Now is an excellent time to join a One Another small group, in an all-church 7-week study on the life of Jesus beginning October 2! The study corresponds with “The Story” sermons and readings. Small groups meet weekly or bi-weekly through the year, many in homes. Each group uniquely combines time for fellowship, prayer, Bible study and service to others.
Curious about small groups but not ready to commit to a year in a One Another Group? We are offering a small group experience during the Jesus study starting Oct 2. They will meet at the church Sundays at 6:30 pm, and will be led by One Another Group team members.
See us at the kiosk by the fireplace to sign up for a small group, the short term group, or for more info!
Before Sunday, September 18, be sure to read Ezra 7; Nehemiah 1-2; 4; 6-8; Malachi 1-4 and/or Chapter 21 of The Story. To see all reading assignments click here. To hear previous sermons in the series, click here.
This is the first of five articles on the five values of Etch. Originally, I had set out to talk about them on video, however it struck me that I don’t need to be the one sharing this information (you hear from me enough!). So I commissioned the Etch Ministry Team to each take a value and write about its purpose and further meaning. Please enjoy!
-P. Josh
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV).
We grow by allowing God to lead us toward His desire for us as individuals, families and the body of believers. God’s longing is for us to be free in Him. The world cannot offer any version of true freedom. Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burden again by a yoke of slavery”. In letting go of our desires, God replaces them with His desires for us, which will always be better than we could ever anticipate. As we work with God through confession and prayer, our focus is on Christ, His suffering, death and resurrection on our behalf. In Christ, there is an abundance of freedom. Thus, we worship God in every aspect of our lives as we “let go of our own desires”. When we serve Him with complete trust and obedience, we glorify God in every facet of our lives. There will be great blessings to us all as we allow God to lead us and we trust His guidance.
Not many people like change. It can be challenging even when the change is a positive thing. As ECOB changes and grows (because all things living do… and yes the church is living!), there will be doubt and questions. Please know brothers and sisters, our future has been prayed for. Our families have been prayed for. God is in charge of change. He is the one this leadership team and pastoral staff answer to. We have let go of our desires and replaced them with God’s desire. However, without change, growth will not take place as effectively if we don’t allow God to create disciples that surrender their will to His, and that is what Etch is about.
-Therese Betar (Etch Ministry Team)
Many of you may remember that we had several people from our church travel to Mexico this last June. Here are a few pictures to share with you. Thank you so much for your prayers, and financial support. For more information about the trip, please see Keith Pemberton and Jerry Deaton.
Before Sunday, September 11, be sure to read Esther 1-9 and/or Chapter 20 of The Story. To see all reading assignments click here. To hear previous sermons in the series, click here.
We are thankful for a safe return to Haiti for another year of ministry at Cite Lumiere Christian School (CLCS) and for people who are blind and have low vision. Please pray for us as we prepare to begin the school year at CLCS minus one classroom teacher. We are trusting God to provide the right people to work together to cover this need.
Dirk is looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues working in blindness rehabilitation and continuing production of Braille materials. There are also some blind students who are ready to begin orientation and mobility lessons.
We appreciated the warm welcome we received from the church and were glad for the opportunity to worship with you on Sundays and visit with many of you individually. If we didn’t get to see you this year, try to catch us again next summer.
Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support.
In Christ,
Dirk and Karen
Before Sunday, September 4, be sure to read Ezra 1-6; Haggai 1-2; Zechariah 1; 8 and/or Chapter 19 of The Story. To see all reading assignments click here. To hear previous sermons in the series, click here.
Financial Peace University (FPU) teaches God’s ways of handling money. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely and give generously. This class will follow the FPU Flex Format. A video will be watched on your own each week, and you’ll come together for community and discussion. Mondays, Sept 26 through Nov 21, 6:30-7:30 pm in Room 101. Cost is $93 if you register online by Sept 14 at www.daveramsey.com/fpu/classes/1024127. Register by Sept 14 so we can order materials. Contact Matt and Shauna Deaton
Before Sunday, August 28, be sure to read Daniel 1-3; 6; Jeremiah 29-31 and/or Chapter 18 of The Story. To see all reading assignments click here. To hear previous sermons in the series, click here.
“Ingraining the truth of Christ in the lives of his followers.”
When you arrive on Wednesday evening, there will be a meal to kick off the evening and tables for us to meet and enjoy a few moments in the week together. You will see families, friends, children, adults, and all in between. You’ll witness the body of Christ investing in each other’s lives.
The evening will be focused on experiencing discipleship. Through drama, video, music, conversation, and so much more our aim is to put the gospel in the hands of Christ’s followers and allow them to pass it on to those around them.
Begins this coming Sunday, August 21! Have your kids ages 4 years through 5th grade ready to register at 10:30 am in the Children’s Ministry Hallway. Join us for the “Gospel Project” – seeing how Jesus plays a role in every aspect of the Bible.
Before Sunday, August 21, be sure to read 2 Kings 21;23-25; 2 Chronicles 33; 36; Jeremiah 1-2; 4-5; 13; 21 Lamentations 1-3; 5; Ezekiel 1-2; 6-7; 36-37 and/or Chapter 17 of The Story. To see all reading assignments click here. To hear previous sermons in the series, click here.
For those of you who weren’t aware, GreenHouse Kids Worship kicks off this coming Sunday (August 21). So make sure to have your children ready to register at 10:30am!
If you’re curious what your children will be learning, check out this video:
Rain or Shine!…Come out August 12-14 for a weekend under the Stars, under the Sun, and under the Tent! And be sure to bring your chair!
Friday, 7 pm, Concert by “A Side ofTaylors” under the tent. Featuring rich vocal harmonies, the Americana/folk/bluegrass band has a unique style which covers a wide range of music from the past fifty years and beyond, including songs by Johnny Cash, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan, in addition to southern gospel hymns. You won’t want to miss them under the tent!
Friday – come early for the concession stand and stay for a Movie under the stars when the sun goes down! We’ll be showing “Moms’ Night Out.” So bring your friends to the concert and the movie, and enjoy free popcorn and/or purchase hot and cold concessions!
Saturday 4 pm picnic: No tickets or food/game sign-ups needed this year. Just come and enjoy!
Sunday, 10 am, One Service under the tent – outdoor worship together! Come at 9 am for coffee and donuts!
Before Sunday, August 21, be sure to read 2 Kings 21;23-25; 2 Chronicles 33; 36; Jeremiah 1-2; 4-5; 13; 21 Lamentations 1-3; 5; Ezekiel 1-2; 6-7; 36-37 and/or Chapter 17 of The Story. To see all reading assignments click here. To hear previous sermons in the series, click here.