Covenant Membership at ECC
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” — Romans 12:3-4
Membership at Eaton Community Church is our way of committing to the work God is doing in us and through us as a community of believers. Our hope is that in becoming a member we will actively engage in greater ways by intentionally committing to covenant with other believers to be the church.
A covenant is a promise by which we commit ourselves to one another. Covenant means “to agree, to be of one mind, to come together”. This agreement is grounded in relationship with God and other believers and is instrumental for living as God’s church in accountability, responsibility, vision, and purpose.
It’s important to understand that as a Christian you actually have two covenant memberships… AS A BELIEVER in our Lord Jesus Christ, you are a member of the entire Body of Christ. AS A BELIEVER in our Lord Jesus Christ, you have the privilege of committing to a local church (Body of Christ). Every local church is important. 1 Cor. 12:12-27
Therefore, we must remember from scripture that there are three primary reasons for believers to commit to covenant membership in a local body of Christ.
- AS A BELIEVER you are called to be and designed to be in community. Gen. 1-2, Gen. 6-9, Matt. 10:1-4
- AS A BELIEVER you have a purpose to discover and a role to fulfill within the local church. Phil. 1:6
- AS A BELIEVER you will be more able to clearly identify the presence and power of Christ in your midst when you are a distinct part of the whole body. Matt. 18:20
David Platt, pastor and author, says it like this in his book about discipleship entitled, Follow Me, “…to identify your life with the person of Christ is to join your life with the people of Christ.”
Here at E.C.C. our call from the Great Commission is our specific God-given mission of “Sharing Life, Sharing Christ.” We believe this is best lived out by committing to God and one another in covenant membership.
If you have not become a member of Eaton Community Church, I would like to personally invite you to participate in our upcoming membership class beginning Sunday, February 9 from 12:15-2:30. (lunch included) We will gather for six weeks and learn about God’s design for the bride of Christ, His church, and His unique call on Eaton Community Church. Please call the church office at 937-456-5507 or email conni.deaton@eatoncommunitychurch.org by Wednesday, February 5 to sign up for the class.
We hope you will take a step and join us!
Sharing Life, Sharing Christ
Pastor Dan
Youth is NOT wasted on OUR young…
I’ve heard the phrase “Youth is wasted on the young” before. While this statement has been proven to be true, I’d like to challenge it with a group of young adults that are making a difference.
For the past two-ish years, Amanda and I have been hosting a “young-adult” small group at our house on Monday evenings. We thought the majority of them were of the Millennial generation, but came to find out most were actually of the GenZ generation. Therefore, we jokingly call our group the MillenialZ.
MillenialZ Retreat
We spent the past weekend at a rental home downtown Cincinnati enjoying each other’s company, playing sardines, board games, having great meals and good conversation all the while studying the Prophet Joel – and it was their choice on what we studied over the weekend!
You heard me correctly. They chose to study the book of Joel in the Old Testament, which is no small feat! And believe me, it was difficult at times. The whole time of discussion was filled with questions (some that didn’t get answered), philosophical debates and theological discussions.
Joel is difficult because it is full of ambiguity and is very broad. Most scholars don’t give it an official date in which it was written, so the context of the passage is hard to determine. It was neat, though, to watch how many chimed in and discussed, while other listened. There may have been a few moments that dragged on a bit too long, but who’s counting the minutes? :). In the end, this is what I came away with…
Joel is a book that spans generations. It’s a warning and a call to repentance. A message of destruction with a glimpse into a future of hope. No matter what, this remains true:
…everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved… Joel 2:32
It doesn’t matter where you are in life… It doesn’t matter if you’re experiencing devastation or joy… ANYONE who calls on the name of the Lord WILL BE SAVED. That is a promise worth holding, because God has always followed through with his promises.
Are you a young adult and interested?
Our typical Monday evening consists of gathering for snacks, talking about nonsense, then moving to our living room and reading and studying God’s Word in some fashion. We spent 8 months on the Gospel of John, a few months on Hot Topics, 7 months on Paul’s letter to the Romans, and now we’re reading a science fiction novel by the great C.S. Lewis! We begin at 7:30PM, and if you need directions you can contact me: josh.harpold@eatoncommunitychurch.org.
