Poland Mission Trip Update
We are slightly less than four weeks away from lift off. Here’s a tune and some prayer requests.
We recorded a song at a rehearsal a couple weeks ago, as one of the venues wanted to hear us ahead of time. Can’t blame them for not wanting to book a band they’ve never heard. Here’s the tune if you’d like to hear it.
Speaking of which, we’d like to invite you to our “dress rehearsal” on Tuesday, June 13 at 7 pm. We’ll be playing all the songs we’re planning to play in Poland.
Here are a few things you can be praying about.
- Teams currently serving in Poland. Richard Dietrich is currently in Poland, leading teams of musicians at various concerts and festivals. Pray that God’s Word will permeate the hearts of those who watch and listen. Pray for opportunities for musicians to share personally with those attending.
- Pray for Harken, the band ECOB is sending. We have about five remaining rehearsals. We concluded learning new songs at last night’s rehearsal. Now it’s time to polish the ones we’ve learned, some two dozen tunes, and memorize them. Pray for the health of the musicians. One of us went down for about a week, which causes us to fall behind a bit musically. Also pray for unity. We’re reaching the state of so much time spent together rehearsing that tensions start to rise. Pray that we’ll remained focused on the mission.
- Pray for technical details regarding audio and equipment. I’ve researched and learned a lot about programming keyboard sounds and guitar effects to run through my computer. It’s been a lot to work on, and will continue to be for the next few days when I program some more. Now, it would have been easier simply to take the big Kurzweil keyboard we usually use on Sunday mornings, but at 45+ pounds, it’s a beast, and it’d be an overweight piece of luggage to check (since the case itself is about 40 pounds), costing hundreds more than we want to spend on baggage. So we’re taking along a lighter weight keyboard that I call a dummy keyboard, since it has no sounds of its own. Those will be run through the computer. Sorry, if I’ve lost you already, but I find it quite fascinating. (My dad, if he were alive today, would be impressed at what computers have the ability to do in music.)
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.
Harken
IMPACT Eaton 2017 – Open Hands of Generosity
Just a few pictures from our day of worship and serving. #Impact2017
“This is so much fun!”
“We should do this more often!”
“I love seeing the Church come together!”
“What a great day!”
These are only a small portion of what I heard as I traveled to some of the sites yesterday during IMPACT Eaton 2017. I am so full of joy and gratefulness as I reflect on our time of worship and serving yesterday alongside one another. It was a great day for God’s church and as many of you demonstrated open hands of generosity God was honored and glorified.
We took a great step forward as a church today, living out our faith in a tangible way in this community.
Thank you for being willing to try something a little different than a normal Sunday morning. Thank you for worshiping in both an inside space and throughout the community. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus. Thank you for being generous!
To God be the glory!
Pastor Dan
May 19, 2017
Don’t forget that we will gather at the Eaton Performing Arts Center across the street with the congregation of the Eaton First Church of God. (No services will be held at our facility that morning.) We will gather for worship and then head out into the community for various spring clean-up projects.
- A Special Offering will be taken during worship and will be given to the H.I.T. Foundation and Eaton Food Bank. Please make checks out to ECOB. There will be no regular offering during worship this Sunday. (Please note that regular offerings to the church budget can be dropped off at the church office any time during the week or brought the following week to worship.)
- Schedule
- 8:15-9:00 – Coffee, Juice & Donuts
- 9:00-9:30 – Worship
- 9:30-9:45 – Dismissal
- 9:45-10:00 – Travel to project sites
- 9:45-10:15 – Prayer Service for those not going to project sites.
- 10:00-12:00 — Serve our community.
- Dress
- Wear your purple “IMPACT 2017” T-shirt and appropriate pants and shoes to work in.
- Stop by the t-shirt table Sunday at the Performing Arts Center if you haven’t received your t-shirt.
- Bring a pair of work gloves.
- Wear your purple “IMPACT 2017” T-shirt and appropriate pants and shoes to work in.
