For God’s Glory and My Good
I arrived safely in Berlin early this morning: 2 am EDT, 8 am local time. Customs was a breeze and both my bags arrived safely. It was burdensome trying to carry two large bags, my backpack and my electric guitar (the heavier of the two, as the other one is already here), until a kind man gave me his luggage carrier, the kind you can easily retrieve simply by inserting a quarter, like getting a grocery cart at Aldi. I’d have gotten my own carrier but I didn’t have a quarter. I have American dollars and Polish zloty — no coins.
As I’ve had time to consider the events of the past 24+ hours, I realize it is all for God’s glory and my good, as an All Sons and Daughters song says. See, the 3.5 hour drive to Detroit was an opportunity to worship, as I listened and sang along to All Sons and Daughters and Paul Baloche and listened to sermons from a church in Raleigh, who are currently working through a series in the book of Romans. I’ve been so consumed with all that has gone into preparing for this trip — music and programming, rehearsals, logistics, planning, figuring out luggage fees, shopping for fancy duds for the nicer concerts, etc. — that I have forsaken my devotional time with God. I could make excuses for this, like how we had family in town for Lindsay’s graduation and so my spot in the basement was occupied. Or how because of said family, I needed to race to work early in the morning (around 6 am) to put in some hours before my West Coast family awoke at home.
I am being completely forthright in saying that I allowed the busyness of ministry to keep me from building into my relationship with Christ. And I know better. I know that I cannot minister to others in my own power. It doesn’t matter how well I sing the song, the words I say. God spoke through one of the prophets saying, “It’s not by might nor power but by my Spirit.” If, like the song we sing, I want Christ to be all around me, then I need to be all around him.
So the time alone was good. I prayed for everything to work out; yes, certainly I did. But more than anything I prayed, declaring the goodness and worthiness of God. And I worshiped like I hadn’t in some time. So when I arrived at the passport agency in Detroit, I did so with a calm and quieted soul, content with whatever God works out — or doesn’t.
As for the team, they depend on me. There’s no denying that. But they also know that God can use them without me. He doesn’t need me or them. Instead, God allows us, invites us, to partner with him in bringing many people to a saving knowledge and faith in Christ. So, I’ll be there tonight or the garden party we’re playing, and things will likely run smoother. No, they’re certain to. Not just because of my presence, but because I come as one who has spent time with the Master.
One more thing … and I’m not judging anyone here, but I think the situation called many to prayer who may not have thought about it. Yes, I know many of you have been praying for the people of Poland and this mission trip in particular. But I also know that it’s easy to fall off in prayers for others. Therefore, I’m begging you to continue to pray. Pray each day, each hour for the duration of this trip. I will aim to post as often as I can, so that you are included in the mission here.
Blessings, Matt
(By the way, I’m writing this quickly so I have no time to proofread. I apologize for any errors. I may or may not fix them when I return.)
Poland Itinerary
Sitting on the plane awaiting take off, so a quick post to share our concert itinerary.
- Thu – Gniezno Culture House (happened already)
- Fri – Garden party (Zary, private, dignitaries)
- Sat – Palace (Zary)
- Sun – Church festival (Zary)
- Mon – Stables (Pszycyna), Presidential ball
- Tue – Jazz club
- Wed – cathedral (acoustic worship)
I’ll share more about these venues. Please continue to pray for the team and my flight to Berlin, should arrive about 2 am EDT.
Failure to Launch
Well, I was hoping to be writing this post on the flight from Dayton to Newark. The rest of the team arrived there safely and are awaiting their flight to Berlin later this evening. Me, I’m at home waiting to hear back from the travel agent.
I wasn’t permitted to board because my passport is set to expire on July 13, which I thought would be fine, even advantageous since I wouldn’t have needed to pay for a new one. I was unaware of the policy of most European countries that a return to the U.S. must happen 90 days before a passport expires. So an expiration date of September 29 would be fine, since that’s when the team returns. Richard Dietrich (the organizer of the trip) wasn’t aware of this either. The travel agency they worked with didn’t indicate as such.
