glimpsed. Perhaps it is revealed in the 12 gates of the New City of Jerusalem, each made of a single pearl. Perhaps it is unveiled in the golden streets of that same city, that will someday come down from heaven to earth. They are of such pure gold, they will look like transparent glass. Perhaps it is portrayed in the glimpse into the heavenly throne room where His magnificence is so powerful as to overwhelm the simple prophet who saw it, not even in its true form but just a vision.
The truth? Our God is an extravagant God. When He gives to us, He gives with extravagance. When He pours out His blessing, He often does so, not parceling it out in meager pieces but with extravagance. When He provided supper for the five thousand, they not only had enough for every person to eat to the full – but had 12 baskets left over. That’s extravagance.
When it came to the cross, God didn’t give meagerly there either. He didn’t send an angel to pay for humanity’s sins. He didn’t merely arrange for His Son to endure a quick and painless punishment, even though death could have been brought in many less-painful ways. No, even in this, God gave extravagantly. He gave His Only Son – to not just endure pain but to die – and to die in the most painful way possible. God was…extravagant.
So it’s no wonder then, when Mary began to pour out the perfume over Jesus’ feet and the others protested, Jesus stopped them cold. LEAVE HER ALONE! There is a time to save up our money, there is a time to care for the poor, there is a time to watch every penny. But there is a time to be extravagant – and that is when we are bowing in worship at His feet.
A few years ago, our church was delivering Christmas gifts to a needy family. This family also had some practical needs; they were going through a pretty tough time. What they didn’t know is that those needs would be met also. A son of about age 9 or 10 was home when we arrived with everything. As the items were carried into the house, the child began to cry openly. “It’s too much!”. He was overwhelmed by the generosity and love represented by those gifts. In that moment I understood the heart of God’s extravagance; it shows us who He is – a God who gives freely, unflinchingly, and generously to each one of us – who can give Him NOTHING back in return.
When was the last time you were extravagant in your worship?
Miss Coleen
Happening This Week
- Daily devotionals – Remembering the Passion of Christ
- Thursday, April 9 – Maundy Thursday Online Worship Service – Details to come.
- Saturday, April 11 – Virtual Easter Egg Hunt – Details to come.
- Sunday, April 12 – Online Easter Worship Service – Details to come.
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