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A few Sundays back, our church entered a church-wide 120 Day Life@Home Campaign called Prayer 7>5>2. We are asking each person who calls ECOB their home to intentionally make prayer a priority in their lives. We are calling for families to make prayer a priority in their family life. We are desiring all to simply be with God; in His Presence.
…[God] is inviting you – and me – to come home, to come home to where we belong, to come home to that for which we were created. His arms are stretched out wide to receive us. His heart is enlarged to take us in.
– Richard Foster
What do we mean by Life@Home Campaign?
Jesus, who says he is The WAY, TRUTH, and LIFE (John 14:6); who said he came to bring life and life to its fullest (John 10:10)… We often leave him boxed inside the walls of a church building and that’s all the real LIFE we get… a boxed-in version. Life@Home’s goal is to provide each of you with resources, and consistent reminders that Jesus… our LIFE needs to be a part of our home, our work, our schools, wherever we go.
Thus, one of the resources with Life@Home we’re excited to provide is what is called 120 Day Campaigns. The goal behind these campaigns is to be intentional about making Jesus a norm in our lives.
Why Prayer?
From the first moment that God breathed into Adam in the garden, until now God has desired to communicate with us. Even after we sinned and were removed from the presence of God, he still sought after us… to rescue us. To be with us! And prayer is the closest place on earth to BE WITH God.
Prayer will not just change you… it will change us all. And so, for ECOB, we’re going to be spending the next 120 Days intentionally focusing on prayer in three different ways.
Prayer 7>5>2
Pray 7 times a week INDIVIDUALLY for opportunities to Share Life and Share Christ.
Pray 5 times a week with your FAMILY for God to be more involved in your lives.
Pray 2 times a week with a PRAYER PARTNER for the church, it’s leaders, and church vision.
We also have a Life@Home packet that you can pick up at the Life@Home resource center on Sunday. OR if you’d really like to get the packet now, you’re able to download all the resources in the packet on our website.
Life@Home
Given this a new campaign, we want to encourage everyone to take a new Discipleship Appraisal and allow God to examine your life and relationship with Him. Download them on our website.
There are also a whole new crop of Recipe Cards which are creative ways to get yourself, couples, and families more intentional about making Jesus a part of our everyday lives. Download them OR check them out at our Life@Home Resource Center on Sunday.
Etch Electives Registration Deadline
The deadline to register for the 2nd Session of Etch Electives is this coming Sunday (Feb. 25). At this point, if you register for the Women’s Bible Study then you will not receive your book by the first week.
If you’d like to know more about what electives are being offered, you can read more about them in a previous post (you’ll need to scroll past info on Ash Wednesday — I encourage you to read more about Ash Wednesday if you are curious), or by visiting our website.
You can register for the electives by clicking here, or scrolling below.
Reminder:
Conquer Series (Men’s Bible Study): If you registered for this course in Session 1, then you will not need to register again.
Believe Conference 2018
12 Junior High students, 2 Senior High students, and 3 adults spent a weekend in Newport, KY learning about God’s story of WITH. God is WITH us, therefore we are to be WITH each other, and take God’s “WITHness” into the world.
The weekend was filled with opportunities for students to be honest and real with where they stand WITH Jesus Christ. We learned how it was God who sought after us, even after we fell away, to be WITH us. We learned that he promised us he will be WITH us always, and how he dwells WITHin us as the Holy Spirit.
Each student was also challenged to take the story of WITH and share it in either their school, community or church. Let’s help these students continue the story of WITH… if you see one of these students, take time to talk to them about their experience, and what God challenged them to do this past weekend!
February 16, 2018
Men’s Breakfast: Saturday, February 17
- Doors open at 8am with coffee and donuts.
- Breakfast served at 8:30am.
- Guest Speaker: Dr David Roadcup; Topic: Leadership
- All men are invited to this time of fellowship and learning.
Session 2 Electives begin Wednesday, February 28. Register now at the Kiosk or online, eatoncob.org/connect/etch. Deadline to register is February 25. Women’s Bible study deadline is February 21 so books can be ordered. Etch is time and place for all generations to enjoy a meal and learn together.
Children’s Ministry
WILLING TO PRAY? We are seeking prayer warriors to intercede for us this year as we transition and build our children’s ministry. If you believe in the value of prayer and are willing to pray faithfully, you would receive a weekly email to update you on the needs – specific prayer requests for our children’s ministry and our children. Email Miss Coleen at misscoleen@eatoncob.org to join the children’s ministry prayer team!
CAN YOU KNIT? We’re looking for people who love knitting who can make slippers for our nursery volunteers. We’ll soon be going to a “no-shoe” policy to increase the cleanliness and safety of our infant nursery but we don’t want their feet to get cold! If you can help make slippers, or want to know more, please email misscoleen@eatoncob.org.
