 | The Christian Voice
Newsletter of East Columbus Christian Church
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Who Do You Love?
The late blues-rock singer Bo Diddley sang a song by that name. In fact, he sings that question – who do you love? – at least 16 times in the song (and that’s without the ad-libs!). I woke up about 2:15 this morning with that old song throbbing in my head. Who do you love? When my kids were learning to talk, I’d ask that sometimes. Who do you love? Daddy!! When my dogs were young, not much more than pups, I’d ask the same thing. Who do you love? Licks on the face, cuddles on the lap.
When I’m in the funeral home, I ask families: What did he love? Fishing, cars, the Buckeyes, his grandkids, his wife.
But when I woke up at 2:15 this morning with that old song throbbing in my head, that old question knocking at my heart: Who do you love?
I sat in the darkened living room, and through the night, I saw a nearly-naked body contorted in pain, but with arms still stretching to embrace me. I saw a face, drained of color, still managing an expression of such kindness . . . and I saw eyes looking across time, beholding my bedraggled 2:15 a.m. self, looking at me as if I somehow truly matter in the Eternal Plan . . .
. . . and I heard a Voice ask: Andrew, who do you love?
I saw all that He was enduring for my wretched self, and croaked my answer: The Christ.
Sinner, do you love my Jesus? If not, then who do you love?
-- Andrew Hoover --
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Wednesday Night Lenten Series Each evening begins with a light (but lovingly-prepared) supper in Cheeseman Hall at 6:00 p.m. Our programs will follow in the sanctuary at approximately 6:30. Bring a friend, and come journey through Lent with your church family! Here’s the schedule of remaining programs: March 3 – Music Night (congregational singing and special music) March 10 – Bob Esden Holy Land presentation (a personal experience!) March 17 – Dinah Hoover missions (guest speakers and videos) March 24 – Mary Martha Hays teaching on “Faith”
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Easter Flowers
It is time to order flowers for Easter Sunday. You may order an Easter Lily, Tulip, or Daffodil, In Memory or In Honor of a loved one. The cost is $6 for a 6” potted flower. There will be a special envelope in the bulletin on Sunday, March 7th or call Sandy in the church office to place an order.
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Caring Criticism By William J. Diehm
An Arabian poem called “Three Gates” that I quote to myself before I speak.
If you are tempted to reveal A tale to you someone has told. About another, make it pass, Before you speak, three gates of gold.
- Such narrow gates: First, "Is it true?"
- Then, “It is needful?” In your mind
- Give truthful answer. And to the next
- Is last and narrowest, “Is it kind?”
And if to reach your lips at last If passed through these gateways three, Then you may tell the tale, nor fear What the result of speech may be.
Carol Ingle, Coordinator, Stephen Ministry
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Stephen Ministry Training: Upcoming March Dates
Saturday, March 6, 2010 7:30 am – 4:00 pm Saturday, March 20, 2010 7:30 am – 10:30 am.
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“210 in 2010” Task Force Begins By Andrew Hoover
Recently, I asked the Lord to move in the hearts of the congregation. During morning worship, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to bring several people forward who had the two following qualifications:
1) A heart for the Lord 2) A heart for the lost And a task force was begun. The purpose of this task force is not to help the church merely survive. It is to prayerfully strategize ways to bring unchurched people for the Lord. Remember: The Christian Church is the only society on earth that exists for the benefit of its non-members. The following people comprise the task force: Allison Evans, Carl Evans, Vickie Hutchings, Joan Marbais, Harry Whitney, Bob Esden, Elizabeth Wolfe, Carol Pozz, Dinah Hoover, and Andrew Hoover. So much positive work is being done that a preliminary vision may be unveiled by April 1! Please pray for the task force, pray for your church, and most of all, pray that people may come to know our Lord Jesus.
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Biblical Texts for March Preaching
Please read, and prepare yourself for worship!
March 7: Luke 13:1-9 (Repent or Perish)
March 14: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 (God’s Lost-and-Found Dep’t.)
March 21: Luke 16:19-31 (The Rich Man and Lazarus)
March 28 (Palm Sunday): Luke 22:14-23 (The Last Supper)
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Good Friday, April 2
On Good Friday we will commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ with a… Service: 7 a.m. Followed by Hot Cross Buns
Prayer Vigil: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
To participate in the prayer vigil, use the signup sheet (½ hour increments) in the church’s entranceway, or call Sandy in the office at 614 861-6220.
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Jason (Who)?
Let me introduce you to Jason York. He is the young man who plays bass guitar for our Sunday morning blended services, sings on the praise team, and is a great support for the music department, always ready to help get things accomplished. He also directs our drama department, on special ocassions. Jason studied drama in high school, and was Senior Director of drama his last year there. Jason was born on K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base and raised “her and there” (his dad was in the Air Force for most of Jason’s life). Jason studied piano during his middle school years, but was drawn to guitar, then was given his beautiful blue guitar, from his parents, for his birthday. He has been playing bass guitar here at ECCC for 2 ½ years, and has grown tremendously in the year + that we’ve worked together.
His goals in ministry are to follow God wherever He leads, and to minister in whatever way God chooses.
It is truly a blessing to work with Jason…he is amazing, hears a song once or twice, and plays it beautifully. We wish him all the best, and all of God’s richest blessings in his life, and we pray that he will be with us for a very long time.