So, I have an appointment at a regional passport agency in Detroit tomorrow morning. The plan is to get things squared away with a new passport and to get on a flight out of Detroit in the afternoon. Or I may need to return to fly out of Dayton on Friday.
The band is drawing up a set of music they can do without me. Thankfully, Olivia sings about half the songs and she could easily sing a few of mine — just a shift of the key. They’re in high spirits, convinced that God is in control and I’ll miss just one, maybe two concerts. Me, I’m deeply disappointed that I couldn’t make the journey with them, but I’m hopeful I’ll be on the flight from Berlin back home.
On a good note, the folks at the counter didn’t think to measure Brian’s bass and the keyboard we were taking along. Both were certainly oversized and should have cost an additional $200 each (one way). So we saved a little money there. But there’ll be some additional expense with getting me on different flights. How much I don’t know yet.
Please pray that flight arrangements can be worked out and that the meeting at the passport agency goes as planned (and happens quickly).
(The picture featured was us before we knew I wouldn’t be making the journey with the others.)
Thanks to Amanda Harpold and Becky Duncan for driving us and all our baggage and instruments.
The next time I post, I hope to do so from the airport gate.
June 16, 2017
Rockhouse Youth Events
Family Night: Wednesday, June 28 from 5:30-8:30pm
For students 6th-12th grade and their families
At the Filbrun’s, 4150 New Market Banta Rd., Lewisburg
Guy’s Night Out: Friday, June 30 from 5pm-12am
Camden Road
Grades 6 -12
Cost: $10
To register for events and for more information, please visit eatoncob.org/connect/students or the RockHouse Youth Kiosk
Family Camp 2017: August 11-1
Family Camp is…
- 2 Nights in a Cabin: Join us for a 2-night, 3-day retreat at Camp Campbell Gard in Hamilton, OH
- Adventures for All Ages: Activities include swimming, canoeing, archery, zip lining, inflatable pillow and more!
- Fun with a Purpose: Bond together as a family unit and connect with other families from E.C.O.B.
- Register now
- For more info contact Betsy Crumbaker, ecrumba@gmail.com or 937-902-4195.
- Cost: Adults (Ages 18+) – $50; Children (Ages 7-17) – $28; Children (Ages 0-6) – Free
Dress Rehearsal
Harken, the Poland mission trip band, would like to invite you to our dress rehearsal TONIGHT, starting at 7 pm. We’ve worked for a few months now preparing over two hours of music. Most places we’ll play about an hour and a half, some two hours, some just an hour, and still one that clocks in at three hours.
We leave next Wednesday morning out of Dayton, but you can get a preview before we head out. Here’s the set we’re planning for tonight (the two-hour set).
- Clocks – Coldplay
- Undo Me – Jennifer Knapp
- Something’s Missing – John Mayer
- Money – The New Respects
- The River of Dreams – Billy Joel
- I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2
- Chain Breaker – Zach Williams
- Hold Me Now – Jennifer Knapp
- The One Thing – Paul Colman
- Diamonds – Johnnyswim
- If I Ever Lose My Faith in You – Sting
- Walking Stories – Jilian Linklater
- The Way It Is – Bruce Hornsby
- Remembered For – Colony House
- Wherever Is Your Heart – Brandi Carlile
- Steady Me – The Outsiders
- I Want to Be Well – Andy Gullahorn
- How to Save a Life – The Fray
- Less Like Scars – Sara Groves
- Come As You Are – Crowder
- Testify – NeedtoBreathe
- The Living Years – Mike & The Mechanics
- Death in His Grave – John Mark McMillan
- Ain’t No Grave – Crowder
- Forever Young – Bob Dylan (arr. Handsome & Gretyl)
As there’s a pretty good chance I’ll get to play this piano while we’re in Poland, I may play a little more Chopin tonight, too.
If you’re able to drop in for just a few songs, we’d appreciate the support.