February 9, 2018
Hi Everyone,
What a privilege it is to me to become a part of the story God is writing here at ECOB! God has already been at work in so many ways in your church; I can see that in what you have already done for the children, and in hearing how God has worked in your lives.
But I’m also excited about what God has ahead, especially for the children here at ECOB. God placed a tiny little bit of His love for children in my own heart; sometimes with only that, my heart feels overwhelmed with His depth of love for them.
And, to God, children are not “junior Christians” who just need to be babysat until they get old enough to become “real” Christians; they can become faithful followers now who have an impact for His Kingdom in powerful ways.
Creating a strong and life-changing children’s ministry takes a great deal of work, a well-trained team of passionate volunteers, and a church that is ready to put their hands to the plow and work for His Kingdom! If we’re willing to do what it takes, there’s no limit to what God can do here, not just IN our children, but THROUGH our children. I’m ready!
Yours for His children,
Miss Coleen
Presentation from Congregational Information Meetings – The Current State of the Church of the Brethren Denomination
ECOB Church Family,
The following information was shared in a PowerPoint presentation format at each of the congregational information meetings on January 28 & 29, 2018. The purpose of the presentation was to share a history of actions by the COB denominational leadership.
The first paragraph is an excerpt of the 1983 paper on Human Sexuality from a Christian perspective. This paper was prepared for the 1983 conference and voted upon by the delegates. The delegates overwhelmingly approved to affirm this as their biblical understanding of human sexuality.
Statement, 1983 Annual Conference: Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective
http://www.brethren.org/ac/statements/
“The Church of the Brethren upholds the biblical declaration that heterosexuality is the intention of God for creation. Nature, in the very functional compatibility of male and female genitalia, confirms this biblical revelation that males and females are meant for each other. This intimate genital contact between two persons of opposite sexes is not just a physical union; it also embodies the interlocking of persons. This intimate companionship is heterosexuality at its fullest. It is the context for the formation of family. . . . Covenental relationships between homosexual persons is an additional lifestyle option but, in the church’s search for a Christian understanding of human sexuality, this alternative is not acceptable.”
The following is an excerpt from the reaffirmation recommendation at the 2011 Annual Conference.
The 1983 paper was reaffirmed by Annual Conference, meeting in Grand Rapids, MI.
2011 Annual Conference meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, following the recommendation of Standing Committee:
“ It is . . . Recommended that the 2011 Annual Conference reaffirm the entire 1983 ‘Statement on Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective’ and that we continue deeper conversations concerning human sexuality outside of the query process.”
The following is a statement from “On Earth Peace” (an agency of the Church of the Brethren).
On Earth Peace
During their September, 2011 meeting, the On Earth Peace board of directors expressed their displeasure with the results of Annual Conference 2011 and issued a paper titled “Statement of Inclusion”: ‘We are troubled by attitudes and actions in the church which exclude persons on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or any other aspect of human identity. We believe God calls the church to welcome all persons into full participation in the life of the faith community.’”
The following is a publication distributed by “On Earth Peace” (an agency of the Church of the Brethren).
On Earth Peace Publication
In 2016, Irvin Heishman, pastor, West Charleston Church of the Brethren, wrote a pamphlet, which was distributed at the 2016 Annual Conference, (and then to the entire denomination) entitled: “A Biblical Basis for Inclusion: A Pastor’s Journey”
“A most compelling biblical basis for inclusion is therefore grounded in the Spirit’s initiative to advance Christ’s mission of reconciliation.” (page 3) “Some have been concerned that those calling for inclusion of LGBTQ persons are stepping outside the parameters of biblical teaching. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) shows us that the Spirit’s passion to include all who have chosen to follow Jesus has been at the heart of the church movement from the very beginning. . . . The New Testament gives witness than to the value of Spirit-led change which invigorates, renews, and expands the outreach of the church by adapting the faith so that all might be welcomed to follow Jesus.” (page 9)
The following is a picture from Annual Conference, 2017, Grand Rapids Michigan during the announcement of newly recognized congregations within the COB. Pastor Elizabeth Swenson and her spouse, Lucy of Wildwood Church of the Brethren were introduced.
The following is an excerpt from an article posted on the Wildwood Church of the Brethren website.
