On Monday, May 12 at the 2^nd Quarter Conversation with the Elders, the Elders and Pastor Dan shared some updates on a potential building expansion. This update covered the following items:

1. Ongoing Building Space Needs
   1. There have been multiple discussions and even plans in our 19 years at Camden Rd. 
   2. Our current space needs:
      1. Kids Ministry – Primarily Sunday morning classes.
      2. Sunday morning adult classes. We can currently only hold two classes easily.
      3. Wednesday evening Etch electives limit us to four classes.
      4. Multiple uses by the community throughout the week suggest a need for medium-sized spaces. 
      5. A space for small weddings and funerals.
   3. Upon the Elder team request, the Property Team conducted a need assessment with staff and ministry leaders. This assessment was led by Dean Weller.
2. Exploring Our Building Expansion Options
   1. Designing of space to best meet current and future ministry needs. 
      1. Square footage: 10,000 – 14,000 
   2. Cost: TBD but likely a few million dollars.
   • 3. Use: Multi-purpose spaces including classrooms, expansion of room 101, and a few medium-spaces, a secondary entrance, as well as some additional bathrooms.
   • 2. The Elder board contracted with the Simmons Group on July 8, 2024, to explore the possibilities with proposed plans.
   • 3. final plan has been approved by the Elder board.
3. West Property (50 acres of farm ground)
   1. The elders had an inquiry from a developer in the Spring of last year to purchase the land, but the conditions were not acceptable.
   2. In order to have a better understanding of the value of the land, the Elders hired Terry Miller on June 3, 2024, for an appraisal of the West land. 
   3. The Elders are considering the sale of the farm ground to help partially fund the expansion.
   4. The elders have begun the search for a potential realtor.
4. Process and Procedure
   1. All decisions to sell any church property must be recommended by the elders and approved through a membership vote. 
   2. All final building plans must be recommended by the elders and approved through a membership vote. 
   3. Decisions about funding for a building expansion must be recommended by the elders and approved through a membership vote. 
   4. All information for these decisions will be shared at informational meetings before any votes by membership. 
5. Next Steps
   1. The Elders invite the congregation to be in prayer for wisdom and discernment with these big decisions. 
   2. The Elders will continue to search and recommend a realtor for a congregational vote. 
   3. The Elders and property team will finalize and recommend a building plan to the congregation, with a cost estimate for a vote.
   4. The Elders will explore financing for the building expansion and bring recommendations to the congregation for approval.
   5. The Elders will work to create a proposed timeline for the expansion project.

As with all big decisions, there is much work to do and many decisions to make. We seek to walk through this project with a continued emphasis on our mission to “Share Life, and Share Christ”. The building cannot be our vision, but it can help us accomplish it. This project will require participation and sacrifice from the entire congregation. Again, please be in prayer as you process the information and seek to provide input. As questions arise, please reach out to one of the ECC Elders or Pastor Dan. We look forward to all that God has in store for us and His Kingdom. May He get all the glory!

Community Service Opportunities

The Mission and Outreach Team is highlighting the following local ministry opportunities this week:

The Common Good (Food Pantry and Once Around Shop) – Organization Contact: Jenny McCarty, 937-456-6560, jmccarty@commongoodpreble.org, www.commongoodpreble.com

MOT Contact: Cindy Mitchell (former MOT member), Text/Phone: 937-620-7141, mitchell.c.d1975@gmail.com

   Once Around Shop

• Cashier during open hours
• Sort donations
• Price goods
• Display clothing
• Stock shelves with items

  Food Pantry

• Unload donations from Kroger, Walmart, Dollar General
• Stock shelves with food
• Serve as helpers for clients during the hours of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 2-4pm

HIT (Home is The) Foundation – Organization Contact: Clayton Genth, 937-472-0500 ext. 402, clayton@hitfoundation.org, www.hitfoundation.org

MOT Contact: Josh Moreland, Text/Phone: 937-336-1088, jtmoreland@gmail.com

• Painting and minor maintenance tasks for seniors in Preble County
• Yard work for seniors in Preble County
• Basic landscaping at HIT rentals
• Stain large fence at HIT rental (materials and stain provided)
• Stain wheelchair ramp at HIT shelter (materials and stain provided)
• Sign up for or contribute https://mealtrain.com/54851k to provide a meal at the homeless shelter (Note: There are a minimum of 10 adults, with the cold shelter there can be several more.)

