We encourage you to attend a Good Friday service as part of your Easter celebrations this year. The following is a list of some of the area congregations who will be offering a Good Friday service:
Wabash Presbyterian Church
3/21 7:00 PM Good Friday Service
18325 SE 384th
Auburn (253) 939-1330
Trinity Lutheran Church
3/21 7:00 PM Good Friday Service
1535 Washington Ave.
Enumclaw (360) 825-6561
Calvary Presbyterian
3/21 7-9 PM Good Friday Individual Reflection Time
1725 Porter St.
Enumclaw (360) 825-3820
We'll see you at 9:30 Sunday morning at ECC for a time of joyful celebration! Keep in mind that there will be no class on Easter Sunday, and we will have an extended worship time together.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 16th
This week Bruce will conclude our recent series, "What Kind of Church?" This Sunday we will consider how we can each contribute to the life of the ECC family, helping us become the kind of church God wants us to be. In Ephesians 3:21-22, Paul writes this prayer:
I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.
What are you "daring to ask or imagine" for ECC? How will you -- your passions, your gifts -- fit into the picture?
for the worship ministry,
Robyn
I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.
What are you "daring to ask or imagine" for ECC? How will you -- your passions, your gifts -- fit into the picture?
for the worship ministry,
Robyn
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Sunday, March 9th
From Eric Pritchard:
This week we are continuing our examination of the Church and what God intends for us to be as a body. Ephesians 2: 8-10 states “God saved you by His special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
I grew up in a church family that seemed to understand the New Covenant as if it were given in the same format and with the same purpose as the Old. It was very hard to understand grace while trying to earn it. It was not until I accepted God’s mercy as a “free” gift that I began to respond with a gratitude that is far more motivating than fear of hell.
When I ask you “What do you believe God wants ECC to be?” I don’t mean “What do you want to experience on Sunday mornings?” or “What kind of facilities does God want us to enjoy?” I mean what kind of good things do you think He prepared for us to do?
This week we are continuing our examination of the Church and what God intends for us to be as a body. Ephesians 2: 8-10 states “God saved you by His special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
I grew up in a church family that seemed to understand the New Covenant as if it were given in the same format and with the same purpose as the Old. It was very hard to understand grace while trying to earn it. It was not until I accepted God’s mercy as a “free” gift that I began to respond with a gratitude that is far more motivating than fear of hell.
When I ask you “What do you believe God wants ECC to be?” I don’t mean “What do you want to experience on Sunday mornings?” or “What kind of facilities does God want us to enjoy?” I mean what kind of good things do you think He prepared for us to do?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Sunday, February 24th
From Paula:
This week, as we continue in our series called "What Kind of Church?," the title of the sermon will be "Are you growing spiritually?" We will be looking at 2nd Peter 1:2-11 which reads:
"Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
How much responsibility do you think we have for our personal spiritual growth? According to this passage, it seems to me that there is a lot of effort expected from us in order to live the kind of life God desires for us to live.
Are there any particular spiritual disciplines that have been helpful to you on your journey of spiritual growth so far? How do you exercise your spirit? Or, what are some spiritual disciplines you haven't tried before, but would like to? Something that you have done before but need to re-introduce into your daily life?
This week, as we continue in our series called "What Kind of Church?," the title of the sermon will be "Are you growing spiritually?" We will be looking at 2nd Peter 1:2-11 which reads:
"Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
How much responsibility do you think we have for our personal spiritual growth? According to this passage, it seems to me that there is a lot of effort expected from us in order to live the kind of life God desires for us to live.
Are there any particular spiritual disciplines that have been helpful to you on your journey of spiritual growth so far? How do you exercise your spirit? Or, what are some spiritual disciplines you haven't tried before, but would like to? Something that you have done before but need to re-introduce into your daily life?
Friday, February 15, 2008
Sunday, February 17th
Sometimes I find it difficult to answer the question: "What would Jesus do?" Too often I find myself looking for some specific example of Jesus' actions that I can use to convince myself that being proud, self centered, or rude is really my best course of action at the time. Jesus got angry. Jesus put those who were wrong in their place. But Jesus was also perfect. Even in his anger he did not sin, and he never took it upon himself to humble those who were already down.
So for me the challenge is to stop trying to prove my point, and start pointing to God.
"...even Christ didn't please himself..."
-Romans 15:3
Even the Son of the Most High, who was there "in the beginning," did not look to please himself. His aim was always to serve his father, and to serve his body, the church. This should also be our aim.
So how do you do that? How do you put yourself third, behind God and everyone else? Would you say you are "at peace" with Christ and his church?
Looking forward to Sunday,
John
So for me the challenge is to stop trying to prove my point, and start pointing to God.
"...even Christ didn't please himself..."
-Romans 15:3
Even the Son of the Most High, who was there "in the beginning," did not look to please himself. His aim was always to serve his father, and to serve his body, the church. This should also be our aim.
So how do you do that? How do you put yourself third, behind God and everyone else? Would you say you are "at peace" with Christ and his church?
Looking forward to Sunday,
John
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Sunday, February 10th
This coming Sunday, we will be focusing on God's heart for the lost, and His compassion for all people. The main scripture will be Luke chapter 15, which includes the stories of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. I would suggest that everyone read the chapter sometime this week, to help prepare for a focused worship time on Sunday morning.
My question for our church family to think about and discuss is this: who are the lost? And what do you think about the idea that there may be degrees of "lostness"? I have often struggled with the related concept of degrees of sin… you know the way that we humans like to add a convenient layer of relativity to the concept of sin. One illustration would be the different ways we might think of a liar versus a murderer, or a jealous person versus a lesbian.
