ECC Ministry Update
As you begin to read this latest edition of LifeShare, I encourage you to pause for a moment and pray this prayer with me…
Almighty God, we set our hearts and minds upon you this day. Although our minds and hearts are prone to being shaken by the current events in our world, remind us today that as followers of Jesus Christ, you assure us of your presence, your grace, your love, and your mercy. Help us to rest in you, even when it doesn’t make sense. Strengthen our commitment to you, increase our worship of you, and build our hope in you this day. Holy Spirit, give us a spirit of peace and let that peace be extended through us to others. Let us not focus on what is seen and temporary, but on what is unseen and eternal. Lord, we place our trust in you, knowing you are in control. In the name of Jesus, we pray. AMEN.
I wanted to start this way in our update today because it seems the most appropriate. To STOP and seek God. It should be our priority each day. Not just because of the current health crisis but because we should depend on Him. My hope is that what we began yesterday morning in a collective time of prayer (see previous LifeShare article) would be the first practice that would define us in this time. All of our thoughts, our service, our care, and our response must come from our time of prayer, not simply a reaction to the latest numbers, recommendations, or opinion. We are in uncharted waters right now and likely for the near future. Let’s be Christ-like foremost in the way we seek and confide and trust in our heavenly Father. Consider the words of Jesus’ prayer in John 17:25-26 for us, that we would know Him and love like Him.
25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Prayer is not just a time to ask for things, it’s a time to rest and build relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. Keep praying!
Church Activities
As the staff and elders continue to assess the recommendations of the state and national government, in faith, not fear, we have chosen the following steps for the coming week for Eaton Community Church:
- Wednesday night Etch for March 18, is cancelled.
- Ministry team meetings and activities of less than 50 people can be held at the church at the team’s discretion.
- We have not made a decision for next Sunday’s services but are looking into the option of live streaming or a video message. We will update you later in the week.
Further Updates
We encourage everyone to go to our website at www. eatoncommunitychurch.org and sign up to receive LifeShare updates to you email. It is also important to sign up for text alerts to stay up to date with any important information.
Finally, I encourage us to walk in faith, not fear…walk in wisdom, not in ignorance…walk in humility, not in arrogance. Through this we will serve and care for others as the Lord has called to as His church. Take care of yourself and one another.
Sharing Life, Sharing Christ
Pastor Dan
Weekend Services Update
Out of care and responsibility to our country and community all services and activities for Sunday, March 15, have been cancelled.
Head over to my Facebook page for a brief accompanying video message.
Prayer
While we will not be gathering for worship at our campus, I’m asking each of us to observe a time of collective prayer at 10:00am on Sunday morning in our homes. Let the following verses be our guide in that time of prayer.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:4-9
These verses carry some important reminders to us as Christ-followers, in this unprecedented time. Discuss the following points as a family or call a friend to share how you want to be faithful to God in this time. Use these prayer points as you STOP with God.
- We walk by faith, not by fear.
- Not only do we seek God, but we find our strength, comfort, and even joy in all circumstances.
- Pray for people to come to know Christ and not fear.
- We have great opportunity to share our peace with others in practical ways.
- Pray for opportunities to share with someone who may be experiencing uncertainty and chaos and it has led to anxiety and worry.
- We walk with wisdom, not ignorance.
- This is a complicated issue and requires us to make individual and collective decisions that show care and concern for others.
- Pray for leaders in our country, our community, and our church as we make difficult decisions for the care and well-being of all.
- We can be an encouragement to others who are weary, disappointed, and even heart-broken over the changes going on in our culture. Let the wisdom of the Holy Spirit guide you in this time.
- Pray for the wisdom of health care workers who are giving much in this time.
- We walk with humility, not arrogance.
- We model the love of Christ, not by making statements that become divisive, but by making sacrifices that communicate the love of Christ.
- Don’t make this an ‘us versus them’, the spiritual vs. the nonspiritual. We are all facing this together. Seek to be God’s church with a humble spirit, not an arrogant entitlement.
- Be careful what you post on social media. It might seem funny to you, but incredibly insensitive to others. We are all in this together.
- We will all likely experience additional stress, grief, and disappointment in this time. Let’s be the light of Christ to others by speaking and doing what is right, and good, and true.