      Tasks can be done by individuals or groups. Contact Clayton Genth or Josh Moreland for details.

Conversation with Elders

Monday, May 12, 6-7pm in the Gathering Area

The Elders will bring a quarterly update on two items during this meeting. There will be a time for questions.

• Financial update: January – April
• Potential Building Expansion

Community Service Opportunities

The Mission and Outreach Team is highlighting the following local ministry opportunities this week:

Birthright of Eaton – Organization Contact: Cathy Webb, 614-746-2438, crwebb60@gmail.com,  www.birthright.org/eaton;

MOT Contact: Lois Simmons, Text/Phone: 937-733-0112, lois.simmons8890@gmail.com

• Volunteer once a week for a day or evening shift to serve clients that have need of diapers, formula, clothes, baby food, blankets, etc. Oversee pregnancy tests and discuss options available.
• Volunteer as a sub to serve clients
• Stuff envelopes for the newsletter twice a year
• Volunteer for a shift at the Baby Changing/Nursing Tent for the Preble County Fair and/or the Pork Festival

CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate) – Organization Contact: Debbie Huff, 937-456-2762, debbie.huff@prebcojpc.org, www.prebleohiojuvenileprobate.org/programs/casa;

MOT Contact: Nancy Miller, Text/Phone: 937-533-7457, millertimnancy@gmail.com

• Advocate in a child’s best interest within the Court and out in the world where the child lives every day
  • Volunteers will complete a background check, receive pre-service training, and attend in-service training annually.

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 NIV

Parents Night Out Volunteers Needed

Friday, May 9

Volunteers are invited to join us in supporting our parents by caring for their kids as they have a night out. Choice of serving times: 5-7pm, 7-9pm or 5-9pm. Contact Melissa King, Bev Heindl or register here.

Conversation with Elders

Monday, May 12, 6-7pm in the Gathering Area

The Elders will bring a quarterly update on two items during this meeting.

• Financial update: January – April
• Potential Building Expansion
• Time for questions

Quarterly Financial Update

Below is a Rolling 12-Month Trend Report which uses the running total of the giving and expenses for the last 12 months plus a graph. This Trend Report and graph is presented to the congregation quarterly. Paper copies are available at the Welcome Center.

Prayer Moves

Sunday, April 27, 5-7pm in Rm 101

We invite you to join us on the last Sunday of each month. We will begin with a very short devotion and the rest of the time will be devoted to quiet prayer either alone or with someone. You’re welcome to come and go during this time. Check out this Lifeshare from Pastor Josh detailing the heart behind and the purpose for this time.

DIG – Defined In God
Three nights of intentional discipleship with our kids.  We will have food and fun while building relationships and learning about who God says we are.

For the Kids:
We will enjoy a multi-generational meal, lesson time, games, and music.  All kids 6 years (by August 1st) through 6th grade are welcome to be a participant.

Areas to Serve:

• Table Leader – assist kids at the tables with different activities, preparation will be attending a training meeting and praying God will work in the kid’s lives.
• Hospitality – assist with checking kids in and out for the night
• Music/Tech – assist with leading songs and/or tech support for the night
• Meal Service – prepare, serve, and clean up after the meal
• Setup/cleanup – help set up tables and chairs before/after event
• Games – guide kids in games
• Prayer Team – spend the evening praying for the event
• Assistant/runner – help pass out materials or assist kids to restrooms
• Safety Team – help keep our kids safe during the event
• Childcare – care for the younger kids of other volunteers during the event

Childcare available for kids birth-5 years for those volunteering during the event.

Each night starts with a Huddle time for volunteers at 5:45pm

Registration is currently open for volunteers and kids ages 6-12. 
Please register by May 7th.

