Caring for Others at Christmas!
Where do you turn when your family is broken? It’s not just in the news, but we can see brokenness at work in the lives of those around us: people who suffer from addictions, people who lash out at others in anger and cruelty, people who are stuck in financial messes, people who make the same big mistakes over and over again and slowly self-destruct their own lives while hurting the lives of those around them.
It would be so easy to sit in our houses and say “thank God, I’m not one of them”. But…we are. It’s just that our brokenness isn’t seen by the rest of the world. You see, we are all broken in some way. Some of us have bad habits that trip us up over and over again. Some of us struggle with sins we know we shouldn’t do, but we end up doing it anyway. Some of us are overwhelmed by unforgiveness, a lashing tongue, or a temper that gets out of control. Still others, it’s their thought life. Some people have more brokenness than others and some have less but, when we get down to the bottom of it, we’re all broken. That’s what Jesus came for when He was born – not to bless the unbroken but to reach out to the broken, the hurting, the destitute, the hopeless and bring light into their darkness.
One young single mom in our area has come from a family that is rife with brokenness. As I listened to her story, it struck me just how alone she must feel in this world. There is not a family around her to whom she can turn. And she is facing obstacles and challenges that would flatten any whole family, much less a young woman on her own.
These families that we are helping at Christmas – we’re not helping them because we are whole and good and, in our largess, we are reaching down to meet their feeble needs. We are helping them because we too know what it is like to be broken, to be desperate, to be hurting, to not know how to get ourselves out of where we find ourselves. We are essentially one beggar telling another beggar where we found bread. In truth, we found the Bread of Life. And as He is changing us, we’re learning to see others through His eyes. We are becoming His hands to reach out, His arms to give a hug, His heart to meet whatever needs we are able to meet.
And so, we as a broken people, are reaching out to care for 5 broken families with 15 children to provide Christmas for them. We will be His hands, His feet, and His heart to each one of them. Jesus was once eating with a group of tax collectors and sinners. When the “unbroken” pharisees protested, Jesus challenged them “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17) As we reflect this season on that baby who was born, let’s share the hope of that moment with the broken who are around us.
Miss Coleen
Giving Details:
- Here is a list of the families showing the children and their ages and a list of clothing sizes, hobbies and interests of the different children. Christmas project list
- These handouts are also at the Christmas kiosk in the Gathering.
- If you wish to give a monetary gift to a family, please make your check payable to the church and write on the check which family to whom you wish to give. Give your check at the Christmas Kiosk or to Miss Collen. All monies will be converted into gift cards.
- A plan is in place to ensure that every child receives an equal number of gifts and doesn’t receive duplicates of the same gift (unless they wanted it).
- Need more information? Contact Miss Coleen or any member of the Mission and Outreach Team.
- Deadline to bring all gifts: Sunday, December 8
November 22, 2019
Benevolence Project 2019-A
This project is to assist a family in our church with remodeling expenses. In the midst of crisis, this family has obtained guardianship of two children from their extended family and need additional space in their home. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help with these expenses. Donations can be given from Nov 17-Dec 8. Please designate giving to this project under the label of “Project 2019-A” or check “Benevolence” on Simple Give. Thank you for your generous living as we continue to Share Life, and Share Christ.
Christmas Caroling – Wednesday, December 11, 6-8pm
Everyone is invited to join us for this special time. We will go caroling and then return to the church for hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. Sign-up now at the Christmas kiosk.
Etch Variety Show
On January 8, we are hoping to host a variety show showcasing the talents and gifts God has bestowed upon ECC. Acts can be a “variety” of performances from dancing and singing to comedy and skits. Our desire is to have a fun night filled with laughter and encouragement.
We are still needing some registrations to fill the evening, so we’re providing the opportunity for any interested to sign up via the web.
What You Need To Know:
- The content of any songs, music, speeches, poems, etc. need to glorify God and not support worldly values. If you have any questions whether something would be appropriate, check with Pastor Josh. If you need help finding good Christian music, see Pastor Josh.
- All clothing worn should be appropriate for church – no skimpy or revealing outfits for any reason.
- All persons sharing their acts need to be doing it for God’s glory; this is not a competition or a way to look better than others. It is simply a fun way to share what God has made each of us able to do!