Please take minute when you see Jason, and let him know how much he is appreciated.
In God’s service,
Mimi Snare, Director of Music Ministries
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Saving Lives, Bringing Hope Dinah Hoover
Here is an update from Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse on their efforts in Haiti:
In the aftermath of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, our teams have been working around the clock to save lives and meet critical needs in the name of Jesus Christ. With His help, Samaritan’s Purse has mobilized the most massive relief effort in our 40-year history. We were able to airlift doctors, emergency workers, and supplies into Haiti at a time when the airport was barely functioning; Chartered relief flights from Florida to Haiti; Dispatched food, blankets, and other needed supplies; Sent in doctors and medical supplies; and worked with local pastors and church workers. Faith in Christ is what the people of Haiti need most as they cope with their unfathomable loss and struggle to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their nation. Their lives are in jeopardy if they don’t get help before the rainy season begins in a few weeks. It’s going to take a miracle, but God is in the miracle business. “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7, NIV). Please pray for the suffering people of Haiti who have spent weeks living in the rubble, burdened by hunger, thirst, and exposure. Pray that God will bring them relief and hope. And pray that many Haitians will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
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Christmas Food Baskets
In the month of March we are asking you to bring in Spaghetti Noodles and Spaghetti Sauce.
All donations are gratefully accepted!
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Mission Trip to Costa Rica Dinah Hoover, Missions
Lauren Goodfleisch, along with 30 other students from Liberty Christian Academy, will be leaving March 24th for Costa Rica to work on a short term mission project. While in Costa Rica, the students will be partnering with a local ministry to meet needs of a local church family, holding community bible study for children in the community, assisting with work projects in the area, and delivering school supplies to schools.
Each student is asked to fill one suitcase with school and hygiene supplies. Help Lauren fill up her suitcase. Below is a list of items that can be put in the suitcase.
Personal Hygiene: Shampoo/Conditioner; Toothbrushes/Paste; Deodorant/Soap; Lotion
School Supplies: Notebook paper; Pencils/Pens/Erasers; Crayons; Rulers/Scissors; File Folders
Medical Supplies: Antibiotic ointment; Band-aids, Gauze, Tape; Teething rings; Thermometer; Aspirin; Cold medicine
Baby Needs: Wet wipes; Powdered formula; Disposable diapers; Diaper rash ointment
Misc. Items: Clothing; Stationary; Stickers; Jump ropes; Frisbees; Balls
Please bring the items to the church by March 21st, and place them in the designated basket. Thank you!
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Crossing the Street with Jesus Dinah Hoover
In England during the 1800’s, there was a family whose church refused to let them bring poor people from the area into the building. Because of this, the rejected Christian family decided to have their own Christian meetings in a large dance hall. Clergymen would secretly come to sit in these meetings and weep as they noticed the outcasts of society wonderfully transformed by this family who had dared to cross the streets and present Jesus. Thousands of drunks, prostitutes and those living in rags were won to Christ. As the ministry grew, their followers were attacked by huge mobs using stones and clubs, while the police looked the other way. This family was that of William and Catherine Booth, founders of The Salvation Army.
Today, people are still being persecuted for their Christian faith. But like William Booth, they are not afraid to stand up for their faith. If they are not afraid to cross the street, then we shouldn’t be either. Go ahead and talk about your faith in the office. Play Christian songs in public.
You might face some difficulties - but the kingdom is not won or lost by what people can do to you, but by what you will do for them.
When your children or grandchildren stand around your knee and ask you for a good story, you can tell them about your participation in the greatest battle ever fought, that is still being fought. Go ahead – be a hero and take Jesus’ hand. Cross the street. You’ll never look back!
(Taken from a recent Voice of the Martyrs newsletter.)
Thank You!
In praise of good people who give of themselves, share the love, and make our hearts grateful!
To our wonderful church family,
Thank you all so much for everything. I could not have made it through these past few weeks if it hadn’t been for the wonderful members and pastor of our church.
Laura, Fred and Jordyn Brooks
Prayer Shawl Ministry
If you like to knit or crochet (or would like to learn) this ministry meets March 1st 15th at 7 p.m.
Ladies Aide Ministry
The ladies will have their monthly meeting March 3rd at 10:30 a.m. All ladies of the church are welcome!
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A Heartfelt Thank You from Charlotte Lancaster
I appreciate the many cards, calls and especially the prayers from ECCC following my fall and surgery to repair and my broken leg. I am home now and can use a walker to hop around.
As most of you know, Charlotte has kept us busy praying for her, through many surgeries over the years and her recent eye problems. No matter what is happening in her life, Charlotte always has a smile.
We pray that Charlotte’s house will soon have the aroma of her famous cookies baking, and that she will be back with us soon!
Church Office Hours - Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Andrew Hoover MinisterMimi Fornshell-Snare Director of Music MinistriesKathi Overley Nursery Care ProviderStan Deibert Sunday School SuperintendentSandy Whitney Secretary/Custodian
Sunday Morning ScheduleAdult Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m.
Childcare provided during Worship Service |
If you would like to receive The Christian Voice newsletter via mail, please contact Sandy at 861-6220, or email her at eccc-doc@sbcglobal.net.
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