- Pray for a spirit of care and concern, not greed.
- Pray for opportunities to model the love of Christ.
- We model the love of Christ, not by making statements that become divisive, but by making sacrifices that communicate the love of Christ.
- This is a complicated issue and requires us to make individual and collective decisions that show care and concern for others.
- Not only do we seek God, but we find our strength, comfort, and even joy in all circumstances.
Above all pray for healing for our country in this health crisis. Our prayers should be prayers of physical healing for those who are sick and spiritual healing for those who don’t know Jesus Christ.
Let’s make it a priority to pray together at 10:00am on Sunday morning.
Further Updates
We will continue to assess the situation and update everyone about activities in the days ahead. Please check the website, LifeShare, and text alerts for the latest information.
Sharing Life, Sharing Christ…Together,
Pastor Dan
COVID – 19 Preparedness Measures for ECC
Church Family,
ECC leadership is assessing day by day the current health situation facing us. We are confident that during any crisis we have a firm foundation in Jesus Christ. Our faith is in God and His provision and we are determined to walk in faith and not fear. We have an opportunity each day to “Share Life, and Share Christ” in the midst of all circumstances, even those we have never encountered before. Our response, as God’s church, is to seek God’s wisdom in making decisions for our gatherings and to also care for those around us in this church and community. We want to embrace that role with the love of Christ.
Sunday Services
As of right now, we are planning to hold both services on Sunday. With no local cases in our area, we believe the benefit of gathering is an important step to encourage one another in faith and to care for one another. I plan to bring a special message about how to walk with Christ in faith in a time where fear and anxiety grip our culture.
- We understand that this situation is changing regularly, and we will continue to assess it up until Sunday services.
- Any changes in Sunday’s activities will be posted on LifeShare, ECC’s website, and through our text alerts.
- Team meetings and small group gatherings are at the groups own discretion
Please keep in mind the following as we gather:
- First and foremost, pray.
- Please stay home if you or a family member are sick!
- We are implementing a “No Touch” policy at worship, gatherings, and meetings. Greet one another warmly but avoid hugs and handshakes.
Common Preparedness Measures
We are encouraging all members and attenders to follow the guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control on their website:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or more (about the same amount of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday)
- Use hand sanitizer, if soap and water aren’t available.
- Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you or a family member are sick.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you need to cough or sneeze.
We call for you to join leadership in praying for our community and country during this unprecedented time.
Praying with you and for you,
Pastor Dan
March 13, 2020
In response to the latest health concerns, we will be sending further details regarding our Coronavirus Preparedness Measures later today.
Eternal Families Tanzania Project
Many children in Tanzania are left orphaned due to parents dying of malaria, TB and HIV. Eternal Families Tanzania has a goal to build ten homes to care for 100 children. Ten couples will take in ten orphaned children each while raising their own families. ECC has a goal to completely finance one home. One home costs $65,000. Junk for Jesus has already raised $25,000. We the opportunity to raise the remaining $40,000 by April 5. To give to this project, list “Eternal Families Tanzania” on your giving envelope or online on SimpleGive. Also, unwanted metal can be given to Junk for Jesus to help fund the project. Contact Mark Yeazel.
Women’s Ministry – Love In Action
Monday, March 23 at 6:30pm, Kitchen
Freezer meal prep for those in need: new baby, surgery, death, etc. All ladies are invited to join us as we make lasagna and chocolate chip cookies.
Church Directory
If you did not have your picture taken for the directory but would like to have your address included, please contact Dee, 937-456-5507 or dee.carver@eatoncommunitychurch.org. We will not list anyone’s information without permission.
SSS Movie Needs
- Extras for an action scene to be filmed Sat, April 27. This involves running and grabbing things.
- Meals – It would be a huge blessing for someone to bring dinner to the set on one of our long filming days in April.
Contact Miss Coleen if you are interested in serving in any of these ways.
March 6, 2020
Saturday, March 7
- Rm 101
- Meet at 7am
- Breakfast at 7:30am
Saturday, March 7 – Set you clocks ahead one hour
Helping Hurting Kids Seminar
- Sunday, March 15
- 12:15pm, Rm 101
This training provides Kid’s Ministry volunteers the tools they need to care for a child going through a crisis. The training is also open to parents and grandparents. To sign-up email, misscoleen@eatoncommunitychurch.org.