- The maximum time limit for all acts is five minutes. It can be anywhere from 1-5 minutes but can be no more than 5 minutes.
- The acts should be well-rehearsed and practiced. The act must also be safe for the team and the audience.
- All acts must have at least two people. We also encourage family acts and intergenerational acts.
ECC Knights Basketball
We have a long storied tradition of young men and women who played the game of basketball for our church in the name of Jesus Christ. We have won championships, come close some years, and also had years of rebuilding. Regardless of the results on the scoreboard and the win column, each year we are confident that Jesus was a focal point of this ministry.
As we expressed a few months ago, this ministry is now undergoing a large change as we try to fill the shoes of Clif & Jana Martin and those who supported them as we transition into a season of leadership and effective ministry. We have some great coaches who have stepped in and begun caring for these young players and developing their skills both on and off the court, while also seeking opportunities to share the hope of Christ.
This ministry will be most effective when our church sees the amazing opportunity we have to bring Christ into the lives of these young men and thus embraces the opportunities present. If you remember, I promised at some point we would be reaching out to you for help. This is that time!
There are a total of 7 home games this year. We need at least four people for each game to cover admissions and concessions (explained in more detail below). We are looking for people who would be willing to help one or two games in the season. Please know, the more people who are willing to help the less we will need people to cover multiple weeks.
If your’e not able to support us by helping in the two areas below, we always appreciate support from fans! You can see the schedule on our website.
Here’s some of the biggest ways you can help:
ADMISSIONS
Admissions collects money from guests entering the game. This position would require you to show up a half hour early to the first game of that day and you will be dismissed after the 2nd quarter of the final game.
Main responsibilities include:
Money handling & welcoming/public interaction
CONCESSIONS
Concessions prepares and distributes food for guests. This position would require you to show up a half hour early to the first game of that day and will be dismissed at the 3rd quarter of the final game for cleanup.
Main responsibilities include:
Money handling, food service, and cleanup
There are other ways to help us, but they require some specific skills: Safety, Medical Personnel, Administrative, etc.
Please help us make this ministry as successful as it has been in past years. Blessings, P. Josh
November 15, 2019
ETCH Community Variety Show: Wednesday, January 8
We will be kicking off the 2020 Etch Season with our very own Etch Variety Show! If you want to share your talent or gift, make sure to sign-up before November 24th. Our goal is to glorify God with the talents he has given us and this is an opportunity to share.
Things to know:
- Each act must be 2 or more people
- You must sign-up for a “review” date (Dec. 10 or 12)
- There are only 20 slots available so claim yours now!
- More information at the kiosk
Women’s Ministry: Love In Action
Monday, Nov 18 at 6:30pm, Kitchen
Freezer meal prep for those in need: new baby, surgery, death, etc. All ladies are invited to join us.
Weather Closing Information
Be sure to sign-up for Texting so you can receive alerts. Text Eatoncc to 40650. If Sunday Services or Etch need to be cancelled, notification will be made by:
- Text
- Lifeshare
- TV Channel 7-WHIO
FALL RETREAT ’19: Hunger and Thirst No More (ECC Students)
Last week, the youth of ECC had an incredible weekend retreating at Camp Wesley near Bellefontaine, OH. Our goal was to Share Life by spending the weekend growing closer to Jesus, our Lord and also each other. I believe I can say with utmost certainty, “Mission Accomplished!”
Many of you are aware that our student ministry is taking a year-long journey through the Gospel of John, and our weekend at Camp Wesley was no different. We dove deep into John chapter 6, investigated 71 verses that helped us see Jesus in ways only through the help of the Holy Spirit are we able to understand: The Bread of Life. The Bread that came down from heaven. Real food and real drink.
Yes we had fun playing dodgeball, hiking, playing card games, ping-pong, foosball, and whatever else we could find to do. We also learned about Jesus’ miracles of feeding 5,000 people and walking on water. We made communion bread that we used as we broke bread and drank the cup together. We worshiped and God responded. But there was one specific experience over the weekend that was a blast, but also in a very silly way spoke volumes to who Jesus is.
Liquid Mountaineering
Not heard of liquid mountaineering? Check out this video from 2010. It was all the craze back then! For those of you who aren’t into watching videos, it’s a video of some random people on a journey to walk on water. It’s completely fake and quite funny to watch. For many, however, when this video first came out it was believed to be real!