Celebrating Baptism
Gale McKinney, Aaron Clark and Jacob Clark were baptized on May 7
Things to know this week…
- Sunday, May 21 @ 7:30 pm: Parent’s Meeting for RockHouse Youth Summer Events in the Gathering Area
May 12, 2017
Mother’s Day Bake Sale:
- Between Services and after Contemporary Service
- Youth Fundraiser for their July 15-21 trip to Kansas City
Blood Drive: Thursday, May 18 from 1-7pm at ECOB
Receive the limited edition “Military Appreciation Month Blood Donor” t-shirt when you register. This blood drive is dedicated to Diana Dillow. Register at givingblood.org or 800-388-GIVE.
Impact Eaton: Sunday, May 21 from 8:15am – Noon
- 8:15 am: Coffee/donuts
- 9:00 am: Worship
- 9:30 am: Orientation
- 9:45 am – 10:15 am: Prayer service (for those physically unable to go to projects)
- 10:00 am – Noon: Service projects
For those who preregistered, pick-up your Impact Eaton t-shirts Sunday, May 14 at the kiosk in the Gathering Area.
There will be no worship service at the church. We will be worshiping at 9 am at the Performing Arts Center across the street.
Assignments will be given on Sunday morning the 21st
Participants will be responsible for transportation to each site (carpooling is encouraged)
Each site will be staffed with a project manager and a host to lead volunteers
May 5, 2017
Harkin Concert – Tonight at 7pm
Come enjoy some tunes the band is preparing for the trip to Poland and join us for some time of worship and prayer!
Impact Eaton
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ i 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Over the last 6 months I have been working with the Eaton First Church of God pastor, Jonathan Grubbs on a collective event of combined worship and service to our community. I am incredibly excited about our churches coming together to worship God and serve as the hands and feet of Christ…together on a Sunday morning. The purpose of this specific morning of worship and serving is to honor Jesus Christ and reflect Him in action by serving in our community.
Therefore, on Sunday morning, May 21, instead of meeting here at our facility, we will gather at the Eaton Performing Arts Center across the street with the congregation of the Eaton First Church of God. (No services will be held at our facility that morning.) We will gather for worship and then head out into the community for various spring clean-up projects in public spaces and private homes. For those who are unable to physically participate there will be a prayer service after the worship, to pray for our community.
While we understand that this is something different than our normal Sunday morning, and will require some sacrifice, we believe it will be worth giving up a little of our own comfort in order to love our neighbors. I encourage you to live out your faith in Jesus Christ be being a part of this great gathering. As I shared a little over a month ago in a sermon, let’s be “Salt and Light” in this way to our community.
Here’s what you need to know:
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 2017
TIME: 8:15am – Noon
- Coffee/donuts 8:15 am
- worship 9:00 am
- orientation 9:30 am
- prayer service 9:45 am – 10:15 am (for those physically unable to go to projects)
- service projects 10:00 am – Noon
LOCATION:
- worship: Eaton High School Performing Arts Center (If inclement weather, we will still gather for worship)
- prayer service: Eaton High School Performing Arts Center
- service projects: Various sites around the Eaton community
- Assignments will be given on that Sunday morning
- Participants will be responsible for transportation to each site (carpooling is encouraged)
- Each site will be staffed with a project manager and a site host to lead volunteers
COST: none
WHO:
- all ages
- families will remain together
- childcare not provided
REGISTRATION:
- Sign up (one form per person)
- Kiosk – Apr 30 & May 7
- LifeShare link at the bottom of this article
- Sign up Form (available in bulletin and at Kiosk)
- Choose how to participate (community service OR prayer service)
- Name/phone
- T-shirt size (free to participants)
T-SHIRTS
- free to anyone that signs up and participates (includes children)
WHAT TO BRING:
- Gloves; all other items TBD
- Water will be provided at project sites
WHAT TO WEAR:
- Impact Eaton t-shirt (will be handed out May 14 for those who signed up)
- Weather appropriate clothes & shoes to work in
So, let’s start signing up and making the most of this opportunity “to love God and love others”. You can sign up now by clicking here. (Make sure you sign up each person in your family.) Don’t miss out…be a part.