Holy Week Services

Good Friday, April 18 at 6:30pm – We will commemorate the Crucifixion of Jesus as we reflect on His sacrifice on the cross.

Easter Sunday, April 20 at 10am – The pinnacle of the Lenten season, when we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death! Invite someone to come with you to be a part of this celebration.

Check out the newsletter here.

Prayer Moves

Sunday, April 27, 5-7pm in Rm 101

We invite you to join us on the last Sunday of each month for a time of prayer. We will begin with a very short devotion and the rest of the time will be devoted to quiet prayer either alone or with someone. You’re welcome to come and go during this time.

This Sunday marks the beginning of our commemoration of ‘Holy Week’, also known as ‘Passion Week’.  This is a week filled with a series of significant events initiated by Jesus’ entry into the city of Jerusalem.  Throughout the week the intensity builds toward the cross as Jesus is captured, tormented, put on trial, beaten and finally crucified on a cross outside the city.

It’s a week full of emotions and heartache as we consider all that Jesus endured for us.  As we look toward this week I encourage us to remember the importance of that week long journey.  Perhaps one way to remember this important time leading to his resurrection is to open the Bible and read through all that took place in these final events of Jesus’ life on this earth.  As you do so consider:

• The sacrifice of Christ before and through his crucifixion.
• The faithfulness of Christ to carry out the mission entrusted to him by God.
• The love of Christ demonstrated in each act and word during the final week of his life.

We can’t fully celebrate the joy of the resurrection without remembering and reflecting on the payment required by Christ for us.  I pray that this coming ‘Holy Week’ would be a time of thoughtful reflection for you.  I pray that you might walk with humility and gratitude for all that Christ has done.

Another way to reflect and remember Christ’s person and work is to come together on Maundy Thursday for a meal, foot washing and communion.  We will be gathering at 6:30 on April 17 for this meaningful time of worship.  Our Good Friday Service on April 18 at 6:30pm is to remember the crucifixion of Jesus, the servant. We encourage you to be a part.

Praying with you and for you,

Pastor Dan

Check out the newsletter here.

Holy Week Services

Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday), April 17 at 6:30pm – This time of worship observes the acts of Jesus and the disciples in the Upper Room. We worship through a meal commemorating the Last Supper, follow the example of Jesus through foot washing, and remember Jesus’ sacrifice by taking communion.

Good Friday, April 18 at 6:30pm – We will commemorate the Crucifixion of Jesus as we reflect on His sacrifice on the cross.

Easter Sunday, April 20 at 10am – The pinnacle of the Lenten season, when we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death! Invite someone to come with you to be a part of this celebration.

ECC Students – Work for Mission Trip

ECC Students are looking for opportunities to raise funds for their Summer Mission Trip. If you have work that you would like to have done, contact Becky, becky.duncan@eatoncommunitychurch.org or 937-456-5507.
 

Holy Week Services

Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday), April 17 at 6:30pm – This time of worship observes the acts of Jesus and the disciples in the Upper Room. We worship through a meal commemorating the Last Supper, follow the example of Jesus through foot washing, and remember Jesus’ sacrifice by taking communion.

Good Friday, April 18 at 6:30pm – We will commemorate the Crucifixion of Jesus as we reflect on His sacrifice on the cross.

Easter Sunday, April 20 at 10am – The pinnacle of the Lenten season, when we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death! Invite someone to come with you to be a part of this celebration.

Prayer Moves

Sunday, March 30, 2025

If you are wanting to learn how to pray, have many years of experience praying, or simply are in need of prayer, then please seek to make this Sunday’s Prayer Moves a priority for you. You will be able to join us anytime between 5PM and 7PM. You can arrive at 5:15 or 6:22, as long as you’re ready to pray. You can show up for 10 minutes, or stay for the whole time, again, as long as you’re ready to show up and pray. We are looking forward to praying with you this Sunday (March 30) between the hours of 5-7PM!

ETCH 1st Wednesday

April 2, 6-8pm

This is the last 1st Wednesday of the School Year. This night will include a meal, multi-generational family activities and age specific breakouts. Everyone is invited!