“We have a pretty awesome pastor/creator, Liz is queer and this is the first church she’s ever created, so we’re learning together…We believe that life is better in community, especially when it is diverse and inclusive and so we celebrate diversity; queer, straight, gay, bi, trans, gender-queer, black and brown lives, toddlers and grandparents, doubting and believing. Together we reflect the brilliant image of God who created us. Others, like WildWood, move up to level 2 [speaking to level of recognition as a congregation]. Here is where things get more serious, we get to form a team of folks who help with leadership, a “board” of sorts, we also get the opportunity to have a vote on the denominate nitty-gritty stuff, we have the opportunity to do more stewardship and fundraising so that we can hire more staff to do things like music and hang out with kids if we want, we have many of the rights and privileges of being an institutional congregation but it is an in-between time to continue to grow with help, support and guidance from the denomination.”
The following is an ad from the “Progressive Guide to Annual Conference” announcing various extracurricular events/seminars/discussions made available at the 2017 Annual Conference. This particular offering was sponsored by the Brethren Mennonite Counsel.
BMC [Brethren Mennonite Counsel] Worship Service Friday, June 30th, 2017, 4-5:30 p.m., — Pasta, Pirates and People Sheep
“Each year, the BMC worship offers a space for the lgbtq and allied community to come together to celebrate, uplift and strengthen one another in the context of worship. We welcome Chris Zepp, Associate Pastor at Bridgewater COB, as our preacher. Chris lost his ordination in the Shenandoah District after officiating at a same sex wedding. He will share what this experience has meant to his faith and practice in his sermon.”
http://www.progressivebrethren.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ACGuide17.pdf
After the above presentation by Pastor Dan, Dick Mitchell (elder at ECOB) shared the concerns by our leadership regarding the actions of the Church of the Brethren denomination.
ECOB’s Concerns Regarding the Current State of the Denomination
1. An issue of Biblical Authority, not simply human sexuality.
2. Leadership of churches being forced by the denomination to accept this lifestyle as God’s will.
3. ECOB leadership has lost the trust of the Church of the Brethren denominational leadership through a series of actions by the denomination that have disregarded the 1983 paper on Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective. These actions by denominational leadership have moved from a stance of allowing, to promoting, and now celebrating this as an acceptable lifestyle among leadership of the church.
Dick shared ECOB’s official statement on Human Sexuality that was adopted into our Code of Regulations in 2010. For copies of this statement, please contact the church office.
It was also shared that ECOB is in conversation with four other congregations within our district that share our concerns and are like-minded.
Each meeting concluded with a series of questions, input, and clarifications regarding our concerns and next steps. We also encouraged anyone to contact an elder or Pastor Dan for further questions and clarifications.
One additional note from the Southern Ohio District COB Newsletter
FEB: 7 – Etch Cancelled Due to Weather
Hello Etchians (and those who just happen to receive Lifeshare)! Due to weather, we have made the decision to cancel Etch this evening. For most of us, this is quite disappointing because it was the last week of our four-week elective. But fear not! We have made some adjustments.
Ash Wednesday & Session 1 Electives
The original plan was to have an Etch Community night observing Ash Wednesday on next Wednesday (Feb. 14), like we’ve done in the past. ECOB’s Ash Wednesdays have always been family and kid friendly, while also offering elements of self examination and hope in the work of Jesus on the Cross.
This year, because of the circumstances, we’ve chosen to shorten the amount of time spent on Ash Wednesday so we can finalize our last week of electives in Session 1. There will be a dedicated time spent on Ash Wednesday (30-45 mintues), and the goal is to give the remaining time to our last week of electives.
If you’d like more information on Ash Wednesday, Pastor Matt did an excellent video explaining the heart behind the day, and why we as a church have chosen to observe it. Check it out below.
Worship – Ash Wednesday from EatonCOB on Vimeo.
For those of you who wish to attend Ash Wednesday, but have not attended Etch or any of the electives offered this session, please still come! We want to you to experience Etch, and all it has to offer. You can even jump in on an elective to experience what they are like. We hope you take this opportunity to join us.
Session 2 Electives
As noted above, Session 1 of Etch Electives are finalizing, which means it’s time for us to begin prepping for Session 2. Again, each session of electives is four weeks, so if you are hoping to join a course, realize that it will be four weeks that you’re committing to.
Some electives span multiple sessions such as the case of Conquer Series men’s ministry is doing. They began in Session 1 and it will go through Session 3. Women’s Bible Study kicks off Session 2 and will go through part of Session 3. We’re also excited to offer a marriage course called The Art of Marriage that will begin in Session 2 and end in Session 3.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you’ve registered for the Conquer Series, then you will not need to register for Session 2 of Etch.
Here are the Electives for Session 2
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: THE QUEST
An Excursion Toward Intimacy with God
By Beth Moore
Curiosity is hardwired in humanity. We have this innate need to question and seek after what we don’t know or understand. In this study, we will delve into Scripture to explore how God created us to seek after Him—a God who desires to be found and known.
In this lifelong quest of faith, learn to develop your intimacy with Him and embrace the adventure that comes with living a life for God.