What I find so encouraging about this group is how involved they are in the life of ECC. Women’s ministry, youth ministry, basketball ministry, setup/tear down, Etch and the list goes on. They all have stakes in what is happening at ECC, and even more so beyond! For most their age, who turn 18 and decide to leave the church, these young adults have chosen to do the opposite and invest in the church. I believe this deserves some commendation.
January 17, 2020
Saturday, January 25, 9:30-11am, Rm 101 – All ladies (7th grade and up) are invited. Come for food, a trivia game and a time of connecting.
ECC Youth Fundraiser – Sat, Feb 15
- 4:30 – 7:30pm in the Great Rm
- Purchase tickets starting Wednesday, January 22 at Etch
- Adults: $12; Kids 10 and under: $8
New Directory!
Our church directory will not be complete without you.
- Stop by the kiosk in the Gathering Area to schedule time with the photographer.
- To sign-up online, follow the directions on the letter you received in the mail. (copies at the kiosk)
- You will receive a complimentary 8×10 photo and a directory!
Photography dates:
- Fri, Feb 21: 2-7:30pm
- Sat, Feb 22: 10:30am – 4pm
- Mon, Feb 24: 2-8:30pm
- Tue, Feb 25: 2-8:30pm
Etch Winter ’20 Electives
Registration is now open for Etch Winter Electives. There are five options for you to choose from and all electives are open for youth and adults. If you have children who have not been registered for Knights Club, you can find the forms on our website.
Electives are from February 5-March 11. Registration ends on February 2nd.
You can register for the winter electives or find out more information about them below:
Etch Interactive: Creative Awakenings
(This class has a 20 person limit)
Allow God to awaken the creativity he has placed inside each one of us. Find ways to use art as a means of worship, healing, and fun! You’ll learn basics of painting, sketching, and other forms of art.
Etch Interactive: W.O.W. Fit
(Women only – 20 person limit)
This Refit class is a fun, total body workout, that focuses on easy moves with uplifting and inspiring music. A 45-minute fitness dance and tone class. In addition, each class with end with a devotion (heartwork) and prayer. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or advanced!
Spiritual Habits
(Women Only)
Study scripture individually throughout the week, and each Wednesday gather together and discuss what God has been teaching us. Allow this class to create and develop the habits of STOP, STEP, SHARE in our everyday lives.
Men’s Bible Study: UNFOLDED
($15 for books)
Most men know specific Bible stories, but do they know the overarching story of the Bible? While the Bible is a collection of 66 books, the reigning theme that still holds eternal implications for our lives today is God’s powerful story of redemption. Join us to explore this story of a God who loves us, longs to be known by us, and ultimately invites us into His story.
Threads: Themes That Weave Through the Bible
(There is no Registration Required for this course)
From Genesis to Revelation there are words, phrases, and themes that all point to the redemptive work of The Cross. Learn how to recognize these themes as you read scripture. Join us as we look at these threads and how they’re all woven together to create a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ.
REGISTER HERE
January 10, 2020
Open House
You’re invited to an Open House to Celebrate the Ministry of Stan & Jeannine Van Ausdal. Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 2-4pm in the ECC Gathering Area.
Time For A New Directory!
Our church directory will not be complete without you. Our directory brings us together to develop new relationships, connect with our church family or reconnect.
- Stop by the kiosk in the Gathering Area to schedule time with the photographer.
- To sign-up online, follow the directions on the letter you received (or will receive) in the mail. (Copies at the kiosk)
- Remember, there is no obligation to purchase anything.
- You will receive a complimentary 8×10 photo and a directory!
Photography dates:
- Friday, Feb 21: 2-7:30pm
- Saturday, Feb 22: 10:30am – 4pm
- Monday, Feb 24: 2-8:30pm
- Tuesday, Feb 25: 2-8:30pm
Women’s Breakfast
Saturday, January 25, 9:30-11am, Rm 101 – All ladies 7th grade and up are invited. Come for food, a trivia game and a time of connecting.