What are your thoughts? This is a great place to share!
On behalf of the Worship Team,
Jena Akers
My question for our church family to think about and discuss is this: who are the lost? And what do you think about the idea that there may be degrees of "lostness"? I have often struggled with the related concept of degrees of sin… you know the way that we humans like to add a convenient layer of relativity to the concept of sin. One illustration would be the different ways we might think of a liar versus a murderer, or a jealous person versus a lesbian.
What are your thoughts? This is a great place to share!
On behalf of the Worship Team,
Jena Akers
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Sunday, January 20th
From Robyn:
Revelation 22
Then he instructed me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near. Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.”
"Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm . . ." What?? Stand by and let sin continue? Don't get out there and tell those miserable sinners the consequences of their sin? (Remember Bullhorn Guy?) Then I just "continue to live righteously . . . continue to be holy (set apart)"? But who will fix all the wrong and clean up all the mess?
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Oh.
Sorry.
I forgot again. You're God -- I'm not.
Thank God!
This is why we pursue holiness -- we respond to a holy God. How is your pursuit going?
Revelation 22
Then he instructed me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near. Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.”
"Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm . . ." What?? Stand by and let sin continue? Don't get out there and tell those miserable sinners the consequences of their sin? (Remember Bullhorn Guy?) Then I just "continue to live righteously . . . continue to be holy (set apart)"? But who will fix all the wrong and clean up all the mess?
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Oh.
Sorry.
I forgot again. You're God -- I'm not.
Thank God!
This is why we pursue holiness -- we respond to a holy God. How is your pursuit going?
Friday, January 4, 2008
Sunday, January 6th
From Danette:
Happy New Year! As we start 2008, we'll be focusing our lessons on the
church and what God wants it to be. This Sunday's main scriptures will
be Matthew 28:18-20 and Galatians 6:9-10. The body of Christ clearly has
been given a direction in which to go - a clear and distinct mission
which includes telling others of Christ. In fact, not just telling
others about Him but doing it in a thoughtful way that hopefully leads to
their salvation.
What do you think about all this?
Happy New Year! As we start 2008, we'll be focusing our lessons on the
church and what God wants it to be. This Sunday's main scriptures will
be Matthew 28:18-20 and Galatians 6:9-10. The body of Christ clearly has
been given a direction in which to go - a clear and distinct mission
which includes telling others of Christ. In fact, not just telling
others about Him but doing it in a thoughtful way that hopefully leads to
their salvation.
What do you think about all this?
Monday, December 24, 2007
Time to Reflect
From Paula:
Can you believe it's Christmas Eve already? Time really does seem to fly faster with each passing year!
This entry is a little outside of our normal format. We usually try to post something before the upcoming service to help us prepare. I thought we could use a chance to reflect a little on our service yesterday as well as the 3 prior weeks.
Was there anything that especially touched you? Something that helped to bring a little of the true meaning of Christmas into your holiday hustle and bustle? A message that really got through to your heart? A song or other part of the worship service that you especially enjoyed? A scripture that hit you differently this year than it ever had before?
Let us know how God has made himself known to you in this special season...
Can you believe it's Christmas Eve already? Time really does seem to fly faster with each passing year!
This entry is a little outside of our normal format. We usually try to post something before the upcoming service to help us prepare. I thought we could use a chance to reflect a little on our service yesterday as well as the 3 prior weeks.
Was there anything that especially touched you? Something that helped to bring a little of the true meaning of Christmas into your holiday hustle and bustle? A message that really got through to your heart? A song or other part of the worship service that you especially enjoyed? A scripture that hit you differently this year than it ever had before?
Let us know how God has made himself known to you in this special season...
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Sunday, December 9th
From John:
From the 3rd chapter of Matthew:
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the
wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Repent, for the
kingdom of heaven has come near." This is the one of
whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord, Make his paths
straight.'"
This passage introduces two of the themes for this
Sunday: repentance and preparation, or anticipation.
In this context, I believe that repentance may have
less to do with being sorry and more to do with
turning toward Jesus. Not only must we turn our
hearts, minds, and actions toward the Living God, but
we must do so quckly! God longs to use us now, but He
cannot use us to our fullest potential if we hesitate
to make corrections in the direction of our everyday
lives, when needed.
Anticipation. Christmas is a very tangible example of
anticipation. Most of us not only look forward to the
day, but also spend a great deal of time, money, and
effort in preparation for it. May it also be said of
us when it comes to the kingdom of God.
This Sunday, purpose to water the seeds of
anticipation your heart, that you may be completely
turned toward our Savior in all that you are.
From the 3rd chapter of Matthew:
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the
wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Repent, for the
kingdom of heaven has come near." This is the one of
whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord, Make his paths
straight.'"
This passage introduces two of the themes for this
Sunday: repentance and preparation, or anticipation.
In this context, I believe that repentance may have
less to do with being sorry and more to do with
turning toward Jesus. Not only must we turn our
hearts, minds, and actions toward the Living God, but
we must do so quckly! God longs to use us now, but He
cannot use us to our fullest potential if we hesitate
to make corrections in the direction of our everyday
lives, when needed.
Anticipation. Christmas is a very tangible example of
anticipation. Most of us not only look forward to the
day, but also spend a great deal of time, money, and
effort in preparation for it. May it also be said of
us when it comes to the kingdom of God.
This Sunday, purpose to water the seeds of
anticipation your heart, that you may be completely
turned toward our Savior in all that you are.
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