- Personal study segments with homework to complete between 6 weeks of group sessions
- Space for journaling and reflection during your personal journey
- Deepen your intimacy with God as you ask, discuss, and ponder questions of faith.
- Take comfort in remembering this world is only a temporary stay until we reach our heavenly home.
- Understand that questions are inherent and essential to growth.
- Embrace the adventure that comes with living a life for God.
THE ART OF MARRIAGE
Getting to the Heart of God’s Design for Marriage
This Bible study for adults helps participants blend their personalities and their life’s circumstances to create a divinely-inspired work of art — marriage. Every marriage is unique, expressed by the colorful personalities of each spouse and textured by the circumstances at play in their lives. Blending these to make marriage work is a divinely inspired art form — challenging to master but definitely worth the effort. Get ready to make a masterpiece of your marriage through this study.
PRAYER
A Spiritual Discipline
As ECOB enters into a time of intentional prayer (more on that in another Lifeshare article), this four-week course will walk through the importance of prayer in a Christian’s life. It will help introduce the many different modes of prayer as well as provide practical ways to implement prayer in your everyday life.
EATING THROUGH THE GOSPELS
Jesus and The Table
Did you ever notice how Jesus did much of his ministry around food? His first miracle was at a wedding feast and turning water into wine. He took 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish to feed over 5,000 people. Did you ever notice the company he ate with? He ate with sinners and tax collectors (Mark 2:13-17), and with Pharisees as well (Luke 7:36-50). In this four week course, we’re going to look at the importance of the table in Jesus ministry, and find ways how we can use the table for ministry as well.
These are the electives for Session 2. Please register below, or by clicking here.
A Night in Little Italy
As a Youth Pastor, I cherish A Night in Little Italy! There is so much that is accomplished in one night through one meal. We have students learning the importance of serving the church body. We have the church supporting (not just financially) the youth ministry. We see the community of ECOB Sharing Life together as couples and families share a meal. Several adult volunteers who give their Saturday evenings to equip young students to successfully fulfill their roles of washing dishes, refilling drinks, serving tables, and more.
And though much work and effort goes into planning an evening like this, the rewards far outweigh what goes into the evening.
Where does the money go?
Your support for this evening goes a long way in helping students be more involved with RockHouse Student Ministries! Each student who participates in prep, planning, and cleanup of the event has several opportunities to raise money that will help them toward youth events and other activities at ECOB.
Today (Sunday) is your last chance to preorder tickets. Preordering tickets helps know how many meals to prepare for in advance. Yes, you can buy your ticket at the door, but it is much more beneficial to us if you preorder your tickets.
Lastly, if you typically don’t carry cash, this year we are able to accept all major credit cards! Just make sure you make your way over to the Night in Little Italy booth in the Gathering Area this morning. God Bless!
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you this Saturday at A Night in Little Italy!
February 2, 2018
A Fundraiser to benefit Youth Missions:
Men’s Breakfast: Saturday, February 17
Doors open at 8am with coffee and donuts. Breakfast served at 8:30am.
Guest Speaker: Dr David Roadcup; Topic: Leadership
All men are invited to this time of fellowship and learning.
Welcome!
We would like to welcome Coleen Cotton to ECOB as our Director of Children’s Ministries. Coleen comes to us from Pennsylvania and is excited to be a part of what God is doing here at ECOB. Coleen’s email is misscoleen@eatoncob.org.
January 26, 2018
Congregation Informational Meetings Regarding the Current State of the Church of the Brethren Denomination
Sunday, Jan 28, 6pm (Great Room)
Monday, Jan 29, 6:30pm (Room 101)
- Pastor Dan will share a presentation of events over the last 6-8 months regarding the denomination’s evolving stance on human sexuality and Biblical authority.
- Elders will share concerns with the state of the denomination on this issue.
- Elders will make recommendations to the congregation for next steps in response to these concerns.
We encourage all members and attenders to make it a priority to attend one of the upcoming meetings as we discern God’s will for our church on this important issue.
PD University – Equipping the Church & Developing Grace and Hope
March 9-10, 2018 | Friday 6:30 – 9:00 pm & Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Castine Church, 624 US 127 Arcanum, OH 45304
The Pure Desire University is a two-day conference designed to equip the church with an understanding of the factors that create and reinforce addictive sexual behavior. It provides a comprehensive understanding and the tools required to develop a healing ministry that offers hope and freedom to men, women, students, and families.
$99 ($129 After Feb 7, 2018); Register online at puredesire.org/pdu-castine
2018 Mission Trip to Mexico: May 29- June 2
If interested, contact Keith Pemberton, dkpemberton@hotmail.com or 456-6974.
LifeShare 