June 9, 2017
2nd Saturday
June 10 – Meet at ECOB parking lot at 8:30am
2nd Saturday Ministry is designed to provide all of us a means to use our gifts, skills and interests to demonstrate Christ’s love in tangible ways to others right here in Preble County. We provide an on-site supervisor, materials, and tools for each project. Join us as we continue to impact our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Harken Concert
Tuesday, June 13 at 7pm, Great Room
The band will be playing two to three sets of songs they’ll be performing at about ten concerts in front of various crowds. To find out more about the trip, check out our website: www.eatoncob.org/serve/poland.
RockHouse Kickball Cookout Kickoff
Wednesday, June 14, 5-8pm @ ECOB
Free event for students coming into 6th grade through the graduated class of 2017. To register and for more information, please visit eatoncob.org/connect/students or the RockHouse Youth Kiosk.
GreenHouse Kids Worship…
will continue through the summer. Starting June 11, kids will attend their upcoming school grade class.
Sunday is the last day to register for …
- The Ellis Guthrie Memorial Golf Scramble – Sat., June 17 @Beechwood Golf Course
- Ladies Summer Bible Study: Wed., June 21-August 2 @ 10 am or 6:30 pm in Rm 6
Proposed Name Change
Yesterday, we conducted a membership vote for the purpose of deciding “Should the Eaton Church of the Brethren name be changed and the name change process be continued?” The vote was either a “yes, the name of the church should be changed and the name change process continued” or “no, the name of the church should not be changed and the name change process should not be continued.” For each vote that comes before the congregation it is required for the elders to determine the percentages necessary for the vote. This particular vote required a “Regular Quorum” of attendance, which is 10% of the overall membership required to be present in order to be able to conduct a vote. Once quorum is reached this particular vote required an “Overwhelming Majority” (75%) of the then present quorum for the vote to pass.
The results of the membership vote yesterday were 119 votes (73%) “yes” and 44 votes (27%) “no”. Therefore, the proposal did not pass and the name of the church will not be changed and the name change process will be discontinued.
As we reflect on the results of this vote it’s important for us to acknowledge that some are disappointed and some are pleased. Both emotions are important and how we walk and care for one another in this season is even more important. We must remember that regardless of the results, we are still called to be unified as a part of the body of Christ and carry out our mission to be and make disciples.
You see, it’s in these moments that we truly must live out what we believe. We must trust God, His timing, and His purposes. This is not a time to be consumed by the “what if’s” or even the “I told you so’s.” It is not a time to position ourselves against those who voted differently than we did. It is a time for us to come together more than ever and live into our mission as a church. It is a time for us to stand unified as the body of Christ. It is the time for us to reflect on what we’ve learned during this season and move forward with more confidence than ever in our God, to accomplish His will through us!
I want to thank our name change team of Audrey Burton, Casey Woddell, Conni Deaton, Doyle Brower, and Jeff Wassom. These individuals have worked hard over the last six months and gave many hours to help us as a church understand our culture better. Thank you team! It was a joy serving with you.
As your Sr. Pastor, I ask that each of us continue to pray for focus on our specific role in the collective role of our church family. As believers, each of us have been gifted to serve generously in the name of Christ. Pray for any and every opportunity to serve and share the Gospel, take a step of faith in a new way to trust God, and finally, allow the Holy Spirit to have His way as your counselor and guide!
Looking forward to sharing life together and sharing Christ with those who don’t know Him.
Pastor Dan
June 2, 2017
Called Council Meeting
Sunday, June 4 after each service to vote on the question “Should the Eaton Church of the Brethren name be changed and the name change process be continued”? Yes or no. The meeting is open to the entire congregation. Church members are eligible to vote.
Family Camp 2017: August 11-13
Family Camp is…
- 2 Nights in a Cabin: Join us for a 2-night, 3-day retreat at Camp Campbell Gard in Hamilton, OH
- Adventures for All Ages: Activities include swimming, canoeing, archery, zip lining, inflatable pillow and more!
- Fun with a Purpose: Bond together as a family unit and connect with other families from E.C.O.B.
