Anger. Harsh Words. Hurt feelings. Lashing Back. Tears Flow. Voices raised. Accusations. No one wins. Everyone loses…

Why is it that in the place where we should feel the greatest love and joy we often feel instead the greatest hurt and pain? We love our families – really we do. But when things happen a certain way, something just seems to rise up in us. And when the dust has settled, there is pain.

It’s easier to be nicer to people outside our family sometimes. Things we wouldn’t say to our coworkers come pouring out of our mouths at home. Behaviors that we wouldn’t tolerate in ourselves with more distant relatives flow freely throughout the house. Attitudes that would kill our friendships never even come up in those relationships; it’s unthinkable. But it’s not unthinkable at home. There…we DO the unthinkable. We hurt each other.

The Bible is rampant with stories of families fighting: Cain with Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Esau with Jacob, Joseph and his brothers, and even James and John arguing with the others over who would have the highest place of honor. Sometimes their conflicts impacted not just them but their children and their descendants for generations to come.

I wonder if that’s why God knew we’d need self-control. To NOT say the words that are bubbling up on your tongue…to not give way to the anger you feel inside…to not hold someone hostage by not speaking to them or excluding them – it takes a powerful amount of self-control that few of us possess.

Add to that an abnormal amount of stresses and everyone gets stretched to the breaking point. Things that should be insignificant blow up like nuclear bombs. So here we are in the midst of a world-wide pandemic, a state-wide quarantine, the loss of many jobs, and the destruction of most of life’s routines. It’s a recipe for disaster – were it not for our God.

He knew this would happen. And He’s prepared us for it by teaching us in His Word the principles of navigating relationships in tough times. So here are a few steps to talk through as a family.

1. Acknowledge together that it will happen.

Sit down together as a family and admit together that it is strongly possible that, sometime during this quarantine time, you are going to get very angry with each other. That doesn’t mean you don’t love each other or that you are bad Christians. But it does mean that, to get through this time, we have to be ready. Read 1 Peter 5:8 together to talk about how the enemy might try to stir up conflicts and fighting in your home and how you can be on your guard.

2. Develop a plan for how to respond.

· Create a short term plan for the moments when a conflict starts: talk about how to give each other space. Sometimes being in separate rooms for a while helps people cool down and be able to talk with less anger. Maybe create a signal that anyone can use when they need some space to cool down.

Consider also – what does a “soft answer” look like for each person (Proverbs 15:1)? What would it mean in your family to put other family member’s interests your own (Philippians 2:4). Be sure to talk about how to avoid passive ways that people often show anger – locking someone out emotionally is just as bad as screaming and yelling.

• Invite each family member to come up with a plan for what will help them exercise self-control. What pushes our buttons is different for each one of us. Do you KNOW what your buttons are? Once you know, what can you do to respond better when one of your buttons gets pushed?
• Create spaces – either physical ones or spaces in the family schedule – to come back together and talk through conflicts, work through compromises, and to reaffirm your love for one another.

3. Do the hard work of following Christ

Being a Christian is never easy because God calls us to do what’s hard – but do it in His strength. So ask His help to FORGIVE (Ephesians 4:32)…to OVERLOOK AN INSULT (Proverbs 19:11 and I Peter 4:8) …to PUT OTHERS NEEDS BEFORE OUR OWN. To do so sometimes goes again everything that is in us! But sometimes that which is in us is our sin nature which God is gently but forcefully overcoming in us. And God may be using each family member to shape us to become more like Christ – are we willing to let God have a free hand in doing that?

This season – for however long it is – can end with us rushing away from each other, eager to get away from the irritants of family members, feeling vaguely guilty but somehow “freed”. Or it can end with great reluctance to return to “normal” life because our relationships have grown deep in ways we never thought possible. Instead of being stretched to the breaking point, maybe God is stretching us to a new point of spiritual maturity…

Miss Coleen

Happening this weekend:

Friday, April 3 – Movie Night Ideas & Lessons – Access Movie Night

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

Take care of yourself and take care of one another!

Arthur Petry was my maternal grandfather. Grandpa worked most of his life at Dairy Maid Creamery in Greenville. After he retired he raised a few animals and farmed some ground outside of Hollansburg. I used to love to go the farm. For a young boy it was full of adventures and activities. Grandpa also had a garden and a woodworking shop with some really cool woodworking tools. He could do a lot of things well, like the aforementioned items, and perhaps one of his greatest talents, playing cards. He is one of my heroes.

Over the past 6 months I’ve been reminded of my Grandpa on several occasions. Last fall as we cleaned out my parents home, we came across multiple items that were made by Grandpa Petry. In September, when we were moving my parents into the Brethren Retirement Community, where my Grandpa lived the final years of his life, an employee shared some fond memories they had of my grandpa. Finally, early in February, at the church leadership seminar we hosted, I came into contact with some people who knew Grandpa from many years ago. They attended the same church together and served together. They too shared some fond memories. I am grateful for these memories that I have and those that were shared with me. Gifts from the Lord!

Of all the memories that I have and that have been shared with me, there is one thing that stands out. He was a gentle man. Gentleness is described in one dictionary of biblical theology as “Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love.” That was my grandpa. His disposition and his kindness, all motivated by love. I watched it demonstrated with his adult kids, his many grandchildren (including me) and with my grandma. This strength far outweighed all of his other talents and gifts.

I know grandpa wasn’t perfect. He had his faults and I’m sure he got angry, even though I don’t remember seeing it. However, gentleness is the one word I would use to describe my grandpa. It was the legacy that he left me.  I believe he learned it from his relationship with Jesus, “who is humble and gentle at heart”. It is a fruit of the Spirit held high in the Kingdom of God. Consider the words of Paul below and think about how you, this day, can walk in gentleness.

Titus 3:1-2
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Thank you Lord, for teaching me, even years after his death, of the difference one man can make by living like Jesus.

Take care of yourself and take care of one another!

Pastor Dan

Happening This Week

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

Friday, April 3 – Movie Night Ideas & Lessons – Access at eatoncommunitychurch.org

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

“It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night” – Psalm 92:1-2

This is a painting that I completed last year that hangs in my office next to my desk. It is simple and not really all that good, but it is meaningful. I based it off of the above verses from Psalm 92. It visually reminds me of God’s love in the morning, (upper left) that extends to His faithfulness at night (lower right). The red section in the middle represents the blood of Jesus Christ, which made a way for me to receive the faithfulness of God. The many layers remind me of how God’s character covers every part of our days and every circumstance we could ever face.

We need God’s love and faithfulness more than ever. If not because of what we’re experiencing, then because of the sickness and sin of this fallen world that is so prevalent each and every day. We need God. We need him every morning and every night. We need Him more every day. Cry out to Him as much as you need, He won’t grow weary and He won’t get tired of hearing from you.

One of the ways we grow in faithfulness to God is to build a pattern of celebrating Him. If you are reading this in the morning then acknowledge how His love will carry you this day. If it is night, then thank Him for His faithfulness that got you through your day. Morning until night. No gaps. No missed moments. He was there. He will be there. That’s faithfulness. Whatever the days ahead, He will be faithful.

Check out these additional scriptures that speak to God’s faithfulness. Psalm 61:7. Psalm 36:5. Psalm 85:11. Psalm 89:8. Psalm 89:14.

Let the words of Psalm 119:30 be descriptive our heart and souls in the days ahead. It says, “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.”

Happening This Week

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. Link coming soon.

Friday, April 3 – Family 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

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