Church Directory
If you did not have your picture taken for the directory but would like to have your address and phone number included, please contact Dee, 937-456-5507 or dee.carver@eatoncommunitychurch.org. We will not list anyone’s information without permission.
ROCK IT OUT! Sunday, March 22
During Sunday morning classes, our kids will enjoy fun theme activities and discover what might make a rock sing! Guests welcome!
February 28, 2020
15 Passenger Van
In light of our church’s growing needs for van-type transportation and because of ever increasing rental fees, the elders are recommending the purchase of a pre-owned fifteen passenger van. This van would be used frequently by our kid’s and student ministries, the basketball team, and no doubt, adult outings and possible mission trips. The specific vehicle has not been selected, but it is expected to cost around $35,000. We will not go ahead with the purchase until we have all the cash in hand, but we are almost half-way there having already been blessed with just over $15,000 in “seed money”! If you feel led to donate toward the purchase of the van, you may do so on-line through Simple Give or by marking your offering envelope with “Van Purchase.” Thank you.
- Saturday, March 7
- Rm 101
- Meet at 7am
- Breakfast at 7:30am
ECC Students
Girls’ Retreat
- Kalahari: March 13 -15
- Register by March 12
- Cost $115
ECC Students’ Girls will be studying Jesus’ prayer to The Father in John 17. We will use this time, and Jesus’ prayer as a platform to develop an intimate prayer life in each of our teens. We will have some great time to spend in God’s Word, but will also swim, water slide, surf, and more at one of the world’s biggest water parks.
Guys’ Retreat
- Walnut Ridge: March 20 – 22
- Register by March 20
- Cost $115
We will spend time eating good food, hiking, playing dodgeball and paintball, and much more. Most importantly, we’ll look at John 17, and how Jesus prays to the Father. This can be a launching pad to develop a similar prayer pattern in the lives of each young man that attends the weekend.
Register for either retreat at Eatoncommunitychurch.org/ministries/ecc-students.
Challenge 2020
- Kansas City: July 12-18
- Registration Deadline: March 15
- $100 deposit required. More info on our website.
Etch
Due to the weather, we are cancelling Etch for tonight.
February 21, 2020
Directory Photos
Today is the first day of photography for our new Church Directory. There are a few spots still available. Call the office, 937-456-5507, if you would like to schedule your family photo. If you already have an appointment, please arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time. There is a brief form to fill out. Thank you!
Baptism – Sunday, March 1
Christian baptism is a clear command of Jesus for all believers (Matt 28:19), and offers an opportunity for a new believer to profess faith in Jesus publicly. To discuss baptism with a pastor or for children with Miss Coleen, please contact the office, 937-456-5507 by February 26.
Summer Spiritual Spectacular Movie Needs:
- Volunteers to build the set
- Volunteers to decorate the set
- 2-3 pairs of winter overalls for the actors to wear
- Volunteers to help with the camera or sound during filming
Please contact Miss Coleen if you are able to help.
February 14, 2020
ECC Student Fundraiser – Saturday, Feb 15
- 4:30 – 7:30pm in the Great Rm
- Tickets can be purchased at the door
- Adults: $12; Kids 10 and under: $8
Baptism – Sunday, March 1
Christian baptism is a clear command of Jesus for all believers (Matt 28:19), and offers an opportunity for a new believer to profess faith in Jesus publicly. To discuss baptism with a pastor or for children with Miss Coleen, contact the office, 937-456-5507 by Feb 26.
Church Directory
We want you to be in our new directory. There are still appointment times available. Schedule your portrait time at the Kiosk. Please contact Dee in the church office, 937-456-5507, if you have any questions.
February 7, 2020
Conversation with Elders
Sunday, February 9, 6pm, Rm 101
Some of the topics include:
- Financial review
- Staffing
- Building expansion fund
ECC Student Fundraiser – Saturday, Feb 15
- 4:30 – 7:30pm in the Great Rm
- Purchase tickets at the Kiosk in the Gathering Area
- Adults: $12; Kids 10 and under: $8
If you have a snowmobile that you would be willing to loan for use in filming the Summer Spiritual Spectacular movie, please see Miss Coleen.
LifeShare 