- Registration begins June 4
- For more info contact Betsy Crumbaker, ecrumba@gmail.com or 937-902-4195.
- Cost: Adults (Ages 18+) – $50; Children (Ages 7-17) – $28; Children (Ages 0-6) – Free
GreenHouse Kids Worship
We will continue through the summer. Starting June 11, kids will attend their upcoming school grade class.
May 26, 2017
Celebrating Child Dedication
Kevin and Kim Towe dedicated their son, Jaxon to the Lord on May 14.
Celebrating Mother’s Day
Carla Clark, Sharon Cobb, Joellen Driggs and Amanda Harpold shared Lessons through Motherhood
Things to know this week…
- Watch for the Impact Eaton slideshow before each service on Sunday, May 28
- The church office will be closed on Monday, May 29 (Memorial Day)
- Ellis Guthrie Memorial Golf Scramble: Saturday, June 17
- Women’s Summer Bible Study: Wednesday’s starting June 21
- Men’s Golf Retreat: July 28-30
- Family Camp: August 11-13
- Senior Adult Banquet: August 19
- Weekend Under: September 9-10
RockHouse Summer Events
As school is coming quickly to an end, it’s time to begin looking forward to what we have happening within RockHouse Student Ministries over the summer. Though we may not have a weekly gathering, we still have many opportunities to spend together over the next few months.
RockHouse Texting
If you are a parent of a pre-teen/teen who wants to stay up to date on what’s happening in RockHouse, then text the word, “ROCKHOUSE” to the number 40650 and you will receive text updates regularly on events, deadlines, and cancellations.
5th & 6th Fancy Dinner
(June 7th, 6-7:30pm)
This is a dinner for incoming 6th and 7th graders and their family members (parents and siblings) joining RockHouse Student Ministries. The evening consists of dressing up, fine dining, fun, and interactions with some older youth who have experienced this transition before. This event is free of cost, but we ask that you please RSVP by registering so we can have a good idea of who is attending.
Kickball Cookout Kickoff
(June 14th, 5-8pm)
This is our 3rd Annual Kickball Cookout Kickoff! If you’re just beginning in RockHouse Student Ministries or have graduated or anyone in between, then you are invited to this evening of food, fun, and KICKBALL! There may also be opportunities for basketball, 4-Square, and Ultimate Frisbee. If you’re not into sports, then come and hangout with friends and eat some tasty food. This event is free of cost, but we ask that you please register here so we can get an idea of who all will be attending.
Youth Family Nights
(Check eatoncob.org for more specific times)
This summer we’re trying something new! Four (4) evenings this summer we will be having a time when youth and their families gather together for food, activities and learning. Some places will have a more relaxed and hang-out feel. One will be a pool party. And others may have structured games and activities. There’s something for everyone! We will also be going over a video series called Dug Down Deep, about the foundation upon which we build our lives. The cost of this event is free for all, and we will be asking for registrations as each event approaches.
The dates are as follows:
Wednesday, June 28th (TBD)
Sunday, July 9th (The Crumbakers’)
Wednesday, July 26th (The Brubakers’)
Sunday, August 6th (The Denlingers’)
Guys’ and Girls’ Night Out
(5pm-Midnight)
Returning for their second year, these nights were great nights of encouragement, fun, relaxing and food. This year look for a few changes and a few things remaining. One major change is we added an hour of time together, and have enlisted the help of Men’s and Women’s Ministries. The cost of this event is $10 per person, and registration will begin shortly for these events.
Dates: Guys’ Night Out (June 30th) /// Girls’ Night Out (July 28th)
Family Camp 2017
(August 11-13)
Family Camp is…
- 2 Nights in a Cabin: Join us for a 2-night, 3-day retreat at Camp Campbell Gard in Hamilton, OH
- Adventures for All Ages: Activities include swimming, canoeing, archery, zip lining, inflatable pillow and more!
- Fun with a Purpose: Bond together as a family unit and connect with other families from E.C.O.B.
- Registration begins June 11
LifeShare 