When I showed this video to our students, all who were between the ages of 3 and 9 when Liquid Mountaineering became a sport, they couldn’t believe their eyes! Many also thought this was real! After realizing it wasn’t, 10 of our students thought they would take a stab at Liquid Mountaineering. And of course, we have video footage of that! Please remember, it was upper 30s-low 40s outside. These kids were crazy!
https://video214.com/play/3vg4dxl0umnT8uaTzIyG9g/s/dark
Our conclusion: Wow! Water is really cold in November! But more importantly, Jesus is amazing! Over our Fall Retreat we discussed how during the Jewish Passover Feast (which is when John 6 takes place) the Jews focused on the Exodus and the miracles God performed such as manna from heaven and parting the Red Sea (Exodus 13-16). And when we homed in on Jesus’ miracle of walking on water we were blown away by the powerful message it sent to his disciples who witnessed it.
Moses led the Israelites on dry ground with walls of water parted on both sides. This is a spectacular miracle, but for Jesus… he didn’t even need dry ground! He just told the water he made to become solid ground for him! We knew there was no chance of us walking/running on water, but the reality of seeing how “impossible” it is makes Jesus all the more powerful and full of wonder!
On behalf of our youth at ECC, I’d like to say Thank You for the support and care you give to our student ministry. If it wasn’t for your support in prayer and giving in tithes these kinds of experiences wouldn’t be made possible. So Thank You for helping bring a Jesus experience to 22 youth (and 7 adults) over the weekend of November 1-3. We are truly grateful!
November 8, 2019
Celebrating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Our production of LWW was a great success as we shared a wonderful story to the community and witnessed many in our congregation use their gifts and talents to glorify the Lord. In addition, over 870 people came to watch the performance. We will be donating $1,600 to Birthright of Eaton and $1,600 to the Homeless Shelter of Preble County as a result of the performances. Praise God for this opportunity to engage our community and make an impact.
Child Dedication
Dedicating your child to God is a profound commitment that can be life-changing. If you are interested in learning more about how we walk families through this process, contact Miss Coleen, 456-5507 or misscoleen@eatoncommunitychurch.org.
Safety Training (Formerly CPP)
Monday, Nov 11, 6-7:30pm, Rm 101
If you haven’t had this training and you serve with kids or students, please plan to join us. Questions – see Miss Coleen.
ETCH Variety Show – Wednesday, January 8
We will be kicking off the 2020 Etch Season with our very own Etch Variety Show! If you have a talent, a gift to share, or just want to have a good time with some friends at church, make sure to sign-up before November 24th. Our goal is to glorify God with the talents he has given us and this is an opportunity to share.
Things to know:
- Each act must be 2 or more people
- You must sign-up for a “review” date (Dec. 10 or 12)
- There are only 20 slots available so claim yours now!
- More information at the kiosk or online
November 1, 2019
- Saturday, November 2
- Meet at 7:00am, Breakfast at 7:30
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who brought candy for our kids this past week!
Denomination Transition
The elder board is pleased to announce that on Monday evening they met with District COB representatives to complete final steps and paperwork for withdrawal from the COB denomination. The process is now officially complete. Thank you for your prayers and involvement in this process.
Friday, November 8
October 25, 2019
Fall Fun Night at Etch: Wednesday, Oct 30 During Etch Meal Time, 5:30pm
- Costume awards and special activities for adults and kids
- Treats for the kids
- Great night to bring unchurched friends
Regular Electives and ETCH Knights Club will start at their usual time.
Candy Donations: If you would like to donate individually wrapped candy, you can place it in the marked tub in the Gathering Area by Sun, Oct 27. Thanks!
Friday, October 25 at 7pm
Saturday, October 26 at 7pm
Sunday, October 27 at 2pm
Invite others to come and see this classic story by C.S. Lewis.
- Invite cards at the kiosk
- Tickets on sale now
- Adults: $10, Students 11-18: $5, Kids 10 & under: free
- Everyone must have a ticket
- Proceeds to benefit Birthright and the Homeless Shelter
Men’s Breakfast
- Saturday, November 2
- Meet at 7:00am, Breakfast at 7:30
Council Meeting
The Fall Council meeting is Sunday, October 20 at 2pm.
LifeShare 