Love In Action
The Women of Worth team is searching for women to serve in the Love in Action ministry. As the ministry grows, we’ve discovered a need for a sub team that would take over finding meal needs and handling delivery logistics. We are searching for four to five women who feel this fits their passions and skills. Please reach out to eatonccwow@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you!
Etch in 2020
It’s that time of year for Etch to begin rolling around! We’re excited for what’s in store for the Winter and Spring of this year, and excited to see what God will do in the life of Etch in this new year! Here is what you can expect.
Etch Community: Game Night!
Jan. 8
We are kicking off the New Year right with Game Night! There will be board games, card games, BINGO, and children’s games. It will be a fun night to play with friends, make new ones and win some prizes. So come and join us for a night playing your favorite game! There will also be childcare for Nursery to 3 year old room.
J-Term (January Term)
Jan. 15 & 22
There will be an abbreviated version of Etch offered on January 15th and 22nd and we’re calling it J-Term. Etch Knights Club will continue as normal, while for adults and youth there will be a two-week interactive crash course we all take together! The class is called: Here’s the Thing… and we’ll be spending time discovering elements of life that are holding us back from truly seeking God with all our heart. Dinner will begin at 5:30PM, and the evening will conclude at 8PM.
Winter Session
Feb. 5 – Mar. 11
There will be a brief intermission from Etch on January 29, and then we will resume with our six-week Winter Session on February 5th. As usually dinner is at 5:30PM, with electives ending at 8PM. Here’s a glimpse of a couple electives coming:
ETCH INTERACTIVE: God and Our Creativity
THREADS: Themes That Weave Through Bible
Registration for the Winter Session electives will begin on January 15.
So much is in store for the upcoming Winter and Spring. We’re excited for what God has in store for us. Make sure to put these dates on your calendar and be a part of what God is doing at Etch. Wednesdays, meal begins at 5:30pm!
January 3, 2020
Saturday, January 4
- Doors open at 7am
- Breakfast at 7:30am
Etch Game Night – January 8, 6-8pm
Come and enjoy an evening with a meal, BINGO, board games and card games for all ages! And yes, there will be prizes! Childcare provided for nursery to age 3.
Open House
You’re invited to an Open House to Celebrate the Ministry of Stan & Jeannine Van Ausdal. Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 2-4pm in the ECC Gathering Area.
December 24, 2019
Don’t forget! One Worship Gathering Sunday, December 29 and Sunday, January 5 at 10am.
December 20, 2019
End of Year Gifts to the Church
Please have all end-of-the-year gifts to the church by Sunday, Dec 29 (or SimpleGive by Thursday, Dec 26) to be included on your 2019 giving Statement. Thank you for your generous giving!
- Monday, Dec 23: 9am – 5pm
- Tuesday, Dec 24: 9am – 1pm
- Wednesday, Dec 25: Closed
- Thursday, Dec 26: Closed
- Friday, Dec 27: Closed
- Monday, Dec 30: 9am-5pm
- Tuesday, Dec 31: 9am – 1pm
- Wednesday, Jan 1: Closed
ECC Knights Basketball – December & January Home Games
- Sat, Dec 28 Varsity Knights at 3pm Vs Alumni
- Mon, Jan 6 JV Knights at 6pm, Varsity Knights at 7:15pmVs Castine Cavaliers
- Sat, Jan 11 JV Knights at 10am, Varsity Knights at 11:15am Vs Connersville Community Christian
- Mon, Jan 27 JH Knights at 6:30pm, Varsity Knights at 7:30pm Vs Dominion Academy
December 13, 2019
Thank you for expressing the value of generous living by…
- Giving presents and monetary gifts for the families that were adopted for our Christmas project. The lives of 5 families with 15 children were impacted with an overwhelming demonstration of the love of Christ!
- Designating over $13,000 in donations to the Benevolence Project to help a family with remodeling expenses as they care for extended family members.