Looking forward to worshiping and serving with you on May 21!
Pastor Dan
Following Up on Lust…
This past Sunday, you heard a bit of my story and my struggle with pornography. If you haven’t, I encourage you to go and check it out. I also promised a blog post as a follow up with more of my story and some resources that offer some good helps.
When someone is telling about that which consumed nearly 11 years of their life, 40 minutes is not enough. And just so you know, when I’m preaching I typically try and stay within the 30-35 minutes range! Regardless, 40 minutes barely scratches the surface. And even here, I won’t be able to go into as much detail, but again, what I hope to share will help anyone reading understand that in Jesus there is hope, forgiveness, redemption, and a cleansing. More than anything, though, I hope for heart transformation.
The first time I confessed this sin was as a teenager (16, I believe) to both my father and my youth pastor after a Promise Keepers event. They both received it with grace and mercy. It didn’t stick, though.
The next time I confessed to friends in college. We even started an accountability group (I think I was a part of three accountability groups, with three different confessions throughout my four years at college). Though it was also met with grace and mercy, it didn’t work.
The most difficult time, though, was confessing to Amanda. I was so afraid of how she would react. We weren’t even engaged at the time, but were in a very serious relationship heading toward marriage. I was afraid she was going to reject me, end the relationship, and that was that. However, she forgave me and showed me mercy. Once again, though, pornography continued to cling to me.
It wasn’t until my redemption story with my Seminary Cohort that I received a new heart and “cut it off, and threw it away.”
One of the most common sound bites I hear from the men I’ve met with who are addicted to pornography is that they just can’t quit. Many have confessed their sin multiple times. Many have had different accountability partners. No matter what, though, they simply can’t stop. I know how you feel! The same has been true in my life! But don’t be discouraged! Keep confessing! Seek a heart transformation instead of just “fixing the problem.” And if you seek a heart transformation, you will receive it. If not now, then later. And here’s how I know it will happen:
God created you, and spoke you into existence. He desires for us to be restored into the person we were all created to be before sin! His desire is so strong he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to humble himself, become like a man, die on a cross, and resurrect three days later. His desire for us is so strong he, in the person of the Holy Spirit, dwells within those who believe in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. And now, within those whom he dwells, he molds, shapes and forms each of us into his original creation. A new man! A new woman! A new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)
Another reason how I know:
ECOB, your church, we care about your redemption in Jesus Christ. There is grace, and we are here to fight alongside you. We are not afraid of your sin, because we worship one who is greater than your sin. We are not afraid of your words, because we believe in the one whose words spoke the world into existence. We are praying for you, and we are ready to see you renewed. Just speak it! Confess it! (James 5:16)
But it’s not all on us. You have a role to play, and the question I’ll pose, is a similar one to that which Jesus asked in Matthew 5:29-30. What are you willing to cut off from your life and throw away to receive the forgiveness and promise of righteousness from Jesus Christ? What are you willing to sacrifice in order to see the power that resurrected Jesus from the grave, to resurrect you from the grave of lust you have been laid in?
There are resources readily available for anyone ready for a heart transformation; to cut it off and throw it away. These resources provide helps, support, and safeguards to prevent triggers that lead to viewing pornography. They’re not failproof, though! They only work if you’re ready for them to work.
Some of the content that follows are not free resources. Most are non-profit organizations that try to offer these materials at a minimal cost.
xxxchurch.com
This is where I’ve seen the most success and help in my history. Spear-headed by Craig Gross, this mission is not only to restore the Christian who is addicted to pornography, but is actually to care for actors and actresses who are steeped into the porn culture. They provide safeguards for your computer, accountability groups, online counseling, a regularly posted blog, and countless resources for fighting porn addiction.
recover.org
Just recently xxxchurch added a piece to their ministry for wives of husbands who are addicted to pornography. Their hope is to minister to women of sexual betrayal. This is a very unique resource.
Covenant Eyes
This is a website that offers many resources that set up safeguards to help prevent falling into areas on the internet where there is pornography. They are very good at supporting multiple platforms (computers, smart phones, tablets, etc.), and seek to help make parents aware of ways to support their children and create a safer place for their family to use the internet.
Fight the New Drug
This is an organization that exists to raise awareness of the harmful effects of pornography in the life of the individual. They’re main thrust is that porn effects the brain, the heart, and the world. This is a great website for information, but also a place to find support and hear stories of others (some even famous) who have chosen to “fight the new drug”.
There are countless resources available, and some that are free but require a more tech-savvy person. If you are interested in these kinds of resources, feel free to contact me for that information.
There is hope! Because there is Jesus!
With Love,
Pastor Josh
Volunteers Needed at The Bistro
Volunteers are needed for The Bistro’s soft opening this week. Help for any part of these shifts would be appreciated:
- Thursday, April 27, 10am – 3pm
- Friday, April 28, 3-8pm
- Saturday, April 29, 7am-3pm
If you are able to help, contact Myranda, 937-422-4173 or myranda@bistroateaglespoint.com
Don’t know about The Bistro? Check it out here.
Battling Heroin Through Prayer
This is the prayer that Pastor Dan led us through yesterday. It was written by a Senior Adult from Ware’s Chapel and is being prayed by churches throughout the community.
Matthew 22:37-40. Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments”
Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us grace, for loving us when we have been unlovable. Help us to look at others through your eyes of love, empathy and compassion. Help us remember when we have also needed help, support, empathy and compassion as we have all been sinners, not one of us free from sin and temptation.
Give your strength to those who are bound by the chains of addiction. Let them feel your love and understanding. Grant them freedom and healing through your grace. Protect them from their suffering, from their pain and from the grief caused by the imprisonment of addiction while they fight to become free. Let them be still and hear your voice leading them toward the life they were meant to have.
Touch each and every child born to addicted parents. Heal them and show them love and mercy. Block them from the cravings that plague their parents, help them see your Holy plan for their lives that they may break the cycle that has caused grief and despair in the lives of their families.
Hold the hand of the family members and friends watching as addiction has taken a hold of their loved one. Give them strength and wisdom as they strive to support their loved one through this battle.
Shine your mercy down on our community Lord, and take this plague from us.
We thank you for bringing awareness to us and are using us to fight this disease that is assaulting our community. Use us as your warriors against this disease, guide us as we reach out to those who are hurting and lend our support that we may serve you by serving them.
In your Holy name, Amen
April 21, 2017
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY TRAINING/RE-CERTIFICATION: Thu, April 27, 7pm and Sun, April 30, 9am, in the Conference Rm: Adults or Youth who work with children and/or youth at ECOB must attend a CPP session every two years. Questions, contact Lois Simmons, 456-6068, (lois.simmons8890@gmail.com) or Diana Oburn at 456-9512 (mothermedic@hotmail.com).
Family Life Board…is now available in the south hallway by the bulletin board. Invitations to invite the entire church to family events such as weddings, showers, graduation or anniversary open houses may be submitted to the office 4 weeks prior to your event. Watch the board for invitations for you and your family. Questions: call, 456-5507 or email Dee, dee.carver@eatoncob.org.
The Bistro @ Eagles Point: Looking for a way to make an Impact? The Bistro needs volunteers during the opening week of April 24th. Call Myranda, 937-422-4173 or visit http://signup.com/go/NybrmS
Mark Your Calendar:
- Impact Eaton – May 21
- Ellis Guthrie Golf Scramble – June 17
- Men’s Golf Retreat – July 28-30
- Family Camp – Aug 11-13
LifeShare 